Search Results

Steve Gillette released his first album in 1967 titled simply “Steve Gillette.” Top-heavy with folk ballads and original songs, I thought the album was a strong debut. Gillette had already established himself as a noteworthy songwriter when Ian and Sylvia , a top Canadian folk duo, included “Darcy Farrow,” a song Gillette co-wrote, on their 1966 album “Early Morning Rain.” I still own Gillette’s debut album and listen to it occasionally. Despite all of this fanfare, Steve Gillette never became a household name. Some say Gillette’s obscure status is the result of his emergence towards the end of the folk music boom. I don’t buy the idea. For reasons unknown, some people never make it to stardom, no matter how much they want it. Gillette wanted it, but his music failed to resonate with audiences broadly enough to make him a bonafide star. He made several more albums and eventually married Cindy Magnuson. To this day, the duo continues to tour relentlessly and make a modest living with their music. There are those who did make it big in the sixties, like two of my folk/pop favorites: Jackson Browne and Gordon Lightfoot . Still, Gillette has left us with a number of original and memorable songs. “Back On The Street Again” is one of them. Here’s my cover. #musiccafe #success #musicians #Greenwichvillage #talent #musicclubs #concertperformer #stardom #performers #vocals #guitarist #Martinguitar #70039smusic #songwriter #TheBitterEnd #60smusic #touring #musicbusiness #sologuitar

Cat Stevens wrote and recorded quite a few hits at the Zenith of his career in the 1960s and 1970s. Stevens is an exceptionally talented artist. His songs began to climb the charts in his native England when he was only eighteen. There is a recurring theme in Stevens’ work about leaving home to go out into the world. In Stevens’ words: “Wild World has to do with leaving, the sadness of leaving, and the anticipation of what lies beyond. There is a criticism sometimes of my music that it’s kind of naïve, but then again, that’s exactly why people like it. It goes back to the pure childish approach of seeing things almost for the first time.” I’ve covered several of Stevens’ songs on this blog, including “On the Road to Find Out,” “Fill My Eyes,” and “The Wind.” I’m a huge fan. Stevens’ songs still inspire me some sixty years after their release. Here’s my cover of another popular CS song: “Wild World.” #1960smusic #risingmusicstars #happiness #1970smusic #guitarandvocalcovers #Joy #guitarsolos #greatmusicians #popmusic #relationships #reflections #vocals #love #songwriter #inspiration

Bob Dylan wrote and recorded the original version of “Mr. Tambourine Man,” but The Byrds’ electrified folk-rock version shot it to #1 on both the US and UK charts. The song hadn’t been released when The Byrds learned it from a demo Dylan gave to their manager, Jim Dickson. Dylan released Tambourine Man in March 1965 on his Bringing It All Back Home album. What is “Mr. Tambourine Man” about? On the surface, this tambourine man is a wandering musician whose music has captured Dylan under its spell. The song is considered by many to be about drug experiences, with lines like “Take me for a trip upon your magic swirling ship” and “Take me disappearin’ through the smoke rings of my mind.” Phrases like these suggest a marijuana or LSD trip. Dylan is famously close-lipped about explaining his songs, but in his 1985 Biograph compilation album, he revealed that “Mr. Tambourine Man” is not about drugs. Instead, he said the song was inspired by a backup folk musician named Bruce Langhorne, who played a large tambourine in one of Dylan’s recording sessions. To me, the song’s poetic images are like impressionist paintings. The melody is haunting and mesmerizing. The song stands alone as a true work of art. Here’s my version. #folksongs #minstral #folkmusic #philosophy #consciousness #folkartist #feelings #FolkBallad #wandering #poeticlyrics #relationships #reflections #poetry #vocals #guitarist #impressionistpaintings #imagination #songwriter #emotions #folksingers #images #musician #sologuitar

“Ah, but I was so much older then, I’m younger than that now.” These lyrics and the refrain popped into my head a few mornings ago. This sort of thing has been happening to me frequently these days: Long-forgotten songs resurfacing. It may be a function of the aging process, or it might be the universe talking to me. I kind of hope it’s the latter. In the 1970s, a group called the Bryds covered a few Bob Dylan songs. They made songs like Mr. Tambourine Man and this one popular. The Bryds’ cover of Mr.Tambourine Man went to number one on the US charts, and their cover of My Back Pages went to thirty. I may have never listened to My Back Pages had it not been for The Byrds. By the way, Roger McGuinn and The Byrds are credited with starting the Folk Rock Revolution. And they inspired Bob Dylan to go electric. In 1964, Dylan released his fourth album, “Another Side of Life.” Around this time, he began to distance himself from his earlier songs. He claimed his earlier work was not about politics. Instead, it was about universal themes and not individual political issues. In “My Back Pages,” Dylan lambasts himself for his authoritarianism and arrogance. Moving forward, Dylan’s music focused more on individual consciousness and personal freedom. He is remembered more for his music from 1965-1970 than his earlier work. To me, the lyrics at the top infer that we tend to think we know it all at a young age. I know that I did. As we age, we gain more wisdom and realize that we know less than we thought we did. This understanding opens us to learning more when we admit that we know little in comparison to what is out there. To be open to learning without imposing pre-existing ideas is to become more pliable and, therefore, young. Here’s my cover of this powerful song. #1960smusic #recordalbums #acousticguitar #folkrock #albums #solos #BobDylan #electricguitar #reflections #songs #poetry #vocals #guitarist #TheByrds #songwriter #bands #recording #images #singing #sologuitar #concerts

John Prine began his professional career as a mailman in Illinois. He went on to become one of America’s most beloved singers and songwriters. If you are a fan of Folk and Country Music, then you know John Prine. His music was a blend of humorous lyrics about love, life, current events, and songs recounting melancholy tales from his life. Prine was active as a composer, recording artist, live performer, and occasional actor from the early 1970s until his death in 2020 from complications of COVID-19. “I Remember Everything” was the last song John wrote. Published posthumously, it’s a simple yet moving song looking back on a life well-lived. The artist may have had a premonition that his life was coming to an end. If that is the case, then “I Remember Everything” is John’s epitaph, which he characteristically wrote himself. Here’s my cover. #success #acousticguitar #memories #happiness #sorrow #JohnPrine #Joy #performers #reflections #songs #singers #peace #vocals #love #guitarist #folkguitar #acousticcover #songwriting #singing

“Day Is Done” is a simple song about a clandestine relationship. Since very little has been written about the song, it is difficult to pinpoint its exact meaning. It could be about two married adults having an illicit affair. The lyrics and tone, however, indicate a relationship between two adolescents forbidden by parents or society. The drawings on the album cover of “Lost Dogs and Mixed Blessings,” where the song is one of the tracks, tend to support the theory of a prohibited young love. In “Day is Done,” Prine has written a charming little song with universal implications. Many of his songs deal with the intricacies of human relationships and are laced with Prine’s subtle sense of humor. "Lost Dogs and Mixed Blessings" was John’s fourteenth album. Released in 1995, it is another example of the artist’s exploration of the human condition. From humble beginnings, John Prine came a long way in his fifty-year career. He won Grammy Awards and was posthumously inducted into the Country and Folk Music Hall of Fame. What struck me, however, is this early recollection of his career. It is taken directly from Prine’s official website: “Prine still remembers the first three songs he performed on any stage: Sam Stone, Hello in There, and Paradise. With humility, he recalls, “I sang those three songs and people just sat there and looked at me. I thought, ‘Wow, those are really bad.’ They wouldn’t even applaud.” Things changed dramatically when a young journalist named Roger Ebert dropped into a Chicago folk club for a beer while John was on stage. Ebert wrote a glowing review of Prine’s performance in the Chicago Sun-Times which essentially launched John’s career. Here’s my cover of “Day Is Done.” #musiccareers #acousticguitar #couples #happiness #MartinGuitars #Joy #relationships #guitarpicking #reflections #loveaffair #lovesongs #artists #peace #love #stageperformer #onstage #acousticcover #songwriter #sundowns #folkclubs #sologuitar

This John Prine song has been lauded as, “One of the best breakup songs ever written.” Here’s my cover of “All The Best.” #songwriters #acousticguitar #artistprofiles #happiness #MartinGuitars #solos #Joy #folkclub #pickingstyle #relationships #guitarsolo #artists #vocals #love #guitarist #breakingup #acousticcover #musicbusiness #recordingartists

If you’ve been following this blog, then you know I’m a huge fan of Cat Stevens. He produced some of the most iconic and unique music of the 1960s and ’70s. Shortly thereafter, Stevens’ sincere spiritual search led to his conversion to Islam, a surprise to many, including myself. For several decades after his transformation, Stevens, now known as Jusuf Islam, remained musically inert. During his most productive years, Stevens gave over his immense musical talent to the study and preaching of Islam. Although Stevens says, in his own words, “I’m only trying to help,” I can’t help thinking that the world lost out on a treasure trove of inspiring, educational, and entertaining music To be fair, I guess I’m just expressing my sour grapes. Everyone has the right to do whatever he or she wants with their life. Stevens believes his conversion to Islam “was meant to be.” It may very well be because Stevens has done a lot for the Arabic world. And he has stayed with his persuasion for almost fifty years. Kudos to Cat…er…Yusuf. “Hard Headed Woman” celebrates an empowering and life-affirming love. The artist envisions an enriching and fulfilling relationship in which each partner contributes to the other’s growth and happiness. The song reminds us of the importance of finding someone who complements and strengthens us rather than a companion who fits a pre-determined, superficial mold. Here’s my cover. #acousticguitar #happiness #Joy #personalgrowth #spirituality #popmusic #relationships #psychology #reflections #peace #vocals #love #spiritualsearch #guitarcover #vocalcover #songwriter

Kate Wolf’s music conveys Love, Beauty, and a full range of human emotions. “See Here She Says” is a remarkable song because it speaks to children and adults alike with a reminder that the dreams of the Heart are one of the most valuable commodities we own. “The time that’s left is yours to keep” is a phrase at the end of the chorus of Kate’s song “See Here She Says.” The phrase impacts me powerfully because it is sweet advice to use our time wisely. This is especially true for children, but it is also important for people of all ages to keep in mind. Each moment that is given to us is precious. Why waste it on foolish pursuits that bear no useful results? Yes, recreation, relaxation, and pleasure are important too, but they are best employed as a balance for the attainment of meaningful goals. And if the motivation to achieve these goals comes from the heart, then the process of manifesting them will surely, for the most part, be enjoyable. In a truncated life of only forty-four years, Kate Wolf embodied the words of this song. She used her time to create over two hundred songs, performing mostly at venues in her native state of California. Kate’s work has warmed and gladdened the hearts of millions of people around the world. Here’s my cover of “See Here She Said.” #parenting #mentor #musicians #acousticguitar #mentoring #folkmusic #happiness #creativity #Joy #beauty #relationships #artists #peace #vocals #love #innerpeace #songwriter #emotions #inspiration #sologuitar

Issac Templeton Available Now on Amazon Worldwide Issac Templeton is a successful attorney with a thriving law practice in downtown Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Aside from a few recurring nightmares, Issac is happy where he is in life, although he knows there is always room for improvement. Issac’s relationship with his headstrong artist girlfriend is challenging, but he understands that all good things take time and must be earned. Yes, Issac has built a successful career and a fulfilling personal life, one brick at a time. It is said, however, that a human life can change dramatically in an instant. Issac’s comfortable life is about to take a sharp turn into dark and unpredictable realms that are more horrifying than even his worst nightmares. #singlemaltwhiskey #timemachine #whiskey #model #happiness #painter #timetravel #Lawyer #Joy #architecture #Scotland #Scotch #beauty #relationships #BocaRaton #reflections #law #FortLauderdale #artist #peace #love #southflorida #thriller #vogue #interiordesign #romance #suspense #nightclubs

A telephone call changed the life of Julie Gold. Although she had solid management, steady gigs, and a powerful repertoire, she failed to progress as a singer/songwriter until becoming involved with the Greenwich Village singer/songwriter scene. Performing at open mikes, Gold was befriended by Christine Lavin , who became her mentor. When Julie’s parents sent her a piano she played while growing up, the first song she wrote on it was titled “From a Distance.” Lavin sent a tape of the song to a rising star on the country/folk music scene. While working as a secretary for HBO in New York, Gold received her life-changing phone call from Nanci Griffith . Nanci wanted permission to record “From a Distance” on her cross-over album, Lone Star State of Mind. The album and the song went on to become big hits. “From a Distance” became even more popular and won a Grammy Award for Song of the Year when Bette Midler recorded it in 1990. Here is my cover of the song accompanied by an original guitar composition. This blog post is dedicated to Toby Aurora Bentley. Toby was taken from us too soon. May she rest in peace and love until we can welcome her back. #song #writer #folkmusic #happiness #consciousness #prosperity #NanciGriffith #Joy #wellbeing #popmusic #reflections #crossovermusic #peace #love #innerpeace #singer #songwriter #worldpeace #BetteMidler #inspiration

Jefferson Airplane was one of the premiere psychedelic rock bands of the nineteen-sixties. The Airplane epitomized the subversive love and drug culture that emerged from psycho-active drugs like LSD, Marijuana, Mescaline, and Peyote. The band came to prominence in San Francisco in 1965. The original group of six, featuring lead singer Grace Slick, had a seven-year run. Later incarnations of the group lasted until 1990, but the original group spawned the songs that mattered. “Comin’ Back to Me” is one of those hits. The piece appeared on the band’s second album, Surrealistic Pillow . The story behind “Comin’ Back to Me” goes like this. While sharing a joint of righteous Marijuana with blues guitarist and harpist Paul Butterfield , Marty Balin wrote the song in five minutes. “It just popped out,” Balin said in an interview. He immediately went to the studio to record the song with any available musicians there. Jerry Garcia happened to be one of them. In addition to being one of the Airplane’s greatest hits, the song was covered by major recording artists like Richie Havens, and versions of it appear as background music in several Hollywood feature films. Here’s my cover of the song. #GraceSlick #Marijuana #sixtiesmusic #memories #rockbands #longing #solos #Hippies #magicmushrooms #relationships #musicalpoems #reflections #poetry #Mescaline #vocals #love #Pot #singer #drugculture #LSDhallucinations #songwriter #poems #images #psychedelic #lostlove #LSD