Christmas Time is Here: Vince Guaraldi's masterpiece is forever timeless.

 Ah, the holiday season. Thanksgiving has come and gone, and now it is time to either buy or take your tree out of hiding and load up on eggnog. Yes, it's that time of year again. I dig Christmas music. I love the classics. However, because the holidays come once a year, there's only so much music you can withstand. I say that because my heart goes out to all the people who have to endure Maria Carey's thawing. A Charlie Brown's Christmas LP stands in a class of its own because of how timeless it is and that it will never go out of style. 

Guaraldi's name is synonymous with the Peanuts franchise, and ACBC was the first collaboration between the two, starting in 1965, the same year the classic special aired on television. Peanuts, as they have been around for a decade, had already become a success due to themes of politics, philosophy, and ethics, which, for a comic strip, is ahead of its time. The genre of Jazz itself was in a tough position as folk dominated the early 60s and Beatlemania and the British invasion occurred just a year prior. 

A Charlie Brown's Christmas, if it could be described as a feeling, that feeling would be warmth. From the opening notes of "O Tannenbaum," you feel cozy. You want to make a cup of hot chocolate or a warm cup of coffee. The musicianship on this record has always been a key component that gets overlooked because of the legacy of the special (which is understandable). It might be a holiday record, but listening to it, you wouldn't be able to tell because Guaraldi and his trio are just cooking. Brushing has always been a troupe in Jazz, and drummer Jerry Granelli showcases its strengths in the instrumental take on "Christmas Time is Here" as it lulls you into a dreamlike state accompanied by Vince's elegant piano. "Linus and Lucy," which is a standout on the album, is unofficially the Peanuts anthem and is so instantly recognizable. "Christmas Time is Here" is again reprised with vocals provided by St. Paul's Epispical Church choir and opens the special with the iconic skating sequence.  

This holiday, cozy up with a holiday classic. It's essential in my tradition, why don't you make it yours?

Forever echoing through the canyon: Remebering Kris Kristoifferson

 Country music is a beloved genre of music but not eveyrone (surprinsgly) loves the genre. However, there are very few artists who come around once in a lifetime that trendsends the genre and whose lyrics are raw, emotional and timeless. That man was Kris Kristofferson. Kirsotfferson was country's answer to Bob Dylan in terms of poetry and expert songcraft. Furhtumore, Kristofferson was a pioneer in the Outlaw Country movement of the 1970s with lauded company including Willie Nelson and Waylon Jennings. Kristofferson was born on June 22, 1936 in Brownsville Texas and grew up as an air force kid frequently relocating with is family. Eventually setteling in San Mateo, California, Kris grauduated Pomona College with a degree in creative writing and went on to attend Oxford Univeristy as a Rhoads Scholar. Kris was scheduled to start work at West Point academy teaching English but before accepting, he decided to take a 2 week leave in Nashville. Good thing he did. Once settled in Nashville, he paid his dues working and writing songs. After a brief time away from Nashville, Kristofferson returned to word of mouth praise thanks to friends like Johnny Cash. With that endoursement in mind, Krisoffereson started wroking on his self titled debut Kristofferson. While lauded by critics it tanked comerically. The album was the birth of his incrdible songwriting icluding tunes like "To Beat The Devil", "Best Of All Possilbe Worlds", "Help Me Make It Through The Night" and of course the immortal "Me And Bobby Mcgee" which became Janis Joplin's only #1 hit . After Kristofferson,  he followed up with 1971's The Silver Tongued Devil and I and spawned hits with "Loving Her Was Easier (Than anyting I'll ever do), the title track, and the fan favorite "The Pilgrim-Chapter 33." Later in the decade, Krisoffereson starred in Martin Scorseses Alice Doesn't Live Here Anymore  (1974) and of course his breakout role alongisde Barbara Streistand in 1976's A Star Is Born in which he won a Golden Globe. In the 80s, Kris teamed with fellow freinds Willie Nelson, Waylon Jennings and Johnny Cash to form THe Highwaymen.  

Kristofferson made country poetic. He was able to push against the norm of what country lyrics could be. He marched to the beat of his own drum. He was the definiton of a cosimic cowboy. Rest easy Kris. Legends don't die, they fade away. In Kristoffereson's case, fading away is ironic. His legacy will live forever. 

Talking to the Trees- The Jayhawks and Hollywood Town Hall

Alternative country is a subgenre of country music that draws influence from country (primarily outlaw) with mixes of poetic lyrics and more of a rock and roll backbone. The Jayhawks are one of the many pioneers in the genre, along with bands such as Uncle Tupelo, Wilco,  and Whiskeytown. The Jayhawks were formed in 1985 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The original core lineup consisted of Mark Olson (guitar and vocals), Norm Rogers (drums), and guitarist-turned-bassist Marc Perlman, later joined by Gary Louris (guitar and vocals). The band released their self-titled debut in 1986, followed by 1989's Blue Earth. The band gained national fame with the release of Hollywood Town Hall on September 15th, 1992.  That's the record we're dissecting today. I would also like to note that this was my first time fully listening to the record. 

The album begins with "Waiting For The Sun". Right from the get-go, this record is going to be special. The band was influenced by Neil Young and The Rolling Stones, and the track is oozing with a Crazy Horse swagger. Clouds" is a prolific and critical jab at one's wealth and well-being and makes you stop and ponder. 'Two Angels' is the standout track on the album as it blends classic country pedal steel that merges with Neil Young-inspired lyrics. Moreover, Olson's vocals echo the late great Gram Parsons, a pioneer in alternative country, and that's beautiful. 

https://youtube.com/playlist?list=OLAK5uy_nGfdDtythVg0bQVBX8k4F_U1BB7iOa5MM&si=u8JNqNqZ8-uFt--U

Above is a link to the full record for you to listen. This album is unquestionable The Jayhawks at their creative peak. An "Exile On Main Street," if you will. 

Yankee Hotel Foxtrot: Wilco rocks The Beacon Theater

On Friday, June 21st, 2024 I was treated to a rock odyssey. That odyssey was in the translation of Wilco. Wilco has had an incredible lasting legacy, clocking in now for almost 30 years. Wilco was the brainchild of Jeff Tweedy, formerly a member of the alternative country legend that was Uncle Tupelo, whose legacy is the blueprint of the subgenera. Founded in 1995, the band released their debut album A.M. The album was a word-of-mouth success as critic reviews were mixed. Their sophomore album Being There, now a lauded masterpiece, made them a fan favorite for millions, including me. Wilco didn't slow down from there. The band has grown both lyrically and musically since then. With releases like the ultra-personal Summerteeth, and the Cinderella story epic that is Yankee Hotel Foxtrot it was clear that the band wanted to prove that they could graduate from the alt-country genre. Safe to say they transitioned smoothly. 

I was fortunate enough to get tickets for the show thanks to my old man. However, it's still going to take time to show the genius of Wilco for him. Fortunately, I was able to bring along my amazing girlfriend as she was familiar with their catalog. The show was held at the historic Beacon Theater in New York City whose house residents are quite notable. Notable alumni include The Allman Brothers Band and indie giants My Morning Jacket. Nice company. 

Wilco bought down the house that night. As a concertgoer, I can sometimes get skeptical of a setlist. I meditate toward one that covers both hits and deep cuts. Safe to say I got both that night. The band opened with Misunderstood" the track that kicks off their masterpiece Being There. Right out of the gate, I knew this band was so special in a live environment. Jeff Tweedy had the crowd singing to every word. A maestro leading his orchestra of fans. Afterward, I recognized the first 3 notes of "Forget The Flowers" a Johnny Cash-inspired song both lyrically and musically, and I was over the moon. The band covered all of their catalog including fan favorites "I'm Trying To Break Your Heart", 'Jesus Etc.", "Cruel Country" and the epic "Impossible Germany". 

At the end of the encore, a fellow fan turned to me and said "Did your dad introduce you to Wilco?" 

I responded "Nope. Discovered them all on my own." That's the ticket on why this concert was so special to me.  To be able to see a band live from your own crate digging and research is a satisfying treat. I suggest you do the same. 

Forever in the Blue Sky: Dicky Betts, co-founder of The Allman Brothers band dies at 80

On Thursday, April 18th, 2024 we lost a giant. That giant was Dickey Betts of the Allman Brothers Band. Betts passed away at the age of 80 after battling a long fight with COPD. Betts was the yang to Duane Allman's yin.  The Altman Brothers Band was a group that couldn't be matched. ABB was and forever will be Southern Rock royalty,  but they also were able to seamlessly blend other genres including R&B and even Jazz. 

I won't be the first to tell you how influential Live At The Fillmore East has been on music. It's often lauded as the greatest live album of all time and I'm inclined to agree.  Duane Altman's Les Paul screams while Dicky Betts blazes behind him with incredible blues phrasing mixed with the mixalydan and major scales blended in. That interplay shines on their rendition of Stormy Monday, Statesboro Blues, and Done Somebody Wrong. Betts' "In Memory of Elizabeth Reed" also included, is an epic instrumental that blends jazz, R&B, and blues and concludes at a blistering 16 minutes. 

Following the tragic death of Duane, The Brothers pushed on and released their 1972 masterpiece Eat A Peach.    Betts contributed "Blue Sky" a beautiful rollicking outlaw lullaby.  It was also the first time Betts sang lead vocal. Blue Sky became a concert favorite. Truly a beautiful song.

Betts would contribute more tunes for the band which is showcased in 1973's Brothers and Sisters. For Allman stans, this would be the last album founding member and bassist  Berry Oakley would play on. 

As for. Betts, he wrote "Ramblin Man" which became the band's only top 10 hit, and the trance-like instrumental epic "Jessica". While writing Jessica, Betts stated he was influenced by the late great Django Reinhardt as he wanted to capture the feeling of playing with two fingers. Betts left the band in 1975 but would come back with the Allman's in 1989 and played with the band throughout the 90s on numerous live albums and the studio albums Seven Turns and the underrated Back Where it All Begins. 

Betts may have passed, but his music and his profound influences will live on in record grooves forever. 

Forever kicking out the jams: MC5 guitarist Wayne Kramer dies at 75

 On Friday, February 2nd, 2024 punk lost one of its founding fathers. MC5 guitarist Wayne Kramer died at the age of 75 after a grueling battle with pancreatic cancer. Kramer and the MC5 was a key figure in the port punk movement along with other fellow trailblazers The Stooges who were in turn influenced by East Coast legends The Velvet Underground. Kramer was born in 1948 and was a founding member of the MC5 which formed in Lincoln Park, Michigan in 1964. The original lineup consisted of Kramer, Fred Smith (guitar), Rob Tyner (vocals), Dennis Thompsons on drums, and Michal Davis on bass. Tragically, the band had little to no commercial success during its entail run but the band has had an enduring legacy since then and has influenced contemporary giants Rage Against The Machine and British punk legends The Clash. "Kick Out Of the Jams' the band's signature tune has become an enduring anthem for picking yourself back up when times may seem bleak. Furthermore, the opening wailing cry from Tyner is forever cemented in the brains of music lovers everywhere. "Kick Out the Jams Mother-Fuckers" What a statement for the time period. Kramer's guitar work oozes through every groove of the song. It's loud, in your face, and bare-boned. The man could take a solo as well as he was able to craft tasteful solos while keeping the signature punk sound. A great example of this technique can be showcased in underrated gems like "Motor City is Burning' and "Looking At You." 

RATM's Tom Morello took to social media to pay respects to his hero citing Kramer as "The greatest man I've ever known." Fellow contemporary legend Jack White also expressed his condolences and cited "Looking at You" to be the first guitar solo he ever taught himself. 

Though Kramer has left us, his legacy has been cemented in the books and his influence has sprawled for decades. He would be happy to know how vocal rock bands are these days. Kick out The jams brother Kramer. Rest easy. 

Take a sad song and make it better: The Beatles (white album) dissection and analysis

 By 1968, The Beatles had already accomplished feats we could only dream of achieving. The band conquered both sides of the pond, exceeding and pushing boundaries of what a rock band could create within the past year released Sgt Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band and Magical Mystery Tour which pushed the sub-genre psychedelic rock to its limits. 1968 would be a turbulent year for the band. However, despite all they endured that year they prevailed and created The Beatles or as society has now deemed it, The White Album. Beatle fanatics will know that around this time, Lennon was well infatuated with Yoko Ono whom John Lennon met back in 1966. Eventually, home life would clash with studio time and inedibly in time, she would soon be sitting in on the band's recording sessions. It was a bold move considering the band retired from touring back in 1966 to solely focus on being present in the studio. The Yoko hate train is well known and I'm with that company. However, I'm solely focusing on the songs and the band themselves. 

The bulk of the album was conceived in Rishikesh, India as the band was trying to achieve inner calm with mediation provided by Maharishi Mahesh Yogi. Combined with the practiced mediation, and ironically the presence of Yoko, the band was able to create individually and in the process created a smorgasbord of material that expands multiple genres. The album opens with "Back in The U.S.S.R". Mccartney wrote the song as an homage to The Beach Boys and is clearly showcased by the backing vocals and Chuck Berry-infused guitar progression. McCartney also provided the drum track.  'Dear Prudence" follows and for my money, it's one of John Lennon's best lyrical works and that is saying a lot. The iconic acoustic guitar work is owed in large part to fellow friend and musician Donovan. It has been written that Donovan introduced Lennon. to a common guitar technique called 'Travis picking' which is all played with your fingers. What's more, the guitar is in drop d tuning which makes the guitar sound fuller. Another compliment of this timeless song is that the band expanded beyond their respective instruments. George Harrison plays a beautifully crafted baseline and McCartney provides an elegantly simple drum pattern. 

Sticking with the acoustic approach, Mccartney penned "Blackbird'. It's a beautiful song with not only a gorgeous guitar melody and chord shapes but with an important blueprint as Mccartney wrote the tune to comment on the social injustice occurring during 1968 which was a turning point for America. 

During the late 60s, George Harrison was finally starting to blossom as a songwriter. Before the white album, he conceived masterpieces such as 'Taxman", "I Want to Tell You" and "Love You To". The White Album is no acceptance as he penned the beautiful "While My Guitar Gently Weeps." During this time, Harrison became close with Eric Clapton. Both men highly respected each other and were thick as thieves(before the creation of Layla). That friendship carried over to the sessions and the result is Clapton playing the guitar solo on the track and it's definitely the highlight of the song. What's more, Harrison's lyrics are hauntingly lonely as the narrator "looks at the floor and notices it needs sweeping" and confronting the world around him being perverted and why society can't come to peace. 

 Side 1 of the record closes with "Happiness is A Warm Gun" Lennon was inspired by the title of an article published in The American Rifleman. Lennon was instantly intrigued and stated he must write a song about it. Musically, the song is a masterclass in time signatures as it changes from 6/8 time to 4/4 (common time). The song climaxes with Lennon's falsetto and it is proof that the band could be inspired by anything. 

Much as I'm praising this LP, it is to be noted that 'Revolution 9" will not be discussed as that song has its fair share of coverage and hate. I personally don't care for "Ob-La-Di-Ob-la-da" or "Birthday" as well but I know there are fans who hold those songs dearly so to each their own. 

Anyways, with that cleared up, let us go back to praising this landmark recording, shall we? 

"Yer Blues" was penned by Lennon as a playful jab and comment on the British blues scene. Ironically, Lennon would perform that song with Eric Clapton at The Rolling Stones Rock N Roll circus in December 1968 a month after the record was released. Furthermore, the cover is better than the recording. Just google the performance if you're not convinced. 

The following track is "Mother Nature's Son" which is another McCartney acoustic. It's my favorite McCartney acoustic number for sure. Lyrically, it's a love letter to nature. Although the narrator doesn't have much, he can't help but love the environment around him. 

One final song I'm gonna dive into is "Helter Skelter" without mentioning anything about Mr. Manson out of respect for Sharon Tate. "Helter Skelter" is The Beatles at their heaviest. The song itself was a response to The Who's a masterpiece "I Can See for Miles". Vocally, it's the rawest McCartney has ever been on recording only rivaling Oh! Darling." but Skelter will always prevail. Distorted, dirty guitars explode in all of their glory from Lennon and Harrison and Ringo screaming "I" 've got blisters on my fingers' is bloody brilliant. 

I've grown to really love The White Album as of late. So much so, that I would boldly put in my top 3. It's a masterpiece once you give it a few listens and a miracle since the band was going through a really rough time due to tensions and the behind-the-scenes schemes cooking up at Apple records (Beatle's own record company) 

Give it a listen. Or if you're familiar with it, go back and listen again and you might find something new.