February 12, 2021

                                                            Corona on the Snake River

What a crazy 2021! The new CD, "Red Rose" released in September and has been well received with its 7 genres of music including blues, acoustic country blues, country, reggae, folk, rock and ballad. I hope you'll listen and order a copy for your car and home! 

Exciting news of the day is that I wrote two singles that do not appear on a CD. Written in late January, "1st Day In Office" and "What Color Glasses Do We Need" are 1960's style political protest songs aimed at President Biden's administration's first days. 

The songs are available via downloading on iTunes, CD Baby, Amazon, Apple Music and can be viewed on my YouTube Channel. 

A new recording studio in Boise, Idaho was used for the singles as I have remained in my Idaho home overlooking the Snake River vs being in shutdown and constricted California. I had such a great time recording "Red Rose" last year with my childhood and lifelong friend, Jim Nau at his Blue Horse Studios in Ramona, California in the mountains east of San Diego. But, for only two songs and to stay clear of Cali, I sought out a studio to do the simple 60's style guitar and vocal with no other instrumentation. 

                                                               Self filming for YouTube

                                      

 August 11, 2020

It's been five years since my last post. Prompting me to get current are a few items that may be of interest. 

1) My website has been updated as of today with my new CD, Red Rose, included. Red Rose has 21 new, original songs that were written between 2014, the year of my last CD, "3", and January of this year. Song samples of all the songs are to be found, you have the opportunity to purchase hard copies of Red Rose, "3" and In Good Hands with bundling pricing to save you some money. 

2) Red Rose: 21 original songs spanning multiple genres including 8 Country, 6 Acoustic Country Blues, 2 Blues, 1 Reggae, 1 Rock, 1 Pop, 1 Latin Rock and 1 Ballad. My childhood friend and 5th and 6th grade band mate, Jim Nau, produced the album at his studio in Ramona, California. We took 6 months to get it done with breaks and our dealing with distance recording due to the "Plague" of 2020. The album is a leap forward with some new sounds along with exciting songs and special effects. It's fun! 

3) I got married February 12th, 2017, ten years after our first date..........although we did meet on the first day of kindergarten on September 14, 1959. Check out the new song, Kindergarten Lovers, on the new CD!

4) I've been buying and selling high end, luthier crafted guitars since 2013 and have sold about 80 in that time. I've managed to whittle my collection to 14 acoustics, 1 electric, 1 resonator and 3 ukuleles. Enough to keep my happy and busy. It's been a fun ride getting to know and become friends with great builders like Jim Olson, Kevin Ryan, etal. Met a ton of great collectors and players too while getting to own all the best guitars from the best guitar makers in the acoustic world. It is a golden age for acoustic luthiery!

5) After 19 surgeries over the years, I've cut back on my sports but still do my P90x workout 6x/week followed by 1 to 2 hour speed walks wherever I am............and that is usually on the Snake River at my home in Jerome, Idaho or in San Diego's University City. 

That's about it for now! 

Blessings!

Bruce

As always, it has been a few months since the last update! I've written 9 new songs and have 12 new ones since my latest cd came out in June 2014, "3". The new songs are 10 acoustic blues tunes, a reggae style song and a syncopated rocker. I am excited about the new songs and have pushed myself in my both my writing and guitar playing. Fun, all of it.

With 62 songs written and copyrighted to date since my first song on October 14, 2008, I must confess I never imagined writing one song. I tried back in college with some lyrics a friend gave me, but it just didn't happen. I love the process of songwriting, from scribble on Post Its or rambling on a lined sheet of paper..........with pencil these days! :-) , to practicing, playing with other musicians, performing and recording. It is really a thrill for me, every song! After reading a lot about Lennon and McCartney and Mick Jagger and Keith Richards (Richard's autobiography is great), I've learned that I am going about it exactly as the Beatles and Rolling Stones songwriters did it, just 40 years tardy! Good to know though!

My grandson, Hayden (age 6), wrote his first song about 6 weeks ago when visiting me in San Diego. We were talking about my guitars and got around to talking about writing songs. It was especially fun letting him know songwriting is just story telling and then having him tell me about his day, which turned into a song...........The Road To San Diego. Hayden is also the catcher on his baseball team in Boise, Idaho.

                                                      HAYDEN RIDLEY - AGE 6

I'm in Idaho currently, finishing up 5 weeks of solitude. It's been great as the weeds haven't started growing yet, so only the spring clean up yard work which comprised 2 days! I tore out my entertainment center and built a new one to house my new 80" tv..............awesome for sports and for that matter watching anything!

                                        THE NEW ENTERTAINMENT CENTER 80" TV
                                                 
Also built a headboard for a guest bedroom, got the boat summerized, replaced my heater (argghhhh) and did the usual fixing of "stuff". Four new songs were written during my stay.

Heading to San Diego on the 11th for 2 weeks, including celebrating my 61st birthday. Last year I was kidnapped for a mystery birthday in Cabo, after I was surprised on my actual birthday by my dad, kids all rallying in Twin Falls to help me ease into the 60's.

In June, I will be flying to Memphis for the Memphis Guitar Show, followed by music stops in Nashville, Asheville (also the Biltmore Resort), Nashville again and Charlotte.

My dad turns 98 in July and that will find me back in San Diego, as always for 4th of July fireworks, viewed from my Dad's front yard, bbq and then his birthday a few days later. Then, a long stay back in Idaho until Thanksgiving! YEAH!

Blessings!

Bruce

                                             KEVIN RYAN AND BRUCE POST NAMM

                                                   FLAT HAYDEN WITH JIM OLSON

FLAT HAYDEN WITH BRUCE

                             

                                        BRUCE WITH HIS NEW CAUCASIANS T-SHIRT

TWIN FALLS APRIL VISITORS, SINGER/SONGWRITER BRITT ARNESEN AND SON CANYON..........FUN TIMES PLAYING MY NEW AND OLD SONGS WITH BRITT ON HER MANDOLIN. SHE FREQUENTS TWIN FALLS FROM HER MISSOULA HOME TO PLAY GIGS AT A LOCAL RESTAURANT/BAR.

                          L-R: HOME PLATE TRUSS ROD COVERS CUSTOM MADE FOR
                                                              RYAN NIGHTINGALE                                                                                                                                     OLSON SJ
                                                               PETROS CUSTOM D              
                                                                        OLSON SJ

Hi!

It's been a few months since updating the Bruce Blog. Sales continue to be fun to watch with the website CD sales and especially the broad landscape of sales that is managed by CD Baby (iTunes CD sales and downloads, CD Baby CD sales and downloads and from the myriad of streaming websites). I get a monthly report that continues to amaze me with sales in 4 continents! Fun stuff.

I have been on the road quite a bit this year with 2 trips to Arizona, Alaska, Montana, North Dakota, Minnesota, Indiana Virginia, North Carolina, Missouri, and of course a lot of time in both Idaho and California where I split time. Lots of music and lots of fun at the various stops.

Setting up some potential gigs in San Diego with my long time childhood friend and drummer, Larry Willson. Check the calendar for winter dates. I will try to do a better job of maintaining a current calendar than I have recently.

I've written three new songs and in doing so, have tried to expand my horizons. The new tunes are a reggae, a blues finger picker and an indie style song with a syncopated beat. Fun ones! I will be playing them during the winter gigs.

Hope to see you soon! Drop me a line if you get a chance. Always good to hear from you. Bruce
Some recent photos:

           An afternoon on the Snake River in Idaho


Good friend Rob Calcutta in Charlotte, NC - September 2014
       
                                    Bruce with Jim Olson Circle Pines, MN September 2014

Jim Olson with Bruce at Olson Guitars - Circle Pines Minnesota - September 2014

      Bruce getting his Martin D28 back after a facelift - Oct 2014  The first guitar Bruce bought in 1974

Recent Reviews of my new CD:     "3"

TH – San Mateo, CA

Just want you to know that the first 2 tracks on your CD belong on the radio and have been in my head.

BK – Carson City, NV

Listening to "3" …..WOW...well produced.  Great musical backings. You've come up with a sound on this one that is new and distinct. I liked the country/folk elements. Some great bridges like the ones in "Different Worlds" are a great touch. There is a soulful sound you've incorporated. I like "Crazy Woman” and think I know some of those mentioned! Well done Bruce. 

JF – White Rock, NM

I had a chance to listen to both In Good Hands and your newest cd, “3”,  this weekend. These recording are superb... and represent what must be a huge commitment to your craft. The material is indeed very we'll polished, and the music is amazing! Your knack for writing is commendable. I need to read the liner notes, but the music reminds me of Willie Nelson , Tom Petty, and Lynyrd Skynyrd, to name only a few. 

DM – Danbury, CT

Have had “3” in the car the past few days and have listened to all of it a few times.....Love it! Specifically the musicality of the songs- the instrumentation is superb as is the audio quality. Your song writing is endearing, clever, succinct, thought provoking! The common theme of lost or broken love is an interesting one, always has been I suppose, and one that so many of us can relate to. Lost Love, Knee Deep In Missing You & All I Can Feel Is You are my favorites at this point! ALL very positive stuff. I think your phrasing is spot on. Superb. A true pleasure to listen to your highly polished and entertaining work!

MC – La Jolla, CA

I will buy several CDs. In fact, I already went to iTunes, but will buy through you. The music is fantastic.  

AD – Alpine, CA

A definite winner! I have enjoyed your CD a lot....the background music is stellar! Music is very good -  singing is excellent. You have a winner! I hope you sell a million!!!!

JR – Huntington Beach, CA

Please forgive me but I am a teenager and I was digging the electric guitar. My favorite song is When It Comes To Love I’m Dumb. But all the rest came in a close second. But just thought I should tell you. You’re living the dream!

TH – San Mateo, CA

I finally had a chance to listen to “3” over the weekend and I was very impressed!  It's quite a revelation.  I like the range of styles because I'm a big fan of the blues and like country and folk. A lot of the lyrics feel like classic folk songs. You sound good. The band is great and the production is excellent. Heck if you'd taken this career branch long ago maybe today you'd be Bon Jovi.  ;)

RS – Menlo Park, CA

I have been listening to it in my car. You are a talented man. The tunes remind me of Hawaiian music. Soothing and “beachy”!  :-)  Nice job.  

CJ – Woodside, CA

I imported your songs to my CD weeks ago..and finally got around to listening. Your last song in my car on Friday was “Lost Love”…which started out of course saying. "It's another 4^th of July"…which it was!!! Smiles!!! Oh my…Love your style, writing etc.

ND – Lake Oswego, OR

The music is radio ready and extremely well done. Singing great, musicians great, tempo, everything. The only problem I have is that I know it is my friend singing. I would like to put it in a juke box and watch how people react to it, or see the album performed live and take in the audience reaction. It’s radio ready. Great job!

DP – Point Loma, CA

I am biased and like this kind of music, but so far the CD is darned good.  I like #1 Let Her Go and #4 Different Worlds the best so far. Album is crisp and clear, great instrumentals and like the balance of having those interjected in there. Quality of the recordings is great. More after I get a chance to listen a couple times through…Good job!

JC – Carmel Valley, CA

Very nice easy listening. Nice work!  

RW – Bellevue, WA

I'm here rocking to your cd and cleaning house! Great new sound, something for everyone!

CB – Rancho Bernardo, CA

The cd is awesome, My husband has it at work and plays it all the time!

JN – Ramona, CA

Very impressive. You have really come a long way.

KW – La Mesa, CA

I really like what I hear. Great Job!

RH – Maple Valley, WA

Nice job. Nice clean recordings with a good groove.

AT – Twin Falls, ID

Wow look at you go! You have a ton of songs on there. Seems like some of the songs could really get a crowd going. 

CW – La Jolla, CA

I just returned from 4 days solo in Baja. Got a chance to listen to “3” a few times down there. Not that I am one to judge music, but I would say that your music has really improved!

TT – Pacific Grove, CA

I'm slowly making my way through 3 listening (and reading along). I love your guitar playing. Songs are fun. Some of them very sweet - you know - the kind girls like!  I like your singing too. 

Loved the covers on both In Good Hands and the new one, “3”.

DW – Auckland, New Zealand

Quantum LEAP from your first recording through to “3”.  Clearly you’ve learned the art of capturing sound more and it does justice to your focus and commitment.

JS – Yarrow Point, WA

Just caught my husband listening to “3” while working in the garage. Great music!

LS – Hailey, ID

Congratulations on the then new cd and also on being so prolific a song smith.

JK – Alpharetta, GA

Listening to your new cd! Very nice!

KR – Huntington Beach, CA

We have been listening to this hot new artist and his latest release! Yikes, it's good!  Great stuff, and the arranging was all top-notch. Allison Krauss, take THAT!

JO – Circle Pines MN

My wife and I both listened to “3”. Great musicians. Good job!

HJ – San Marcos, CA

Great job Bruce.

JY – Menlo Park, CA

I have “3” loaded in my car and have listened to most tracks. You are a talented man. I’m enjoying it.

MA – La Jolla, CA

Good music for my long drive to work.

DG – Stanford, CA

Love "3"!

SB – Huntersville, NC

I wanted to tell you that the extra time spent in studio is immediately evident, and the I think it is great. Much better in my opinion than the earlier works.

LM – La Jolla, CA
I am just now starting to listen to “3”. Like what I hear so far.

LR – Fairbanks, AK

I’ve really enjoyed “3” and I’m proud to have had a small part in your early days of music.

JC – San Diego, CA 

A really nice sounding and looking project.

TC – San Diego, CA 

Love it! Nice job by all concerned. 

RN – San Diego, CA 

Good job! 

DS – San Marcos, CA

Love the CD!

What's Been Happening!

It has been since early October since I reported on the blog. Since that time, a lot has happened. A remodel started that month on the San Diego home and it will, finally, be wrapped up by the end of this month, a nine month process and project.

After attending the Healdsburg Guitar Festival in August, I became immersed into the world of one person and small shop custom guitar builders. In my quest for knowledge, I have made two wonderful new friends, Kevin Ryan (Ryan Guitars) and Jim Olson (Olson guitars and the guy who's guitars were made famous by James Taylor, Paul McCartney, Sting, Paul Simon, etal).

I continued to write more songs for what would become my third studio cd project.

In March of this year, I went into Blitz Recording Studios in San Diego to begin a three month effort that has produced what I believe to be, clearly, my finest work to date. "3" has the same cast of fabulous touring and studio musicians backing me, along with the addition of a terrific pedal steel player to give the music a bit more country flavor).

The new cd, "3", releases tomorrow and pre- orders are ready to be sent out. Be sure to get your order in to get your hands on my newest 17 original songs, another cross genre effort, leaning country, but with a jazz tune, a few blues numbers and a couple of rock songs.

After finishing the recording portion of the cd, I drove from San Diego to Fairbanks, Alaska (3,500 miles). The drive took 6 days and included sightings of 20 black bear, a grizzly bear, 100+ buffalo, a red tail fox, 3 mountain goats and a couple dozen moose. We made the drive in late May as opposed to two years ago when we went in late March..............all frozen and white and minimal animal sightings (one wolf and one eagle).

I am on the finishing stage of the Alaska/Seattle/Idaho trip. The new cd's arrive tomorrow so I will be busy packing and sending the existing orders. Then off to Las Vegas, Scottsdale and Phoenix before I return to San Diego for a few weeks or R & R.

Blessings!

Bruce

Quick update on the posting of the new songs. The four most recent songs will not be posted for a couple weeks as my Webmaster, Website Larry, is on vacation!

The names of the songs are:

Crazy Woman (country)
New Love (ballad)
Let Her Go (youtube video is posted on youtube) (ballad)
Taking Care of Business (country)

Coming soon!

Bruce