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Guitar Reflections Volume 3: Solos and Duets (CD - $15) |
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This CD is the third of my 3-CD Guitar Reflections set of original compositions performed as instrumentals. Songs 5, 9, 11, 12 and 13 are guitar solos and the others are duets. I added the banjo accompaniment to songs 1, 2, 6, 14, 15, and 16 and the second guitar to song 4. Annie Enke played the beautiful flute parts on songs 3 and 7 and Don Richmond added the haunting bass line to song 8. I used my Martin D-28 Marquis Madagascar on songs 1, 4, 6, 9, 13, 14, 15, and 16, my Martin OMC-18 Juber on songs 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 11, and 12, and my Yamaha 12-string guitar on song 10. •All songs were recorded at Don Richmond’s Howlin’ Dog Recording Studio in Alamosa, Colorado in August, 2010 and January, 2011. Thanks again for a great job and musical experience, Don!
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The Songs 1. Traveling Song 2. I Look at the Mountains 3. West Fork 4. Heaven Knows 5. Fall to Earth 6. Nanda Devi 7. Early Autumn 8. On the Rez 9. The Golden Sword 10. Song of an Earthman 11. Twinkle, Little Star, Twinkle 12. Em Twins 13. The Knight and the Dragon 14. The Ballad of Fred ADB 15. Cannon Ball 16. Foggy Valley |
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Guitar Reflections: Volume 2: Solos and Duets (CD - $15) |
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This is the second of my three-CD Guitar Reflections set that includes some of my favorite compositions performed as instrumentals. Most of these songs were originally written with lyrics. But it seems to me that they work just as well and maybe even better as instrumentals. This way, listeners can just enjoy the music itself and perhaps they will fill in their own (ever-changing) story lines as they hear the songs.
•All songs were recorded at Don Richmond’s Howlin’ Dog Recording Studio in August, 2010 and January, 2011 (Thanks again, Don!). Songs 2, 5, 13, and 14 stand alone as solos. Each of the others is accompanied by one other instrument: I added the banjo parts on Songs 1, 11, 12, 15, and 16 and the second guitar on song 7. Don Richmond added the inspired and tasteful violin (song 8), mandolin (songs 3 and 9),and bodhran (song 10) parts and Annie Enke played the beautiful flute part on Flute Song (#4). Thanks so much Don and Annie! Some of the instruments we used are shown on the cover photo. I played songs songs 5, 7, and 14 on a Martin OMC-18 Laurence Juber custom edition guitar and all the rest on a Martin D-28 Marquis Madagascar. My banjo is an Osborne Chief. |
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The Songs 1. Flying South 2. Winter Waltz 3. Song of an Earthman 4. Flute Song 5. Mary 6. Maui Prayer 7. Old Man, What Do You See? 8. The Old House 9. Wyoming Waltz 10. Highland Fling 11. Overdrive 12. How Long is Our Time? 13. Why Should It Be? 14. Given Time 15. I Love My Old Truck 16. Coming Home Fast |
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Guitar Reflections Volume 1: Solos (CD - $15) |
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Here are some of my favorite original compositions as guitar solos. I play songs 1 through 9 on a Martin D-28 Marquis Madagascar, flat-picking all but song 8, which I finger-pick. This guitar, which I have respectfully dubbed “The Big Kahuna,” is shown in the left photo on the back cover. And I finger-pick the second nine songs (10 through 18) on a Martin OMC-18 Laurence Juber custom edition. This guitar, which I affectionately call “The Traveler,” is shown in the right photo of the back cover. Thanks C.F. Martin & Co., for making such superb and awesome guitars!
•All songs were recorded at Don Richmond’s Howlin’ Dog Recording Studio in Alamosa, Colorado in August, 2010. Thanks again, Don |
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The Songs 1. Coming Home 2. Baja In My Mind 3. Guitar Reflections 4. Montana Jubilee 5. A Red Flower 6. Drivin' Blind 7. Ridge Walkin' 8. Kirsten 9. Ode to Jimmy 10. Hey 11. After the Storm 12. Oregon Coast 13. El Toreador 14. A Patch of Blue 15. Wind River 16. Race to Knowhere 17. Hobo's Daydream 18. Sailing Away |
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Cool Water (CD - $15) |
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Time passes; but great songs endure. This collection features some of my all-time favorites. I recorded this CD at Don Richmond’s Howlin’ Dog Recording Studio in Alamosa, Colorado, in July, 2009.
Vocals, vocal harmonies, guitar, and banjo are by Eric Karlstrom. Additional vocal harmonies are by Suzie Ryan (songs 4 and 14), Connie Bielecki (14), and Don Richmond (1 and 14) and Don Richmond plays violin on song 1 and rhythm guitar on songs 12 and 16. Photos are by Marilu Weishaar.
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The Songs 1. Cool Water (Bob Nolan) 2. Streets of London (Ralph McTell) 3. Bach's Cello Suite No. 1 (Johan Sebastian Bach) 4. Christ Was Born in Bethlehem (Laurence Housman) 5. What a Wonderful World (Bob Thiele and George David Weiss) 6. My Sweet Wyoming Home (Bill Staines) 7. Suzanne (Leonard Cohen) 8. Hobo’s Lullaby (Goebel Reeves) 9. And the Band Played Waltzing Matilda (Eric Bogle) 10. Somewhere Over the Rainbow (E. Y. Harburg and Harold Arien) 11. When I Loved Her (Kris Kristofferson) 12. Hi-Lili Hi-Lo (Bronislau Kaper and Helen Deutsch) 13. Black-Eyed Suzie (traditional) 14. A House of Gold (Hank Williams) 15. Young Willie McBride (Eric Bogle) 16. Grandfather’s Clock (Henry Clay Work) |
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Reflections (CD - $15) |
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These sixteen original songs have quite a history. They span five decades and two centuries! So this little CD is nearly a historical document now!
The recording of these songs has a distinguished history as well, spanning nearly three decades. I recorded the guitar and lead vocals for songs 5, 9, 10, 11, 12, 15, and 16 at Phil Gall’s Mudshark Studio in Flagstaff, Arizona in 1981. Returning to Mudshark in 1996, I added banjo and/or harmony vocals to songs 5, 9, 12 and 16 and alos recorded songs 1, 2, 5, 6, 7 and 8. To complete this compilation, I recorded song 14 at Don Richmond’s Howlin’ Dog Studio in Alamosa, Colorado in 2006 and then recorded songs 3 and 13 in July, 2009. I especially thank recording engineers Phil Gall and Don Richmond for their consummate skills.
I hope you enjoy these songs and the sweep of time that they represent! |
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The Songs 1. Ridge Walkin’ 2. Song an Earthman 3. The Cloud 4. Hey 5. How Long is Our Time? 6. Flute Song 7. Red Flower 8. Mindy 9. Heaven Knows 10. Kirsten 11. The Knight and the Dragon 12. Drivin’ Blind 13. Why Should It Be? 14. Ode to Jimmy 15. Maui Prayer 4:18 16. Reflections |
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Talkin' RPT* Blues (CD - $15) |
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Talkin’ RPT* Blues is the complete, true, uncensored, epic tale of my traumatic tenure trials at a modern university. These events were experienced and written between 1995 and 1997 and recorded at Phil Gall’s Mudshark Studio in Flagstaff, Arizona in 1997. Phil still refers to the 29-minute“Talkin’ RPT* Blues” as “the miracle take” because we recorded it all in one take, the first time through. At that time, however, I was persuaded by a politically-savvy friend and colleague to censor/edit the original song down to a 10-minute, sanitized version (“Talkin’ RPT* Blues Lite”) so as not to ruffle my fellow professors’ feathers. This shorter version is included on my earlier CD, “University Daze” (www.erickarlstrom.com).
While “Talkin’ RPT* Blues Lite” told the basic story, however, it pretty much side-stepped the larger issues surrounding the “pc” (politically correct) culture wars that have raged across our campuses in recent decades, often resulting in officially-sanctioned reverse discrimination. The original version of the song presented here addresses all these issues. Today, in 2009, as my university faces unprecedented budget cuts, faculty lay-offs, and tuition hikes, it occurs to me that this story in song still “resonates” and needs to be told. So I am now finally releasing “Talkin’ RPT* Blues” into the world, in the hope that others might learn and profit from my experience- or at least get a few laughs. The “Oregon Coast/Readings” is a collection of pertinent quotes that gave me some solace at the time of my tenure battle which Phil Gall and I superimposed over one of my original guitar instrumentals. Cover art is by Peter Tsacle and photos are by Marilu Weishaar. |
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University Daze (CD - $15) |
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A humorous and satirical glimpse behind the ivory curtain of academe at some of the insane and inane goings-on at our institutions of higher ignorance, er, I mean, learning. This collection of irreverent (and original) country, bluegrass, folk, and rap songs explores and exposes some of the follies and foibles of modern university life from the perspectives of professors, graduate students, undergrads, and even a grounds crew worker. As a professor for the past two decades, I didn’t need to use my imagination to write most of these musical sagas- most of these stories actually happened to me! In truth, writing and recording these songs may have helped me to maintain my sanity- and hopefully, hearing this collection of songs may also help preserve or restore yours (or perhaps that of a friend or loved one) if you or they currently find yourselves spinning helplessly and haplessly on the academic gerbil wheel.
This album was recorded in Phil Gall's Mudshark Recording Studio in Flagstaff, Arizona - which also happens to be his spacious and comfy living room! |
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The Songs
1. Expert 2. Svenska Studies 3. Sexual Harassment Rap 4. Friends of the Pleistocnene 5. Talkin' RPT* Blues Lite 6. Foggy Valley Breakdown 7. West Fork Canyon 8. Ballad of Fred ABD** 9. Oregon Coast/Required Readings 10. I Love My Ol' Truck *RPT = Retention, Promotion and Tenure |
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The River (CD - $15) |
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The River features 18 original piano songs that are used in the movie "An Awakening Journey: Songs and Voices from the Earth". So this CD is an excellent companion piece to the movie. I composed these songs in the 80’s and 90’s and recorded them in 1997 and 1998 on a $90,000 10-foot, Bosendorfer Concert Grand piano. It felt like riding Secretariat! What power! What sound! People of all ages find this music beautiful, relaxing, and inspiring and have been known to play it over and over again, non-stop, all day. My sister's 5th grade class has been asking that she play it for them every day. Recently, they all wrote me letters saying how much they love the music. One girl wrote: "We usually hate soft music but we really love your music. Please send CDs so we can buy it!" Studies have shown that classical music can make people smarter. I hope my music will too! Because it's both peaceful and powerful, this music seems to help people relax and focus. When we focus our minds, we're all geniuses in our own ways. As a college professor who loves music, mountains, and meditation, I chose nature themes for most of the titles. Most people can relate to nature's peace and power, but the music also stands by itself and I hope listeners will enjoy whatever feelings or images the music evokes for them. This CD makes an excellent gift to friends and loved ones. Happy listening! |
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The Songs 1. The River 2. Fern Glen 3. Minstrel's Dream 4. The Storm 5. The Refuge 6. The Clearing 7. The Rainbow 8. Elves' Chasm 9. Rock and Sky 10. The Fall 11. Wyoming Waltz 12. Winds of Fire 13. Angel's Lament 14. Tears from the Land of the Snows 15. Flight of the Mountain Eagle 16. The Ancient Forest 17. Lake Song 18. The Path |
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Some Pretty Good Love Songs (CD - $15) |
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Some Pretty Good Love Songs is a collection of some of my favorite love songs that mainly features my singing and guitar and banjo picking in a more or less folky style. The CD also includes excellent back-up instrumentals by Don Richmond and vocals by Karen Fricke on 7 of the 15 songs. The main themes of the songs, of course, are love lost (Four Strong Winds, Late in the Day, Drivin’ Blind, Spanish is the Lovin’ Tongue, Ghost Lover) and love found (Come to my Bedside, Colours, Mindy, My Own True Love, I Will). But important sub-themes include love confused and bewildered (How Long is Our Time?), love for the Creator (as represented by a river, in Shenandoah), and even love of my most loyal old pickup truck (I Love My Old Truck). (Incidentally, it was a 1984 Toyota that eventually got over 400,000 miles). Some of these songs were just recently recorded (2006) at Don Richmond’s Howlin’ Dog Recording in Alamosa, Colorado. Others are selected from amongst the best songs I have on previous recordings. The four original love songs (Mindy, How Long is Our Time?, Drivin’ Blind, and I Love My Old Truck) are from my first recording, Reflections. I don’t usually admit to having favorite songs- but now having just recently recorded the classic love song and sea shanty, Shenandoah, I think this song just about says it all. |
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The Songs 1. Come to my Bedside 2. Colours 3. Spanish is the Lovin' Tongue 4. Mindy 5. My own True Love 6. Luna de Xelaju 7. Four Strong Winds 8. How Long is Our Time 9. I Will 10. Drivin' Blind 11. Let's Get Together 12. Ghost Lover 13. Late in the Day 14. I love my Old Truck 15. Shenandoah |
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Finding Home: Eric and Karen (CD - $15) |
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Eric (Karlsltrom) and Karen (Fricke) are brother and sister who began singing together during the “folk craze” of the 60’s and who have that special voice chemistry sometimes bequeathed to siblings. And Karen's voice- at once tender, sweet and soothing- is something rare and magnificent unto itself. It's just a gift that she's always had- and my own opinion is that her voice is as good or better than that of any other female vocalist who has come along on the folk, country or bluegrass scene in the past several decades. This collection of songs features some of our favorite folk, popular, country and bluegrass songs as well as one original by Eric (The Old House). Multi-talented instrumentalist and recording engineer, Don Richmond of Howlin’ Dog Recording Studio in Alamosa, CO skillfully accompanies us on mandolin, fiddle, dobro, accordion, and Weissenborn guitar. This CD has proven to be a favorite for many people of all ages. |
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The Songs 1. Forever Young 2. Don't Fence Me In 3. You Ain't Goin' Nowhere 4. All My Trials 5. The Rose 6. Landslide 7. The Old House 8. Somewhere Over the Rainbow 9. Tomorrow is a Long Time 10. Leavin' on a Jet Plane 11. So Many Pathways 12. There is a Ship 13. I Will |
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Colorado Colors: Kindred Folk (CD - $15) |
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This eclectic collection of timeless songs by Eric Karlstrom and (younger sister) Karen Fricke features some more of our favorites- in the folk, bluegrass, country, jazz, and Spanish and Guatemalan (Luna de Xelaju) genres. In addition to great vocal harmonies by the two siblings, and solid guitar and banjo pickin’ by Eric, this CD features more solid, sweet, and tasteful bass, mandolin, violin, and accordian accompaniment by the amazing veteran musician, Don Richmond of Howlin’ Dog Recording. This CD is one of my very favorites and I know many others who feel the same way. |
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<The Songs 1. Let's Get Together 2. Eres Tu 3. Rocky Top 4. Late in the Day 5. Colours 6. Summertime 7. Four Strong Winds 8. Last Thing on My Mind 9. Luna de Xelaju 10. Down in the Valley to Pray 11. Come all Ye Fair and Tender Ladies 12. Lakota Lullaby 13. Gospel Medley |
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Reflections: Cassette (Cassette - $10) |
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This cassette tape features the best of the guitar/banjo/vocal songs that I wrote between about 1967 and 1995. The songs have a folkish flavor and deal with issues such as love, freedom, sorrow, joy, nature, spirituality, and impermanence. While there is considerable variety in the styles of the songs, the use of acoustic guitar and banjo give it a "mellow" flavor throughout. Five songs (Song of an Earthman, Ridge Walkin', Hey, The Knight and the Dragon, and Flute Song) have nature/environmental themes, some using humor. Four are love songs and two are classical/folk style instrumentals. The one spiritually-oriented song (Maui Prayer) has a kind of Hawaiian sound, perhaps because I wrote it by full moon on a beach in Maui! And two (Hey and A Red Flower) are children's songs. I first recorded A Red Flower back in 1967- and it actually became a "top 40" hit song in Flagstaff and Phoenix, Arizona! On the new CD are the original recordings of the two "top 40" hits from 1967 - A Red Flower and Race to Knowhere. The last song in the collection (Rollin' in my Sweet Baby's Arms) is a bluegrass favorite. |
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The Songs 1. Song of an Earthman 2. Ridge Walkin' 3. Hey 4. How Long is Our Time? 5. The Knight and Dragon 6. Heaven Knows 7. Reflections 8. Mindy 9. Flute Song 10. Kirsten 11. Drivin' Blind 12. Maui Prayer 13. A Red Flower 14. Rollin' in My Sweet Baby's Arms |
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