Friday, February 20, 2009

Entry #8 My artistic life is becoming less boring



I'm pleased to announce my big debut show as a solo artist is officially booked on my birthday May 13 at my beloved Cinema Bar in Culver City.

Gives me plenty of time to put together my material and a band!

So, things are starting to pick up musically.

Just realized, I've got a birthday theme going today. Today is actually my brother Dave's birthday. Birthday shout out to my bro!

This entry's short and sweet.

Here's a pic of me fiddlin' at The Cinema Bar back in Sept 2008 courtesy of Ames Flames Evil.

Tuesday, February 17, 2009

Entry #7 My life as an artist is SO boring


Feeling unproductive music-wise. Been working way too much, but at least I'm making extra dough and still have a job unlike most these days. It certainly hasn't helped me as an artist though.

This blog has been so spotty much like my music these days. I was hoping that my time off last January from steady gigging was going to help me focus, and blogging about it would generate some excitement. Instead, I've gotten lazier. Even had a sinkful of dishes that accumulated over an embarrassing amount of time. Thankfully that chore is finally done as of 30 minutes ago.

My bluegrass fiddle studies continue to improve, but not at a pace that I'd like. Practiced for an hour tonight and felt better about my playing.

Still diggin' my guitar. Man, I really love that instrument. Been writing numerous snippets of songs, but nothing good. Finally, wrote a complete song a week ago that I actually like. Hoping next weekend I can record a little demo.

Speaking of girls and guitars, I saw Amy Redford 's indie film "The Guitar" on cable last night and liked it. It's a good little movie. I particularly liked that the story is about a girl who finally pursues her childhood dream of playing the guitar. I know so many girls who aspire to play an instrument, but instead they date a musician. Being a muse my ass. Come on girls, WAKE UP!!

Last Saturday's Valentine's Day was a trip. Unfortunately that "Monthly Intervention" open mic was a total bust for me. I was hoping it was a little songwriter thing with a low key audience of older folks. Instead, it was a wierd surreal COMEDY open mic. Shoulda called first.

Christy killed with her original comedy songs, and I was very impressed with her perfomance. We both had a good time watching the bizarre, yet entertaining event.

Well, look at that. I've written something tonight.

Saturday, February 14, 2009

Entry #6 Happy Valentine's Day

Music is in my heart today, and what better way to celebrate Valentine's Day than with my sister, Christy.

We've decided to perform our new material at an open mic in Burbank called the Monthly Intervention.

I found it and a bunch of others at openmikes.org.

The Monthly Intervention is actually inside The Burbank Moose Lodge. My dad was a Moose member back in Florida years ago. He was also with The Elks and The American Legion.

To hell with chocolate. My sister and I will be playing our hearts out and thinking of Dad!

Happy Valentine's Day!

Thursday, February 12, 2009

Entry #5 Who I'm listening to



Thought I'd make a quick entry before heading out to Beverly Hills to see my sister's show Comedy 90120 tonight.

Two songwriters I really admire both have new albums due out this month.

Randy Weeks was THE Los Angeles local hero at The Cinema Bar, and is now in Austin and taking the live music capitol by storm. His new CD "Going My Way" comes out Feb. 24, but my pre-order copy arrived in the mail today! Run and get yours at his website.

Peter Fahey, another Cinema favorite, will be releasing "Thunder Underneath" on Feb. 17. This album also features Randy on the guitar. In fact, I'll be at the Cinema Bar tomorrow, Feb. 13 (Friday the 13!) for Peter's show at 9:30 pm. Come join me! You can get digitally download Pete's CD at Emusic (I love this site) or get the actual CD at CD Universe. This is a terrific album.

Saturday, February 7, 2009

Entry #4 Way overdue

Wow! Time really got away from me. This entry is long overdue.

So far my life in L.A. consists of working way too much, sleeping and fitting in some music when I can. On Jan 18th I performed at the West L.A. Farmer's Market with Murphy's Flaw which went pretty well. There's even video of it! I'll post a little clip from the show in my next entry.

For now, here's me playing a new song I learned two days ago. It's Lou Reed's "Satellite Of Love" with a special guest appearance of my cat Puddin'.

This video was recorded when I first woke up which is when my voice is at it's lowest. A perfect time to sing in Lou's vocal range, although I'm playing a half-step up from original key of F. Plus playing in G is way easier!

Oh, and keep in mind that I've only been playing the guitar for 3 months now.

Hope you like it.