Hello everyone!

It's quiet. It's the middle of the night and my head is filled with music. I have thought of you so often over the last few weeks as I've been wishing there was a way to include you in our activities. Scott and I have attended a couple of rehearsals with Buzz and the Soul Senders and with Kevin Pakulis. Talking with Steve Grams today was wonderful, too. We talked about a song we're going to do together and Steve invited Scott up to sit in with them. Can I just tell you that working with these musicians is such an honor? That the enthusiasm I've percieved from each of them is so encouraging.

The past few weeks, getting ready for our upcoming event, Music in the Plaza - Becky Reyes and Friends, has been at times mellow, sometimes joyful, other times electric! I've experienced spontaneous bursts of laughter A LOT of times because the music I'm hearing is SOOOOO good. Each of these acts brings an original twist to the music.

Today, listening to Buzz's soulful voice and singing harmonies with Daniele Panther and Amy "Whiskey Girl" Ross was so inspiring. There's an incredible sensation when three, even 4 voices come together to form a chord. It's hard to describe but when it happens right, it's like a beam of light entering your solar plexus and radiating outward through every pour. And Buzz's line-up is coalescing nicely. The addition of Dylan Charles is brilliant! Dylan is a young whippersnapper and DAMN! Can he play the guitar!

Last Sunday, when Kevin Pakulis came over with stand-up bassist, Mark Pierce, we worked on a few songs. If you listen to KXCI at all, chances are you've heard one of Kevin's songs. In 2007 he was KXCI's most played artist and for good reason. He writes a good story! And he plays a good guitar. And he pairs up with great musicians! Kevin, Scott and Mark have a really salt-of-the-earth feel. Simple, unpretentious and solid, these three deliver songs for everyman. I came away from that rehearsal with a feeling of being connected to my home and community. Kinda rootsy feeling, I guess. Like, no matter what happens in this crazy world, everything's gonna be all right.

Finally, Scott will also be sitting in a few songs with Grams and Krieger. I'm telling you Scott lovers, if you like him when he plays with me, JUST WAIT until you hear him with these players. He's a totally different animal (emphasis on the word: animal)! And these guys, Steve Grams and Danny Krieger, though I rarely get to see them (such is the life of a musician), are truly at the very top of my list of local acoustic favorites. When I listen to them play as an acoustic duo, it evokes in me those heady days when I started connecting to, and claiming for myself, the acoustic sound. Oh, and if you like slide guitar, Danny's got it down. He's one of the best in the business!

I do hope you'll come out this weekend. I can't wait to introduce you to these players. It's my sincerest hope that we'll be seeing acts of this caliber in the area more often. These guys are the cream of the crop. And let me tell you, there's more cream out here in southeastern AZ. You remember the old Herb Alpert album cover for Whipped Cream and Other Delights? It's kinda like that!

Take care and I hope to see you on Saturday. Do remember to bring a jacket as this event goes til around 8ish and it's been getting chilly in the evenings. And feel free to forward this e-mail to folks you think might be interested. I have a feeling it's gonna be BIG!

Much, much love to you, -Becky 

And this is the painting I bought for myself. Gretchen calls it The End of Another Beautiful Day. I see any and all of us, and here come the musicians at the end of the day to bid goodbye to the sun and welcome the moon. Bitchin' Gretchen.

Hello everyone,

We brought mom home to live with us on Friday, October 22. Scott and I cared for her until she passed peacefully at 8:15 on Friday morning, November 5.

The first couple of days were extremely difficult for her as she and my dad are fiercely independent. She kept thinking she was in the way and apologized profusely for interrupting our lives. It took a bit of convincing, but she finally understood that we were overjoyed to have her with us.

This beautiful woman was born in 1926 in Culiacán, Sinaloa, México, to a rancher who settled in Douglas, Arizona and bought a store right on the border in the 1930's (Gaytán’s store is still the first thing you see when you come in to Douglas from Agua Prieta, Sonora). Early in her life, she took over as the bookkeeper for the store and, as her interest in the family business waned, she eventually went to work for Bledsoe-Mauzy Motors in Douglas.

She met my dad in 1954, who told her that he probably wouldn't live into his 30's as he had already survived 2 bouts with Hodgkin's Disease and was told by his doctors that he "wouldn't live to be an old man". Mom went home and studied her brother's (Dr. Jorge Gaytán) medical books and decided that she didn't care. She went to dad and said they'd go through it together and that he'd never be alone, stating simply "I'll take whatever time the good Lord gives us together".


Becky Gaytán and Gilbert Reyes tied the knot on Friday, February 11, 1955, against the wishes of their families (after all, she WAS marrying a man who was DYING). She married my dad in a brown linen business suit with brown alligator pumps (dad obliged by wearing a brown suit as well), and they moved to Los Angeles, California to start their new life together and where dad could be near the VA hospital should any illness recur. She pushed my dad to finish college and he became a civil engineer for Los Angeles County. Mom and dad were together 56 years and married for 55. They had three children, I was born in 1958, my brother Tom was born in 1962 and my brother Joe was born in 1967.

In the 1980's, and in her mid-50's, she had burned-out keeping books for various lumber companies and wished for a change. My dad convinced her to go back to school and get her real estate license. Off came the make-up, high-heels and poufy hair. On came the sensible shoes, business suits and her real-estate pin. She made her way through Los Angeles, at times even braving the roughest neighborhoods to sell a house. Then came the kudos from the Board of Realtors and this woman eventually became a regional chairman (22) for the Los Angeles Board of Realtors.

In 1996, I came to live in Arizona primarily to help take care of my dad's mom, Nana. I moved to Bisbee where I met and married Scott and we had a child together. Mom decided it was time to retire and she and my dad (who had retired from the county in 1985) moved to Arizona to be with us. She and my dad helped me raise my son, Gil. They lived together in the house in which my dad was raised.

Some time, last year, mom started to complain about the pain in her back and feet. Mom broke both her ankles in the early 1960's (she was holding my brother Tom in her arms and she fell on some stairs - saved the baby but broke her ankles), and she suffered from damaged discs in her back in the late 1960's. Rather that be "all hopped up on drugs", she chose to endure the pain until it got to the point where she could no longer care for herself. Dad cared for her diligently and as best he could (she was very stubborn) until the last weeks of October of this year. We took over, and by that time, she was just a shell of her former self.

On Friday morning, November 5, I sensed that she would slip away soon, so I opened the curtains at 7:30am and sang Las Mañanitas to her. It took a bit of effort on my part because I could feel the emotion and tears welling up, but I heard her voice so clearly in my mind, "Don't give up now! C'mon, you've got to finish my song!" And so I finished singing Las Mañanitas to her, with a little chuckle at the end and lots of kisses on her forehead. She died 45 minutes later with the words, "We love you mama" ringing in her ears. She was 84 years old.

We buried her on Monday, per her request. She was not embalmed (she just KNEW that somewhere in our lineage, there's Jewish blood and she wanted to honor that), and the rite was carried out without pomp and circumstance. Mom was not like that. She like to keep things simple and practical. Only family and a few of my dad's buddies were in attendance. We'll be getting together, though, in February right after her birthday, and the whole family will come down and we'll celebrate her incredible life.

I want to thank you so much for all your support during this time. It meant a lot to me to hear from you. It's what kept me strong. I tried to answer all your e-mails, truly, it's what kept me strong (I had to say it again). I also want you to know that Scott was a trooper during the time we had her here. He took the lead in her care, and at the end, when she finally relented to morphine, it was his name that she called out for comfort, "Scott, I'm hurting". We had the most amazing hospice service come to our aid and they were with us from beginning to end. We are so grateful to her "doc", Angel Schroedl, CNP (and her staff) and Hospice Casa de la Paz. We would not have been able to care for mom the way we did if it were not for the amazing people involved there.

Thank you once more.

I immediately thought I surely must find an omen in a blood-red moon, but the only thing that came to me was that this world is stunning. I stared at the moon until it rose higher and turned a lighter and lighter color. It was breath-taking.

I shared this on facebook and my friend, Candy Royden, asked why the moon might have been red. I responded, "Don't know why the moon was red. I first thought that it might be a reflection of something on the window but quickly realized it was the moon. We have had some fires in the southwest (in the Chiricahuas I think) so that may have played a part. Candy, it was so red. Deep. Dark. Strange. My elemental mind wanted to find an omen, but I was so thrilled and realized that it was a sign that life on earth is mysterious and beautiful and all the explanations in the world wouldn't make it more or less breathtaking, so I sat back and just marveled at the sight. I love our little world."

Candy, inspired by the event, wrote a beautiful poem. I've copied it here to share with you.

La Luna Roja

~ Dedicated to Becky Reyes ~

I don't know why the moon is red
as if the night has somehow bled upon its face
A glow so strange and dark and deep
A mystery for me to keep, but not to chase

A blood-red moon with its ruby light
I marvel at it, crimson, bright, a jewel in space
The cause is best unknown to me
for it does not change the sight I see and now embrace

A scarlet moon on a summer's night
brings fascination and delight to this day's end
A sanguine orb, with its radiance rare,
keeps me spellbound as I stare, and to another world transcend

By Candace Royden
June 30, 2010

   Half the time though, I'm working on my newsletter. I want my newsletter to first of all, let people know where I'm playing and with whom, and second to inform people about other entertaining events that are going on in the communities where I play. So often I hear, "There's nothing to do", but I'm here to tell you that there are plenty of things to do out here.

   I'm going to try to cover events within a 100 mile radius of both Tubac and Bisbee (Bisbee being my hometown). We have artists and galleries, car clubs, fabulous restaurants, unique lodging, resorts, golf, birding, hiking, farmers markets, community gardens, coffee roasters, micro-brewers, vineyards and so much more! AND we are also a day's drive to Tucson.

   I love hiding out in "magical spots", like when you first enter a beautiful courtyard and instantly feel at peace and right with the world. My communities are filled with little magical spots and I hope you have as much fun discovering them as I do.

   I'll let you know in my newsletter when I post a new blog with a very brief summary. And thank you for forwarding my newsletter. I hope it helps you plan your weekend. And if you're an out-of-towner, please let me know when your in the area. I'd love to see you!

The little cabin hasn't changed much. My friend Lisa Bigwood took these pictures for me last year. Oh, the roof is different. It used to be a split-shingle roof that nearly sang when it rained (the shingles were of different sizes and so each had it's own tone), but as I see these pictures, I realize that the cabin is the same. Still isolated, yet inviting. I always remember my little cabin and the life I had there. The cabin even made it's way into my songs Hollywood Sign, Coffee Houses and The Winter Man. I left the frenzy that is Los Angeles and moved to this little cabin and found in myself a real nature girl. I buckled down and learned how to play guitar at that cabin (told ya I was a late bloomer). I met Lisa Bigwood during that time as we both started out on our paths as singer/songwriters.

Now, 20 years from that little cabin, I find myself still living in the country on a little farm in Palominas just outside of Bisbee, still identifying and studying medicinal plants, still playing music and occasionally writing, still - in some small ways - living in that little cabin, and once again filled with gratitude. I am so lucky and so happy to be alive.

I experienced my first Day of the Dead celebration when I was in a convent in Mexico around 1970 (Colegio Esperanza - Cananea, Sonora). I was a city girl from Los Angeles in a heap-o'-trouble and was sent to this convent to "straighten me out". It was culture shock to say the least. We had a very cloistered and disciplined lifestyle at the Colegio Esperanza and when we did go out, we were not allowed to stray from the group and were supervised very closely.

I remember that the nuns gathered us together and marched us to the graveyard where we were to help clean up any forgotten graves and decorate them with flowers. It was a very somber mood as we walked toward the graveyard, two by two, but when we arrived, what I found there was just the opposite of what I expected. Instead of people standing around the graves, quietly mourning, there was a carnival-like atmosphere and people were celebrating! They were playing music, sharing meals, vendors were selling sugar cane and candy apples, graves were being decorated with marigolds, balloons and altars that included little paper maché skeletons in dioramas that depicted the deceased in every day situations with furniture and tiny pieces of pottery. I remember seeing small bottles of tequila among the flowers on certain graves, as well as plates of food left as an offering. I also remember a little gray-haired nana talking softly to a grave, half-praying and half-telling the deceased the news of the year, sometimes crying and at times laughing softly as if sharing a private joke.

It has been many years since that day and I have celebrated Day of the Dead or Día de los Muertos many times since then. I remember the wonderful people in my life who helped form the person I am today: My maternal grandma and grandpa, Ignacio and Rebeca Gaytán; My dad's mom Angelita and her husband, my wonderful step-grandpa Gilberto Moulinet; My wonderful great-aunts Tía and Minnie; my cousins Xavier Reyes and Mickey Davis who both died of AIDS related complications, both artists in their own right; and the many friends who have passed over the years who are now too numerous to count but remain dear to me. This week, I celebrate their lives and remember them lovingly, joyfully.

Here are the directions from Tubac (and back again): we take 19 north to Sahuarita Road where we go east (right). We travel Sahuarita Road east for about a half hour (it gets prettier and prettier) and we turn south (right) on highway 83. Here the road starts to wind a bit (so use a bit of caution - you want to enjoy the ride) and it gets more and more beautiful. Do not, under any circumstances, miss the turnout about halfway there. The view will blow your mind.

We travel south until we hit Sonoita. From Sonoita we usually travel east (making a left on 82) but if you want to visit the wineries, and travel another gorgeous road, continue south on 83 until you come to Elgin Road where you will make a left. This will take you right to many of the wineries in the area and it will take you back to 82.

At this point, turn left on 82 (going west) back toward Sonoita. Now at this juncture, you may choose to continue on 82 west passing through quaint Patagonia and Nogales where you can connect with 19 north to Tubac - OR - you can go back up 83 and retrace your drive (it's always worth a second go 'round).

Well, I hope this inspires you to dust off the old cruisemobile, whatever it may be and hit the road. It sure is beautiful out here. And nightrides on moonlit nights? You can see forever. See you soon... -B

Monsoon over Elephant Head

Elephant Head monsoon near Amado

Monsoon over Palominas

Monsoon over Tubac

Well folks, it's been hard to tear myself away from my reverie. I'm going out to enjoy the night air and listen to the crickets. Have a great monsoon season!

This is the first 4th of July we've had off in a long time.

I'm so excited about this new enthusiasm we have for learning new songs. We're concentrating on the blues right now because 1) we have the Dusk 'til Dawn Festival in September and 2) I love having Scott play that blues harp. He's really getting into it and will be singing more!

I've been working on a couple of blues classics that I should have for you by the weekend of the 10th. I'm rediscovering Bessie Smith, Ma Rainey, Sippie Wallace and Alberta Hunter, and I've discovered other women blues pioneers like Ida Cox, Victoria Spivey and Clara Smith. I also had my first "lesson" with Scott Baekeland who taught me some new finger-picking patterns.

You should know this about me. I learned how to play guitar because I couldn't afford an accompanist. I'm a vocalist. So much of what you see is relatively new to me (I was a late bloomer), except for the folkie stuff - I've been doing that for years. I hear your comments, "Oh, you can play anything" and "Well, it must come easy for you". But no, it doesn't come easy. By the time I "got" the bossa nova rhythm, I had practiced it for (collectively over a few days) about 3 hours. Then I had to learn how to sing and play it at the same time which took another 3 hours! If you do anything for 6 hours, you'll get it, no matter how difficult or how much of a novice you are! Now that I'm learning a few blues songs on the guitar, you can bet that I'll be spending a few hours just trying to get the rhythm down, then another few just trying to sing and play.

I say this because I also hear (often sheepishly) from some of you, "Oh, I fool around with the guitar (or bass or sax or harmonica...)". Well, that was me at the beginning. For so many years I felt like if music was school, I'd be in the 2nd grade. Now that I've been at it a while, I feel like I could be in junior high, but let me tell you, I certainly don't feel like guitar is one of my greater strengths. The key for me is simplicity. My friend and mentor, Todd Stratton always said, "Keep it clean and simple". I've always lived by that rule when it comes to playing the guitar (I let Scott do all the fancy stuff).

I often hear the voice of another friend and blues mentor, Mr. Bill Brown. He used to tell me that I worried too much. "Simplify, Becky" he'd say to me, "you're making it harder than it really is. It's not that complicated!"

Now as I'm practicing the things Scott Baekeland taught me yesterday, I realize that Bill was right. I just have to slow down a little bit, clear my head, work out a simple and suitable rhythm and just practice it until I get it right. Until I feel it in my bones. It's meditative in a way. And it really is so simple. It just takes a little time to get it right.

For those of you who play, fool around or are just learning how to play an instrument, I hope this inspires you just a little bit. You really can play, you know. And if you want the notes to any songs I play, just let me know! I'd love to share what I've learned. And please don't compare yourself to anyone! Not even me! Remember, I practice anywhere between 10 to 20 hours a week when I'm learning new material, then I perform 8 hours on the weekend. ANYONE who plays that many hours a week will sound good. Take it all at your own pace. Simplify. But most of all - have fun!

Me? Well, I'm just gonna sit here for a little while, contemplatin', cogitatin', messin' around with this here guitar and see if I can't come up with a little tune for you this weekend. Hope to see you soon. Hey! I'll be 51 on Monday the 6th. I'm gonna celebrate all weekend! -B

Happy Birthday America!