you gave us so many great tunes

J J Cale was an american songwriter and musician. He passed away yesterday from a heart attack. Cale's musical style was influenced by blues, rockabilly, country and jazz. Several of his songs have been performed by other musicians including "Travelin' Light" and "Ride Me High" by Widespread Panic, "After Midnight" and "Cocaine" by Eric Clapton, and "Call Me the Breeze" and "I Got the Same Old Blues" by Lynard Skynyrd".

Heres what Dave Schools from Widespread Panic had to say about J J Cale's recent passing:

"There is something intangible about a great song. Whether its the simple melody, meaningful lyrics, or the heart and soul that the songwriter pours into his work listeners can't help but feel as if it was written just for them.

JJ Cale was such a songwriter. Working in a laid back way that ran counter to the hard rock and breezy country sounds of classic 70's FM radio Cale made albums for himself that exemplified simplicity and cool. Meanwhile Clapton (After Midnight and Cocaine) and Skynard (Call Me The Breeze) recorded vastly built up versions of his tunes that dominated the airwaves. These were the big hits, but somehow Cale's versions stand the test of time better. That's the thing about a great song: it always works.

When Widespread Panic recorded Travelin' Light for our first album I was unaware of Cale's version. JB played me the original recording and I was shocked at how different it was from our reading. Cale's was light and nimble and ours was bombastic and ponderous. Yet it somehow still worked. That's another thing about a great song: it can be dressed in any costume and still be effective.

Nearly a decade later we released Light Fuse Get Away and the live version of Travelin' Light got a decent amount of airplay. Around Christmas a case of whiskey arrived at our office from JJ as a thank you for recording his tune. An unexpected gesture from a real class act.

We should have sent him a case of whiskey for writing one of the tunes that helped put Widespread Panic on the map. Maybe a couple of cases for Ride Me High as well....

So if you are looking for something to listen to this afternoon I suggest one of JJ's albums like Naturally or Troubador. Listen to the vinyl or dial up a playlist. Just listen to the music of a man who spent 50 years writing songs that will always mean something to everyone.

Have a laid back journey JJ and thank you for the music."

Vic Chestnutt-- Brute.

Brute. was a side project band consisting of guitarist Vic Chestnutt and the members of Widespread Panic.  Brute and Chestnutt were both like shooting stars--short lived but incredible if you saw it.

Patterson Hood's song, Come Back Little Star, from his new album, Heat Lightning Rumbles in the Distance, is a beautiful song which was co-written with Katie Hogan as an ode to Chestnutt. 

Vic Chestnutt's work was an idiosyncratic blend of country, art-rock, and folk.  The Georgia native rewrote the rules for songwriting and was never at a loss for inspiration.  Widespread Panic still performs Protein Drink/Sewing Machine from the album, Nine High Pallet. Expiration Day is also still performed by WSP from Brute's album Co-Balt along with many other songs written by Chestnutt. After Chestnutt's death on Christmas Day in 2009, WSP performed on New Years at Atlanta's Phillips Arena.  The group played their hearts out as a tribute to their longtime collaborator and friend.  They opened up the show with Chestnutt's Lets Get Down to Business and closed the show with Protein Drink/Sewing Machine.  Overall, WSP put on an unforgettable performance with emotions running high, creating a very special night for the band and their fans. 

WSP: the ballad of john and yoko

from wood tour! it's pretty awesome...  wish i could have been there!!

angels on high

fire on the mountain

Panic played a much anticipated Fire on the Mountain last night at the Classic Center in Athens, Georgia. So upset I wasn't there for it! The whole show looks awesome!
check it out..

Set 1 80 minutes
For What It's Worth, Sleepy Monkey, Chilly Water, Saint Ex > One Arm Steve > Mr Soul, You'll Be Fine*, This Cruel Thing**, Holden Oversoul, Contentment Blues, Bowlegged Woman

Set 2 116 minutes
Pigeons > Jack, Proving Ground > Goin' Out West*** > Arlene*** > Jam*** > Drums > Fire On The Mountain, Space Wrangler, Coconut > Knocking 'Round the Zoo

Encore 13 minutes
Greta > Heaven

Notes
* w/ John Keane on pedal steel and Anne Richmond Boston on vocals
** w/ John Keane on acoustic guitar and Anne Richmond Boston on vocals 
*** w/ Randall Bramblett on sax 

Last "For What It's Worth" 11/17/88 (LTP 2308 shows)
Last "You'll Be Fine" 1/12/01 (LTP 650 shows)
Last "Fire On The Mountain" 10/02/88 (LTP 2326 shows)
Bowlegged Woman with "Highway to Heaven' rap

Flagpole

Cover of the Flagpole magazine in Athens, Georgia. 

You can read the article on WSP here- enjoy!

"tighten up your chakos, it's go time"

I can't wait for the next show! Wish I was going to Athens for WSP 25th anniversary shows this weekend soo bad!