tag:bettyjorockwell.com,2005:/blogs/bloggingBlogging2017-04-08T19:51:56-04:00Betty Jo Rockwellfalsetag:bettyjorockwell.com,2005:Post/63870202020-07-18T17:45:54-04:002020-07-18T17:45:54-04:00New Album<p><span class="font_large">Scott and I released our new album this summer. Release date was June 30, 2020. I waited a few weeks for it to be distributed to all the music sites and made an announcement on social media on Thursday, July 16. </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">The album is available on Apple Music, Amazon digital services and many other music distribution sites.</span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">According to Elizabeth Peru, there had been a powerful cosmic shift that day, so I thought it would be a good time to let people know it's out there. Once again, I thank Joey Welz of Canadian American records for distributing the album on his label. Joey has been very encouraging and has helped me along the way. I am grateful for his expertise of the music business. His diverse and amazing background is one of a kind and spans decades of modern music history. </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">Scott recorded and mixed the songs as well as playing most instruments. He has a knack of taking a song of mine and giving it a style of it's own. He's very creative and such a great musician. I really appreciate all he does.</span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">We had fun adding an accordion part to "Restless Soul," a tribute to my Pop, Eugene Ierace. (1930-2018)</span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">Neither one of us knows how to play accordion, but between the two of us and some white-out dots, we managed to add an accordion track. </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">We were very fortunate to have John Turner assist us with the album. His powerful guitar riffs give the songs depth and harmonious texture. I truly appreciate his unique, artistic interpretations.</span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">It was a treat to have Gena Rockwell and Jade Tremba sing on East Coast Drifter. They sound so beautiful together and it is something I truly hope to hear more of some day. Jade came up with the background vocal arrangement. She just ran with it. I love what she did, and of course that's the first song on the album. I also need to mention Beth Staley. Gena and I paid her a visit one cold winter evening in Morgantown. There we discussed the character "East Coast Drifter."</span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">I thank Beth for helping us describe this character we all know so well.</span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">Todd Stotler of Echoes Recording Studio added the sparkle and final polish with his mastering wizardry. I am grateful for having another "set of ears" to enhance the songs and balance everything out. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 16.8px;">In reflecting on the world situation we are experiencing, I feel that we are all in the midst of a collective "penance," if you will. I have felt this was coming for a number of years, yet could not describe it. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 16.8px;">Many of us are searching for truth amid the unrest and revolution we are going through at this time. I am looking to Nature for beauty, solace, and grounding. I feel deep in my heart that we will come through this together in realization of our one-ness with compassion for all who inhabit this Earth. </span></p>
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<p> </p>Betty Jo Rockwelltag:bettyjorockwell.com,2005:Post/46233672017-03-09T12:50:35-05:002017-03-09T12:50:35-05:00A feather from aboveWell I have two hours until my appointment at Alborne's in Ellwood City to get my oil changed before I hit the road back to Shepherdstown. I figured it's time to write about the synchronicities I have experienced on my trip. <br><br>I missed my exit yesterday while daydreaming. After backtracking from the next exit I saw that the exit I was supposed to take was blocked by a fire engine. <br><br>I went to the grocery store and bought a few things. Paid cash and found I had exactly enough money left to get home. <br>$33.00. That's not the first time I ended up with exactly $33.00 when I needed it. $20 goes to the turnpike gods.<br><br>The one synchronicity event I find most intriguing is this:<br>I need a desk for my home office/ writing studio. I had been looking around at my favorite junk shops in search of one that would help me keep my head/act together, would not take up too much space, but would serve the purpose. Since taking an early out from my Music Ed. position with Berkeley County Schools, I missed having a desk. Yes I believe it does keep one grounded. (As I blog from my phone.) I guess that's where we are now.... But anyway, I remembered that there was on in the attic at my parents' house. <br><br>I dragged it down from the attic, and after duck taping the forever openin door shut, I loaded it into the back of my Focus wagon. I'm doing all of this by myself- as I made this trip solo. Under the desk was a bright yellow feather. It flew out on the spring wind. I have read that when someone who has passed away is communicating, you will see coins, feathers, and other such charms. <br><br>It must be Grandma Fosnaught. My mom told me that was her desk and how she used to always write a lot of cards and letters. I remembered then. I put the feather back into my car and finished loading for this trip. Thanks Grandma. Thank you for visiting me and thank you for the desk. I hope you don't mind if I paint it white. ♡♡♡Betty Jo Rockwelltag:bettyjorockwell.com,2005:Post/46169682017-03-04T22:15:36-05:002017-03-04T22:15:36-05:00A New EraLest I lose my train of thought. I feel we are in a new era. Life changes so quickly. I am feeling the shift as we speak. Noticing today at the grocery store- girl scouts with cookies- I dodge them; rehearsing what I will say if approached, "I'm sorry sweetie. I can't eat them." Luckily they didn't ask. I breathe a sigh of relief. I head back to the produce department and ask for banana boxes. I had called earlier. "Yes you can come and get some." "Be careful. They have a hole in the bottom."<br>"Just get a shopping cart." I am eternally grateful. <br><br>I had hit them up at the liquor store in Ellwood City Thursday night. "We have about six." I pick them up and grab a bottle of Beaujolais Villages. "Best wine in the store," the kind man assures me. I agree every time. How thoughtful of the young man to bring the boxes out to my car- even without a coat on this cold night.<br><br>We are in a new era. The cosmos has shifted. It's all we can do to stay grounded during these swift changes.<br><br>Friends assure. Yes. It's occurring as it should. The chaos is all part of the ascension. I follow the cosmologist of my choice. I take her words to heart. I take part in the global meditation for peace. Yes- it is a powerful gesture. Yes it will bring forth unity. <br><br>And it's Friday. Where is the nearest fish fry? I picked up the boxes to pack up the stuff in my parents' house. They recently moved to a retirement community and have settled in nicely.<br><br>They have started a new chapter. Our family is blessed and I am filled with gratitude for each day with its unique challenges. As I head to the back of the store I see these chocolate dipped cookies. They are unbelievably tempting and smell so amazing! <br><br>I long for the old days of innocence and laughter. Of Sunday Mass- when nothing could touch us. Especially on Easter Day. We walk in light and have no fear. For we are surrounded by the light and the power of the Holy Spirit. <br><br>It is just the beginning of Lent. Why do they have all these cookies out already? <br><br>Then I see the Easter Candy. White chocolate crosses.<br> My favorite. Oh how lovely it was then. So simple. Again- why are they out already? It's just the beginning of Lent. <br> <br>Things are so different now. I question yet long for the old ways as I race towards the new. <br><br>New beginnings call as I cherish the old ways. I sort through the treasures, junk, and clutter. I value what I have been entrusted to sort through and scatter. Each will land in the best possible place. I carefully select a few to keep. And let go of the rest. Time to move on. We will adapt and adjust. <br><br>I will not allow objects to weigh me down. I will tend to the bones and the fragments. I will lovingly and carefully organize. I will select and scatter; allowing my loved ones the joy of ascension without worry or care. <br><br>And I will sing.<br><br>And I will dance.<br><br>And I will live.<br><br>And I will love.<br><br>And I will give.<br><br>And all will be as it should.<br><br>Namaste!Betty Jo Rockwelltag:bettyjorockwell.com,2005:Post/23121352013-12-31T21:49:05-05:002013-12-31T21:49:05-05:00New Album The album Transformation arrived yesterday at our home as we returned from a visit to Ellwood City, PA to spend Christmas time with my family. <br><br>How exciting! It's done! It took a long time to get it together, but I'm very happy that we did. My husband Scott did most of the production work on the album. He played most of the instruments on it, too. He has a seemingly infinite number of ideas about how to add stylistic variety to my basic songs. <br><br>We also had guest artists involved, including Terry Tucker who played a haunting organ part as well as an uplifting piano accompaniment on the title song, Transformation. <br>Terry also helped me make the decision about when to hold the release event. "Spring equinox,'' we agreed one fall day as we just happened to meet in Berkeley Springs, WV. A great musician and also a great friend!<br><br>Gena Rockwell, our lovely daughter, and her also lovely friend Jade Pope sang beautiful harmonies on the songs Transformation, A Beautiful World, and also on Fool Moon. Hearing their ethereal voices has been calming to my restless soul during the process of making the album. <br><br>We were fortunate to have T-Roy, master percussionist, play on True Love. His work is outstanding and truly enhances this Latin- type love song.<br><br>Joseph Welz, of Bill Haley's Comets greatly encouraged me to finish the album. He produced and arranged the songs, Fool Moon, Destination Blue, and Listen. His musicality is truly a gift from above. His keyboard style and skills are one of a kind. <br><br>Joey took an interest in my music and has also recorded some of my songs himself. He did versions of Famous Rock Star and Listen as well as his own interpretation of Destination Blue. He is always positive, open minded, and has amazing energy. Joey invited us to release the album Transformation on the Canadian American Record label. It's a dream come true for me, and he will take the album to France to the Midem Music Conference in January to promote it to foreign labels. Joey is also responsible for much of my airplay in many countries all over the world. <br><br>Another part of this album that I'm extremely proud of is the cover. Graphic artist, Kelly Carmichael did an amazing job putting it together. I love how he worked in the swirl theme of the painting through the design of the cover. The album cover is truly a work of art. <br><br>Katie Place took the photos for the album cover. She is a talented young lady; a working mom, and also a family friend of many years. Katie has an artistic eye and a passion for photography. She was able to work in the photo shoot while juggling her family obligations. I have been there as well and understand how difficult it can be. I thank her for her beautiful work. I also have a great appreciation for making time for your passion amongst all the other responsibilities life brings.<br><br>Todd Stotler of Echoes Recording Studio in Sharpsburg, MD put the icing on the cake with his expert mastering services. A professional, through and through, he gave us a clear and objective picture of the project in technical terms. He was able to apply the finishing touches to the album and make it into a sparkling, cohesive work. <br><br>We sent it to Disc Makers for replication and production of the finished product. They had a site where we could track each step of the process. It was fun to check on the CD's progress while we were visiting my folks in PA. I am very pleased with their excellent and timely work. <br><br>Joey Welz will be distributing the music on the Canadian American record label in over 85 countries worldwide. It will be available for physical sales as well as digital downloads. It takes about 5 weeks, so I'm guessing around Valentines Day it should be pretty well "out there." <br><br>CD release event will be held on Saturday, March 22 at the Train Station in Shepherdstown, WV. I'll provide more details as the event gets closer.<br><br>I guess that's all I have to say for now. One thing I do want to mention is how much I love getting together with my classmates from the Weir High Class of '79.<br><br>My heart is full- they have been so supportive of me! I'm truly blessed to have them as friends after all these years. <br><br>I'm also blessed to live in the vibrant artistic community of Shepherdstown, WV. It's truly a mystical and spiritual place and I love my friends here as well. <br><br> I also love my co-workers at Tomahawk Intermediate School. They are tremendously supportive of my efforts with the Music program at the school as well as my career as an artist. They are truly a blessing to our students. <br><br>One final note: Thank you to my wonderful family for their support of my music throughout the years. There's a special thank you to my Pop, Eugene Ierace on the album cover. He has been a great influence on my becoming a musician. Always encouraging. Always interested. <br><br>May the New Year bring each of you much joy and many blessings. <br><br>Betty Jo<br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br> Betty Jo Rockwelltag:bettyjorockwell.com,2005:Post/21126302013-11-25T20:00:45-05:002013-11-25T20:00:45-05:00Tracks addedThis evening I added two new tracks to my website and also to Reverbnation- " Living in The Present," and "A Beautiful World." Our daughter Gena Rockwell and her friend, Jade Pope sing harmony on "A Beautiful World." <br><br> Todd Stotler at Echoes Recording studio in Sharpsburg, MD did a fantastic job mastering the album.<br><br> I'm very excited about the forthcoming release. Kelly Carmichael is currently working on the album cover<br><br> <em>Transformation </em>will be distributed worldwide on the Canadian American record label. Most likely during the month of December. I am not sure of all the sites it will be available on, but one of them is Amazon.com. I'll update once I find out more info. <br><br>We would like to have release party/ concert locally sometime in the spring. <br><br>Again, I'll keep you posted about where and when. (about the CD release, that is.) The thought of planning a CD release party right now makes my head spin, but we're hoping to do something around the time of the spring equinox. <br><br>Many blessings to each of you and your loved ones during this season of beauty and joy!<br><br>Betty JoBetty Jo Rockwelltag:bettyjorockwell.com,2005:Post/20037002013-11-06T23:13:21-05:002022-06-01T19:07:40-04:00TransformationI am delighted with all the positive and loving feedback I received after posting a photo (on the spur of the moment) from my photo shoot with a lovely and talented young photographer Ms. Katie Place. We were doing some pix. for my new album Transformation. I tossed one "out there" and was overwhelmed with all the people who liked the picture. Thank you to everyone! I had no idea of how well received the picture would be! The album has taken on a life of its own at this point. It will be done when it's done, it is telling me. We've enlisted a team of the world's finest professionals to help us
finish the project. I'm thrilled to be working with them. They are wonderful friends as well . More to come soon. The album may or may not be done before the holiday season. I consider it out of my hands at this point. Thank you again to everyone! Blessings, Betty JoBetty Jo Rockwelltag:bettyjorockwell.com,2005:Post/18694492013-10-17T01:40:44-04:002013-10-17T01:40:44-04:00Finishing the albumWe're in the final phase of recording of our second album , "Transformation." Its been a long time in the making. I'm very excited about being on the Canadian American record label. <br><br>We have one more song to mix- photos for the cover, mastering, duplication, and release coming up. I'm going to go ahead and release it digitally as soon as it's ready. <br>I'll also add songs to the music player on this website after they have been mastered. <br><br>Would love to have a release event locally. Not sure when or where. Maybe if I keep my eyes open something will come to me. Maybe at the Mec. <br><br>I'm going to sent this out to the universe and see where it flies. The local release event may be after the holiday season. But that's O.K. After all, what's the rush? <br><br><br><br> Betty Jo Rockwelltag:bettyjorockwell.com,2005:Post/19449922012-05-22T22:42:31-04:002017-01-14T13:02:42-05:00Randy Cross<p><a href="http://wp.me/p2mhri-r">Randy Cross</a>.</p>
<br><a rel="nofollow" href="http://feeds.wordpress.com/1.0/gocomments/bettyjorockwell.wordpress.com/35/"><img src="//feeds.wordpress.com/1.0/comments/bettyjorockwell.wordpress.com/35/" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" /></a> <img src="//stats.wordpress.com/b.gif?host=bettyjorockwell.wordpress.com&blog=34862928&post=35&subd=bettyjorockwell&ref=&feed=1" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="1" width="1" />Betty Jo Rockwelltag:bettyjorockwell.com,2005:Post/1581982012-04-11T16:09:43-04:002017-01-14T13:02:42-05:00Rock and Roll Hall of Fame<p>On the last weekend in March I went to visit Cleveland’s Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.</p>
<p>My companions and I were amazed at the beautiful pyramid style of architecture. Narrow escalators take visitors up and down six levels of relics from the history of this distinctly American, once controversial art form. </p>
<p>A beautiful view of Lake Erie is visible through the glass walls of this amazing place.</p>
<p>A movie entitled Mystery Train on the lower level introduces the audience to the roots of Rock and Roll, which include Blues, Gospel, R&B, Country, Bluegrass, and Folk. Interactive listening exhibits cover the influences of artists as well as evolution of the music. </p>
<p>I saw everything I would have expected to see here. There were costumes, instruments, lyric sheets, and other personal belongings of the artists. </p>
<p>One thing I did not expect was the eerie feeling I experienced once I entered the lower level. It was a strange sort of vibe- almost a sadness which overtook me as I wandered through the halls of glass cases filled with rock’s artifacts. This creepy feeling continued as I toured the building. </p>
<p>I really can’t explain this uncanny sensation which accompanied my that day. Maybe it was strange to see the stage props of those artists who are still alive displayed in the cases. Who knows…</p>
<p>At times I felt like I was in a pawn shop looking at some of these beat-up, road weary instruments.</p>
<p>Maybe I was feeling the struggle of these artists, from the earliest trailblazers to those who were instrumental in the development of the art form, despite resistance, obstacles encountered, and even protests. </p>
<p>There was definitely a mystery and inexplicable aura filling the halls. </p>
<p>My favorite part of the of the visit was seeing Janis Joplin’s items. I felt a tremendous love emanating from her belongings. One particular bead necklace struck me. It was beautiful and glowing as if it were brand new. I felt a sense of connection with her more than with any of the other incredible artists who are included in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. </p>
<p>It was quite a memorable, haunting experience. I understand that the exhibits are constantly changing; as objects are on loan from the musicians. I will most likely return to visit the Rock and Roll Hall of fame in the future.</p>
<p>Maybe I will understand more about my strange experience and find out between now and then whether other people have felt the same eerie undercurrent.</p>
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<br><a rel="nofollow" href="http://feeds.wordpress.com/1.0/gocomments/bettyjorockwell.wordpress.com/3/"><img src="//feeds.wordpress.com/1.0/comments/bettyjorockwell.wordpress.com/3/" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" /></a> <img src="//stats.wordpress.com/b.gif?host=bettyjorockwell.wordpress.com&blog=34862928&post=3&subd=bettyjorockwell&ref=&feed=1" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="1" width="1" />Betty Jo Rockwell