Man in the Long Black Coat

I have always been a huge fan of Bob Dylan's Oh Mercy cd produced by the late Daniel Lanlois.... This review called my favorite song, "“Man In The Long Black Coat” is a story song, the kind he excels at. This think track is filled with apocalyptic imagery that is difficult to pin down. This is Dylan at his best." I basically knew the song almost by heart from listening to it, so I thought I would try my hand on covering it when I needed a project to test learning my new version of iMovie... I even uploaded it in a higher resolution. Enjoy.

For The Death Of Me

It is upon the thought of my demise
that I wonder if the memory of me
shall wake into tomorrow’s sunrise
or will I fade into the distant echoes
of what once was, barely to be recognized.

All I hope is the flowers laid down upon
my life will stay fresh and beautiful
in the hearts of those who knew me true.
I want each rose to be a symbol of my love;
each tulip sprouting anew, a recognition
of my constant growth. I want each
Lilly to be the fragrance of my heart
as each daffodil will enrich the soil
of my being.

But perhaps if those flowers shall
be just a faded mark of my existence,
I will still have been a presence in the eyes
of those who have admired and even
in those who may have less desired.

So for the death of me I do not scare
for to truly live life is not to fear
as through all glimpses of my memory
I will always be here.

© 2009
Tarringo T Vaughan

Hepburn moment

Now it's a song:



Here is where it started:

She walked slowly by the pieces of the past
Scarf wrapped up to her short-cropped hair
Somewhat out of place with Hepburn flair
Stubbornly, She’s stuck with a style that lasts.

She made her way to the café window table
Oblivious to her surroundings she went on-line
Reading, renewing and restoring lives entwined
Only pausing for an infrequent nibble on a bagel

He pictured her in front of bustling Paris street,
Much easier to finish the plot without any words
And on cue the music switched to jig on a dulcimer
He needed to leave and folded up his vision complete.

There you go, strangers at noon and never love.
He looked back and she was gone from her chair
Chuckled to himself, “was it real or just a dare”
The devil had dialed up one that would fit like a glove.

By Dave Schipper

Sitting at the Acoustic Cafe... their internet was down.. the store from across the street was the first line, the blonde getting out of a car the second, then it got revised as a beautiful woman sat down across from me. Internet came back up for me to find that Audrey Hepburn was incredibly quotable, and she helped fill out the story.

Lot of reference and fun reading from:

http://www.goodreads.com/author/quotes/692403.Audrey_Hepburn


Why change? Everyone has his own style. When you have found it, you should stick to it."
— Audrey Hepburn

"For beautiful eyes, look for the good in others; for beautiful lips, speak only words of kindness; and for poise, walk with the knowledge that you are never alone."
— Audrey Hepburn

"I'm half-Irish, half-Dutch, and I was born in Belgium. If I was a dog, I'd be in a hell of a mess!"
— Audrey Hepburn

"For attractive lips, speak words of kindness.

For lovely eyes, seek out the good in people.

For a slim figure, share your food with the hungry.

For beautiful hair, let a child run his or her fingers through it once a day.

For poise, walk with the knowledge that you never walk alone.

People, even more than things, have to be restored, renewed, revived, reclaimed and redeemed; never throw out anyone.

Remember, if you ever need a helping hand, you'll find one at the end of each of your arms.

As you grow older, you will discover that you have two hands, one for helping yourself, the other for helping others.

The beauty of a woman is not in the clothes she wears, the figure that she carries or the way she combs her hair.

The beauty of a woman must be seen from in her eyes, because that is the doorway to her heart, the place where love resides.

The beauty of a woman is not in a facial mode but the true beauty in a woman is reflected in her soul. It is the caring that she lovingly gives the passion that she shows. The beauty of a woman grows with the passing years."
— Audrey Hepburn

people, even more than things, have to be restored, renewed, revived, reclaimed, and redeemed; never throw out anyone."
— Audrey Hepburn

The Ghosts of St. Augustine

Ghosts of St. Augustine by Dave Schipper © 2006 Rose Riversongs

The ghosts of St. Augustine are an eerie sight
On rooftops, porches, and trees they come out at night
They walk this ancient ground, while their stories are told
By guides with lanterns, recounting tales of old.

The white gown of the bride
The candle in the night
The widow on the stairs
The renters Miss Faye scares

Ghosts of St. Augustine
Are the sights to be seen
Walk the cobblestone streets
And enjoy whom you meet

Pass the Bishop’s shrine and see the wayward bride
Who terrified those children tenting that night
Woke them with a cold hand brought screams and bone chills
Now she walks alone, mourning a love unfulfilled.

As guest G-Men talked, the innkeeper knew the plan
She gave the smuggler signal with lantern in hand.
Today her lost soul slips past the boarded entry
To the sea, Her hooded figure waves a sentry

My friends...

When you are a house concert host you can count some of the most talented and beautiful women or handsome men as friends. Tonight two past performers came to me with new videos:

First up the vocalist for The Outside Track, Norah Rendell:





And an angel I know... Allison Sattinger.

Carry Out Cover by Natalie Lucie

I have no idea what this song is supposed to sound like because I avoid Justin Timberlake music with a passion. Hard to avoid Natalie though.. a fine new acoustic talent.



per her video notes: Hello folks! I had so much fun adding my little 'claps' on the Lily Allen song I covered last time, I thought I'd take it a step further so lots of harmonies on this one! Needless to say this took pretty much my whole weekend, but it was fun to make, so I hope you enjoy it.

Give yourself to love... Kate Wolf cover

A lady... a Chuck Song

It was mere minutes after I watched Chuck to buy this song by Jeremy Messersmith... now I need to know more about this guy. I'm partial to a cello backing up a singer... loved Harry Chapin all my life since age 16.

Crooked Still - Half of what we know

I know I was this close to seeing this group a week ago...90 mere miles.

Hurrican Earl had to die.. in Halifax?

You won't see Rose Reiter in a Cowboy hat too often....


Here's what Rose had to say, "THANKS TO THE RCMP, THE RED CROSS VOLUNTEERS, PROVINCIAL WORKERS AND EVERYONE ELSE WHO IS HELPING OUT CLEAN UP AFTER EARL! You guys deserve a song, at the very least! This one's for you, and for everyone that was affected.
Earl was headed right for us, then at the last moment turned towards Halifax - My heart goes out to everyone having to clean up afterwards - maybe I can't be there to help clean up, but I rewrote some lyrics to the Dixie Chicks song, and I hope this brings a small smile to your day! Sing with me - GOODBYE EARL!"

Allison Brown... my she's good

Faller by Pieta Brown

I love one of the comments... the apple didn't fall to far from the tree. Here's Greg Brown's daughter, Pieta....

Old Tin Can by Catherine MacLellan

Another gem from Music Fog

I do wish you joy..

From MNNorthCountryGirl... she writes:

"Joy" is a wonderful song written and performed by Janis Ian. It can be found on two of her albums: "Folk Is The New Black" and "The Essential Janis Ian". Her music is beautiful, insightful, and full of meaning.

The photographs were all taken by myself very close to home within the last six weeks...a real taste of Minnesota summer.

Thanks so much for watching...I wish you joy. :)

Introducing Mountain Man

Lori and I were decompressing at the kitchen table when she grabbed one of her avante garde magazines Utne and said "have you ever heard of the Mountain Man" Well one look at this video and you'll agree that they are loaded with fresh traditional talent. Now why in the world would three beautiful women call themselves that?



Here is how the video is described:

Mountain Man is (l-r) Amelia Meath, Alex Sauser-Monnig, and Molly Sarle. This video is from a recording session for their forthcoming album, due out on Underwater Peoples this January. For this session, they were recording in the dining room of Amelia's apartment in North Bennington, VT. There is no overdubbing, and this was their first take. Video and audio production by Trevor Wilson.

I love this group..

Of course currently I know just Norah & Brian from hosting them March 2009.

Beautiful Deceit

Wow the 500th post within the Zemmy Show... got to love Holly Kirby... if you don't yet, you will.

Hallelujah lyrics

So I was memorizing Leonard's Hallelujah song, and was attentive to the 3rd and 4th verses were different than the Buckley cover... as a songwriter, I really liked the fourth verse...

I did my best, it wasn't much
I couldn't feel, so I tried to touch
I've told the truth, I didn't come to fool you
And even though
It all went wrong
I'll stand before the Lord of Song
With nothing on my tongue but Hallelujah

here is the whole song that I've been listening to, and here's the WikiPedia article link... great stuff.
"Hallelujah"

Now I've heard there was a secret chord
That David played, and it pleased the Lord
But you don't really care for music, do you?
It goes like this
The fourth, the fifth
The minor fall, the major lift
The baffled king composing Hallelujah
Hallelujah
Hallelujah
Hallelujah
Hallelujah

Your faith was strong but you needed proof
You saw her bathing on the roof
Her beauty and the moonlight overthrew you
She tied you
To a kitchen chair
She broke your throne, and she cut your hair
And from your lips she drew the Hallelujah

Baby I have been here before
I know this room, I've walked this floor
I used to live alone before I knew you.
I've seen your flag on the marble arch
Love is not a victory march
It's a cold and it's a broken Hallelujah

Hallelujah, Hallelujah
Hallelujah, Hallelujah

There was a time you let me know
What's really going on below
But now you never show it to me, do you?
And remember when I moved in you
The holy dove was moving too
And every breath we drew was Hallelujah

Hallelujah, Hallelujah
Hallelujah, Hallelujah

You say I took the name in vain
I don't even know the name
But if I did, well really, what's it to you?
There's a blaze of light
In every word
It doesn't matter which you heard
The holy or the broken Hallelujah

Hallelujah, Hallelujah
Hallelujah, Hallelujah

I did my best, it wasn't much
I couldn't feel, so I tried to touch
I've told the truth, I didn't come to fool you
And even though
It all went wrong
I'll stand before the Lord of Song
With nothing on my tongue but Hallelujah

Hope Waits insprired another song

A couple months back I shared my Lady in Blue song inspired by Hope Waits, and to my surprise she inspired another song. Here's how Ty Brando described the video:

"Inspired by a singer-songwriter artist I met in Nashville by the name of "Hope Waits". I told her that was one of the most perfect names I ever heard, b/c that's what "hope" does . . . it "waits."

Hope Waits - You Crossed the Line

I'm never sure how totally legally these pictures montages are when you consider they are ways for people to not buy the music. But I post this to convince you that Hope Waits is one of the best up and coming blues singers.

Sugar in my bowl

Samantha Farrell covering a tune of Nina Simone.... here's how she described the video:

One spectacular evening in July 2010, I had the great fortune of getting to sing a concert on a penthouse roof in the lovely city of Boston (note Citgo sign!) My band and I did a cover of the Nina Simone classic, "Sugar in My Bowl." Big huge super thanks to the AMAZING Omid Maxey for providing the location, and for styling/hair styling. Clothing provided by the lovely Erica Goldman, owner of "Donna and Erica" located in Newton Center, and the fab Nelse Karini for painting me up pretty :) Video and audio provided by Christopher DeSanty of DeSant Productions

Sometimes I forget...

Sometimes I forget how much I love the Canadian singer-songwriter Catherine MacLellan. Her voice is pure and haunting as this video describes. I do worry that at times she's a little to laid back so I've only bought a few songs from her.... but they are some of my top listens. I need a little more of her. This video warmed my heart to go buy some more songs.



and this the first one...

The Heart of Life acoustic instrumental Mayer cover

Play this and read the lines... tonight I learned the song for a wedding. It's the first time I heard it, but the simple lines talk to me. No it doesn't always go the way it should... great song written my John Mayer.



I hate to see you cry
Lying there in that position
There's things you need to hear
So turn off your tears and listen

Pain throws your heart to the ground
Love turns the whole thing around
No, it won't all go the way it should
But I know the heart of life is good

You know it's nothing new
Bad news never had good timing
Then the circle of your friends
Will defend the silver lining

Pain throws your heart to the ground
Love turns the whole thing around
No, it won't all go the way it should
But I know the heart of life is good

I know it's good

A couple of treats from JD Souther..

Fun recording of one my most favorite songs... "I'll be here at closing time"...



Rose River covers the Eagles version, and I always announce it as a JD Souther song...

Rose Reiter loves Old Spice guys...

Introducing Caleb Hawley

My frequent silent readers know I run this little house concert series... 4 a year, but artist come out of the woodwork for a chance... I've got Seth Horan coming in a few days... and tonight I got a promo package from Caleb Hawley... and this song came up first on his live concert piece... intense... I loved the top comment on the video to repost it just for you..



I did not write this but I love the passion...It's a big fucking joke that Caleb Hawley is not famous yet! He's one of the most talented people I've ever had the fortune of calling my friend. I really don't know anybody else out there who can play the guitar and sing like him. If he could only do one of those things as well as he does both, that would be amazing! People need to start taking some goddamn notice! Shit! Sorry... it pisses me off!

Carmel Conway...

Recently in FaceBook I clicked on an AD..... Yes I admit it... but it was for two free songs by Carmel Conway with the Chieftans. I really didn't know who she was, but such a pretty voice. Two free songs that I like, meant I would feel guilty and buy two songs from her... I picked Song of Bernadette for one of the songs.

Here what her bio says from her web site :Carmel Conway is one of the most exciting talents to emerge from Ireland in a number of years. Her debut album, This Beautiful Day was released online and in Ireland at the end of 2008 and continues to be released territory by territory throughout the world with further releases lined up for 2010. Having completed a series of highly successful shows in Los Angeles, Monterey, New York, Boston and Connecticut in addition to her guest appearances with artists such as The Chieftains, Nanci Griffith and Paul Brady in both the US and Ireland, Carmel is well on the way to developing her name and profile internationally.

Having wowed audiences in Ireland and the US with her incredible vocal technique, she is setting her sights on impressing audiences further afield with the songs from her new album. Featuring a great mix of new, contemporary material and a few of her own versions of better-known songs, the album has already received glowing reviews internationally.
From a very young age, Carmel was singing songs by people like Barbara Streisand, The Carpenters and Sarah Brightman and more recently has been influenced by artists such as Josh Groban, Beth Nielsen Chapman and Randy Newman. She received private tuition from an early age and managed to develop an outstanding level of technique which never fails to impress her audiences.

In these earlier years she won many of the major vocal competitions that exist in Ireland and received consistently glowing audience reactions for her solo performances. She is as comfortable in an intimate setting as she is singing to audiences of 2,000 or more at some of the best known concert venues in the US and Ireland including Walt Disney Hall Los Angeles, The Kimmel Center Philadelphia, The National Concert Hall in Dublin, The Waterfront Hall in Belfast and University Concert Hall Limerick.

No Depression...

No Depression has been serving the Americana, alt-country and roots music community since 1995 and I just found out about it today. Yes I'm the type of browser that clicks on website links, and today Riblet's from the video below took me to his page. Now minutes later I'm in the site. www.nodepression.com/profile/DaveZemanSchipper Now back to the Video... it's a song written by DAVIS/VOELKER SONGWRITING Duo from RATTLESNAKE VALLEY.

Last of the hobo kings by Mary Gauthier

A great 8 minutes to spend listening to Mary.

It is finished

Last night I felt tired of writing happy songs and I had this overwhelming passion to create a song inspired by Leonard Cohen's Hallelujah. I grabbed my son's electric guitar and started composing.

Ok, so true to his tweaking of King David's Bathsheba story, I thought about the road to Damascus and thought why not find a moment when true love was found NOT to be true. Wow... then I had the words "It is finished" run through my head. Kim will read this so I do tread on blasphemy, but she knows I'm a true believer. Who knows that God isn't inspiring me to use the words to open up the Bible to new ears. I digress but these things do flow through your mind.

So know I had a parts of the puzzle, I was determined it would not sound like another song I've written. So I plugged in Dustin's electric guitar, turned the patch to "METAL STACK", and then words and melody collided. I started with It is Finished... knew it was the chorus immediately. Remember the Chorus has to be the best part of the song, though if the rest is weak it'll be forgotten quickly. Then down my Damascus, but unlike Paul my revelation was that I was blinded by love.

What I love about it so far is that it can swing either voice, but I'm not crazy that I took the plunge to use Text. Such a modern phrase. I might stick with some and offend others. Now for the treat... I recorded the rift so that I can go back to work tomorrow without trying to remember it. It promises to be a busy week so I might now re-visit this for a while. Now I'll remember it later. The video starts with the chorus's melody line.

Finally yes some might find tangents in Dustin's current love life, but truly if it's in there so are many other pieces and parts from other love lives that I've ran into over the last 52 years.

It is Finished

Every night I wait for a text
And I cling to every word
Replies that leave me so perplex
Just feeling like a nerd

Then there is a glimpse of hope
A new life again after death
Only to find a new tight rope
We have drawn our last breath

It is finished, we are through
I beg forgiveness to the Lord
For you know not what you do
In the guise of loving true

Today I found my Damascus path
And my eyes were suddenly clear
Words you said too gift wrapped
I see there were just chevalier

Today I see I was on your strings
Trained to stay somewhere near
So say goodbye to your plaything
You’ve lost a treasure dear

It is finished, we are through
I beg forgiveness to the Lord
For you know not what you do
In the guise of loving true

By Dave Schipper © 2010 Rose Riversongs

Mary's Eyes.... the video

So I own this song since June 12th, and I've played it 62 times according to my iTunes...

The song was recommended ironically my a gay male blog reader friend of mine Bruce Potts, and it is written by Janis Ian a pretty famous lesbian, about Mary Black. Truly this is a great study in song writing.. Newcastle gold is a great way to say Coal black hair.... Novice to his fast? now where did that come from but isn't it true.. the first time you decide to fast you might be the most dedicated. The across the ocean is such a metaphor for the distances between people; and to stare across the water for a glimpse of Mary's eyes... Can you imagine the times that you truly want something and just stare out into space thinking about it. Then there is the ocean... distance so vast like 20 years apart, 30 miles, two blocks if someone doesn't see you staring.

Then there is the second verse... wow such contrast in each line. I did a paltry cover of it and posted it below but I really recommend you buying Janis's or Gaelic Storm... yet if I can get it better, I really think this should be sung by a guy and I'll put some studio time to it.

Mary's eyes are startling blue
And her hair's Newcastle gold
And she walks the thin white line between the body and the soul
She's as faithful to her history
As a novice to his fast
For she's standing on the bones of Ireland's past

Chorus:
She's singing of the troubles
And the fire in the land
'Til I can almost feel the famine slipping through my trembling hand
And i wonder as I hear her,
That the spirit still shines through
And she can reach across the ocean deep and break my heart in two...

Mary's wise and she is foolish
She's as constant as the tide
For it's a woman's heart that beats beneath that stubborn Irish pride
We are saints and we are sinners
We are heros we are thieves

We are all of us beginners on the road to Galilee

Chorus

So let us hiost a pint of silence
To the east where ireland lies
And we will stare across the waters
For a glimpse of Mary's eyes
We are ships without a harbor
We are sailors are on dry land
And the song goes on forever
Even though the record can't

Doesn't this just make you smile..

You make me feel so.. by Paul Cebar

So after I popped off the iPod and slipped a cd into the garage player... Paul brought me back to life.

Forever young by Anchor in the Valley

Kelsey Waldon does a great job on the song... makes it feel like an old Carter Family song.

Steve Marking with Sinatra songs...

Of course everyone loves romance with Sinatra.. and while I can't sing like my friend Steve Marking.. and I love to listen to him.. plus I had a chance to back him up once too.

Confession of a true romantic, happy Father's day

Here's a new piece and an old piece from me for Father's Day. My dad died awhile ago but when is not really important. Truly it is more sad when a child doesn't out live his parents. I was lucky to be raised by intensely passionate parents. Rich in work ethic, but never would I describe them as Saints. As I've grown, I've understood the patchwork that God loves in us... the deep navies and the trouble corduroys are right next to the rich flannel and the bright silk. So for Father's Day I go back to something he passed me that I can't erase, romance. Say what you will about Dad, but he raised seven children while flirting with every pretty woman I ever saw him close to at a wedding or family get together.

First a song I wrote for Dad back in 2005...

Me and Dad never talked to much
He pounded nails for a paltry pay
We were just Catholic White Trash
Goin to church but not actin’ that way

Now I’m walkin’ with the ghost of my old man
I live his purgatory today
Refresh his soul from his bigotry
I am walkin’ in his footsteps everyday.
I am walkin’ in his footsteps everyday.

Dad had an eye on pretty girls,
He had sparkle eyes when he flirted
Now over 40 and I do the same
But like Dad, we never cheated

Your craft made wood come to life
Red River Valley was a hymn to you
Now I make the guitar wood sing
And I hasten to bid you adieu

Now I’m walkin’ with the ghost of my old man
I live his purgatory today
Refresh his soul from his bigotry
I am walkin’ in his footsteps everyday.
I am walkin’ in his footsteps everyday.

Footsteps Everyday by Dave Schipper © RoseRiversongs 2005

Next is just a fresh piece of prose with many inspirations from Leonard Cohen, Harry Chapin, and Rod McKuen ... so a guy's got to write about he knows sometimes '-) and I doubt if it will become a song like the last one. Of course, I do think it has potential if I write a cool chorus.. (eternal optimist ... yep I would think Dad first for an influence on that one.)

It is with dread I tell my story; my confession.
As I open myself to the honesty of consequences.
Addicted, I must avoid the public places of life
Anytime I sit in the open, it’s mere moments
And I’m lost in romance of another stranger.

These novelettes are one sided but each unique.
The cotton print of the blushing brunette
The piercing eyes of the gray hair beauty
The pug braid accentuating her long neck
And I’m lost in the unfolding love and danger.

The vulnerability is my haunting pleasure
These souls don’t realize their power over me
I’d be on bended knee in a flash if they knew.
A mere sentence or two would pierce a shy armor
Bleeding passion profusely, a life changer.

Though no one is hurt, scar tissue is growing.
Not that this play has no acts or scenes set,
It’s just that the reality of a few minutes
Is dwarfed by the epic played out in my head.
I’m just lost again in romance and I linger.

But drag me through the gutter; I do go on.
And I must admit my saviors are the angels.
I must only be attracted to the true golden ones.
They see this halo of a ring I wear proudly
And treat me as some else’s gift and tender.

Well a leopard can’t change his spots, nor I.
I am blanketed in love from a special woman.
One who knows me for the gypsy lover within
So my heart will skip a beat for sparkling eyes
And I’ll be lost in romance with another stranger.

But I sleep at peace with my true love
With a smile on my face.

(c) by Dave Schipper 2010 Rose Riversongs

ok maybe I have read way too much Rod McKuen in my youth... Happy Father's day to all.. and I hope that your boys grow up to be romantics in love with every woman they see.

Julia

Angie drove deep in my soul a few years back. Such an angel, and she left to prop her family in Colorado leaving me with the inspiration for this song.

Mary's Eyes....

Thanks for Bruce and his recommendation... I didn't realize that Janis Ian also was enthralled by Mary Black's eyes... video isn't much to watch, but it's a very good cover. I personally went and downloaded Janis's song from iTunes; and you should too.

Mary Black...

I've always loved any song I've heard sing... this video had me captured in her piercing gray eyes.

John Prine on Letterman

My hero.

Sponsored by Gillette Pro Glide?

hey watch Pete's video and leave a tasty comment... wish him luck, it's an outstanding video.

Singer Songwriter Interview

This hits home!

Seven Bridges, Seven Tales

Originally posted June 26, 2009; I thought this was perfect way to remember the fallen soldiers, and the ones that came home and lived with the war a little bit longs. This is likely my most researched piece, down to knowing that Albert is buried in a cemetary just a mile from my house. The Richie Havens story is a little embellished, but it could have happened.


In seven minutes, seven miles breeze by
To my right, the old road beckons
Seven bridges, and seven stories
For my delight, if I just listen.

Lizzy,
Lizzy paid no attention to crickets
But that gun shot made her jump.
Crazy Bill McGilvary shouted
“Dem swamp rattlers!
Liz listen up next time
They sound just like crickets!”







7 minutes, 7 miles
7 bridges, 7 tales.






Davey,
Davey just had an itch to fish
But he had chores galore.
Ma’s fresh pie served as a bribe
And little Jim, he won’t mind
He’ll do the chores just fine
While he finds time to fish.






7 minutes, 7 miles
7 bridges, 7 tales.





Joanie
Joanie had a hankerin for fun
Like a red shouldered hawk
She swooped in on Henry
“Kee Year” she mimicked.
In the bottomland grass,
She rolled with her new hun.





7 minutes, 7 miles
7 bridges, 7 tales.




Billy,
Billy cursed that bridge from hell.
Clinton embossed the back of his neck
As he hung motionless from the A frame.
Damn riverboat gamblers
Took his life savings
So he hung there a spell.








7 minutes, 7 miles
7 bridges, 7 tales.







Tommy,
Tommy never really came back
So he made these swamps his home.
Nam killed more than his hearing
He lost trust in people
They say the lost site of him
As waded out in the river named Black.








7 minutes, 7 miles
7 bridges, 7 tales.



Ritchie
Ritchie mumbled “How did this happen?
Rental piece of shit,” but he hated flying.
Aw a strawberry stand, and a latin beauty.
“Two bits for sweet carazon.”
“Precious what’s your name”
“Oh they call me Donna”






7 minutes, 7 miles
7 bridges, 7 tales.




Albert,
Albert was nineteen in 1865
At the Spanish Fort battle in ‘Bama.
He was 90 when they laid him down
Four miles from the bridge
He and Rynert used to fish
Sure wished he would have survived.












In seven minute, seven miles breezed by
To my right, the old road beckoned
Seven bridges, and seven stories
For your delight, if you listened.





by Dave Zeman (c) 2009 Rose Riversongs





Story behind the song can be read at http://songwriting202.blogspot.com

Photo Credits

Swamp Rattler -massasauga, Red Shouldered Hawk, Historical Marker, Ritchie Valens, Green Mound Cemetary, Bridges & Swamp, Riverboat Gambler

Lady in Blue

I revisited a song that I wrote a while back based on a little inspiration from Hope Waits. She had posted a picture of herself in blue sepiatones, and was recently lamenting loneliness in the city of Hollywood. A few other tidbits may have a tie into reality, but the song flows as a fictional story. This lady I don't know if I want to meet, but Hope Waits... anytime.

Funny thing happens when you revisit a song after three years, you re-write a line or two, change a few chords, and maybe make it better. Song writing isn't a science, and it isn't a contest; it's a passion to tell a short story in 3-4 minutes. Why stick your head in a book for days... here you go... here's atleast a chapeter with pictures no less of the beautiful Hope Waits


She fixated on a venomous moment
Surrounded by a harried world.
Just sits alone with her personal torment.
A bottle of Jack numbs the senses
Maybe she’ll go dress up with pearls tonight
Hit the bars and take some chances.


The lady in blue has a life to choose.
The lady in blue stuck in Hollywood.
The lady in blue turns to look away
The lady in blue will find a way.

Her tall and slender frame turns heads
She’s learned to ignore them easily
But with this she’s added a hard edge.
An armor of cold disdain for true love
She can crush those who come weakly
Leaving her left with the just the stuff.


The lady in blue has a life to choose.
The lady in blue stuck in Hollywood.
The lady in blue turns to look away
The lady in blue will find a way.

A trickle of hope is never really gone
She was raised with grace and joy
But left it behind to write her song
The lady bumps into life in the dark
Will she choose to notice or be coy?
And in the end she’s just make a choice.

Lady in Blue by Dave Schipper © 2007/10 Rose Riversongs Photos from myspace.com/hopewaits

a quick video for me to remember it...

Larry Heagle....

Lori and I went to the Big River last night with a few of our friends (Ha.. 9 of us ultimately from Holmen)... and I didn't get the connection that Larry was the writer of a The Vasectomy Rag. It was a song I knew along time ago from Clay, and when he added it to his recent house concert, it brought such a smile.



This worse Country song by Larry was done last night, and I wonder if it isn't absolutely intentional that the sound doesn't match the video below. You get a chance, stop and see Larry sometime.

I believe in you... Tyler and Kina

I happened into this video tonight... what a great song, and great harmonies... these two should do more than a video together...

Funny I had Kina Grannis as a MySpace friend, and this is her second time on the Zemmy Show... And Tyler Hilton... don't know much but he seems like a talent.

Introducing Seth Horan

Well last night I was introduced to this great voice and talented bass player.... Seth Horan, by a friend of my son... yes a 20 year old can talk to me anytime about good music, and this is good music... so much so that I've reached out to a solo bass player to play at our house concert... crazy... you'll agree not after you watch this video.

Jolene by Ray LaMontagne

This song is fairly new to me but it is already tied to some stories that will be with me for a long time. During the interview I had with Briana with Second Supper... Hope Waits came up in conversation, so I started the 4 track demo ep she sent me and continued talking. As her song Jolene came on, Briana stopped the conversation and said isn't that a Ray... and she stammered out the last name kind of like I did. I said maybe, Hope didn't pass me the credits. After she left, I quickly became immersed in Ray's music. Incredible that I had missed him. Later I shared the story with Hope, and she told me of an incredible personal family tie to the song because her dad's first wife's name was Jolene, and she helped the healing of her huge family when her mother, (her Dad's second wife) died. Top it off with an intensely powerful song, and it'll be with me forever.

My cut... and stick with it toward the end to see the outtakes...



and I wasn't kidding about that talented Hope Waits ...

News article on Bluff View Concerts

Briana did an outstanding job capturing the feel of the concert series.... Read on...

Holmen concert series brings music out of bars, into garage
By: briana.rupel@secondsupper.com
People who call the Coulee Region home are no strangers to live music. In fact, throw a dart at a map of local bars on any given day of the week, and it's a near-guarantee that you'll find something aurally pleasing: a groovy blues show at Nighthawk's, a foot-stompin' jam session at The Popcorn, or a smooth jazz set at Bodega. Since January 2009, a new venue has been added to this proverbial map; a charming house snuggled up against the bluffs in northern Holmen, where Dave Schipper and his wife, Lori, invite nationally touring musicians to play a handful of house concerts a year, right in their living room.

Pull into the driveway, and you're likely to find Dave kicked back on his porch, strumming on an acoustic guitar and occasionally taking a sip out of a glass of wine. A longtime music-lover (the guy has over 3,000 albums on vinyl) and musician himself, Dave stumbled into the house concert scene almost unintentionally through social networking sites.

"I got on MySpace mainly to connect with other musicians because my hope and desire was to someday be covered as a songwriter," he explains. Meanwhile, a folk-singing friend of the Schippers was trying to raise money for a church trip to South America. When asked if they would be up for hosting a concert at their house as a fundraiser, the couple was enthusiastic to help. .... Finish the article here... and leave a tasty thank you to Bri.

A friends recommendation

You are the best thing... or could be

God I love connections. Recently I have been digging into the connections of personality types and I am an ENTP if are keeping score at home. So totally unrelated, but connected in my mind, a beautiful soul came to interview me tonight on the House Concerts, and while I played a demo song from Hope Waits for her, she mentioned it was a Ray LaMontage song. Undaunted to discover, this seems to be a hit by him, and I'm determined to add it the Rose River set... yes... I'm always looking for a little smoky blues song I can cover..

Morning song to Sally

Tonight I was bouncing around listening to both Jerry Jeff and Nanci on YouTube... what a wonderful time... here's one where Nanci adds such a beautiful harmony.

Matt Harlan on Music Fog

MusicFog.com is starting to post a lot of their videos from SXSW 2010 at Threadgills... wow, I wish I could make it there some year. Matt is not a person I know much about..... YET

This is good..

Would I lie to you?

Allison my Yvonne Stahovski

Matt Coleman & Allison Sattinger.. God knows I love these two but for you let's just say that you would be special to run into them live because of all of life's demands and the great 40 hour a week job. Let's not ever dismay either but relish how when you can catch it live like Jeremy did in the video below....relish it... maybe buy them a wine or beer afterward, and ultimately just befriend them.



the title of the blog... hell I've met Allison and got a hug... if this blog helps me meet Yvonne, oh that would be so sad. '-)

Any old kind of day...

Yes it was just any old kind of day, bought doughnuts for my birthday treat, handled some stressed out employees, attended a meeting, did some data queries, tried to promote the house concert, caught lunch at McD's and smiled at the young girls, sold some stuff on ebay, listened to How Lucky 22 times to learn it, ate a great supper made by a loving wife, watched House & Chuck (thank you DVR), and now I'm think something is left behind.



This guy loves to cover Harry and does just a wonderful job.

When the Angels come out

Our Rose River band has a few friends that seem to follow us around, and even to church. One of them is Justin Bodin, and to meet Justin is to instantly know you've met a friend with overflowing love for everyone. He penned a poem and passed it to Tim to see if we could play it at Church. I didn't have to change it much at all to make it the following song. Justin's dad works with Tim, and is related to the original owners of the Bodin fishing outfit out of Bayfield Wisconsin. If you have ever tasted Lake Superior Whitefish, you know that it is something else. That preciousness is the same that Justin lives his life... Sweet! Enjoy some dancin angels... I'll get you a tape of some better singers of the song someday.

Dave



Chorus
When the Angels come out
In the moonlight they sing
To the Heaven’s above
And they praise the Lord

When the Angels get together
Around the stars
They dance on the moon
All night long


When you opened the kingdom of heaven to me
For everyone to see
You gave us a new life and happiness
For others to see you.

Chorus

When we walk hand in hand with Angels on earth
All people created by God
We sing with the power of heavens above
For others to see you.

By Justin Bodin

Bluff View House concert treat

Number #19 on the Americana Charts in Europe to playing at my house concert in little old Holmen WI just north of LaCrosse WI...

Can I say that I'm excited?

Kim Davidson's These Forty Years

This one should go out to my friend at work Janelle who just turned 40. Kim Davidson is a wonderful singer songrwriter near Boston who surprised me once with a melody to a poem I wrote, Opposite Destiny. It eventually did get put on to my iTunes released CD

Home is where Mom is

A fine original from a local artist who I have been graced to meet... plus a fine photographer... Melissa Kay McCarthy

Nanci and Suzi from '92

I thought 9:00 minutes what could hold me standing in the kitchen watching a video... this one.

So I carry on

Phantoms by Rose Reiter has been a favorite of mine... she spliced some tasty personal footage to the song... enjoy

Kendel Carson ... musical Strahotski

Ok this song fits the theme, and she sure does... such an angel.

I apologize...

I'm officially stretched to a point where this blog means alot but I'm not getting to it..

the house concert series I run is tomorrow and Sunday... about 80 people will indulge in live acoustic music... AWESOME

Chairs are set.

Strahotski.com

Long term readers of both my blog spot and MySpace blogs will clearly tell you all that I have an eye to a pretty woman, but essential is a pretty smile and oh the eyes. I walk to a different drummer but it is hard not to appreciate a few cultural icons like Natalie Portman. Then came Chuck, with their no name actress from Austrailia named Yvonne Strahovski. Wow... I don't think I've ever missed the show and it's because it makes me laugh deeply from my insides, but it makes my eyes tear when I see the face, eyes and expressions from Yvonne. Now surviving into their 3rd season, she's getting on many top sexy woman lists, and she is worth it; but frankly... I'd love to share a beer and barby with this Sheila from Aussie... who knows we might find a common bond in some music. I'm an old fart, so I find it as homage to a beautiful woman who could be my daughter... I'd prefer Uncle, it would drive me crazy if she were my daughter and noted all the fawny over her.... like at www.strahotski.com Of course, it's my favorite website... I only look at her eyes and smile.
yes all the pictures are from www.strahotski.com

Simply a great interview

Have a little faith in me

I almost reposted this video tonight and note I posted it 5 months ago... so John Haitt is playing up at the Big Top and boy I'm tempted though I'm normally real busy during this time... we'll see, but until then.. listen to Allison cover his song:

the original post:

It's been a while since Allison posted any new video... is this weird... but wasn't there a show about watching Ed alll day... ok I just want her to sit down once a day, sing a song and post it... ok I suppose that's what happens in heaven... until then, I'll take a few glimpse of heaven.

JD Souther... hmm not the greatest interview

but pretty intriguing... He is survivor and I'm sure glad he's back kicking doors everywhere... great songwriter.

Introducing Sugar Beats

Ah yes... Rachel Pearl has me wrapped around her finger... just flash that Mona Lisa smile and that dimple, and I'll ask what would you like me to do?... Like your new group... three attractive quality singers, great harmonies?.. a jazz coming of the Wailin Jenny's... I'm there.

"Rachel Pearl, Rebecca Sayre, and Kristin Porter are three independent artists. Put them together and WAM...it sure is sweet."

Yvonne Strahovski's Paper Commerical

Looks like this was shot before her days of Chuck... spunky with a ream of paper now she uses guns and knives in the show I never ever miss... "Chuck"

DeCadence "So Much Grace"

If I ever wake up to hear a song of mine be sung 9 women, I'm sure I'll start sobbing... when I found it and sent it to Allison, she just responded "DAVE OMG"... it couldn't have happened to a better person. Here's the video description:



DeCadence performing "So Much Grace," by Allison Sattinger, at the 16th Annual A Cappella Against AIDS Benefit Concert at UC Berkeley on February 26, 2010. Sorry about the break in the video near the end, but everyone thought the song was over when it was just a pause and I stopped the camera.

Proceeds went to the AIDS Project East Bay http://www.apeb.org

Curious Things Given Wings by The Outside Track

http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/curious-things-given-wings/id360291820

I was drawn back to The Outside Track by my familiarity with Norah Rendell's singing; and while I considered taking just the vocal tracks, I am so ecstatic about having the entire CD to listen over and over again. The instrumentals with their texture from the harp, the beautiful melodies, the precision of excellent box, flute, and fiddle, and of course the intensity. Their cut "Le Voyage" instantly brought to my mind a comparison to what Rodrigo Y Gabriela brings to their music.

Then there is that little thing of Norah's singing. Wow, Farewell Song accompanied me along a walk with the sun setting on my shoulder, and Norah's beautiful ballad in my ears. Silvy Silvy is tastefully accompanied, and I could listen to the story of Caroline over and over with Norah's vocals as superb as her flute playing.

Here's the details I found at http://www.footstompin.com/products/cds/curious_things_given_wings

The Outside Track - Curious Things Given Wings: The second CD from The Outside Track is a mix of traditional Scottish, Irish, Canadian and original songs and tunes, and features Norah Rendell (Canadian Traditional Singer of the Year nominee), Mairi Rankin (Rankin family, Beolach), Ailie Robertson (Live Ireland Winner, BBC Young Trad Finalist), Fiona Black (BBC Fame Academy Winner), and Cillian O'Dalaigh (Trazz), and was produced by Mattie Foulds at Heriot Toun studio. A talented line-up delivering a synthesis of virtuosity and energy,

Norah Rendell: song, flute, whistle
Mairi Rankin: fiddle, song
Ailie Robertson: Scottish harp
Fiona Black: piano accordion and fiddle
Cillian O'Dalaigh: guitar, flute

... modern acoustic folk music of the very highest order...Maverick Magazine

Daily song : Heroes : The Story tellers

Ok I so apologize for taking too many days off. I had a few personal things going on in my life that was sucking the joy in my life. It's mostly behind so let's start catching up. I promise for Lent there will be at least 40 of these types of posts. Tonight storytellers. I don't think there was any better than Harry Chapin and this 9 minute song pulled me thru my acne laden teen years.... Not always a thought of as happy end, but you aren't going anywhere so why don't you listen to it...

Daily song : Heroes : The Forgivers

I'm sorry tonight I need this for myself and the people who believe they are above the human truth. May we all see the Grace of God.

Daily song : Heroes : The Healers

Healers? Let's get past the mystical or even the heavenly documented healers. Come on... don't we know so many Doctor, Nurse, or just Health care Provider that has not only gone beyond our expectation but beyond the expected care of their employer. Employer... isn't that an interesting issue during this Health care debate.... but let me bring you back to healing scars of wounds made by lies... wounds made by the easiest form.. self pride. God knows that you are good, but he/she scoffs that you are right. If you truly claim you are... well get in line.. He's got I think Peter to judge those lies because he can relate.

Until then ... relate to this..

Daily song : Heroes : Cowboys

Isn't it obvious that a Hero of mine would have been Willie Nelson, and of his soul of a cowboy...

Daily song : Heroes : Farmers

Stan Rogers wrote the best farmer story in the Field behind the Plow....

Daily song : Heroes : Train people

I grew up blocks away from a train track. In my childhood, I was immersed in Johnny Cash. Then came my formative music life, you know when you know it all.... late teens early twenties... then it was Prine, Goodman, and Croce. Trains are in my gypsy blood, and I think even the bums are heroes. Here's a great video of Todd Snider done by who else... MusicFog.com



There... I think I caught up now... sorry I lost a day or so along the way.

Introducing Holly Kirby

I really don't know how I ended up with Holly in my many YouTube subscriptions. All I can tell you is that for the last 30 minutes I have been immersed in such beauty.... Singing of course, but what a charmer and talent when it comes to putting a video together. I highly recommend you subscribe to one of these things... her YouTube Channel, her blog, her website, or her MySpace site. Personally, I'm not a huge fan of Enya and surreal pop music, but I found alot more depth in Holly's music.

This is an absolutely great cover of Joni's Carey


Carrickfergus... another favorite.


An original from Holly... a strong pop song with a great video editing.


Poetry ... isn't this unique?