great to hear this new addition to your library Rick. Loved the back story . out there in canada .

Great feel to this.... really like it Rick.

A rollin' little beauty, a fine tribute to Highwood Pass, must visit it now I have heard the song!

Great feel to this, and lovin the wee bit harp too. Was here in the 70s!

The Highwood Pass is the highest paved road in Canada and right here in my backyard. The fall season is the best time to ride but bikers don't get much of a chance to look at the scenery unless they pull over.  It connects 4 highways: the TransCanada or Highway #1, Highway 541, Highway 40 and Highway 22 and takes one all 4 directions so that you can end where you started.

Musically, this song starts and ends in Am but as it turns out, it's actually in the Key of G, so it starts in the second position. Hopefully, I stated that properly. The song came immediately after opening my 12 string case. This guitar has been packed away since 2020 due to covid thus over 4 years.  I had tried to play it post-covid but found that my lack of playing had made my left hand incapable of holding the strings down, so I had gone back to playing a 6 string which I used for this recording. Good to know that the 12 strings still has some songs in it which it needs to share with me.  :-)

Words and Music copyright Rick Engler
Photo copyright Rick Engler
Mixed in Cuckos Reaper on a PC
Audio Input using a Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 (3rd gen)
Vocals and Harmonica: Shure SM58
Acoustic Guitar: direct input using amp modelling VST

Rollin' - an original by BluesmanRick
------
[INTRO]

Goin' past Longview on the 541.
Heading for the 40, facing into the sun.
Just takin' my time. No race to be won.

  Motor hummin' Wheels a-rollin' ... a-long x2

Mt. Burke in sight but not goin’ there today.
Headin' for the 40 on a warm fall day.
Climbin' and turnin' . . . every which way.

  Motor hummin' Wheels a-rollin' ... a-long x2

My 750 whinin' at the Cat Creek turn
4th gear is it. For more I still yearn
Still a ways to go and precious fuel I burn.

  Motor hummin' Wheels a-rollin' ... a-long x2

Through the Misty Range along the Highwood Pass
Up 2200 meters and nobody to pass
Just longhorn sheep along there munchin' grass.

Motor hummin' Wheels a-rollin' ... a-long x2

Getting the shakes going over those Texas gates
Coming on down passing . . . Kananaskis Lakes
Eyes on the road, I can't afford any mistakes.

  Motor hummin' Wheels a-rollin' ... a-long x2

Fortress Junction comin' up on the right.
Many miles I've looked at my red fuel light.
Gearin' down. Front brakes not gripped too tight.

  Motor hummin' Wheels a-rollin' ... a-long x2

Highway 1 ahead as I continue my trek.
Then back to the 22 by the old bridge deck
Headin' back to Longview for a cold drink, I suspect.

  Motor hummin' Wheels a-rollin' ... a-long
  Motor hummin' Wheels a-rollin' ... a-long
  Motor hummin' Wheels a-rollin' ... a-long.

Rollin'

Rollin' (Original)

Somewhere I read that SoundCloud is the DIY of the music world.  Very true for most of us wannabe (famous) musicians.  For those who were lucky enough to spend years in an actual sound studio, maybe this is a slam dunk. For the rest of us, it's like being the Wright brothers before they fully understood the science behind aerodynamics much less get a machine to fly.

I have learned a lot in 2018 thru 2019 while playing at small, local venues.  It's a lot easier to sit back in a "recording studio".  I do put that in quotes since, for me, this is just a couple of microphones connected to a DAW which is connected to a computer with some multi-track software and some free plugins to enhance the finished product.  I believe there are about 5 unique disciplines to learn which include: playing an instrument, singing, doing both together, using a microphone, connecting with the audience.  I have much more respect for stage performers now, especially solo artists. Now, if one adds the discipline of recording engineer, well then, you have a well rounded musical background. 

I do hope that you enjoy some of my tunes.  I'm always happy to hear from listeners who have something meaningful to share, even when it is not particularly flattering or in someway odd.  I'll even try to answer any questions you may have.  Remember that you are never too old nor too young to create and share your music and/or share your knowledge.

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