California Bloodlines is the second album by folk singer John Stewart, a former member of The Kingston Trio. That record, which was considered by many to be Stewart’s signature album, was recorded in Nashville, using some of the same musicians who performed on Bob Dylan’s Nashville Skyline album, which was recorded in the next-door studio. It was ranked number 36 among the top 200 albums of all time by rock critics, including L.A. Times rock critic Robert Hillburn, in 1978.
Had I been born in New York City, a New York City girl I’d know, working in the concrete, not the sunlight, living in that New York rain and snow, There’s California Bloodlines in my heart and a California woman in my song, there’s California Bloodlines in my heart and a California heartbeat in my soul. (John Stewart)
John Stewart is my favorite folk singer, and I have attended scores of his concerts over the past 30 years. I was fortunate enough to travel to England and Scotland with him in 2003 while he was on tour and carried his guitars and other sound equipment. My wife and I also attended many of his Fantasy Camps in Scottsdale, Ariz., which were designed for those who wanted to play and sing and be the third member of the Kingston Trio and perform on stage with John and Nick Reynolds.
Each year, the Fantasy Camp was held at the Scottsdale Plaza Resort where the summer temperatures ranged in the 90 to 110-degree range. The plaza was primarily a wintertime resort, so the rates were much lower in the blistering summer heat.
John’s fans came from all over the country for the concerts. Upon arrival at the resort, many campers bought Fantasy Camp shirts, new guitars, banjos and other music-related items. During the evening concerts, “campers” were invited to perform on stage with John and Nick in front of an audience. Then, after the show, all night long, we visited with the excited campers and John and noted photographer Henry Diltz, who has photographed album covers for the Doors, the Byrds, Joni Mitchel, Carol King and other musicians.
Well, the audience experience became as much fun as the performances, so many of John’s fans came from all over the country just to be in the audience. Then, during the daytime, while waiting for the show, they played their guitars in the hotel rooms and sometimes John would come in and play with them too. The hotel rooms of music, as the years progressed, became a regular hootenanny. For over 20 years of Fantasy Camps, it was for me a yearly date with John’s music in Scottsdale. And, after John died, it continued with original Kingston Trio member Bob Shane taking John’s place.
Yes, John used to call me “Mott.” Although that is not completely, how I got my Uncle Mott nickname, I’ll share more next week.
Have you ever wondered where we were born, rolling around the heavens like a song, I know it’s then I saw the big Sierras, saw a California sunrise comin’ on. There’s California Bloodlines in my heart and a California heartbeat in my soul, and just to think I might have never known you, if I had lived in Tennessee, but I could never let that happen for you and California are in me. (John Stewart – 1978)
Keep it flyin’
Uncle Mott
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