Mystics, Vagabonds and Troubadours

This compilation was inspired by Danny Schmidt’s recent “Little Grey Sheep” album. The opening track, Leaves are Burning is another great mystical and somewhat cryptical exploration from Schmidt’s growing reportoire. Here Danny wades into the murky end of the pool where few tend to travel these days. His guitar work and singing style overlap in a cosmic event that weaves us a timeless reminder of the human condition. It reminds me of many other American talents who have incorporated “dark” sounds into their playing: Ry Cooder, Roy Buchanin, and Leo Kottke.

Mysticism and music have been crossing paths throughout all time in all cultures. At some point I hope to explore this further here with posts of music from around the world, especially the various classical traditions. This particular compilation however (and a rush job at that) is based entirely on American styles – mostly folk and blues. With the exception of the European flavour of The Old Country by Bela Fleck, the first 7 tracks outline my interpretation of Acerbus Americana.

The path continues, albeit in a somewhat more lighthearted vein – at least lyrically – in When I Grow Up, and the rest of the tracks – quickly culled from albums laying around my office (I am in the middle of a big sorting job), flow nicely from there, with an intermission of bluegrass, courtesy of Bela Fleck and the Osborne Brothers.

Mystics, Vagabonds and Troubadours:

1. Threads – Vic Chesnutt, 1996
2. Leaves are Burning – Danny Schmidt, 2007
3. This too Shall Pass – Danny Schmidt, 2005
4. Dust Bowl Children – Peter Rowan, 1990
5. Black Widow – Michelle Shocked, 1988
6. The Old Country – Bela Fleck, 1986
7. The Thrill is Gone – Jerry Garcia & David Grisman, 1990
8. When I Grow Up – Michelle Shocked, 1988
9. Four Wheel Drive – Bela Fleck, 1986
10. Up This Hill and Down – The Osborne Brothers, 1966
11. Oxycontin Blues – Steve Earle, 2007
12. Graffiti Limbo – Michelle Shocked, 1988
13. Backlash Blues – Nina Simone, 1967
14. No Education – Lightnin’ Hopkins, 1969
15. He’s a Mighty Good Leader – Beck, 1993
16. Fourteen Rivers, Fourteen Floods – Beck, 1993
17. South Nashville Blues – Steve Earle, 1996
18. Jesus Sings the Blues – Tom Wilson, 1998
19. Cosmic Wheels – Donovan, 1991
20. Universal Soldier – Donovan, 1991
21. Morning Dew – Bonnie Dobson, 1962
22. Goin’ Down the Road Feelin’ Bad – Woody Guthrie, 1940