This week’s theme song was written in 1972 by Jackson Browne for his eponymous first album. It’s also known as Saturate When Using. Doctor My Eyes was Jackson’s first hit single. It features a great guitar solo by Jesse Ed Davis. We’ll have more about him later.
We have three versions of Doctor My Eyes for your listening pleasure: the studio original, the Jackson Five, and Ben Folds.
I may still need a doctor. Let’s consult with The Rolling Stones and Humble Pie.
Never argue with Steve Marriott, y’all. He was a small man with a big attitude and an even bigger voice.
We begin our second act with an article by my friend James Cullen about two of my favorite New Orleans eateries: Brigtsen’s and Gabrielle.
James is a man of many talents: chef, photographer, and writer. His online handle The Accidental Cajun refers to the fact that he’s a transplant from New Jersey. The operation was a success.
I’ve mentioned Brigtsen’s and Gabrielle in this space before. They both have great food, atmosphere, and service. I’ve never had a bad meal at either restaurant. They’ve done Paul Prudhomme proud.
The last word of this delicious segment is obvious as both Frank Brigtsen and Greg Sonnier make fabulous gumbo.
I mentioned the great guitarist Jesse Ed Davis at the top of the post. The next segment is about his musically productive but personally tragic life.
Remembering Jesse Ed Davis: There’s a swell article about JED by Jim Farber in The Guardian. Davis played with many of the greats of his day:
Though little remembered today, Davis was the go-to session guitarist for music’s greatest stars of the late 60s through the 70s. His tasteful licks and surgical leads turned up on solo albums by three out of the four Beatles (all but Paul), and alighted on recordings by Rod Stewart (including the No 1 hit Tonight’s the Night), Eric Clapton, Leon Russell, Bryan Ferry, Willie Nelson, Harry Nilsson, Gram Parsons and scores more.
Davis was the lead guitar player in Taj Mahal’s first band. His work with Taj influenced Duane Allman. Check out JED’s slide guitar on a song made even more famous by The Allman Brothers Band:
JED also played on one of my favorite Dylan songs. Dig his slide guitar and Leon Russell’s piano:
Jesse Ed Davis was one of a handful of Native American players on the classic rock scene. He was featured in a Netflix documentary about Native musicians, Rumble. I have yet to see it, but once I do, I’ll review it in this space. Consider that a pinky promise as opposed to a Pink Floyd promise: Gilmour and Waters can’t agree about anything.
Jesse Ed Davis died in 1988. I’m glad that there’s a JED revival 34 years later. It’s well-deserved.
The last word of our second act goes to Jesse Ed Davis:
We begin our third act with our favorite stolen feature.
Separated At Birth Casting Edition: Several actresses have played Billie Holiday over the years but there’s a special place in my heart for Diana Ross’ performance in Lady Sings The Blues. That movie led to my love of Lady Day’s music. Thanks, Diana.
This week’s Sunday Dozen showcases the music of Billie Holiday. It features songs she wrote and first recorded so here’s a cover to whet your appetite:
The Movie List: I did a Hitchcock list in 2019 but when I looked at it recently, I was dissatisfied. It cried out for a reboot in the dozens format.
The Alfred Hitchcock Dozen
- Vertigo
- Notorious
- Strangers On A Train
- Shadow Of A Doubt
- Rear Window
- Psycho
- Frenzy
- North By Northwest
- The Birds
- Foreign Correspondent
- Spellbound
- Lifeboat
The late John Wetton wrote a song inspired by the #4 film on the list. In fact, he stole the title. Like me, he only stole from the best.
Saturday GIF Horse: Ready for more Hitchcock? You have no choice. As you can see, he was a real cut-up.
Best Of SCTV: Here’s Catherine O’Hara’s classic impression of Kate the Great:
Let’s close down this virtual honky tonk with some more music. Blues music.
Saturday Closer: Here’s the debut album of Henry St. Claire Fredericks Jr. DBA Taj Mahal. If features the aforementioned Jesse Ed Davis on guitar.
That’s all for this week. The last word goes to George Harrison, Klaus Voormann, Billy Preston’s head, Jesse Ed Davis, and Eric Clapton at The Concert For Bangladesh.
