Cut through the static—Three Photons is broadcasting pure analog soul from a rain-slicked midnight in Chicago

I have been playing around with.....ii V I progressions and the Bebop A dominant scale. I call this one an Indie Dark Jazz flavor. Hope you will like some part of it and maybe hum along before it ends..... 
Thank you René for feedback on the first draft! 

Live from Chicago 
Written by TJG March 2021
Mix 1: March 23, 2021

Technical Details
Recorded at Princeton Studio
Guitars
Rhythm 1: Guild DV52
Rhythm 2: Les Paul Standard
Lead1: Fender Stratocaster
Bass: Fender Squire

Percussion: 
Pearl Cajon Mach 2 – with brushes
Pearl Hi Hat with Zildjian symbols - with brushes - no idea what I'm doing here, but I like working the foot pedal. 

Mics: Neumann TLM 67 (vocal)
AGK 414 & Shure KSM44 on guitars, cajon and hi hat

Software: Pro Tools
Vocals: TG

Mixer: API 24 channel summing mixer (8200/7800)
Stereo Bus processing (API EQ and API compressor)
Final mix down to a MARA MCI JH110 1/4inch 2-track at 15 ips using ATR Master Tape. I used an input and output transformer to give some additional harmonic distortion......I just like pushing the buttons and watching the reels spin…;-)


Verse 1
They’re all buying guns
To take a shot at you
But you’re still smiling
Because you died a long time ago
Two bullets through your soul

Refrain 1
It’s live from Chicago
Let the camera roll 
It’s live from Chicago

Verse 2
When the morning breaks
The camera fades away
But you’re still smiling
Because you’re still standing tall
Two bullets through your soul

Refrain2
Let the camera roll 
It’s live from Chicago
How was I to know?
Two bullets through your soul
It's live from Chicago

outro
How was I to know?
It's live from Chicago....

Let the camera roll
It's live from Chicago
How was I to know?
Two bullets through your soul
It's live from Chicago
How was I to know?
Two bullets through your soul
Here in Chicago
How was I to know?
Two bullets through your soul
let the cameras roll
let the cameras roll
it's life in Chicago
it's life in Chicago

Two bullets through your soul
It's live from Chicago

Live from Chicago

Still working on developing a jazz vibe – this one is in A flat Major and has a bit of a soul-jazz flavor. 

The Bridges
Written by TJG April 2021
Mix 1: May 23, 2021

Technical Details
Recorded at Princeton Studio
Guitars
Rhythm 1: Les Paul Standard
Lead1: Fender Stratocaster
Lead2: Les Paul Standard with wah, ocd, and mxr analog chorus pedals
Bass: Fender Squire

Percussion: 
Pearl Cajon Mach 2 – with brushes
Pearl Hi Hat with Zildjian symbols - with brushes – I still don’t know what I’m doing here. 
Vocals: TG




Intro
You can cross that bridge tonight
See what’s 
On the other side


Verse 1
I can help you down
To get your feet back on the ground
It’s your life

Refrain
a bridge to something new
Feel the life inside of you
It’s a bridge to something new
It’s your life

Verse 2
Don’t let the sun go down
Before you turn this thing around
It’s your life

Refrain
It’s a bridge to somewhere new
Feel the life inside of you
It’s your life
it's your life
it's your life

it's a bridge to something to new
it's all waiting for you
it's your life


outro
see you out on seventh street
you’re the one they want to see 
so good to see you on your feet

it's so good to see your face
hanging out around this place

it’s your life….
It’s your life….
It’s your life…

The bridges

A hauntingly melodic protest song wrapped in analog warmth. Tribal pulls no punches as it explores political division, fragile love, and the psychology of ideological drift. Jazzy seventh chords and vintage guitars underscore the story of two souls caught in a cultural crossfire—still close, but barely holding on.

💙❤️ Drop into the tension. Stay for the groove. 
Written by TJG July 2021
Recorded at Princeton Sound

Mix 1: Aug 7, 2021
D flat Major. Every chord includes a 7th and uses a drop 2 voicing. 
Thank you to Jeff Roberts for providing feedback on the first mix ;-)


Technical Details
Recorded at Princeton Sound
Guitars
Rhythm 1: Gibson ES335
Lead1: Gibson ES335
Bass: Fender Squire

Percussion: 
Pearl Cajon Mach 2 – with hands
Pearl Hi Hat with Zildjian symbols - with brushes – it’s too bad I couldn’t come up with a better rhythm section. 
Vocals: TG

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Verse 1
He’s so BLUE
She’s so RED
They’re in luv
But they can’t be friends
They can’t be friends

Verse 2
She luvs Q 
and Jesus too
He’s in luv
But they can’t be friends
They can’t be friends

Refrain
We get so tribal
In our heads
We get so tribal
We get so tribal (in our heads)

Verse 3
He’s so BLUE
She’s so RED
They’re in luv
But they can’t be friends
They can’t be friends


Refrain

We go so tribal
We get so tribal
We get so tribal 
In our heads


outro
We get so tribal 
We get so tribal 
In our heads…….

Tribal

“Just a Boy” is a haunting indie-blues track by Three Photons, crafted in response to a tragic local event. With raw vocals, analog warmth, and soulful instrumentation—including Jeff Roberts on bass and Andrew Borderick on B3 organ—the song captures the ache of senseless loss and the fragility of youth. Mixed with precision and emotional care, it stands as a sonic memorial: intimate, reflective, and deeply human.

A big thank you to Jeff Roberts and Andrew Borderick for playing on....."Just a Boy".

This sad and devastating local story has been on my mind for a long time.... I'm reminded about this tragedy nearly everyday as I run along the Mississippi Blvd and see the memorial. 

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Just A Boy
Written by TJG August-September, 2021


Thank you to Jeff Roberts (@jeff_roberts)for his catchy bass guitar work!
Thank you to Andrew Borderick (@andrew-borderick)for the fantastic B3! 
Thanks to Rene (@para-lia) for feedback on an early draft - always appreciate that. 

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Mix 1: September 23, 2021
Mix 2: November 9, 2021
Thanks to Eddie Cilettie for departing some of his wisdom about mixing ;-)

Verse 1
You move like a summer breeze
There's whistling in the trees
You're always on my mind
You were just a boy
Don't leave me alone

Refrain 1 - instrumental and hum

Verse 2
You know I hate Christmas Eve
It brings me to my knees 
You're always on my mind
You were just a boy
You were just a boy

Refrain
How they took your life
What a senseless crime

Verse 3
You said you were going for a ride
But I didn't say goodbye
You're always on my mind
Don't leave me alone!

Refrain
Well they took your life 
by surprise
Such a senseless crime
Such a senseless crime

Verse4
And After all this time
I can't heal
and baby sometimes I can't feel....

Refrain
Yeah they took your life
Yeah they took your life
Such a senseless crime
Such a senseless crime
How they took your life
How they took your life
Such a senseless crime
Such a senseless crime
How they took your life

outro
You move like the summer breeze
and I hear you whistling in the trees....

Just a boy (ft. Jeff Roberts and Andrew Borderick)

Testing 1, 2, 3.....just checking the tone and levels in the studio tonight....
1 guitar track - Gibson ES 335 recorded to an MCI two track tape machine
Strawberry photo is courtesy of my wife ;-)

Strawberry Jam

Sunrise with the bariste
One more latte please ;-)
ThreePhotons.com
----------------------------------------------------
#almostjazz
Ab major/ F Aeolian mode
a lot of flat 7ths, 6ths, and 9ths. 
Written by TJG Jan/2022
Inspired by my study of Charlie Christian's work. 

Mix 1: January 20, 2022
Thanks to Jeff and Rene for feedback on the early draft. 

Recording and Production Notes:

Software: Pro Tools

Microphones: 
Shure KSM44 (close mic on amps, hi-hat, cajon)
AKG xls 414 and Neumann TLM67 room mic

Guitars:
Rhythm: Gibson ES335
Lead: Gibson ES335
Bass: Fender squire

Percussion: 
Hand crafted DIY ;-)
I'm not a drummer - just trying to pull off the minimum here
Pearl Cajon Mach 2 – with brushes
Pearl Hi Hat with Zildjian symbols - with brushes

Mixer: a very old API 24 channel summing mixer (8200/7800)
Stereo Bus processing (API EQ and API compressor)
Final mix down to a MARA MCI JH110 1/4inch 2-track at 15 ips using ATR Master Tape. I used an input and output transformer to give some additional harmonics. Hope you like it.

FREE PHOTONS

Sunrise with the bariste

Just to see you

A little rock song about a fighter pilot - on one last flight.
Written by: TG March/April 2022
Cover art: World War II Research from the US Center for Naval Analysis
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Featuring: The Gatsbys
A HUGE thank you to Dirk Taubenheim for agreeing to work on this song. 

Mix 1: May 16, 2022
Thanks to Rene and Jeff for feedback on the first mix. Always appreciate that. 

Mix 2: May 26, 2022
Thanks again to Eddie Ciletti for the mix tips!

Technical Details
Recorded at Princeton Studio

Tim's Guitars
Rhythm1: Gibson ES 335
Lead1: Les Paul Standard

Dirk’s guitars
Rhythm and lead: Epiphone EJ 200
Rhythm: Rickenbacker 360
Bass: Rocktile (Rickenbacker copy)

Mics: 
Neumann TLM 67 main vocals
Rode M3 background vocals and acoustic guitars
Drums: arranged by TG
Software: Pro Tools
Vocals: TG
Backing vocals: DT

Mixer: API 24 channel summing mixer (8200/7800)
Stereo Bus processing (API EQ and API compressor)
Final mix down to a MARA MCI JH110 1/4inch 2-track at 15 ips using ATR Master Tape. 
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Just to see you

Lyrics
Verse 1
One last flight
I think I’ll check my vital signs
Before I strap in for the ride
And in my mind
You’re the fear I cannot hide
When I’m flying across the sky

Refrain 1
Just to see you, Again
Just to see you, Again

Verse 2
Enemy lines
I think I’ll drop my last goodbye
and find my way back to you
I can’t un-see 
All the things you made me be
I’m coming home back to you

Refrain 2
Just to see you, Again
Just to see you, Again

Outro
One last flight
One last flight
And I’ll see you, AGAIN
Just to see you, Again
Just to see you, Again
One last flight, Again
Just to see you, AGAIN
Just to see you, AGAIN

Just to see you (ft. The Gatsbys)

Rain Delay
The search for a great guitar tone continues.....

Mix 1: Aug 11, 2022
Written by T.G. July 2022
Soft Jazz
Dflat Major...lots of 9ths, 7ths, sus4ths, etc.

Guitar: Gibson ES 335
Amp: Vox AC15
Mic: Royer r10 ribbon
Preamp: API 312
Percussion: tried but didn't like it. Try again later ;-)

Mixer: API 24 channel summing mixer (8200/7800)
Stereo Bus processing (API EQ and API compressor)
Final mix down to a MARA MCI JH110 1/4inch 2-track at 15 ips using ATR Master Tape.

Rain delay

Room 298
Where you go to explore chromatic scales and shape theory....

Guitar: Fender Jazzmaster
Amp: Vox AC15
Percussion: Pearl Hi Hat with Zildjian symbols - with brushes 
Mics: a pair of Royer r10 ribbons
Mic preamps: API 312

Mixer: API 24 channel summing mixer (8200/7800)
Stereo Bus processing (API EQ and API compressor)
Final mix down to a MARA MCI JH110 1/4inch 2-track at 15 ips using ATR Master Tape.

Room 298

A cool little tune called "The Icehouse ".  Escape with me to this little jazz club in Minneapolis.

Step inside the frostbitten echo chamber of Three Photons’ latest release, "The Ice House"—a haunting blend of analog soul and spectral blues. This track doesn’t warm you up—it chills you in the best way.

Image obtained from the Icehouse website
Written by TJG January 2023
Mix 1: February 11, 2023
Mix 2: March 18, 2023 - adjusted stereo mix volume using api 535 LA
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Lyrics

Verse 1
Stella by Starlight
Escaping the real life
Touched by the stardust
She found her real lust
Won't you come on down?

Refrain
Playing all the standards, at the icehouse
Watching it all go down, at the icehouse

Verse 2
Caught in the spotlight
I'm faking the real life
Touched by the starlight
Escaping the real life

Refrain
Playing all the standards, at the icehouse
Watching it all go down, at the icehouse

Verse 3
Stella by Starlight
Escaping the real life
Won't you come on down?

Refrain
Playing all the standards, at the icehouse
Watching it all go down, at the icehouse
Playing all the standards, at the icehouse

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Technical Details

Rhythm Guitar: Gibson ES 335
Lead Guitar: Fender Jazzmaster
Guitar Amplifier: Vox AC15….set as clean I can get it. 
Bass Amplifier: Fender BXR 60 (not great, but with me since 1997)
Fender pedal board: Line 6 delay; Fender clean boost

Percussion: Pearl Hi Hat with Zildjian symbols – played with brushes 
Percussion: Pearl Cajon – played with brushes

Mics: a pair of Royer r10 ribbons for guitar and a Neumann TLM 67 for vocals
Mic preamps: API 312
Mixer: API 24 channel summing mixer (8200/7800)
Stereo Bus processing (API EQ and API compressor)
Final mix down to a MARA MCI JH110 1/4inch 2-track at 15 ips using ATR Master Tape.

The icehouse

Through the haze

Drift into the fog with Three Photons as they unveil "Through the Haze"—a hypnotic blend of jazz-blues textures and analog mystique. This track doesn’t just play—it envelops.

Written by TJG May 2023
Trying for a vintage jazz sonic.
Thank you for listening.


Through the haze

Tell me one more time
what’s on your mind
I hear the rain
These are stormy days

Late nights at the cold front
I see you
Through the haze

Wake up, Wake up
Somethings brewing
In your mind

Tell me one more time
What changed your mind
I feel your pain
These are lonely days

Late nights at the cold front
I see you
Through the haze

Late nights at the cold front
I see you
Through the haze

Wake up, Wake up
Somethings brewing
In your mind

Wake up, Wake up
Somethings brewing
In your mind

Wake up, Wake up, Wake up, Wake up
Tell me what’s on your mind.


Technical Details
Rhythm Guitar: Gibson ES 335
Lead Guitar: Fender Jazzmaster
Guitar Amplifier: Vox AC15….set as clean I can get it. 
Bass Amplifier: Fender BXR 60

Fender pedal board: Line 6 delay; Fender clean boost

Percussion: Pearl Hi Hat with Zildjian symbols – played with brushes 
Percussion: Pearl Cajon – played with brushes

Mics: a pair of Royer r10 ribbons on guitars
Mics: AEA R44 vocal 
Mic preamps: API 312
Mixer: API 24 channel summing mixer (8200/7800)
Stereo Bus processing (API EQ and API compressor)
Final mix down to a MARA MCI JH110 1/4inch 2-track at 15 ips using ATR Master Tape.

Through the haze

Walking on tundra
Written by TG August 2023
Inspired by my work in the Canadian Arctic, 1995-2000. 

Technical Details
Rhythm Guitar: Gibson ES 335
Lead Guitar: Fender Jazzmaster
Guitar Amplifier: Vox AC15….set as clean I can get it. 
Fender pedal board: Line 6 delay; Fender clean boost
Mics: a pair of Royer r10 ribbons for guitar 
Mic preamps: API 312
Mixer: API 24 channel summing mixer (8200/7800)
Stereo Bus processing (API EQ and API compressor)
Final mix down to a MARA MCI JH110 1/4inch 2-track at 15 ips using ATR Master Tape.

Walking on tundra

Help me see

In a world blurred by noise and distraction, Three Photons offers clarity with "Help Me See"—a soul-searching ballad steeped in analog warmth and emotional depth.

Written by TJG March 2024


Rhythm Guitar: Gibson ES 335
Lead Guitar: Fender Jazzmaster
Guitar Amplifier: Vox AC15….set as clean I can get it. 

Fender pedal board: Line 6 delay; Fender clean boost



Mics: a pair of Royer r10 ribbons on guitars
Mics: AEA R44 vocal 
Mic preamps: API 312
Mixer: API 24 channel summing mixer (8200/7800)
Stereo Bus processing (API EQ and API compressor)
Final mix down to a MARA MCI JH110 1/4inch 2-track at 15 ips using ATR Master Tape.

Basement boiler/heater – adding all kinds of unwanted noise 😉

Someday I will add drums and bass – but wanted to go for this raw guitar/vocal sound for now. 
----------------------------------------------------------------------------

Help me see

I can’t see the stars tonight
Shining down or in your eyes
I can’t see the stars tonight

I can’t find the words tonight
Written down or in my mind
I can’ t find the words tonight

I can’t see the stars tonight
Shining down or in your eyes
I can’t see the stars tonight


Shining down or in your eyes 
I can’t see the stars tonight
Help me see 
Help me see the stars tonight

I could live a simple life
Slow it down or take a flight
I could live a simple life
I could live a simple life

I can’t see the see stars tonight
I can’t find the words tonight
Shining down or in your eyes
Help me see the stars tonight

I can’t find the words tonight
Written down or in my mind
I can’t find the words I like……

Help me see

Contours and detours
Written and recorded by TJG May 2024

Life rarely moves in straight lines—and neither does the music. Three Photons returns with "Contours and Detours", a winding, analog-rich meditation on movement, misdirection, and the beauty of the unexpected.

Contours and Detours is my take on Gershwin's Rhythm changes with my own harmonic substitutions throughout. Written in B-flat Major with a Key change in the bridge. 

Technical Details
Rhythm Guitar: Gibson ES 335
Lead Guitar: Gibson ES 335
Guitar Amplifier: Fender George Benson Hot Rod Deluxe
Fender pedal board: Line 6 delay; Fender clean boost
Mics: a pair of Royer r10 ribbons on guitars
Mic preamps: API 312
Mixer: API 24 channel summing mixer (8200/7800)
Stereo Bus processing (API EQ and API compressor)
Final mix down to a MARA MCI JH110 1/4inch 2-track at 15 ips using ATR Master Tape.

Contours and detours

Best of me
It’s a love letter wrapped in magnetic tape.
Written and Recorded by ThreePhotons Jan 2025


Written in B-flat Major for my wife 😉
Trying for a vintage jazz sound. Thanks for listening. 
-------------------------------------------------------------------


Technical Details:

Rhythm Guitar: Gibson ES 175
Lead Guitar: Gibson ES 335
Guitar Amplifier: Fender George Benson Hot Rod Deluxe
Fender pedal board: Line 6 delay

Bass Guitar: Fender Squire recorded with API 505 DI
Mics: a pair of Royer r10 ribbons on guitars
Mic: AEA R44 vocals
Mic preamps: API 312

Mixer: API 24 channel summing mixer (8200/7800)
Stereo Bus processing (API EQ and API compressor)
Final mix down to a MARA MCI JH110 1/4inch 2-track at 15 ips using ATR Master Tape.

Best of me

Sample songs from the "Into the Grey" album

The Phoenix (lo fi, deep archive)

BippyPhos -- when inorganic chemistry goes really bad.
First or second attempt at recording.
Sample songs from the "Into the Grey" album

BippyPhos (lo fi, deep archive)

Take Flight (mix #1)
Step into the sonic slipstream with Three Photons as they unveil "Take Flight"—a soul-drenched journey through warm tape hiss, vintage textures, and melodic uplift. This isn’t just a track—it’s a moment suspended in analog air.


Written and Recorded by TJG May 2025
Written in B-flat Major 😉
Trying for a vintage sound jazz composition. Thanks for listening. 
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Technical Details:
Rhythm Guitar: Gibson ES 175
Lead Guitar: Gibson ES 335
Guitar Amplifier: Fender George Benson Hot Rod Deluxe
Fender pedal board: Line 6 delay
Bass Guitar: Fender Squire recorded with API 505 DI
Mics: a pair of Royer r10 ribbons on guitars
Mic: AEA R44 vocals
Mic preamps: API 312
Spatial effects: analog reverb
Mixer: API 32 channel summing mixer (8200/7800)
Stereo Bus processing (API EQ and API compressor)
Final mix down to a MARA MCI JH110 1/4inch 2-track at 15 ips using ATR Master Tape.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Take Flight

Take flight, you’re on your way tonight
Take time, you’re always on my mind
You’re always on my mind

Dark night, we can’t see stars or light
We can’t see stars or light
We can’t see stars or light

Star light, I’m on my way tonight
I’ll be there, at first light
At first light

Star light, I’m on my way tonight
I’ll be there, at first light
At first light

Take flight

Be a light
In a world dimmed by heartbreak, rain-soaked mornings, and fading promises, Be a Light is a torch song for the soul. Three Photons returns with a raw, analog-driven anthem that blends indie rock melancholy with cinematic warmth and blues grit.

Lyrically, it’s a journey through loss, longing, and political disillusionment—until the final line flips the script: “Sometimes in your life you need to be the light…” It’s not just a lyric—it’s a call to action.




Written and Recorded by TJG August 2025
A paired down recording – a few sparse tracks and just a few takes….hope you enjoy the vibe. 

-------------------------------------------------------------------
Technical Details:
Rhythm Guitar: Gibson ES 175
Lead Guitar: Gibson ES 335
Guitar Amplifier: Fender George Benson Hot Rod Deluxe on Rhythm; VOX AC15 on lead guitar
Fender pedal board: Line 6 delay

Mics: a pair of Royer r10 ribbons on guitars
Mic: AEA R44 vocals
Mic preamps: API 312
Spatial effects: analog spring reverb
Mixer: API 32 channel summing mixer (8200/7800)
Stereo Bus processing (API EQ and API compressor)
Final mix down to a MARA MCI JH110 1/4inch 2-track at 15 ips using ATR Master Tape.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Be a light

Why won’t the sun shine down on me?
Why won’t the sun shine down on me?

Wake up in the morning and it’s dark as night
Wake up in the evening and its just rain, rain, rain, 
Rain, rain, rain, Rain on me!

Why won’t my luv be good to me?
Why won’t my luv be good to me?
Why won’t my luv be good to me?

Wake up in the morning and her bags are gone
Wake up in the evening, it’s just a sad sad sad song, 
sad sad song, that’s in my head!

Why won’t the Prez be good to me?
Why won’t the Prez be good to me?
Wake up in the morning and my neighbor’s gone
All I can think, in my mind, is Alcatraz 
It’s in my mind

He’s so far gone, He’s so far gone!!!

Why won’t the sun shine down on me?
Why won’t the sun shine down on me?
Why won’t the sun shine down on me?

Sometimes in your life you need to be the light…….

Be a light

Empty spaces
Written and Recorded by TJG October 2025

-------------------------------------------------------------------
Technical Details:
Rhythm Guitar: Gibson ES 175
Lead Guitar: Gibson ES 335
Guitar Amplifier: Fender George Benson Hot Rod Deluxe on Rhythm and lead
Fender pedal board: Line 6 delay

Mics: a pair of Royer r10 ribbons on guitars
Mic preamps: API 312
Spatial effects: analog spring reverb
Mixer: API 32 channel summing mixer (8200/7800)
Stereo Bus processing (API EQ and API compressor)
Final mix down to a MARA MCI JH110 1/4inch 2-track at 15 ips using ATR Master Tape.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Messing around with quartals in Aflat major
Trying for a mysterious and cavernous soundscape with mixed layers of spring verb
Hope you like some part of it.

Empty spaces

Stardust

Photo by my good friend Adrian Danciu at Kinocut Pictures (visual.kinocut.com)

Bright lights in the sky
Bright lights in your eyes
Will I see you there?
Will I see you after the show?
Bright lights in the sky...

You get so high
and I get so low
I'll see you after the show

Blond hair
green eyes
it's an electric night

You get so high
and I get so low
I'll see you after the show

Will I see you there? 
Bright lights in your eyes

You get so high
and I get so low
I'll see you after the show

I'll see you after the show....

After the show

White Sands, Vietnam Photo by my good friend Adrian Danciu at Kinocut Pictures (visual.kinocut.com)

Are you out there?
Did you leave it all behind?
Chasing freedom
You're racing against time

Hey I see everything needs to be free
Hey you - you're all I need

Haven't seen you for so long
We got washed away
carried away in the fray

Hey I see everything needs to be free
Hey you - you're all I need

Everything wants to be free
Everything needs to be free

With the sand and the sun and the wind in your face
You can be free
Be free
BE FREE

Hey I see everything needs to be free
Hey you - you're all I need
Can't you see
everything needs to be free

Be free

Photo by Adrian Danciu (Kinocut Pictures, https://visual.kinocut.com/index). Fishing boat on tour to an island near Kalymnos in the Aegean Sea, Greece. 

April 7, 2020 reprinted to a 1/4 inch 2-Track Tape MCI JH-110

Blue Horizon Lyrics


Blue horizon - I'm on my way
Got handful of gold and no-one to pay
I'm happy now - I'm on my way

Going into the blue
Where's it deep and true
You got a lose yourself to find something else
It's a blue horizon - I'm on my way
I'm Into the blue

Restless Ocean - I'm in too deep
Got a handful of love and no-one to play
I'm happy now - I'm on my way

Going into the blue
Where's it deep and true
You got a lose yourself to find something else
It's a blue horizon - I'm on my way
I'm Into the blue

I'm into the Blue 
I'm into the Blue
I'm into You.......

Blue horizon - I'm on my way
Got an eye on you
but I can't stay
I'm happy now - I'm on my way

Going into the blue
Where's it deep and true
You got a lose yourself to find something else
It's a blue horizon - I'm on my way
I'm Into the blue

Blue horizon

The Search
Written, performed, and mixed by Tim Griffis at Princeton Studio
Thanks to Rene, Andrew, and Kevin for their feedback!
Hope you enjoy some part of it ;-)
April 7, 2020 reprinted to a 1/4 inch 2-Track Tape MCI JH-110

Technical Details
Recorded at Princeton Studio
Guitars: Fender Strat; Les Paul Standard; Fender Squire Bass
Pedals: Fulltone OCD overdrive, Line6 delay, MXR analog chorus, Fulltone wah
Mics: Neumann TLM 67
Drums: arranged by TG
Software: Pro Tools
Mixer: API 16 channel summing mixer (8200/7800)

Lyrics
Well your eyes are wide open tonight
Searching for a cure
to save another man's life tonight

EYES WIDE OPEN
EYES WIDE OPEN
Maybe I'll see you again

Well your heart is on the mend
You're searching for a good friend
who will see you through to the end

EYES WIDE OPEN
EYES WIDE OPEN
Maybe I'll see you 
Maybe I'll see you again

Searching for the cure
I found you there
I found you there
Searching for the cure
Lighthouse Park in the salty air

Searching for...searching for.....searching for the cure.......

The search

the reflected light (Mix 1 June 3, 2019)
Remixed on Aug 7, 2019

Something about all the people we meet along the way....
Written, performed, and mixed by Tim Griffis at Princeton Studio
Hope you enjoy some part of it ;-)

Technical Details
Recorded at Princeton Studio
Guitars: Fender Strat; Les Paul Standard; Fender Squire Bass

Mics: Neumann TLM 67
Drums: arranged by TG
Software: Pro Tools
Vocals: TG

Mixer: API 16 channel summing mixer (8200/7800)
Stereo Bus processing (API EQ and API compressor)

Lyrics
Here comes the noise again
it's creeping in my head
reminding me
of all the things you said


In the brightest light
you see all your life
it's a picture of 
me and you

Stood on the great wall again
chasing dreams in my  head
spell bound
by the girl in red

In the brightest light
you see all your life
it's a picture of 
me and you

In the reflected light
when the time is right
it's a chance for
you and me

reached out my hand again
feel the steel in your veins
driven on 
by a burning flame

In the brightest light
you see all your life
it's a picture of 
me and you

In the reflected light
you can see
right through everything
through you 
and me
you and me

In the brightest light
you see all your life
it's a picture of 
me and you

In the reflected light
when the time is right
it's a chance for
me and you

The reflected light

Drive time (Mix 2, October 28, 2019)
Mix 2 changed pan and compression on acoustic guitar to bring it forward in the mix. 
Mix 3: April 7, 2020 reprinted to a 1/4 inch 2-Track Tape MCI JH-110
Written, performed, and mixed by Tim Griffis at Princeton Studio. Thanks to Rene, Kevin, and Andrew for comments on an early mix. Always appreciate the feedback. 

Hope you like the sound ;-)

Technical Details
Recorded at Princeton Studio
Guitars: Guild Acoustic, Fender Strat; Les Paul Standard; Fender Squire Bass

Mics: Neumann TLM 67 and AKG C414xls
Drums: arranged by TG
Software: Pro Tools
Vocals: TG

Mixer: API 16 channel summing mixer (8200/7800)
Stereo Bus processing (API EQ and API compressor)

Lyrics

Verse 1
The demons inside your head, they're on fire
It's making it hard to fake your smile
you're cool on love, it's breaking you down
it's a simple life, in this heartbreak town 

Chorus
You fake a smile at me - I don't mind
Come see the world with me - it's our time
We'll find a cure for you - it's drive time

Verse 2
You're stronger than steel, you gotta heart of gold
The cells in your blood won't leave you alone
It's a rare disease, one step at a time
It's making it hard to fake your smile

Chorus
You fake a smile at me - I don't mind
Come see the world with me - it's our time
We'll find a cure for you - it's drive time

Bridge/Verse 3 
no lyrics
Enter Heavier Guitar Sound (Gibson Les Paul Standard)

Chorus
You fake a smile at me - I don't mind
Come see the world with me - it's our time
We'll find a cure for you - it's drive time

Drive time

The darkest clouds

All of my songs start out on my Guild acoustic guitar – and then I get carried away. Thanks for listening. Hope you find yourself humming along with the chorus someday. 

Written by Tim Griffis August 1-4, 2020
Mix 1: August 5, 2020
Mix 2: August 8, 2020, changed eq on the bass guitar

Technical Details
Recorded at Princeton Studio
Tim's Guitars
Rhythm1: Guild DV52 Acoustic (bought in Vancouver back in 2000)
Rhythm2: Fender Stratocaster
Lead1: Fender Stratocaster
Bass: Fender Squire

Mics: Neumann TLM 67
Drums: arranged by TG
Software: Pro Tools
Vocals: TG

Mixer: API 24 channel summing mixer (8200/7800)
Stereo Bus processing (API EQ and API compressor)
Final mix down to a MARA MCI JH110 1/4inch 2-track at 15 ips using ATR Master Tape. 


Lyrics (keeping it sparse as usual and to the point)

Verse 1
Your Life – it’s a beautiful thing
One Life – it’s yours to win

Chorus 1
Dark clouds bring a brand new day
Dark clouds wash it all away

Verse 2
Sometimes life, it takes you away
To another time, another place

Chorus 2
Dark clouds bring a brand new day
Dark clouds wash it all away

Bridge
When your heart longs for another day
It’s gonna be alright
It’s gonna be alright

Outro
Dark clouds bring a brand new day
Dark clouds wash it all away
Wash it all away…

The darkest clouds

Slow motion memories 
Written by: Tim Griffis August 15, 2020
Featuring: The Gatsbys (Dirk Taubenheim)
Mix 1: October 13, 2020 - Hope you like the sound

A huge thank you to Dirk Taubenheim for agreeing to work on this song. 


Technical Details
Recorded at Princeton Studio
Tim's Guitars
Rhythm1: Les Paul Standard
Lead1: Les Paul Standard

Dirk Taubenheim’s amazing guitars
Bass (panned center)
Rickenbacker (panned stereo 28 degrees)
Acoustic (two tracks, panned hard right and left)

Mics: Neumann TLM 67
Drums: arranged by TG
Software: Pro Tools
Vocals: TG
Backing Vocals: Dirk Taubenheim

Mixer: API 24 channel summing mixer (8200/7800)
Stereo Bus processing (API EQ and API compressor)
Final mix down to a MARA MCI JH110 1/4inch 2-track at 15 ips using ATR Master Tape. 
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Lyrics
Verse 1
Old man, hold my hand
and tell me a story 
of a boy, and all the joy 
Yeah….

Chorus 1
Walking down the street 
You’re so out of reach
and everyone passes by
with stars in their eyes

Verse 2
Sitting at the lake
Watching the waves crash in
Come on hold my hand
One more time
Old man, hold my hand
and tell me one more story
when you were a boy 

Chorus 2
Walking down the street
You seem so out of reach
Come take my hand 
Try to understand
Walking down the street
You seem so out of reach

Outro
You seem so out of reach
Please come take my hand 
And try to understand 
Stars in your eyes
You’re so out of reach
Stars in your eyes
And no one can be reached
Stars in your eyes 
Try to understand
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Want to play along?
Basic Chord Structure

Verse
G#sus(b6)          F#minor7           B(add11)

Chorus
F#minor              A(add9)               B(add11)

Slow motion memories (feat. The Gatsbys)

Written by ThreePhotons October 2020
Mix 1: Nov 2, 2020
Thanks so much to Andrew and Rene for comments on the draft mix.
Hope you like the sound!

Technical Details
Recorded at Princeton Studio
Guitars
Rhythm1: Les Paul Standard
Lead1: Les Paul Standard
Bass: Fender Squire

Mics: Neumann TLM 67
Drums: arranged by TG
Software: Pro Tools
Vocals: TG

Mixer: API 24 channel summing mixer (8200/7800)
Stereo Bus processing (API EQ and API compressor)
Final mix down to a MARA MCI JH110 1/4inch 2-track at 15 ips using ATR Master Tape. 

Lyrics  (more sparse than usual -- both verses have 7 words each)
 
Verse 1
Tuesday night
we were a train wreck

Refrain
All this time
we were taking the same path
through time
just trying to make it last

Verse 2
Twenty-one
you were hiding in makeup

Refrain
All this time
we were taking the same path
through time
just trying to make it last

Just trying to make it last

All this time
we were taking the same path
through time
just trying to make it last

One more time...

Tuesday night

Walk forever
written by TJG December 17, 2020
mix 1: December 20, 2020
mix 2: Jan 9, 2021 output transformer engaged on tape machine
cover art: TJG somewhere in china

Technical Details
Recorded at Princeton Studio

Guitars
Rhythm: Guild DV52
Lead: Fender Stratocaster
Bass: Fender Squire

Mics: Neumann TLM 67 and AKG C414 XLS
Drums: single hand drum played by TG
Software: Pro Tools
Vocals: TG

Mixer: API 24 channel summing mixer (8200/7800)
Stereo Bus processing (API EQ and API compressor)
Final mix down to a MARA MCI JH110 1/4inch 2-track at 15 ips using ATR Master Tape. 



Lyrics

Verse 1
wanna walk forever
in a day
walk right next to you
wanna take it down
to the rivers edge
see what we can do

refrain
you must be strong
to carry on
doing what you do
oh yeah
doing what you do

verse 2
crazy days and crazy nights
it's who we are
you know we'll make it through
nothing lasts forever
we'll carry on
doing what we do

refrain
you must be strong
to carry on
doing what you do
oh yeah
doing what you do

Verse 3
wanna walk forever
in a day
walk right next to you
wanna take it down
to the rivers edge
see what we can do

refrain
you must be strong
to carry on
doing what you do
oh yeah
doing what you do

Outro
you must be strong
you must be strong....

Walk forever

Three Photons is an analog-centric indie jazz-blues project that blends vintage warmth with cinematic introspection. Rooted in tape-based production and minimalist arrangements, the sound evokes dusky landscapes, quiet urgency, and the emotional clarity of improvisation.

Drawing from early jazz recordings, lo-fi textures, and ambient storytelling, Three Photons crafts sonic environments where each note feels intentional and alive. The name reflects a fascination with light, resonance, and the subtle interactions that shape perception—mirroring the project’s ethos: understated, immersive, and deeply human.

From reel-to-reel saturation to spacious reverb tails, every track invites deep listening and quiet reflection. This is music for late nights, long drives, and moments that linger.

🎙️ Analog soul. Magnetic tape. Timeless tone.

Three Photons

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