Readers’ Choice 2022
Part Eight
Kris Kristofferson lands on Cat L’Hirondelle’s Top 3 list.
CONTRIBUTORSVancouver artist Cat L’Hirondelle and part-time musician Joni Miller are two women who are keen students of their craft. They look, listen, do and play with attention and insight.
The six songs they present between them here span a period between 1971 and 2015. They feature performers both better and lesser known – John Prine, Frazey Ford, Marlin Greene, Dave Mason, BW Stevenson and Kris Kristofferson.
Give ’em a listen!
The 5th Annual Readers’ Choice
Kurated readers share their favourite music of the last year in the annual Readers’ Choice series. Anything musical is welcomed whether its new, an old favourite, something self-composed and more. Thanks to all the contributors!
22 January 2023
Cat L’Hirondelle
Vancouver, BC
The cover art for 1972’s Tiptoe Past the Dragon by Marlin Greene. In the song he says: “…So I’ll tiptoe past the dragon / I suggest you do the same.”
3-song Playlist
I am putting together a photos and text series for my final project in my photography course at Emily Carr. I am using lyrics for the text and remembered some great music. I thought I would share it – I thought others should get a chance to listen to these.
My absolute favourite, Marlin Greene, was a session musician I think. I was just lucky and found this album 40 something years ago.
I discovered B.W. Stevenson through Patty Moore. I think she saw him at Austin City Limits.
Not so obscure but another old fave is Kris Kristofferson‘s The Pilgrim, Chapter 33.
Doing this project is infusing my mind with lyrics that I haven’t thought of for quite a while! I’m looking forward to the annual music picks – I always find some gems.
About Cat l’Hirondelle: I am a grown woman attempting to do my BFA at Emily Carr before I die. I have been a music and cat lover for as long as I can remember. I used to get rip roaring drunk and listen to certain music cuts ad nauseum! The songs I have included this year as my picks are some that I have listened to for years.
Joni Miller
Vancouver, BC
Contributor Joni Miller says this about Frazey Ford’s song, Done: “I like the song, and it is hard for me to not LOVE the video, since it was shot in my exact neighbourhood. I know those buildings – I know that Smithrite.” You can see the video in both the playlist and below.
3-song Playlist
We Just Disagree – Dave Mason I have loved this song for a long time. This year I finally learned how to play it, and will be adding it to my repertoire. We Just Disagree is a song recorded by English singer-guitarist Dave Mason, written by Jim Krueger. Mason originally recorded it in 1977.
Dave Mason played 12 string acoustic guitar on Jimi Hendrix’s 1968 album Electric Ladyland. His best known composition is Feeling’ Alright – recorded by Traffic and Joe Cocker.
Lake Marie – John Prine There are many live recordings of this song on Youtube. This particular one is my favourite. The timing of everything seems right.
The lead guitarist is Jason Wilber. He played with John Prine for years, and happens to come from the town in the United States where I spent a year of my life –Bloomington, Indiana. (I was 12 – my dad was getting his Phd at the University of Bloomington)
Done – Frazey Ford I like the song, and it is hard for me to not LOVE the video, since it was shot in my exact neighbourhood. I know those buildings – I know that Smithrite.
About Joni: Joni Miller is a Vancouver based musician and songwriter, playing local venues. In her spare time she makes Chihuahua clothes.
