Wednesday, August 22, 2012
Raggedy Edge's WITH YOU goes digital
Friday, February 25, 2011
Evis and the Blues Cowboys
A traveler weary, a long day's journey through the gnarly woods of County Athens in the eastern lands of Ohio hears a loud and joyful noise, bluesy, but with heart, gutsy and ruthless. He follows the sound, over the streams, the fallen trees, through the dales and past the ravines, until he hears the whinny and hoofclop of horses.
Encountering a wooden fence, he stops, this traveler of meager means, defiant heart, selfless quest. A horse appears in the quarter-moon darkness, then another and another.
"What's this?" the traveler says. "What kind of welcoming committee?"
"What is your name, vagabond?" one of the horses asks, a palomino with glowing gold mane and tail.
"Surprised and taken aback, you can call me, for surely I have not been asked a question by one of your breed in all my days."
The horse tilted her head and stared, waiting.
"I am called Evis. What is your name?"
"Moonlight. You need a place to spend the night, Evis?"
"I do."
"Follow the sound of the music, beyond the glen and through the Gateway to the Blues. The people there will care for you."
Evis looks in the direction of the music, stands himself straighter in his worn, cowhide boots. "Thank you for your..." he starts to say, but the horse Moonlight and her companions are gone. Had they even been there? Maybe he only lost consciousness for a moment from the need for food. He brought hard beef and wafers with him, but those had long ago met their fate in his innards.
Dream or not, the directions he's been given are true. A vast glen leads to another fenced field with a large gateway that opens into another large area, this one covered but open on two sides. A large fire burns in one corner, a few people sitting quietly by the leaping flames, only nodding at his passing, as if they know him, know his quest, his needs, his destination.
By now, the music insists on being heard. Pipes, fiddles, lyres, lutes, bangles, and many drums follow the beat of the blood through his body. With each step to the doorway, his tiredness lessens, his mood increases, his cares lighten.
WELCOME TO THE LADY BUCK SALOON a sign reads. Below it, THE BLUES COWBOYS FROM 8 TILL ??.
Evis opens the door and walks in. The music envelops him as he takes in the crowd, young and old, couples and groups, barstools, chairs, tables, and dance floor. In front of many of the revelers sit trays of food bearing aromas of grilled delights, tankards of ales to wash it down. A large dog sniffs at a smaller one, which even though it could fit in the larger one's mouth, shows no fear and runs around the room snatching crumbs and gaining pets and oohs and aahs.
The band ended its song and after a few moments of chatter began a new one, his favorite. He orders a brisket, a beer, and found a spot at the bar. This is going to be a great night, he knows.
Encountering a wooden fence, he stops, this traveler of meager means, defiant heart, selfless quest. A horse appears in the quarter-moon darkness, then another and another.
"What's this?" the traveler says. "What kind of welcoming committee?"
"What is your name, vagabond?" one of the horses asks, a palomino with glowing gold mane and tail.
"Surprised and taken aback, you can call me, for surely I have not been asked a question by one of your breed in all my days."
The horse tilted her head and stared, waiting.
"I am called Evis. What is your name?"
"Moonlight. You need a place to spend the night, Evis?"
"I do."
"Follow the sound of the music, beyond the glen and through the Gateway to the Blues. The people there will care for you."
Evis looks in the direction of the music, stands himself straighter in his worn, cowhide boots. "Thank you for your..." he starts to say, but the horse Moonlight and her companions are gone. Had they even been there? Maybe he only lost consciousness for a moment from the need for food. He brought hard beef and wafers with him, but those had long ago met their fate in his innards.
Dream or not, the directions he's been given are true. A vast glen leads to another fenced field with a large gateway that opens into another large area, this one covered but open on two sides. A large fire burns in one corner, a few people sitting quietly by the leaping flames, only nodding at his passing, as if they know him, know his quest, his needs, his destination.
By now, the music insists on being heard. Pipes, fiddles, lyres, lutes, bangles, and many drums follow the beat of the blood through his body. With each step to the doorway, his tiredness lessens, his mood increases, his cares lighten.
WELCOME TO THE LADY BUCK SALOON a sign reads. Below it, THE BLUES COWBOYS FROM 8 TILL ??.
Evis opens the door and walks in. The music envelops him as he takes in the crowd, young and old, couples and groups, barstools, chairs, tables, and dance floor. In front of many of the revelers sit trays of food bearing aromas of grilled delights, tankards of ales to wash it down. A large dog sniffs at a smaller one, which even though it could fit in the larger one's mouth, shows no fear and runs around the room snatching crumbs and gaining pets and oohs and aahs.
The band ended its song and after a few moments of chatter began a new one, his favorite. He orders a brisket, a beer, and found a spot at the bar. This is going to be a great night, he knows.
Saturday, January 1, 2011
I do hereby resolve...
Seems like a good year for resolutions. Most of mine have to do with music, but also, I resolve to stop eating bowls of brown sugar as a snack, even though if you crush it, it stays together really good, like a candy.
And furthermore: Don't do songs I haven't done in a month or more, unless I've done them for a couple of decades.
Not to mention: Have a set list, but go with the flow (in my head).
But especially: If something doesn't sound right behind the speakers, it probably doesn't sound right in front of them. Work it out. For sure.
And while I'm at it: Take a short break in the middle of the set to fix my hair, especially if I sweated the first part.
And furthermore: Don't do songs I haven't done in a month or more, unless I've done them for a couple of decades.
Not to mention: Have a set list, but go with the flow (in my head).
But especially: If something doesn't sound right behind the speakers, it probably doesn't sound right in front of them. Work it out. For sure.
And while I'm at it: Take a short break in the middle of the set to fix my hair, especially if I sweated the first part.
Monday, December 27, 2010
New ad, new direction
Thing two: I'm pointing my domain name to this blog starting...any time now. Decided it's too easy to update pages on here, as opposed to writing the HTML myself, though that will probably stay with me like bicycle riding. There comes a time when one has to opt for ease over total control, and for me, this time is now.
On to the future.
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
Wondering about something
It appears one can send Blogger posts to Facebook to be set into the status line-up. Does anyone know if WordPress posts can be handled the same way, or if it's done through a Facebook app? Since it doesn't automatically show up in WordPress the way it does in Blogger, I'm thinking it's another case of "wouldn't it be nice to find a combination of WordPress and Blogger" syndrome. Will look later, but if the knowledge pool out there knows of something and would like to share in 25 words or fewer, cool.
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
Better than dirt
| Children International and Child Fund International Give them a look and make the decision to help out. |
While cutting some chicken into nuggets last night, I knicked the tip of the middle finger on my left hand, an important finger for guitar playing.
Later, while opening a can of pumpkin puree to mix with some vanilla yogurt to make pumpkin pudding (yay!), I knicked my thumb on the jagged edge of the can lid. Thumb is vital for clamping the rest of the fingers onto the guitar neck.
Bleeding stanched and bandaids in place, I got my chicken chopped, boiled some linguine, ate them drizzled with a light olive oil dressing, couple of helpings of pumpkin pudding afterward, and then something happened.
Running a big cup of water to drink down, I remembered something a children's pastor shared with his class awhile back about kids in some village in an undeveloped country eating dirt to get the feeling of having something in their stomachs. With the knife accidents, I had experienced a few hiccups in my journey to get food and water on the table, but I ate and drank at last. All my cuts were bandaged and cared for. I'm not sure when I last had a tetanus shot. They always ask that when you get cut by metal. But I know I've had tetanus shots and I will watch this little sucker for infection.
But kids in countries around the world--even our own great nation--don't have clean water, decent food, proper clothing.
I have two kids I help out through children's organizations. Costs me money I don't much miss, even in these hard times of being underemployed. I think about saving that money some days, because, let's face it, bills are bills and they don't get paid on my good looks. (Turns out my mom was right on that, too.) But I can't stand the thought of those kids getting the news that their sponsor has dropped them, so I continue.
If you are led to help children by this little missive--and that is my goal--drop by one of the two places I give: Children International and Child Fund International. Give them a look and make the decision to help out. No child--no person--should be hungry and without basic amenities in the 21st century. But they are.
Saturday, October 30, 2010
Halloween Here Show
What will I sing this afternoon for the Halloween Here show? Usually I have a way better idea of what's going on, but today, not so much. However, here's where it stands so far:
1. Mr. Soul
This Neil Young cover has over 1,000 hits on my YouTube channel. I don't know why. It's not too bad. I think I remember most of the lyrics.
2. Can You Feel It
I never heard of this song till a MySpace friend sent it to me a year or so ago. Infectious, but in a good way. The song, too.
3. Swim to Molokai
My own ditty, one that didn't get recorded on the first show. I've rewritten it slightly and it's a whole lot more positive-sounding now. I think the Molokains will like it way more.
4. Burning Hell
Another one I did last show, but this time going to do it in regular tuning, capoed on third fret right out of Molokai. It's a cover of a Tom Jones cover of a John Lee Hooker song. Ersatz gospelish.
5. The Way You Look Tonight
Subject to change from here on out, but since it's Halloween, people will be looking strange tonight. At least I think Halloween stuff is tonight. Not really sure. I got my candy, just in case.
6. The Ballad of Dwight Frye
An Alice Cooper classic, perfect for Halloween.
7. Brain Damage
A Pink Floyd classic, perfect for after an Alice Cooper song.
8. Mr. Spaceman
A Byrds classic, perfect for lightening up the proceedings after the above two.
9. Simple Man
I worked out a cool version of this Lynyrd Skynyrd chestnut, another song with a reverential bent.
10. Ukulele Man
My signature song these days, this time on the ukulele.
Afterwards, I am thinking of going through the big book of cover songs and having some practice for the next show, perhaps.
Hope to see you there. Where? My USTREAM.TV show!
1. Mr. Soul
This Neil Young cover has over 1,000 hits on my YouTube channel. I don't know why. It's not too bad. I think I remember most of the lyrics.
2. Can You Feel It
I never heard of this song till a MySpace friend sent it to me a year or so ago. Infectious, but in a good way. The song, too.
3. Swim to Molokai
My own ditty, one that didn't get recorded on the first show. I've rewritten it slightly and it's a whole lot more positive-sounding now. I think the Molokains will like it way more.
4. Burning Hell
Another one I did last show, but this time going to do it in regular tuning, capoed on third fret right out of Molokai. It's a cover of a Tom Jones cover of a John Lee Hooker song. Ersatz gospelish.
5. The Way You Look Tonight
Subject to change from here on out, but since it's Halloween, people will be looking strange tonight. At least I think Halloween stuff is tonight. Not really sure. I got my candy, just in case.
6. The Ballad of Dwight Frye
An Alice Cooper classic, perfect for Halloween.
7. Brain Damage
A Pink Floyd classic, perfect for after an Alice Cooper song.
8. Mr. Spaceman
A Byrds classic, perfect for lightening up the proceedings after the above two.
9. Simple Man
I worked out a cool version of this Lynyrd Skynyrd chestnut, another song with a reverential bent.
10. Ukulele Man
My signature song these days, this time on the ukulele.
Afterwards, I am thinking of going through the big book of cover songs and having some practice for the next show, perhaps.
Hope to see you there. Where? My USTREAM.TV show!
Monday, September 27, 2010
Bob Farley Here Event
Here's the recorded portion of my first Ustream.tv event this past Saturday night. Sorry about the ads and whatnot. The price we pay for freedom?
There were enough people left over after the event that I made them listen to me sing and play at my desk for another 70 minutes or so. I could talk and they could type into the chat window and it was really, really cool.
Next show is planned for Halloween. Stay tuned. Thanks!
There were enough people left over after the event that I made them listen to me sing and play at my desk for another 70 minutes or so. I could talk and they could type into the chat window and it was really, really cool.
Next show is planned for Halloween. Stay tuned. Thanks!
Saturday, September 25, 2010
Set List 9/25/10 Ustream
Okay, it's starting out a little crazy, going happy, moving through cowboy love songs, space songs, threatening spirituals, sad love, and happy love. Here's what we have so far:
Jenny, Jenny (867-5309) -- I'm doing this in a kind of Sting meets Jack White meets Chris Isaak style. That's what it reminds me of, anyway. Scary, spooky. Maybe a little Alice Cooper thrown in, too.
Maya -- A song I wrote this year, inspired by a young lady I sponsor through Children's International since 2005.
Swim to Molokai -- Desiring to have a song that combined cowboys, Hawaii, mountains, and campfires, I wrote this song this past summer. The title is based on something I said to a friend who offered me his cabin on Molokai any time I wanted it. To which I replied, "What I'm going to do? Swim to Molokai?" And years later, that magical statement is the title of a sometimes spooky Hawaiian cowboy love song. Going to try it on electric guitar with a strong effect. I think it might work.
Fly Me to the Moon -- An early space love song.
The Girl from Ipanema -- A song I've loved since I was a child.
Burning Hell/That's the Way -- Tom Jones has put out a blockbuster of a spiritual album, imo, and Burning Hell seems to be a breakout cut. It's a John Lee Hooker song, a kind of answer to the Robert Johnson classic Crossroads. Johnson is said to have sold his soul to the devil in order to be a successful guitarist, or some such legend. That's the Way is a Zeppelin tune from their III set, and it fits into the Hooker song both lyrically and musically. (I've been melding songs together in my sets lately, and this is a continuation of that habit.)
Good Night, Bye -- An original love song, a saddy.
Ukulele Man -- This is what the folks in the praise and worship band I play in once a month know me as, because of my YouTube video of the same name. A happy love song, Hawaiian-style.
Jenny, Jenny (867-5309) -- I'm doing this in a kind of Sting meets Jack White meets Chris Isaak style. That's what it reminds me of, anyway. Scary, spooky. Maybe a little Alice Cooper thrown in, too.
Maya -- A song I wrote this year, inspired by a young lady I sponsor through Children's International since 2005.
Swim to Molokai -- Desiring to have a song that combined cowboys, Hawaii, mountains, and campfires, I wrote this song this past summer. The title is based on something I said to a friend who offered me his cabin on Molokai any time I wanted it. To which I replied, "What I'm going to do? Swim to Molokai?" And years later, that magical statement is the title of a sometimes spooky Hawaiian cowboy love song. Going to try it on electric guitar with a strong effect. I think it might work.
Fly Me to the Moon -- An early space love song.
The Girl from Ipanema -- A song I've loved since I was a child.
Burning Hell/That's the Way -- Tom Jones has put out a blockbuster of a spiritual album, imo, and Burning Hell seems to be a breakout cut. It's a John Lee Hooker song, a kind of answer to the Robert Johnson classic Crossroads. Johnson is said to have sold his soul to the devil in order to be a successful guitarist, or some such legend. That's the Way is a Zeppelin tune from their III set, and it fits into the Hooker song both lyrically and musically. (I've been melding songs together in my sets lately, and this is a continuation of that habit.)
Good Night, Bye -- An original love song, a saddy.
Ukulele Man -- This is what the folks in the praise and worship band I play in once a month know me as, because of my YouTube video of the same name. A happy love song, Hawaiian-style.
Thursday, September 23, 2010
I stream, ustream, we all ustream.tv
Looks like the seven o'clock hour won out in polling for the first Bob Farley Here online streaming show, with two coming in second. Maybe I'll have a sound check at two.
Looking forward to getting this first little show behind me. Looks like Ustream has a lot of possibilities I will have to take time some time to learn. That will be fun.
Planning to have a page up somewhere with the set list for Saturday, a few bits of information about the songs on it. Going to do several originals along with a few strange versions of classics and unknowns.
I had wanted to have an audience, open the doors to my apartment and let people stream into it, as well as let the signal stream on the net, but then other stuff happened and I didn't have time to work that. I admit that doing it without a live group of people feels a little like the old SNL Wayne's World gambit, but I'll try to get over it and just do the set and if it works out, I'll keep it.
Looking forward to getting this first little show behind me. Looks like Ustream has a lot of possibilities I will have to take time some time to learn. That will be fun.
Planning to have a page up somewhere with the set list for Saturday, a few bits of information about the songs on it. Going to do several originals along with a few strange versions of classics and unknowns.
I had wanted to have an audience, open the doors to my apartment and let people stream into it, as well as let the signal stream on the net, but then other stuff happened and I didn't have time to work that. I admit that doing it without a live group of people feels a little like the old SNL Wayne's World gambit, but I'll try to get over it and just do the set and if it works out, I'll keep it.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)