LUCKED OUT!
Two words to describe the weekend for me would be "lucked out". I found two perfectly pre-owned CD's: Joni Mitchell's CD, "For the Roses"---still my favorite. The day before, I was in a bookstore and discovered a book written about Joni that really detailed what was going on in her life as the recording studio sessions unfolded. A complicated, but deliriously wonderful talent, she spares no expense on the studio musicians for this 1972 release that is always over-shadowed by the CD "Blue". David Geffen provided direction; Stephen Stills provides the "Rock 'n Roll Band on "Blonde in the Bleachers"; ex-boyfriend Graham Nash played harmonica; Tom Scott handled Woodwinds and Reeds and Legendary Guitarist James Burton, (then touring with Elvis and a studio musician to everyone--most recently part of Guitar Fest) is joined by drummer Russ Kunkel--one of my favorites. Joni handles the chorus overdubs and of course the artwork--as usual. Both "Blue" and For the Roses" are cited by many artists from Sarah McLachlan to Jewel and others for lending inspiration to their own careers. The live set "Miles of Aisles" is a tour in support of both of these recordings and contained glimpses of the Jazz direction Joni took quite courageously that is said to have alienated her core base of folk fans. She took that road. End of story. An amazing artist who is still somewhat of an enigma to me.
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In Concert: 2005
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Quite apart from this was a Canadian CD import from Direct Source called "James Brown Center Stage: LIVE" with the irresistible lyrics to 1970's "Sex Machine". "Get on up/like a sex machine/ stay on the scene/ like a sex machine". During this recording, released in 2000, "The Godfather of Soul" invokes (out of respect) the names of musicians in the 1980 hit film "THE BLUES BROTHERS" as he mentions the late John Belushi, Dan Akroyd, Cab Calloway, and Guitarist Steve Cropper. Most of these songs were memorably performed at his Atlanta funeral last December and James' last stage band, The Soul Generals were tight. "Cold Sweat" and "Papa's Got A Brand New Bag" were actually recorded here in Cincinnati at the now-defunct King Records. But it's always fun to uncover jewels like these CD's.
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posted by Michael Manning @ 8:15 PM
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It is wonderful to uncover a "jewel" isn't it. I heart James Brown. I was so sad when he died. He was like a treasure in SC. Albeit a sometimes drug-addled, running from the cops treasure but a treasure just the same!
Patti: Yes, he had some trouble. But overall, that's a long walk from shining shoes to the world stage. Months before he died, he was able to work with singer Joss Stone and Christina Aguilera. He was scheduled for his second Honorary Doctorate this May. When we had riots here in 2001, he was the only singer who showed up afterwards to plead for peace saying, "You think the message hasn't been heard. But it has". He really took a chance in a dangerous area of town amid "booing". But he played a small set and left. I wish I had seen him in a concert setting. Friends tell me he was awesome!
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