Seriously, what can I say that has not been said or written about when it comes to McCartney. Yes, he’s one the greatest electric bass players of the 20th century, yes, he’s also one of the greatest songwriters in popular music of all time, yes, he’s been incredibly influential in popular culture of the ’60s, ’70s & ’80s.
These things are all true, but the thing that impresses me the most is how he seems to have handled his life. He remains close to family and appears to lead a fairly normal life. I think about all the pictures that have been taken of him, all the articles, books, reviews, etc. that have been written about him and the hours of audio and video recordings. The fact that he is so recognizable throughout the world and the mass fortune that he has generated.
It amazes me that he head any sort of normal life. Humanity is so easily corrupted and lead astray, we are so impressionable and weak that a lesser man would have buckled under the weight of ego and hubris long ago. SO, I find him inspiring on both a human level and on the artistic, musical plane. Of course, I have never met him, so I write about my long-held impressions, but I don’t think that I am far from the mark on this.
So, thanks Mr. McCartney for the reality check for over 60 years of inspiration and laughs.
Thinking about JD Souther today. He was an Amarillo, Texas boy, just down the road from my hometown of Lubbock. He was a truly great writer with a beautiful voice. He wrote/co-wrote a few tunes you may have heard; “Best of My Love”, “Victim of Love”, “Heartache Tonight”, “New Kid in Town”. “James Dean”, “Doolin-Dalton”, “How Long”, “Faithless Love”, “White Rhythm and Blues”, “Prisoner in Disguise”, “Sometimes You Can’t Win”, “Prisoner in Disguise”, “You’re Only Lonely” and “Her Town Too” to name a few. If you’re not familiar with JD’s solo work, check out a tune called “Silver Blue” (you must listen to the version on the Black Rose album) and you will witness one of the greatest vocal performances ever recorded (Stanley Clarke’s Upright Bass playing is nothing short of enlightened).
I’ve said it before, and I will continue to exclaim that Lowell George is one of the greatest slide guitarists and singers of my generation! He’s been gone a long while, but never forgotten. Lowell WAS Little Feat and while his output was not expansive, we are lucky to have what we do have!
Seriously, what can I say that has not been said or written about when it comes to McCartney. Yes, he’s one the greatest electric bass players of the 20th century, yes, he’s also one of the greatest songwriters in popular music of all time, yes, he’s been incredibly influential in popular culture of the ’60s, ’70s & ’80s.
These things are all true, but the thing that impresses me the most is how he seems to have handled his life. He remains close to family and appears to lead a fairly normal life. I think about all the pictures that have been taken of him, all the articles, books, reviews, etc. that have been written about him and the hours of audio and video recordings. The fact that he is so recognizable throughout the world and the mass fortune that he has generated.
It amazes me that he head any sort of normal life. Humanity is so easily corrupted and lead astray, we are so impressionable and weak that a lesser man would have buckled under the weight of ego and hubris long ago. SO, I find him inspiring on both a human level and on the artistic, musical plane. Of course, I have never met him, so I write about my long-held impressions, but I don’t think that I am far from the mark on this.
So, thanks Mr. McCartney for the reality check for over 60 years of inspiration and laughs.
Thinking about JD Souther today. He was an Amarillo, Texas boy, just down the road from my hometown of Lubbock. He was a truly great writer with a beautiful voice. He wrote/co-wrote a few tunes you may have heard; “Best of My Love”, “Victim of Love”, “Heartache Tonight”, “New Kid in Town”. “James Dean”, “Doolin-Dalton”, “How Long”, “Faithless Love”, “White Rhythm and Blues”, “Prisoner in Disguise”, “Sometimes You Can’t Win”, “Prisoner in Disguise”, “You’re Only Lonely” and “Her Town Too” to name a few. If you’re not familiar with JD’s solo work, check out a tune called “Silver Blue” (you must listen to the version on the Black Rose album) and you will witness one of the greatest vocal performances ever recorded (Stanley Clarke’s Upright Bass playing is nothing short of enlightened).
Lowell George
I’ve said it before, and I will continue to exclaim that Lowell George is one of the greatest slide guitarists and singers of my generation! He’s been gone a long while, but never forgotten. Lowell WAS Little Feat and while his output was not expansive, we are lucky to have what we do have!
Laura Nyro
I have been listening to Laura all day today – brilliant writing. Clear, conversational, great imagery. Not many write at this level!