Friday Blues

Yep Friday blues. Not like I'm sad - although quite perturbed at the sudden artic quality of weather around here. I mean blues, like some southern rock, Memphis blues.

Last week I heard this great song on public radio (I told y'all I was a nerd), I don't remember which show it was. Anyways I heard the coolest song, and immediately SoundHound-ed it, and discovered the North Mississippi AllStars.  They've been around for a while, but I've never heard of them, but they have a pretty impressive story and body of work. I won't go into it here, but check out their website.  These guys make me want to try picking up guitar again. 

Here are two songs for today - "The Meeting" (Mavis Staples) comes from their latest album, Keys to the Kingdom.  The song "K.C. Jones" comes from an earlier work, Shake Hands With Shorty. 

Blues music always has the best and most unique titles.

Happy weekend!

Oldie of The Day: Brown-Eyed, Handsome Man

Alright, alright, alriiiiight!! I've finally worked in a Chuck Berry song!   I don't know enough to make a call on his true king of rock & roll claim yet, but the more I listen, the more I like him. 

"Brown-Eyed Handsome Man" (aka "Brown-skinned Handsome Man") was inspired by some experiences during Berry's travel through heavily black and Latino areas of California.  He also saw a good-looking Chicano being arrested for loitering until, as Berry put it, "some woman came up shouting for the policeman to let him go." This song made it to #383 on Rolling Stone’s list of 500 top songs of all time. 

Of course it's been covered by everyone from Elvis and Buddy Holly to Waylon Jennings.  Below is  a live concert version Chuck Berry did with Robert Cray (note Keith Richards in the band).

Dr. House Has The Blues

If you like the blues, the piano, Dr. House, or just good music, you need to check out Hugh Laurie's cd, released late 2011.  I got stuck on the very first track, "St. James Infirmary", just because that song always gets to me.  Months later I'm finally getting to the other tracks, and I'm enjoying it.  He does sound a bit like Dr. John to me, but maybe because it is piano-based blues. 

Here's a couple to whet your appetite - "Swanee River" and "After You've Gone". 

Happy Weekend!