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Keys Disease - CD
REAL Florida Keys Music from a REAL Florida Keys musician, writer, radio host, and elected official...
Many of the best songwriters have an ability to express in music their deepest personal feelings; others can create story-songs about characters and events outside their own experience. John Bartus is one of those uncommonly gifted artists who can do both. John has just released Keys Disease, a new CD with twelve original songs.
Like Paul McCartney and Prince, John produces, sings, and plays all the instruments on his records. His influences range from Bob Dylan, the Beatles, James Taylor, and Elton John to Pink Floyd, Garth Brooks, Steely Dan, the Eagles, R.E.M., and Tom Petty, just to name a few. Although hard to pigeonhole, John's music has traces of rock, alternative, pop, acoustic, and country - all unified and held together by his characteristic vocals.
Songs on Keys Disease include "Dawn's Early Light," a tribute to the Challenger and Columbia astronauts; "Palm Trees In Paradise," a Taylor-esque song about just why we live in the Keys; "You & I," a romantic seaside ballad; "The Way It's Meant To Be," a song about the otherwise normal life of a Key West exotic dancer (inspired by a real life TV news story); "Keys Disease," a semi-true island-rocker about a lawyer who gave it all up for the tropical life; "Nothing I Wouldn't Do," a love song John wrote for his wife, Marlene; "Carolina," a story about a whirlwind romance in a southern railroad town; and the touching "Once More," a song that will touch the heart of anyone who's ever let down someone they love.
Also included on the CD is the official song about the island city that John has called home since 1984 - "The Islands of Marathon." Written in 2001, the song was designated the official song of the City of Marathon by the Marathon City Council (John sits on the City Council - read more below!). You'll hear the James Taylor/Jimmy Buffett influence on this (and other) songs on Keys Disease.
Live From the Florida Keys - CD
THE RECORDING:
On March 1 & 2, 2004, John Bartus recorded two live shows for this CD. Although he is a veteran live performer, Bartus had recorded very few of his (literally) thousands of shows. These two performances are among the only live recordings that have ever been made at a Bartus gig.
What you hear here is basically what you get. More than a few "live" albums have been virtually re-recorded in the studio. The end result is an CD that combines live elements with "fixed" parts. A lot of the things that make a live performance what it is are often edited out or re-recorded.
Not here. The musical performances were recorded absolutely live direct to an Alesis ADAT HD24, and no studio overdubbing or "fixing" took place. The vocals, guitar, harmonica, and piano are just as they were on those two nights in March.
THE SONGS:
"We'll All Be Free" is a commentary on the state of the radio and music industries. "Wasted Days" was written during a reflective mood after one of those milestone birthdays. "Vegas Town" has to be a true story about someone somewhere who is totally taken in by the lights, sounds, and action in one of the most fun cities on Earth.
"From This Day On" is poised to become one of the most requested seaside wedding songs (It's the song John and his wife Marlene co-wrote for their wedding!).
"I Saw A Sign" is an absolutely true Keys story about a rainstorm, a snake, a neon sign, and the aftermath. And "End of the Road" is a song about John's life-altering first drive to the Florida Keys -- it can apply to just about any life-changing circumstance.
There are also several songs from the Keys Disease CD, as well as a few of John's favorite cover songs: James Taylor's "Captain Jim's Drunken Dream," Bob Dylan's "I Shall Be Released," Chicago's "Saturday In The Park," and John Prine's classic "Angel From Montgomery."
The perfect recipe for enjoying this CD is a full glass, good friends, and warm weather. Enjoy!