Comments on: Blues Bytes – Patsy Cline 6.29.12

By: revbilly

revbilly — Mon, 02 Jul 2012 18:11:56 +0000

Hey Doc:
E.G. is certainly a most talented vocalist. Ms. Brent also happens to be a big favorite of mine.
Check out these remastered Cline sides and I think you’ll see why her place in history has nothing to do with a life that makes for a good movie, but instead based on her ability to knock it out of the park vocally on every one of the fifty+ selections. Keep checking in, always love to hear from you, even it’ s having financial consequences!!

By: revbilly

revbilly — Mon, 02 Jul 2012 18:03:31 +0000

Hey Cheri:
I beg you to fork out the cash for this collection. I did the legal downloads off of Emusic. Amazon charges more for the actual CD’s, but apparently the liner notes are really comprehensive. When you read the list of the players on the sessions it begins to make sense.
Floyd Cramer-piano
Harold Bradley, Hank Garland, Chet Atkins-guitars
Bill Black-bass
The Jordanaires-background vocals.
Etc, etc.
These were the AA session players in Nashville, the same ones that played on Elvis’ RCA sides.
Combine them with a voice that, thanks to the 24-bit process, renders superlatives pointless, and you’ve got music that deserves such recognition and praise. Enjoy!

By: revbilly

revbilly — Mon, 02 Jul 2012 17:54:50 +0000

Mark, comments like yours only add fuel to the fire.
All credit goes to senior editor Chip Eagle for his refusal to accept anything less than a personal best on a weekly basis.
In a world of manufactured “product” it is our responsibility to present those three minute moments, captured in a recording studio, that have quite literally, changed American popular culture. Really appreciate the comments, jump in any time.

By: revbilly

revbilly — Mon, 02 Jul 2012 17:43:42 +0000

Hey Bob:
I’m going to talk to Chip about putting you on salary! Thanks so much for your kind words and I check every week to see what you’ve added.
I really love the fact that this column has morphed into a de facto panel discussion by those of us that have spent our lives both championing and explaining the music we feel is timeless in it’s greatness.
Your insights always hit the target. Country singers and blues singers (there’s those damn labels again) both came from, at best, modest backgrounds. Their lives weren’t American Idol vs. a Reality Show,. whichever one offers the best residuals. They had one shot and that was their ticket out.
However, back then there was something known as “Artist Development.”
I remember that Charlie Pride released at least ten singles before “Kiss An Angel Good Mornin’.”

Given that, do you think the fact that theses artists came along in a singles-driven market, made a difference?

Finally, the complete mind blower is that Patsy only recorded for an extremely brief time. Captured indeed, much like when Aretha and hubby went to Fame Studios, and were a bit “surprised.” Have you ever heard the original “I Ain’t Never Loved a Man” with the mini-sermonette at the beginning. Daddy would have been proud (or scandalized).

By: Marty Gunther

Marty Gunther — Mon, 02 Jul 2012 17:05:35 +0000

Amen, my brother! She’s always had a special place in my heart — and on my turntable. There’s never been anyone to duplicate her, and she definitely straddles that thin line between country and the true, downhome blues. There’s never been anyone who could top her when it comes to putting raw emotion on a platter.

By: Cheri Stewart

Cheri Stewart — Sun, 01 Jul 2012 16:43:06 +0000

Dear Billy,
You bring insight to Patsy Cline that I’m sure most people never fathomed before, it’s awe inspiring. We will certainly hear these tunes in a new way. Thank you.
Sincerely, Cheri

By: Dr D

Dr D — Sat, 30 Jun 2012 15:46:26 +0000

Great piece. Looks like Amazon is getting more of my money. Whether she belongs in the same room as Patsy Cline or not may be debatable but I’d be interested to see some viewpoints on E.G. Kite singing the blues.

By: Mark K.

Mark K. — Sat, 30 Jun 2012 10:51:48 +0000

Thanks for another fine article. It’s a pleasure to read the highly articulate comments of someone who has listened very deeply and found something well-worth appreciating. I will be guided by your advice (just as I was with your piece about the Mezz Mezzrow book). Thanks again.

By: Bob Porter

Bob Porter — Sat, 30 Jun 2012 01:18:10 +0000

Another first rate piece of work, Rev. Perhaps the difference between the masterpieces of yesteryear and the ones of today is that one is captured while the other is manufactured.