SUITCASE - CAMERA - GUITAR

I need a suitcase - because I need a change of cloths.

I need my camera - because I want to capture what I see.

I need my guitar - because … well … I just do.

 

                                                                                           

THE ABSENCE OF COLOR

Sometimes a shot is best expressed in black and white.

 

                                                                                            

EARTHLY TRAVELS

It seems that whenever I'm in-between musical projects, I always revert back to my other love which is travel and photography.  This keeps my creative juices flowing.

 

                                                                                          

 

CLOSE TO THE EDGE

This is my eleventh and FINAL VIDEO from Old Blue 11.  It's a magnificent piece of music composed by Jon Anderson and Steve Howe of the group Yes. 

I hope my version takes you Close To The Edge.

 

                                                                                          

 

Old Blue 11

One year ago I DID NOT  plan on recording another album.  I just wanted to record a song.  And then I recorded another .. and another.  Now one year later I have 11 new songs and they're available under the name "Old Blue 11" - not just because of the 11 new recordings, but also because it's my 11th album.  (Yikes!)

 

So sit back, relax, slip on your headphones and we'll visit for awhile.

 

                                                                                          

 

PERPLEXITY

I am the scent in the air - a crumb on the table

I’ve rode high on the wing of a bird

 

                                                                                          

 

FEATHERED MOON

The comfort of two.

 

                                                                                          

ON MY WAY HOME

Do you believe in portals?

 

                                                                                          

 

HEART ATTACK

Been there - done that.

                                                                                          

 

A QUICK LOOK BACK

A quick look back at some of my photography and music from last year.

 

                                                                        

 

HAWTHORN'S GLEN

Every child has a special place where they like to play and learn and where they discover that magic is real.  For John Lennon, that place was Strawberry Fields.  For me, it was Hawthorn's Glen.

 

                                                                        

 

NEW VIDEO PLAYLIST

I just created a new video playlist. If you're in the mood to binge on Old Blue songs - here you go.

                                                                                          

 

SYMPATHETIC CIRCUS

Welcome to the circus … a Sympathetic Circus

 

                                                                        

 

HARVEST MOON

Come a little bit closer … hear what I have to say.

 

                                                                        

CHILD'S SONG

This song is about the difficulties of leaving behind something that was once important.

 

                                                                                          

 

NORTHWESTERN  ITALY - PART 3

 

                                                                                        

 

NORTHWESTERN  ITALY - PART 2

 

                                                                                        

 

NORTHWESTERN  ITALY - PART 1

I was fortunate to have been able to spend 3 weeks in northwestern Italy this past summer.  Here are a few of my photographs from that experience.

 

                                                                                       

 

LUCKY MAN

Back in the day when Myspace was the place where musicians gathered to shared their songs, I was fortunate enough to have been introduced to David Francey, a singer/songwriter from Canada.  One of his songs in particular has stuck with me after all these year.  This is my interpretation of his song LUCKY MAN.

 

                                                                                       

 

MR. BOGANGLES

This is a song and video about a man I've gotten to know rather well over these many years. 

He's part me.

                                                                      

 

THE UNFINISHED SONG

The echo remains.

 

                                                                      

 

THE DANCER

More imaginary imagery captured from my minds eye.

 

                                                                                         

 

AROUND THE WORLD

When I was a young man and I needed to start seriously thinking about making a living, becoming a commercial photographer was the plan. However, I started making money with my music first and I never looked back.

Today photography is nothing more than a passionate hobby.  I'm especially fond of travel photography.  Here's a small sampling of my photos from Around The World.

 

 

BEAUTIFUL CHORDS

Please help me celebrate the release of my latest album.  It's a collection of songs that have moved and inspired me over the years.  This album is different than my previous 9 releases by the fact that I recorded the songs as instrumentals.  To me, this collection is not about the voice or lyrics, it's about all those Beautiful Chords.

ALONG COMES MARY

In 1966 The Association release their first single called ALONG COMES MARY.  I still love this dynamic song today so I recorded my version for my album Beautiful Chords.  At the same time, I thought it might be fun to pay tribute to my favorite Mary of that era: Mary Travers.

 

                                                                                       

 

CAROLINE NO

In this video, Brian Wilson captures the mood while Steve Hanks captures the Lady of the Ocean.

 

 

ALONE AGAIN NATURALLY

"And when she passed away, I cried and cried all day

Alone again, naturally"   - Gilbert O'Sullivan

 

 

GREEN EYED LADY

This is the first video from my new album Beautiful Chords.  It's a special collection of songs that stimulate and amplify my senses.  Here is a bewitching example of combining unbridled emotions with all those Beautiful Chords.

 

SILENT NIGHT

Some may give you flowers.  Others may give you jewelry.  I can only give you my music.

Merry Christmas.

 

RUBIO'S RADIO

Each project becomes it's own adventure - it's own trip.  To say this about Rubio's Radio is an understatement because Rubio's magic radio delivered him to where he longed to be.

 

UNDER THE COVERS

During the pandemic I spent my "lockdown time" recording 12 cover songs.  I guess in my own way I was looking for relief and reminiscing about better times.  When you listen to it, I think it'll bring back pleasant memories for you too, especially if you are of a certain age you lived these songs.

I hope my versions touch you in a positive way.

 

SO WHAT'S THE POINT?

I was recently asked, “After all this time and at your age, why are you still doing this?”  Believe me, I ask this question of myself often.  But I don’t have to think about it too long.  The answer is simple.  As long as the music keeps coming to me and the recording process is still fun, I will continue to produce music and videos.

This song and video best answers the question.

 

Old Blue 6

Please help me celebrate the release of my new album: Old Blue 6.

This is my sixth album of original material (thus the title) and it’s an eclectic group of 13 songs (a mix of old and new) that I recorded over the past 2 years.  And for the first time (not counting my last album, “John Paul George and RB”) I included two cover songs from writers I deeply admire.

So give it a listen and drop me a line - I love to hear from you.

 

LAYLA - SHE'S NOT FIRE

Every musician has been influenced and inspired by the great musicians who came before. With this crazy mash-up, I hope to celebrate and honor a few of those great musician who have inspired me. 

 

I KNOW

When I started to record this collection of songs, I promised myself  I wouldn't try to "control the process".  Instead I would follow where ever the songs took me.  I guess I had this pent up inside.

Here's the latest song and video from Old Blue 6.

                                                                

 

LITTLE SAINT NICK

Each year during the Christmas season we would perform this song with the band.  We liked it so much that in some years we were still playing it in July. This year when I decided to record a Christmas song, there was only one song that rose to the top of the list.

So I wish you a very Merry Christmas - even if it's July.

 

CARIBBEAN COLOR

I was fortunate enough to spend part of this past winter in the warmth and beauty of several Caribbean islands.

Here are a few of my photographs in CARIBBEAN COLOR.

                                                                

 

BEAUTIFUL BRUSSELS

Unfortunately, once again I feel it necessary to make a feeble attempt to counter the ugliness which has taken place in Brussels.

Here are a few of my photos from a recent visit to Beautiful Brussels.

                                                                

 

MENAGERIE

For the last several months I've been busy recording a new album of original songs.  I'm very excited to share with you the first video from this project.

In addition, I'm the guardian of many old family photos - most of which are well over 100 years old.  I thought this video would be the perfect opportunity to bring a few of these precious photos to life for my song Menagerie.

                                                            

 

BEAUTIFUL FRANCE

I am fortunate to have had the opportunity to travel this planet rather extensively.  So when I see the ugly events that recently took place in France, I feel I must counter that ugliness in some way.

Here are a few of my photos of Beautiful France.

                                                                

 

THE "JOHN PAUL GEORGE and RB" CD IS COMPLETE

Please help me celebrate my latest CD be giving it a listen (or maybe even a purchase).

How could you not enjoy these songs by these songwriters?  This has been an especially fun project for me and I truly hope you enjoy it too!

 

I'LL BE BACK

I created this project for two reasons:

First, I want to show in some small way my immense respect for these songwriters.  And second, I just wanted to experience the pure joy of performing these songs.

 

CALIFORNIA DREAMIN'

I'm fortunate to reside in the beautiful state of California.  Please allow me to share a few of my recent photographs which attempts to capture that beauty.

                                                                  

 

HERE COMES THE SUN

"Little darlin' it's been a long cold lonely winter."

That is true for many of us.  So I thought I'd share with you some beautiful Southern California sunshine from John Paul George and RB.

                                                                

 

RECENT ROAMINGS

Sometimes black and white is just the way to go.

During my recent travels through the Netherland, Belgium and Luxembourg, the sky's were grey and the air was filled with a heavy mist.  Even when the sun came out, the old cobbled stone streets just look better in shades of grey.

                                                                

 

BLACKBIRD

Here's the latest video from my project John, Paul, George and RB.

I'm well on my way of finishing new original songs for my next Old Blue record but in the meantime, I love recording these great songs from these great songwriters.

 

IMPERIAL PASSIONS

Another passion of mine is photography.  It's been that way for almost my entire life.

Here are some recent pix from my travels through Hungary, Austria, The Czech Republic and Poland.  Click on the picture below and join me in my travels.

                                                                

 

IF I NEEDED SOMEONE

This is the second video from my current project: John Paul George and RB

It's a George composition and I have heard that his inspiration came from the 12 string and songwriting skills of Roger McGuinn of the Byrds.

I'm finding it fascinating as I learn the parts and dive deep within these songs.

                                                                

 

YOU WON'T SEE ME - NOT A SECOND TIME

I don't usually take the time to record cover songs, but for the past several months I've been recording some of my favorite Lennon and McCartney songs - and some George songs too!

This is the first video from that series of recordings.

 

IT DOESN'T MATTER MUCH TO ME

Some videos are fun.  Others … not so much.  For this one, I had to go deep.  It seems after all this time, I'm only now ready to express myself on the subject.

I keep telling myself - IT DOESN'T MATTER MUCH TO ME

                                                            

 

DO YOU?

There's nothing I like more than to take my guitar and camera and wander the American West.  There you find a natural intensity.

Do you feel it too - DO YOU?

                                                              

 

PLAY DAY

Summer is in full swing here in Southern California.  It's time for a Play Day.

 

IMMERSE YOURSELF

This is the first video from THE OTHER SIDE OF TIME and it's a bit different from my other videos.  But then again, so is the whole album.

I hope you can IMMERSE YOURSELF in nature's wonders.

 

TODAY'S THE DAY

I cannot think of a better way to kick off a brand new year then with the release of a brand new album.  Therefore, I am very excited to finally be able to announce the release of THE OTHER SIDE OF TIME. 

This album contains 11 songs – each a bit different from one another yet firmly bonded together.  I so much look forward to sharing these songs with you today and the videos in the months to come.

Thank for your continued support and I wish you a very healthy and joyous 2013.

                                                                        

 

SONGS FROM THE OTHER SIDE OF TIME

For now, the only way you can hear the new songs from THE OTHER SIDE OF TIME, is for you to play them yourself.  You can do this because all the sheet music for the new songs is listed on the Namesake Music page.  Just click on the "Lead Sheet" button.

 

RIVER PLEASE CARRY ME

It seems I'm having some difficulty getting my projects completed because I'm doing too many of them at the same time.  I've been traveling a lot lately and while drifting down the Li River in China, I shot this footage that I thought would be perfect for my song RIVER PLEASE CARRY ME.  I hope it translates well.

 

IT'S ABOUT THE JOURNEY

The new record is complete.  All the tracks "are in the can" so to speak.  Soon I will start the mixing process.  And even though I'm thrilled and relieved to have most of the hard work behind me, there always seems to be that one moment of mixed emotions when I'm standing before an open mic knowing that it's the last time for this album.

You see for me, it's about the journey.  Whenever I start a new album with a collection of new songs, I'm never quite sure where those songs will take me and what I will learn along the way.  And when those sessions are complete, it seems what I'm leaving behind - is a big part of me.

Anyway, I'm very happy with how things are turning out and I'm very much looking forward to sharing  my journey with you.

 

SANTA BARBARA

Before I start releasing songs from my new album, there's a video from a previous album (TRUE BLUE) that no one has ever seen before.  This is SANTA BARBARA.

                                                                

 

THE OLD BLUE BLOG

I've entered a new post on The Old Blue Blog where this time I describe the origins of CARE FREE DAYS.  Please come and join me.

                                                                  

 

MY NEW ALBUM

I haven't been posting here (or any place else for that matter) very much lately because I've been putting a lot of blood, sweat and tears into my new album.  But when it's done … I'll come out and play.

 

FOR THOSE WHO CARE - I SHARE

As I gather up my projects from last year and archive them to make room for this year's projects, there's one project in particular I think deserves a second look.  I know it's presumptuous of me to think anyone should take 17 minutes out of their life to ponder my photography … but for those who care - I share.

 

GERONIMO

Geronimo was the last of the great Apache warriors.  Defending his people's way of life, he was defiant to the end.  Although captured, his spirit was never caged and so today his name lives on.

As I travel the American Southwest, I commune with the Navaho, Hopi, Zuni and the other great nations but it's the spirit of Geronimo who speaks to me most clearly.

                                                                

 

THE BRIGHTNESS OF OUR DAY

Today I set THE BRIGHTNESS OF OUR DAY (the video) free to find it's way in this world.  Each song and video must make it's own journey and I consider myself  lucky if that journey brings me to you.

This song is from my True Blue cd.

 

HOW WOULD I FEEL?

Today is the release date of my newest video:  HOW WOULD I FEEL?  The song has long been one of my favorites and I really enjoyed creating the video.

I hope you enjoy it too.

 

WANDERS THUR DESERT WONDERS

I recently returned from my wanderings in the desert.  It’s wasn’t quite 40 days and 40 nights – but it was close.  The longer you’re out there, the more you see.  I captured many of my visions with the camera and posted the photographs on Facebook.  I took a lot of pictures and as I edit them, I’ll post more.

Click on the picture below and join me as we Wander thru Desert Wonders.

                                                            

 

NAMESAKE MUSIC, BMI

Over the last several months, Namesake Music Publishing has partnered with several Licensing firms and Libraries for song placement.  I'm very excited about the expanded possibilities.  We'll keep you posted as things develops.

                                                                

 

A NEW MEMBER TO THE FAMILY

I’d like to introduce you to a new member of the family. She’s a Taylor GA3-12 twelve string guitar. This may not sound like a big deal - but it is. You see, I’ve owned and played 3 of my guitars for over 40 years and they’re a part of me. So to bring a new guitar into the mix is a big deal. She plays well with the others and she sounds like a dream. I can’t wait for you to hear her too. I’ll be adding her on a few of the tracks on the upcoming CD.

For those of you interested in such things, here’s she is: 

                                                                

 

BIRTHDAY WEEKEND

We're having a terrific Birthday Weekend.  Thank you all for your well wishes and wonderful Birthday Greetings.

 

SEE YOU NEXT TIME THE CURTAIN OPENS

There was a time, like many other working musicians, when I spent year after year on the road performing night after night.  Well those days are long past and that road is now much less traveled.

That's why I created The Old Blue Theater.  I'll be putting on new "shows" in there from time to time.  So stay on the look out and I'll see you the next time the curtain opens.

                                                               

 

AND THE WINNERS ARE ...

The 10 free SEE ME THROUGH album winners are: Brenda G., Alex S., Mogo42, Jessica P., Sheryl B., Tim F., Cherry779, Macy T., Greg G. and Cindy R.  A tip of my hat to you.

                                                                

 

NEW CD

As some of you are aware,  I've released a new CD every June for the last 4 years.  Well … not this year.  For whatever reason, I haven't been able to meet my self-imposed deadline.  (Perhaps I'm spending too much time on Facebook.)  Even though I really  love the new songs and tracks so far, they're just not ready yet.  I want to release the very best record I'm capable of producing so I guess it'll be ready … when it's ready.

 

FLASH

I understand some of your computers may be having a hard time dealing with Flash.  Therefore, I've uploaded The Old Blue Theater to my YouTube Channel where you should have no problems at all.  Just click on the link.  Happy viewing!

                                                                

 

FREE SHEET MUSIC

Want to have some fun?  Go to the Namesake Music page, pick your favorite song, print the sheet music and play away.  It's fun and it's free!

 

I'M HERE TO SHARE WHAT'S MINE

Yesterday was the first day of the launch of this new web site and you guys put a lot of new blue dots on the globe.  Thanks for helping to put OldBlue.info on the map - literally.  I have many things I want to share with you and this is the place I will share it.

Like the song says, "Name what I can do for you.  I’m here to share what’s mine.  Thanks for coming and seeing me through.  I hope it’s not the last time".

 

TODAY'S THE DAY

Today is the day I launch my brand new web site.  I can't even begin to tell you how excited I am about it.  Now I have a place where I can share my thoughts, my music, my videos and whatever else I'm up to.  So take a look around.  I think you'll find a few surprises and I hope you'll be entertained along the way.  And if you're so inclined, drop me a line.  I'd love to hear from you.