Monday, March 31, 2008

Blues Piano Day 6 - Albert Ammons

Albert Ammons


There is a whole lot of tickling of those ivories going on in this video of Albert Ammons (left) and Pete Johnson (right). These guys really rip it up. This almost reminds me of classical music in the virtuoso piano playing that these cats display.

Boogie Woogie Dream


Read all about Albert Ammons here;

Albert Ammons @ Wikipedia

Albert Ammons @ JazzPolice.com


Saturday, March 29, 2008

Blues Piano Day 5 - Professor Longhair

Professor Longhair is another Louisiana raised blues piano man. They called him the professor because he was not only a wizard of the keyboard but influenced many of those who have come after him.

The Rock and Roll Hall of fame says;

Henry Roeland “Roy” Byrd - better known to the world as Professor Longhair or “Fess,” for short - stands as the foremost exponent of New Orleans piano style. Byrd’s idiosyncratic style is a rhythmic jambalaya reflecting the freewheeling, good-time spirit of the Crescent City. Professor Longhair soaked up influences from close-at-hand sources - barrelhouse boogie-woogie, Caribbean rhythms like the rumba (many of his relatives were West Indian), and the Crescent City’s “second line” parade rhythms - but the way he pieced these elements together is what made his style such a marvel of fluidity and drive.


Professor Longhair's Tipitina



Professor Longhair - Documentary(Japanese language)



In the word of others;
  • "The best thing that ever happened to the piano in New Orleans." James Booker

  • "Professor Longhair put 'funk' into music; he's the father of the stuff." Dr. John

  • "The Picasso of keyboard funk." Said by a New Orleans musician in an article during the 1990's, perhaps Dr. John or Art Neville.

  • "He's the Satchel Paige of the piano." Albert Goldman

  • "He's the Bach of rock." Allen Toussaint

  • "He's a seminal force, a guru, an original creator of the New Orleans piano style ... the teacher of great players like Fats Domino, Allen Toussaint, Mac Rebbenack, James Booker, and Huey Smith. All acknowledge him as The Great Master." Jerry Wexler


Links to blogs hosting Professor Longhair mp3s;

Big Chief mp3 @ Sous les paves, la plage...

Tipitina mp3 @ Visions and Revisions Blog

References;

Professor Longhair.com

Professor Longhair @ Wikipedia

Professor Longhair @ Myspace


Friday, March 28, 2008

Blues Piano Day 4 - Marcia Ball

Marcia Ball



I really like Marcia Ball's sound and style. She was born in Texas (I don't hold that against her) but she was raised in Louisiana, and it shows. What with the way she handles a keyboard, is there any question?

The way Wikipedia puts it;
Ball is known for her piano style, which shows elements of zydeco, swamp blues, Louisiana blues and boogie woogie. Most of her most well-known recordings were released on Rounder Records in the 1980s and early 1990s. She was inducted into the Austin Music Hall of Fame in 1990.
In the video below, I like the little talk she gives the audience.

MARCIA BALL ON THE MOUNTAIN


Marcia Ball: Play with your Poodle


references;

Marcia Ball @ MySpace

Marcia Ball @ Wikipedia

Marcia Ball's Official Website

Marcia Ball @ About.com Watch for the pop-up but they do have an mp3 at the end of the article.


Wednesday, March 26, 2008

Blues Piano Day 3 - Otis Spann

Another award winning blues piano player, and a man who did as much as anybody to help create the Chicago blues sound is Otis Spann.

According to LivinBlues;

A measure of recognition and respect in which Spann is held took place at a ceremony held at the 1972 Ann Arbor Blues and Jazz Festival, when Muddy Waters presented Spann's widow, Lucille, with a plaque which read: 'The people of Ann Arbor Michigan in recognition of the talent, the genius of the late Otis Spann, sweet giant of the Blues, formally dedicate the Ann Arbor Blues and Jazz Festival, 1972 in the grounds upon which it stands to the memory of this great artist.' That September the performance area where the plaque was placed became known as The Otis Spann Memorial Field and remained so for the ensuing years of the festival. Probably best remembered for the much needed subtle and complementary support he provided for Muddy Waters music, both on stage and in the recording studio. Otis Spann was inducted into the Blues Foundation's Hall of Fame in 1980.
LivinBlues also has a couple of Otis Spann mp3s for your listening pleasure.

Otis Spann - T'Aint Nobody's Business If I Do


Otis Spann - Blues Don`t Love Nobody


References;

Otis Spann @ YouTube

Otis Spann @ LivinBlues

Otis Spann @ Wikipedia


Tuesday, March 25, 2008

Blues Piano Day 2 - Pinetop Perkins

Pinetop Perkins
Photo by Manuel Vicari


Can't really have a blues piano week if you don't have some Pinetop Perkins, now can you? I think the bio on his official website says it all;

Pinetop Perkins is one of the last great Mississippi bluesmen still performing. He began playing blues around 1927 and is widely regarded as one of the best blues pianists. He’s created a style of playing that has influenced three generations of piano players and will continue to be the yardstick by which great blues pianists are measured.

I like the video below, because it it shows where Mr. Perkins is in his life. I really like the end where he says, "Well I'm trying to make it, 93 years young and I'm still trying to make it." Now that is the blues, I hope I'm still trying to make it in my ninities. Mr. Perkins will be 95 this comming July 7th, God willing.



Notes from YouTube; Pinetop Perkins and Anthony Sapienza perform Pinetop's hit "Kansas City" the day after Pinetop's gig at B.B. King's Blues Club in NYC. November 2006. Pinetop will be featured in a cover story in the December 2006 issue of Seventh Hour Blues, available at www.seventhhourblues.com

Mr. Perkins is an award winning blues piano player;

In 2005 he was also presented with a lifetime achievement award at the Grammy’s. In 2000 he received a National Heritage Fellowship from the National Endowment of the Arts. He has been featured in the documentary Piano Blues directed by Clint Eastwood for the Martin Scorsese PBS series, The Blues. In addition, he continued to win the Blues Music Award for best blues piano every year until 2003 when he was retired from that award, which now bears his name--the Pinetop Perkins Piano Player of the Year.

References;

Pinetop Perkins Official Web Site

Pintop Perkins @ MySpace

Pintop Perkins @ Wikipedia


Monday, March 24, 2008

Blues Piano - Day 1 - Some examples

OK, to keep this interesting I want to cover blues Piano this week. I am partial to the harmonica because I paly that instrument, but I envy piano players becasue in my mind they have real skills. Not that us harmonica players do not, but the piano has so much more to offer and the best piano blues players are real showmen.

According to Piano Blues@About.com

The piano has earned an honored place in the history of the Blues. Though not as popular or convenient as a guitar or harmonica, the piano has carved out a deep tradition in America's music. Why the piano? Why not the trumpet, violin, tuba, or other traditional musical instruments that were available throughout the evolution of the Blues. Let's take a look at history of Blues piano.
A great point made in this article is "W.C. Handy made his name as the "Father of the Blues" by transcribing Blues music for the world to then learn." Facts like this help us to really understand what the blues have become over the years. That is why I want to explore each instrument one by one.

This article also covers the various blues piano styles. Please click links to see a YouTube video of the give style.

Ragtime - Scott Joplin - Stoptime Rag

Stride - Jelly Roll Morton - Hesitation Blues

Boogie Woogie - Albert Ammons - swanee river boogie

Chicago Style - Otis Spann - T'Aint Nobody's Business If I Do

West Coast - Merry Christmas Baby - Charles Brown blues

New Orleans - Make This World A Better Place


Sunday, March 23, 2008

Harmonica Day 7 - I Feel Like Going To Church - Amazing Grace

One of my favorite blues hymns to play on my harmonica is Amazing Grace. I really like this version by Terry McMillan. May God rest his soul. I could only hope to one day be able to play it this good.

I think this version fits for a day like to day, and I hope you enjoy it.

"Amazing Grace" Played On Harmonica By Terry McMillan


Saturday, March 22, 2008

Harmonica Day 6 - Junior Wells

Junior Wells


There is no way that I could even try to do a blues harmonica week without doing a post on Junior Wells. The man is right up there with Liltle Walter in my mind. I love his song Messing with the Kid. It is one of the songs the attracted me to the blues harmonica. I also liked the style of Junior Wells and the work that he did with Buddy Guy.


Junior Wells Hoodoman Blues





Other cool videos at YouTube;

Junior Wells Mike Bloomfield - Messin With The Kid

Junior Wells - Help Me (1978)

Junior Wells - What'd I Say (1966)


Blogs that are hosting Junior Wells mp3s (get them while they are hot).

Blues Calendar Blues - Junior Wells. This is a interesting write up on Junior Wells and has four mp3s.

Reverend Frost Blog. This post has three mp3s.


the leather canary. This post has three mp3s and according to the post;

here are a few songs from a 1972 album buddy recorded with the late, great junior wells entitled buddy guy & junior wells play the blues...it was produced by eric clapton, tom dowd & ahmet ertegun, & clapton plays rhythm guitar throughout (save for a couple tracks cut with the j. geils band)...dr. john also shows up to play piano on "t-bone shuffle", but you can hardly hear him over buddy.
References;

Junior Wells@Wikipedia

Junior Wells@BluesHarp.ca

Junior Wells mp3 search @Elbo.ws

Junior Wells mp3 search @Hype Machine


Friday, March 21, 2008

Harmonica Day 5 - Friday Funny Darth Vader Blues

On Fridays I like to take a look at the funny side of the blues and because I am also doing harmonica week the below video seemed to fit. I'm a Star Wars fan too so it fits even better. The harmonica part is Sonny Terry, but I am sure that most of you know that.

I think that the blues are a joyous music, for the most part. Even though many of the lyrics seem to be about bad things, often times this is "tongue in cheek" and is played to get a laugh. Living the blues means mostly having a hard time, but it also means having a good laugh too.

Darth Vader Feels Blue


Thursday, March 20, 2008

Harmonica Day 4 - Little Walter

Little Walter



Well back down there in Alabama, or any where else, you could walk into a pawn shop and buy a harmonica for 5o cents, after Little Walter put out that record Juke it went up to 5 or 10 dollars.

Sam Lay - Drummer for Little Walter, Howlin' Wolf and Paul Butterfield Blues Band

I relate to my favorite blues harmonica players for different reasons. Little Walter is one of my favorites because he is from my home state, because of the work he did in creating the Chicago electric harmonica blues sound with Muddy Waters, and because he was a man who definitely lived the blues.



Little Walter R&R Hall of Fame film




Notes from YouTube - A brief film about blues harmonica icon Little Walter Jacobs, which was shown as part of his induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame on March 10, 2008.



Hound Dog Taylor & Little Walter - Wild About you baby






Little Walter You're So Fine



References;

Little Walter's induction into the R&R Hall of Fame - Chicago blues icon Little Walter was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame on Monday, March 10th, 2008. This is the complete induction ceremony: the 2:00 minute Tribute to Little Walter film, followed by musician Ben Harper's induction speech, then James Cotton performing both of Little Walter's #1 hits, "Juke" and "My Babe", accompanied by Paul Schaffer's Late Night Band, and featuring Ben Harper on "My Babe".

Bluesharp Little Walter page, includes several short mp3's of Little Walter on blues harp.

Little Walter@wikipedia

Little Walter - The Chess 50th Anniversary Collection: Little Walter - His Best Little Walter - The Chess 50th Anniversary Collection: Little Walter - His Best


Wednesday, March 19, 2008

Harmonica Day 3 - Sonny Terry

Sonny Terry is of course a member of the duo Sonny Terry and Brownie McGhee. They had a great career as blues and folk musicians. If you want to be a blues harmonica player studying Sonny Terry and his playing style will serve you well. The man's timing was the best in my opinion, the way he sings, shots and plays the harmonica all at the same time is a kind of magic.

I love the part of the below video when Mr. Terry ask, "What you say harmonica?" You have to love a man who talks to his harmonica.

Sonny Terry - These Women Is Killin' Me (1966)


Sonny Terry/Callin' Mama

Check out wikipedia's list of harmonica blues players.


Notable harmonica performances by other bluesmen;

Good Rockin Charles - Don't Start Me To Talkin' (1977)

Big Walter 'Shakey' Horton - Shakey's Blues (1965)

Sonny Boy Williams I Documentary


Tuesday, March 18, 2008

Harmonica Day 2 - James Cotton

I love the blues music of James Cotton. Probably because he is an award winning harmonica player and because he makes it look so easy. He always seems to be having fun when he is playing.

You can read his bio at the James Cotton offical web site.

James Cotton - Rocket 88



James Cotton live at a radio show in 1993



Here is a James Cotton interview in Spanish. The notes at YouTube say, "James Cotton in Buenos Aires, Argentina, few interviews during press conference."

Over at the "I AM FUEL, YOU ARE FRIEND" Blog, there is an impressive group of mp3s for the song "Bring it on home" by many great musicians. You should check this out, it is a great post. One of them is James Cotton doing Bring it on Home. Not sure who is doing the vocals but Mr. Cotton is doing the harmonica.

More James Cotton @ SqueezeMyLemon.


Monday, March 17, 2008

A Little Sonnny Boy Williamson Christmas Music Video

I love the blues harmonica. I play harmonica for my own entertainment mostly and consider it my favorite of all the instruments. It is so cool how this simple instrument became such a powerful part of the blues. I intend to post various videos and maybe even some mp3s of some of my favorite harmonica players all this next week.

This video includes a couple of songs that have every thing that a good blues song should have, IMHO. Great lyrics, with many double entendres, references to the devil, great harmonica playing, all done by a master bluesman. I play these songs during the holiday period but they are good anytime I hear them.


Sunday, March 16, 2008

I Feel Like Going To Church - Church Blues Video

I don't really have words to describe how happy this video makes me feel. You just have to watch it, and as you watch it I want you to consider how far this music has come.

Can't get that stuff no more.. Church Blues!!


Notes from YouTube - The BJ Trio Live in Östersund Old Church, Preachin' the Blues.. Some videoclips here from our latest visit in the Old Church, always very nice to play the acoustic blues in churches. Here we had a huge crowd in the small church, more than 300 people had come to see us play!! Awesome, thanks everyone who came!!


Friday, March 14, 2008

Old Mr. Pete Seeger

"Technology will save us if it doesn't wipe us out first." - Pete Seeger
Over at YouTube and here on squeezemylemon I read comments about Pete Seeger and I wonder if people really know who he is. And if they know about his contributions to blues music and folk music in particular.

On some of the Elizabeth Cotten videos and some other Rainbow Quest videos people comment that they think that Pete Seeger is racist, that he is patronizing and there are even worst things said about him.

In most of the videos, he is just trying to keep the show moving along. He and his guest are under time constraints, those videos were filmed for television. People who do not understand how a television show is put together think that he is being rude or disrespectful when he is just trying to keep the show on track.

And as for Pete Seeger and Elizabeth Cotten, she knew Pete Seeger when he was a boy. She worked in his families household. Imagine the fun she was having being on Pete's show.

This kind of stuff makes me mad when I read it. Because this guy is really an American hero, in my mind anyway.

It is as if we forget that when these videos were made, many of the guest on his show could not get on television any other way. And we forget that if Pete Seeger had not made many of those tapes, we would not be able to enjoy them now. Please give the man some credit.

As for Seeger being "racist" please consider this quote from wikipedia;
Seeger is also widely credited with popularizing the traditional song "We Shall Overcome", which was recorded by Joan Baez and many other singer-activists, and became the publicly perceived anthem of the 1960s American Civil Rights Movement soon after musicologist Guy Carawan introduced it at the founding meeting of the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC) in 1960.
The man popularized, meaning he sang it all the time, "We Shall Overcome." And he was a known civil rights activist. See his book Where have all the Flowers gone to read the sheet music for "Take It from Dr. King" Pete's tribute to the late, great civil rights leader.

And while I encourage everyone to leave comments, please take time to think about what you are saying, do some research and don't judge people from the past by the standards of today. Make an informed comment.

When I read the comments I feel that I have failed in my responsibility to educate people about this great art form and the people that helped make it. And Pete Seeger was truly one of them.

He worked for Alan Lomax, as an assistant. He faced the congress during the Red Scare and went twenty years without work, because of what he believed. He made many great tapes, videos, and records that allow us to enjoy some of the better known musicians of today.

For nearly 20 years Pete couldn’t get work because he had refused to cooperate with a Congressional witch-hunting committee. In addition to insulting them by refusing to play their game he’d confused them by using as his justification the First rather than the Fifth Amendment to the Constitution. His idea was that the First Amendment protected speech in two directions: the bad guys couldn’t keep you from speaking and neither could they force you to speak if you didn’t want to. It was a brilliant idea and it drove them quite crazy. Along with playwright Arthur Miller and seven other people, Pete was cited for contempt by a House vote of 373 to 9. He was tried, convicted and sentenced to a year in prison in 1961. The case was later thrown out by US Court of Appeals.
From Bruce Jackson's web article "I didn't know you knew Pete Seeger." The great conspirator turns 85.

So if you really want to get to know Pete Seeger check out these links;

Pete Seeger @Wikipedia

The Pete and Toshi Seeger Film Collection

Pete Seeger @YouTube

Pete Seeger @PBS.org American Masters

Pete Seeger @The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame

Pete Seeger Interview @The Down Home Radio Show

And if you like to read, check out these books on Mr. Seeger;

How Can I Keep from Singing: Pete Seeger
David Dunaway. Cambridge, MA: Da Capo Press, 1990.

Where Have All the Flowers Gone?: A Musical Autobiography
Pete Seeger. New York: Sing Out! Books 1995.

The Incompleat Folksinger
Pete Seeger with Jo M. Schwartz (ed.). Lincoln, NE: University of Nebraska Press, 1992.

“Pete Seeger: American Dreamer – The Life of a Modern-Day Johnny Appleseed.”
Bruce Sylvester. Goldmine (April 11, 1997): 16-19+.


Friday Funny - Elizabeth Cotten Telling Jokes Video

This video is not really a video at all, it is a static photo of Elizabeth Cotten, but the audio is so delightful. Mrs. Cotten really makes me laugh with her stories. And she ends with a song. I hope you like it.



Here is another Elizabeth Cotten post Frieght Train.

Elizabeth Cotten Elizabeth Cotten

Shake Sugaree
Shake Sugaree by Elizabeth Cotten
please click image for mp3 album @Amazon.com


Thursday, March 13, 2008

Dreams and Songs of the Noble Old - The Roots

The blog went over 46,000 hits sometimes yesterday. I just want to say thanks to all those who come by and visit. Sometimes I wish I had more skills and time to make this a better place for all those who come here to download an mp3 or to check out some of the videos that I post.

But I don't, and that gives me the blues. Sometimes people complain about squeezemylemon, as if I get paid to do this.

I think this video goes a long ways in explaining why I do this in the first place. Check out the whole video and make sure you visit folkstreams.net. They have some great roots, blues and folk music videos there.



Notes form YouTube
Alan Lomax's examination of the talents and wisdom of elderly musicians, singers, and story-tellers, who perform not for fame or fortune but to preserve and share their culture.
That pretty much sums it up, I do this to share my culture.


Wednesday, March 12, 2008

Doing that social networking thing.

I want to continue posting a lot of good blues music, but right now I am trying to fix all my various affiliate links on the different blogs that I write. So bear with me and look forward my upcoming music post soon.

I write this blog because I love the music, but I also have to get the word out about some of my other blogs as well as make contact with other like minded people. So to help maintain those connections I wanted to post all my social networking links.

I am also working hard to get all the information about my blogs online with the new social networks that are popping up. It is a lot of work. If you want to check me out on the social networks visit me on the following links.

My Blogcatalog profile

My MyBlogLog profile

My MySpace Page

My StumbleUpon Profile

My Technorati Profile




Tuesday, March 11, 2008

Albert King & Stevie Ray Vaughan - Stormy Monday Video

I have been thinking about posting much more of the post World War II type blues music. And that is what got me thinking more about Stevie Ray Vaughan. There are some great modern bluesmen like SRV, Clapton, and John Mayall. I will try to find and post more of their music as we go along.

Having said that, and in keeping with my last post. Check this out;



Notes from YouTube - Two of the greatest blues guitarists join together on this special jam at CHCH Studios in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada. December 6 1983.

Stevie Ray Vaughan & Double Trouble Stevie Ray Vaughan & Double Trouble


Monday, March 10, 2008

Stevie Ray Vaughan and Stevie Wonder - The Two Stevies

I was wondering what I would post today, and then it occurred to me that I do not post enough Stevie Ray Vaughan. I really do need to fix that.

And then low and behold someone posted some Stevie Ray with Stevie Wonder on YouTube. Now I know this is not the classical blues that I normally post in this blog, but who is going to complain about the two Stevies.


SRV & Stevie Wonder Rehearsal "Come Let Me" Take 2



Stevie Wonder and Stevie Ray Vaughan - Superstition




Sunday, March 09, 2008

I Feel Like Going to Church - Ida Goodson Video


click image to see 83 pictures of Ida Cox


I think this video shows how gospel music has its roots in the blues, and also how the blues got some of its power from gospel singers. Ida Goodson is a very good example of a blues musician who lived in both worlds.

You can read all about her at Wikipedia, they have a nice write up on her.

This is in my mind a perfect example of how blues and gospel music are related from the mouth of someone who would know.



Here is an mp3 of the roliking Something has got a hold on me from the Music from the Florida Folklife Collection.

I also enjoyed this write up in the Piney Flatwoods Girl blog.


Saturday, March 08, 2008

Alberta Hunter Videos

YouTube has a few cool videos of Alberta Hunter. Most of them when she is older. I like "Nobody Knows The Way I Feel This Morning" because her voice is more powerful and colorful then in some of the other videos. But having said that, you have to watch this first one, which can not be embedded. It shows what a powerful force she was.

Alberta Hunter performing "My Castles Rockin" (DVD Preview)

If she could sing like that at 82, then imagine her in her prime. This next one is kind of funny. They way only the blues can be.

'My Handy Man'


Nobody Knows The Way I Feel This Morning


Notes from YouTube; - After a very hard youth (she ran away from home at the age of 12), Hunter managed to become one of the best and most popular entertainers of the 20's. Her discography spans the whole 20's decade and the first half of the 30's. This recording was made for Gennett on December 24th, 1924. She was accompanied by Clarence Williams' Red Onions Jazz Babies. On the label, Hunter appears under the pseudonym Josephine Beatty.


Friday, March 07, 2008

Friday Funny - Calhoun Tubbs sings the blues



Notes from YouTube; Here is the entire clip of Calhoun singing about his good buddy Mississippi "Fatback" Weatherspoon.


Wednesday, March 05, 2008

Blues Quotes - B.B. King & Duke Ellington

“I've said that playing the blues is like having to be black twice. Stevie [Ray Vaughan] missed on both counts, but I never noticed.”

B.B. King






“I merely took the energy it takes to pout and wrote some blues.”

Duke Ellington


Tuesday, March 04, 2008

Blues Terminology: John The Conquer

The roots Ipomoea jalapa, when dried, are carried as the John the Conquer root amulet.


This is a repost from Mar of 2006.

In 1954 Muddy Waters had a hit with the Willie Dixion song "Hoochie Coochie Man" and ever since I first heard this song I wondered what Muddy meant when he sang that line "I got the John the Conqueroo." It is part of the verse that goes;

I got a black cat bone, I got a mojo too,
I got the John the Conqueroo, I'm gonna mess with you,
I'm gonna make you girls, lead me by my hand,
Then the world will know, the Hoochie coochie Man.


According to Answers.com

"John the Conquer root, refers to a number of roots to which magical powers are ascribed in American folklore, especially among the hoodoo tradition of folk magic among African Americans. The root, in turn, is named after a folk hero called High John the Conqueror."

Who was John the Conqueror?

"John the Conqueror was supposed to be an African prince who was sold as a slave in the Americas. Despite his enslavement, his spirit was never broken and he survived in folklore as a sort of a trickster figure, because of the tricks he played to evade his masters. Zora Neale Hurston wrote of his adventures ("High John de Conquer") in her collection of folklore, "The Sanctified Church."

What is John the Conqueror?

"The root known as High John the Conqueror is (supposed to be) the root of Ipomoea jalapa, an Ipomoea species related to the morning glory and the sweet potato."


John The Conqueror @ Answers.com

John The Conqueror @ LuckyMojo.com

file under;
, ,


Monday, March 03, 2008

Etta Baker In Her Own Words - Video

I really enjoy Etta Baker's music, you may remember that I posted about her when she passed away last year. May God bless her soul.

But I really like this video because it shows what a kind, simple and beautiful person she was. I hope you enjoy hearing her talk about her garden, her parents and how she learned to play guitar from her dad.

Etta Baker - Knoxville Rag


Notes from YouTube; - "Etta Baker stumped me hard. Her style was completely different. I like to think of myself as a well educated blues musician, but I must admit that I'd never played the Piedmont style, so I was a bit nervous. After a brief lesson, she kicked it off, and I just tried to keep up as best I could." - Kenny Wayne Shepherd


Sunday, March 02, 2008

I Feel Like Going to Church - Rev. Gary Davis - Oh Glory How Happy I Am

Oh Glory How Happy I Am



LYRICS:

Oh, when I was out in the world of sin
I had no one to be my friend
Jesus came and he taken me in
Glory, hallelu

And he taken my feet out the miry clay
He placed them up on a rock to stay
I thank God that I can say
Glory, hallelu

Oh, Glory how happy I am
Oh, Glory how happy I am
My soul is washed in the blood of the lamb
Glory, hallelu

I was out in darkness and I could not see
Jesus came and he rescued me
He claimed me and gave me a victory
Glory, hallelu

And one day while Jesus was passing by
He set my sinful soul on fire
He made me laugh and he made me cry
Glory, hallelu

Oh, Glory how happy I am
Oh, Glory how happy I am
My soul is washed in the blood of the lamb
Glory, hallelu

When I could not understand
Jesus, he give me a lending hand
Led me away to the promised land
Glory, hallelu

Oh, well he give me a horn and he told me to blow
Go in peace and sin no more
He led me away to the upright shore
Glory, hallelu

Oh, Glory how happy I am
Oh, Glory how happy I am
My soul is washed in the blood of the lamb
Glory, hallelu

I know something that's mighty swell
A sweet little story I love to tell
Jesus saved my soul from Hell
Glory, hallelu

Oh, stand back Satan, get out of my way
I don't want to hear not a word you say
I'm on my way to the King's highway
Glory, hallelu

Well thank God I got over at last
Thank God I got over at last
My feet is planted in the narrow path
Glory, hallelu

Oh, Glory how happy I am
Oh, Glory how happy I am
My soul is washed in the blood of the lamb
Glory, hallelu

When I had no home to claim
I begin to call on Jesus' name
He saved me from old Satan's chains
Glory, hallelu

Now I'm fire-baptized and holy ghost-filled
I'm out here to do my master's will
I must keep going, I must keep
Glory, hallelu

Oh, Glory how happy I am
Oh, Glory how happy I am
My soul is washed in the blood of the lamb
Glory, hallelu

"Oh Glory, How Happy I Am"
Words and Music by Rev. Gary Davis
Rainbow Quest with Pete Seeger (Episode 23)


Saturday, March 01, 2008

Elizabeth Cotten - Frieght Train

I'm nursing this old headache that I've got. But I did want to post a little something. The video that I had in mind can not be embeded; but it is a gem. So please check it out. It is Elizabeth Cotten in her own words, the way I like to present the blues muscian of days gone by. She tells the story of how she got her guitar and how she wrote the song Frieght Train.

The video that I am posting is a good one too, but the one above is much better so be sure to check it out.


Elizabeth Cotten - Freight Train


Note from YouTube; Elizabeth Cotten on Rainbow Quest with Pete Seeger (No. 3)

Now I'm off to rest my aching head.

Pete Seeger's Rainbow Quest
with Judy Collins and Elizabeth Cotten
Pete Seeger's Rainbow Quest with Judy Collins and Elizabeth Cotten
please click image