phylosophy

I recently made a little money providing lead guitar and acoustic rhythm guitar to a guy in North Carolina for his next Christian CD. It was really a fun project and I really hope that the trend continues and someone else finds me in there. We did this through a website called StudioTraxx.

I used that little bit of fundage to pay for the release of my instrumental album on Tunecore. 'phyosophy' will be released on or near December 31st to iTunes, Napster, and Amazon.com's MP3 site. The new album will have 14 instrumental songs that were composed and recorded for a couple of the internet songwriting challenges that I participate in, namely FAWM and 50/90. If you know me, you'll most likely get a notice that it's available. Heck, even if you don't know me, I'll try to let you know. That's the fun of it. - I have quite a lot more songs (with lyrics) as well, enough for at least two more albums. After this release, I shall start the process or re-recording some of them and putting together new CD's. This time, however, I will bring in other musicians instead of doing it all solo like I have on the past collections. If you're a friend of mine, you probably play an instrument - don't be surprised if I ask you to play on these new albums. Please say, 'yes'.

Tattoo

Last weekend, my daughter came up from Hollywood to go get a tattoo with me. She chose a little design of two little proper English Gentlemen holding a kite and a "brelly" respectively. I chose a dragon. We went to Sacred Tattoos in downtown Oakland and both of us were inked by Jesse.
If I do get just one more, I've been wanting to get an ambigram of both my daughters names. (Chelsea and Chloe). But, I'm done for a little while.

Two Month Posting? Really?

Well, here it is, November 2nd. My last entry was on September 2nd. I guess you slow down after a while of doing something. I'm not going to say I'll do better either - it is what it is.

My 50/90 output was about 23 songs this time. A few of those were collaborations, so my mileage may vary. There are a couple keepers in there I should think. I'm going to regroup and listen to what I have so far from this last 50/90 and past FAWM's as well and see if I can put together a new album. I've actually already put together a preliminary list and the working title for the project is So Far So Good. I'll share the list next time.

Back in May, I found a website called StudioTraxx where I registered as a studio musician for hire. I've heard nothing until just now, when I got two requests for quotes. One is a project songwriter in North Carolina doing a Christian album and the other is a woman songwriter who needs some help with acoustic guitar on one of her new tracks. Amazing. I love making tracks and getting paid. It doesn't get much better.

Two Week Posting

50/90 is slowing down. Not only for me, but a bunch of the usual suspects are dropping out officially. I'm dubious that I can write and demo any more in the slightly less than a month we have left. But, I'm not quitting. I may have one or two more inside if that fickle biatch muse decides to visit.

In the interim, I have created another instrumental
called: When She's Away
I had some fun making this one into a little video - you Tube: When She's Away Video
(The video contains some Super8 footage taken by my Dad in about 1956 or 1957. )

I did another collaboration with 1B King. He sent me some lyrics to a song he calls 30 Weight and Black Lace. Says it should be a roadhouse/Biker Bar kind of jam. So I created a 4 plus minute jam, in E, and added a couple leady bits and a lot od space for Bob to put in his licks and the vocals. As soon as 1B posts it, I'll share with you, my singular reader. (Hi JP)

Since my last post, I have acquired a pair of A M A Z I N G speakers for my recording set up. My buddy Norm sold me a pair of Tannoy Studio Reference Monitors for $100! Holy shit, what a difference. I had to buy a small power amplifier to drive the monitors.

Until next time...

After a long pause...

...perhaps it's time to jot down a few 'musical' notes all up in here.

I am sorely behind in the 50/90 challenge. That's okay though since I'm not shootin' for the full monty. I don't have the time or resources for that. I will write a post a few more in the 43 days left I should expect.

Since last post, I have 4 = 1 collab!

3rd Floor Flat is a tune that I wrote the words to a number of years ago, and Tim Ryan penned the music. It was never recorded by us, so I finally took a stab.

Rock Song was born due to a very bad day at work. I just needed a little bit of rock and roll therapy - thank goodness I had the presence of mind to turn on the recorder while self-soothing myself in a rock kind of way.

The Languor of Summer doesn't have any music to it yet. It had been so hot in our house over a few days that I had to find something good to say about it.

The News is my collaboration with cts. Craig took my tune 'Rock Song' and added his special take on some cool words around the news of the day.

The Way It Is would be my one and only Hip Hop song. Inspired by cts' words on our collab.

I have 12, but it's really 10

I had scheduled all of Saturday to work on songs. But, Chelsea called and let me know she was on her way up from LA and wanted to crash at our place. She was up to attend her 10 year high school reunion! (Really?) So I spent most of the day with her and worked a little on some tunes. After she left for the party, I was able to find a few hours in front of the DAW. It was absolutely wonderful to get to spend time with my eldest daughter. She's pretty amazing!

50/90 continues and I've still a bit behind. I like where I am though and I'm rather fond of what I've produced so far. Speaking of So Far... So Far So Good is a little love song I wrote for Jane. After I finished it, I couldn't share with her 'cause she was mad at me. I had to wait until that blew over.

Red Beans and Rice is another one that worked out. It was one of those that almost wrote itself. And I recorded it in a very short time - only two takes!

And I recorded a little weird 2 and a half minute rock song called Powerwalk. I couldn't think of a name for it and Becca (visiting grand niece) came up with the title.

I've got one more to demo in there called Bringing the Devil Home and perhaps I'll record Billy Sea's version of Variety Show.

Heigh Ho

Questions

I got questions, baby. My new 5090 tune is called the Question Blues. I recorded the guitar and vocals in one take together. Then I added the harmonica and the hand drum.

Here's the link: Question Blues

Got me some questions, baby
I got some questions on my mind
Got me some questions, baby
I got some questions on my mind
And I been a-wondr'n
If I've just been blind

The pleasures of indiscretion, baby
You made arrangements on the sly
Pleasure and indiscretion, baby
You made arrangements on the sly
I have no choice but to
Counter with good-bye

Who was that guy I saw you with?
What's his name, are you takin' the fifth?
When did it all go so wrong?
Where did I start to get strung along?

What's up wit you, Baby?
Inquiring minds want to know
I seek some understanding, Baby
Inquiring minds want to know
I just need to step back
And try to keep in control

Who was that guy I saw you with?
What's his name, are you takin' the fifth?
Where did it start to go all wrong?
When did you start to string me along?