MUSIC: SOME CENLA BOYS 'JAMMIN'

I started 'gigging' in small local Central Louisiana clubs, like Tunica Tavern in Marksville, Nell's in Echo, and the Knights of Columbus and VFW in Alexandria, in the 1970's. The 60's and 70's were a great and exciting time for musicians, as almost every bar and club had live bands. Many local musicians went on to higher recognition in the music world. I hope to start compiling information and interviews with local musicians of years past, and many of whom are still working, to help preserve, in a small way, the musical history of those fun times in Central Louisiana. Check out Lamar White's site for information on and links to local online resources of the modern Central Louisiana music scene (See here). But some of the older music scene predecessors of the present generation of local musicians are no longer with us, and their stories and talent needs to be preserved.

To kick this off, I am placing here some jam sessions I had the privilege of participating in with some local music legends. These were crudely recorded in my home, but you may enjoy some.

1st Batch

These are recordings made in my home made of some friends and I jamming in the early 1990's. Included are: Michael J. Hattaway (retired La. State Trooper from Grant Parish, who is still playing and has released an LSU Tailgating CD, and from whom you can hear his latest Swampfire release here) on vocals and guitar here; Dan Davis of the Poland community (formerly of the Mel Tillis and Marty Stuart Bands and who had solo releases on the Kansa Label, still gigging and a local educator) vocals and lead guitar here; Jr. Dunlap of Effie (former keyboardist for Loretta Lynn and of the Louisiana Music Hall of Fame Dunlap family) on keybords; Mike Briggs of Latanier (long time friend and former band mate of mine), also on guitar; Coley Webb formerly stationed at England Air force Base, on drums; and me on bass.

• "Bring It On Home To Me"
• "Blueberry Hill/I Can't Stop Loving You Medley"
• "Knock on Wood"
• "I'll Leave This World Loving You"
• "Polk Salad Annie"
• "The Lips Don't Know How To Say Goodbye"
• "Ticket To Ride"

2nd Batch

This H.J. Gaspard (still playing at local churches), Dan Davis, Gary Davis (on drums) and myself.

• "Dark Eyed Cajun Woman"
• "Dont Let the Green Grass Fool You"
• "Hooked On Music"
• "I Got Mexico"
• "Knocking On Heaven's Door"
• "Suspicion"
• "The Last Time"

Last Batch of Tapes

These are two original recordings, done on an 8-track analog, at my home in the late 80's with local attorney, David Marler. Many of you may have seen David, a local musician who played in the 80's with the 'Dots".

• "I Don't Love You Anymore" (a blatant Beatle sounding tune)
• "Heartache Blues"