Blind Boys of Alabama - I shall not walk alone

Gabriel's Message ~ Sting

One of my favourite Christmas songs, and my offering to you dear readers with a humble and grateful bow to Sting. *~*Happy Solstice*~*

Christmas Swing ~ Django style

Santana and Clapton - Jingo

One of my favourite stories about Clapton and Santana is one I read in an Clapton interview for Guitar Player magazine. Clapton was recounting his days of heavy drinking and addiction and Carlos, in an effort to intervene on his behalf, offered to drink whisky with Clapton all night long if Clapton would pray with Carlos all night the next night. Then Eric added, "I think he got the better of the deal." But I also believe that his comment was half sarcastic and that he really appreciated his friend's efforts.

I thank God they both are around and this is a smokin' hot rendition of Jingo.

Happy Birthday Susan Tedeschi. Here's one of my favourites.

Thirty years ago today the movie "Quadrophenia" opened. The movie featured Sting, as Ace Face, and whose memoir Broken Music I am currently reading and enjoying.



The album Quadrophenia convinced me for all time of Peter Townshend's genius.

It's all too beautiful...

I Looked Away~Derek & the Dominoes

SRV ~ Little Wing

Happy birthday Jim Capaldi.

Cherokee Morning Song

Michael Jackson ~ Dirty Diana

I have long thought this was Michael Jackson's best rock song. And just as I posted this video as my selection for Music Monday, I note that Dirty Diana is a trending topic on Twitter. I tried to find the version with Jennifer Batten on guitar to no avail. Jennifer Batten rocks.

My very first LP record was the Jackson Five's Greatest Hits. My Memaw bought it for me. She was a Southern Baptist woman from Virginia, so it sort of shocked my ten year old self that she would even agree to it. But obviously, she loved me. I won't say she was racist, I don't believe she was, but she was raised in an area and a time when people of different races did not mix. I still have the record although it is so badly worn that my audiophile husband won't allow it on his turntable. I loved that record.

Through the years, as Michael's public persona went though it's many changes, my interest waned, although I would still make a point to check out his latest new video whenever I had MTV. And he never failed to fascinate.

I watched in equal fascination his trial on child molestation charges. I believe, in my heart of hearts, that the jury was correct in its acquittal. I think the most he was guilty of was very poor judgment and of having weak handlers. I don't believe he had the heart to ever hurt a child. But he left himself open to much criticism and accusation. The Bashir interview was a major mistake. Power and naiveté are a dangerous combination. I wish his advisors would have had the cajoñes necessary to tell him "no" more often, if ever.

I have wondered if he allowed himself, possibly subconsciously, to be put in the position of being accused in order to throw light on the fact that he felt he was abused. Victims of abuse are often conflicted when they love their abuser as in the case of a parent and it can give cause for life-long inner turmoil. But I leave that supposition to the psychologists and fiction writers.

Michael Jackson was a controversial figure in life and his untimely, unfortunate death is no different. I just hope that they get him in the ground soon so he can rest in peace, if peace is even possible. I hope so for his survivors' sakes.

Clapton/Winwood..together again

Since I'm going to be seeing these two stalwarts of classic rock tonight, I thought it would be most proper and fitting to play one of my favourite songs that I'm hoping they play tonight as my music video for today. Can't wait and counting the hours.

Another YouTube prodigy

Music Monday Twofer

Because I've been so lame about blogging lately I am posting two videos for Music Monday. Oddly, both feature Eric Clapton. Happy Memorial Day everyone.

Today's video selection is in honour of Pete Townshend's birthday tomorrow. It's an audience shot video that leaves much to be desired but the audio is keen and shows Pete at his best (IMHO), solo acoustic. Especially love when he calls a heckler a cunt. Bravo! Hey Pete, your genius is showing...a touching tribute to the great and legendary Jim Capaldi.

Peter Dennis Blandford "Pete" Townshend born 19 May 1945 in Chiswick, England

Happy (Belated) Birthday Donovan

Donovan (Donovan Phillips Leitch, born 10 May 1946, in Glasgow) with The Jeff Beck Group backing. I love this song.

Fleetwood Mac ~ Albatross

Fleetwood Mac with Peter Green and Danny Kirwan. Just sublime.

Stevie Wonder ~ I Believe (When I Fall In Love...)