Buzzy Carlyle's Protégé - Tuning Fork Turner

At one of Buzzy Carlyle's Recording sessions, he brought along his protégé blues guitarist Tuning Fork Turner. After Buzzy laid down his song, he had the engineers keep the recording going, and gave a chance to Tuning Fork to let us know what he can do. The results were not very well received by Buzzy, or by Big And Tall Records. Buzzy lets his feeling be known on the recording after Tuning Fork was finished, in fact Buzzy cut him short. We've had this recording for a while, and Buzzy finally told us to release it, as he's finally got Tunin' Fork to playing real blues, and not just a bunch of theoretical microtones and key changes. There is an ensuing recording of Tunin' Fork coming soon, and Buzzy wanted the comparisons between this recording and his new one.

We sat down with Buzzy to talk about this new artist, who we already have a short term contract with on Buzzy's  recommendation. 

BTR - We admit, Buzzy, after hearing the example of Tunin' Fork's playing on the demo, we seriously considered whether he was worth even a short term contract. 

Buzzy - Man, cain't say I blame ya! The kid blew his golden chance that I give him. That's for sure!

BTR - Why do you think he played the way he did? You've raved about his natural ability and talent!

Buzzy - Nerves. Didn't tell him I was gonna do it, first time he was in a recording studio and in front of a microphone. 

BTR - What in hell was he playing? Didn't sound like anything to us but some chord changes that didn't mesh, very little to no melody. 

Buzzy - That's for sure what it was. Goddam guitar noodlin's all! He's got all this formal education, and I respect that. But damn, you cain't be usin' all that fancy crap with playin' the blues startin' out! I've heerd some guitarists use some shit I didn't know what in hell they did, but they been playin' for years, and it fit. It was still the blues. This wasn't.

BTR - Sounds like he was doing a performing test for his theory professor!

Buzzy - Don't know 'bout that. Nevah had no theory m'self, outside what I just picked up. Didn't give a shit what in hell it was, I let him know what it wasn't!

BTR - We really enjoyed the way you spelled it out for him after you interrupted him!

Buzzy - Hell, that ain't nothin' the way I chewed his ass after the tape stopped! We had a knock down drag out for sure! Tol' him cut the fancy 'Music Perfesser' shit, and git down to playin' the blues I know you can do! You wanna keep playin' all that other crap, get the hell out my life and let me git 'nother player that wants to learn! 

BTR -How'd he react?

Buzzy - He stomped out of my room at the home, never said nothin' Thought that might be the end of it, but two days later he come back with his tail 'tween his legs and apologized up one side and down the other. I accepts, he kept apologizin' and I told him I didn't cotton to no ass kissin', mine, or anyone else's! But that he better respect me as much as I respect him and what I sees in him, and let's just git back to work!

BTR - So how's he doing now?

Buzzy - I had him play with other blues people, and especially with some blues singers I know. The kid can play along with the best of 'em. Picks up their style like he's been with 'em for years, and the singers he gitso n their same vibe and gives them a ton of support. Haven't let him play much solo. That seems to be when all the high and mighty shit comes in. Just what in hell is a microtone anyway? He tried explainin' it, told me it was like a note atween F-sharp and G. Now I ain't much for theory, but I know there ain't no note atween F-sharp and G. He retuned his guitar and played some microtones for me, and damn, they just sounded either too sharp or too flat to me!

BTR - It's difficult to understand if you don't know theory.

Buzzy - He tol' me microtones are bein' used right now, and he believed they'd be used in the blues as well. I kind a think it's like bendin' a note, but he says it's more than that. Not interested in arguin' with him. Might be blues in the future will have more microtines in it, but he's learnin' music like I play it! Than he can make his own style in that framework, then go on from there, and more power to him!

BTR - Okay, so tell us how he's doing now!

Buzzy - You seen him! Pockets full of tunin' fawks, metronomes, god only knows whatevah other music contraption! When we play together, he cain't stand to hear my 'dirty' tunin'. Takes us a while to get even in pitch, right on the wazoo. He got what they call perfect pitch. Play a note, he can tell ya what it is. I can kind a do that, but he can tell ya if it's an out of tune whatevah, and if it's sharp or flat! Right in thin air. No other notes playin'! Man, I'm glad I ain't got that! He says hearin' somethin' out of pitch hurts his ears. But he's learned to be intentionally out of pitch, to bend a note when he plays for expression. So yeah, he's come a long way since that demo. Wait 'til you hear him now! He's workin' on an original song too, a for real blues song he's gonna sing and play!

We at Big And Tall Records are excited to hear Tunin' Fork Turner on his upcoming record! 

Buzzy Carlyle - The Rest Home Blues

 

Big And Tall Records got a call from Buzzy's manager that he had a song ready to be recorded. When we asked the agent how Buzzy was feeling, it's always the same answer: "Never better! Ready to be picked up and record a big hit!" Wwe know better than to trust the agent's judgement. Buzzy has had a lot of major health issues, and still does. Last thing we need to do is rush out to where he is, a good hours drive, only to see that he's not feeling well. Buzzy is a real trooper, always tried to insist on coming anyway, so it's a real problem getting hi mto stay where he should and that we'll be back another time.  So we gave his Cardiologist a call.

The cardiologist is a big blues fan, and is footing the bill out of his own pocket for Buzzy's stay at the rest home. By the way, don't think it's as bad as the picture looks in the illustration for the video. That was mocked up by our art department to m ake it look old and beat up, what they thought would be more appropriate for the song. No, Buzzy's room is a clean and comfortable large room in a very nice facility, a facility  Buzzy wouldn't be in if it weren't for his cardiologist paying for it. So we finally got through to the doctor, a very busy man. He told us that indeed, Buzzy is doing very well. Most of his health issues are stable, and Buzzy is working with the doctors, nutritionists, and nurses to stay that way.  He still  can't walk very well, probably never will be able to shake the wheel chair, but otherwise he's as healthy as can be, all things considered. 

We hired an ambulance to bring him to the studio and take him back, just in case he has any problems, and we draw straws as who is going to go along. Buzzy always wants some company for the trip. It was our editor's turn to go along, and so we knew we'd get a good report of how things went. Here's what he had to say:

Buzzy was in good spirits, was really anxious to get the new song in the can. He said he'd been working on it for quite some time, and got it finished sooner than he thought. He's been getting less visitors now than when he first went to the home. I told him that wad understandable, as the hard-core blues musicians would be there first to pick his brains first, that other fans would be trickling in.  He said he didn't mind. He had so many musicians visit that it would leave him worn  out. 

He told me about the song on the way, how he got the blues one day while he was sitting in his chair looking out the window at the bright sunny day. I told him he could've asked to be wheeled outside, it would have done him good. But he said that wasn't the point. The point was he couldn't go outside on his own and do what he wanted. But he said working on the song really helped, and he wanted to assure me he wasn't off the deep end depressed about things like he used to get. Just the realization yet again how much his life had changed. He was grateful that his life hadn't ended! We agreed with that! 

When I sat in on the session, I was amazed at how much stronger his voice was! No more weak wobble to it after he sang for a while. He sang the song over many times to  satisfy himself, and the voice was good from the first to the last. And on the trip back to the home he didn't drift off to sleep like usual. And his playing! He made some stellar moves on that old resonator steel guitar he's got! He had suggested some backing for this song as well, something he doesn't always do. Been a mostly solo act all his career, but he said he needed some solid, steady drum backing and other light backing. 

Lookin' out the window at the green grass
Watchin' afternoon shadows pass...
Roses bloomin' willow trees grow tall,
Sure looks different when you're starin' at a wall
Got the rest home blues
Got the rest home blues
 
Hear the squeak of rubber shoes down the corridor,
They bring my medicine then lock the door
Nurse gives me a smile, says 'Buzzy, take it slow’
She don’t know about the places my mind can go
My heart’s got a zipper, and my legs don't move
But this old left hand still 'members the groove
 
Got the rest home blues but  ain't resting yet
Payin' a debt to the road I can't forget
Doctor bought the room, doctor pays the bill
But the slide on this steel is sure 'gainst my will
Can hold my body, can watch my charts
But can't put a leash on a heavy-rollin' heart.
 
Sun's goin down o'er the manicured lawn
 Another day sittin' here, another day gone
When the lights go dim, and the halls get quiet
Me and this steel guitar gonna start us a riot
I might be in a chair, might be slow to stand,
But I’m still the baddest bluesman in this whole damn land.
 
Yeah, looking out the window
Watching the shadows grow long
Still got the mojo, it just lives in a different song.

Buzzy Carlyle - Bad Juju!

 We've noticed here at Big And Tall Records that Buzzy Carlyle seems to be in fine voice, and his guitar playing is fine as well. Since his previous song, Drinkin' My Lunch, Dinner Too, Buzzy has been collaborating with other musicians that provide bass and drum accompaniment. Buzzy usually goes solo, but it appears that the backup musicians have helped him get back in his groove since his illness and recovery from alcohol, cigarettes, and other drugs. He still has to use a wheelchair for mobility when he has to walk a lot, and for a time he was having breathing problems. His cardiologist urged him to get back to singing, hoping it would help hios breathing issues. and it sounds like it has!

Buzzy sings about meeting a Juju woman, someone who practices the spiritual beliefs of many associated spiritual practices. We don't know much about the whole thing, but a short read on the 'net gave us a few things about it. These practices include casting spells, using charms and amulets, and other things. It's an old African spiritual system that is still practiced in its home country and other areas of the world including the U.S. Buzzy sent an email along with the song file with some insights:

This happened many years ago. I seen Juju men and women before, and the shit can get pretty strange! So when this woman started lecturing me, I was looking for her to hang some voodoo hoodoo doll around my neck to ward of the 'bad juju', the bad luck of being hooked on dope. But all she done was tell me to get off the dope, to straighten up and fly right! 

We're glad Buzzy is feeling well enough to  record and write his songs. And it was great to see an email from him! He didn't want anything to do with computers at first, but he's found a good outlet for his innate curiosity about things. Since he can't get around too well any more, he needed something to keep his mind occupied! 

Bad Juju! Oh, bad juju!
You think that it’s magic and good for you!
Now if you think it’s magic, hell that’s true
But it’s misery and death, black magic to you!
 
When I was on the road, ended up on the East coast
Had my guitar, my coke, and five dollars at the most
Don’t ‘member where, friends had dropped me there
Been snortin’ so much my nose were toast!
 
Managed to get a few gigs at the local blues place
Didn’t recognize not even a single face
But I made just enough, to keep me in stuff
Was there that I met her face to face
 
An old woman, sittin’ in the crowd right there
Wrinkled up face, red bandana ‘round her hair
She come up to me after I was done
Said, “Important that I talk to you son!”
 
She was short and shuffled her feet
Her clothes were clean, she kept real neat
“I’m an old woman, so I seen lots of days
So I’m tellin’ you boy, you better change your ways!
 
“You’re wasting your life, precious time!
Drinkin’ smokin, snortin’ the lines!
That stuff is evil, sure ain’t no good for you
You’re infectin’ yerself with bad juju!”
 
Bad Juju! Oh, bad juju!
You think that it’s magic and good for you!
Now if you think it’s magic, hell that’s true
But it’s misery and death, black magic to you!
 
Man, I didn't believe all that hoo doo shit!
What she gonna do now, gimme an amulet?
Don't need no damned old woman preachin' to me
I tol' her git out my face...leave me be!
 
"Listen boy, I'm a juju woman, Mama was too
Ain't no magic potion I'm gonna give to you
No charms or pouches, mojo bag neither
Gonna help you to change and be a believer
 
Bad Juju! Oh, bad juju!
You think that it’s magic and good for you!
Now if you think it’s magic, hell that’s true
But it’s misery and death, black magic to you!
 
So all she tol' me was quit snortin' dope
Couldn't live without it, the end of my rope
I took my guitar and headed for the bar
But she grabbed my arm, didn't get far
 
“Listen! I know what you're goin' through!
Had to give you a word to the wise when I seen you
Sing out your heart, play the blues so sad
You're wastin' your life, makes me so mad!”
 
Bad Juju! Oh, bad juju!
You think that it’s magic and good for you!
Now if you think it’s magic, hell that’s true
But it’s misery and death, black magic to you!

Buzzy Carlyle - Drinkin' My Lunch, Dinner Too

Buzzy Carlyle had a minor setback in his health for a while that caused his doctors to restrict the number of visitors he was receiving. He had been tutoring young blues men and women who were flocking to him once they knew about him. He'd dropped out of most people's memories as he continued in his downward spiral that would have surely not ended well. As it was he suffered a major heart attack and had to undergo emergency surgery. Thanks to his cardic surgeon who is a blues fan, he's gotten assistance and been placed in a care facility. Setbacks are to be expected due to his age and the way he's abused himself with drugs, but he follows doctor's orders and wants to stay around as long as he can. He's back to his old self again, receiving a limited number of vistors so he has time to rest.His latest recording relates a story from his days on the road. Buzzy tells more about it:

This song is from a time when I was on the road playin' any ol' dive or juke joint that would pay me, usually in a bottle or two of wine or hard liquor. No doubt I'm an alcoholic, and this was when I did most of my drinkin', before I started doin' other drugs. Hell, I remember goin' a long time between eatin', like the song says, I drank most my meals. Never forgot sittin' on that bench in the park drinkin' and that old dog comin' up to me, and how he looked at me while I pet him once i fed him. That look told me a lot about  myself I didn't like and couldn't handle. I had just left my wife and some kids, feelin' real sorry for myself. And I drank even more. It's a wonder I'm still around, all the dumb ass stuff I done! Only thing I had to my name was the clothes on my back and an old resonator guitar I bought at a hock shop, and I even lost that somewhere along the line!

Buzzy plays a resonator guitar that was gifted to him by the cardiac surgery team that performed emergency surgery on him, just one of the many honors he's received from fans and friends during his recovery. He's in fine voice, and his fingers still can play that guitar! 

Drinkin’ my lunch, dinner too
Drinkin’ my breakfast as well
Ain’t gonna eat nothin’ no how
Gonna jest drink, what the hell!
 
When I was on the road years past
I sat on a bench with my jug
Big ol’ dog just a big lug
Came up and sat, was steadfast
 
They say a dog is man’s best friend
Ain’t never owned me no dog
All I had were a couple hogs
Raised for pork chops, weren’t no friend
 
Drinkin’ my lunch, dinner too
Drinkin’ my breakfast as well
Ain’t gonna eat nothin no how
Gonna jest drink, what the hell!
 
 Ol’ dog put his chin on my knee
He sure looked hungry and sad
Dug in my coat pocket to see
What kind of food that I had
 
 Found half an old sandwich
Small bag of tater chips too
He ate the sandwich clear through
And the chips without a hitch
 
Drinkin’ my lunch, dinner too
Drinkin’ my breakfast as well
Ain’t gonna eat it anyway
Gonna give to him, what the hell!
 
He clum up on the bench real slow
He laid right next to my leg
He were happy, sure didn’t beg
Looked up at me and seemed to know
 
I was jest good for a handout
Wasn’t no future with me
He could read me like a book
Didn’t have to sort it out
 
Drinkin’ my lunch, dinner too
Drinkin’ my breakfast as well
Ain’t gonna eat it anyway
Done gave it to him, what the hell!
 
That ol’ dog stayed a while longer
I pet him as I took a drink
Then he left fast as he had came
Leavin’ me all alone to drink
 
That ol’ dog was right! 

Buzzy Carlyle - Who I Am

 Buzzy Carlyle's music, like many musicians, is autobiographical. Buzzy doesn't talk much about his personal life in conversation, and when he sings about it, it can be enigmatic. Gives little hints here and there, but not enough to piece too much together. In this new song he throws a little more out there. For instance, he's referenced his kids before, but only that he had some and doesn't know where they are. Here he confesses that he really didn't care about them, that his focus was on playing the blues, drinking, and drugs. The song has the first references to a wife, or two, or three. Hew admits to being so preoccupied (or high) at the time he doesn't remember.

His Doctor told us that he had some people visit him at the Senior Home he lives in now and offered to help him find any family members they could. Buzzy wasn't interested, told them they probably don't give a damn, don't even know who he is. Buzzy's tone is pretty consistent in that it's difficult to tell what he really feels about it. There are times when you can hear some regret in his voice about the life he's lived, but at other times he just relates how it was, and how he's changed. That is probably why his son gs and his style interests his hard core fans so much. And he can sure play the Delta Blues!

 Been going through life half assed
Said been livin' my life half assed
Always a day late, dollar short
Now most of my life done passed

Gimme a smoke, light up a toke
Nothin' really mattered to me
Tried to go far, playing guitar
And singin' the blues ya see

Had some kids, didn't give a shit
My kids, never did give a shit
Had a wife or two or three
Don't 'member too much of it

Gimme a swig, another gig
The next gin mill down the road
Take a swaller, hoot and holler
All my fears I never showed

Played my soul out, I really did
Sang and played my soul yes I did
Went to the next crummy joint
And kept myself off of the grid

Want to help me, find family
But none of 'em will give a damn
But all the same, I sure can't blame
Them not want to know who I am

Buzzy Carlyle - Too Old To Cut The Mustard But I Ain't Too Old To Lick The Jar

 Buzzy Carlyle's new song is in quite a different mood than what's normal for him. He usually sings in a Dela Blues style, but this sees him in a lighter mood. Blues men are notorious for singing about their masculinity and sexual prowess, and for folks that saw him before all of his drug and medical problems, he fit the mold. According to them, his gigs in the old juke joints had a variety of songs with a good number of them bragging about his sexual conquests. After being near death, after open heart surgery, and all the damage his alcoholism and drug use caused, his need for a woman in his life right now is a surprise. He even admits his 'Mojo Don't Mojo No Mo'  (evidently in this case referring to a lack of libido and everything that goes with that), but relates to how he can still keep a woman happy despite that fact.

Buzzy no doubt is a lonely man. He has plenty of company in his senior living facility with blues lovers stopping by to see him, but in this song he admits to missing the presence of a woman in his life. And to Buzzy's mind, if he can't keep a woman  sexually satisfied and happy, no woman would be interested. Of course, seniors have a need for companionship, and if sex in any of its forms makes up a part of a relationship no matter what age, that's great. But isn't necessary.

But Buzzy's been feeling much better of late. People at the home tell us that he smiles more and is easier to get along with. We know he had a sense of humor in his earlier days, so maybe this whole song is just a big leg pull by a veteran blues man who's enjoying his renewed life. We sent an artist to his apartment to capture him in a portrait, (the one seen above) and it's the first picture we've ever seen him in where he's smiling!

 I sure sung 'bout many things
Even 'bout my poor ol' mojo
It happened when I turned ol'
My mojo don’t mojo no mo

So ladies, please keep this in mind
Still admire ya'll near and far
Might be too old to cut the mustard
But I ain't too ol’ to lick the jar

That don't mean I'm dead all the way
Still like to look at the young skirts
Mighty fine wimmens out there
Still can admire 'em and flirt

So ladies, can still take care a you
Still admire ya'll near and far
Cain't do no jumpin' and humpin' no mo
But I ain't too ol' to lick the jar!

I ain't jest a dirty ol' man
I come back mostly from the dead
Health's good as it's a gonna git
Got a little urge in my head

Been without a woman so long
That kind of alone's a sad way
To end all of my days on earth
All alone on my last day

So ladies, please keep this in mind
Still admire ya'll near and far
Might be too ol' to cut the mustard
But I ain't too ol' to lick the jar

Buzzy Carlyle - The Palpitation Blues

 Buzzy's health continues to be a concern for all of us here at Big And Tall Records, but he seems to be taking his health problems in stride. Still teaching on his good days, and talking to many people on the phone, online, and those that visit him. He's told us he has never had it so good, and that makes us happy!

 Buzzy has given permission for us to talk to his Doctor, and he's told us that the heart repair they did to a heart valve was a success, but he still has atrial fibrillation, an irregular beating of the heart that can cause strokes, shortness of breath, and other complications. They've got him on a blood thinner to help prevent strokes, but he does have serious shortness of breath and venal insufficiency problems in his legs that prevents him from walking or standing very much. The Doctor told us Buzzy's not in good enough shape to go through any more procedures for a while, so they're keeping a close watch on him and keeping him in the assisted care facility. 

Buzzy's got his health on his mind and sings about his irregular heart rhythms in his latest song. His voice is more hoarse than normal, and we're not sure why. Maybe he's just been talking too much! You get him going, and he can talk a long time!  We asked the Doctor if he really told Buzzy to eat bacon and eggs and he said yes he did. Buzzy's body fat percentage is so low and he eats so little that the protein and fat won't hurt him. They monitor his sodium intake and allow for the sodium content in the bacon in his diet. 

Well, the Doc fixed me up good
Yes, he fixed me up right good
But my ticker is weak
Treatments they seek
The Doc shore did the best he could

Cain't walk but a little bit
Can only walk a little bit
The truth of it is
Can still git up to piss
So I can sorta live with it

My heart's jest plain all wore out
Abused myself how it came about
Drinkin' snortin' smokin' too
What the hell else would it do?

So far I'm not feelin' bad
Ain't feelin' the blues too bad
Don't eat much, never did
Even when I were a kid
Best damn place I ever had

I git up each day early
Yeah, git up each day early
Stand on rickety legs
Doc said eat bacon and eggs
Delivered by a cute girly

My heart still got palpitations
Goes nuts with palpitations
Doc says jest take it easy, man!
Keep ya goin' long as we can!

Buzzy Carlyle - Bring Yo Axe

Buzzy Carlyle continues to improve his health after years of drug use, alcohol, and tobacco use nearly killed him. He lives in a retirement community with attending nurses. Of course all of this costs money, and in the beginning he had not only a Doctor that saved his life throught cardiac surgery, but a devoted blues fan that paid his way. Buzzy's not a big fan of 'bein' on the damn dole' as he says, but the Doctor has committed himself to Buzzy's care for whatever years he's got left. The Doctor is a blues   fan, and helped get Buzzy back playing after all his illnesses.

The word is out, and Buzzy has many visitors. Some of his old blues cronies, some just fans, and some that want to learn  how to play the blues. One of his favorite students is Leroy 'Hambone' Riley. He's already got a local reputation from playing in blues clubs, but he knows Buzzy's got some things to show him. Hambone told us this story about Buzzy as a teacher:

Now ol' Buzzy can be kind of cantankerous, 'specially if you go there to just pick his brains and steal his licks.  I was waitin' in the hall outside his room when he tied into the guy ahead of me. Don't know what he done, but whatever it was pissed Buzzy off big time! Never heard so much cussin' in my life, and I been around some first class swearers! He done everything but bash the guy in the head with his guitar, and the guy threw the door open and 'bout knocked me down as he left. 

Buzzy was still hot, and he told me "Get yo ass in here, boy!" Man, the way he said it just chilled me to the bone. He really wasn't hollerin', his voice was low like a foghorn and his eyes bugged out. I almost turned around and left, was half afraid to go in there. He waved his hand at me and said, "Ya hear me, goddammit! I said get yo ass in here! Ya being yo axe?" Thankfully I had my guitar with me still in its case. So I nodded, picked my guitar up and went it.

Soon as I got in and sat down, he calmed down. "Sorry 'bout pitchin' such a fit, son. Man before you only wanted me to play so he could steal some of my licks. Didn't even hear him play, just kicked him out!" He wheeled his wheelchair c;loser to me and shook my hand. "Now, boy, ply me somethin'. Don't try to impress me, don't be flashy, just be yourself. Gimme an idea what you got inside you."

So I played and sang a song I'd written. When I was done he just waved me to continue. I ended up playing for a solid hour, and afterwards he gave me his opinion, lucky for me most of it favorable!

Buzzy's told us about Hambone, and we're setting up an audition for him soon. 

Young ones come wanna learn the blues 

Some got good enthusiasm 

Some think they know all of the rules 

Damn, they play like they got the spasms! 

 

Some of ‘em gone to music class

 I say more power to ‘em 

I don’t care if they never passed 

I’ll listen and try to help ‘em 

 

The blues is more than the music

 It’s what lies deep within yer soul 

The vibrations of life itself 

Of all of your love that got stole

 

 I ‘member when I was so young 

I was the smartest man on earth! 

Took me a lotta songs I sung 

To make me learn my real worth! 

 

 Ain’t nothin’ at all that could hurt me, 

No addictive stuff would either 

Live through things that happen to me 

I’d stay alive, be a breather 

 

Blues is the thing, kept me alive 

After the Doc done give his all 

The vibrations of life itself 

Of all of the love that you stole 

 

 I invite all of you don’t be shy! 

I got the whole day to relax! 

Can chew the fat, and wonder why 

In my room and compare the facts 

But if ya wanna learn the blues

 I’ll take all the questions you ask 

But one thing that I ask of you 

Don’t forget to bring your axe! 

 

Ya’ll might have to wait in a line 

Seems like lots wanna learn the blues 

But if somebody won’t let ya in 

Tell ‘em Buzzy’s expectin’ you!

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 

 

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 ol' 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

 

Buzzy Carlyle - My Time To Go

In some ways, Buzzy Carlyle's lucky day was when he was taken by ambulance to a hospital near death. After they got him stabilized and tested, a heart condition was found that was so dire it warranted open heart surgery. His surgery went well, but it took him a long time to recover. His body was so wasted from alcohol and drugs that it took lots of care to bring him around. Now, the lucky part of all this is that his cardiologist is a huge blues fan that had heard Buzzy play years before when the Doctor was a student. As soon as Buzzy was able, the Doctor brought him a brand new guitar, and told him part of his rehabilitation was to play on it. Everyday that he could he did, and slowly got back his chops. The Doctor admitted he wasn't sure if his voice would ever be able to come back enough to sing. 

Buzzy took it seriously, played the guitar every day, sometimes laying flat on his back in bed. He started singing, and his voice shaped up along with his guitar technique. The first song he recorded a few months ago showed that his voice was still there, pitch had dropped, and he got out of breath when he sang too many high notes. 

He's still in rehab. Doctor told him he might not ever really get out, due to his chronic fatigue and damage to his internal organs. The Doctor has put him into a rehab/patient assistant home (that the Doctor is helping to foot the bill for) so he could get out of the hospital, and Buzzy's doing well.  He has an issue here and there, and has had to go back to the hospital a few times, but he's hanging in. And his guitar playing is in fine form, and as can be heard in this recording, his voice is in fine form as well. We've never heard him sing so well since we've known him. 

The Doctor urged us to bring him into the studio for an afternoon to record a song, and we worked around the Doctor's schedule so he could be there. Buzzy told us his favorite 'ol' axe' got lost in the shuffle, a guitar he played for years, and that the one the Doctor gave him was the finest instrument he'd ever seen, let alone played. The Doctor also brought a tuning device for Buzzy, and it pissed Buzzy off! "Don't need one a them goddam things!" he said. The Doctor watched as Buzzy tuned his guitar by ear, and was amazed that he was spot on pitch when he checked it with the tuning device! Buzzy was good for about 3 hours in the studio, then he got really tired so we took him home. He laid down a lot of tracks, this we think is the best one, My Time To Go.

After years of troubles, got a new lease on life 

Was damn near dead, went under the knife 

I made it through, now I can clearly see 

What there is of life that's left for me 

 

Did all the stuff that nobody should do 

All kinds different shit and pills too 

Tried everything to make me feel free 

Now I know what's left of life for me 

 

How much time left in my life, I don't know 

Enjoy the sunshine, the breezes that blow 

My brain's no longer twisted and foggy 

So I'll be ready when it's time to go

 

All ready when it's time to go, you know 

Be all ready when it's my time to go 

 

Had women in my life, all turned bad 

The more dope I took, the more I got sad 

 I was runnin' hard, so constantly 

Until there's hardly anything left of me 

 

My kids all hate me, they're all gone 

Now it's the thing I feared, I'm all alone 

Ain't no more self doubt, or self pity 

Now I know that it's all up to me 

 

How much time left in my life, I don't know 

Enjoy the sunshine, the breezes that blow 

My brain's no longer twisted and foggy 

So I'll be ready when it's time to go 

 

All ready when it's time to go, you know 

Be all ready when it's my time to go 

Buzzy Carlyle - Thought I'd Be Dead By Now

 We recently got an email from one of our field associates, and when we opened it we got very excited! It was information, a picture, and a recording by one of our favorite blues men, Buzzy Carlyle! He's recorded just one song for us back when we started. We wanted to sign him up right then and there, but Buzzy at the time was intentionally obtuse about the whole thing. Didn't seem interested. at all, so we let him go his merry way. No one has heard from him for quite a while, and frankly we thought he may have passed on because he was in poor shape when we saw him last.The information our associate gave us told us he just about did! 

He had to have emergency heart surgery, and his cardiologist told him if he kept up smoking, drinking, and doing illegal drugs, the surgery would be a waste of time. He'd be dead within the year! That seems to hit home with Buzzy, and he swore to the doctor that he was off the stuff for good, all of it. So far, he's kept to his pledge to his doctor, and more importantly to himself. 

Seems that his cardiologist is a big blues fan, and when Buzzy was well enough the doctor brought a guitar for him to practice on! Buzzy had a slow recovery due to his age and the shape he was in, so he was in the hospital for a good stretch. Buzzy said the guitar helped get him through it all. Our associate arranged a recording session with a local studio and as soon as Buzzy was up to it, he recorded this song.Buzzy continues to have health problems and he's in and out of  the hospital a lot. But we hear his spirits are really good, and we wish him good health to come!

Damn, I thought I'd be dead by now 

Goddam, thought I'd be dead by now 

I was fallin' apart, pain in my heart 

But the Doctor pulled me through somehow 

 

Took me to the sick house in an ambulance 

A free ride to the sick house in an ambulance 

Ticker was skippin, bip-itty bippin' 

Weren't sure if I still had a chance 

 

 What ya think 'bout death can be changin' 

When yer coughin' and heavin' 

Now the biggest challenge 

Is to just stay breathin' 

 

Finally they told me the news 

Yes, Doc finally gave me the news 

My ticker was ailin', my life was failin' 

It really gave me the blues 

 

I asked the Doc is there any hope 

Wanted to know if there was any hope 

Doc said I ain't lyin, yer real close to dyin' 

If ya don't stop all the drankin' and dope. 

 

What ya think 'bout death can be changin' 

When yer coughin' and heavin' 

Now the biggest challenge 

Is to just stay breathin' 

 

Only pills for me is what the Doc give 

Yes sir, only what the Doc done give 

No more cigarettes or booze, decided to choose 

What will help me keep goin' and live 

 

 I done lived a long time despite myself 

Don't know how much time I got 

Finally facin' all my demons and it shore ain't easy.... 

It's not! 

 

No preachin' or confessions from me 

Ain't no deep religious rebirth 

No profound philosophy 

Just tellin' my story for what it's worth

Buzzy Carlyle - My Mojo Don't Mojo No Mo'

Buzzy Carlyle

 We at Big and Tall Records pride ourselves in the diversity in the music we offer. There's no better example of this than Buzzy Carlyle's 'My Mojo Don't Mojo No Mo'.  Buzzy is rather enigmatic over his origins and influences, but he's lived long enough to be influenced by the greats of the delta blues tradition. His music speaks like the veteran blues man he is. Dark lyrics set to a plaintive blues guitar, he sings about the trials of growing old. It is a song full of bluesy melancholy, that could have been improvised on the spot, or been played before and it's still in his head. His guitar looks like it's been through a war. He is lean, with white hair on his face and head, and his music speaks from the bottom of his soul. It's remarkable he still has a lot of his chops at and his voice is a throwback to the blues men that played in juke joints and gin mills of the past. We hope we can coax him back into the studio. He was very reluctant the first time. But we want to hear more of this man's soul! 

Many years ago oh back then was different you see. 

Had pretty wimmens two,or sometimes three. 

Now it has changed in so damn many ways oh, 

I'll tell ya now my mojo don't mojo no mo. 

 

Used to be king now I'm just a ghost in my own life, 

Love was a river, now it's just a trickle of strife, 

Chasing shadows, chasing dreams no place to go, 

I'll tell ya now my mojo don't mojo no mo. 

 

Eyes that sparkled turned dull over time, 

Always kept my grief to myself all in line. 

Life was a carnival now it feels so low,

 I'll tell ya now my mojo don't mojo no mo. 

 

 Looking for answers in a bottle's hollow glass, 

Don't do nothin' but just sit on my ass. 

Caught in this current with no place to row, 

I'll tell ya now my mojo don't mojo no mo.

 

 I'll tell ya now my mojo don't mojo no mo 

No mo, no mo, my mojo don't mojo no mo.