Chuck Wagon Calhoun - In Flagrante Delicto

Chuck Wagon Calhoun seems to be making the rounds of towns (real or made up!) in the old west. Hislatest is based in Ogallala, Nebraska where he was, of all things, a barber! Ogallala is known for its past as a terminal for the Great Northern Railroad and the cattle drives from Texas to the railroad for transport to eastern stockyards. As with other cow towns, the town had its share of drinking, whoring, and general rowdiness as cowpokes who had been on the trail driving cattle relaxed when they reached their destination.

Ogallala is known for one of the largest aquifers in the world, the Ogallala Aquifer that supplies drinking water to a vast majority of inhabitants within its area, which comprises 8 states in The Great Plains. This aquifer has also been used for irrigation as well.

The title of  this song is Latin - In Flagrante Delicto - which roughly means getting caught doing an illegal and/or immoral act. Knowing Chuck Wagons' past, perhaps the term applies to many things that have happened to him! We here at Big And Tall Records can't wait to see where Chuck Wagon ends up next, and what trouble he gets into!

Howdy!
My name’s Chuck Wagon Calhoun
I got a story to tell ya ‘bout when
I  were a barber in the town of…
Ogallala  NEBRASKA!
YEE HAW, YA’LL!
 
Were down on my luck, hitched a ride to wherever
Ended up in Ogallala, couldn't find nothin’ better
Got a job in a fancy barbershop, sweepin’ up the floor
‘Twernt long, I got bored, wanted somethin’ more!
 
Learned how to cut hair from the barber that I worked
Trimmin’ hair, shavin’ chins, jumped right in didn’t shirk
Got to know all the gents in town, learned jest what they like
Earned extry money in tips which is what I shore like!
 
I even had a bag like a doctor, it were shore funny
I’d go to people’s houses to make me extry money
The men they’d relax in a dinin’ room chair
While I trimmed ‘em all up, even their nose hair!
 
 Learned how to cut hair, my boss taught me it all
Even give the young’uns a haircut while they sat and bawled
Had a standin’ order at the big shot Mayor’s house
To give him the works, with perfume give him a good douse!
 
One day I were summoned to the mayor’s place
Wasn’t the usual day but I went to save face
I were met at the door by his purty young wife
Yeah, for shore, best lookin’ woman  ever seen in my life!
 
She said, “Greetin’s and thank ye fer comin’ today
Mayor ain’t here, but I still hope that you can stay
Noticed you from afar, I need your steady hand
To trim away some hair from my promised land…”
 
She raised up her skirts and petticoats,
She weren't wearin' no under pants,
And ooh.....dang... I saw what she meant.
Ain’t never seen no hairier private parts
On a woman, and ain’t never trimmed one before!
But I got out my scissors, and started in…
 
Ya’ll can figger out what when on to transpire
The mayor’s wife was with passionate afire
I done my level best to start quenchin’ the flame
When the mayor walked in... and her face turned to shame!
 
Caught with my pants off in flagrante delicto
The mayor turned as red jest like ol’ Mephisto
And I dodged him as I sashayed out holdin’ my pants
While his wife laid on the table in a dead out trance!
 
Once again, cuz of a dang woman,
I had to make myself scarce!
'Tweren't no doubt in my mind the
Mayor would a shot my ass dead!
Ran like hell to the livery clutchin' my pants in my hand,
 Got my horse and rode out bare assed!
And the only regret I got ‘bout the whole dang affair…
I NEVER GOT A CHANCE TO FINISH WHAT I STARTED! 

Mams Carter - Not Lookin' For Love Anymore

 Mams Carter began her recording career as the pianist in her son Amos Carter's (a Big and Tall Records artist too!) boogie woogie band. She continues to record original songs, the last few being blues related. In this song, Not Lookin' For Love Anymore she returns to boogie woogie. She accompanies her contralto voice with her boogie woogie piano riffs along with brass and guitar in the background. As usual, when he's available her son Amos supports the bass line with his double bass

Ever lose somethin',
Look all around
No matter where you look,
It just can't be found
You try to keep focused,
Try really hard
But you don't find it 'til
You let down your guard
 
I'm not lookin' for love anymore
Don't need to, just don't
Like that thing you lost that you found
Love will find me, or it won't!
 
I've looked too damn
Hard for love anyway
Trust me, lookin' that
Hard just don't pay!
You can't force it
I've learned that so well
Fell flat on my face,
Too many times, to tell!
 
I'm not lookin' for love anymore
Don't need to, just don't
Like that thing you lost that you found
Love will find me, or it won't!
 
And what if it never finds me again?
What in hell will I say then?
Will I regret all of my inaction
Be to my heart a real infraction?
 
I'm not lookin' for love anymore
Don't need to, just don't
Like that thing you lost that you found
Love will find me, or it won't!
 
And what if it never finds me again?
What in hell will I say then?
Will I regret all of my inaction
Be to my heart a real infraction?
 
I'm not lookin' for love anymore
Don't need to, just don't
Like that thing you lost that you found
Love will find me, or it won't

Big Marv Plays - Artie Matthews - Pastime Rags No. 3 and 4

Artie Matthews

 Artie Matthews (1888-1958) got hisd first instruction on the piano from his mother. Later in his teens he started to play in the local taverns and other venues in Springfield, IL.  His ambition was to become a ragtime piano player, and he took personal instruction from some local pianists. He began playing anywhere he could, including bordellos in Springfield. 

He moved to St. Louis when he was 18 years old. The year was 1907, right in the middle of the ragtime craze. He got employment with Tom Turpin, the local saloon keeper and ragtime composer and pianist. While in St. Louis, Matthews got formal training in music at a local school of music. Matthew's furthering of his education makes him distinct from many ragtime pianist/composers who didn't have formal training, some without the ability to read music. Matthews went on to compose a few ragtime pieces, including  the 5 Pastime Rags, published between 1913-1918. 

Eventually Matthews wrote blues numbers as well as jazz, but most of his later life was dedicated to education of black musicians. Formal education for black musicians was scarce at the time, as many music schools did not accept them. Matthews started his own school in Cincinnati, Ohio and was honored with an honorary doctorate. 

We at Big And Tall Records are fortunate to have Big Marv as one of our artists and producers. His knowledge of music ranges from Dixieland Jazz to Classical, and he has some comments about the two ragtime pieces he plays:

Artie Matthews didn't compose many ragtime pieces, but what he wrote are of high quality, especially the 5 Pastime Rags. These are written in a 'slow drag' style, and there is a definite 'latin' feel in the rhythm that shows up here and there. It was emphasized by many of the ragtime writers to not play ragtime too fast! Some of the renditions we've heard over the years takes way too much off the mystique of the style by playing it too fast. One example of how slow and mellow ragtime can be is this example of The Slippery Elm Rag written by Clarence Woods -

I chose only two out of  the five, number 3 and number 4. These are the two that my professor in college used as examples of classic ragtime. The 3rd has a distinct latin feel to the first section after the introductory trills. But it regains it's classic rag stance with the finale. There's a temptation to add to this rag, to embellish it. Some players do, but I prefer to follow the advice of ragtime composers themselves who would write on their compositions don't fake it! In other words, play it as written!

Number 4 is the one I really remember from school! My professor was a concert quality pianist as well as a fine teacher, and when he first played the piece it was strange. It took a bit until we in class realized  that the different sounds we were hearing were tone clusters! Bunched up notes, played 4 at a time, all close together. Prof really brought out the quality and distinct sound of the clusters in the repeat of the section when he took it louder. It was like big, fat harmony, like an elephant clumping along! A most unique rag! 

Chuck Wagon Calhoun - Booger Hole Shorty

Some more 'memories' of Chuck Wagon Calhoun, a man that has done everything and is timeless, a legend in his own mind! This time he's a world-class billiards player that gets whipped by a man they call Booger Hole Shorty, in the town of Booger Hole,Texas naturally. We 'googled' Booger Hole, Texas and we were not surprised to learn there is no such town in Texas by that name. But Shorty comes by the name honestly, as he's a man that barely can reach the table he's so short. But he proves to be a great shot, as he runs out the entire game without letting Chuck Wagon get off even one shot. 

We're all wondering what tall tale Chuck Wagon comes up with next time! He appears to have an interest in history, the history of the old west for sure!

Howdy!
Ma name's Chuck Wagon Calhoun.
Bet ya’ll didn’t know I used to be
A world class billiard player!
This here’s a song ‘bout the time
I played  ‘nother world class dude
In the town of… Booger Hole, Texas!
YEE HAW, YA’LL
 
Booger Hole Shorty were my foe
‘Bout as big as my little toe!
Barely reached the table, but they said he’s able
To run yer bank account low!
 
Through the grapevine heard that in a little town in Texas
Was a player could beat me whose style of play's reckless
Packed up my bag rode my horse towards my goal
Mosied down the road to find the town of Booger Hole!
 
Booger Hole Shorty were my foe,
Jest 'bout as big as my little toe!
Barely reached the table, but they said he’s able
To run yer bank account low!
 
Folks tol' me that Shorty would be there soon
So I played solo to git warmed up wanted to be in tune
Then two big galoots walked in, made the way clear
For an itty bitty dude that follered up the rear!
 
Booger Hole Shorty were really short!
Jest 'bout as big as a popcorn fart
Looked like a kid, 'cept for a bald lid
Smoked a cigar, gave me a start!
 
Shorty didn't say a word, got a wad of money out his pants
Throwed it on the table, crowd began to chant
"Booger Hole Shorty! Booger Hole Shorty! Ya'll can do it!
Jest give it to him hard and good, don't never quit!"
 
Lagged to see who got to shoot first
Shorty won showed whose shot was worse
All I did was drink whiskey and watch the little bastard
As he showed me the damned shots he'd mastered
 
Booger Hole Shorty were really hot!
Pranced and acted like a little snot!
Looked at me and giggled, his little ass he wiggled
And he kept sinkin' shot after shot!
 
Never got to make a single shot! He were that good!
 I can take an ass whuppin', as well as the next dude,
But when the little fucker come up and said in a high
Squeaky voice, "You cain't shoot pool fer shit!"
I bent down to bust him one when the two big galoots
 Rushed me!  I walloped them in the head with my pool
Cue and took off runnin'!  When I got to the door, I turned and hollered, 
"I hope when ya git home, Snow White beats yer ass and sends
Ya to bed without no supper, YOU SAWED OFF DAD BLAMED
 LITTLE ASS HOLE!" 

Brisa Caribeña - The Night Kiss

Sophia Johnson

 The Latin band Brisa Caribeña  (Breeze Of The Caribbean) has amicably parted ways with their last lead vocalist Anna Molina. The leaders of the group gave no details, but they did say that Sophia Johnson is back after an extended illness as lead soloist and instrumentalist.  The b and has made no mystery about how they feel about Ms Johnson. She's not only a fine vocalist with a deep contralto voice, but her expression and style fit the bands very well. She's got the added bonus of being proficient on keyboards as well. 

The group celebrated Sophia's return by writing a high-spirited song for her, The Night Kiss that showcases her talents as well as the entire bands. The band has increased their personnel into a band with full brass as well as having access to a string section. And of course, their percussion section is outstanding. The band recorded this song just before they left on a tour that will take them to various venues in the country, as they have restricted their performing in other countries due to the volatile current political situations. 

We hope the band has their usual good turnouts for their performances, and that they keep recording more great songs!

In the deepness of the dark we are still together
In the blackness there's a spark with the lightness of a feather
Can it truly be happening as we hold hands in the black
Feelings no longer baffling we can't retreat or go back
 
In anticipation of a great event
I confess that you're the only one
And as you tell me the same thing
The dark turns to brightness of the sun
 
As the realization comes over us while we talk
Our sweet conversation has no element of shock
Then our talking suddenly stops...as the night begins to glow
Inhibitions begin to drop, our lips come together, love grows
 
Our first kiss doesn't happen without light
Despite the murky blackness of the night
The dark transforms to brightness of the sun
My lips confess... you're the only one

Un Grupo de Mexicali - Bajo Este Cielo Azul (Beneath This Blue Sky)

 

A new song from our muchachos in Mexicali, Mexico. A love song Bajo Este Cielo Azul (Under The Blue Sky). The band continues to tour in Mexico and other Latin American countries, but maintains its moratorium on touring the United States.

Te vi llegar tan de repente
Llevabas luz en la mirada
Se hizo pequeño todo el mundo
Cuando rozaste mi palabra
 
No sé decirlo de otra forma
Lo siento limpio en la garganta
Como agua clara de montaña
Que nunca esconde lo que abraza
 
 Bajo este cielo azul
Te juro que mi amor es claro
Como ese sol de julio
Que cae y lo ilumina todo
 
Bajo este cielo azul
No hay sombra que nos tenga miedo
Porque al mirarte tú
Mi corazón se vuelve cielo
 
Your laughter bridges the distance,
And in your silence, I find rest.
There are no conditions, no demands—
Only your hand, no other test
 
If one day you tremble, I will shelter you
With the little that I am.
To love like this is  simple:
To give what I have , as I am
 
Beneath this blue sky,
I swear to you that my love is clear—
Like that July sun
That  illuminates everything far and near
 
Beneath this blue sky,
There is no shadow that we fear
For when I look at you,
My heart itself is true and clear
 
Y si la vida se complica (oh-oh)
Y si el camino pide más (oh-oh)
Mira hacia arriba y no lo olvides
Mi amor brilla en el mismo lugar
 
Bajo este cielo azul
Te juro que mi amor es claro
Como ese sol de julio
Que cae y lo ilumina todo
 
Bajo este cielo azul
No hay sombra que nos tenga miedo
Porque al mirarte tú
Mi corazón se vuelve cielo

The Burgoo Boys featuring Uncle June's Jug Band - The Hillbilly Tango

The Burgoo Boys featuring Uncle June's Jug Band has branched out into the Argentinean Tango with their song The Hillbilly Tango. How does a bluegrass country band come about to writing and playing a tango? Uncle June himself tells of the genesis of the idea:

The two groups went together and bought an old barn and converted it into a place we can all hang out, rehearse, and come up with ideas. We've got an excellent accordion player that also plays other jug band instruments, and we've been thinking of ideas for songs he can play the accordion on, as he's not played it on a recording yet. His training was on the accordion when he was a kid, and like a lot of accordion students, he made his way through polkas aplenty, as well as some tangoes. One day he was noodling around, and playing snatches of improvised tango tunes. Now The Burgoo Boys original band has a top-notch banjo player, and he began to 'jam' with the accordion, and we liked the sound of it! We put our heads together and come up with the idea for The Hillbilly Tango!

Uncle June takes on the solo vocalizing in the song, and he's become the main vocalist for the group, but they plan on spotlighting some of the other members who have fine voices as well.  Uncle June and John Henry Flort, the two leaders of the combined group, want everyone to have a say in things, and they say so far it's working out great. On the rare occasions when they can't reach agreement, they hold a vote. It's rare for a group that has this many members  The Burgoo Boys have 6 members, Uncle June's group varies from a core group of 5 members to as many as 15 with other players employed for added instruments. 

With the warming of the earth and the passing of the winter
Our hearts start to fill with mirth and our minds are filled with laughter
It has been a long time comin' this renewal time of year
And we'll git the banjo strummin’ and awaken our sleepy ears!
 
Singin' the bluegrass tango, dancin' the steps as we go
No time for blues for hummin' hold on tight let's go!
Hillbilly band plays the tango, ain't so strange, not at all
We like all kinds of music, and sang it in a southern drawl!
 
At first we git some strange looks when we play in a tango beat
But we think Argentinean sound is really funky and neat
So we'll play it when we got the urge whether folks understand or not
With the beat that's so familiar the boys will nail on the spot!
 
Singin' the bluegrass tango the steps begin to flow
In and out with the music hold on tight let's go!
Hillbilly band plays the tango, dang, they can do it so well!
We like all kinds of music the tango weaves its spell
 
Hillbilly meets the tango play it subtle, play it proud
Swing the beat like it should, don't play it too loud
Blend the different styles into a brand new genre
Sync with the sound, maybe reach nirvana
 
Singin' the bluegrass tango, tones played sweet and low
In and out with the music played with pick and bow
Hillbilly band plays the tango, try it with yer partner
No need to pigeonhole or be a musical martyr