2014 The Year In Review

It is a cliche, but as the year winds to a close it is customary to take a look back and review the events that got us where we are today. Old Highway Notes covered some miles.

(Wikipedia)

January on Route 66.saw us starting to zero in on the city of Chicago. First we watched the Broadway musical Chicago. Then we looked into at the fusion rock band Chicago and featured their box set as a playlist addition.,

Heading To The Border (Wikipedia)

On Highway 101, we had not really gotten underway heading North up the highway. We had concluded our Tijuana Day Trip in December that we had made before starting up the highway in earnest. Leaving Tijuana, we began our fictional border crossing which featured a wide swath of America related music and a fictitiously paranoid exchange with the Border Patrol that took up a few months postings.

Before the Electric Guitar

Back in Chicago, we began to look int the musical history of the city that would lead to its signature sound of Chicago blues. A hot early jazz scene inspired a young Benny Goodman who would go on to be the king of swing. And while one jazz legend left the city, another jazz legend Sun Ra made the city of Chicago his home.

In February, a whole new chapter began on Old Highway Notes. A third route was added to the weekly rotation exploring that East Cost thoroughfare, Interstate 95. We looked at some Miami history and drove up Interstate 95 taking in the view by way of a number of dash cams,

In Chicago again, the drive down Route 66 keeps getting delayed as the city has such a proud musical history to cover. Finally making it to Blues music, we listed to and learned about at the blues roots that lead up up to the development of the electric Chicago blues sound. We took the time to focus on Willie Dixon as a particularly key player in this era who also figured largely later when Electric Blues took off,

(Flickr user Griggzz/CC)

Meanwhile on Highway 101 we had finally completed our border crossing. It was time to move North on the Old Highway 101. We passed through San Ysidro, remembering a mass shooting that occurred there. Next we passed through Chula Vista, and looked at a modern amphitheater while remembering a notable Grateful Dead concert from before it was built. Next came National City and its Mile of Cars, as well as its Napoleones Pizza, a place that figured heavily in Tom Waits life.

Source: Poster Mania

Still lingering in Miami on Interstate 95, by April we were looking at a few key musical events from the 1960's. First the story of the 2 International Pop Festivals in 1968 and Jimi Hendrix's breakout performance at the first of these. Jim Morrison's well known indecency arrest also occurred from Miami and we looked into that as well. The it was time to leave Miami and we started driving North to West Palm Beach.

Muddy Waters (Wikimedia Commons)

By late May we had worked our way through Jazz and Acoustic Blues in Chicago and we were ready to begin an in depth look into the life and career of Muddy Waters which would continue over the next few months.

Hasta La Bahia Coronado bridge Support Chicano Park San Diego CA

(Flickr/CC)

Highway 101 was also about to hit a bit of slowdown as we entered San Diego in early June. being a large city it will have much to offer before we pass through. First we looked the cities history and strong tradition as a US naval base. Then we looked at the cities impact on the Chicano movement by looking at Barrio Logan and the history of Chicano Park.

1913 Chicago Nationals Fatima Cigarette trading card

The 1913 Chicago Cubs brought Spring Training back to Florida. (WikimediaCommons)

The middle of June saw us begin an ongoing series of visiting Spring Training ballparks that are found up the Interstate 95 corridor in Florida.

Beautiful Views are a highlight of Petco Park (Flickr/cc)

Finally, we entered August exploring a part of San Diego that many visitors never really get outside of. the San Diego Convention Center, Seaport Village, and Petco Field all line the route that was the old Highway 101.

(Flickr User Zeitgeist/CC)

By August we celebrated one year of Old Highway Notes. Several blog maintenance issues and newbie errors I had made in setting up the blog caused me to take the month off to work on improving the user experience. I hope you find it easier to navigate the site now,

Jungle Cruise at Trapper Nelsons camp circa 1950's (Flickr User Beth Scupham/CC)

With Labor Day, vacation ended and we came back to continue looking Spring Training baseball fields with a stop at Roger Dean Stadium in Jupiter, Florida.Jupiter would prove to be an interesting stop. There we found a battlefield from the Seminole wars, a lighthouse, canoeing and the story of a recluse who lived like a wild man and started a zoo.

Howlin' Wolf (DeviantArt User FrelsAreN/CC)

In Chicago, the story of Muddy waters was not over and so it continued into October, before we the story of Muddy Water's rival Howlin' Wolf ended the month.

An inviting station welcomes rail travelers to San Diego (Wikimedia commons)

In San Diego, Old Highway 101 took us past the train station, the airport and rental car lots. Planes Trains and Automobiles inspired a playlist theme that included a look at the John Denver song Leaving on a Jet Plane as covered by San Diego band Slightly Stoopid. Ultimately the old Highway led us to the site of Old Town San Diego in mid October.

Old Town San Diego Bus Stop and Entry Sign

(Flickr User Margaret Hill/CC)

It was in Old Town San Diego that we looked at the Ghost story of the Whaley House, celebrated the Mexican holiday Dia De Las Muertas, and visited some old homes

On Route 66, in November, a guest poster contributed an infographic and article covering the history of the Great Chicago Fire that was accompanied by a fire themed playlist.

(Wikipedia)

After Thanksgiving, on Interstate 95, it was time to leave Jupiter, Florida. Hitting the Interstate we drove North to Port St. Lucie, Florida. Arriving during the Christmas season we took in what the city had to offer online in the way of Christmas cheer. We also took a listen to Jimmy Buffett's Christmas Island, getting us in the mood for the holidays.

(Wikimedia Commons)

On Route 66 we went back into Chicago history where were surprised to find that Rudolph The Red Nosed Reindeer born in that city. We looked into his story from book to song, from song to TV, from TV to movies, worldwide fame and a special place in Portland's heart.

(Flickr User Port of San Diego/CC)

A tour of San Diego at Christmas ended the holiday season on the old Highway 101. After visiting several Old Town and attending Las Posadas. We enjoyed several other holiday displays in San Diego area before we watched the Christmas Parade of Boats go sailing by.

Playlist Additions

Amazon Store

Writing this blog, I a have enjoyed revisiting old favorites and finding new music along the way. Much of the early Chicago Jazz I shared with you was new to me as well. Along the way I found some holes in my personal music collection. Slowly I have been filling those holes.

Route 66. In January, when I blogged about the band Chicago, there were a few albums I did not yet have. Filling that hole a bit I acquired their first album, Chicago Transit Authority. I also picked up a greatest hits package that is a bit easier than the six disc set I featured last January.

Album: Chicago Transit Authority Chicago

Introduction 6:35
Does Anybody Really Know What Time It Is? 4:36
Beginnings 7:54
Questions 67 And 68 5:02
Listen 3:21
Poem 58 8:37
Free Form Guitar 6:47
South California Purples 6:11
I'm A Man 7:39
Prologue, August 29, 1968 0:57
Someday (August 29, 1968) 4:13
Liberation 14:38

Album: The Very Best Of: Only The Beginning Chicago

Volume 1

Make Me Smile (New Edit) 4:25
25 Or 6 To 4 4:49
Does Anybody Really Know What Time It Is? 3:19
Beginnings 6:27
Questions 67 And 68 4:52
I'm A Man (New Edit) 5:43
Colour My World 3:01
Free 2:16
Lowdown 3:34
Saturday In The Park 3:55
Dialogue (Part I & II) (Single Version) 5:01
Just You 'N' Me 3:42
Feelin' Stronger Every Day 4:14
(I've Been) Searchin' So Long 4:28
Wishing You Were Here 4:35
Call On Me 4:03
Happy Man (Edit from 1981's Greatest Hits, Volume II) 3:16
Another Rainy Day In New York City 3:01
If You Leave Me Now 3:56

Volume 2

Old Days 3:30
Baby What A Big Surprise 3:05
Take Me Back To Chicago (Single Version) 2:58
Alive Again 4:05
No Tell Lover 4:14
Love Me Tomorrow (Single Version) 3:59
Hard To Say I'm Sorry/Get Away 5:06
Stay The Night 3:49
Hard Habit To Break 4:44
You're The Inspiration 3:50
Along Comes A Woman (Single Version) 3:48
Will You Still Love Me? (Single Version) 4:13
If She Would Have Been Faithful... 3:52
Look Away (Single Version) 4:01
What Kind Of Man Would I Be? (Single Version) 4:14
I Don't Wanna Live Without Your Love 3:57
We Can Last Forever (Single Version) 3:45
You're Not Alone (Single Version) 4:00
Chasin' The Wind 4:18
Sing, Sing, Sing (w/ The Gypsy Kings) 3:20

A bigger embarrassment to me than a lack of Chicago albums is the lack of Louis Armstrong music I had from early in his career. To remedy that I got my hands on The Okeh, Columbia & Victor Recordings 1925-1933. It's a pretty complete collection spanning ten discs. I think that does a pretty good job of filling in the gap. Not surprisingly,I could not find the complete set as a video playlist, but I did find a recording of his Hot Fives and Sevens from that era for you to enjoy.

Album: The Okeh, Columbia & Victor Recordings 1925-1933 (Box Set) Louis Armstrong

The Hot Fives, Volume I

My Heart 2:31
(YES!) I'm in the Barrel 2:46
Gut Bucket Blues 2:51
Come Back, Sweet Papa 2:34
Georgia Grind 2:40
Heebie Jeebies 3:04
Cornet Chop Suey 3:07
Oriental Strut 3:11
You're Next 3:26
Muskrat Ramble 2:40
Don't Forget to Mess Around 3:16
I'm Gonna Gitcha 2:56
Droppin' Shucks 3:06
Who' Sit 2:58
King of the Zulus 3:16
Big Fat Ma and Skinny Pa 3:06

The Hot Five and Hot Sevens, Volume II

Lonesome Blues 3:15
Sweet Little Papa 2:53
Jazz Lips 3:12
Skid-Dat-De-Dat 3:16
Big Butter and Egg Man 3:11
Sunset Cafe Stomp 2:56
You Made Me Love You 3:02
Irish Black Bottom 2:50
Willie the Weeper 3:13
Wild Man Blues 3:17
Alligator Crawl 3:08
Potato Head Blues 3:01
Melancholy 3:08
Weary Blues 3:06
Twelfth Street Rag 3:10
Keyhole Blues 3:31

The Hot Fives & Hot Sevens Volume III

S.O.L. Blues 3:00
Gully Low Blues 3:24
That's When I'll Come Back To You 3:04
Put 'Em Down Blues 3:13
Ory's Creole Trombone 3:11
The Last Time 3:27
Struttin' With Some Barbecue 3:02
Got No Blues 3:22
Once In A While 3:16
I'm Not Rough 3:01
Hotter Than That 3:03
Savoy Blues 3:30
Fireworks 3:05
Skip The Gutter 3:09
A Monday Date 3:14
Don't Jive Me 2:47

Louis Armstrong And Earl Hines Volume IV

Chicago Breakdown 3:26
Symphonic Raps 3:12
Savoyager's Stomp 3:11
West End Blues 3:17
Sugar Foot Strut 3:20
Two Deuces 2:55
Squeeze Me 3:23
Knee Drops 3:24
No (Papa,No) 2:55
Basin Street Blues 3:16
No One Else But You 3:25
Beau Koo Jack 3:04
Save It, Pretty Mama 3:21
Weather Bird (Rag) 2:44
Muggles 2:51
Here Me Talkin' To Ya 3:24
St. James' Infirmary 3:20
Tight Like This 3:16

Louis In New York Volume V

Knockin' A Jug 3:26
I Can't Give You Anything But Love 3:34
Mahogany Hall Stomp 3:26
S'posin' 3:17
To Be In Love 3:08
Funny Feathers 3:17
How Do You Do It That Way? 3:20
Ain't Misbehavin' 3:24
Black And Blue 3:09
That Rhythm Man 3:11
Sweet Savannah Sue 3:14
Ain't Misbehavin' (2) 3:08
Some Of These Days 3:14
Some Of These Days (2) 3:00
When You're Smiling 3:31
When You're Smiling (2) 2:59
After You've Gone 3:23
After You've Gone (2) 3:19
After You've Gone (2) (2) 3:18

St. Louis Blues Volume VI

I Ain't Got Nobody 2:47
I Ain't Got Nobody 3:00
Dallas Blues 3:17
Dallas Blues 3:17
St. Louis Blues 3:03
St. Louis Blues 3:01
St. Louis Blues 2:59
Rockin' Chair 3:23
Song of the Islands 3:31
Bessie Couldn't Help It 3:24
Blue, Turning Grey Over You 3:31
Dear Old Southland 3:19
My Sweet 3:23
I Can't Believe That You're In Love With Me 3:11
Indian Cradle Song 3:02
Exactly Like You Did 3:32
Dinah 3:20
Tiger Rag 3:12
I'm a Ding Dong Daddy (From Dumas) 3:09
I'm in the Market for You 3:16
I'm Confessin' (That I Love You) 3:23
If I Could Be With You One Hour Tonight 3:38
Body and Soul 3:16

You're Driving Me Crazy Volume VII

Memories Of You 3:12
You're Lucky To Me 3:25
Sweethearts On Parade 3:16
You're Driving Me Crazy 3:07
You're Driving Me Crazy (2) 3:11
The Peanut Vendor 3:29
Just A Gigolo 3:19
Shine 3:22
Walkin' My Baby Back Home 3:05
I Surrender Dear 3:09
When It's Sleepytime Down South 3:22
Blue Again 3:14
Little Joe 3:13
I'll Be Glad When You're Dead, You Rascal You 3:15
Them There Eyes 3:07
When Your Lover Has Gone 3:10
Lazy River 3:06
Chinatown, My Chinatown 3:15

Stardust Volume VIII

Wrap Your Troubles in Dreams 3:32
Wrap Your Troubles in Dreams 3:17
Star Dust 3:37
Star Dust 3:30
You Can Depend on Me 3:19
Georgia on My Mind 3:20
The Lonesome Road 3:32
I Got Rhythm 3:06
Between the Devil & the Deep Blue Sea 3:02
Between the Devil & the Deep Blue Sea 3:21
Kickin' the Gong Around 3:14
Home 3:05
All of Me 2:59
Love, You Funny Thing 3:42
The New Tiger Rag 3:24
Keepin' out of Mischief Now 3:32
Love, You Funny Thing 3:24

The Complete RCA Victor Recordings Volume IX

That's My Home 3:13
Hobo, You Can't Ride This Train 3:04
I Hate to Leave You Now 3:14
You'll Wish You'd Never Been Born 3:20
Medley of Armstrong Hits -- part 1 4:26
Medley of Armstrong Hits -- part 2 4:37
I've Got the World on a String 3:16
I Got a Right to Sing the Blues 3:01
Hustlin' and Bustlin' for Baby 3:08
Sittin' in the Dark 3:02
High Society 3:25
He's a Son of the South 2:40
Some Sweet Day 3:01
Basin Street Blues 3:26
Honey, Do 2:38
Snowball 3:13
Mahogany Hall Stomp 2:36
Swing, You Cats 2:37

The Complete RCA Victor Recordings Volume X

Honey, Don't You Love Me Anymore? 3:02
Mississippi Basin 3:07
Laughin' Louie 3:29
Tomorrow Night 3:19
Dusky Stevedore 2:56
There's A Cabin In The Pines 3:18
Mighty River 2:43
Sweet Sue, Just You 2:46
I Wonder Who 3:08
St. Louis Blues 2:43
Don't Play Me Cheap 3:00
That's My Home (Alternate Take) 3:14
Hobo, You Can't Ride This Train (Alternate Take) 3:01
I Hate To Leave You Now (Alternate Take) 3:12
You'll Wish You'd Never Been Born (Alternate Take) 3:26
Medley Of Armstrong Hits - Pt. 2 (Alternate Take) 4:28
Mississippi Basin (Alternate Take) 3:13
Laughin' Louie (Alternate Take) 3:25
Tomorrow Night (Alternate Take) 3:21
Blue Yodel No. 9 2:38

Finally, we pick up some pieces from Tom Waits early career, where his time working at Napoleones Pizza, in National City, had the biggest influence on his songs.

Album: Used Songs 1973-1980 Tom Waits

Heartattack And Vine 4:46
Eggs And Sausage (In A Cadillac with Susan Michelson) 4:25
A Sight For Sore Eyes 4:43
Whistlin' Past The Graveyard 3:18
Burma Shave 6:35
Step Right Up 5:42
Ol' 55 4:00
I Never Talk To Strangers (with Bette Midler) 3:40
Mr. Siegal 5:16
Jersey Girl 5:12
Christmas Card From A Hooker In Minneapolis 4:34
Blue Valentines 5:53
(Looking For) The Heart Of Saturday Night 3:53
Muriel 3:36
Wrong Side Of The Road 5:16
Tom Traubert's Blues (Four Sheets To The Wind In Copenhagen) 6:35

Signing Off and Coming Attractions

(Flickr User Avard Woolaver/CC)

Its been a great year and I would like to thank you all for sharing it with me. I am looking forward to a story filled 2015 and hope you can stick along for the ride.

Next Week: Chicago, Illinois, the start of Route 66, remains our focus. We'll start tom look at a film that has been called a "love letter to the City of Chicago", The Blues Brothers.
Two Weeks: The old Highway 101 passes Old Town in San Diego, California. We'll visit the commercial and civic sites in the historic area.
Three Weeks: Interstate 95 in Florida will wait as we look a bit more at Port St Lucie. We'll visit a ballpark as part of my Spring Training series, we'll take a look at how mother nature has battered the city, and then we get down and dirty as we will go four wheeling at the Port St. Lucie MudJam.

Mileage Stats

Route 66: 0 Miles/1 State/985 Tracks/262 Videos/39 Posts

Highway 101: 22 Miles/2 Countries/1 State/594 Tracks/301 Videos/28 Posts

Interstate 95: 123 Miles/1 State/68 Tracks/123 Videos/13 Posts

And Now A Word From Our Sponsor...

If you like what you have read here I'd like to ask you a favor. If you purchase any item on Amazon after you link to them in the Amazon banner below, I will get a little something from them. It doesn't cost you any extra and I cannot see what you have purchased.
With your help, I can keep the show on the road for you.