The Smile Sessions

How many songs can you come up with about heroes and/or villains?

So Tonight That I Might See

The uber-bloody Gears of War video game is using this Mazzy Star song in its latest commercial- the haunting track juxtaposed against images of muscled heroes killing monsters and such. I don't know much about video games, but I was sure glad to hear this song again..

I'm in Matewan, West Virginia, where tomorrow I'm running the Hatfield And McCoy Marathon. Here's one of my heroes Howlin' Wolf, singing about his 'runnin'shoes', shortly after a rather sharp exchange with the seminal Son House.

Ronnie Lane was best known as the bassist for the Small Faces and Faces, but he was also a magnificent solo artist in his own right. Although his work with Slim Chance charted two semi-hits, Lane never achieved the commercial success that many thought he deserved. Nevertheless, Lane was highly regarded, both as a person and musician, amongst those he crossed paths with. I once spent a drunken night in Birmingham, England with Faces' keyboardist Ian McLagan and Billy Bragg, where every drink was lifted in Lane's honor, and he was fondly remembered in story after story. Enjoy this song from one of my heroes and raise a glass if you feel so inclined.

Happy Memorial Day! Ya'll be safe out there.

I heard the sad news that the saxophone giant, Michael Brecker had died of cancer. Nicole dedicated a CLLN Music Club post to him on Saturday, but I wanted to share my feelings.

I have a heavy heart with this news. He was one of my all-time heroes and influenced my playing and many other saxophonists in so many ways. I started the CLLN Music Club for a variety of reasons, but I never thought it would give me the opportunity to share that admiration directly with Michael.

On May 31, 2006, I posted a clip of his miraculous playing and that's when I found out that he had cancer. To my surprise, he emailed me almost immediately:

Dear John,

Thanks for the video and kind words on C&L.
I really appreciate it-and it helps me in my current physical state.
I'm getting a bit stronger every day...and even playing a bit in my basement.

I'm also greatly enjoying C&L!!
Keep up the great work and thanks again,

From your fan,
Michael Brecker

My City of Ruins from America: A Tribute to Heroes