Recording in Nashville, Tennessee

Tomorrow, I'm leaving for Nashville to record the second Southwest album. This is exciting and I'm looking forward to releasing it sometime in the spring. There is a song about a Taos ski bum, one about a favourite bar of mine in Santa Fe, two songs about authors, plus a bunch more. A Happy New Year to everyone...

Merry Christmas !!!

It's been cool in Georgia this week. That's ok, it's supposed to be. I have booked in this coming Friday back at Sugarmill Creek. It can be quite cozy when the wood stove is fired up. This is my last booking before the holidays, then soon after I will start recording.
I wish a Merry Christmas to all my friends across this great country and also Canada, New Zealand, Ireland and England. Perhaps I'll get to go over there one day soon. Hope to see you this coming Friday at Sugarmill.

Nashville, Tennessee.

I just returned from a couple of days of meetings in Nashville. I got to see the latest addition to Omnisound Studios. Very nice and I'm looking forward to going back in January. The photographs show two famous hangouts on Broadway. It was raining in Nashville and also in Georgia when I returned. Tomorrow night I'll be back at Sugarmill Creek.

Omnisound, Nashville, Tennessee.

I just booked the first part of January, 2008 in Omnisound Studios, Nashville, Tennessee. I will be recording my third solo album. This is exciting because the studio is first class and Nashville musicians are as good as any in the world.
Once again many of these new songs are about New Mexico and the southwest. There are songs about hikes, mines, places, events, yes, and a few love songs, some blues, some bluegrass and some bordering on rock. It should be released in March, 2008. Please check back often for updates.
Tomorrow I will be performing once more at Sugarmill Creek on Lake Burton. I would love to see you there. Please stop by if you are close.

With Michael Hearne at the Bowman House Concert.

Friday night at Sugarmill was another cool night. On Saturday I appeared at the Bowman House Concert in Atlanta with Michael Hearne. His son Travis also sang a self-written song and it was exceptional. Apart from the great music, I got to meet and talk to many interesting folks. Many thanks to Art and Nance for making it all happen.
It started raining around 7:00pm Saturday evening and it hasn't stopped. That's good for Georgia with the drought we are experiencing.

Back in Georgia

I had a smooth flight home from Albuquerque. Last night I talked with "Miss Kate" who is really enjoying her new job.
I think I brought some of that Red River cool back with me. Yes the temperatures have changed here in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Northeast Georgia. I will be on the deck at Sugarmill Creek tomorrow night and the wood stove is installed and working. It should be quite cozy. Hoping to see you there....

Songs of New Mexico Release Party

The release party was a big success. There were 12 acts performing and I got to meet many of the other people on the cd. I performed with just the guitar and it went well. It looks like someone got to the cake before my camera. K-TAO solar radio did a fabulous job of hosting this party. Thank you Brad and all the staff for making this such a memorable event. Today I'm on my way to Santa Fe, then the airport. On Friday I will be back at Sugarmill Creek.

Santa Fe

I had a really smooth flight to Albuquerque, picked up the guitar from Pimentel and drove to Santa Fe. I stayed with friends and we went to see Bill Hearne at the La Fonda. He did a great job as always. Saturday I left for Red River. The first photo was taken near St. John's College in Santa Fe. The haziness is caused by a "controlled" burn somewhere near Los Alamos. The second, the Rio Grande south of Taos.

Fall colours in Northeast Georgia

I spent the weekend admiring the fall colours around Lake Burton. This has to be the best weekend yet. Once more I got to see and appreciate fall in the rockies and then in Northeast Georgia.
I have booked dates at Ruffino's in DeSoto, Texas for the last week in January and the first week in February. Then I go to Red River for a little fun in the snow. I try to post all the bookings on my website so please go to www.Philipjohnbrooks.com for more information. Hello to all my friends in Pueblo Colorado. Hope to see you soon.

LaPrades on Lake Burton

This was another great weekend with Sugarmill Creek on Friday and The Old Pilgrim House in Helen on Saturday. Thank you Jere, Joy, Mary, Lou, John, Regina and Matt for coming to visit with me at the Old Pilgrim House.
I stayed at the lake and on Sunday I took the boat out, picked up some friends and we went to the new LaPrades for lunch on the deck by the water. It was a beautiful day and we spent most of it riding around looking at all the new houses on the lake, including the house being built for the Alabama coach. Georgia Power, the guardians of the lake, have decided not to let the water level drop this year because of the drought. That means we can enjoy the lake until the cold weather arrives.

The Old Pilgrim House, Helen, Georgia

This past Friday I was back at Sugarmill Creek and was surprised and pleased to see they are adding to the deck and also a covered area. It was good to see all my good friends once more.
On Saturday I performed at the Old Pilgrim House in Helen, Georgia. The old Pilgrim House sells really nice furniture such as aspen beds. They also rent out cabins in the Helen and Lake Burton area. This month is Octoberfest in Helen and the town is teaming with visitors. This coming Saturday, the 27th, I shall be back once more at the Old Pilgrim House around 3:00pm. Come and visit.

Harbourtown at Hilton Head, South Carolina

Today we rode bicycles and visited the Salty Dog cafe at South Beach Marina and then on to Harbourtown. The weather is perfect and the bike paths are very flat. One gear is all that's needed.

Hilton Head Island

I was home for just a few hours before heading down to Hilton Head. The weather is nice here with ideal temperatures. We are just 50 yards from the beach with a view of the Atlantic. I'm hoping to get a couple more songs finished while I'm here.
Next month I'm flying to New Mexico to perform at the "Songs of New Mexico" album release party. It will be held at K-Tao radio station in Taos on Tuesday, 13th November. Most of the other featured artistes on the album will be there. Plan to join us for a great night of entertainment.

Back to Georgia

I left DeSoto around 7:45 am Sunday morning after another great weekend at Ruffino's. I arrived in Cornelia just before 2:00 am on Monday morning. The Photograph was taken just after I crossed the Mississippi River at the welcome centre in Vicksburg. The view of course is looking west.

Songs of New Mexico. On Revolution Records

Here's the cover of the new Revolution records CD entitled Songs of New Mexico.
Musicians on the album are. Michael Hearne, Jed & Kelley, Sheryl Clapton, Don Richmond, Philip John Brooks, Mary & Mars, Vivian Thompson, Ruben Romero, Don Conoscenti, Tony Schueller, Blue Spruce Standing Deer, John Carey, Boris McCutcheon, Jimmy Stadler, Carl Struck, Ted Fox and Hired Hands.

Leaving Red River

I left Red River around 7:30am and drove to Cimarron for breakfast at the St. James Hotel. It took the rest of the day to reach Dallas and I'm looking forward to seeing all my friends at Ruffino's in DeSoto tonight. The photo was taken from the road leading up to Bobcat Pass and the Moreno Valley.

Songs of New Mexico

I spent the day in Taos. I stopped by K-tao and received an advanced copy of the new Cd from Revolution Records. It is entitled "Songs of New Mexico" This is a compilation disk and contains sixteen songs of New Mexico. My song "The St. James Hotel" is included. Other songs are by some of my favourite southwest musicians including Michael Hearne and Don Richmond. Release date I believe is mid-November.

Drive in the mountains

Today I rode up towards Midnight Meadows. The Aspens seem to be alive they are so yellow. I got almost all the way to the top before I decided the road was too rough for the Subaru. It's a five speed and the first gear is quite low so I stayed in it most of the time. I only met two four wheelers and one dirt bike all afternoon. I stopped often and sat admiring the colours. I have one more day in Red River then I leave for Dallas, Texas.

Goose Lake.

Sunday afternoon I rode with Mike and Connie up the Goose Lake road. It was rough but quite passable. When we arrived it was cold up there but we walked around the lake and hiked to the top of the ridge. The view from up there is fantastic but there was an icy wind. There was also a little snow on the path. We didn't linger too long but went back down to the lake to be entertained by the wildlife. Could it be these are the "camp robbers' Jeff refers to in his song? They really enjoyed the grapes we left for them.

The Thunderbird, Florissant, Colorado.

I had another great night at the Thunderbird. The last two nights have been really wonderful. A thank you to Doug and Elaine for coming and bringing your family to the Thunderbird. It was nice to see you again. Also thanks to Clark at Bongo Billy's, and Russ and Lavanna at the Thunderbird for providing exceptional venues. I'm looking forward to returning in the spring. I spent Saturday night in Lake George, Colorado and on Sunday morning drove back to Red River. The fall colours are stunning.

Bongo Billys, Salida, Colorado

Welcome to Bongo Billy's in Salida, Colorado. As you can see from the photo's, everyone had a great time. We used tonight to try to raise some funds to help Don Richmond with his medical expenses. Many items were donated and bid upon. Thanks to all the caring people in Chaffee County. There is another event for Don tomorrow in Poncha Springs. Thanks to Ray Seibert for taking the photographs. Saturday I will be on my way to the Thunderbird in Florissant, Colorado.

The Silver Star Mine

Today my friend Ray and I went for a hike. I believe we found the Silver Star Mine.
We found the sections of stove pipe and all the empty wine bottles plus rusting beer cans, old shoes and many things we couldn't identify. The Silver Star Mine is one of the songs that is going on the new southwest album.
Apart from bear scat, here are a couple of creatures we saw. Yes, there are snakes at 9300 ft.

Aspen trees, Red River, New Mexico.

This afternoon I took some time off and drove up the valley. The Aspen trees are starting to turn. I will experience two falls once again this year. The temperature is probably around 60 degrees today with just the hint of a breeze.

Albuquerque Tribune Video

This past June I made a video for the Albuqerque Tribune. It has just posted on their website.
Look in my links for Albuquerque Tribune Video
The video features two songs, The St. James Hotel and Porcupine Quill Blues.

Aspencade Festival 2007

Aspencade 2007 has to be the best yet. We are having record breaking attendance. The weather has been beautiful. I glanced at the temperature gauge and it showed a very comfortable 66 degrees at 3:00pm. Also performing, were the "Highway 38 Houndogs" featuring Jeff Fagan, Mike Smith and John on percussion. This is a three day event. I'm looking forward to my performance in the morning.

Santa Fe, New Mexico

This is one of my favourite cities. It's hard to believe it's a state capitol because everything is so convenient. Of course, I got to see the Bill Hearne Trio at the La Fonda hotel. The place was packed with locals and what a delight it is to watch them dance. I saw some friends from past visits and generally had a relaxing time. On Thursday I was on my way to Red River with a stop in Taos.

Leaving for Dallas

I left home at 7:00pm on Thursday, 13th and drove to DeSoto, Texas. It's about 860 miles. On Friday and Saturday I was back at Ruffino's. This has become one of my favourite venues and I always feel very welcome. I will also be stopping in October on my way to Georgia. I left DeSoto at 5:30 am on the following Monday (to miss the Ft. Worth rush hour) and headed for Santa Fe to visit with Paige and Leslie. I arrived in Santa Fe at 5:00pm.

Early morning, Lake Burton

An early morning cup of coffee at the dock. What a great way to relax. After Labour Day there are far fewer boats and people on the lake. This is a good time and place to collect one's thoughts. The people in the boat are also enjoying some quiet moments in their quest for breakfast.... or lunch.

Labor day weekend on Lake Burton.

I had another nice weekend at the Waterfall Country Club. I spent Monday relaxing at the lake and working on songs. This coming Friday I will perform at Sugarmill Creek and then I pack for my trip to Texas, New Mexico and Colorado. As it does every Labour day, the temperature dropped to a comfortable level. That's just as well, for when I reach Red River, the morning temperatures will probably be in the 20's. Now that sounds good!!!

The Waterfall Country Club, Clayton, Georgia.

Just look at the view. Below is Lake Burton. Everything about this place is breathtaking. From the golf course, to the waterfall, to the views, there are a million photographs just waiting to be taken.
I was performing here this past Saturday and will be back again this coming Friday and Saturday.

Sugarmill Creek R.V. Park

Sugarmill Creek has been busy this summer. Even with the extremely hot temperatures we have had big crowds. It does cool off around 10:00PM and so we continue until around 11:45PM

Mr Peppermint

If you were raised around Dallas you will know Mr Peppermint (Jerry Haynes). He had a kids tv show there for years, plus he has also appeared in a bunch of movies. I had the pleasure of being invited by Fritz to be present while he interviewed Mr Peppermint. Mr Peppermint is really cool and as you can see by the photo he is highly regarded by the Texans who were present at the July, 4th parade in Red River...

St. James Hotel, Cimarron, New Mexico

Ray just sent some more photographs taken at the St James. I'm already looking forward to being back there.
Sugarmill Creek went great this past Friday. There was a big crowd and it was nice to see so many familiar faces. Thanks Rita and Melissa for booking me. A warm welcome to Northeast Georgia to all the folks from Macon and beyond. Enjoy the cooler temperatures.

The Hayloft, Helen, Georgia

Hi everyone, Just a few words to let you know that the Hayloft in Helen cancelled my booking for tonight at the last minute leaving me hardly any time to notify anyone. I sincerely apologize if you make a trip for nothing. It was completely beyond my control.

The Community House, Red River, New Mexico

The Community House in Red River is a beautiful structure and is maintained and operated by a dedicated group of locals plus much input from seasonal visitors. This is a really nice place to perform and with the aid of the Bose system, is sonically superior to many places I play. My thanks to Kyle Knighton and Eddie Dry for all your help in putting this together. The audience was over 125 strong and of all ages.

The Red River Historical Society meeting was held in the Mineshaft Theatre. Fritz opened the evening with his medicine show. he is so talented. The audience listened intently to every song and I was well pleased with the evening.
In the second photograph I'm standing with Ron, the president of the Historical Society.

Bongo Billy's. Summer, 2007

Well here I am back at Bongo Billy's in Salida. I believe this venue is at the top of my list for it has it all with appreciative audiences, great atmosphere, healthy food and of course unrivalled scenery. Thank you Clark, Paul and the staff of Bongo Billy's, Salida, Colorado.

The Red River Fine Art and Wine Festival

F









This was the best festival yet. There were a lot of people attending and of course, some great wineries and artistes. Fellow Englishman Paul Jones performed original compositions on flutes he had carved and created himself. After the Festival was over I played on the deck at Mountain Treasures with Jeff Fagan and Michael Smith.
On Monday I left for Albuquerque and recorded a video of two songs (St. James Hotel and Porcupine Quill Blues) and an interview for the Albuquerque Tribune. I said hello to Miss Kate, we caught up on each other's news, then I headed back to Santa Fe for the night and went back to Red River the next afternoon.

St James Hotel

This was a fabulous night. I was joined by Ray, Jeane and Bailey from Dallas plus many old and new friends from Cimarron and Ute Park. Gene Lamb, several members of the Historical Society, Valerie from the Buffalo Nickel and Shirley from the store in old Cimarron attended. There were also many Philmont staffers. Thank you Ray for the great photographs. Also thanks to Lewis, a Cimarron resident and veteran of W.W.2 for insisting on helping to carry my equipment in.