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

October Update! 13 Great New Songs!

Hi there!

It has been a busy summer. I have, happily, spent considerable time in Idaho this year after being in the Gem State less than 25% in 2012. Last year was especially hectic with my music travels to Cleveland (Rock and Roll Hall of Fame gig), Juneau, Alaska (Alaska Folk Music Festival), Las Vegas (Clarion Convention Center gigs) and the numerous performances in San Diego and Idaho. I have to admit to getting burned out and feeling like I had to be in too many places.

As a result, I made the commitment to enjoying my Idaho home on the Snake River. I have done so and have written 13 songs since my cd, IN GOOD HANDS was completed last October. I am really excited about the new tunes and look forward to sharing them with you in written and cd forms. The lyrics to the new songs are posted on the website and can be found at the LYRICS tab.

With 46 songs copyrighted, including the 13 new songs, I am starting to think about getting back into the studio to begin cd #3. The new songs are, as before, cross genre, including 3 rock, 4 country, 2 blues, 3 ballads and 1 jazz composition.

I hope your summer and year to date has been as exciting and fulfilling as mine!

Let me hear from you!

Bruce

info@brucerobinsonmusic.com

What's Happening

Hi,
I have been busy writing songs since the end of 2012. The release of the new double CD kept me busy the last quarter of 2012 and reviews have been great. Thanks to all of you who now own IN GOOD HANDS!

I spent the winter in San Diego and, in fact, much of my time during 2012. I headed to Idaho in mid February and have been writing songs, 10 new tunes to date for a total of 43 in my quiver............42 copyrighted and are on the website LYRICS tab (with lyrics AND chords for those wanting to dabble into my music).

I have not been performing much in recent months, just a few times in Las Vegas, a benefit for a senior rehab center in La Jolla, CA and will be playing at a beautiful venue this Friday night in Twin Falls, Idaho. The function will be attended by 400-500 people at $100 per person for a benefit dinner/auction to raise money for the local Homeless Shelter..............a great cause that I am happy to be able to donate my performance.

Weather is wanting to warm up...........70's this weekend! Yeah!

I have taken advantage of the winter weather by converting my vinyl record album collection to digital. A great experience and trip down memory lane to put both sides of over 300 albums on the turntable, side by side, and listen to the 60's-70's music of our youth. Now all on my pc and also in iTunes, synched up with my iPod.............fun stuff.

I am currently converting all the family video from tape to dvd..........another great run down memory lane with getting to revisit the youth of my kids.

Be good!

A great evening in Las Vegas at the Clarion Convention Center Hotel & Casino. Sonny Boy Smith drove in from Twin Falls, Idaho to join Bruce Robinson for an evening of Bruce's original music. Gus Hawkins, clearly, was named BEST FAN of the NIGHT. After the show, Gus treated Sonny and Bruce to an evening of jazz at a local "locals" jazz club far removed from the strip. Outstanding!

                                                  Sonny Boy Smith and Bruce Robinson

                                               Sonny Boy Smith with Bruce belting one out

                                                  Sonny Boy Smith and Bruce Robinson

                                                   Sonny Boy Smith and Bruce Robinson

                                                    Sonny Boy Smith and Bruce Robinson

                                                     Sonny Boy Smith and Bruce Robinson

                                    LJHS & Stanford mates Bruce Robinson and Gus Hawkins

                                    LJHS & Stanford mates Bruce Robinson and Gus Hawkins

Sunday Oct 28, 2012 Le Papagayo - Leucadia, CA

Competing with game 4 of the World Series, Sunday Night Football and it being a work night, we still had an enthusiastic audience, albeit smaller than normal..........A really fun night playing from 7pm-10pm. Missed you to those who couldn't make it and thanks to those who could be there. Next up is Jose's Courtroom on November 10th at 9:30pm (a week from this Saturday).

THE NEW DOUBLE CD SHIPS IN 2 DAYS! If you haven't ordered yet, be sure to go to the MUSIC OR STORE tabs on the website to secure your order. A new poster is also available! Be sure to check out the update website: new photos, all the lyrics with chords, updated bio and bios for the incredible band on the CD, CD artwork and song samples for all the new songs.

Some fun gigs recently in Idaho at Mimi's in Buhl for the 3rd Monday Wine Tasting events on Sept 29 and again last night. The new CD is shipping in two days. Quite a few pre-orders for my new double cd last night at Mimi's as the music is being really well received. Sonny Boy Smith on harmonica and Richard on bass, again helped make the night a special one for everybody. We even played a few of the brand new songs that will be on the NEXT album. Richard and Sonny had never heard the songs..........and we still wowed the audience.

Upcoming schedule can always be found on the website CALENDER tab. We added a fun gig this coming Saturday at TRIBES in Twin Falls, who is hosting A GATHERING OF ARTISTS, 32 artists showcasing their art from 2 to 7pm. A large crowd is expected all day and into the evening! Hope you can make it.

Back to San Diego on Sunday with upcoming gigs Oct 28th at Le Papagayo 7-10pm and Nov 10 at Jose's in La Jolla from 9:30pm til close. Aristotle Georgio, the amazing harmonica player who played on my cd will join me along with drummer, Larry Willson. Sonny Boy Smith will join me on December 1st in Las Vegas at the Clarion Casino.

Bruce Gets Ink on Kimo Ukulele Website

Check it out.............Rock & Roll Hall of Fame news on Kimo Ukulele website
http://brucerobinsonmusic.blogspot.com/

Bruce Performs At Rock & Roll Hall of Fame

Warming up before show

Pam and Bruce enroute to Cleveland

                                                     Playing one of 4 ukulele originals

                                                               View from the balcony

                                           Bruce outside the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame

                     One of the gigantic guitars around Cleveland to be auctioned off for charity

                                     Bruce with a to be auctioned guitar in front of RRHOF

        Bruce performing at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame August 24, 2012, Cleveland, Ohio

                                                                       Posing for a fan

                                                           Belting out a blues number

 Bruce & RRHOF VP, Greg Harris at House of Blues...post gig & pre Yankee-Indians baseball game

 Bruce and Pam enjoy a beer and hug at the House of Blues in Cleveland, Ohio after performance

         Progressive Field...........skybox of Rock Hall of Fame board member......Pam and Bruce
                                               

                                               It was that kind of day! Yeah, Yeah, Yeah!

Le Papagayo - Leucadia, CA 40th Reunion Weekend La Jolla High - Standing Room Only

                                        Bruce Robinson and Alicia Previn on violin at right