When I first came across Blaze Foley, I listened to him exclusively for weeks. I couldn’t get enough. I would go to sleep listening to Blaze. Brilliant and simple…tender and gruff.
Can say the same about "Baby Can I Crawl Back to You?" Don't know how unknown it is but i never hear people mention that one. Small Town Hero is a super cool tune. And Moonlight Song is fucking beautiful.
I saw Blaze perform quite a few times in the early 80's in Houston and he was almost always accompanied by Gurf. Blaze used to crack jokes about Gurf in between songs. "If you see Gurf looking happy tonight" (we never did) "it's because he just got his journeyman carpenter license today". Y'know, just small quips and funny comments. The thing is, I can't remember EVER HEARING GURF SPEAK A SINGE WORD OR SMILE. (caps on purpose) In my memory, it seems as though Gurf would wear this translucent snakeskin looking suit. I don't know much about fashion but I always wondered if he liked the look or was it all he could afford? But I always thought that Gurf and Blaze were perfect together, like Batman and Robin. Later on, I was totally floored to hear that a Gurf Morlix had been working with Lucinda and she had won a Grammy. I had always wondered what had happened to Gurf after Blaze left Houston. I had slowly disconnected from the happenings in Houston music at that time. I figured maybe he was off building houses or cabinets somewhere. I still get sad about Blaze and Townes to this day. As I grow older I fear the the lore about the people and songwriters of that era will be lost forever - not many people are aware of it even now. Those guys were special. They were the real deal.
Thanks again, Otis, for another morning coffee accompaniment. You pick the fruit for your content that doesn’t hang so low. I truly appreciate your efforts in keeping our music alive.
Thank you Otis. I’m a huge fan of you, Gurf and Ray and Lucinda and Blaze and all the wonderful artists you mentioned. Thank you so much - you are appreciated amigo
Clay pigeons is one of the most perfectly written songs ever. When he says “ I’d like to stay but I might have to go to start over again” man, if that doesn’t hit you like a truck then something’s wrong
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Always interesting, always cool. Nobody minds the extraneous noise. Sometimes the stories make me sad. I feel really sorry for the suffering Blaze Foley went through and the suffering he put others through.
I first heard of Gurf while I was a volunteer DJ at a small non-con radio station. I put on his song “Were you lyin’ down(When you stood me up).” So great!
i watched the Blaze Foley doc last night and really enjoyed it and his wonderful songs. I'd never heard his songs before and I was really missing something....thanks for turning me on to him and his music.
It's 12 noon here in the south coast of Ireland and I'm down the rabbit hole of u tube always seem to come back around to folk music was that a fg 180 yamaha blaze is playing in one of those rare videos
I first saw Gurf with Lucinda a couple of times here in Portland.always knocked me out ,so tasty always in service of the songs.a beautiful cat ,love his records a lot and I bet he would have been great to work with as a producer ...kinda reminds me of how Buddy Miller is ,very musical and sharp.Thanks man
I look forward to what you have to say every Saturday morning. I love the bird songs and all the background sounds . It makes it that more real to me. I can almost smell the coffee.
I don't believe I've ever heard of Blaze Foley. It's just another fine example of why I subscribed to your channel. You always introduce me to artists I have never heard of and I love it. Thanks Otis!
We put on a benefit to raise the money for the tombstone Blaze has now. Many amazing artists played that day. Timbuk3 were on tour so sent cd's and other merch we auctioned off at the benefit/bbq. I'd give anything to go back in time and have one more conversation with Blaze. I like Our Little Town but it's hard to just pick one. Thanks Otis.
When my daughter was in elementary school she loved Gurf Morlix "Dan Blocker" and Kinky Friedman "Old Ben Lucas". My favorite Blaze song - "Clay Pigeons"
Drunken Angel sent me down the rabbit hole on who this song was about. I feel like i've read and listened to everything Blaze. If I Could Only Fly and Clay Pigeons are my favorites. His songwriting was a level above his peers of the time. His finger picking was also stellar. As a recovering alcoholic/addict it gave me a bit more understanding of Blaze I believe. It's all too sad and tragic to think about sometimes. I also had a cousin I was close to named Toby Anderson. Great picker/songwriter that was actually shot one time on stage. He lived only to die too young related to his addiction. His life was very similar to Blaze's.
met gurf when grant peeples brought him down to sopchoppy, fla for a gig back in 2010. intrigued by his style and lyrics. he did a blaze tune that resonated and, voilah. thanks gurf. been trying to keep up with gurf ever since. he keeps my attention with each portrait he paints, and he's been productive. y'all are looking healthy, by the way...judging from the interview. hold it in the road otis. thanks. PS mas tacos black beans are to drool for.
Thanks Otis! I really enjoyed your morning chat today. And I’ve had that Marty Robbins album for years. The background noises in your recording were barely noticeable, especially when one is caught up in the story.
I heard of Blaze through being a Townes fan. The three cars I went through in high school all had Townes, Steve Earle, Tesla, some kind of speed metal, a lot of punk, or drivin and cryin absolutely cranking out of it. I was friends with the WoodShop teacher and worked at a sawmill on the weekends with him. He used to tell me that he could tell when I pulled into the school. He could hear weird music inside the building.
Thanks so much. Just found this and don't know why I missed it before. Part of the reason I picked up the guitar and tried to sing was the music of Blaze Foley. His songs could be so moving or funny or both. If Only I could Fly; Clay Pigeons; Oval Room; Big Cheese Burgers and Good French Fries. It really doesn't get any bette, and I'm still learning. It helps heal my soul to play them now. Such music is the best medicine.
Otis, it was you who turned me on to Blaze. I stumbled on to your account a couple years back and I’ve been obsessed ever since. Such incredible people you’ve had the great fortune to know and talk to. Gem of a channel. Keep up the great work. 🙌🏻🙌🏻
I hadn't heard of Blaze either until i stumbled onto Otis. I now go back and look him up and listen to those heart rendering songs of his. May he rest in peace. Thank you Otis.
Blaze must have been a force of nature when you hear what’s been said and the songs that have been written about him. Lucinda sure described him well. It’s very easy to be either overlooked or misunderstood in this commercial music world.
I wonder if you have ever considered writing a book to encompass all the history in music that would be lost? With everyone you know and your kind heart it would be wonderful and epic. Blaze would like it.
I remember the song Drunken Angel by Lucinda Williams from years ago. But I had never heard of Blaze Foley until watching this video even though that song is about him. I checked out his music and I find it and his whole story just haunting. I tried to get a copy of the movie Ethan Hawke did of the love story between Blaze and his muse Sybil Rosen. But it's not available up in Canada. If anyone knows where I can get a copy, that info would be appreciated. Thanks for introducing me to Blaze. His songs are just stunning!
You've mentioned Phil Kaufman a couple of times since I learned about your wonderful podcast. Would love to hear how he's doing, and I'm sure he's got some killer stories to share! I've been interested in him ever since Gram Parson's death but know next to nothing about what he's been up to over the years. I donated to a GofundMe thing a few years ago when he was recovering from, as I recall, a car accident.
Hey Otis, Live at the Austin Outhouse is an awesome record, and those backing vocals are really good. My two Blaze favourite songs are probably Clay Pigeons and Election Day. I like his intimate side and also his sense of humour. He was a fine songwriter.
I emailed Casey Monahan, from the Austin American Statesman in 1989, a link to this video haha a quick Google search led me to an email address. a very beautiful piece she wrote indeed
Have to say I was a late bloomer when it comes to Gurf , but your audio podcast was were I first heard of him!! So thank you 🙏 My favorite Blaze song would be Big Cheeseburgers and good French fries 🍟 ✌️😎
Not sure what algorithmic tendency led me to Blaze in 2011...but I've raved about him ever since...had a mail promo of 113th Wet Dream...favorite song...Picture Cards...check out the Texana Dames tribute!
Clay Pigeons is my fave Blaze tune. I was playing Blues on Tuesdays at Joe's Generic Bar on 6th St in ATX back in '87-88 and Blaze was usually at the end of the bar. Needless to say, I burned a few bones with him on breaks in the backyard. We had some interesting, pun driven story swapping conversations. The man was an epic poet, a lone troubadour, a lover of people and a rarely seen genius. He was a total trip too. I mourn the loss of him.
I’m hopeful that things are less complicated for Blaze Foley now… and he rests in peace… How unfortunate that we don’t appreciate some people… until they are no longer here… 🎶🌞🎶
Otis, I appreciate how you bring out "the inner Game" of writing Original Music -rather than focus on the gear and Facade of the performer. I hope to meet you some day... Peace Brother !😇
I had one take away from yesterday's interview... other than being reminded just how good Blaze Foley was.... Thank God Guy Clark never got a chance to introduce me to Townes Van Zandt!!!!!!!!! I was a 19-22 year old kid when I used to hang out with him, thanks to Doc Watson. He was so very nice to me and encouraging. One day, he was like, "Next month, I'm going to introduce you to Townes." Townes died that year. Knowing who I was back then.... as much as I love his songs... yeah, that likely would have been a bad road!
I’m pretty sure I learned about Blaze from you, Otis. Although, I listened to Lucinda sing Drunken Angel when it was released. And I also saw Gurf at the Canmore Folk Festival years ago. I bet Gurf performed a song or two of Blaze’s. I am actually surprised that I didn’t know about Blaze, but I am so glad that I found him; thanks to you. ❤
It was so good to see Gurf's face in your last post -- I've seen his name so many times over the years and it's a name you remember. First I'd heard about Blaze Foley was from finding out who Lucinda's song Drunken Angel was about. (PS: I too love Slaid Cleave's first album -- got his signature on it when he played the not-Texas locale, Montclair, New Jersey.)
I joined Tony's Acoustic challenge many years ago and always enjoyed when Maggie Pope would post a video playing acoustic guitar and sing. Check out her video here on UA-cam Maggie Pope Clay Pigeons (Blaze Foley Cover)
Interesting to me, that you brought up the live “Outhouse” album. I was listening to Blaze overnight and I thought I should play the album you mentioned, but instead I played a different one. Now I’m anxious to play the live album which I have not heard. Thanks for the interesting video and the recommendation. Clay Pigeons is my favorite Blaze Foley song.
Otis it’s crazy that Blaze or Townes being the incredible writers that they were didn’t become more popular? Had I been aware of Townes or Blaze back in the day I would have driven to Texas just to see them. There really is only one other musician who you compare these two with. And I don’t have to say his name.
Hey Otis, Gurf is one of my favorite players, also a great producer, as you said. G&S is still open and relatively unchanged. Austin has changed so much, just since I’ve lived here, but the G&S abides. Really enjoying your stories and interviews. Thanks
Hi OTIS, Lucinda Williams knew the best singer song writers because she is the greatest song writer female or male , another artist that can tell a story full of emotions that hit you straight to the soul and take you on a ride . BLAZE WAS ONE OF THOSE WRITERS.
Glad you gave Slaid Cleaves a mention, a super songwriter and as genuine as they come. As for Blaze, what I find with all of that Austin crowd, it's very fine margins between those who become mainstream and those that don't. I don't think it's talent alone, sometimes, like many things, it's just luck and been in the right place at the right time. For me, Townes is as good as anyone, Blaze could have been had he lived longer but for every one that makes it, there are dozens who are just as good who don't. When i say make it, i mean mainstream selling thousands if not millions of records in their time. Having said that, many may not want mainstream but just make an ok living and maybe someone more famous will pick up one or two of their songs to give them a decent paycheck now and then. But if i could only fly is for me, one of the best songs ever written and shows the talent Blaze possessed and it beggars belief what he would have written if he wasn't killed. Baby, it's a cruel, cruel world.
Neither Townes nor Blaze had one iota of desire to become mainstream. The idea was anathema to Townes and he intentionally wrecked his chances. Blaze deeply admired that facet of Townes' character and purposely emulated him. He told me so. It wasn't that they didn't want to make money, they just refused to "prostitute" their art.
@@doylegaines1319 I'm not particularly saying they wanted to, but man, I think they could, or at least should have had a better living from their great music. Townes was shit poor for the most part and his records sell more after his death than they ever did when he was alive and I think that's a great shame. You can be mainstream but not be in the limelight, go, play, go home. I mean, Dylan is mainstream but he's not in the limelight, if you get my drift? I just think it's criminal, regardless of their drink and drug issues, that they only just about scraped a living out of their music and to see the state Townes was in when he died. Tragic and it didn't have to be that way, in my opinion.
"If I Could Only Fly" heard Merle's version, loved it but wanted to know who wrote it so discovered Blaze. Merle was a phenomenal songwriter, "real" is the attraction for me. But ole Blaze was the real..est. I just hate that sometimes creativity comes from genius that drops out by addiction. ( Townes, Jimi, Hank, Prince, Tom...El.. Keith) Too long a list.
I lived in Austin in the 80s ,(pre email and internet) and he was one of those guys you'd read about in the Austin Chronicle and his fame slowly spread. I saw him one time at the Austin Outhouse one night and wish like hell I'd stayed the entire evening but it was a work night and my date did not share my passion for the music. He was gone 6 months later. I regret leaving early as much as I regret turning down last minute Hendrix tickets because I was studying for a 8th grade final. Six months later Jimi was gone and I missed the similarities.
Hey Otis, did I miss something at 11:28 min. into your video? You read from the newspaper article that "the Police called Blaze's death an 'UN-fortunate' Homicide", to which Blaze would have laughed at that because to someone like Blaze, "there was no such Beast as a 'Fortunate' Homicide"? Was what you read a misprint, or a misreading, because what you're reading was (as you said) "blurry"? Did you actually mean to say that "to someone like Blaze, there was no such Beast as an 'UNfortunate' Homicide?" Just wonderin', is all?
I discovered Blaze relatively recently and by that I mean say six or seven years ago, maybe eight. Two words come to my mind every time I hear him or see footage of him "SO REAL" Not a deep commentary I guess, but damn "SO REAL"
I got turned onto Blaze by the amazing Lucinda Williams and her tribute Drunken Angel. Thanks for helping keep his flame burning.
When I first came across Blaze Foley, I listened to him exclusively for weeks. I couldn’t get enough. I would go to sleep listening to Blaze. Brilliant and simple…tender and gruff.
There are the obvious good ones, but a relatively unknown Blaze song that always floors me is “You’ll Get Yours Aplenty”
Can say the same about "Baby Can I Crawl Back to You?" Don't know how unknown it is but i never hear people mention that one. Small Town Hero is a super cool tune. And Moonlight Song is fucking beautiful.
I saw Blaze perform quite a few times in the early 80's in Houston and he was almost always accompanied by Gurf. Blaze used to crack jokes about Gurf in between songs. "If you see Gurf looking happy tonight" (we never did) "it's because he just got his journeyman carpenter license today". Y'know, just small quips and funny comments. The thing is, I can't remember EVER HEARING GURF SPEAK A SINGE WORD OR SMILE. (caps on purpose) In my memory, it seems as though Gurf would wear this translucent snakeskin looking suit. I don't know much about fashion but I always wondered if he liked the look or was it all he could afford? But I always thought that Gurf and Blaze were perfect together, like Batman and Robin. Later on, I was totally floored to hear that a Gurf Morlix had been working with Lucinda and she had won a Grammy. I had always wondered what had happened to Gurf after Blaze left Houston. I had slowly disconnected from the happenings in Houston music at that time. I figured maybe he was off building houses or cabinets somewhere. I still get sad about Blaze and Townes to this day. As I grow older I fear the the lore about the people and songwriters of that era will be lost forever - not many people are aware of it even now. Those guys were special. They were the real deal.
Thanks again, Otis, for another morning coffee accompaniment. You pick the fruit for your content that doesn’t hang so low. I truly appreciate your efforts in keeping our music alive.
I would say Cold Cold World. Everyone says it's so sad but it makes me feel good to know that someone else can hurts much as I do sometimes.
If I Could Only Fly is one of the best songs of all time. Merle Haggard's version is fantastic as well.
Great one Otis! Clay pigeons is my favorite Blaze song, I'm not a big cover fan but Prine did an amazing job. Best of health to everyone!
Thank you Otis. I’m a huge fan of you, Gurf and Ray and Lucinda and Blaze and all the wonderful artists you mentioned. Thank you so much - you are appreciated amigo
Blaze’s story is probably one of the most important stories from our little circle of music.
It certainly is.
"I Should Have Been Home", "Clay Pigeons", "Rainbows and Ridges", and "Big Cheeseburgers and Good French Fries", are my favorite Blaze Foley songs..
Small Town Hero is one of the coolest tunes.
Clay pigeons is one of the most perfectly written songs ever. When he says “ I’d like to stay but I might have to go to start over again” man, if that doesn’t hit you like a truck then something’s wrong
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Always interesting, always cool. Nobody minds the extraneous noise. Sometimes the stories make me sad. I feel really sorry for the suffering Blaze Foley went through and the suffering he put others through.
Thanks Otis, I didn't know Blaze but knew some of his songs. I like the way your heart goes out for the songwriters we have lost . 😃😎✌️🤟
I first heard of Gurf while I was a volunteer DJ at a small non-con radio station. I put on his song “Were you lyin’ down(When you stood me up).” So great!
I could build me a castle of memories
Just to have somewhere to go
i watched the Blaze Foley doc last night and really enjoyed it and his wonderful songs. I'd never heard his songs before and I was really missing something....thanks for turning me on to him and his music.
It's 12 noon here in the south coast of Ireland and I'm down the rabbit hole of u tube always seem to come back around to folk music was that a fg 180 yamaha blaze is playing in one of those rare videos
I think you forgot to change your clocks it's almost 2 o clock lad hahaha
I first saw Gurf with Lucinda a couple of times here in Portland.always knocked me out ,so tasty always in service of the songs.a beautiful cat ,love his records a lot and I bet he would have been great to work with as a producer ...kinda reminds me of how Buddy Miller is ,very musical and sharp.Thanks man
I look forward to what you have to say every Saturday morning. I love the bird songs and all the background sounds . It makes it that more real to me. I can almost smell the coffee.
Cheers Otis! Great talk.
I don't believe I've ever heard of Blaze Foley. It's just another fine example of why I subscribed to your channel. You always introduce me to artists I have never heard of and I love it. Thanks Otis!
We put on a benefit to raise the money for the tombstone Blaze has now. Many amazing artists played that day. Timbuk3 were on tour so sent cd's and other merch we auctioned off at the benefit/bbq. I'd give anything to go back in time and have one more conversation with Blaze. I like Our Little Town but it's hard to just pick one. Thanks Otis.
For a couple of years my favorite guitar players were Gurf Morlix and Bo Ramsey, who plays with Greg Brown. Those were good years.
When my daughter was in elementary school she loved Gurf Morlix "Dan Blocker" and Kinky Friedman "Old Ben Lucas". My favorite Blaze song - "Clay Pigeons"
He got in his own way.That summes it up. ⚡TCB. Great stuff
Everyone loves If I Could Only Fly, and I do, too-but if I had to pick another Blaze song it would be Faded Loves and Memories.
Thank you for introducing me to Blaze!
i drink coffee with otis in the mornings , long live great music and the tails it tells.
I’m glad Blaze’s music lives on!.. He deserves it!
Drunken Angel sent me down the rabbit hole on who this song was about. I feel like i've read and listened to everything Blaze. If I Could Only Fly and Clay Pigeons are my favorites. His songwriting was a level above his peers of the time. His finger picking was also stellar. As a recovering alcoholic/addict it gave me a bit more understanding of Blaze I believe.
It's all too sad and tragic to think about sometimes.
I also had a cousin I was close to named Toby Anderson. Great picker/songwriter that was actually shot one time on stage. He lived only to die too young related to his addiction. His life was very similar to Blaze's.
Thank you. You've opened up my eyes to two musicians to check out.
met gurf when grant peeples brought him down to sopchoppy, fla for a gig back in 2010. intrigued by his style and lyrics. he did a blaze tune that resonated and, voilah. thanks gurf. been trying to keep up with gurf ever since. he keeps my attention with each portrait he paints, and he's been productive. y'all are looking healthy, by the way...judging from the interview. hold it in the road otis. thanks. PS mas tacos black beans are to drool for.
I get it. Blaze has always been a fav.
my entire world is out of focus 😀
Thanks Otis! I really enjoyed your morning chat today. And I’ve had that Marty Robbins album for years. The background noises in your recording were barely noticeable, especially when one is caught up in the story.
I heard of Blaze through being a Townes fan. The three cars I went through in high school all had Townes, Steve Earle, Tesla, some kind of speed metal, a lot of punk, or drivin and cryin absolutely cranking out of it. I was friends with the WoodShop teacher and worked at a sawmill on the weekends with him. He used to tell me that he could tell when I pulled into the school. He could hear weird music inside the building.
I love the background birds!
Smoke break for the roofers
Its great when you can find the beautiful unknown
Thanks so much. Just found this and don't know why I missed it before. Part of the reason I picked up the guitar and tried to sing was the music of Blaze Foley. His songs could be so moving or funny or both. If Only I could Fly; Clay Pigeons; Oval Room; Big Cheese Burgers and Good French Fries. It really doesn't get any bette, and I'm still learning. It helps heal my soul to play them now. Such music is the best medicine.
Wow I didn't think I would hear a Timbuk 3 reference in this video. Thanks for sharing, I wish I could have seen him perform....
Otis, it was you who turned me on to Blaze. I stumbled on to your account a couple years back and I’ve been obsessed ever since. Such incredible people you’ve had the great fortune to know and talk to. Gem of a channel. Keep up the great work. 🙌🏻🙌🏻
Picture Cards Can't Picture You, is my personal favourite..
I hadn't heard of Blaze either until i stumbled onto Otis. I now go back and look him up and listen to those heart rendering songs of his. May he rest in peace. Thank you Otis.
Cheers (coffee), Otis.
thank u brother otis!
This guy can talk and he is super creative. Otis interview with Gurf about Gurfs experiences with the late Blaze and Townes will be legendary.
Blaze must have been a force of nature when you hear what’s been said and the songs that have been written about him. Lucinda sure described him well. It’s very easy to be either overlooked or misunderstood in this commercial music world.
I wonder if you have ever considered writing a book to encompass all the history in music that would be lost? With everyone you know and your kind heart it would be wonderful and epic. Blaze would like it.
“If I Could Only Fly” “Clay Pigeons”
Have a great weekend Otis.
And sad songs for us to bare ... im tried of runing around looking for answers to questions i already know
I love these Blaze Foley stories, my favorite song is clay Pidgins, and another great video would we be able to hear some of your music?God Bless🙏
I got my tequila. Cheers!
I love blaze he. Is such a great songwriter nd singer also my favorite song is ww3 or cold cold world or living in a house in a tree
I remember the song Drunken Angel by Lucinda Williams from years ago. But I had never heard of Blaze Foley until watching this video even though that song is about him. I checked out his music and I find it and his whole story just haunting. I tried to get a copy of the movie Ethan Hawke did of the love story between Blaze and his muse Sybil Rosen. But it's not available up in Canada. If anyone knows where I can get a copy, that info would be appreciated. Thanks for introducing me to Blaze. His songs are just stunning!
Ghosts of Austin ... Huh... Hope you wrote that song. Great premise for a tune.
Stopped about two minutes in, went and listened to Oval Room.
Great song, great live performance. Fantastic picking and playing on that acoustic.
You've mentioned Phil Kaufman a couple of times since I learned about your wonderful podcast. Would love to hear how he's doing, and I'm sure he's got some killer stories to share! I've been interested in him ever since Gram Parson's death but know next to nothing about what he's been up to over the years. I donated to a GofundMe thing a few years ago when he was recovering from, as I recall, a car accident.
Hey Otis, Live at the Austin Outhouse is an awesome record, and those backing vocals are really good. My two Blaze favourite songs are probably Clay Pigeons and Election Day. I like his intimate side and also his sense of humour. He was a fine songwriter.
I emailed Casey Monahan, from the Austin American Statesman in 1989, a link to this video haha a quick Google search led me to an email address. a very beautiful piece she wrote indeed
Have to say I was a late bloomer when it comes to Gurf , but your audio podcast was were I first heard of him!! So thank you 🙏 My favorite Blaze song would be Big Cheeseburgers and good French fries 🍟 ✌️😎
My favourite meal, as well. LOL. Great song.
Not sure what algorithmic tendency led me to Blaze in 2011...but I've raved about him ever since...had a mail promo of 113th Wet Dream...favorite song...Picture Cards...check out the Texana Dames tribute!
Sarah Elizabeth Campbell and possibly Champ Hood on those backing vocals
Clay Pigeons is the best. Love it.
Happy new year m8, from NZ.
❤
Clay Pigeons is my fave Blaze tune.
I was playing Blues on Tuesdays at Joe's Generic Bar on 6th St in ATX back in '87-88 and Blaze was usually at the end of the bar. Needless to say, I burned a few bones with him on breaks in the backyard. We had some interesting, pun driven story swapping conversations. The man was an epic poet, a lone troubadour, a lover of people and a rarely seen genius. He was a total trip too.
I mourn the loss of him.
I’m hopeful that things are less complicated for Blaze Foley now… and he rests in peace…
How unfortunate that we don’t appreciate some people… until they are no longer here… 🎶🌞🎶
Blaze Foley and Gurf Morlix, just to have been able to hang with these two playing guitar, a dream jam session!!
Otis, I appreciate how you bring out "the inner Game" of writing Original Music -rather than focus on the gear and Facade of the performer. I hope to meet you some day... Peace Brother !😇
I had one take away from yesterday's interview... other than being reminded just how good Blaze Foley was.... Thank God Guy Clark never got a chance to introduce me to Townes Van Zandt!!!!!!!!! I was a 19-22 year old kid when I used to hang out with him, thanks to Doc Watson. He was so very nice to me and encouraging. One day, he was like, "Next month, I'm going to introduce you to Townes." Townes died that year. Knowing who I was back then.... as much as I love his songs... yeah, that likely would have been a bad road!
I’m pretty sure I learned about Blaze from you, Otis. Although, I listened to Lucinda sing Drunken Angel when it was released. And I also saw Gurf at the Canmore Folk Festival years ago. I bet Gurf performed a song or two of Blaze’s. I am actually surprised that I didn’t know about Blaze, but I am so glad that I found him; thanks to you. ❤
"If I could only fly" makes me cry sometimes but it's the healing type, not the traumatic kind of tears.
It was so good to see Gurf's face in your last post -- I've seen his name so many times over the years and it's a name you remember. First I'd heard about Blaze Foley was from finding out who Lucinda's song Drunken Angel was about. (PS: I too love Slaid Cleave's first album -- got his signature on it when he played the not-Texas locale, Montclair, New Jersey.)
I joined Tony's Acoustic challenge many years ago and always enjoyed when Maggie Pope would post a video playing acoustic guitar and sing. Check out her video here on UA-cam Maggie Pope Clay Pigeons (Blaze Foley Cover)
Clay Pigeons my favorite
Interesting to me, that you brought up the live “Outhouse” album. I was listening to Blaze overnight and I thought I should play the album you mentioned, but instead I played a different one. Now I’m anxious to play the live album which I have not heard. Thanks for the interesting video and the recommendation. Clay Pigeons is my favorite Blaze Foley song.
Thank you, Otis 🙏🏻
Happy Saturday!
Be good to you 🤍
Otis it’s crazy that Blaze or Townes being the incredible writers that they were didn’t become more popular? Had I been aware of Townes or Blaze back in the day I would have driven to Texas just to see them. There really is only one other musician who you compare these two with. And I don’t have to say his name.
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Hey Otis,
Gurf is one of my favorite players, also a great producer, as you said.
G&S is still open and relatively unchanged.
Austin has changed so much, just since I’ve lived here, but the G&S abides.
Really enjoying your stories and interviews.
Thanks
I kind of think as unique as Blaze was we all have known a blaze to some extent . Maybe even in ourselves and a beautiful song has it's own costs .
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Hi OTIS, Lucinda Williams knew the best singer song writers because she is the greatest song writer female or male , another artist that can tell a story full of emotions that hit you straight to the soul and take you on a ride . BLAZE WAS ONE OF THOSE WRITERS.
This has nothing to do with Blaze but you need to go see Tab Benoit and review him. From a dedicated viewer and subscriber.
Otis, I saw someone was performing in Bloomington. James McMurtry maybe, any chance you saw a shoe in the past week. He is definitely on my list
Glad you gave Slaid Cleaves a mention, a super songwriter and as genuine as they come. As for Blaze, what I find with all of that Austin crowd, it's very fine margins between those who become mainstream and those that don't. I don't think it's talent alone, sometimes, like many things, it's just luck and been in the right place at the right time. For me, Townes is as good as anyone, Blaze could have been had he lived longer but for every one that makes it, there are dozens who are just as good who don't. When i say make it, i mean mainstream selling thousands if not millions of records in their time. Having said that, many may not want mainstream but just make an ok living and maybe someone more famous will pick up one or two of their songs to give them a decent paycheck now and then. But if i could only fly is for me, one of the best songs ever written and shows the talent Blaze possessed and it beggars belief what he would have written if he wasn't killed. Baby, it's a cruel, cruel world.
Neither Townes nor Blaze had one iota of desire to become mainstream. The idea was anathema to Townes and he intentionally wrecked his chances. Blaze deeply admired that facet of Townes' character and purposely emulated him. He told me so. It wasn't that they didn't want to make money, they just refused to "prostitute" their art.
@@doylegaines1319 I'm not particularly saying they wanted to, but man, I think they could, or at least should have had a better living from their great music. Townes was shit poor for the most part and his records sell more after his death than they ever did when he was alive and I think that's a great shame. You can be mainstream but not be in the limelight, go, play, go home. I mean, Dylan is mainstream but he's not in the limelight, if you get my drift? I just think it's criminal, regardless of their drink and drug issues, that they only just about scraped a living out of their music and to see the state Townes was in when he died. Tragic and it didn't have to be that way, in my opinion.
FYI, the construction noise does not get in the way of hearing your voice clearly.
I own quite a bit of his original artwork!
"If I Could Only Fly" heard Merle's version, loved it but wanted to know who wrote it so discovered Blaze. Merle was a phenomenal songwriter, "real" is the attraction for me. But ole Blaze was the real..est. I just hate that sometimes creativity comes from genius that drops out by addiction. ( Townes, Jimi, Hank, Prince, Tom...El.. Keith) Too long a list.
I lived in Austin in the 80s ,(pre email and internet) and he was one of those guys you'd read about in the Austin Chronicle and his fame slowly spread. I saw him one time at the Austin Outhouse one night and wish like hell I'd stayed the entire evening but it was a work night and my date did not share my passion for the music. He was gone 6 months later. I regret leaving early as much as I regret turning down last minute Hendrix tickets because I was studying for a 8th grade final. Six months later Jimi was gone and I missed the similarities.
we should totally egg that blaze haters house no need ot wate toilet paper
dweedlie dweeedlie tweedlie dum
I meant to ask you Otis did you know Townes?
hey i resemble that remake.....im out of focus !
Hey Otis, did I miss something at 11:28 min. into your video?
You read from the newspaper article that "the Police called Blaze's death an 'UN-fortunate' Homicide", to which Blaze would have laughed at that because to someone like Blaze, "there was no such Beast as a 'Fortunate' Homicide"? Was what you read a misprint, or a misreading, because what you're reading was (as you said) "blurry"?
Did you actually mean to say that "to someone like Blaze, there was no such Beast as an 'UNfortunate' Homicide?"
Just wonderin', is all?
wtf???
I discovered Blaze relatively recently and by that I mean say six or seven years ago, maybe eight. Two words come to my mind every time I hear him or see footage of him "SO REAL" Not a deep commentary I guess, but damn "SO REAL"