Born in a Biscayne remastered (2011)

Spencer Bohren’s first record, featuring Doctor John, was released in 1984 to rave reviews by blues programmers and fans all over America. An even mix of original and traditional music, it presented all of the musical elements that continue to inform Spencer’s unique sound, both as a soloist and as a band leader. The storyline of Born in a Biscayne contrasts with the comedic approach taken in the remake of the Coaster’s classic Shoppin’ for Clothes.

Several flavors of blues are offered, from the solo version of Willie McTell’s Broke Down Engine to the horn-driven Straight Eight and a raucous Drop Down Mama.

The lonely In Between Friends is considered by many to be Spencer’s finest original ballad. In addition to the great piano and organ of Doctor John, there are contributions from slide guitarist John Mooney, drummer Kenneth Blevins (John Hiatt, Sonny Landreth) and guitarist Tommy Malone (subdudes). Slippery saxophone solos by Eric Traub highlight an all-star horn section.

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Born in a Biscayne

Spencer Bohren/Michael Carson, 1984

I was born in a Biscayne, back in ’55.
Mama was a sweet thing, kept the boy alive.
Kept her boy alive! Kept her boy alive!
Mama always told me, “Never be afraid.
“Keep looking forward ’til you’re in the grave.
“Don’t let no one turn you ’round.
“Never let nothin’ get you down.”

I was born in a Biscayne, back in ’55.

Baby sister told me, “You are out of your mind.
“Got to find Jesus while you still got time.”
I said, “Baby sister, that cannot be.
“Can’t find Jesus. He gonna have to find me.”

By the side of the road down in Terrebonne Parish
I was born in a black Chevrolet.
The wind was howling and the dogs was growling
And it looked like it’s gonna rain.
From deep in the swamp stepped a dark-haired woman
Come to take a look at me.
Spoke three words, Lord, I don’t know what they were,
And today it’s still a mystery.

I was born in a black Biscayne Chevrolet.
I was born in a Tudor Biscayne Chevrolet.
I was born in a ’54 Biscayne Chevrolet.
I was born in a black, tudor, ’54 Biscayne Chevrolet.
I was born in a Biscayne.

In-Between Friends

Spencer Bohren, BMI 1983

It takes more than love to see me through.
When will I see you again?
I’m back here in Memphis. I’m all by myself.
I’m lonely and in-between friends.
I don’t know nobody to talk to in Memphis.
Ain’t got nobody to call.
I guess I’ll go find me an in-between friend.
They’re better than no friends at all.

In Memphis they live the blues.
Mississippi River rolls right through.
I walked Union Avenue from end to end,
Lookin’ for an in-between friend.

It takes more than love to see me through.
When will I see you again?
I’m back here in Memphis. I’m all by myself.
I’m lonely and in-between friends.