2 Months, 4 Years, and Still Laughing
It's a miracle you are even alive
1 in 400 trillion. That is the odds.
Not the odds of Trump telling the truth nor Biden gracefully handing over the power of the presidency to Kamala Harris.
1 in 400 trillion is what scientists estimate the likelihood was of you being born. Of any one of us being born.
You are a miracle. Hold onto that when the skies turn grey, the clouds are full of rain, and life is suffering and pain. There are good odds of the sun shining again.
Today marks 2 months since my Open Heart Surgery. I’m pretty good, thanks for asking.
Another moment happened 4 years ago today, on the 7th of July. The day I swiped right on Bumble I started a conversation with Tina Sparkles. We can use many fewer words now to know what we are communicating. Though the words still come out all the same.
Another miracle. Statisticians still working on the odds.
It may be stinking hot where you are or very cold where I am but don’t let it get you down.
You, my dear reader, are a miracle. Let that put a smile on that dial.
It’s time for another installment of new music. These offerings were found in June 2024. So if you need some warmth or some coolness, you will find it within these records that excited me this month. I am sure you will find something here to fill your ears and hearts with joy.
Willie Nelson- Border-Album # 75 and Nelson is in good voice, his guitar playing is up in the mix and there are some great songs. His cover of Many A Long And Lonesome Highway, written by Rodney Crowell, is stellar. Willie is touring this summer in North America, go pay homage, you are not too old, he is 91.
I believe in love and danger
I believe the truth is stranger
I believe that fear is much too strong
I believe the best will find me
When I leave the rest behind me
Out on the highway, I'm my own
And many a long and lonesome highway
Lies before us as we go
And in the end, I'll do it my way
Look for me where the four winds blow-R. Crowell
Wire Bluthe-Field Of Elephants-Bluthe has a voice that makes you want to lean into it. You not only hear his words, but you truly feel them. Another 21st-century record that feels as if it is from another time. Check out this Australians first record too….where all good records, tapes, and the like are sold….streamed….pirated….whatever. Stuck In The Songs is the name of that record.
Khruangbin-A LA SALA- More of the same from this atmospheric trio. Jut put it on and feel your blood pressure drop. The biggest inspiration for this album according to the band was ‘each other’ and ‘home’.
Tony Trischka-Earl Jam-Banjo virtuosity by Tony paying tribute to the great bluegrass banjo of Earl Scrugs. Guest spots by Molly Tuttle, Billy Strings, Molly Tuttle, Stuart Duncan and more grace these tracks. Tony is the best thing to come out of Syracuse since Grover Cleveland.
Hermanos Gutierrez-Sonido Cosmico-More desert guitar and cosmic soundscapes. The desert could be extraterrestrial. These 2 brothers and their guitars is all you get and all you need. Touring the USA this year with Khruangbin and you know that is a good fit.
Various Artists- Still Can’t Say Goodbye- Musicians Tribute to Chet Atkins-Vince Gill, Ricky Skaggs, Tommy Emmanuel, and more pay tribute to the late, great Mister Guitar.
Neal Francis-Francis Comes Alive-The title is a wink and a nod to Frampton Comes Alive but the music is not anywhere near what Mr. Frampton plays.
This is a firehouse of funk and jamming with Neil and a 12-piece band that sets the room and your speakers on fire.
Best live recording of the year so far.
You can watch and listen here….its another record that takes you back in time although it’s brand new.
Neil Young And Crazy Horse-Early Daze-Early recordings of songs you know from 1969.
It’s like an archeological dig and the intro to Down By The River when producer David Briggs asks Young, “What’s the name of this, Neil?”
Neil replies and David says, “Down By The River. Take 1.”
Truly a piece of history and so glad Neil has these tapes. Keep rolling them out, Neil.
Thanks for this one Neil and we all know what a loss Danny Whitten was.