Song of the Day, Artists of the Year: C.W. Stoneking

Last night I had the absolutely unusual experience of watching C.W. Stoneking play music at the Redwood Bar in downtown Los Angeles.

An old and good friend whose initials, AB, fittingly begin the alphabet, and who has led me astray for the eventual betterment of us both (lover of walri*, gambling, and roots music) many times before, brought me to the show.

What you need to know about C.W. Stoneking:  He sings, plays guitar and tenor banjo.  He lived in Trinidad and traveled to West Africa and New Orleans.  He plays pre-war blues, jazz, and early calypso.  He writes his own songs and has a voice that makes your organs shake.  He’s also a young, white, Australian guy.  But don’t let that fool you.

Here is a short clip of one of my favorite numbers of last night:

This is Stoneking performing Robert Johnson’s song “All My Love in Vain” at a culb in Rosendale, New York in 2008:

Here is his music video for the title track from his most recent album “Jungle Blues:”

I suggest you visit him on Myspace here, and check out this Facebook group to learn a little more about him.

*walri: plural of walrus

Song of the Day: The Suspension Bridge at Iguazu Falls

Tortoise: The Suspension Bridge At Iguazu Falls

Image of Iguazu Falls from GGC Consulting

And Another Thing

I harvested my first tomatoes of the season this morning.

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They are very sweet–even given their large size.  These are the traditional, organic tomatoes.  Now I can’t wait for the heirlooms (several different varieties) to come it.  They made a delicious snack before heading to the airport for a flight to L.A.

Now at the Oakland Airport about to board for LAX.  Makes me want to sing “Midnight Train to Georgia.”  “L.A., mmm…proved too much for the man…he couldn’t take it!  So he’s leavin’ a life, he’s come to knoooow!”

Except I’m going back to L.A.  Eek!  I’ll have to revisit those Vena Cava recommendations–did any of them mention how to stay sane in that mixed up Southland?

So when you call up that shrink in Beverly Hills
You know the one – Dr. Everything Gonna Be Alright
Instead of asking him how much of your time is left–
Ask him how much of your mind, baby!

Cause in this life,
Things are much harder than in the afterworld
In this life
You’re on your own!

And if the elevator tries to bring you down
Go crazy!!!

Song of the Day: Gotta Get Up

Happy Monday morning.

Gotta get up, gotta get out, gotta get home before the morning comes!

Gotta Get Up by Harry Nilsson

Song of the Day: Jesus on the Mainline

I got up this morning and headed to the Grand Lake farmers market where I picked up peaches, peaches, and more peaches.  I’ll be experimenting with cobbler in the kitchen this morning, listening to “Jesus on the Mainline,” and calling Him up–praying for Mrs. Brown (happy 94th), and no rain in NYC for Rimpletide tomorrow.  Happy Saturday.

What you’re listening to:

From “Ry Cooder & The Moula Banda Rhythm Aces: Let’s Have A Ball”, a film by Les Blank taped at The Catalyst, Santa Cruz, CA on March 25th 1987.

Band:
Ry Cooder: guitar, vox
Jim Keltner: drums
Van Dyke Parks: keys
Jorge Calderon: bass
Flaco Jimenez: accordion
Miguel Cruiz: percussion
Steve Douglas: sax
George Bohannon: trombone

Singers:
Bobby King: tenor
Terry Evans: baritone
Arnold McCuller: tenor
Willie Green Jr: bass

Song of the Day: Useful Chamber

Dirty Projectors: Useful Chamber

Who Do You Think You Are?

Song of the Day

I Only Have Eyes for You

I Only Have Eyes for You.mp3

Song of the Day: Mariah 2.0

Mimi always soothed me in strange ways (Shake it Off anyone?).

Amber of the Dirty Projectors is really wildly channelling MC in “Stillness is the Move.”  Especially at the end.  Wild. 

Listen here via Stereogum.

 Amber

vs.

Mariah

Who wins?