Monday, October 22, 2012

You're My Home by Billy Joel - From Banjo to Nevah

Hey there … Hal the Nevah prograssabilly Banjo Guy here …

When I first brought "You're My Home", a song by Billy Joel, to a NEVAH practice I hadn't quite worked out the entire arrangement. All I had was an opening lick and an interesting descending chord progression ending. However, as with all the material we choose to perform everyone pitched in an idea or two and before you know it … a Nevah twist.

After we worked out the Nevah Band arrangement I played with my own variation, a really sweet banjo instrumental played on my Stelling Sunflower that sounds flashy, looks harder to play than it is, travels up and down the neck and makes me feel like I have "chops." I find it's fun to play fast, however, when singing it I like to keep a medium tempo.

Below you will find some information about the song and I've included the lyrics. The next time you come to a NEVAH performance, if you'd like to hear our arrangement of the song, let us know. After the show I'd be happy to demo the banjo instrumental version too.

"You're My Home"
music and Lyrics by Billy Joel (a You Tube link to a 1976 performance by Billy Joel)

"You're My Home" was introduced on Billy Joel's album Piano Man, in 1973. It appeared on four other albums and was covered by several well known singers including Helen Reddy.

When you look into my eyes
And you see the crazy gypsy in my soul
It always comes as a surprise
When I feel my withered roots begin to grow
Well I never had a place that I could call my very own
That's all right, my love, 'cause you're my home

When you touch my weary head
And you tell me everything will be all right
You say, "Use my body for your bed
And my love will keep you warm throughout the night"
Well I'll never be a stranger and I'll never be alone
Whenever we're together, that's my home

Home can be the Pennsylvania Turnpike
Indiana's early morning dew
High up in the hills of California
Home is just another word for you

Well I never had a place that I could call my very own
That's all right, my love, 'cause you're my home

If I travel all my life
And I never get to stop and settle down
Long as I have you by my side
There's a roof above and good walls all around
You're my castle, you're my cabin and my instant pleasure dome
I need you in my house 'cause you're my home.
You're my home.

Saturday, October 20, 2012

Bluegrass and Country bars in Tokyo

Hal here, the NEVAH Banjo Guy …

I kiddingly mentioned to the group that one of my goals, for NEVAH, was to get us on tour in countries who appreciate our type of progressive New Grass, Blue Grass Music … Japan just happens to be one of the countries I would like to see us tour.

I personally visited Japan many years ago, I love the people, the culture, the food, Aikdio (the martial art) and was excited to find there is a rich Bluegrass, Country, NewGrass culture throughout the land.
A friend and Teacher of mine … Tony Trischka has toured Japan several times and been well received.

Below is a list of some bluegrass and country bars in The Tokyo Area. Nevah has these on their mailing list and hope that someday we'll get an opportunity to perform at a few of them.