I am quite excited to see Robert Cray and his band tonight. If his show is only half as great as Lionel Richie's was back in October, we will have a fantastic time.
Unfortunately, it took me forever to upload the Lionel Richie show pics from my phone to the computer -- but it has been done now, and I will post some of the pics soon.
Okay, here's one of my favorite Robert Cray songs ...
I'm not really into Halloween but still wanted to wish those who are "halloweening" a lot of fun.
Lately, I've been listening to some of Dennis Edwards's music and came across this Motown classic. It is best known, of course, sung by the Four Tops. And I do admit, Levi's voice gives the song the passionate edge it needs to come alive. Dennis does a great job, too, but he is simply overqualified for a song like this. His voice needs material that allows its full power to unfold ... Just my opinion, though.
Dennis Edwards, I'll Turn To Stone, 1967
Now, the next song is showcasing Dennis Edwards's voice to a greater extent; expressive, flexible, strong -- perfect! I love this song so much.
Hubby and I were enjoying the wonderful evening breeze on the Patio. The jasmine was exuding its romantic scent, and while I was watching an airplane crossing the sky, passing the stars, we were listening to Billie Steward's "I do Love You." I sure love that song, but the song that really seemed to fit the moment was "Star In Your Eye" from a tribute album to Billie Steward.
I just had my evening swim and was enjoying the cool evening breeze when this song came up -- and what can I say, it made me feel simply good inside. Damon Harris's falsetto tenor seemed to blend with the evening mood: soft, fresh, and so relaxing ...
I know it's not necessarily a great association to make, but when I hear "don't you burn ..." I am thinking of my skin instead of bridges nowadays. Yep, your old Raggedy has her first sunburn for this year. It only takes a few minutes too much -- and the ouch is on. lol
On the other hand, it often only takes a few words too many -- wrong words, harsh words -- and we have burned some bridges down ...
But no matter what -- this song is simply fantastic. The singing is perfect and the music so smooth.
I had the honor of contributing to Larry Grogan's Funky 16 Corners 2015 Allnighter/Pledge Drive to help keep his site up and running. Larry is one of the most knowledgeable people when it comes to Funk and Soul. The site is full of information and also has a archive for his weekly radio shows. So head on over to his site and check out all the other mixes along with this one I present here for this years drive. If you feel so incline to help out he has a button for donations and links for taking the mixes on the go.
1. Your Love Keeps Liftin’ Me Higher – Willie Hutch – RCA 2. You Made Me Love You – Vic Pitts & The Cheaters – Secret Stash 3. Hang Ups We Don’t Need(Hungry We Got To Feed) – Bobby Byrd – King 4. Fight Fire, With Fire – Delia Gartrell – Right-On Records 5. You’re Wasting My Time – Billy Garner – New Day 6. It’s All Over But The Shouting – Ann Sexton – Seventy Seven Records 7. Baby Don’t Cry – The Third Guitar – Rojac 8. Shackin’ Up – Johnnie Taylor – Stax 9. Brothers On The Slide – Cymande – Janus 10. What Am I Going To Do – Barbara Mason – Buddah Records 11. Clean Up Man – Jimmy “Bo” Horne – Alston 12. What Is That You Got – Bobby Moore & The Rhythm Aces – Soul 7 13. I Don’t Want To Lose You – Carolyn Franklin – RCA 14. Ruby Dean – Mighty Joe Hicks – Enterprise 15. When She Made Me Promise – Funky Nassau – Alston 16. Only One Can Win – The Sylvers – Pride/MGM 17. Wishes And Dishes – The Sweet Inspirations – Stax
J. Blackfoot used to be the lead singer of the Soul Children. He started out with the Bar-Kays in late 60s when he was introduced by one James Alexander of JEA RightNow Records to Isaac Hayes and David Porter.
Hayes and Porter later created The Soul Children, one of STAX's crossover success stories, where J. Blackfoot was the lead singer.
James Alexander later described Blackfoot's voice as having been "matured far beyond his years."I could not have said it better. As a matter of fact, it reminded me a bit of the great Bobby Womack's voice, who, himself started out with an aged voice as a young man.
J. Blackfoot's career spanned four decades, and "Taxi" is one of his solo hits.
He died 2011, aged 65, in Memphis.
Here's another little gem: J. Blackfoot and Lenny Williams "I'm Just A Fool For You."
I hope all the fathers have a wonderful day today.
Sitting here on my patio -- thank goodness it's covered -- watching the rain pouring down. And I get that rainy night feeling ... So, here is my favorite version of "Rainy Night In Georgia."
In Flanders Field
In Flanders fields the poppies blow Between the crosses, row on row, That mark our place; and in the sky The larks, still bravely singing, fly Scarce heard amid the guns below.
We are the Dead. Short days ago We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow, Loved and were loved, and now we lie, In Flanders fields.
Take up our quarrel with the foe: To you from failing hands we throw The torch; be yours to hold it high. If ye break faith with us who die We shall not sleep, though poppies grow In Flanders fields.
