Keeping with my Saturday morning ritual, today I was up and out early, ahead of the traffic, lines, noise and the like, to do errands and hit the gym. It was beautiful. This song by The Rascals captures it well. From
Wikipedia: The Rascals (initially known as The Young Rascals)
were an American rock band, formed in Garfield, NJ in 1965. Between 1966 and 1968 the New Jersey act
reached the top 20 of the billboard Hot 100 with nine singles, including the
#1s “Good Lovin’” (1966), “Groovin’ (1967), and “People Got to Be
Free" (1968), as well as big radio hits such as the much-covered “How Can
I Be Sure” (#4 1967) and “ A Beautiful Mornin’ (#3 1968), plus another critical
favorite "A Girl Like You" (#10 1967). The band was inducted into the
Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2012. (J. Gaffney)
Donovan - "Season of the Witch" - I dropped some stitches while knitting and the song popped into my head...I picked up every stitch, have no fear. (D. Martin-Dugre)
Donovan
Philips Leitch is a Scottish singer, songwriter and guitarist. He
developed an eclectic
and distinctive style that blended folk, jazz, pop, psychedelia, and
world music. He has lived in Scotland, Hertfordshire, London,
California, and since at least 2008 in County Cork, Ireland, with his
family. Emerging from the British folk scene, Donovan reached
fame in the United Kingdom in early 1965 with live performances on the
pop TV series Ready Steady Go! (Editor's Note: This song was released in the US in September of 1966, marking the beginning of the singer's switch from acoustic folk music to electric rock.)
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The Youngbloods - "Get Together" - Seems right... (T Williams)
I won't pretend to know Professor Williams's mind but his choice may be in response to the craziness that swirls around us 24/7. This particular song was first issued as a 45 rpm single in 1967, "The Summer of Love", but barely dented the Top 100. Two years later, a DeeJay at WABC-AM used the song as a promo for his show and then the National Council of Christians and Jews picked the song for a promotional push and the 45, rereleased, shot up the charts to the Top 5. It was the only hit for the group but kept them touring in one form or another for a number of years. (RBK)
Gloria Gaynor - "I Will Survive" - Good time of year for this song! (C Hakala).
(Editor's Note) - Ms. Gaynor had a number of popular songs in the late 1970s-early 1980s, right at the end of the "Disco Craze." This song, her biggest hit, started its slow climb to the charts in 1978 when it was released as a B-side of a 45 that barely was noticed. A Deejay in Boston, MA, flipped the record over and his audience kept calling to find out more. The record label re-pressed the 45 with "I Will Survive" as the A-side and the rest is history.
Joni Mitchell - "Free Man in Paris" - This cut was the second Joni Mitchell song I truly liked ("Big Yellow Taxi" was the first) from the first album of hers that I liked (1974's "Court and Spark"). Ms. Mitchell had begun to expand her sound, moving from her early acoustic pieces to a more fluid rhythm section. Over the next decade, her move towards jazz and jazz-rock alienated a good part of her original audience but those of us who enjoyed Weather Report (the band), guitarist Pat Metheny, and, especially, bassist Jaco Pastorius, became smitten. This version comes from her 1980 live album "Shadow and Light" with a band that featured Metheny, Pastorius, keyboard whiz Lyle Mays, drummer Don Alias, and saxophonist Michael Brecker. Listening to the amazing bass work is bittersweet as Pastorius sunk into depression, alcoholism, and schizophrenia brought on by what many people claimed was bi-polar disorder. He died in 1987 at the age of 35. When he was healthy, Jaco Pastorius was not just an amazing musician but a loving husband and father. As for Joni Mitchell, she has retired from the music business because of the rare disease known as Morgellons. (R Kamins)
I decided to post the live version - not a great video but you'll get the idea.
Looking at my back yard this morning, I noticed that there were leaves on the ground where just two days ago all I saw was green grass. Yes, the times they are a'changin'. But, our quest for music is ongoing.
George Harrison - "Got My Mind Set On You" - This song is complete pop by one of the original fab four. it's catchy,
upbeat, makes little sense, but is really fun. And, the music still
sounds current and could be a hit now if it was on the
radio currently. Some might not agree, but I think that it has that
feeling of being a bit eternal. (C Hakala) (Editor's note - The original version of the song was released in 1963 and featured vocalist James Ray (see below).
James Ray - "If You Gotta Make a Fool of Somebody" - The afore-mentioned James Ray released three 45s in his short lifetime (1941-1964). This one came out in late 1962 and is unique for the use of tuba and harmonica and its waltz tempo (shadows of Burt Bacharach). Over in England, John Lennon, Paul McCartney, and George Harrison were listening to American pop and saw all these different possibilities. Note Lennon's use of harmonica on several of the earlier recordings (for instance, "From Me To You"). But this song, fleeting as it is (2:00), was Ray's biggest hit and has been recorded numerous times (a sped-up version by Freddie & The Dreamers and a dramatic reading by a very young Bonnie Raitt in 1972). (RBK)
The Who - "Magic Bus" - English
rock band formed in 1964 known as one of the most popular and
influential bands of the 60s and 70s. They originated Rock Opera and
were (sadly) the only rock band I even walked out on...ok, granted I
went
out to the parking lot with half of the audience and we followed the
concert outside. They were and are still amazingly loud (which might
explain why the members are partially deaf). "Magic Bus" is my choice
this week because of the interesting rhythm played
on wood blocks (?) or drum sticks. (D. Dugre-Martin)
U2 - "One" - I can’t help but listen to
this song many times while driving, relaxing on the deck or doing some cardio
exercise at the gym. It gives me hope. In its lyrics, I hear that our fractured
world doesn’t have to come together on all fronts and that diversity should not
be divisive; instead, it should and must be celebrated so that goodness can
exist.
"One" is a
song by Irish rock band U2. It is the third track from their 1991 album Achtung Baby and it was released
as the record's third single in February 1992. The lyrics, written by lead
singer Bono, were inspired by the band members' fractured relationships and the
German Reunification. Although the lyrics ostensibly describe
"disunity", they have been interpreted in other ways. Bono described
the song's theme as such: "It is a song about coming together, but it's
not the old hippie idea of 'Let's all live together.' It is, in fact, the opposite.
It's saying, “We are one, but we're not the same. It's not saying we even want
to get along, but that we have to get along together in this world if it is to
survive. It's a reminder that we have no choice". The Edge, the band’s guitarist, described it…on
another level. He suggested that the line "we get to carry each
other" introduces "grace" to the song and that the wording
"get to" (instead of "got to") is essential, as it
suggests that it is a privilege to help one another, not an obligation. (J Gaffney)
Harry Chapin - "Cat's In The Cradle" - As I don't hear from my children very much, nor do I call my mother for
weeks at a time, I have had Harry Chapin's 1974 hit on my mind, "Cat's in
the Cradle." (T Williams) (Editor's note - Those of us who have children knows how much this song resonates. While many of my music "buddies" were listening to Led Zeppelin and Black Sabbath, songs like this were reminding me how much my Father sacrificed to put a roof over our heads. That sacrifice meant we hardly had a relationship until close to the end of his life.)
Chicago Classical Review
Miguel Zenón & Spektral Quartet - "Promesa" - (Editor's note - I had planned to post this but the George Harrison tune led me back to James Ray - and I could not resist). As many of you know, I have been reviewing music since my college days and continue to do that on my blog Step Tempest. Earlier this week, I posted a review of "Yo Soy La Tradición", a fascinating new recording by alto saxophonist, composer, and arranger Miguel Zenón. He's been active on the contemporary jazz scene for nearly two decades and, since the beginning of his career, made it a point to investigate music from his native Puerto Rico. His quartet has recorded albums with added percussionists, strings, and large horn sections, illustrating how melody and rhythm are tied together the way the Roman Catholic Church and secular music are in Central and Latin America.
Photo: Jimmy Katz
This new recording is a series of compositions based on traditional Puerto Rican folk tunes as well as steeped in particular church rituals. Zenón write these pieces for his alto saxophone and a string quartet. The blend of rhythmic movement and lengthy melodic lines is so appealing to me. "Promesa" is based on the tradition of Three Kings Day, celebrated every year on January 6 - in his liner notes, the composer writes that "the celebration of "El Dia de Reyes" supersedes Christmas, both in importance and fervor." (RBK)
More to follow but, for now, have fun with these pieces.
I do so enjoy the variety of entries that we then post on this blog. Today's collection includes a number of singer-songwriters, pieces inspired by classical music or poetry, and fun stuff!
Barry Manilow - "Could It Be Magic" - Based on Chopin's "Prelude in C Minor", this is one of a number of songs that entered the "pop" charts over the years based on classical melodies. (T. Williams) (Editor's note - say what you wish about Barry Manilow's career, but this song is truly quite lovely - RBK)
Harry Chapin - "Mr. Tanner" - A hauntingly beautiful song about a man chasing his
dreams and what happens when he almost gets there. It’s beautifully
written and sung by Harry Chapin and delivered with great emotion. The
song always gets me thinking about taking chances
and trying even if you might fail. (C. Hakala) Harry Chapin (1942 - 1981) wrote a number of songs that people remember not only for their melodies but also the empathy he has towards his subjects. His legacy continues on with the Harry Chapin Foundation whose mission is "...to support organizations that have demonstrated their ability to dramatically improve the lives and livelihood of people by helping them to become self-sufficient."
Ted Hawkins - "Strange Conversation" -
A great singer who was
discovered while playing on the street. He was a homeless man with a
gift!! I used to listen to him a lot in the late 80s/early 90s. I know
all of his songs by heart. He's gone now. (S. Nystrom) (Editor's note - Mr. Hawkins was born in Biloxi, Mississippi, in 1936 and passed in 1995 in Venice Beach, California, in 1995. His life story is fascinating and his experiences color his music. Go to www.allmusic.com/artist/ted-hawkins-mn0000023982/biography for more.)
Pink Floyd - "Comfortably Numb" - Michael's favorite song of all time. It explains who he was in exquisite detail many decades ago. (B Rosenblum) - (Editor's note - One of the most popular albums of the early 1980s (released in November of 1979), the album told of the alienation of the British underclasses and created quite a stir. Pink Floyd had already moved away from the psychedelia of its early years (1965-1970) especially with the release of 1973's "The Dark Side of the Moon" - bassist/songwriter Roger Waters was in charge of the material while guitarist David Gilmour handled the icon guitar playing. The band had a falling out in the mid-1980s with Waters going his own way and Gilmour now fronting a revised lineup. Both are still extremely popular and busy.)
Wild Party - "OutRight" - Wild Party has been around for a few years, but I just found them and have been enjoying quite of few of their songs. (M. Winslow) - (Editor's note - This San Antonio, Texas, quartet plays what they call "face-melting pop music." One can certainly the influences of Elvis Costello (especially his early albums with the Attractions) and Green Day. Such fun!)
Stu Mindeman - "Peace" - I first heard this young pianist's name late last year as a member of vocalist Kurt Elling's touring band. Then, just last month I reviewed his new album "Woven Threads", a collection of songs inspired by the years he spent in Argentina as a young boy (click here to read the review). In my research for that article, I came across his first album, 2014's "In Your Waking Eyes: Poems by Langston Hughes." Instead of treating the Hughes poems as "ancient relics", Minuteman creates a program that blends elements of African and African American music with Chicago-based vocalist Sarah-Marie Young singing the lyrics with power and passion. Timeless yet modern, the album appeals to my love of rhythm and textures. (RBK)
Post #2 for the Fall (sure doesn't feel like Fall - soon enough).
Aretha Franklin - "Think" - This is a very early version of a woman empowerment song. Aretha's
vocals are powerful, but the message is even more powerful, as it speaks
to making a stand about how she feels she is being treated. This song,
and
songs like this, led the way to songs now that speak of strong, powerful
women who know that they have OPTIONS in the world and they are only
limited by the artificial limits they may place on themselves (or by
society, sadly). (Chris Hakala)
Alicia Keys - "Girl on Fire" - There is ENERGY and FIRE in this song. (Betsy Rosenblum) - Ms. Keys, while not sounding much like Aretha Franklin, also is a fine pianist and possessed of quite the pliable voice. This is certainly a 21st century Pop tune mining the social commentary of other songs such as "Brave" (Sara Bareilles) and "Roar" (Katy Perry) plus it sounds great really loud. (Editor)
BTS - "Fire" - BTS
is a South Korean group that gained a lot of popularity worldwide and
was the first South Korean group to make it to both the
Billboard top 200 and perform at the AMAs. This is an older song of
theirs but it's one of their more popular "classics". (Megan Winslow) (Editor's note - you'll notice the heavy influence of American music on this and other "foreign" songs/videos.)
The Who - "Pinball Wizard" - Daniele Dugre-Martin suggested this song from the Rock Opera "Tommy." Peter Townsend, leader and main songwriter of the British quartet, has been playing around with the idea of an extended song cycle since the early days of the band. In fact, his first attempt appeared on the band's second album "A Quick One". "Tommy" is a fascinating experiment and one could argue endlessly whether Townsend succeeded (his 1973 opera "Quadrophenia" was much better realized). This song however is classic Who. The percussive acoustic guitar opening, John Entwistle's thundering yet melodic bass and Keith Moon's explosive drumming, all frame one of Roger Daltrey's more articulate vocals. (Editor)
Simon & Garfunkel - "The Boxer" - Thomas Williams chose this song and I concur. By the time the duo recorded this song (late 1968 - released as a 45 rpm in March 1969), Paul Simon was well on his way to being one of the finest songwriters/storytellers of his generation. On top of that, his partnership with producer Roy Halee taught him the joys of the studio. Note the use of several acoustic guitars, the bass harmonica, the firecracker sound from the drums on the chorus (supposedly recorded in an empty New York City church), and the layered vocals. Shout out to the amazing harmonies of Art Garfunkel, one of the prettiest voices in "folk-rock." While we may not understand the intent of Simon's story, the power of the music makes us pay closer attention. (RBK)
Paul Simon - "Can't Run But" - First move forward to 1990. Paul Simon has just struck worldwide gold with "Graceland", his wonderful if controversial that began life in the townships of South Africa before the death of apartheid. His next album "The Rhythm of the Saints" took to Brazil to record many fine Brazilian musicians including vocalist Milton Nascimento and the "roots" ensemble Uakti. He brought the songs home and added a number of other musicians, from jazz soloists to the South African musicians who had become part of his touring ensemble. While not as "popular" as its predecessor, the album remains my favorite Simon to this day.
Here we go to present day - on Friday September 7, Paul Simon releases "In The Blue Light", a collection of 10 songs from throughout his career, pieces he felt the need to reinvestigate, to re-record with new arrangements and personnel. "Can't Run But" first appeared on the 1990 album and, as you will hear below, moves at quite a pace with percussion of all sorts pushing the music forward. The song is on the new album as well - here, the majority of the percussion instruments are replaced by the musicians from the "new music" chamber ensemble yMusic. Listen to how they replicate the rhythms of the original with delightful melodic twists throughout. (RBK)
