Monday's Long Song

 

Another song in this series, which has been running for over 50 years. The Allman Brothers Band released Jessica on their forth album Brothers and Sisters back in 1973. This song is atypical for the band, which has made a name for itself with its blues-infused Southern rock and often improvised jams. Lead guitarist Dickey Betts saw it as a tribute to Django Reinhardt, who popularized gypsy jazz 90 years ago with his guitar playing. Jessica is a timeless work that is unrivalled in its virtuosity, melody and build-up of tension.

Allman Brothers Band - Jessica

Singles Released This Week Years Ago

 

Here is the second edition of a journey through former hits and some eclectic songs from the past this year.

1972: Little Feat

1964: The Searchers

1969: The Byrds

1983: Prince

1965: The Righteous Brothers

1965: The Shangri-Las

1968: Otis Redding

1971: Ike & Tina Turner

1990: Sinead O'Conner

1981: Ultravox

1969: Tommy James and the Shondells

1994: Tori Amos

1971: Janis Joplin

1974: The Allman Brothers Band

1974: Paper Lace

1974: Joni Mitchell

Red Hot And Blue III

 

In today's installment of the theme, we set off on paths that couldn't be more different. Let's start with David Sylvain and the first single from his debut album from 1984. After he split from Japan, nobody knew which musical direction he would drift in, but he more than convinced many with his idiosyncratic mixture of art-rock, jazz, ambient and a voice reminiscent of Brian Ferry.

David Sylvain - Red Guitar

Next stop is Georgia. The Allman Brothers Band were well known for their interpretation of Southern Rock. But for me it is more than playing heavy guitars. They always included elements of jazz and prog-rock to their sound. Hot 'Lanta describes it very well. Excellent guitars moving over rolling drums that makes this song timeless.

Allman Brothers Band - Hot 'Lanta

In 2006 The Charlatans released Simpatico, the probably best album of their late history. There sound included still massive guitar and the voice of Tim Burgess but was extended with fantastic grooves and reggae rhytms.

The Charlatans - Blackend Blue Eyes