Dear everybody,
Hope this finds you well and happy. Reasonably certain that none of us could have ever imagined how quickly everything comes to a screeching halt during a global pandemic! Holy shit!
So there is obviously a lot to be concerned about, both in the short and longterm, and things will never be quite the same, etc…however I’m looking optimistically at all the possibilities that have and will continue to emerge during this uncertain moment for humanity. As my old buddy Seth Whitney said yesterday, “Love or fear. The choice is clear.” For those who make a stand and choose love, amazing things will take place. I truly believe that. My prayer for us all is that our faith be strengthened through all of this—and our immune systems too!
Today marks day 11 of self-isolation for my family here in Austin. Last week, in a matter of about 72 hours, I had almost two months worth of work cancel or postpone. Yikes! So I’ve made a somewhat seamless transition to full-time dad. My daughters are keeping me incredibly busy and for that I am grateful. With everybody in music suddenly out of work and staying home, there has been a tidal wave of live streams, content, etc. The message to me is clear—it’s time to create. Coincidentally, several months ago I bought an amazing instrument, a 1976 ARP Odyssey synthesizer. Next to the minimoog model D, it stands as one of the most definitive keyboards from the golden era of analog synths. (I once read the analogy that if the minimoog was a Mercedes the ARP would be the batmobile!). So as a way of familiarizing myself with the instrument (not a manual person really) I thought it would be fun to make up little tunes using only the garage band app on my iPhone 7 and the Odyssey (with an upright piano or wurly occasionally making an appearance). It’s been a fun exercise, usually done late at night after my wife and daughters go to bed, and well, now I’m feeling compelled to start sharing a few of them with those who are interested. You can keep tabs on this little activity here. Will post a new one every week or so for the foreseeable future. If you dig, please share!
Other cool news: Bruce Robison’s latest release, “Next Waltz volume 2” recently hit #1 at Americana Radio. Quite an accomplishment and something that all involved are quite proud of. I’m truly honored to be a part of this scene and excited for what the future holds. Here is a video of one of the more popular tracks on the record, sung by Evan Felker and Carrie Rodriquez.
Also, several videos from the Rodney Crowell session last summer are now up on youtube. Check it out:
And finally here is a taping for Texas Music Scene with Bonnie Bishop. Such a great band with Clint Kirby on drums and Harmoni Kelly on bass (however it’s worth noting that her guitarist and bandleader at the time, Ryan Tharp, was dealing with a family emergency and couldn’t make it…so all the solos and “color” if you will was left up to me, not ideal but still came together pretty nicely)
That’s all for now. Thanks for dropping by.
Peace, love, health and prosperity to you and yours.
“Meditation is to be aware of your daily disorder, which is also part of your consciousness, and to find out whether order can be brought about.”
-Krishnamurti