Kaz HAWKINS - LIPSTICK AND COCAINE

Kaz HAWKINS - Lipstick and Cocaine

Gospel Brunch this week is not one of those classics with a choir led by a big belting voice, with lots of swaying robes and songs of inspiration.  Over the next while there will be plenty of time for that.

This one is an emotionally charged performance from Kaz HAWKINS and includes her powerful vocals and a simple piano accompaniment.  

Kaz has endured an unimaginably difficult life.  From being abused as a child through to drug addiction, being in an abusive relationship and self-inflicting pain.  She ended up a the very bottom. 

During her life she endured more pain and suffering that I could ever imagine.  And on the darkest of all the days, through the help of a policeman and a doctor, Kaz found a way to come back. Lipstick and Cocaine is an autobiographical glimpse into those days and a tribute to those who helped.  

This particular version is an emotional rendition sung in a church from her home town in Belfast

Click Here for Lipstick and Cocaine

ZZTOP - BLUE JEAN BLUES

Throwback Thursday

Now when I say Throwback Thursday, I am not talking about the year 2000 - although some would say twenty years is long enough.  I am going back to the 70's and before.  

There is a new Netflix documentary on ZZTOP that inspired this first tune in this category.  These guys have had a long and interesting run.  Although they are known for cars and a few of their popular hits, I prefer this.  Blue Jean Blues is a laid back classic blues with some great guitar and not something you would think of when ZZ TOP comes to mind.

This tune was on the original Fandango album which came out in '75 and also had I Heard it on the X, and a cover of Jailhouse rock.

Jeff Healy covered this years later and that is also worth a listen -- but I still prefer the original.

Listen Here

Lyle LOVETT - JUST A WHITE BOY LOST IN THE BLUES

The opening lyrics say it all

"You bought you a six string Gibson

 You bought you a great big house
 You try to sing like Muddy Waters
 And play like Lightnin' sounds

 But since I blowed my harp
 You feelin' mean and confused.
 t got you chained to your earphones,
 You just a white boy, lost in the blues."

Always liked Lyle Lovett.  I think his lyrics are great, mostly thoughtful, sometimes humorous and always accompanied by some great singers and musicians - whether it be the Large Band, or others.  This tune is no exception.  Acoustic guitars, Blues fiddle? or violin? great supporting vocals.. 

have a listen....

Watch White Boy Lost in the Blues by Lyle Lovett

Buddy Guy - FEELS LIKE RAIN

 

Buddy Guy truly is a legend.  And, when this pandemic is over, you get a chance to go to Legends - his Chicago blues club - it's certainly worth a visit..  Not sure if he still does this - but he used to play a lot of shows himself in January. 

I took this picture at a concert at the Hammerstein Ballroom in New York City, where he played with George Thorogood and the Destroyers.  Tom, a longtime friend and fellow rock/blues music fan, have seen a number of shows together - but travelling to New York for this show ..stands out as one of the best. trips.  Great show, great venue, great time with close friends.  Tom and I saw Kenny Wayne Shepherd in Jersey  around this same time -- that was also a memorable night.

Feels like Rain is a great John Hiatt song comparing the feeling of a new relationship to that of rain - and sometimes a hurricane.

Listen to Feels Like Rain - Buddy Guy

And a complete Spotify playlist of Unsolicited Song Recommendations can be found here ( click here for Spotify playlist)

Kingfish - BEEN HERE BEFORE

 Christone "Kingfish" Ingram

Tony, this one is for you.  More traditional blues than what we have been sharing lately.

 Christone "Kingfish" Ingram, from Clarksville Mississippi has been playing for quite a while, and if you search around you can find him playing with Joe Bonamassa, Keb Mo, Buddy Guy and others... and he is in his early 20's!!!!

The first song Been Here Before I play a lot, I have always liked that acoustic style of blues and you really get to appreciate his voice on this one.

However, if you are sitting back (or working) the second link is 60minutes of blues from his 22 birthday bash.  Quite a variety of blues, all well done and worth a listen if you can find an uninterrupted  hour.

Listen to - Been Here Before

Birthday Concert

And a complete Spotify playlist of Unsolicited Song Recommendations can be found here ( click here for Spotify playlist)

Heart - STAIRWAY TO HEAVEN

Ann and Nancy Wilson

Arguably, the greatest Rock'n'Roll song of all time.   I was very fortunate to see Led Zeppelin perform Stairway to Heaven live - Earl's Court in London for the Physical Graffiti tour - 1976

I have always thought there were a few songs that you just shouldn't cover and this song was definitely on the top of that list.

Then I saw the Kennedy Center Honours and Heart to this great tribute to ZEP. 

Stairway to Heaven - HEART

And a complete Spotify playlist of Unsolicited Song Recommendations can be found here ( click here for Spotify playlist)