Robert Ranson’s lifelong dedication to making music began with his infatuation with drums at the tender age of two. By the time he turned 12, he also developed what would prove to be a lifelong love of guitar. Throughout the ‘70s,‘80s and ‘90s, he played in a variety of cover bands in his hometown of Richmond Virginia, eventually leading him to start his own outfit, The Aimless Drifters. He also managed to record and self-release an album of original songs which he aptly titled Chase Your Dreams. Though satisfied with the songs, Ranson wasn’t happy with the album and ultimately decided to keep it under wraps in lieu of wider distribution.

Flash forward more than 20 years. Ranson revisits that earlier effort with an upcoming album he’s dubbed Still Dreaming. Due out in the next few months, it features new versions of the original songs that were on that initial album, with one additional track, “For You,” as well.

For Ranson, persistence clearly pays.

“I’m a determined soul that can be tough and tenacious,” Ranson insists. “To a large degree, that’s what has made me successful in life. I don’t quit until I have given it my all.  My musician friends felt I had a bunch of great original tunes and that I should consider recording them in a professional studio. So in February of 2018, I started recording Still Dreaming at Red Amp Audio. I worked on the album for the next ten months and refused to stop until I had truly given it my best effort.”

The results clearly affirm his assessment. Ranson composed all the songs in the set, imbuing them with a sense of his own passion and purpose. By his own definition, blues, jazz, rock, reggae, afro-cuban and country all enter into his musical mix. Echoes of Steely Dan, Pablo Cruise and Eric Clapton are also evident throughout. 

“The album is something I’m proud of,” he says assuredly. “It’s my hope this music can be shared extensively and win the appeal of a broad audience that can enjoy it.”