And Now for Something Completely Different

I had the chance to see Bela Fleck and Jerry Douglas play with the Bluegrass allstars at Bonnarro 2008. I was turned onto Bluegrass on the ride down to the festival by two of my southern music loving contemporaries who forced me to listen to artists like Jerry Rice, Bill Monroe and Earl Scruggs on our 15 hour journey to Tennesse, and aren't I glad they did. The allstars set had me picking bits of my brain up off the floor and converted me to a full fledged bluegrass fan. The players were undoubtedly some of the best and most prolific at their instruments. How often to you see all the best people in the world at one particular thing get together to show off. Here's a video of Bela and Jerry playing "Alabama Jubilee" with the great Chet Atkins.

That Lucky Old Sun

I discovered this song a while ago after coming across a video of New Orleans singer/guitarist Snooks Eaglin walking Meters' bassist George Porter through a song entitled "Life in the Middle" somewhat unsuccessfully. I searched everywhere for the song to find out who originally wrote it with no luck until noticing a youtube comment that referred to it as "That Lucky Old Sun". After typing that name into the search bar I was bombarded with renditions of the tune by artists that were perfect for loveofmuzik: Aretha Frnaklin, Ray Charles, Sam Cooke, Jerry Lee Lewis to name a few. It is evidently one of those classic soul songs that everyone wanted a piece of. Here's the video that originally turned me onto the song as well as a link to the Ray Charles' version because the embedding was disabled. Hope you like it as much as I do.



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e4fwFcJYwao

The Wood Brothers

Man these guys kill me. As one of the most talented brotherhoods in music, their vocal harmonies and soulful southern feel take care of you just like mama used to. Oliver's spirited voice and Chris of MMW's multifaceted bass playing make a hell of a duo. Check out the album "Loaded". It's the first album I've heard in a long time with a full track list of brilliant songs. Go in with high expectations...I dare you.

Nothing from Nothing

There's one reason people come to this blog and that's to hear good music. Keeping with that trend, this song will put a smile on your face from to ear to ear. You know why? Cuz it's a great f*&^%$# song.

In Repair

This is by far the coolest window into an artists writing process I've ever seen. I've always wished there was more footage of bands/artists in the studio writing, tracking, fixing and transforming songs. As an artist myself I'm no stranger to the creative process generated in the studio. It's a laboratory for experimenting with sounds, feels, mixes, effects, tempos, etc... I'm glad (and not surprised) that John Mayer of all people has given the public the opportunity to see into what life is like as a musician with the ability to do whatever you want. If I had John Mayer's status/money I'd be jamming with Steve Jordan and Charlie Hunter everyday.

Red Baron

This track was introduced to me by my ever so funky pal and long time contributor to the mid-town Toronto jam scene, Justin Binder. It features a young John Scofield and one of my personal favourite drummers Billy Cobham who I had the pleasure of seeing in New York several years ago with Sylvain Luc and Victor Bailey. Labeling that show "monumental" would be an understatement. Hold on to your hats folks.

Paolo

If you haven't heard Paolo Nutini, get on it. He's a 23 year old scot with a monster of a voice. But don't take my word for it, see for yourself...

"Growing up Beside You"