Night after night Rumbelly recalled intriguing stories. He told me about being in the army; about serving time in a dungeon-like prison in Panama; about motorcycle road trips; crazy rum-soaked adventures from Hawaii to the Virgin Islands and south to Old Mexico; he longed for Dallas and the good old days of his topsy-turvy youth; he lamented his long lost convicted brother; he mourned the passing of his son and his youngest brother; he also mourned his lost loves, missed opportunities and broken dreams.
Some of the nights were almost unbearable for me. My friend was causing me to question my own sanity. I began to realize what Rumbelly was: that Rumbelly was a part of me… my alter ego!
––Excerpt from The Fantasy World of Captain Rumbelly
Rumbelly meets my Evil Mistress: OMG!
Gimme a Break, by Captain Rumbelly
In 2004 my mom was visiting us in Pagosa Springs. We were talking music and at one point she expressed how much she disliked my biker album entitled The Adventures of Captain Rumbelly and the Panhead Pirates. (Sold in Easyriders Magazine.) She didn’t like all the profanity and sick – but funny – obscenity. You know, songs like “Don’t Cuss, God Dammit!” (Advice my late father, Spike, had actually given me.) She suggested that I “get rid of that despicable character… once and for all.”
I thought her idea had merit, so I sat down and came up with a concept for a new album: an introspective Rumbelly delving into his troubled past. Each heartfelt song dealing with deep emotions finally brought to the surface and examined. The attending psychiatrist taking his notes from the madman on his couch, and then turning them into libretto for an exhilarating Rock Opera.
And like many an opera, the lead character dies. In Rumbelly’s case, he rides his Harley off a cliff on Wolf Creek Pass. And all of this happens in real time on the recording – including the spirit of a man who thinks he just might be dead. (Hope you’re happy, Mom!)
Welcome to the End — The Album
I got together with my friend and co-conspirator, Stephen Tholberg (Steve T), and my trusty bass playing friend and band mate, John June. Together we created this album. Without these two talented lads I would have failed miserably! (Or more so than normal…) Of course, many thanks to all the talented folks who contributed to this gratifying project!
PLAYERS
DC Duncan: Drums and keyboards; Steve T: Guitars, and bass on Title Track; John June: Five string bass and upright bass; Jimmie Barnes: Bass on “Got It Bad This Time;” Red Greer: Violin; Doc Carlson: Slide guitar: Kirk James: Guitars on “Goin’ Back to Dallas;” Jack Hanson: Clarinet; Bob Hemenger: Tenor and soprano sax; Bob Newnam: Trumpets; Emily Tholberg: Vocals; Carol Turner; Vocals; Stan Zuege: Pipes
PRODUCTION
DC Duncan: Co-Producer/horn arrangements; Stephen Tholberg: Co-Producer/engineer; John June: Associate Producer; Kevin Johnson: Mix Engineer; Dan Nebenzal: Drum mix on title track
Cover model: Cass Calley; Photography: DC & Jaye Duncan; Graphic design: Bill Hudson
Steve, John and I sequestered ourselves at River Run Studios in Outlaw Land (Aspen Springs). We created our own magical world where anything seemed possible. A few times, while I laid down certain vocal tracks, the boys burst into unbridled laughter. Yep. There are some funny moments on the CD that pop up out of nowhere.
10,000 Nights Without You
And then there are the moments when players put down some unbelievable instrumental tracks that blew our minds. Somehow, they had slipped into a musical Nirvana and brought forth performances from the inner depths of their souls. Of course, we were all enjoying a righteous buzz worthy of Cheech and Chong. But the tracks don’t lie!
I was writing some solid lyrics, unlike the ribald rhymes of the first Rumbelly offering:
Trial and Tribulation
My friends all think I’m crazy, my wife just hid the gun
My daddy says I’m lazy, he’s sorry I’m his son
My mother keeps on prayin,’ she wonders what went wrong
My brother keeps on sayin’ I’ll be dead before too long
Now is the time of trial and tribulation
Can’t seem to make it without my medication
I’m gettin’ carsick on this bumpy road to hell
Ever since I lost my son I haven’t been too well…
With heart and humor this collection of introspective songs tells the story of a troubled soul. The music has been called “Rockin’ Rhythm & Blues,” but in the final analysis it is the listener who determines genre. It is eclectic without being schizophrenic and somewhat sophisticated without being esoteric. It weaves poignant lyrical refrains into a variety of rhythms and styles… but never belies the intent of the album or the integrity of the music.
Premonition
One does not merely listen to this music – one experiences it! It is a trip through the weird, inexplicable territories of a madman. But wait! All of us are capable of slipping into madness; you will find yourself empathizing.
Think I’m Goin’ Insane
I hear the voices and I do what they say
They keep me up all night, I listen everyday
Don’t call me crazy, just let me explain
Just want to hide away, I’m trying to maintain
Well, I’m not sure, but I think I’m goin’ insane
Inside my head it’s a wonderful dream
Everything turns out just right, exactly like I deem
The real world’s a nightmare, it’s an abnormality
I’d rather be insane than to live in reality
Well, I’m not sure, but I think I’m goin’ insane
Out in the real world the people treat you bad
They always break your heart; they always make you sad
A broken romance is a love fatality
I’d rather be insane than to live in reality
Meanwhile I’m busy staring into outer space
Got to hide away from the whole human race
Won’t you please excuse me while I slowly go insane
You can brush away the tears, but you can’t erase the pain
Yeah… I’m not sure, but I think I’m goin’ insane
Ever since you left me, I think I’m going insane
Ever since you left me, darlin’
I think I’m goin’ insane
Rumbelly’s last ride
On the album, near the end, we recorded a believable News Flash with KWUF announcer, Chris Olivares:
In local news, the Archuleta Sheriff’s Department reports a fatal motorcycle accident. The rider was identified as Capt. Rumbelly, alter ego of DC Duncan of Pagosa Springs. There were no other vehicles involved. Officers at the scene told KWUF that Rumbelly missed the turn at the scenic overlook and crashed through the guard rail, plummeting over the 800-foot cliff to his death. There were no skid marks indicating that this may have been a suicide. Drugs and alcohol seem to be a factor. It took deputies over two hours to recover the body in rough terrain below the cliff. Rumbelly’s 1977 Harley was demolished…
One evening, this solemn announcement was accidentally played live on air. Many folks listening to the radio actually believed the so-called News Flash. For weeks we were getting phone calls from all points regarding my tragic death.
One distraught fellow left a message: “DC. You BETTER be dead!”