Chris Whitley’s “Narcotic Prayer”, from a recording he literally made in a bathroom near the end of his life. Just him and a guitar and one microphone.
Physically and mentally he was pretty busted and he was soon to lose his voice due to lung cancer but he could still freeze time with spooky poetry set against gossamer flowing guitar lines. One of the best musicians most people never heard of.
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The happy side to the story is that his daughter Trixie Whitley, a hugely talented multi-instrumentalist and astounding singer, might get what eluded her father, she was along for his tours and did album covers and sang backup for him as a child and she is making a point of stating that she is wise enough to recognize the spots where Chris could have did things a little different. Super-producer Daniel Lanois has given her a huge opportunity and her prospects are limitless. The sad side is that her dad isn’t here, but he would be immensely proud because if she wins then he won.
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