Julian Dawson - Countdown Continues

More reflection, sort of...

George Winston - Just In Time

Saw the real "GW" at the historic Saenger Theater in New Orleans long before Katrina all but destroyed it. He shared his admiration for Professor Longhair which was a nice touch. One magical performance thanks to musician and venue...

Eric Clapton - Let It Grow

Used to practice this one on the drums right here in the den of this little house. On one hand, it seems like a long time ago and on the other, it seems like just yesterday. To a much simpler time...

The Beatles - Countdown Continues

Needed a reminder for reflection as the year winds down. Per John Lennon, "Life is what happens to you while you're busy making other plans." All too true. I checked my pick with our resident expert on the Beatles and this one has Lex's approval.

Paul Rodgers, Seagull - Countdown to the New Year

Saw Mr. Rodgers & Company at the Municipal Auditorium in New Orleans back in the '70s. Very tight performance with an amazing drum solo by one Simon Kirke but this is the number that I remember from the concert.

Marc Broussard - Home

Good bit of rain this Christmas morn, wind has been howling something fierce tonight with a freeze forecasted for bright and early tomorrow. Toasty warm in the old home with Bella fast asleep on the old bed and next to her, Lex is playing a game on her fancy new laptop from Santa and I just hung a "New Orleans - Proud to swim home" print by PK7 on the bedroom wall.

Nothing better than being Home, just ask one soulful Mr. Broussard of Carencro, Louisiana, up the bayou a bit.

Mia Borders - A Very Special Christmas Gift

One for each of my readers - pick a favorite if you're able. Merry Christmas! Oh and E - I know what you are thinking but you claimed Grace all for yourself, so back off...

James Dewar - Christmas Is Here

Hail Hosanna To The Lord, Welcome To The Newborn King. Countdown Complete With A Performance For The Ages.

One For Two Brothers Headed Home

Teens to be taken off life support

By John DeSantis, Senior Staff Writer
Published: Tuesday, December 21, 2010 at 11:47 a.m.
Last Modified: Tuesday, December 21, 2010 at 11:47 a.m.

HOUMA — Two teenage brothers rescued from a wreck Friday in Bourg will not survive their ordeal, family members said this morning.

Derrick “D.J.” Williams, 19, and Zane Williams, 13, were being kept alive so their organs could be harvested to ensure life for others, said an aunt, Joyce Thibodeaux of Houma.

Paul Rodgers & Buddy Guy - Muddy Water Blues

Of two things I am certain - Paul can sing and Buddy can play, two masters of their trade. While there is nothing wrong with the visual on this one, try it kicked back with your eyes closed.

Benny Grunch & The Bunch - Countdown to Christmas

I know, I know but it's tradition in N'Awlins ya'll. Hope "Where y'at?" is a good place for you this Christmas...

CCR - Born On The Bayou

Springsteen was spot on when he said that they may not have been the biggest but they sure were the best.

Fogerty's Tribute to Elvis

Only the original from Centerfield (released January 1985) would do here. Two Big Trains if you ask me... Thanks JF.

Jeff Beck Group w/ Cozy Powell - From the Vault

One for Blaise, Rock On Brother. Looking forward to seeing you and the family after too long...

Nothing like a little Cozy Powell on the drums to pull it all together.

Aaron Neville - Countdown to Christmas

The voice of an angel, a big one. No one does it better.

Jb&S "Once We Had Hair" Music Award - The Romantics

Lex didn't believe me when I told her about the hair on the boyz from Detroit but here's proof positive.

"\

Mark Knopfler Starts the Countdown to Christmas

When Jack Frost came for Christmas
With a brass monkey date
The rail-king and the scarecrow
Hopped a florlda freight
And they blew on their paper cups
And stared through the steam
Then they drank half a bottle
Of ragpicker's dream where

The whiskey keeps following
Cold pitchers of beer
Me and my associate
Like the clientele here get
The onions and the 'taters
Rib-eyes on the grill
Toothpicks and luckies
And a coffee refill as

The rail-king lay rocking
He was leaving the ground
Then he was flying like santa claus
Over the town where
He came to the window
Of a house by a stream
It was a family christmas
In the ragpicker's dream there

Were kids at the table
All aglow in the light
Music in the wintertime
Sure carries at night there
Was turkey and gravy
Pie and ice-cream
And gifts for each and everyone
In the ragpicker's dream where

The red-eye keeps tumbling
In our glasses of beer
Me and my associate
Like the service in here there's
A ten for your trouble
You have beautiful hair
Make the last one two doubles
It's a cold one out there where

The scarecrow and the rail-king
Have started to dance
But a nightstick and a billyclub
Won't give peace a chance here
I think they went thataways
Your song and dance team
Heading home for the holidays
With the ragpicker's dream on

His knees like a fighter
The rail-riding king
Like a sack of potatoes
Like a bull in the ring where
The scarecrow falls over
With a tear in the seam
Home for the rover
In the ragpicker's dream where

The red-eye keeps tumbling
Like tears in our beer
Me and my associate
Like the ambience here where
They cornered two castaways
In a white flashlight beam
Merry christmas and happy days
In the ragpicker's dream

Ten Years After at Woodstock - Goin' Home

Speaking of going home, Jetboy can't wait for this coming Wednesday. Wonder if Alvin Lee's guitar ever caught fire...

Sasha Smith - California

Came across this performance while searching for the musician who played piano on Tommy Malone's 2001 Soul Heavy release. Sounds right to me and might just take a good friend home for the moment - "crank up Randy Newman, crank up the Beach Boys." That would be a good thing.

Bobby Charles & Friends - Last Train To Memphis

Had a request for more "old school" music during the week from a friend who hails from New Iberia, La. Came across this tune (along with a quick history lesson) while looking for something close to her neck of the woods.

Mr. Guidry, passed in January of this year just shy of his 72nd birthday. But before he did, this son of Abbeville, La., sure made his mark. He penned a few that you might recognize - See You Later, Alligator (a hit for Bill Haley & the Comets), Walking to New Orleans (Fats Domino) and one of my all-time favorites, Why are People Like That (Tab Benoit). And, there are more...

This one taking us to Memphis to see the King is from a 2003 release where he got a little help from the likes of Sonny Landreth, Delbert McClinton, Fats Domino, Dr. John, Maria Muldaur, Neil Young and Willie Nelson among others. Good company for a country boy.

Rainy Night In Georgia with the Neville Touch

Still a teenager, Tony Joe White of Oak Grove, La., penned this timeless beauty in 1962. Brook Benton nailed it in 1970 just like New Orleans' own Aaron Neville does here. Reminds me of another time and place and also that there are good things to come. Rare indeed...

Nils Lofgren - No Mercy

This one came to mind after reading Eclectipundit's post in memory of Jacques Sandulescu and in admiration of his wife, Annie. I've got some reading to do. Thanks E for the reminder and for yet another lesson...

Grace Potter & The Nocturnals - Revival Style

From start to finish, no doubt about this one. Can I get an Amen?