Bart – Kris Kristofferson – “Me & Bobby McGee” – Starting with an epitaph, as Kris just passed. I recall him from my childhood, I think more from his acting and pop culture persona than his music. I recently picked up an album of his and wasn’t really into it. But this song has that world weary vibe that I do enjoy and I really know it also from childhood reference, more than actually recognizing the song. I am looking for early Country recordings when I shop, 20’s up until the 70’s, mainly for song writing and those moments where it just feels like a Pop recording but with a different aesthetic. Contemporary Country feels too reliant on being a life style choice and all of the music has a sameness that leaves me cold. Kris shares some of that song writing lineage with John Prine that guarantees some well crafted mastery.
Travis – Positive vibing all the way through. Can’t place the vocalist, but she is blowing right over the top of the tune. As bouncy as the groove is there is a bittersweet thing going on and something wistful. The Allman Brothers style guitar sound on the solo definitely continues that slight bleakness, striving forth energy. Their signature harmonized guitar sounds have a slight wistful quality, but usually otherwise happy feeling. I like the open jam ending. Inga Rumpf – “Let the Children Live” – And couldn’t recognize her for good reason, I’ve never heard of her. But the song feels familiar and it is a reminder that whatever became popular there were many artists asked to perform in that role that led to popularity. Everyone was just looking for a hit and copying whatever worked. There is a lot still to discover!
Dan – Ben Webster – “Yesterdays” – From the remarkably titled Atmosphere for Lovers and Thieves and it lives up to its torchy title. I’m a huge Ben Webster fan and thought I had all I needed already on disc between his Ellington sides and a wide variety of leader albums. Years ago I had an AT&T phone solicitation call, back in those home phone days. And the caller’s voice was so deep and lovely I just decided to go with it. It had the Barry White rumble and as we were talking my background music became audible and he said “Oh that’s Jazz you have playing” and then “you know my Uncle was Ben Webster” and wether or not to trust it, but really why would someone make that up, was beside the point, a very rewarding voice gamble was taken and delivered. He also said he was at Slug’s when Lee Morgan was shot. Of course I switched phone carriers after the extensive conversation, how couldn’t I? In any case, this recording has some timing moments that are so extraordinary to me. Ben gets left out of the debate between Lester & Hawk, but I am equally a fan of his and he does a lot of exciting yet strange things on the horn, which I love. And then there is that fabulous sub-tone, like no other, blurring the edges. Listen for when the rhythm section enters and sets the time and then hear Ben sliding around, greasy in the pocket.
Found Sounds 