One thing I can always seem to appreciate is great spring weather here in Texas. As odd as it may seem, I always try to find the perfect song to match the weather. Now we all know there are rain songs, storm songs, songs a bout summer time, songs about the fall. But what about spring time? Well sometimes I think it really isn't the song directly talking about the season, but more the feeling. With the spring time comes a great feeling of renewal. A feeling of great expectations. A feeling that everything is gonna be just fine. While this is by no means a new tune, hopefully you can find the feeling of new that its brings to this day. A fine troubadour, belting out a seriously good tune. This is one of those roll the windows down, breath in the fresh air, and enjoy the brilliance of a fine Texas spring day kind of songs. Won't you join with us?
Our goal with this feature is to connect you, the fan, with music that moves us. While as of late, we have focused on older music, tunes you probably know by heart, our intent is to touch that one person, and hope they too feel and understand why we love this crazy business, and continue to be fueled by the power of music. So don't worry, one week we are sure to surprise you, with something that is new to you. For this week, lets hope that one person, who is not familiar with this song, enjoys every last note.
As prolific as musical interruptions can be sometimes, it is the simplistic approach that gets the point across. More often than not, a person can put too much stock into why a song sounds a certain way, is performed a certain way, or what hidden meaning is behind the heart of the tune. As fans, we have that right to interrupt what the song means to us, but never to overstep the bounds of what the song means to the artist. If you can simply put aside all the hoopla and questions, you are more likely to find the answers that you are searching for. When a particular artist delivers a heart-felt melody with purposeful lyrics and you quit trying to listen for the hidden meaning, and simply hear the song, really hear its message, that's when the songwriters job has been completed. For Robert Earl Keen, it is truly about the story. Painting the picture with words and melodies, and being able to transport you to that time and place, and make you imagine just what it was like. That is the key to success for any songwriter, the transformation of ideas in their heard, right to yours via six-strings and the words they sing. REK is a master of this art, and today, I hope you visit some scene in a far off place, away from the Wednesday grind.
The best thing about this little chess match between Aaron and myself is that I have rediscovered some of my favorite songs of yesterday and today. In the end if it happens to bring a little light on some of the great stuff you may have forgotten or have yet to discover that is just an awesome bonus.
Aaron came strong last week with his Willie Nelson write up. This week I bring to you a fellow Texan and Outlaw who was right alongside Willie as they broke all the rules of popular country in their day and became the first and in my opinion only true Outlaws in country music.
Waylon was born in Littlefield TX and for a time was a touring musician with Lubbock native Buddy Holly. Waylon was actually supposed to be on the ill fated plane ride that took the lives of Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens, And "The Big Bopper" JP Richardson in Feb of 1959.
In honor of his outlaw image and to pay homage to the Outlaw that inspired them all I bring you Waylon Jennings "Are You Sure Hank Done It This Way." Watch. Listen. And see what a real Outlaw musician is about.
Two Weeks ago I started this little game with Brandon. I say game, because it's just like a chess match between the two of us. We both are striving to share some of the most emotionally-charged performances we could possibly find, and in the process, hopefully open up some doors that may have otherwise just been walked past by you, the reader, and still find a way to one up each other in the process. My first move was with my Knight, and last week, Brandon captured my Knight with a bold move. This week, I am eying his bishop.
The roots of the non-traditional country( Texas Country, Red Dirt, whatever you call it, no label is really needed) scene have a storied past, and quite possibly the most bold of all the ground-breaking artists to emerge from, and break the mold of what Nashional music considered acceptable, was Willie Nelson. While he maintained a strong, devoted following regionally early on in his career, it wasn't until the 1980 release of Honeysuckle Rose, that Willie became a national icon. Realistically I have no doubt that all of you already know all about the trials and tribulations of this unique troubadour, and many of you may have strong opinions one way or another about him, but the one undeniable fact is, he has produced some of the most timeless, moving ballads in the history of the music landscape. Today, I share with you the iconic performance of Angel Flying Too Close To The Ground, one of my late father's favorite songs, ever. Many will argue the origins and meaning of this song, and it's its mysterious history, but today, I only ask that you take the time to simply exhale, and enjoy this genuine Texas masterpiece. Happy listening friends.
Recent Comments