Running, Jumping, Standing Still

Running, Jumping, Standing Still

Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com
Spider John Koerner made his name in the '60s by picking out acoustic urban blues with the Minneapolis trio of Koerner, Ray, & Glover. He romps a little harder than usual on Running, Jumping, Standing Still, obviously grooving on the extra energy of pianist Willie Murphy. Koerner's folk roots get liberally sprinkled with ragtime, rock & roll, and barrelhouse boogie-woogie courtesy of Murphy's magic fingers. Murphy also sings lead on two tracks, including the long, jazzy piano workout "Old Brown Dog." Koerner and his booming guitar shine on the strutting "Red Palace," the low-key "I Ain't Blue," and the title track. -- Michael Ruby

Tracks:

Red Palace
I Ain't Blue
Bill & Annie
Old Brown Dog
Running, Jumping, Standing Still
Sidestep
Magazine Lady
Friends And Lovers
Sometimes I Can't Help Myself
Good Night
Some Sweet Nancy

Amazon.com

Spider John Koerner made his name in the '60s by picking out acoustic urban blues with the Minneapolis trio of Koerner, Ray, & Glover. He romps a little harder than usual on Running, Jumping, Standing Still, obviously grooving on the extra energy of pianist Willie Murphy. Koerner's folk roots get liberally sprinkled with ragtime, rock & roll, and barrelhouse boogie-woogie courtesy of Murphy's magic fingers. Murphy also sings lead on two tracks, including the long, jazzy piano workout "Old Brown Dog." Koerner and his booming guitar shine on the strutting "Red Palace," the low-key "I Ain't Blue," and the title track. -- Michael Ruby

Customer Reviews:

Classic, thankfully preserved from extinction.......2007-01-08

I really don't know how I found out about this record--maybe because it's similar to the more mainstream The Band, and definitely a roots-rock album from the birth of the genre. However I heard about it, I sure am glad, and thankful to the friend of mine who bought it for me out of the blue. It's a wild, hilarious affair without a dull moment and plenty of wicked honky tonk piano and some surprisingly effective songwriting. It's a bit difficult to get ahold of, but I think it's worth it--I've never heard a record that sounds quite like this one.

"Spider" John Koerner, erstwhile purveyor of blues to white folkies, sings most of the exuberant, humorous lead and plays some energetic, sloppy electric blues guitar. The bearded, old-prospector type, Willie Murphy, plays some ostensibly ridiculous honky tonk piano and sings some soulfully white harmony (and lead on a couple tracks). After a few listens, though, you'll see that his keyboard contributions transcend saloon leads, and venture into jazz, R&B, and blues territory, giving the album a really cosmopolitan feel.

The songwriting on this album is surprisingly good--tight and purposeful while at the same time loose and fun in delivery. The opener, "Red Palace," is one of the more progressive cuts, with a descending kazoo-like scat part, opening the party with fire and laughs, then giving way to a fuzzed-out, funky bass/guitar riff that Murphy solos over with reckless abandon. Not a bad beginning, if you ask me. "I Ain't Blue" is the first example of several great ballads on the album, proving Koerner is just as good an emotive singer as he is up-tempo hollerer. "Bill and Annie" ramps up the party again, with one of the best choruses on the album--"don't let the bastards wear you down/don't get hassled to a frazzle." "Old Brown Dog" features Murphy on lead vocals and features some adventurous jazz improv with a pretty cool acoustic bass line. Other highlights are "Running Jumping Standing Still" with its time shifts, the wit of "Magazine Lady" and the lazy closer, "Good Night," which features a reprise of the title track.

All in all, this album is a real ride--lots of clever lyrics that improve with repeated listens, great energy, cool old-time production with some tasteful horns in a few places, and a stylistic mishmash much in the spirit (if not the sound exactly) of The Band's best. I recommend this album to fans of folk as well as the different directions folk started to take when combined with rock (Byrds, '66 Dylan, The Band, etc.). It's sure to bend your genre horizons and help you have a great time as well. I think it's worth the somewhat high price it usually calls. Hope you enjoy!

Spider's Unbroken Web.......2006-11-03

Yes. This is a solid set and easy enough to access, and far cheaper, through the Red House Production/Distribution House. It's an album that is live and ready, transcends the era of its making, and worth the investment. And, in the reluctance of the Sweet Jane crew, to reissue the equally, if not nudgingly superior,'Music is Just a Buch of Notes', this will have to suffice as testament to the Murphy/Koerner chemistry. 'Stargeezer' gave us some of, M.I.J.B.N's songs, with a fuller deck of hands, but not quite the wackiness. If you liked 'Stargeezer', write to Sweet Jane and urge re-ssue of the aforementioned. Elsewhere I've noted the relaxed and joyous variety that exudes from their relationship, and in passing, recommended the kindred spirit, if not musicality, of The Gourds.

Constantly on the edge of spinning out of control.......2006-03-23

Perfect blend of old-timey country blues, rootsy rock, and pop. Raucous, carefree jug music for a roadhouse; carnival music for heavy hippies. Like the Band if it were constantly on the edge of spinning out of control. Even through the pops and scracthes of the LP I bought in the 1960s, it remains on my All-Time Top-10 List. To this day, still all select and fresh. Stand-outs: Magazine lady, F: Sometimes I can't help myself. [45:13]

I don't own the CD.......2005-11-16

I bought the LP in 1969, and it's been following me around the country ever since. Rough around the edges, to be sure, but a fun record. I put it on the turntable (!) and listened to it tonight, and that's the way to listen to it. Don't spend a fortune on the CD. Find someone who bought the LP in 1969, stop by their place with some beer, and listen to it with the pops and scratches included.

Running Jumping Standing Still.......2005-06-15

I have recorded and released more than 18 albums myself. This is one of my all time favorites. Do yourself a favor and buy one!!

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