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Naturally 7 – Wall of Sound

Frank Sinatra
“We’ll Be Together Again”

We will be taking an hiatus here at Blue Herald. Anyone who reads regularly knows that I care for my Mom, who is 85 and suffers from dementia and has macular degeneration. I’ve reached the point now where caring for her is taking more and more time. Buck’s brother has injuries from an accident that warrant him to help with the family. It’s just not in the cards right now for us to keep up the blog. Bat and Chicher both have jobs and we all feel that for right now, it’s better to go on hiatus rather than not give the blog the attention we like to. I have no idea how long we’ll be out of the loop. We’re going to take things day by day and see what happens in our lives. You can always read Bat at his blog, Vagabond Scholar. I thank Buck, Chicher and Bat for all the time and effort they’ve put in here. I have come to love them and will miss the daily chatter with them.

For myself, I’m trying to look at this as an opportunity, not a burden. It’s a tough job taking care of someone with dementia. Very tough. It gets quite depressing at times. For several reasons. It’s depressing because it’s a 24/7 job. It doesn’t get better, it only gets worse. It’s depressing because it’s my Mom……and to watch her slipping away is heartbreaking. Totally heartbreaking. But to be able to have her with us is a gift. I can’t imagine her in a nursing home or in the care of a stranger. I won’t have it. So for now, I will devote my days to taking care of her. Making her comfortable and helping her in any way I can.

Thanks for reading us! If you’re at all interested in knowing when we get back up and running you can drop an email and I’ll be sure to let you know when that happens.

See you on the flip side!!

Jason Mraz
“Song For a Friend”

Billy Taylor, Duke Ellington and Willie the Lion Smith
“Perdido”

Les Paul and Chet Atkins

Any way you look at it, Les Paul is a living legend.

Better yet, Lester William Polsfuss (later changed to Lester Polsfuss, and then Les Paul) is a national treasure like no other. He’s a rare, class-act-of-a man that comes around once in a lifetime, and anyone who has the pleasure of being in his presence is a better person for it.

At the tender, young age of 94 – which he celebrates today – the incomparable Les Paul is still as amazing as the legacy he continues to grow with every passing year. Of course, he is best known for inventing the modern solid body electric guitar – a glorious instrument that still bears his name today. And he was also the first person to utilize multi-track recording in a studio. Can anyone even begin to imagine where our industry would be today if it wasn’t for these two genius inventions? We sure can’t, and we don’t think you can either.

He still holds court every Monday night at the Iridium Jazz Club in New York City, a tradition he started back in 1995. It’s a ceremony of sorts that become somewhat of a pilgrimage for guitar players from all walks of life, from every corner of the world. And he (thankfully) shows no signs of slowing down any time soon.

In a world filled with tons of fool-headed, flaky superstars, Les Paul stands as a shining example of what a real role model should be like. And so, it is with great pride that everyone here at Gibson Guitars wishes you, Les Paul, a very Happy Birthday. May your 94th birthday be the grandest one yet. Happy Birthday ol’ friend. And make sure you check out the Happy Birthday video we put together with some of our best friends, who just happen to be Les’ good buddies too!

Diane Birch – “Sweet River Tree”

Tuesday Afternoon (forever afternoon) – The Moody Blues
(A day-and-a-half late)

Lou Rawls
“You’ll Never Find Another Love Like Mine”

People on Planes
“If You Talk Too Much”

Eric Clapton & Dr. John
“St. James Infirmary”