I knew a guy who could play two saxes at the same time (with rubber bands holding down a couple of keys) and I can believe that someone might be able play two trumpets simultaneously, but three? Had there not been a video I’d have never believed it.
The song is “El Manisero“ (aka “The Peanut Vendor) and it dates to 1930s Cuba. Stan Kenton’s version is my favorite because of all the discordant stuff that he worked into it.
Joe Cocker‘s take on “Delta Lady” earned him a hit in 1969, and in 1970 he doubled down by performing it with Tom Jones. The chicks dug it.
George Benson‘s recording of “This Masquerade” was a soft jazz R&B hit in 1976, reaching No. 10 on the Billboard Hot 100 and No. 3 on the Hot Soul Singles charts [Wiki]. The chicks dug it.
What do those songs have in common? They were all written by this guy:
Sha Na Na was best known for opening for Jimi Hendrix at Woodstock, doing covers of early R&R and R&B hits, but they wrote some original songs as well. “The Vote Song” appeared on their album “The Night Is Still Young” in 1972, also a presidential election year, and if you replace “Nixon” with “Obama” in the lyrics, it still works.
The Broke Brothers‘ cover of the The Stone’s hit is an interesting take. It’s also an appropriate song that sums up my feelings about last Tuesday’s Election Day results.
As a resident of the People’s Republic of California, my vote didn’t count for anything, not even on the specious ballot measures, but at the same time I’m pleased that a certain someone will not become President.
The Wailers perform their classic 1977 hit “Three Little Birds” (sans the late Bob Marley) in 2014. For everyone on all sides of the political spectrum, this seems appropriate as well.
Have a great weekend, folks, and steer clear of the hooligans.
This is a Public Service Announcement, posted as required by the Federal Internet Content Control Act (FICCA) of 2017.
Dan Martinez aka the Piano Juggler is amazing [h/t Bunkessa].
The 1961 hit “Hey Baby” by Bruce Channel (featuring Delbert McClinton on harmonica) is one of those songs that’s almost impossible to do a bad cover of. DJ Ötzi’s version from 2000 is probably the best known, but Buckwheat Zydeco‘s take from 1994 is pretty good (and there’s a 1970 VW Karmann Ghia in the vid, too).
Japanese theme park Nara Dreamland was built in 1961 but was permanently closed in 2006 due to declining attendance. At one time this place was filled with laughter; now it’s just spooky. This is what it looks like after years of neglect. [via].
“Are You Popular?” I wish I’d seen this 1947 PSA when I was in High School. All my dates could have been spatulas and 2x4s.
Tommy Emmanuel is amazing. No formal training, can’t read or write music, yet his sound is incredible with an unmistakable Chet Atkins influence. He reminds me of Leo Kottke.
Have a great weekend, folks. There’s more to come.
Jimi Hendrix – no slouch on a reversed and restrung 12-string.
Stevie Ray Vaughan burns it. The clip is apparently from a television show in France, date unknown. Some think that may be an impostor because his face is hidden, but I seriously doubt that any impostor who plays like that would need to pretend.
“Where The Hell Is Matt?” reminded me of this classic prank:
That innocent stunt still makes me grin.
Iron Horse Bluegrass consists of Tony Robinson (mandolin), Vance Henry (Guitar), Anthony Richardson (banjo) and Ricky Rogers (bass). Iron Horse has recorded twelve projects for CMH Records. Tributes to Metallica, Led Zeppelin, Ozzy Osbourn, Modest Mouse, The Shins, Guns & Roses, The Goo Goo Dolls, Hank Williams, Black label Society as well as others. [h/t Aussie Phil.]
Way too few Little Isidore videos in this world IMO. (Click that link to be amazed.)
Rhett & Link, singin’ the order… then they had to pay for it. Posted in 2009, here’s the caption:
Yes! the guy’s reaction is totally authentic. He had no idea we were coming, and he really got the order right (almost right). We couldn’t believe it either, so we understand the questions….
[h/t Octopus.]
To those suffering the wrath and aftermath of Hurricane Matthew, here’s this:
I don’t listen to food shows on the radio, at least not intentionally, but sometimes I do by accident.
KFIAM640 features “The Fork Report” on Saturdays, featuring Neil Saavedra, and his themesong is pretty cool. Lordy, lordy. Last night I suddenly realized that he’s been playing The Reverend Horton Heat all this time. If you’re offended by Rockabilly cheesecake videos, click on it, turn away and just listen. The song is fun. The video is funner.
Yeah, I found that mildly amusing, but then I’m easily amused. So let’s go visit Beverly Watkins instead.
From the UToobage description:
Beverly Watkins plays a mean blues guitar, and that’s putting it mildly. Over six decades of performing, the 77-year-old has opened for Ray Charles, James Brown, BB King and other legendary musicians. She’s one of the greatest female blues guitarists, and still plays local gigs in Atlanta.