Buzzy Carlyle - Passin' The Torch

 It appears Buzzy Carlyle is not only on the mend physically, but mentally as well. He sounds like he's ready to take on the role of  mentor to aspiring blues men. His guitar playing is getting better as well, more refined and interesting. Really, the difference from this recording to the first one he did for Big And Tall Records is amazing. His voice has mellowed some, lost some of the grit. It doesn't look like Buzzy's going to be able to ditch the wheel chair. His circulation to his lower extremities was so bad because of his heart issues, that regrettably there was permanent damage done. He can walk a little, but if he has to go any length at all, he has to use the chair. But that doesn't seem to get him down. His mental outlook is very good. The heart issues he had really affected circulation all over his frail body, and luckily there was no permanent damage done to his brain. With the songs he's writing and the mentoring he's doing, the old gray matter is working the best it has in years! As well as all that, he just likes visitors, even if they just want to shoot the breeze and talk over things. Buzzy has become a voracious reader, something he says he did in his younger days, and usually someone who reads a lot knows a lot! He's even starting to read guitar chord tabs, which he hasn't done in years. He can't read or write music, but the man knows his chords and how to use them!

The Cardiologist that took care of him in the hospital is still involved with h is care, as well as involved with the facility he's in. As he has nowhere else to go, and any kin he has left has cut off all contact, the Doctor has arranged with Buzzy's permission to have any profits he makes off his recordings go directly to pay for his room in the facility. As Buzzy doesn't make enough royalties to completely pay for his room (at least not yet) the Doctor has stepped in and pays the balance. It helps that the Doctor is a blues fan, and enjoys helping out an old blues man! 

Be stuck in this chair on my ass

But I will tell all of you true 

It don’t never make me feel blue 

Still on the right side of the grass 

 

Lot of folks see me every day 

Like an owl, they think I'm smart 

They ask me to teach and advise 

Ain't so smart, I try anyway 

 

 I sho ain’t no Einstein or Bill Gates 

Try to clue ‘em on what awaits 

Talkin’ to ‘em, sit on the porch 

Will do my best to pass the torch 

 

 I’m just an ol’ blues man, I say 

But they insist that I am wise 

And ask me if I would advise 

Try my best to show 'em the way 

 

 Young’uns come and want to be blues men 

Then their faces begin to fade 

When I say blues men born, not made 

Been a few that don’t come back again 

 

 I sho ain’t no Einstein or Bill Gates 

Try to clue ‘em on what awaits 

Talkin’ to ‘em, sit on the porch 

Will do my best to pass the torch 

 

 Some of them really got the ol’ itch 

Even some gals play the guitar 

Man oh man, could go really far 

Play just like turnin' on a switch 

 

‘Bout dope, yeah I say it just ain’t fair 

But I try not to put 'em down 

No accusin' talk, nor a frown 

Tell 'em how I got in this chair 

 

 I sho ain’t no Einstein or Bill Gates 

Try to clue ‘em on what awaits 

Talkin’ to ‘em, sit on the porch 

Will do my best to pass the torch 

 

You wanna do drugs, booze, and smoke?

 What ya'll think, might be conflicted 

No matter, you become addicted 

Pill poppin’, and shoot up and toke 

 

 Got no right to tell you what to do 

Ya'll gotta travel yer own way 

Nobody else got any say 

I tell ya’ it’s all up to you 

 

I sho ain’t no Einstein or Bill Gates 

Try to clue ‘em on what awaits 

Talkin’ to ‘em, sit on the porch 

Will do my best to pass the torch 

 

 Listen, my friend! Yer in control? 

Ain’t seen nobody that behaves

 Maybe I’m dumb, maybe there’s some 

But chance it…you may end up…in yer grave 

 

Un Grupo de Mexicali - Fernando

Un Grupo de Mexicali's latest is a ballad about a man who took a lot of abuse from men because of his small stature and unwillingness to stick up for himself. But when a bully makes advances towards his wife, he shows what kind of a man he really is! The chorus section of the song is interesting, and must be a little tricky to get right because of the mis-directed accents and rhythms. But the group has no trouble pulling it off with their usual virtuosity. The song does highlight Hispanic cultural machismo, but the end of the song throws a little surprise to that as well.  There is also a few examples of Spanish vulgarity in the song. We aren't prudes here at Big And Tall Records, but it is surprising as we haven't heard it from this group before.

I once knew a man named Fernando

 He was not a man strong and free 

So many hombres pushed him around 

It was so much terrible to see I toll him, 

“Do you have cojones?

Or are you all blank way down there”

 But he said nothing, just looked at me 

It was something that I couldn’t bear! 

 

 ¿Eres Fernando o Fernanda? 

¡Quién te cortó los cojones! 

¿No tienes nada que decirme? 

¿O simplemente no tienes nada que decir? 

 

 Are you Fernando or Fernanda? 

Who cut both your cojones away! 

Can’t defend any honor you have 

Or do you just have nothing to say! 

 

 It’s true Fernando was really short

 His arms and his legs were so skinny 

His hair on his face was like peach fuzz 

His voice was real high and was tinny 

He seldom went to the cantina 

Always hombres would pick a big fight 

 He would just stay home with La espousa 

And stay safe in her care every night!

 

 Are you Fernando or Fernanda? 

Who cut both your cojones away!

 Can’t defend any honor you have 

Or do you just have nothing to say! 

 

 ¿Eres Fernando o Fernanda?

 ¡Quién te cortó los cojones! 

¿No tienes nada que decirme? 

¿O simplemente no tienes nada que decir? 

 

 I saw him and wife walk down the street 

They were quiet and just took a stroll

 A mean hombre stumbled into him 

And said to his wife, “I’m on patrol! 

Look for señoras that need a man 

You look like you don’t have anyone 

Why do not you lose that corbarde 

Come with me and I’ll show you fun! 

 

Are you Fernando or Fernanda? 

Who cut both your cojones away! 

You going to let that hijo de puta 

To talk to your cariño that way 

 

Fernando told the bully, “Please stop! 

We do not want any trouble tonight!” 

The bully said, “Si, you have trouble 

Hah! You trying to start a big fight? 

You no puedo can protect your woman!”

 He grabbed for the wife then Fernando

Slapped the hombre in the face so hard 

The hombre’s head snapped to the side

 Then he hit him 3 times really hard 

 

 Fernando! I am so, so surprised

 That you had that much fight inside you 

The hombre’s face down in the gutter 

We all didn’t know the real you! 

 

My amigos told me Fernando 

Was a peace loving man strong and true 

That he was a self defense teacher 

That he could defeat a whole crew 

So the moral of the story is 

Don’t judge any book by its cover 

Or you too may be bleeding, laying

 Face down in the street and the gutter!

 

Ada Shymore and The Boogie Men - What Ya Gonna Do When It Happens?

Ada Shymore and The Boogie Men continue to surprise. This is their second collaboration with members of The Noir Players and their arranger Stewart Bitsher, and it continues to be a great combination. Ada and her band are getting better and better at contributing more of their ideas into the songs they perform. They do have some decent lyricists in the group, and with the help from The Noir Players and the leader, the music is getting more diversified and interesting. Scuttlebutt has it that they're all working together on yet other projects, and it'll be interesting to hear where they go next! Ada continues to grow as a soloist. The growth from her first song to the current one is very noticeable and encouraging. We at Big And Tall Records are fortunate and proud to have found so many talented artists!  

What ya gonna do when it happens? 

What are you gonna do then? 

When yer all alone, and I don't phone 

What the hell are you gonna do then? 

 

Took a long time, but it happened 

My mind and my heart got in sync 

You treat me like garbage, then you laugh 

Told you I was done, you didn't blink 

 

What ya gonna do when it happens? 

What are you gonna do then? 

When yer all alone, and I don't phone 

What the hell are you gonna do then? 

 

 I know you didn't cheat. Why would you? 

Nobody else would tolerate it! 

You found someone just like you wanted 

Tired of living in an armpit! 

 

What ya gonna do when it happens? 

What are you gonna do then? 

When yer all alone, and I don't phone 

What the hell are you gonna do then? 

 

Stayed because I thought there was no one 

Who would want me , and then because 

You would be better than loneliness 

I can't explain how wrong I was! 

 

What ya gonna do when it happens? 

What are you gonna do then? 

When yer all alone, and I don't phone 

What the hell are you gonna do then? 

 

You talked to me so high and mighty 

Like you were so much better than I 

I'm over that, what's more over you! 

I'm leaving you, this filthy pig sty 

 

What ya gonna do when it happens? 

What are you gonna do then? 

When yer all alone, and I don't phone 

What the hell are you gonna do then? 

 

I'm scared, I'm frightened nearly to death

 But it's better than being with you 

How will I make my way, I don't know 

But I'm glad that it's finally through! 

 

 What ya gonna do cuz it's happened! 

What are you gonna do now!? 

When yer all alone, and I won't phone 

Your heart's like stone, I'm better off alone! 

What the hell are you gonna do now!

Sonny Hotchkins - Changes (Tugboat Jackson Cover)

 Since Tugboat Jackson, one of our recording artists, released his song Changes, some of our other artists have expressed interest in making their own versions of the song. The first to do this was Tugboat's fellow Blues man, Sonny Hotchkins.  

Sonny's version follows the word close to verbatim, but he changes the tune and background to the words. We still don't understand how Sonny can play the guitar so well when he has to wear splints on both hands due to carpal tunnel and neuropathy, but he sure can!  Tugboat has managed to write lyrics that seem to speak to other artists and inspires them. We have other versions from other artists in the works. And Tugboat gives his permission to use his song any time. He's honored that the song has touched his peers in  that way.

The way the world is can be troublin’ 

Yeah, it shore as hell can be troublin’ 

Ya gotta take a side, but keep it in stride 

Or your own troubles you’ll be doublin’ 

 

 There is a great need for big change

 But remember we all are resistant 

Keep all your desires in range 

Try your be to be persistent 

 

 If you think that change is needed

 Really think that change is needed 

Whatever you do, change pertains to you 

Things to bring it about heeded! 

 

 Make every effort for compassion 

Sometimes it’s very hard to do

 Isn’t always the trending fashion 

With some no matter what you do 

 

Gotta do what you can to be stable

 Make the effort to keep yourself stable

 Passion is fine, but keep it in line 

Do it the best that you are able 

 

On occasion, say to hell with it all! 

Yeah, just say to hell with it all! 

Keep it understood, that life still is good 

Cherish things in your life that are small 

 

Every generation has its ills 

For sho, generations all have their ills 

You’ll wonder what for, we still fightin’ war

 After history shows all that it’s killed 

 

 Keep fightin’ on for things that are right

 But take a break from all of the trends 

Enjoy whatever gets you through the night

 And your family, neighbors , and friends

Big Marv - Plays Duke Ellington Again!

 Big Marv continues with his recording of the great Duke Ellington, this time in a medley of three timeless classics; Caravan, Don't Get Around Much Anymore, It Don't Mean A Thing (If It Ain't Got That Swing) Big Marv's interpretations are somewhat mainstream, although he does let loose with the last song. 

Delmar Gentry - My Pa's Comin' To See Me

Delmar Gentry has taken a completely different direction in his life. He was a corporate attorney in Cincinnati, Ohio for years. He owned and excellent reputation and case record, he just up and quit last year, moved to Flagstaff, AZ and bought a horse ranch! He built his own recording studio in an old barn that was no longer being used, and keeps busy with his horses, music, and friends. He is also a big reason that Big And Tall Records is here. He is a founding partner of the company, as well as a recording artist and producer.  

So for a man that is so accomplished and apparently well centered in his life, this recording is somewhat of a surprise. Delmar has said next to nothing about his family to us, and this is the first time we're hearing about his father. And Delmar seems a little apprehensive about the upcoming visit his father is making to see him. Well, family member relationships can be complex for sure. And as his father is also an attorney, it's no wonder that there may be some questions and disbelief about why his son would give up the profession to buy a horse ranch, and pursue a recording career! But the city of Cincinnati has a combination of Midwestern and Southern culture and vibe. So it's not that odd for a person from that part of the country to gravitate to one or the other. After all, one of the most well known movie and media cowboys was born in Cincinnati and raised in southern Ohio Scioto County, Roy Rogers!

I’m not gonna feed you no line 

Got nothin’ needs done rest the day 

So I’m just gonna take some time 

Think about what I’m gonna say 

 

 My Pa’s comin’ to see me

 Ain’t seen him for a real long spell

 I know he ain’t very glad 

Prob’ly gonna give me hell! 

 

He’s a retired attorney 

Does not make any sense to him 

Why I quit practicin’ law 

Seein’ eye to eye will be slim 

 

My Pa’s comin’ to see me 

Don’t know how long he will stay 

Hope he likes it here on the ranch 

All our critters might make his day

 

 He was my idol years ago 

Truth to tell, he for sure is still 

Raised me pretty much by himself

 Really a role that’s hard to fill 

 

 My Pa’s comin’ to see me 

We’ve got a lot to talk over 

Questions he’s got a hundred 

Won’t be any bed of clover 

 

Looking forward to see him 

But in a lot of ways I’m not 

He’s pretty head strong and stubborn 

He’ll wonder about all I have bought 

 

My Pa’s comin’ to see me 

Doesn’t understand my Old West 

Even when I was a kid and I wore 

My Roy Rogers gun belt and vest 

 

 I know he loves animals 

Always had them when I was young 

Horses, dogs, cats, and a mule 

Maybe they will blunt his sharp tongue! 

 

 My Pa’s comin’ to see me 

And he hates bein’ called Pa 

He prefers Dad or Father 

He thinks my accent is a flaw 

 

 I’ll just do my best with him 

And try to explain my actions 

Tell him what I wanted of life 

All my own doing, no factions

 

 My Pa’s comin’ to see me 

I hope he understands it all 

I’ve done what has made me happy A

ll the way to my western drawl!

 

Boxcar Bertha - Rusty Dan

Boxcar Bertha traveled the rails for 30 years, a modern day hobo, she worked odd jobs off and on when she needed money. Otherwise, she saw the country by bumming rides on freight trains. An adventurous life that was fraught with danger as much a discovery. Bertha herself has the scars and a bad leg to prove it. She's one of  the lucky ones that has lived to tell her tale. She recently retired, and before people start slinging mud at her, she worked enough to get Social Security and Medicare. Her longest job was a little over a year as an inventory clerk in a large warehouse. Bertha's a smart, shrewd lady, and moved up the ranks very quickly in that company. Within two months she was promoted to Chief Warehouse Supervisor, a very well paying job she says. She stayed for another year, socked away most of the money she made in her bank account. She finally couldn't handle her wanderlust any more, quit and went back on the rails. She had a standing offer to come back any time, but she finished out here rail career without having to work again.

The man she calls Rusty Dan must have been a very good friend. She sings this sad song about their last trip together, and the accident that took his life. She won't talk any more about him then what's in this song. We get the feeling that her loss of him is a wound that will never completely heal.

Knew a man that been ridin' the rails 

Knew Rusty Dan like he was kin 

We hopped a gondola late one day 

Sure didn't know the trouble we'd be in 

 

We had some grub in our bindels  (A bundle that had essentials)

So we cooked up a mulligan  (A stew made from available ingredients)

I had two cans of stewed tomatoes 

He had some beans and some bacon 

 

Rusty Dan was a good man I could trust 

Never tried anything to offend 

But fate caught up to him one gray night 

And it caused his sad early end 

 

Gondola had a load of steel beams 

That didn't take up all of the space 

Load must've been 'bout 50 foot long 

So we hunkered down in the end space 

 

We talked as the mulligan cooked up

 He told me things that happened to him 

He was a few years older than me 

But he was handsome, rugged and slim

 

 Rusty Dan was a good man I could trust 

Never tried anything to offend 

But fate caught up to him one gray night

And it caused his sad early end 

 

The mulligan smell was very nice 

The fire we built kept us real warm

 I felt so safe around Rusty Dan 

Didn't think I would come to no harm 

 

It started getting dark and chilly 

We ate up all we could of the stew 

We kept on talkin', laughin' as we ate 

Then I got out some tea we could brew

 

 Rusty Dan was a good man I could trust 

Never tried anything to offend 

But fate caught up to him one gray night 

And it caused his sad early end 

 

We sipped the warm tea, enjoyed the sky 

Full of many a glistenin' star 

We were makin' plans of what we would do

 And layin' against the side of the car 

 

The load of steel in the gondola 

Creaked and moaned with every big bump 

Rusty Dan got up top to look it over 

When the train wheels screeched, Rusty jumped 

 

He leaped into the end of the car 

Screechin' of the wheels, heard a big pop 

The train was suddenly slowing down 

I jumped up, pulled myself to the top 

 

The wood holdin' layers of the steel 

Began to break and steel started to shake 

Rusty Dan was leanin' in the corner

Holdin' his foot, might've been a break 

 

 I swung m'self over the end of the car 

On the coupler I stood as it went down

 I held on for dear life as the train slowed 

We had come to the start of a town 

 

I saw it happen, the load had shifted 

Folded in the middle like a book

 Slid forward, hit the end of the car 

My God...I was so afraid to look! 

 

 Rusty Dan couldn't climb over the top

 And the steel that slid forward hit him 

He lay in a heap...skewered...dead 

The man that was so rugged....handsome...and slim

 

Brisa Caribeña - Dance With Me

 Seems the group is still having issues with its former female soloist, Minerva Peña. The band and her couldn't reach an agreement with her contract. The band says she quite, she says they wrongly fired her instead of negotiating in good faith. Accidentally in the middle of the fracas is Sophia Johnson, a band member that stepped up to the mic when Minerva refused to perform with them. Sophia is a versatile band member as she can play most of the percussion instruments plus keyboards. Now she's the lead singer, and her mellow contralto voice blends well with the band. So there's lawsuits against the band, and the band has counter-sued for breach of contract when Minerva refused to perform during negotiations. We hate to see a groups activities get tied up in litigation, but so far it doesn't seem to have affected their music making!

The night is young, I feel so good 

It's going to be a grand night 

We have a drink, some good food too 

This place is a wonderful sight 

The flashing lights, shine on your face 

With luminescence just right 

It's electric, what you look like 

I will admit, it does excite 

 

The beat overtakes my willpower

 I want to dance, I need to dance 

I don't wish to be a wall flower 

So come dance with me! 

 

The beat overtakes my willpower 

I want to dance, I need to dance 

I don't wish to be a wall flower 

So come dance with me! 

 

What did you think, when you saw me? 

Did I think all the same things too? 

Your form so nice, your hair and eyes

 I see them they're the fairest blue 

Your gentle ways, and good manners 

Made me think is it really true? 

We're here tonight, connect so well

Seems oh, oh so right for us two 

 

 I see the whole world in your face 

Do you see it in mine as well? 

Music is loud and hard to talk 

There anything you wish to tell? 

You take my hand escort me 

And my heart oh, it nearly fell 

You tell without saying a word 

I feel my breath start to swell! 

 

 The night goes on, this place is good 

It is such a grand night 

We have more drinks, nibble food too 

I feel so beautiful and light 

The lights go dim, our silhouettes 

Are together holding me tight 

It feels so good, being with you 

I've a feeling that I won't fight 

 

The beat overtakes my senses 

I want to dance, I need to dance

 It's such a feeling of power 

So come dance with me! 

 

The beat overtakes my senses 

I want to dance, I need to dance 

It's such a feeling of power

 So come dance with me!

 

Two Swedish Gentlemen - Jag Älskar Dig ( I Love You)

The latest from Two Swedish Gentlemen was somewhat of a surprise. For full orchestra, with Ollie on solo violin and Sven singing a Swedish/English love song! Information about the orchestra that accompanies is somewhat confusing, as it's the Sundström Chamber Orchestra which can be heard on a recording we issued  few months back. This was an older recording sent to us by the brothers, so perhaps the group on the new recording is a reincarnation of it.

Whatever the case  may be, Ollie plays a very tuneful and sweet violin solo. We had no idea he was so accomplished, as all we've heard from him was a folktune-like fiddling. And Sven sings in a smooth baritone with a surprising power. The brothers recorded this in Sweden, and outside of the recording file, any other information about the song is scant. We do know it is an original song written by both of them.

I know English enough to get by 

Similarities there surely are 

But my native tongue be Swedish 

Can speak more directly from my heart 

 

 Jag Älskar Dig are the word to you 

My precious love I will speak so true 

Long to say I love you in Swedish 

Jag Älskar Dig, I will always be true 

 

See you walking, you don know I’m there

 I can’t help but watch as you go by 

I’ll have the courage someday and try 

To tell you completely how I feel 

 

Jag Älskar Dig are the word to you 

My precious love I will speak so true

 Long to say I love you in Swedish 

Jag Älskar Dig, I will always be true 

 

 In my dream world, I’ll say it to you 

And you’ll smile a smile only you can 

You’ll take my hand and convey 

Jag Älskar Dig Också you will say!  (I love you too)

 

Jag Älskar Dig are the word to you 

My precious love I will speak so true 

Long to say I love you in Swedish 

Jag Älskar Dig, I will always be true

 

Un Grupo de Mexicali - Apestar El Aire (Stink Up The Air)

Hombre Gordo Gruñendo

We've mentioned before about how much we've learned about Mariachi culture from Mexico. The instruments they use, and the variety of subjects they sing about. We've heard the passionate side of this group, and now we get to hear their comical side as they sing about a subject that seems to be funny across all different cultures and times: THE FART!

A very special member of Un Grupo de Mexicali is a man that usually plays guitar in the band, but on occasion he sings a song. Apestar El Aire was written for him specifically and he probably had a hand in the writing as well. Francisco 'Paco' Medina Hernandez Xavier Caudillo Collazo is also known by the name of Hombre Gordo Gruñendo, which means Growling Fat Man. That's him in the picture, and once you hear him sing you'll know where the name comes from! He's also known in the band as Gordo for short, mainly because of all  the names this guy has!  

This song has a middle section where 'Gordo' speaks the previous lyrics in Spanish. The real humor in this are his gestures and motions he makes while he says them! Unfortunately, we did not receive any video from Mexico, just the song file. But even at that, the way he emphasizes words is funny if you don't understand Spanish! The band told us they don't use his talents very often, so when they do it is a real treat! 

 

 

You like Mexican food, Tortas, Burritos, and Tamales

 It all tastes so very good,to have a meal with families 

To senoras and senoritas, that cook it is an art 

The problem with it is, that it can make you FART!

 

 If you are with amigos, eating, drinking beer 

Funny like a joke when the noise that they hear 

When you with senorita, is a bad thing to do 

You don't want do it, her you try to woo 

 

 Get a bellyache! Do things that you hate 

Think it isn’t fair! To stink up the air! 

Even if you do not, make any noise 

The smell will drift across their nose! 

 

So save picante food, when you at home

 If you get stinky farts you are all alone 

Or with your family, it is better there

 Pass gas at home, stink your underwear 

 

Your brothers, sisters, Mama Papa too 

They will not like it, they get mad at you 

They will tell no! Stop it! Is no fair! 

They will wave their sombreros in the air

 

 Get a bellyache! Do things that you hate 

Think it isn’t fair! To stink up the air! 

Even if you do not, make any noise 

The smell will drift across their nose! 

 

Si estás con amigos, comiendo, bebiendo cerveza 

Es gracioso como una broma cuando el ruido que escuchan 

Cuando estás con la señorita, es algo malo que hacer 

No quieres hacerlo, intentas cortejarla 

 

 Así que guarda la comida picante cuando estés en casa. 

Si te tiras pedos apestosos, estás solo.

 O con tu familia, es mejor allí. 

Si te tiras pedos en casa, apesta tu ropa interior. 

 

 ¡Que te duela la panza! Haz cosas que odias 

 ¡Piensas que no es justo! 

 ¡Apestar el aire! Aunque no lo hagas, haz cualquier ruido. 

¡El olor les llegará a la nariz! 

 

 Get a bellyache! Do things that you hate 

Think it isn’t fair! To stink up the air! 

Even if you do not, make any noise 

The smell will drift across their nose!

 

The Nude Polka Kings - Nude Polka Spree

 Ah, it's that time of year. The earth shakes off it's shackles of winter, gets through the crazy weather of  spring, and the first days of summer begin! Birds are busy twittering and building their nest to raise their young, animals of the forest begin to forage the tender sprouts of the warming earth, fruit trees burst in technicolor flowers, the first sprouts of other plants and flowers crack the surface of the earth and reach towards the sun, and the Nude Polka Kings begin their summer nude touring! 

We at Big And Tall Records first heard about this group through one of our roving associates who is a polka aficionado. He went to their own polka hall where nudity is not an option; it is mandatory! Our associate was hesitant, but they would not let him in the door until he stripped! The price of admission included a locker to store their clothes in, so he did it! He told us that it was embarrassing at first, and there was more people sizing up other naked people than he thought there would be. After a few VERY personally embarrassing moments (which we will not elaborate on) he got used to the nudity, and had a good time talking to people, the band, even did some polka dancing, which he said was quite different with a body unhindered (and unsupported) by clothing. 

So with this song, The Nude Polka Kings kick off their nude tour, at least at venues that support it. For others they will of course put their clothes back on! We haven't heard about what they said or did with Zbig Szafranski, the 84 year old Polish expatriate. Some say he's trying to get up a trip back to Poland as he hasn't been there for a long, long time. He left a wife and 3 children there, as he had a price on his head and have to leave quickly. They were supposed to join him later, but the Communist government stepped in and refused them passports. He has never found out what happened to them, if any are even still alive. Plus he's got many other members there. So we wish him a good trip if he can swing it. 

There's also a rumor floating around that he's in hiding from 4 women who are suing him for child support! Not older children either, all 4 women allegedly have a baby under a year old that they say are his! Of course a DNA test could tell if it was true or not, and that's why he's in hiding! Be something if this was true! 

This song by The Kings has some fine work by the band in instrumental sections of it. Make no mistake about it, nudity is a great gimmick to get attention, but these guys can really play! 

Weather is warming, and the sun is prime 

Birds are all chirping, tulips blooming too

 Close to the season, of clothes shedding time

 Clothes are a burden, and we like to do... 

 

 Naked buttocks bouncing, women's titties too 

Couples just with shoes on know just what to do 

Without any shame or false modesty 

We all get bare naked and have a Polka spree! 

 

Dancing stark naked, feel and being free 

Having the fresh air, streaming over me 

No better feeling, in this whole wide world 

To all the nudists, to polka and swirl 

 

Join a nudist club, some don't charge a fee 

There's some that have dances, totally are free 

Please don't be afraid, we've all been there too

 Embarrassed and shy, we were just like you 

 

Just give it a go; we'll help you to cope 

Once you feel fresh air, you'll feel like a dope

 Because you haven't given it a try 

Before now so send all those clothes to fly! 

 

 We're the polka band, that plays without clothes 

In the summertime, nudist juices flow 

Only nudist band, in this whole country 

May play near your home, come join polka spree 

 

 Dancing stark naked, feel and being free 

Having the fresh air, streaming over me 

No better feeling, in this whole wide world 

To all the nudists, to polka and swirl 

 

 Naked buttocks bouncing, women's titties too

 Couples just with shoes on know just what to do 

Without any shame or false modesty 

We all get bare naked and have a Polka spree! 

 

Just give it a go; we'll help you to cope

 Once you feel fresh air, you'll feel like a dope

 Because you haven't given it a try 

Before now so send all those clothes to fly!

Doyle Harseth - The Dance Floor

 Doyle Harseth's third recording amazes him more than anyone else. He'll admit to not being a singer. Only other times he sang was in a church choir years ago, and sometimes in the shower! Doyle and his wife Blanche founded and ran a horse ranch for many years, and when Delmar Gentry moved to Arizona and bought it, they retired. Their original plans were to build a a house in town, but when Delmar offered them the chance to buy a plot of land on the ranch back from him and build their house there, they jumped at the chance! It was a way they could keep living the country life like they have for going on 50 years, and still be around horses that Doyle loves. 

Delmar changed their life, and Doyle has been invaluable as a reference for Delmar's running of the ranch. The recordings usually come about after Delmar has worked with somebody else in his recording studio (that's in a reconditioned outbuilding on the ranch). Doyle likes to sit in on the sessions, and they'll go into the wee hours chewing the fat and having a few beers. Sometimes, if the beer has been particularly good, they'll get an idea for a song. Delmar does all the music and arranging, while the lyrics are worked on together. 

This song came about after Doyle talked about his early days when he'd work all day and spend his evenings in the gin mills (as he calls them.) Seems Doyle had quite the eye for the ladies, single or otherwise, and that he liked to dance and was good at it, and it got him women, as there's a lot of men that don't dance at the tavern, just drink beer. We can imagine the mischief he got into, at least until Blanche came into his life, and his cavorting came to a halt! 

Back when I was a young lad 

I was, as they say, frisky 

I worked hard all through the day 

And still had enough energy 

To go out among 'em, try my luck 

See what kind of gals I could meet 

But I found out the best way 

Was to show 'em how I used my feet! 

 

The dance floor, got me women 

Too many men just ain't into it 

See women dancin' with each other 

And the men not givin' a shit! 

 

So I got right friendly with the ladies

 Even some of 'em older than me 

They were real sweethearts

 And showed a lot of tricks to me 

 Their ol' man sat sloppin' beer 

While I was dancing' with their lady 

As the ol' man got his suds 

Didn't give a thought to his lady 

 

The dance floor, got me women 

Also quite a passel of pain 

When they wanted to take me home 

But their husbands would jump right in!

 

 Got a few bumps and bruises 

Got my nose broke couple a times 

When I got caught with their Misses 

Wasn't a very smart crime 

 Lucky I didn't get my ass shot 

Or even somethin' worse 

So I stayed with unattached women 

To avoid situations adverse 

 

The dance floor, got me women 

I shore did have lots of fun 

But with the married ones it was tricky 

When their ol' man pulled out a gun! 

 

 So I got right friendly with the ladies

 Even some of 'em older than me 

They were real sweethearts 

And showed a lot of tricks to me 

Lucky I didn't get my ass shot 

Or even somethin' worse 

So I stayed with unattached women 

To avoid situations adverse 

 

 The dance floor got me women

 Includin' the one that's my wife 

Quit all of my carousin' around Ha ha! 

She tol' me if I didn't might lose my life!

 

Gummer Beaudine - The Slobber Blues

 Gummer Beaudine stays true to style with this cover of a Toothless Mabel song, The Slobber Blues. She comes from performing in rough and tough country bars, and her sound sure shows it. Toothless Mabel had no qualms about giving her permission, and was taken by the rowdy nature of this version! Gummer's still busy on the hillbilly saloon circuit, and her recordings have gotten a lot of interest especially from people who've heard her live. 

Gummer continues to by mentored by Big Marv, as she's expressed an interest in writing some songs herself. She likes the song that Big Marv wrote for her, Let's Go Honky Tonkin', and wants to do some original material at her gigs. This lady is the real thing! She stopped by the studio to sign a short term contract and stayed for a couple of hours shooting the breeze! 

When your teeth are gone, makes your life different. 

Some things you can do, some things you cain’t. 

Corn on the cob, big red apple ya don't eat 

Sometimes it's a problem, sometimes it ain't 

 

Tell the truth I ain’t as pretty as I used to be. 

Thought store bought teeth might help that a mite. 

They look as bright as a new piano key, 

And it sure does help me to bite. 

 

But Oh lord, not the slobber blues! 

Ya don’t bite, ya don’t chew, 

Them's against the rules 

Them’s ain’t the things to do! 

 

 He treats me like a queen, toothless or not. 

He calls me good lookin’ tells me I’m hot. 

Still got a decent figure, with tasty sweet bits, 

Take off my clothes he throws a fit 

 

Pillows under his head all relaxed 

He lays back lets me do my thing 

I can tell if he's enjoyin' his self 

If his right foot starts to swing

 

 I love to play the slobber blues 

Gotta play the slobbery blues 

Put my teeth in a jar, then play it hard and far! 

My baby loves the slobber blues!

 

Tugboat Jackson - Changes

 Tugboat Jackson's latest song sees him going back to a more laid back style. The song for sure has its share of Tugboat messages, but it is delivered in a mellow voice and gentler guitar playing. Tugboat hasn't recorded anything new for a few months, as his previous 3 releases were recorded at one session and released one at a time. He has come under criticism for what some listeners perceive as too political and 'preachy'. There's no denying that he's a political musician, but his political thinking doesn't always follow any one ideology. But Tugboat is an artist for the people, and he takes criticism constructively. That no doubt influenced the change in tone, and even the messaging.  He's told us that the criticism was warranted, and he needed listener feedback to make him aware of what he was doing. He confided that he's had some feelings of burnout, and that's understandable. Since last November, Tugboat has released 15 songs! That's a lot of work in a relatively short length of time. We're not sure how many songs he's actually written in that time and how many were already composed, but we'd bet that most of them have been written within the same time frame.

We here at Big And Tall Records send out copies of the latest songs we've released to all of our artists, and this song has created a lot interest within our community. There's already been some requests for permission to use the lyrics in other's works. Tugboat has told us he authorizes any cover of his music or lyrics to our other artists. Sonny Hotchkins is working on his version right now, and others may follow. 

The way the world is can be troublin’ 

Yeah, it shore as hell can be troublin’ 

Ya gotta take a side, but keep it in stride 

Or your own troubles you’ll be doublin’ 

 

 There is a great need for big change

 But remember we all are resistant 

Keep all your desires in range 

Try your be to be persistent 

 

 If you think that change is needed

 Really think that change is needed 

Whatever you do, change pertains to you 

Things to bring it about heeded! 

 

 Make every effort for compassion 

Sometimes it’s very hard to do

 Isn’t always the trending fashion 

With some no matter what you do 

 

Gotta do what you can to be stable

 Make the effort to keep yourself stable

 Passion is fine, but keep it in line 

Do it the best that you are able 

 

On occasion, say to hell with it all! 

Yeah, just say to hell with it all! 

Keep it understood, that life still is good 

Cherish things in your life that are small 

 

Every generation has its ills 

For sho, generations all have their ills 

You’ll wonder what for, we still fightin’ war

 After history shows all that it’s killed 

 

 Keep fightin’ on for things that are right

 But take a break from all of the trends 

Enjoy whatever gets you through the night

 And your family, neighbors , and friends

 

Buzzy Carlyle - Monkeys On My Back

 Buzzy Carlyle remains in a rehab facility and has his own room at the end of a long hall next to the physical therapy rooms. It's the only patient room in that part of the facility, and was requested by his Doctor so he could play his guitar any time he wanted and not bother any other patients. The word has spread in the blues community that Buzzy's there, and he gets visitors every day, some of them musicians that played with him years ago, and some of them young acolytes wanting to get some words of wisdom.

Buzzy has become an unofficial mentor and teacher to some of the young musicians. In his last song he wondered what he could do to give back for all that's been done for him. Well, he's found out. The music advice he's giving out is free of charge, and the life advice is as well. He's especially good at advising them about drug use. He approaches it with his first hand knowledge. He lays it on the line:

You wanna do drugs? Ain't nobody gonna stop ya but yerself! Folks try to self medicate with 'em, but it don't work. Get yourself somebody you can tell yer troubles to, professional help if you need it. Damn dope and booze'll make like it's yer friend, best friend in the world, yer only friend in the world. It'll take over, do all the thinkin' fer ya, and it's a selfish bastard. Only thinks 'bout itself. Ain't one to talk religion, but if there is a damned devil in this world, it's booze and dope! Ain't seen nobody but a handful be in control of 'em. Mostly, they control YOU!

Find out what's missin' in yer life! That's what I'm doin'. Physical therapy every day, mental therapy twice a week. Get yerself real, man! I'm never gonna get outa this place what but in a body bag. Cain't hardly walk, need oxygen sometimes, on 'nough medicine to start m' own pharmacy. My best friends now are the nurses and Docs takin' care of me. And I'm lucky! Could be a hunnerd times worst! Be dead, or a goddam carrot stuck in bed with no mind left! And I'm the only reason I'm at this point. A combination of willful ignorance, stupidity, stubbornness, and self pity!But hell, I heard all that too, and I still did it. Like I said, ain't nobody gonna stop ya but yerself. I hope all this sticks in yer mind, at least in the back of it, and someday it pops to the front and you say to yerself, "Damn! That ol' Buzzy was a wise  bastard!"

His Doctor has shown up at Buzzy's recording sessions and always fills us in on how he's doing. Evidently he spends most of his time in a wheel chair or bed. Doesn't walk around very much as his legs are about shot. Bad circulation for so many years has caused nerve damage to his legs and feet, and sfter all of the surgeries and heart issues, he's rather frail. But his good days outnumber the bad, and even on days that he spends in bed his attitude remains good. And it's true what Buzzy says, he has a psychologist visit twice a week and they talk. The Doctor says that he was really worried about Buzzy after surgery as he didn't have anything left to live for. But between making recordings and has mentoring, his life has become richer than it was from the first time we recorded him last year. Back then he was sullen, said barely a word when not singing, and was generally disagreeable. Now you can't shut him up, and he's gregarious and pleasant. What a difference time can make! 

Buzzy plays a resonator guitar one of his fans brought into the facility for him. he told us he had one years  ago, and used it when he played big venues as the sound carried better and he didn't have to use an amp. He can still play it too, as we had to adjust recording levels to compensate. And his voice is still strong enough he could be heard over it!

Can’t believe how life has changed 

Took a lot to make it happen 

Got the finest care, more than I'm worth 

In gratitude, I sure won't be slackin' 

 

Got a nice home , first time in years 

I'm so lucky, I can't believe it 

Wasn't long ago tried to do myself in 

The Doctor won't have no part of it 

 

What can I do, to give back 

For all that's been done for me 

I don't know what, but I'm willin' 

Wanna help some folks get free 

 

I talked to the ones that work here 

And they tol' me I'd be a good fit 

No better one to help the others 

Somebody what's been through it 

 

Don't reckon I got brains for that 

Won't force it on one don't want it 

Just got my own shit together a bit 

What can I say? Who'd want any of it 

 

What can I do, to give back 

For all that's been done for me

 Don't have no time to waste 

Wanna help some folks get free 

 

Took me an inch from dyin' 

To git the monkeys off my back 

They was tellin' me what to do 

Sure didn't gimme any slack! 

 

 I tried to quit 'em, yes I did 

But I was weak, they was too strong

 Comes a point when they's the boss 

Ya twitch, ya jump to their song 

 

Monkeys can be beat, yes indeed 

But it might be a struggle to death

 I jest hope no one has to go through 

Comin' close to their last breath 

 

But if it comes to breathin' yer last 

When things are turnin' black 

I'll tell ya true you're better off dead 

Than have them monkeys on yer back