This one is the cover of a tune by a guy named Blaze Foley who lived on the edges of the Austin outlaw country/folk music scene before he died tragically, way too young, at the age of 39.
Mr. Foley is pictured, above, with Townes Van Zandt at the Austin Pickers festival in 1984 . By that time, both of them, unfortunately, were already past their prime...
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6 comments:
Townes is an artist I found by way of other bands who covered his tunes. Cowboy Junkies were the ones that covered “To live is to fly” and
“Cowboy Junkies lament” written for them by Townes. I love both those tunes and many others by VanZandt.
I learned of his death not long after I discovered him and felt kinda gyped that I hadn’t barely got a chance to know about him before he was gone. I was working that winter at Hollyburn cross country ski and up at the old warming hut early one cold snowy morning getting the fire going. As I crumpled up the news paper to start it with I would read some of the articles. That’s where I saw the announcement of his death and a bit about him. It seemed like a good place to find out that kinda thing.
I recently watched the movie about Blaze Foley and that filled in more of the story. I couldn’t live their life style, I even find it somewhat painful to see dramatized or read about. I do get how someone could have something missing or something they are looking for and can’t quite find. Sometimes they fill that void with something else.
Graham--
Wow - did not know how close the CJ/Townes connection was.
I agree that was a heckuva way to learn of Van Zandt's demise.
Have you seen 'Heartworn Highways? It takes the edge off the lifestyle part of that scene, mostly because they're still all so young at the time....Here's one of the Townes parts.
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Thanks for that link. I’ve watched the whole thing. That young Townes was really quite a joker. Interesting to see the other country music folks as their younger selves. The thoughts of uncle Seymour on life and horses and horseshoes is a keeper. And let it be known, I have never condemned whiskey. Occasionally I embrace it.
I’ve passed it on to another Townes, Foley fan.
Occasional embrace and, most importantly, as Uncle Seymour told Townes, who obviously didn't listen, don't always drink the whole barrel all at once seems a pretty good way to go.
Although, to be clear, there are times...Well, let's let George Jones explain.
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Yes, not the whole barrel. I had to learn the hard way but I did eventually learn. Experience is the best teacher but I wish I had listened more to the Seymours of my youth. I guess George knew a thing or two about over imbibing. Reading about ones hero’s or villains doing it is usually more interesting than living it.
Agreed - which means it just be time to tab out Mr. Jones' 'The King Is Gone'.
Thanks again Graham.
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