Winter Warmers Comfortable Music

Winter is a time for comfort and the pure invincible warmth of music to bring a glow and perseverance to your heart.

Elvis Presley – (Marie’s The Name ) His Latest Flame (1961)
Sam Baker – These Broken Fingers (2007) www.sambakermusic.com
Carlos Johnson  – Delta Blues (2004)
The Jayhalks –   Miss Williams Guitar (1995)
The Band & Eric Clapton  – Further On Up The Road (1976)
Scott McKenzie –  San Francisco ( 1967)
Ella Mae Morse – Cow Cow Boogie (1942)
Greenshine – Ruby Tuesday (2013) www.greenshinemusic.com)
Pete Townshend – There’s A Heartache Following Me (1972)
Neil Diamond – Last Thing On My Mind (1971)
Sonny & Cher – All I Ever Need Is You (1971)
Smokie –  Don’t Play Your Rock And Roll To Me (1975)
Ella Washington – He Called Me Baby (1969)
Dave Mason – Only You Know And I Know (1970)
Rhythm Makers – Zone (1976)
Odyssey – If Your Looking For A Way Out (1980)
Ed Deane –  Queen Bee (2016) www.eddeane.com
Buddy Holly – Valley Of Tears (1957)
Texas born gospel reared country and western musician who refined his style after playing support on early Elvis Presley shows to become a pioneer of popular rock & roll music.My association with this song is linked to my awareness and attention to news bulletins on Radio Luxembourg when news broke the night Keith Moon passed away September 8th / 9th 1978. The Fats Domino written cowboyish vibe of the song was already there growing up since Buddy released it on his self titled 1958 LP but added a poignant soundtrack to the news that another music hero had gone to the great beyond. 
I was too young to appreciate the great loss of Buddy in a plane crash in 1959 but for me the music died the night Keith Moon left us.
Freda Payne – Band Of Gold (1970)
The Beatles – No Reply (1964)
Marv Johnson – I’ll Pick A Rose For My Rose (1968)
Perry Como  – When You Were Sweet Sixteen (1947)
Charles Lloyd & Nora Jones – You Are So Beautiful (2016)
Beres Hammond – Just Like A Woman (2004)
Laura Nyro & LaBelle – Jimmy Mack  (1971)
Bill Howl N Madd Perry & Alphonso Sanders –  Boo-Ga-Loo (2010)
Bob Dylan – Where Are You Tonight (1978)
Chuck Berry – Come On (1961)
Greg Kiln Band  – Jeopardy (1983)
One Kind Word Can Warm Three Winter Months

Carlos Johnson Chicago Bluesman
Carlos Johnson Chicago Bluesman

 

Beautiful Discoveries Simple Pleasures

The most beautiful discovery is to be found in the simple pleasures of life.
Allen Toussaint –  Tequila
Atomic Rooster – Devils Answer
The Rossington – Collins Band – Gonna Miss It When It’s Gone
Gladys Knight & The Pips – Midnight Train To Georgia
Roger Daltrey – It’s A Hard Life
Del Shannon – Go To Pieces
Mr Bloe – Groovin With Mr Bloe
Grateful Dead – New Minglewood Blues
Niall O Sullivan – Let It Be Me
Solomon Burke – Ooooooo You
The Beatles – Get Back
Johnny Taylor – I Found A Love
Dedringer – Direct Line
Michael Martin Murphy – Carolina In The Pines
Edie Brickell & The New Bohemians – What I Am
Elvis Presley – I Just Can’t Help Believing
K D Lang – Tears Don’t Care Who Cries Them
Christy Moore – The Cliffs Of Dooneen
The Marvelettes – When You’re Young And In Love
J J Cale – Midnight In Memphis
Zack Boone – Beautiful www.zackboone.com/
Tom Robinson Band  – 2 4 6 8  Motorway
Junior Parker – Mother In Law Blues
Mose Allison – Young Man Blues
The Dixie Chicks – Landslide (Sheryl Crow Mix)
Count Basie – Take Me Back, Baby (1941)
The Carpenters – Goodbye To Love
Warren Zevon – Things To Do In Denver When You’re Dead
Clarence Carter – The Road Of Love
Horslips – Trouble With A Capital T
Brandy Zdan – More Than A Man www.brandyzdan.com/

Life Time Music Blossoms

Discover and let us be grateful for musicians who make us happy they are gifted gardeners who create a treasure to make our souls blossom like sunshine

Buddy Holly – Your The One (1958)
Picked up this as a 7 inch single in a record shop bargain bin on one of my Saturday Afternoon trawls for music around Dublin’s music shops in the early 70’s’ I grew up emotionally crippled by Buddy’s tragic departure in a touring plane crash in a frozen landscape in 1959 and I have always listened to his music with the thought not very far from my mind that life is fragile.
Gerry Rafferty – Right Down The Line (1978)

None of us can help the things life has done to us. They’re done before you realize it, and once they’re done they make you do other things until at last everything comes between you and what you’d like to be, and you’ve lost your true self forever.
I think of Eugene O Neills words when I think about Gerry Rafferty a beautiful songwriter who wrote upbeat groovy tunes. Like many of my favourite artists he was a perfectionist socially awkward who had been disillusioned by the music business and its pernicious grip on your spirit after legal battles during his Stealers Wheel phase. Gerry wanted to let his melodic music do the talking and was a reclusive addictive figure trying to find a balance between his personal and public life.
Humble Pie Say No More (1973)

Eat It was a double LP from Humble Pie which covered the many sides of the band’s talent and in particular Steve Marriott. From the live high energy cover of Honky Tonk Woman and the superb studio version of Ike and Tina’s Black Coffee to this gentle acoustic gem which has stayed with me ever since as one of my favourite love songs.
“Cause if you’re the sea then I’m your rock
And if I’m a key then you’re my lock
Well if you’re a foot then I’m your sock, so wear me well”
Otis Rush – Homework (1962)

Had the pleasure of meeting Otis at a guitar workshop at the Temple Bar Blues Festival in Dublin in the mid 90’s.Very friendly he generously shared the secrets of his style which led the way for electric blues guitarists since his records appeared in the late 50’s. A left-handed guitar player who likewise to Albert King and Ed Deane make magic on the fretboard in the most mysterious ways to us guitar fans & enthusiasts. The purpose of life is to discover your gift and the meaning of life if giving your gift away. R.I.P. Otis 
Andrew Gold – Never Let Her Slip Away

Such a talented musician whose presence always added so much class to the collaborations I came across particularly his work with Linda Ronstadt. Andrew always reminds me of his mother Marni Nixon who was the uncredited voice in popular terms behind some of the great Hollywood musicals My Fair Lady, West Side Story and Diamonds Are A Girls Best Friend hitting all the high notes for Marilyn Monroe. It is amazing what you can accomplish if you do not care who gets the credit. 
Status QuoIn My Chair (1970)

Came across a motivational term many years ago KISS an abbreviation for Keep It Short & Simple which describes perfectly the crowd pleasing hard blues rock boogie sound of Status Quo. The studio single version of In My Chair was one of the first additions to my own record collection back in 1970 having been blown aways by the previous release Down The Dustpipe. I loved the early 70’s sound of Status Quo and the live ambiance on this record captures the heads down hair swinging groove.
Rodriguez – I Wonder  (1970)

www.rodriguez-music.com
Good friend in work Liam Boylan gave me the Searching For Sugar Man DVD which exceeded all expectations in that I had never heard of Rodriguez prior and left me further intrigued and  amazed at the spontaneous beauty of his songs and life story. A Detroit singer songwriter who recorded 2 LP’s in the early 70’s and then disappeared with rumours that he had committed suicide at a gig. Belatedly his music connected with the resistance movement in South Africa and he found success in the late 90’s and has been enjoying great success on the back of the Academy Award winning film about his life story.
Japan – I Second That Emotion
This is a  Smokey Robinson and The Miracles Motown classic being interpreted in the early 80’s by British New Wave Romantics Japan who incorporated Glam and Ambient ideas into their image and sound. When I hear the song it reminds me of a Prince’s Trust Concert on the tele in the early 80’s featuring Pete Townshend playing Slit Skirts with Japan bassist Mick Karn R.I.P. on stage by his side.
Sweet Cecilia La Vie C’est Une Bataille (Life is a Battle)  (2015) www.sweetceciliagirls.com
Met this wonderful band at the New Orleans Jazz Festival a super confident rousing Louisiana family band with dynamic harmonies and energy bouncing around the stage. St Cecilia is the patron saint of musicians and it’s also the name of their hometown and they left me with one of my favourite live music memories of my trip to the New Orleans Jazz Festival. There is a mesmerising almost spiritual atmosphere in the air around these two sisters Laura and Maegan and their cousin Callie singing and playing their hearts out with clear eyed honesty and good time cajun country rock rhythms. 
“Life is a battle that’s what my grandpa said
Life is full of scratches it’s what you make of it”   
Lil’ Ed & The Blues ImperialsI Love My Baby (2002)

Lil’ Ed Williams is a smiling flamboyant high energy torch bearer for Chicago Blues driven along by the classic Hound Dog Taylor and Elmore James and his uncle JB Hutto’s  bottleneck razor sharp stomping slide style. A fantastic live band who hit the stage with their three decades of road tested electrifying good time joyful fun boogie behind them they never fail to satisfy. I have been in an elated audience in Lucerne and New Orleans when this tour de force hits the stage and goes full throttle through a performance. One of my favourite live music experiences. 
Moskus – Tandem Med Sankt Peter     www.moskustrio.no
Chris Issak – Wicked Game
Rhiannon GiddensShe’s Got You
One of my favourite musicians to see live who consistently takes my breath away with her passion and natural charisma. Rhiannon brings history to life on stage and in her story telling song craft with a rootsy integrity and honesty in her convictions  that resonates within the most intimate reaches of the audience’s heart. A magnificent voice that shakes your foundations as she takes you on a modern soul,gospel,jazz faithful to the old time and fearless to the new time trad interpretation of the music of resistance that is blended to perfection for the mission at hand. She’s Got You is a classic Patsy Cline Country & Western standard written by Hank Cochran in the early 60’s getting a makeover that brought the song to life for me. Always makes time to meet the audience after her shows with a big heart and a smile that lights up life Rhiannon appears to be relentlessly touring and picking up awards and praise all over the globe but when it’s time to go home  it is to Limerick she lays her hat and we are blessed to have such a compassionate talent in the neighbourhood.
Al Berard – Ten Years Gone     www.alberard.com
Dean Martin – Gentle On My Mind
Brad Vickers And His Vestapolitans – Raisin’ Praise www.bradvickers.com
Gregory Issacs – House Of The Rising Sun
Sonny Condell – Down In The City
Sam Philips – Lying
Fanny – Summer Song     www.fannyrocks.com/
Ray LaMontagne – You Are The Best Thing
Sonny Landreth – Walking Blues     www.sonnylandreth.com/
Elvis Presley – Steamroller Blues (Live Aloha From Hawaii)

White man’s blues parody classic written by James Taylor and made famous by The King himself. This is the sound of rural backwaters rhythm’s meeting the bright lights and getting a big city sound with the great
Leftover Salmon – Two Highways     www.leftoversalmon.com/
JR Walker & The All Stars – Cleo’s Mood
Los Lonely Boys – Hollywood
Dusty Springfield – Son Of A Preacher Man
Peter Novelli –
Bourban Street Blue (2015)
www.peternovelli.com
Walked into a brightly lit bar on Bourban Street when my ears picked up his exciting guitar sound on my rambles. Peter is a really nice guy who guided me towards some great shows on my trip to New Orleans. Peter is a highly respected, storytelling songwriter and local hero who loves to play and lend his expertise to other cohorts on the New Orleans scene with his production and fretboard expertise.
Many people will walk in and out of your life but only true friends will leave footprints in your heart.
The Who – Drowned     www.thewho.com/classic-quadrophenia
Gary Bartz NTU Troop – Celestial Blues
Neil Young & Crazy Horse – Don’t Cry No Tears
Gov’t Mule – Hard To Handle
The Beatles – Hello Goodbye
Bryan Adams & Tina Turner – It’s Only Love
AC/DC – Playball

 

When Music Is Better Than Words

Mik The Who

A perfect day is when the sun is shining, the breeze is blowing, the birds are singing and music makes the world better than words can explain.

David Rose – High Chaparral TV Theme 1967
Sonny & Cher – All I Ever Need Is You1971
Sheryl Crow – Anything But Down 1999
Elvis Costello & The Attractions – Lipstick Vogue 1978
Bette Midler – Midnight In Memphis (The Rose) 1979
Mick,Louise,Michelle Mulcahy – Rose In The Heather 2016
Sylvia Robinson  – Pussy Cat 1975
The Rolling Stones – Dead Flowers 1971 (Live Version)
Eric Bibb – This Land Is Your Land 2017
Rick Derringer – Joyride 1971
Manfred Mann – Pretty Flamingo 1966
Keith & Tex – Don’t Look Back 1967
Nathan Carter – Beeswing 2017
J J Cale – Midnight In Memphis 1997
Karl Blau – Stuck Inside Port Townshend 2013
Little Jimmy King – Another Blues Stringer 1991
The Temptations – Papa Was A Rolling Stone 1972
Toto – Don’t Stop Me Now 1986
Elvis Presley – Tomorrow Is A Long Time 1966
Stanley Turentine – I Told Jesus 1971
Mike Moreno – Spinning Wheel 2012
Neil Young – Little Wing 1980
LP – Scarborough Fair 2017
Bobby Radcliff – Downstroke  2004
Glenn Gould – Aria Goldberg Variations 1981
Ruba Shamshoum – Burkan 2017
Rod Stewart – You Make Me Feel Like A Natural Man 1974
Krokus – Stayed Awake All Night 1983
Betty Harris – 12 Red Roses (Allen Toussaint)1966
Paul Oscher – Standing At The Crossroads 2004
Beth Hart & Joe Bonamassa – Black Coffee 2018
The Who – Pinball Wizard (Live)1970

Good music fills the world with good intentions.

 

 

Cheerful Inspiring Optimistic Music

Mik The Who

In these profoundly troubled times songs open the doors of empathy, comfort the heart and help us get on with our lives.

Horslips – The Unfortunate Cup Of Tea (1975)
Irish Traditional Rock Local Heroes instrumental Cup Of Tea reel  album title track from 1975 which sounds like a session beings unfortunately interrupted by the familiar indifferent Publican at closing time.
Fats Domino – Blueberry Hill (1956)
I get my thrill in life every time I hear this gem originally a Gene Autry cowboy film tune in the 40’s thrown in reluctantly at the end of a recording session by New Orlean’s favourite smiling groover Fats Domino in LA. Energetic party music that makes you happy with complexity in its simplicity full of bounce and playful New Orleans Rhythm N Blues. The second best thing to do with your lips is to smile.
Peter & Gordon – Woman (1966)
Paul McCartney wrote this under the name Bernard Webb to test if he could write a hit anonymously back in 1965 for his then girlfriend Jane Asher’s brother Peter who took it up with the charts with his highly successful Peter & Gordon pop duo. Peter later went on to manage and produce  Linda Ronstadt & James Taylor. Great things are done by people who think great thoughts and then go out and make their dreams come true.
Steely Dan  – Turn That Heartbeat Over Again (1972)
My favorite link between jazz and rock Steely Dan made it all look so easy with an ear catching musical vocabulary applied so well by Donald Fagen & Walter Becker. Music has to be the original environmentally friend human habit recycling yesterday’s musical ideas and inspirations for a felicity of expression today. I feel the song lyrically is a grey unstated plea to St Michael for another chance to relive a life full of bad mistakes and choices but then that is just my imagination.
The Imperials – No Shortage (1975)
The song came into my life after hearing Terry Blackwood & The Imperials perform it with the TCB Band at a wonderful Elvis celebration gig in the NCH Dublin. Elvis loved gospel music and The Imperials added that spiritual high to his gigs in the late 60’s early 70’s  
Clifford T Ward –   Still Not Free (1984)
A reclusive artist gone to the great beyond fondly remembered who created strong melodies and well-crafted fluid lyrics that penetrate deeply and passionately song with a beautiful  tenor voice that creates an atmosphere that has always left me feeling euphoric. A teacher whose poetic music ages well like an old  English treasure horde. The most cut throat and risky trade of them all is the music business very often a destructive force for a gentle artist and I think Clifford was of the view that the best armour was to keep out of range.
Johnny ‘Big Moose’ Walker – Would You Baby (1978)
The essential conditions of everything you do must be choice love and passion.
When Johnny Walker was hanging out in Greenville Mississippi as a young man his long mop of hair earned him the nickname Big Moose. He played piano and bass with all the greats Muddy, Elmore, John Lee, Otis Rush, Howlin Wolf, Ike and countless more from the mid 40’s to the mid 90’s. This track on Alligators late 70’s LP Living Chicago Blues captures good raw Chicago Blues loose enough to draw the audience into the groove but tight enough so that the street beat doesn’t fall to pieces with the pure tone of Louis Myers guitar and the rhythmic instincts of Bob Strogers bass lines and Chris Moss drums adding distinctive spice to the foundations.
Diana Ross & The Supremes – Someday We’ll Be Together (1969)
This was the final Supremes song and the start of Diana Ross’s solo career with Johnny Bristol who wrote the song adding some ad libs to encourage Diana’s vocal performance which were kept in the master. None of the other Supremes Mary Wilson or Cindy Birdsong were involved in the recording but the amazing voice of Merry “Gimme Shelter” Clayton is audible in the mix.
You have no friends you have no enemies you have only teachers.
Loudhailer Electric Company – Gypsy Racer (2016) www.loudhailer.net
Connected with this friendly Hull based band I heard on Tom Robinson’s BBC 6 radio show recently who have brightened up my life with their warm psychedelic creativity.  A honeyed but potent sound marinated in juicy rhythms and a guitar sound shinning into the stratosphere like a spirit in the sky.
Luther Allison – Walking Papers (1995)
Seen Luther play in the then Mean Fiddler on Wexford St a short time before he left us for the great beyond in the mid 90’s. An amazing exciting live blues guitar player and entertainer who refined his craft in the stage shadows of Howling Wolf, Freddie King, James Cotton,Motown Bands, decades of live music circuits and festivals, crowds walking and lengthy well executed climactic solos that were mesmerising.You never know what is enough unless you know what is more than enough 
T Rex – Hot Love ( 1971)
When the cuddly Marc Bolan & T Rex  performed this on Top Of The Pops wearing glitter make up and multi coloured satin outfits  it triggered the start of Glam Rock for me. A folksy elf infatuated with Hendrix riffs on a bluesy rhythm with ex Turtles and Mothers Of Invention vocalists Flo & Eddie on harmonies. Like all fads it was fickle and faded out and not all knew when it was time to go. Treasure the love that you receive above all it will survive long after your gold and good health have vanished.
Bob Dylan – Ramona (1964)
An enduring genius,a unique master who blends the roots of American music with the wisdom of ancient and spiritual literature who has followed his talent with uncompromising courage to bring us to places beyond our imagination or any artistic horizon in my lifetime. To me Bob Dylan is like Joyce, his songs have become scriptures, a daunting, love hate,inspiring mythical genius who makes people comb through every lyric for hidden meaning and his dust bin at times to solve the mysteries of the world. My most amusing memory is of a long haired denim clad student sitting crossed legged in the middle of hallucinogenic smoky, patchouli scented Pembroke Inn one Saturday night in the early 70’s reading aloud  from a Bob Dylan songbook. 
Rickie Lee Jones – Juke Box Fury (1984)
A magical Irish descended gypsy hearted rocker rooted in the crystal pure up-tempo  jazz funk side of life whose smart lyrics and timeless tunes find beauty in the sadness of life. Nothing is a waste of time if you use the experience wisely.
Ed Sheeran – Thinking Out Loud (2014)
An idea can turn to dust or magic depending on the talent that rubs up against it.Ed Sheeran has studied the diverse genres that move the generations and solved the commercial nature of his talent with a contemporary yet traditional style proficient and sophisticated beholden to no single musical influence with catchy soulful impactful vocals rubbing up comfortably against some jazzy rhythm n blues guitar beats. Ed’s songs  avoid cliches opting to follow a more difficult route of his own creation full of tuneful authority backed up by the kind of teamwork that ensures if opportunity doesn’t knock build a door especially if you have influential friends like Elton John in charge of your management company. 
James Last Orchestra – The Seduction (Love Theme)(1980)
A chart hit from the Gigolo Soundtrack James Last pulled together a pool of top session players in Los Angeles and New York like David Sanborn on Sax which resulted in amazing evocative and romantic versions of Giorgio Moroder’s The Seduction. I have also found James Last’s LP’s in every charity shop in Dublin mostly in unplayable condition. I guess his audience were inclined to be very generous and compassionate in nature.
Barbara George – I Know (You Don’t Love Me No More )(1961)
New Orleans gospel singer Barbara George took this much covered gem to the top of the charts with lyrics inspired by her husband who she had married at 16.Covered by Fats Domino, Ike and Tina Turner, Cher and Bonnie Raitt, I Know also became a staple for 1960s British performers including the Merseybeats, Billy J Kramer and the Dakotas, and Beryl Marsden. Good friend and Blues Collector kindly Eddie Soye guided me towards her album many years ago and despite the hardship she encountered in her music career before leaving us for the great beyond in 2006 her voice soothes the soul.  The mind rules the body, when the body is strong and willing the mind has an open channel through which to operate.
Karl Blau – To Love Somebody (2016)
Downloaded his album and bought a ticket for his gig in Whelan’s after hearing Karl’s interpretation of one of my favourite Bee Gee tunes on Carol Moran’s superb Weekend on One 6am – 8am show on RTE I. Unfortunately missed the gig due to family illness but I was there in supportive spirit. Love the Bee Gee’s as did Otis Redding who went to see them and asked Maurice to write a song for him and this was it but Otis tragically died in a plane crash before getting a chance to record it.
Willie Blake – Classical Gas (2014)
When I am in search of a peaceful and relaxing lifestyle I tend to surfing my internet radio for some new age vibes which is where I found this funky chilled out version started to roll around my ear drums like silk. Like water which can clearly mirror the sky and the trees only so long as its surface is undisturbed, the mind can only reflect the true image of the self when it is tranquil.
Elvis Presley – Too Much (1956)
Elvis was a larger than life phenomenon to me growing up he represented everything I loved about good looks, fashion, cool dudes and his choice of musicians was impeccable as demonstrated on this outstanding Scotty Moore guitar rhythm and lead track. Recorded in G# during a weekend session  in Nashville it enters with a bang and builds from there with exciting classic rockabilly n country chromatic passages contained right through the 12 bar sequence. Try it with a capo on the first fret in G or tune down a half step with a thumb pick and finger technique. FB friend Mark Braider tells me Scotty lost his way on the solo but Elvis said he liked it the way it was when asked to re record it another take. Art meets serendipity.
Todd Snider – Alright Guy (1994) www.toddsnider.net
I love clever humorous lyrics and Todd first album Songs For The Daily Planet back in ’94 was baked in appeal. With sleeve notes like “Music has always changed my life. Poverty changed it back again” and his variation on The Who lyric “Did you know that there are people who put us down for no other reason than the simple fact that we get around”. I have always enjoyed having Todd’s music in my life.
A person without a sense of humour is like a wagon without springs jolted by every pebble in the road.
Joe Walsh – I’ll Tell The World About You  (1972)
One of my favourite guitarists Joe refined the power trio format with The James Gang and his work with The Eagles is a yardstick by which mainstream rock guitar is measured. Eccentric sense of humour he ran for President promising free gasoline to everyone and is prone to wearing madcap stage gear. Infectious vocalist like Nils Lofgren this song from his first solo album Barnstorm is a good example of his guitar orchestration and vocal harmony style. 
Patty Larkin – The Letter (1990)
I am always charmed by artists who take well loved songs that are part of the soundscape of your life  and replant, imbue and reinterpret in their own diverse style. Sometimes when you dust off something old you come up with a gem like this stripped back acoustic version of The Letter from Patty Larkin’s Live in the Square album recorded live at Sanders Theatre, Cambridge Massachusetts. 
Robert Cray – Grinder (1983)
One of the great guitarists of my generation with an instantly identifiable 5 time Grammy winning sound and style. He is a dedicated hard working musician an experimenter always willing to take chances which doesn’t always fly with the blues puritans but when he gets it right it’s magical,incendiary, soulful and humourous.
Bert Jansch – Anji (1965)
Seen Bert live at Eric Clapton’s Crossroad Festival in 2010 in Chicago an acoustic finger twister whose complex finger style technique and open tunings influenced the way acoustic guitar styles developed in the late 60’s and 70’s. Jimmy Page,Nick Drake, John Martyn,Neil Young and Paul Simon all emulated Bert’s folky baroque style in their acoustic songs. Anji was Bert’s cohort Davy Graham song which became a rite of passage for acoustic finger-style guitarists. Try it with a feeling rather than accuracy with a capo on the 4th fret in Am with a steady descending bass line that encourages you to use your thumb for the F note on the 6th string. I’m told both Davy and Bert seldom played this the same way twice.
Charlie Christian – Flying Home (1942)
For a lot of electric guitar fans it all started back in the forties with Charlie Christian whose riffs and solos jumping out of  Benny Goodman, Lionel Hampton tunes lifted and inspired the likes of Chuck Berry in years to come to grab the baton  and turn it into the  Olympic torch we call rock and roll.
Marvin Gaye – Too Busy Thinking Bout My Baby (1969)
Blessed with a supercharged wide spectrum voice Marvin created  music that provokes a distinctive yearning admiration and pleasure in the listener. Started off as a session singer on Chuck Berry classics like Almost Grown and going on to define the sound of Motown .Some artists make music for the sunny side of the street full of fresh blood and sensations of freedom despite the fact that their personal journey through life is filled with pain and despair, cuts and bruises. Anything worthwhile means the greater the happiness the greater could be the sadness, the more exciting the success the more devastating the failure.One good thing about music when it hits you you feel no pain.
Kate O Callaghan – My Dear (2013) www.kateocallaghan.com
No dream is to high for those with their eyes in the sky and when you witness that wholehearted presence on stage as I did a few months back in Paul Lee’s DC Music Club of an artist totally committed to their craft full of freshness and vitality it allows for a very organic connection between artist and audience.
Otis Clay – I Can Take You To Heaven Tonight (1991)
Otis Clay was a rich soul blues gospel rooted singer who brought his uplifting charisma to stellar recordings in the 60’s and 70’s including Trying To Live My Life Without You which Bob Seger climbed the charts with in the early 80’s,also working with the magic of Willie Mitchell, Johnny Rawls and Dave Specter prior to ascending to the great beyond in 2016. Eddie Soye first gave me a heads up to Otis on a mix tape he gave me  and I picked up a Bullseye Blues  album in the early 90’s called I’ll Treat You Right which connected me with I Can Take You To Heaven Tonight which has that beauty and powerful  blast of emotion that a good song provides.
Gene Jug Ammons – Groove Blues (1958)feat (John Coltrane)
I’ve always been a bit like a horse looking over fence when it comes to jazz.
Music friend of mine Oded puts up a picture of his AM and PM vinyl listing each day and I tend to You Tube his choices on the bus home which led me to this Jazz tune from an inspiring and influential Jug collaborating here with John Coltrane whose creativity and potential was stifled by two periods in jail (10 years) on drugs charges in his prime. Destiny is not a matter of chances it is a matter of choices.
Pete Townshend – Oh Parvardigar (1972)
Pete became a disciple of Indian Spiritual teacher Meher Baba in the late 60’s disillusioned with the world of drugs that surrounded him and his creative process. Parvardigar (Master’s Prayer) is Meher Baba’s universal prayer which Pete put to music using an open tuning CGCGCD on his acoustic in the style of Bert Jansch melodic finger style stillness. His teachings prescribed no rules just a simple don’t worry be happy philosophy in the search to be incredibly alive, enlightened and naturally high where spiritual intuition will keep your feet on the ground and guide your rhythm forward each day.
Freddie King – Dust My Broom (Acoustic)(1961)
One of the 3 Kings of Blues Guitar Playing Freddie alongside Albert and BB created their own individual signature styles of playing that has influenced every guitar player since. Texas born Freddie was the master of the electric Texas Chicago Blues shuffle/instrumental like Hideaway a litmus test for aspiring blues guitar players  and The Stumble using a thumb pick and metal index finger pick for that sharp attack. Even on an acoustic his ingenious gift for hook laden riffs and melodies alongside his visceral emotional vocals jump out of the speakers. Sadly 20 years of relentless touring playing 300 gigs a year the 6 foot giant rocket fueled party loving performer left us at 42 with an incomparable legacy that continues to inspire new generations. 
The Archies – Sugar  Sugar (1969) (Andy Kim)
In late 1969 the charts on both sides of the Atlantic was occupied by this catchy TV Cartoon Series The Archies song. Building on the success of The Monkee’s formula this was another perfect 3 minute pop song that floated around the ear drums like candy it was the perfection of simplicity by a group of Don Kirshners (The Man With The Golden Ear) Brill Building session musicians like Andy Kim who charted again in the mid 70’s with Rock Me Gently and  Ron The Cufflinks Dante whose big hit was Tracy as well as producing Barry Manilow’s LP.Ideas are great arrows but there has to be a bow. 
Richard Thompson – Legal Matter (2003)
Who cover driven by the typical swinging good spirited force that is Richard Thompson. The perfect match because in my view both Richard Thompson and Pete Townshend play the acoustic guitar with the potency of a fighting bull.
Santana – Dance Sister Dance (1976)
From my repeated viewings of the Woodstock movie to standing in a muddy field in Slane Carlos Santana has always mapped out his own corner in the playground. Remarkable fretboard talents leading and creating an irresistible stage and studio synergy this opening track from the Amigo LP  is a good example of the layers of smoking latinesque guitar and polish in Santana’s music which effortlessly lets your heart soar as high as it will.

Pleasure is very seldom found where it is sought our brightest blazes of gladness are commonly kindled by unexpected sparks  

Live With Enthusiasm

Music To Brighten Up Both Sides Of Midnight

Music To Brighten Up Both Sides Of Midnight.
The more musical light you allow within your life the brighter the world you live in will be.
Steam – Na Na Hey Hey Goodbye 
Jim Croce – Roller Derby Queen 
The Eagles – Midnight Flyer 
Howlin’ Wolf – Howlin’ For My Baby  
Mass Production – Cosmic Lust 
Tim Buckley – Buzzin’ Fly 
Black Bank Folk – Lullaby feat Grace O Malley (www.blackbankfolk.com)
Elvis Presley – In The Ghetto  
Stone Roses – Bye Bye Badman & Elizabeth My Dear
Idris Muhammad – Peace Of Mind 

Bruce Springsteen – Fade Away
Randy Travis – Will The Circle Be Broken
Lou Gramm – Midnight Blue 
Van Morrison – Midnight Special 
Gordie Tentrees – Somebody’s Child 
Mike Oldfield – Tubular Bells 
Olivia Trummer – Praeludio feat Jean Lou Treboux (www.oliviatrummer.de)
David Bowie – Blackstar
Gwendolin Hornpipe – Harvest Home
McGuinness Flint – When I’m Dead And Gone
The Who – Music Must Change
Rory Gallagher – Goin To My Hometown (Live)
Black Rebel Motorcycle Club – Beat The Devil’s Tattoo

If you can’t see the bright side of life polish the dull side with some music

 

 

Problem Resolved Morning After

Its A Common Experience That A Problem Difficult At Night Is Resolved In The Morning After The Committee Of Sleep Has Worked On It.

*The music show (MP3 file) for this playlist has been archived and is available upon request.

Jethro Tull  – Play In Time
Tangerine Dream – Beach Scene (Thief Soundtrack LP)
The Black Crowes – Hotel Illness
Joe Cocker – St James Infirmary (Live)
Rocky De Valera & The Rhythm Kings – Want Ad Blues (Live Session)
Hot Chocolate – You Could Have Been A Lady
Jimi Hendrix – Like A Rolling Stone (Live)
The Runaways – You Drive Me Wild
Dana Dixon Band – Crazie Maizie (danadixon.com)
Elvis Presley – Return To Sender
Fluer De Lys – Circles (Who Time)
The Vaccines – Under Your Thumb

Intro Tune – Take It Off The Top – Dixie Dregs
Outro Tune:     Je T’aime
Background Link Tunes-  Join Together Instrumental The Who

Cheerful Hours Happiness Choosing

Every Life Has Its Dark And Cheerful Hours Happiness Comes From Choosing Which To Remember

*The music show (MP3 file) for this playlist has been archived and is available upon request.

T Rex – 20th Century Boy
The Hollies – Bus Stop
Fleetwood Mac – Don’t Stop (Live)
Blodwyn Pig – Drive Me
Elvis Presley – I Just Can’t Help Believin (Live)
The Who – The Punk And The Godfather
Mama’s Boys – Lonely Soul
The Jam – Goin Underground
Paul McCartney & Nirvana – Cut Me Some Slack
Jackson Browne – Daddy’s Tune
Otis Rush – All Your Love (I Miss Loving)
Bruce Springsteen – Lucky Town

Intro Tune: Take It Off The Top – Dixie Dregs
Outro Tune: Samba Pa Ti & Little Wing
Background Link Tunes:  Samba Pa Ti & Little Wing

The Tide Is Turning

When You Are Low In Spirit And Discouraged Remember The Lowest Ebb Is The Turn Of The Tide

*The music show (MP3 file) for this playlist has been archived and is available upon request.

Deep Purple – Speed King
Elvis Presley – My Babe (Live @ Las Vegas)
Rory Gallagher – Hands Up
Slim Harpo – King Bee
The Who – Eyesight For The Blind (Tommy)
Styx – Can’t Find My Way Home
Blood Sweat & Tears – Go Down Gambling
Kiss – Cold Gin (Live)
The Wallflowers – Heroes
Pat Benetar – You Better Run
Graham Parker & The Rumour – Hey Lord Don’t Ask Me Questions
Santana feat. Rob Thomas – Sunshine Of Your Love

Intro Tune: Take It Off The Top – Dixie Dregs
Outro Tune: Je’t’aime
Background Link Tunes: Je’t’aime

Advantage Of A Hotel

The Great Advantage Of A Hotel Is That It’s A Refuge From Home 

*The music show (MP3 file) for this playlist has been archived and is available upon request.

Creedence Clearwater Revival – Travelling Band
Black Crowes -Hotel Illness
Heart – All I Want To Do Is Make Love To You
Frank Zappa & The Mothers Of Invention -Willie The Pimp
Frank Zappa & The Mothers Of Invention – Mud Shark
Elvis Presley – Heartbreak Hotel
The Eagles – Hotel California
Lou Reed – Dirty Boulavard
The Who – Bell Boy
Stevie Nicks – Imperial Hotel
Frank Zappa & The Mothers Of Invention – Peaches En Ragalia

Intro Tune: Take It Off The Top – Dixie Dregs
Outro Tune: Theme 1 – Van Der Generator
Background Link Tunes: Je’t’aime