Yesterday The Weather Channel’s morning Running Condition Rating was a 7 out of 10. While that rating is indicative of good running conditions, it’s on the dividing line between good conditions and difficult conditions. For me, today’s conditions were tough. They were tough not because of temperature or humidity but for that damn bright sun! I decided that the soundtrack for the run would be Malcolm Wells and the Two-Timers Hollerin’ Out Loud.
I have started judging the running conditions based on where I first break a sweat and today it was quite early in the run. When I completed the first mile in 10:20 ( a time that would have thrilled me a couple of months ago) I knew today was destined to be a normal run.
At the 2nd mile mark my overall pace had gotten even slower and I was struggling just a little. So I mentally decided to slow down and live to run another day. By the middle of the third mile my pace had slipped to around 10:30 per mile. And all I wanted to do was finish with a pace faster than 10:30.
I had to really force myself to give it all I had over the last 0.1 miles. And with that last sprint which was run at a pace of 8:28 minutes per mile, I was able to finish with an overall pace of 10:21 minutes per mile. That finish is the one good thing I‘ll take away from today‘s run! Here are the Nerdy Details…..
The Nerdy Details
Total Dist: 3.12 Time 32:35 Pace: 10:26 min/mile
Mile Splits
Mile-1 10:20 Mile-2: 10:24 Mile-3 10:47
Mile-4 (0.12)8:28
Avg HR 140 Max HR 158 Cals Burned: 384 Cals
The Soundtrack -Hollerin’ Out Loud
The soundtrack for the run was Hollerin‘ Out Loud the debut release from Malcolm Wells and the Two-Timers. As soon as I heard the Blues harp that kicks off „call My Name“ the first track on Hollerin‘ Out Loud I knew I was going to love this album. Then came the great guitar and truly sealed the deal!
Malcolm Wells is a terrific blues harpist who lists the these musicians ascontemporary influences:James Harman, Rick Estrin, Gary Primich, RJ Mischo and The Fabulous Thunderbirds. A few of my favorites!
Malcolm is also a fine composer, arranger and vocalist! Malcolm composed and arranged all eleven tracks on the album.
Malcolm‘s biography on his website is very short
Malcolm was born in Little Rock, Arkansas, in the summer of 1966. He is very good at surrounding himself with talent.
Malcolm Wells Surrounds Himself with Talent
Those that he has surrounded himself with collectively known as the Two-Timers include: acclaimed guitarist Matt Woods, bassist Patrick Recob and drummer Dwight Dario.
Each member has been successful prior to becoming a Two-Timer.
Matt Woods‘ releases have been nominated for a Blues Music Award, two Blues Blast Awards and have twice made the finals in the Blues Foundation’s “Best Self Produced CD” competition;
Patrick Recob, was also a Blues Blast Award nominee, who has played with just about everyone of Malcolm’s influences previously mentioned.
While Dwight Dario‘s has been performing for five decades! He was a seventeen year member of The Big George Jackson Band. Dwight has toured Europe a dozen times and has received several of his own various music organization awards.
Thoughts about Hollerin’ Out Loud
Hollerin‘ Out Loud is a terrific album from track one to track eleven. The songs are varied and interesting and the musicianship on each track is top notch, as are the vocals.
What makes Hollerin‘ Out Loud special for me is Malcolm‘s blues harp and Matt Woods guitar work. My favorite tracks include: “Call My Name”, “Muffin Top” and “Gentleman’s Bet”
So Check It Out!
Links for the Further Exploration of the Music of Malcolm Wells
Artist’s Website
Facebook
Album Review
Spotify
Amazon
Here’s “Muffin Top” from Hollerin’ Out Loud