Tonight’s theme was Baked Goods. Heating up the night I was joined by Bill, Jean, Betty, Frank, PJ, Jack, Larry, first timer Abbie, Wendy Sue, Ken, Jen, Sally, David, Dawn and a second visit for Tony with a guitar.

This was the second night of our new starter song, BIG ROCK CANDY MOUNTAIN. It's still a little awkward for me because I am not familiar enough with the phrasing or timing.

SUGAR PIE HONEY BUNCH - Deborah gave us the chord sheet but wasn’t there. After the first 2 lines no one knew how to sing this so we dropped it.

SHORTNIN' BREAD (Irene) was easy and cute.

BREAD AND BUTTER (PJ) by The Newbeats in 1964 was easy and list worthy. Ken was amused by the lyrics. Interesting fact: The guy with the really high voice, Larry Henley, also co-wrote Bette Midler’s hit "Wind Beneath My Wings". The song should end on [C] instead of [F].

ODE TO BILLY JOE (PJ) We only did a few verses for some reason but it was nice.

THE MUFFIN MAN (PJ) Short and sweet.

BLACK STRAP MOLASSES (Irene) This novelty song was released in 1951 with some fun lyrics. Performed by Jane Wyman, Groucho Marx, Danny Kaye, and Jimmy Durante. Irene must have my taste for songs with catchy tunes and funny words. She looked up the lyrics and figured out the chords. I am impressed. Some of the chords seemed misplaced but since I loved this one, I made a new chord sheet and discovered it’s almost playable along to the video.

MRS. ROBINSON (Jean) - This was a good one. PJ said it was a keeper so it goes on the list.

IF I KNEW YOU WERE COMIN’ (Betty) This is a cute song but the Dr. Uke chord sheet made us fall apart by the fourth line because of his penchant for fancy chords. They came on unforgivably fast. If you like this one, there are easier sheets to be found.

THAT'S AMORE (Betty) - We were excellent. This should be on the list if it's not already.

DAYDREAM (Bill) Another excellent number and very list worthy.

THE GINGERBREAD MAN (Arlene) I have been playing this for 2 months and it's what inspired my suggestion for the baked goods theme. But alas, under pressure to lead the group in an unfamiliar tune, I fell apart. I was embarrassingly bad. My apologies. It’s a nice song with a positive message – “Do the best that you can.”

AIN’T GONNA GIVE NOBODY NONE OF MY JELLYROLL (Wendy Sue) We totally skipped this one. Did Wendy Sue have a change of heart? If the Sweet Emma video was a turn off, listen to one sung by Bobby Darin. It actually sounds nice. Or this gal: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qPPKVvlVRFU.

BAKER STREET (Ken) - Few knew it until Ken played the video and we all said “oh, that one.” The chords are easy enough but unfortunately few really knew the tune well enough to sing it.

MS. FOGERTY’S CHRISTMAS CAKE (Jen) - Jen was the only one who knew it and has such a soft singing voice all the way up front. We could not hear her. It’s a ¾ swing rhythm. Listen to a video of it. It sounds fun and would make a great holiday sing along after dinner.

AMERICAN PIE (Jack) - The meaning of some of the lyrics has long been debated but per Wikipedia “However, the overall theme of the song is the loss of innocence of the early rock and roll generation as symbolized by the plane crash that claimed the lives of three of its heroes.” Referring here to Buddy Holly, the Big Bopper and Richie Valens. It was nice but long so Ken cut it short.

UPTOWN GIRL (Arlene) - Nice

CHEESECAKE (Ken) - This one was fun and easy. Add to list.

BORN TO BAKE BREAD (Bill) - A parody of "Born To Be Wild". Funny

SUNNY AFTERNOON (Dawn) by the Kinks. We’ve done this one a number of times in the past. We always play it well.

LAND DOWN UNDER (Dawn) - I always enjoyed this song when I heard it on the radio but I wasn’t familiar with the phrasing or timing of the chords. That’s all I wrote down.

BAKER’S ODDITY (Bill) - We sang this a cappella because Bill did not have time to add the chords. We sounded OK.

Our next theme, after several options were considered, will be DANCING.

Until then, you keep strumming,

-- Arlene.