Blue Love Monkey is the performing identity of singer / songwriter Rick Nafey. Rick began playing guitar and harmonica in the early '60's, listening to the folk and blues music of Reverend Gary Davis, Muddy Waters, Dave Van Ronk and John Lee Hooker. He developed his guitar style drawing from the genre crossing explorations of John Fahey and Sandy Bull. In 1964, Nafey and protégé Billy Borsey formed Billy & The Kids, a blues-rock group in the Rolling Stones - Kinks vein.
By 1967, Rick was writing songs, inspired by the work of Fred Neil, Mike Heron, Robin Williamson and Michael Hurley. Working at his home studio with Borsey and other friends, Nafey recorded a wildly eclectic collection of original material with influences ranging from The Holy Modal Rounders to George Jones and Tammy Wynette. From these sessions grew a performing band - The Immaculate Conception. In 1970, Borsey moved to the UK and Rick formed a rock group named Stillwater (not the fictional band from the Russell Crowe film "Almost Famous"). The group evolved into a proto jam band and continued performing through 1972.
Nafey and Borsey were together again in 1973 as The Royal Pythons, performing original material as well as folk, country and blues numbers. In '74, Borsey split for San Francisco, changed his name to Willy DeVille and formed Mink DeVille. Rick traveled from New York to Bolinas to Boston, performing solo. In the early 80's he was in southern Connecticut performing with The Mojomatics, a Chicago style blues band. Rick’s musical activity was reduced in the mid '80's as he settled into married life on a ranch in New Mexico.
In 2000, Nafey, recently divorced, and DeVille were both living in the Cerrillos Hills of New Mexico and had renewed their musical partnership. Rick had some new songs and with Willy producing, recording sessions began. The result was 'A Crooked Mile', an eclectic mix of electric blues, country and folk. On 2002's 'The Things That I Can't See' EP, Nafey mined his musical roots in folk and Americana styles. Rick spent 2003 writing and recording 'I Ain't Got Time to Die' with 9 original songs showcasing his talents as a multi faceted songwriter and performer. 'Kissin' Booth' was in the final stages of production when Nafey unexpectedly died October 2005. Completed posthumously, ‘Kissin’ Booth’ was released in 2008.
Blue Love Monkey music is available through CD Baby, iTunes, Rhapsody & Liquid Digital Media.
I was so sad to hear about Willy's passing but I'll bet he and Rick are rocking together in the after life just like in the old days. Much love & respect, j.d.
Hi ! Just popping by to have a browse at your page! Lovin' it! Hope everythings good with you. My myspace has been re-vamped, please check out my new recording and new pictures..there's more to come! Any feedback would be appreiciated =)
I hope your Holiday Season will be filled with Love, Light, Joy and Peace. And I hope the New Year will bring lots of new blessings! I treasure your friendship and appreciate your kindness. Much Love & Respect, j.d.
Hey Dominick, Thanks for sending me a copy of Kissing Booth. It's an awesome cd and I'm not just saying that because I got to play on it. It was a great honor and a great pleasure to be on the final session with Rick. Hope you have a great Halloween! I'm stoked because my band is playing at a couple big Halloween partys. And Sun. I get to play conga in the Day of the Dead Parade in the South Valley. All the best, j.d.
Thanks Dominick for all the work you put into keeping the Blue Love Monkey ball rolling. It was a great honor and pleasure to play bass on the final session. I think about Rick often and miss his great sense of humor and Rock & Roll attitude. Many thanks, j.d.
