You Can Do Magic, 1982, America

[ReneAsologuitar]

"You Can Do Magic" is a song by singer-songwriter Russ Ballard that was recorded as a 1982 single by folk rock band America from their album View from the Ground.

America are a rock band that was formed in London in 1970 by Dewey Bunnell, Dan Peek, and Gerry Beckley. The trio met as sons of US Air Force personnel stationed in London.

Thanks for your family's service to our nation!!!

Grew up and has been singing America songs from the 70's.

Pray for Peace in our troubled world. We can do magic!!!

https://youtu.be/kNCy0dyufJQ

[Methos1979]

Nice job! Huge America fan here and despite that I didn't know they did that song. We perform several of their songs with our acoustic duo. Sister Golden Hair and Ventura Highway are currently active. We also just added Bread's Make It With You which I saw you recently did as well. Seems like we're on the same wavelength!

[Tahitijack]

In my last acoustic project I was the only one that wanted to include a song or two by America. Wouldn't you know at a gig a few months later a guy walks up near the end of our last set puts a twenty in the tip jar and says can you play something by America? The other guitar player looks at me and mouths the words ....how much? I responded quietly twenty. Our singer announced we have a request for Horse With No Name.....we played for what seemed like 10 minutes.

[Glennwillow]

Whoa!

Really nice job on this Rene'! You sound great there! Well done!

- Glenn

[ReneAsologuitar]

Hi Methos1979,
It is with great pleasure to have you in the same wavelength, as America and Bread are two of my all time favs. Of course, Sister Golden Hair and Ventura Highway are a given, and still much loved. Thank you for your wonderful comments.
Respectfully,
Rene

[ReneAsologuitar]

Originally Posted by Tahitijack

In my last acoustic project I was the only one that wanted to include a song or two by America. Wouldn't you know at a gig a few months later a guy walks up near the end of our last set puts a twenty in the tip jar and says can you play something by America? The other guitar player looks at me and mouths the words ....how much? I responded quietly twenty. Our singer announced we have a request for Horse With No Name.....we played for what seemed like 10 minutes.

************************
Hi Tahitiijack,
This is a great story, and I love it.
For an acoustic project, you better have at least two from America, and Horse With No Name is a no-brainer. So is Ventura Highway, and Sister Golden Hair.
Thanks for the wonderful feedback!!!
Rene

[Guitarbrent]

Nice job and a beautiful Taylor!

[Rogerblair]

Another winner, folks. Very nice job, Rene.
Thanks for sharing.

Roger

[Methos1979]

Originally Posted by Tahitijack

In my last acoustic project I was the only one that wanted to include a song or two by America. Wouldn't you know at a gig a few months later a guy walks up near the end of our last set puts a twenty in the tip jar and says can you play something by America? The other guitar player looks at me and mouths the words ....how much? I responded quietly twenty. Our singer announced we have a request for Horse With No Name.....we played for what seemed like 10 minutes.

Great story. We had a similar encounter that led to an interesting and beneficial outcome for us. We were playing a small breakfast joint four years ago and were finishing up after a long final set. A guy had come in and sat fairly close at the bar and was watching intently for several songs, one which was Sister Golden Hair. When we were done he came up to us and said how much he loved that song and would we mind playing it again for him and he would record it for us on video using his phone. We said sure, made the quick announcement that it was going to be re-performed per special request.

Since we were tired and also on camera we played it a bit too fast but didn't make many mistakes, at least. What was strange was that the guy was moving all over the place with his mobile phone camera, walking in close and moving to different angles. When we were done he asked for our email address and said he'd send us the video. Being brand new to gigging we readily agreed since we didn't have any decent videos of us performing although I wondered what kind of video this guy would produce with just his cell phone and all the moving around he was doing.

Turns out the guy is a local Emmy Award winning cameraman/videographer/producer that works for PBS. He took that video footage he shot on his phone and made an incredible little video in black and white that came out really good! I only wish we had played it a little slower! To this day, Sister Golden Hair remains a favorite of ours and is in fact almost always our show opener for the non-assisted living center shows. Here's the video the guy made for us:

[ReneAsologuitar]

Originally Posted by Guitarbrent

Nice job and a beautiful Taylor!

*********
Hi Guitarbrent,
Love your comments!
Thanks for chiming in!!!
Respectfully,
Rene

Originally Posted by Rogerblair

Another winner, folks. Very nice job, Rene.
Thanks for sharing.
Roger

**************
Hi Rogerblair,
You are so kind!
And your comments are so humbling and inspiring.
Thank you so much Roger!!!
Rene

[ReneAsologuitar]

Hi Scott and Donna!
Your video is very well shot, and recorded.
But the two of you did this rendition with justice and more.
I think the speed you did the song is perfect, and both vocals and guitar playing are beautifully done!
Great work, and thanks for what you in the assisted living concerts.
Respectfully,
Rene

[Sage Runner]

Nice Work Rene. Saw America on their first West Coast Tour. Horse with No Name had just hit charts.

[Sage97]

Very nice. Made me sing the harmony part.

[reeve21]

Another wonderful cover from the 70s, Rene. Very nice

[ReneAsologuitar]

You are very much appreciated Bob!!!
Music is in our veins.
Keep 'em coming!
Rene