Geni Swing Guitars

Van Zandt

The inscription inside the gate fold CD case says it all - "How beautiful are these days."

This album is, from top to bottom, simply beautiful.

And I make no mistake in using the word 'simply'. No flourishes, no trills, no fancy packaging, no pretension, no superfluous production or excess. This is just great music...as simple as that.

There are no honeyed vocals here but, in this case, that is part of the appeal. Baker's voice is something akin to Tom Waits-lite (I do not mean this in any derogatory sense...quite the opposite. His voice has the depth and expressiveness of Tom Waits but, certainly for me, is a great deal more listenable!). He has also been likened to Townes Van Zandt and John Prine...accolades if ever there were any! This is a voice ravaged by the lessons life has taught; someone who has come through the other side to share with us the beauty the world has to offer.

In grizzled tones, Baker sings over a wonderfully sparse backing, at times talking more than singing. An understated offering...but one that has been calculated to perfection.

Upon first listen, there might appear to be a sense of melancholy to the whole affair. But listen more deeply. These are the tales of someone who is glad to be alive; his appreciation of, his joy in, all the little things that so many of us take for granted. It is the rasp of survival...a man that has dusted himself down and learnt to live for every new day. Yet it is not our usual hackneyed story of drug addiction and exorbitance. Baker, in 1986, lived through a terrorist bombing on a train in Peru, only just escaping with his life, deafened in one ear, partially deafened in the other, and having to endure some 17 reconstructive surgeries (never mind 'smaller' accomplishments such as having to learn to play guitar left-handed!).

"a bomb concealed in a suitcase ripped through the roof of a packed train that was carrying tourists to the ancient Inca city of Machu Picchu. Seven passengers were killed, including one American and three West Germans. As many as 40 other people were injured." (Time.com)

This experience is written all over Baker's work - in an uplifting, not maudlin, way. The storytelling here is consummate, yet the lyrical content economical; there seem to be no unnecessary words, and each song tells its story both succinctly and charmingly. We hear of a woman gambling in Reno, a brothel customer, the son of an oil-rich man, a psychic and, in 'Boxes', a woman searching memories of old Valentine's cards and a letter telling her that her husband will not be returning from war. It is the small details, the things so frequently overlooked, that make these stories so real, the "pigs feet jar" (Juarez), the "one red rose, it glistens in the sun" (Sweetly Undone), "cold Mexican beer" (Days).

The very simplicity is touching; sentiments that could, if offered in a more polished timbre, seem cloying, here are the epitome of rapture:

"Before the sun

Before the heat

Before we untangle from our sheets

Before this summer day unfurls

Pretty world" (Pretty World)

and

"You've got a book on Africa

I've got Twain

Lay down and rest

Lay down in the sun

Lay down with your top

Sweetly undone". (Sweetly Undone)

For me, the beauty of this album only grows the more I listen to it. It is a great album, not just a great collection of songs. The landscapes can be stark, but are never barren...and they speak of both solitude and love.

The album also features Walt Wilkins (making his name on the Texas red dirt scene with The Mystiqueros) and the sweet vocal additions (contrasting with Baker's own sublimely on 'Odessa') of Chris Baker-Davies.

It's a keeper!

High points: Sweetly Undone (my personal favourite), Pretty World, Broken Fingers, Odessa, Boxes.

Musician Steve Van Zandt $79.99 Musician Steve Van Zandt - Premium Photographic Print

TOWNES VAN ZANDT BY VAN ZANDT,TOWNES (CD) $22.87 Artist: VAN ZANDT,TOWNES Genre: Popular Music Release Date: 7JUL2009

More Townes Van Zandt By The Great Unknown $11.49 More Townes Van Zandt By The Great Unknown

Introducing Townes Van Zandt Via The Great Unknown $11.49 Introducing Townes Van Zandt Via The Great Unknown

HIGH LOW AND IN BETWEEN BY VAN ZANDT,TOWNES (CD) $20.53 Artist: VAN ZANDT,TOWNES Genre: Popular Music Release Date: 1OCT1996

FOR THE SAKE OF SONG BY TOWNES VAN ZANDT (CD) $22.87 Artist: TOWNES VAN ZANDT Genre: Folk Music Release Date: 4SEP2007

REAR VIEW MIRROR BY VAN ZANDT,TOWNES (CD) $22.87 Artist: VAN ZANDT,TOWNES Genre: Popular Music Release Date: 22JAN2008

TEXAS TROUBADOUR BY VAN ZANDT,TOWNES (CD) [4 DISCS] $37.64 Artist: VAN ZANDT,TOWNES Genre: Country Western Release Date: 24AUG2010

The Knitters Handbook By Van Zandt, Eleanor $17.76 Shares accessible guidelines for more than 250 stitches and techniques, covering everything from casting on and creating simple textures to more advanced embellishments and intricate ribbon patterns, in a visual resource that is appropriate for both beginner and experienced knitters. Reprint. Author: Van Zandt, Eleanor Subtitle: Yarns, Needles, Stitches, Techniques Publication Date: 2009/09/01 Number of Pages: 256 Binding Type: Paperback Language: English Depth: 1.00 Width: 7.25 Height: 8.00

John Van Zandt by Jere, Wade Anastasia [Paperback] $124.27 Please note that the content of this book primarily consists of articles available from Wikipedia or other free sources online. John Van Zandt (b. c. d. 1847) was an abolitionist who aided the Underground Railroad resistance movement in Ohio after having been a slaveholder in Kentucky. Sued for monetary damages by a slaveholder whose escaped slaves he aided, he was a party to Jones v. Van Zandt (1847), a case by which abolitionists intended to challenge the constitutionality of slavery. The case was decided by the United States Supreme Court against Van Zandt; it upheld the right of Congress and the obligation of the government to protect slavery, as it was established under the Constitution. Van Zandt was ruined financially by the decision and died later that year. Author: Jere, Wade Anastasia Binding Type: Paperback Number of Pages: 176 Publication Date: 2011/07/24 Language: English Dimensions: 9.02 x 5.98 x 0.41 inches

Rescue America by Van Zandt, John M. [Paperback] $19.49 Author: Van Zandt, John M. Binding Type: Paperback Number of Pages: 126 Publication Date: 2011/04/28 Language: English Dimensions: 8.50 x 5.51 x 0.30 inches

Townes Van Zandt - Townes Van Zandt $28.07 Track Listing: For the Sake Of the Song None But the Rain Columbine Waitin` Round To Die Don`t You Take It Too Bad Colorado Girl Lungs I`ll Be Here In the Morning Fare Thee Well, Miss Carousel (Quicksilver Daydreams Of) Maria

LIVE AT THE OLD QUARTER HOUSTON TEXAS BY VAN ZANDT,TOWNES (CD) [2 DISCS] $27.05 Artist: VAN ZANDT,TOWNES Genre: Popular Music Release Date: 24JUN2008

A Deeper Blue: The Life and Music of Townes Van Zandt $13.12 Like Jimmie Rodgers, Woody Guthrie, Robert Johnson, and Hank Williams, Townes Van Zandt was the embodiment of that mythic American figure, the troubled troubadour. A Deeper Blue traces Van Zandt's background as the scion of a prominent Texas family; his troubled early years and his transformation from promising pre-law student to wandering folk singer; his life on the road and the demons that pursued and were pursued by him; the women who loved and inspired him; and the brilliance and enduring beauty of his songs. "Hardy delineates the musician's chaotic life in honest, often dramatic detail, but always brings the focus back to Van Zandt's music and the classic songs he penned."--Billboard.com "A Deeper Blue demonstrates why Van Zandt has become Texas' version of Mozart, Van Gogh, and Hank Williams all rolled up into one brilliant and beautiful burrito."--Kinky Friedman "A Deeper Blue gives fascinating insight into what inspired this sweet-singing, tortured genius and what inevitably brought him down. Save a tear for Townes. You'll need it."--Joe Ely

Townes Van Zandt $13.99 Track Listing: 1. For the Sake of the Song, 2. Columbine, 3. Waitin' Round to Die, 4. Don't You Take It Too Bad, 5. Colorado Girl, 6. Lungs, 7. I'll Be Here in the Morning, 8. Fare Thee Well, Miss Carousel, 9. (Quicksilver Daydreams of) Maria, 10. None But the Rain

Townes Van Zandt - Abnormal $26.72 Track Listing:Coo-CooShrimp SongDollar Bill BluesTwo GirlsKathleen (Intro)Waiting Around To DieTecumseh ValleyDead FlowersCatfish Song (Intro)Flying ShoesBlazes BluesMarieSong For, ALungOld Shep

Marie Van Zandt by Horst, Kristen Nehemiah [Paperback] $76.47 Please note that the content of this book primarily consists of articles available from Wikipedia or other free sources online. Marie van Zandt (October 8, 1858 December 31, 1919) was an American soprano. Born in New York City, van Zandt was the daughter of Jennie van Zandt, who had sung at La Scala and at New Yorks Academy of Music. She studied in Milan with Francesco Lamperti, making her debut as Zerlina in Don Giovanni in Turin in 1879. Numerous successful appearances followed, including at Covent Garden in 1879, and at the Op raComique in Paris in 1880. L o Delibes composed his opera Lakm for her, and she created the title role for its world premiere in 1883. Organized opposition at the Op raComique was created at around this time in an attempt to discredit her; among the lies which were circulated was one suggesting that she appeared onstage while drunk. Author: Horst, Kristen Nehemiah Binding Type: Paperback Number of Pages: 92 Publication Date: 2011/09/04 Language: English Dimensions: 9.02 x 5.98 x 0.22 inches

To Live's to Fly: The Ballad of the Late, Great Townes Van Zandt $17.73 At last, the authorized biography of Townes Van Zandt (1944-1997), who wrote such unforgettable songs as "Pancho & Lefty" and "If I Needed You." Born to a wealthy oil family in Ft. Worth, Texas, hounded by alcoholism and depression, Van Zandt pursued a nomadic existence following his muse, whatever the cost to himself, friends, and relatives. Based on exclusive interviews with those close to Van Zandt, including his best friend Guy Clark and colleagues like Steve Earle and John Prine, "To Live's to Fly" captures all the humor, hijinks, poetry, and heartbreak of this revered, "genuinely" outlaw country artist.

Powers Collectibles 3267 Signed Van Zandt Steven 8x10 Photo $92.14 Signed Van Zandt Steven comes with powers collectibles coa and matching holograms. Size: 8 x 10. Satisfaction Ensured. Always a great way to show off your personal sense of style.

Powers Collectibles 5167 Signed Van Zandt Steven 8x10 Photo $92.14 Signed Van Zandt Steven comes with powers collectibles coa and matching holograms. Size: 8 x 10. Satisfaction Ensured. Always a great way to show off your personal sense of style.

Powers Collectibles 5290 Signed Van Zandt Steven 8x10 Photo $92.14 Signed Van Zandt Steven comes with powers collectibles coa and matching holograms. Size: 8 x 10. Satisfaction Ensured. Always a great way to show off your personal sense of style.

Be Here to Love Me: A Film About Townes Van Zandt - Widescreen $19.99 The celebrated singer and songwriter Steve Earle once said "Townes Van Zandt is the best songwriter in the whole world, and I'll stand on Bob Dylan's coffee table in my cowboy boots and say that." Earle was hardly the only artist of note who loved Van Zandt's poetic, elliptical songs of love and dashed hopes -- Willie Nelson, Emmylou Harris, Norah Jones, the Cowboy Junkies, and Nanci Griffith are among the many performers who have recorded his work, and he was a key inspiration for much of the Texas singer/songwriter community, including Guy Clark, Jimmie Dale Gilmore, Joe Ely, and Lyle Lovett. However, while Van Zandt was greatly admired by his peers and a small cult of passionate admirers, it was other artists who had hits with his songs, not him, and this gifted but troubled man was haunted by drug and alcohol addiction much of his life. Van Zandt also had difficult relationships with his family and three wives, and at the age of 20, he was given shock treatments which wiped out nearly all of his childhood memories. In the 1990s, Van Zandt's public profile began to grow larger, and he was signed to a major record label for the first time in 1996, but as often happened in his songs, fate stepped in, and Van Zandt died following hip surgery on New Year's Day, 1997. Filmmaker Margaret Brown, a longtime fan of Townes Van Zandt, examines both his life and his art in the documentary Be Here to Love Me: A Film About Townes Van Zandt, which includes interviews with many of his close friends, family members and collaborators, including Willie Nelson, Kris Kristofferson, Emmylou Harris, Steve Shelley, Guy Clark, and many more. ~ Mark Deming, Rovi

I'll Be Here in the Morning: The Songwriting Legacy of Townes Van Zandt $19.5 The writer of such influential songs as "Pancho and Lefty," "To Live's to Fly," "If I Needed You," and "For the Sake of the Song," Townes Van Zandt exerted an influence on at least two generations of Texas musicians that belies his relatively brief, deeply troubled life. Indeed, Van Zandt has influenced millions worldwide in the years since his death, and his impact is growing rapidly. Respected singer/songwriter John Gorka speaks for many when he says, "'Pancho and Lefty' changed--it unchained--my idea of what a song could be." In this tightly woven, intelligently written book, Brian T. Atkinson interviews both well-known musicians and up-and-coming artists to reveal, in the performers' own words, how their creative careers have been shaped by the life and work of Townes Van Zandt. Kris Kristofferson, Guy Clark, Billy Joe Shaver, Rodney Crowell, Lucinda Williams, and Lyle Lovett are just a few of the established musicians who share their impressions of the breathtakingly beautiful tunes and lyrics he created, along with their humorous, poignant, painful, and indelible memories of witnessing Van Zandt's rise and fall. Atkinson balances the reminiscences of seasoned veterans with the observations of relative newcomers to the international music scene, such as Jim James (My Morning Jacket), Josh Ritter, and Scott Avett (the Avett Brothers), presenting a nuanced view of Van Zandt's singular body of work, his reckless lifestyle, and his long-lasting influence. Forewords by "Cowboy" Jack Clement and longtime Van Zandt manager and friend Harold F. Eggers Jr. open the book, and each chapter begins with an introduction in which Atkinson provides context and background, linking each interviewee to Van Zandt's legacy. Historians, students, and fans of all music from country and folk to rock and grunge will find new insights and recall familiar pleasures as they read "I'll Be Here in the Morning: The Songwriting Legacy of Townes Van Zandt."

Be Here to Love Me: A Film About Townes Van Zandt (DVD) $51.2 His influence can be found deeply etched into the work of musicians from many different generations, but his name is barely known outside a close-knit circle of musicians, music fans, and critics. This film goes some way to paying a long-overdue debt to the late genre-hopping singer-songwriter Townes Van Zandt, with rare footage and warm testimonials from the likes of Emmylou Harris, Willie Nelson, and a hilarious, tequila-swigging Guy Clark combining to tell Van Zandt`s remarkable tale.

Poet: A Tribute to Townes Van Zandt [2009... $13.99 Track Listing: 1. Marie - Willie Nelson, 2. Tower Song - Nanci Griffith, 3. My Proud Mountains - John T. Van Zandt, 4. To Live Is to Fly - Guy Clark, 5. White Freightliner Blues - Billy Joe Shaver, 6. Pancho & Lefty - Delbert McClinton, 7. Mr. Mudd & Mr. Gold - Robert Earl Keen, Jr., 8. Nothin' - Lucinda Williams, 9. If I Needed You - Ray Benson, 10. Song For, A - Jonell Mosser, 11. Snake Song - Emmylou Harris, 12. Blue Wind Blew - The Flatlanders, 13. Loretta - John Prine, 14. Waitin' Around to Die - Rocky Hill, 15. Highway Kind - Cowboy Junkies, 16. Two Girls - Steve Earle & the Dukes

Bruce Springsteen, Steven Van Zandt and Clarence Clemons Autographed / Signed 8x10 Photo $468.18 Bruce Springsteen, Steven Van Zandt and Clarence Clemons Autographed / Signed 8x10 Photo Bruce Springsteen, Steven Van Zandt and Clarence Clemons (January 11, 1942 – June 18, 2011) Autographed 8x10 Photograph. 8x10

Townes Van Zandt - Legend: The Very Best Of Townes Zandt Van $34.72 Disc 0:No track list availableDisc 1:DISC 1:If I Needed YouPancho and LeftySnow Don`t FallNo Lonesome TuneSilver Ships of AndilarHeavenly Houseboat BluesBe Here to Love MeKathleenSnake Mountain BluesSt. John the GamblerOur Mother the MountainFor the Sake of the SongNone But the RainWaiting Around to DieLungsColorado GirlI`ll Be Here in the MorningNothin`Tower SongCome TomorrowMariePancho and LeftyIf I Needed YouDisc 2:DISC 2:Turnstyled, JunkpiledBrand New CompanionDelta Moma BluesNo DealYou Are Not Needed NowHighway KindTo Live Is to FlyMr. Mudd and Mr. GoldHigh, Low and In-BetweenLorettaNo Place to FallFlyin` ShoesWho Do You LoveWhen She Don`t Need MeSnake SongFraternity BluesTecumseh ValleyCocaine BluesWhite Freight Liner BluesOnly Him or MeBrother FlowerTwo GirlsAt My Window

Townes Van Zandt - At My Window $27.97 Disc 1:Snowin` on RatonBlue Wind BlewAt My WindowFor the Sake of the SongAin`t Leavin` Your LoveBuckskin Stallion BluesLittle Sundance #2Still Lookin` for YouGone, Gone BluesCatfish Song, The

Townes Van Zandt - Live in Texas * $24.67 Disc 0:No track list available

Townes Van Zandt - In the Beginning... [11/24] $28.78 Disc 0:No track list available