This is on TCM as we speak. It gives me chills.
With my “old man back” doing seemingly a little better, I was able to get out for a short walk today. I chose a quick hike up a small gulch, above the Arlington Hills neighborhood behind the University, near the painted U on the mountainside, past the old Lime Kiln and up as far as the old sulfur cave; the opening to which is now buried over, but was our destination as “Avenues Kids” in the 60’s when I was young.
It was a beautiful spring day, wonderful to be outside, moving, and enjoying nature in whatever fashion we find near us.
Hiking, especially in the spring, always makes me feel happy to be outdoors and closer to nature, even if it takes place overlooking The Valley, which is becoming more urban and less natural by the hour.
Hiking, the first time in the spring, also always reminds me of a piece of music which perfectly captures this emotion, Beethoven’s Pastoral Symphony.
I’ve just finished listening to it, and am reminding myself that I must hear it more often.
My favorite symphony, along with Vivaldi’s Spring.
Went to see the Young Fresh Fellows play at the Sunset Tavern here in Ballard (Seattle).
That’s a beautiful old goldtop the lead singer is playing.
Was looking for guitar tablature/demo of an old Taj Mahal tune, Fishing Blues (it’s actually a tune much older than Taj Mahal, part of the Blues Tradition, unknown author, but the version that has always stuck in my mind was his). I’ve included a link below.
However, I came across a nice version of another GREAT old tune, Statesboro Blues, performed by Taj Mahal, and Greg Allman. The Allman Brothers version, and the quintessential slide guitar work of Duane Allman on their recording of this tune in the early 70’s is some of the best slide guitar work and rock blues performances ever.
It was fun to see these two performing together, and to hear a lot of influence and direct quoting of Duane’s original slide guitar work.
Many don’t like this “bombastic” version, but I’m a fan in that it gets your blood pumping.
That’s vastly underrated guitarist Jack Pearson on slide, check out some of his videos on YouTube
OK, I’m hoping someone on the board can help me out here…
I watch the Colbert show most evenings, usually just through the monologue and Meanwhile segments, unless there are really interesting guests. Among my favorite things about the show is the top notch band, which unfortunately, I only hear briefly as they cutaway to and return from commercial breaks.
Tonight, (Monday, 4/28/2025), as they were going to one of the first two commercial breaks, the band started playing what I think was a popular instrumental from the last 60’s early 70’s, but I cannot recall the name or the group. It is an upbeat, standard non-swing 4/4 piece, primarily horns. It is possible, that it is the intro to a vocal piece, but I do not think so. My wife swears it was a Stevie Wonder tune, but I am absolutely certain that it was not.
If anyone happened to watch the show and recognized the tune, I’d be forever grateful to know the name. (Or, if there is a means of rewatching an episode, I’d also love to know about it.)
I might have a meaningful bet riding one it…
Edit to say: I’m not sure about anyone else’s experience, and I’d love to do an informal survey, but I have never once had Shazam return the name of any tune I was hoping to identify. Anyone else had any amount of success?
I’m an hour behind you so i’ll watch and see if if i can help out
I think its Earth Wind and Fire “Sing a song” Wouldn’t bet on it though
Today’s ear bug…
Good stuff. Much talent
Just wrapped our last set of Maryland Deathfest 2025. It was an amazing weekend where we saw 27 bands over 4 days.
I checked off my very last “bucket list” band when we say Japanese metal weirdos Sigh yesterday (my very favorite metal band). Their set was as epic as I had hoped, and is in my top 5 I’ve ever seen out of nearly 500 shows in my lifetime.
Just a monstrous, raging, crazy weekend all around that I can’t wait to do again next year. List of bands we saw:
Blood spore
Dusk
Evoked
Satans Satyrs (easily the worst band of the fest, by a wide margin)
Mournful Congregation
Obscene
Lik
Benediction
Asphyx
Tankard
Obituary
Kronos
Orange Goblin
Sigh (easily the best band of the fest, by a wide margin)
Paradise lost
Tryptikon
Gates of Istar
Dragged into sunlight
Incantation
Civerous
Goat torment
Weregoat
Nile
Gutalax
Dark funeral
Unleashed
Tryptikon (doing a Celtic frost set)
Headed to an Orioles game tomorrow (my first ever MLB game) to wrap up the weekend.
A fantastic weekend all around of headbanging, moshing, and drinking WAY too much with my metal tribe. A quick clip of Sigh’s set (the kids are the two lead singer’s kids, and they played through the entire set. It’s a family affair. 
).
