Greetings, all –

Music is all about changing and growing. It should never be comfortable. Each success should challenge us to set the creative bar a little higher. We should always ask ourselves, “How do we top that?” Music gives us new goals for which to strive. It’s as it should be.

Recently, Rick and I sat down over a couple of Shiner Bocks (of course) to discuss the next step for Rick-n-James. We found that our personal musical goals were not necessarily on the same path. We made the only sane decision. Rick and I are going to pursue separate musical paths for a while.

I have seen Rick’s talent as a guitarist and composer mushroom over the past few years. One of his goals is to move his music more toward the mainstream. I have no doubt he will be successful in his quest. On the other hand, the words “normal” and “mainstream” have never, to my knowledge, been used in the same context as me. So I will continue to write from the other side. I will continue to find humor where it is and insert it where it needs to be. (Note to John: the song about you getting your back waxed will be written)

The last few years have been a blast. We wrote some great tunes, performed for and with some really great people. We made some records of which I will always be proud. I’d like to thank my good friend Rick for all the fun, the music and the insanity that came with it. I look forward to your new stuff. I’d also like to thank the talented guys I had the good fortune to play with: Sam Rogers, my brother from another mother, Derek Kinard, and, of course, Anthony De La Garza.

I’d also like to thank you. You encouraged us (for which you will probably be punished at some point). You came to see us and shared our music. Man…it was “So Much Fun.”

Rick and I agreed that we would not use the words “never” or “ever” in our discussion. So, I will say, “So Long.”

"If you don't like the song, Rick wrote it."

James