Jackson C. Frank - "Blues Run The Game"
In his childhood, Jackson C. Frank was one of the only survivors of a schoolhouse furnace explosion. His face was severely scarred by the fire and he was tormented by depression from that point on. Later in life he was institutionalized off and on for paranoid schizophrenia (misdiagnosed), lost his only child to cystic fibrosis, and was shot point-blank in the face, leaving him blind.
The depth of his sorrow and the extent of his suffering should be kept in mind as you listen to "Blues Run The Game," a song about the imperative importance of hope and perseverance in the face of whatever adversity.
As Frank himself wrote in the liner notes to his one and only album, Jackson C. Frank: "Living is a gamble . . . loving is much the same . . . There's always a chance to break even"
Though his words may leave something to be desired, his song is as clear a statement as there is.
But don't be sad...
Two fun facts about Jackson C. Frank:
1) He dated Sandy Denny for a while.
2) Paul Simon produced his album.
***
In Greek mythology the asphodel is the flower of Hades and death. If this song isn't underworldly, it certainly is otherworldly. I can not positively identify any (any!) of the instruments used in "Asphodel."
I guess this song was recorded sometime during the medieval period, but I can't be any more specific than that. Maybe it's something like what would happen if Boethius, Aquinas, Eno and Tiny Tim got together to write a funeral dirge.
Posted by Jordan at November 20, 2004 3:40 AMRe: instrumentation of Asphodel/Cerberus Shoal. Sounds like acoustic guitars and/or banjos on the album, peppered with a bit of miscellaneous percussion (bells at the beginning). Some of the guitars are amplified, I think. Very pretty music. Why do you say the piece was recorded during the Medieval period? What do the notes say about the tune? Love the site! Thanks! --Meg
Posted by: megc at November 20, 2004 12:42 PMJackson Frank is wonderful Jordan. good pick. i was thinking just yesterday about how he used to show up at folk shows in London driving luxury vehicles because he had that settlement cash and spent it quite freely.
Simon and Garfunkle do a cover of "Blues Run the Game" that appears on the S & G box set.
-bmr
lovely jackson frank track, thanks.
Posted by: anne at November 20, 2004 6:16 PMdig the cerberus shoal song. i just looked them up and apparently they started out as a punk band!
and jordan, i'm gonna be in ottawa for a couple of weeks at xmas, you interrested in jamming or something? email me if you are.,
Posted by: gareth at November 20, 2004 6:29 PMWow -- the Jackson Frank song is beautiful. I've never heard of him, but this definitely makes me want to seek out more. Thanks.
Posted by: Mindy at November 21, 2004 4:17 PMJackson Frank has a great voice, works well w/the style of the song...I'm gonna have to get this one...thanks!
Posted by: guanoboy at November 21, 2004 10:56 PMthe similarities between jackson c. frank and freddy krueger are astounding!
Posted by: george at November 22, 2004 5:57 PMall caught up now. we've go you bookmarked!
Posted by: damama at November 22, 2004 7:43 PMreally liked "asphodel" and the greek myth overtones. reminds me of adem. fits a blue mood. thanks! :)
Posted by: janet at November 23, 2004 12:50 AMwow that cerberus shoal track is pretty amazing
Posted by: milap at November 23, 2004 8:44 AMBoth these tracks are quite great.... I'm assuming you mean "written" instead of "recorded," though. ^_^
Posted by: tuwa at November 23, 2004 7:14 PMGareth - Check your email.
Tuwa - I meant recorded. It was supposed to be a joke, but I think I missed.
Posted by: Jordan at November 24, 2004 12:35 AMlove hearing this - I'd heard the Counting Crows varsion of this and wanted the real version. Thanks! Great site!
Posted by: the bandit at November 24, 2004 3:11 PM