The Dirty Lowdown
I think we can all agree that music has a way of connecting with us in a way that other things can not. You might read a really great poem, but for some reason it never really clicks with you. Put that poem to music and it could open your eyes to a new state of mind you never knew existed. Ever since I was a kid, I have always been fascinated by music.
You would think I should be more of a musician that I am given my affinity to music, but lacking the skill or ambition, I have settled on just being an appreciator. I was in band for six years in school (percussion) and perhaps one day I will actually learn to play the guitar, but until then, I will keep sharing with you some of the songs and artists that I feel have made my life more awesome.
That's why I love the #threetunetuesday initiative started by @albaze. It gives us the chance to share new, old, and exciting music with people from around the world. It also gives us a chance to throw old favorites back on people's radar.
How many times have you heard a song on Three Tune Tuesday and you think to yourself "oh man, I haven't heard that song in years!".
Based on the opening photo, you might think that Toto is the inspiration for this #ttt, close, but ultimately wrong.
Read on to find out why!
I'm not quite sure how The Dukes of September ever slipped through my fingers. It's a super group consisting of some of the most amazing "Yacht Rock" artists that ever lived. Between Michael McDonald (The Doobie Brothers and solo work), Donald Fagen (Steely Dan), and Boz Scaggs, the only person missing is Christopher Cross.
Based on the song above, you might have guessed that the theme of this threetunetuesday is Boz Scaggs. I love the song "Lowdown". It just has a really awesome vibe to it. Plus a killer bass line that just drives the song along. It shouldn't be a surprise that Boz is the highlight of this weeks post given my Hive name.
Believe it or not though, I did not take my name from Boz Scaggs. It's a riff on my surname that my father was called and I have been called the majority of my life. Therefore, although I have zero percent of the talent Boz does, I feel a certain kinship to him.
His real name is William Royce Scaggs and he was born in 1944 in Canton, OH, home of the pro football hall of fame.
It shouldn't be much of a surprise that Boz found himself together with the folks I mentioned above in the Dukes of September. Before he went solo, he was a bandmate of the one and only Steve Miller. Steve Miller actually helped him learn to play the guitar. He later became the vocalist for Steve Millers band The Marksmen.
After a moderate career, in 1976 Boz recorded what would become his breakout album using session musicians who would later become the band Toto. Hence the opening photo. According to accounts from those involved, although the members of Toto were very familiar with each other, they likely never would have formed Toto if it hadn't been for Boz Scaggs bringing them together to record the album Silk Degrees.
Shout out to Wikipedia for all the info.
"Lido Shuffle" is one of those songs that twenty years ago I never would have been able to tell you it was by Boz Scaggs. I probably would have told you it was an Elton John song quite honestly. It just has that feel to it and Boz's voice in the song sounds a lot like Elton. In my opinion anyway. Maybe not in the video above, but if you listen to the album track, you will probably see what I am saying.
Although Lowdown was the only song that Boz actually ever earned an award for (Grammy), he was nominated several other times for his albums. One of the most notable is probably Urban Cowboy starring John Travolta.
"Look What You've Done To Me" is the breakout song from that album and it did quite well on the charts cracking the top 25 in the US and the top 10 in Canada. I actually have the Urban Cowboy soundtrack on vinyl somewhere, but I haven't spun it in quite a long time. I should fix that.
Boz is still touring to this day after taking a couple of short breaks. If you aren't familiar with is work, it's definitely worth digging into more of his catalog. I think I might take a dive again myself later today.
Sports Talk Social - @bozz.sports
Boz is one of those people who I will have heard, but I can't really say I know who he is. Of course I know Lido Shuffle and I expect I know some others. I quite like some of the 'yacht' acts. There's nothing wrong with good music skills and production. Some of it can be a bit bland though. I can like rough and ready punk stuff too :)
I'm a big fan of Yacht Rock. I think it's some of the best music out there. Of course Rupert Holmes would probably get lumped into that category and I am not quite sure if he should be considered high quality.
"Lido Shuffle" - I thought it was crap when growing up, but I kind of like it now.
It's a bit goofy. To be fair Jojo is too. I think Boz was just kind of funny like that. I watched some video interviews with him and he just seemed like a bit of a joker. I think he has a pretty good sense of humor.
I agree. Not familiar with the songs but it's nice to dig on it too.š
I'm glad you enjoyed it!
Yeah.. it's a good visit.š Thank you for sharing. š
That first song is great!
Boz's voice is a lot like Elton John. I'm with you on that.
Yeah, I love Lowdown. I'm glad I am not the only one who thinks that.
Breaking out the vinyl!
I need to do it more often!
Nice songs for a TTT. I think Boz is underrated in the grand scheme of things. Really talented musician.
I totally agree!
Great stuff! It's always fun to get out the vinyl and dust it off. Three great songs there! Boz has a great voice, under appreciated in my opinion.
I totally agree with you on all counts!
Boz Scaggs now that has been years since I heard him!
š .... many times hehe
Yeah! Mission accomplished! I'm glad you enjoyed!