http://www.paulcotton.com Paul Cotton at the Schooner Wharf in Key West. Legendary, now residing locally, he is tied to so many of the hits of this aging generation. Great music. There is not much I can add in terms of the history documented but I will spend a moment to give you my own recent experience of being there and listening to this music played in August, 2014. It is so cool to see things like this in a small venue.
It was a hot August afternoon in Key West. There weather is always humid, hot, and tropical this time of year. I picked my favorite table with electric fans blasting at this endangered bar due to encroaching development with it’s resin furniture, gravel underfoot, sheds in all directions, and a multi-million dollar new property under construction a few feet way. The border of the clear, tarpon-infested water behind me snakes around to find Shrimpboat Sound studios, the old ice-house on the dock that is home to many of the recordings of Jimmy Buffett and company. I casually asked the drummer about a Martin guitar on stage knowing it was a Martin HPL. No one seemed to be in the mood to chat so I just chilled and ordered some fresh shrimp to compliment my beer.
The music was great. I watched the whole set and talked to Paul’s wife as I left. I really appreciated the time to listen to the music. I knew who Paul was when he walked on stage. I lived through the music as it was created and played on FM and other places. I have the albums. Just a bit of history…Poco was formed from Buffalo Springfield Rock Legends: Jim Messina (Loggins and Messina), and Richie Furay (Buffalo Springfield) when Neil Young and Steven Stills departed. Additions later to the newly formed band included Rusty Young and drummer George Grantham from Colorado (Boenzee Cryque), Timothy B. Schmit(Eagles). and Paul Cotton who replaced Messina early in 1970.
This was played and it is a great track that is a part of my musical memory:
In the heart of the night, in the cool southern rain
There’s a full moon in sight shining down on the Pontchartrain
And the river she rises just like she used to do
She’s so full of surprises she reminds me of you
In the heart of the night
In the heart of the night
In the heart of the night
Oh down in New Orleans
There’s a night bird singing right on through till the dawn
And the streets are still ringing with people carrying on
Oh it’s been so long waiting just to be here again
Anticipating all the time I could spend
In the heart of the night
In the heart of the night
In the heart of the night
And I trust in your love never falling down
I trust in your love just like I do in this town
Oh never falling down, oh never falling down
In the heart of the night, in the cool falling rain
There’s a full moon in sight shining down on the Pontchartrain
And the river she rises just like she used to do
She’s so full of surprises, come on, she reminds me of you, right here
In the heart of the night
In the heart of the night
In the heart of the night
Ohh down in New Orleans
And I’m so glad to be back in New Orleans
Please don’t wake me, don’t shake me
If it’s only, if it’s only just a dream
‘Cause it’s the only place that I can face, it makes me feel so right
Below that Dixie moon and loving you in the heart of night
Songwriters:
PAUL COTTON