The daily mix:
1) Keith Whitley: "Girl From the Canyon"
2) Merle Haggard: "There I've Said It Again"
3) Steve Young: "Long Way to Hollywood"
4) Joy Lynn White: "I'm Free"
5) Pieta Brown: "Fly Right"
6) Jim Lauderdale: "Borrow Some Summertime"
7) Larry Jon Wilson: "Friday Night at Al's"
8) Left Frizzell: "A Little Unfair"
9) Rodney Crowell: "Still Learning How to Fly"
10) Terry Adams: "A Girl Who Loves the Stooges"
Saturday, February 28, 2009
Archie Edwards and Mike Baytop
According to the Archie Edwards Blues Foundation's Web site, Mike Baytop, the organization's founder and president, suffered a stroke earlier this month. My thoughts and prayers go out to him and his family.
The foundation helps keep the blues alive by inspiring young musicians and by giving them an outlet for their music. It also honors the memory of Archie Edwards, an incedible Piedmont blues musician.
If you've never heard Edwards' music, I suggest you find a copy of "The Toronto Sessions" — you also can download it at iTunes. His voice is warm and friendly; his guitar playing is bouncy and crisp.
Check out the foundation's Web site to learn more about Edwards and to find an address to send your well wishes to Baytop. In the meantime, here's a clip of Edwards performing "One Thin Dime Blues," followed by a video clip of Baytop performing with 5-year-old Nicholas Spicer at a music festival in Decemeber.
The foundation helps keep the blues alive by inspiring young musicians and by giving them an outlet for their music. It also honors the memory of Archie Edwards, an incedible Piedmont blues musician.
If you've never heard Edwards' music, I suggest you find a copy of "The Toronto Sessions" — you also can download it at iTunes. His voice is warm and friendly; his guitar playing is bouncy and crisp.Check out the foundation's Web site to learn more about Edwards and to find an address to send your well wishes to Baytop. In the meantime, here's a clip of Edwards performing "One Thin Dime Blues," followed by a video clip of Baytop performing with 5-year-old Nicholas Spicer at a music festival in Decemeber.
Friday, February 27, 2009
Cahl's Jukebox, 2-27-09
Friday morning blues:
1) Tommy McClennan: "Baby, Don't You Want to Go"
2) Archie Edwards: "I Called My Baby Long Distance"
3) Washboard Sam: "Down at the Old Village Store"
4) Robert Shaw: "Throw Me in the Alley"
5) Bumblebee Slim: "Pains in My Body"
6) Big Maceo: "Tuff Luck Blues"
7) Roosevelt Sykes: "High as a Georgia Pine"
8) Sleepy John Estes: "Little Laura Blues"
9) Mississippi Fred McDowell: "The Lovin' Blues"
10) Lil' Son Jackson: "No Money, No Love"
1) Tommy McClennan: "Baby, Don't You Want to Go"
2) Archie Edwards: "I Called My Baby Long Distance"
3) Washboard Sam: "Down at the Old Village Store"
4) Robert Shaw: "Throw Me in the Alley"
5) Bumblebee Slim: "Pains in My Body"
6) Big Maceo: "Tuff Luck Blues"
7) Roosevelt Sykes: "High as a Georgia Pine"
8) Sleepy John Estes: "Little Laura Blues"
9) Mississippi Fred McDowell: "The Lovin' Blues"
10) Lil' Son Jackson: "No Money, No Love"
Thursday, February 26, 2009
James Brown Museum
Guess I have a side trip to make next time I visit my brother and his family in South Carolina. A new James Brown museum has opened at South Carolina State University.
Cahl's Jukebox, 2-26-09
The daily mix:
1) Whiskey Daredevils: "Ear to the Ground"
2) Janis Martin: "Drugstore Rock 'n' Roll"
3) Ray Campi: "Don't Get Pushy"
4) Dave Alvin: "Barn Burnin'"
5) James Hunter: "Don't Do Me No Favours"
6) Shuggie Otis: "Gospel Groove"
7) Shirley Brown: "I've Got to Go on Without You"
8) Betty Wright: "Funny How Love Grows Cold"
9) Dorothy Moore: "Misty Blue"
10) Mitty Collier: "Everybody Makes a Mistake Sometime"
1) Whiskey Daredevils: "Ear to the Ground"
2) Janis Martin: "Drugstore Rock 'n' Roll"
3) Ray Campi: "Don't Get Pushy"
4) Dave Alvin: "Barn Burnin'"
5) James Hunter: "Don't Do Me No Favours"
6) Shuggie Otis: "Gospel Groove"
7) Shirley Brown: "I've Got to Go on Without You"
8) Betty Wright: "Funny How Love Grows Cold"
9) Dorothy Moore: "Misty Blue"
10) Mitty Collier: "Everybody Makes a Mistake Sometime"
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Gurf Morlix: 'Last Exit to Happyland'
I don't know whether John Steinbeck sang and played the guitar, but if he did I'm betting he sounded a lot like Gurf Morlix.Certainly, the protagonist in "One More Second," the first track on Morlix's new album, "Last Exit to Happyland," could have popped out of a Steinbeck novel. It's a story of a murderer's reflection of his evil deed.
As on his last album, "Diamonds to Dust," Morlix communes with the spirits of friends who have died and prays for the souls of friends who are standing at the crossroads of their lives. He does so with a gruff warmth that's almost always moving, especially when his coarse voice is paired with the angelic harmonies of Patty Griffin, Ruthie Foster and Barbara K.
Morlix doesn't head to California as Steinbeck's characters might have — though he does make a couple of empathetic trips to Louisiana to investigate the plight of folks in New Orleans. Instead, Morlix travels along the rocky road of middle age. His observations are both tender and scary ... and you'll want to hear them again and again.
Cahl's Jukebox, 2-25-09
Wednesday morning jazz:
1) Bobby Hackett: "At the Jazz Band Ball"
2) Cootie Williams: "Easy Swing"
3) Gil Evans: "Jambangle"
4) Marcus Strickland: "Sneaky Deaky"
5) Lucky Thompson: "Invitation"
6) Nick Brignola: "Key Largo"
7) Art Blakey: "Once in a While"
8) Herbie Harper: '6/4 Mambo"
9) Saheb Sarbib: "East 11th Street"
10) Roy Eldridge: "Bye Bye Blackbird"
1) Bobby Hackett: "At the Jazz Band Ball"
2) Cootie Williams: "Easy Swing"
3) Gil Evans: "Jambangle"
4) Marcus Strickland: "Sneaky Deaky"
5) Lucky Thompson: "Invitation"
6) Nick Brignola: "Key Largo"
7) Art Blakey: "Once in a While"
8) Herbie Harper: '6/4 Mambo"
9) Saheb Sarbib: "East 11th Street"
10) Roy Eldridge: "Bye Bye Blackbird"
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Louisiana Red: 'Live in Montreux'
No one will mistake Louisiana Red's version of "Bring It On Home to Me" for Sam Cooke's original. Cooke, of course, sang the song with a velvety plea. Louisiana Red's delivery is coarser; both his vocals and his guitar convey a desperate sense of urgency. As a result, Louisiana Red almost accomplishes the unthinkable ... he comes close to making you forget Cooke's classic version as you listen to this bluesy rendition.Trust me, though, you won't forget "Live in Montreaux," a solo recording of a concert Louisiana Red gave in 1975. To tell you the truth, the way Louisiana Red plays the slide guitar intimidates the hell out of me (especially after I bought two guitars this month — a Larrivee and a Gretsch.)
It sounds to me like Louisiana Red is challenging the devil and serenading an angel every time he plucks his guitar strings. His voice, though hardly beautiful, conveys the same sense of light and darkness.
Darkness prevails on "First Degree." I'm a big rock 'n' roll fan, but I've never heard a rocker play with the ferocity that Louisiana Red does on the tune. Give it a listen, but hide your children first.
Concord Music Group Sells MP3s
I haven't bought any MP3s from the Concord Music Group site yet, but I'll be a happy music fan if Concord starts selling long out-of-print jazz albums ... especially at 89 cents a song.
Monday, February 23, 2009
Moody Scott: 'Bustin' Out of the Ghetto'
Louisiana native Moody Scott's "Bustin Out of the Ghetto" is one of the most infectious soul tunes I know. On it, Scott sings with the sweetness of Sam Moore and the funkiness of James Brown. The anti-drug tune was a minor funk hit that should have become an iconic anthem. I like just about all the tunes on a collection of his songs also called "Bustin' Out of the Ghetto." He reminds me a bit of Joe Tex on danceable soul tunes such as "Beauty, Soul and Style," "May I Turn You On" and "A Man in Need is a Fool."
Scott might be even better when he explores his tender side. Folks who aren't moved by songs such as "I'll Find My Sunshine," "A Woman's Touch" and "To Lay Down Beside You" have no soul.
On "Bustin' Out of the Ghetto," Scott tells you to "get up off your rusty dusty." I suggest you heed his advice and go find a copy of this album.
Cahl's Jukebox, 2-23-09
The daily mix:
1) The Zombies: "Leave Me Be"
2) The Rosebuds: "Outnumbered"
3) The Kinks: "Get Back in Line"
4) Big Star: "Back of a Car"
5) Jay Farrar: "Damn Shame"
6) The National: "Baby, We'll Be Fine"
7) Sam Prekop: "Dot Eye"
8) Admiral Twin: "When I Hit the Brakes"
9) The Faces: "You're So Rude"
10) The Jacobites: "God Save Us"
1) The Zombies: "Leave Me Be"
2) The Rosebuds: "Outnumbered"
3) The Kinks: "Get Back in Line"
4) Big Star: "Back of a Car"
5) Jay Farrar: "Damn Shame"
6) The National: "Baby, We'll Be Fine"
7) Sam Prekop: "Dot Eye"
8) Admiral Twin: "When I Hit the Brakes"
9) The Faces: "You're So Rude"
10) The Jacobites: "God Save Us"
Dr. Lonnie Smith: 'Rise Up!'
Dr. Lonnie Smith's guttural vocals on his cover of The Beatles' "Come Together" might turn some folks off because they sound almost like he's impersonating Tom Waits. I think his vocals are the perfect setup for the way he attacks the tune with his organ. The Beatles never sounded so raw and funky.That tune from Smith's new album — "Rise Up!" — will get your heart thumping. The bluesy beauty of "And the World Weeps" might make it stand still.
Smith's opening notes on "The Pilgrimage" are right out of the church. Donald Harrison turns it into a love ballad with his sweet saxophone. "Dapper Dan," on which Smith, guitarist Peter Bernstein and Harrison trade solos, is another highlight.
Smith's cover of The Eurythmics' "Sweet Dreams" might be the most interesting song on the album. The ethereal opening chords sound like an introduction for a children's fantasy movie. Then after a few hypnotic minutes, Smith and Bernstein take flight, cutting groovy swaths around each other.
The album's liveliest tune might be Smith's cover of "Tyrone" by Larry Young. The uptempo blues is a showcase for the bouncing brawniness of Smith's organ and Harrison's saxophone gives the song a New Orleans feel.
Check out these tunes from the album:
Sunday, February 22, 2009
Cahl's Jukebox, 2-22-09
The daily mix:
1) Dale Watson: "Hollywood Hillbilly"
2) The Flying Burrito Brothers: "Juanita"
3) Junior Brown: "Broke Down South of Dallas"
4) The Spanic Boys: "What Will You Do"
5) The Blacks: "The New World"
6) Duane Jarvis: "Intoxicate Me"
7) Bap Kennedy: "Rock and Roll Heaven"
8) The Hilltops: "I'd Like to See You"
9) Wilco: "Box Full of Letters"
10) Gene Clark and the Gosdin Brothers: "Elevator Man"
1) Dale Watson: "Hollywood Hillbilly"
2) The Flying Burrito Brothers: "Juanita"
3) Junior Brown: "Broke Down South of Dallas"
4) The Spanic Boys: "What Will You Do"
5) The Blacks: "The New World"
6) Duane Jarvis: "Intoxicate Me"
7) Bap Kennedy: "Rock and Roll Heaven"
8) The Hilltops: "I'd Like to See You"
9) Wilco: "Box Full of Letters"
10) Gene Clark and the Gosdin Brothers: "Elevator Man"
Gwil Owen: 'Gravy'
Back in the early '90s, I stumbled upon an album by Toni Price and I've been smitten by her music ever since. Gwil Owen, who's written some of Price's best material over the years, deserves at least a part of the credit for that. Lately, I've been digging an album by Owen called "Gravy." It's filled with an infectious mix of soul and country. The album's best song — "Don't Break Funky On Me" — rides an easy J.J. Cale-type groove with some killer organ parts. "Reach Out" sounds almost like an old tune from Stax. Owen also fills "What I'm Putting Down" with soul and adds a sexy heaping of twang.
There are a couple of ballads, and they're mighty pretty, particularly "One of These Lonely Days."
Check him out on Myspace.
Saturday, February 21, 2009
Cahl's Jukebox, 2-21-09
Saturday afternoon jazz:
1) Abbey Lincoln: "My Man"
2) Bunky Green: "April Green"
3) Herbie Nichols: "House Party Starting"
4) Jack Sheldon: "No Trump"
5) Peggy Lee: "It's Been a Long, Long Time"
6) Julie London: "Bye Bye Blues"
7) Junior Mance: "I Believe to My Soul"
8) Dinah Washington: "Time Out for Tears"
9) Sheila Jordan: "Baltimore Oriole"
10) Clark Terry: "A Sunday Kind of Love"
1) Abbey Lincoln: "My Man"
2) Bunky Green: "April Green"
3) Herbie Nichols: "House Party Starting"
4) Jack Sheldon: "No Trump"
5) Peggy Lee: "It's Been a Long, Long Time"
6) Julie London: "Bye Bye Blues"
7) Junior Mance: "I Believe to My Soul"
8) Dinah Washington: "Time Out for Tears"
9) Sheila Jordan: "Baltimore Oriole"
10) Clark Terry: "A Sunday Kind of Love"
Friday, February 20, 2009
'Eddie Mack: The Complete Recordings, 1947-1952'
I bought "Eddie Mack: The Complete Recordings, 1947-1952," without knowing anything about Mack. I figured I wasn't taking much of chance when I saw he was accompanied by Cootie Williams, Willis "Gator" Jackson, Gus Johnson, Bobby Smith, Bill Jennings, Leroy Kirkland, Rene Hall, Ed Thigpen, Ace Harris and many other top jazz and blues musicians.Sometimes I lose my bets. This time I won big.
Mack was a blues shouter similar to Wynonie Harris and Jimmy Witherspoon and damn near as good. He sang with a rich, clear tone that seemed to pop when he hit his high notes. And, man, do the guys behind him cook. Highlights include "Mercenary Papa," "Hoot and Holler Saturday Night" and "Kind Loving Daddy."
Here's a song that isn't on this collection, but it will give you an idea of Mack's style.
Cahl's Jukebox, 2-20-09
The daily mix:
1) The Wipers: "Window Shop for Love"
2) Jonathan Richman: "Rockin' Shopping Center"
3) Graham Parker: "Howlin' Wind"
4) The Jacobites: "Every Girl"
5) Kevin Ayers: "Only Heaven Knows"
6) The Kinks: "Working at the Factory"
7) American Music Club: "The Decibels and the Little Pills"
8) Sandy Bull: "No Deposit, No Return Blues"
9) The Ponys: "Ferocious"
10) Sex Clark Five: "Ridin' Streight with Nathan"
1) The Wipers: "Window Shop for Love"
2) Jonathan Richman: "Rockin' Shopping Center"
3) Graham Parker: "Howlin' Wind"
4) The Jacobites: "Every Girl"
5) Kevin Ayers: "Only Heaven Knows"
6) The Kinks: "Working at the Factory"
7) American Music Club: "The Decibels and the Little Pills"
8) Sandy Bull: "No Deposit, No Return Blues"
9) The Ponys: "Ferocious"
10) Sex Clark Five: "Ridin' Streight with Nathan"
Thursday, February 19, 2009
'The Essential James Carr'
I think I once read that soul singer James Carr was one of the late British DJ John Peel's favorite performers. I understand just how he felt.Carr's version of Dan Penn and Chips Moman's "Dark End of the Street" might be the best tune about cheating ever recorded. "To Love Somebody" is one of greatest love songs I know. Carr's vocals always sound buttery, even when he's almost shouting.
He led a troubled life, and maybe that's why most folks don't speak his name in the same sentence with Otis Redding, Sam Cooke and Wilson Pickett. That's a pity because something special happened whenever Carr sang.
If you don't have any of Carr's music, I recommend you search for a used copy of "The Essential James Carr," which is out of print now. Almost every song on the album's a classic.
Cahl's Jukebox, 2-19-09
The daily mix:
1) Snooks Eaglin: "You Give Me Nothing But the Blues"
2) Katie Webster: "It's Mighty Hard"
3) Al Garner: "Tell Me"
4) Dave Bartholomew: "Mr. Fool"
5) Big Maceo: "Come On Home"
6) Little Willie Littlefield: "Hurry Baby"
7) Mem Shannon: "My Baby's Been Watching TV"
8) Wynona Carr: "What Do You Know (About Love)"
9) Etta James: "Don't Cry Baby"
10) Bobby "Blue" Bland: "Recess in Heaven"
1) Snooks Eaglin: "You Give Me Nothing But the Blues"
2) Katie Webster: "It's Mighty Hard"
3) Al Garner: "Tell Me"
4) Dave Bartholomew: "Mr. Fool"
5) Big Maceo: "Come On Home"
6) Little Willie Littlefield: "Hurry Baby"
7) Mem Shannon: "My Baby's Been Watching TV"
8) Wynona Carr: "What Do You Know (About Love)"
9) Etta James: "Don't Cry Baby"
10) Bobby "Blue" Bland: "Recess in Heaven"
Snooks Eaglin Dies
Mardi Gras is going to be bittersweet for a lot of folks this year because Snooks Eaglin, one of the most gifted musicians in New Orleans, has died.
I was in a record store many years ago the first time I heard Eaglin's music. I bought a couple of his albums that day, and I've been a fan ever since. Eaglin played the guitar with as much spirit as anyone I've ever heard. His singing was great, too.
RIP.
I was in a record store many years ago the first time I heard Eaglin's music. I bought a couple of his albums that day, and I've been a fan ever since. Eaglin played the guitar with as much spirit as anyone I've ever heard. His singing was great, too.
RIP.
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
Cahl's Jukebox, 2-18-09
Wednesday morning blues:
1) Earl Hooker: "Two Bugs and a Roach"
2) Little Junior Parker and James Cotton: "Feelin' Good"
3) Mighty Joe Young: "Wishy Washy Woman"
4) Elmore James: "Take Me Where You Go"
5) Jesse Belvin: "Blues Has Got Me"
6) Muddy Waters: "You're Gonna Need My Help I Said"
7) John Lee Hooker: "Notoriety Woman"
8) Sammy Price: "I Want a Little Girl"
9) Magic Sam: "Blue Light Boogie"
10) Buddy Guy and Junior Wells: "Blue Monday"
1) Earl Hooker: "Two Bugs and a Roach"
2) Little Junior Parker and James Cotton: "Feelin' Good"
3) Mighty Joe Young: "Wishy Washy Woman"
4) Elmore James: "Take Me Where You Go"
5) Jesse Belvin: "Blues Has Got Me"
6) Muddy Waters: "You're Gonna Need My Help I Said"
7) John Lee Hooker: "Notoriety Woman"
8) Sammy Price: "I Want a Little Girl"
9) Magic Sam: "Blue Light Boogie"
10) Buddy Guy and Junior Wells: "Blue Monday"
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
Heaven in a Jazz Club
A great Spring Break just got better for me. I have a ticket to see the Blue Notes Records anniversary show at Orchestra on March 20 and a ticket to see Dave Alvin at the Old Town School of Folk Music on March 21. Tonight I learned that The Velvet Lounge, my favorite jazz club in the world, will be celebrating the 80th birthday of the proprietor, saxophonist Fred Anderson, all weekend. Moreover, bassist Henry Grimes, who's one of the most enigmatic musicians I've ever heard, will be playing with Anderson at a late-night show on March 21. I don't think it's a stretch to predict that my friends and I will be talking about the set 20 years from now.
Needless to say, I am one happy music fan.
Needless to say, I am one happy music fan.
Mark Olson and Gary Louris: 'Ready for the Flood'
Folks expecting The Jayhawks redux when they pick up "Ready for the Flood," the first album Mark Olson and Gary Louris have recorded together in almost 15 years, might be disappointed. There are a couple of tunes, notably "Bicycle," that sound like they belong on a Jayhawks record. The rest are either stripped down acoustic numbers or peppy twang that borders on bluegrass. And that's just fine by me.I especially love the songs on which Olson's and Louris' guitars are the only instrumental ornamentation because that focuses all the attention on their harmonies, which are as lovely and as joyful as a puppy.
It's only February, but I can't imagine there will be many albums I like better this year.
Cahl's Jukebox, 2-17-09
Tuesday morning jazz:
1) Bobby Broom: "Blues for Modern Man"
2) Tiny Grimes: "Blue Tiny"
3) Arnett Cobb (I Don't Stand) A Ghost of a Chance"
4) Eddie "Lockjaw" Davis: "Have Horn, Will Blow"
5) Joe Lovano: "Miss Etna"
6) Sonny Rollins: "I've Got You Under My Skin"
7) Kenny Drew Jr.: "Evening in the Park"
8) Don Byas: "Harvard Blues"
9) Krzystof Komeda: "Crazy Girl"
10) Benny Golson: "Where or When"
1) Bobby Broom: "Blues for Modern Man"
2) Tiny Grimes: "Blue Tiny"
3) Arnett Cobb (I Don't Stand) A Ghost of a Chance"
4) Eddie "Lockjaw" Davis: "Have Horn, Will Blow"
5) Joe Lovano: "Miss Etna"
6) Sonny Rollins: "I've Got You Under My Skin"
7) Kenny Drew Jr.: "Evening in the Park"
8) Don Byas: "Harvard Blues"
9) Krzystof Komeda: "Crazy Girl"
10) Benny Golson: "Where or When"
Monday, February 16, 2009
Paul Pena and Kongar-ol Ondar: 'Genghis Blues'
I've been a fan of the late Paul Pena for years — his "New Train" album should be in every blues/R&B fan's collection — but I'd never heard of his collaboration with throat singer Kongar-ol Ondar for the soundtrack of the film "Genghis Blues" until I found it on emusic. In fact, I'd never even heard of the film, which stars Pena. (Finding a copy of it to buy or rent is high on my to-do list.)"Gonna Move," the grooving centerpiece of "New Train," is on "Genghis Blues." That's cool — it's about as hot as any R&B tune that came out of the '70s — but I already knew it well. I was thrilled, though not surprised, to find some gritty country blues on the soundtrack; I love "Got to Move." But I wasn't prepared for the combination of blues and Asian music. Kongar-ol Ondar sounds like a lonely foghorn behind the sweetness of Pena's sweet vocals and guitar on "Tuva Farewell."
Pena growls himself on "Kargyraa Moan," which he dedicates to John Lee Hooker, Charlie Patton, Howlin' Wolf and Tommy McClennan and "all the real gutbucket scratchy blues singers who helped me get where I am today." It's been a long time since I heard a blues tune that smacked my ears so hard.
Enjoy:
Sunday, February 15, 2009
Cahl's Jukebox, 2-16-09
The daily mix:
1) James Booker: "People Get Ready"
2) Curtis Mayfied: "The Other Side of Town"
3) Lester Bowie's Brass Fantasy: "Naakkurat Na"
4) Cannonball Adderley: "Stardust"
5) Sonny Criss: "Black Coffee"
6) Stanley Clarke: "Just Lookin' Good (Cutter's Theme)"
7) The Staple Singers: "You've Got to Earn It"
8) Bobby Womack: "Across 110th Street"
9) Buddy Miles: "Down By the River"
10) Paul Pena: "Gonna Move"
1) James Booker: "People Get Ready"
2) Curtis Mayfied: "The Other Side of Town"
3) Lester Bowie's Brass Fantasy: "Naakkurat Na"
4) Cannonball Adderley: "Stardust"
5) Sonny Criss: "Black Coffee"
6) Stanley Clarke: "Just Lookin' Good (Cutter's Theme)"
7) The Staple Singers: "You've Got to Earn It"
8) Bobby Womack: "Across 110th Street"
9) Buddy Miles: "Down By the River"
10) Paul Pena: "Gonna Move"
Rebirth Brass Band at the Lafayette Brewing Company
I'm still buzzing after tonight's show by the Rebirth Brass Band at the Lafayette Brewing Company.
The group won the hearts of the Hoosier crowd pretty quickly with a cover of "Back Home Again in Indiana." It was great, but the highlights, at least for me, were their covers of Cannonball Adderley's "Mercy, Mercy, Mercy" and Bobby Womack's "It's All Over Now." The group's vocals on the latter didn't give Mick Jagger any reason to worry, but I sure as hell would love to hear the Stones and the Rebirth Brass Band team up on the tune.
Mardi Gras is still a little more than a week away, but the mostly older crowd members were still wearing colorful beads and funky masks. Me? I'm ready to shop for a king cake.
This killer version of "It's All Over Now" can't replicate the experience of seeing the Rebirth Brass Band Live, but it will give you a taste. Get up and dance. I did.
The group won the hearts of the Hoosier crowd pretty quickly with a cover of "Back Home Again in Indiana." It was great, but the highlights, at least for me, were their covers of Cannonball Adderley's "Mercy, Mercy, Mercy" and Bobby Womack's "It's All Over Now." The group's vocals on the latter didn't give Mick Jagger any reason to worry, but I sure as hell would love to hear the Stones and the Rebirth Brass Band team up on the tune.
Mardi Gras is still a little more than a week away, but the mostly older crowd members were still wearing colorful beads and funky masks. Me? I'm ready to shop for a king cake.
This killer version of "It's All Over Now" can't replicate the experience of seeing the Rebirth Brass Band Live, but it will give you a taste. Get up and dance. I did.
Cahl's Jukebox, 2-15-09
The daily mix:
1) Amalia Rodriguez: "Ai Mouraria"
2) Maria Rita: "Dos Gardenias"
3) Bela Fleck and Chick Corea: "Senorita"
4) Miles Davis: "Blues for Pablo"
5) Bud Powell: "Autumn in New York"
6) Bobby Timmons: "The Party's Over"
7) Hampton Hawes: "Broad Blues Acres"
8) Frank Sinatra and Duke Ellington: "All I Need is the Girl"
9) Lou Rawls: "Good Morning Blues"
10) Aretha Franklin: "Unforgettable"
1) Amalia Rodriguez: "Ai Mouraria"
2) Maria Rita: "Dos Gardenias"
3) Bela Fleck and Chick Corea: "Senorita"
4) Miles Davis: "Blues for Pablo"
5) Bud Powell: "Autumn in New York"
6) Bobby Timmons: "The Party's Over"
7) Hampton Hawes: "Broad Blues Acres"
8) Frank Sinatra and Duke Ellington: "All I Need is the Girl"
9) Lou Rawls: "Good Morning Blues"
10) Aretha Franklin: "Unforgettable"
Best Songs About Coffee
As part of my austerity measures during these tough economic times — and to make up for the money I spent on my new car (a Scion XD), my new laptop computer (a MacBook Pro) and my new guitar (a Larrivee D-03) — I've switched from fancyboy coffee every morning to Maxwell House.
I'm not, however, willing to give up my morning cup of Joe every morning. I'm sure my students and my dog wouldn't want me to, either — I'm cantankerous until I've had two or three cups after I wake up.
A lot of musicians seem to agree with me because there are tons of great songs about coffee. Here are some of my favorites; they're good to the last note.
1) Mississippi John Hurt: "Coffee Blues"
2) Otis Redding: "Cigarettes and Coffee."
3) The Ink Spots: "Java Jive"
4) Bob Dylan: "One More Cup of Coffee"
5) Lightnin' Hopkins: "Coffee for Mama"
6) Tom T. Hall: "Don't Forget the Coffee, Billy Joe"
7) John Hiatt: "How Bad's the Coffee"
8) Squeeze: "Black Coffee in Bed"
9) Glen Glenn: "One Cup of Coffee and a Cigarette"
10) Dance Hall Crashers: "Java Junkie"
11) Guy Clark: "Instant Coffee Blues"
12) Abbey Lincoln: "Lonesome Cup of Coffee"
13) The Pinchers: "Pot of Coffee"
14) Sarah Harmer: "Coffee Stain"
15) Freedy Johnston: "Coffee, Coffee, Coffee"
16) The Jayhawks: "Five Cups of Coffee"
17) The Wes Hollywood Show: "Dutch Coffee"
18) Augustus Pablo: "Java"
19) Sarah Vaughan: "Black Coffee"
20) Carla Bley: "Awful Coffee"
I'm not, however, willing to give up my morning cup of Joe every morning. I'm sure my students and my dog wouldn't want me to, either — I'm cantankerous until I've had two or three cups after I wake up.
A lot of musicians seem to agree with me because there are tons of great songs about coffee. Here are some of my favorites; they're good to the last note.
1) Mississippi John Hurt: "Coffee Blues"
2) Otis Redding: "Cigarettes and Coffee."
3) The Ink Spots: "Java Jive"
4) Bob Dylan: "One More Cup of Coffee"
5) Lightnin' Hopkins: "Coffee for Mama"
6) Tom T. Hall: "Don't Forget the Coffee, Billy Joe"
7) John Hiatt: "How Bad's the Coffee"
8) Squeeze: "Black Coffee in Bed"
9) Glen Glenn: "One Cup of Coffee and a Cigarette"
10) Dance Hall Crashers: "Java Junkie"
11) Guy Clark: "Instant Coffee Blues"
12) Abbey Lincoln: "Lonesome Cup of Coffee"
13) The Pinchers: "Pot of Coffee"
14) Sarah Harmer: "Coffee Stain"
15) Freedy Johnston: "Coffee, Coffee, Coffee"
16) The Jayhawks: "Five Cups of Coffee"
17) The Wes Hollywood Show: "Dutch Coffee"
18) Augustus Pablo: "Java"
19) Sarah Vaughan: "Black Coffee"
20) Carla Bley: "Awful Coffee"
Saturday, February 14, 2009
Cahl's Jukebox, 2-14-09
A Valentine's Day mix:
1) Al Green: "God Blessed Our Love"
2) Arthur Conley: "Take Me (Just As I Am)"
3) Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell: "Keep on Lovin' Me, Honey"
4) Betty Wright: "Let Me Be Your Lovemaker"
5) The Emotions: "You Make Me Want to Love You"
6) Howard Tate: "Plenty of Love"
7) Jackie Wilson: "That's Why I Love You So"
8) Eddie Floyd: "I've Never Found a Girl (To Love Me Like You Do)"
9) Chuck Edwards: "I Need You"
10) Wilson Pickett: "I'm in Love"
1) Al Green: "God Blessed Our Love"
2) Arthur Conley: "Take Me (Just As I Am)"
3) Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell: "Keep on Lovin' Me, Honey"
4) Betty Wright: "Let Me Be Your Lovemaker"
5) The Emotions: "You Make Me Want to Love You"
6) Howard Tate: "Plenty of Love"
7) Jackie Wilson: "That's Why I Love You So"
8) Eddie Floyd: "I've Never Found a Girl (To Love Me Like You Do)"
9) Chuck Edwards: "I Need You"
10) Wilson Pickett: "I'm in Love"
Friday, February 13, 2009
Maraca: 'Descarga Total'
Maraca's "Descarga Total" might be the most danceable album in my collection. Orlando "Maraca" Valle leads Maraca through one explosive song after another. There's some Latin jazz here, too (what else would you expect from a former member of the Cuban jazz supergroup Irakere?), but those tracks have some bite, too.
My students often ask me for a list of my desert island albums. In the age of iPods, I wonder whether the question's still relevant, but if I had to choose 25 albums to take with me, "Descarga Total" would probably be one of them. I figure folks stranded on an island need some party music.
Cahl's Jukebox, 2-13-09
The daily mix:
1) Freddy Fender: "Mis Suenos"
2) Bob Wills: "San Antonio Rose"
3) Marty Robbins: "El Paso City"
4) Willie Nelson: "Ou Es-Tu, Mon Amour?"
5) Paquito D'Rivera: "Latin Blues"
6) Afro-Cuban Jazz Project: "Jazz Plaza"
7) Chucho Sandoja Y Su Orquesta Continental: "El Mal Querido"
8) Ruben Blades: "Ganas"
9) Barcelona Big Latin Band: "Latin Cha Cha"
10) Eddie Palmieri and His Orchestra: "Cinturita"
1) Freddy Fender: "Mis Suenos"
2) Bob Wills: "San Antonio Rose"
3) Marty Robbins: "El Paso City"
4) Willie Nelson: "Ou Es-Tu, Mon Amour?"
5) Paquito D'Rivera: "Latin Blues"
6) Afro-Cuban Jazz Project: "Jazz Plaza"
7) Chucho Sandoja Y Su Orquesta Continental: "El Mal Querido"
8) Ruben Blades: "Ganas"
9) Barcelona Big Latin Band: "Latin Cha Cha"
10) Eddie Palmieri and His Orchestra: "Cinturita"
Thursday, February 12, 2009
Be Like Roy
I know I'm knocking on the door of old age, but I want to be like Roy Head when I grow up. Really.
Cahl's Jukebox, 2-12-09
The daily mix:
1) Sharon Jones and the Dap Kings: "This Land is Our Land"
2) Toussaint McCall: "Nothing Takes the Place of You"
3) O.V. Wright: "I Feel Love Growin'"
4) Big Maybelle: "Goin' Home Baby"
5) Magic Slim and the Teardrops: "Love Like I Wanna"
6) Jon Cleary: "Groove Me"
7) Marcia Ball: "Just Kiss Me"
8) Jessie Mae Hemphill: "My Daddy's Blues"
9) Robert Johnson: "Stones in My Passway"
10) Fats Waller: "The Meanest Thing You Ever Did Was Kiss Me"
1) Sharon Jones and the Dap Kings: "This Land is Our Land"
2) Toussaint McCall: "Nothing Takes the Place of You"
3) O.V. Wright: "I Feel Love Growin'"
4) Big Maybelle: "Goin' Home Baby"
5) Magic Slim and the Teardrops: "Love Like I Wanna"
6) Jon Cleary: "Groove Me"
7) Marcia Ball: "Just Kiss Me"
8) Jessie Mae Hemphill: "My Daddy's Blues"
9) Robert Johnson: "Stones in My Passway"
10) Fats Waller: "The Meanest Thing You Ever Did Was Kiss Me"
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
Rod Picott: 'Girl From Arkansas'
I grew up in Georgia and Virginia, but I think I know the girl Rod Picott's singing about on "Girl From Arkansas," the title track of an album he released in 2004. She's pretty, like a field of wildflowers, and just a little rough, just like Picott's song. There's a sweet melancholy in the rasp of his voice that makes me feel like I'm 10 again every time I listen to it.
"Wrecking Ball" sounds feistier, but Picott never hurries his vocals. And the juxtaposition of the slicing guitar riffs with his slow, straightforward vocals is arresting.
For the most part, Picott takes a minimalist approach with the tunes on "Girl From Arkansas." The music's sparse and pretty. His lyrics are clever and memorable.
Check it out:
Cahl's Jukebox, 2-11-09
The daily mix:
1) Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers: "Flirting With Time"
2) Lucero: "Across the River"
3) Wilco: "Side With the Seeds"
4) Rod Picott: "Wrecking Ball"
5) Eliza Gilkyson: "Love Minus Zero"
6) Kathleen Edwards: "Back to Me"
7) Suzanne Vega: "Lolita"
8) Aimee Mann: "How Am I Different"
9) Beck: "It's All in Your Mind"
10) A.A. Bondy: "American Hearts"
1) Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers: "Flirting With Time"
2) Lucero: "Across the River"
3) Wilco: "Side With the Seeds"
4) Rod Picott: "Wrecking Ball"
5) Eliza Gilkyson: "Love Minus Zero"
6) Kathleen Edwards: "Back to Me"
7) Suzanne Vega: "Lolita"
8) Aimee Mann: "How Am I Different"
9) Beck: "It's All in Your Mind"
10) A.A. Bondy: "American Hearts"
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
Happy Birthday, Marcia Ball
A friend in Texas told me tonight about Marcia Ball's 60th birthday bash in Austin. I'm going to see the Rebirth Brass Band this weekend, and that's pretty damn cool, but I'd drop those plans without a thought and fly to Austin if I weren't so swamped.
On Friday, Ball will be partying and performing with Geno Delafose and the French Rockin' Boogie, Sonny Landreth, and Steve Riley and the Mamou Playboys. She'll be celebrating Valentine's Day with Angela Strehli, Lou Ann Barton, Lavelle White, Tracy Nelson, Sarah Brown and Maria Muldaur. (That might be the coolest gig in America this year.) And on Sunday, Ball will be having a "piano throwdown" with Floyd Domino, Johnny Nicholas, Nick Connolly and Riley Osborne. She says there will also be a special unannounced guest singer from Fort Worth. (Is that where Irma Thomas lives now?)
It's cool, too, that Ball is donating the proceeds to a couple of charities, the Health Alliance for Austin Musicians and Sweet Home New Orleans. (I plan to send a check later this week in Ball's honor to my own favorite blues charity, The Music Maker Relief Foundation.)
So happy birthday, Ms. Ball. I envy my friends in Texas who'll get to spend the weekend celebrating with you.
Here's Marcia Ball with Maria Muldaur, Angela Strehli and Tracy Nelson.
On Friday, Ball will be partying and performing with Geno Delafose and the French Rockin' Boogie, Sonny Landreth, and Steve Riley and the Mamou Playboys. She'll be celebrating Valentine's Day with Angela Strehli, Lou Ann Barton, Lavelle White, Tracy Nelson, Sarah Brown and Maria Muldaur. (That might be the coolest gig in America this year.) And on Sunday, Ball will be having a "piano throwdown" with Floyd Domino, Johnny Nicholas, Nick Connolly and Riley Osborne. She says there will also be a special unannounced guest singer from Fort Worth. (Is that where Irma Thomas lives now?)
It's cool, too, that Ball is donating the proceeds to a couple of charities, the Health Alliance for Austin Musicians and Sweet Home New Orleans. (I plan to send a check later this week in Ball's honor to my own favorite blues charity, The Music Maker Relief Foundation.)
So happy birthday, Ms. Ball. I envy my friends in Texas who'll get to spend the weekend celebrating with you.
Here's Marcia Ball with Maria Muldaur, Angela Strehli and Tracy Nelson.
Cahl's Jukebox, 2-10-09
The daily mix:
1) Darby and Tarlton: "When the Bluebirds Nest Again"
2) Kokomo Arnold: "The Twelves (The Dirty Dozens)"
3) Spade Cooley: "Stompin' at the Riverside"
4) Hank Thompson: "A Six Pack to Go"
5) Howlin' Wolf: "I Walked From Dallas"
6) Otis Taylor: "Buy Myself Some Freedom"
7) John Lee Hooker: "Whiskey and Wimmen"
8) Mississippi Fred McDowell: "Millionaire's Daughter Blues"
9) Merle Travis: "Sweet Temptation"
10) Cowboy Jack Clement: "Trapped in an Old Country Song"
1) Darby and Tarlton: "When the Bluebirds Nest Again"
2) Kokomo Arnold: "The Twelves (The Dirty Dozens)"
3) Spade Cooley: "Stompin' at the Riverside"
4) Hank Thompson: "A Six Pack to Go"
5) Howlin' Wolf: "I Walked From Dallas"
6) Otis Taylor: "Buy Myself Some Freedom"
7) John Lee Hooker: "Whiskey and Wimmen"
8) Mississippi Fred McDowell: "Millionaire's Daughter Blues"
9) Merle Travis: "Sweet Temptation"
10) Cowboy Jack Clement: "Trapped in an Old Country Song"
George Kontrafouris: 'Little Daddy's Blues'
Greek keyboard player George Kontrafouris gets a thick, meaty sound out of his Hammond B3 organ as he grooves through "The Notebook," one of eight tunes on his "Little Daddy's Blues" album. The track also features some lively solos by tenor saxophonist Manuel Dunkel.In contrast, Kontrafouris' organ parts on "Teenie's World" sound more like a breathy whisper as he backs and then answers guitarist Sami Linna's lovely solos.
Kontrafouris romps through "Heatin' E" on his piano and adds some funk with his organ. It's a saucy blues that sounds good enough to be a Horace Silver composition.
I'm a big fan of Kontrafouris and can't wait for his next album.
Monday, February 09, 2009
Cahl's Jukebox, 2-9-09
Monday morning jazz:
1) George Kontrafouris: "The Shuffle of Changes"
2) Jonas Kullhammar Quartet: “Ruskitoonies McAroonies"
3) Odean Pope Saxophone Choir: "Central Park West"
4) Michael Brecker: "Nothing Personal"
5) Stan Getz: "Dum, Dum, Dum"
6) Art Pepper: "The Prisoner"
7) Jim Hall: "Unfinished Business"
8) Miles Davis: "All of You"
9) Zim Ngqawana: "Mamazela
10) Eddie Daniels and Roger Kellaway: "We'll Always Be Together"
1) George Kontrafouris: "The Shuffle of Changes"
2) Jonas Kullhammar Quartet: “Ruskitoonies McAroonies"
3) Odean Pope Saxophone Choir: "Central Park West"
4) Michael Brecker: "Nothing Personal"
5) Stan Getz: "Dum, Dum, Dum"
6) Art Pepper: "The Prisoner"
7) Jim Hall: "Unfinished Business"
8) Miles Davis: "All of You"
9) Zim Ngqawana: "Mamazela
10) Eddie Daniels and Roger Kellaway: "We'll Always Be Together"
Sunday, February 08, 2009
Buddy and Julie Miller EP
Four tunes from Buddy and Julie Miller's forthcoming album, "Written in Chalk," which will be released in March, are now available as an EP on iTunes and they're terrific.
Here's a taste:
Here's a taste:
Cahl's Jukebox, 2-8-09
The daily mix:
1) Teddy Pendergrass: "Close the Door"
2) Latimore: "Let Me Live the Life I Love"
3) The Intruders: "When We Get Married"
4) The Manhattans: "I Kinda Miss You"
5) Curtis Mayfield: "Love Oh Love"
6) David and Jimmy Ruffin: "Stand By Me"
7) Willie Hightower: "TIme Has Brought a Change"
8) Johnnie Taylor: "Just Keep on Loving Me"
9) Joe Simon: "I See Your Face"
10) William Bell: "That's My Love"
1) Teddy Pendergrass: "Close the Door"
2) Latimore: "Let Me Live the Life I Love"
3) The Intruders: "When We Get Married"
4) The Manhattans: "I Kinda Miss You"
5) Curtis Mayfield: "Love Oh Love"
6) David and Jimmy Ruffin: "Stand By Me"
7) Willie Hightower: "TIme Has Brought a Change"
8) Johnnie Taylor: "Just Keep on Loving Me"
9) Joe Simon: "I See Your Face"
10) William Bell: "That's My Love"
Saturday, February 07, 2009
Jeff Floyd: 'Keepin' It Real'
When Jeff Floyd sings a ballad, you'd better hide your woman. Floyd, who records for soul legend William Bell's Wilbe Records, sings with a husky smoothness that sounds all the world like a cross between the music of Benny Latimore and Luther Vandross. And you know that's a recipe for seduction.His latest album, "Keepin' It Real," is an old school soul record with some modern touches. On "Lock My Door," Floyd, backed by a horn section and some great background singers, oozes through the uptempo tune. His vocals sound effortless. Then, without warning, they take on a grainy sense of urgency.
"A Woman's Worth" is a slow and funky tune of deception that could have been a Philly soul classic if it had been recorded 35 years ago. And Floyd swings and squeals his way through "Last Call," a party tune with a monster groove.
Some of the songs on the album are a bit too slick for my taste, but don't let that stop you from checking out "Keepin' It Real." It's a nice CD with moments that are flat-out great.
Cahl's Jukebox, 2-7-09
The daily mix:
1) Mark Lanegan: "Sideways in Reverse"
2) Frank Black: "Pie in the Sky"
3) Minutemen: "The Anchor"
4) Reigning Sound: "Don't Send Me No Flowers, I Ain't Dead Yet"
5) Guided By Voices: "Girls of Wild Strawberries"
6) Close Lobsters: "Just Too Bloody Stupid"
7) Gore Gore Girls: "Fox in a Box"
8) Mr. Airplane Man: "Sun Going Down"
9) Portastic: "Memphis"
10) Sebadoh: "Brand New Love"
1) Mark Lanegan: "Sideways in Reverse"
2) Frank Black: "Pie in the Sky"
3) Minutemen: "The Anchor"
4) Reigning Sound: "Don't Send Me No Flowers, I Ain't Dead Yet"
5) Guided By Voices: "Girls of Wild Strawberries"
6) Close Lobsters: "Just Too Bloody Stupid"
7) Gore Gore Girls: "Fox in a Box"
8) Mr. Airplane Man: "Sun Going Down"
9) Portastic: "Memphis"
10) Sebadoh: "Brand New Love"
Friday, February 06, 2009
Tom Brumley Dies
To me, Speedy West will always be the ultimate steel guitarist. Tom Brumley, who died this week, isn't far behind, though.
Brumley's "Steel Guitar Polka" is one of the best tunes on "Buck Owens in Japan," perhaps my favorite Buck Owens album. The steel guitar can produce a sad, lonesome sound, but in Brumley's hands it always seemed jubilant to me. That was true on so many of Owens' recordings. Brumley also helped define the warm feeling of "Garden Party" by Ricky Nelson.
RIP.
Brumley's "Steel Guitar Polka" is one of the best tunes on "Buck Owens in Japan," perhaps my favorite Buck Owens album. The steel guitar can produce a sad, lonesome sound, but in Brumley's hands it always seemed jubilant to me. That was true on so many of Owens' recordings. Brumley also helped define the warm feeling of "Garden Party" by Ricky Nelson.
RIP.
Cahl's Jukebox, 2-6-09
Friday morning jazz:
1) Von Freeman: "Be My Love"
2) Serge Chaloff: "Susie's Blues"
3) Herbie Nichols: "Double Exposure"
4) Lucky Thompson: "Fly With the Wind"
5) Booker Ervin: "Just Friends"
6) Thelonious Monk: "Sophisticated Lady"
7) William Parker: "Testimony of the Last Flower"
8) James Carter: "I'll Never Be the Same"
9) Joe Gordon: "You're the Only Girl in the Next World for Me"
10) Jerome Richardson: "Friar Tuck"
1) Von Freeman: "Be My Love"
2) Serge Chaloff: "Susie's Blues"
3) Herbie Nichols: "Double Exposure"
4) Lucky Thompson: "Fly With the Wind"
5) Booker Ervin: "Just Friends"
6) Thelonious Monk: "Sophisticated Lady"
7) William Parker: "Testimony of the Last Flower"
8) James Carter: "I'll Never Be the Same"
9) Joe Gordon: "You're the Only Girl in the Next World for Me"
10) Jerome Richardson: "Friar Tuck"
Thursday, February 05, 2009
Maxine Brown: '25 All-Time Greatest Hits'
I'm not sure I believe Maxine Brown when she tells her man on "One Step at a Time" that she's the kind of girl who likes to take it slow and easy. Her slinky vocals are indeed slow, but they're supercharged with sensuality. She just doesn't sound like a woman who's willing to wait when the mood strikes.That's OK with me, though. The tune's one of my favorite soul burners of all time. In fact, if you ask me, Brown's one of the top soul singers of the '60s.
If you don't own any of Brown's album's, Maxine Brown: 25 All-Time Greatest Hits" is a pretty good place to start. It has some shortcomings, notably the fact that it doesn't include any of her killer duets with Chuck Jackson, but it's hard to complain about a compilation that includes tunes such as "One Step at a Time," "One in a MIllion," "Oh No, Not My Baby" and "Soul Serenade."
Many of the tunes are indeed slow and easy, but trust me, you'll burn up when you listen.
Cahl's Jukebox, 2-5-09
The daily mix:
1) John Hartford: "I'm Still Here"
2) Jamie Hartford: "Good Things Happen (When You're Around)"
3) Billy Bragg and Wilco: "Way Over Yonder in a Minor Key"
4) Bonnie "Prince" Bonnie: "New Partner"
5) Ralph McTell: "Streets of London"
6) Handsome Family: "A Shadow Underneath"
7) Richard Thompson: "The Ghost of Your Walks"
8) Jon Langford: "The Country is Young"
9) Tom Paxson: "Biggest Thing Man Has Ever Done"
10) Bert Jansch: "Needle of Death"
1) John Hartford: "I'm Still Here"
2) Jamie Hartford: "Good Things Happen (When You're Around)"
3) Billy Bragg and Wilco: "Way Over Yonder in a Minor Key"
4) Bonnie "Prince" Bonnie: "New Partner"
5) Ralph McTell: "Streets of London"
6) Handsome Family: "A Shadow Underneath"
7) Richard Thompson: "The Ghost of Your Walks"
8) Jon Langford: "The Country is Young"
9) Tom Paxson: "Biggest Thing Man Has Ever Done"
10) Bert Jansch: "Needle of Death"
Wednesday, February 04, 2009
Lux Interior Dies
My new Larrivee guitar arrived with a crack in it yesterday. The Boilers lost to Ohio State. And I've been battling the flu while training new student journalists. I didn't think I could feel any worse. Then I found out Lux Interior, the leader of The Cramps, has died.
Crap.
Crap.
Gerome Durham: 'I'm Not That Strong'
I thought Gerome Durham's latest release, "I'm Not That Strong," sounded familiar the first time I heard it. Then I learned that Johnny Rawls, Durham's mentor and producer, had written many of the songs on the album. And I'm not sure anyone makes better slow-grooving R&B than Rawls.Durham has the same type of smooth voice with smoky edges as Rawls and he uses it wonderfully on the album's 10 songs. You can bet "I Thank God For You" will find its way onto some of the Valentine's Day CD mixes I make this year. The album's best tune, "Hey Baby," might not be appropriate for Valentine's Day unless your lover's been dumping on you, but it's still stone sexy.
Check it out:
Cahl's Jukebox, 1-4-09
The daily mix:
1) The Stands: "Outside Your Door"
2) The Byrds: "Merry-Go-Round"
3) Graham Parker: "Love or Delusion"
4) Bap Kennedy: "Rock and Roll Heaven"
5) Teddy Thompson: "I'm Wrong About Everything"
6) Marah: "Crying on an Airplane"
7) Brian Jonestown Massacre: "This is Why You Love Me"
8) Steve Wynn and the Miracle 3: "What Comes After"
9) Bruce Hughes: "Bluebird"
10) The Kinks: "Set Me Free"
1) The Stands: "Outside Your Door"
2) The Byrds: "Merry-Go-Round"
3) Graham Parker: "Love or Delusion"
4) Bap Kennedy: "Rock and Roll Heaven"
5) Teddy Thompson: "I'm Wrong About Everything"
6) Marah: "Crying on an Airplane"
7) Brian Jonestown Massacre: "This is Why You Love Me"
8) Steve Wynn and the Miracle 3: "What Comes After"
9) Bruce Hughes: "Bluebird"
10) The Kinks: "Set Me Free"
Tuesday, February 03, 2009
Bonnaroo Schedule
My friends and I always go to the Austin City Limits Music Festival instead of to Bonnaroo, but I still eagerly await the scedule for the festival in Tennessee.
Bonnaroo's schedule does not offer a look through a crystal ball into who will appear at ACL, but it is an indicator of possibilities. Last year, for example, Bonnaroo featured acts such as Gogol Bordello, Solomon Burke, Sharon Jones & the Dap Kings, B.B. King, Aimee Mann, T.Bone Burnett, the Dirty Dozen Brass Band and Drive-By Truckers. ACL got Gogol Bordello, Sharon Jones and the Truckers.
This year's Bonnaroo highlights, at least for me, are Bruce Springsteen, Merle Haggard, Allen Toussaint, Al Green, Femi Kuti, Elvis Costello and Booker T & the DBTs. I also wouldn't mind seeing Lucinda Williams, TV on the Radio, Bon Iver, Neko Case and Elvis Perkins.
I'm not really worried about who the ACL organizers book — there are always a lot of great acts — but that doesn't mean I can't dream.
Bonnaroo's schedule does not offer a look through a crystal ball into who will appear at ACL, but it is an indicator of possibilities. Last year, for example, Bonnaroo featured acts such as Gogol Bordello, Solomon Burke, Sharon Jones & the Dap Kings, B.B. King, Aimee Mann, T.Bone Burnett, the Dirty Dozen Brass Band and Drive-By Truckers. ACL got Gogol Bordello, Sharon Jones and the Truckers.
This year's Bonnaroo highlights, at least for me, are Bruce Springsteen, Merle Haggard, Allen Toussaint, Al Green, Femi Kuti, Elvis Costello and Booker T & the DBTs. I also wouldn't mind seeing Lucinda Williams, TV on the Radio, Bon Iver, Neko Case and Elvis Perkins.
I'm not really worried about who the ACL organizers book — there are always a lot of great acts — but that doesn't mean I can't dream.
Cahl's Jukebox, 1-3-09
Tuesday morning blues:
1) Elmore James: "The Sky is Crying"
2) Kenny Brown: "Cheatin' and Lyin'"
3) Robert Covington: "I Want to Thank Ya"
4) Willie Kent: "Come Home"
5) Lovie Lee: "Tell Me That You Love Me"
6) Ervin Charles: "Sweet Woman's Love"
7) Raful Neal: "Down and Out"
8) Ray Bailey: "Miss Mean"
9) Travis Haddix:"Bag Lady"
10) J.B. Hutto: "I Feel So Good"
1) Elmore James: "The Sky is Crying"
2) Kenny Brown: "Cheatin' and Lyin'"
3) Robert Covington: "I Want to Thank Ya"
4) Willie Kent: "Come Home"
5) Lovie Lee: "Tell Me That You Love Me"
6) Ervin Charles: "Sweet Woman's Love"
7) Raful Neal: "Down and Out"
8) Ray Bailey: "Miss Mean"
9) Travis Haddix:"Bag Lady"
10) J.B. Hutto: "I Feel So Good"
Monday, February 02, 2009
Jazz Blog Special: The Latin Jazz Quartet and Eric Dolphy, 'Caribe'
Eric Dolphy quietly dominates "Caribe," an album he recorded with The Latin Jazz Quartet in 1960. His solos on alto saxophone, flute and bass clarinet are the focal point of the album and that's fine by me. The Latin Jazz Quartet provides tasteful backing that creates a lovely base for Dolphy's solos — I'm particularly impressed by the play of Charlie Simons on vibes. The band rarely drives Dolphy and, in a sense, that's a plus because he focuses on wooing listeners rather than wowing them.
I can't think of many other recordings that highlight the gentle side of Eric Dolphy better. His play is exquisite.
(Jazz Blog Special is a regular feature that examines older jazz albums worth checking out.)
Cahl's Jukebox, 2-2-09
The daily mix:
1) Jon Black: "Mouth of the Moon"
2) Chuck Prophet: "Are You Sure Hank Done It That Way"
3) Eleni Mandell: "My Twin"
4) Amy Correia: "Fallen Out of Love"
5) Caitlin Cary: "Rosemary Moore"
6) Emmylou Harris: "Boy From Tupelo"
7) Old Crow Medicine Show: "I Hear Them All"
8) Big Star: "The Ballad of El Goodo"
9) Star Anna: "Black Cat Blues"
10) Carrie Rodriguez: "I Don't Want to Play House Anymore"
1) Jon Black: "Mouth of the Moon"
2) Chuck Prophet: "Are You Sure Hank Done It That Way"
3) Eleni Mandell: "My Twin"
4) Amy Correia: "Fallen Out of Love"
5) Caitlin Cary: "Rosemary Moore"
6) Emmylou Harris: "Boy From Tupelo"
7) Old Crow Medicine Show: "I Hear Them All"
8) Big Star: "The Ballad of El Goodo"
9) Star Anna: "Black Cat Blues"
10) Carrie Rodriguez: "I Don't Want to Play House Anymore"
Sunday, February 01, 2009
Aimee Mann's Video Blogs
Aimee Mann now has some video blogs from her European tour. She intersperses concert footage with some behind-the-scenes video. Her fans might want to take a look.
Cahl's Jukebox, 2-1-09
Sunday morning jazz:
1) Ake Persson: "Monotones"
2) Benny Bailey: "Hard Sock Dance"
3) Steven Bernstein's Millennial Territory Orchestra: "Makes No Difference"
4) Arthur Rhames and Charles Telerant: "Remember Me"
5) Art Blakey & the Jazz Messengers: "So Tired"
6) Harold Land: "Lydia's Lament"
7) Harold Mabern: "Alex the Great"
8) Milt Jackson and Ray Brown: "Mean to Me"
9) Prestige Jazz Quartet: "Dear Elaine"
10) Howard McGhee: "High Wind in Hollywood"
1) Ake Persson: "Monotones"
2) Benny Bailey: "Hard Sock Dance"
3) Steven Bernstein's Millennial Territory Orchestra: "Makes No Difference"
4) Arthur Rhames and Charles Telerant: "Remember Me"
5) Art Blakey & the Jazz Messengers: "So Tired"
6) Harold Land: "Lydia's Lament"
7) Harold Mabern: "Alex the Great"
8) Milt Jackson and Ray Brown: "Mean to Me"
9) Prestige Jazz Quartet: "Dear Elaine"
10) Howard McGhee: "High Wind in Hollywood"
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
