143. Danny O'Keefe Discusses Miles Davis, Kind of Blue

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Singer-songwriter Danny O’Keefe, whose songs (including his Top 10 hit, “Goodtime Charlie’s Got the Blues”) have been covered by Jackson Browne, Elvis Presley, Glen Campbell, Judy Collins, Willie Nelson, Allison Krauss and many others, joins Al to get him better acquainted with Miles Davis’ 1959 classic, Kind of Blue. Danny talks about how he was introduced to the album, why it has been the album he has listened to the most in his life and which parts he particularly enjoys. Danny and Al also get into a Steely Dan discussion, as a result of Al comparing some sax solos. Danny recounts his relationship with Ahmet Ertegun and discusses his recently-released album, Circular Turns.

Be sure to follow Danny on Facebook and visit his website, dannyokeefe.com!

Al is on Bluesky at @almelchior.bsky.social. This show has accounts on Instagram and Threads at @youmealbum. Subscribe for free to You, Me and An Album: The Newsletter! https://youmealbum.substack.com/

1:20 Danny joins the show

1:50 Danny talks about his introduction to Kind of Blue

5:26 How important is it to know music theory as a musician and as a listener?

10:01 How does Kind of Blue transport Danny?

11:39 Danny identifies a couple of features of the album that he looks forward to

14:08 Al is accustomed to the structure of rock music

15:40 Danny talks about some of the solos from the album

17:27 How has Kind of Blue influenced Danny’s work?

19:13 Danny walks through his songwriting process

22:23 Danny explains the significance of Kind of Blue

25:05 Danny talks about the allure of the folk revolution

26:35 Do you have to connect with an album right away to enjoy it?

30:00 Al did an experiment to try to figure out why he didn’t connect more with Kind of Blue

35:27 Danny talks about his relationship with Ahmet Ertegun and Atlantic Records

43:15 Danny explains how his new album, Circular Turns, came about

45:02 Danny identifies some covers of his songs that he particularly enjoys

48:27 Danny talks about his upcoming plans

Outro music is from “The Road” by Danny O’Keefe.

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