If you pressed me real hard about it, my definition of “specialist music” would be just great music most folks haven’t found yet. The most knowledgeable, passionate and enthusiastic supporter of such – Mark Lamarr – has announced his “retirement”. I can’t count the number of new artists, songs and genres he has pointed my way through his never less than excellent shows. By way of thanks last night’s STAR BLUES went down the road toward rock’n’roll to show how thin is the line with blues. It seemed fitting to get into a relaxed party frame of mind too with the festivities going on all around.
The expected suspects like Ray Charles, Wynonie Harris, Elvis Presley and Big Joe Turner did their classics and the wily John Lee Hooker didn’t miss out on the new craze with “Shake Holler and Run”. Clyde McPhatter turned up twice: once with the Dominos on “Sixty Minute man" then with the Drifters for “Such A Night”. The sublime “Cool Yule” of Louis Armstrong and the lascivious “Back Door Santa” of Clarence Carter showed polar opposites of what it means to get into the Christmas spirit. Sugar Chile Robinson was but twelve years old on his “Christmas Boogie” while Mabel Scott was a tad older when she hooked up with her “Boogie Woogie Santa Claus”. Both those piano pieces kept the uptempo feel going; we didn’t really do a recognisable gospel song but the sentiments of the Staples Singers “Who Took The Merry Out of Christmas” gave us a poignant reminder on how the message can so easily get lost. I asked folks to remember everyone working over the holidays including taxi drivers who will give up their party nights to get you to yours and home safely. A cheap Christmas gift to give that would be priceless is for you to knock on your neighbours door to check if they are alright in this bad weather – helping with a pint of milk or a loaf of bread can make a difference while getting out and about is difficult.
I’m hoping to fix the problem with posting playlists this week, thanks for your patience related to a broken pc. God willing I’ll bring you some more blues on Boxing Day at ten when you’ll find out how to get your *free* copy of Gary Blue’s Almanac. We’ll also reveal the STAR BLUES award winners including your listener choice of Artist of the Year. I’m also in on Bank Holiday Tuesday 28th at 7pm for three hours “BACK IN BLACK” with mayhem and tomfoolery in equal doses. Until then, from my family to yours, have a really good Christmas and a happy and healthy New Year. Take care of yourselves and take care of those that take care of you.
No comments:
Post a Comment