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Question & AnswerHere is your chance to ask Randall Bramblett a question. QUESTION: Hi Randall. Recently in Athens, GA I picked up a copy of a Randall Bramblett Band Live at the i and i. The album says it is from 1982. It looks like it was produced and released by Davis Causey's brother Billy. Can you tell me anything about this record? I had never seen nor heard of it until finding it in Wuxtry! ANSWER: Yes, Billy recorded it on cassette off the board as a lark. It turned out to be good enough for a live release. Just glad we could record back then. QUESTION: Randall,
Were you a Beta at Chapel Hill? If so, we were fraternity brothers. I think I recall you roomed at the Beta house with Bob New(?). Anyway, I am now a CPA in Columbia and I have a band, Heart \'n Soul. I\'m the drummer. Our website is heartnsoulband.org where you can hear some snippets of our music and learn more about us. If any of this rings a bell, give me a call at 803-467-3522. Hope to hear you next time you are in the Columbia area.
Doug ANSWER: Hey, Doug. Yes I was a beta for a year or so. Turned hippie! Didn't room with Bob tho. Hope to see you sometime. QUESTION: Randall, congratulations on having Bonnie Raitt record "Used To Rule The World" on her upcoming release.You are an incredible singer and songwriter.When can we expect a new RBB release? Will the new songs include your saxophone? ANSWER: I'm working on the new CD songs now and I'm pretty sure there will be sax on some of them. Thanks! QUESTION: A fellow guitarist turned me on to you by hearing you for first time at Columbia,SC Blues Festival Oct. 22. Love at first sight! Will you be with the band in Myrtle Beach March 10 or solo? How bout June 15 in Mauldin,SC? Do u expect same guitarist w u in Columbia who played a recent SG to continue with you? What was his name? Can't wait to see u guys again. First band I ever saw was The Yardbirds w Jimmy Page in '66 in Pgh,PA when I was 14. Never stopped after several thousand shows, including Dead, Traffic, Winwood (solo)and Allman Broths twice when Duane (RIP) was w them, that I know you played with for starters. Love your songwriting.! ANSWER: Thanks, Bill. You've definitely seen some of the greatest and I appreciate your kind words. I'll be with the band in Myrtle Beach and with Geoff Achison's band in Mauldin. Ask me the next question again. I didn't quite understand it. Thanks again. QUESTION: No question.-- just a big thanks for your shows@ 30A festival again this year. After 30 plus years of listening to your great lyrics and music, I had the pleasure of visiting with you at the last show Sunday nite. Your gift of the CD meant a lot. "That Other Mile" is a timeless classic to me and your new music still blows me away. Your talent and genius are unmatched in the music industry. ANSWER: Thanks so much, Joey. It was great talking to you and I hope we'll meet again before long. QUESTION: Long time fan of your song writing and music...that being said, my question is: When are you and band coming to Baltimore?? ANSWER: Hi Rick. Thanks for the support. I should be coming up solo for some shows later this year. We don't have enough following to justify a band show right now. We'll send out the newsletter in a week or so to let you know. QUESTION: Hey Randall!
Great, great set at the Moonlight on the Mountain room on Friday night!
Great chatting with you briefly following the show. I always end up sounding like a tourist! One of these day\'s I want to pick your brain over your songwriting process. For example - which comes first - the words or the tune?
Great seeing Jason up there too! What a talented guy!
Hope to see you soon!
\"Rusty\"
Birmingham-a-lama! ANSWER: Hi Rusty. That was a really good night for all of us. Jason is a great songwriter and performer. We just sit together with 2 guitars and a few words as a starting place and play around with it until something happens. Mysterious process. QUESTION: Hi Randall. Are you playing with both Chuck Leavell and John Mayer separately for the NO Jazz fest? Hoping to get down there. ANSWER: Hi Jim. Not sure what the line up is going to be yet. We'll just have to keep our ears open. QUESTION: Right now, I have two pretty good lossless rips of both sides of Visionary School. If I were to cut them up into tracks and see if I can work the audio to mitigate the hiss of a cassette tape, do you think that would be enough for you to rerelease Visionary School, since so many people seem very interested in it? I know there's concerns with release sometimes, I was just going to ask. ANSWER: Thanks Daniel but I don't think we want to rerelease it right now. I appreciate your work on this though. Have a great holiday. QUESTION: Greetings from the frigid north. I've got your set list from Fitzgerald's ready to put on my mp3 and relive again and again but I don't know the title of the song that Tommy Talton did with you as your encore. Can you enlighten me. I do remember that the song asked a question that should be on a lot more peoples' minds.
Thanks a bunch. ANSWER: Thanks, Larry. It was "How Come People Act Like That". Stay warm. QUESTION: Randall, I just wanted to tell what a blessing it was to listen to you ( Your band also at Columbia blues fest)at the electric city playhouse.You're a great and awesome writer(deep),and such a great talent.I also want to thank you for letting me sit in with you.It was an honor.Thanks again,and God bless you...Conger and Wanda. ANSWER: Thanks, Wanda. It was great meeting you and Conger. All the best with the fine music y'all are making. QUESTION: Randall, can you share the story of writing "Where Are You Tonight" with us? I think it is an absolutely amazing song. Thank you. ANSWER: Hi John. I was in Austin playing with WSP I think and had a notebook with me as I walked around Towne Lake. The verses are the scenes that I saw and the chorus came from missing my wife, Lenore. There's a running theme of "in spite of the way things seem, everything is alright." A big mystery, it is. QUESTION: Can I get the lyrics to This could be the worst? I\'d like to perform it for my Traumatolgy class. We have to do a creative project for a grade. It\'s a grad course at GA State. ANSWER: Hi Kim. I don't have them in a file anywere. I'll give you one verse and chorus and you can tell me what else you need. You should be able to hear the lyrics on the CD. Thanks for listening.
"all our lives we learn of the rise and the progress of man
how he rose out of his sleep into the light of reason.
we learn how we will conquer the world with just the power of our minds. how all myth and superstition were left far behind.
of all the lies that I have heard
of all the cruel cruel tricks that have been played
of all the plagues sent down upon this earth, this could be the worst" QUESTION: Ciao Randall,
How are you? How's going with your current shows in the States? We would like to see you soon performing live in Italy, at the Pistoia Blues Festival or at the Umbria Jazz Festival! Take care and keep on rockin'! ANSWER: Hi Daniel. Believe me, I would love to get back to the Pisoia Fest or any festival in Italy. Love it there so much. Why don't you see if you can get a promoter interested in bringing me over? Take care and thanks for the interest. QUESTION: Randall- loved the show at Fitzgerald\\\'s, but it was like three or four hours too short.....
Enjoyed speaking with you afterwards - as a Midwesterner hadn\\\'t seen you live since SeaLevel in Iowa City (1973? Or so?)
My question is, can you get the two albums from the \\\'70s to sell as CDs on your site?
Thanks for the innumerable hours of great music over the years. ANSWER: Hi Ken. That was a really great night. I love that place and seeing all the Midwestern fans. I will have the 2 earliest albums on one CD in a couple of weeks. I'll send a newsletter out when I get them from the manufacturer. Do you subscribe to the newsletter? See you soon I hope. QUESTION: Randall
Was at the taping of Electric City Nights last night (10/23/11) and your set was incredible, as always. Caught the show last year at the Playhouse as well. Been a fan forever and really appreciate your playing our neck of the woods. Hope you arrived safely back in Athens and that you enjoyed our hospitality here in Anderson. Look forward to seeing you again down the road. ANSWER: Thanks very much, Dan. I really appreciate it and hope the Playhouse will take off as a music venue. QUESTION: Randall,
Thanks to you, Tommy Talton, and the band for such a fine show Saturday night in our small Indiana town. To hear such gifted musicians perform in an intimate, pleasant venue is a rare treat. I hope it was worth the trip for you because we'd sure love to have you back some time. ANSWER: Hi Curt. It was definitely worth the trip. What a beautiful venue and great people too. We'll try to make it a regular stop each year. Take care and stay in touch. QUESTION: It was hard to tell who was enjoying themselves more Friday at Fitzgerald's, the crowd or the band. You guys cooked for two hours and I thoroughly enjoyed the live retelling of your music. And you are all super nice guys to boot. I do need to research my family tree, though. My grandmother's maiden name is Hendershot. I'll have to see if the roots stretch back to Jersey. I'm still gonna try to get you booked at CSPS in CR. Maybe I'll use my Christmas money to underwrite the show. Hope to see you again, soon. ANSWER: Thanks, Larry. Maybe you're kin to Seth. That would be wild. I hope you can get us up to Cedar Rapids. We probably have a few fans up there who have never heard us live. See you sometime down the road. QUESTION: This isn't a question,just a thank you...My wife and I just got home from your show in Valpo.Ind. I had to write to you,and tell you that both shows, that we seen just blew us away..
We got a chance to see the show in Evenston Ill.with you Tom....Then with the band in Valpo.Both very diffrent and both very,very good.thanks so much for comming to the chicago land area Randall.You and Tom were very kind and approchable.It was nice chatting with you two..Jaynellen,my wife told me to remind you about Doctors with a Heart Feb.14.Check in your local area its a nation wide program..And please let Mike your bass player know That I have that 71 black Rickenbacker 4001 in very nice condition for him,if he is intrested...Thanks again Randall....Mike. ANSWER: Thanks for the compliments and the info on "Doctors...". I'll tell Steele about the bass and hope to see y'all again before too long. QUESTION: Randall, I'd love to know the inspiration,...personal or otherwise...behind the beautiful song, "Where You Come From"?
Love "The Meantime"! ANSWER: Jason Slatton and I wrote that one and we were just imagining a person who needed comforting after losing a relationship. Not biographical for me but I'll have to ask Jason. Thanks for listening. It's one of my favorite songs. QUESTION: randall -- thanks so much for \"crossing the line\" and playing at space in evanston last night. it was a special night and having tommy in the show was an unexpected treat. please come back soon and maybe play the sax a bit longer.
~mk ANSWER: I had a ball too. Next time I'll play some more sax for you! QUESTION: Hi Randall! Saw you at Space in Evanston, IL last night - really really enjoyed the show! It's so refreshing to see a talented, multi-instrumentalist with great presence and material. Do you publish your setlists? If so I'd love to get a copy of the tunes you covered last night. Many thanks, and look forward to the next show! ANSWER: Hi Casey. I had a great time at that show too. What a fine venue in every way. I don't have the list but it was something like Queen of England, Nobody's Problem, Where are You Tonight, Fading, Rule the World, Grand Scheme, Driving to Montgomery, Drifting into a Woman's Arms, Everybody Got it on the Inside and maybe See Thru Me. See you next time we're up there. QUESTION: Randall we sure enjoyed the show with Geoff at Tony's last Friday! I really am digging "Now It's Tomorrow"!
Hope to see you again before the L-ville show in February. ANSWER: Thanks Warren. It was a fun night at Tony's. See you in L'ville. QUESTION: Just wondering if you're the same Randy Bramblett I knew a very long time ago from Atlanta. Was your mother's name, Pat (Patricia), by chance? Many thanks! ANSWER: Nope, sorry. I'm from Jesup originally and now live in Athens and my mom was Lydia. Thanks anyway. QUESTION: I would love to see you once again with a full band play at the spirit of the suwanee in live oak, florida & cover some classic sea level material. Do you predict this to happen in the not too distant future? I'm not getting any younger.... ANSWER: Neither am I. Maybe we can talk Chuck into it. He's pretty busy for the future but we'll try. Thanks. QUESTION: Hi Randall,
I just wanted to send you a note that I really enjoy your last couple of releases with some excellent introspective songwriting. As a fan of music, I always enjoy songs that conjure up imagery and a lot of those tunes do that for me...particularly Nobody's Problem and You Got to Move, and Where a Life Goes.
Would love to see you guys come up to our fair city! ANSWER: Thanks, Adam. I'm glad you like the imagery. I like that in a song too. Maybe we'll be up that way one day. Stay in touch and take care. QUESTION: we miss you guys down here!!!!! ANSWER: See you in March it looks like. Miss you too! QUESTION: randall, wanted to know the chances of seeing you and geoff in the midwest together? im sure its hard to put it all together but I know you'd have a great crowd, love what you're doing and keep it up! ANSWER: Thanks, Josh. We would be happy to come up if we have a gig up there that makes financial sense. If you have ideas let us know. QUESTION: Randall I was wondering if you ever hade the pleasure of"playing" with tower of power horn section-or the mephis horns,or maybe even the becker brothers.Also I know sea level played at least on vol.jam back in the day.Did you ever have the chance to play with the Marshall Tucker Band(who should be in the r&r hall of fame)along side the very talented jerry eubanks ANSWER: I used the Brecker Bros on my first LP, That Other Mile. Great players. Yes, Sea Level played with Marshall Tucker a lot during the late '70s. Played on some shows with Memphis Horns over the years with Steve Winwood. QUESTION: it was so good seein you fridy nite,,,,,yall put on a helluva show as always,,,yall got a way of makin my soul dance like nobody else can,,,,thank you for sharin you wit us,,,,,,,,,,, ANSWER: Thanks, Renee. See you sometime on the Hoopee. QUESTION: do you remember playing the paramount theater in seattle,say around 77'or 78' as a "rising star band" with sea level. ANSWER: Sorry, Tom. I don't remember that one. You might have to stay within the last couple of weeks... QUESTION: While looking through liner notes of Thin Places, I noticed a picture with a listing of songs that included Queen of England.When did you write that song? (Hopefully, no one will ever have to call that number.)I am a midwest fan of your wonderful southern music! ANSWER: Hi Dave. I think I was working on it after Thin Places was recorded. I'm trying to remember. What picture in the liner notes are you talking about?
We're coming up to the Chicago area in Oct. Hope to see you. QUESTION: Hi Randall, I'm looking forward to seeing you next weekend (9/16) at the Cox in Macon with Tommy Talton and Scott Boyer and I was wondering if you will you have any copies of your Randall Bramblett Band Live At The 40 Watt CD for sale? It's always great to see you play. You're a great artist and true professional.
Thanks! ANSWER: Hi Rich. I'll be sure to bring some 40 Watt CDs and thanks for coming down to the Cox. Should be a fun night for all! QUESTION: No, question, just wanted to let you know we love the new CD, I can't decide which song is my favorite,love them all! ANSWER: Thanks, Rosemary. I like Disconnected and Grand Scheme best I think... QUESTION: Looking forward to seeing you at the Cox in September!!! Be nice if you could get Chuck on stage with you and play some of the old sea level tunes!! ANSWER: I think he's out that weekend but we'll see. See you there. QUESTION: Is the Meantime Cd in stock for prompt shipment? Thanks, Jon ANSWER: Yes! QUESTION: Just had to say that the show last night at Lake Blackshear was great!!!!! We all enjoyed the show, you guys are tight and played off each other so well. Sound was great and enjoyed your lyrics. Does your bassist ever NOT smile! We'll try to catch you and Geoff in Columbus. ANSWER: Thanks, Jim. It was a lot of fun for us all. We even started liking the gnats by the end of the night... QUESTION: What was the most magical moment on stage over the course of your career so far? ANSWER: There honestly have been a lot. Mostly with the RBB at local shows but Carnegie with Gregg and Royal Albert Hall with Steve Winwood always stood out. Woodstock in '94 was quite a time too. QUESTION: Randall My Friend, Rae & I really enjoyed the show Saturday Night at the Melting Point. You guys were sounded great!!! Fun crowd too. We got to talk to a lot of people. It was good to hear some of the old songs that you have not done in a while. Take care.... darrell ANSWER: Always great seeing our good friends from NC. Take care and let's get together soon. QUESTION: Hated to miss your Melting Point show, but i was moving a child into school at the other Georgia school down the road. So I will have to catch you at Eddie\'s this week. Looking forward to it. Thank you for so many years of excellent music! I truly appreciate you. ANSWER: Thanks much John. See you at Eddie's! QUESTION: No question, just wanted to let you know how much I enjoyed the show at the Melting Point 8-20-11.It was one of the best ever. Can't wait to see you in Columbia SC in Oct.Keep on rocking brother. ANSWER: Thanks, Ken. See you down the road in Columbia. QUESTION: Dear Randdall,
I'm trying to get tickets to your show in Evenston,Il. the page will not open for me.I was jusst wondering if anyone else was having this problem.I'll call the venue,myself for the tickets,but wanted you to know that there is a problem with getting tickets via the web site.Thanks for comming up to see us in Chicago. See you in Oct. ANSWER: Don't know what's wrong there but I'm sure you'll be able to get tickets. Come up and say hello. QUESTION: Randall, disappointed that we drove 20 miles to see ya at The Cavern in Griffin. Nothing here on your website nor theirs. Bummer. We were really looking forward to seeing yall. ANSWER: I'm really sorry about that. The guy cancelled that afternoon and we put it out on Facebook and called everyone we knew was coming. That hasn't happened to me in many years. I hope we can make it up to you sometime. Do you want to be on the guest list for Eddie's Attic this Friday? QUESTION: Speaking of Your Mother\'s Moustache, I was really looking forward also to asking you about Terry Melton And The Laughing Disasters. ANSWER: Fun while it lasted! QUESTION: Hi Randall: How are you?
Have not seen you in 37 years. I'm really proud of you what you have accomplished. I alway knew you were the best in writing and performing. We had the best music in Athens at "Your Mother Moustache". I asked about you when I were in the states a few month ago.
Living in Vientiane,Lao growing one of the best fair trade and organic coffee in the world. Thank you for great
memories and being my only House Band with Mad Dog at the Moustache. The Best Alway ANSWER: Hi Steve. Great to hear from you after all these years and thanks for the complements. We did have fun at those "drink and drown" nights at Mother's. Don't party like that anymore but still making music. Love to try your coffee. That sounds like a good life! Take care and thanks for contacting an old Athens friend. QUESTION: What would it take to get you and the band to one (or more) of the great venues outside NYC? ANSWER: Hi Allan. Thanks for your interest. We'd love to come up there again. It's kind of expense but everything can be worked out if the price is right. A lot depends on routing other gigs on the way up and back. Would you mind contacting my agent, Nancy Lewis-Pegel
(npegel@mindspring.com)? She is the one who coordinates our booking and might be able to arrange something. I do solo house concerts in that area sometime too if we can't get the whole band. Thanks again for trying to work something out. QUESTION: Who were the two backing vocalists in the "Driving to Montgomery" video? (Was one of them Charles Bullock?) ANSWER: Yes, Charles and Adam Mcknight QUESTION: Randall, miss you guys. Wish you'd get closer to Asheville area. I bought the Eddie's Attic jam with you and Geoff. OUTSTANDING!!! You two really communicate, blend, jive...I can't stop beating on the steering wheel, which can be dangerous while pulling a 38' fifth wheel. I haven't had so much fun listening to an album in a long time. Geoff can really put the licks together. Would love to hear him and Davis and Mike together. If we could clone YOU we'd have the best of two worlds). Any chance of your showing up in Asheville sometime soon?
Speaking of Florida, my wife and I are headed to Sarasota area Dec-Mar. If you're contemplating a repeat of the house concert you did in Cortez a couple years ago, count us in (and anyone else we could drag along). We'd be glad to help promote it.
Keep on strummin'.
John
ANSWER: Thanks, John. Good to hear from you. I am looking at come back down to Fla in the fall. Maybe it will be when you're there. Take care and I'm glad you like the Eddie's CD. QUESTION: Hello Sir,
Is there any chance you will play in my town/country?
Best wishes. ANSWER: Hi Pawel. I'd love to come to Poland one day but don't have any gigs available there now. Thanks for your interest. QUESTION: Randall thanks for your response. My folks were born in Fort Worth Texas but their parents came from the Alanta Ga. area. I have a website of the family tree link if you would like it. It was started by one of my cousins. If you would like the site let me know at this email addy: virgilb1939@netzero.com ANSWER: Thanks, Virgil. Nice to hear from another cousin. I sent you an email so we can stay in contact. QUESTION: Randall;
Are you going to be appearing in Beaumont, Texas? If yes have you set the date and location? As a distant relitive My family and I would much like to meet you and watch your show. My family comes from Texas and Georgia and we like your music very much. Hope to hear from you. email virgilb1939@netzero.com ANSWER: Thanks Virgil. I don't have any plans to be in Texas but you never know. Where did your folks come from in GA? QUESTION: I hate when life gets in the way of living...did we miss the Daytona show? ANSWER: Sorry. We had fun but would have been better with you two. QUESTION: Randall Bramblett? Hell,he don\'t make no bad music,it\'s all good, with an awesome band. His stuff is about life. ANSWER: Glad you feel that way Clark. See you at Ashford Manor? QUESTION: Thanks for a great show tonight at The Bamboo Room. You guys need to get to FL more often. It was certainly worth skipping a gig tonight! With the addition of the live discs the catalog is now complete. It was great to hang with you and get to chat for a bit...You should be more of a "household name"...how about a tour with Govt' Mule? Top 5 songwriters!...Thanks again....BC ANSWER: Thanks, Brian. Great talking with you and I hope we'll be back in Feb 2012. See you then. QUESTION: Had heard your playing for years but first time to experience RBB music was at the 30A Festival. Now BIG fan! Question: A friend saw the Belews Lake show and we're trying to figure out who the players were with you. He loved it! Thanks-see ya in August! ANSWER: Hi Susan. That was really a fun night at the 30A fest. Glad you're a fan now. Are you subscribing to our newsletter? That will tell you where we'll be playing. Where was the Belews Lake Show? Can't recall that one... QUESTION: I do not have a question, Randall, but just want to thank you for all the great music you have made over the years. I bought and loved your first two LPs in the seventies, before losing track of you. However, these last several years I have nearly caught up with your catalog. I have no idea how you keep coming up with such consistently great material. I think you are one of the best, if not THE best, songwriter/musicians in America.
(Hope to see you in Daytona Beach soon.) ANSWER: That's very flattering, Paul and I appreciate it very much. Thanks for staying up to date and for getting the new material too. That's the challenge, I think, to keep coming with it. See you in Daytona. QUESTION: When is your next stop here in Denver? ANSWER: I wish! We loved the Soiled Dove. Can't seem to get enough money offered to make it happen. Stay tuned... QUESTION: Hi Randall...Can you verify the start time for the Full Moon Saloon show on 7/10/11 in Daytona Beach?
You have listed 5:00p.m. and the Full Moon Saloon's website has 7:30p.m. to 1:00a.m. ANSWER: I think it will be around 8. See you there. QUESTION: COULD YOU PLEASE TELL ME NAME OF SONG WITH LYRICS \\\"I\\\'LL BE OUT ON THE RUNWAY BABY I KNOW IT\\\'S JUST A MATTER OF TIME\\\"? HEARD ON PUBLIC RADIO APPRX. 1999. ANSWER: Sure. It's called "Out on the Runway" on the "See Through Me" CD. You can get it on this website. Thanks. QUESTION: Hi Randall...
What was the name of the beautiful song you were singing during the sound check at The Melting Point on 6/15/11? ANSWER: Hey, Sheila. Maybe that was "I Want You" by Bob Dylan? When do we see you again? It's been a long time now... QUESTION: Randall, It was good to see you at Moonlight On the Mountain in Birmingham. I had never heard one of your acoustic concerts and really enjoyed it. It was good to catch up with you again.
Take care,
Wayne ANSWER: Good to see you too, Wayne. We'll be back I'm sure. Take care, your old neighbor, Randall. QUESTION: No question..... just wanted to tell you that my friend and I saw you and Jason at Moonlight on the Mountain in Birmingham, AL on Friday night and then at the Jazzfest in Alexander City on Saturday night. You were awesome both times. We plan to see you at Eddie's Attic in Athens and hope you return to the Bradfordville Blues Club in Tallahassee soon. ANSWER: Thanks, Janice. It's good to have people seeing us in lots of different configurations.
Which one did you like best? Thanks for all your support! QUESTION: Randall, the show last night at Moonlight Music was a great evening of amazing music. It was such a pleasure seeing you in a venue where people actually listen to incredible music. It's a night I'll treasure forever and I thank you. ANSWER: Thanks so much, Stephen. I had a great time too. What a good listening room that is. I hope to make it a regular stop and I'll see you again. QUESTION: OK. Here goes my take on "Achin' For A Dream".
I’m certain that I can’t put this swirling mess in my mind into words as well as you, but I’ll try.
The intro sets the foundation for the whole story. The maracas and bass drum are the unwavering, never ending march of time that goes on and on, without reagrd to what you need.
The muffled guitar riff has no end; no resolution. The same old pattern over and over. (Maybe this time it will be different.)
The piano has no form or order, just random phrases (thoughts, emotions) that have no pattern and lead only to more randomness.
The melody of the verse centers heavily around one note that signifies, to me, repetition, similar to the repeated guitar riff of the intro.
The guitar effect after the phrase “on the heels of another dream” has the eerie, dream-like feel that makes me feel that the chased dream is elusive, always just beyond reach.
The chord change at the words “real beat and real gone” feels like anticipation and hope, but the song settles back quickly to where it came from; another dream.
The refrain feels like something good is about to happen with the chord change moving up a major 4th (?) but it’s only a long, lonesome you, still achin’ for a dream, with a guitar that sounds like a high, blue yodel and the piano demanding- I want, I need- but never being satisfied.
Now the soprano sax solo. There’s more emotion packed into those few lines than most albums. It starts off hopeful, moves quickly to desperation and despair and then resigning with “what can I do?”
Counting the railroad ties. You’ve counted them a thousand times and it’s always the same, but you're driven to count them again, and what's it to anyone, anyhow?! And now today is the day when you will really make a change, if you can just step out and stop “Achin’ For A Dream…”
Well, that’s the life as it plays out in my mind. I hope it’s not too far removed from the vision that you had while crafting this work of art.
Thanks again,
Larry
ANSWER: Wow, your analysis is amazing. That's the way we conceived it but without verbalizing. You nailed the effects we were hoping to convey. It's one of my favorites too because it captures the feelings that you so aptly named. thanks for paying such attention. QUESTION: Hey Randall, et al...no real question just wanted to tell you how great you guys sounded to the \"intimate\" gathering in Auburn the other day. When I told your drummer beforehand not to have his feelings hurt as in this town, sadly, the better the band the smaller the corwd. He said, \"In that case--we\'re gonna be awesome!\" Turns out he was spot on. What a player that cat is. Anyway, i think you are one of the true greats out there recording grown folks music. BTW, I was at that gig in UGA mentioned below at Memorial Hall with Sea Level. First time I ever saw you play. If memory serves, Davis played a Tele back then and was slightly paunch with a beard--what happened??? Keep doing what you do! ANSWER: Thanks, Bruce. We had a good time playing anyway. You've got a great memory by the way! See you down the road. QUESTION: Hi Randall..
Can you bring a couple copies of Live at 40 Watts CD with you to the Tallahassee Show 6/5/11?
ANSWER: Hi Sheila. I'll do it if Mike Hines will make some more. See you there. QUESTION: Hi Randall
Your playing on the new Cowboy Boyer & Talton live cd is fabulous. I recommend it to everyone. Any comments on the night? ANSWER: We were under rehearsed and hangin on for dear life but it turned out to be fun to pull it off with my old friends. Thanks. QUESTION: No question, just another comment on the greatest song ever recorded. I\'ve listened to \"Achin\' for a Dream\" 44 million times over the years and I am still amazed by how the music fits so perfectly with the story. I have analyzed it measure by measure, chord change by chord change, note for note, and it is a true masterpiece. Thank you and the band and John Keane. ANSWER: It's really gratifying to hear someone get a song so completely. You should write the analysis down and post it to us. We'll read it when we're down. Thanks for listening so carefully. We love the song too. QUESTION: Do you have any sheet music of your songs..? My grandson really loved your music when you were here last and wanted to learn to play it on his clarinet. Is this possible.
Thank you
Kim ANSWER: Sorry, Kim. I don't have any sheet music. He'll have to learn it by ear or wait till I come down for a lesson. QUESTION: Thanks for your response. It is still nice to know performers care about their fans.
By the way, I saw your show at the Crimson Moon. It was the first time I had seen you solo. It was great. You were so professional even in such a small venue. The crowd was yours and you gave young Jason some things to help him grow. ANSWER: Thanks, George. Let me know how the refund goes if you want it. See you down the road. QUESTION: How many miles traveling to the 8 shows in the last 6 months?
5500 and so worth it!
You're the best!!
I love these mini vacations each built around a fantastic night of music.
ANSWER: Thanks, Sheila. It's always great seeing you. Hope your car is holding up for all the coming shows! QUESTION: To All the Folks Who Read This Q&A.... If you have the opportunity to see Randall Bramblett, please do it. There is nothing better than seeing live music performed by great musicians. Randall and Tommy Talton performed a KILLER SHOW for us this weekend. I wish you had all been there!!! darrell adams ANSWER: Thanks, bro. Let's do it again sometime. Take care of yourself and hi to Rae. QUESTION: I want you to know how much Anna and I enjoyed your set at the Variety Playhouse playing before Delbert McClinton. You guys really brought the energy, and Mike Hines's return to the RBB was a treat... Made us old farts feel really feisty! Keep on kickin' butt and takin' names! ANSWER: Thanks, John. It was really a great night. Mike brings it! QUESTION: Hey-howdy! A long overdue thanks for a great solo show at the Ashland Coffee and Tea just north of Richmond. My friend and I enjoyed our dinner with you before the show and recalling some crazy times at Auburn. Any chance we might see you again in the Ashland/Richmond area? Thanks for the excellent music! ANSWER: Hi Jesse. I'm not booked in the Ashland area anytime soon. What about Auburn on May 28? Come on down! QUESTION: I caught you at The Rilvary in Macon Ga a few weeks ago and you sounded great. I loved the solo act. I also realy enjoyed your performance with the band that you played with after. Do you think you might be back in Macon again performing solo or with that band again? I hope so. When will your next CD be out? ANSWER: Thanks, Shirley. I'll be in Macon with the band on July 30. Not sure when the next CD is coming out. I need to get to work on new songs! QUESTION: I bought tickets to your show at Eddie's Attic. Now your site is showing you won't be there. What happened? ANSWER: I'm sorry, George. I was offered the Bonnaroo Festival with Widespread Panic and needed to take it. I hardly ever usually cancel a show but we figured it was far enough out not to make an impact. We'll make sure you get a refund and I'll be back to Eddies before long. Call Eddies at 404-377-4976 after 1:00 and press "0" to talk to Rihanna or Bob to get a refund. Really sorry for the trouble this caused you. QUESTION: I just spent $150 on tickets for your show at Eddie's Attic. Now your site say you will be in Tenn. I don't have a lot of money and I don't like being treated like this. ANSWER: Hi Lennie. I've been out of town a lot and haven't answered questions recently. I'm really sorry about the change in plans that cost you money and I'm sure we can get that straightened out. I got an offer to play the Bonnaroo Festival with Widespread Panic and couldn't turn that one down. We took it down from our site that same day but I understand you already bought tickets to Eddies. If you call 404-377-4976 after 1:00 and press "0" you can talk to Rihanna or Bob and get your money back. If there's any problem let me know and I'm sorry for the trouble this caused you. It's extremely rare that I cancel a date. We figured this one was far enough out that it wouldn't impact anyone. Again, we'll make it right for you and I'll be at Eddie's again before too long. Thanks for your patience.
4/11/11 update.This just came to me from Eddies: "refunds are pretty easy, have the folks e-mail info@eddiesattic.com and request. they just need to include their name on the card and the tix order #." QUESTION: Will "Live At The Georgia Theatre" ever be released on CD? Remember playing Myskyns and the Windjammer back in the day? We hope you make it near Charleston soon! ANSWER: Which "live" CD are you talking about? We have one on CD now from the Theatre. Hope to be back in the low country soon. QUESTION: I have seen a lot of your shows, loved everyone of them. All the way from Myskyns,a LONG time ago to the last one at the train depot in Myrtle Beach. Will the show in Sautee Ga have the RBB? Any details would be appreciated. Thanks for all the music. ANSWER: Thanks, Ken. It's been a long road. So many shows. The Sautee date is with Geoff Achison and his band (Yon Rico Scott and Ted Pecchio). See you there? QUESTION: Hey Randall, T remember seeing Sea Level (the original four members) in the Ballroom in Memorial Hall at UGA in May of '77. You sat in that night, and I think Davis did to. Was that when you decided to join Sea Level?
Thanks for the great music all these years (I was hanging over the balcony that night right over your head.) ANSWER: I think that was one of our first dates with Davis and I in Sea Level. Glad you were there. QUESTION: When I was a college student at UGA I was very close to Lenore and Isaac. My name is Rebecca Kessler-Barajas and I taught at the Temple in Athens. This was 20 years ago-hope all is well and give everyone my love. You sound amazing!! ANSWER: Thanks, Rebecca. I'll tell them you send your love. Isaac is running the kitchen at our New Orleans take out place in Athens. You should come check it out sometime. Take care and thanks. QUESTION: Hello Randall got the new DVD its great heres some info posted online ROGER GLOVER’S NEW SOLO ALBUM
Brought To You By VH1’s Dave Basner
Deep Purple bassist Roger Glover is set to release his first solo album since 2002’s Snapshot. The album is called If Life Was Easy and was reportedly recorded in 2007 but is just now coming out. The record, which features his daughter, Gillian Glover, as well as singer Randall Bramblett, is due out in June. ANSWER: Thanks, for the info. I didn't know it was coming out. QUESTION: I would like to buy the cd that includes "See through me" Randal said it is from a ways back, but he could get it for me. 843-839-9515 Thank you .19dance@sccoast.net ANSWER: I mailed you with the answer. thanks. QUESTION: Any chance I could get an autographed copy of your DVD? Was in Athens last week but all were gone. The show was great, look forward to seeing you at Eddie's Attic. ANSWER: I can autograph one for you and I'll look for your order on the website. QUESTION: Randall, any chance you will be performing in the "south" any time soon? Your show in Lexington during the World Equestrian Games was great. My wife and I enjoyed you sharing the stage with Seth Walker as well. Possibly a stop at Joey G's! Thanks. ANSWER: Do you mean South Cincinnati? Not headed there anytime soon I'm afraid. Glad you liked the Natasha's show. QUESTION: Randall, I\'ve loved all your stuff, solo, with Sea Level, with Traffic, and anything else I\'ve heard that I may have left out, and I love your new stuff, but it looks like I\'ve waited too long to get a copy of \"Light of the Night/That Other Mile\" on CD, and it\'s not on either iTUnes or Amazon.com. Are those ever going to be made available again? Next time I see them I\'ll jump on them right away. I particlar love the versions of \"King Grand\", \"Living in a Dream\", and \"This Could Be the Worst\" that were on both \"Light of the Night\" and Sea Levels\' \"On the Edge\". ANSWER: Hi Ron. We will have some Mile/Light CDs eventually. I had to finance the recent DVD first. Thanks for listening. QUESTION: Hi Randall, thanks for the response.....last time I heard, Susan was living in the UK. Your "Live at the 40 Watt" CD arrived a couple of days ago - and enjoying it. Great to hear the band 'live' - I can almost imagine, beer in hand, being in a bar in Charleston back in 1980/1981!! Also good to hear newer versions of some of my old Sea Level favourites; always loved "This could be the worst" too, do you still do that? Wish y'all could come down under as well...maybe if I win the lottery next week... ANSWER: Glad you're enjoying the live CD. We're not doing "Worst" but maybe we should learn it. See you somewhere I hope. QUESTION: Randall, It was great to see you at the 30-A Songwriters Festival recently. We really had fun. Can you tell me what year you and Davis put out the Visionary School cassette tape? ANSWER: Maybe 88? QUESTION: hey randall, why cant we access any your stuff from those new touch tone juke boxes? Would like to play some between sets. Is it a copywrite deal? ANSWER: You got me there, Schanno. I'm out of the loop on that technology. If you find something out let me know. Thanks. QUESTION: The last few times I dropped by your site, you were promoting a CD of a gig you did with an Australian guitarist and provided a link to the people that were selling it. I finally pulled the funds together and discover the link is no longer on your site and I can't remember the address of the site it's on. Help!
BTW, you were smoking in Raleigh last Friday! You put on a hell of a show. That was the 1st time I've seen you without the band. I love you both ways (with or without band.) I can't wait to see you at Papa Mojo's in Durham next month. ANSWER: Hi Clai. Glad you liked the show. Try this address for the CD http://www.hittinthenote.com/cart/s-164-randall-bramblett.aspx QUESTION: Hi Randall greetings from Greece!I am a great fan of you. I am journalist and i write a book. So if the title is MATALA and the year is 1970, are you Carey or not? My email mdalouk@yahoo.com i would like an interview... ANSWER: Hi Manolis. What do you mean "are you Carey or not"? QUESTION: Ever since I saw and heard you with Steve Winwood I\'ve been a big fan of you. Now we might come over to Atlanta this year, travelling to Nashville via the Smoky Mountains over Easter (my wife has relatives in Nashville) and you have no dates in the second half of April!
Are you on holiday or is there a chance we might hear you somewhere around Easter ?
I\'m willing to modify our sightseeing tour just to get a chance to hear you playing live again! ANSWER: Hi Wolfi. We're working on dates in April now. Keep looking at the site and thanks for your kind words. Hope to see you this spring. QUESTION: saving up to to jet down and see u. who are your influences? i really enjoy your work, i thought music was gone. but i guess you are proof otherwise. hope i get to meet you man. ANSWER: Hi Schanno. Come down for the Feb 25th show in Athens. It will be a special night. My influences: Stax, Brown, Dylan and Van... QUESTION: I would like to suggest to you a 35th anniversary concert which would include all (or most) of the songs from your first two albums done in their original arrangements. In my opinion, some of these tunes which you still play never have sounded better nor have moved me more than how you were first playing them at Between the Hedges in the early 70's. I remember those days like it was yesterday and over all these years I can honestly say that nobody's music has brought me more pleasure in this life than yours (thanks to Davis and all the other musical partners you've had along the way)...just thought I'd throw it out there to see what you think...I believe it would be a stunning event. Anna and I look forward to seeing you at Eddie's Attic on 2/18! ANSWER: Hey, John. That's a good idea. I'll see if we can get our cats herded enough to do it. See you at Eddies QUESTION: You alone are perfectly capable to entertain these geezers!
What is best date for you? ANSWER: Hey, Bill. Let's figure it out. What's your email if you don't mind? I'll erase it when I get it. Thanks. QUESTION: Many fans down here in OZ?? I am trying to spread the word!! You may not remember but we met in Charleston way back in 1981 when you were playing one Saturday night and my former wife and I spent the day with you and the band - clue: you used to use her Yamaha Electric Grand....
Anyhow - thanks to Amazon I have caught up with your music again and I love it! Thanks for many great new songs - and especially my current favourite "Where a Life Goes" - tears me up!
ANSWER: Hi Alan. Great to hear from you. Yes, I used Susan's Yamaha for a long time. Thanks to her generousity. How are you guys doing? Glad you like the newer stuff. We're plugging along as always. Wish we could come down under! QUESTION: Any chance you could do a set with your Beta bros in Beaufort, NC the week of May 11-15?
Do I need to set this up through your "contact bookings" person?
We have $! ANSWER: Hey, Bill. Good to hear from you. I'd be glad to do a solo house concert or something. Are you talking about me solo or the band? QUESTION: All you guys kicked butt last night in Macon. Special thanks for "Are You Satisfied". ANSWER: You're mighty welcomed. Good to see you. QUESTION: Hey Randall! So, I was in Mississippi, visiting friends and put Cats on the Coast,in the player, on the front porch. Sitting, watching the cars go by, one every now and then, when Lil Brother comes from across the street saying, "Do I hear, yes, I hear Randall! When have I heard that CD?!" Dancing ensued. A pick-up truck stops in the street and a fellow says, "Hey, what are y'all listening to? When have I heard that?!" Fellow pulls into the side yard, puts the CD in his player and a party has begun. We listen repeatedly. A crowd gathers, from the neighborhood,and barbecueing begins. A fine time was had by all. Friendships were made. Do you know anybody in Mississippi? (Oh, and Lil Brother was told by me, "Yes, you hear Randall and you hear your brother, too!") ANSWER: Sounds like y'all had a big time! QUESTION: Who is going to be playing in the band at Eddie Attic on 2/18? ANSWER: No sure yet... QUESTION: I was the venue photographer at fish out of water last night, and really enjoyed your performance. I hope that you can return next year!
Do u have a setlist from last night?
Im trying to remember one of the songs that you played.
Thank you! ANSWER: Thanks, Brandan. It was a really fun night for me too. Great festival and venue. I can kind of reconstruct the list for you. 1.Where are you tonight 2. Queen of England 3. Nobody's Problem 4. Fading 5. Rule the World 6. Driving to Montgomery 7. Witness for Love 8. My World 9. Drifting into a Woman's Arms 10. Get in Get Out Encore: See Thru Me
i may have left some things out? QUESTION: Loved your performance at the Cox. Hope next time I see you play "It's Your Secret" makes the setlist. Take care Randall. Renee, you certainly have a way with words. ANSWER: Thanks, Steve. We're going to play it at the Cox with Chuck this weekend. QUESTION: not a question,,,just a comment,,,yall flippin nailed the cowboy show last month!!!,,,i took bess & steve to the show as part of they christmas present & they was all 2 both of em blowed away!,,,so was everbody else in that little theatre,,,thank you for sharin wat God give you wit the rest of us,,,it makes our world alot easier to deal wit,,,take care sugarfoot,,, ANSWER: Love you too, Rennee. It's always good to see you and Ms Thang. QUESTION: Well all-righty! I just stumbled upon the new videos on You Tube. I've been waitin' a long time for something like this! Now then -- how might one get his or her hands on the NEW DVD? ANSWER: It's being made and we'll have it soon! QUESTION: P.S. I also think the songbook suggestion noted by Anthony is a great idea! ANSWER: Me too. I sent your posters when I could finally get out of my neighborhood. QUESTION: Do you know the venue for the 30A Songwriters solo show yet on 1/16/11?
* I was having dinner at Chilis Restaurant Daytona Beach tonight and heard "Playing Card". I couldn't help but sing along.
*I really had a great time at the Madison Cultural Center, St. Simon and the recent Florida shows. Wishing you all the best for 2011.
ANSWER: Hi Sheila. Great to hear from you. I'm playing at Fish Out Of Water in Santa Rosa Beach and with Shawn Mullins at 2 in Seaside. QUESTION: Hello My Friend,
Sorry the show at the Melting Point got cancelled. We were almost to Athens when we got the call. Hope you & the Mrs. had a greast holiday. See you in Myrtle Beach & Oak Ridge... darrell & rae ANSWER: Sorry you came all that way for nothing. We agonized about it but figured we needed reshedule because the roads were going to freeze again that night. See you soon and I'm looking forward to the show in Oak Ridge. QUESTION: Howdy, Mr. Bramblett,
I love your music & wonder how come the wing nuts at the radio stations here never played your music. Idiots, no doubt. Anyway, the song 'Sunflower' is an awesome song but what's it about?
Thanks & God Bless You,
Eric Solorzano
ANSWER: Howdy, Eric. Thanks for your kind words. Sunflower came from a conversation with my then teenage son almost verbatim at points. "My life is boring, etc and I went out and bought a sunflower". Just struck me as a beautiful thing to do and a great idea for a song. QUESTION: Randall do you know Conley White? Was one of my counselors at the watershed recovery in boyton beach FL. He has a grammy or two for songwriting with some greats. He writes songs of recovery now. Justrayplayin.com. I just got introduced to your stuff, love it. ANSWER: Sorry I don't know him. Sounds interesting though. Thanks for recommending and for listening. QUESTION: Hey Randall, just wondering if the old band line up is still in place. Noticed you have some different guys with you at times. Is Davis still playing with you? thx ANSWER: Hi Steve. Yes, Davis and Gerry are still playing with me but on the bigger dates. Sometimes they're busy in their studios and I do a 4 piece with other guys. All great players... QUESTION: Hey Randall!
Saw the Cowboy reunion in Macon Saturday night! Great, great show! Hope to see more real soon!
Just ordered your latest (didn't see it on the merch table?) for my wife, Donna's Christmas stocking. Please, Mr. Postman ...
I'll be looking for more Randall Bramblett - with or without Cowboy in 2011!
"Rusty" ANSWER: Glad you liked the show. I had a great time too. Didn't we have "The Meantime" at the merch table? Happy Holidays to you. QUESTION: Thank you for a great show. Did you like the view of the Ocean? ANSWER: Very nice. Wish we could have stayed longer. QUESTION: One of the things I love most about your records is the guitar work. I have a theory that Davis Causey is always the one in the left channel. Is that right? ANSWER: I think you're right on that one. We try to split Mike and Davis far left and right on most cuts. QUESTION: You write fantastic songs. Ever thought about putting out a songbook for piano and/or guitar? ANSWER: Thanks. I haven't thought of the songbook idea. Seems I barely have enough time to write songs these days. QUESTION: Thanks for the info. I think I used to see him with Blueground Undergrass. Is he a permanent fixture with you? Seemed to be good chemistry. ANSWER: Yes, he was with them. We will be playing some more dates for sure. nothing is permanent right now... QUESTION: Who was the new guitarist with you last weekend? Like! ANSWER: His name is Matthew Williams and I like too. He's a friend and bandmate of Seth Hendershot, the drummer. Great guy, too! QUESTION: Looking forward to your gig in Savannah! ANSWER: Great seeing you there! QUESTION: are the caprocorn LP's available? ANSWER: Do you mean my Polydor LPs or See Thru Me on Capricorn? QUESTION: "In The Meantime" is a GREAT album! Seems you really got "personal". Hope to see ya soon either at Smith's Olde Bar or in Madison.
Thanks for some great music! ANSWER: Thanks, David. I'll see you at Smiths and will play some songs from the CD. QUESTION: Hello My Friend. Rae and I went to see the Marshall Tucker Band in Charlotte last night. Do you remember the old theater that was across the street from the Evening Muse when we saw you there? That is where they were playing... While they were changing up between bands, they played almost all of your Rich Someday CD. It was the best music of the night!! Take care and hope to see you soon. darrell ANSWER: That's great! At least I'm getting some play somewhere. Thanks for your big order by the way. Hope you're doing well and I'll see you somewhere down the road. QUESTION: Randall,
Im a big fan from Alexandria,Louisiana.I've been listening to you for a few years now and love your vocal sound. What mike did you record "disconnected" on? Great new cd-keep up the great songwriting! ANSWER: Thanks, Josh. That was an Earthworks omni mic (baffles all around) that I've used with John Keane on other recordings. You can get right on it without bad proximity effects. Glad you like the sound. QUESTION: Do you have a gig on the Isle of Hope this Sat.? ANSWER: No. We moved that and I think it's going to be NY's Eve. QUESTION: Randall-
You and I and the rest of Sea Level hung out and partied together at a small college in Virginia (Hampden-Sydney College) where you played one night in 1977-Jimmy, Chuck, Jai, Scooter-you guys allowed me and my roommate to hang in that little RV you were all crammed into, let us hang on stage and you partied at our frat house afterwards. I ran into you guys again in Virginia Beach at your hotel by accident-Chuck and and I were buying newspapers at the same time-you were playing at Rogues Gallery. I've enjoyed your music this whole time. You guys were real cool and down to earth, and because of that, you made life-long impressions that I still talk about to this day. Example-2 days ago (33 years later), "Aja" by Steely Dan came on the radio, and I told my wife that the first day I heard that album "was the same day I met and hung with Randall Bramblett and the other guys from Sea Level at my frat house." Just an example of how little things we do can impact other's lives in meaningful ways. Best to you. Looking forward to your new music. I may try to make your Orlando show.
Thanks for the memories.
Gerald Spurgin |