The Weight: A New Conversation with Rob Fraboni

Note to Readers: This mailing is from Chiron Return - Planet Waves FM — efc

Left to right: Rob Fraboni; the neighborhood astrologer/journalist; recording engineer Joe Blaney (who told me to get rid of the Cloudlifter from my microphone chain); and Joe Pischetola, who represents recording studios. Photo by restaurant staff in early 2020 at the Little Bear Cafe in Woodstock, New York.

Catch a cannon ball now, t'take me down the line
My bag is sinkin' low and I do believe it's time.
To get back to Miss Fanny, you know she's the only one.
Who sent me here with her regards for everyone.

Well, I must have discussed “The Weight” with Rob Fraboni in some lost and forgotten interview, or another lifetime — but we have a new one for you, from a few minutes ago. Thank you to Jeff Strahl, a diligent member of the Chiron investigative team, for noticing and prompting another exciting conversation.

Here is the original, from 2012 and tonight’s Planet Waves FM.

(Jeff is also our resident music theory specialist. If you ever want to discuss the modes, I will introduce you.)

Here are the lyrics to this most elliptical and mysterious of rock songs, from Bob Dylan’s website. And I’ve put the video from The Last Waltz below, featuring the Staples Singers. It was Rob who prepared the soundtrack from the live concert to be up to the necessary quality for Martin Scorsese’s 1978 film.

Good night!