On The Fly

This episode is inspired  by Elton John & Bernie Taupin On Memorial Day, I took my first bike ride  since the accident , seeking proof that my legs, lungs, and nerves still remembered the road. The morning air carried that familiar Southern California mix of ocean haze, exhaust, eucalyptus, and sun-baked asphalt. My tires hummed across pavement I’ve ridden for years. Somewhere between the steady click of the chain and the rhythm of my breathing, Elton John and Bernie Taupin’s The Captain and the Kid found its way into my ears. There’s a strange kind of magic when the cadence of a ride syncs perfectly with a song you know by heart. Suddenly, the music and lyrics stop being background noise and become a lens. And through that lens, the road started talking. I've been cycling on this road some, Can't help feeling I've been showing my friends around. I've seen it grow from next to nothing, To a giant eatin’ up our town. Called up the tealeaves and the tarots, Asked the...

In this episode, The Unexpected Thankfulness of Feeling Human Again I’ll be honest with you: My triumphant return from France was not the glamorous homecoming I had imagined. No graceful glide back into routine. No cinematic jet-setter moment where I lift my suitcase off the carousel and wink at life like we’re old pals. Instead? I came home and immediately launched into a two-week performance piece titled The Great American Couch Collapse. My days blurred together in a haze of soup, hot tea, tissues, and desperate negotiations with the universe for just one nostril—one!—to function properly. The living room sofa became my emotional support furniture. And any creative idea that dared tiptoe into my congested brain was gently shown the exit with a firm but courteous, “Not today, friend. Try again later.” When life hits the pause button like that—when you’re exhausted, sick, and mentally unplugged—how do you find your spark again? Somehow, today, I felt it. A tiny shift. A clearing of th...

In this episode - When a Guitar Chooses You — And a Musician Steals the Show. Every so often, something nudges you back into the wide-eyed wonder of being a kid again. It feels like it was just yesterday—for me—June 2, 2023—thanks to a guitar shop, a long drive, and one very talented musician. I finally made the pilgrimage to Norman’s Rare Guitars —the mythical land where famous guitarists roam and ordinary folks (like me) try not to look like we’re hyperventilating. I walked in clutching my humble Squier Strat like a kid carrying his lunchbox to the Oscars. Enter Brandon Soriano, encyclopedic guitar wizard and “Spec Check” champion. Within minutes, he had me test-driving Fender Strats like I was choosing a getaway car.  Just as I settled on an American Ultra Strat , Michael Lemmo—yes, that Lemmo—walked in, the effortlessly cool host of Guitar of the Day . He plugged in the guitar I was thinking about buying . . . and suddenly I wasn’t thinking anymore. “Stevie Ray? He said, "Tr...

In this episode, The Courage to Create . . . Welcome back to On the Fly.  This blog post explores the inspiring collaboration between Elton John and Brandi Carlile on their new album, Who Believes in Angels, using their creative journey to motivate you to embrace courage, collaboration, and the pursuit of extraordinary creations. There are moments when life whispers invitations to us: "Go on. Create something beautiful." This morning, that invitation arrived through a remarkable new album, "Who Believes in Angels," by Elton John (now 78) and the talented Brandi Carlile. This work has sparked a fire within me.  This partnership, characterized by raw and genuine creativity, is both inspiring and extraordinary. As a lifelong fan of Elton John, I have documented my appreciation for his influence in " Captain Fantastic and The Captain and the Kid. " These blog posts explore his extraordinary career and my growth as an artist inspired by his music and impact. ...

In this episode, Twinkle Little Star . . .   Did you recognize the melody in the introduction? The audio was one of twelve variations for piano of Twinkle Twinkle Little Star, composed by Mozart. Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart is widely regarded as one of the greatest composers in the history of Western classical music. Born on January 27th, 1756, in Salzburg, Austria, he was a child prodigy who began composing at five and performed before royalty by age six. Mozart's musical genius was apparent from a young age; he composed over 600 works in his short life, which ended at just 35. His compositions include operas, symphonies, chamber music, and piano sonatas, and he is known for his mastery of various musical forms. Why Mozart, you ask? I refer to a recent discussion with an eight-year-old we introduced you to in a previous podcast, Sierra. You see, Sierra is a rather clever young lady. A Lego enthusiast plays chess and sends the best thank you letters (snail mail) ,  AND  we di...

In this episode - Vintage Vinyl . . . Turntables are making a big comeback; why? Listening to music should be a multi-sensory experience. Harmony, rhythm, and the deep expression of emotion. Like a warm, gentle rain in the springtime cascading around you the room is filled with a resonant, rich, melodic sound. My emotions welled up, and tears come to my eyes. Ok, I get it, we need to step back to get some perspective here. Recently a visit to Lou's Records in Encinitas, California, inspired me to dig out my Vintage vinyl LP record collection. I selected the Carpenters Singles 1969- 1973 . This musical duo reigned from 1969-to 1982 with the rich, full melodic voice of Karen Carpenter. They were one of the biggest-selling groups of the 1970s. "No fewer than ten of their singles went on to become million-sellers, and by 2005 combined worldwide sales of albums and singles well exceeded 100 million units." The tactile sensory experience of music begins with the album cover it...

“Para bailar La Bamba -  Para bailar La Bamba . . .” Podcast - What the Cat Heard . . .  If you’re reading this post you may recognize the lyrics to the adaptation of the Mexican folk song, La Bamba , released October 18, 1958, by Richie Valens. I’m certain, listening to this tune played on the guitar you would quickly find yourself tapping your toe to the beat. And doing your best to sing along. Me, I’m still wondering what the cat heard? Cat lovers out there maybe you can provide some insight.   While playing the introduction to La Bamba, my cat (Junior), jumps to my shoulders, needles a little, settles in, and meows in my ear. I suppose if he could talk he would say: “Dude, how many times do you have to repeat the same segment to get it right?” No doubt, his comments might be a lot more entertaining than listening to me attempt this catchy tune on my guitar. Allow met to set the stage. Every morning I strap on my guitar, check the tuning, and begin to practice. For fl...

They were one of the biggest-selling groups of the 1970s. “No fewer than ten of their singles went on to become million-sellers, and by 2005 combined worldwide sales of albums and singles well exceeded 100 million units.” This musical duo was the Carpenters, from 1969-1982 the rich full melodic voice of Karen Carpenter filled the radio airwaves. Recently a post on FaceBook inspired me to dig out my old vinyl LP record collection. Little did I realize that the pure joy of music would reignite a spark in my soul of innocent delight that comes from quietly listening and watching a record spin on a turntable. After purchasing a new turntable with a USB connection, and reconnecting my old Harman Kardon amplifier I played a record for the first time in over 25 years, it was Superstar written by Bonnie Bramlett and Leon Russell. This Richard Carpenter arrangement became the duo's third No. 2 single on the Billboard Hot 100. Like a warm, gentle rain in the springtime cascading...