Knit to This
Jackson Browne, Steve Martin, and Alison Brown Walk into a Bar
Dear everybody who was young in the 1970s,
I watched the music video up top with a sort of astonishment.
It’s the new song “Dear Time,” written by Alison Brown and Steve Martin, and sung by Jackson Browne as they sit on the stage at The Troubadour, the storied LA bar where they each performed back in the extremely good old days.
I mean, back in the ’70s, these were my guys. Steve Martin was everything. Jackson Browne was everything. I laughed, I cried. I bought all their albums. I was at their concerts.
And now? They’re doing an extremely tender song addressed to time itself?
Can it really be 50 years ago?
It lands with a deep nostalgia, this one. And to see them with the banjo genius/recording studio impresario Alison Brown? It doesn’t get much sweeter than this.
I’m told that the song is nominated for a Grammy in two American Roots categories. All you Recording Academy members, voting is open right now. Would love to give the mighty MDK bump to this sweet tune.
After all, we’re still here, and we’re still fans. I stopped hanging out at the Exit/In and Municipal Auditorium about 42 years ago, but right this minute it feels like it was yesterday.
Love,
Ann
truly wonderful!
thank you so very much for sharing, i don’t think i realised that Steve Martin was a musician of some repute before the acting took over.
where is my Jackson Browne Greatest Hits CD ? (and do i still have a device i can play it on?)
I was at ExinIn during that time I saw Jackson Brown, when he performed at FANFARE his first time. I attended writers night quite often. Then came disco, rap, etc. I kinda lost interest. I started listening to country and western and jazz and blues.
If you really want to be wowed by Steve Martin’s musical skills, check out his work with the Steep Canyon Rangers. It’s an incredibly talented group. Here’s one of my favorite works – Atheists Don’t Have No Songs. Absolutely brilliant lyrics. I watch/ listen to it over & over again. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xmwAD7nHqaY
More music on his channel here – https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC0AxsSOOvfqohTAbotpQUbQ
I think it’s next to your cassette player….
Jackson,
Your voice is just as deeply, lovely and deeply moving look on
Or by the stereo, maybe??
Thank you for sharing your incredible talents all these years and for showing the world how to to remain friends. Respect.
I hope the song wins as it really says everything. Written and sung by talent from my past, I too am grateful for the extra heartbeats. On the cliff of eighty, my youth only a memory, thank you for highlighting this song.
Lovely tune,such memories and to still be here,thankyou.
Beautiful! It brought tears to my eyes.
Yes and yes.
Thank you so much for sharing this. Dear Time will be playing on repeat for quite a while.
Thank you so much for posting this. Living in France, I was unaware of its existence.
I got incredibly teary. Went to all Jackson Browne concerts in Berkeley in the 70s.
I want to see what 70s article you knit to this when you listen!!!!
Thank you! This brings back so many terrific memories.
WOW! Thanks-just thanks
What a beautiful song. It really hits home, especially if we were young in the 70s. I remember the coffee houses on Bleeker street. I sat a few feet from Cat Stevens and saw him perform on a single stool a few months before he hit it big. It’s crazy it’s been 50 years for all of us who came thru those 70s. And like the song says, “Thank you for the extra heart beats”. Gratitude is everything now, at 73.
What a beautiful song. It really hits home, especially if we were young in the 70s. I remember the coffee houses on Bleeker street. I sat a few feet from Cat Stevens and saw him perform on a single stool a few months before he hit it big. It’s crazy it’s been 50 years for all of us who came thru those 70s. And like the song says, “Thank you for the extra heart beats”. Gratitude is everything now, at 73.
One of my claims to fame is as a college student a million years ago I saw U2 in Dublin when they were basically a bar band. I was doing a January term and some of the under 21 drinkers took advantage of the 18 drinking age every night. One of the guys talked me into going back that next night he was so impressed with them the night before.
Love that. Thank you, Ann.
More tears over here! What a gift with which to start the day.
Jackson Brown actually played at my high School in 1974. It does seem like yesterday
Thank you for sharing this gem .
So agree Ann! I have seen the video and loved it! What a throw back. Saw Steve Martin in 1977 in an outside venue. He was awesome and could wear an arrow on his head like no other! Jackson Browne loved him in 1980 and 2023! He has gotten even better with age!
Love this! Made my Sunday.
The 70’s rocked!
Talk about a winner, I’m praying for you all. I was a so so musician in high school and college but then I grew up. Didn’t play much for the last 50 years but my wife of 36 years bought me a new stratocaster two months ago and said I needed to play while I still had TIME. Thank ya’ll, her and God. You rock.
Thanks Ann, lovely gift for a Sunday morning.
Perfect!
How is it possible that all of this time has passed? Joe Walsh played in the band at CYO dances I attended when I was a teenager. And it seems impossible for it to have been that long ago. Thanks for the remembrance and tears.
I wore the grooves off my Jackson Browne albums!
No words…just some tears and a bittersweet feeling, much more sweet than bitter. Thanks for posting this, Ann.
Oh my. Thank you for that walk down that Troupadour memory lane.
I’m not crying……
Thank you Ann!
What a song. Hit me right in the feels… weren’t the 70s just a decade or two ago?
Wow! Thank you for sharing this. I’ll definitely add the song to my playlist. It perfectly captures the feelings of growing older, especially now that I’m a senior citizen (I can’t believe it!). It feels like just yesterday when Jackson Browne was a constant presence on my record player (not even a stereo!).
Perfect song for my birthday today!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY!
OMG thank you for sharing this. Much needed at the world feels on fire. A little more tender and sweet is needed. Thank you Ann
Oh my gosh! Thank you, Ann. I absolutely love this song. I didn’t make it to LA until the late 90’s so missed some of these wonderful artists live concerts.
Make that the late 70’s. Obviously haven’t had coffee yet.
I was okay til the dog.
Same.
Me too..waves of nostalgia hit hard!
Oh, Ann, thanks so much for sharing this! These were my guys too. I saw Steve Martin live at a small venue when he was just starting out. He opened for Martin Mull and brought down the house. Poor Martin had a time winning back the audience!
Jackson Browne’s music was the soundtrack of my young life. I had all his records. I still marvel at how timeless his music sounds all these years later.
What a treat to see them with Alison Brown, still making great music together.
Thank you. This brought tears of sweet memories. Incredibly talented people.
The first concert I ever went to was Jackson Browne and Bonnie Raitt. It was the best. I have been a fan since then.
Wow!
My first concert was Chubby Checker at the Cow Palace in San Francisco!
Happy remembering tears….
Beautiful song to bring back beautiful memories
Thanks for sharing. Quite a beautiful song.
You might try the exit/in again. There are some wonderful new artists out there!!
Thank you, Ann. I would have missed this. Now I’m sitting here smiling. Hey time.
Fabulous performance!!! All the same feels as you wrote Ann!!
The best of memories! Thanks for sharing this video. It takes 50 years off my old bones and gets my toes tapping again,
Beautiful memories ❤️
I so love these Snippets. My husband is a musician and plays Jackson Browne’s music. This is a special treat which we both enjoyed. So timely. I also am happy to hear Steve Martin. I was not aware of his musical talent. I hope they win!
I love that you share all things entertaining not just about your lovely knitting studio.
Thank you.
This is the second time I’ve watched the video…I felt the same waves of emotion and nostalgia both times. It’s a beautiful song, and even more meaningful for those of us who grew up loving the folk-rock music of that era.
Amazing!
Nice strings n things to ponder. Good Sunday morning! Got a $1 discount for sr admission this morning at the apple harvest festival and now this! Thank you.
I actually met Alison Brown in the restroom at Tampa Airport! I’d stepped out of the stall to a woman with a banjo case on her back washing her hands. Stupidly, I asked ‘Is that a banjo?’ ‘Yes, ‘ she responded warily. ‘Do you play?’ I asked. I told her how I’d just received a banjo for my birthday and was taking lessons. She was so nice! She asked about my banjo and lessons and was so encouraging. She was in town for the Steve Martin/Martin Short show. I’ve been following her ever since.
Thank you for sharing. I also did not realize Steve Martin was a musician way back. This is really a lovely song.
Thank you for sharing. I’m a 70’s girl who’s still in love with Jackson Browne! I also used to double over with laughter at Steve Martin. This is just beautiful and so touching. It brought me to tears.
Amen! I’m still in love with Jackson Browne too! Such amazing music and such a sweetheart of a guy!
Well that was lovely. Thank you!
I loved it and as always right on target!
So, so, so, so, so, so, so, so needed today.
In THIS moment!
Don’t know about anyone else here… but my soul is in pain and requires DAILY doses of our amazing and beautiful cultural joy…
…because, baby, that banjo is calling for a response all the way back to Africa, over to Ireland and back ’round here meeting up in the U.S. of A…
Yes!! This is our American roots music!
We are our chosen family:
We HAVE to get it together.
Amen!
Thank you, Ann. What a beautiful and thought-provoking way to begin my day.
Thank you for this. Lovely. (sniff, sniff)
Awesome
I just saw a clip on IG yesterday. Joy and nostalgia and a sort of pride washed over me. I genuinely think the music of the ’60s and’70s (and MAYBE the ’80s) was superior to the music of today–more melodic, more inventive. Though as I say this I hear the old lady-ness of it. Don’t care. Loved Jackson Browne (still do), loved Steve Martin (still do), and am sad to say I’ve never heard of Alison Brown but am happy to be introduced. I heard more Bela Fleck (campus radio).
Please, anyone who can, vote for these gems and this beautiful song.
You need to look up Alison Brown; huge pile of fine songs! What a treat is in store for you!
I’ll vote for the tune they just played!
How am i supposed to knit to this?!? I can’t see through the tears !
I’m 76, listened to lots of music in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada in the ‘60’s , delivered papers to Neil Young and his mother back in the day and watch a lot of great musicians and groups get their start in one community club or another.
This was an incredibly well done nostalgic piece. I’ll be revisiting this all of the cold winter long just ahead.
I liked them back in my teen years.Jackson Brown is a big part of me becoming the musician I am.At 66yrs.I look back then to now.Alot of great times had.Alot more to experience.Thanks to you three for your many contributions to your trades…JD..
Oh my gosh! How sweet is this?
Jackson Browne sounds as good as any of those bazillion times I either saw him in concert or wore out a needle on my stereo playing his records. Steve Martin in the suit. Allison- just perfection.
An anthem for Boomers? I’ll take it.
Just by accident I found this and I was blown away! Actually got chocked up while watching and listening. What a great tune! Always was a fan of Jackson and Steve. I’m sending the video to my friends that will appreciate it. Thanks so much for the memories……
I’m so happy I found this. Jackson Browne is my fav
Love the song and the wonderful musicians.
I love all of you please keep making music.
Kevin from chicago
Great song could listen to it forever
One more to add to my funeral playlist (I’m not the only person with one).
No, I have 1, too. Browne and Fogelberg for me.
What a beautiful song with nods to their beginnings as singer/songwriter! I just love Jackson Browne since 1975 and I remember seeing Steve Martin perform at the Garden State Arts Center in the 1970’s!
Great song!! 60’s- early 70’s were a great time for music and musicians and for growing up and being alive,in general!!!!! One or two notes of a song and you immediately knew what band or musician it was!!! I’m glad l was able to grow up during that time!!!!
Wonderful song! Memories came flooding back. I’m not teary…sniff sniff! Thank you for sharing.
My goodness, that’s awesome song writing. Thank you for the memories!
Good times!
Instantly and forever in love with this song. I will learn it and play it often.
Thank you, thank you,
THANK YOU.
i am 74 and this song is very sweet and i am so grateful i stumbled upon it. This song somehow helps to make sense of aging.
Voice as beautiful as ever. Seeing him in Vegas in November.
Oh, Ann, this was wonderful! Thanks for sharing!
Y’all don’t have to wait for anyone else, I’ll give you my Follower’s Choice Award! Man oh man this piece took me back to some fine times & dreams and hurled me into looking goers to your next musical production & belly laugh. I suspect Allison is the glue which binds and propels you onward. Thanks Allison for your strength bringing Steve & Jackson into the best Americana piece in this contemporary world of lesser productions. Wish you hadn’t brought in that line about throwing the ball one more time. I’m choked up just typing out the lyrics, so many things I’d trade for a relived moment with loves passed. Here’s to new loves and American roots to be grown and the grace to make those memories as we walk those roads together. Amen old friends I’ve yet to meet.
Thank you, Ann, for a great song by this rare trio! Brings tears to my eyes..!
WOW, what a beautiful song!
This new song is so timely for me as I am celebrating in Jan , 10 years a transplant recipient. I am very Grateful & Blessed! When heard the song, I did replay of my wonderful life & it has been the best gift /ride ever. It’s always full of surprises , laughs, so much beauty everywhere in music, nature, art, books & most of all people I have crossed paths with on my journey!
Dear Time has been very kind to me especially with the pass for these extra 15 years !! I made Peace with Time & I give Thanks every morning just for opening my eyes!
Thank You , Jackson Browne for sharing the gift you have for writing songs that give us pause to reflect on our inner selves or on the world around us in hopes of making things better overall!
Just WOW!
Jackson is an Orange County Boy and I’m from Corona Del Mar … The first time I saw him was in The Sunny Hills high school gym with Linda Ronstadt and The Stone Ponies…I eventually Owned and Operated Restaurants and Bars…
Jackson played for me
Wonderful! Musical time travel is the best!
Brilliant evocation of the past
Absolutely love this. Thank you
These 2 men represent my life. For the first time, we sat in the front row of a JB concert a couple of years ago. Amazing show.
Superb
Jackson Brown a great American Poet
Wonderful song. Brings back so many great memories.
And, where did all these males come from making comments?? Do we really have this many male MDK followers? Knitting rocks❤️
Thank you, Ann!
Thank you Ann for reminding me of this beautiful song. Brings tears to my eyes every time.A poignant reminder of how short our time on earth is, and how precious.
I had a huge crush on Steve Martin for the longest time, way longer than I should have, and Jackson is just genius. We have lived in glorious times musically speaking.
Yes it really does feel like a minute ago I was standing in line all night at the Santa Barbara County Bowl to buy tickets that cost probably $20 for front row seats to see Jackson close up. An amazing man that I never got to meet but he will always have a piece of my heart. Love Always, Ann
This indeed a sweet new offering from these three magnificent artists!
The woman looks fine but Jackson and Steve aren’t recognizable.
I am crying. So glad I watched this video. Thank you for reminding us of where we all have been.
This is so beautiful ❤️
Like you I was a young person in the 70s and I am also astonished by this song. I have never heard of Alison but of course I know Steve and Jackson. Thank you for sharing this, such a beautiful song and message
Thank you for sharing that amazing performance. Definitely brought back memories from time ago. Such a beautiful song and amazing music. Do I feel old …yes. Am I thankful of the memories time has awarded me…yes! Yes!
Thank you!
They’re all exceptional musicians. I have to take lighthearted exception, though, to calling the Troubador a bar. Yes, it has a bar, but it’s a music venue first and foremost.
I listened to this right after I saw that Diane Keaton had died. Lots of memories there.
Oh, I LOVED this. And who in our generation didn’t love Jackson Browne? Thank you so much for sharing. ❤️
Jackson Browne has been a favorite since the early 70’s. It’s hard to knit when your eyes are filled with tears because the lyrics hit so close to home & the music tugs at your heartstrings. Great tune by 3 extraordinary artists.
Big time Jackson Browne fan. I saw him in Philadelphia in 1977 about the Running on Empty album came out. Best possible time to see him in concert. The whole concert was hit after hit. I remember that day like it was yesterday. Beautiful sunny summer day not a cloud in the sky about 80 degrees. One of my favorite memories of my life. Wish I could turn back time.
Thank you for sharing this video. I wouldn’t have known about it otherwise and I need this song in my life.
Right. Thanks for that. Anyone have a tissue?
Thank you so much for this, Ann! Jackson Browne was my guy, too. And the melancholy nostalgia of this song has me feeling my age, but not in a bad way. ❤️
Yes! I loved this the moment I saw it/heard it! Jackson Browne was my guy, kind of still is.
Fingers Crossed for a Grammy and the recognition it deserves.
Steve Martin was interviewed yesterday on NPR as I was driving home from Augusta to Hope (Maine) through the most glorious autumn colors. I’m tearing up listening to this… I keep thinking how was my 50th high school reunion this past May? And we promised to meet again in 5 years with my private school class members coming from across the US and central and South America to our school just north of San Francisco. I think of my father, who lived to 96. I used to wonder if it was lonely, being the last one of your generation alive. Now, I have just one family member still living from when I was a child. I am so, So, SO grateful for all I have, for the newly-minted-as-fiancee that brings my child-count to four: 2 born-to-me sons, now 2 born-to-another-mother(s) daughters. So I’m going to download from iTunes, then cue up some MDK Society Snippets to watch and knit some warmth and love–aptly, in some MDK Atlas+Madtosh!
Stumbled on this song on Instagram, then googled to learn more about it and stumbled on this post. Read through it quickly and was about to leave the page when the words Exit/In and Municipal Auditorium caught my eye. I thought, wait, these are my people. I knit very infrequently and was totally unfamiliar with this site, but as a lifelong Nashvillian it was nice to read this and think back to the good old days.
I absolutely love this song! Brings back such great memories of Jackson in concert in Houston I think 76 on the 5th row at what is now Joel Osteen mega church. Saw him again at Red Rocks and later in Aspen. I missed Steve on banjo but he made me laugh so many times! This is phenomenal.