New Music and Getting Rid of Ghosts

We're Getting Closer to the Sun!

Hello Substackers,

In case you’re wondering where I’ve been: Due to a major glitch and some “ghosts in the machine,” I was unable to post new material on my Substack for 3+ weeks. Thanks to Landry (Substack technician) I was able to get back online last week. Otherwise I’ve been airing my creative spirit and mind out in the desert near Palm Springs, enjoying the hi-def mountain views and the surprising Spring blooms in arid places.

.The CD of my new album WE’RE GETTING CLOSER TO THE SUN has landed (LP coming soon, streaming will be in a later orbit). Watch this short promo video

and/or listen here:

The songs are inspired by angels, astronauts, the 1968 “Bread & Circuses” episode of Star Trek, Alexander Key’s “Forgotten Door” novel,

the C.S. Lewis space trilogy, Prof. Quatermass, J.R.R. Tolkien & The Inklings, Twilight Zone,

The Bible, age, mortality, eternity, and David Bowie’s “space characters,” evidenced by my cover of Bowie's "Space Oddity” (replete with Mellotron and Stylophone—there’s a whole back story behind my recording of this landmark song).

Musically I was inspired by Badfinger, HOLLAND-era Beach Boys, "White Album" Beatles, early Bee Gees, Bowie, Glen Campbell, Neil Finn, King Crimson, 10cc, & The Moody Blues, and a psychedelic spectrum that could’ve come from Laurel Canyon or London.

Guest musicians include Mick Berry, Mark Jones, Robin Mackey, Robert M. Powell, Prairie Prince (The Tubes, Todd Rundgren), Mike Roe (The 77s), and Chris von Sneidern. Cover art by the inimitable Les Toil.

Be the first to blast off with your copy, and I will sign it with cosmic love. This offer extends to you if you become a paid Substack subscriber—your financial support helps to underwrite the work I do entertaining in assisted living homes, halfway houses, and homeless shelters.

I’m deeply grateful for your support. Cheers! JJB