My last trip to the den of black circles did indeed result in the purchase of some tasty selections. I've just been much too busy to 'process' them (which involves several hours of uninterrupted time, some new rice paper sleeves and a record cleaning machine that wishes it was a Shop Vac.)
So here's the haul presented in more or less random order. It's maybe not as eclectic as some, but does have some jazz, country, skronk and just plain weird music.
Tom Waits - Rain Dogs
I've only seen Waits in a live setting once. He started the show standing atop a box, hunched way over so as to reach down to the microphone. The top of the box had been covered with powder, so as Waits slammed his foot down with the beat a large cloud grew around him. As he completed the first chorus of "Jockey Full of Bourbon" he reached into his pocket and flipped a handful of glitter into the air. It was surreal. It was exhilarating...just like this record.
Emmylou Harris - Blue Kentucky Girl,Elite Hotel,Evangeline
Emmylou has had some great bands. This trio of records has a shifting lineup that includes the likes of James Burton, Albert Lee, Rodney Crowell, Ricky Skaggs, Bill Payne, Linda Ronstadt, Tanya Tucker and Tony Rice. Ah, and then there's the material: Harris originals, Crowell, Gram Parsons, Robbie Robertson, Hank Williams, Buck Owens, Doc Pomus, Willie Nelson. This stuff blows today's "hat country" right off the map.
Gary Burton & Steve Swallow - Hotel Hello
Gary Burton has make a pile of great solo and duet records. This gem from 1974 (check out the photos on the back cover) showcases a very young Burton and Swallow playing mostly Swallow and Carla Bley compositions.
Article comments