NEWS: Behind the Scenes Video of Ahbez Documentary on YouTube and Vimeo
Follow the progress of the Eden Ahbez documentary, As the Wind, with this behind the scenes series. Part one of three is linked here: Vimeo link: Advertisements
Progressive Radio Network Does Ahbez/“Wild Boy” Special
Erik Davis, author of the book Techgnosis: Magic, Myth, and Mysticism in the Age of Information, recently interviewed yours truly (Brian Chidester) for the Progressive Radio Network about the making of the new Eden Ahbez compilation, Wild Boy, on Bear Family Records. The show is called Expanding Mind and the episode (from December 8, 2016)…
NEWS: Former R.E.M. Frontman Michael Stipe Comes Out of Hiding for a (Bearded) Rendition of “Nature Boy”
As they say: ‘The hits keep on coming!’ Well, in this case, it’s the same Ahbez hit over and over again. But it’s always cool to see the latest musical legend try and tackle his great standard. Here is Michael Stipe of R.E.M. doing it and looking more than a small bit like Ahbez while…
The Making of “Wild Boy” (Video)
Well, it’s gotten quiet here in Ahbezland once again; but fear not! Work on all things Eden continues apace!! Below is a new video interview with yours truly talking about the making of the new Bear Family Records compilation, Wild Boy: The Lost Songs of Eden Ahbez. Enjoy!
NEWS: Bear Family Records Releases New LP of Rare Eden Ahbez Music
Hey fans of Ahbez! It’s been a while since the last post. But worry not! Much has been happening in Eden Land! See here. Per the above link, I’m happy to announce the eminent release of a new vinyl-only compilation of rare Eden Ahbez music. Bear Family Records, the reissue company extraodinaire out of Germany,…
INTERVIEW: Re-Considering the Source (Gordon Kennedy Talks More About Eden Ahbez and the California Nature Boys)
The last time I spoke to author Gordon Kennedy, his book Children of the Sun was out of print. To date, it remains the authoritative text on the California Nature Boys and the transference of alternative culture from Germany to the deserts and shores of California during the early 20th century. Recently, Kennedy’s book was reissued.…
Happy Summer Solstice!
Here’s hoping for a new summer of love and thinking back on the original one in 1967… Behold! A version of “Nature Boy” by Grace Slick, lead singer of that seminal San Francisco psychedelic act, Jefferson Airplane. This version is by her original band, Great Society. Enjoy!
NEWS: Former Ahbez Dwelling Place in Venice Beach Recently Sold
A cottage for sale… http://www.latimes.com/business/realestate/hot-property/la-fi-hotprop-venice-craftsman-20141120-story.html Actually, according to the Los Angeles Times, this small Venice compound sold in late 2014 for $2.56 million. The article also claims that Eden Ahbez once lived there. Evidence for this claim is not forthcoming in the article and neither the current owners nor the author of the piece itself…
