DAWN OF THE CHRIST-CHILD

Dawn of the Christ - Child. The wonder of complete and all-encompassing love. A heart of mercy and justice at the center of the universe.A spiritual infrastructure undergirding everything. Perfect balance yet we see only chaos. The struggle for rightness despite stumbling steps. Walking the tightrope of life above the safety net of salvation. You can't hold in this great gift. Let your light shine, friend of mine.
The healing force of laughter.
The face of a small child.
The wonder of a brand new day.
The beauty of the wild.
Magnificent obsession.
Firebrand.
Delight in Him, and thrill in being you in this time. In this place.
Think of all the wonderful things you can do today
in anticipation
of tomorrow.

Matthew

Got back in touch with my buddy Matt Ross! I couldn't be more thrilled!. It's been a while, and I am looking forward to getting re-acquanted. Matt and I have shared some great adventures together, including a screwed up car crash in Miami., but that's another story. Well, there was that time in Ft. Lauderdale when...or The Kinks concert at The Universal Ampitheatre in L.A...man, too many cool moments to count. Hopefully many more to come. We shared lots of music and he turned me on to a universe of bands back in the day. Here's to you, bro!

Grade School Friends

I got back in touch with two of my schoolmates from grade school. I got a call out of the blue from Ramon Arronte who was one of my best friends that I had lost touch with over the years., and one of the first guys my brother and I we're going to form a band with. We're talkin 1977! Turns out he's still musically active which does my heart good.
Maria (Alex) Falcon, another schoolmate actually found me online, and gave Ray my info. I owe her a phone call. I got a very nice email from her. Sounds like they are doing very well. This is so cool. I've got to plan a trip to Miami to see them, and other old pals I might be able to dig up. Well, not dig up, but dig. Dig? I'm still trying to find Matt Ross. I think he lives in Miami Beach, but as yet I've been unsuccessful in trying to locate him. He's the other guy that was gonna be in the band.
Through Ray, I got my friend Lisa Hernandez 's email. We have been in touch a bit . She came up with her mother to my nephew Tim's wedding last year in Isle of Palms.
WOW! Old home week. Indeed!

Mixdown

I'm mixing down a song this week. It's called "Something I Remember". This is where, although I know It's going to be nowhere near perfect, I become completely anal retentive and have to fight the overthinking. It's a sloppy rock and roll song after all, but I want to do it right. This cut should be in the can by the end of the week if I don't drive myself insane first. I'll put a taste of it up on my site next week sometime, if anyone's interested in hearing it. AAAHH, the things we do for rock and roll!

Back In The Saddle

I've been remiss in posting the last few weeks. I have both been lazy, and yet had a lot going on. I'M BAAAACK!

Mom's Visit

My mom has been visiting us from Virginia. It's been a nice time. Nice to enjoy Thanksgiving together. We haven't been able to do that for a while, as I work in retail and work all fridays after Thanksgiving. That gets a bit old, lemme tellya. No big deal, though. I got through it. Again. "Black friday" kicks off the holiday buying melee that I have grown to despise. It has ripped the heart out of Christmas for me. I've got to remember what this is really about, and that is the birth of my King.

Plodding Along

I'm plodding along on the CD project. I Expect to have three more songs in the can by month end. Two are nearing completion, and I'm thinking of using a version of a song previously recorded, "Charade" , as a primarily acoustic piece augmented by strings and simple piano as is. I may re-do the vocals as needed. I am an anal-retentive, over thinking bag of neuroses, but we do what we can with the bag God gave us. I really need to kick this project into high gear. I have a tendency to drag my feet, if you haven't noticed!

MOM

My mom, Lois, is visiting us for a few weeks. She hasn't been in Myrtle Beach for about a year or so and it's nice to have her around. She lives in Galax, VA, which is a teeny town nestled near the blue ridge parkway in south west Virgina, about a couple hours north of Charlotte, NC. My mom moved to Galax about four years ago with my sister Maria and her husband Jack, when they retired and headed for the hills. They have a fifty-acre farm in a valley all to themselves. It's quiet there. Really, really quiet. Until I get up there with my pistols and enjoy some target shooting. I don't kill things, but would if I had to I guess. I'd much rather leave that to the professionals. Most unpleasant, that is. I almost go veggie thinking about it. Notice I said almost.

Celebrities and Politics

I don't know about you, but I'm so sick and tired of popstars and actors telling me who to vote for and what their political opinion is. I love you Springsteen, but maybe you don't know as much as you think you do. And Sean Penn, you've come a long way since Spicolli in "Fast Times" (in which I was an extra and I saw firsthand what an asshole you used to be, and maybe still are), but are we really interested in you off camera? And Micheal Stipe? Go shave your head!
All you country guys on the other side of the political spectrum are in the same boat. Toby, go sell a Ford. Kix ; do what you're good at. Go write a song.
My point is this; Think for yourself and make an informed decision. It's your future.

a new life emerging: Today is your day.

Check out Rick's awesome post. This one gave me pause.

a new life emerging: Today is your day.

Morning Musings

I'm about to head out to my day job. The cats are taking turns drinking milk out of my empty cereal bowl. They always line up (all three of them) when I'm eating cereal, which is rare.

It's so easy for me to take my manifold blessings for granted. I default to grumpiness. I need to learn to be more thankful, and radiate the joy of the Lord., which is my true reality.

The Show

The show rocked. Charlie Quintana is now drumming for them and if I'm not mistaken he played with The Cruzados way back in the day. Apparently he has played with Dylan as well. Good going man. Hey Charlie, I can do anything you can behind that kit!

The show was on the one year anniversary of Cash's death, and the band opened with a great rendition of Ring Of Fire. Also they covered Haggard's "Making Believe" which was totally awesome. I've always adored that song. The two friends that were with me were unaware that that was Merle's tune. I guess they thought Mike Ness pennd it, which he very well could have, talented as he is.

My twin brother Roger reminds me that we saw them in Hollywood twenty-something years ago. I didn't remember at the time, but now it's come back to me. Must've been high! I do recall it now. It was at a run down 1940's ballroom with some other punk acts. Fear was on the bill as well. Boy. Rog remembers everything.

SOCIAL DISTORTION

Going to check out Social Distortion at the House Of Blues this evening. Haven't been to a rousing punk show for years. If it's too loud you're too old, but I'm bringing ear plugs anyway! Gotta save what I've got left. Spent the day tracking guitars on a rough take of my song "Something I Remember" for kicks. Sounding surprisingly good. Later...

Drumming Scoop

Tracking was tedious but positive. Songs were tracked too fast, but the drums themselves sounded pretty good. I’ll chalk this one up to pre-production. I know what I must do to make the drums sound better. I don’t need a hi-hat mic. Don’t need the first rack tom. I want one more overhead. Maybe two cymbal overheads and two large-diaphragms as room mics. Not sure I need tom mics but I’ll figure it out. The toms sound a bit boxy and may need some attention. :

Tracking

Tonight I start drum tracks for my CD. I'm ready to roll. Drum roll! I'll check in after the session for details. Off I go...

9-20-04

I'm reading Ian Whitcomb's 1983 book Rock Odyssey. Interesting stuff. I love the descriptions of Hollywood in the 1960's. Wow. Seedy even then, but my kind of town. I miss the smells of the blooming trees and plants wafting through the air on a smog free day. Hell, I almost miss the smog. Almost.
I played drums on one of Ian's albums just before the book was released. Fun times. Has it really been that long? Somebody slap me!

It’s an absolutely beautiful pre-fall day. The sun is shining, there is a pleasant breeze and it’s cool outside. The sky is opening up for me as it always does this time of year. This is arguably my favorite time of year.

Music’s moving along. I am preparing to record the first four drum tracks for my cd project.

I am pretty well set on the following four to do first:

Famous Last Words

Something I Remember

A Different Light

What Might Have Been

And, if time permits, I’ll squeeze in

Go

Drumming

I got to do some drum practice at Ed's studio today. It's the first time in years that I have sat down behind a kit. I got a good warm-up. Played for about an hour and a half. I am going back in on thursday for further practice and then I'll be booking some studio time. I plan on doing the drum tracks in batches of three or four, finishing up the production at home, and going in and knocking out another couple of batches. The first three songs will determine the course of this project. I think I can pull off the drums. It should be fun. I think I've still got it. The recording of drum tracks seems to always stress me out a bit, but I am determined to make this as enjoyable as possible. I want to flow with it. Nothing ventured, nothing gained. The time to do this is NOW!

Have Drumsticks, Will Travel

Well. I got some drumsticks. I have been practicing in my head for weeks. It's time to take this thing to the next level. I'm ready to book some time at Ed's Studio (Ed Dennis. Atlantic Spoke Recording), and give this idea of mine a whirl. I have decided to do my own drum tracking. That means blowing some dust and rust off and hunkering down to ROCK the kit. I haven't dome any drum recording or even drumming for lots of years, but I know I've still got it! At least I hope I do. Ed's got a kit already pretty well miked up and ready to record, so, with a few tweaks we should be on our way. I'm getting ahead of myself. I will require a few practice sessions behind the kit to build up stamina, chops, etc. I'll do that first. Then we roll ,er, tape. Well, not tape. Actually nothing rolls anymore. I mean to say I'll fire up my hard drive on my trusty Yamaha AW2816 and we'll take it from there. To say I'm not a bit nervous would be a lie, but I'll be allright. Hey. This is my gig! No worries. This should be a lot of fun. God help me, what have I got myself into!

Labor Day

Rainy morning. I'm smoking a Rocky Patel Churchill 1992 vintage. Good smoke. Maybe a bit early for a medium-bodied cigar, but hey, it's Labor Day and I'm chilling out this morning. How's this for obscure? I'm listening to Flesh For Lulu's CD Big Fun City/Blue Sisters Swing. This is circa 1986. British postpunk I suppose. They Had a release on Capitol about 1987 called Long Live The New Flesh which I liked better. I liked it enough to buy this CD. I forget where I found this. Probably Aron's in Hollywood. Plastic Fantastic was enjoyable as well.

I miss living in Hollywood. I miss it a lot. I'd like to win the Lotto and move into the Hollywood Hills. Also, a condo in Nashville would be cool, since I'm dreaming.

Looking forward to a writing appointment I have with a guy named Chris Yale today...

Can't Sleep

I can't sleep, so I thought I would come downstairs and write random thoughts. Sometimes i feel like an alien on this planet. Sometimes I don't understand why the world is as it is. Other times I understand perfectly. This world is fallen, and we are all in need of redemption. Everybody's looking for a reason to believe in something. What bothers me is that there is so much error out there, it's staggering. I am through with being ambiguous; weary with being all things to all men...a nothing man. I think it's high time I stood up for what I believe in. I judge no one any longer. I'm all about personal freedom and responsibility. I desire truth. I want to live out that truth in love to the very best of my ability. Why is it so hard to drop the facade? Why is it so difficult to be transparently oneself in the midst of a hurting planet?

Rod Stewart

I'm listening to a Rod Stewart Cd called Out Of Order from 1988. Totally eighties sound. Co-produced by the late Bernard Edwards, formerly Nile Rodger's partner from the band Chic. I confess it is enjoyable. I am going through my entire cd collection without prejudice. It's been a while since I've heard some of this stuff. Yesterday I suffered through Phil Ochs in Concert. It had some good moments but I couldn't stomach the anti-Christian statements, although I think it had more to do with politics than Jesus. More about orgainized religion than the Light of my world. I may listen to the rest of the record today. I consider this listening discipline grist for the mill. I am studying songcraft as well as production. My ears are wide-open.

Played Me Again

The guys at The Sound 107.1 Played my song "What Might Have Been " on the Homegrown show last night! It was quite a surprise for me as I wasn't expecting to hear it. I was tuning in to hear the third installment of this new local music show when, second song in, Mixin' Dixon played my song! It sounded pretty damn good due to the fact that it was a good mix that was mastered by Ronny Morris at Digitak Mastering Down in Brunswick, Georgia. He did a wonderful job. I truly appreciate the support of Randy Clemens, the Program Director at The Sound, and Mixin' Dixon, the show's host. This spurs me on to create and record the best material to the best of my ability.
I'm stoked!

Just Thinking

Boy time just blazes by. Seven years ago today my brother Roger and I got to go backstage at the James Taylor concert in Charlotte compliments of our old friend Robert Morales, who was a tech for him at the time. I remember getting a flat tire that night. And beer. Lots of beer.

Old Bandmates

Strange day today. I saw my old friend and bass player Rex Polk today. He is in town for about a week or so with his girlfriend Stephanie. It was nice catching up. He liked my new songs. Strangely enough as I was driving him to the auto shop ( his transmission is kaput) I spotted Terry Rochester, our old drummer, across form the shop. Small world. We chatted for a bit and that was a nice surprise. He was unaware that One of our songs was aired on the local music show. I got his girlfriend Jeanette's cell number. Man, that cat is hard to get in touch with.

After that, Rex and I headed to Ed Dennis' studio to catch up. Ed was our guitar player in Early Train. Felt like a little renunion. It was cool seeing everyone. We had some good times, but playing covers is really not my scene. I spoke to Ed about laying down some drum tracks at his place, which he seemed okay about. I figure after about two or three practice sessions to blow some rust off of myself, I should be more than ready to rock on the drums.
Once again I am in motion. It's a good feeling.

BTW I finally got my car battery. I'm good to go. God has blessed me so much.
/

Old Bandmate In Town

My old bandmate Rex Alan Polk is in town this week. I am looking forward to seeing him tomorrow and play him a few new tunes he's never heard. Rex used to play bass in my old band Early Train. He has since moved to Florida. I have a feeling he'll be returning. He was always a great guy and fun to be in a band with. He has an inimitable sense of humor. It would be cool to do some music with him again sometime.

Long Day

Had a pretty long day at work today. I work retail as a day gig. I was in a pretty bad mood all day that I'm only now getting over slightly. Dark moods have overtaken me in the last few days. I've been thinking alot about the fragility of life especially since my friend Rick Burton died august eleventh. I am, however, prone to these moods once every couple of months. I should just ride them out knowing they will pass, but it's rough not getting sucked into the vortex. I've had a real yearning for a cold beer the last couple of days, but I know for me a cold beer is never a cold beer; it's a ton of beer.

Rick Burton

My old pal Rick Burton died on the 11th. He moved down to Florida and I've been out of touch with him. He died of cancer. I didn't know he was sick. I'm bad at staying in touch with people. This has gotta change...

Here's his obituary...

Frederick 'Rick' Burton

LAKE PARK, Fla. | Frederick "Rick" Burton, 61, of Lake Park, Fla., formerly of North Myrtle Beach, passed away Aug. 11, 2004.

He was an adored brother of Barbara (Robert) Stewart and Joanne Burton Geller; cherished uncle of Zachary Stewart and Samara Geller; devoted companion to his beloved animals, Bojack, Nikko and Howard; and loyal friend to many. Rick was devoted to animal causes, and animals seemed to sense his compassion. Rick owned and operated The Pottery on Route 17 in North Myrtle Beach.

Services in West Palm Beach, Fla.; funeral in Elmont, N.Y.

Sign an online guest book at MyrtleBeachOnline.com.

In Rick's memory, contributions to the Humane Society of North Myrtle Beach, P.O. Box 3369 North Myrtle Beach, S.C. 29582, will be appreciated.

I'll miss you bro.

Betsy's Birthday

It's my wife Betsy's birthday today. Katie, my daughter, and I are taking her out to Miyabi for dinner tonight. Miyabi is our favorite Japanese steakhouse. We all look for reasons to go there. This seems like a darn good reason if you ask me. A sober celebration for me. That's unusual but I want it to become most usual indeed. Baby steps. I am so different when I'm sober. Nicer. Kinder. Less of a complete asshole. What a relief.

Morning Music

I've decided to go through my CD collection by taking a CD each morning and listen to it in its entirety as I work on my pc each morning. This is a whole lot of fun so far, as I have amassed quite a collection, and haven't been listening to any of it. A good music bath can only be therapeutic.

Germs of songs are coming to me. I feel an outbreak of musical creativity coming over me. Time to bust out the Yamaha AW2816 and get down to business. It tends to help me focus if I record rough drafts as I write. I'm not afraid of a rewrite. Start with the inspiration, and get it right through the perspiration. Some may disagree with this method, but it works for me.

This morning I'm listening to "Failer" by Kathleen Edwards. Great CD. Nice spare arrangements. Good emotion and performances. A little left of center, which gives it a cool quality.

I plan on buying at least one cd a month to stay abreast of what's out there. I hunger for tunes!

I really need to buckle down and get my CD done. I am notoriously lazy, but I don't want to die with my music still in me.

Music Of The Heart

We all resonate with our own inner soundtrack. Our influences and environment suggest the cadence we march to. Our conscious will determines our steps, but the beat goes on.

The Hits Just Keep On Comin'

The Hits Just Keep On Comin'

Cool Music-related blog.

That's what I'm talking about! Someone that has something interesting to say, in a way I can relate to.

False Start

My Car died again! I hope it's just the battery, and, judging by how the battery looks, it probably is. It's looking quite grody.

AAA

AAA got the car started. Hooray. Headed to the gym.

Car

My car's done died on me! I hope it's just the battery. I must call AAA immediately. I have vowed never to buy a brand new car again, and since this one's paid for, I'm hoping for at least a few more good years. I know it's got it in it. Good old '92 Escort wagon. What the hell, it runs,er, it will run again!

AIRED

My song aired. I'm trying to remain objective about my
material from now on. The mix could have been better;
as a matter of fact, that mix was never actually
deemed the final mix. I've been wanting to remix that
sucker for a while. It'll have to happen.

Castaway

Today's the day my song Castaway will be on the air. It's always a blast to hear one of my "babies" on the radio. This has occured infrequently through the years in L.A., in Myrtle Beach, and on the web. As an artist it's gratifying and it creates a hunger for more of the same. I am writing quite a bit lately. There is a maturity present now. Go figure. I've been at this thing for quite some time. It is something in me which will never cease. I can only hope that creativity is an upward spiral.

I do not believe that one can learn art. Craft, yes. Art, no.

Disclosure

Wake the neighbors with resounding words. The train of thought is smokin' down the tracks. Dialectical disclosures of mighty intent. The mouse roared. Squeek up. Voice it now, or it may be lost forever. Whatever it is.

Grey

There is a fine, misty rain falling with little to no wind. Reminds me of this photo I found on the web. I wish I remembered the credit. I do remember it's called Space...

Homegrown

My song Castaway has been selected to air on "Homegrown", a brand new local music show on The Sound 107.1. This will be tomorrow night (sun) at 8pm, and is hosted by Mixin' Dixon. This is the first show, and I'm pleased to be included. The program director, Randy Clemens said he really liked the song. He has recently moved to Myrtle Beach from Cape Cod. I wish him well at The Sound .

This show could prove to be a great resource for local artists and I can't wait to see what and who else is going to air.

All Clear

Charley passed through Myrtle Beach with minimal damage. It was here and gone in a matter of hours. Thank God we're all safe and sound. God bless those less fortunate.

A HARD RAIN

Man the rain's coming in strong, almost sideways.
We're getting more of this hurricane than we expected.
I like to watch it. The wind's gusting pretty good
sporadically.
We are as ready as we'll be so all I can say
is...BRING IT ON!

Hurricane

Looks like there's a good chance of hurricane Charley stopping by to see us some time tomorrow. I could stand a little rain. Up for a hurricane party anyone? In the past this would be an excellent excuse for me to get completely plastered, but seeing as I have been enjoying sobriety for a month now, that's simply not happening. I feel too good. I'm gonna keep my wits about me this time and experience life head on for a change.

I've heard that if you wonder if you're crazy, you aren't. I wonder. That's crazy.

Drumming Geek

This is me at the Palomino in LA in 1978. What a geek. But I knew who I was even then. I thought I was so cool. This looks like a left-handed kit. What the hell? I am left-handed but I play right handed. This belonged to the house drummer.

Spring Cleaning

It was all inside when we broke it open
seemed like forever when we were hopin'
finally got a chance to find out for ourselves
cleaning off the dust on our old shelves

spring cleaning
sorting through the
double meaning
finding out what's true
getting back to me and you

I said it before don't make me say it again
there's no going back to what we were then

Wanderers

We are wanderers on the face of the earth, the lot of us. The weather is bleak here in Myrtle Beach due to hurricanes Bonnie and Charley skirting us. I must confess I like it. I enjoy grey skies. It puts me in a creative mood for writing, songwriting, or recording.

Make it your own

We live in an exciting time. Make it your own.

RUMINATIONS

There was a shred
of the dream left in him
Although he was aware
of his misgivings he knew
it could still happen
Miracles never cease.

There was light pouring out
from the crack at the
bottom of the shade
Twilight's promise
of freedom

We were born to be wise
To live and die
by our convictions
How all too often
we betray ourselves

What in the world?

I'll be using this blog as a repository of ideas and ruminations. I'll be digging into my journals, mining the ore of the past, as well as spouting off in the present. Anything goes. I welcome your lively comments, and look forward to both dialog, and participation in the world of the written word. Let the games begin!

Thinly Veiled Opus

The thinly veiled opus
The spoken word
Whispered in silence
Dying to be heard