I wanted this blog to be more than just photography. I am writing this post about the musical vibes of summer. More specifically, one singer/songwriter’s art and how it has changed me over the last seven years. Yes, my website is a photography website, but as much as I love it, photography does not define me. I want this blog to be a place where you can get to know me – my work, my interests, and the scattered thoughts running through my head. I did take my camera along with me and grabbed a couple of shots that go along with the story below.
House Concerts?
I was first introduced to private house concerts this year. No, they’re not like high school back yard rock concerts – well I guess kind of. They are more of a laid back party, at least the one I have attended thus far. My wife, brother, sister-in-law and I attended this concert together, a first for all of us. It was held in Annapolis, Maryland. The venue was a beautiful home and great yard with amazing hosts, Jason and Shana. We were going to see Matt Quinton and Jesse Rice. I was really attending to see Jesse and listen to his music, because of the way it has transformed me. I am so happy that we were able to see Matt play, too, because he was amazing! The musical vibes of summer were in full effect!
Seven years ago, I was going through a bit of a tough time in my personal life. I heard Jesse’s music being spun on The Nashville Channel before the official album release. For those who don’t know, the Nashville Channel was a station on Sirius XM Radio that played a ton of unsigned country artists. I truly miss this great station that was traded in for a mainstream, syndicated FM station from Nashville. I was driving into work one day in early 2012 when I first heard it.
The Pirate Sessions
The first song I heard was a jolly tune about four pirates: Callico Jack, Henry Morgan (not a true pirate), William Kidd, and Blackbeard. Titled “Gettin’ Down in a Pirate Town,” it was performed by Jesse Rice, Chase Rice, Tyler Hubbard, and Brian Kelley. You can see a live street performance at the end of this post from thepiratesessions youtube channel. I know what you might be thinking, “Who are these guys?” Well lets start from the back: Tyler Hubbard and Brian Kelley are better known as “Florida Georgia Line,” not as well known then. Chase Rice is an artist that I really like; he, too had an album out in this 2012 time frame that helped me. Lastly, Jesse Rice is a singer and songwriter from Nashville. I know you have heard at least one of the the songs he has written, entitled “Cruise.”
I really needed a fun song at that point in my life. How was I to know that, four albums later, I’d know almost every lyric from The Pirate Sessions? I will not get to deep into it, but a variety of songs across the albums mean so much to me. “Gettin’ Down in a Pirate Town” just reminded me to take life less seriously and have fun. Meanwhile, “Blackbeard’s Ghost” helps me remember to take a deep breath and take it all in. I also like a song titled “300 Years Ago”. The message I get from that one is that people, friends and acquaintances come and go and it is okay to accept that reality.
Good Vibes
I’ve listened to all four track sets over and over again. I never get tired of them. Jesse’s music takes me away to a paradise in my mind. The instant the first note is played, I see blue skies, palm trees, cold drinks, and sand. I found my way to a Facebook Fan Group called Pirateheads -Jesse Rice Fans. It now has more than 1,400 members that all have similar stories and enjoy this incredible music. It was here where I made my connection with the two guys who started the group, Jeff and Jason. I learned about the private house concerts in this group and was invited to my first two. I’ve met some incredible people through this network of people and the first concert, and hope to grow my Jesse fan-based network.
Take a step out of your comfort zone and find The Pirate Sessions, The Pirate Sessions III, and The Pirate sessions IV and give ’em a listen. It may sound confusing but I and II are combined into “The Pirate Sessions”. I promise these songs are the musical vibes of summer you have been waiting for.
If you want to contact me about my photos, maybe about a house concert to enjoy or shoot click here. To find out about what makes me tick, click this link.
