Tribute to a Daydream Believer

I was a child during the Monkee's revival of the 1980s. I watched the reruns on TV and bought the reissue of their albums. It was a great time. When I was contestant on "Star Search", "I'm a Believer" was the song I sang. But it was another one of their songs that touched me even more.

I remember asking my mom to write down the words to "Daydream Believer", and God bless her, she tried. The words still don't make sense to me, but what a great recording. The piano, the chords, the sound of Davy's voice -it shaped me musically more than I realized. Davy Jones was the Monkee I admired the most. He was the short, cute guy all the girls liked. Amazingly, I had an encounter with him at the most unlikely of places.

When I was 18, years after I discovered the Monkees and "Star Search", my father died and I was forced to go to work full-time. It was the best and worst thing that could've happened to me. I was scared to death because the life I'd known had ended. I was toiling at a retail job in a dead-end shopping plaza. I was only a few miles away from Nashville's Music-Row and the excitement of the music business, but it might as well have been a world away. Then suddenly, in this obscure place, Davy Jones walks in.

He was kind and friendly with everyone. The girls in the shop still swooned over him. He asked me about an item (we didn't have it). He was not there long, but strangely enough, it gave me some hope for the future. If in this low place in my life, I could brush with greatness and excitement, I still had things to look forward to.

Davy Jones has passed on now. I never saw him again. Today when the surviving Monkees play, they have a recording of Davy singing "Daydream Believer", and the crowd sings along. It's a fitting tribute to a man that brought some joy to this world. He certainly gave me lift when I needed it and I have never forgotten.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xvqeSJlgaNk

2016 in review: When the music's over...

As I look back over 2016 I can only describe it as the year the music died for me. I tried to start a couple of blog posts, but no music or memories could seem to hold my attention long enough. There were a few bright spots, but more than a few missed opportunities, disappointments and outright failures. As my country went through the most bitter election year I can recall, there did not seem to be many bright spots musically. Even the healing power of music seemed stilted, as I saw friends, and others whose ability I respect and admire get mired down in the political mud-slinging.

Many of my old favorites lost their luster- my ears are just so burned out. Not many singers appeal to me (including myself), so I'm digging mostly instrumental music these days.

I'm not sure what this year will bring musically. There are a few projects on the horizon I am hoping will take off, and I always enjoy jamming with my family and friends. The message in the music is for now silent and my voice is silent.

I am humbled and thankful for this journey, but for now "till we meet you again, God bless you, adios."    

One Saturday Morning

You know how it feels when you get a song in your head, and it won't go away? I've had that experience happen to me, and the song remained for over 20 years! The problem was, I didn't know the name of the song.

The singer of the song was the incomparable Ed Bruce. I heard him sing the song one Saturday morning at the Ellington Agricultural Center in Nashville, TN, where Alex Harvey (songwriter of Ruben James, Delta Dawn and many others) was hosting a writers' event. I was asked to run sound for the event, and Mr. Bruce was one of the featured writers. I was transfixed by the pathos and haunting words of one of his songs in particular. He sang many others, but THAT one song stayed with me.

Ed Bruce and Alex Harvey made an impression on me that day. Their voices and writing perspectives are unique in music. Alex acted as a mentor to me for several years, always giving me priceless insight and advice.

I never saw Ed Bruce perform live again. The song he sang that morning remained.a mystery until I got the title of the song and found a recording a few  months ago. Enjoy the Ed Bruce recording of
"Streets of Laredo".


http://youtu.be/Pr4uN3SZsGs

Country memories

In a recent awards acceptance speech, Bob Dylan had some dismissive words about Tom T. Hall. This was unfortunate to me, because I've always had a soft spot in my heart for Tom T. Hall. He wrote my favorite song as a kid - "Harper Valley PTA". That was a record I literally wore out. I played it until the 45 wouldn't play anymore. I still think it's one of the great story songs, wrapped up in a very commercial recording. There's also some of the greatest dobro playing on that record I can recall.


Years later, I was honored to be asked to sing at the Hall's home in Franklin, TN. Each year at Christmas time, they had an open house from which the proceeds benefited a local animal shelter and rescue. Tom T's wife Dixie discovered me playing at an event at the Ellington Agricultural Center in Nashville. She asked me to be part of the open house, and I did this for a couple of years. It was really enjoyable. They were great people.


Now Miss Dixie is gone, but the storyteller (Tom T. Hall), is still with us. It was an honor to be asked to perform at their home.

"Miss Dixie" Hall and me

 

The Hall Home

 

40 Years Ago - Billboard Sept. 28, 1974

Looking back 40 years in Billboard Magazine. This day in 1974:


1. #1 song on the Hot 100, "Rock Me Gently" by Andy Kim.


2. Outlaw Country and Countypolitan battle it out on the Country charts. #1 Country, "I'm a Ramblin' Man" by Waylon Jennings vs. #2, "I Love My Friend", by Charlie Rich. Both stand the test of time.


3. There's a big section featuring "Soul Train".


4. Elvis and the Colonel announce the release of "Having Fun With Elvis On Stage" (a talking album only). Giving the people just what they want!


Check it out!


Billboard 9-28-74

Interesting duet

I ran across an interesting "duet" this week, sung by two of music's most celebrated vocalists. I cringed a little bit at the thought of the train wreck this could be, but I was pleasantly surprised. The most incredible thing to me is the quality of recording of Elvis' voice. There's so much presence and warmth there, especially considering this vocal was recorded almost 60 years ago!


The man could sing! The lady is pretty good too...

http://youtu.be/NFXXMHidTBI

ONLINE CD SPECIAL

My Interpretations CD is available online for a short time. Price is $15.00 (includes shipping and handling). I'd love for you to have a copy. Email me at trevorhaleymusic@gmail.com and reserve your copy!