LES PAUL

I would be remiss if I didn't comment on the passing of a legend. The guitarist/inventor Les Paul was an inspiration to scores of guitarists who coudn't wait to try his inventions, the solid body guitar and multi-track recording. I've stated several times in this blog how much I love the guitar and how I admire musicians who perfect their talent on it. Les Paul helped bring about the rise of rock and roll with his multi-track recording. I remember as a young child listening to the radio and to 78 rpm records of Les Paul and Mary Ford recordings like "How High the Moon", the "Tennessee Waltz" and many, many more. Seems back in those days Les Paul and Mary Ford held down the number one hits for a long time. It brings back great memories of my family attending cookouts or going camping and all of the adults would have sing-alongs. Les Paul and Mary Ford songs were the most popular. Here's some history and sample of LP and MF performing How High the Moon.

MORE MINERAL BASIN, CO

Nikon D200

Early morning, everything still wet from overnight rain. This shot reminds me of fireworks bursting against a night sky. With a little manipulation, I could darken everything except the flowers, add some stars, and there it would be. A natural fireworks show. Me and my imagination!

JIM BOITOS

I was listening to some great sax music and remembered a classmate in high school, Jim Boitos, who was a great saxophonist even back then. Besides being in the school band, he had his own band as well. I can't remember what it was called (Yikes! That was nearly 50 years ago) but I do remember the song I heard him play in one of the local clubs. It was called "Harlem Nocturne". Well, I'm on Facebook, and I thought I would see if I could find Jim there. I did! Seems for the past 30 years or so, he has been teaching music at Illinois State University. You can Google him and you'll see that he has come a long way since high school! He has performed with such musical talents as Cab Calloway, Pearl Bailey, and Louie Bellson to name a few. I tried to find him on YouTube but I'm sorry to say, his name didn't come up. I did find several videos of musicians performing Harlem Nocturne, however. There are many of them there, performing the song on guitar and sax, including Edgar Winter and Michael Lington. But the group I think comes the closest to the performance I remember hearing in that club long ago is called the Viscounts. By the way, Jim responded to my inquiry and was shocked that someone from his high school made contact with him. If you want to hear the song, here is a link to the Viscounts' version of Harlem Nocturne.