Busker Days: Craig Ventresco "Hoosier Sweatheart / There Ain't No Land Like Dixieland To Me"

I've been on a bit of a hiatus from keeping you all informed on the SF busker scene (from the perspective of my microcosm, of course).  I have to admit that the death of Jesse Morris, a great musician and a real good guy, is part of the reason - his absence is palpable.  Sure, having all of my field recording equipment stolen doesn't help.  Eager to get back in the game, I thought I'd dig into my archives and see what's what.

While digging around, what immediately caught my attention (and excited my ears) was the other recording I did of Craig Ventresco back in early 2011 down in Montgomery BART station.  (You can hear the first recording here.)  Today's tune is another ragtime medley, this time two songs from the early 1900s.  It starts off with Hoosier Sweatheart by Goodwin - Ashe - Baskette, published in 1927, and careens off into There Ain't No Land Like Dixieland To Me by popular songwriter Walter Donaldson (1893-1947), also published in 1927.

Enjoy Craig and the sounds of his lovely Fraulini guitar....

Vinyl Frontier

Busker Days: Harold Armenson - St. James Infirmary

We recently picked up this low-fi recording of a busker in Boston, Mass doing the traditional tune, St. James Infirmary.

Vinyl Frontier: Elvis Presley

Song of the Week: Jessica Lea Mayfield - Our Hearts Are Wrong

Languid. From Jessica Lea Mayfield's sophomore release, Tell Me, we have Our Hearts Are Wrong. The song, as is the whole album, was produced by Dan Auerbach of the Black Keys. 

Video Diary: Elvis Presley - Trying To Get To You

Thirty Five years ago today, Elvis Presley (allegedly) died.

Vinyl Frontier: Spinning 45s

Song Of The Week: Phil and The Frantics - Say That You Will

Here we have the flip-side to yesterday's post. I couldn't not post this excellent song after talking about what a killer two-sided single this record made. Say That You Will is filled with quirkiness. Every aspect of the song: the saxophone, the chuncka-chunka incessant lead work and the funky little stutter stop organ breaks -- first heard at :25 -- are just wickedly quirky. Everything, EVERYTHING, about this record is excellent. So, which song do you like better? Say That You Will or the flip, Till You Get What You Want? Let us know below. Oh, say that you will.

Video Diary: Jack White - Sixteen Saltines

Part four of four of our Red Rocks love fest. Jack White headlined a kick ass show last night at Red Rocks. This song, Sixteen Saltines, was the first song of the amazing encore which also included Hardest Button to Button, Seven Nation Army and Goodnight Irene. One of the best shows I've ever seen.

Video Diary: Pokey Lafarge and the South City Three - La La Blues

Part three of Red Rocks video diary. Pokey Lafarge and the South City Three performed last night in support of the headlining act, Jack White.

Video Diary: Alabama Shakes - Hang Loose

Part two of the Red Rocks addition. The Alabama Shakes opened for Neil Young at Red Rocks.

Video Diary: Neil Young - Needle and the Damage Done

Here is the first in my Red Rocks collection. Neil Young performed their two nights ago.

Vinyl Frontier: Marilyn Monroe

Marilyn Monroe's death was 50 years ago. Gotta love the fact that her image endures so many years later.