1970's/80's folk/rock singer-songwriter Dan Folgelberg passed away Sunday from colon cancer and this is the first chance I have had to comment on his death. Having spent my formative years during his popularity, I can say when "Longer" (A tune I sang at more weddings than I could shake a stick at back in the day), or "Same Old Lang Syne" I am taking back to many fond memories. His fluid style and haunting storytelling were unmistakable. He had many musical kinships in his career, being considered part of a Southern California pop-rock circle in the 70's. Including Gram Parsons, Don Henley, Emmylou Harris, and Joni Mitchell all of whom are on what I view as his best album, THE INNOCENT AGE.

My personal favorite album, however is HIGH COUNTRY SNOWS, where he explores bluegrass also TWIN SONS OF DIFFERENT MOTHERS with jazz flutist, Tim Weisberg. Thank goodness he left us such a wonderful vast assortment of colors to view him through. As he says in his song about his musician father and how he became what he did because of his dad…

"I thank you for the music And your stories of the road I thank you for the freedom When it came my time to go -- I thank you for the kindness And the times when you got tough And, pap, I don't think i Said i love you near enough --

The leader of the band is tired And his eyes are growing old But his blood runs through My instrument And his song is in my soul -- My life has been a poor attempt To imitate the man I'm just a living legacy To the leader of the band."