Another exciting part of the show on the 14th will be what I call, "The Craft of the Songwriter". Five brilliant local composers have agreed to share part II of the evening with me. We will perform some duets of their tunes, or in a couple of cases, sing compositions we wrote given similar impetus and showing how different these efforts can be. These special folk are: Jon Swenson, Jon McAuliffe, Tom Smith, Mark Stepakoff, and Jeff Root.
I am really excited to be performing with these guys. Love their songs.
More on this when we select the songs.
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
Ok - things are happening
July 21st:
We're starting this project with a "creative kernel": Jeff Root (Acoustic guitar) and Steve Gilligan, (bass) and me. I've sent out both accompanied and a capella versions of the songs, and Steve, Jeff and I will get together when I get back from Oregon/Washington in a few weeks and start the basic arrangements. We have some ideas for drums, dobro, and mandolin. I've sent a CD out to Tag Vennard for his one piano piece. I am really looking forward to seeing what he will do with it.
Meanwhile, I will continue work on the book. It is very interesting to find a way to weave the stories of my Dad's past with the contemporary journey; in addition to talk about the creative process on the way.
Since I tend to write a lot of story songs, most of the songs in this collection lean towards that, and made it easier (at least for me) to write. Looking for the daily inspiration was the fun part, and I will describe that in detail in the book.
My postings while I am in Oregon may be sparse, but I will post, so keep coming back. I would really love for as many people as possible to be part of this project.
We're starting this project with a "creative kernel": Jeff Root (Acoustic guitar) and Steve Gilligan, (bass) and me. I've sent out both accompanied and a capella versions of the songs, and Steve, Jeff and I will get together when I get back from Oregon/Washington in a few weeks and start the basic arrangements. We have some ideas for drums, dobro, and mandolin. I've sent a CD out to Tag Vennard for his one piano piece. I am really looking forward to seeing what he will do with it.
Meanwhile, I will continue work on the book. It is very interesting to find a way to weave the stories of my Dad's past with the contemporary journey; in addition to talk about the creative process on the way.
Since I tend to write a lot of story songs, most of the songs in this collection lean towards that, and made it easier (at least for me) to write. Looking for the daily inspiration was the fun part, and I will describe that in detail in the book.
My postings while I am in Oregon may be sparse, but I will post, so keep coming back. I would really love for as many people as possible to be part of this project.
Monday, July 12, 2010
Start The Engines
July 11th: The Project is officially underway. The book is progressing and Jeff Root of The Root Cellar Studios in Gardner, Massachsetts has agreed to spearhead the recording effort. We spent the afternoon looking over the songs, refining some of the chord structures and talking about arrangements and players.
Because I wrote the songs in my head (melody and words sans instruments) chords were an afterthought for me. Jeff put his attentive ear towards chord modifications that will add interest to the tunes.
Also on board is my good friend, Steve Gilligan, a magnificent bass player who has a musical resume as long as my arm and whose professionalism I count on.
In addition, I have just signed up Tag Vennard, a fantastic piano player. Camille Breeze of the ethereal vocal chords is going to supply some harmony. Other players are in the works, and I'll let you know when they officially sign on.
Ira Grollman of OMKT Disc Services will do the recording. We will be recording this live and the audience will be a very special part of this project. Says Jeff, "I'd like them to feel as though they are sitting in Studio 2 of Abbey Road taking part in the live world-wide telecast from 1967's "All You Need Is Love" session." Sounds pretty cool to me!
Because I wrote the songs in my head (melody and words sans instruments) chords were an afterthought for me. Jeff put his attentive ear towards chord modifications that will add interest to the tunes.
Also on board is my good friend, Steve Gilligan, a magnificent bass player who has a musical resume as long as my arm and whose professionalism I count on.
In addition, I have just signed up Tag Vennard, a fantastic piano player. Camille Breeze of the ethereal vocal chords is going to supply some harmony. Other players are in the works, and I'll let you know when they officially sign on.
Ira Grollman of OMKT Disc Services will do the recording. We will be recording this live and the audience will be a very special part of this project. Says Jeff, "I'd like them to feel as though they are sitting in Studio 2 of Abbey Road taking part in the live world-wide telecast from 1967's "All You Need Is Love" session." Sounds pretty cool to me!
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