For the Byrds

Put together only via the Internet, these two guys have produced some of the finest virtual collaborations anywhere. These videos, by 'Byrds1967' and 'Scalerwave', are first rate in every way. If you love the music of the Byrds, check out these videos and the YouTube channels of these two guys for other fantastic music. 

Laid Back

JJ Cale was a unique talent, however he was not especially well known. If you know who he was, then you are probably familiar with his 'laid back' style that is a blend of rockabilly, country, rock and roll, blues, and even some jazz. If you don't know Cale and his music, then you will likely be surprised to know that some of his songs became massive hits for Lynyrd Skynyrd, Eric Clapton, and others. 

Cale was an American treasure, a one of a kind talent. He played music his own way, on his own terms, and he gave us memorable music. He died of a heart attack at 74, in July 2013. 

After Midnight '71

Ric's, Paisleys and Epi's

If you love guitars and guitar music, then check out the YouTube channel of 'Modfather1965' . He has a variety of great video lessons and play-alongs using some spectacular guitars, including the Rickenbacker electric 12-string, a pink paisley Telecaster, an Epiphone Casino, and more. Even if you're not into guitars, these videos are well worth your time, just for the great music and playing.

The Lucy Connection

Today in the spotlight, are two fantastic International video collaborations featuring Vanderbilly.com contributors. 'Lucy' is, of course, that beautiful, blue SYA Telecaster played by the amazing Jody Peck of England in both videos. 'Lucy' was built by the equally amazing Gary Madison, owner of 'Sharpen Your Axxe' guitars. 

The first outstanding video also features Keith from New York, and his spot on lead and harmony vocals, and acoustic guitar, and Jody playing both Duane and Dickey's country flavored lead guitar parts. Mastering by Mike Garvey.

Dust This!

There are dozens of outstanding recordings of the classic blues song, 'Dust My Broom'. The best known examples are by Robert Johnson and Elmore James. Those original recordings are, of course, classics, but by no means the best. For me, it doesn't get any better than these three recordings. They are exceptional in every way.

Jack Mayeaux

Treebeard234

Lexington Lab Band

Here is another new band that has been producing some spectacular cover videos. The Lexington Lab Band first produced several exceptional covers of Doobie Brothers classics, and now they have released four new videos covering songs by 'The Hag' - the great Merle Haggard.

These guys are seriously good and well worth a listen. I mean stompin' good music! (The LLB includes members of the Big River Band).

'Workin' Man Blues'

'Suzie Q' Cover

Showcasing another exceptional cover video from our buddies 'Jammin' Jimmy', 'Treebeard', and Don. These three guys are exceptional musicians, and combining their formidable talents produces a memorable video.

Jammin' Jimmy - vocals and rhythm guitar
Treebeard - lead guitar
Don - bass

The Downward Turn

Maybe it’s just because it’s summer, but there has been a noticeable drop in activity around here in the past few months. Regular readers will notice that I have not written anything new on this blog for nearly a month, and I have noticed that the number of regular readers has been dropping steadily and dramatically over the past five or so months. I don’t know if the drop in readership is due to folks being out and about in the warm weather months, or if no one is all that interested in the subject matter anymore.

  

The King of Western Swing

No less an icon than Waylon Jennings sang about him:

“It don’t matter who’s in Austin, Bob Wills is still the King.”

Wills had been in the music business for several years when he formed the Texas Playboys in 1934. He played fiddle and some vocals, with Tommy Duncan on piano and vocals, June Whalin on guitar, his brother Johnnie Lee Wills on banjo, and Kermit Whalin on pedal steel and bass. The lineup changed over the years, but the constant was Wills and his style. The band played dance music and had several hits including ‘Steel Guitar Rag’, and ‘New San Antonio Rose.’ They competed favorably with the best of the big bands, selling records and filling dance halls; keeping people dancing and smiling with their brand of music that became known as Western Swing.

The Highwaymen

Their names are as recognizable as any in music history. They were songwriters, singers, guitarists, and distinctive characters – each man a strong personality. All four were stars in their own right, and they joined forces to make music in one of the most unique collaborations we have ever seen. Such a collection of talent could have been a disaster with ego clashes, but these guys were friends first, and apparently, they each checked their egos at the door whenever they performed together. As a group they called themselves ‘The Highwaymen’ – Waylon Jennings, Willie Nelson, Johnny Cash, and Kris Kristofferson.