Mark Blackburn

Comedy for musical souls possessed of good intonation

MEAN OLD MAN -- James Taylor ("give us a smile")

Sax virtuoso Lou Marini suits that colorful sombrero, doesn't he? He really 'sells' it – like he's been waiting 50 years for an excuse to wear one in live performance. There's something magical about this song: It's funny (which as Mr. Taylor says is 'hard to do' in song) but in subtle, sardonic ways. Recalling that my favorite female singer/songwriter Peggy Lee composed (words & music) a million-seller Mañana alluding to 'siestas' – and taking things slow when the sun is high, but not when the moon comes up. And in fewer words, James Taylor takes us straight there from the start: “Down here you need a REASON to move . . . ” [And don't you love the sensual images conjured up in our minds by these few sentences] 'Americano' got the sleepy eye but his body's still shaking like a live wire Sleepy señorita with the eyes on fire Oh, Mexico! Sounds so sweet, with the sun sinkin' low Moon so bright, like to light up the night . . . makin' everything all right! My favorite line? the one that applies to 'someplace warm' that you may never get to visit, but yearn to see. Oh . . . Mexico! I never really been, but I'd sure like to go. Thanks for sharing James Taylor. Bet a million others needed to enjoy this as much as I did.

"Bill Withers died" said my wife (he played 'our song' back when we met)

THE VERY THOUGHT OF YOU – favorite latter-day recording

STYLE to make us smile

Speaking of Oklahoma! - source of JT's latest "Surrey With the Fringe on Top"

Ways to stay sane? (What rhymes with champagne?)

A "traditional" song sung by Jerry Reed: still my favorite 50 years on . . .

Bucky Pizzarelli - John's Dad

I dreamed last night of tugboats that could sing!

JAMES TAYLOR does Peter Pan

Boogie till the cows come home . . .

Sometimes a flat pick is best (especially for 'fiddle tunes') Enjoying a conversation of guitarists at James Taylor's Facebook page this night – the pros and cons of 'finger nail reinforcement.' Of the three best finger-pickers in the world today, two of my favorites use artificial nails -- go to a manicurist regularly for 'professional application.' As one guitarist here noted: Australia's Tommy Emmanuel does NOT, “but he does use a thumb pick.” That's true – but only half the story! There is no one in the history of steel-string acoustic guitar playing who can wield flat pick like Tommy Emmanuel: His shading, at blinding speed, is next to impossible -- never replicated by other virtuoso players. Just as an aside, I helped arrange Mr. Emmanuel's two visits to Winnipeg Canada (he does 300 dates a year). As James Taylor can attest, I pestered him for years to include “the world's coldest major city” in his travels. “I had SUCH a good time,” he said at concert's end, “that I've already arranged to come back to Winnipeg same time next year!” My gifted musician grandson Thomas and I (we'll be at James Taylor's re-scheduled concert) were among a dozen guitarists at a meet & greet before that first show: I asked Mr. Emmanuel (someone who radiates goodness) if he would include his own composition THE TALL FIDDLER on the set list. He smiled and nodded, as if to say “You like the tough ones!” He performed this virtuoso piece – a 'fiddle tune' in every sense, but even better played as only he can – without mistakes. Just as here – a mid-day video he shared with the world after a good warm-up. As Sinatra said of Fred Astaire & Ginger Rogers: “You can wait around forever but you'll never see the likes of this again.” [ First comment below the video] "I tried to start writing out the TABS for this but the paper kept catching on fire." His weapon of choice, since you ask, is a MATON – made in Australia. He's never played a concert with any other brand. “Why not a Gibson?” I asked him. “This plays better, feels and sounds better -- always has."

BOBBY DARIN -- new favorite 'live' performance of My Funny Valentine

Left a note on the above with Mr. Taylor's Facebook page

ALMOST LIKE BEING IN LOVE -- James Taylor

EVERYDAY – Love's a little stronger . . .

Rita meets the Brothers-Gibb

BILL EVANS -- Cole Porter's Ev'rything I Love

But now the days are short, I'm in the Autumn of the year . . .

But now the days are short, I'm in the Autumn of the year . . .

Street of Dreams – Frank Sinatra

BELLE OF THE BALL -- my favorite waltz since I was two!

Die, die, die . . . coronavirus