Yo Mama's Big Fat Booty Band release their new album, Doin' It Hard, it hard this week and to celebrate we asked Greg Hollowell (tenor sax / bari sax / flute) to tell us about some of the songs. Today he tells us about "Shadows & Sunshine".Schwagstock 2005 at beautiful, scenic Camp Zoe in Salem, MO. It's time to go and we don't know where Al Al Ingram, our beloved bass player, is. I asked a young festival goer and his gruff response followed: "Who wants to know?" Delivered in the style of some tribal warlord's secret service agent, the boy's words left an impression on me. When I told him I was in the band and it was time to ease on down the road to the next gig, he just said "Come with me." His demeanor softened slightly. I followed my hempen clad helper across a river, up a trail, and into a cave which overlooks the Current River. When I entered the ancient, natural shelter, the scene I witnessed was unforgettable. Before we go any further, I'd like to say that I joke around quite a bit, but this here is no tall tale. This is an accurate account of the events which occurred following Scwagstock 31. Al Al, like the very image of buddha himself, perched full lotus on a thrown of natural rock amidst belly dancers playing zills (finger cymbals), tribal drummers ... I think one of his freshly ordained disciples was feeding him grapes and fanning him with palm fronds... incense, wine, and candles; a freaky scene indeed. "Al Al, there's someone called 'Greg' here to see you." Al Al responded silently with one nod that clearly said "Very good. Let him pass." As Al Al uttered his benediction and followed me from the cavern, women wept, babies were held, ... I thought I heard the sad sounds of a ritualistic goat sacrifice in the distance... even grown warriors were seen releasing tears. Al Al had achieved a state of Ayurvedic bliss, understanding, and sublime consciousness. He had had a good night. "Shadows & Sunshine" was created that night. The lyrics follow:
"Conceived in the shadows; now take it. Pushed out from the shadows; now take it. You will fear no darkness; now take it. You will fear no darkness; now take it.
You were born from the fire; now take it. Revived by the fire; you can feel it. You shall fear no darkness; now take it. Revived by the fire; now feel it.
You were born from the fire; now take it. Revived by the fire; I can feel it. You fear no darkness; now take it."
Hearing is believing. Now that you know the story behind the song, listen for yourself and learn more about the album right here!
