Garnet Rogers - Night Drive - Listen Up

[myvwtravels]

I met Garnet at a show in Vancouver and was talking to him outside for awhile when the conversation turned to Aussie poet Henry Lawson. Garnet had turned 3 of his poems into song, even an album title. (Outside Track) When the show resumed he recounted our conversation to the audience, aologized for any forthcoming errors as he hadn't played the songs in awhile, and proceeded to play the Outside Track and After All. How dare he stray from the set list. :) Nice guy.

[savageminstrel]

Garnet and Stan are and always will be the best. I WISH I could write songs like this. I could die a happy man.

[thlrlgrp]

This song is a masterpiece. It always brings tears to my eyes.

[woolst]

A beautiful ode to Stan, I love this song, and Garnet is a treasure. Thanks to both of you.

[godzonek1w1]

Just saw Garnet last night in Prince George BC and this is A.M.A.Z.I.N.G.

[ninjaa54]

I just love this song :)

[doitdiddy]

This is the song I heard Garnet do in Springhill, I was and am so impressed with this one.

[megawhoosits]

The version of this song on "Get a Witness" is mind-blowingly fantastic. I love this song.

[ChadJHachey]

this is a really sad song. Sleep Well we will miss you.

[TheSuemac]

My dear friend... I live just outside a little market town mid England... Hamilton Ontario is as distant to me as the planet Mars! I still like Garnet's music though.. It accompanies me when I wade through the mud... (and deep snow) to feed chicks, birds and various stray animals... so big thanks to you all . Best regards Sue (Happy happy New Year!)

[jellison01a]

an absolutely fabulous and powerful song.

[TheSuemac]

Dave Sudbury composed and sang 'King of Rome'. Just bought the CD 'King of Rome'. Definitely Dave Sudbury and not Garnet Rogers

[ClintonHammond]

@TheSuemac Garnet recorded King Of Rome on his CD "Small Victories"

His is a fantastic cover! 

[TheSuemac]

@ClintonHammond

What does 'fantastic cover' mean?

[angryman9]

Absolutely magnificent.

[TheSuemac]

Canadian, American? .. Dont care! Love his music and want to hear more...

[TheSuemac]

I was astonished that Garnet Rogers was American!... He sang King of Rome with my accent!! . I was born in the next street to Brook St - some 40 years later must add.... I wonder if Rogers was curious about life in the West End of Derby when he recorded King of Road. He got it pretty much right... I take my hat off to him

[ClintonHammond]

@TheSuemac Garnet isn't American... He's Canadian.

[lgcrooks]

@TheSuemac Damned straight he is Canadian! And a part of Canadian folk music fabric as was his brother (the late Stan Rogers, who he singing about here) and his nephew Nathan Rogers.

[BlackMountainScar]

@TheSuemac I dont think Garnet sang King of rome,, the guy with the Derby accent is David Sudbury...

[MrLarry0407]

@TheSuemac

He is from Hamilton, Ontario.

[taranimator]

@TheSuemac

He's from Nova Scotia, Canada, b'ye!

[taranimator]

@TheSuemac

He's from Nova Scotia, Canada, b'ye!

[FinCups]

beautiful Garnett . Your brother was good but your voice is great . . God Bless

[tiislr]

mikko,  I miss you,

[CanadaArtChannel]

Just saw Garnet at Hughes Room in Toronto. Fantastic. Baught the CD. Played it on the way home

[lgcrooks]

We just got back from a road trip from Winnipeg to Victoria. Now, I can relate to this song better. Of course I cannot feel the loss of a brother - yet.

[TyteFystedFolkie]

Ya know, oftentimes, it's when I read the comments of others, that I feel myself in the company of warm and kindred souls.

[Tammywid]

WOW makes the hairs on the back of your neck stand up - love the song, love Garnet's music and words. thank you

[lgcrooks]

I return to this song often, because I love its haunting nature.

There is a young woman from Atlantic Canada - Amelia Curran - who has adopted this guitar style in some of her music, and I think it is great.

[theswatter]

Garnett is a wonderful performer and just an all round nice guy. Years ago my girlfriend asked him to sign a book of Henry Lawsons poetry for me and he obliged but not before trying to talk her out of it. (Lawson wrote Outside Track, After All, Sliprails and the Spur)

Last time i saw Garnett live I told him about the book and after his break he got up and played 2 of the Lawson songs. Really great musician, writer and person.

[kemiox08]

I returned here to listen again on the anniversary of Stan's passing, June 2. I have listened often in the four days since. Powerful stuff.

[Gypsy2Dances]

I meant a thumbs up here not down.. sorry.

[astan26]

Great song to listen to, driving 70mph, down the interstate. Thinking about past loves and actions.Onward in the journey of life, we go........

[LeslieJProductions]

I saw Garnet play this live-- and alone on stage. It was pretty mesmerizing. Much more so than this version. But it's all good!

[coomhola]

Love this version so much more than the album version ... there's just something about Doug's heart-wrenching viola that adds to the power of Garnet's powerfully visual poetry and the spirit of his deep, sweet regret. I'd like to see this rendition on an a future album. Was difficult to pick an all time favorite off my music list, but I have ... and this is it!

[lobstersocks85]

There is an album version...

Garnet recorded an entire live album with Doug playing fiddle and included such songs as this, Frankie and Jonny, What's Wrong with this Picture, and Let Me Count the Ways.

I'm so sorry though, I can't remember what the album is called as I left mine with my mother overseas.

She used to take us every year to a local craft festival that Garnet would play at. His music and words touched me then even though I was just small, and touch me even more now.

[hesmcs]

If you ever remember the name of the album, please let us know. I have done a search but can't find it. This song is just so evocative, it touches me on a deep level and I so would like to hear in my car as I travel down to see my family three hundred miles from where I live.

[SlightlySusan]

The album is called Night Drive. Garnet gave it to me once when I was volunteering at Cambridge's Club Passim for helping him sell CDs. Magnificent man.

[lobstersocks85]

The album that I was talking about, live with Doug on the fiddle, is called "summer lightning". My very favorite album of his ever.

Hope you're able to find a copy of it, I saw some on the Australian Ebay site a few days ago, hopefully this helps!

[cambridgeratmom]

@coomhola it's a violin, not a viola

[coomhola]

@cambridgeratmom Whoops, sorry! Don't know what in the world I could have been thinking ... dang, it's so hard being right about everything! Regardless, pretty wonderful poetry, singing, and fiddlin'.

[brackpin]

I can say from experience that this song is very powerful when he plays it on stage, more so when he plays alone.

[Ottawarocket]

How long have I been sleeping?..awesome song

[imafishgod]

I had a dream, it seemed so real. The Northern Lights are shining...Absolute truth in this powerful piece.. Thank you for sharing that REAL gem with me.♥

[chargerdan]

I watched in awe Garnet play this song this past July in my hometown of Canso at the folk festival named for his brother. It was the highlight of the weekend for me. So many thoughts of people I've loved and lost were coming at me from all sides, from the heart achingly beautiful words of Garnet, from the people I miss so much buried on the hill behind me, and from the struggles of the place I love so much. It was one of those turn of the page moments. Medicinal somehow... Anyway, Thanks Garnet.

[Smaku69times]

I remember when Garnet played this song last summer as well. The cool night air, sitting in the grass with the people who are closest to me, and beautiful sound all around us. Being from Guysborough County it was truly a surreal moment!.Looking forward to 09!!!

[Beemerguy53]

I've been listening to Garnet for 25 years, have attended dozens of his concerts, and talked to him on many occasions. He is indeed a warm, funny, genuine, and supremely talented man...what a treasure!

[godzonek1w1]

Really really enjoyed hearing and seeing Garnet playing/singing this song along with many others at a northern BC venue. Wow "how long have I been sleeping" ~ where have I been! Poetry to music and this makes me feel like I am taking a 'night drive' along the Yellowhead. Thanks Garnet. Will definitely see you again!

[7777ike7777]

I was lucky enough to meet Garnet Rogers this past summer at a small-town concert. I was captivated by his music.. this piece in particular. It amazed me how real and genuine he was as a person.. just mingling with his audience whenever he had a chance.. anyways, I was pretty inspired.. he's an truly gifted individual.

[msizer]

I think it's so incredible that he is clearly not in the business by association to his brother, he is so clearly a very talented songwriter in his own right, and he just apparently happens to be the brother of another great songwriter by chance.

[jackwhiskey]

Doug Long's viola playing adds so much depth to this. Love it!

[cambridgeratmom]

@jackwhiskey it's a violin

[lgcrooks]

I should been on top of this, but this past June 3 (10 days ago) was the 25th anniversary of Stan Rogers' death. A great loss that is stilled mourned.

The Winnipeg Folk Festival closes the festival each year with the singing of "Mary Ellen Carter". There will be some special thoughts this year.

[allabouttheink]

This is correct and thanks for bringing it up. They say he survived the crash but died trying to save others. I don't know if its true or not but I choose to believe it. This song brings tears to my eyes. Just listening to the songs that he wrote and sung while he was alive makes the perfect proof that he was indeed a hero and I will forever think of him as such!

MLC

[flippsy54]

I have seen him do this song live 4 times now, and I cannot get enough. I brought a friend once and I looked over to find her crying, it is truly a well written song, and the skill on the guitar sets it off so well.

PL

[jeanph]

This is very impressive: The performances and GR's song are wonderful; also, the lighting and camera work add a lot.

Night Drive is one of those spell weaving pieces of music that can easily get stuck in your head.

[coomhola]

Is it possible to get a recording of this actual session. I have the night drive album, but much prefer this touching rendition with Doug on the fiddle. Let me know. Thanks ... Best song ever!

[1quiensabe]

One of my favorite songs. He's relatively unknown among the people I know. The violinist deserves some recognition as well. I love his style and he complements the song very well.

[mgray1959]

I saw Garnet last summer in Wakefield Quebec.I'm a big fan and this film is great to see. I live in England and do all I can to promote his music!

[lgcrooks]

I saw Garnet Rogers perform at the Winnipeg Folk Festival some time ago (perhaps 1996?) and he sang this song. At the time I was a little dissapointed with his show. But as I reflect, I think I was looking for a re-incarnation of Stan. Which, of course he is not. Although, there is that deeep, baratone!

On listening (emphasize "listening") to this song, now I get it! Great song, and I love it!

[scroink]

Back in 2000 or 2001 I saw Garnet open for Greg Brown. Never heard of the guy. No backup, just solo like Greg. I don't think any song, ever, that I had never heard before seeing it performed live, has ever blown me away like Night Drive. Still gives me huge goosebumps. This song is epic.

[wilkiepup]

Saw Garnet at the Ark not long ago in Ann Arbor.  This song is my favorite...knocks me out every time.

He's carved his own road..

[musicmaster333]

Garnet is another Canadian Icon in the making; he is unique and good to listen to. Good looking too.

[kemiox08]

I saw Garnet in Michigan (UP) a couple years ago at a late summer blues festival. I'll tell you what: He is amazing. Amazing. I noticed a local theatre (Washburn, WI) is bringing him into the Northland again about a month from now. I cannot wait to share the evening.

[baggnz]

Something about this song keeps me playing it every few weeks. I like everything about it. This is strong stuff.

[grapenut2457]

Anyone have a video or "The King of Rome"?

[ClintonHammond]

no such beast...

[cataloger1]

I love this song, and I love this performance. And while Doug Long is a great fiddle player, and this is a good performance by him, I prefer hearing this song with just Garnet and his guitar (and the delay effect, of course). But that's just my opinion.

[opp1231]

see, i think doug adds a very nice sounds to this song, and, i think it makes it sounds more like what stan would want

[cataloger1]

I don't deny it's a nice sound...it's just my own taste on this song, as I've seen Garnet play it solo so many times...I guess I'm just used to it this way.

[opp1231]

god he's good

[piniped]

I saw Garnet do this live in California, very moving...!

[opp1231]

he is one of my favorite musicians ever.

but i think bruce cockburn beats him out.

garnet is a better song writer, but bruce is a better musician.

but no matter what, garnet is fricken amazing

[goldenlarry]

Garnet Rules!

[jgs727]

so soulful.......a GREAT CD for long drives or plane rides or those nights you fall asleep with effort, and your Ipod!

[1quiensabe]

Music AND meaningful poetry, unique in this day.

[higgeroo]

Thank you. I'm listening to it again now and thank God for Kleenex.

[higgeroo]

What album is this song on? I'd like to get it.

[ClintonHammond]

It's on the CD, Night Drive....

[uppercanuck]

I remember hearing Garnet play this back in 1996/97 when the album came out...he played it without an intro and there wasn't a dry eye in the crowd when he finished.

[Verified1]

My very favorite Garnet Rogers song - and it's a big list! Thanks for posting this. An amazing musician.

[KyleSeagraves]

Garnet and I have swapped Volvo stories. He's got a few hundred thousand miles on me.

[theonlyrealMugsy]

I went on pollstar once and looked at Garnet's routing for a tour...sheesh. Hopefully by now the Volvo knows where to go on its own... One day I was in Furlanetto's shop in Hamilton, and Garnet called in from a snow storm in Iowa or Idaho or something...he could write one of these tunes once a month.

[woolst]

Thank you for posting this. I wish I had a better way of expressing myself.

[daisyroonyburger]

I love the song but I hate this electric music.

[ClintonHammond]

It sounds better than any acoustic version I've ever heard... Including my own!

[Hyalucent]

Thanks very much for putting this up. This song is pure magic.

[Ambidexter143]

A great song by a great performer and songwriter.

[yrockchuck]

Great song! Great performer! Anyone know what special electronics he's using with his guitar to get that echo effect? Sounds great.

[djsvmm]

If you think this is good, you should see him live. Garnet is an amazing man, phenomenal singer and incredibly entertaining storyteller.

[newfiefiddler]

An absolutely beautiful piece of work - Stan would have been proud to have been the subject of such sweet poetry.

[TyteFystedFolkie]

This is one of my GR favorites. Does anyone have information regarding the when/where of this "Listen Up" program??

[smicalef]

Mid-90s. IIRC, Listen up was a show on the Canadian Christian TV channel. The theme of the show wasn't Christian heavy, but talked about songs of hope.

[TyteFystedFolkie]

Thanx. What other artists have appeared on "Listen Up"?? Sheeesh, I've seen Garnet perform this tune live, twice, but this clip causes it to just keep growing on me.

[smicalef]

My buddy Clinton has the rest of the garnet set from this show on youtube. He also has online a set of songs from James Keelaghan from the same show.

[wilguinness]

again, how do I find the rest of this set? wilguinness

[smicalef]

The Listen Up show was only a half hour show - so there was only 3 songs in the half hour. If you search garnet rogers here, you'll easily find the 3 songs. Two uploaded by Clinton, one by myself. The three songs are Night Drive, Frankie and Johnny, and Small Victories.

[TyteFystedFolkie]

What happened to the "Frankie and Johnny" video??

[devilmaster73]

the user who posted that got booted I believe.

[ClintonHammond]

@TyteFystedFolkie It's right here... youtube.com/watch?v=q490NYHByt­g