Bryan's Blog Archive:
2008 | 2007

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BHB is:

Bryan Harrison
Guitar, Vocals and Harmonica

Jim McLaren
Guitar, Harmonica and Vocals

Elisa M Welch
Octave Mandolin, Pennywhistle, Keys and Vocals

Dave Coan
Djembe/Percussion

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October 22, 2008
Seems everything's changing so fast it's hard to know if Justice will appear, or last. The culmination of it all actually looks like it could happen, once the storm around the tower subsides, and we see who's hung on and who has fallen.

It's not a static life. Processing the day's events becomes much clearer with music and words streamed together. May it remain so. What's important becomes clearer. What's not falls away on its own. Learning to let go of clinging for fear of what you don't know is one of the most difficult lessons, also one that frees the spirit in that moment. And so it goes.

They say "don't sweat the small stuff", but more directly, recognize that all the stuff, small or seemingly large, is what it is. And, in that realization there lies amusement in the way it always seems to work out in the end.

She reminds me that California living is different than the experience of many. Still, I carry an acute awareness and diligent commitment to the idea that equality for all has been a founding principle since the beginning of this experiment, and one that must be allowed to flourish.

I have no direct horse in this race. I'm happily married to a wonderful woman who appeared seemingly out of nowhere, but in the end, perfectly so, as it turned out. I do have close friends for whom the issue is direct and personal. Whether they should ever find themselves wishing they could, isn't it just right and natural that they would have that choice?

Hatred is an ugly beast. Fear and malice, often played upon by perverted religion, channels itself through ignorance and programmed dogma, and releases its ugliness on those who seem different - like the African witch doctor in Alaska - judging those he might not be able to control as something evil, wrong, and disgusting.

We may never know a different way, but in all good grace we must try. I saw it again the other day, Gandhi: "You must be the change you want to see in the world." Quite a paradox to love the hate.

I ask that you please come to our show at El Rio this Friday night and help us raise a few bucks to help defeat Prop 8, with all the love we can muster.

Peace and love, and mewsic in your brain.
Bryan

September 12, 2008
Been meaning to get here for awhile. Lots going on in our world, and in the country and the world. Too much to cover here, really.

I mostly would like to thank everyone who made the benefit show we did for the Nomad Cafe staff such a complete success. Kevin Beadles Band rocked. We had a great time playing, too. Thanks to Christopher Waters for having us in the first place. A huge thanks to my long-time good friend Mary Patrick, and Mr. Ron Kriss, who came thru big-time in the clutch. And, to all you community organizers and activists. DAMN, you guys rock! Christopher sent us some photos of the night.

May the folks down Galvaston way be safe tonight. May the people of this nation belie the lies and fraud of our corporate media, and certain candidates who have become blatant bold-face liars, and give us real change come Nov 4. How anyone who's paying even the slightest bit of attention still vote for McCain is just beyond me.

We've got the big Livermore Downtown Tuesday Tunes show from 5-8pm this Tuesday. Would love to see some familiar faces there. Please peruse our schedule for a minute or so, if ya would. We have numerous things coming up.

For all you who have been wanting to see a nightclub BHB gig, especially on a weekend, come out to El Rio in San Francisco Friday, October 24th. Should be a good one.

love and peace to all,
Bryan

August 16, 2008
When you look and see how the mainstream promoters, marketers, corporate magnates make it all about the kids, you might think that the youngin's are the only ones who love music. Based on what we experienced at the Orinda Market today, I would have to say the magnates just don't have a clue. I'm sure it has more to do with buying power demographics, surveys and polls, and such things that people who tend to be on the outside trying to look in base their notions of what's viable, than any attempt to actively exclude the rest of their "potential demographics", as it were (the rest of us).

By no means am I saying this from any level of bitterness, just observation. The corporate way this nation and much of the global economy has turned to unfortunately seems to greatly discount the individual's ability to know how to do most anything, seemingly even deciding what music they choose to enjoy.

So, I say huzzah! and thank you to all of you who took a few moments to enjoy our music, and those of who purchased our CDs today. This is our local economy in action. You guys rock!
Love,
Bryan

August 12, 2008
Look to the moment, walk in the room, breathe deep and go with whatever comes through, you can't always have it the way that you would, but what's there in the end now seems as it should, I don't purport to understand it all, it's a colorful world with no easy way off, hide in the shadows or stand straight and tall, maybe I'm immune to it, maybe I don't care, maybe there's a place where time isn't there, embrace it if you dare, if you dare, maybe there's a place where time isn't there, embrace it if you dare, if you dare
BH

I wanna say thanks to Keith Farley, and his staff, at the Walnut Creek market. We had a really fine day. The center-stage action is very cool for us. Takes it to a different level. Fun crowd of people consistently all day.

Check the schedule. Come see us where you can. We always appreciate it.
love,
Bryan

July 20, 2008
Just home from a lovely day at the Martinez Farmers' Market. Thanks to Effie and Brian for making us feel so welcomed. Also to our neighbor market vendors, Random and Ester, especially your appreciation of our sound. And, of course, everyone who hung out groovin' with us, buying our CD's, and saying hello. We really appreciate you all. While we miss our Mr. Jimmy (McLaren), It was still a big fun day for us. He'll be back at month's end... so, sooon.

Unfortunately, the Organic Tunes Tour bus won't be taking us back Martinez way for the rest of this season. You guys do such a great job of making us feel at home. We will, however, be in nearby Pleasant Hill a couple more times, as well as Walnut Creek and even Orinda. Please do check out our schedule, and come see us at a market near you sooooon.

In fact, next stop is Walnut Creek, Sunday August 10th. It'll be here before you know it. In the meantime, please take a listen to the three songs we have posted on the little player above. They're not yet completely produced, but will at least give you a bite to hold you over til the next show.

Hope you're making the most of the summer season. See you soon,
Bryan

June 22, 2008 - Happy Solstice!
Out of Mercury retro and into the Summer we go. We've been busy with BHB Organic Tunes Tour shows, as well as Elisa's giggage here and there, and even some Barbary Coast Allstars happenings. Looking forward to more through the coming season. Check out our dates if you've yet to plan when to see and hear what we're up to.

Speaking of happenings, we've been pressing forward with getting some recordings together representative of our current sound. It's a sound without an over abundance of production to it - rhythmic and harmonic. Click on the player above to hear the first three tracks. These were produced as live recordings, with minimal additional tracking. We've had a good number of folks wanting something that actually sounds like we do live. This is pretty much it, for starters, at least. Whatever feedback you might have would be appreciated.

Coming up, we've got another appearance at the Belmont Farmers' market June 29. Come on out. You can ride Cal Train to the Belmont Station and you're there. Get all your produce and yums while you're there. What a great way to start your Sunday morning, eh?

Peace and sanity to this troubled nation,
Bryan

April 22, 2008 - Don't Take My Word For It - It's Your Planet, too
Earth Day. What a concept. Isn't everyday we have to live here kind of "Earth Day"? Stepping outside of reason, seems to me, are those who try to argue that global climate change is some kind of myth. Okay, let's just pose for a moment that claims of global warming and such were exagerated... that the planet isn't changing in a significant way... what if all the scientific data was wrong? Would there be less reason to find new and cleaner means of energy? Would it be ok to just pollute the skies, land, and seas as we've done for more than the past century? "No", you say? Well, then I say stop. Stop with the petty posturing. Stop with the greed. Stop with the lame-ass excuses to over-spread your seed. This planet is not ours. We are her own. Respect her as you should your mother. Celebrate the grandeur and beauty and seek ways to live in harmony, like there is no other. Earth Day, yay! Each and every day. Celebrate our home.

Peace, love and harmony... not just words, means to keep living here,
Bryan

April 14, 2008
We've officially begun our "2008 Greater Bay Area Green Tour", opening with three shows at two new venues for us, along with a rousing St. Patty's Day private event in March.

We saw pretty much both ends of the spectrum in the first two dates. We played our opening show at the San Mateo City College site for the San Mateo Farmers' Market, which had to rank as one of the best shows we've had to date. We sold out of all the CD's we had with us (what I figured would be enough for the day) in the first hour of playing. Added quite a few of you new folks to our email list, too.

The next day found us in Livermore, at their Winter Market. Being the first day of Daylight Saving Time, among other factors, it was a bit of a quiet day. Nevertheless, we had a great time. We returned to the Livermore market the last day of March which was a bit better day. We're looking forward to playing their main Summer market starting with our May 22nd gig at Carnegie Park, downtown.

In between those first two events, the four of us gathered for a night of recording, getting the new BHB record under way. We got off to a pretty decent start, doing basics on seven songs. Finding the time to all do more work on it may have to wait a bit, but we'll do what we can.

I'm still considering possibly doing a CD release party for my soon-to-be officially released new record, "thru the open gate" sometime this Spring. I'll get back on that with you.

In the meantime, check out our performance calendar, and come see us... maybe you can pick up an advanced copy while you're there, along with your own edible greens!

peace and love,
Bryan

February 17, 2008
It was a busy week for the folks at Code Pink. Their work in Berkeley effectively activated a whole bunch of people: many of whom agree with their viewpoint as well as those who don't. I find it very refreshing to see people actually get out there and speaking their piece, albeit some much more informed than others.

Anyway, we had a wonderful time playing at El Rio Friday night, and the benefit raised a "respectable" amount for the volunteer Code Pink force. Thanks to those of you who made it out to the show, and to all who helped make it happen. I appreciate the efforts of Charles Pitts, who took photos for us all evening. I invite you to take a few minutes and check out his work on the latest photo page (this link takes you to the index page. Click on any of the show's pictures from there to go to the whole spread). Or, go directly to the full spread.

We had the total pleasure of having our friend and phenomenal bassist, Roy Elder, join us for this show. Roy and I have been talking about this off and on for quite some time and, provided he can fit us into his schedule, we're hopeful he may become a regular BHB fixture as we move into the season. Give the guy a couple of rehearsals and he's totally on his way! Thanks Roy.

BHB gears up now for the start of our... (wait for it...) 2008 Northern California Farmers' Market Tour!!! *woo hoo! the crowd goes wild* . We have so much fun playing the markets, and they've all been very good to us. We're excited to be adding a couple of new ones to the mix, including the Livermore FM and the San Mateo market. Check out our concert schedule page for dates and such.

In addition to the markets, we have a couple of private party gigs happening in the next few months, as well as a pseudo-solo gig I'm/we're doing at Nomad Cafe on April 5th. However many of us are there, it'll be an acoustic performance, as the Nomad is a pretty small joint. The venue has been named "Greenest Business" in the Oakland area, and does an amazing job of all they do and provide. Even their beer is organic.

My new CD's coming out soon, too. Stay tuned for CD release party info... you up for a party?!

Peace and love to all,
Bryan

January 26, 2008
So, from where I sit we've just about hit rock bottom in this nation. I'm saddened by the reality that Dennis Kucinich had to drop out of the presidential race. I'm saddened mostly because the truth is he was locked out at every turn and, while nearly everyone I heard of who actually heard his message and his positions stated that he was the one who was right - who was right on about where this country lies and what needs to happen to move forward.

How sad is it when corporate interests and corporate media play such an enormous role in deciding for us who we get to hear from; what our choices are; how much we can have; and who to believe in? Pathetic, in my view.

Dennis is now in a fight to maintain his seat in the U.S. Congress, representing the 10th District of Ohio. View his "transition" speech. The speech is both discouraging and uplifting. We need more voices like Dennis Kucinich in this nation, lest we be doomed to fall more and more into the extremities of the "haves" and the "have nots". He talks in his speech of a new movement, "Integrity Now" at IntegrityNow.org. I encourage you to go sign up there, as well.

Our show on February 15th at El Rio in the Mission District of San Francisco had been slated to benefit Congressman Kucinich's Presidential bid. We are now reworking that. We've decided to shift the focus to a return benefit for the good people of Code Pink. Please do plan on attending. It'll be an rockin' evening of good music and big fun.

So, we now have more limited choices for the California Primary February 5th... More of the same or a choice for something new? Time will tell, eh?

Peace and Love,
Bryan

January 12, 2008
Okay, so the digital distribution deal ala zoomoozik was kind of a bust. Talk about getting shelved.

Having just FINALLY completed my long-awaite CD (by me and a few others, at least) "thru the open gate", I'm going back to utilizing what's worked best in the past: CDbaby.com. You'll soon be able to purchase "thru the open gate" through CDbaby. There are a few copies of Raw Tracks still available there. Thanks to everyone who has supported that record.

The band is gearing up for some big fun. We'll be playing a Valentine's hangover show at El Rio Friday, February 15, 2008, on behalf of the Dennis Kucinich campaign effort. Proceeds to go to help this true patriot cover his campaign's debts. Whether you support Dennis for president, as I do, or not, you've got to appreciate the significant role he has been playing in trying to keep others focused on what's important: namely, the Consitution of the United States... we do still have some of that framework in place, don't we???

So, please do come on out for that show. Elisa's doing a set. BHB will perform, and Mike Fleming will have us all there for a Barbary Coast Allstars set. And, if that all weren't enough, Elisa's friend and Irish fiddle master, Paul Chaffee, will do a set for us all, too.

Peace and prosperity to you and yours in the new year.
Bryan