The Blue McKenzie is a musical journey from the headwaters to the confluence of the McKenzie River located in western Oregon. Each song represents a specific location within the McKenzie River Watershed.
The inspiration for this work came from many visits to the McKenzie River basin over a number of years. Moreover, as a member of the McKenzie Clan with apparent ties to Donald McKenzie--the river's namesake--I feel a deep connection to the area. We all have places that have special meaning to us. The McKenzie River watershed is a special place. It’s easy to dismiss that as a statement that would describe any places in the Northwest, or even North America, but the McKenzie is different in may ways. Its sparking blue waters, unique geology, temperate forests, and anadromous fish all make it unique. But there’s something more, a tangible characteristic that one immediately recognizes. That characteristic is where I drew the inspiration for this collection of songs. I hope you enjoy them.
Support the preservation of special lands. Visit the McKenzie River Trust (www.mckenzieriver.org), or the Land Trust Alliance (www.lta.org).
Click on a photo to see a larger version, or download the cd in mp3 or flac format.
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1. Headwaters (Parker / Leedom). The
headwaters marks a beginning or a start, albeit one that can occur in many
locations simultaneously. Technically, the McKenzie begins at the Great
Spring which feeds Clear Lake. However, many small tributaries contribute to
the river throughout the upper reaches. |
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2. The
Great Spring (Parker) The Great Spring flows into Clear Lake just across from
the lodge. It is amazingly clear (and cold - about 36 f). |
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3. Clear
Lake (Parker) Clear Lake is an amazing place. It was formed by a lava flow
hundreds of years ago. The water is crystal clear (as the name would imply)
and you can see the standing remains of trees that were inundated as the lake
filled. |
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4. The
Three Sisters (Faith, Hope and Charity) (Parker) The Three Sisters are three
large active volcanoes located in western Oregon. (Photo courtesy
USGS) |
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5. The Pass
(Parker) McKenzie Pass is among the highest routes in Oregon. Threading
between the North Sister and Mt. Washington, the Pass traverses an enormous
lava field. |
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6. Trillium
(Parker) Trillium (Trilliaceae) is a small three leafed plant (not pictured)
that has beatiful white flowers. |
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7. French
Pete (Parker) French Pete creek is a tributary of the McKenzie and was one of
the first low elevation old growth forests preserved by wilderness
designation. |
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8. The Blue
McKenzie (Parker) The Blue McKenzie is a name I've heard used, but doesn't
appear in any of the place names in the watershed. The photo of Takanich Pool
is representative of the upper basin. It is entirely spring fed and occurs at
a location on the river where the river goes underground through the porous
lava rock for 2.5 miles. |
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9. Paradise
(Parker) Paradise is the name of a forest service campground located along
Highway 126 just east of McKenzie Bridge. |
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10. Redside
Boogie (Parker). The McKenzie Redside is the name of the local rainbow trout
that as the name implies, have bright red sides. Angling for the Redside can
be quite a thrill when you've got one on the line. |
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11. Finn
Rock (Parker). Finn Rock is a geologic feature along the river. It is the
location of a popular boat launch and cafe. |
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12.
Rennie's Landing. (Parker) Rennie's Landing is the name of a popular boat
launch and fishing site. |
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13.
Armitage Park (Parker). Armitage Park is a notable recreation site on the
lower McKenzie. |
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14. Green
Island (Parker). Green Island is a 900-acre reserve at the confluence of the
McKenzie and Willamette owned by the McKenzie
River Trust. |
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15. The
Confluence (Parker) The Confluence of the McKenzie and Willamette Rivers
occurs 85 miles west of Clear Lake and is the site of Green Island. |
I also produced a
photographic video of Trillium (the
file is 37mb, so make sure you have lots of time or bandwidth).
You can also download the cover art: [front] [back] [inside]
Written, arranged, recorded, and produced by Bob Parker. Recorded August - June 2006 at StudioBob in Eugene, Oregon. All guitars played by Bob Parker except on Headwaters which guests Mark Leedom.
Comments? Please email me at rgp@uoregon.edu.
(C) Planitbob Productions, Last Updated 09/19/2008