Happy Holidays To All

Posted by admin on 5th December 2009 in Uncategorized

 Christmas is upon us, much to my delight. It’s always my favorite time of the year. As of this writing, snow is actually falling here in Brenham, Texas, a very rare thing, but absolutely lovely to see!

 All over town, shops and houses are decorated in holiday designs, twinking lights and Christmas displays ranging from a fat jolly Santa, to the Christ Child in the manger. Christmas music echo’s throughout the stores and everyone seems caught up in the spirit, despite the economy.
 It’s a great time of the year, and here at my place, I put up a little tree with a small train running underneath. Funny how something so simple can bring back such a flood of memories from Christmas past.
 
I’ve been very busy, this season, playing a lot of private functions, as well as a few local wineries and of course, my weekly spot at Stone Cellar in Round Top Texas.
The crowds have been terrific and many have purchased my latest CD, “CHRISTMAS AT THE STONE CELLAR.” Thanks so much to those who bought a copy!
 
Next week, December 12th, I will be in concert at Stone Cellar for a very special solo show featuring songs & stories from my long career. We’re hoping for a nice turnout and a great evening.
Studio wise, I’m in the middle of Buck Johnson’s CC project. Very cool traditional honky tonk country music with a Texas twang and a Bakersfield edge. It’s going to be a great album!
 
Congrats to my lovely daughter Jennifer, and her new fiance, Tim, who announced their engagement a few weeks ago. Tim is a super guy and we gladly welcome him to our family. The wedding is set for 2011.
Three Beland kids had birthdays this holiday season, Jennifer, Sarah and Tyler. Good Lord, where do the years go? Seems like only yesterday when I was picking them up at the hospital!
 
We are still in talks about the SWAMPWATER REUNION CD project. Talking to labels right now, and hoping to find a home for it in the very early part of 2010.
Also, keep an eye out for the new Rick Nelson box set from Bear Family Records, in Germany. It will contain the original un-tampered version of Rick’s unreleased 1979 album THE MEMPHIS SESSIONS, which I proudly was a big part of. It’s a great album, featuring Rick’s last hit single DREAM LOVER. It’s also the only recording Rick ever did outside Los Angeles. I was happy to be involved with the liner notes on this new release. Hope you’ll get a copy.
 
So as 2009 comes to an end I have much to be thankful for. All of my family, friends  and fans who have meant so much to me year after year, I love you all. My heartfelt thanks go out to the lovely soul who keeps this website alive and well, my dear friend Lotta Asp. Thanks for always being there for me, Lotta. You are the best!!!!!
 
Also, as always, my confidant and dearest friend Lois Fletcher. Thank you so much for the lovely house concert you and Chip threw for me this year at your beautiful north Hollywood home. I’m so lucky to have you in my life.
 
Also a big thanks to the gang at Stone Cellar, in Round Top, Texas, who always make me feel at home when I play there. To Terri, Justin and the gang…”You’re tops! “
 
Finally, a warm hug and a big kiss to my lovely Pauline, who has been long over due in my crazy life. She has grounded me with her love, affection and devotion, something nobody else has ever done before. I’m one lucky fellow.
 
I want to wish everyone a Merry Christmas, and a healthy, happy and peaceful new year in 2010. Although the economy is down, and a terrible war rages on across the planet, I firmly believe that our faith in God, and in ourselves, will get us through the hard times ahead. Here’s to the road ahead. Let’s roll!!!
Happy New Year Everyone!!!!!!!!
 
JB
Brenham TX
 
 
 
 

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BUSY FALL!

Posted by admin on 29th October 2009 in Uncategorized

 

Hey, everyone!
 Fall is upon us and it feels fabulous, especially after a summer of triple digit temperatures. The trees are turning beautiful colors and a there’s a nice nip in the air, reminding us that winter is just around the bend.  Where does the time go?
 
At the start of October, Pauline and I flew to Napa, California where I played at my little brother Joe’s wedding. It was a lovely visit and a beautiful wedding, which was attended by my sister all my brothers, who arrived from all parts of the USA, as well as Puerto Rico. It was a especially great to see my children Tyler, Jennifer and Jessie as well as my granddaughter Gabby. It was some reunion, and some wedding!
I even found myself dancing (which I never do) at the reception! We had a ball! I didn’t even step on Pauline’s toes once!
I know Joe and his lovely new bride Monica will have a great life together. They are very special people and I wish them all the best.
 
It was great to be back in Napa, where I lived in the late 90’s, and where my children Jen and Ty still reside, along with my sister Susan and brothers Jim and Joe. We had a great time cruising the vineyards by day, and hanging out with the rest of the Beland’s at night. I hope we can get back there again soon.
 
On Friday, October 23rd, Pauline and I were once again in the air and headed to Hollywood, California, where I performed at the home of Marketing Director and producer, Lois Fletcher and her husband, Chip. It was a fabulous house concert, great turn out and very emotional night, as Lois is the lady who discovered me once upon a time, at the legendary Troubadour club when I was a 16 year old runaway. She, and her then husband Dan Dalton, took me off the street and raised me in the studio, becoming my producer’s and publishers. To this day, Lois remains my closest friend and adviser. It was a fantastic night.
 
While in LA, I showed Pauline the Troubadour, where it all began for me so long ago. It was a wonderful visit and a terrific audience who came to my show. I’ll never forget it.
It was also fabulous to see my lovely webmaster / designer (and dear friend) Lotta Asp at the show. We had a ball!
My heart felt thanks to everyone who attended and helped make the night so unforgettable.
 
I’m now back in Texas, working on the new CD for country artist BUCK JOHNSON. It’s really coming along great and should be finished by December.
I am also very busy playing classic guitar at STONE CELLAR in Roundtop Texas and other holiday events in the Brenham area. It’s so great to spend this season here at home instead of on the road.
 
Lot’s on the board for this and next year. The Swampwater Reunion project is being seriously discussed, and will probably happen after Christmas. All 4 original members will be back together again for the first time in 37 years. Should be a fantastic CD!
 
I’m also in the studio with FRIEND’S IN LOW PLACES writer and ACM songwriter of the year, Dewayne Blackwell, working on new tunes of his for a certain major
country superstar’s (guess who?) next album project. More on that later!
 
Also working on a Chicago appearance right after the holidays. I’ll be playing a couple shows as well as speaking at my old high school Oak Lawn Community High School.
So bring on winter, break out the Christmas lights and throw another log on the fire…this is gonna be a GREAT time of the year for all of us!!
Cheers from here, everyone!
JB
Brenham TX
 
 
 

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FALL IS UPON US..AND NOT A MINUTE TOO SOON!

Posted by admin on 26th August 2009 in Uncategorized

Greetings from my home in Brenham, Texas, where I am busy at work producing a debut CD on country singer / songwriter, Buck Johnson.

 

It’s been a hot summer here in Texas. In fact, the hottest on record. Triple digit temperatures for nearly 50 days in a row. A far cry from the Norway tours I did earlier this year! The heat, and the economy crunch, has had a major effect on everyone down here. Restaurants have cut back on entertainment as customers decide to eat at home, instead of out. It’s been terrible for local business but, hopefully, things will turn around with the cooler climate Fall brings.

 

I’ve been busy as always. This summer I traveled to Brockport, New York, for a re-union with my old band mate from the Linda Ronstadt days, Thad Maxwell. We put on a show for the locals and had a great pickin session afterwards at Thad & Jeanie’s lovelynlakeside house, on the shores of Lake Ontario.

While there, I was reunited with my daughter Jessie and my amazing grand daughter Gabby (12), who is an incredible singer destined for some great things. I’m sooo proud of her. We sang together and harmonized and had an incredible time. Grandpa Jack and Gabby singing the night away!

 

A few major announcements coming soon. We are hoping to record a 40 year reunion CD with all four original members of Linda Ronstadt’s first band, SWAMPWATER. Gib Guilbeau, Thad Maxwell, Stan Pratt and myself are in talks as of this writing. I’m really looking forward to this project, as only recently Swampwater has started to gain the recognition, respect and notice as one of the premier pioneering country rock bands of the late 60;s and early 70’s. Long before the Eagles, there was us..with sharp Byrds-like harmonies and solid Credence-like instrumentation. Expect a great CD from the reunion sessions. everyone is still at the top of their talent, so it should be “magic.”

Sessions will be in Los Angeles as well as here at my studio in Brenham, Texas. Look for a few “surprise” guests, as well.

 

Many people have been emailing me on when I will be returning to Norway. Unfortunately, nothing is on the boards at the present time as I have decided to concentrate on my career here in the States. However, I will be featured on the new Protest Festival CD coming out in Norway this year. I recorded the Woody Guthrie song THIS LAND IS YOUR LAND. So, I still have one foot back in Norway, and hopefully I can return soon.

 

In July, I performed a concert at the great listening room in LaGrange , Texas called, THE BUGLE BOY. It was a terrific night of songs and stories, and the audience was simply tremendous. I hope I can return again in the near future.

 

I’m still playing classical guitar at STONE CELLAR in Round Top, Texas. I love playing here and can be heard on Saturday & Sunday afternoons. If you’re in the neighborhood, call in advance and ask if I’m there as I may be out on the road.

 

In October, I will be flying to Los Angeles for a house concert, hosted by my dearest friend and mentor Lois Fletcher. More about this venue will be posted soon. I can’t wait to return to Hollywood, where it all began for me over 4 decades ago. This should be a terrific, emotional night of music, memories and dear, dear friends.

 

Flying to Napa, California in September to play guitar at my Brother Joe’s wedding. At the same time, all the Beland’s as well as all four of my children will be in attendance. Should be a great time, as I love and miss the Napa Valley and look forward to being with family again

 

Other projects are in the works and some exciting news to follow. Check in on us for more details. In the meantime, I hope everyone stays happy and healthy.

And as always, cheers to my lovely web gal, Lotta Asp for all she does for me in handling this web site. Huggs to you Lotta!!!!

 

Hope to see you all soon….!!!! Catch me on facebook and  myspace at _http://www.myspace.com/flyingb56

 

JB

Brenham, TX

 

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A POSTCARD FROM TEXAS!!

Posted by admin on 4th July 2009 in Uncategorized

Hello everyone, and thanks for stopping by www.johnbeland.com. Many changes ( all for the better ) have happened since I last wrote, so let’s get up to date.

 

First of all we have changed management. I want to thank Berit Govertsen for the work she has done over the past few years, but it’s now time to move on, and we all wish her well. All management decisions will now go directly through here until further notice.

 

This September I will be performing at the  annual PROTEST FESTIVAL, in Kristiansand Norway. Also, I will contribute a new track to the Protest Festival CD, my version of the Woody Guthrie classic ” THIS LAND IS YOUR LAND.” I’ve actually recorded this song quite a few times over the years, playing on it behind Ritchie Havens, Joan Baez, Arlo Guthrie, Pete Seeger and many other folk greats. My latest version is a bit more rockin, so I hope Mr. Guthrie Sr will be proud.

It’ll be great to return to Kristiansand and see all of my old friends again. I must confess to missing everyone and look forward to catching up with things.

 

I am presently wrapping up production on my latest instrumental CD JOHN BELAND’S BIG GUITARS - VOLUME 2 CD. This is the follow up to VOLUME ONE, and it features such guitar instrumental classics as REBEL ROUSER, THEME FROM THE MAGNIFICENT SEVEN, WHAM, MEMPHIS, SECRET AGENT MAN, MISERLOU, WALK DON’T RUN, LOVE IS STRANGE, SWEET DREAMS and a few more, including three BONUS tracks of my singing a few of my favorite old rock and roll songs, Bobby Fuller’s LET HER DANCE, Eddie Cochran’s C’MON EVERYBODY, and Del Shannon’s HATS OFF TO LARRY.

The CD will be available right here on my web site, as well as at www.itunes.com and www.cdbaby.com.

This was a fun album to do and it’ll take you back to the golden age of rock and roll when instrumental groups like THE VENTURES, THE SHADOWS and DICK DALE rode the airwaves with there rocking twanging guitar records. Pick up both volumes. they both rock!!!

 

I’m now playing classic guitar on a steady weekly basis at STONE CELLAR in ROUND TOP TEXAS. It’s a great gig and allows me the opportunity to play the kind of guitar I really enjoy, but rarely have a chance to perform. Round Top is a great little village just between Bastrop and Brenham Texas. There are great antique shops and of course, Stone Cellar, which carries every great wine imaginable combined with a beautiful setting inside and outside. It’s the perfect place to spend an afternoon. thanks to Terri and Justin & the gang for making it such a warm place to play at.

 

August 15th I will be appearing at Bugle Boy, in LaGrange, Texas for a singer / songwriter’s concert. It will be a very special night where I will play songs I have written for many artists over the years, as well as share stories of my adventures touring and recording with the many acts I’ve been fortunate enough to have worked with. I’m really looking forward to this!

 

Also in August, I will be re-uniting with my old Linda Ronstadt band mate, THAD MAXWELL in Rochester, New York in for what we call “THE ELDERLY BROTHERS CONCERT”. Thad, who is now a teacher, organizes a yearly event where we play songs from our favorite artists along with some of the locals. This year’s theme is JOHNNY CASH. So it will be a terrific time. Mostly, it’s a chance for us to catch up on life and share stories and music with friends and family. Thad and I go way back to the golden years in Hollywood, where we ran with the Eagles, Ronstadt and hung out nightly at the famous Troubadour club. Lot’s of history and friendship there.

 

We were all shocked and saddened hearing the news of Michael Jackson’s death. I had the honor to have met him backstage at the MGM Grand Hotel, while working with Mac Davis in 1977. The Jackson 5 were closing a week’s run and we were opening up the next night. I happened to be putting cloths in my dressing room, when I spotted Michael in the hallway backstage. We chatted for a few minutes and I followed him downstairs to the stage area, where I watched the Jackson 5 perform from the wings.

Michael was a sweet, kind kid back then. He was so gracious and we talked about Chicago, where I grew up, and our mutual love for James Brown. But what was more astounding was Michael’s performance. To this day I have never seen a performer so incredible as that kid, back in 1977. This was a few years before the world would call him “THE KING OF POP.” He was amazing onstage and i knew he was headed for much bigger things than the half filled MGM Grand main room that evening.

It’s a great memory. Say what you will about his lifestyle, there will never be denying his exceptional talent. I witnessed it first hand. Rest in peace Michael , and thanks for the music.

 

Finally, on a lighter note,  I’m waiting on news whether or not I will get a new Springer Spaniel dog named MAX, from Springer Rescue in Austin Texas. Max is 5 years old and a real beauty. For 18 years I owned a Springer named Arthur, who was the greatest dog ever. I’ve missed having one since his death, so I applied to adopt Max. We shall see…It will be great having a new house guest!

 

I want to personally thank my web master Lotta Asp for working so hard in updating and re-designing the web site during the management transition. Thanks so much, Lotta. You are always there through thick and thin. I can always count on you.

A huge hug to you, kiddo!!

 

Much more stuff in the works and I will fill you all in as they develop. Lot’s of exciting news to come. In the meantime, have a safe and fun summer. Hope to see you all along the road….

Cheers from Brenham, Texas

John Beland

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Posted by admin on 19th April 2009 in Uncategorized

As of this writing I am wrapping up another month of make great music here in Norway. Speaking of ‘great”, it’s really great to know that PG & Frank are being now played throughout Norway, and even more exciting to know is that they are holding the number one position for the fourth week in a row on NRK radio with ” I KNOW EVERYTHING.” Way to go guys!!!!!!

The boys and I worked very hard on their new CD, CHASING THE WIND, and it’s so cool to know that radio has jumped on it all throughout Europe, from Norway to Italy, Germany, Belgium, Holland….it’s fantastic. Please visit the guys website at www.pgfrank.com and pick up a copy of CHASING THE WIND today. These guys are soooooooo good!!!!
You know, even after 40 (plus) years of making hits, I still get excited when radio plays something I worked on. You never get tired of making it to the radio.

I’m headed back home to Texas tomorrow, but will be back in Norway sometime in June for much more music and recording. (if not earlier) By the way, if you’re interested in booking live performance, speaking engagements, session work or production projects, please contact Berit Govertsen at the following email address; berit@johnbeland.com (ph) +47 48997470, or here on her Facebook.

Summer is here and good riddens winter!!!! Let’s all have a great and safe summer filled with fun, sunshine, music and peace. Hope to see you somewhere along the road.
Peace
John Beland

 

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Posted by admin on 17th April 2009 in Uncategorized

John Beland wants to thank everyone on this last month’s tour in Norway for such a great reception at all the gigs, and helping to make these past 4 weeks so special. Hope to be back real soon. Till then, thank’s to all for making this another great Norway run. Looking forward to many more. A very special thanks to the AMAZING Berit Govertsen for making everything happen for me in Norway. Nobody works harder. Thanks “B”..HUGS!

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Posted by admin on 24th February 2009 in Uncategorized

 ANOTHER SUCCESSFUL NORWAY RUN !!!!
 
Hi All!! Just an update on things.
 
 My February tour in Norway was a great success. We traveled a lot of miles, thru major snow storms and freezing temperatures to reach each and every gig, but it was well worth it. At every stop along the way, fans showed up and gave us such a warm reception. It was fantastic.
 
At Telfords, in Kristiansand, we rocked the night away to a packed house. My band, Bruce and Vallen, were in true form as we rocked out a few sets of Burritos oldies, rock & roll classics and blues to a full house of fans. It was a blast!!!!
 
I also did a TV appearance with PG & Frank, performing two songs on the top news show in Kristiansand. While here, I also did a one hour radio special, profiling my career as well as playing many of my past recordings.
 
The weather was unreal. I haven’t seen this much snow in years!!!!! Thanks to my dear and devoted manager Berit, we managed to drive thru the winter weather and arrive at all the gigs in one piece!
 
I also did some recording in Kristiansand for my latest production project, Arny Egeland. This gal is going to be all over Norway radio….just wait!!!!
 
Well, I’m due back in Texas on Wed, but I’ll return in 4 weeks to play at the grand CD launch for PG & Frank’s “Chasing The Wind.” Should be a real rocking night!!!
Again..thanks to my faithful manager Berit for all the hard work she does for me. She is the best!!! And to Lotta, for maintaining this great website. Lotta, you are a sweetheart!!!!!!
 
Please check out our Facebook site, and don’t forget that you can download all of my music at www.CDBABY.com
Cheers to all of you…Many thanks for all your kind emails and support. You guys rock!!!!

JB
Kristiansand, Norway

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GETTING THE NEW YEAR OFF TO A GREAT START!

Posted by admin on 18th January 2009 in Uncategorized

 

Hello, and Happy New Year to all!

It’s mid January as I write this, and I must apologize for being so behind on my blogs. But thanks to the constant ”kick in the ass” of my faithful manager, Berit, I’m finally getting around to it.

 

Looking back at 2008, I sometimes forget just how busy a year it was. Here’s some of the highlights from 2008 in Norway;

1) I performed 40 concerts in Norway, traveling all over the country doing both full band and acoustic shows. Great turnouts and wonderful crowds at every gig.

 

2) I also did quite a lot of interviews for radio, newspapers and television. It continues to blow my mind when I hear that radio is still playing mine, as well as The Flying Burrito Brothers music. But even beyond that, Norwegian radio continues to play the songs and hit’s I recorded with various acts such as The Bellamy Brothers, Kris Kris Kristofferson, Linda Ronstadt and others. How gratifying to know that a lifetime of making records is still being appreciated by so many fans, in a country so far away.

 

3) I recorded a new single called “EDDIE’S GOT A GUN” which received considerable  airplay throughout Norway.

 

4) I was fortunate to have been invited to do a guitar clinic at the Academy Of Music, as well as Agder Sound, where I met some cool players and guitar fans, and simply had a terrific time sharing my career stories and offering some tips about recording and playing.

 

5) Did a DVD with recording artists PG & Frank ( managed to strike some of my best rock and roll poses ). Also a DVD of a live appearance came, with clips of the DVD appearing on You Tube.

 

6) Produced a fantastic album project on Norwegian singer / songwriter’s PG & Frank, which is set for release any week now. This was my highlight of the year. PG & Frank are amazing and this CD is going to knock music lovers on their ass. It was a real thrill to have worked with these two talented artists, and even a bigger thrill to now call them “friends.”

 

7) I now have a great band in Norway, comprised of two of the best musician’s in Norway. Our rocking trio is humbly called JOHN BELAND AND HIS ALL STAR BAND.

 

So yes, it’s been one hell of a busy year, thanks to the hard work of my lovely, persistent and devoted manager Berit Govertsen, as well as Lotta Asp, my faithful loyal webmaster who keeps this great web site steadily on course.

 

2009 looks to be much busier than 2008, with bookings, productions and clinics all coming in as we speak. Norway has proven to be a second home for me, and I always look forward to my return trips where friends, music and more adventures always await. I must confess that the traveling to and from America is a bit hard, but once I arrive in Kristiansand I feel as if I have made it “home.”

 

Please keep checking the booking schedule on the web site for all the tour dates and events in 2009, and if I’m in your neighborhood please come on out and say “hi”.

So here’s looking ahead to another year of great music, and hopefully a little more peace in this crazy world of ours. See ya down the road!!

JOHN B

Brenham, Texas

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A note from the manager.

Posted by admin on 16th January 2009 in Uncategorized

From John:

“Hi all.

After a few weeks at home in Texas I will soon be back in Norway for a couple of shows.

Below are the upcoming gigs.

Fri 13. Låven, Egersund 10pm
Sat. 14. Telfords, Kristiansand 10pm
Thu. 19. Agder Lyd, Vennesla 6pm
Thu 19. Digg, Vennesla. 20pm
Fri 20. House Concert, Velle, Mandal 9pm
Sat. 21. Casino, Hønefoss 10pm

I will aslo be   in the studio producing Arny Egeland that week. This will be very exciting and I am looking forward to it all!!!!   I love Norway!!!

Welcome to the shows. I hope to see you there!!!

I will go back to Texas by the end of Feb, for 4 weeks, but will be back late March for more shows.

Cheers!”

John

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PG & FRANK AND SEASONS GREETINGS

Posted by admin on 14th December 2008 in Uncategorized

blogfirstguitar5 Hello everyone….Christmas is upon us and a very merry holiday wish for all of you.

 

I’m currently in Norway, still on tour doing Christmas Table shows and Guitar Clinics. It’s always fun, especially when I work with my trio, made up of two of the most highest profile musicians in Norway, legendary drummer Bruce Rasmussen and renown bassist Einar “Wallen” Mjaaland.

We rocked the joint up in Vanse, at 8th Avenue Club a few weeks ago. One of the best shows I’ve done since I began touring here as a solo. I really look forward to working with these monster players again in the near future.

 

PG & Frank’s new CD “CHASING THE WIND” just arrived from mastering and it is fantastic. These guys are going to be huge in Norway, and beyond, with their very own trademark pop/ country/ rock sound. The CD is full of potential hit singles, and all of us involved in the project are in the clouds over these two talents. Great songs, beautiful harmonies, and powerful tracks.

Mark my words, this is the start of a smash hit act who’s great songs will be dominating the radio charts here in Norway in 2009.

 

My tour here will end December 28th, when I return to Brenham, Texas for a little rest and relaxation following a busy couple months of recording and touring. I’m back to Kristiansand in February to produce the lovely Arny Egeland, a terrific singer who’s up and coming sessions I am really looking forward to. Once again, another hit artist waiting in the wings, from right here in Norway.

 

Speaking of Norway, I must say that I am so grateful for the opportunity to get established in this amazing music scene here. It seems as if my profile has risen dramatically since first playing as a solo act last year, and it’s absolutely exciting to play and record with the best musicians and singers this country has to offer.

 As much as I enjoy performing, my real focus is on producing, and so far PG & Frank have really been the launching pad for what I expect to be a long and fruitful career here as a top producer. I now consider this my second home and treasure the friendships I have made with so many gifted and creative people. This is the best Christmas gift I could ever hope to receive.

 

So now we get ready to launch PG & Frank’s new CD in the coming weeks, with high expectations for major chart success in 2009. How exciting!!!

Again, thanks to Berit Govertsen for making it all happen and bringing us all together. Nobody works harder than this amazing manager of mine. And also, a big hug to Lotta, for steering the website on it’s continuing steady course.

 

So happy holidays everyone. May this be a wonderful year of peace, harmony and goodwill for all of us. Times may be a little tough right now, but I’m an eternal optimist, and believe that the “good ol days” are yet ahead of us, not behind.

 

God bless and Merry Christmas and Happy new Year to all!!!!

(attached below..me opening a very special Christmas present..my FIRST guitar in 1954)

blogfirstguitar4

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