Last month I was pleased to write a review of Dave Alvin’s latest compilation album, From An Old Guitar: Rare and Unreleased Recordings. I don’t necessarily agree with the title since I already owned most of the included songs, some going back a decade and a half, but without doubt it is a terrific set and is the kind of album I would be willing to invest in to have on vinyl. Now, Dave Alvin releases a video for the song “On The Way Downtown,” a track recorded for a Peter Case tribute several years ago.
The media release states:
“On The Way Downtown” is my favorite song written by one of my hero songwriters Peter Case. I remember Peter playing this bittersweet song years ago, and I fell in love with it immediately. I knew then and there that I would have to record it someday, and so I did, and my multi-talented pal, Victor Krummenacher, made a brilliant video collage of my version.
I always get a little choked up listening to this recording because two of my dear friends who passed away, Chris Gaffney and Amy Farris are playing and singing on it, and this leads me to think of all of my other musicians and comrades who have gone on to the other side, most recently the beloved boogie woogie piano king Gene Taylor. I really hope that Peter likes what I did to his song, and I sincerely hope that all of you enjoy it as well. — Dave Alvin
On the making of the video:”After this very challenging and difficult year, I wanted to embrace the nostalgia, and memory of going downtown and see if I could give it the feel of being a continuum… that people have always been and will always be going downtown as a means of escape, into a stream of musicians, dancers, singers, bars and beers… the shared experience we all miss so much right now.” – Victor Krummenacher
Song Credits:Written by Peter Case, Joshua Case – Trumpet Blast Music (BMI)Dave Alvin: Vocals, Acoustic Guitar, Baritone Guitar Chris Gaffney: Vocals, Accordion Amy Farris: Violin Rick Shea: Mandolin, Steel Guitar Gregory Boaz: Bass Bill Bateman: Drums