"Is that All There Is?" by Peggy Lee and "What's New P_u_s_s_y_c_a_t" by Tom Jones. (WOW, IPF will not let me use the harmless word, so I edited it and added underscores) Peggy Lee's song started me thinking about musical arranging before some of you were likely born. God I feel so very old. I wondered why that song evoked so many strong visions, so I learned how to take music apart and study it. I actually wrote an essay about that song for an advanced Trumpet and Coronet Class, long ago, when typewriters ruled the world. I started playing seriously (well, hoe serious can a kid be) November 19, 1965, at Music City, 225 Main Street, Salt Lake City, Utah. At the music store, a large clock struck noon as I fiddled around with the instruments. Classes started the same day, so I know exactly when I started.
Before that, I tried the Flute. too many years wasted as a future failed flautist. Besides, it was sissy. Smiley.
Tom Jones' great classic taught me something else entirely. Wink Wink. Not sure if I would call either my favorites; no such thing if you love music. Bee Gees one day, Mahler the next, the 1910 Fruit Gum Company the next or perhaps after the Monkeys or before Box Scaggs.
The Carpenters. Wow, what a voice Karen had. Rest in Peace, Karen. Lots of ignorant folks make fun of the Carpenters, but the talent is there. He voice was as pure and flawless as any voice gets. "Superstar" is a favorite tune and it is high on my list of favorites. Speaking of pure voices, consider Allison Krause. Kris Kristofferson called Allison's voice, "the most beautiful instrument in bluegrass music." Speaking of AKUS, everything they do I buy. All are favorites. They are bloody beautiful and a monster talent. They have the best voice, the best banjoist (Ron Block) and the best resonphonic guitar player on the planet. Jerry Douglas is unquestionably the absolute best. This is a simple fact and not in dispute. He has played on more than 1500 albums.
I hate this thread.
Anyway, Peggy Lee and Tom Jones sit side by side near the top of a very long list which changes every minute and will forever be incomplete.
You might give a listen to "Celtic Woman." Go to You Tube and have a look. Their music will fill you with pure joy. Their Christmas stuff is amazing. Try to find "The Sky and the Dawn and the Sun," "Sing Out," and "The Voice." Sing Out will make you happy. I just found "My Favorite Time of the Year" by the Florin Street Band to be quite nice for Christmas. Search You Tube.
I love great guitarists and several near my heart are Yngwie Malmsteen, Dick Dale, and Danny Gatton. Everything they have ever done can be placed on my favorites list. All three demonstrate talent beyond belief. Just amazing as hell. I still love Clapton; it is required by law. But give a listen to these three and see if your personal lists of favorites do not change or expand. If you do not love Dick Dale, you are dead to me.
If you cannot pronounce Yngwie's first name, relax. He can't either.
Eric rules, but it is hard to say if he is better than the three I just mentioned. I still prefer Carlos to Clapton. "Change the World" is a favorite Clapton tune, as is Smooth which is not a Clapton tune. But I also prefer Charo to either. One of the absolute finest players on Planet Earth. If you do not love Charo you are dead to me. Saying she is merely good is like saying Apple made a few dollars. Find her version of "Malaguena."
Roy Clark. Holy Low E-String, Batman. He rocks the banjo, electric guitar, and fiddle. No doubt about his monster talent. Search for him on YT. While you are there, look for Stringbean and Grandpa Jones and June Carter Cash. All on my list, too.
Earl Scruggs, 'nuff said. He invented a musical style used by every wanna be banjoist. Or perhaps look for Steve Martin. Yup, the comedian. How many of you knew that he is as good as any banjoist gets? Order "The Crow" immediately.
The Man in Black. God bless you Johnny Cash. Wanna know what will happen when the end times arrive? Find "The Man Comes Around." It will give you pause.
I hate this thread.
