For Ron

It is with great sadness that I post this. Ron McClelland (far left), passed away yesterday. He was the bass player of the band StorySide:B. They were a group on Gotee Records that I had the privilege of being their A&R for their second album "We Are Not Alone".  It was honestly one of the highlights of my A&R career on many levels. But aside from that, Ron became a good friend. Even after I left Gotee, a few months after the album released, the guys in SSB, including Ron, would call and check up on me throughout the pain of my divorce. On many occasions they stopped in and crashed at my empty house while on tour. I can't being to express how much it meant to me. Ron would tell me how much he missed working with me and always told me how good I was at my job. And trust me, in an industry where bands are almost always criticizing and badmouthing their record label, Ron and the guys in SSB were always appreciative of the hard work I put into their career.

And then in September my good friends Phil, Tobin and myself ventured down to FL to hang with the SSB guys and crew. It was my first trip to St. Augustine. Ron's wife Rebecca picked us up from the airport and treated us to a home-cooked meal which happened to be one of Ron's favs. We got to see him kill it on keys in a local cover band. Yes, he played keys just as good, if not better, as he did the bass. And then the last part of our weekend trip was a Labor Day cookout at Ron & Rebecca's. The above pic, with Phil, was the last time I saw Ron. 

I will remember his laugh, his big bear-like hugs, and I will always be grateful for the thankfulness that he expressed. He will be missed greatly.

When I feel like caving in 
My heart my soul is wearing thin 
I just want to give up 
Nothing seems at all to add up 
I know you hear me Lord.
When my face is down upon the floor 
It's then you whisper in my ear

Be still and know I'm here.
We are not alone.

from "Be Still" by StorySide:B

Hold Fast

In memory of Aaron Marrs (1978-2005). A friend lost at sea who lives on in our hearts and minds.