The weather here in downtown Astoria, Queens is absolutely glorious and I am headed out with the trusty iPod for a long walk around the compound. I was immediately reminded of my early morning walks around the French Quarter and one particularly quiet morning, when not even the locals were out yet with their dogs or bicycles. But I heard some music in the distance, echoing throughout the Quarter with that unique FQ-only reverb. It was familiar music. I knew I had heard it, and maybe even owned it. It didn't matter. It was just the perfect soundtrack for that morning saunter.
I realized weeks later what it was when I played Herlin Riley's "Watch What You're Doing" record, and now, that song and early morning walks always seem to go together.
Enjoy "Soscalalah Blues."
15 comments:
Tasty. Great musicians. A few of these guys cut a record with Walter Blanding which is also pretty nice. Enjoy your morning constitutional.
VR
Hey, I just checked out the song of the day. Great! Looks like Margaret's back if this is any indication. I didn't care much for the second LP.
VR
Riley's discography is criminally under appreciated.
@VR ,
The new Glaspy is terrific. I want to give it one more spin to make sure it sticks, and then I'll probably write up a little something.
@pmac,
I agree. Herlin's records are special.
Wonderful!
Thanks for the tip on Herlin - that's a really good song. A friend had recommended the Criss Cross label to me a few months back; now I understand why.
- Paul in DK
If Herlin has a gig in your area, make sure to go see him. His live performances, and the usual opening tambourine solo, are pure magic.
This is the best! I’m feeling FQ’d-up in all the right ways! Her
This is the best! I’m feeling FQ’d-up in all the right ways. Herlin Rules!
pmac,
I've seen Herlin live at least two dozen times, between here and New Orleans.
Here's a true story:
The first time I saw him in NYC was at Dizzy's Club in Lincoln Center. This was after seeing him three or four times in New Orleans. He was playing with my friend Ken Peplowski, who was talking to me at the bar. Herlin sees us and walks over, looks at me surprised and says, "Oh Man! Great to see you." I assume he recognized me from Snug Harbor.
The next two or three times I see him...Snug, Vanguard, Donna's...he's very happy to see me and says, "Wanna sit in?" Of course I say, "NO NO!" No way am I faking my jazz chops on the drums with those guys. But now, this is a thing. I see him, and he says, "Wanna play?" And I always say no.
Then,last year, I am at Snug again. Sitting right up front. Herlin's setting up his kit, he sees me and says "Hey! Oh man!" He comes down off the stage, hugs me and says, "You bring your trumpet?"
It was then I realized he had no clue at all who I was.
that's great story!
So Sal, are you taking trumpet lessons?
HAHAHAHAHA!! That Herlin tale Is hysterical. You need to add that to the main post.
@Sal
Bring a trumpet next time! ;-) Great story.
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