Highball and a Covered Dish is a purely autobiographical piece written about my Mother. On both sides of my family, my Grandparents emigrated from Eastern Europe in the early 20th century to make a better life in the United States. Consequently, I grew up in an atmosphere steeped in tradition both brought from the old country, as well as developed here in the U.S. I, along with my immediate family, lived every single word in this song.
Whenever I play this song in an area that was populated by similar peoples who settled in areas that offered hard, honest, and often dangerous work, such as coal mines, steel mills, and factories, the response is always amazing.
I tried to capture that classic Chess Records feel with this one, from borrowing the groove directly from Muddy Waters to having all the instruments playing simultaneously. It works.
credits
from Just Me and My Friend(s),
track released May 13, 2021
Written by: Charlie Barath
Vocals and Harmonica: Charlie Barath
Slide Guitar: Jimmy Adler
Rhythm Guitar: Max Schang
Piano: John Burgh
Upright Bass: Gerry Borish
Drums: Bert Lerini
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