I need to start by thanking everyone for their thoughtful and gentle comments this Memorial Day Weekend. Of all the weekends in the year I didn’t want to have to wade into someone whose presence I took issue with, this was the one. I’m not a vet, but I appreciate all the men and women who gave their last full measure of devotion so that all of us still sharing space in this great country can live free. Words seem so paltry considering their great sacrifice.
It was one of those rare days I was furloughed to just… well, do what I wanted to do. What I wanted to do was to go on a motorcycle ride… grab some gone… whatever. Well, that’s what I did and what a day!
When it is beautiful down here in South East Ohio… it is really beautiful. This was one of those days. I threw my leg over Black Beauty’s saddle, headed to Athens where I met my friend Greg and we embarked on a hundred and fifty some mile over hills and valleys, past lakes and by rivers.
It was awesome!
OK… this was my day off. Nose back to the grindstone tomorrow working on songs for #9 this Saturday. I think I have some goodies waiting to be heard.
I was up at 0530 this morning… this could be an early night. A Roy Rogers used to say:
‘May the good Lord take a likin’ to ya!’
Indeed…
Thanx for your words on Memorial Day. It’s important that we remember those who made our way of life possible and the evils they fought against.
The mask thing has heightened my sense of people’s eyes. It’s been said of some folks, at least I’ve heard it, that some individuals have smiling eyes. That’s always been given in the context of seeing the whole face in a smile. As I’ve made my rounds in public, about maybe half of the people in these parts wear masks, half don’t. I can see the smile in eyes with masked faces, and I have started to be more conscious of my own eyes when I greet others with eyes only. Are my eyes smiling too? Awareness brings revelation if you want it.
“Roy Rogers never met Howard Cosell”?
Wins the award for Funniest Bumper Sticker Ever.
Heart felt thanks for the performances.
Grouped together they make for an incredible body of work.
Understanding what goes into making each piece performance-ready makes them priceless.
Thanks.
Thank you soooo much Jorma and Vanessam and crew.
For everything!
Jorma., looking forward to tomorrow – of all the guitars I think the ’58 J-50 sounds the best – maybe being too close to the camp fire long ago makes it the original torrified top guitar – took a 2 1/2 hr run around Lake Awosting yesterday – I know how that feels to go out and get a little lost – gotta clear the head sometimes
Been riding two wheels many years now. Never had one with a motor but those ebikes call to me on hills as I’ve gotten older. Go with grandkids almost every day lately and it is a joy. Peace✌🏻️❤️Love All Ways🔥🚲🌹🙏🏻🖖🏼
Why do I now hear Marty singing Dream Motorcycle in my head? Thanks, Jorma, for this blog.
Love all your stuff and shows Jorma! Hey, have you ever rode any dirt machines….an old Husqvarna and any trials back in the day?
I’m really a road rider. I joined the AMA in 1960 and did some riding in hill climbs, but inherent in off road riding is breaking and fixing stuff.I’d rather head for where the blacktop turns to blues. That said, I remember the old Huskys, Bultacos and more. Two wheels… always a good time.
Always…
Goodies for number 9, number 9, number 9…Woof, woof, woof…All my life I’ve been a travelling man…
Thanks to all at FPR for giving us the gift of music on a Saturday night!
Stay well and be healthy!
MarkD
Papa John was born this date: May 28, in 1917.
Long gone….never forgotten.
RIP
I would like to see the written out “arrangement” (complete with tabs) of the jam in the studio version of Funky #7 (tongue firmly in cheek).
@Jorma
Okay, truth be told, I wasn’t really that traumatized by being put on the spot with the sheet music or I would have bothered to learn sight reading then and there. I’d probably be pretty good at it by now. Improv is definitely my thing, too, and the freer, the better.
I played the final verse of funky#7 backwards on my turntable and I heard a voice singing “covid 19 you suck “!!
@JOHN O
Holie Molie, just checked out the OMB’s! How cool! Some were built 5000 years ago! Thanks!
Have you ever heard of the ‘Ohio Mound Builders”? They were a group of Indians who lived in Southern Ohio. They were prolific mound builders. One of their most dramatic “mounds” is called “The Serpent”. It’s a 2,000 foot long serpentine mound. It’s open mouth has an egg between it’s jaws.. It’s located near the town of Chillicothe.
It started as a guess and then I counted the notes in Jack’s bass line and it seemed to work out to seven 8th notes for each measure (1-2-3-4 5-6-7; 1-2-3-4 5-6-7). Maybe I was eager to prove my own theory and that’s why it seems to work.
I only have a very basic understanding of music theory and can barely read sheet music. Years ago when someone put the sheet music for “Autumn Leaves” in front of me and asked if I could play it, it was one of the most humbling experiences of my life.
I’ve never heard of Larry “Bad News” Green and that may be why I got off on the wrong path. In that case, if there really are Funky #s 1 – 6, they need to be recorded and released. Maybe a concept album with all of the Funky #s in one place.
Larry ‘Bad News’ Green was a local fighter we knew. That’s a whole other universe. He’s long gone, of course. Anyway, whatever makes you smile. Reading, or the lack of it has never played a part in my life. That’s just not my gig. What you say in your post may or may not be true. I don’t know. I can petty much guarantee whatever you came up with is coincidence after the fact. We blow until we get it right and then it becomes an arrangement. We listen to each and play.
All this being said, I appreciate that you care enough to give a darn about what we were up to. Jack may have another answer… I think I’ll ask him.
Take care and stay well…
Jorma
I bet the old Gibson would get a kick out of getting a crack at “Silver Dagger” after what – 60 years?
Sandy, it implies that the song is in 7/8 time signature to me–although the existence of 6 others would be welcome news.
Hey Rob… I’m presuming this comment is tongue in cheek, but on the off chance that it isn’t, consider this. Seven beats to the measure where an eighth note gets one beat… not in my world my friend. You’re over thinking this Big Dog. You see, you had to be there, and you had to know Larry ‘Bad News’ Green. That’s all I can offer.
The song title Funky#7 implies the existence of a Funky# 1 through 6.
Maybe one of them works as an acoustic? 😉
or good old #7 as a simul live feed with Jack?
Sounds like happy trails to me.
Thank you, Jorma.