When I'm working, I listen to music.  A favorite genre is Gulf-n-Western, sometimes called trop-rock; a mix of beach, western country, and folk music carried to its most well-known form by Jimmy Buffett.  Much of my work is informed and inspired by the singer/songwriters listed below; occasionally a piece is drawn directly from a specific song.

If you like Buffett, you'll probably enjoy most of these musicians as well; however, don't assume that because they're listed here, that they're Buffett clones.  These talented folks each have a style all their own, and while some occasionally cover Jimmy's songs,
their original music is the reason I like them so much.

Everyone has favorites,  and while I love everyone on this page ... that's why they're here ...
I have to admit that these three gentlemen below hold a special place
on Half Aft's playlist. 
Check out all these amazing artists, but you might want to start with these three.

Jim Hoehn
Fast and funny, or slow and sweet, or thoughtful and deep, Jim Hoehn manages it all.
If you like Jimmy Buffet and Warren Zevon and other witty "word guys,"
you'll like this artist.  Don't miss his newest CD, "Deadline Penitentiary."
Jim has a weblog devoted to independent music and musicians; check it out here.
~ link revised 1/06 ~

Hugo Duarte
Hillbilly Beach
A fine singer/songwriter with a broad range, lyrics both thoughtful and funny and insightful,
and with a musical eye that looks to many horizons but,
in the end, is almost always somewhere heading south. You'll want to go along.
Pick up his newest CD, "Don't Be Fooled by the Hat!"
And if you'd like, read my appreciation of his music. 
  ~ link added 2/04 ~

James "Sunny Jim" White
A singer/songwriter with an amazing body of work that takes "island style"
far beyond the norm of steel drums, waving palm trees, and sunny skies.
Sunny Jim's music follows the rhum lines, straight and true ...
go with him!
And, if you love his song "Splendid Adventurer"
about the boat of that name and Captain Phil,
click here
~ link added 8/00 ~

Don't stop with the artists I've listed above!  Each of the musicians below offer wonderful additions to the CD collection of anyone who enjoys "trop-rock," but who appreciates broader horizons as well.  These folks are listed in no particular order ...  I'll be surprised if you don't enjoy something by each of them.

Leo Dean
On his own and in collaboration with Ron "Cap'n Ron" Thomas Smith, Leo has recorded two wonderful CDs, with a third on the way.  An outstanding singer and picker, delivering blues, humorous tunes and warm songs about the south. 
~ link added 10/04 ~

Rob Mehl
There's only one CD out right now, but you'll find that "Just Give Me the Keys" will stay in your CD player for quite a while.
~ link added 11/04 ~

The Boat Drunks
Great Buffett covers, and even better original music of their own!
~ link added 2/04 ~

Jim Morris
Another deft singer/songwriter, with a fine sense of humor, and able to spin a moving ballad as well.
~ link added 11/00 ~

Jack Mosley
A gulf coast native, Jack Mosley offers wonderful story-songs about the water, and the people who live on and near it.
~ link added 1/06 ~

Scott Kirby
A Key West singer/songwriter and occasional collaborator with Peter Mayer, with fine lyrics and a beautiful voice to show them off.
~ link added 8/00 ~

Club Trini
The Coral Reefers when they play without Jimmy Buffett.
~ link added 8/00 ~

Don Middlebrook
A songwriter with few boundaries, Middlebrook wanders freely through the tropics and on to other inviting places.
~ link added 1/06 ~ 

Billy People's Tropical Dreams
Interviews, reviews, links, and other information by the head of the Parrothead Webring!
~ link added 1/06 ~

Gordon "Hurricane" Price and BarMusic
Gordon Price brings great music to small places all over, but especially Key West during MotM.  The Hyatt House concerts are not to be missed!
~ link added 10/04 ~

Phins
A great cover band, but you'll like their original music even better!
~ link added 10/06 ~

Michael Sea and Island Fever
Featured on one of Jim Hoehn's "Thongs in the Key of Life" CDs;
check out all this band has to offer!
 ~ link added 10/06 ~

The Rum Punch Bandits
As they say, "This ain't yer grandpappy's
Gulf-n-Western party band!"  Grandpappy no doubt regrets this!
No CD yet, but keep an eye on their schedule and you may get lucky!
~ link added 03/07 ~

The Yard Dogs
This Florida band is original, energetic,
and offers a wild ride of cajun zydeco/rock/beach music.
Audience participation is pure lagniappe!
 ~ link added 03/07 ~

John Frinzi
A versatile singer/songwriter,
John's mellow voice and deft guitar work allow him to segue easily
between rock & roll, "trop-rock," and country,
with humor and drama both played out in his musical stories.
Visit his site and check his calendar!
~ link added 04/07 ~