MotherJudge "Killing the Blues"

Caroline "MotherJudge" Isachsen performs "Killing the Blues" at The Sanctuary for Independent Media in Troy NY. Live from Lock One, June 11, 2010. Original song by Rowland Salley.
www.timesunion...
Farewell to MotherJudge, Albany's music mom
Friends and colleagues mourn Caroline Isachsen, reflect on her legacy of performing, nurturing
By Steve Barnes, Albany Times Union
March 15, 2019
Introducing her song "High Hopes" during a set at the 2013 Grey Fox Bluegrass Festival in the Catskills, Caroline "MotherJudge" Isachsen told the crowd, "This is one of our own songs. We love it 'cause it's different."
The tune, irresistibly head-bobbing, bounces along, at once seemingly familiar and yet utterly itself. It has distinctive rhythmic and lyrical stresses as well as significant vocal jumps, including when Isachsen sings the first word of the title in her throaty contralto, then immediately floats out a breathy "hopes" on a note that's up one full octave.
"When I first heard it, I thought maybe it was somebody else's song from the '50s, '60, '70s. It's that timeless," said Mitch Elrod, a close musical associate of MotherJudge's in Albany for many years. "But once you got to know her, you knew it couldn't be anybody else's song but hers." It also showcases her voice, which, as Elrod described it, "could go from quiet passages to blowing the back roof off the place."
Isachsen, who under her stage name MotherJudge entertained audiences and inspired fellow musicians for more than 30 years as a singer, songwriter, mentor and open-mic host, died Saturday from pancreatic cancer. It was three weeks before what would have been her 57th birthday.
[....]
Although the "open" part of an open-mic night might mean an accomplished professional's performance is immediately followed by someone with more volume than musicality, Isachsen thrived in the format, hosting what surely was more than 1,000 open mics over the decades.
"She liked to see those moments happen, to see somebody perform for the first time and know you're seeing a person with real potential," Brodeur said.
Once Isachsen spotted a talent, whether conventional or misfit, she often fostered it.
"If you were a square peg in a round world, then she wanted you around her," said Albie von Schaaf, a guitarist and bass player who was in bands with Isachsen and co-hosted the Best Damn Open Mic Ever for the better part of a decade. He credits Isachsen and Elrod with helping him learn the skills and professionalism needed to pursue a career in music, which now includes being director of contemporary music for a church in Lancaster, Pa., and a member of multiple bands.
The Albany singer-songwriter Michael Eck, who met Isachsen soon after she arrived in town, in late 1986, and later performed in bands with her, said he admired the way she would take younger or newer musicians aside after their open-mic performances for advice or coaching.
"It might be tart criticism," Eck said, "but after they heard it, they wanted to do the hard work and improve their music and their performance."
On stage and in the rehearsal room, Isachsen had high expectations of herself and of those she worked with.
[....]
Born Caroline Johnston on March 29, 1962, in Latrobe, Pa., she was the daughter of Carmella Johnston. She earned an associate's degree in computer programming from a Pennsylvania community college and, as the mother of two young children, moved to the Capital Region 33 years ago for a government job. Isachsen held other office positions in the area over the years, including for a food vendor and a law firm, but music was her true calling, personally and professionally.
[....]
Friends aren't sure why a singer, songwriter and guitar player who was responsible for shepherding so much live and recorded music for others over the years leaves behind such a small repository of studio versions of her own music.
"She was a really good songwriter and was really fun to collaborate with on writing songs," Elrod said, "but I think she was more interested in being a great supporter, encouraging musicians to get out and do their thing, to get up on stage and try it."
Eck agreed but said, "It's a tragedy that we do not have pristine recordings of a lot of her music."
Many amateur recordings exist from gigs, and KZbin has scores of videos of her performances, including of "High Hopes" in summer 2013 at Grey Fox.
[....]
MotherJudge died at home last Saturday, Sten and her four children at her side.

[@1armedguy4]

This is what happens when a great song and a great voice collide. Wow !

[@trhester1]

One of my favorite songs of all-time. John Prine, who died yesterday, made this song popular with a regal recording many years ago. After learning of his death, in sadness, I listened to every version of this magnificent song I could find on KZbin and this is my favorite. And I see below, as well, that Mother Judge passed a year ago. Wonderfully done, beautiful. Bravo, RIP.

[@murphroberts4891]

Tom, this is a fine cover, I will say. But You must have missed Malcolm Holcombe's version. No one, including John Prine, comes near.

[@trhester1]

Murph Roberts - of course I’ve heard Holcombe’s. He owns it. Great orchestration and nice harmonies, but the beauty of the lyrics explode with Mother Judge. Still my fav.

[@budd-gems1755]

I love Mother’s version. I hear someone trying to overcome pain.

[@albertpackulak4237]

Most beautiful version ever. Rest in Pease

[@SRay-or3nc]

Whomever gave this a thumbs down, if you can do better get up there and do it, because she did a really great job! Anyone that knows this song and has heard other people do it would know and be intelligent enough to understand she did good!

[@javiergallegos9289]

She sure did.

[@juicingcornerchris]

I love this song, and her version is absolutely the best🎉❤

[@fish1475st]

Caroline RIP We will miss you and your great skills.

[@jmorra]

I miss you Caroline. Rest in peace. May you always sing.

[@hionthemountain]

brings tears to my eyes . . ., ,.everytime

[@davidmeyr4558]

My Goodness! That was quite a performance! First time I've ever heard her. Thanks KZbin!

[@brianriter6326]

My favorite. Ever. For Ever Killin The Blue.

[@joemazzari1783]

Fantastic version and a great voice,such feeling. An honor to hear you sing.

[@joekoelbl784]

Can you Smile and Cry at the same time.???

[@reginalee4461]

Beautiful !

[@solomon7072]

WOW!

[@sixty7ford]

Robert Plant brought me here and I have to thank him. Very beautiful ❤

[@rpashoukos]

The best version of this song ever. RIP sweet Caroline. Thanks for having this video.

[@juicingcornerchris]

Who is Caroline? I love this song in her version so much.❤

[@rpashoukos]

@@juicingcornerchris - A very sweet person, hit the "Show more"

[@ralphmurre8708]

So glad I found this. Best rendition I've heard by far. Thank you.

[@gl782maf]

Full of emotion beautifully sung. Thank you

[@tonyswhirl]

Outstanding!

[@jmorra]

Absolutely gorgeous! Perfection!

[@wistopnow]

Best cover by far

[@ritaggn]

Gorgeous voice. Well done.

[@stonemagic540]

this woman voice kicks ass on this song

[@dottiepina8978]

Awesome! One of the best versions of this heartfelt song..What a voice!

[@sharoncurtis7790]

I would have never thought anyone could outdo Rowland Sally on this song, but she did it. Beautiful!

[@minuteman2006]

I quit drinking many years ago, but gosh darn this song would have hit hard during my drinking days. It hits hard now but in a different way. No hangovers! Thank you Mother Judge! and thank you to Mr. Salley for such an amazing song.

[@andychilds9167]

Really..... great

[@jacqulinemartins9371]

With a big arrangement this could be a mega hit - all the elements are there.

[@amybethhurst]

Found this by accident. I used to do this song. I won't again after hearing this. Great job.

[@MindGroper]

Awesome vocal power and feel for putting over this great song. This is in my top three takes of this song. I love it!

[@gmcochise]

Absolutely nailed it!

[@brianriter6326]

Amazing. Thank You Mother Judge!

[@brianrowe236]

Stunning cover...best I've heard.

[@markharper6902]

Just Wonderful.

[@missv5439]

An Angel 😇💕😇

[@rubenfernandezcampos8648]

Oh, here is another nice rendition to that great song! 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@martienevers]

Who can tell me where I can buy albums from that great singer??

[@fredgrow2608]

Love it version

[@jaqmart]

This great song by Roly Salley comes from a place of utter psychological devastation - this version gets it like no other.

[@mlrobertson1020]

Love love love it!

[@johnnymaccool9828]

Rowland Sally came up with a great song there

[@amberwoodstudio]

Nice 👍

[@kamazoza]

I am wondering if you own this video of Mother Judge performing. She passed on Sunday and we wold like to use it for our news broadcast.

[@mediasanctuary]

Hudson Valley Views Thanks for your interest. Please email [e-mail] for permission.

[@timothygraff9464]

This is on par with John Prine's cover. Tear rendering beautiful. Thanks!!

[@WolftracksCreations]

What a wonderfully amazing voice! Tell ya what though..in lieu of the falsetto..go full voice! I can hear it..fkn let it rip! Janis and Emmylou would! The song is a shattered heart..let it be heard in the next county! Still 5 stars from me as is. Very well done!

[@joekoelbl784]

I'm sure if she weren't dead, she would take your advice.

[@martienevers]

Oh, leaves were falling They're just like embers In colors red and gold they set us on fire Burning just like moonbeams in our eyes Someone said they saw me They said I was swinging the world by the tail Bouncing over the white clouds That I was killing the blues Just killing the blues Well, I am guilty of something That I hope you never do 'Cause nothing is sadder Than losing yourself in love Someone said they saw me They said I was swinging the world by the tail Bouncing over the white clouds Just killing the blues Just killing the blues Oh, when you asked me Just to leave you And set out on my own to find what I needed You asked me to find what I already had Someone said they saw me They said I was swinging the world by the tail Bouncing over the white clouds I was killing the blues Just killing the blues Someone said they saw me They said I swinging the world by the tail Bouncing over the white clouds I was killing the blues Been killing the blues Just killing the blues

[@cactassdupree7285]

I got Bumps !!

[@patrickleathem5215]

Has a Ronstadt quality

[@Sandra-n7i4x]

Гениальная песня Роули Сэлли!

[@juicingcornerchris]

Would you please tell me who this is singing? I’d really love to know more about her. She is fantastic.

[@mediasanctuary]

www.timesunion.com/preview/article/Farewell-to-Albany-s-music-mom-13690844.php Farewell to MotherJudge, Albany's music mom Friends and colleagues mourn Caroline Isachsen, reflect on her legacy of performing, nurturing By Steve Barnes, Albany Times Union March 15, 2019 Introducing her song "High Hopes" during a set at the 2013 Grey Fox Bluegrass Festival in the Catskills, Caroline "MotherJudge" Isachsen told the crowd, "This is one of our own songs. We love it 'cause it's different." The tune, irresistibly head-bobbing, bounces along, at once seemingly familiar and yet utterly itself. It has distinctive rhythmic and lyrical stresses as well as significant vocal jumps, including when Isachsen sings the first word of the title in her throaty contralto, then immediately floats out a breathy "hopes" on a note that's up one full octave. "When I first heard it, I thought maybe it was somebody else's song from the '50s, '60, '70s. It's that timeless," said Mitch Elrod, a close musical associate of MotherJudge's in Albany for many years. "But once you got to know her, you knew it couldn't be anybody else's song but hers." It also showcases her voice, which, as Elrod described it, "could go from quiet passages to blowing the back roof off the place." Isachsen, who under her stage name MotherJudge entertained audiences and inspired fellow musicians for more than 30 years as a singer, songwriter, mentor and open-mic host, died Saturday from pancreatic cancer. It was three weeks before what would have been her 57th birthday. Music fans and performers alike had been expecting - dreading - news of her death since the night in January when Isachsen informed the crowd at McGeary's pub in downtown Albany, where she hosted the Best Damn Open Mic Ever on Wednesdays for almost nine years, that she had pancreatic cancer. The disease is often swift and terrible: Only 20 percent of patients survive a year after diagnosis, according to the Hirshberg Foundation for Pancreatic Cancer Research, and just 3 percent last five years. Isachsen died two months to the day after she told the McGeary's audience about what she was facing. That January night, Isachsen spoke briefly, introduced the people who would succeed her as host of the open mic, and, visibly weak but her head up beneath a short-brimmed black fedora, walked out of McGeary's for the last time. One hand held a cane; the other had the arm of her husband and fellow open-mic host, Sten Isachsen, a brilliant multi-instrumentalist, recording engineer, music professor and father of their children. It was fitting that Isachsen's final public appearance was at an open mic: She hosted them in her native Pennsylvania and, over about 30 years and at least seven bars, in Albany. Though she was a dynamic performer in her own right, proprietor with her husband of two recording studios, member of many bands and ensembles, and volunteer coordinator for a dozen years at the Grey Fox festival, it was as host of open mics that most people came to know and appreciate MotherJudge. It is not overstating the matter to say that in that role, for a certain swath of the Albany music world during the past quarter century, she was the single most important factor in the development of numerous individuals and the scene overall. "She was a great nurturer of up-and-coming talent," said John Brodeur, who once was one of those new talents. As a suburban kid trying to break into the Albany music scene in the mid-1990s, Brodeur heard of Isachsen and her then-band, MotherJudge and the Urban Holiness Society, before he heard them live. When he did - most likely, he surmises now, at LarkFest or a similar event - it was a vivid experience. "She was an exceptional musician and songwriter, and a powerful singer," said Brodeur, who was a regular at her open mics before becoming her co-host for about three years, until he moved to New York City in 2008 to pursue music. His latest musical incarnation, called Bird Streets, has drawn significant acclaim, including being described as a "rock-solid power pop gem" by the international culture magazine PopMatters; this week, Brodeur is playing the SXSW festival in Austin, Texas. Although the "open" part of an open-mic night might mean an accomplished professional's performance is immediately followed by someone with more volume than musicality, Isachsen thrived in the format, hosting what surely was more than 1,000 open mics over the decades. "She liked to see those moments happen, to see somebody perform for the first time and know you're seeing a person with real potential," Brodeur said. Once Isachsen spotted a talent, whether conventional or misfit, she often fostered it. "If you were a square peg in a round world, then she wanted you around her," said Albie von Schaaf, a guitarist and bass player who was in bands with Isachsen and co-hosted the Best Damn Open Mic Ever for the better part of a decade. He credits Isachsen and Elrod with helping him learn the skills and professionalism needed to pursue a career in music, which now includes being director of contemporary music for a church in Lancaster, Pa., and a member of multiple bands. The Albany singer-songwriter Michael Eck, who met Isachsen soon after she arrived in town, in late 1986, and later performed in bands with her, said he admired the way she would take younger or newer musicians aside after their open-mic performances for advice or coaching. "It might be tart criticism," Eck said, "but after they heard it, they wanted to do the hard work and improve their music and their performance." On stage and in the rehearsal room, Isachsen had high expectations of herself and of those she worked with. "She knew exactly what she wanted, and as a result she could be beautifully, impossibly difficult," Eck said with fondness and reverence. Her alternately bossy and nurturing sides are encapsulated in her chosen stage name, MotherJudge, a term once used for the madam of a brothel. In a sentiment that would be misunderstood by none who knew Isachsen, von Schaaf said, "She could be a glorious pain in the ass." Born Caroline Johnston on March 29, 1962, in Latrobe, Pa., she was the daughter of Carmella Johnston. She earned an associate's degree in computer programming from a Pennsylvania community college and, as the mother of two young children, moved to the Capital Region 33 years ago for a government job. Isachsen held other office positions in the area over the years, including for a food vendor and a law firm, but music was her true calling, personally and professionally. In addition to the Urban Holiness Society, bands of which she was leader or member included Siren Sisters String Band, Wood, Barretta, Extinction 9, Dance Planet and Low Thief. She and her husband ran Bender Studios at their Delmar home and owned and managed the North Albany Studios rehearsal and recording complex in North Albany. Isachsen put out two albums on cassette, one each with Siren Sisters String Band and MotherJudge and the Urban Holiness Society, and, last year, she and Elrod released a CD of a dozens songs they wrote and recorded together, called "Cold Warrior." Friends aren't sure why a singer, songwriter and guitar player who was responsible for shepherding so much live and recorded music for others over the years leaves behind such a small repository of studio versions of her own music. "She was a really good songwriter and was really fun to collaborate with on writing songs," Elrod said, "but I think she was more interested in being a great supporter, encouraging musicians to get out and do their thing, to get up on stage and try it." Eck agreed but said, "It's a tragedy that we do not have pristine recordings of a lot of her music." Many amateur recordings exist from gigs, and KZbin has scores of videos of her performances, including of "High Hopes" in summer 2013 at Grey Fox. "Oh, I say, why moan, the sun is shining down on my face as I look around at the things that make me really care," she sings in a verse, with her husband on mandolin. Later, after Sten solos, the chorus comes back and she sings, "I got high hopes that you'll be waiting there when I get back from everywhere that I've gotta see before I die." MotherJudge died at home last Saturday, Sten and her four children at her side. In addition to her husband and mother, Isachsen is survived by her children, Bruce Johnston, Rebecca Goodrow, Lake Isachsen and Kai Wolfgang Isachsen; two brothers; and other extended family. Her daughter Willow Isachsen died as an infant. Many musicians paid tribute to Isachsen in a six-hour concert at McGeary's on March 3, as did others earlier this week at the Best Damn Open Mic Ever, also at McGeary's. Contributions to a music scholarship fund being established in her name may be made online at carolinemotherjudge.com. A memorial service is scheduled for 2 p.m. Sunday, April 7, at First Lutheran Church, 646 State St., Albany. A reception will follow, from 2 to 4 p.m. at the University Club, 141 Washington Ave., Albany.

[@juicingcornerchris]

@@mediasanctuary Thank you so much

[@michelleriley7983]

Does anyone know of this woman?

[@patrickambrose5372]

Has anyone heard Chris Smither singing this!

[@gunzmith29r]

you kickin it babe ...love it

[@james28570]

WOW !!!!

[@williamedwards7010]

fantastic performance of prines classic great thaks

[@jennalee6988]

Killin the Blues was written by Roly Salley