12/4/1970
Carnegie Hall
“The Volume Dealers” — Neil Young & Niko Bolas — Engineer: Henry Lewy
Niko Bolas and Neil Young have been known as “The Volume Dealers” for many years. Today, I rediscovered their work together on Neil’s live Carnegie Hall album, recorded in 1970 and remixed for release in 2010.
The album features songs that are deeply woven into my personal history with Neil from back in the day, as they say. Expecting to Fly was dedicated to Donna and Vicki (that’s me) in 1966. Listening to these songs now, in January 2025, is like stepping into a time machine—but even more than that, it’s like they’ve been given new life.
Today, my grandson, Hayden Radcliffe, called me from Nashville, Tennessee, where he is studying at Blackbird Music Academy. This week, Niko Bolas was also at Blackbird Academy and met my grandson for the first time. Niko remembered Hayden’s mother, Jamie, from when she was just 8 years old. Life truly has a way of coming full circle.
It’s moments like these that remind me there is always hope—a surprise waiting around the corner for those who believe in possibilities. Listening to the Carnegie Hall album via NYA’s playback system, I’m in awe of the work Neil and Niko have done. The sound is so fresh and alive, and Neil’s vocals are as if he’s in the room right next to me. I can feel his presence, just like I remember from nearly 60 years ago.
Adding to that awe is the fact that my grandson now can be part of this fascinating world of music creation. It’s remarkable to see how life’s threads intertwine—from the songs of my youth to Hayden’s present and future in music. Life is truly amazing.
Neil Young is truly an inspiration to all people who have a dream.
Niko, if you are reading this story, thank you for your generous spirit and kind heart.
Here’s to music, memories, and the unexpected connections that make life extraordinary.
“On The Way Home”
Written by Neil Young
When the dream came
I held my breath with my eyes closed
I went insane
Like a smoke ring day when the wind blows
Now I won’t be back ’till later on
If I do come back at all
But you know me and I miss you now
In a strange game
I saw myself as you knew me
When the change came
And you had a chance to see through me
Though the other side is just the same
You can tell my dream is real
Because I love you can you see me now
Though we rush ahead to save our time
We are only what we feel
And I love you Can you feel it now?
The entire album is a masterpiece and a credit to both Neil and Niko’s desire to bring the listeners a superior listening experience. VC /2025
