It is bitter sweet to hear of Robert Hunter’s passing. He may have been the most under appreciated lyricists in rock music, of coarse that was not the case with us Dead Heads.
I remember when a friend turned me on to his solo acoustic album Jack O’ Roses. His voice is an acquired taste but he really had a unique way of presenting his songs in their entirety, Jerry was know for being a brutal editor of his lyrics, and this album showcases that.
He opens the album with a wonderful reading of Box of Rain. If you are a fan of Stagger Lee he introduces you to an expanded version here but the pinnacle moments of the album are the entire Terrapin Station Suite, it includes three additions Ivory Wheels/Rosewood Track and Jack Jack O’ Roses which added even more depth to this wonderful and tragic love story.
Granted this album is for the most devoted fans and many people did not like his solo work. Another excellent musical partner with Hunter was David Freiberg, who was and still is with Jefferson Starship.
One of Hunter’s greatest song he every written was on a now obscure Paul Kantner/ Grace Slick/David Freiberg solo record called " Baron Von Toll Booth and the Chrome Nun.: This is a wonderful record and has always been prized in my collection, It is basically a Bay Area jam collective featuring many great musicians and songs.It is sort of the Haight’s last great effort after they all left the city.
I once met Grace Slick and asked he about this beloved record and sadly she could not remember a thing because as she told me " I was drunk the entire time"...oh well.
The amazing and powerful song that I am referring to is called " Harp Tree Lament." David sings it and had much more vocal range than anyone in the Dead and Kantner, Slick and others provide wonderful harmonies.
This is the epitome of classic Hunter song, one reaching back in time and conjuring up mystical metaphors and unknown quests for peace and redemption.
Harp Tree Lament
What would it gain me
If I was to go?
Like Jacob of old
To the well of the world
To wax halls where candles
Burn on through the day
To light you a path
So you’d never lose your way
I was down in the valley
Where the shadows are long
The birds in the harp tree
Were singing this song
There is time to deliver
Time to receive
All that you’re lacking
Of whatever you need
Turn around, by the by
You’ll still see the sea
As it was in the dawning
As it always will be
Raise up your bottles
And drink down the blood
You planted the vine here
In spite of the flood
Turn an ear to the harp tree
An eye to the wall
The songs in the singing
Or nowhere at all
No where to come from
No place to retire
No shelter nowhere
Except in the fire
The birds in the harp tree
Can finish their song
Then rest in its branches
Which is where they belong
But where can a man go
That’s sweet to his soul
When his time is not ready
But he’s still turning old
Here’s a dream for the piper
And a tune for his lady
Outside the thin wall
The waves are still raging
Here’s one for the harp tree
And one for his song
One for the morning
When the night was too long
Here’s one for the candle
That lights you to bed
And one for the sword
That hangs over your head
I was lucky to see Hunter on his last East Coast tour back in 2013 in this little place in Stafford Springs, CT. Hunter had attended UCONN, so it was an extra special sort of homecoming. He was in great spirits and delivered an stellar performance, 24 songs played! He even walked through the crowd outside the venue to his car after the show... beaming of coarse.
We will always be grateful Robert.
I remember when a friend turned me on to his solo acoustic album Jack O’ Roses. His voice is an acquired taste but he really had a unique way of presenting his songs in their entirety, Jerry was know for being a brutal editor of his lyrics, and this album showcases that.
He opens the album with a wonderful reading of Box of Rain. If you are a fan of Stagger Lee he introduces you to an expanded version here but the pinnacle moments of the album are the entire Terrapin Station Suite, it includes three additions Ivory Wheels/Rosewood Track and Jack Jack O’ Roses which added even more depth to this wonderful and tragic love story.
Granted this album is for the most devoted fans and many people did not like his solo work. Another excellent musical partner with Hunter was David Freiberg, who was and still is with Jefferson Starship.
One of Hunter’s greatest song he every written was on a now obscure Paul Kantner/ Grace Slick/David Freiberg solo record called " Baron Von Toll Booth and the Chrome Nun.: This is a wonderful record and has always been prized in my collection, It is basically a Bay Area jam collective featuring many great musicians and songs.It is sort of the Haight’s last great effort after they all left the city.
I once met Grace Slick and asked he about this beloved record and sadly she could not remember a thing because as she told me " I was drunk the entire time"...oh well.
The amazing and powerful song that I am referring to is called " Harp Tree Lament." David sings it and had much more vocal range than anyone in the Dead and Kantner, Slick and others provide wonderful harmonies.
This is the epitome of classic Hunter song, one reaching back in time and conjuring up mystical metaphors and unknown quests for peace and redemption.
Harp Tree Lament
What would it gain me
If I was to go?
Like Jacob of old
To the well of the world
To wax halls where candles
Burn on through the day
To light you a path
So you’d never lose your way
I was down in the valley
Where the shadows are long
The birds in the harp tree
Were singing this song
There is time to deliver
Time to receive
All that you’re lacking
Of whatever you need
Turn around, by the by
You’ll still see the sea
As it was in the dawning
As it always will be
Raise up your bottles
And drink down the blood
You planted the vine here
In spite of the flood
Turn an ear to the harp tree
An eye to the wall
The songs in the singing
Or nowhere at all
No where to come from
No place to retire
No shelter nowhere
Except in the fire
The birds in the harp tree
Can finish their song
Then rest in its branches
Which is where they belong
But where can a man go
That’s sweet to his soul
When his time is not ready
But he’s still turning old
Here’s a dream for the piper
And a tune for his lady
Outside the thin wall
The waves are still raging
Here’s one for the harp tree
And one for his song
One for the morning
When the night was too long
Here’s one for the candle
That lights you to bed
And one for the sword
That hangs over your head
I was lucky to see Hunter on his last East Coast tour back in 2013 in this little place in Stafford Springs, CT. Hunter had attended UCONN, so it was an extra special sort of homecoming. He was in great spirits and delivered an stellar performance, 24 songs played! He even walked through the crowd outside the venue to his car after the show... beaming of coarse.
We will always be grateful Robert.