July 2021 AKS

Summer Collection

Monday Playlist 7/12/2021

Sofia Kool

Monday Playlist week of 9/27/2021

Monday Playlist week of 12/20/2021

Danniels & Durgy

Although this song was written by me about one of my most loved places in the world, I heard Nat sing it when we were figuring out how to present it, and I just had to have her stick with the lead vocals as she sings it so beautifully, even though she has never set foot in the great Mountain State (now she wants to!). So we just changed "she" to "he" and it all fell into place. It tells the story of someone who has watched a lover leave and seeks solace in the Wonderful and Wild of West Virginia. The state became a bit of a passion for me since I first visited our friends in Keyser when I was still a boy. And it still represents a place of reflection and spirit to me. A place where one can find themselves and answer the deeper questions perhaps. And that's what happens in this song. It celebrates the wonders of this beautiful place even while it describes the complicated challenges of this world. This is dedicated to the entire Campbell family, without whom I'd not know the beauty I've tried to capture in this simple song. I especially want to recognize Margaret & Richard as the head of that Campbell clan, bless them both in heaven. As long as there are mountains and rivers in West Virginia, their memory will live large.
(lyrics below)

Copyright Daniels & Durgy 2021
Gentle Rain Records.
Produced, Written & Performed by Nat Daniels & Craig Durgy
Pedal Steel - Dakota Holden  
https://www.fiverr.com/dakotaholden/play-pedal-steel-on-your-song
Craig Durgy: Vocals, Guitar & Mandolin
Nat Daniels: Vocals, bass and production
Dakota Holden: Pedal Steel
See Our video! :  https://youtu.be/-FVLtkalVlA

Lyrics;
Hey, West Virginia, I’m crossing your state line
It’s me again, hello old friend, it’s been a long, long time
Four windows open, to feel your mountain air
To breathe you in, rememberin’, the child in me out there
You see I need your wisdom, your reassuring smile
I just want to listen, to the wonderful and wild
I know he’s leaving, I just came to tell you so
These backroads lead me back to me
To watch your Greenbrier flow
Yeah, he’s moving on now, you knew long ago
It’s what I do, so much like you, 
They come, they love, they go
You see I need your wisdom, your reassuring smile
I just want to listen, to the wonderful and wild
He loved my stories, and sunshine, wind and rain 
But like before, he’s found the door, and here I am again
Hey West Virginia, the tall grass crickets call 
The stars appear, much closer here
You catch ‘em when they fall
You always catch me when, I fall
You always catch me when,
You always catch me when, I fall

Back To West Virginia

West Virginia

Written by Delaney and Bonnie Bramlett
Performed by Josh McAlexander
Picture of my wife Laura and me sailing (1993)

Never Ending Song of Love

This terrific song is the work of our friend Steve Low who granted us permission to attempt a cover. As much as we love Steve's original, we saw no point in trying to do it the same as he so wonderfully did, so we thought it would be fun to go country, perhaps a bit bluegrass and we're very excited to share it here. The song has some terrific lyrics that describe the longing one experiences when the one they love is gone. We thank Steve for allowing us the privilege and we also are pleased to again feature the amazing banjo work of Hamilton Belk.

Music and lyrics by Steve Low
Performed by Daniels & Durgy
Nat Daniels - piano, percussion, vocals, bass
Craig Durgy - guitar, vocals
Hamilton Belk - banjo

Lyrics (by Steve Low):
You yes you’re living in a cage
You’re bouncing off the bars
But it’s my ribs and tissue that’s inflammed
Yes it’s I who’s watching for your car
My roots are deep here in the west
Invested here I have to stay
But you got gypsy in your blood
Your fiddles playing the sounds of Spain
And so I’m watching yes I’m watching
All the headlights - all the headlights
Oh I’m watching yes I’m watching 
All the headlights - all the headlights
Coming up over the hill - hoping that one of them is you

Though you’ve had a travelling circus life
You been courting stability
And I’ve been prostrate at your feet
I been licking your toes to sleep
And though you bathe in pleasures warm
I sense our wine is running dry
I know as you commute each morn
You’re not the type to say goodbye
And so I’m watching . . . you

This evening’s sky is coal dust cloud
You’re late and I’m a clairvoyant
This house empty of all sound 
This house is empty
This house is empty

All The Headlights

Pop V Mezcla by dj wf (mix185) REVOLUTIONS XIX

Amor Del Bueno, Si Tu No Estas Aqui, Un Siglo Sin Ti, Lo Mejor Que Hay En Mi Vida.....

The incantation of a small prayer for the people of Hong Kong, as their tongues are torn out, their ears sealed up and their eyes sewn shut.

When The Middle Kingdom Comes

Turn slowly to the East, All Under Heaven found.
Civilisation’s ancient seat, culture’s origins abound.
Confucian terracotta peace, but put your ear to the ground
Sense the grinding of the teeth, under boots that Mao found.
The Republic of the People, politics' Project Vanity
Bastard child of satan, sired by insanity.
Billionaire communists neatly shun the peasant toil their gold comes from.
Heaven help your precious freedom, when The Middle Kingdom comes.

Butchered in their masses, starved or spirited away.
Cultural Revolution passes back to Great Leap Forward day.
Free speech lying bleedin’ ‘neath the beating of red drums.
Heaven help your precious freedom, when The Middle Kingdom comes.

Taking out the protest man, tank columns in the square.
Ever scratching fair Taiwan, knowing China’s heart is there.
Smothering every voice you can, covid viruses to share.
War on all fronts five-year-planned, to the pacifist’s despair.
The last to offer charity, the first to issue threat.
Pollution choking clarity of third world crippling debt.
See the friendships that she’s workin’ on – why they all have rented guns
Heaven help your precious freedom, when The Middle Kingdom comes.

From the genocide of Uyghurs to the killing fields of war
In Tibets, Vietnams, Koreas, the doctrinal moral whore
Lives and liberties succumb to the broken idealistic thumb,
Heaven help your precious freedom, when The Middle Kingdom comes.

Photo by Joseph Chan on Unsplash

When The Middle Kingdom Comes

Falling from a cloud
Drifting in peace
In my minds eye serenity

doodling away

Falling from a Cloud

Falling From A Cloud

As I stumble through the trees
You lay there cold
Lay there cold

And I drop down to my knees
You lay there cold
Lay there cold

I never tried to hurt you
Hurt you with my mind
I thought that was forgotten
Pushed it all behind
Until I woke and found you missing
The door it was ajar
I followed your footsteps
Followed them afar

Your blue body no longer bleeds
You lay there cold
Lay there cold

Was it all because of me?
You lay there cold
Lay there cold

Blue

I heard this incredible instrumental track and fell in love..  it had this Flamenco quality to it which is hard to master.. but I heard the musical genius in the track and for a year the song called to me.   I asked Stefan if we could add words to his amazing Guitar track, and Durge helped me bring this lovely love story to life..    Thank you Stefan for allowing us to create with you. 

To hear the Original Instrumental, please follow this link: https://soundcloud.com/rock-flexible/i-dreamed-of-you-rock-flexible

Copyright Daniels & Durgy / Rock Flexible 2021
Instrumental track : Rock Flexible
Lyrics and Vocal Melody: Nat Daniels and Craig Durgy

Lyrics:
If I only could, I’d stay awake 
And dream with you
Grace the dead of night
‘Till I saw you smile in the sunlight ....

You touched me in a way I’ve never known
Silent rain burns on the undertow..

I concealed my gaze, 
But your smile taunted me as the flamenco played
Gripped around my waist ... 
Felt your hand lift my knee onto your thigh in close embrace ..

I dreamed of you... as my hair tumbled down onto my spine
I fell for you... And I won't be the same 'till I know your heart is mine..

Burning, yearning, Set the world on fire!
Time has lost all meaning in your eyes...

No deambule mas mi amor
(Wander no more my love)
Mis brazos estaban destinados a sostener solo a ti
(My arms were meant to hold only you)
Baila conmigo para siempre
(Dance with me forever)

It was like a dream came to life when I saw you!
And I’ll never let go as long as I draw breath!
‘Cause I dreamed of You…..

Chances

I Dreamed Of You

I Dreamed Of You - w Rock Flexible

Words and Music by Roger Whittlesey. See the video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BuCOYC5Oa8o

Strange

An acoustic guitar duet. Shael and I have different, complimentary playing styles heard here in this simple recording. Just two guitars...and  a little rainfall.

The Tequila Monday Project

Social Life

Social life (Acoustic)

Perspective

This song was written by Chuck Berry while in prison and was recorded
in 1964.  This " poor boy" traveled across dozen states by bus, train and
plane to get to his promise land (California).  It was also recorded by
Elvis Presley .  Remember, Paul Revere and the Raiders, Freddy Weller,
had a hit with it also.  Louisiana's own Johnny Allen also had a hit with
it here in cajun land.  Having a little fun with this one.

Promise Land ( Cover of Chuck Berry )

So much talent from my part of the country (SW Louisiana, SE Texas) George Jones, Tracy Byrd, Mark Chesnutt, George Straight, Janis Joplin, Edgar Winters and the list goes on.  Tracy Lawrence sang with a Louisiana based band in 1988-1990.  He was shot 4 times by robbers in may 1991 which delayed his first album Sticks and Stones.  He was named top new male country vocalist in 1993.  He continues to create great music.  Just one of my favorite Tracy Lawrence songs.

That's How A Cowgirl Says Goodbye (Cover)

Serious people know not to take themselves too seriously. Always do your best. Stay humble. Don't read your own headlines. There's always someone or something better. Each of us are always able to look, listen, learn, and improve upon whatever we 'Master'......or 'Think We Have'. We're all Legends in our Own Minds sometimes. As The Mighty Mighty Master of Nothing, myself, here I am.......always attempting to enjoy each moment to the fullest. Wanting to simply do my best given my shortcomings. That's all. I will fall short, I will fail, I will make mistakes, but I will always get up, dust off, and keep moving forward in some way - each and every day. Most of all, try to keep it FUN. Smile through the pain if and when you can, Friends. Enjoy Life. Live, Love, Laugh! ;-) Don't sweat the small stuff........ Forget "Get"....To Give is to Live!
The Mighty Mighty Master of Nothing ©
Riff Beach Original - RiffWerx - 2017
(Revised Version - 2021)
Oh, it’s really sad to say, My Friend
But, as I approach The End
Strange face in a mirror stares right through me 
Yet, loving this place I always longed to be
It’s a place that we all know
Not too hard for anyone to go
Must be real if we accept it as so
I know you know the feeling that I know 
(Chorus)
It sure seems right as rain
Even though it causes me some pain
My Cup runneth over with all I write and sing
Yet, here am I…..The Mighty Mighty Master of Nothing 
The Mighty Mighty Master of Nothing 
(Bridge)
Sometimes, for those who wish to be King 
Best remember exactly what power can bring
For, you need not follow any rules at all 
If you keep your Kingdom tidy and small 
How insane and pointedly true
And, I’m afraid you believe it, too
Or, do you think that they don’t see?
We’re often all Fools……
Yeah, even You and Me
 (Chorus and Out)

Sunny Beaches Abound

The Mighty Mighty Master of Nothing  ©

Lyrics, vocal & guitar by Tony
A very raw two chord recording of 
Time Just Eats You Up.

IT'S EVERY BOY'S DREAM
TO GET HIS DRIVERS LISCENSE
THE DAY HE TURNS SIXTEEN
TIME JUST EATS YOU UP

FINISHING GRADE SCHOOL
IS A LONG TIME COMIN'
WE ALL NEED THOSE TOOLS
TIME JUST EATS YOU UP

SOME ATTEND COLLEGE
SOME JOIN THE WORK FORCE
AT A VERY YOUNG AGE
TIME JUST EATS YOU UP

(CHORUS)
TIME JUST EATS YOU UP
NOTHING YOU CAN DO ABOUT THAT
IT'LL ALWAYS WIN
NOBODY IS THAT FAST

CAN'T WAIT TO GET MARRIED
WHEN YOU MEET THE LOVE OF YOUR LIFE
LEAVING PARENTS WORRIED
TIME JUST EATS YOU UP

CAN'T WAIT TO HAVE KIDS
NOT ALL FUN AND GAMES
CAN'T WAIT FOR GRANDKIDS
TIME JUST EATS YOU UP

TIME KEEPS SLIPPIN' AWAY
LIVING IN THE FAST LANE
TURNS YOUR HAIR GREY
TIME JUST EATS YOU UP

(REPEAT CHORUS)

WE NEVER TAKE THE TIME 
TO SMELL THE ROSES
STOP AND UNWIND
CAUSE, TIME JUST EATS YOU UP

(REPEAT CHORUS)

2021 © Lyrics by Tony Harris (BMI)

Time Just Eats You Up - (Raw Original by Tony Harris)

Written by Paul McCartney and released near the end of the band’s existence on the Let It Be album in 1970, something made Craig try it out for our own style. It was a live home recording and we liked it. Nat then took it and added her magic harmonies and piano to pretty it up so nicely. Made it a very much more straight forward country folk sound with the accent on the lovely lyrics.
Gentle Rain Records

Deja Views

Long and Winding Road

Long and Winding Road (live cover)

Copyright Daniels & Durgy 2021
Gentle Rain Records
From Durge and Myself...  THANK YOU for listening to our Songs, and sharing our Truths!  Have a Safe, and Blessed New Year!!  

Seafaring Wanderer 
Produced, Written & Performed by Nat Daniels & Craig Durgy

Starlight star bright 
I wished upon a city light
That the Western Winds will lead me to you
Like a long desert road with no detours or turns one can miss…
Ending in arms wide open
That greets me for certain.. with a kiss.

Oh that sun sets low 
And time waits suspended,
Mesmerising me, like the warmth of your smile
And though I’ve seen it all, the seafaring wanderer
Has found nothing new …
All this time I was searching for meaning
I found it in you.


Starlight star bright 
The bourbon made this night all right..
But the city streets, holds empty and cold
Every neon sign flickers a heart beat the beckons 
“Come on home”..
Every newspaper flutter, is like Angels that Mutter.. 
“Call his phone..” 

Oh this road I’m on has one destination,
Every star I choose just leads me to you…
Yes I’ve seen it all, like a seafaring wanderer
But one thing held true!
All this time I was searching for meaning 
I found it in you..

Seafaring Wanderer

Dedicated to My Good Buddy and BandMate - Bravei!
Big Star ©
Big Beat Beach
3B Records & Production - 2021
Music - Bravei Brasil
Lyrics, Vocals, Lead Guitar Add - Riff Beach
Once there was a Young Man
And he dreamed up 
A big plan
One day..... just up and ran away
I remember….. 
He always used to say….
I'll get myself a shiny new guitar 
And when I learn to play….
I'll learn to  play it well
Just give it Hell
And then I know 
There’s gotta’ be a way
To find a little
Fortune and Fame
If I don’t
I'll only have myself to blame
(Chorus)
For no matter what we are
You know one day
I’m gonna’ be 
A Big Star
Oooooh, I just gotta’ be
A Big Star
Over time, he found some Fans
Travelled in a Big Bus
All over this Land
Him…..and his Rock n’ Roll Band
And then he heard ‘em all say
No matter what anyone says you are
You found a way
And Now……Oh, Yeah
Why, He’s a Big Star
A Big Star
Oh Yeah, 
In a Rock n’ Roll Band
Never even has to drive his own car anymore
No, No, no.....not anymore
‘Cuz he’s….
Why, he’s a Big Star
He’s a Big Star
A Big Star
No matter what we are
He’s A Big Star
Big Star ©
Praia Big Beat
3B Records & Production - 2021
Música - Bravei Brasil
Letras, vocais e guitarra solo - Riff Beach
Era uma vez um jovem
E ele sonhou
Um grande plano
Um dia ..... apenas se levantou e fugiu
Eu lembro…..
Ele sempre costumava dizer….
Vou comprar uma guitarra novinha em folha
E quando eu aprender a jogar….
Vou aprender a jogar bem
Apenas dê o inferno
E então eu sei
Deve haver uma maneira
Para encontrar um pouco
Fortuna e Fama
Se eu não
Eu só terei a mim mesmo para culpar
(Refrão)
Pois não importa o que somos
Você sabe um dia
Eu vou ser
Uma grande estrela
Oooooh, eu só tenho que ser
Uma grande estrela
Com o tempo, ele encontrou alguns fãs
Viajou em um grande ônibus
Por toda esta terra
Ele ... e sua banda de Rock n 'Roll
E então ele ouviu todos eles dizerem
Não importa o que digam que você é
Você encontrou um caminho
E agora ... Oh, sim
Por que, ele é uma grande estrela
Uma grande estrela
Oh sim,
Em uma banda de Rock n 'Roll
Nunca mais precisa dirigir seu próprio carro
Não, não, não ..... não mais
_ Porque ele é ...
Por que, ele é uma grande estrela
Ele é uma grande estrela
Uma grande estrela
Não importa o que somos
Ele é uma grande estrela

Sunny Beaches All Around Us

Big Star  ©

Big Star © - Big Beat Beach Music

Original 2014

Many thanks to Rory Tosh for creating the Mississippi Delta Blues track. Love his vocal, slide guitar and harp and the trip back in time to the Mississippi Delta. Hope you enjoy the track and please listen to Rory's music at Textosh on soundcloud.

Delta Blues (Lyrics by Tony - Featuring Rory Tosh - Textosh) Original

Lots of acoustic and electric guitar’s meshed with an up beat rhythm to liven up the mood just like a sunrise wakes you up.
Composer Fernando Melo
Guitars Fernando Melo

Acoustic Sunrise

Borderland  - Words & Music: Pravinand Maharaj aka Johnny Minstrel

There’s a wire fence running east
Keeping Eden out of bounds
And he speaks unto the least
Like a Sermon on the Mount
And as the living often do
Find a million ways to die
I was born loving you
A truth I still deny

It’s my inheritance they say
A house with many rooms
But I be homeless night and day
Until I’m in the tomb
Behind that solid door
Something else lies in
And when you open up you know
It was the same old thing

Now you and I we learned
That freedom’s golden chains
Caused Paradise to burn
And we both took the blame
Still shaken from the fall
And I can’t get back up
They all are prison walls
Everything I touch

I’m crawling through the sands
To the setting sun
Into the Borderland
Where shadows overcome
Into the Borderland
Where shadows overcome


Borderland

Jesus We Praise Your Holy Name (lyrics by Tony Harris / music/vocals by the Speers) Original 2000

The Sugar Shack ©
Riff Beach - Original
RiffWerx  2018
You know, whatever you do 
Comes back to you
So, jot it down, Baby 
In a book about yourself
Before you put it back 
Upon the shelf
Chorus
As for me, well….
I just wanna’ go back
To a jumpin' little bar
Called The Sugar Shack
Bridge 
On sugar white sand
With a hard-rockin’ band
Playing an earth shaking beat
You just can’t stay off your feet
No need streaming music
When I’m dreaming you
Makes me wanna' go back
We can dance like two fools
Chorus 2 
At the Sugar Shack
I just wanna’ go back
To The Sugar Shack
Ya’ know we wanna’ go back
To The Sugar Shack
Oh, Lord….Take me back
To The Sugar Shack

Sunny Beaches

I Dreamed Of You - Rock Flexible
-------------------------------------------------------------
A quick and dirty guitar tune, played with my Ibanez acoustic.
-------------------------------------------------------------
(c) 2019 - rock flexible - all rights reserved

I Dreamed Of You - Rock Flexible

Our new single 'She's Kinda Hot' is out now
Download on iTunes: http://5sosf.am/WulEGJ
Listen on Spotify: http://5sosf.am/DC2fml
Watch the lyric video: http://5sosf.am/SKHLV

Unplugged

I Miss You (Unplugged)

Written and Performed by Josh McAlexander

Why I sing Hosanna

Why I Sing Hosanna (Original)

I first heard this tune from the great Tony Rice (bluegrass flat picker). I immediately wanted to pick it and I immediately realized that I was no
Tony and just could not keep up with him.  I still love this tune and had to slow it way down and adapt.   Just picking and singing.

Church Street Blues ( cover)   Tony Rice

This song came to me all at once The Lyrics / Music everything. I had to get out of bed to capture the idea for a morning session.
LIFE OUTSIDE A WINDOW BOX " Ask Yourself " by Glen Granthem
LYRICS
Would you leave behind everything you own
Start a new life create a home
Fall back naked wearing flesh and bone
Walk forward blindly to face the unknown
Live outside a window box, Electric moments unwound clocks
Could you travel the world  one day at a time
Never look back and still have peace of mind
Ride the sea in a ship with a sail
With no regret to live out this tale
Live outside a window box, Electric moments  endless talk
Ask yourself is it to late Just ask yourself if it's to late
Was there a time in life with your greatest love
You took a chance embraced god above
Running free through an open field
Then stopped to pick a daffodil 
And lived outside your window box  Electric moments endless talk
Ask Yourself is to late Just ask yourself if its to late

Life Outside A Window Box  ( Original With lyrics )

Copyright Daniels & Durgy 2020
Gentle Rain Records
Written, Performed and Produced by Daniels & Durgy

Lyrics:

Unveiling of the night
Leaves a misty moon 
In the morning light
Driving in my car 
I know what’s up ahead
And seeking what’s behind

Floating down I’m lost within this feeling
As your sweet sweet words own all meaning
I’m in trouble....

Chorus
Chances are... you’ll stare at the same moon
Chances are... you’re needing my love too 
I can see your lights are on,
As I’m passing on your line
Chances are... I’ll give in one more time
Chances are......Chances are....

Memories rewind like a broken film
Taking me through time
Wish I had a dime for every time I said
I’m leaving it behind

It’s no use, I’m locked within this feeling
‘Cause your sweet sweet words ...
Owns all meaning ...  I’m in trouble..

Chorus
Chances are...my phone will play a tune
Chances are... you’ll sway me like you do
It’s a game the fates keep playing 
And It’s playing you and I
Chances are... 
the road will lead me to your arms tonight ..  
Chances are...   
Chances are...   
Chances are.

Chances Are

Skin and Bones  Words and Music: Pravinand Maharaj

Skin and bones
Heat and snow
Dark and white
Rest and flow
It’s the wider truth
A big fat wider truth

Leave and run
Be my guest
All the guns
Haven’t fired yet
It’s the wider truth
A big fat wider truth

There’s a hole on the mountain
There’s a tower in the fountain
There’s a bridge over Hades
By the Quarry-side
It’s the wider truth
A big fat wider truth

Meet the damned
Damn the beast
Half the man
I’ll always be
It’s the wider truth
A big fat wider truth

Cover pic by Julia Rohwedder on deviantART. 

Skin and Bones

Written and Produced by Josh McAlexander
Lap Steel (Keyed instrument)

Be Still

Be Still (ORIGINAL)

Two song writers, two kindred spirits... that found each other by pure happenstance and great fortune, to collaborate and create music together.
To see our separate artist pages, please click on the following links:
Nat Daniels   https://soundcloud.com/natdaniels
Craig Durgy  https://soundcloud.com/durge