The Cumberland Post

The Cumberland Post
My Backyard, Six Miles from the Cumberland River

Wednesday, February 16, 2011

The Last Train from Poor Valley

Only time for a quickie post this morning. Joyce had her second session of chemotherapy yesterday, and we return to the hospital today for the followup anti-nausea shot. She's felt a lot better for the last few days and is expecting this round to be easier than the last one since she knows what to expect this time.

I've had this post in the hopper for awhile and now's as good a time to use it as any. First, to set the mood, a short 1:12 minute video of a Norfolk and Western freight/passenger train steaming through the snow. It could be the "Last Train from Poor Valley."



Norman Blake has a song called "Last Train from Poor Valley." In this video, before performing the song, Blake explains how he came to write it. The story involves Johnny and June Cash and the making of a Christmas album.

Blake plays guitar, of course, and is accompanied by his wife Nancy, and himself on Dobro (by means of video editing and overdubbing). As you might expect, he ain't too shabby with that Reso.


3 comments:

  1. re: "Last Train." A well-played dobro speaks to me like no other instrument. I don't know why that is, I just accept it.

    I hope Joyce has a good day today, Dan. Give her my best.

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  2. I've watched this train pass a dozen times today. I've gone to Youtube, clicked on the HD & full screen option...It's just beautiful. The blend of nature and man. I could go to sleep at night listening to that steam engine. All is well with the world.

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  3. Buck, your comment is Tao-like. And it makes a lot of sense.

    George, glad you liked the youtube train movie. That sound does open a door to serenity.

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