(Note: this series was created elsewhere.)

Something in music: the origin

One night at a 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 scribbled down 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’s about to get hitched, she needs “something old, something new, something borrowed, and something blue.” Your provocative penman was immediately inspired. After all, those same terms could be applied to music: “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. And the rest is history…

‘Something’ in Music 380

Something Old

Our “something old” this edition is the classic cut “Don’t Go Away” originally recorded by the English rock band Oasis. The song was written by band member Noel Gallagher and first appeared on the group’s third disc titled Be Here Now which dropped in 1997. It was released as a single only in Japan.

Something New

Our “something new” this time is the latest rap track titled "Viben Wit My Dawgz" by the independent online music artist known as Jake Walker. Walker is presently based out of West Palm Beach in Florida. Walker’s current signature sound is a blend of hip-hop and freestyle rap.

Something Borrowed

Our “something borrowed” for this edition is the 1965 Beatles song “I’m Looking Through You” written by Paul McCartney. This audio adaptation is by American folk singer, songwriter and guitarist Lucy Kaplansky. It’s off her 2012 album Reunion. If you’d like to see Kaplansky perform live, you’re in luck as she is still on tour! Check the poster below for some remaining dates!

Something Blue

Last but least, our “something blue” this time is the classic blues bit “Blues Highway" covered by the bluegrass-influenced Americana band known as Railroad Earth. It first appear on the group’s 2023 album All For the Song. The band’s roster here includes Todd Sheaffer (acoustic guitar and lead vocals), Tim Carbone (electric guitar, violin, and vocals), John Skehan (mandolin, bouzouki, piano, and vocals), Carey Harmon (drums, percussion, and vocals), and Andrew Altman (bass).

If you're in Florida and would like to see the act live, you’re in luck! Railroad Earth 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-mailings, 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 Railroad Earth, the Suwannee Spring Reunion’s lineup also includes Sam Bush, the Steep Canyon Rangers, Bettye LaVette, 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.”

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. 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)