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Crystal (Semi-Precious Gem of the Desert)
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Country tune describing a waitress in a cafe that time forgot.
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"Tho' I love writing songs I consider myself a composer. Cut my teeth on orchestration when I was a copyist for Manilow. Country influence holds sway right now.
DEAN CLARK HALL In 1974 after studying music at Fullerton College and Cal State Fullerton became a member of Canadian showman Dick Caldwell's show group as singer/instrumentalist. Toured United States and Canada extensively. Returned to California in 1976 free-lancing as an instrumentalist /singer and band leader. Worked as a staff copyist for Barry Manilow. Sang three seasons with the Orange County Master Chorale under Dr. Maurice Allard, appearing with the Glendale symphony under Carmen Dragon. In 1981 formed nightclub act "Gina, Dean & Scoundrel", touring North America for 5 years including Nevada and Atlantic City, recording album and single. With Cynthia Caldwell in 1988 composed and arranged the theme song "Make it Happen" for the state of W. Virginia Cerebral Palsy Telethon "Miracle '88". For eleven years acted as Music Director for Dick Caldwell's annual "Klondike Days" show at RCAF 700 Wing, Edmonton, Alberta. Also did arranging for Caldwell's appearances on Canadian television. Worked behind comedians Rodney Dangerfield, Gallagher, Williams & Ree. Television credits include Canadian variety program "Spotlight", "Miracle '88 with Shelly West", "The Love Boat" (with own group), "Donny & Marie" (with Spike Jones, Jr.). In 1989 formed the duo "Dean & Richard" working L.A. area and cruising the Caribbean, Mediterranean, Trans-Atlantic. Duo has performed corporate conventions throughout N.A. In 2004 headlined his own act on Holland America ships Veendam and Ryndam to Mexico, Central America. Performed seven yrs. with "Dean & Richard" at Dear John's Steakhouse in Culver City, Ca. Monthly appearances include Hilton Universal City and Culver City Elks Lodge. Original music available at most online retailers. YouTube channel at Dean Clark (D.C.) Hall. "Dean & Richard" are on Facebook.com/deanandrichard. Mr. Hall has been seen performing in movies "Hidalgo", "Bounce", "Old School", "Man on the Moon", "The Independent". Affiliations: AFofM (Local 47), BMI, Screen Actors' Guild
Song Info
Genre
Country • Americana
Charts
Peak #1
Peak in subgenre #1
Author
Dean Clark Hall
Rights
2014
Uploaded
January 02, 2015
Track Files
MP3
MP3 3.3 MB • 128 kbps • 3:34
Story behind the song
On an Interstate through the California desert was a wide spot in the road with a cafe and a waitress. The story is true so all must remain nameless. Local Southern Californians might be able to recognize the geography. Hopefully all who hear the tune will get a taste of what is long lost.
Lyrics
Crystal (Semi-Precious Gem of the Desert) 1.In a dusty little cafe from a long lost dream Worked a red haired lass With a curvy, classy little chassis that was made for blue jeans. She'd bring me my coffee hot. That's 'bout as far as I got With Crystal, semi-precious gem of the desert. 2.She had an attitude that was Kinda like scratchin' an itch. (But) Deep down inside she knew She wasn't no… bad girl. On a lucky day get a smile. Made pulling' into Boonie-ville Somethin' worthwhile. Crystal, semi-precious gem of the desert. Bridge 1: Paintball with her buddies MaryJo, Jimmie and Merle. Comin' as I was from the great big city, Ya think I'd have a ghost of a chance For a little whirl With a sagebrush girl? Instr'l Bridge Bridge 2: Fantasies in freckles. What's a girl to wear? Drive ya down the hill to a candlelight dinner. Pick the little black dress, The one that's cut up to here… And down to there. 3.She carried her torch for a guy on the CHP. Turnin' her head nearly ev'ryday, Must've thought he was sight to see. They all said "She's the marryin' kind". Time to leave daddy and the trailer behind. ("You run along, baby. I'll be fine.") Crystal, semi-precious gem of the desert. Bridge 3. She prob'ly figured "This is my one chance. That's a fact." Turned out he had a couple o' kids And a really bad back. Bet she never thought she'd be in a song. Hell, I heard they hitched up And made it all the way to 29 Palms. Crystal, semi-precious gem of the desert.
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