“Your dream doesn’t have an expiration date. Take a deep breath, and try again.”
- K.T. Witten
- K.T. Witten
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I have been truly blessed.
Building this website requires that I rummage through piles of photos, newspapers, videos (some VHS), scrapbooks and boxes of keepsakes. I am overwhelmed. It’s like an old episode of, This Is Your Life. We didn’t bother to take photos in my earlier music days; we lived in the moment as life rushed past (not necessarily wanting evidence). After about 1990 I often carried a small camera. Now, I’m astounded to see so many of my musical heroes and relive the life lessons they shared. Memories flood as I reminisce many events previously evaporated from my memory. This life was put on hold about ‘97 as I quit music for a decade. A few years ago a dear friend from my college days called and wanted to come hear me play. I chuckled and informed her I wasn’t playing anymore. She said, “It’s ok. So you’re not doing formal gigs. I just need to come and hear you play.” I explained my... not playing and don’t even own a guitar. She showed up at my doorstep (500 miles away) with a guitar and small Marshall amp, informing me, “There’s no version of reality or alternate universe where you do not play music.” With a pained look of desperation in her eyes, she asked, “Have you forgotten who you were?” I didn’t understand that question; nor could I fathom the multitude of life changes afoot. I had forgotten! I still don’t know the answer to --who I was. However, more importantly, I’m learning who I am. I love music. Dreams survive if acted upon. Music is passion and ignites faded dreams. I’m elated to revive my dreams and devote my energies to music. It is who I am. I have several new originals, learned some favorite guitar tunes, and plan a CD release in 2018. This website project is a part of that plan. I would like to say thanks to my friend, not only for my beautiful new USA Fender Strat and amp, but for knowing ME. I love her for that. She believes in me enough to shake me from my slumber and insist my spiritual path is best traveled with purpose and vigor. About Me Music is my passion. Guitar is my primary instrument although I enjoy playing several instruments including, my new found friend, the ukulele. Fingerstyle guitar, my latest inspiration, is pushing boundaries providing hours of pleasure, fueling a sense of accomplishment and spawning musical prosperity. It pleases me, at this time in my life, to focus more on songwriting/composing. Crystal Beach Boogie is the title song of my new CD, due for release 2016, which includes several originals and some instrumental favorites from my guitar heroes (like Peter Frampton, Duane Allman and Chet Atkins). Other favorite pastimes include photography, writing, reading, and flying. Occasionally I freelance, writing articles and/or taking photos, for various publications. This keeps me in touch with my newspaper days; whetting those near rusty skills, and reminding me the happy rush of productive deadline sensitive times. I love being absorbed in a good book and still carry a private pilot’s license, which I rarely use anymore. I fancy myself a fairly competent pool player; as a certified National Referee, often in Las Vegas, I’m fascinated by the geometry and physics of well executed shots. Finding your playing zone is akin to a blissful non-thinking elegant dance: a relaxing zenful experience. I’m found almost nightly at Crystal Beach, enjoying a sunset walk (or playing guitar) with my bestest friend, Heidi. She’s the wonderful puppy which reminds me every moment is another energy filled opportunity for adventure. “There’s no such song as the puppy dog blues. Everyone loved by a dog smiles.” Welcome! Thanks for stopping by, spending your time, at my bit of cyber space. Stay as long as you like. Return often. Browse the site, check out the photos, videos, and music; feel free to send comments, suggestions, questions or if you have related media items share them, please. Bookings require advance notice and are subject to availability. ~Peace n love, Rick Jennings Crystal Beach, FL Rick Jennings Musician page on facebookFor more current info, gigs, photos, and video too, CLICK the button to visit my Rick Jennings' Musician/Band page on facebook. That's where I post many, day to day, local events and jams especially the ones I frequent. Please click like, on that fb page to follow and receive updates for myself and fellow musicians.
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Hanging with my heroes. Backstage photo, above, was taken at this show.
Photographer: Kay Oestreich; Monthly Music Circle pickin' at Crystal Beach
Rick Jennings and Doyle Dykes; Hope Church, Lutz, FL Oct 27, 2013
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__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ © Rick Jennings 2017. All rights reserved. | Photographer: Kay Oestreich l Web Design: Rick Jennings l Media Services: Word Wise Publishing