Zoot Sims "Ham Hock Blues"

From the album "Somebody Loves Me", here is jazz saxophone great Zoot Sims with "Ham Hock Blues", and the tune actually features Sims on tenor saxophone, Bucky Pizzarelli on guitar, Milt Hinton on piano, and Buddy Rich on drums.

Herbie Hancock & Wah Wah Watson "Hang Up Your Hang Ups"

We remember the late, great guitarist, known simply as "Wah Wah" Watson, who was a legendary guitarist on the Motown music scene in Detroit, as he has passed away.

Wah Wah Watson, Motown Guitarist, Dead at 67
https://pitchfork.com/news/wah-wah-watson-motown-guitarist-dead-at-67/

Melvin "Wah Wah Watson" Ragin: 1950-2018
https://www.premierguitar.com/articles/28097-melvin-wah-wah-watson-ragin-1950-2018

Wah Wah Watson, Guitarist for Marvin Gaye and Michael Jackson, Dead at 67
https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/wah-wah-watson-guitarist-dead-746962/

Here is "Wah Wah" Watson, performing live with Herbie Hancock, on his tune "Hang Up Your Hang Ups".  Rest In Peace, "Wah Wah".  

Bandleader Duane Allman Dies In Bike Crash

The article published in Rolling Stone magazine, reporting on Duane Allman's death.

***

Remembering the Allman Brothers frontman.

https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/bandleader-duane-allman-dies-in-bike-crash-74611/?fbclid=IwAR2GnKOb-HEBJoq8h-mOs3eQ-awkWdGDVLs7vi2spGF3VZ8AdmPrQk4TT9E

Gregg Allman: Rock and roll - it's saved my life, man

A 2011 interview with the late, great, Gregg Allman by Neil McCormick, writing for The Telegraph newspaper, in Britain.

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/music/rockandpopfeatures/8284413/Gregg-Allman-Rock-and-roll-its-saved-my-life-man.html?fbclid=IwAR01diuMi4C6TC3k53hvLqfZ4ztS7VTID_1p5UlrO92f9pdtZetAVzpqE88

This was found, on the day 47 years ago that Gregg’s older brother, slide guitar virtuoso Duane Allman, was killed in a motorcycle accident.

The Rolling Stones "Love in Vain"

The Rolling Stones, live in Texas, in 1972, playing Robert Johnson's "Love In Vain".

In Memoriam: Tony Joe White “Rainy Night In Georgia”

We remember, the late, great “King of swamp rock”, Tony Joe White, with what is his most well known song, “Rainy Night In Georgia”.  Rest In Peace, Tony Joe.

Top 11 Rock Songs That Started as Blues and R&B

For those who may be curious, this 2017 article from Rock Cellar magazine, showcases songs we hear on "classic rock" radio, that actually began life as blues and rhythm & blues standards.

https://www.rockcellarmagazine.com/2017/12/13/top-11-rock-songs-started-blues-rb/?fbclid=IwAR07HGCgM6V9AR3AuEpgiIfWLM_tZubia79PEazXNSwyGuwwS4rnwVYvqNo

Mark O’Connor & The Nashville Cats “Swang”

Check out some of the best country music you will ever hear.  Blogged these guys a while ago, and have found more.  Here’s fiddler Mark O’Connor and his band The Nashville Cats, with the tune, “Swang”.

The Soft Machine

Yours truly, witnessed an amazing concert, last night, at the Turf Club in St. Paul, featuring the 50th anniversary of prog rock and jazz fusion legends, from England, The Soft Machine.  From their beginnings in 1968, they were one of the bands from the United Kingdom to popularize electric, experimental jazz and prog rock.  The late, great guitarist, Allan Holdsworth, was part of their original lineup, and last night, at least one of their original members, bassist Roy Babbington featured prominently.  The full lineup for their 50th anniversary tour (which wrapped, last night, at the Turf Club), includes Babbington on bass, Gary Husband on drums, John Etheridge on guitar, and Theo Travis on woodwinds, including tenor saxophone, soprano saxophone, and flute.

Opening for The Soft Machine, is jazz musician and composer, Beledo.  Beledo and Soft Machine did a joint tour, as they share slots on the label, Moonjune Records.  For most of his set, Beledo played his own instrumental compositions on either acoustic guitar, or piano.  More details are to come, about his recording.

Beledo composed and arranged every tune on the recording.  Many of them were played by him, solo, opening for Soft Machine.  Beledo's band on the record includes:

Beledo: Spanish guitar, electric guitar, archtop electric guitar, violin, keyboards, Rhodes piano, Mini Moog, electric bass, vocals

Lincoln Goines: electric bass

Gary Husband: drums

Additional musicians, on a track called "Budjanaji".

Dewa Budjana: electric guitar
Rudy Zulkarnaen: electric bass
Endang Ramdan: Sundanese kedang percussion
Cucu Kurnia: Sundanese kedang, & metal percussion

As for Soft Machine, they played all of their most well known compositions, including a medley of said compositions for the encore.  The musicianship in Soft Machine is incredible, and so is the chemistry between the band members.  Roy Babbington on bass, locked down the groove, and the others added their own contributions with some great solos on guitar and saxophones.  Theo Travis' tone on tenor and soprano, both, was superb.  Incidentally, Theo Travis, worked with former Soft Machine band member, the late, great Daevid Allan, on some of the projects the guitarist/bassist/vocalist did, before his passing.  Also fondly remembered are late, great saxophonist/keyboardist Elton Dean, who passed away in 2015, and the late, great Hugh Hopper, who passed on in 2009, and who played guitar, bass, and saxophones. 

The old and the new, were interspersed throughout the set.  In an adventurous, eleven song set, that truly did take the diehard fans, on a journey, here is what was played.

1. Hidden Details
2. The Man Who Waved at Trains
3. Life On Bridges
4. The Tale of Taliesin
5. Song of Aeolus
6. Gesolreut
7. Fourteen Hour Dream
8. Out Bloody Rageous (Part 1)
9. Kings And Queens
10. The Relegation of Pluto/Tarabos/Sideburn/Hazard Profile (Part 1) *four song medley
11. One Glove

As luck would have it, yours truly had a chance to meet not only Beledo, but also, 3/4 of Soft Machine, getting to have conversations about music with Roy Babbington, John Etheridge, and Theo Travis, having the three of them also sign a copy of the new record.  The track listing on "Hidden Details" is identical to the set list played at The Turf Club.

1. Hidden Details
2. The Man Who Waved At Trains
3. Ground Lift
4. Heart Off Guard
5. Broken Hill
6. Flight of The Jett
7. One Glove
8. Out Bloody Intro
9. Out Bloody Rageous (Part 1)
10. Drifting White
11. Life On Bridges
12. Fourteen Hour Dream
13. Breathe

A fantastic concert.  Definitely check out the whole body of work by The Soft Machine, from the past 50 years.  Stay tuned, as there will eventually be a Spotify Sunday listing, based on The Soft Machine.  Yours truly, looks forward to sharing more of their music.

Carlos Santana "Yours Is The Light"

From his 1973 "Welcome" album, here is Carlos Santana with the tune, "Yours Is The Light", featuring Flora Purim on vocals.

Flora Purim: vocals

Carlos Santana: guitar

Tom Coster: Hammond organ

Richard Kermode: piano

Douglas Rauch: bass

Michael Shrieve: drums

Armando Peraza: percussion 

Bob Yance: flute

Mel Martin: flute

Pat Metheney Group "The Gathering Sky"

Check out this live performance by The Pat Metheny Group of a composition entitled "The Gathering Sky".  This performance is taken from the Japan leg of the Speaking of Now World Tour, at NHK Hall in Tokyo.  The dates of the shows, September 19th and 20th, 2003.

Levon Helm & The Cate Brothers "Sweet Peach Georgia Wine"

Check out Levon Helm and The Cate Brothers' performance of this countrified song of longing for a pretty girl.  "Sweet Peach Georgia Wine".  This is a good one. 

Joey Landreth Live at Paste Studios, NYC

Slide guitarist Joey Landreth performing a live session at Paste Magazine studios in New York City.  The set list:

1. Where Did I Go Wrong
2. Dangerous Heart
3. I Can't Win
4. Cryin'

Doyle Bramhall II. Live at Paste Studios NYC

Doyle Bramhall II.'s live performance at Paste magazine's studios in New York City, recorded on October 4th, 2018.  The set list:

1. Everything You Need
2. Searching For Love
3. Love And Pain
4. Going Going Gone

Robben Ford “Freedom”

From his record “Tiger Walk” here is blues guitar great Robben Ford with the song “Freedom”.

Joe Bonamassa (feat. Paul Jones) “Your Funeral & My Trial”

From a performance recorded live at Royal Albert Hall in London, here are Joe Bonamassa on guitar and Paul Jones on harmonica, with their rendition of Sonny Boy Williamson’s “Your Funeral & My Trial”.

Bill Bruford "Fainting In Coils"

From his group's album "One of A Kind" here is jazz fusion master drummer Bill Bruford with "Fainting In Coils".

Led Zeppelin chronicles 50 years with previously unseen photos

A book has been released, of photographs chronicling a half century of Led Zeppelin, and guitarist Jimmy Page, was interviewed by CBS This Morning, all about the project.

Full Album Friday: Alphonse Mouzon "In Search of A Dream"

Check out Alphonse Mouzon's record, "In Search of A Dream", from 1978, particularly the first track called "Nightmare".

The full track list is:

1. Nightmare
2. Electric Moon
3. Shoreline
4. The Light
5. The Unknown Journey
6. The Ram And The Scorpio
7. In Seatch of A Dream
8. Playing Between The Beat
9. Nothing But A Party

Bass – Miroslav Vitous (tracks: 1, 3 to 7, 9)
Drums, Producer – Alphonse Mouzon
Guitar – Philip Catherine (tracks: 1, 2, 5 to 7, 9)
Tenor Saxophone – Bob Malik (tracks: 2, 3, 5, 7, 9) 
Producer – Joachim-E. Berendt

Jackie McLean, McCoy Tyner, & Jack DeJohnette "Passion Dance"

"Passion Dance" performed by an all-star band of jazz legends, and not just the three players mentioned in the title.  The band on this track includes the aforementioned Jackie McLean on alto saxophone, McCoy Tyner on piano, and Jack DeJohnette on drums, but also features Cecil McBee on bass and Woodie Shaw on trumpet. 

Alphonse Mouzon's All Star Band "Nyctophobia"

From a 1976 performance in Germany, here is jazz fusion drummer extraordinaire, and record producer, Alphonse Mouzon, with his All Star Band, playing the composition "Nyctophobia".  The band lineup is:

Alphonse Mouzon: drums

Gary Bartz: soprano saxophone

Stu Goldberg: keyboards

Walton Gite: drums

Watch the video, on YouTube, as playback does not work, going through the blog link itself. Nyctophobia, by the way, is the extreme, and often irrational fear of the night, or of darkness.

Otis Rush "Homework"

A studio cut on 45RPM record, and a live performance, both, of Otis Rush's Duke label recording, "Homework".  The live track dates back to 1994, with a full band and horn section featured. 

Relix 44: New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival Turns 50

Relix magazine, celebrates the 44th anniversary of their existence as a music magazine, and the 50th anniversary of the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, happening next April, in an article originally published on September 18th, 2018.

https://relix.com/articles/detail/relix-44-new-orleans-jazz-festival-50/

Tony Williams Lifetime "Sangria for Three"

From the "Emergency" record, released in 1969, here is Tony Williams and his group Lifetime, legends of the jazz fusion genre, with "Sangria For Three".  The band features Tony Williams on drums, John McLaughlin on guitar, and Larry Young on organ.

Miles Davis "Human Nature", 1991

Miles Davis - Human Nature - "The last performance"- au Théâtre Antique de Vienne le 1er Juillet 1991 - LIVE HD Produced by : Zycopolis Productions Directed by : Patrick Savey.

Miles Davis performing at what would be his final performance on July 1st, 1991 playing Michael Jackson's song "Human Nature", featuring Kenny Garrett on flute and saxophones, Daron Johnson on keyboards, Joe "Foley" McCreary on guitar, Richard Peterson on bass, and Ricky Wellman on drums.

Tom Petty's daughter opens up about making "An American Treasure"

A year ago today, we lost the iconic rocker Tom Petty. The 66-year-old died of cardiac arrest. In his memory, a new tribute collection called "An American Treasure" features previously unheard recording and live performances. Anthony Mason spoke to Petty's daughter, Adria, in her first TV interview since her father's death.

Frances Davis: Her Story - Life before & after Miles

Frances Taylor Davis shares her life history as a pioneering dancer with Katherine Dunham dance company, her marriage to Miles Davis and renewal after as a survivor. Recorded at the Italian Cultural Center, Los Angeles. 50min feature. Produced by Jonathan Bewley. Rick Bowman videographer. snapshotsfoundation.com/

https://vimeo.com/271965754

Stevie Ray Vaughan: The Lost Videos Compilation

From YouTube user, mellowmusician.

A compilation of odd and end aired and non aired LIVE performances by Stevie Ray Vaughan.  A bonus post for your Wednesday, on what would have been Stevie Ray Vaughan's 64th birthday.

Otis Rush & Eric Clapton “All Your Love”

Another tune by Otis Rush and Eric Clapton, from the 1986 Montreux Jazz Festival.  We continue to celebrate Otis Rush’s legacy with, “All Your Love”.

Otis Rush & Eric Clapton "Double Trouble"

Otis Rush and Eric Clapton, perform Otis' song, "Double Trouble" at the 1986 Montreux Jazz Festival in Montreux, Switzerland.  Once again, Rest In Peace, Otis Rush.  You will be missed. 

In Memoriam: Otis Rush, and one of his best songs, "So Many Roads, So Many Trains"

We have lost another legend of the blues, with the passing of Otis Rush.  Otis was a singular stylist in the blues.  Much like Albert King or Eddie "Chief" Clearwater, he played left handed on a right handed guitar.  Here is one of his best known songs, to celebrate his memory.  "So Many Roads, So Many Trains".  A couple of versions will be featured.  One is from a live performance in Chicago, and the other is of Otis playing the tune along with John Mayall off of Mayall's "Room To Move" record.  Rest In Peace, Otis Rush.