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My Heart
My heart goes out to the good people of Oklahoma. My heart goes out to refugees. My heart goes out to all children who aren’t having a terrific childhood. My heart goes out to everyone in Boston who was injured in the bombings. My heart goes out to the homeless, to the hungry, to the abused. My heart goes out to the victims of bullying and to rape victims. My heart goes out to those who can’t make the next mortgage payment or cover next month’s rent.My heart keeps breaking and my feelings are often in tatters. I shutter and wince when a ferry goes down in waters off Bangladesh. I moan for every entombed miner, I grieve when trains collide, and I curl up in a ball when headlines of violent crimes keep streaming across the internet, day after day; month after month.
So my heart requires daily transfusions of trees and flowers and the breeze on my face. My heart gets energy from babies and dogs, from Sam & Dave, Paul Simon, and the Southern Rock of Little Feat and The Allman Brothers Band.
I draw upon shows like “Call The Midwife,” and actors like Denzel Washington and John Goodman. That is why I need the Red Sox, the Patriots, and the Crimson Tide. Certainly, love from my own children fills my heart with happiness and pride. But like all parents, I worry for them. I worry about them. I try not to, but… I am their father and that is simply part of the job description.
My heart is bolstered by every kindness and appreciation in all forms.
My heart usually tells me that I am safe and things are all right. I know where my kids are. In my heart I know that fathers and mothers in Moore, Oklahoma felt just fine two days ago. It can all change in a heartbeat.
So I am thankful. Meanwhile, tragedies keep happening. The News is one bad thing after another. Congress is crippled by partisan meanspiritedness. The floods, the earthquakes, the gas leaks, the rejections; the wishes that go ungranted, the prayers that go unanswered. I swallow it all in. I look for grace and for miracles.
I live in a world that turns and burns. It is cruel and wondrous, bitter and sweet, impossible and entirely possible. It is probably the same for you as well. We write our own stories, to the extent that we can. But 2013 belongs to us all, and we catch the starfish with the seaweed. The bitter herb and the harosis. Poverty kills. Joblessness kills. Stupidity kills. We all want security and opportunity. We want a fair shake in life. My heart is full of hope and despair – Harry Lipson III, 5-21-13_________________________________________________
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ELEPHANT
It’s probably time for me to move on. The Boston Marathon is over. But as a Bostonian, I know that, at least for the moment, part of me is not going anywhere.Boston has picked itself up, dusted itself off.
We are more than grateful for amazing outpouring of concern and support.
To us, this is personal. And thank you for feeling exactly the same. We are all Bostonians.
We are all Marathon runners.
In the face of terrorism, it feels vulgar for me to devote my weekly scribble to the fine weather we’re enjoying. There is an elephant in the living room. There is a fucking elephant in here, and the weather is only the weather. – Harry Lipson – harryShots.com
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My Heart
My heart goes out to the good people of Oklahoma. My heart goes out to refugees. My heart goes out to all children who aren’t having a terrific childhood. My heart goes out to everyone in Boston who was injured in the bombings. My heart goes out to the homeless, to the hungry, to the abused. My heart goes out to the victims of bullying and to rape victims. My heart goes out to those who can’t make the next mortgage payment or cover next month’s rent.
My heart keeps breaking and my feelings are often in tatters. I shutter and wince when a ferry goes down in waters off Bangladesh. I moan for every entombed miner, I grieve when trains collide, and I curl up in a ball when headlines of violent crimes keep streaming across the internet, day after day; month after month.
So my heart requires daily transfusions of trees and flowers and the breeze on my face. My heart gets energy from babies and dogs, from Sam & Dave, Paul Simon, and the Southern Rock of Little Feat and The Allman Brothers Band.
I draw upon shows like “Call The Midwife,” and actors like Denzel Washington and John Goodman. That is why I need the Red Sox, the Patriots, and the Crimson Tide. Certainly, love from my own children fills my heart with happiness and pride. But like all parents, I worry for them. I worry about them. I try not to, but… I am their father and that is simply part of the job description.
My heart is bolstered by every kindness and appreciation in all forms.
My heart usually tells me that I am safe and things are all right. I know where my kids are. In my heart I know that fathers and mothers in Moore, Oklahoma felt just fine two days ago. It can all change in a heartbeat.
So I am thankful. Meanwhile, tragedies keep happening. The News is one bad thing after another. Congress is crippled by partisan meanspiritedness. The floods, the earthquakes, the gas leaks, the rejections; the wishes that go ungranted, the prayers that go unanswered. I swallow it all in. I look for grace and for miracles.
I live in a world that turns and burns. It is cruel and wondrous, bitter and sweet, impossible and entirely possible. It is probably the same for you as well. We write our own stories, to the extent that we can. But 2013 belongs to us all, and we catch the starfish with the seaweed. The bitter herb and the harosis. Poverty kills. Joblessness kills. Stupidity kills. We all want security and opportunity. We want a fair shake in life. My heart is full of hope and despair – Harry Lipson III, 5-21-13_________________________________________________
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“The best way to cheer yourself up is to try to cheer somebody else up” – Mark Twain from the harryShots.com Good Quotations_________________________________________________
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“Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don’t matter, and those who matter don’t mind” – Dr. Seuss…from the harryShots.com “GoodQuotations”_________________________________________________
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“The Constitution only gives people the right to pursue happiness. You have to catch it yourself” - Benjamin Franklinfrom the harryShots.com Good Quotations_________________________________________________
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“An economist’s guess is liable to be as good as anybody else’s” – Will Rogersfrom the harryShots.com “Quotes of What”_________________________________________________
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“We cannot direct the wind, but we can adjust our sails“…from the harryShots.com Quotes of Whatever_________________________________________________
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“Don’t cry because its over. Smile because it happened.”
- Dr. Seuss
the harryShots.com “Quotes of Whatever”_________________________________________________
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recent bumper sticker:
“You should agree with me
It will save SO much time“
…the harryShots.com “Quotes O’ Whatever”_________________________________________________
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“An eye for an eye will only make the whole world blind” - Mahatma Gandhi…from the harryShots.com “Quotes of Whatever”_________________________________________________
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“The shortest way to do many things is to do only one thing at a time” – Richard Cech…from the harryShots.com “Quotes of Whatever”_________________________________________________
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“I knew when my career was over. In 1965 my baseball card came out with no picture” – Bob Uecker…from the harryshots.com “Quotes of Whatever”_________________________________________________
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“I laugh so hard ’til the tears run down my leg“ - a rare Delta Blues joke, from the seminal blues tune, “Silverado in My Pathway“…from the harryshots.com “Quotes of Whatever”_________________________________________________
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“Everywhere is within walking distance… if you have the time”from the HarryShots.com “Quotes of Whatever”_________________________________________________
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“May the blessings of each day be the blessings you need most“from the harryshots.com “Quotes of Whatever”_________________________________________________
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“Procrastination is the art of keeping up with yesterday“from the HarryShots.com Quotes of Whatever_________________________________________________
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“A candle loses nothing by lighting another candle” …from the HarryShots.com Quotes of Whatever_________________________________________________
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“I can only please one person per day. Today isn’t your day…and tomorrow don’t look good either” – anonymous
the HarryShots.com Quotes of Whatever_________________________________________________
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“Peace begins with a smile“ - Mother TeresaThe HarryShots.com “Quotes of Whatever”_________________________________________________
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“If you don’t know the blues… there’s no point in picking up the guitar and playing
rock and roll or any other form of popular music” —-
Keith Richards…from The HarryShots.com Quotes of Whatever
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“Every day is Earth Day“the HarryShots.com Quotes of Whatever_________________________________________________
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“I’ve chosen to treat my life more like a party than something to stress about” - Martin ShortThe HarryShots.com Quote of the Day_________________________________________________
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“Frisbeetarianism is the belief that when you die, your soul goes up on the roof and gets stuck” -
George CarlinThe HarryShots.com Quotes of Whatever_________________________________________________
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James Hood Was Here
It is reported that James Hood died today. from THE TUSCALOOSA NEWS 1-17-2013:-{ “James Hood, who faced down George Wallace’s stand in the schoolhouse door to help integrate the University of Alabama 50 years ago, died Thursday afternoon at the age of 70, in his hometown of Gadsden. James did a great thing for the University of Alabama,” said E. Culpepper Clark, former dean of UA’s College of Communication & Information Sciences, and author of “The Schoolhouse Door: Segregation’s Last Stand at the University of Alabama.”
“With Vivian Malone, he liberated the university to serve all the people of Alabama and thereby join the ranks of the nation’s flagship universities.”
Hood and Vivian Malone Jones, who died in 2005, attempted to register and pay fees June 11, 1963, at UA’s Foster Auditorium, accompanied by Deputy Attorney General Nicholas Katzenbach. Gov. George Wallace, surrounded by a phalanx of state troopers, barred them, attempting to keep his infamous inaugural promise of “segregation now, segregation tomorrow, segregation forever.” Later that day, Wallace backed down after President John F. Kennedy federalized the National Guard. }
JAMES HOOD WAS HERE. Thank you Sir. Lord, may he rest in peace. – HL_________________________________________________
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“Life can only be understood backwards; but it must be lived forwards.” – Soren KierkegaardThe HarryShots.com Quotes o’ Whatevah_________________________________________________
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“How much easier it is to be critical than to be correct.” – Benjamin Disraeli_________________________________________________
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“Happiness depends more on how life strikes you than on what happens” – Andy RooneyThe HarryShots.com Quotes of Whatever_________________________________________________
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“I’m happy now!” - Nick Saban, 3-time National Champion Football Coach of The University of Alabama_________________________________________________
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“No coach has ever won a game by what he knows; it’s what his players know that counts” – Coach Paul “Bear” Bryant_________________________________________________
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May 2013 bring good health and happiness to all my friends; I wish you the very best.
Let us renew our faith in ourselves, and in each other, and let safety and well-being be a given for everyone, everywhere. Happy New Year. – Harry_________________________________________________ -
“My religion is very simple. My religion is kindness“. – Dalai Lamathe HarryShots.com Quotes of Wha
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“My books are like water; those of the great geniuses are wine. (Fortunately) everybody drinks water.” – Mark Twain…from The HarryShots.com “Quotes”_________________________________________________
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“No one has ever drowned themselves in sweat” – Coach Lou HoltzThe HarryShots.com Quotes_________________________________________________
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“Great minds discuss ideas; average minds discuss events; small minds discuss people” – Eleanor RooseveltThe HarryShots.com Quotes_________________________________________________
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“Most American children suffer too much mother and too little father” – Gloria SteinemThe HarryShots.com Quotes of Wha (whatever)_________________________________________________
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“Electricity is really just organized lightning” - George Carlinfrom the HarryShots.com Quotes of Wha_________________________________________________
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“Courtesy is as much a mark of a gentleman as courage” – President Teddy RooseveltThe HarryShots.com Quotes of Wha (Whatever)_________________________________________________
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“Think off-center” – George CarlinThe HarryShots.com Quotes of Wha_________________________________________________
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“Grown men can learn from very little children for the hearts of little children are pure. Therefore, the Great Spirit may show to them many things which older people miss“ - Black ElkThe HarryShots.com Quotes of Whatever_________________________________________________
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“Well done is better than well said” – Benjamin FranklinThe HarryShots Quotes of Whatever_________________________________________________
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“Happiness doesn’t depend on any external conditions, it is governed by our mental attitude” – Dale CarnegieThe HarryShots Quotes of Whatever
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“Be kind whenever possible. It is always possible” – The Dalai LamaThe HarryShots Quotes of WhAtEvEr_________________________________________________
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“Imagination rules the world” – Napoleon BonaparteThe HarryShots QuOtEs oF wHaTeVeR_________________________________________________
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“Motivation is simple. You eliminate those who are not motivated” - Coach Lou HoltzThe HarryShots qUoTeS oF WhAtEvEr_________________________________________________
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“When one door closes, another opens; but we often look so long and so regretfully upon the closed door that we do not see the one which has opened for us” – Alexander Graham Bell, inventor of the telephonethe HarryShots Quotes of Whatever_________________________________________________
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“I am easily satisfied with the very best” – Sir Winston Churchillthe HarryShots Quotes of Whatever_________________________________________________
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“Imagination will often carry us to worlds that never were. But without it we go nowhere“. – Carl Sagan, astronomerThe HarryShots Quotes of Whatever_________________________________________________
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“Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter“ - Martin Luther King, Jr.The HarryShots Quotes of Whatever_________________________________________________
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“The weak can never forgive. Forgiveness is the attribute of the strong” – Mohandas Gandhithe HarryShots.com quotes of Whatever_________________________________________________
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“My father gave me the greatest gift anyone could give another person, he believed in me” - Coach Jim ValvanoThe HarryShots Quotes of Whatever_________________________________________________
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“You don’t stop laughing because you grow old. You grow old because you stop laughing.” – Michael PritchardThe HarryShots Quotes of Whatever_________________________________________________
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“PAGE ONE:
INSIDE THE NEW YORK TIMES”
a documentary (premiered at Sundance – 2011)
A very interesting movie about a very interesting subject. The question posed was (paraphrased): “Do we need the Grey Lady in an age of internet news, instant information, tweeting, the blogisphere, round the clock cable news channels, among the myriad ways we find out about the news?” There are those who see the New York Times, always “the newspaper of record” as either anachronistic now or soon to be so. In this digital age where everybody is a reporter and we all have cellphones, cameras, and are “tapped in” to what is happening, how important and useful, relevant is the NYT and its worldwide bureaus, staff writers far flung around the globe, and the thousands more in New York City who shape and deliver a newspaper on a daily basis?
Michael Kingsley of the New York Times panned the movie saying it was “all over the place” and “it does little to illuminate that struggle, preferring instead a constant parade of people telling the camera how dreadful it would be if The Times did not survive.”
David Carr, the Times media and culture columnist, is the man who gets the lion’s share of the face time. Frankly, I don’t think the Times could find a better advocate, one who can relate to the question of “relevance.” David is a very interesting man, casually impressive in an offhand but on-point way. I found the movie engrossing and highly interesting.
So, I’ll disagree, rather strongly, with Michael Kingsley and say that this is well worth a couple of hours, if only to see behind the veil and watch decisions being made and the paper put together. I give it “five highfives” “and it goes well with popcorn.” HL_________________________________________________
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Ratatouille
Ratatouille (rat-a-too-ee) is just plain fun to watch. For adults and kids alike. From Disney/Pixar studios and the creative people behind Cars and The Incredibles. Paris never looked so beautiful at night. Voicing by Patton Oswalt, Brian Dennehy, Janeane Garofolo, Peter O’Toole, Brad Garrett, among a host of others. Light, friendly, and charming, although set in a Paris restaurant’s kitchen that is anything but. As improbable as a story can get, but it’s animation, so relax take off your critic’s hat, and let yourself be entertained.I give Ratatouille five highfives, and “and it goes well with popcorn.” HL_________________________________________________
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OH BROTHER, WHERE ART THOU?
stars George Clooney, John Goodman, John Tunturro, Tim Blake, Holly Hunter, Chris Thomas King and Charles DurningFrom the creative minds of Joel and Ethan Coen. Which means its both funny and good.
Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.
We start out with a chain gang prison break at Mississippi’s Parchman Farm Penitentiary in Sunflower County in the Mississippi Delta. The year is 1937. The film is said to be loosely based on Homer’s Odyssey, but you sure don’t need to be a Greek scholar to enjoy the hell out of this great movie. The soundtrack won the Grammy award and is good to the very last “Amen.”
We’ve got buried treasure, wanted prisoners trying to stay wanted, a scene at the Mississippi “crossroads of musical fame”, the Ku Klux Klan, Mississippi state elections, and a great deal more to feast your tired eyes upon. John Goodman is extraordinary as always in his cream colored Southern business suit and suspenders. Oh Brother, Where Art Thou? is a great movie and I give it five highfives, “and it goes well with popcorn.” HL_________________________________________________
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OUT OF AFRICAstarring Robert Redford and Meryl Streep (1985)
About once every year when I am restless and looking for something good, really good, to watch, I reach for one of the all time great movies, Out of Africa with maybe the finest work ever done by both Meryl and Bob.
This is an epic movie. It won the big awards as it should have: Best Picture, Best Cinematography, Best Director, Best Set Decoration, Best Musical Score, Best Sound, and Best Screenwriting.
Further, Out of Africa was nominated for: Best Actress, Best Supporting Actor, Best Costume, and Best Film Editing
Suffice it to say that Out of Africa is a triumph of the human spirit. It is grand, it is large; a tour de force and very well worth your seeing, or seeing again. I love the scene where Meryl’s character, Baroness Von Blixen surprises a lion in the Kenyan brush. She implores Robert Redford to shoot the beast and the dialogue and tension are memorable. And that is just one of a great many rather extraordinary scenes we are part of, in this riveting and well told story. I give it five HighFives, “and it goes well with popcorn.” HL_________________________________________________
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MASKED AND ANONYMOUS
Want to see the coolest movie you never heard of? Want to see a movie with a cast that includes Jeff Bridges, John Goodman, Jessica Lange, Val Kilmer, Ed Harris, Mickey Rourke, Luke Wilson, Penelope Cruz, Bruce Dern, Christian Slater, Fred Ward, Angela Bassett, Cheech Marin, and stars Bob Dylan?
Then you want to seek out an amazing piece of cinema called “Masked and Anonymous” (2003). The soundtrack is sensational. John Goodman channels The Big Lebowski to a certain extent.
The dialogue is incredible. Val Kilmer is at his peak in his brief but unforgettable cameo.The poster at left is a Spanish language promotional poster.
I give this film five highfives, “and it goes well with popcorn“. HL_________________________________________________
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The Boys: The Sherman Brothers’ Story (2009)
Two brothers who hated one another and wrote the most wonderful songs. Songs you sing, songs you hum, songs your kids (grandkids) sing or will be singing a hundred years from now. The two brothers, Robert (Bob) and Richard (Dick) Sherman collaborated uneasily, but wrote songs such as:It’s A Small World * A Spoonful of Sugar * Chim Chim Cher-ee * Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious * Winnie The Pooh * Chitty Chitty Bang Bang * Tall Paul (a pop hit on the Billboard charts) * You’re Sixteen (You’re Beautiful and You’re Mine) (another Billboard chart topper). Their list of songs is as long as your arm. Walt Disney recognized their talents early on and they were integral parts of the Walt Disney empire. They won Academy Awards, Grammies, Presidential Medals of Freedom, and more.
The movie is a documentary about their careers and lives, as told by their adult children. This is a story of two families, fame, creative genius, rivalry, dysfunction on one level and acclaim on another. It is truly amazing, award-winning documentary and definitely worth seeing. The Boys: The Sherman Brothers Story is a HarryShots.com Ramble recommendation, I give it five highfives, “and it goes well with popcorn“. HL_________________________________________________
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Barney’s Version
I am a fan of Paul Giamatti so it was a treat to stumble on Barney’s Version (2010) not long ago. If there was press and media hyping this movie, I totally missed it. You probably did as well, ’cause I think it was minimal at best. So if you are looking for a something not too taxing or heavy handed, may I recommend Barney’s Version, with a nice role for Dustin Hoffman as icing on the cake.
Rosamund Pike is magnificent to watch. Bruce Greenwood, Minnie Driver are both in the cast. “Barney” time travels back and forth over a handful of decades, weaving a remarkable and quirky story but a cool one. I give it five highfives, “and it goes well with popcorn“. HL_________________________________________________
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SOUTHERN BELLESStars Anna Faris and Laura Breckenridge. Looking for a good movie to rent? I’m recommending Southern Belles (2005). Might be hard to find, but good stuff often is. It is a little Georgia small town slice of life picture. Numerous memorable scenes and dialogue. It’s a lot of fun. Rated H for happy. I rate it Five HighFives, “and it goes well with popcorn“. HL_________________________________________________
“Hand Me Down My Walking Cane” by Norman Blake
click here to purchase/download the mp3 of this song
Norman Blake is my favorite flat picker in the world. And he has been for forty years. The man from Rising Fawn, Georgia knows his way around guitars and traditional music. If that’s not plenty, Norman has written some fine stuff.
Back when Bob Dylan was hand picking the musicians and players he wanted to sit in with him on Nashville Skyline, Norman was on board and his work is all over that record and several hundred more, from John Hartford’s tracks to the O Brother, Where Art Thou? soundtrack.
I first saw Norman Blake at Horse Pens 40, down in Alabama, around 1973, and I was instantly struck by his guitar playing. As the years went on, I became a concert producer (FolkTree) and Norman Blake, with wife Nancy, played for us at Sanders Theatre at Harvard. If ever a concert hall and an artist were made for each other, it was Sanders and Norman Blake.
If you don’t know his music, I hope you will enjoy this song. If you are familiar with Norman Blake, then you know you’re in for a treat. Here’s “Hand Me Down My Walking Cane” and Norman Blake. HL
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“Mama, You’ve Been On My Mind” by We Are Augustines
if you want to buy and download this mp3 song, click here
We Are Augustines is a relatively new trio, from Brooklyn, New York, that has one album, Rise Ye Sunken Ships, that was released in 2011 in the U.S. and in March, 2012 in the U.K. Very smooth vocals, sweet harmonies, nothing seems rushed or forced, and good taste in music. This track is taken from the 4CD tribute to Bob Dylan, Chimes of Freedom, which honors the 50th anniversary of Amnesty International.
Enjoy “Mama, You’ve Been On My Mind” by We Are Augustines, with our Song of the Day. HL
““Waitin’ For The Bus” / “Jesus Just Left Chicago” – Daughtry
Only available to download in album format. Click here to buy and download ZZ Top Tribute record
Of all of the versions of Jesus Just Left Chicago, this is my favorite. Of course, ZZ Top owns this song, having written it and first recorded it. Interestingly to me, Jesus Just Left Chicago sounds like it something Elmore James or Buddy Guy would have written and recorded. But this is not an old Delta blues song.
“Waitin’ For The Bus” is another great ZZ Top song, co written by band members, Dusty Hill and Billy Gibbons.
So crank up the amps and let the hounds loose, Daughtry just tears this thing up.
Daughtry is a rock band formed by American Idol finalist, Chris Daughtry, in 2006. In 2007, no rock group in the world sold more records than Daughtry. “Waitin’ For the Bus” / “Jesus Just Left Chicago” is the HarryShots Song of the Day. HL
“Aberdeen by Booker Bukka White
click here to purchase the mp3 download, via Amazon.com
His name was Booker White. In the vernacular, he was known as Bukka. His second record came out on the Vocalion label and they misunderstood his first name and that’s how he became the only “Bukka” anybody ever heard of. Born in 1909 “somewhere between Houston, MS and Aberdeen, MS, Bukka White had early influences such as the seminal Delta blues player, Charley Patton.
Coming from a musical family, Bukka was a 2nd cousin of B.B. King. On Bob Dylan’s first album was “Fixin’ To Die Rag” a Bukka White song. White also wrote other Delta blues classic songs including “Parchman Farm” (where Mr. White served time), “Shake ‘Em On Down” and our song of the day, “Aberdeen.” Posthumously, Bukka White was inducted in the Blues Hall of Fame and given a Grammy. This man was the real deal. When you recall the great Delta bluesmen, Bukka White should be on all of those lists. HL
Tossin’ and Turnin’ by Bobby Lewis (1961)
enjoy this classic Sixties era song. If you want to buy the mp3, click here
This baby made it all the way to #1 on the Billboard charts in July, 1961 for Bobby Lewis. I remember listening to it on the AM radio in my home town and Wikipedia reports that “In 2008, Billboard magazine ranked the song as the 27th biggest song of all time that charted on the Billboard Hot 100, commemorating the 50th anniversary of the chart. It is one of only six songs from the 1960′s to spend at least seven weeks in the number one position on the Billboard pop singles chart.”
That is saying a helluva lot. If all that weren’t enough, the original movie soundtrack for Animal House featured Tossin’ and Turnin’ as well.
Tossin’ and Turnin’ is an all-time great oldies hit and it’s today’s HarryShots Song of the Day! HL
Uncle John’s Band by Joe Higgs, The Godfather of Reggae
listen and enjoy. The mp3 for Uncle John’s Band is not available for the song itself; if you want to download the whole album, click here.
You got to love the Grateful Dead and you got to love a little reggae too. If that is true on both counts, then Uncle John’s Band is for you. The late, great Joe Higgs was one of the founders of modern reggae music, having first recorded an album in 1958. This tune is part of a reggae tribute album to The Grateful Dead.
“Joe Higgs was a brother amongst the Wailers for years. He was encouragement, and he inspired us and kept us together.” - Peter Tosh
“Joe Higgs helped me understand that music. He taught me many things.” - Bob Marley
“We should all live as one, like the colors of the rainbow.“ – Joe Higgs
Joe Higgs was a Jamaican musical revolutionary who died in 1999, but the music lives on. Joe Higgs with the Song of the Day, singing “Uncle John’s Band.” HL
“Heather Down the Moor” by June Tabor and Martin Simpson
listen and enjoy to your heart’s content. If you also want to buy the mp3, click here.
This Celtic tune was recorded by June and Martin in 1980, but the song predates Robert Burns himself. “Tulca Mor” as it was known has been widely recorded in the past thirty years or so. An early version was laid down by Brass Monkey.
Celtic music seems so timeless and the lyric and tune are often so well matched that history seems to be written down in many verses. June Tabor, a graduate of Oxford University, achieved acclaim as a vocalist and English folk singer and has collaborated with Maddy Prior, Nic Jones, Simpson, the Oyster Band, Martin Carthy, Richard Thompson, and Fairport Convention to hit a few high points in her musical journey. June was voted the folk singer of the year for 2012, by the BBC.
Simpson is a world class guitar virtuoso and well established banjo picker. Enjoy his instrumental guitar introduction in this recording. The BBC nominated Martin numerous times, including nine in a row, as Artist of the Year at the British music awards.
June Tabor and Martin Simpson with “Heather Down the Moor” have our Song of the Day. HL
“PAGE ONE:
INSIDE THE NEW YORK TIMES”
a documentary (premiered at Sundance – 2011)
A very interesting movie about a very interesting subject. The question posed was (paraphrased): “Do we need the Grey Lady in an age of internet news, instant information, tweeting, the blogisphere, round the clock cable news channels, among the myriad ways we find out about the news?”
There are those who see the New York Times, always “the newspaper of record” as either anachronistic now or soon to be so. In this digital age where everybody is a reporter and we all have cellphones, cameras, and are “tapped in” to what is happening, how important and useful, relevant is the NYT and its worldwide bureaus, staff writers far flung around the globe, and the thousands more in New York City who shape and deliver a newspaper on a daily basis?
Michael Kingsley of the New York Times panned the movie saying it was “all over the place” and “it does little to illuminate that struggle, preferring instead a constant parade of people telling the camera how dreadful it would be if The Times did not survive.”
David Carr, the Times media and culture columnist, is the man who gets the lion’s share of the face time. Frankly, I don’t think the Times could find a better advocate, one who can relate to the question of “relevance.” David is a very interesting man, casually impressive in an offhand but on-point way. I found the movie engrossing and highly interesting.
So, I’ll disagree, rather strongly, with Michael Kingsley and say that this is well worth a couple of hours, if only to see behind the veil and watch decisions being made and the paper put together. I give it “five highfives” “and it goes well with popcorn.” HL
“Rocky Top” by The Flying Burrito Brothers
listen all you want. If you decide to buy this mp3, click here
Word has come tonight that Chris Ethridge, a founding member of the Burritos, has passed on.
We have Felice and Beaudleaux Bryant to thank for the Appalachian bluegrass hoedown classic, “Rocky Top.” It was first recorded by The Osborne Brothers back in 1967. Rocky Top is ranked #7 in the top 100 Songs about the South, according to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.
The Flying Burrito Brothers were a seminal early Americana, country rock band founded out on the left coast by Chris Hillman, Gram Parsons, Chris Ethridge on keyboards and bass, and Pete Kleinow, back in 1968. Chris Ethridge r.i.p., departed the Burritos in the middle of 1969.
Here is “Rocky Top,” performed by the Flying Burrito Brothers, with our Song of the Day. HL
“Ring Them Bells” by Sarah Jarosz
listen to your heart’s content. If you also want to buy this mp3, click here.
Wow, Sarah Jarosz is truly good. Here is her take on the Bob Dylan tune, “Ring Them Bells,” which is the HarryShots.com Song of the Day. Ms. Jarosz is a 20 year old, born in Austin TX and currently attending The New England Conservatory in Boston. She has several albums on the Sugar Hill label and has already been nominated for a Grammy Award. Expect great things. HL
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“One Day I Will” by Nathan Salsburg
listening is free and always encouraged. This track is not readily available for sale.
Just ran across the music of Nathan Salsburg and he is a crackerjack guitarist. I know only a bit about him. He is from Kentucky and works as a Lomax musicologist, archivist, and folklorist at the Smithsonian. Today’s song is a far cry from an instrumental, it’s an old fashioned gospel number.
Nathan had one track on the tribute album called “Face A Frowning World- An E.C. Ball Memorial,” the E.C. Ball original tune “One Day I Will.” It’s a beautiful gospel song, with simple instrumentation. A plaintive lamenting prayer is currently in the first spot on my Ipod. Eli Hall plays a fine pedal steel on the track. Neither ITunes nor Amazon.com have the record available, so if you want to buy the song or the album, you’re gonna have to look around the internet to find it.
Here’s to the good stuff, and this qualifies. Today’s Song of the Day at HarryShots.com is “One Day I Will” by Nathan Salsburg. HL
“Didn’t It Rain” (outtake) by Levon Helm and The Band
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listening is free and encouraged, if you also want to buy the mp3, click here
Recent news about Levon Helm is discouraging. His family has reported that he is in the final stage of his battle with cancer. Levon, thanks for so much fine music; your own, various collaborations with other artists, and a great legacy with The Band. Godspeed.
Here is The Band, in a studio outtake, with “Didn’t It Rain.” Levon, this one’s for you. HL
Since this was written on April 16th, word has come that Levon Helm passed away on April 19th. Levon Helm 1941-2012 r.i.p.
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“Tennessee Blues” by Steve Earle
listening is free and encouraged. if you also want to buy the mp3, click here
Once in a while, I gotta go to my favorite player, so today, it’s “Tennessee Blues” which was written and is performed by Steve Earle. Those not familiar with Steve Earle will find certain truths that make him who he is in the fact that he is a Texan, living for the past 35+ years in Nashville; has had seven marriages to six women, been in jail for heroin posession, sang back up on Guy Clark’s “Desperado’s Waitin’ For A Train” with Emmylou, was a friend to Townes Van Zandt, and his son Justin Townes Earle is a singer songwriter as well. Guy Clark, Emmylou Harris, Townes Van Zandt, and Steve Earle all played for FolkTree (my concert company) way back when, and my memories of them are each varied and wonderful.
Steve Earle is a songwriter’s songwriter and a musician’s musician, as well as a political activist. He wears his music and his heart on his sleeve. He is the best of the best in my opinion. Hope you like ‘Tennessee Blues” a Steve Earle tune and the Song of the Day. HL
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“Move Up” by Patty Griffin and Friends
listen as much as you like. If you decide to buy the mp3, click here
What a great career Patty Griffin has carved out. Both as a performer and a songwriter, she has really done herself proud. I had the privilege of producing a couple of Patty’s early concert dates many years ago. She was a fine singer and she had already written several of her best known songs. As a performer she was a fresh and young and her confidence grew to match her natural talent.
He album Downtown Church (not to be confused with Downton Abby) is a tour de force. With great musical support from Buddy Miller and his wonderful friends, Patty just tears up “Move Up” which is the Song of the Day. HL
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Ratatouille
Ratatouille (rat-a-too-ee) is just plain fun to watch. For adults and kids alike. From Disney/Pixar studios and the creative people behind Cars and The Incredibles. Paris never looked so beautiful at night. Voicing by Patton Oswalt, Brian Dennehy, Janeane Garofolo, Peter O’Toole, Brad Garrett, among a host of others. Light, friendly, and charming, although set in a Paris restaurant’s kitchen that is anything but. As improbable as a story can get, but it’s animation, so relax take off your critic’s hat, and let yourself be entertained.
I give Ratatouille five highfives, and “and it goes well with popcorn.” HL
““But It’s Allright” by J.J. Jackson
listen to this great Sixties party song. If you want to buy the mp3, click here.
Going back to work on Monday? ….need a lift? Well turn up the volume and hit the play arrow. J.J. has one of the great “up” songs of all time. It was a hit for him in 1966 and charted again in 1969. It has that Motown sound with the famous horn section, but it was actually recorded in England.
This song is in my top 50 of all time. Enjoy, “It’s Allright” by J.J. Jackson, and the HarryShots.com Song of the Day. HL
“Preachin’ Blues” by Son House
listening is free and encouraged. click here if you want to buy the mp3 of this song
Son House was The Man. He considered himself the Father of the Delta Blues, which ignores a generation ahead of him (Charley Patton, his friend and mentor was fifteen years older than Son), but Son House was surely a seminal figure, a legend, and a major influence on everybody from The Rolling Stones to Bob Dylan. Alan Wilson, the lead guitarist for Canned Heat, performed widely with Son House, after Son was “rediscovered” in the early 1960s, retired and iving in New York State. The late, great Robert Palmer (“Bad Case of Lovin’ You”) was said to be heavily influenced by both Patton and House.
Son House and I were born in the same Mississippi town, 49 years apart. Mr. House spent a couple of years in Parchman (I didn’t), the notorious penitentiary some miles south of Clarksdale. Married five times, a preacher as well, Son House died in 1988 at the age of 85.
I am just scratching the surface here, but I cannot overstate the value and importance of the Delta Blues, in its own right, and as the spark and early energy that would ignite and translate into Rock and Roll.
The first lines of the song go “I’m gonna get me religion, I’m gonna join the Baptist Church, I’m gonna be a Baptist Preacher, so I won’t have to work. “The Preachin’ Blues” is the HarryShots.com Song of the Day. HL
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