This Old River

Updated: Sep 1, 2019

I believe that the whole world could use an eargasm now and again. So listen closely because I have created one just for you. Writing this song about friendship and freedom, I support and encourage the ultimate dream of world peace. This quaint, folksy, sing-a-long is a perfect blend of campfire jubilee and deep, philosophical emotions. My inspiration was the Fraser River that led me to the pub where my friends and I played and sang with the freedom and acceptance of a close family. Wherever that river of music flows, that's where you will find me.

Kayaking down the old Coquitlam River was a peaceful and memorable highlight of this summer. I gazed at eagles soaring overhead, a heron flitting about and a family of ducks scooting by. Three or four hours floating down a river makes a city boy mellow out and release all the tensions of the daily grind. Indeed a wonderful way to spend time with friends. Check out the Halloween tree. \Y/

Steve, Leon, Mark and Lea having fun on stage

There's nothing like the thrill you get sharing tunes with musical people. On 'This Old River' Steve Horvat sings and plays with such sweet joy you can almost taste it and Lea Sheldan matches him note for note in the echoing harmonies. (Leasheldan.com) Lea's brother, Russell Lybarger, blows beautiful notes on his harp while their dad, Dan Lybarger, picks sweet sounds on his lap steel guitar. It's a family affair that just happens to drop on Dan's 85th birthday, September 1st, 2019!

Like me, Russell and Dan are both multi-instrumentalists. I guess we are birds of a feather, playing anything we can get our greedy hands on. When we all play together we are the extended Smokeywine family! (Smokeywine.com) Add Craig Lybarger to the mix and it's like heaven on earth. If you missed my last blog here's a repeat of "Value Village Mama" a wee vid that Craig, Russ and I made up one drunk evening.

I'd like to welcome all my wonderful listeners around the globe. Now I am heard in Cordoba, Argentina and Forest Lodge, Australia. To everyone everywhere, thanks for supporting home grown organic music and local artists. We all appreciate your acknowledgment. For the moment I can't comprehend forever so I bid you adieu until the next installment of the 'Year of the Great Release.' Cheers, Mark Sheldan

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