Goodbye Levon...

I was driving late last week and listening to a live boot-legged version of Elton John performing Levon.  What a song!  When I got back to work, I found out the sad news that Levon Helm, the man who inspired the name used in that song, had finally lost his long battle with lung cancer.  The world has  lost another musical giant.

Levon Helm was an incredible drummer, vocalist, actor ("Coal Miner's Daughter) and human.  His style has shaped every good drummer that I hear working today (Jim Keltner and Nigel Olsson, for example).  His style of music lives on in the likes of Ray Lamontangne ( and a handful of others that give hope to the ailing music world) and of course in our old recordings of his classic work.     We've lost another musical giant.  We should really appreciate the ones that we have left!

Take a moment and enjoy Mr. Levon Helm with his group, THE BAND, and other friends.

Not surprising, one of Levon's biggest fan, lyricist Bernie Taupin, was quick to eulogize him via a blog post.  It's a well written and heart felt tribute.
Check it out:  http://www.berniejtaupin.com/index.php?page=blog&b_id=459670

"This Room" Demo

This is a song that I wrote with an old high school buddy, Brad Warren.  (see earlier post).

Brad's a fantastic musician.  Check out his blog:  http://newnashvillemusician.wordpress.com/



Jimmy Webb Describes Songwriters...

#1

Jimmy Webb gives an answer (beginning at the five minute mark) that I can really relate to.  He has written some of the greatest and most influential pop songs in history.  He also wrote one of the best books on writing available (called "Tunesmith 2").   If you don't know Jimmy Webb, do some research and listening!

#2

"Something True" New Demo

"Something True" is a song that I wrote back in 2007. It has been on the shelf for a long, long time. I was in sort of a blue mood this morning until I checked my email and found this vocal demo that Jon Statham has produced. It brought back memories of a time when I wrote this song, and it made me smile. Jon really brought this memory to life. I'm so pleased with this demo and happy that this song was finally recorded.

The art in the video is by Dali, and the moving images are of New York City- the city that inspired the song.

"This Room"

This is a song lyric that I had written (in another form) for a musical project a few weeks ago.  I ended up deciding not to use it in the show, so I've reworked it a bit to make it less specific to that story.  I'm going to pass this one along to an old high school buddy to set to music, I think.  I'll keep you posted on what comes of it...

This Room

Verse:
You left a candle burning when you locked me in this room,
my love all torn and stretched across your broken, antique loom.
And what it is that traps me here, tonight I cannot tell.
My senses are held captive, still enchanted by your spell.

Verse:
This room, it has no windows, and the door cannot be seen.
The floor is bare and frozen, and the ceiling’s painted green.
The candle light casts shadows that are feeding on my fears.
The walls are creeping toward me, holding secrets you can’t hear.

Chorus:
This room is one of many that you’ve hidden in your heart-
a place to store the damaged dreams with which you cannot part.
I live a life of service in a cold and vaulted tomb,
just praying you’ll remember me and free me from this room.

Verse:
The candle’s burning low now, and the darkness wants control.
I could have had salvation, but instead I sold my soul.
I hear you crying through the walls but dare not call your name;
this room requires silence, and for that I am to blame.

Chorus:
This room is one of many that you’ve hidden in your heart-
a place to store the damaged dreams with which you cannot part.
I live a life of service in a cold and vaulted tomb-
just hoping you’ll reach out to me and free me from this room.
 
J.S. / 2012