Max Creek Book Update
Friends,
Just about a year ago, I flew into Boston and drove to my friend Buddy’s house in Barrington, Rhode Island. I hadn’t seen him in years, but we didn’t skip a beat and picked up right where we left off. Max Creek friends are like that.
Buddy’s Toyota Corolla was jam-packed with camping gear, food, and Tie-Dyes. Massive steel posts, for a tent that could accommodate an outside New England wedding in the fall, were strapped to the roof of his car. Seriously. I was nervous just looking at it, never mind following it down the road. We hit the road and picked up our friend Jyre in Providence, then drove to Odetah Campground in Bozrah, Connecticut for my first Camp Creek in over twenty years.
Since then, I’ve been knee deep in the book. It’s been a whirlwind. I have gone down some strange and beautiful rabbit holes. The research has been challenging, but rewarding. I have interviewed dozens of people: band members—past and present, crew members—past and present, musicians, New York Times best-selling authors, and of course, Creek Freaks.
Why am I writing this book? Because Max Creek holds a special place in my heart and preserving the band's legacy is important to me. It’s been a wonderful experience so far. I wanted to share five random things (without giving away too much) I’ve learned while working on the project.
1: The Grateful Dead have never been more popular
The Grateful Dead’s cultural impact is undeniable and their musical style helped shape the jam band scene as we know it today. And miraculously, they seem to get more popular every year. It's incredible. The Dead & Company’s final tour this summer was a smashing success. I went to the Boulder concerts and Shakedown Street looked like a trendy fashion show. I brought my seventeen-year-old daughter. The band sounded better than ever and it warms my heart to see so many young people connecting with the music. Speaking of the good ol’ Grateful Dead, check out this version of Max Creek covering “Playing in the Band” to celebrate the Dead’s 50th anniversary. This was part of the “Songs Of Their Own” 50 day tribute that featured a different Grateful Dead cover every day. I might be biased, but Creek’s submission was the best.
2: The woman of Max Creek totally rock
I had the opportunity to interview Amy Goodusky and Linda Cournoyer numerous times for the book. Amy was a singer in the band from 1976 to 1983 and Linda was the band’s Swiss Army Knife for decades—managing everything from lights, merchandise, graphic design, and more.
3: Cover bands and tribute bands have never been more popular
Being in a tribute band wasn’t cool when I was a kid. There was always a negative connotation. But times have changed. Dark Star Orchestra now sells out Red Rocks and Joe Russo's Almost Dead (JRAD) headlined one of the oldest and most prestigious jazz festivals in the world in 2023, the Newport Jazz Festival. This was a fun topic to explore in the book.
4: Jam band nomenclature
I took a deep dive into the history of jam bands while researching the book. Almost every jam band has rock, funk, jazz, blues, and bluegrass listed as their musical style. I’m not exaggerating.
5: February 10th, 1990
I love to take a walk before I sit down and write. In fact, it’s part of my routine. Of course, I always listen to a Creek show on the walk—it’s a wonderful way to get the juices flowing. I keep going back to Saturday, February 10th, 1990 at The Webster Theatre in Hartford, Connecticut. It’s one of my favorite eras and it’s a brilliant show. The band is flawless, and the setlist is pure fire. Some highlights include opening with “The Field,” “Fire & Brimstone,” an amazing “Cocaine Lady,” “Rainbow,” and of course, “Emerald Eyes.” Give it a spin.
NOTE: This show is mislabeled as The Living Room in Providence. It’s not, but it’s the best recording.
Have a question about the book? Interested in being interviewed? Drop me a line!