JIM BLUE's Blog
CRYSTAL BLUE TRANQUILITY TOPS THE CHARTS!!
This week marks a monumental achievement for Jim Blue! Of the more than 160,000 artists who offer their CDs at CD Baby,  Jim Blue's Crystal Blue Tranquility CD has soared to the #2 position in the New Age, Energy Healing category! Jim's enthusiastically explains how this all came about: "This honor has been a long time coming!  I'd like to share a few of  the most significant events that lead to this milestone.  I first released Crystal Blue Tranquility in December of 2003.  Right around the same time, life redirected my attention in a way that resulted in me being way less focused on marketing my music than I otherwise might have been. In the summer of 2006 my focus returned to my music and I began to do everything in my power to acquaint the world with my music! It was no surprise to me that Crystal Blue Tranquility had taken on a life of its own, and had already gained a lot of worldwide momentum with very little marketing my me. People around the globe had already discovered that the music of Crystal Blue Tranquility was specifically designed to restore balance through deep relaxation and stress reduction. Professional bodyworkers and energyworkers had also discovered the meditative, relaxing, stress relieving qualities of Crystal Blue Tranquility and were using it during sessions with their massage and Reiki clients. Nevertheless, I was inspired to research and utilize every avenue possible to touch the hearts of people everywhere with my music.	I began to add interesting content to my website such as instructions on how to meditate, including full length MP3s to meditate to. I also added interesting magazine articles I had written that have universally meaningful life lessons, and a headlines page to keep my fans up to date on breaking news. In addition, I've gone full steam ahead promoting Crystal Blue Tranquility through digital media such as iTunes.  The most popular companies my digital music is available through are listed on my "how to purchase" page (see link at top left of this page). I also created a MySpace page called JimBlueMusic that includes my new SNOCAP MP3 store.  You can also find my new SNOCAP MP3 store on my "how to purchase" page. Additionally, I created "Jim Blue's Meditations For Tranquility" CD and now offer that at CD Baby as well. It's been a lot of hard work but I can now see that regaining my focus is paying off in wonderful ways.  My digital sales this year actually surpassed my CD sales.  I sell a lot of digital music in Europe.  I'm even considering touring there! The upcoming January 2008 release of my "unplugged" acoustic guitar / vocal CD will be the crowning achievement of the newly focused Jim Blue.  My creativity has been flowing and I've been rehearsing the new material for hours every day. It's kind of like preparing for any physical competition.  I've got my acoustic "chops" in better shape than they ever have been so I'm totally prepared for the studio! I really am proud to be one of the artists listed at CD Baby.  To have reached #2 of their top 40 in their New Age, Energy Healing category is truly an honor."
"JIM BLUE'S MEDITATIONS FOR TRANQUILITY" CD RELEASED!
Having just released his super relaxing and inspirational "Meditations for Tranquility" CD, Jim Blue emerged from the studio to relax and speak about his new musical creation: "Sometimes I think I must be crazy! Jim exclaimed.  Right in the middle of recording my new unplugged CD, I set down my acoustic guitar and decided to finish a guided  meditation CD I had started about two years ago! Truth be known, I had a request from a friend to complete it and when she asked, I had the feeling that it was high time I finished it, so I did! But don't worry, I'm back in the studio again working on my unplugged CD and it is coming along fantastically!  Understandably, due to my current unplugged project, my "Meditations for Tranquility" guided meditation CD has an unplugged feel.  The  major instruments are didgeridoo, piano, guitar, and of course, my voice. The CD is comprised of four selections.  Each selection is narrated by me: Introduction to Meditation Vibrational Full Body Relaxation Deeply Grounding Melodic Rejuvenation Blissful Awareness	Track one is simply an introduction to the concept of meditation. Track two is called "Vibrational Full Body Relaxation" and is a head-to-toe guided relaxation meditation.  I played my hand crafted didgeridoo as the main instrument.  The didgeridoo produces an awesomely relaxing tone. Track three  is called " Deeply Grounding Melodic Rejuvenation" and is a very grounding, relaxing meditation with beautiful melodies to enhance the meditative experience. Track four  is called "Blissful Awareness" and is kind of a "walking" meditation that enables you to use your senses and nature to tune out worries and stress. Who could benefit from these meditations?  Anyone who would like to relax.  Even if you're new at meditation, you can click here: Meditations for easy instructions on how to meditate. Meditations for Tranquility is an awesome collection of meditations. If you find that you enjoy my Meditations for Tranquility and would like them on CD, they are availably for purchase at CDBaby.com.  Click here> How To Purchase "Jim Blue's Meditations for Tranquility"
INSPIRED WRITING FLOATS JIM'S CREATIVE BOAT
Jim Blue is not only creative in the world of music but also in the world of inspired writing. In the following commentary, Jim was more than happy to share the details of his writing endeavors, the creativity behind his thought provoking writings, and the lessons he loves to weave within his stories: "I really enjoy writing.  Whether it be music, lyrics, or words about my life shaped into an interesting story, it really floats my creative boat! Recently, I was inspired to write several magazine articles, one of which was published in Cleveland's "The Journey Magazine." Where do I get my ideas?  Everywhere!  I carry a pocket recorder to capture ideas in real time and I also journal every day.  Whenever I need an idea for a song or an article I turn to my journal. How easily do ideas flow?  Sometimes very easily and sometimes I get a touch of writer's block.  Ideas typically flow when I'm very relaxed and not really looking for ideas.  I've had some great ideas while mowing the lawn!	Getting away from it all tends to stimulate my imagination and awaken my inspiration.  I get  totally jazzed when the creativity begins to flow.  When a treasure trove of new material emerges, I lock myself in my studio and let it flow. What kinds of subjects do I write about?  Whatever inspires me at that moment.  Currently, I find myself drawn to stories that revolve around nature. I've written about the relaxation qualities of an ancient aboriginal instrument I learned to play called the didgeridoo.  I've written about being inspired by a hawk to be in the moment.  I've written about a close encounter with a car wreck that reminded me to take it easy and be more relaxed. And it's fun to share a story from my own life that has universal meaning.  Life lessons that most people in the world can relate to. I really want to share these experiences with the world because I believe that we all have more in common than we realize.  We're all going through similar challenges and we all just want to be happy! I would like to invite you  to read and enjoy my writings.  I've had many requests about reprints.  I welcome you to reprint any or all of my writings for any type of non-profit use." Click here to read Jim's Inspired Writings
PAY NO ATTENTION TO THE ORCHESTRA BEHIND THE CURTAIN!
Once you've experienced a Jim Blue concert, you'll never look at the guitar quite the same. Jim tastefully embellishes his 4 decades of professional guitar virtuosity utilizing technology to enhance his performances.  You'll wonder if he has a symphony orchestra hidden behind the curtain! During a break between sets at a recent performance Jim demonstrated and articulated, in layman's terms, the details of this amazing technology.  Jim explains: "The technology I use is called MIDI (Musical Instrument Digital Interface).  I have a special MIDI device mounted near the bridge of my acoustic guitar that converts the analog guitar notes into a digital representation of the note. This digital note is exactly the same as is produced by an electronic keyboard.  The digital notes flow into a device called a 'sound module' that converts these digital notes into a sound. The sound module contains digital recordings of most instruments in an orchestra and can contain virtually any other instrument in the world. As I play a chord on the guitar, you will hear the sound of the guitar as well as any sound or	combination of sounds I choose from my sound module. For instance, if I select the sound of a grand piano and play an arpeggio with my guitar, you will hear a grand piano playing that arpeggio.  If I select the sound of a string section and play a  chord with my guitar, you will hear the violins of the string section playing that chord. Many of my fans thought I played keyboard to record for most of my CD, Crystal Blue Tranquility.  But actually, I used my guitar with MIDI technology. Although I can play a little bit of piano (on an actual piano), I am way more fluent on the guitar so I simply select a sound and play the notes on my MIDI enhanced guitar. You really can't tell the difference between the sounds my MIDI enhanced guitar produces and the sounds an electronic keyboard or synthesizer produces. And I love using MIDI for live performances.  That way I can avoid using recordings like Karaoke and can play everything live and in real time. The sound is so robust that I can sound like a full orchestra if I choose.  But frankly, I prefer  to keep the instrumentation simple so the songs, and the sweet sounds of acoustic guitar, don't get lost in a blur of technology."
WHEN SPIRITS PART, A TENDER SONG OF LOVE AND TRANSITION
Jim Blue, Recording Artist and composer writes about life.  The originals on his CD, Crystal Blue Tranquility, are no exception. Let's take a peek into Jim's artistic mind as he discusses one of his most popular and touching compositions, 'When Spirits Part', the 2nd song on his popular Crystal Blue Tranquility CD.  The following is Jim's very candid account of his creative process. "I find inspiration everywhere.  In the details of life as well as in the triumphs and the challenges of life.  The smooth sailing, the rough waters, the ups and downs, and the happys and the sads.  The more gripping the emotion, the more powerful the inspiration. 'When Spirits Part' is one of the most inspired songs I've ever written.  Possibly one of the most powerful.  And yet, it is ever so subtle.  It tiptoes into your heart and before you know it, you can't stop humming the melody. The day the song came to me is a day I'll never forget.  A very dear friend and I had a devastating misunderstanding.	I realized that it felt as if our spirits, which were very very connected, were parting.  And the title of the song was born.  I immediately grabbed my guitar and the melody came pouring out.  I had most of the song written within an hour. 'When Spirits Part' is a song about life, love, transition, courage, acceptance, and resilience.  It seems to mean something different to each person who listens. I'm really glad I didn't write lyrics for it because, as an instrumental, people hear the lyrics they need to hear.  People have even emailed lyrics to me...   words that are very meaningful to them for whatever type of 'parting' had occurred in their lives. As for me, I have also found great comfort in 'When Spirits Part' since I wrote it. I find that, when spirits part from my life, whether it be due to the sunset of a life or the twilight of a relationship, the melody springs forth new lyrics. And they're always exactly the words I need to hear."
ANCIENT ABORIGINAL INSTRUMENT INSPIRES GUIDED MEDITATION
Jim Blue, Reiki master and composer of soothing music for bodywork, energywork and relaxation, has returned to the studio.   In 2005 Jim was captivated by the meditative drone of an ancient Australian Aboriginal instrument called a didgeridoo. The didgeridoo's relaxing sound and meditative qualities inspired Jim to record a guided meditation using the didgeridoo as the main instrument. Jim  is expecting to release his guided didgeridoo meditation in January 2007.  When asked to explain how this all came about, Jim described the experience in detail: "When I was a young boy, I was highly amused by a silly little song playing on the radio.  It was called 'Tie me kangaroo down sport, tie me kangaroo down' by Rolf Harris.  I thought it was very cool that my favorite verse contained my last name!  'Play your didgeridoo Blue, play your didgeridoo!' Little did I know, it was my first introduction to a one-of-a-kind instrument that would someday unleash new and exciting musical passions within me. Decades later, while visiting the Cleveland Zoo Australian Adventure, fate was in the wind.  Kangaroos hopping about, wallabies stretched out comfortably in the shade, my ears and eyes locked onto a man, perched on a stool, in Aussie attire playing some sort of instrument. During a pause in his performance, I asked what the extraordinary instrument was. He explained that it was a didgeridoo.  After hearing the amazing sound, I knew I had to get one! As I researched about the didgeridoo, I found that the didgeridoo is thought to be the oldest wind instrument on the planet.  Many believe the soothing drone to possess healing and meditative qualities.	I have personally experienced the meditative characteristics in both hearing and playing the drone.  I compare the sound of the drone to the sound of 'om' that is often used in meditation. I bought my first didgeridoo at a local music store for $30.  It was made of bamboo and actually sounded pretty good.  Once I mastered circular breathing, my skill level soared so I invested in an awesome, hand made didgeridoo.  It was imported from Australia and crafted by the Australian aboriginal master craftsman Robert Marrpul.  He named the didgeridoo 'Spirits in the Wind.' Spirits in the Wind is 55 inches long and was crafted from termite hollowed eucalyptus and painted by Robert.  The artwork features Robert's own handprints and a colorful patchwork of lines representing the native hill country of his youth. I am very blessed to have hundreds of acres of woods behind my home.  I often take 'Spirits in the Wind' on my back deck or back in my woods and play. I can feel it resonating with the wood and the energy of the trees.  If I walk way back in the woods there is a beautiful stream and a waterfall.  I also love to play 'Spirits in the Wind' near water, especially waterfalls." ---------------- If you've never heard a didgeridoo or would like to hear Jim playing his, click on this picture of Jim's didgeridoo 'Spirits in the Wind' for a sample of him playing it. Spirits in the Wind (Click to hear the awesome sound!)
JIM BLUE, REIKI MASTER TIMES TWO
When Jim Blue sets his mind on something nothing stands in his way.  He is a talented, sensitive, driven, meticulous, and caring man. And when it comes to the creative passions in his life, he completely pours his heart and dedication into them.  One such passion is Reiki. When asked to expand on the significance of Reiki in his life, and how he came to have two Reiki Master certificates hanging on his Reiki room wall, Jim was delighted to elucidate.  In Jim's words: "Simply put, Reiki is an ancient Japanese technique that realigns the body's energies to assist in releasing blocked energy and restoring the body's natural state of balance and harmony.  Reiki is a nurturing and gentle hands-on treatment where the client remains fully clothed and can expect to experience deep relaxation and feelings of well being, inner peace, and tranquility. I was first introduced to Reiki by a friend in 1999. Little did I know, Reiki would wonderfully transform my life.  At first, I wasn't compelled to learn Reiki but once the urge arrived, I couldn't get enough.  I trained in all levels: Reiki I, Reiki II, Advanced Reiki Training, and Reiki Master. I attained Reiki Master level in 2001 from Ann Winters at the Sopia Center, Ursuline College and did hundreds of Reiki sessions during my first year alone.	I bought a very comfortable Stronglite Reiki table and did Reiki in my home as well as traveling to my client's homes. While performing Reiki on one of my Reiki teachers, Pauletta Gwinnup, she noticed that I was very tuned into the subtle energies present during Reiki sessions and suggested I study Medical Intuition with Sarah Weiss, which I did in 2002. Over the next two years, a series of 'coincidences' led to my meeting my friend Marcia Backos.  Marcia is a Reiki Master who was trained by William Lee Rand at the International Center for Reiki Training.  Marcia invited me to attend her 2004 Reiki Master training and I again attained Reiki Master . Finally, at the beginning of this year, 2006, I was called to teach Reiki and that was an amazingly rewarding experience in itself. The sacred space that is created during a Reiki training weekend is divine nourishment for the spirit.  Gradually, as the dynamic of the group synchronizes, you see each student begin to glow with inner peace. Through Reiki, I have met the most wonderful people and many of them have become my new circle of friends.  I've been blessed to have witnessed what I consider miracles as well.  In one way or another, Reiki intertwines with every aspect of my life.  And, for that, I am forever grateful."
GUITAR VIRTUOSO DAZZLES CLEVELAND INSTITUTE OF MEDICAL MASSAGE
Jim Blue, Reiki Master and Recording Artist, is no stranger to live performances.  He's played extensively in the USA and has even played on the other side of the world in Tokyo, Japan.  But every performance, large or small is special to Jim.  He plays with heart and it shows. Jim was invited to play for a full house at the 4/29/06 Graduation Ceremony for the Cleveland Institute of Medical Massage. The following is Jim's description of his performance: "I just love playing my music for people.  I'll play just about anywhere my music will be appreciated.  I especially like the shows where the audience is there to listen so they can enjoy what I'm playing. I had a blast playing for the Cleveland Institute of Medical Massage graduation ceremony.  It was really fun.	I think there were around 250 people in the room, the floor was carpeted, and the ceiling was acoustic tile so the acoustics were perfect. I played many of the songs from my current CD, Crystal Blue Tranquility, and also surprised listeners with songs that will be on my next CD.  I got a lot of compliments and that always inspires me even more. Playing for a full house of massage therapists and massage teachers at the Cleveland Institute of Medical Massage graduation ceremony was an awesome venue to play in.  The music I played for them is exactly the kind of music I write and record. Since much of the inspiration for my CD, Crystal Blue Tranquility was a result of exchanging ideas with massage teachers and massotherapists, it was a privilege to play for the graduation ceremony."
JIM BLUE's MUSIC NOW AVAILABLE ON A PLANETARY SCALE
Jim Blue, Reiki master and composer of soothing music for bodywork, energywork and relaxation, is now sharing his music with the world in a new and exciting way, Digital Distribution. His brilliant and passionately crafted CD, Crystal Blue Tranquility which uses music and sound to restore balance through deep relaxation and stress reduction is now available through downloads (iTunes, etc.) as well as CD. When asked about this relatively new mode of music distribution Jim explained: "This technology enables people across the globe to enjoy my music in a whole new way. Now massage, Reiki, reflexology, and yoga professionals, as well as people who simply want to relax, meditate, or wind down after work,	have access to my music anywhere in the world that has a computer connected to the internet. And what's really fun is, with digital downloads, you have a variety of choices such as:  you can listen to a song or songs, you can download your choice of any individual song or an entire collection and all at a very reasonable cost. My music is now being purchased all over the world. So far, there are 36 different companies distributing my CD world wide.  Companies such asApple iTunes, AOL Music Now, Wal-Mart, Rhapsody, MSN, and Sony Connect. Digital downloads are still but a fraction of an artist's sales.  Statistics show that most people still like to have the real CD, even if they created MP3s from it to play on their MP3 player like the iPod.  Personally, that's the way I do it.  I like to have the CD for my collection and then I will create MP3s for playing on my computer or on my iPod Nano."
A BROTHER'S PASSING IGNITES CREATIVITY
Jim Blue, Reiki Master, Recording Artist, and composer of soothing music for bodywork, energywork, and relaxation owns a very special guitar. It was bequeathed to him at the time of his brother Charlie's passing in August of 2003.  When interviewed regarding this touching story, Jim's love for his brother was obvious as he teared up often while explaining: "Yes, my Takamine acoustic guitar is very special to me.  It belonged to my brother Charlie, who lived in Nashville.  Charlie was a songwriter and a performer there. Near the end of his life, Charlie even became a fine woodworker and crafted amazingly detailed, hand made,  rocking horses. I remember the night I was given Charlie's guitar like it was yesterday.  It was a very sad night, yet the love and friendship that filled Charlie's Nashville home that evening after his funeral was absolutely wonderful. I could barely contain my emotions when his wife said, "I know Charlie would want you to have his guitar" and then gave his Takamine to me.  That gracious, loving gift from her and Charlie means more to me than I could ever express.  I treasure it beyond words.  It touched my heart. When I got back home to Cleveland, the first thing I did was carefully lay Charlie's guitar down and slowly open the case.  I was overwhelmed with a feeling of sacredness and reverence as I gently lifted the lid.  Charlie's beautiful spirit was definitely there with me. Each time I play Charlie's guitar, I am humbled and honored to know that my fingers are pressing the very same strings and frets as did Charlie, the "flying fingers" virtuoso. I play it every single day at least twice, typically early in the morning shortly after I get up, and in the evening just before bed.  And, without fail, I am blessed with a new song or melody. I had been in a dry spell for quite awhile and am certain that Charlie is the impetus behind this fresh, new stream of divine inspiration, and his guitar is the conduit.	I had been in a dry spell for quite awhile and am certain that Charlie is the impetus behind this fresh, new stream of divine inspiration, and his guitar is the conduit.  I can sometimes feel his hands guiding mine as I pick and strum each beautiful note he sends my way. I've always wanted to collaborate with Charlie but we never quite could get that going… until I started playing his guitar. The fruits of our collaboration are on my CD in the song "When Spirits Part", the 2nd song on my Crystal Blue Tranquility CD.  That's one of the songs people rave about the most. I was actually finished with the CD prior to receiving Charlie's guitar but decided to go back to the studio to add the guitar track. -------------------------------- Here's one of the many wonderful emails I've received about When Spirits Part: "When Spirits Part, is so incredibly moving.  I am overcome each time I hear it and have a physical reaction, in a good way like I am filled to overflowing.  What I feel each time is that it is truly a spirit communicating in spirit language or something. A message with no words and I am not sure if it was Charlie talking to you, my loved ones talking to me, or the whole spirit and angelic realm talking to all of us, but I would swear it is an oratory without words.  Anyway, just had to share. No other song has done that to me except Enya's Watermark." -------------------------------- I've been inspired to feature Charlie's guitar on future CDs. And I'm sure I am receiving this direction from Charlie.  I will carry the musical torch for Charlie using his guitar to play and record the music he and I create together. I know Charlie is proud that his talent and music lives on through me because I will continue to play, cherish, and care for his guitar until I see him in heaven."
A YEAR IN THE MAKING, BRILLIANT NEW RELAXATION CD MEETS RAVE REVIEWS
Jim  Blue, Reiki Master, Recording Artist, and composer of soothing music for bodywork, energywork, and relaxation has officially announced the unveiling of his music and relaxation website www.BlueTranquility.com. Jim's new website features his musical triumph, Crystal Blue Tranquility, a brilliant and passionately crafted  CD  which  uses  music and sound to restore balance  through deep relaxation  and stress  reduction. Jim explains,  "I am humbled by the awesome reviews  Crystal  Blue Tranquility  has  received! The 14 months I devoted to creating Crystal Blue Tranquility is one of the most rewarding experiences of my life.	Crystal Blue Tranquility is being used for massage, relaxation, stress reduction, Reiki, reflexology, yoga, aerobic cool-down, and so very much more. When asked what inspired him to record such a beautiful tapestry of peaceful, reflective melodies and mood inspiring soundscapes, Jim describes the life changing events... "In the year 1999, I was introduced to Reiki and in 2001 became a Reiki master.  In 2002 I was enlightened by a licensed massage therapist / massage teacher regarding the music massage therapists use during treatments. While studying Reiki and learning massage, I was immersed in wonderfully relaxing music and, having been a musician and composer since my mid teens, I was inspired to write and record my own CD....Crystal Blue Tranquility."

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