i’m a new man
New year, new music, a chance to tackle new things, or old things again.
In the month off, I got a chance to hear one of my favs, Jason Ricci, live a couple of times. This song hits the mark for me. It’s in two parts here, but live, it’s all one jam.
I’m a New Man, part 1
I’m a New Man (Walk on the Wild Side), part 2
This is off Ricci’s new album, Rocket 9, available in the usual places. I’ve written about Ricci before: “if i gave you my soul on platter”. But his liner notes comments to this song shows one of the reasons I really like him:
“I wrote this on my way to jail and finished it six months or so in. It’s a piece about “the boy who cried wolf” or les metaphorically, the boy who cried “I’ve changed. I’m sorry. I’ll never do it again. I’m a new man” Then one day he finally does change, but because of his history of dishonesty, no one believes him. He understands why, but can’t do any thing but say all the same crap he said before, knowing it all sounds like bullshit and partially doubting it himself on some level. (Key of B. E harp in 2nd position)”
Fine-tuned, internal bullshit-meter + total harp-geek. Good combination, as exhibited here:
The Way I Hurt Myself (Rocket 9 album)
So what’s new, people? Hear any live music lately? And not to trivialize Ricci’s lyrics, but hope your plans for personal “do-overs” are on track. Mine have barely started.
categories: live, music
tags: harmonica, Jason Ricci
posted by what at 10:04 am
Nice to see you back, What! Happy New Year back at ya. Enjoyed the Ricci and the sentiments.
2008 feels like a good year so far. Working out and eliminating a few bad habits are high on my list. I guess that makes me pretty typical of the rest of world. But somehow I feel optimistic about it this time. So. Just hoping it’s not another round of crying wolf.
Happy 2008 to everyone.
Hi What…Happy New Year…good to see you back. I’m so curious…I actually saw Jason Ricci in SF….what is you like about his performances? I think there is something I may not be getting (albeit, I saw him directly after Taylor’s performance so maybe that’s why I wasn’t impressed?)…thanks. jw.
Hey, there, jw. Here are some of the things I like about Ricci:
1) He kills on harp. No one can get the expression out of that instrument he can. I added the audio to “The Way I Hurt Myself” to the post. Listen to the opening harp solo. It’s like a human voice.
2) He’s a decent songwriter. His stuff is introspective and honest. The lyrics can be a little cliched at times, but not the emotion. It’s not just the usual “baby love me” stuff that’s so overdone.
3) His stylistic range is interesting. Good solid blues that I love, but rock with a good punk edge. (but I do cringe when he gets to the little Bach/Beethoven teases in his harp solos - I don’t mind quoting classical, but Für Elise? no. Try something with an edge. A little Gesualdo, maybe)
4) His band and arrangements fit and don’t make everything sound the same. Starsky, his guitarist, is as expressive and interesting as Ricci.
5) He’s a good stage performer - active, impassioned, good rapport with audience - interacts but no silly pandering. I saw him sick as a dog, but still give a great performance.
6) I like his voice. It’s not everyone’s taste, but it is mine.
There’s an even better song of his that I’m saving for later. Check back in a few weeks.
Justwatchin, I saw also saw Jason Ricci and The New Blood in SF that night, and I was hooked on the spot! I think it’s just that everybody doesn’t get into the same suff, is all. That’s what makes the world an interesting place. But I was blown away!
I can’t believe the way he plays he harp. I can’t believe it. It’s astounding. It’s so cool! I don’t know the words to explain why… And not only is he playing the blues that we know so well, this music is original. “It’s a new sound, man! Check it out!”
It’s like electified post-punk blues. Nice! I did not expect that.
That was a great night of music for me. I can’t thank my friends enough for letting me stay for the whole thing when I know maybe they would rather have cut out early…thanks, guys!