This blog spot is the home to my ramblings. I am a free lance writer. Most of my work goes on Associated Content. Sometimes I write what is on my mind, sometimes I plug some of my writing, and sometimes a combination of the two. So, sit back read, enjoy, and we will see where it goes.
Kris Kristofferson passed away Sunday you can visit my tribute post here, Since he passed on a Sunday same as his song Sunday Morning Coming Down would fit for a Battle of the Bands.
As you know I select two covers, and you pick the one you like the best in the comments. This time I am providing three choices. Sometimes it is good to break the rules, feeling kind of like an outlaw. Eventually usually in about a week I count the votes and post about the winer.
Contender One: Johnny Cash
Contender Two: Waylon Jennings
Contender Three: Willie Nelson
See you soon down this musical highway as we pay tribute to the Highwaymen.
Kris Kristofferson passed away leaving Willie Nelson as the last remaining Highwayman.
It was a "Sunday Morning Coming Down"
Above is a classic trailer of the 1981 film "Rollover" not only was Kris a singer/songwriter but he had an acting career. His roles in The Blade Trilogy stand out to me. However, I did get to see him in concert opening up for Bob Dylan.
He wrote "Me and Bobby McGee" which was made famous by Janis Joplin.
He had a successful life and career. At 88 he lived a full life, but he will be missed by his friends, colleagues and fans.
Willie Nelson defeated Billie Holiday 7 to 1 in July's Battle of the Bands over "Summertime." Honestly, I thought the Battle would be closer between the two musical giants. We celebrate winners here so sit back and enjoy some Willie Nelson.
"Blue Eyes Crying in the Rain"
"On the Road Again"
"Always on my Mind"
Hope you enjoy! I will have August's results up soon and stay tuned for a new Battle coming September 1!
Gershwin's Summertime is a standard. The last time I used this song I battled with Ella Fitzgerald and Louis Armstrong. The song has been covered so often. This battle I chose two more musical giants in Willie Nelson and Billie Holiday
Contender One: Willie Nelson
Contender Two: Billie Holiday
In the comments let me know who you like, in a week or so I will post about the winner.
From Gypsy Jazz to jazz standards as May has faded into June. The song Summer Wind was penned by Heinz Meier and Hans Bradtke. The lyrics were German, so Johnny Mercer added English lyrics and Wayne Newton recorded the first English version.
Sometimes,okay a lot of times I have an idea of who is going to win the battle. I tend to go with this is neat, or this is a really good contrast, or I leave my audience wondering what the heck I drank. "Blue Eyes Crying in the Rain" is a great song. I thought Hank Williams Sr might lose in a landslide. Night taking away from his fame but his music does have a bit of twang in it. Elvis would be selling out concert venues today if venues still had concerts.
I was excited when the votes came in and Hank Williams took an early lead. The King of Rock and Roll was in trouble. He needed a rally. The Battle was close and every vote counts. The last three votes were for Elvis. The right Elvis, not that Costello fellow. (Strange votes do happen on here so it isn't like it is impossible.)
I mean Elvis Costello, his wife, and Willie did perform "Crazy" together. A couple of puffs on Willie Nelson's private stash they could have jumped right into "Bloodshot Eyes Crying in the Rain."
Reeling things back in the final score was 4 to 3 in favor of Elvis Pressley. The supposedly dead King of Rock Elvis Pressley has been suffering due to the Covid-19 situation since the restaurants he has been rumored to be working at since his death have been closed, hours reduced and other problems. Elvis has been working on new music and will be releasing a new album soon. You heard that here first!
Let's celebrate the winner!
Since Mother's Day passed Sunday
"That's Alright Mama"
"Mama Liked the Roses"
That's the Mama special. There might be some
"Suspicious Minds" about some of the content in this post..
I better go before I start singing "Jailhouse Rock"
I'll be back on the 15th with a new Battle of the Band.
The song Blue Eyes Crying in the Rain is best known due to Willie Nelson. Willie just celebrated a birthday so it is fitting to pick a song associated with him. Fred Rose wrote the classic song.
Roy Accuff first recorded the gem way back in 1945..
I'm going to pit two musical legends together.
Contender One: Hank Williams Sr
Contender Two: Elvis Presley
Who are you voting for Hank or Elvis? Let me know in the comments
Today's theme for Monday's Music Moves Me is artists/bands that have performed at Farm Aid. The festival started in September of 1985 and this year's festival is on September 21, 2019. If you want more information on the charity, festival and how you can help visit their site.
Neil Young and Waylon Jennings perform "Get Back to the Country" at the original Farm Aid
Willie Nelson performs "Always on my Mind" at last year's Farm Aid
John Mellencamp performs "Small Town" in 1987
Dave Matthews Band "Crash Into Me" from Farm Aid 1997
Another close battle on my Battle of the Bands battle but not a tie.
Willie Nelson versus Waylon Jennings in a tribute to Gregg Allman of the Allman Brothers Band. Jam Bands, Southern Rock and Outlaw Country combining for this battle. Yes, I have a musical blender I throw song titles in and boom I my battle is created.
The Battle was streaky but Waylon Jennings prevailed 5 to 3.
We celebrate winners so hold on for some music!
Some people say that about me, but continuing on..
On my last Battle of the Bands I paid tribute to Chris Cornell. This time I am paying tribute to Gregg Allman. The song I selected has been used to pay tribute to Gregg from a ton of artists. Jimmy Buffett played a bit of the song as a tribute when I saw him earlier this month. It isn't the song I wanted to use, but I do like the match up I came up with.
Oh the song is: "Midnight Rider"
How it works: I post two versions of the songs. You listen to the songs and let me know which one you thought was the best in the comments. I count up the votes and announce a winner at a later date.
If you enjoyed this battles check out my friends who are participating. The best list is at this blog. Contestant One: Willie Nelson
Contestant Two: Waylon Jennings
Waylon or Willie? Which cover do you like best? A tribute Battle featuring Brothers, Outlaws and Riders. I hope you enjoy and I will see you soon!
Today June 22, 2015 is Kris Kristofferson's birthday. He was just featured in a blog by a friend of mind called the Far Away Series in a Battle of the Band. He lost that match up with Johnny Cash.
But Johnny Cash and Kris have had some collaborations outside of a Battle of the Bands.
Yes I added Willie Nelson and Waylon Jennings because you can never have too many superstars.
I really discovered Kris Kristofferson when I saw him open up for Bob Dylan, But the first time I remember hearing a song he wrote was through Janis Joplin..
"Me and Bobby McGee" was a song Kris wrote. He also dabbled in acting as well..
The above clip was from Blade. My favorite Kris Kristofferson song is "Sunday Morning Coming Down"
Thanks for visiting! What is your favorite Kris Kristofferson song? Movie part?
Seeing Willie Nelson in concert would be cool, seeing the country legend in a club setting would be unreal. Tonight some lucky fans in Washington, D.C. well get to see Willie Nelson perform at the 9:30 Club. I wrote a preview article at Examiner which you can read here. It was featured at Examiner which was nice. Fans may want to check out the slideshow and video about him getting inducted into the Austin City Limits Hall of Fame.
Of course my blog will include more music since that is how I roll. This is one of my daughters favorites the classic "On The Road Again"
Opening on this tour is his Willie's son Lukas Nelson. Here is a video of him performing..
This is one of my favorite Willie Nelson songs ...
What's your favorite Willie Nelson song? Ever seen him concert? Would you want to see him perform in a club?
Hope you enjoyed! Thanks for visiting and I will be back soon!
As "Wicked As It Seams" Keith Richards turns 70 today. He is still going strong, rocking with The Rolling Stones and recently released a hit book. The only way to celebrate Keith's birthday is to celebrate his music.
Here he is with the Rolling Stones...
Here Keith Richards performs with Willie Nelson..
I know I have blogged about Keith Richards and the Rolling Stones a few times. The challenge is to try not to repeat the same videos.You can search my other post for more videos.
This song might be a repeat, but it is the most fitting way to wrap up this post..
On this day in 1953 Django Reinhardt collapsed and died on his way home from a gig. He was the victim of a brain hemorrhage. He is considered to be one of the greatest guitarists to ever play the guitar. He died at the age of 43. Django left behind quite a musical legacy. Amazingly he only played his solos with two fingers on his fretting hand due to an injury that left his other fingers paralyzed. Maybe it is just a testimony to his incredible will to over come. The same accident had left his leg paralyzed. (It was a fire when he was 18) Django refused to let them amputate and he was walking, with a cane, within a year. Well enough of my rambling it is better to listen and watch his musical legacy...
Here he is with Duke Ellington.."Honeysuckle Rose"...
Here is someones list of best solos..remember he just uses two fingers,,,
Here he performs "Dark Eyes" in New York...
He did spend a lot of his youth living in Gypsy camps, so the Gypsy life influenced his music as well as he developed a gypsy jazz..
Here is Willie Nelson covering Django..
Remembering Django Reinhardt and celebrating his music, I will be back soon with a new post..
Yesterday I shared the 2013 Mountain Jam line up today I will share The 2013 New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival line up better known simply as Jazz Fest! I was fortunate to go to this festival once and it was incredible! A blend of multiple styles of music.
The Festival runs April 26 through Sunday May 5 for specific lineups per day please check out their website.
Billy Joel
The biggest names in music play this festival. Also probably a bunch of folks you have never heard before who will blow your mind musically. Billy Joel is one of those biggest names. He recently played the 12.12.12 Concert.
Fleetwood Mac
You may have heard the rumors that Fleetwood Mac has reunited once more for another tour. One of their stops will be JazzFest.
The Dave Matthews Band
Another big nam, The Dave Matthews Band will also play the Fest. They are no strangers to playing festivals and big stages.
Maroon 5
This band has moves like Jagger..
The Black Keys
Another band that is developing quite a following is The Black Keys.
John Mayer
One of the most popular guitar/singers out there John Mayer will also be performing.
Widespread Panic
One of the biggest jam bands out there, Widespread Panic will be playing the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival. Like my previous post they will also be playing Mountain Jam.
Daryl Hall and John Oates
Do anyone remember these guys? I am sure you do let me find a video to rewind your memory.
Phoenix
B.B. King
The King, a living legend in Blues Music, and incredible entertainer, and a headliner at Jazz Fest. Yes, B.B. King will be there!
Frank Ocean
Earth, Wind, and Fire
A classic old school band here...
Willie Nelson and Family
Willie Nelson is a legend!
Little Big Town
Little Big Town is headed for the Big Easy. Last year they enjoyed a number one hit with this song...
George Benson
Of course there is jazz
It is a wonderful festival with a lot of bands. I will list some more below but cut down on comments and videos due to space.
Jill Scott, Jimmy Cliff, Gypsy Kings, Jeffrey Osborne, Patti Smith, Ben Harper with Charlie Musselwhite..
That last combo deserved a video...
Band of Horses, Gary Clark Jr, Andrew Bird, Maze, Juan Louis Guerra y 440 and Los Lobos
There is still more! The Little Willies, Kem Roy Ayers, Laura Bell Bundy, Dianne Reaves, and the Stanley Clarke/George Duke Project
Charles Bradley, Wayne Shorter Quartet, the legendary Taj Mahal with the Real Thing Tuba Band...I have seen Taj Mahal open for Eric CLapton and at The Wanee Festival...
Calexico, Eddie Palmieri Salsa Orchestra, Vashawn Mitchell, Jushua Redman Quertet, Mutemath, and the amazing Ana Popovic...
The Mavericks, Little Joe Y La Familia, Campbell Brothers, Brushy One String of Jamaica, dobro master Jerry Douglas, Daryl Coley, Magary Lord of Bahia-Brazil, Male Debale of Bahia-Brazil, The Del McCoury Band with the Preservation Hall Jazz Band..wow Bluegrass and jazz mixing it up! Doc McKenzie and the Hi Lites, Pokey LaFarge, Salio from the Republic of Georgia, Robert Mirabal, Martha Redbone, Bill Miller, Pura Fe, A Tribe Called Red, Yellow Bird Indian Dancers, Stoney Creek Indian Dancers, Oneida Longhouse Singers and Dancers. Here comes the Funk! Trombone Shorty and Orleans Avenue, Aaron Neville, Dr. John, Allen Toussaint, Irma Thomas, Preservation Hall Jazz Band, Pete Fountain, The Nevilles, Rebirth Brass Band, Galactic, Ivan Neville's Dumpstaphunk, Better than Ezra, The Meter Men with Page McConnell, Kermitt Ruffins and the Barbecue Swingers, The 35th Anniversary Celebration of "One Mo' Time!" Marc Broussard, Chris Owens, Amanda Shaw and the Cute Guys, Papa Grows Funk, and Cowboy Mouth Tab Benoit is someone you should discover..
Anders Osborne, Theresa Andersson, Big Sam's Funky Nation, slide master Sonny Landreth, Jon Cleary, John Boutte, the legendary Dirty Dozen Brass Band, Irvin Mayfield and the New Orleans Jazz Orchestra, Jeremy Davenport, Deacon John, Davell Crawford, Terence Blanchard, Rockin' Dopsie Jr and The Zydeco Twisters, Henry Butler, Donald Harrison and Bonerama.
One heck of a lineup for one of the best festivals in the world! I am getting festival fever over here!
Hal David who added the great lyrics to Burt Bacharach scores to create some of the greatest songs of all time in the 60's and 70's passed away at the sage of 91. Songs like "Do you know the way to San Jose?," "Raindrops Keep Fallin' on my Head," "Close to You" and "What's New Pussycat" to just name a few. You can read his obit from the New York Times.here.
I watched a tribute to him and Burt from the White House on PBS back in May while I was on vacation. I highly recommend it. I enjoyed it with my parents and daughter and it only goes to show great songs can be enjoyed by generations.
Here is a recent celebration:
Bet you didn't know he was one of the song writers for this song...
This song was one of his favorites...
and the World still Needs Love...
Hal David was an incredible writer and he will be missed. Thankfully he left us so many songs may he rest in peace.
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