The first version is the well known folksy/country one by The Band and Emmylou Harris from the Last Waltz movie movie that was filmed by director Martin Scorsese in 1976. This version was done post the concert , and it was included in the film, rather than the live version of Evangeline.

Though there would be three more albums years later without Robertson, for the original quintet of The Band it ended with the release of the album and the film of the same name. So ended a chapter in the subtle fusion of modern music and old-time musical sensibilities.

Then I came across this version of Evangaelene on YouTube -- the concert version from The Last Waltz?-- it's a more electric and rockier interpretation, slower and ponderous :

The soundtrack recordings of The Last Waltz underwent post-concert production and they feature heavy use of overdubbing and re-sequencing owing to the many faults during the concert. I prefer the bouncier folky version.

In 1983, the Band reformed and recommenced touring, though without Robertson. Several different musicians were recruited to replace Robertson and to fill out the group. Richard Manual committed suicide in 1986 and Rick Danko died in 1999. Levon Helm is still making roots music and recording.

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Posted by: Sue | July 5, 2010 11:07 PM