Ahoy compadres! If you are a regular follower of my sporadic ramblings, you may remember in my last post talking about leaving Florida for North Carolina. Well, the move has been completed, and we are enjoying the mountains and all that comes with it. The Summer months were incredibly comfortable, and beautiful. Quite a contrast from the swelter of Florida. We've landed in a great spot to play music, and have several friends in the area that we knew from our Florida adventures, so all is well.
     After getting settled here, my next goal was to fabricate a new recording space. I had converted a bedroom in the house in Fl for this purpose, but it was a tight space, and felt rather cramped at times.    Fortunately, at the new house we have a basement the size of a football field, and I've been scheming to use some of that space since we first looked at the place. I have just completed building the studio, and am ready to fire up the gear. I'll try to post some pics of the space. 
  We'll be back in Florida at the end of January for a couple gigs, they are posted on the calendar Page, and to see the family. Unfortunately, we caught the dreaded Covid bug during the holidays, and could not mingle with our favorite people. so we've got some catching up to do. 
   I hope the new year brings you all kinds of goodness, , and everyone is treating you well! 
​ See you soon,  Al
   

Yes, it's been a while since I last checked in, but I seem to finally have the time to do so.
    After a long and frustrating life in the cabinet industry, I have reached the end of that particular road. I turned 65 in September, signed up for Medicare, and have put my tools away. I have yet to figure out how to survive this new reality, but the physical wear and tear was more than this old body could tolerate. Not to mention the demoralizing strain on my mental faculties. Believe it or not, trying to make things perfect in a very imperfect environment is quite frustrating.
    So what's next? That is not an easy question to answer. But we are contemplating a move out of Florida, which is a scary proposition. We have lived in the sunshine state for over 50 years, and like the frog in the boiling water, you get comfortable with the discomfort. We have property in North Carolina, and the associated cost of living seems much lower there than in Florida. The hardest part of that formulation is leaving behind friends and family, I would take them all with me if possible, the easy part would be leaving behind this crazy state. If you live here, you know what I'm talking about.
     So I've been working in the studio lately with a great local singer/songwriter, we've gotten a handful of tunes recorded so far, and I'm enjoying the work. That's always good! I'll let you know when that project gets wrapped up. Maybe post some of the tunes here with her permission.
     In other news, the will McLean foundation has announced the winners of the 2023 "Best New Florida Song" Contest. Turns out a song I co-wrote with Paul Garfinkel, came in sixth place. Paul is an excellent songwriter in his own rite, and has won this contest a few times in the past.  Sorry Paul if I dragged you down in the ratings, but that's what friends are for. That festival is in March, so we have time for the rest of the band to get on board with the tune. Maybe we'll see you there!
     I hope you are all doing well, and staying healthy.
   Be good to each other, it's better than being an asshole! 
       Al

Ahoy Maties!
   It's been months since last I updated the web site, and even longer since I had a good reason to do so. But with the slow simmering return to some kind of normalcy we can see peeking out from the darkness, and a nudge from my most loyal follower, I have decided to let you know what's happening in my bubble.
   We spent July in North Carolina working, playing some music, and hanging with friends. The weather was outstanding, and coming back to the Florida heat was not an easy transition. But here we are, waiting for the arrival of fall, and hoping by the end of the month the night time temps will drop below seventy. Yes, ever the optimist.
     The Gang and I will be doing a couple shows coming up soon.  October 17, we'll be at the Dunnellon Historic Train Depot, from 2-4:30.  Presented by the Will McLean Foundation, we'll be knocking off the rust with two full sets of music. We sure are looking forward to returning to such a great venue.
  Then November 7&8, we'll be at the Barberville Pioneer Settlement for the Fall Jamboree. A great festival in a wonderful historic setting. 
   So if you're weary of being locked down and staring at the tube, come on out to one, or both of these events and hang out with us. We'd love to see everyone!

"I'm still alive and well!" Johnny Winter
   It's been a long quiet summer here in the covid zone. Having played no live music in months, I'm feeling like life as we once knew it has shifted dramatically.  Fortunately, a call from out of the blue has given me a project to work on. My friend John Doelman, a poet and lyricist, contacted me to help him out with a project he was working on. Although I try not to weigh in to frequently on political matters, our current situation has the country in tatters. So I agreed to see what I could do to make John's vision become a reality.
    I put together some music to go with his lyrics and recorded a demo for his perusal. It seemed likable enough, with a catchy chorus, but it needed something more. Enter Paul and Kay Garfinkel, Ashley Gang members and musical compadres. I sent my mix to them and asked if they could provide some harmonies. So in an experimental recording scenario, since we are all sequestered to our home turf, they worked their magic using Garage Band and their considerable talents. They then sent me the tracks they had recorded, and I mixed them with my original tracks here at my home studio. Needless to say, they were the garlic that my spaghetti sauce so badly needed. Then John went about putting together an inspirational video to accompany the song. So, the project is up on youtube now and ready for listening. It's called "United Now", and it's a nod to Joe Biden. Warning: closed minded individuals may find it offensive. 
  Click the title to give a listen. It could change the country for the better. 
   Thanks for reading! Hope to see everyone soon, Al
    

Here we go!  This will be the first in a series of tunes which have not been released yet. I hope to offer some insight into their background,  as well as audio samples of the demo tracks included.
   The first tune is "The Greens". A relatively nonsensical version of the blues. In a discussion with my grandson about the juvenile detention system, I explained that while in custody, the only food on the menu is broccoli! My version of scared straight. While I have no fear of him becoming a delinquent, I think this bit of misinformation should seal the deal. 
  I'm working on a demo version to be posted soon. Have fun, and stay healthy!
    I've included chords and lyrics, feel free to work it out for yourselves. It will be a hit at your next open mic!

Intro: E A E Bb7 E
E                                        A  
I woke up this morning, I was feeling pretty mean 
E                                       Bb7
Last night at the table, it was such an ugly scene
E                                    A
I sat down for dinner, much to my surprise
E                                       Bb7                             E
My plate was filled with Greens instead of fries

A                                 E
I've got the Greens, I've Got the Greens
A                                                             Bb7
Kid, you sit there at the table til you lick that platter clean
E                                                   A
The blues they aint no picnic, but the saddest thing I've ever seen
E                                Bb7                      E
Is a kid stuck at the table with the greens


I've heard those old men crying, about holes in both their shoes
I know that it aint easy, when you were born to lose
I sympathize completely, with all that they have seen
But they don't know losing, until they've had the greens


Chorus:
A                                               E
That Broccoli's real cute, the way it looks like little trees
A                                                       Bb7
But what about those little dogs, who stop by them to ___
Peas! Yuk


Well the moral to this story, is kind of plain to see
My Mom was trying to tell me, the greens were good for me
It's a story of survival, so I'll share one little tip
A half a pound of butter, can get those greens right through your lips


Chorus:

  Here's a Soundcloud Link of the  Demo version of  "The Greens"

Well it's been a while since my last update, and I've been reprimanded by my sole reader. One more person on a long list of folks I've disappointed over the years. I have vowed, for the umpteenth time, to do better.
​    So I've come up with an idea, Danger! Danger! Instead of pummeling you with my opinions and strange perspectives on all matters great and small, I've decided to start posting songs that are in progress. I'll start by posting lyrics, and possible chord charts. Then get busy on recording a demo version of said song for your listening pleasure, or pain. This should keep the blogosphere in a relatively steady supply of my nonsense, and also keep everyone apprised of my current mental condition. 
    So while I'm trying to figure out the best way to move forward on this project, bare with me. I'll have the first installment for your perusal available on my next posting, which my number one reader, you know who you are, can expect within two weeks of this posting. 
     
     Wish me luck, and we'll talk soon, Al

I've been thinking lately about life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. Things we once took for granted in this country, seem now to be hard to come by. The world seems to be slipping into a moral recession, where a large majority of humans can't put themselves into the shoes of the less fortunate. Where it's okay to separate families and leave poor defenseless little kids to fend for themselves in a strange country, without even the basic necessities. To those who think this is okay, take a look in the mirror, and ask yourself if you'd still be okay with it if it was your child, or grandchild. If you answer yes, you're full of it! If you can visualize your children or grandchildren alone and frightened, being herded around by goons with guns in their holsters, just wanting nothing more than to be back with their mom and dad, and not feel any compassion for them, you've got a problem. I know the drill, "they came here illegally, they should have thought about this before they tried to cross the border", thats total bullshit! We insulate ourselves from the rest of the world and the havoc that our policies have created, and when something bursts the little delusional bubble known as the American way, we blame everyone else. My inner hippie tells me the only people that should be caged are the ones making these policy decisions solely based on the profits they will see by implementing them. 
    It's really not about Republicans verses Democrats, it's about goodness verses hatred and greed. I feel like everyone knows right from wrong, it's not that hard to tell the difference. Help someone out if you can, regardless of their color or orientation. It's really not that hard to be decent. Maybe this moral morass we're seeing could be overcome just that easily. Maybe stop believing the lies that bombard us every day, you know, the ones that tell you the other person is the problem. They are not. It's the wizards behind the curtain, pulling the strings, convincing you the enemy is different in some evil way. I guess the key is to open your mind to the possibility that we're all being manipulated to some degree. Stop and think, don't quote the talking heads, (I'm not referring to the band, but don't quote them either) check things out for yourself. 
    On the 50th anniversary of Woodstock, it might be a good idea to think back to that time and some of the ideals that those stoned out hippies espoused. Peace, Love, and Music, maybe that is really all we need!
     Hopefully, Al

Aloha all you faithful followers. I know, I'm a bit tardy with this update. I think I have allowed the trash of the universe to infiltrate my brain waves, causing "Creative Breakdown Syndrome", "CBS", for all those in the medical field. Informational overload can be harmful to your health apparently. Especially when it gets hard to decipher the real stuff from the propaganda. From my very shallow, and incomplete study of the causes and cures for CBS, I have come to the conclusion that one must allow the brain to disengage from any meaningful processes, not permanently, but for a short period occasionally. In other words, do some mindless, moderately physical activity. You'll be surprised how many wonderful random thoughts will enter your head during this exercise. Yard work is my number one mindless activity, the hum of the lawnmower can really put you into meditation mode. Just watch out for the stray dog poop, that can really throw you off the path to enlightenment. House cleaning can also function as a release mechanism. The bonus of a clean house is also very attractive. Who knows, you might get a clean house and come up with an idea for a new song, story, or idea that could change the world. Pick your own favorite mindless activity, and get started. You've got nothing to lose.
    In other news, the Ashley Gang  has been playing a few shows as we continue our "Reckless Reunion Rampage Tour" around the state. We're having fun and torturing sound men all over the state. It doesn't get any better than that! Go to the ​​Ashley Gang page for our schedule.
     I'm still doing sound for the www.indianriverartsconcerts.com series, here in beautiful downtown Vero Beach. Our next show will be "Cole Quest and the City Pickers" on March 24. A great bunch of guys with some great music. I've also been informed that our good friend, Erik Alvar will be joining them on bass for this trip. Erik grew up in these parts and has become a go to player for many groups. It will be great to see him playing with these guys. Follow the link and check out our series!  Our charity for this show will be "Save The Chimps", wildlife refuge. 
    I hope to see you somewhere out there in the near future, disconnected, and zoning out! 
​  Al

  Happy Holidays to all my avid followers. I believe, "Happy Holiday", should cover the ethnically diverse group of followers I may or may not have attracted. I hope you and your families enjoy the peace of the season. If that seems hard to come by in the current climate, I recommend turning off your TV and ignoring the news. 
    I'll admit to having been musically lazy in recent months, I'm hoping for rejuvenation with the new year. I do have a few things on the horizon, if you wander over to the calendar page you can check them out.
The new season of the "Indian River Arts and Concerts" series has begun, and I'll be doing the sound and live recording of those shows. You can investigate the line up at the linked web site. Hope to see you at one of the shows. It's important to support grass roots, non commercialized, live music whenever possible. The last bastion of a free society!
    I have also been invited to do a House Concert in January, in the beautiful town of Dunnellon, Fl.  I'll get details together for that and pass them along as soon as the holiday fog clears.
     My current peeve is related to the news being infiltrated with the latest Hollywood or Royal Family gossip, hair styles of the rich and famous, or latest fashion trends being worn by one of the Kardashians. With all the disastrous events unfolding around the world, I can't believe anyone could be concerned with latest celebrity willing to show their boobs in a public forum. Maybe it's just me, I realize I am no longer a key demographic, but distraction and misinformation seems to be king these days. I also understand that the actual news is pretty darn depressing, and folks need some fluff to survive. My advice is to pay attention, but make sure to take time out for cat videos.  Who knows, our next president might be a cat! They seem so much more predictable than our current leader. 
     Well, Happy new year to all. I hope we can all learn to get along a little better in the coming year, we may need to work on our people skills bit.  And remember, just because you think someone is an idiot, doesn't mean you need to say it out loud.
       Take Care, Al