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