I Remember Tampa: The Anthology

I recently released an “I Remember Tampa” anthology, which includes most of the Tampa themed songs that I’ve written and produced, including many of the alternate versions of The song, I Remember Tampa. I have provided a link to where you can go to obtain digital copies of entire CD or individual copies of each particular song. I’ve also included a link where you can order an attractively packaged physical copy of the CD, which makes for a nice gift and/or collectors item.

The following links will take you to the proper sites:

To Order Digital Copies of Individual Tracks or All Tracks:

https://baluja.bandcamp.com/album/i-remember-tampa-anthology

To Order a Physical Copy of CD:

http://kunaki.com/Sales.asp?PID=PX00GQ1YSS

Many of these songs can be freely streamed on most digital outlets, including my YouTube channel, at https://youtube.com/user/baluja123, but the only source where they can be found as a whole is on the Bandcamp link above.

Dignity No Matter What

Back in 2010, I wrote a song called “Invisible”, which was my attempt to create an awareness of and empathy for, the rapidly growing homeless population throughout the nation, and in particular, throughout the city of Tampa. Fast forward to 2019, where we find homelessness an inescapable social malady that, no matter how hard we try, we can not ignore. Where once, the harsh reality was mostly contained within certain areas of downtown, now, it has spread to every major intersection, convenience store, interstate crossing, city park, and more. It hurts to see them…it hurts to ignore them…but it must hurt far worse to be them.

The artist, Renato Rampolla, whose photographs are featured in this video, has done an exceptional job of capturing the despair, the hopelessness, and the devastation that the homeless deal with every minute of every day in their lives on the streets. Ron’s 18 month journey into their dark world is a very interesting story, and his book, Dignity No Matter What, is a riveting look into their lives; complete with captions, in their own words. For more information on how to obtain a copy, visit his website at:

https://www.renatorampolla.com/

All proceeds from the sale of the book go to a local, hands-on charitable organization called, Blanket Tampa Bay. You can also find out more about them through Ron’s website.

Ybor City’s In My Heart

Digital copies of the song, Ybor City, available at Bandcamp:

Ybor City is filled with a rich history of architectural, culinary, industrial, and cultural distinction, reflective of its multi-ethnic composition. The man singing its song, Tony Garcia, has been involved with this community his entire life. Many who have known him are unaware of the talent that he’s been blessed with. I have known him for nearly 40 years, and until a year or two ago, I had no idea that he was a gifted vocalist. After seeing him live for the first time at the third annual Flavor of West Tampa, we sat down and talked about our respective passions for music. I found out that he just began singing publicly about 5 years ago. I asked if he had any recordings of his work and was surprised to find out that he did not. I suggested that we get together and lay something down…something we could share online, and perhaps archive on one of the many music sites for independent artists. We started with the Bobby Caldwell’s hit, “What You Won’t Do For Love,” because it offered Tony a chance to showcase the warmth and range of his voice. While working on that cover, Tony suggested one of my songs, Ybor City, for the follow up project. Naturally, I was very excited about the prospect of having him interpret one of my works. We got together once again, and the results surpassed my expectations. Tony was able to breathe new life into my song, and after mixing and listening countless times, I am certain that it will be well received by local and national fans of this historic community. Do yourself a favor, though. Make sure that you listen through a decent set of speakers or headphones. It’s essential. It’s the only way you can get the full effect of Tony’s dynamic rendering. Now, sit back, and enjoy the soothing sounds of Tampa native, Tony Garcia, as he pours his heart and soul into “Ybor City”.

Florida Forever

Florida Forever Yes, I remember and I love the city of Tampa, but I feel that same love for the entire state of Florida. In this song, which was written in the summer of 2005, I try to recognize a …