Warren Haynes' Christmas Jam 2012

Check this out.  Not sure how long it will stay online.  Warren Haynes' 2012 Christmas Jam featuring the Warren Haynes Band, the Blind Boys of Alabama, Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue, Sheryl Crow, and The String Cheese Incident.  Guests include Anders Osborne, and Karl Denson.  Good stuff. 

Stars Sling Guitars at a Benefit for Country Music Hall of Fame

If you've ever wondered what a "guitar pull" is, you're about to find out.  Read on.  Some well known artists were a part of this one.

http://artsbeat.blogs.nytimes.com/2013/02/27/stars-sling-guitars-at-a-benefit-for-country-music-hall-of-fame/

Johnny Cash

Today would mark "The Man In Black", Johnny Cash's 81st birthday.  Hard to believe he's been gone for a decade now.  But, his music continues to live on.  Rest In Peace, Johnny Cash.

In memoriam: "Dangerous" Dan Toler

Former Allman Brothers and Dickey Betts & Great Southern guitarist, "Dangerous" Dan Toler, has passed away, after dealing with complications from ALS (Lou Gehrig's Disease).  He played with Dickey Betts' band for a while, before joining him in the Allman Brothers in 1979 and remaining with them until 1982.  He played in the Gregg Allman Band, on both of the albums they released in 1987 and '88.  After leaving Dickey Betts and Great Southern, Toler played with bands that focused on southern rock, and jazz fusion.  He played in a group called the Toler/Townsend Band, along with John Townsend, who played in the Sanford-Townsend Band, and recorded the hit tune, "Smoke From A Distant Fire".

Toler's brother David (a.k.a. "Frankie"), played drums with the Allman Brothers and with Dickey Betts & Great Southern, at around the same time (late '70s, early '80s).  He passed away in June, 2011 after complications from a liver transplant.  The music will always live on.  Rest In Peace, Toler brothers, Dan and "Frankie".

For more info on Dan Toler's career, see this link.

http://www.allmanbrothers.info/familytreedantoler.htm

 

Allman Brothers Band & Randy Brecker "In A Silent Way"

A fabulous cover of Miles Davis' "In A Silent Way"/"It's About That Time" by The Allman Brothers and Randy Brecker, at the Beacon Theater, in New York City, during the Allman Brothers 40th anniversary concert run there, in March of 2009.

Skip's Spotify Sunday 2-24-13

Maynard Ferguson "Ridin' High"

1. The Rise And Fall of Seven
2. Light Green
3. Kundalini Woman
4. Sunny
5. Meet A Cheetah
6. Molecules
7. Wack-Wack
8. Stan Speaks
9. Alfie

Maynard Ferguson "Conquistador"

1. Gonna Fly Now
2. Mr. Mellow
3. Theme From Star Trek
4. Conquistador
5. Soar Like An Eagle
6. The Fly

Stax Soul 7

"I Love You More Than Words Can Say" Otis Redding
"If I Ever Needed Love" Ruby Johnson
"Same Time, Same Place" Mable John
"Tramp" Otis Redding & Carla Thomas
"Soul Finger" The Bar-Kays
"Knucklehead" The Bar-Kays
"Shake" (Live Europe Version) Otis Redding
"Born Under A Bad Sign" - Single/LP version Albert King
"Soothe Me" - Single/LP version Sam & Dave
"I Can't Stand Up For Falling Down" - Single/LP version Sam & Dave
"Don't Rock The Boat" Eddie Floyd
"My Inspiration" The Mad Lads
"Love Sickness" Sir Mack Rice
"Sophisticated Sissy" Rufus Thomas
"I'll Always Have Faith In You" Carla Thomas
"How Can You Mistreat The One You Love" Jeanne & The Darlings
"Love Is A Doggone Good Thing" Eddie Floyd
"Groovin' " Booker T & the MG's
"Slim Jenkins' Place a.k.a. Slim Jenkins' Joint - LP Version Booker T & the MG's
"The Glory of Love" Otis Redding
"I'm A Big Girl Now" Mable John
"Wait You Dog" Mable John
"You Can't Get Away From It" Johnnie Taylor
"Eloise" William Bell
"Knock On Wood" Otis Redding & Carla Thomas
"I'm Glad To Do It" C.L. Blast
"Double Up" C.L. Blast
"You Can't Run Away From Your Heart" Judy Clay
"I'll Gladly Take You Back - Single Version The Charmels
"Soul Man" - LP/Single Version Sam & Dave

Weather Report "Tale Spinnin' "

1. Man In The Green Shirt
2. Lusitanos
3. Between The Tights
4. Badia
5. Freezing Fire
6. Five Short Stories

Weather Report "Sportin' Life"

1. Corner Pocket
2. Indiscretions
3. Hot Cargo
4. Confians
5. Pearl On The Half-Shell
6. What's Going On
7. Face On The Barroom Floor
8. Ice-Pick Willy

Michael Brecker "Tales From The Hudson"

1. Slings And Arrows
2. Midnight Voyage
3. Song For Bilbao
4. Beau Rivage
5. African Skies
6. Introduction To Naked Soul
7. Naked Soul
8. Willie T.
9. Cabin Fever

Dave Grusin "Out Of The Shadows"

1. Last Train To Paradiso
2. She Could Be Mine
3. Crystal Morning
4. Five Brothers
5. Anthem Internationale
6. Serengetti Walk (Slippin' Out The Back Door)
7. Hokkaido
8. Sweetwater Nights

Dave Grusin & Don Grusin "Sticks And Stones"

1. Birds With Long Legs
2. Pico Pica
3. Sailing At Night
4. River Song
5. Sticks And Stones
6. Glissade
7. Good Ol' Boys
8. This Little Pig Has The Blues
9. Dog Heaven
10. Southern Wind
11. North-Tribal Step Dance

Wulfpeck "Adrienne & Adrianne (Happen To Bossa Nova)"

Tame Impala "Innerspeaker"

1. It Is Not Meant To Be
2. Desire Be Desire Go
3. Alter Ego
4. Lucidity
5. Why Won't You Make Up Your Mind?
6. Solitude Is Bliss
7. Jeremy's Storm
8. Expectation
9. The Bold Arrow of Time
10. Runway Houses City Clouds
11. I Don't Really Mind

Tame Impala "Tame Impala"

1. Desire Be Desire Go
2. Skeleton Tiger
3. Half Full Glass of Wine
4. 41 Mosquitoes Flying In Formation
5. Slide Through My Fingers
6. Wander

Tame Impala "Lonerism"

1. Be Above It
2. Endors Toi
3. Apocalypse Dreams
4. Mind Mischief
5. Music To Walk Home By
6. Why Won't They Talk To Me?
7. Feels Like We Only Go Backwards
8. Keep On Lying
9. Elephant
10. She Just Won't Believe Me
11. Nothing That Has Happened So Far Has Been Anything We Could Control
12. Sun's Coming Up

Melody's Echo Chamber "Melody's Echo Chamber"

1. I Follow You
2. Some Time Alone, Alone
3. Crystallized
4. You Won't Be Missing That Part of Me
5. Bisou Magique
6. Endless Shore
7. Quand Vas Tu Rentrer
8. Mount Hopeless
9. IsThatWhatYouSaid (whole title is one word)
10. Snowcapped Andes Crash
11. Be Proud of Your Kids
12. Endless Shore

Unknown Mortal Orchestra "Unknown Mortal Orchestra"

1. FFunny FFriends
2. Bicycle
3. Thought Ballune
4. Jello and Juggernauts
5. How Can You Luv Me
6. Nerve Damage!
7. Little Blu House
8. Strangers Are Strange
9. Boy Witch

Unknown Mortal Orchestra "II"

1. From The Sun
2. Swim and Sleep
3. So Good At Being In Trouble
4. One At A Time
5. The Opposite of Afternoon
6. No Need for A Leader
7. Monki
8. Dawn
9. Faded In The Morning
10. Secret Xtians

Singles:

"Swim & Sleep"
"Waves of Confidence"

Little Feat "Texas Twister"

Cool Little Feat tune.  This is, "Texas Twister" performed at a concert in 1991.

Discogs

Here is another great resource for record collectors.  Just in case anyone has not heard of the Discogs website, to post your record collection, check it out when you can.  Very cool site.  Yours truly has glanced at it and will see more of what it's all about. 

http://www.discogs.com/

Clearly, the resurgence of vinyl is alive and well.

Joey DeFrancesco

Check out this entry from the In A Blue Mood blog about Hammond B3 maestro, Joey DeFrancesco.  It is a review of one of his recent concerts.

http://inabluemood.blogspot.com/2013/02/joey-defrancesco-at-2013-mid-atlantic.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+blogspot%2FtQLoa+%28In+a+Blue+Mood%29

The Ringers

A new band founded by Widespread Panic guitarist Jimmy Herring, featuring some well known and masterful musicians, including guitarist Wayne Krantz and drummer, Keith Carlock, to name a few.  It is a quintet and has a few different genres going within the music.  They are smack in the middle of a five day jaunt of concerts.  More info, here.

http://www.jimmyherring.net/401/meet-the-ringers

Dig it.

Peach Music Festival 2013

The 2nd annual Peach Music Festival is shaping up to be a good one.  It will take place in August, with coverage, on this blog (I hope).  Check out the initial flyer, here.

http://thepeachmusicfestival.com/

Maynard Ferguson

Here is some wicked footage from a 1977 Maynard Ferguson performance, in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.  Two songs are performed in this medley.  "Give It One", and the INSANE high note blasts of "Primal Scream".  Check it out.  Maynard's trumpet, and the rest of the horns of this will blow you away!

Skip's Spotify Sunday 2-17-13

Some Grammy winning artists and their albums will be featured in the Spotify lists this week, and a surprise or two.

Chick Corea & Gary Burton "Hot House"

1. Can't We Be Friends
2. Eleanor Rigby
3. Chega de Saudade
4. Time Remembered
5. Hot House
6. Strange Meadow Lark
7. Light Blue
8. Once I Loved
9. My Ship
10. Mozart Goes Dancing

Stax Soul 6

"My Sweet Potato" Booker T & the MG's
"Booker-Loo" Booker T & the MG's
"Oh Pretty Woman, Can't Make You Love Me" - LP/Single version Albert King
"Said I Wasn't Gonna Tell Nobody" - LP/Single version Sam & Dave
"Never Like This Before" William Bell
"Fa-Fa-Fa-Fa-Fa [Sad Song]" Otis Redding
"Patch My Heart" The Mad Lads
"Sister's Got A Boyfriend" Rufus Thomas
"Come To Me My Darling" - Single Version Ruby Johnson
"When My Love Comes Down" Ruby Johnson
"Try A Little Tenderness" Otis Redding
"Crosscut Saw" Albert King
"Little Bluebird" Johnnie Taylor
"Toe Hold" Johnnie Taylor
"Jingle Bells" Booker T & the MG's
"You Got Me Hummin' " - LP/Single version Sam & Dave
"Your Taking Up Another Man's Place" Mable John
"All I Want For Christmas Is You" Carla Thomas
"Please Uncle Sam" - Single version The Charmels
"Something Good" Carla Thomas
"Raise Your Hand" Eddie Floyd
"Ain't That Loving You" Johnnie Taylor
"I Don't Want To Lose Your Love" The Mad Lads
"When Something Is Wrong With My Baby" - LP/Single version Sam & Dave
"Let Me Slow Down" Bobby Wilson
"Hip Hug-Her" Booker T & the MG's
"Everybody Loves A Winner" William Bell
"Mini Skirt Minnie" Sir Mack Rice
"When Tomorrow Comes" Carla Thomas
"The Spoiler" Eddie Purell

Dr. John "Locked Down"

1. Locked Down
2. Revolution
3. Big Shot
4. Ice Age
5. Getaway
6. Kingdom of Izzness
7. You Lie
8. Eleggua
9. My Children, My Angels
10. God's Sure Good

Mumford & Sons "Sigh No More"

1. Sigh No More
2. The Cave
3. Winter Winds
4. Roll Away Your Stone
5. White Blank Page
6. I Gave You All
7. Little Lion Man
8. Timshel
9. Thistle & Weeds
10. Awake My Soul
11. Dust Bowl Dance
12. After The Storm

Bobby Whitlock "Lovers: The Master Demos" (for Valentine's Day)

1. Lovers
2. Power of Love
3. True Love
4. You Don't Know
5. Best Days of Our Lives
6. Dear Veronica
7. Ain't No Other Baby
8. One Voice
9. Walk Softly
10. Dice of God
11. Sentimental Me And You
12. Layla

Mumford & Sons "Babel"

1. Babel
2. Whispers In The Dark
3. I Will Wait
4. Holland Road
5. Ghosts That We Knew
6. Lover of the Light
7. Lover's Eyes
8. Reminder
9. Hopeless Wanderer
10. Broken Crown
11. Below My Feet
12. Not With Haste

record collection revisited: Devon Allman "Turquoise"

Devon Allman has released his first solo record, beyond his other band he's been working with for the last few years, called Honeytribe.  This is purely a solo effort from Allman, who is the son of Gregg Allman from the Allman Brothers of course.  Allman explains the personal impact of each of the songs he wrote, in the liner notes of the record.  They obviously were all drawn from his personal experiences.  For those who look into this record, read the liner notes and find out how the tunes came together.  Some of them have intriguing inspiration behind them.

Allman includes several guests on this record such as Luther Dickinson (guitarist for the North Mississippi Allstars and the Black Crowes), and blues singer/guitarist, Samantha Fish.  Here is the band lineup, including guest artists.  Allman's band for this record is a power trio.

Devon Allman: vocals & guitars
Yonrico Scott: drums & percussion (Yonrico Scott played drums in the Derek Trucks Band)
Myles Weeks: upright & electric bass

Guest musicians:

Luther Dickinson: slide guitar
Samantha Fish: guitar & vocals
Ron Holloway: tenor saxophone
Bobby Schneck Jr.: lead guitar
Rick Steff: Hammond B3 organ

Allman and Fish deliver a rousing cover of "Stop Draggin' My Heart Around by Tom Petty and Stevie Nicks.  That is the sole cover song on the whole record.  But, it has Allman's stamp all over it, and has shades of both the Heartbreakers, and, the Allman Brothers Band, in it's delivery.  The Hammond B3 line played by keyboardist Rick Steff, is very reminiscent of Benmont Tench's Hammond organ work in The Heartbreakers.

There is more that can be said about this album, but, as mentioned, it's the liner notes that explain everything and Allman clearly makes a very personal statement as to his life, growing up in the shadow of one of the most recognizable rock and roll acts in history, but at the same time, he bares his soul and crafts an emotionally charged, and yet laid back record.  Here's the track listing for "Turquoise"

1. When I Left Home (feat. Luther Dickinson: guitar)
2. Don't Set Me Free
3. Time Machine
4. Stop Draggin' My Heart Around (Tom Petty & Stevie Nicks cover) (feat. Samantha Fish: guitar & vocals)
5. There's No Time
6. Strategy
7. Homesick
8. Into The Darkness
9. Key Lime Pie
10. Yadira's Lullaby
11. Turn Off The World

Check it out, and if you do, read over the liner notes.  They give much insight into Allman's creative process.

Chick Corea: The Vigil

A new band being formed by Chick Corea, and the plans for a set list they will play.  This comes from Corea's website.  Jazz fans, check this out.

http://chickcorea.com/wp/2013/02/chick-previews-the-vigil-setlist-new-album-tour-2013/

Professor Longhair "Big Chief"

Today is Mardi Gras, or, "Fat Tuesday" in New Orleans.  To celebrate the occasion, check out legendary New Orleans blues/jazz pianist, Professor Longhair.  He was also known as "'Fess".  His given name was Henry Roeland Byrd, and he also went by the nickname of Roy "Bald Head" Byrd.  This is cool.

Grammy Awards highlights

Some awards have already been handed out before the ceremony.  Two of the award winning albums, will be a part of an upcoming Spotify listing.  Those include "Hot House" by Chick Corea and Gary Burton, and, for Best Blues album, the winner is, "Locked Down" by Dr. John.  Here are some highlights.  Bonnie Raitt's "Slipstream" album, (reviewed here), wins Best Americana Album.

"Angels Fly" Elton John & Ed Sheeran.  Sheeran is an English songwriter
"Carry On" Fun

LL Cool J pays a short tribute to Dick Clark.

Fun wins the Grammy for Song of the Year, for their tune "We Are Young".  The award goes to the songwriters.

Mumford & Sons "I'll Wait For You"

Dan Auerbach from The Black Keys is Producer of the Year, and, The Black Keys win Best Rock Song performance of the year.

The Black Keys, Dr. John & The Preservation Hall Jazz Band "Lonely Boy"

A stirring tribute to Patty Paige, Carole King, and Aretha Franklin by Kelly Clarkson.

Bob Marley Tribute feat. Bruno Mars, Sting, Ziggy Marley & Rihanna.

Merit Award winners

Glenn Gould
Charlie Haden
Lightnin' Hopkins
Patti Page
Ravi Shankar
The Temptations

http://www.eurweb.com/2013/02/pre-grammy-special-merit-awards-for-the-temptations-carole-king-others/

Jack White "Love Interruption" & "Freedom"
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/02/10/jack-white-grammys-performance-album_n_2624782.html

Fun wins Best New Artist.

Dave Brubeck tribute featuring Chick Corea, Stanley Clarke and Kenny Garrett

Medley: "Take Five" & "Strange Meadowlark"

Levon Helm tribute

Elton John, Mumford & Sons, Zac Brown Band, Mavis Staples, Brittany Howard

"The Weight"

Juanes Elton John Tribute "Your Song"

These were some of the notable performances of the evening to be sure. Here is a link to the video of a fabulous tribute to Levon Helm featuring the Zac Brown Band, Sir Elton John, Mavis Staples, Mumford & Sons, and Brittany Howard from Alabama Shakes.  

http://deadspin.com/5983262/heres-the-balls+out-levon-helm-grammy-awards-memorial-tribute-performance-of-the-weight

Skip's Spotify Sunday 2-10-13

Stax Soul 5

"Make It Me" The Premiers
"The World Is Round" Rufus Thomas
"In The Twilight Zone" The Astors
"Blue Groove" Sir Isaac & The Do-Dads
"You Don't Know Like I Know" - LP/Single version Sam & Dave
"Grab This Thing Part 1" - LP/Single version The Mar-Keys
"Be My Lady" Booker T & the MG's
"Comfort Me" Carla Thomas
"I Can't Turn You Loose" Otis Redding
"Just One More Day" Otis Redding
"I Want Someone" The Mad Lads
"Birds & Bees" Rufus & Carla Thomas
"Philly Dog" The Mar-Keys
"I Had A Dream" Johnnie Taylor
"Satisfaction" Otis Redding
"Things Get Better" Eddie Floyd
"I'll Run Your Hurt Away" Ruby Johnson
"Hot Dog" The Four Shells
"Let Me Be Good To You" Carla Thomas
"Hold On!  I'm A Comin' - LP/Single version Sam & Dave
"Laundromat Blues" Albert King
"Sugar Sugar" The Mad Lads
"Share What You Got" William Bell
"Marching Off To War" William Bell
"My Lover's Prayer" Otis Redding
"Your Good Thing" Mable John
"I Got To Love Somebody's Baby" Johnnie Taylor
"I Want A Girl" The Mad Lads
"Knock On Wood" - LP/Single Version Eddie Floyd
"B-A-B-Y" - Single/LP Version Carla Thomas

Boogie rock theme chapter 3

Heywire "Sidewalk Chalk" (feat. Kofi Burbridge on keyboards)

Las Cruces
As The Crescent Grows
Allegory

"Dumas Walker" Kentucky Headhunters
"No Potion For The Pain" Charlie Daniels
"Time Don't Pass By Here" The Marshall Tucker Band
"Rainbow Ride" The Charlie Daniels Band
"Long Island Lady" The Marshall Tucker Band
"White Trash" Eric Clapton
"I'll Always Remember That Song" The Charlie Daniels Band
"Driving You Out of My Mind" - 45 version The Marshall Tucker Band
"See Ya" Confederate Railroad
"Country Boy Rock & Roll" The Winters Brothers Band
"Walk Softly On This Heart of Mine" - Live Kentucky Headhunters (Bill Monroe cover)
"Heartbroke" The Marshall Tucker Band
"Mr. President" The Marshall Tucker Band
"Get What You Got Comin'" Van Zant
"Dance Gypsy Dance" Charlie Daniels
"Reachin' For A Little Bit More" The Marshall Tucker Band
"Behind Your Eyes" The Charlie Daniels Band
"The Outlaw" The Outlaws
"High Steppin' Daddy" Kentucky Headhunters
"Just Trouble" Allen Collins Band
"Way Down Yonder" The Charlie Daniels Band
"Even A Fool Would Let Go" The Marshall Tucker Band

Herbie Hancock V.S.O.P.

Band lineup:

I.

Herbie Hancock: piano
Tony Williams: drums
Ron Carter: bass
Freddie Hubbard: trumpet
Wayne Shorter: tenor & soprano saxophone
Dream Priestia: trombone
Eddie Henderson: trumpet & flugelhorn
Bennie Maupin: alto flute, tenor saxophone & bass clarinet
Buster Williams: bass
Billy Hart: drums

II.

Herbie Hancock: keyboards
Wah Wah Watson: guitar
Paul Jackson: bass
Bennie Maupin: saxophones
Ray Parker: guitar
James Ivan: drums
Kenneth Nash: percussion

1. Introduction To Maiden Voyage
2. Maiden Voyage - Live
3. Nefertiti
4. Introduction of Players/Eye of The Hurricane
5. Toys
6. Introductions
7. You'll Know When You Get There
8. Hang Up Your Hang Ups
9. Spider

Stan Kenton "Kenton In Hi Fi"

1. Artistry Jumps
2. Interlude
3. Intermission Riff
4. Minor Riff
5. Collaboration
6. Painted Rhythm
7. Southern Scandal
8. The Peanut Vendor
9. Eager Beaver
10. Concerto To End All Concertos
11. Artistry In Boogie
12. Lover
13. Unison Riff

Joe Cocker "The Best of Joe Cocker" (Domestic Only)

1. Unchain My Heart
2. You Can Leave Your Hat On
3. When The Night Comes
4. Up Where We Belong (feat. Jennifer Warnes)
5. Now That The Magic Has Gone (feat. John Miles)
6. Don't You Love Me Anymore
7. Shelter Me
8. Feels Like Forever (feat. John Miles)
9. Night Calls
10. Sorry Seems To Be The Hardest Word
11. Civilized Man
12. With A Little Help From My Friends (Live)

Joe Cocker: "The Anthology"

Disc 1

1. I'll Cry Instead - Single Version
2. Marjorine - Single Version
3. Bye Bye Blackbird
4. Just Like A Woman (Bob Dylan cover)
5. Feelin' Alright (Traffic cover)
6. Do I Still Figure In Your Life?
7. Don't Let Me Be Misunderstood
8. With A Little Help From My Friends (Beatles cover)
9. Delta Lady
10. She Came In Through The Bathroom Window
11. Hitchcock Railway
12. Something (Beatles/George Harrison cover)
13. Dear Landlord
14. Darling Be Home Soon
15. The Letter - Single Version
16. Space Captain - Single Version
17. Honky Tonk Women - Live At The Fillmore East/1970 (Rolling Stones cover)
18. Cry Me A River - Live At The Fillmore East/1970 (Arthur Hamilton cover)
19. Let's Go Get Stoned (The Coasters, Ray Charles etc. cover)

Disc 2

1. Pardon Me Sir
2. High Time We Went
3. Black-Eyed Blues
4. Something To Say
5. Put Out The Light
6. I Can Stand A Little Rain
7. You Are So Beautiful
8. I Think It's Going To Rain Today
9. Jamaica Say You Will
10. The Jealous Kind
11. Catfish
12. A Song For You (Leon Russell cover)
13. Fun Time
14. I'm So Glad I'm Standing Here Today (feat. The Crusaders)
15. Sweet Little Woman
16. Many Rivers To Cross
17. Talking Back To The Night (Steve Winwood cover)
18. Up Where We Belong (feat. Jennifer Warnes)

*"Up Where We Belong" was featured on the soundtrack to the movie "An Officer & A Gentleman"

Elton John, Mumford & Sons to honor Levon Helm at Grammy's

Rolling Stone has news of a special performance on the Grammy Awards this Sunday, to honor the legacy of Levon Helm, with artists singing "The Weight".  Awesome!  The Grammy's are tomorrow night.  Will check them out and have some kind of a writeup on a number of the award winners.

http://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/elton-john-mumford-sons-to-honor-levon-helm-at-grammys-20130206

Bonnie Raitt "Right Down The Line"

Bonnie Raitt's cover of the Gerry Rafferty song, "Right Down The Line" that is the second track from the "Slipstream" record. 

record collection revisited: Bonnie Raitt "Slipstream"

Bonnie Raitt's latest album "Slipstream" was a big part of her performance at the Minnesota State Fair last summer, that was blogged here, as was it's title cut, "Used To Rule The World" written by well-known songwriter and musician, Randall Bramblett (former member of the band Sea Level).  These songs, whether composed by Raitt or by someone else, are brought to life on the record, by the core band that has been with her for many years, and who performed with her on tour.

It includes, George Marinelli on guitar, Mike Finnegan on Hammond B3 and keyboards, James "Hutch" Hutchinson on bass, and Ricky Fataar on drums.  Special guests on the record include guitarists Al Anderson and Johnny Lee Schell (concurrently a member of the Phantom Blues Band with Mike Finnegan), and percussionist Luis Conte.  

Raitt's songwriting and vocals have always been hallmarks of her recordings, in addition to her unique slide guitar approach in which, rather than aiming for the really high, screaming notes at the top of the fretboard, a la Derek Trucks or Warren Haynes, she focuses on the mid range of the guitar, within the first twelve frets of the instrument, on her pair of Fender Stratocaster's.  She also does play some acoustic guitar, and it is on a couple tracks on this album if memory serves me right.

Her songs always have a heart rendering message tied to them, and many of the tunes on "Slipstream" are no different.  She knows how to craft poignant songs, or choose songs that have deep meaning.  Here, Raitt did not pen any of the songs.  Her producer Joe Henry penned a few, as did Bonnie Bramlett, and Bonnie Bishop, in collaboration with Al Anderson.  "Million Miles" and "Standing In The Doorway" are Bob Dylan numbers.  "Right Down The Line" comes from the pen of Gerry Rafferty. 

Paul Brady and Michael O'Keefe wrote "Marriage Made In Hollywood", while Gordon Kennedy, Wayne Kirkpatrick, and Kelly Price wrote "Take My Love With You".  It is an eclectic bunch of songs, and if an artist chooses songs by other writers, they know those songs have to be top shelf.  This record is worth the listen.  Check it out. 

1. Used To Rule The World
2. Right Down The Line
3. Million Miles
4. You Can't Fail Me Now
5. Down To You
6. Take My Love With You
7. Not 'Cause I Wanted To
8. Ain't Gonna Let You Go
9. Marriage Made in Hollywood
10. Split Decision
11. Standing In The Doorway
12. God Only Knows

Joe Bonamassa & Danny Gatton

Some guitar players have it, right from an early age.  Posted a video at the end of 2011 with Derek Trucks playing at age 14.  Here is Joe Bonamassa shredding on a vintage Fender Telecaster, introduced by guitar legend and Telecaster player, Danny Gatton.  This is good stuff.  Proof that it's never too early to start playing music and doing it well.

Johnny Winter "Stone County"

Cool Johnny Winter track.  "Stone County", performed live circa 1974.

Gregg Allman "I Can't Turn You Loose"

This is a cover by Gregg Allman of the Otis Redding song "Can't Turn You Loose" posted yesterday.  Here, he is playing in Birmingham, Alabama, in 2007, for a benefit concert for Scott Boyer, the rhythm guitarist in his band during the '70s.  Boyer and Allman have performed together since that time, and this benefit must have been for a time when Boyer was going through health issues.  Not sure of those details, but he seems to have recovered since then, as he and his songwriting partner (Tommy Talton), have been active over the last few years, including, sitting in with the Allman Brothers Band for some gigs in New York City, not the least of which, was a show on St. Patrick's Day in 2009 where Boyer and Talton joined the ABB onstage.  

Otis Redding "I Can't Turn You Loose"

Listened to this one on Spotify.  It will be a part of the weekly playlist on Sunday.  But this tune is so cool, yours truly has to share it right away.  Otis Redding "I Can't Turn You Loose".  Check it out.

Skip's Spotify Sunday 2-3-13

Stax Soul 4

"Bar-B-Q"  Wendy Rene
"The Sidewalk Surf"  The Mad Lads
"Can't Be Still"  Booker T. & the MG's
"A Woman's Love"  Carla Thomas
"Yank Me"  Baracudas
"That's How Strong My Love Is" Otis Redding
"Mr. Pitiful" Otis Redding
"Don't Let Her Be Your Baby" Del-Rays
"Can't See You When I Want To" David Porter
"My Lover" Barbara & The Browns
"Got You On My Mind" Admirals
"How Do You Quit" Carla Thomas
"Biggest Fool In Town" Gorgeous George
"Banana Juice" The Mar-Keys
"Little Sally Walker" Rufus Thomas
"A Place Nobody Can Find" Sam & Dave
"Goodnight Baby" Sam & Dave
"Boot-Leg" Booker T. & the MG's
"Outrage" Booker T. & the MG's
"I've Been Loving You Too Long - To Stop Now" Otis Redding
"I'm Depending On You" Otis Redding
"Candy" The Astors
"Give You What I Got" Wendy Rene
"Stop! Look What You're Doing" Carla Thomas
"Willy Nilly" Rufus Thomas
"Don't Have To Shop Around" The Mad Lads
"Crying All By Myself" William Bell
"I Take What I Want" Mono LP version Sam & Dave
"When You Move, You Lose" Rufus & Carla Thomas
"Respect" Otis Redding

Chick Corea "Tap Step"

1. Grandpa Blues
2. Flamenco
3. Magic Carpet
4. The Slide
5. Tap Step
6. The Embrace
7. Samba L.A.

Weather Report "Sweetnighter"

1. Boogie Woogie Waltz
2. Manolete
3. Adios
4. 125th Street Congress
5. Will
6. Non-Stop Home

Yusef Lateef "The Blue Yusef Lateef"

1. Juba Juba
2. Like It Is
3. Othelia
4. Moon Cup
5. Back Home
6. Get Over, Get Off, and Get On
7. Six Miles Next Door
8. Sun Dog

Jim Weider "Percolator"

1. The Maze
2. Percolator
3. New Day
4. Troll
5. Flight
6. Smooth Move
7. No Goodbyes
8. Rain Daze
9. Caveman
10. Prayer

Niacin "Organik"

1. Barbarian at the Gate
2. Nemesis
3. Blisterine
4. King Kong (Frank Zappa cover)
5. Super Grande
6. Magnetic Mood
7. Hair of the Dog
8. 4'5 3
9. Stumble on the Truth
10. Club Soda
11. No Shame
12. Clean House
13. Footprints in the Sand - Extra Special Bonus Track

Buddy Holly playlist

Heartbeat
That'll Be The Day
Peggy Sue
Look At Me
Oh Boy
Rave On
Think It Over
Brown Eyed Handsome Man
Love's Made A Fool of You
True Love Ways
Raining In My Heart
Everyday
Wishing
It's So Easy
Listen To Me
It Doesn't Matter Anymore
Words of Love
I'm Gonna Love You Too
Well...All Right
Midnight Shift
Blue Suede Shoes
Shake Rattle & Roll
What To Do
Midnight Shift
Love Is Strange
Crying, Waiting, Hoping
Peggy Sue Got Married
Maybe Baby
Early In The Morning
You're So Square (Baby, I Don't Care)
Reminiscing
Valley of Tears
Learning The Game
Look At Me
Fool's Paradise
Take Your Time
Not Fade Away

Jim Weider's Project Percolator "Squirrels In Paris"

Holy smokes!  Yours truly has a couple of Jim Weider albums, including this one.  They are burned copies.  This particular tune "Squirrels In Paris", is quite a treat for the ears.  No one can make a Telecaster sound this way.  Jim Weider is a true original.

Tortoise Trapped In Record Player Box Found Alive After 30 Years

For any fans of vinyl records and record players, this is quite the story.  Check this out.  How the tortoise got into the record player, goodness knows.

http://gizmodo.com/5980332/tortoise-trapped-in-record-player-box-found-alive-after-30-years