Blue Love Monkey is the performing identity of singer / songwriter Rick Nafey. The Blue Love Monkey band features a fluid roster of members.
Nafey began studying guitar and harmonica in the early 60's, listening to the music of Reverend Gary Davis, Muddy Waters, The Holy Modal Rounders, Dave Van Ronk and John Lee Hooker. As the decade progressed, Nafey broadened his influences, listening to R&B, jazz, country and music from many countries. He developed his guitar style, drawing from the genre crossing explorations of John Fahey and Sandy Bull. He began writing songs, inspired by the work of Fred Neil, Bob Dylan and Michael Hurley.
By the late 60's, working at his home studio, Nafey was recording a wildly eclectic collection of original material with influences ranging from The Incredible String Band to George Jones and Tammy Wynette. From these sessions grew a performing band - The Immaculate Conception.
In 1970 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.
Rick traveled the country through the 70's primarily performing solo. In the early 80's he was a member of The Mojomatics, a Chicago blues band based in southern Connecticut. Settling in New Mexico during the mid 80's he resumed performing solo.
In 2000, Nafey and Willy DeVille, resumed their long time musical partnership. With some new songs by Rick, recording sessions with Willy producing began. Enlisting some of the best local musicians, the result was Blue Love Monkey "A Crooked Mile", an eclectic mix of electric blues, country and folk. Nafey decided to take advantage of internet based music sales and downloads and established Cracker Records.
In 2002, Nafey explored his musical roots in folk and Americana style with a predominantly acoustic lineup of Blue Love Monkey, releasing "The Things That I Can't See".
Rick spent 2003 writing and recording with a rock band lineup of Blue Love Monkey. "I Ain't Got Time to Die" features 9 original songs showcasing Nafey's talent as a songwriter of many styles.
"Kissin' Booth", the new Blue Love Monkey CD, was in the final stages of production at the time of Nafey's death on Oct. 21, 2005. Filled with original material performed with a further expanded roster of musicians, "Kissin' Booth" downloads are available at iTunes Music Store & CD Baby. CD copies are available from CD Baby.
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.
Thank's for the add, great work there together with Willy, I love your music, great tunes there. Blue love monkey you guy's, make wonderful music. Hey, happy easter monday to you all. Snowing out here, really cold. Best wishes Manuela xxx
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.
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