S | Yukon Cigar

Strawberry Fields Forever / That’s The Way

Posted on December 1, 2014 by Yukon Cigar

Inspiration. December’s “1st Listen” offers two covers that take us back to early influences. For me, the songs of one band made me want to play guitar in the first place; the songs of the other band made me want to continue. Now, of course, we feature any old musical instrument—guitars, keyboards, percussion, voices, and, this time around, a baritone ukulele, a recent generous gift. Which brings me full circle to the inspiration of the first instrument I ever played (40 years ago!): my grandfather’s jazz-age banjo ukulele. PB

Photo by Elizabeth Grant

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CREDITS:

Strawberry Fields Forever [Beatles]
Words & music by John Lennon & Paul McCartney
Recorded & produced by Peter Buck & Craig Konyu
Released December 1, 2014

The vocals: Craig Konyu
The backing: Peter Buck
The acoustic: Peter Buck
The slide: Peter Buck
The shaker: Craig Konyu

That’s The Way [Led Zeppelin]
Words & music by Jimmy Page & Robert Plant
Recorded & produced by Peter Buck & Craig Konyu
Released December 1, 2014

The vocals: Craig Konyu
The backing: Craig Konyu & Peter Buck
The acoustic: Peter Buck & Craig Konyu
The ukulele: Peter Buck
The shaker: Craig Konyu

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Surf It Black

Posted on May 31, 2014 by Yukon Cigar

Surfing on Lake Huron? I was planning a visit to long-time pal Bill Harper’s in Kincardine in 2003. As always, music was high on the agenda, so I invited Craig along. I dig the Stones, and I dig surf instrumentals. During a pre-jam jam, the three of us concocted this lo-fi beauty. It’s been a live staple for Yukon Cigar (and our 3SS band, even earlier) ever since. Hang 10, Mick and Keef! PB

Photo by Craig Konyu

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CREDITS:

Music by Jagger/Richards (Arranged by Peter Buck, Craig Konyu & Bill Harper)
Recorded & produced by Peter Buck & Craig Konyu
Released June 1, 2014

The acoustic: Craig Konyu
The electric: Peter Buck
The bass: Peter Buck
The keys: Steve Denyszyn
The drums: Andy Mitchell
The tambourine: Craig Konyu

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Sticks II

Posted on April 30, 2014 by Yukon Cigar

Every fork in the road brings two possible paths. Every decision made brings a missed opportunity. There are no straight facts. There are no right answers. But, says Lennon, “There’s nowhere you can be that isn’t where you’re meant to be.” It’s easy. CK

Photo by Craig Konyu

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CREDITS:

Words & music by Craig Konyu
Recorded & produced by Craig Konyu
Released May 1, 2014

The vocals: Craig Konyu
The backing: Craig Konyu
The acoustic: Craig Konyu
The bass: Craig Konyu
The keys: Steve Denyszyn
The tambourine: Craig Konyu
The slaps: Craig Konyu

LYRICS:

To think of the people I know
And the people I live for
Reaching all the dreams in your head
With a broken guitar chord

I traded II for II
Just to keep you guessing
What the other II will add up to

I traded II for II
Just to keep you guessing
What the other II will add up to
What the other II will add up to
What the other II will add up to

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