Robbie Lane and the Disciples: Ain't Dead Yet

A cover version of The Band's "The Shape I'm In" appears on the 1995 CD by Robbie Lane and the Disciples, Ain't Dead Yet. Robbie Lane and the Disciples were the group that replaced Levon and the Hawks as Ronnie Hawkins' backup band. In fact, Hawkins fronted both groups simultaneously for a while in '64, recognising that Levon et al would be leaving soon and that he'd best have a group well-trained to take over.

The Disciples split in the late '60s, then regrouped in the '80s for a few charity - then club - dates. By the time this CD was recorded, just singer Robbie Lane, guitarist Terry Bush and bassist Gene Trach were left from the original group. Here they're supplemented by William Davis on keyboards (and who sings The Shape I'm In), drummer Jeff Stevens, Joe Allen on trumpet, Stuart Elliot and Wimpy Z on saxes, and, on some songs, by William Cudmore on harmonica (from the original group) and John Doriat on second guitar.

Most of the songs were recorded live in the '90s, but there are three bonus tracks - "Fannie Mae", a hit 45 from 1964 that was produced by ex-Hawk Scott Cushnie; and "You Broke My Spirit" an unreleased song from '65 that was co-written by Lane and ex-Hawk Fred Carter, and produced by Carter.

More information on Robbie Lane and the Disciples can be found in my liner notes for their compilation CD Backtrax

-- Bill Munson

Tracks

1. Fannie Mae
2. Unchain My Heart
3. Lawdy Miss Clawdy
4. Shape I'm In
5. You Can Leave Your Hat On
6. Stand By Me
7. Rockin' Pneumonia
8. Domino
9. Caldonia
10. Papa's Got A Brand New Bag
11. Summertime Blues
12. The Letter
13. Medley:Sweet Soul Music/ Land of 1000 Dances/ Bill Black

    Bonus tracks:

14. Fannie Mae
15. You Gotta Have Love
16. You Broke My Spirit