GIVING A DAMN COOL AGAIN & A MORNING GLOW

LIGHT ON THE TRAIL

     The acoustic and folk world is moving toward Toronto for the 25th Folk Alliance International, and Cambrians, Ranchers for Peace are among them.

Courtesy of Ranchers for Peace

       Charles and Ray Duncan say they are "doing what they can to make giving a damn cool again." 

       Father and daughter credibly empower that idea. They give a damn-their own lyrics and those of Woody Guthrie and others, are sung and played with a unique harmony, warmth and power. And the music is cool-poignant, moving and with an edge. The artists are also cool.

     Lana, Katherine and I were fortunate to be among about 15 people in a house concert last night, as they tune up for the frenetic pace of the Folk Alliance International gathering.

     Acoustic Music Scene details the scope of this summit of artists, agents, bookers, producers, record labels, djs, and musicians.  

     A guitar player and song writer who's been to the Folk Alliance said, at the break last night, the Ranchers have a unique sound.

Sample them for yourself

      It's a particular joy to see village neighbors display such talent.  Ray's mother Jude Johnstone is a favorite and her cd is in "heavy rotation" on our play list.  

Courtesy of Jude Johnstone

     A wonderful performer, her songs have been recorded by Bonnie Raitt, Emmylou Harris, Johnny Cash, Laura Branigan, Trisha Yearwood, Bette Midler, Stevie Nicks and others.

      Lana remembers seeing a young Rachel, with teddy bear, in tow with her sister talented actress Emma Duncan at Lilly's coffee deck just a few years ago. Now the young woman has charisma and a great attitude for the songs of social justice and hope.

      Charles is an accomplished player of guitar and harmonica and brings a seasoned mellow and gentleness to Ranchers. Their songs have a way of staying with you.

      Charles told of opening recently in Bakersfield for revered master player John McCutcheon who has released 34 albums. When Ranchers came off stage he said McCutcheon told them how much he liked their music.  McCutcheon said he noticed they too played the Woodie Guthrie classic "Deportee."  The song recounts a plane crash near Los Gatos. It had been bound for an emigration deportation station and carried 28 Mexican workers. Guthrie's lyrics make mention of how the dead were referred to only as "deportees."

        "...you wont have names when you ride the big airplane

                All they will call you will be "deportees"

         McCutcheon told of going to the Sacred Heart Cemetery in Fresno and seeing a stone covering a mass grave that said   "deportees."  It was there he met a young man named Carlos who had done the research, learned the names and is making sure they will be added to the stone. 

      As they did in Bakersfield with McCutcheon, Ranchers for Peace read the names of each of the "deportees" last night.  I think Woody Guthrie would like the edit to his song by a California father and daughter who are doing what  they can to make giving a damn cool again. 

      

MORNING GLOW

    See you down the trail.

THE WEEKENDER :) CALIFORNIA STARS

SUMMER COOL

&

THANK YOU WOODY

     Summer party and picnic season is in high gear so THE WEEKENDER :) offers a visual tribute to cool summer salads.

         And of course a strawberry treat is a good finish.

AMERICA'S MINSTREL

     I've enjoyed all of the tributes to Woody Guthrie on this

weekend celebrating the 100th anniversary of his birth.

     It's fascinating to know that 3000 of his songs have been recorded, but there are thousands more in his archive.  His daughter says "he wrote all of the time."

      I was also surprised to learn he was the writer of the 

great tune, CALIFORNIA STARS, which Wilco recorded.

THE WEEKENDER OFFERS UP FOR YOUR LISTENING PLEASURE

THREE (3) VERSIONS.

This is a sweet "live" version

And a studio version

"California Stars"

I'd like to rest my heavy head tonight 
On a bed of California stars 
I'd like to lay my weary bones tonight 
On a bed of California stars 

I'd love to feel 
Your hand touching mine 
And tell me why 
I must keep working on 

Yes I'd give my life 
To lay my head tonight on a bed 
Of California stars 

I'd like to dream 
My troubles all away 
On a bed of California stars 

Jump up from my starbed 
Make another day 
Underneath my California stars 
They hang like grapes 
On vines that shine 
And warm the lovers' glass 
Like friendly wine 

So I'd give this world 
Just to dream a dream with you 
On our bed of California stars 

I'd like to rest my heavy head tonight 
On a bed of California stars 
I'd like to lay my weary bones tonight 
On a bed of California stars 

I'd love to feel 
Your hand touching mine 
And tell me why 
I must keep working on 

Yes I'd give my life 
To lay my head tonight on a bed 
Of California stars 

I'd like to dream 
My troubles all away 
On a bed of California stars 

Jump up from my starbed 
Make another day 
Underneath my California stars 

They hang like grapes 
On vines that shine 
And warm the lovers' glass 
Like friendly wine 

So I'd give this world 
Just to dream a dream with you 
On our bed of California stars 

So I'd give this world 
Just to dream a dream with you 
On our bed of California stars 

(Dream a dream with you)

See you down the trail.