White Summer II
68ALL ALONG THE WATCHTOWER
This is the second Hub in a series about my rock and roll band. We were called The White Summer Band. On this page are links to three videos that feature the music made by our rock and roll band.
In The White Summer Band, I played the drums, and I sang some of our songs. Jimmy Schrader, from the same city as me, Benton Harbor, Michigan, played his 1957 Fender Stratocaster guitar (same guitar Hendrix used) in my rock and roll band for sixteen years.
During the time The White Summer Band recorded these songs, Steve Douglas from Cincinnati, Ohio, was the front man and vocalist. Our rock and roll band featured Danny Frye from Boston by way of Sandwich, Cape Cod, Massachusetts on the keyboards in those days. Donnie Brown from Los Angeles, California, by way of Greenville, Mississippi—the blues capital of the world—plays bass.
First up is a live recording of The White Summer Band playing our own version of the Jimi Hendrix version of the Bob Dylan song "All Along the Watchtower."
ALL ALONG THE WATCHTOWER by WHITE SUMMER
GREEN RIVER
The White Summer Band was a recording and touring group for nearly 20 years. My rock and roll band recorded five albums of original material (one prior to Jimmy Schrader joining the group).
Besides our own original music, The White Summer Band played classic rock. At one time we featured a song list of 1000 tunes. Our rock and roll band specialized in remakes of songs by Jimi Hendrix; ZZ Top; Pink Floyd; Led Zeppelin; Beatles; Rolling Stones; Van Halen; Robin Trower; and Van Morrison, among many others. The White Summer Band was known to bust out some Bad Company; Little Feat; James Brown; Grand Funk; Cream; Loverboy; John Cougar; Billy Idol; AC/DC; Santana; David Bowie . . . I'll stop.
My rock and roll band probably covered every artist we could at one time or another. The link below will take you to a video of The White Summer Band version of the Creedence Clearwater Revival song called "Green River." That is me singing this one—sorry to say—and it was recorded live on a simple cassette deck.
GREEN RIVER by WHITE SUMMER
RUNNING FROM THE LIGHT
On a previous Hub about my rock and roll band, I featured four songs—three of our original compositions from the last album that The White Summer Band recorded, and one remake: Red House by Jimi Hendrix.
The remake of Red House received the best reviews by far from that Hub, so this time I am only going to present one original song by The White Summer Band.
Jimmy Schrader, the long time guitarist in our rock and roll band, came to me one day and said he had the guitar parts worked out for a new original song.
He played it for me on his guitar, and immediately I could hear, in my head, my own voice singing a melody—and the words.
I wrote the words down that I heard and we presented the tune to the rest of the group.
The result is the song "Running From the Light" which can be heard via the link below.
WHITE SUMMER ORIGINAL RUNNING FROM THE LIGHT
THE WHITE SUMMER BAND
That's it for now. Perhaps in the future I will put together a few more videos of my rock and roll band. I have a large catalogue of CDs of The White Summer Band—both of live performances and studio recordings.
There are also some YouTube videos of two other bands that are illegally using our name—youngsters from Australia; and some kids from Canada. This was my life and these are samples of my art. The White Summer Band was my rock and roll band.
CommentsLoading...
Rocking talent, James! Why the glove while drumming one of your numbers?
WONDERFUL :) Thank you for posting and glad you clarified the YouTube postings James. I look forward to more uploads! Have you started revamping your book yet?
ethel smith— Thanks. We do get together once a year. You never know, maybe I'll fire it up again. I am thinking about it.
douglas— Thank you! That photo with the glove is from a recent once-a-year reunion concert. I don't have any drums anymore and so I do these shows with no rehearsal. I have to wear gloves or my fingers would be blistered within 3 songs. Glad you came by and that was a good question.
SEM Pro— Thank you and you're welcome. I haven't opened the book yet. Actually it's on an old hard drive I have sitting here and I downloaded instructions how to transfer my documents to my new computer but I've never done anything like that before and I haven't made a stab at it yet. Life is strange when one no longer has his "people" to do things for him. :D
Those were the days!
The 70's and classic rock was my era. I would have been a big fan. I can't believe that, as much as you were into this, that you don't even have a set of drums. That is crazy, like Rembrandt giving up his paintbrush! I know we move on to other things in life as we grow, but this is major. It was a big, big part of your life! Anyway, if you start your band again, I am ready to be one of your newest fans!
Looking forward to your book too much and therefore feel comfortable stepping into the role of Jiminy Cricket to hold you accountable :) Pretty sure you can hook up the old drive to your new computer and then simply go through steps to form a network. Or, if your hard drive is hooked up solely to the monitor, transfer the book to a CD/DVD. If I'm oversimplifying, apologies - Jiminy is relatively computer illiterate too. There are a few much more capable i.e. Generique Media is a whiz kid!
Not meaning to bug - feel free to dish out same, I haven't revamped mine for publication either :) There does seem to be a resurgence of rock in the air though - when looking up some of yours and the links for your reunion hub, found all sorts of diehard fellow rock fans. Timing is everything they say...
Very nice, display
Now how about some Petra type, you got it in ya
Gypsy Willow— We thought they'd never end; We'd sing and dance; forever and a day; we'd live the life we choose; we'd fight and never lose; Those were the days. My friend. :D
Connie,
Thank you for your kindness. When I decided to quit music as a profession, I got rid of all my equipment, of which I had a literal ton. I knew I had to go cold turkey or I would fall off the wagon. Maybe I'll get a set!
SEM Pro— I am going to try the hard drive thing. When I get it together, I'd be pleased for you to review it for me and provide some editing, perhaps.
HOOWANTSTONO— You know who I really like is Paul Baloche. I have met him and seen him play several times. That would be right up my alley. I wonder if he needs a singing drummer?
Nice version of all along the watchtower. Do you know who wrote it? The real name of the writer?...ya probably do.
Nice original too.
Been playing drums 40 years myself. Your good, nice speed rolls too.
Did you like Buddy?
queitnessandtrust— There is a photo of the writer in the video: Bob Dylan. (Or do you mean Zimmerman?)
I loved Buddy. Always tuned in when he was on Carson—truly amazing. You're a drummer! Awesome! Do you play with a group of some kind? Thanks for the compliments. That blind boy is an awesome guitar player.
James, you ROCK! BTW, if you need telephone support to try and help you through the issue you are having, contact me.
advisor4qb— Thanks! I will probably take you up on it tomorrow. I am resting today. 6 Hubs in 7 days, 12 hours each, has worn me out. I am going to hang back and read other's peoples stuff for a while and get some sleep.
I always wanted to be in a band like this. You guys are great!
Keep hubbing!
eovery— Thank you very much! What instrument do you play?
Excellent James! Thanks for letting me know this was up! I loved Green River!! CCR is one of my favorites (as you know) and that was a great cover!
Your original stuff is also really good, too! I am very impressed :)
Janetta—Thank you and you are welcome. It always warms one's heart to have their original art appreciated. :D
Back around 1970 I was in a band that played high school dances and all and we must have had 10 songs on our list by CCR. I love that sound. Very original.
I do appreciate you taking the time to come over and leave these words that have left a big smile on my face.
Sweet!
Steve,
Thanks brother! I appreciate the sentiment.
The bands we are in mark the eras of our lives, don't they, James? Enjoyed, thanks.
Tom,
Yes they do. I suppose 1965 to 1990 was my era. That is a pretty long stretch though with a whopping amount of great music. I am glad you enjoyed it and said so. Thanks.
Hi James, Playing these songs certainly had me toe tapping! It must have been a really hard decision to give it all up.....and cold turkey at that! So happy you are sharing those days and some of the songs with us. Thanks!
Peggy W— If you were toe tapping it was all worth it. I loved making bodies move when I played the drums. You are welcome and thank you for taking the time to listen, and for letting me you did.
Good stuff. I especially like "All Along the Watchtower."
satomko— Thank you for saying so. That is my favorite song to play!
I didn't know we had a storehouse of talent here on HP. You rock James. Please don't ever give it up. :)
anjalichugh— I didn't either! LOL.
Thank you for the compliment! I do appreciate you for listening.
Hey James, if you are ever in the Austin area, you'll have to drop in and play with Bob (my husband). He's a great guitarist and by the way, they do need a good drummer. You guys have the same style for sure.
Thanks for the music! I like it!
Austinstar--- I have been to Austin once, maybe three years ago. I love it there and I heard some excellent music too. Very interesting your hubby plays guitar. I will let you know the next time I head that way. Thanks for listening and you are welcome. :D
Dear James: What a great experience to be in such a nice band. It is a shame that you had to deal with blistered hands to play the drums in your band. I imagine your music was wonderful. God Bless You.
stars439— Yes, it was quite an experience, alright. My hands didn't get blistered back then; only now because I don't play much anymore and so my callouses are gone. Thank you, brother, for visiting and commenting.
What a great band. Tight together and rocking. The beat is so happy and light. Love that kind of music that still has the 'bad boy' singing, and the heart and soul pounding vibrations.
I pay attention to the push on the lower breath or the second beat of the earth.
Nice chops you got:)
Tkumah— Thank you!!! Tight and rocking—we were that. Heart and soul pounding vibrations . . . I love your descriptive use of words. Thanks for noting my chops, too. This is the best comment I have received in a long time. I appreciate the applause but knowing that you actually "got it" makes it a true pleasure.
I am surprised that you thought that it takes a genius to figure it out, but since you seem to be so very happy that I got it, I am confused (split). You write pretty clearly and if you are experiencing the intellect high, it is because.
To make matter a bit clearer, I had visions also.
You send out good vibrations and I do like the music and think that you sing well and with skill.
So, I hope that you will continue to bring joy to others.
I hope you do not mind me saying but if you do, I apologize.
Tkumah— I have brought a lot of joy to others through my music. That is true and I appreciate you for recognizing it. Nothing to apologize for. I've very much enjoyed your gracious words.
I understand the split better.
Thanks for letting me know, I like your comments and your sense of humour:)
Tkumah— You're welcome. You're a peach. Thanks for coming!
Look, I am turning into a water melon soon, so I think that coming here is quite fun.
Tkumah— A water melon? I don't follow.
Neither do I.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts. I hope you will continue to bring joy and fun to others.
Tkumah— You are welcome. Thank you for your support and encouragement. :D
Jimmy - You are quite the rocker. So talented. Wow. Who knew? That sound brings so many happy memories flooding back. All along the Watchtower was always a fav and so is CCR. Life style goes with the music - I dated a Cat Stevens look-sound-alike for a couple of years before I bailed. We hung with musician types day and night. Loads of talent - and trouble. It was quite an experience.
Wanted to hear Running with the Light but got an error. Will try again later. All the best to you. Peg
PegCole17— Well, I used to be. So you've done the music scene, eh? It is different. And, as you say, quite an experience.
I absolutely love Cat Stevens' music. I still listen to it today.
I tried "Running from the Light" and it worked perfectly well for me. hmmm . . . I'd appreciate it if you'd try it again.
Thank you very much for expressing appreciation of my art, Peg. It is near and dear to me.
James
James, I just listened to "Running from the Light" and it was fabulous! You really have that star potential and hit material. Will have to read more of your White Summmer hubs to hear more. Yep, the good old days. Hahaha, something to think about for sure. Great hub.
PegCole17— Thank you so much! It feels good to have my art appreciated. You have made my day. I am basking on the glow of your warm words. :D
Great music. You had a fine band. Listening to these tunes is better than medicine. Whenever I get depressed, I just start up a music marathon and by the time I have heard four or five songs my depression has lifted and I can go on and do what I have to do. I think physicians would better serve their patients if instead of Prozac, they start prescribing Joplin, Roy Orbison, Beatles, Kenny Chesney etc.
Billrrr— Hey Bill! It is good to see you here. I'll come over soon and read some more of your Hubs.
Thank you for the gracious compliments. It is always feels good to have someone recognize and appreciate my art. Music can surely uplift the soul. I like your idea!
"All along the watchtower" is one of my all-time favorite Bob Dylan songs, and I've always favored his original version until I came across its rendition by Bruce Springsteen and Neil Young, which is simply amazing, and slides back and forth in my opinion between tying with Dylan's original version and actually surpassing it. (I love seeing all the energy that Bruce and Neil put into everything they do, so much gusto, so much joie-de-vivre!) But I have to say, that I do like White Summer's version; it's definitely far more than a toe-tapper.
And I definitely liked White Summer's "Green River," which also is a CCR favorite for me.
Finally, great music and great lyrics for "Running from the light." I keep wondering --- even as I catch myself doing it --- why we run from the light. We should be running towards it. Thank you for sharing your creativity and your honesty here on hubpages.
stessily— You are so welcome! Thank you for coming by to visit one of my personal Hubs that is near and dear to my heart.
I was not aware of a Springsteen/Young version of "All Along the Watchtower." I will check it out. I did meet Neil Young once when he came to see my band play in a nightclub in New Smyrna Beach, Florida. I'm glad you liked our version of Dylan's great song.
I appreciate the compliments on our music, especially for our original song. I agree with you that we should not run from the light. :D
James---Here's the link to the Bruce Springsteen-Neil Young version: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3goJ6YUjE70. It is amazing! I was so inspired from reading this hub by you that after finishing my last hub on Men At Work's "Down Under" yesterday I immediately began a hub on Bruce and Neil's version, which I'm releasing shortly. I hope that you don't mind, but I'm including White Summer's version as well as Jimi Hendrix's. So far I haven't found a good video of Bob Dylan's original version on YouTube.
Wow! Neil Young came to hear White Summer play! Didn't you write in another hub that Neil Young liked your band?
stessily— Thank you for providing that link. The video is awesome! I am going to come over and check out several of your Hubs soon.
Do I mind that you included my band in your Hub? Heaven forbid! I am thrilled that you might do so.
I think I wrote about Neil Young coming to see my band play. I'll have to check to be sure. Either way, I sure appreciate you coming by to listen to my art. I love you!
Dang James, just came across this hub and man you all were great!
That "All Along The Watchtower" was just amazing!!
I will be checking out the rest of your hubs on your band as I find time my friend.
Froggy213— It has been a while since I have heard from you. I am happy you listened to my music and liked it. My blind guitar player tore up "All Along the Watchtower" didn't he? I sure appreciate your gracious compliments and interest in my band.
ethel smith Level 3 Commenter 2 years ago
Shame you are no longer together.