What does Jesse Colin Young have to do with Saturday’s block party?

I know, this is really out of left field, but here goes:  In 1974 I discovered the re-release of “Soul of a City Boy” by Jesse Colin Young that had been released for the first time ten years earlier, but didn’t sell then.  This LP was recorded in a single 4 hour session at A&R Studios in NYC.  Just Young (22 at the time) and his guitar.  It remains one of my favorite albums.  There’s something haunting, almost mesmerizing about his voice and guitar on this record with six of his originals and 5 covers.  One of my favorites of his covers is “Rye Whisky” — and that just happens to be the featured liquor for Saturday’s final Ryan & Wood Cocktail Contest.  Back in 1974, when you got a new album, you put it on the stereo, sat on the floor and stared at the cover while it played.  Nobody does that anymore.  But here’s the next best thing:  Watch this video of “Rye Whisky” by Jesse Colin Young.  Mostly you’ll just see the Soul of a City Boy cover.  Did anybody else do this?  Remember what it was like to immerse yourself in your newest purchase from the record store?

This Block Party features some excellent music (details by stage here; details by time here).  Be sure to check out Alexandra Valenti (here’s a recent post about this endearing, young, rising star).  By the time she’s 22, she might be as good as Jesse Colin Young was.