My sister Cindy wanted me to write music for her. It is becoming increasingly hard to play and that makes me sad.  I have lay so far back in my powerchair that I can't see the controls. I can't tolerate sitting up, it's too hard to breathe. Some days I can't even get out of bed.

My son attached a projector to my computer so my screen is now 6'x4', and I have a small keyboard I hold in my hand. So I try to keep up, but it takes much longer to do anything. ALS is not easy to deal with. It's important to stay positive and make good use of the time I have left.

Something To Remember Me

The song Gathered was originally written by the wonderful guitarist David Dunham, who is not only an outstanding musician but also a good friend of mine. Some time ago, David asked if I could imagine rearranging and re-recording the piece. Since I’ve always been inspired by his music, my answer was an immediate yes!

From the very first listen, I knew this was a truly special and beautiful song — a wedding song filled with warmth, celebration, and deep emotion. The theme fascinated me right away, especially because I had never worked on a song like this before.

At the same time, I realized it wouldn’t be an easy task. I had boldly told David that I could imagine turning his original 4/4-time piece into a version in 6/8 time.

I also wanted to include something that reflects what David loves most — his Irish roots. That’s how a new arrangement came to life: a rhythmic, Irish-inspired folk song with subtle progressive elements.

To bring the idea to life, I reached out to my good friend Mike Fox, who thankfully agreed right away. Mike contributed his guitar playing and his fantastic vocals, adding a unique and special character to the song.

The result is a version of Gathered that honors David’s original, celebrates love and connection, and reflects our shared musical expression.

Gathered -A Wedding Song

I wrote a song called "Rapture" and the The Beating Edge Recorded a fantastic rocking version that I just love https://soundcloud.com/beatingedge/rapture?si=25980ccbeac641d88908cd1945d69048&utm_source=clipboard&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=social_sharing but I decided to go down a rabbit hole and attempt to record a more acoustic version of the song.  I first played the song with just my acoustic guitar and I recorded it on my iPhone 16 pro.  I then used a stem splitter to separate the guitar from the vocals and then I used the iPhone recorded guitar as the centerpiece for the song. 
Guitar:  Taylor 114ce (Recorded on iPhone) 
Organ: playing my midi keyboard with logic pro Bebop organ sound
Bass: Playing my midi keyboard with native instruments Rickenbacker bass sound.
Vocals and back up vocals: recorded using a Rhode NT1 5th generation mic.
Copyright 2025 Joe Stroffolino
Lyrics:

These prophets who say the world's gonna end and they set a specific date
And then when it doesn't happen, their followers still think they're great

The sun rises the next morning and people stumble out of bed
Disappointed that the rapture didn't happen and they're still alive instead of dead

All these people going through the motions, trying to deal with the daily grind
Hoping the rapture comes soon and they're not the ones who are left behind

They claim they have a direct line to God but there was a glitch in the connection
But now they're certain of the expiration date so they issue a correction

The shepherd guides the flock and tries to keep them safe from harm
But how many times can you cry wolf before people ignore your alarm

All these people going through the motions, trying to deal with the daily grind
Hoping the rapture comes soon and they're not the ones who are left behind

Who cares about the environment if you think the world is gonna end
And you're convinced the second coming is right around the bend

So drill baby drill and chop down all the plants and trees
No need to spend money on curing terrible disease

In every generation throughout history, people were certain that the rapture would come
And they had followers willing to believe them as they fed them each a tiny crumb

In baseball you only get three strikes and then the umpire says you're out
But when it comes to doomsday prophecies, the true believers have no doubt

All these people going through the motions, trying to deal with the daily grind
Hoping the rapture comes soon and they're not the ones who are left behind

Rapture (Acoustic Version)

Check out Dan van den Berg and Sergio Parraga on our original Double Vision.  Dan created the simply marvelous theme and development including the mesmerizing bass and Sergio's syncopated latin percussion goodness drives the music forward.  What a treat and pleasure to again be creating and recording with these outstanding musicians.  Follow their wonderful music and playing here:  
https://soundcloud.com/danarchx
https://soundcloud.com/sergioparraga

And for playlists of our music together:
https://soundcloud.com/jamie-rhind/sets/dazzling-em-dan-van-den-berg
https://soundcloud.com/jamie-rhind/sets/swinging-with-sergio-parraga

And as always, thank you for your generous time listening, for your comments and for your shares

Double Vision

Video; www.youtube.com/watch?v=HKwkMvCMepI
In this track and video I was inspired by dreams, mysteries etc.
Made in 2023.

The Way Of Dreams

I've been hearing so much AI music on SoundCloud lately that instead of jumping on the AI bandwagon, it's pushing me in the other direction where I want to do more songs with just me and my guitar.  
This is a live version that I played straight through from start to finish which I am using as an audition song for the Tucson Folk Festival.
And if you're curious, here's a link to a YouTube video of me singing a different version  the song live (iPhone recording). https://youtu.be/qMe4Uh39uhY?si=jBvf8uvDZQyDgiVg

Elvis in the 1970’s in his jumpsuit and his cape.
Some say he didn’t really die he just decided to escape.
Over the year’s there’ve been sightings like Bigfoot and UFO’s.
Of Elvis shopping at Walmart dressed in ordinary clothes.
They say it’s good to be king – but sometimes maybe it’s not.
When you’re coasting on your past glory and now, you’re lukewarm instead of hot.
If Elvis was still alive, he’d be approaching the century mark.
He’d be a tired old hound dog - would he still be able to bark.
If he put on a pair of blue suede shoes and he tried to shake his hips.
And he strummed his guitar on a street corner would people give him any tips.
They say it’s good to be king – but sometimes maybe it’s not
When you’re coasting on your past glory and now, you’re lukewarm instead of hot
There’s day’s when you feel like you’re trapped in a routine 
And you’re going through the motions, and you want to start fresh and clean.
Somewhere between 1968 and 1977 Elvis took a detour and he ended up in Heaven.
It’s nice to imagine that maybe he was sick of sick and tired of all that fame.
And one day he just decided to retire from playing the game.
If he sang that song love me tender, would it till make the young women swoon.
Or would they stare at him with curiosity like at the zoo when you see a baboon.
If he put on the black leather costume that he wore in 1968 
And he played the same set list would people still think he was so great?
Elvis in Black leather in 1968 strumming his guitar he looked so good
And his voice was really great.
At the top of his game in perfect form he could have stopped right then
He could have walked away - still would have still been a rock and roll legend
They say it’s good to be king – but sometimes maybe it’s not
When you’re coasting on your past glory and now, you’re lukewarm instead of hot.
They say it’s good to be king – but sometimes maybe it’s not
When you’re coasting on your past glory and now, you’re lukewarm instead of hot

Lukewarm King (Acoustic Live Version)

I was today (3 Nov 2025) listening to music of friends in SC. The intriguing title of this instrumental brought some ideas to my mind, namely the odd situation of the Colorado river. Rusty was kind enough to allow me to try them. Still somewhat crude. I'll improve the mix as time permits.

*** RIVER MUSIC ***

By definition,
introverted rivers are the rivers that don't make it to the sea.
Victims of abuse and climate change,
they thirst along the way
and perish in the dry river beds.
What a strange vision…
They have no mouth. They don't complain. 
They just fade away in the arid landscapes.
But maybe someday we'll have to face
the revenge of the oceans.

River Music JFC (over Rusty Davis instrumental)

Swan Lake Memory (Unloved) Remastered

Venus In Furs

I started out writing a Christmas song and then this happened. As i was writing down the lyrics a little hand took my hand and this happened...What if Children ruled the world. They are born with so much Love and so much happiness and Innocence and then we , the Adults teach them how to be Adults ...what if it went the other way...what if they taught us about being a Child again, Remember Happiness, Love and peace. I know its only a Song but wouldn't it be great to be an Adult and to actually believe in these things once again. With this thought i would like to wish you all a very happy and peaceful and childish Christmas...Love Johnny 
Johnny

If Children Ruled The World

It's been a joy to collaborate with Seagull on a number of different projects over the last several years, but this song proved to be a more unique challenge for me musically; to try to create a guitar part for a Middle Eastern style of music.  I'll let you be the judge if we succeeded:)  Clara's vocals really define the song as Seagull's electric guitar and synths set the stage with bird song in the background.  He did an exquisite job of nestling the Godin nylon-string into the mix.
Minus the electric guitars of course, I do wonder if this type of music might have been heard in and around Palestine at the time of Christ's birth.  Was it echoing in the Magi's ears as they sojourned across the sands to worship and give gifts to the newborn King?  It is music that is pleading, emotional, calling out for peace to a world gone mad in its quest for power and wealth.  Regardless of one's faith or religion, Christmas can be a time and season of resetting one's values and outlook on life, perhaps a true "Genesis" of beginning again.
Music, Mix, Production, track image - Seagull; @farout-music-studio
Lovely Voice - Clara Sorace
Godin nylon guitar-David

Genesis (Seagull, Clara, David)

I am a finger-style guitarist living on the Texas high plains.  At the core of my music is melody that is inspired and informed by my Christian faith, family, friends, and countless influences through the years from the great composers, to jazz, folk, rock, Latin, Celtic, and the many fine musicians I have come to love on the Cloud, some I have been privileged to collaborate with.  Thanks for stopping by to have a listen. Comments are always welcome. Feel free to click on the picture of any track to learn more about it.