CD overview: Scott Kirby, "Sol Searching"

Scott Kirby, Sol Searching, Little Flock Music

I’ve told this story so many times, if you have heard it before feel free to skip forward a few lines. Back about seven or eight years ago, I was listening to Radio Margaritaville when I heard –  with a nod to Monty Python – “something completely different”. The lyrics had to do with the beach, but it wasn’t done by Jimmy Buffett. The RM website didn’t tell me who it was and I listened for the dj to announce the song but he never did. The same thing happened the next half dozen or so times I heard it – but each time I would stop whatever I was doing and listen, transfixed by the lyrics about living by blue water – something I have had the opportunity to do a couple of times, only to get yanked back to reality way before I felt it was time. I long to do it again someday and I wore the words of the song like a dream coat. Eventually, I found out the song was called “Lucky Enough” by Scott Kirby. I have had the good fortune to see Scott perform several times – interviewed him for my blog, Beaches, Bands & Bars. Not only do I credit him (and Radio Margaritaville) for opening my eyes and ears to the world of Trop Rock, but Scott remains one of my favorite Trop Rock performers – and that song, “Lucky Enough”, still sits on my list of favorite songs of all time... “I’ll raise my glass, you can kiss my old ass” indeed.

Fast forward to 2013 and Scott’s latest cd, Sol Searching. It’s his sixth studio outing – seventh overall, counting his live “Night On The Beach” cd. And, once again, it’s full of reflections on the turning of one’s calendar pages and the desire to find that place in your life that makes YOU happy, where you’re “Lucky Enough”. But, unlike some artists who tend to focus on the partying side of our annual trip around the sun – the “bright and shiny” - Scott’s songs tend towards the wistful and introspective. But, not in a negative sense. I made the observation to Scott once that, at first listen his lyrics may sound “glass half empty”, he is really an optimist. He seemed surprised by that but thought some more and finally said, “I guess you’re right!”. It’s the difference between writing about the rainbow and writing about the guy holding the empty pot at the other end, waiting for it to get filled with Gold. And, if only a few coins fall in it’s ok, as long as you’re near someone you love – and blue water. The opening track is a great example, “Turning Of The Tide”. Featuring a melancholy harmonica and gentle piano, it includes lines like “Days go by and how time flies…” and “Baby we were born to be in a shanty down by the sea…cause folks like us were meant to live in small houses”. But, like many of Scott’s songs, it isn’t about giving up, it’s about acceptance, and finding fulfillment in those things that make you smile. In “Turning”, once the singer accepts that “the big new place, you see, it was never meant to be” he lays his head down to get a good night’s sleep.

Next up is the title track, with its play on words (Sol being the Spanish word for Sun). Cut from similar cloth, musically, with a saxophone substituting for harmonica, “Sol Searching” immediately makes me want to pack up the car and drive somewhere whenever I hear it - Anywhere there are boats bobbing on the water. “Pick up the pieces, pick up the pace…when all you want to do is feel the sun on your face” and “When you wake stark mad in the middle of the night…southwind whispers, baby, book that flight”. If I ever get a boat, I want to name it Sol Searching.

Although Scott spends a lot of time in Key West and the bar in which he’s a co-owner, the Smokin’ Tuna, he splits his year between there and his “home port” in New England. Several songs on Sol Searching pay homage to those roots, including track three, “Any Old Town In New England”. A clap along rocker, the focus is on Beantown but places like Nantucket Sound and Narragansett Bay also get name dropped. ”Vineyard” (the only track on the cd not written by Scott) and the closing number, “Old Beach House” also take the listener to the Northeastern US – the latter an especially poignant song about respecting where you come from that could have just as easily been recorded by the late, great John Denver. “Life is not a perfect thing, it’s tattered and it’s torn, like the curtains in this old beach house the wooden steps so worn. But, when it’s all been said and done we do the best we can and pray for one more perfect day…”

I have used words like wistful, melancholy, and poignant to describe Scott Kirby’s music but he is no sour puss. As I said earlier, his songs brim with an understated optimism - and more than a little humor. “Guys Like Us”, for instance, explores the chemistry between crazy women and the fellas who fall for them, “You Better Believe Her!” is about – well, crazy women (“If she tells you she’s bat shit crazy you better believe her”) and “Whiskey” is a funky, bluesy love letter to that golden spirit.  

I can’t review a Scott Kirby cd without mentioning the sound. While some Trop Rockers opt for the lo-fi approach, letting electronics substitute for real musicians (generally due to limited budget), Kirby cds, Sol Searching included, are full-on professional productions, with strings, brass and lots of top notch guests. Peter Mayer lends backing vocals and the All-Star rhythm section of Russ Kunkel and Leland Sklar (Bob Dylan, Neil Young, Stevie Nicks, Carole King, Jackson Browne, Linda Ronstadt) lend a hand on “Guys Like Us”.

Another outstanding outing from a true singer/songwriter. Now, excuse me while I pour a glass of rum, settle in to my comfy chair… and do a little “Sol Searching”. For more on Scott and his music, www.scottkirby.com

Dennis McCaughey: His feet may be in Pennsylvania, but he's got a Tropical Soul.

When you think "Trop Rock", you generally think warm climates. Which is why so many of the top artists in the genre make their homes in places like Key West and on the Gulf Coast from Florida to Texas. But, increasingly, you can find steel drums and island vibes in what most people would consider "tropically challenged" spots, like Michigan and Indiana. Proving it's not where your feet are, it's where your head - and heart - are that makes you a Parrot Head or Trop Rock fan, Dennis McCaughey and Tropical Soul have carved out their own little slice of Margaritaville in Central Pennsylvania. I sat down with Dennis recently and asked him about the origins of the band, his songwriting style, and how his band become one of the musical mainstays of Meeting of The Minds, the Parrot Head "phlocking" that takes place every year in Key West. 

Tropical Soul, the band, has been together for over a dozen years. How long have YOU, personally, been playing music?

Well, it's hard to believe that TS has been around so long. We must have started when we were in high school! Seriously though, I bought my first guitar in 1978 at the ripe old age of twenty (ok, start doing the math...) and was immediately hooked. My brother and I formed a duo a few years later and started playing in local bars and restaurants by about 1984. After some 34 years, I can't imagine life without music!

The Keystone State doesn’t seem a natural spot for someone to start singing about “beaches and boats”. What made you gravitate towards that kind of music – the journey that took you there - and how did the band, Tropical Soul, come together?

      

I think for me, I really just started to identify with the laidback life "backdrop" that the music is wrapped around. Even living in central PA, I've always been drawn to the water, I've always loved beaches, bars and boats, so when I found the musical connection to those things it just seemed to click for me.

I bought my first Buffett album (yes, big round vinyl thingy) in 1983 and in the duo with my brother we did a few Buffett tunes. After a few years I went on to play solo and kept on adding more of Jimmy's songs to my repertoire. I went into a sort of retirement in the mid 90's. My wife and I joined the brand new local Parrothead club in our area in 1996. As we started to have regular social gatherings with the club, I thought it would be cool if I brushed up on some of the Buffett tunes I knew and offer to play at one of the get-togethers. I did this a couple of times as a solo and then our president Jim Moser said he had a friend who played bass and sang and was really good. He said he'd like to have him come out and join me for a few songs at the next meeting. I kind of forgot about it, but sure enough at the next meeting I met Jim's friend Al Anderson. He sat in on a few songs and played bass. It sounded great and by about the third song he was singing harmony. He was a great singer and our voices blended immediately. By the end of the set my wheels were turning. We hit it off and within a couple of months, we were booking gigs and Tropical Soul was born.

Every songwriter I know has their own process for practicing their craft. What is yours… Do you decide, “it’s time to make a new album, let’s write some songs” or do the songs come first and, when you have enough of them written, then you make the album? And what are some of your favorite Dennis McCaughey-penned songs?

      

Not being a very prolific songwriter, I have always approached it like "it's time to make a new album." I'm not one who writes all the time so when I do start to write, I have to conjure up some discipline and get myself to get into a routine of blocking out time and writing at least a little bit every day. It does work for me but it's not the prettiest thing in the world. Usually once I have enough songs for a cd, I'll go back to only writing occasionally.

I always think the song, "No Plans At All", is probably my best writing. I like the way the studio recording came out too with John Patti doing a great part on the steel drums. "Bahama Mama" was fun to write and really came to life in the studio with Scott Bryan blowing everyone away with his percussion playing and JP killing it on steel pans. On the new "Little Summertime" cd there's a song called "Richest Man in the World", which talks about my dropping out of the corporate world and pursuing music full time. I probably won't be on the cover of Forbes Magazine any time soon, but I've been very blessed and really do feel rich......just don't check my bank account!

 

 

What about touring, how much do you and the band do?

      

I guess we're on the road about ten weeks a year, total. Most of that time is based around trips that end up in Key West. I'm lucky enough to get to play in Key West about 4-5 weeks a year now, so I'll kind of build mini tours around those weeks. In the last couple of years we've also been fortunate enough to play in New Orleans, Los Angeles, San Diego, Canada, New England and lots of other wonderful places.

What are some of your favorite places to play around the country and what makes them a favorite?

      

The first time I visited Key West, almost twenty years ago, my wife and I stumbled (probably literally...) into the Hog's Breath Saloon. There was a guy playing acoustic guitar and singing. The atmosphere was great, he was great and I couldn't help but wonder how cool it would be to get to play on that stage. Still one of my favorites! I love the Navagator for it's great vibe and Trop Rock loving crowds and The Yard in Tampa is so unique and cool. I had a blast there.

What about House Concerts?

I've only done a handful of house concerts so far. It is a great and very intimate experience playing for a listening crowd. They are becoming more and more popular. As you know, I'm coming there to Atlanta to do a House Concert for you guys (sponsored by the Atlanta Trop Rock Alliance) in early May. I'm working on doing a little house concert tour later this year. I'll keep you posted on that.

What are some of your favorite "home town hangs"?

      

There are so many great places in the area, especially in the Summer. Some of my favorites are TJ Rockwells in Elizabethtown, with its huge tropical themed deck and outdoor bar made out of a boat. Heritage Hills in York has been doing Parrothead Sundays all summer on their beautiful patio for years. It's always a blast. Loxley's and Trio have great outdoor spaces too and are always fun and both are within five minutes of my house!

My wife, Georgia, and I saw Tropical Soul at Hog’s Breath Saloon every afternoon during Meeting Of The Minds last year. How did you get that gig?

     

I had gotten to know Scott Kirby in the late 90's. From the first time I saw him perform I was hooked on his writing, musicianship, sharp wit and humor. He was and is one of my favorite songwriters. Through Parrothead events, crossing paths, occasionally sitting in with one another and having opportunities to spend some time together, we become good friends. When we were preparing to start recording our "No Plans at All" CD in 2004, I asked Scott if I could record one of his songs on the album. He graciously said yes. We ended up recording Scott's "Heart of a Beach Town" on that record. I had told Scott that we planned to release the new CD at MOTM that year. He was scheduled to play at the Hog's Breath for the entire week and was kind enough to offer that we come by and play a set of our new songs during one of his gigs at the Hog. We were thrilled and we made it a CD release party. It was a greatt success! The following year, Scott was invited to play at the Casa (big stage) during MOTM. With not being able to play the Hog and the Casa, he recommended us to the folks at the Hog as a fill in for the day. We obliged gladly. The following year, there were two days that Scott had other gigs going and we filled in both. As Scott's schedule changed, we did three and then four days in the following years. Seemed each year another day opened up until finally we were offered the entire week. I believe we've been doing the entire week for the last five years now. I feel very lucky to have "fallen" into this great spot. This year, my trio will be back again for the week playing the 5:30 to 9:30 shift. I can't wait!

Where do you see “Trop Rock” going in the next 5 – 10 years?

Well, ya know, the support and enthusiasm for Trop Rock still seems to be growing! I think one of the signs of longevity is that TR has found its way more and more into mainstream country music via Zac Brown and Kenny Chesney and the like. Plus I'm always amazed at how many younger folks identify with it. When Jimmy said "We are the people our parents warned us about" he was really onto something! It just seems to weaving through generations. I just hope that in 5 or 10 years I can still be a part of it.

Anything else you would like people to know about you?

I just want folks to know how much we appreciate the support from Trop Rock fans for all these years. It's more fun each year......and hey.....I'll keep on singing those songs till y'all get tired of hearing them!

Thanks, Dennis - see you "on the road"!

Thanks so much for taking the time to interview me Fred!! It's been a lot of fun!

http://www.tropicalsoul.net/home.html

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Meeting Of The Minds: Sunday, November 6th - The Last Waltz

We had originally planned to fly back to Atlanta on Sunday, but were told by several MOTM veterans that we should stay to catch Sunny Jim's songwriters showcase at Blue Heaven. So, we made some last minute adjustments - which included having to move hotels - and stayed another day. And we were very glad we did. Getting reports that Blue Heaven was packed to the gills for brunch, we decided to wait a few hours before going and, instead, headed to the Smokin' Tuna Saloon, Scott Kirby's new place just off Duval (you can read more about it in my earlier interview with Scott here on BB&B). The place was also pretty packed but we ran into our new friends, Jimbo, Tracy, and Brett again, who were getting ready to leave and offered us their table, where we sat and watched Howard Livingston and, then, John Frinzi with special guest, Doyle Grisham.

The Tuna is one of our new favorite places in Key West, with plenty of room, a cozy feeling despite being largely outdoors, and good food - the Smokin' Tuna Dip and peel & eat  local shrimp were especially tasty. One funny note: After turning down my first couple of beer requests, saying they were out of stock, the bartender shrugged and by apologized, saying "This is our first Parrot Head convention. We just weren't ready!"

We hated having to give up our much coveted table, but we wanted to catch at least some of the acts at Sunny Jim's showcase, so we closed out and walked up Whitehead Street. By the time we got there, the brunch crowd had subsided and, although there was still a good sized audience enjoying the music, there were plenty of places from which to watch the show.

If you've never been to Blue Heaven it's REALLY an outdoor venue. Unlike Smokin' Tuna, where there are at least some covered areas where you can go when the weather doesn't cooperate, there is no such shelter at Blue Heaven. Luckily, it was a beautiful Fall afternoon so being outdoors was exactly where we wanted to be. especially given the caliber of entertainment. Another interesting feature of Blue Heaven is that the "stage" is about ten feet up in the air, surrounding an old water tower. So, to see the performers, you have to look up. The advantage is that, unless you were to maybe get behind a group of NBA centers, you never have to worry about people blocking your view.

We caught Tall Paul, Latitude, Rob Mehl and several others before heading back to the Smokin' Tuna to see Kelly McGuire and Scott Kirby. On the way, we stopped by the Green Parrot, where the Sauce Boss was rocking the house while mixing up a pot of Gumbo.

Back at the Tuna, we found the place to be even busier than before. Apparently, even though the convention was officially over, lots of folks had the same idea we did and had decided to stay another day. Georgia eagle-eyed a group with young children sitting at the very same table we left a couple hours earlier ("They can't stay long, they have kids") and this time we were able to repay the favor by inviting Brett and his buddies from the Ft. Meyers area PHC to come sit with us.

Kelly and Scott are two of my favorite Trop Rock artists, and the chance to seem them play together was a real treat. They were joined by Mike Aiken and the three took turns performing their own songs. And that was just the "appetizer" for the main event, Scott Kirby and guitarist Dave Edmisten (along with a fiddle player whose name I didn't catch). Together, they ran through some of Kirby's catalog, including one of my favorite all time Trop Rock songs, "Lucky Enough". The line "I'll raise my glass, you can kiss my old ass...I'll die with my feet in the sand" will probably wind up on alot of Parrot Head tombstones.

A full day of music, wrapping up a long but thoroughly enjoyable convention, but it wasn't over yet. The last hurrah was the "No Plane On Sunday" party featuring Jim Morris & The Big Bamboo Band at Schooner Wharf. Morris had the crowd singing along to every song, mixing his own originals with rowdy covers, like Jerry Jeff Walker's "Up Against The Wall You Redneck Mothers". Wiped out but grinning ear to ear, we called it a night - and a week. On the way back to our hotel, Georgia turned to me and said, "As soon as we get home, we're registering for next year."

New Hot Spot in Key West: They're Smokin' Tuna...And it's Legal!

You can’t swing a rubber chicken in Key West without hitting a world class watering hole. Captain Tony’s, Sloppy Joe’s, Hog’s Breath, Louie’s Backyard, Schooner Wharf, The Green Parrot, Blue Heaven, The Bull (and, for the more adventurous, Garden of Eden upstairs) and, of course, Jimmy Buffett’s  Margaritaville on Duval Street. Now, you can add one more to the long list of “must visit” places the next time you’re getting your Southernmost drink on: The Smokin' Tuna Saloon.

Owned and operated by a partnership of five individuals, including well known Trop Rock singer/songwriter, Scott Kirby, Smokin Tuna is located just off Duval. Scott and some friends were on stage for the Grand Opening party on June 17^th and the group have big plans for the future. I got a phone call from  “Mr. Lucky Enough” while he was enjoying some down time in Washington State and talked to him about the new venture…

Thanks for the call, Scott – have you got a few minutes to talk about your new place in Key West?

“No problem, Fred.  And, yes, I can definitely talk now. I’ve got three shows up here - including a house concert on Thursday, but I’ve got a couple days off and I’m going to spend them in the San Juan Islands. So, I’m just sitting here right now waiting for the ferry.”

 

A lot of buzz about your new bar, The Smokin' Tuna Saloon. Did you have any prior restaurant or bar experience?

“Only from the standpoint of having spent a lot of time in both of those – especially the latter! But, no, I’ve never run or owned one before.”

So what made you want to do it now?

“Do you know Charlie Bauer?”

I know the name but don’t think we’ve ever met….

“If you have ever been into Hogs Breath in Key West, chances are you ran into Charlie. He was the founding Manager  – ran that place for about 20 years. He is also the founder of the Key West Songwriters’ Festival, which is the largest festival of its kind in the world.  He approached me about, maybe, opening a place in Key West – someplace that would be set up specifically to showcase live, original music. We looked for over a year, until we found what we felt was just the right spot."

An existing bar?

“It was called The Alamo. It’s got a great open air layout – two bars and an elevated stage, all of it outdoors. But, the bars are covered, there is a brick floor, and it’s all surrounded by three historical buildings, which cut off any wind or noises from the street. So you sort of feel like you’re inside, until you look up and see the sky.”

Did you have to do any major work to get it the way you wanted it?

“No major renovations, if that’s what you mean. We re-did the two bars, gave them more of a tiki bar feel, and put in a Mackie sound system for the stage, to fit the kind of music we’re going to be doing  – speakers, subwoofers, and a sound board. Other than that, it was mostly some cleaning, painting, sprucing up."

Count your blessings. I spent almost ten years in the bar and restaurant business - was an owner/manager of a couple places here in Atlanta - and it seems there is always at least one big unexpected problem when you’re trying to get a place open!

“Yeah, we were lucky, I guess. No ‘horror stories’. Of course, we had been looking for a while, checked the place out pretty thoroughly."

What was it that you liked about this particular spot?

“As I said, we wanted a music room and this place is perfect. It’s got an intimate feel – with the brick floor, surrounding buildings, and a big tree to provide some shade – but can hold a few hundred people, and the acoustics and sight lines to the stage are great. It’s got a great vibe, right in the heart of Key West on Charles Street but a little off the beaten path, about 150 feet off Duval…”

That isn’t necessarily a bad thing, a chance to get away from the crowds. What’s in the three buildings?

“One holds our offices, another we’ll use for private parties, and the last one is our merch shop.  Before we even found the bar, Charlie has an idea for the logo and we knew we were going to want to have t shirts. So far, the merch has been doing great. People love it…”

What about food?

“Right now we’ve got a temporary menu but our plan is to be a good, casual dining place with a lot of fresh, local fish. One of the partners is a chef. He owns another place in Somers Point, at the New Jersey shore, has had it for almost thirty years, and he’s working on a permanent menu. We will have it up and running in September. We have already implemented some of his recipes – like Smoked Tuna. “

What can people expect at the bar?

“It’s full service. You can get cheap tequila if you want, all the way up to single Malt Scotch. We also have a good wine selection, several drafts, and a good selection of bottled beer – including our own ‘Smokin Tuna Ale.’ ”

So, you have food and drink covered. But, you said the place is primarily a live music venue. What are your plans in that direction?

“I’m really excited about the music. The stage will hold a six piece band comfortably, and – as I said, the sound system, acoustics, and sight lines are all excellent. We’ll have music seven nights a week, from local songwriters, to well-known trop rockers like Hugo Duarte, John Frinzi, and James White, to national touring acts like Robert Earle Keen. Deblois Milledge and Mass Acoustic are two more shows I’m looking forward to.”

Cover charge?

“There won’t be any cover charge except for the bigger shows, which will be ticketed. On November 2^nd, during MOTM, we’ve got Peter Mayer coming in. I’ll be opening that show, with Dave Edmisten and some other friends. We expect to have about 400 people here that night.”

Can you buy tickets in advance for that?

“Yes. Tickets for Peter Mayer are $25. They go on sale August 1 through keystix.com”

How often will you be playing there?

“I’m planning to be there at least one week a month from October through the Songwriters’ Festival, which is in May – including the whole week of Meeting of The Minds.”

You’re on the road six months a year. Who is going to be running “The Tuna” when you’re not there?

“Charlie is the Managing Partner, he’ll be handling the day to day. My responsibility will be more the music and marketing. I’ll be doing a monthly newsletter, doing interviews like this, that sort of thing. As you said, I’m on the road at least half the year, so can’t be there all the time. Two of the other partners own Fury Water Sports, they’re successful Key West businessmen, so they will also be very involved.”

The place sounds awesome, Scott. I think I found my new favorite hang out in Key West! I can’t wait to check it out when my wife and I are down there in November…

“Please do come by, let me buy you a couple of beers!”

It’s a deal. Good luck with it and thanks again for calling, Scott.

“No problem. Always good talking to you, Fred.”

http://smokintunasaloon.com/index.php

http://www.scottkirby.com/

http://www.petermayer.com/

Music from the Mailbox

I’m a Trop Rock fan. Big surprise. If the song is about beaches, bars, or boats, chances are I will like it. Lucky for me, there are literally HUNDREDS of artists out there these days singing about my three favorite subjects – and I’m discovering new ones every week.  As a fan, I listen to this kind of music most of my waking hours anyway. But, I’m also a mobile dj – the only one that I know of in my part of the country that features Beach Music and Trop Rock as a regular part of my playlist, from weddings to pool parties. So, I also get a regular chance to play these tunes for other people - not just Jimmy Buffett, Kenny Chesney, Bob Marley, and the Beach Boys – but independent singer/songwriters and bands. My wife and I also have a business – Bahama Llama – that brings “great food and a tropical vibe” to festivals around the Atlanta area. Our booths are always beach themed and, of course, the music we play all day is Buffett and Trop Rock. At some festivals, that could mean tens of thousands of people passing by our booth (hopefully, at least some stopping) and hearing what we’re playing. On top of all that, I have this blog. One of the main reasons I started it was to help expose people around the world to Trop Rock and the folks who play it - hence the second word in the title. 

For all those reasons, hardly a week goes by that I don't walk out to my mailbox and find a package full of cds from somewhere around the country. Some are new releases from artists and bands I have known about for some time, others are from people I've only recently been introduced to. Either way, I'm like a kid in a candy store - I can't wait to get back inside and hear what the mailman has brought me.

Here are some of the more recent releases I have gotten in the last few weeks... 

 Paul Roush "Today's The Day" - Paul is a veteran music maker from Missouri with a storied history. He was a founding member of the band Phins, 2008 winners of the Trop Rock Horizon Award, and also fronted the 12 Volt Band. He decided to go solo last year and the result is this cd. Recorded at Orca Sound Studios in Maryland, it was produced by Captain Quint's Kevin Johnson, who also plays keyboards, bass and drums on the disc. The ten tracks include a few notable covers; "Layin' My Life On The Line" comes courtesy of Jerry Jeff Walker, "Daddy Was A Sailor" is a Nitty Gritty Dirt Band composition, "I Wanna Be A Pirate" was originally found on the Captain Quint cd, "Unsinkable Still", and it doesn't take a die hard Springsteen fan to immediately identify "Thunder Road". The rest of the material is all original, including "Bad Day On Vacation" - a glass-half-full look at a bike ride on the beach, "Today's The Day" - a feel good ditty about discovering a love you already had, and the retrospective "Just To See If I Could". Two of the more melancholy songs, "Three Sailors" and  "Fools, Drunks, And Children", are updated versions of Paul's tunes originally penned for Phins projects (the former can be found on "Welcome To The Beach", the latter is the title track to their 2002 cd). Howard Livingston fans will also appreciate Paul's hilarious ode to the multi-award winning Florida Keys' musician, "I Wanna Be Howie" (with a nod to Brent Burns).  http://www.paulroush.com/ 

Captain Josh "Whitecaps & Nitecaps" - Josh Ramsteck, aka "Captain Josh", hails from the Orlando, Florida area and is a true Parrot Head - member of the Parrotheads of Central Florida. "Whitecaps & Nitecaps" is his third cd - following up on 2008's "If I Had A Hammock" and "Music In The Lower Keys" from 2007. Like the first two, it consists of original material with some carefully chosen covers, most notably on this one Ricky Nelson's 1972 hit "Garden Party" and the Motown Classic (later re-recorded by Linda Ronstadt) "Ooh Baby Baby". Josh's original tracks often take a humorous look at the Parrot Head lifestyle, and this cd is no exception:  "Parrotheads in Paradise" boogies along on a bed of Buffett references, the double entendre filled "Deep Vee Bottom" is a tongue firmly in cheek look at boats, "Room Key" tells the (true?) story of an amorous fan at a festival date Josh played in Panama City, Florida, and "I'm Into Leather But I Could Be Suede" speaks for itself. Of the "serious songs", "Ship To Shore" would be a great one to listen to as the sun sets and the title track is a nautical ditty with squeeze box accompaniment. Guests on the cd include Trop Rocker Jimi Pappas and guitarist Rob Seay. http://capt-josh.com/

John Patti "Cabana Breeze" - From appearances on various Trop Rock records, to a tropical take on the Folger's Coffee theme with John Reno (top ten finalist in a national contest), to the recent Coral Reefer Soul show in Tampa, and upcoming dates in Costa Rica with Jim Morris, John Patti is a busy guy these days. Playing the steel drum from an early age, Patti cites a chance encounter with the Coral Reefers in Key West back in 1998 as a turning point in his musical career. "Cabana Breeze" is his second cd and features Buffett band members Peter Mayer, Doyle Grisham, and Nadirah Shakoor, who adds vocals to the soulful and sexy "Steamer". The other ten tracks are all-instrumentals. Songs like "Start The Party", "Catamaran Race", "Tiki Groove", and "Tauranga" make you want to run, not walk, to stick a lime into a long neck and your toes in the nearest sand, and "Wonderful Tonight" is his reggae-fied (and slightly more upbeat) take on the Clapton classic. John is a member of the Deb Grisham Music group of artists, which also includes Nadirah Shakoor, and both Peter and "Uncle" Jim Mayer. http://www.johnpatti.com/

Scott Kirby "Row Me Home" - As an unabashed Scott Kirby fan, I was thrilled to connect with him via telephone recently to conduct an extended interview (found elsewhere on this very blog) and talk about some of his music, including tracks on this - his sixth cd, released last year. Produced by world renowned drummer Russ Kunkel (Jackson Browne, Jimmy Buffett, James Taylor, Bob Dylan, Dan Fogelberg and countless others) and featuring an all star cast of musicians like Leland Sklar, Dean Parks, and Coral Reefers Jim and Peter Mayer and Roger Guth, "Row Me Home" is full of Kirby's trademark warmth and poet's eye for detail. Favorite tracks include "Blow Me Down To Cayo Hueso" - an ode to his own song line, which has taken him from New England to Key West, "Port Outbound Starboard Home" - a catchy Jackson Browne type rocker about not looking back, the pretty, country tinged "Out Here Near The Edge" and the cleverly titled acoustic ballad "Row Me Home To Juliet". Kirby recently kicked off his Spring/Summer tour in New Hampshire and will be travelling South and West, with dates in Georgia, Texas, Arizona, Washington and more through July.  http://www.scottkirby.com/

 Hana & Satchwell "Chillaxin" - Another group featured in a full length interview on this blog, Ricky Hana and Alan Satchwell split their time between the California coast and Hawaii. Successful musicians in their own rights, 2010's Chillaxin is their second cd as a duo and the second to win a Hawaii Music Award as "Pop Album Of The Year". As the name implies, "Chillaxin"' is all about slowing down and taking things one day at a time. "Island Daze Island Nights" rides a lazy horn-driven groove, the beautiful and relaxing "My Sunset" features their trademark smooth vocal harmonies, "Duval Street" and "Cali Samba" are jazzy instrumentals, "Island Gurl" is the perfect soundtrack for a cruise along the North Shore, and "First Day Of Summer" and "Lighten The Load" are reggae tinged and danceable. Much Aloha!  http://hanasatchwell.com