It Started Here is an album that captures the essence of B.B. Wing’s life, each song a chapter in his long, winding journey through the heart of Clockworks City. Released exclusively for Life Of Fiction, we hope you’ll enjoy this masterpiece of timeless Gear Blues, and share it with a good friend over a cold drink.
"In the darkest corners of life, music is the light that guides you back to yourself."
B.B. Wing
The Eternal Echo of ‘Gear Blues’
"Music isn’t just sound; it’s the heartbeat of life. When I play, I’m not just strumming strings—I’m telling the story of our souls."
B.B. Wing
Each of these songs paints a vivid picture of B.B. Wing’s life, offering glimpses into the moments that shaped him as both a gnome and a musician. It Started Here isn’t just an album; it’s a musical autobiography, a collection of stories told through the universal language of the blues.
B.B.’s legacy is carried not just in the notes of his songs, but in the hearts of those who hear them.
His music has inspired generations of gnomes and others in Clockworks City to find their voice, to persevere through hardship, and to create beauty from the struggles of life.
Even at 68, B.B. continues to perform, his music as relevant and powerful as ever, ensuring that his story—and the stories of the people who shaped him—will never be forgotten.
The Album: It Started Here
For the first time ever, these forgotten tracks, kept from the public, are available for your listening pleasure. Pulled from BB’s on private stash, the following music is raw, uncut, and from the original recording tapes. The quality of sound does vary from track to track, but we have maintained, at Mr. Wings request, the original take and feel it was meant to be.
We hope you enjoy it as much as we enjoyed brining it to you.
1. Cause I’m a Trucker 1:53
This opening track is an homage to B.B. Wing's early days working as a delivery gnome, hauling goods through the treacherous, winding roads of Clockworks City. Before he became a full-time musician, B.B. spent years driving an old steam-powered truck, navigating the narrow streets and bustling marketplaces. The song’s rhythmic beat and rolling melody mimic the steady pace of a truck’s wheels on cobblestones, and its lyrics speak to the grind of the working class, emphasizing the resilience needed to survive in the city’s unforgiving environment.
"Determination is looking at a broken guitar string and saying, ‘I can still make this work.’ It’s refusing to quit, even when the odds are stacked against you."
B.B. Wing
2. Finger Walk 3:50
"Finger Walk" is a soulful instrumental piece that showcases B.B. Wing's extraordinary guitar skills. The song was inspired by the countless hours he spent honing his craft, his fingers "walking" across the strings as if they had a life of their own. The track’s intricate melodies reflect B.B.’s deep connection with his instrument, a relationship built on years of practice, pain, and passion. It’s a testament to the idea that music, like life, is about the journey more than the destination.
"There’s a rhythm to everything in life. If you can find it, even the hardest days start to feel like part of a bigger song."
B.B. Wing
3. First Date 3:25
“First Date” is an energetic, upbeat track that captures the thrill and excitement of young love. Unlike the slower ballads, this song bursts with the racing heartbeat of anticipation. It’s all about that jittery, electrifying energy you feel when you're getting ready to meet someone special for the first time. The lively rhythm and infectious melody make it impossible to sit still, reflecting the joy and nervous excitement B.B. felt as he prepared for his first date with Ruby Sparks.
The music is driven by a quick, snappy beat, and B.B.’s guitar work is particularly playful here, with bright, staccato notes that mimic the fluttering pulse of someone in love. The lyrics are light and joyful, celebrating the simple pleasures of a shared smile, a touch of the hand, and the dance of getting to know someone new. It's a song that makes you want to get up and move, embodying the fun and exhilaration of young romance.
"A good song doesn’t just get stuck in your head—it gets stuck in your heart, and that’s where it does its real work."
B.B. Wing
4. It’s Just A Hangover 4:00
"It’s Just A Hangover" is a gritty, tongue-in-cheek tune that reflects B.B. Wing's more rebellious years. After Ruby’s death, B.B. went through a period of heavy drinking, using alcohol to numb his pain. This song is a darkly humorous take on those wild nights, filled with rowdy bar scenes and the inevitable morning-after regret. Despite its lighter tone, the track has an underlying sadness, a recognition of the emptiness that often follows temporary escapes. It serves as a reminder that B.B.’s life, while marked by moments of joy, has also been shaped by deep loss and heartache.
"Life has a funny way of teaching you what you need to know. Sometimes, it’s the wrong notes that show you the right path."
B.B. Wing
5. It’s Payday 5:34
This upbeat, celebratory track is an ode to the small victories in life, particularly the joy of getting paid after a long week of hard work. In his early days, B.B. often played gigs just to make ends meet, eagerly anticipating the few coins he’d earn at the end of the night. "It’s Payday" captures that feeling of relief and satisfaction, with lively, infectious rhythms that make listeners want to dance. The song has become a favorite among working-class fans, resonating with anyone who’s ever lived paycheck to paycheck.
"Music is the one thing that’s never let me down. When the world falls apart, the blues are always there to pick up the pieces."
B.B. Wing
6. Roads Walked 2:53
"Roads Walked" is a reflective, introspective song that looks back on the paths B.B. Wing has taken throughout his life. The lyrics speak of the literal and metaphorical roads he’s traveled, from the slums of Clockworks City to the heights of underground fame. It’s a song about choices, regrets, and the inevitable passage of time. The melancholy tone is balanced by a sense of acceptance, as B.B. acknowledges that every road, no matter how rough, has led him to where he is today. This track is particularly beloved for its hauntingly beautiful guitar solo, which seems to capture the very soul of the blues.
"The blues ain’t about wallowing in sorrow; it’s about finding beauty in the struggle, about turning pain into poetry."
B.B. Wing
7. She’s Gotta Stop Talkin’ 5:00
With a wry sense of humor, "She’s Gotta Stop Talkin’" is a playful, bluesy number that recounts the frustrations of a relationship where one partner just can’t seem to hold their tongue. While the song might seem light-hearted, it’s also a reflection of B.B.’s complex relationships with the people in his life—whether it’s the gossiping neighbors in the slums or the well-meaning but overbearing fans who sometimes get too close for comfort. The track’s catchy hook and snappy lyrics have made it a staple in B.B.’s live performances, always drawing smiles and laughter from the audience.
"Music is my way of talking to the world when words just don’t cut it. It’s how I say what needs to be said without ever opening my mouth."
B.B. Wing
8. The Way She Walks 4:00
The album closes with "The Way She Walks," a slow, sensual blues track that returns to B.B.’s memories of Ruby Sparks. This song is both a tribute to her memory and a lament for what could have been. The lyrics describe Ruby’s graceful, confident stride, a metaphor for the impact she had on B.B.’s life and music. The song’s gentle, swaying rhythm and soulful guitar work create a bittersweet ending to the album, leaving listeners with a lingering sense of longing and love.
"You don’t learn the blues from books or lessons. You learn it by living, by feeling every note deep down in your bones."
B.B. Wing
A Special Thanks
We want to acknowledge the folks down at Gnome-Tone Records™, a division of WHRN Publications™. To Shelly Comcrank for his diligence in coordinating all the moving pieces, so we could craft a complete album. To Cesilea Dibblim and her breathtaking smile, which distracted the Centurion while Höbin and I smuggled the music out of the city.
…and to Dax, who was willing to port me home to bring this amazing music to the community we love so much. There’s more to come.
So…much…more.
Jaime & Höbin
Want to help keep me in basic office supplies?
I’m always running out of basic supplies……if you’re willing & able, you can click on my list of what I use and buy a product …..OR…. you can buy me a coffee and I’ll get what I need when I need it. THANKS!
I love B.B. Wing so much.... "In the darkest corners of life, music is the light that guides you back to yourself" got me good. Höbin, ya did good. Thanks for this, guys!
Man! You are SOME TALENT!!! Always wanted this album! Dancing away here! 💥🚀