Rafael Figueroa Ju, Alamos, Sonora, Mexico — Image by kenne
One afternoon while in Alamos we all met where Tucson’s Ronstadt Generations was staying to listen to a fabulous seventy-five year old harmonica player, Rafael Figueroa Ju. His appearance was a beautiful example of organized spontaneity.
Video of Rafael Figueroa Ju by kenne (January 27, 2016 in Alamos, Sonora, Mexico)
Little known, except by musicians, Danny Gatton was a musician’s musician. He loved playing the telecaster, rebuilding antique cars, staying around the D.C. area and just being a shy “good-old boy.”
Danny Gatton has been described as possessing an extraordinary proficiency on his instrument, “a living treasury of American musical styles.” In 2009, John Previti, who played bass guitar with Danny for 18 years stated: “You know, when he played country music, it sounded like all he played was country music. When he played jazz, it sounded like that’s all he played, rockabilly, old rock and roll, soul music. You know, he called himself a Whitman sampler of music Legendary guitarist Steve Vai reckons Danny “comes closer than anyone else to being the best guitar player that ever lived.” Accomplished guitar veteran Albert Lee said of Gatton: “Here’s a guy who’s got it all.”
Gatton shot himself in his garage, October 4, 1994 at the young age of 59 — he left no explanation. All great artists seem to possess a spooky fatalism, a sense of the duende down deep in the soul.
The goblets
of the dawn break.
The crying of the guitar
starts.
No use to stop it.
It is impossible
to stop it.
— Federico Garcia Lorca
Blue Flax Wildflower — Image by kenne
— from “Where Have All The Flowers Gone” by Pete Seeger
— T. S. Eliot
Shiny Penny Band Live at the Original Sagebrush Cantina, Tucson, Arizona (October 18, 2015) — Video by kenne
Dean Schimmelpfennig — Images by kenne
The band Shiny Penny is currently on a tour that will keep them on the road through the end of the year, and last night they played here in Tucson at the Original Sagebrush Cantina.
We have been listening to their music for a while now and live the sound of Shiny Penny. Most of us who love live music know what it’s like to fall in love with the sound and end up being very disappointed with their live performance — not the case with Shiny Penny. This entertaining band grabs you with the first tune, and you are in for a real ride through to the last.
I have some video from last night that I will be editing and post at a later date.
Next stop, San Diego — Follow Shiny Penny on Facebook.
Here’s their latest video, just out October 23, 2018.
Ken Nordine Album Cover: “How Are Things In Your Town?” 1972
Growing up in the Chicago area as a teen and young adult, I often I would listen late night jazz on the radio. One of the shows was that of Ken Nordine reading his poetry while playing jazz. He has one of the best radio voices anywhere. You may have heard his voice and didn’t know who it was, since over the years he has done a lot of voice-over TV commercials. Since his radio show in the sixties, he has done several Word Jazz albums. One of his albums that I have is “How Are Things In Your Town,” which includes, “What Time Is It?”
kenne
Hayes Carll, Heritage Place, Conroe, Texas (August 2, 2007) — Computer art by kenne
— Hayes Carll
“Couleur Me Royale” (Joy listening to musicians on Rue Royale, New Orleans) — Image by kenne
Dave Pierce — Images & Video by kenne
April 12, 2009 Dave had friends and family over for a crawfish boil, after which he played guitar and sang some of his songs. One of the songs was the recently written, “You Can’t See Main Street from Wall Street.”
Looking Through the Looking Glass — Image by kenne
— from Through the Looking Glass by Machinae Supremacy
“Guitar Love” — Image by kenne
Guitar Love
— kenne
“SRV” Image by kenne
“Tell me what you think Art is” — Image by kenne
Georgia O’Keeffe — Words/Works
AJ Murphy — Image by kenne
Music is . . .
Music is what
enables me
in my work
soothes me
when I rest
reminds me
of images past
of dreams yet fulfilled.
It is not the words,
nor the beat,
nor the instruments,
nor the relationships —
It is the rhythm
of the moments
composed by
the silence in between.
— kenne
#####
Music is . . .
a moral law.
It gives soul
to the universe,
wings
to the mind,
flight
to the imagination,
and charm and gaiety
to life and to everything.
— Plato
Old Rusty Tractor — Image by kenne
Last night I spent over three hours watching the documentary, “History of The Eagles.” I love every minute of it!
The documentary, which had its premiere at the Sundance Film Festival last January, is in two parts and is currently on Showtime and can be purchased on DVD, or streamed — there are so many options in today’s digital would.
Like most rock ‘n roll bands, much of their creativity comes from the battles with their demons, which are the vital spirits of creative imagination. For me their music takes the listener to an extrasensory event that is seeking Lorca’s “Duende,” ” . . a momentary burst of inspiration, the blush of all that is alive, all that the performer is creating at a certain moment.” This is what makes music intoxicating.
So, “What’s with the rusty old tractor?” you ask.
One of the things that stood out the most in the Eagles documentary was something Don Henley said near the end, when he referenced a Neil Young quote about quitting before you rust. The reference was about music, or was it?
Most of us who have lived with the music of the Eagles are beginning to feel old and rusty, but Henley put a new perspective on it:
“I don’t see rust as a bad thing. I have an old 1962 John Deere tractor that’s covered in rust, but it runs like a top. You know the inner workings are just fine. To me, that rust symbolizes all the work done and all the experiences gained. From where I sit, rust looks pretty good.”
Last thing I remember, I was
Running for the door
I had to find the passage back
To the place I was before
“Relax, ” said the night man,
“We are programmed to receive.
You can check-out any time you like,
But you can never leave! “
— from the Eagles, “Hotel California”
kenne
Glenn Fry and Don Henley of The Eagles — Sam Jones/Showtime
One of the best covers of an Eagles song is that of Tucson native, Linda Ronstadt – Desperado (Simple Dreams Tour – Atlanta 1977)
Early Morning Dreams: The Awakening and Starting All Over — Image by kenne
— Patti Smith, Early Work, 1970-1979
