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From Athens, Georgia To Jerry Wexler

From Athens, Georgia To Jerry Wexler: A Feast of Friends…
8/16/08


There’s not much time to write this dispatch…so I’ll get to it…
 
Last week I mentioned I’d be driving to Athens for the Randall Bramblett CD release party. I drove over yesterday and it turned into one of those magic nights. Randall Bramblett and Band did not disappoint. Every musician in that group stands as a seasoned veteran. Look for Buffalo Smith's upcoming work on the great Mr. Bramblett.

The director of The University of Georgia’s music business program, Bruce Burch, proved a grand host. An accomplished songwriter—I’d say two number one songs Reba McEntire’s “Rumor Has It” and “It’s Your Call” qualifies him as an accomplished songwriter—Burch developed a program at the University of Georgia that teaches students how to apply everyday work ethics, hands on experience and desire to succeed in the business. Other musicians that covered Burch’s songs and earned hits include Billy Joe Royal, T. Graham Brown and The Oak Ridge Boys. At Bramblett’s release party I ran into John Keane who has recorded bands such as R.E.M., Widespread Panic, Indigo Girls, and many others. Keane literally wrote the book on recording with Pro Tools and he teaches students at UGA how to use this revolutionary recording program. I asked John if I could interview him, and he said sure, so look for that in the next month or so…
I asked John and his wife for attire advice at the Georgia Music Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony in Atlanta on September 20. Since Widespread Panic asked me to write their biography for the Georgia Music Hall of Fame, they invited me to the formal ceremony. I asked John what he’d wear that night, and I’ll follow his advice. I look forward to that ceremony. Chuck Leavell will induct Widespread, and it should prove a great evening.

I also ran into David Barbe. We talked about Danny and Eric from Bloodkin, recording a spoken word album and The Drive By Truckers as well as catching up since the last time we saw each other. David attended the Georgia Music Hall of Fame Induction ceremony when R.E.M. were inducted. David’s a marvel…look for a baseball screed from Mr. Barbe soon to coincide with the final months of baseball. I spoke with Randall Bramblett a bit. I told him about how I mention him in Panic’s bio I wrote for the Hall of Fame since Randall served as an auxiliary musician during a time when Panic's original guitarist Michael Houser died. “What a year,” Randall said.

Bruce also introduced me to the indelible George Fontaine and the President of New West Records...more on those two giants later. Returning to Athens always conjures memories of youthful pursuits and early accomplishments. Mr. Burch has orchestrated a very interesting musical fall season. New West Records with intern assistance from Burch’s students will be putting together some exciting Randall Bramblett shows…a couple during key football weekends…and since The University of Georgia Bulldogs are ranked #1 in the college football polls…the Classic City will have even more electricity in the air…

So today I met Bruce at the Starbucks across from the Arch. We ate lunch at Weaver D’s, and it was delicious. Hands down, Weaver D’s serves my favorite collard greens. Bruce and I talked about his early days in Nashville and how he pitched songs for everyone from Townes Van Zandt to Jimmy Webb to Kris Kristofferson. As we drove down those familiar streets, I felt like Bruce and I were old friends...kindred spirits. We both shared the personal ruins one must endure to pursue the story…

Bruce took me to his offices at the University. Here’s where I began to feel the weight of the facts. First off, the University has almost all of Phil Walden’s record collection. Everything from Sam Cooke 45s to un-labeled Otis Redding pressings to a Presidential Capricorn album to John Coltrane to the Grateful Dead to Gram Parsons to and a list way too long to print here. There’s no other University music force like this in the country. It’s mind-boggling to think of all the talent harnessed into one educational and cultural force. Bruce gave me his upcoming schedule and invited me to attend all of the events. I’ll attend every one, if possible. It looks like the rest of the year will be a cosmic ride…

A mention should be made about the death of Hank Williams' guitar player. Don Helms passed away Monday. Helms played on 10 of 11 Hank Williams' number one hits. When Williams dies, Helms continued on as a songwriter. Helms wrote songs for Patsy Cline, The Louvin Brothers, Lefty Frizzell and Loretta Lynn. This New York Times article ends with a quote from my friend Paul Hemphill, who wrote books about Nasville music and a book on Hank Williams, and said: "Don would look out over the audience as the lights dimmed. Then he'd say, 'Now close your eyes and think of Hank.'"

The death of Jerry Wexler marks a loss to the music world. I called my ally Stanley Booth tonight. Stanley  will be writing a definitive essay on his great friend Jerry Wexler for Newsweek…at least Stanley's work will be read by millions. No one else can tell Wexler’s story with rare insight like Stanley Booth. He knew Wexler 40 years. He last spoke to Wexler a few days ago. “I’m surrounded by death,” Stanley told me this evening. “First Isaac. Now Jerry…he finally made his exit.” Also, look for Stanley’s Johnny Mercer article in an upcoming Vanity Fair.

Stanley told me tonight that Kris Kristofferson flew to the Wexler's home to see Wexler on Wednesday. Stanley will attend memorial services for Wexler. Stanley spoke with Wexler’s son, and details on the memorial are not yet set.  I'll post a Wexler tribute after the midnight hour. Goodnight and God Bless...

James Calemine
JCalemine@swampland.com

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