Chuck's Blog

Now here’s a bit o’gold…

Chuck — Fri, 02 Jul 2010 14:46:22 +0000

Elizabeth Cotten performs "Freight Train"

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w4UWLBHL9wI&feature=related
Elizabeth "Libba" Cotten (1895-1987) built her musical legacy on a firm foundation of late 19th- and early 20th-century African-American instrumental traditions and fine musicianship. She strung her guitar upside down, the bass notes to the bottom. This meant she would thumb the treble strings while finger-picking the bass notes, creating an almost inimitable sound. Her method was so influential it became known as the "Cotten style."

Watch this unique style in a performance of "Freight Train," her best-known song, edited from film taken by Pete and Toshi Seeger at the Seeger family home in 1957.

For those of you who are too young to remember how it was:

Chuck — Thu, 24 Dec 2009 14:47:08 +0000

Now you can watch this.

You’re welcome.

Heaven forfend!

Chuck — Thu, 17 Dec 2009 19:23:38 +0000

… just realized that I’m almost old enough to begin a sentence with,

“In my day…”

Seasons bleatings…

Chuck — Thu, 17 Dec 2009 15:41:59 +0000

What is it with these electronic book readers? I admit to initially finding the Kindle to have some cool, but why can’t we just download books to our laptops and smart phones? ANYONE?

In any event, PLEASE BUY LOCAL!

My Fam Damily

Chuck — Thu, 03 Dec 2009 13:24:19 +0000

We had a terrific Thanksgiving. So much to be thankful for. For the first time in very many years I got to spend time with all my siblings, together at the same place at the same time.

My grands continue to dazzle and amaze (and occasionally frustrate). I wouldn’t have it any other way.

Thanks Joe

Chuck — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 01:49:49 +0000

“Midlife is when you get to the top of the ladder and find out it is leaning against the wrong wall.”

– Joseph Campbell

The Supremes

Chuck — Sat, 24 Oct 2009 14:21:58 +0000

cool, eh?

Okay, okay, I’m a slacker

Chuck — Sat, 24 Oct 2009 01:45:59 +0000

I can’t say why I’ve been so bad an updater. I do have 3 blogs, which might be too many. This is the personal one and I’ve been rather busy with my personal life. You can also visit my Legislative site, and my company site. I will try to get back here more often this fall. I will.

OK, Eddie?

Lest we forget…

Chuck — Sun, 28 Dec 2008 20:00:44 +0000

Remember the long lists of musician jokes? Here’s one.

Whoa, NOW what’s my excuse??

Chuck — Sun, 28 Dec 2008 19:29:43 +0000

Waaaal… Haven’t you been crazy too? Let’s see, the son and his kids (2 + 4) have moved in with their dog… I ran for and got elected to the Maine Legislature… I had to polish the Beemer… I have a new legislative blog going up over here… So this site is for the more personal stuff.

Oh ya, Christmas: it’s OVER.

Bring on the Happy New Year already.