Being a contrary sort of fellow I shall answer those lovely comments from last Thursday's postbag in appreciation of perky, up-tempo songs with a slow, acoustic blues; almost a lullaby.
Any Doctor Strangelove fans will know about P.O.E., but I am using it here to indicate simplicity.
This is another song recorded by The Blind Willies (Michael on slide guitar and vocals and myself on guitar … in this case my vintage Martin acoustic), so those who didn't like the first one will find this even worse.
It is one of Blind Willie Mc.Tell's finest and most haunting lyrics: "Mama t'Ain't Long 'fore Day."
Here he sings of night terrors and the unknown dread stalking around outside in the yard and we've all been there, waiting and wishing for morning and for blesséd daylight to drive the fears away.
The blues won't solve your problems but singing and playing them sure can ease an aching heart or a worried mind and this is a particular favourite of mine.
This version was recorded for somebody special; somebody with their own worried mind to ease.
I am particularly pleased with my guitar break;
(a) because it is about as un-showy, gentle and simple as I get, and
(b) because Michael says it's the only solo I've played that made him cry (with anything other than frustration … he's spent thirty years nagging me about playing a million meaningless notes where one meaningful note would suffice).
So this is one of those breaks where I was trying to express the words I wanted to say through the guitar and I admit to kinda liking it.
Michael
Old Dive
20 comments:
Dive, that's just sensational; thank you.
While I'm cooking dinner tonight, it's playing in the background.
The cat's mother will no doubt ask, what's that lovely blues coming from upstairs..... ?
Ripper, Dive !!
Cheers, Monsieur! You're very kind.
This longitude business is a pain in the butt; there you are cooking a lovely dinner and here I am sipping a mid-morning coffee.
Oh, for a flat earth!
Well, I confess I didn't hear it playing from upstairs but I just listened to it now and it is so very appropriate to my mood that I thank you twice. Once for your incredible playing and again for choosing an almost lullaby for me today.
Sascha is feeling better...
It is so soothing, this song with lyrics and subtlety of the singing and playing.
I'll join the Benauts in thanking you, Dive. I'm sure the special person this was recorded for was grateful.
Thank you, Mme. I am so glad Sascha is feeling better. Perhaps a gentle, bluesy lullaby is a good choice when she's convalescing.
They were, Robyn; thank you.
And playing subtly is a lot easier when a six foot five hulk is standing over you saying "Don't you dare play widdly crap all over this one."
Hee hee.
perfect song for today! thank you, sugar! xoxo
As regards the longitude problem cobber, one could do worse that setting up a branch of the flat earth society. That way we would all be in the same time zone.
Sanity can be found most anywhere, given a modicum of lateral thinking and blessed ignorance.
A simpler life could manifest most interesting complexities.
Blissful bigotry should not just be the proprietorship of the few ?
Mmm yes, deep south, out on the porch at dusk and slugging back the sour mash.
Perfect :-D
Unlike M. Benaut I'm listening to this soulful song at 6:20 am, while still in bed! (Ok I did get up to bring my laptap into be with me. Not a bad companion when it can bring me a song like this!) Thanks for the great wake up music!
Very pretty Dive. After a couple days straight with 3-5 kids at all times and a hubby out of town, I needed a little something mellow as well. Now off to clean up my wrecked house. Or maybe just a quick little nap. Have a good evening. :)
Perfect, beautiful, enticing and amen to the sour mash! Thanks Dive.
You are all much too kind, but thank you.
And thank you especially to Katie for sitting me on her lap in bed this morning.
Hee hee.
Buggar Dive - we with phone lines that were used in the Ark have to listen to......... the silence!!!! God if i don't get good phone lines soon I'll just DIE!!!!
BTW If you are quick (it won't be there for long) you can slip into Rabaul DP Extra Photos and see my Bay Watch photo. I was so imspired by Mme B's stunning photo I decided to be brave and show you mine.
Hee hee right back attcha Dive! Luckily I'm proper lady or else I'd say something like you give good blog in the morning.
Dammit, Jules! I've been so busy today I'm about twelve hours behind checking up on blogs. In fact I probably won't be able to visit everyone now until the weekend.
Katie!!!! Hee hee hee hee hee!
lucky for you, i only just posted a song, sugar! ;-) xoxoxo
This reminded me so much of Jimmie Rodgers. My Da used to listen to him endlessly and I just sank into this piece like a stone in a cool pool.
It's a doozy, Savannah. I'll check out their album.
Maria: You have such a wonderful way with words. Thank you.
Can I just say how happy you look strumming that guitar?
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