Eddie Ray - A National Treasure

One of the best things about doing this blog has been the people I've gotten to know, and correspond with, from the things I post. But the oddest, and most unlikely, of friendships I have made from doing this, is with Eddie Ray. That's his story in the video above. With a 3 decades head start, you wouldn't think we'd have much in common. But then again, there's the music.

I met Eddie Ray about 2 years ago, when I was first doing this blog. I wasn't writing every day, mostly confining myself to a post, or two, a week. I had intended to just do movie and book reviews. It was my wife, Sue, who broadened my horizons.

Sue works out of our home, while I don't work at all. She works upstairs in her office, while I piddle about downstairs in another, smaller room which we call the "computer room." I don't bother her too much during the day, but this one particular day I must have been annoying her enough that she "found" something for me to do.

Handing me an article from a local paper, I think it was the Huntersville Times, she pointed out the http://northcarolinamusichalloffame.org/ which is about 20 minutes from our home. I love music, and North Carolina is the birthplace of so many musical artists, that I figured what can I lose? I had heard of Eddie Ray, but knew very little about him beyond some background stuff I had read in biographies of various rhythm and blues artists.

When I arrived at the Museum I was greeted by a man, a little older than myself, and as we were walking around, looking at the exhibits, it came to me that this was Eddie Ray.

I have always been amazed at people who manage to carve out a niche for themselves, and then leave a mark upon the world in which they have lived. I'm still trying to find the secret. But Ed is one those rare individuals. Five minutes in his presence is all it takes to feel as if you have known this man your entire life. And in a way, you have.

So much of the music you listen to today, although it probably would have come to the surface anyway, came through the actions of Mr. Ray. From the late 1940's, and on through the 1970's, Eddie Ray was behind the scenes, a triple threat. He doesn't play anything, but he does write lyrics, and has a terrific ear for what is good. He has traveled the road from rhythm and blues to Pink Floyd and back again, covering every genre in between. And along the way he even helped to set the standards for artists royalties in a world of ever changing technology. In 1980 Eddie Ray was selected, and appointed, by President Reagan, as a Commissioner on the US Copyright Tribunal. Eddie served on that Tribunal for eight years, chairing it for 4 of them.

Hopefully we will see a book from Eddie soon. His life, in and out of the record business, is one of the most interesting of all the stories to come out of the world of entertainment. And did I mention he doesn't play any instrument? Unless you count his ever young and agile mind.

"The Ultimate Bee Gees"

I was never much of a Bee Gees fan, beyond their early hits such as "I've Gotta Get A Message to You", "New York Mining Disaster 1941" and the other early pop hits recorded between 1967 and 1972. Of course they scored a super crossover with "To Love Somebody", a great song by the Bee Gees, but a real blues experience in the hands of Janis Joplin, who had the ability to take any song and make it her own. Witness her recording of Kris Kristofferon's "Me and Bobby McGee." People still think she wrote that one.

The Bee Gees became the soundtrack of the 1970's cocaine, Florida based sound of Disco music and Huck-a Poo shirts. This 2 CD compilation is a great testament to the contribution that the Bee Gees made to music. That they survived for 4 decades in an industry that thrives on change says some very strong things about the group, and ourselves. Did this group change over time, or with time? Did they steer, or were they steered by, the times they were in?

There was a time when I wouldn't have been caught dead listening to something like "Jive Talkin' ", yet yesterday I found myself in the car, windows down, breeze blowing, singing along to it! And as the album played on, I began to realize just how much of the background music to my life has been by the Bee Gees. I danced to them in every major city of the world when I was traveling during the 70's and 80's. I listened to them as background music in movies and even in elevators and at malls. And they have been a staple at every Bar Mitzvah or Wedding that I have attended for the past 30 years.

Checking out the playlist of 40 songs there is not one that doesn't evoke some sort of memory or event from their 3 decades at the top of the charts. The pictures of the group over the years also show a remarkable transformation of the brothers from Pop Stars to Disco Kings.

Every once in awhile I surprise myself by reading, or listening to, something that I didn't think I really cared for. This was one of those times. As to the relevancy the Bee Gees still exert on our current music scene, both in sound and style - just check out the hat that last night's "America's Got Talent" winner was wearing and then look back at the cover of this album. Oh, and in between there has been another guy with a hat just like it. His name was Michael Jackson.

"1969 - The Year Everything Changed" by Rob Kirkpatrick

This book is a chronological review of the year 1969. With so much having been written about 1968, sometimes 1969 gets lost in the shuffle. I have always considered 1969 to be the year that the "Woodstock Nation" died. The era of peace and love sort of ended at Altamont Speedway in California that December when the Rolling Stones hired the Hells Angels to be the "security" for the concert. A crowd of over 500,000 people allowed themselves to be intimidated by less than a couple of hundred bikers. The fact that someone was murdered in front of the stage, while the Rolling Stones kept playing, underscores the myriad of problems which plagued our society throughout the 60's and would spill over into the 70's. Some might say that the seeds for some of todays problems were planted back then.

The year itself was just as exciting as 1968, but in a different sort of way. While 1968 was a year of great hope, 1969 was a year when the "hippie" movement clearly became commercial. Capitilizing on the sexual revolution, "O! Calcutta" became the number 1 show on Broadway. "I Am Curious (Yellow)" was considered a landmark movie.

In California Charles Manson was able to use the mind expanding properties of LSD to control a band of followers, directing them to murder for the dubious purpose of inciting a race war. San Francisco was reeling under the threat of the "Zodiac" killer, while Lt. William Calley was charged for his role in the systematic killings of unarmed women and children in My Lai, Vietnam.

In politics, President Nixon was in office and beginning his slow descent to his place in history. Ted Kennedy was busy partying with his own campaign staff and made his famous "swim" against unbeatable currents, leaving Mary Jo Kopechne to die, trapped in his car at the bottom of Chappaquiddick. Although this would end his hopes of ever becoming President, it had no effect on his position as head of the Senate Ethics Committee, a post he would occupy for 41 more years, until his death in 2010.

In the midst of all of this there were some very positive things going on as well. Man landed on the Moon, and the first Boeing 747 "jumbo jet" took flight, enabling more people than ever before to travel at an affordable rate. Gays grew tired of being harassed for their sexual orientation and fought back against police in New York City's Greenwich Village, in what would become known as the "Stonewall Riots." This would be the beginning of the Gay Rights Movement.

The Arts and Music scene were active. The Who released the first so-called rock opera, "Tommy." Neil Young and Steve Stills left Buffalo Springfield to form their own bands. Neil Young formed Crazy Horse and Steve Stills founded Crosby, Stills and Nash, which Neil Young would later join.

In Sports, there was Joe Namath, quarterback for the New York Jets, losing his career because he owned a restaurant where alcohol was served. The New York Mets were on the way to their first World Series against the Baltimore Orioles, which they would win. (I think I went to Game 5, at Shea Stadium, with John DiStefano.)

The book is augmented by a time line showing the news events of the year. And it was a busy one. Reading this book makes you aware that 1969 was not only the turning point of a decade, but also a watershed year, both in who we were and what we have, as a society, become.

Paolo Nutini

If you have not been aware of this Scottish born singer-songwriter then you have been missing out on some of today's most poignant lyrics and powerful music. Born in Paisley, Scotland in 1987 this artist combines the looks of Jim Morrison with the phrasing of Mick Jagger. Add to this his unique ability to construct the most complicated songs using the most basic of chords and you've got Paolo Nutini.

His first album, "These Streets", was released in 2006 to much acclaim. The title track is the story of his journey to a new home away from Paisley and how it felt to be a stranger in a new town. With only 5 chords he manages to convey all of the loneliness involved in moving on to a new life. This is the link to the live version; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=swIKGLqIitI

The biggest hit off that album was "Last Request", which reached Number 6 in England. I first became aware of this artist about 2 years ago while watching Austin City Limits on PBS. Do yourself a favor and hit him up on You Tube. As with most of his music, the live versions are best. They showcase his abilities outside of a studio. The best version of "Last Request" is the one of him sitting beneath a tree in a park. You can actually hear the birds in the tree as he sings. This is the link for that live version; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ccZgxmxm32k

Among the most dazzling of the songs on that record is "Rewind" which was recorded slowly and with much passion. I was so surprised to see this video of the same song played live at Borders- the book store. For some reason he elected to do the song that day with a Reggae beat and it gives a whole new dimension to the song. It's at; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=swIKGLqIitI

His second, and latest album, "Sunnyside Up", was released in 2009 and contains the insistent and throbbing song "Candy." The video for this one is located at;

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ccZgxmxm32k

I was perched outside in the pouring rain
Trying to make myself a sail
Then I'll float to you my darlin'
With the evening on my tail
Although not the most honest means of travel
It gets me there nonetheless
I'm a heartless man at worst, babe
And a helpless one at best

Darling I'll bathe your skin
I'll even wash your clothes
Just give me some candy, before I go
Oh, darling I'll kiss your eyes
And lay you down on your rug
Just give me some candy
After my heart

Oh I'm often false explaining
But to her it plays out all the same
and although I'm left defeated
It get's held against my name
I know you got plenty to offer baby
But I guess I've taken quite enough
While I'm some stain there on your bedsheet
You're my diamond in the rough

Darling I'll bathe your skin
I'll even wash your clothes
Just give me some candy
before I go

Oh, darling I'll kiss your eyes
And lay you down on your rug
Just give me some candy
After my heart.

For those ambitious ones that want to play this song, the chords are quite simple. (Am Em G D/D7) The key to playing his songs is in the phrasing of his voice. His cadence sets the beat. Great stuff. I hope you'll take a look. Paste the links into your search engine and turn up the volume. You can thank me later.

NoDa- Charlotte's Alternate Music Scene

This is The Neighborhood Theatre, located on 36th Street in the heart of Charlotte's "NoDa" district. That's North of Davidson Street for all you out of town folk. A former local movie house, it has become a center for alternative music and some older acts, such as Leon Russell, Johnny Winters, Doc Watson and The Allman Brothers Band, just to name a few.

This 600 seat venue is about the largest place that I go to hear and see music. Tickets range from $20 to $35 depending on the act, and compared to the $65 or more being paid for the "top 40" type acts at the larger venues, is quite a score.

The inside of this non descript theatre is also a versatile place, seats can be removed or set up as shown in this photo, which is from the Neighborhood Theatre website.

Across the street from Neighborhood Theatre is an even smaller venue, The Evening Muse. With about 12 rows of seats in front of the raised dais, which is something like 12" above the floor, this is the penultimate place to see and hear some very good acts. My favorites are Will Kimbrough, Michelle Malone, and Darden Smith.

When filled to standing room only, the Muse holds almost 100 people. This is artistic intimacy at it's finest. They also hold open mic nights and an annual "Tosca Music Party", which allows local artists to showcase their talents.

The sound is superb, and when there is no act booked it doubles as a recording studio. With the brick walls bouncing back the sound, it is a unique and intimate place for recording. The owner, Joe Kuhlmann, is a musician as well as a sound engineer. In addition to that, he loves music and thrives on the alternate music that one is exposed to within his club. New sounds are the norm for this venue and the music never ceases to surprise me.

This photo of Darden Smith gives you an idea of how up front and personal the performances are at The Muse. Mr. Smith, as well as others, frequently step off the dais and away from the Mike. This photo was taken by Sue from her seat 18 inches from Mr. Smith. The sound of the guitar and vocal without mikes is so natural and pleasant. It actually becomes a personal experience.

So, this is where we go to hear music and watch people. It's a real loss to the communities when areas like this are overtaken by developers. They come in, and buy it all up, then sell it back at 5 times the former rate. And when all is said and done, the ambiance and flavor of the area are gone. So far, here in Charlotte, we are lucky. We still have our NoDa.

"Rough Mix" by Ronnie Lane and Pete Townshend

This is a gem of an album. Released in 1977 it is a collection of songs, some by Ronnie Lane, some by Pete Townshend. That the 2 styles of music merge so well is truly amazing. Recorded in the winter and spring of 1976-77 this album is one of my all time favorites. It doesn't age with time, it is still as musically valid as the day it was released.

Opening with the solid bass driven sound and stinging guitar of Pete Townshend on "My Baby Gives It Away", the album moves on to the plaintive ballad by Ronnie Lane, "Nowhere to Run". Mr. Lane, who passed away in the 1990's, is in great form both vocally and lyrically on this one. It is a song of desperation and hope.

"Rough Mix", the title track of the album, is an instrumental featuring a dueling Eric Clapton and Pete Townshend. It has all the rough edginess of real rock and roll.

"Annie" is a soulful ballad written by Eric Clapton and Kit Lambert along with Ronnie Lane. The singing is soulful and Benny Gallagher lends a beautiful nuance to the song with his accordion.

Moving on to Townshend's "Keep Me Turning" tweaks things up a bit as he explores the feelings of life spiraling out of control and pleads with his Higher Power to "keep me turning". A very introspective song.

"Catmelody" is a raucous affair in which Ronnie Lane gets to wail away like a cat on a backyard fence. The skiffle like arrangment gives this one the real feel of out and out rock and roll. Clearly, Mr. Lane is enjoying himself on this number.

"Misunderstood" opens the second side of the original vinyl album. It is a tongue in cheek appeal by Pete Townshend to be "mysterious and bleak." He wants to be "misunderstood". A great song with a beautifully understated harmonica.

"April Fool" is probably the most lyrical and beautiful song on the album. A surprisingly easy song to play, it features Eric Clapton on Dobro. The lyrics and music by Ronnie Lane, along with his plaintive singing make this one outstanding. I'm a sucker for ballads.

"Street In The City" is undoubtedly the most ambitious song on the album. Mr. Townshend does a superb job of blending his acoustic guitar with a full orchestra resulting in a musical portrait of a "street in the city on a working day."

"Heart to Hang Onto" is an insistent song in which Mr. Townshend laments the lack of something, or someone, that he can count on, someone "true".

Closing out the album is a cover of Don Williams' country hit "Till The Rivers All Run Dry". It is at once a love song and a prayer. Beautifully done it reinforces my assertation that no one appreciates, or does more justice to, country music than our English cousins.

The album was re-released a few years ago with 3 added bonus tracks which I have not reviewed here. This album is very special to me and so I suppose I want to remember it as it was originally released. Perfection seldom needs an added incentive.

The cover photo says so much about the recording of this album. Much of it was recorded in the middle of the night with copious amounts of booze as a lubricant. The photo shows a very tired but content looking duo at about 7:30 in the morning after an all night session.

When the album was released the credits included this line, "Pete Townshend and Ronnie Lane - various acoustic and electric guitars, mandolins and bass guitars, ukuleles & very involved mind games." It's really not that complicated at all, just 2 great musicians and some of their freinds making great music.