I must say, this is a cool find! Most of the time, I don't bother with radio; even of the independent, non-commercial variety. There's so much I dislike about the business of being 'spoon-fed' music! I am happy with an ever-growing CD collection.
But Internet radio may change all that...
'AccuRadio' seems promising, now that I've heard the jazz section. Link: AccuRadio - The Next Generation of Radio
They seem to cover many genres of music, which is always a plus. It's free to listen to.
Thanks to Fitz, who is the author of the blues blog SqueezeMyLemon, for having the link in his StumbleUpon archives.
Monday, 16 March 2009
Sunday, 8 March 2009
Back in business: with Muddy!
It is my first music-related post in a while. And I had hoped to deliver something special to my readers!
I think I have found a gem.
The late, great Muddy Waters is interviewed here in 1972 , on the television program 'The Old Grey Whistle Test'. I found it really interesting to hear about Waters' reasons for moving from Mississippi to Chicago. (Many black musicians of this era made similar choices to move to urban areas, like Chicago. As the musicians adapted to new environments, so did the music. Chicago then became the birthplace of urban or electric blues.)
Also, it was fascinating to hear about the reasoning behind the switch from using acoustic instruments, to playing with electric instruments. These are all points of real social interest, for me!
We also get insight into what Muddy believes the future of the blues would be (as it stood then). This is gold!
I think I have found a gem.
The late, great Muddy Waters is interviewed here in 1972 , on the television program 'The Old Grey Whistle Test'. I found it really interesting to hear about Waters' reasons for moving from Mississippi to Chicago. (Many black musicians of this era made similar choices to move to urban areas, like Chicago. As the musicians adapted to new environments, so did the music. Chicago then became the birthplace of urban or electric blues.)
Also, it was fascinating to hear about the reasoning behind the switch from using acoustic instruments, to playing with electric instruments. These are all points of real social interest, for me!
We also get insight into what Muddy believes the future of the blues would be (as it stood then). This is gold!
Tuesday, 3 March 2009
Stay tuned, folks!
Hello, ladies and gentlemen. After a prolonged stay in hospital, I am back home! Unfortunately, I never know how long these 'medical excursions' will take, or how long it will be before I'm back to my former strength. I was fairly unwell. So, you may need to allow me the occasional, unexplained, absence.
This note is just to say that I have several posts in the works... watch this space! There's always fresh music (and life) to talk about. It will just take time.
Be well.
This note is just to say that I have several posts in the works... watch this space! There's always fresh music (and life) to talk about. It will just take time.
Be well.
Friday, 6 February 2009
Down home Shakedown
This is a fun thing to see! According to the information provided, it was filmed for a German TV show, in 1965. From looking at the back-drop, I can be reasonably certain that it was filmed as a part of The American Folk-Blues Festival, which began touring in 1962. It was an incredibly successful series of shows that brought African-American blues musicians, to European audiences.
The musicians who were involved, included John Lee Hooker, Muddy Waters, Sonny Terry and Brownie McGhee, Big Mama Thornton (who plays some fine harmonica, here), Howlin' Wolf, Big Walter Horton, and Sonny Boy Williamson II ... That is a fine representation of the movers and shakers in blues music, in my opinion!
Some of the shows were also filmed. Luckily, the film has been officially released on DVD. I'd recommend them highly! The DVDs can be found here. (That links to 'Volume One'.)
Here's the clip:
What makes this piece so very cool, is that John Lee Hooker, for example, is not known for his harmonica skills. The truth is, that many musicians of the time were able to play multiple instruments, (skillfully) to make a living.
Actually, I did not even know that John Lee Hooker could play harp!
Note: this post has been 'in the vault' for ages. Glad to see it published!
Buy the music, support the artists!
The musicians who were involved, included John Lee Hooker, Muddy Waters, Sonny Terry and Brownie McGhee, Big Mama Thornton (who plays some fine harmonica, here), Howlin' Wolf, Big Walter Horton, and Sonny Boy Williamson II ... That is a fine representation of the movers and shakers in blues music, in my opinion!
Some of the shows were also filmed. Luckily, the film has been officially released on DVD. I'd recommend them highly! The DVDs can be found here. (That links to 'Volume One'.)
Here's the clip:
What makes this piece so very cool, is that John Lee Hooker, for example, is not known for his harmonica skills. The truth is, that many musicians of the time were able to play multiple instruments, (skillfully) to make a living.
Actually, I did not even know that John Lee Hooker could play harp!
Note: this post has been 'in the vault' for ages. Glad to see it published!
Buy the music, support the artists!
Thursday, 8 January 2009
Connecting!
A good 2009, to ye!
I have some news:
I have re-designed my old MySpace page; for anyone who wants to 'connect' that way. I may post a (handy) Links section to side-of-screen. (Then, it is all accessible...) I'm not one hundred per cent sure what I'll do.
Anyhow, I wanted to make the link available to you, for starters! It is something to do -- while my illness continues to cause me some major difficulties. It has not been an easy time! I am attempting to be as easy on myself, as I possibly can.
Take care.
I have some news:
I have re-designed my old MySpace page; for anyone who wants to 'connect' that way. I may post a (handy) Links section to side-of-screen. (Then, it is all accessible...) I'm not one hundred per cent sure what I'll do.
Anyhow, I wanted to make the link available to you, for starters! It is something to do -- while my illness continues to cause me some major difficulties. It has not been an easy time! I am attempting to be as easy on myself, as I possibly can.
Take care.
Monday, 5 January 2009
So much fun: Paul Lamb and The King Snakes!
It looks like so much fun -- I just had to post!
This clip has Paul Lamb and The King Snakes, playing in Frederikshavn Bluesfestival; on September 29th, 2007. I did not film this. The song is 'You Better Mind'. Paul plays blues harp in the band.
I love when he refers to the other singers (I think they're the rest of the band), as 'The Staple Singers'! (Famous gospel group.)
Credit goes to the artists. Enjoy!
Thursday, 1 January 2009
Mitch's Playlist: 0.3
I'd like wish to my readers a happy and safe year, for 2009! Thanks for sticking around. I've felt pretty unwell, lately. I just try to keep going!
I am listening to:
I am listening to:
- Bach: St. Matthew Passion Highlights -- Cleobury, King's College Choir. Obviously, this piece was written by J.S. Bach. It's about the events surrounding Christ's crucifixion. It is also regarded as being one of the greatest pieces of Western music, of all time! I have no disagreements, there! Bach is my favourite classical composer. Actually, I had not heard it, before.
- I have been watching a lot footage of Sonny Terry and Brownie McGhee. Their albums are good, too (eg. Backwater Blues). Sonny and Brownie's partnership was one of the greatest, in the history of folk-blues. It was also one of the stormiest! Some of the footage on the Net/YouTube -- just great!
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