This Sunday morning my musical trip is inspired by the warmer weather that is long overdue. Can't wait for Easter to pass so the Summer Season can really hit it off.
Because we've had the meteorological beginning of Spring, we've passed the astronomical start, AND we've changed our clocks to Summer time again. So, let's start this Spring 2018 already! :-)
Songs That Remind Me Of Spring
Thoughts of Spring always bring up this next song by Al Stewart. It is a beautiful little gem that basically consists of one long intro and ending in only one line of text. Even the cracks in the vinyl are just right; what a little diamond this is!
The song always gives me thoughts of open doors, the smell of freshly cut grass, sweltering afternoons laying on my back looking at the clouds that ever so slowly pass by. Give it a go, maybe you get taken back to your favourite childhood Spring.
A Small Fruit Song - by Al Stewart
Late Night Radio
The first time I really got into listening to Late Night Radio was when one night, between the hours of 12pm and 2am, they only played covers of the infamous Summertime composed by George Gershwin for the opera Porgy and Bess (1935). One endless stream of versions completely new to me, in genres I didn't know, by musicians I had never heared of... I admit I missed class the next morning but I had gained a love for radio. Here is one of the many covers that so well represent that lazy feeling of Summer.
Summertime - covered by Janis Joplin
Memories Of Chet Baker
The beginning of Spring also reacquaintes me with Chet every year. When I first moved to Amsterdam I frequently visited the world renowned Live Music Bar Maloe Melo where musicians would gather and jam, beginning bands would try their luck, and golden oldies would perform their best tricks.
Chet Baker, who besides a gifted trumpet player was also an inveterate junkie, lived in Amsterdam for obvious reasons. Being broke and homeless most of the time he was offered to stay in a little room above the venue by the owner of Maloe Melo.
In return for this favour every Sunday evening around 9pm Chet Baker would appear from behind this door behind the dark stage. He would sit down on a stool, nod shyly at the barman and start playing. Often piteous and worrying, many times decent and on autopilot, but every now and then exceptionally good.
I feel fortunate to have been able to watch AND hear this man perform in real life. Although to me his music is connected to memories of Spring his songs give me goose bumps every time.
I Get Along Without You Very Well - by Chet Baker
A Smile On Your Face
And then, for some reason, just before Spring really bursts into reality, Oscar Brown jr. always comes in to join the anticipating party. This artist has been an important figure in the 60's. His lyrics gave a voice to the struggling black community in the US, but he also always managed to bring a smile to people's faces with his humour and relativating words.
This Sunday morning I would like to end my musical journey with one of those light, funny ones.
Listen to Oscar Brown jr's lustfull longing and envision Hazel's hips!
Hazel's Hips - by Oscar Brown jr.
Have a nice Sunny Day!