(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 359

Something Old

Our “something old” this edition is the classic cut “Stuck In A Moment You Can’t Get Out Of” recorded by the Irish rock group U2. It was written by frontman Bono and the second single from the band’s disc titled All That You Can’t Leave Behind which dropped in 2000.

Something New

Our “something new” this time is the track "Flying High" by a Chandigarh, India-based act named BeatUniverse. Also known as Karan Panaych, his current signature sound is “trance and dance.” This instrumental audio offering is a musical mix of trance, “chill”, and electronic dance music posted just days ago.

Something Borrowed

Our “something borrowed” for this edition is the song “Streets of Philadelphia.” It was written and recorded by American singer-songwriter and guitarist Bruce Springsteen for the 1994 film Philadelphia. This distinctive cover version was recorded by American soul singer-songwriter Bettye LaVette for the 2007 compilation disc Song of America by LaVette and other various artists.

If you're in Florida and would like to see LaVette live, you’re in luck! LaVette 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 recent e-communiques, 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 Bettye LaVette, this year the Suwannee Spring Reunion’s lineup also includes Sam Bush, the Steep Canyon Rangers, Railroad Earth, Peter Rowan Walls of Time Band, Donna the Buffalo, Keller Williams’ PettyGrass featuring The HillBenders, 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.

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

Something Blue

Last not not least, our “something blue” this edition is the song Bees Deluxe playing "Downhearted" (aka "How Blue Can You Get") at the Bull Run on New Year's Eve, opening for Roomful of Blues. The song was originally recorded by Johnny Moore's Three Blazers back in 1949. It's a slow twelve-bar blues that jazz critic Leonard Feather and his wife, Jane Feather, are credited with writing.

If you’d like to see them live, you’re in luck. Bees Deluxe is on tour now. Check out these upcoming dates:

Saturday, January 13
Black Eyed Sally's
350 Asylum St, Hartford, CT 06103

Thursday, January 18
The Porch Southern Fare & Juke Joint
215 Great Rd, Shirley, MA 01464

Wednesday, March 6
The Lizzie Rose Music Room
Tuckerton, NJ

Friday, March 8
Jamey's House of Music
Landsdowne, PA

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, Pelaez Photography, and/or original owners)