Classical stringed instruments have been crossing over into other genres from classical for a long time.
The Beatles in the 1960's used them, just one example of bands before and since that have. We're no rock music historians, but this just may be the first time that band members themselves played the stringed instruments of a string quartet, 2 violins, viola, and cello, on a recording. The other examples we can think of usually used outside musicians.
The core players of The Widow Makers, 4 young men that went to music school together, are the ones that play on the recording. They did have to have a few other musicians fill in for the group. These 4 musicians have been playing classical string quartet music together since music school, so it's a natural thing for them to incorporate it into their rock music. Their latest song Baby Gonna Rock Ya is not what you can call innovative or original, but the music is the thing in this song. The words are kind of just along for the ride, in our opinion.
Yeah baby all the mornin' long! Carry it over to afternoon End up the whole damn daylong! Until ya roll over and swoon!
Yeah baby, gonna rock ya! Like you never been rocked before Never ending rockin' and roll Until yer really damn good and sore!
Gonna do it all brash and loud! Non-stop with lotta soul and sound Gonna play it hard and make ya proud The roarin' music will abound!
Yeah baby, gonna rock ya! Like you never been rocked before Never ending rockin' and roll Rock ya til' yer damn good and sore!
All mornin' long! Gonna rock ya! In the afternoon! Gonna rock ya! All damn daylong! Gonna rock ya! Make ya swoon! Gonna rock ya,!
Ya know baby, gonna rock ya! Like you never ever been before Long lastin’ rockin' and rollin’ Til yer really damn good and sore!
Amos Carter's mother, who has played played on a few of his songs, comes out with a recording of her own, Who Needs It?. She asked if instead of Mama Carter as she was credited on other recordings she could use Mams Carter. She's got a passel of Grand kids and they all call her Mams, and of course we agreed.
Amos told us about his Mom:
I grew up hearing Mama play the piano. She played everything; classical stuff like Chopin and Mozart, was a church pianist off and on so a lot of hymns, blues, big band, and especially boogie woogie. She could sit and play just off the top of her head, improvise as she went, something I could never do on the piano. I took lessons when I was a kid, but didn't have much interest in it. Taught me theory and stuff like that, but wasn't into playing much other than picking out tunes. The bass fiddle's my instrument! Bass guitar too. I can improvise a bass line okay, but Mama is her own one-woman band! It's a real joy playing along with her on gigs and recordings, and let me tell ya, she's a real pro! Believes in rehearsing the hell out of stuff until it suits her! With this song she gave us the chords she was going to use, pretty much basic stuff with a few curve balls, and we'd hold down the harmonic backing as she'd riff on the chords and sing as she went! Mama's the real musician in the family, and I'm, glad she's getting her talent recorded!
My Dad died from cancer, and Mama raised the little one, I was 16 at the time, pretty much by herself. I helped all I could, but mostly I went to work and gave her money to help. When all us kids were either out of the house or close to it, she started dating. Didn't have many boyfriends, and she didn't get serious about one 'til this guy in the song. She fond out before they got hitched that he wasn't what he appeared to be, and she wrote this song about some of it. She dumped him quick, but I know she cared a lot about him, so who knows whats he's coming up with next!
For sure Mams has some awesome piano chops, and her singing voice is pretty good too, so we're happy to give her a solo shot!
Had a boyfriend, he was really great Treated me nice, and so sweet I know he loved me without doubt I loved him too, he was such a treat
But he popped the question to me Took me unawares right at first Why he asked was hard to see But then I just thought of the worst!
I can wash his clothes, clean his house! Do the cookin', mop all the floors Wash the windows wipe down the doors He needs a maid, not a damn spouse!
I told him thanks but no thanks I like things the way that they are He got a pained look on his face Brought out the keys to his car
Accused me of not lovin' him Got up headed for the door He said, "Thought you'd jump at the chance! It's what we been dating for!'
Ain't gonna wash your clothes and cook! Ain't gonna clean your dirty house! Don't do windows, wipe down the doors! I won't be your maid, or your spouse!
You know, I was havin' a shred of doubt. Maybe I misjudged him? But what he said next, took care of any doubt!
A woman's sposed to do laundry! Her job to take care of her man! All of it is woman's work Give ya'll another chance so you can!
Oh hell no! Go clean your own damned dirty house! Wash all yer funky underwear! Our relationship boils down to that What in hell do I really care?
He stomped out of my house. Two days later phone's ringin' off the hook. But that's too damned bad! I raised all my kids and took care of a man! Now this time is all about me! Haaaa! Haaaaa! Who needs it? Friendship, yeah. Companionship? Uh huh! Some hanky-panky here and there? Yeah man! But runnin' a maid service? HAHAHA!
The Nude Polka Kings turn their polka instincts to the Halloween holiday with the novel song Don't Smash The Punkins! Polka. The soloist is appropriately 'evil' sounding, even his yodeling has an edge to it. Most of us here at Big And Tall records enjoyed the song, except for one associate.
Whenever we get a sound file of a new song, we have a round table meeting of available associates and discuss it. There is never a song released arbitrarily by us - they all come under scrutiny and a vote. The one dissenting opinion over this song came about the lyrics. First of all, the term 'punkins' instead of 'pumpkins', and to take it even further, it was suggested that since the song is really about smashing jack o' lanterns, it should be named 'Don't Smash The Jack O' Lanterns'. Of course pumpkin is the correct term, but it was pointed out to the dissenter that since this was a novelty song, a certain hominess of style in the lyric was a good thing. Next, as to why they used 'punkin' instead of jack o' lantern, it was also pointed out that what is a jack o' lantern but a type of pumpkin after all? A specific style and use for a pumpkin, but still a pumpkin nonetheless. And the rhyme of 'punkins' and 'youngkins' was also criticized, as the dissenter didn't know what youngkins meant. As was pointed out to him, the meaning of the fabricated word can be derived from the context and poetic license; a young one, a kid. But the lone dissenter stood by their guns, and we brought it up to a vote, with the obvious outcome.
It is the autumn time of year And soon it will be Halloween Trick or treating lots of candy Ghosts and goblins on the scene
Halloweens not just for children Grown ups can enjoy it too Come on out and dance the polka Wear costumes, drink some brew BUT PLEASE...
DON'T SMASH THE PUNKINS! After they've been carved! DON'T SMASH THE PUNKINS! Children work so hard If you smash the punkins, then all the youngkins Will have no jack o' lanterns all because of you!
Carving punkins into faces Lighting them evil delight Perfect time to dance the polka In the dark and eerie night! Halloweens not just for children Grown ups can enjoy it too Come on out and dance the polka Wear costumes, drink some brew BUT OH NO...
DON'T SMASH THE PUNKINS! After they've been carved! DON'T SMASH THE PUNKINS! Children work so hard If you smash the punkins, then all the youngkins Will have no jack o' lanterns all because of you!
All kinds of costumes that we've seen Witches, goblins, vampires too Women wear some that are skimpy We appreciate the view!
Halloweens not just for children Grown ups can enjoy it too Come on out and dance the polka Wear costumes, drink some brew BUT DON'T DO IT!
DON'T SMASH THE PUNKINS! After they've been carved! DON'T SMASH THE PUNKINS! Children work so hard If you smash the punkins, then all the youngkins Will have no jack o' lanterns all because of you!
This new song Doomed To Never Last by Gummer Beaudine is a departure from her usual amalgamation of styles like barrelhouse juke joint, country, raunchy, boogie-woogie, a raucous style she uses to good effect in the gin mills she's played in for years. When she first came to Big And Tall Records after a recommendation from an associate, we took live recordings made at her gigs for release. But after a couple of cover songs of our other artists, she began to write her own songs. A lot of her development can be attributed to Big Marv, our general producer and musician. He talked to us about her after recording this song:
Ms. Beaudine will always have a rough edge to her, and that's a big part of her style. For years she sang in nothing but cheap gin mills, some of them so nasty there would be chicken wire in front of the stage so the musicians wouldn't get hit by beer bottles or God knows what else! So she's earned her toughness, and gave as good as she got. She's got a regular circuit now, and the crowds love her. An example of an artist playing to what the crowd likes, and there's nothing wrong with that.
But from the beginning, I saw something more to her than that. It's taken a lot of talking and coaxing for her to change things up once in a while. But when you're used to playing certain music, and confident you can play it well, it can be hard to shift gears. So I was surprised when she came to me with this song. She wrote the whole thing, music and words, as well as worked out the instrumentation. She's known for playing with basically the some group; a piano, saxophone, drums, and her guitar. Once in a while she'd have some extra guitars. But she started to get into using a few different instruments. This song is sparse, and has no piano or saxophone, and includes a violin! She instructed the violinist in what she wanted, and eschewed playing the guitar herself. It's the first time she's been just a singer and not an instrumentalist as well.
The song is a very personal one about a love she lost years ago, something she's not done before with us. The violin sighs and cries, the guitar lays down a steady beat, and her voice! It's got a roughness to it that underlines the pain she still feels about this lost love. I've worked with a lot of other groups and artists, but I'm most proud of Ms. Beaudine's growth. My music instincts were correct; what I saw in her was a fact.
We here at Big And Tall Records like a surprise from an artist! We've got so many talented artists that produce so much quality music! We're lucky!
The men that have been in my life There was some good, there was some bad But the one that I still think of Was the best I ever had
He understood my bitchy ways Never did hold it against me Said that was just the way I was And he truly, really loved me
That was such a long time ago I think 'bout all the days done past He captured my entire heart But it was doomed to never last
We had a few years together Time moved along way too damn fast Our life was easy and loving It makes me dwell on the past
I hold him still in my broken heart All the way to this very day But the memry's starting to fade I don't want it to go away!
Was such a long, long time ago My heart's stuck in the sweet past The time he done captured my heart Doin' my best to make it last
I held him, the day that he died Tried to protect him from all harms But I felt his life slip away From my lovin'...carin'...arms
Delmar Gentry finally makes a return to recording his own music with this song. Don't Miss The Big City Life refers to his move to Flagstaff AZ at the beginning of the year. He turned his back on an extremely lucrative law practice in Cincinnati, OH. He was just burned out representing big corporations and their executives. He was very successful in his practice, was in great demand, and his charges reflected it! He got his success relatively early in his career, and invested much of his money. By the time he turned 40, he began flirting with the idea of leaving the law. But it wasn't until 2 years later that he finally did it, and the breakup of a relationship helped him make up his mind.
He bought the horse ranch from Doyle Harseth and his wife, and ended up letting them build their retirement house on the property, mainly so Doyle could be in contact with the few horses he still had. Delmar kept all of the help, hired more as well. We here at Big And Tall Records are proud to have Delmar as an associate, and if it wasn't for his support early on, there would be no Big And Tall Records. He's become a top notch record producer with his own recording studio he built on the ranch. Delmar has never been shy about talking, so this is his take on how things are going at the ranch:
Never been so happy as I am now! With everything to do at the ranch and the recording studio, I'm busier than I've ever been, even in my old law practice. This song came about after one of the Saturday night communal suppers we had. Had a lot of input, and after a few more Saturday nights of working on it, we all crowded into my recording studio and got to work laying it down! Took a bit to get some folks loosened up to sing, but after a little 'lubrication' folks got into it. Doyle Harseth's bass voice adds a lot to the chorus. Amos Carter was thumpin' his ol' bass fiddle as usual and helping with the singing. Amos continues to work at the ranch, work with him a lot, and we get along right well! Had a surprise when he brought his wife Kaley along, because I didn't know she could sing so well. She took my leads like a pro and help with the solo work. Her voice added a lot to the song, for sure! I asked her why she didn't sing with her husband's band, and she said she's country all the way, and those guys play too much boogie-woogie for her!
We had a riot of a good time recording it, even though it took us until early in the morning to get it down like we wanted. I've spent a lot of long hours in the studio, and I love it! We wanted the song to be happy, even kind of funny in spots, and I think it turned out real good!
Delmar also told us that Marie, his housekeeper and cook, has her mother living with her on the ranch now. And Delmar's father is giving serious consideration to moving there himself! With plenty of acreage, there's room for all!
With the passing of time since spring The horse ranch has really changed A horse breeding trading business To a place that's much rearranged
Got all kinds of folks call this home Like our personal small village We got some horses and dogs too A rural pretty Flagstaff visage
Don't miss the hectic life of law Don't miss the big city days Got many things to keep us busy Like the laid back Flagstaff ways
The place even pays its own way A recording studio in demand With myself as a producer With all kinds of different bands
Don't miss the fat cat rich men Who are sure their shit don't smell More upright people I deal with It's my great pleasure to tell!
Don't miss the big city life Don't miss the traffic or the stink Country life has its own smells But more pleasant we sure do think!
Don't miss the fat cat rich men Who are sure their shit don't smell More upright people I deal with It's my great pleasure to tell!
Keep the horses fed and healthy They're comfortable and happy Go for a trail ride all the tim They all think I'm their Pappy!...
Don't miss the hectic life of law Don't miss the big city days Got many things to keep us busy Like the laid back Flagstaff ways
Most every Saturday night No matter what the weather We all meet up at the ranch house For a big communal dinner
We help Marie with the prep Whether it's steak or Tex-Mex We eat and yak all evening And keep all our whistles wet!
Don't miss the big city life Don't miss the traffic or the stink Country life has its own smells But more pleasant we sure do think!
With Forgotten Bob's song Ain't Nothin' Gonna Go On, Hambone Riley's cover version is perhaps the largest change in style in what Hambone usually plays. Forgotten Bob relates how he got Hambone to expand his style to include R&B:
I sent Hambone the audio file of my song along with the chord chart and lyrics and asked him to create his cover for it. I thought I'd be interesting to compare the versions, especially in light of hearing Amos Carter's cool version. By the way, Amos' Mama is one hell of a piano thumper! Hambone got back to me after a few days and told me the song really didn't fit his style. So I decided to tweak his nose a little. I told him if he meant in the same ol' tired style as his past songs, he's right. But if he wanted to branch out a little from his normal, the possibilities were there. Well, the tweak worked! Hambone's pretty laid back, but that got his hackles raised and he started cussin' me out! Hah!
So I let him ramble, then told him about an idea I had. Make a bigger production out of it, get a brass band to back you up, and just sing. Don't play the guitar along with it. He kind of uses the guitar to hide behind because of some sort of crazy performance anxiety he's got. The bug eyes in all the pictures of him performing shows the nervousness he has. Well, I suggested maybe if he concentrated on the singing and left the instrumental to some solid studio men he could enjoy himself more. He told me he wants to make music his way and has to lead the others. I told him I know some solid old pros in the business that would do whatever he wanted, can be as anal as he wants! So he agreed.
I set up the recording studio and studio men, and then had to practically drag his ass there! Took him a while to get loosened up, but I was delighted when after the umpteenth take he started getting into it and the musicians followed his lead! Ended up he was delighted with it as much as I was,. and was as relaxed and happy as I've ever seen him in performance! He really made the song his own, and I like his version better than my original!
Hambone removed about half of the verses, and molded the song into something very different than his usual, all with the prodding, encouragement, and advice of his mentor Forgotten Bob!
Got support socks on, ain’t no lie Just ‘nough aspirin to get me by Ask to boogie, ain’t gonna fly Do I have to tell ya the reason why
Look out pretty Mama Ain't nothin’ gonna go on Said lookout cute Mama Ain't nothin’ gonna go on Gotta pain in my back and it’s Kept me all awake until dawn
Ain't no wonder why I got the ills I forgot to take all my pills Got the urge but it's just all talk Got nothin' left to walk the walk
Look out pretty Mama Ain't nothin’ gonna go on Said lookout cute Mama Ain't nothin’ gonna go on Gotta bad case of the trots I just feel so put upon
I know it's only ten o'clock But I'm all wore out, really shot Could do it all night, never quit Now it takes all night just to do it!
Look out pretty Mama Ain't nothin’ gonna go on Said lookout cute Mama Ain't nothin’ gonna go on Ya know that I love ya babe But ain't nothin' gonna go on
Look out pretty Mama Wish somethin' was gonna go on Said lookout cute Mama Wish somethin' was gonna go on Ya know that I love ya babe But there ain't nothin' gonna go on
As told in the post about Forgotten Bob's original version of his song Ain't Nothin' Gonna Go On, the song chord sheet and lyrics were sent to other Big And Tall Records artists to see if anyone would like to make their own version in their given styles. One of those takers was Amos Carter who offers up his Boogie Woogie version of the song. Amos has his mother sit in on the recording on piano. Rumor has it that Mama Carter is coming out with a song of her own soon!
There's also a Blues version of the song done by Hambone Riley that is a marked departure in style for Hambone, more of a R&B style with a full brass section backing him up!
Got support socks on, ain’t no lie Just ‘nough asprin to get me by Got all kinds a aches and pains Think I gotta an ankle sprain
Ask to boogie, ain’t gonna fly Do I have to tell ya the reason why I got the old man fidgets All the way down to my digits
Look out pretty Mama Ain't nothin’ gonna go on Said lookout cute Mama Ain't nothin’ gonna go on Gotta pain in my back and it’s Kept me all awake until dawn
Ain't no wonder why I got the ills I forgot to take all my pills Someone said the first thing to go Don't have a clue what it was though
Got a bad case of the heart burn Eat the wrong stuff won't ever learn Got the urge but it's just all talk Got nothin' left to walk the walk
Look out pretty Mama Ain't nothin’ gonna go on Said lookout cute Mama Ain't nothin’ gonna go on Gotta bad case of the trots I just feel so put upon
I know it's only ten o'clock But I'm all wore out, really shot Could do it all night, never quit Now it takes all night to do it!
Snack all night and watch some TV Catch old movies, just you and me Now I just lost all of my class All it does is give me bad gas!
Look out pretty Mama Ain't nothin’ gonna go on Said lookout cute Mama Ain't nothin’ gonna go on Ya know that I love ya babe But ain't nothin' gonna go on
Look out pretty Mama Wish somethin' was gonna go on Said lookout cute Mama Wish somethin' was gonna go on Ya know that I love ya babe But there ain't nothin' gonna go on
Forgotten Bob was out of circulation for a number of years as he retired from the punk rock scene to help raise his eight kids with his wife! But he wasn't completely retired from music during those times. He took on guitar students, learned how to read music and took courses in music theory, and began writing songs. A big pile of songs, lyrics and music! Now some of that music is coming to light, with Bob sharing some of his titles with his old friend Hambone Riley.
The song Ain't Nothin' Gonna Go On!was inspired by an event in Bob's later life. As he related the story to us here at Big And Tall Records, he was napping in his chair one evening when his wife walked in and began to put some romantic moves on him. Bob was not in the mood, and had to turn his wife away (which hasn't happened much in their marriage as eight kids will serve as proof!) As she sat on his lap some of the lyrics of this song came to mind.
The song is delivered in what has become Bob's classic Rockabilly style, but Bob acknowledged he was curious how the song would work in other styles. So he sent the melody and chord symbols to other artists at Big And Tall Records, and Hambone Riley and Amos Carter have come up with their own versions of the song that will be recorded and released!
By the way, it's nice to see what Forgotten Bob looks like in an actual photograph instead of an artist's rendering!
UPDATE: We at Big And Tall Records just sent Bob the recordings of the Amos Carter and Hambone Riley covers of his song, and he's delighted!
Got support socks on, ain’t no lie Just ‘nough asprin to get me by Got all kinds a aches and pains Think I gotta an ankle sprain
Ask to boogie, ain’t gonna fly Do I have to tell ya the reason why I got the old man fidgets All the way down to my digits
Look out pretty Mama Ain't nothin’ gonna go on Said lookout cute Mama Ain't nothin’ gonna go on Gotta pain in my back and it’s Kept me all awake until dawn
Ain't no wonder why I got the ills I forgot to take all my pills Someone said the first thing to go Don't have a clue what it was though
Got a bad case of the heart burn Eat the wrong stuff won't ever learn Got the urge but it's just all talk Got nothin' left to walk the walk
Look out pretty Mama Ain't nothin’ gonna go on Said lookout cute Mama Ain't nothin’ gonna go on Gotta bad case of the trots I just feel so put upon
I know it's only ten o'clock But I'm all wore out, really shot Could do it all night, never quit Now it takes all night to do it!
Snack all night and watch some TV Catch old movies, just you and me Now I just lost all of my class All it does is give me bad gas!
Look out pretty Mama Ain't nothin’ gonna go on Said lookout cute Mama Ain't nothin’ gonna go on Ya know that I love ya babe But ain't nothin' gonna go on
Look out pretty Mama Wish somethin' was gonna go on Said lookout cute Mama Wish somethin' was gonna go on Ya know that I love ya babe But there ain't nothin' gonna go on
The band Brisa Caribeña had the honor of playing host to a famous Flamenco guitar artist Sanchez Vajerro from Spain. Señor Vajerro agreed to play with the band on their last recording of the song Music Take Me Away with their soloist Sophia Johnson. The band and soloists blended so well that Sr. Vajerro extended his stay to make more recordings. He especially liked the way Ms. Johnson performed, and it was the thought of working with her again that kept him as much as anything else.
Regrettably, about half way through the rehearsal of their next song, Ms. Johnson became ill and had to leave the studio. But luckily, the recording could proceed, as the band and Ms. Johnson have been working with a young singer that may join the band, Ana Molina. Ms. Molina has rehearsed extensively with the band and could fill in for Ms. Johnson, who has been diagnosed with a stomach ailment and will be absent for a few weeks.
Everyone was very pleased with Ms. Molina's performance, and the band went on to record more songs with the two soloists before Sr. Vajerro leaves to return to Spain. Ms. Johnson expects to be back soon, and the band will then have two soloists to work with.
Now that it's done! I'm the lucky one! No more do I have to wonder You did your part! To break my heart! Like a violent storm with thunder!
You lied to my face! In utter disgrace! I spent too many nights crying. You can have fun! With the other one! Soon I'll will no longer be sighing!
Getting over you, you've made easy It was something I dreaded too long Made me feel restless and uneasy So for far too much I went along!
Fire in my belly! But no hate in my heart I begin to make myself anew Now that we'll be forever apart I'll remake my self shiny and new!
You lied to my face! In utter disgrace! I spent too many nights crying. You can have fun! With the other one! Soon I'll will no longer be sighing!
Fire in my belly! But no hate in my heart I begin to make myself anew Now that we'll be forever apart I'll remake my self shiny and new!
We were expecting The Noir Players to make an appearance about now. Haven't heard anything from them for a while, but with the coming of October comes the coming of Halloween, a holiday this group revels in. Don't let the title of this song fool you, All Hallows'Eve and Halloween are interchangeable names for the same thing. Halloween is a contraction for All Hallows' Eve, which refers to the eve before All Saints' Day, November 1st, which is still observed in the Catholic and many Protestant churches. All Hallows' Eve was originally a vigil held by the church, and as with other observances of the church was taken by the early church from pagan rites and rituals, perhaps to help acclimate the Christian converts from paganism to their new religion by using the same days for Christian observances. Now it has come full circle, as now it's turned into a largely secular celebration.
This mini-cantata is for orchestra, pipe organ, chorus, and an appropriately creaky sounding soloist. The history of Halloween is interesting, as the song relates the origins of the Jack O' Lantern was to ward off evil spirits as well as dressing up in costumes was to make someone invisible to the influence of evil spirits. Many of the traditions of the holiday were Celtic in origin and were brought over with immigrants.
Halloween is a much more popular holiday than years ago. Halloween merchandise has gotten more prevalent (and more expensive!) Many brands of candy have a Halloween version, and adult Halloween parties give adults an opportunity to dress up. From a time in ancient history that was full of suspicions and tales of the day, to a time of solemn vigil before a religious remembrance, to the gruesomeness becoming fun...how things change over times!
With dread, with horrible terror The day is approaching fast When the horrors begin again It's All Hallows’ Eve at last!
The spirits of the departed Trod the earth on this holiday Most know little history Of this most terrifying day
Jack O' Lanterns ward off spirits People wear costumes do the same, The veil 'tween the living and dead Is thinnest! It isn't a game!
Candy, treats, caramel apples! All make a blur of the dark night! We trick or treat with our children While spirits are free in the night! ] Those in olden days would travel At least those who were most brave To give prayers to their neighbors Try to help their souls to save! BECAUSE SPIRITS DON'T BEHAVE
The poor would knock on many doors To beg for food and assistance Some neighbors would give it to them WHILE SOME POSSESSED BY SPIRITS Keep to all the traditions Brought from the parent countries Just in case a kernel of truth Makes the spirits try to seize!
Do not lessen the meaning of The evil that lurks all hallows eve Have your fun, but do not forget... The spirits that tug at your sleeve!
Vestiges of evil sublime Swirl as an undead tornado Mist containing dead souls profound Creep from an eerie volcano
Bats and vermin impede your way If you dare to venture outside Knocking on doors for your candy May open up, drag you inside!
What might happen, if you are caught Is too terrible to relate Be forwarned!.. You've been advised! Don't suffer an eternal fate!
Do not lessen the meaning of The evil that lurks All Hallows’ Eve Have your fun, but do not forget... The spirits that tug at your sleeve! ] If you insist on going trick or treating Be vigilant...be wary... and if you trick because you got no treat... FOR THE TRICK MAY END UP ON YOU!!! HA HA HA HAAAAAAAA!
Hambone Riley's latest, another song written by his buddy Forgotten Bob. Evidently Bob's been getting inspiration from Hambone's actual experiences trying to cope with his slowing sexual abilities due to age. It happens to almost all men if they live long enough. There's all kinds of treatment for ED now, with Viagra being a popular treatment. But it does have drawbacks, the main one being what Hambone narrates; priapism, an extended erection. First thoughts by a lot of men is that it sounds like a lot of fun! But the truth of the matter is that some extended erections can be very painful, and lead to deforming of the penis. Viagra can cause this in some cases, unfortunately Hambone was one of them. First round of treatments can be cold packs applied and pseudoephedrine (brand name Sudafed) taken. If this doesn't work, then hospital care is needed with a nerve block first tried. Other drugs can be tried, but if no results happen then aspiration with a needle of the blood trapped in the penis.The last resort is surgery where a shunt may be put in.
It's really not a laughing matter. Four hours is the maximum time to let it go if it happens. After that the longer waited the more risk of permanent damage. It can even lead to gangrene (yikes!) of the penis, and in that case it's goodbye Little Willie (as Hambone calls his member).
The artwork we've seen of Hambone always has him singing bug eyed like he's seen a ghost. Performers all have their quirks, but it is a little disconcerting when first seen. Forgotten Bob is including Hambone in his gigs to play a few songs now and then, so if anybody can loosen him up it'd be Bob!
I made a trip to the doctor For a reason I won't disguise Got a whole lotta trouble Gettin' Li'l Willie to rise
Doc went all over my health chart Looking for all of my ills He said I'm a good candidate For the little blue Viagra pills
Oh, gimme the prescription, Doc! I'll go fill it right away! Try this wonder medicine out At the end of today!
Me and my baby went to bed I tol' her all about the pill She smiled, told me to go take it And see if it fills the bill!
Took it a while to kick in We was lovin' away, kissin' Then she reached down grabbed a handfull Of what she tol' me she been missin'!
Hot damn! Like a young man again! It ain't been that pumped up in years! We kept on humpin' and bumpin' Tryin' to make it a new career!
We finally collapsed on the bed We was both totally wore out! Didn't get no funny feelin' My Willie was still big and stout!
Goddam! My Willie won't go down! What in the hell's goin' on? Cain't fuck no mo, my back is so I'm tired, breathless and drawn!
I followed what Doc done tol' me If this kind a thing should happen Took some other pills, iced it down Started to hurt, got misshapen
After 4 hours, really in pain Willie 's head like a big mushroom Wife tol' me get my clothes on Goin' to the 'Mergency room.
My pants crotch stuck out like a tent I was so goddamed embarrassed Nurse came in to assess my case Tol' me to strip and get bare assed
Don't wanna know what they did! Trust me, a hard dick ain't worth it! Li'l Willie's still achin' and so 'Scription wish I wouldn't have filled it!
No! Not that! Not that big needle! What in hell are ya doin' with it? AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!
Goddam! My Willie won't go down! What in the hell's goin' on? Cain't fuck no mo, my back is so I'm tired, breathless and drawn!
Forgotten Bob remains an enigma. He sings his latest song about being all about Rockabilly, and he certainly isn't the Punk Rock musician he used to be. But his loud clothes and piled up hair extends the usual image of a Rockabilly artist, such as Elvis Presley, or Carl Perkins. But as he says in this song, he's ditched all of his gaudy punk jewelry. We've been told by people that knew him back then that he had the works, spikes in his ear, nose rings, chain going from the nose ring to an earring, and some piercings of some very private areas we'll not mention. He has changed, but he's still out there, especially some of the songs he's writing for his favorite blues man, Hambone Riley.
His manager texted us and said that Bob's interest in politics has waned, probably take a break from it which is okay by us. We're interested in seeing where he goes next!
Way long ago in the day Now to me it sounds so silly I had somethin' diff'rent to say Playin' loud, screamin' and shrilly
Thank God it was long time ago Hate stuff played so willy nilly I growed up and sing better stuff Now I'm about ROCKABILLY!
Gotta gimme Rock a billy! Combo of country and rock That's become my musical role Sure ain't no Mozart or Bach!
Got rid most of my jewelry Still got the holes in my face it went Studs, rings, chains and the works Sold it to help pay my rent
Can't say I fully repent Still like my high greasy hair My clothes are on the wild side But now I wear underwear (tighty whiteys!)
Gotta gimme Rock a billy! Combo of country and rock That's become my musical role Sure ain't no Mozart or Bach!
Closed the door, ain't goin' back Ain't playin' nothin' frilly The past is just what it is The present is ROCKABILLY!
Gotta gimme Rock a billy! Combo of country and rock That's become my musical role Sure ain't no Mozart or Bach!
Way long ago in the day Now to me it sounds so silly I had somethin' diff'rent to say Playin' loud, screamin' and shrilly
Thank God it was long time ago Hate stuff played so willy nilly I growed up and sing better stuff Now I'm about ROCKABILLY!
Gotta gimme Rock a billy! Combo of country and rock That's become my musical role Sure ain't no Mozart or Bach!
The latest from our south of the border artists the mariachi band Un Grupo de Mexicali, this time a touching tribute to mothers everywhere. The group is joined by a string orchestra that lends a sweet richness to the tribute.
Tus manos son mi refugio de paz En su calor siempre quiero estar Cantan los cielos al verte reír Eres la estrella que guía mi vivir
Madre querida madre adorada Tu amor es luz que nunca se apaga En cada abrazo siento tu alma Eres mi vida mi calma mi hogar
Los años pasan y aquí sigo fiel A tus consejos que saben tan bien Tus ojos guardan un mundo de amor Son mi fortuna mi mayor valor
Dear mother, beloved mother Your love is a light that never goes out In every hug I feel your soul You are my life, my calm, my home
If time tries to erase your voice My heart sings it in its song Even if I walk away, I will never forget That in your lap I found my peace
Si el tiempo intenta borrar tu voz Mi corazón la canta en su canción Aunque me aleje no olvido jamás Que en tu regazo encontré mi paz
Madre querida madre adorada Tu amor es luz que nunca se apaga En cada abrazo siento tu alma Eres mi vida mi calma mi hogar
Your hands are my refuge of peace I always want to be in their warmth The heavens sing when they see you laugh You are the star that guides my life
Madre querida madre adorada Tu amor es luz que nunca se apaga En cada abrazo siento tu alma Eres mi vida mi calma mi hogar
We got a call from Forgotten Bob's manager Bodacious Marlin and asked us to listen to a song cover from a new artist that just signed on with him. Sami Omar Bawani performs his version of the song Get Yer Finger Out My Butt recently recorded by another of our artists, Hambone Riley. We listened to the sound file sent to us, and it's kind of a head scratcher. Of all songs to do a cover of, this one? And by an artist the plays in a style that's supposedly reflects his Arab heritage? Let's say we're skeptical to say the least.
Anything to do with Forgotten Bob ends up being a little off. And his manager calling with a new artist is suspicious as well. We called the manager back to check the Bob knows about the cover and approves. It was written by him after all. Marlin told us Bob signed off on it, and faxed the paperwork to us, so it's legit. But we don't think the artist is! Forgotten Bob is a known trickster, and we wouldn't put it past him to impersonate an Arab musician and record one of his own songs. The fact that the song starts out with what sounds like a camel grunt also makes us think twice. Could be Bob having fun and promoting one of his songs at the same time. In any case, we decided to release it and let the camel chips fall where they may!
Me and my ol' lady been together many years Our love for each other has continued to grow We get along well, never squabble or fight But part of our relationship isn't good though...
Our sex life sure is a big bore We decided to try some things That could give our sex some wings But I didn't know what was in store...
Woman, get yer finger out my butt! What in hell is wrong with you You're into it, ain't a good fit What in hell am I gonna do?
Woman, get yer finger out my butt! When I did the same to you You had a fit, told me to quit You keep it up with me, it's true! We tried all kinds of different stuff, toys and such Fancy frilly underwear, dildos Viagra too Role playing, slippery stuff, books and videos as well We found some techniques we both like, but all you wanna do...
Jab yer finger in my ass What in hell's it do for you? You've got a hidden kink Who knew what you'd get into?
Woman, get yer finger out my butt! I don't think you're very well! Finger's in it, covered with shit My bung hole is starting to swell!
Woman, get yer finger out my butt! What is your obsession? You take delight, don't treat me right Every single sexual session!
One afternoon after a meeting in our conference room here at Big And Tall Records, a group of us walked down the hall next to the recording studio and we heard the sound of someone playing the piano. We looked in the big window of the studio and saw Big Marv and his wife Sheila Jonsmithe sitting next to each other on the bench playing 4 hand piano music. Now we had no idea that Sheila played the piano, so we knocked on the door and let ourselves in the studio. They quickly stopped playing, but after some urging they continued. They were playing from a book of classical music arranged for 4 hand piano. We pulled up chairs and listened as they ran through pieces by Mozart, Haydn, Brahms, and Beethoven. It was interesting to see, as Sheila had took the Primo part, that is the upper part of the arrangements where most of the melody is. Big Marv was handling the accompaniment with his usual skill, and all of us there had the same thing in mind without saying a word we discovered later. We need to record some of these things for release!
We were especially impressed with the Scherzo from Symphony No.2 by Ludwig van Beethoven. The interplay between the performers was impressive, and it was this piece we decided to release. We don't know how well this will do, as we've never released a so-called classical music piece before, but we're willing to try. Big Marv tells us about the piece and their playing together:
Sheila and I have been playing piano 4 hand music since we first met. She's a classically trained pianist as well as singer, can sight-read anything you put in front of her and play it well the first time. She was in church choirs in her youth, and sometimes would work choir rehearsals as the pianist. Her main interest is cooking, preparing and the history of Cajun food specifically. She chose to not pursue music as a profession, but kept up her technique and singing abilities for her own pleasure. We change who plays the main part and who plays the accompaniment, and we like pieces like the Beethoven Scherzo because both players are involved in playing the themes of the music.
Beethoven wrote the 2nd. Symphony in D Major in 1801-1802, and it was one of the final works from his first period. In earlier symphonies as in Mozart and Haydn, one of the 4 movements of a symphony was a minuet. But sometimes it was a minuet in name only, as both composers wrote movements that could have been called scherzos. Scherzo is Italian for joke, so a scherzo is markedly different from the original minuet, which was a slow, rather dignified dance. Beethoven did much to promote the change to scherzo in many of his works, even though sometimes he still labeled them as minuet.
We have also embedded an orchestral performance of the Scherzo so the listener can hear the orchestral version as Beethoven wrote it. 4 hand piano music was very popular in the times before commercial recordings. Many homes had a piano with at least one person in the family that could play it.
We've got it on good authority from our associate in Britain that knows the band members of The Widow Makers that they are a laid back group, pretty much home bodies when not touring or playing a gig. Somehow that doesn't jive with their seeming obsession with death centering in the songs they've sent to us. Make no mistake, they're fine musicians, some of them classically trained. So why heavy metal, why so many songs about death? We're not sure, but they're not the only ones to be obsessed with the end of us all. Philosophies and religions of the world have been trying to make sense out of death as long as there has been humans with the brain capacity to contemplate it. Some are afraid of it, which to our minds makes no sense. Of course fear of the unknown in general is a human trait, but the inevitable is what it is: The End. Period. Whether you believe in anything after death, that is your decision. To our minds, there's but two possibilities; Either there is some form of awareness after death, or there is not. If there awareness, we'll have to deal with that when it happens. If there is no awareness, then it doesn't matter because you won't know it any way. So maybe the band's attitude is the healthy one to take. Explore it, don't deny it, roll with it, create because of it. Death really is life's last great adventure.
The swirling, evil maelstrom Spins over all of your heads You think you are immune from it But sooner or later you're dead!
Realize your mortality No one gets out of this alive No matter what you may believe No matter how hard you strive!
Boogie on, pathetic human The scythe wielder Has your number and address He is a perfect yielder
Come to terms, ignorant human Come to terms with your death Come to terms, with your passing Come to terms with your last breath!
Realize your mortality (Come to terms!) No one gets out of this alive (Come to terms!) No matter what you may believe (Come to terms!) No matter how hard you strive! (Come to terms!)
The swirling, evil maelstrom Spins over all of your heads You think you are immune from it But sooner or later you're dead!
