(Note: this series was originally published elsewhere.)

Something in music: origin

One evening at a hot, trendy L.A. nightclub on a rare solo outing, yours truly found himself standing alone at the bar preparing to review the upcoming act. Before he had taken more than a few notes, however, he was bookended by a pair of vivacious vixens who insisted on engaging your rockin’ writer in cozy conversation. Strangely, the subject of “marriage” arose.

One of the young ladies noted that when a gal is about to get hitched, she needs “something old, something new, something borrowed, and something blue.” Your provocative penman was immediately inspired. After all, those very same terms could be applied to music too: “Something old” or classic, “something new” or recently released, “something borrowed”, a cover, and “something blue”, a blues song or a song with “blue” in the title. The rest is history.

‘Something’ in Music 357

Something Old

Our “something old” this edition is the classic cut “New Year’s Resolution.” It's a duet by American singers Otis Redding and Carla Thomas. Written by Deanie Parker, Randle Catron, and Mary Frierson, the track first appeared on the 1967 platter King & Queen. The single dropped in 1968.

Something New

Our “something new” this time is the song “Made It” by singer Jacqueline Judith (J.J.) Harp a.k.a. Jacqueline. In a message on social media, she refers to herself as “an emerging artist with a voice that spans over 4 octaves” as well as a dancer, and producer.

She is also reportedly “the founder and CEO of Soul On Fire Records.” This is her debut single. The indie artist refers to the song as “a New Year victory/celebration anthem.”

Something Borrowed

Our “something borrowed” for this edition is the song “Fade Into You” which was first recorded by the American alt-rock band Mazzy Star. It was co-written by band members Hope Sandoval and David Roback in 1993. This stripped-down cover is by the Nashville Americana roots rock act Sugar Lime Blue.

This cover cut was recorded during a recent episode of their Sunday Shout Out shows. It features Ashley Beth (vocals), and Dave Beth (guitar). If you’d like to see the entire band perform live and you’re in the area, you’re in luck!

Sugar Lime Blue is still on tour! Sugar Lime Blue will be playing a New Year’s Eve show at the Little Bear Saloon in Evergreen, Colorado tonight! Visit the band’s website for tickets and additional information.

Something Blue

Finally, our “something blue” this edition is the song “Ridin’ That Bluegrass Train” co-written by American musician and songwriter Sam Bush. Here, on an episode of his show “Jammin With Sam”, Bush performs the tune with two of his band members Wes Corbett and Stephen Mougin. In a message on social media, Bush describes it as an “ever lively” song.

If you are in Florida and would like to see Bush perform live, you’re in luck! He will be performing at the 6th Suwannee Spring Reunion held from Thursday, March 21st through Sunday, March 24th at the Spirit of the Suwannee Music Park in Live Oak, Florida.

According to a recent e-mail, this family-friendly event “focuses on showcasing established as well as up-and-coming” artists performing “music rooted in Americana, newgrass, bluegrass, folk, blues, and more.” Additionally, no amplified or recorded music is allowed “in the campground during this festival, so any music happening is live and acoustic.” The festival features “four days of music” on “multiple stages.”

Along with Sam Bush, this year the Suwannee Spring Reunion’s lineup also includes the Steep Canyon Rangers, Railroad Earth, Peter Rowan Walls of Time Band, Donna the Buffalo, Keller Williams’ PettyGrass featuring The HillBenders, Bettye LaVette, The Steel Wheels, Town Mountain, Seth Walker, Jon Stickley Trio, Fireside Collective, Darrell Scott, Jim Lauderdale, Hattie & Joe Craven Trio, Verlon Thompson, Shawn Camp, the Jeff Mosier Ensemble, The Grass Is Dead, Roy Book Binder, Leon Timbo & The Family Band, David Grier, Colby T Helms & The Virginia Creepers, the Nikki Talley Band, Free Range Strange, Sloppy Joe, Quartermoon, Habanero Honeys, John Mailander: Artist At Large, and the Magic Moon Traveling Circus.

Festival Director Beth Judy, notes: “The Suwannee Spring Reunion is a new version of the events we began so long ago…and now we are gathering everyone together for the big reunion and revival of what commenced during those early years.”

Tickets are available now. “Suwannee Spring Reunion offers a multi-day Weekend Ticket that includes festival admission for four days of music, as well as primitive camping on Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday nights.” Amenities here include “a general store, full-service restaurant, free showers, indoor bathrooms, and water stations. Upgraded camping, including RV hookups and cabin rentals, as well as golf cart rentals.”

Other ticket options include “Early Bird General Admission” for $175.00 (including taxes and fees) which are available “through January 14th.” Military and Student discounts are available with a valid ID. Kids 12 and under are free if accompanied by a parent or a legal guardian.

“An additional event car pass is required to bring a car into the campground.” Advance Car Passes range from $15.00 to $20.00 at the gate. Further ticket information is available on the website.

Did we mention your favorite “something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue”? If not, let us know. Don’t forget to send us your bride photos too!

(Images courtesy of Rock n Roll Bride and/or original owners)