: : : Hello! : : :
July 11, 2007:
March 30, 2007:
Was a part of a great Tin Pan South show tonight @ Douglas Corner Cafe in Nashville. Really had a blast. Played with Joie Scott, Woody Bradshaw (Universal South), Dillon Dixon, David Vincent Williams, James Dean Hicks, Lila McCann (Broken Bow), Kent Agee and Paul Gordon (guitarist).
March 29, 2007:
Sometimes, people do get what they deserve: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/6507065.stm
March 1, 2007:
Best day of my life! Grateful to be alive. Writing, recording, loving what I'm doing and who I am.
Here's a quick and easy way to take some action. Al Gore will deliver a message with your name to Congress: http://www.algore.com/cards.htmlFebruary 12, 2007:
This is awesome. Blows me away!
http://www.dailymotion.com/loranger/video/x12565_beatboxFebruary 2, 2007:
Greetings from Nashville.
We have our first snowfall accumulation of the season last night, and it was lovely to look at today. It is, however, already February. Is it just me, or does that seem weird? If would if you remember playing in knee-deep snow for weeks at a time when you were a kid. At least, it was that way when I was 4 ft. tall and growing up on Long Island, New York. Things really seem to have changed as far as weather goes. Scientists are saying we're in for some pretty disastrous events if we don't get it together and start taking care of the environment. That beautifully-designed biosphere that makes it possible for us to live and everything. This global warming thing is really happening. How bad will it get in our lifetimes? I hope not TOO bad. It doesn't have to be that way. If we can all just pitch in, do our part, basically carry our own weight, we'll be alright. The question is who's willing to deal with the inconvenience? Are we gonna wait for some government policy to make us change our ways - and then blame them for dragging their feet? That won't get us anywhere. Really does seem like it's in our lap. Personally, I believe it's for real. I've been to Alaska (recently) and watched how quickly the glaciers are calving. Even if it won't directly or drastically effect us in our lifetime, seems fair that we would ask ourselves whose responsibility we think it is to look out for the well-being of this planet and secure a future for those who may follow. What about your children's generation? Isn't this a good time to take a look at the real cost of some of our habits? Maybe do something heroic for someone we'll never meet. Sounds like good karma. In case the power-mongers of the world have beat it out of you, REMEMBER that your life makes a difference. How would you like to be remembered? How about as a hero? With gratitude.
* * *
LET US BE REMEMBEREDI used to say that "history is written by those who can afford to publish." However, thanks to those pioneers of the Information Age and Knowledge Economy of the late-twentieth century, here I am, publishing my thoughts and media on the World Wide Web, reaching people from around the globe for just pennies a day.
Thanks to a recent spike in technology and information, we're all enjoying record-breaking advances in medicine, communications, research, science, business, agriculture, entertainment, sports and so on. It's no suprise that Washington is slow to impliment any kind of alternative energy strategy, and well-know that the current administration has gone to great lengths to ignore the advice of our nation's leading scientists about the effects of our lifestyle on the environment. However, I have been energized to see that some of America's richest and most influential people have been forcing the issue. Former Vice President and presidential candidate, Al Gore has taken his appeal to arrest the eminent threat of global warming to the public sector with his widely-popular documentary, An Inconvenient Truth, and CNN founder, entrepreneur and philanthropist, Ted Turner has discussed the benefits of getting into the alternative energy business at the U.N. and on television programs like The Late Show David Letterman. There is a new consciousness arising in our culture as even Microsoft founder and CEO, Bill Gates has announced he will step down from his position to concentrate on humanitarian efforts. Warren Buffett, Oprah Winfrey, U2's Bono and former Presidents Bill Clinton and Jimmy Carter are just a few others who have also turned their focus to global well-being.
Time will make history of us. We'll soon be food for worms. And, at some point before each of us passes on, we will shift our focus from what we're accumulating to what we're leaving behind. Whether or not we do it consciously, we are building a legacy. As individuals, families, communities, generations and as a civilization. While we all have our personal aspirations, our greatest passion and potential lies in a cause that is greater than ourselves. So, we should ask ourselves... how would WE like to be remembered? Here's my vision for us:
Let us be remembered as a peaceful, compassionate, progressive, responsible and spiritual civilization. A people who found common ground through non-violence, who cared for, respected and learned from one another, who cared about those yet unborn, who explored new technologies as a means to improving the quality of life for all, who understood and respected the delicate balance between ourselves and nature (recognizing the limitations and consequences of depending on machines), and who lived in reverence to the Creator and the Creation.
Let us be remembered for good deeds we have done and problems we have solved. For the kindness and generousity we revere in scriptures and in doctrine. Let's imagine, with John Lennon, the world living as one, and with Bono, carrying each other. Coming together is at the root of the word "re-membered." As Kahlil Gibran wrote in his book, The Prophet, we are all "sons and daughters of life's longing for itself." Author and New Thought movement pioneer, Thomas Troward referred to us as "the self-contemplation of spirit" in his book, The Creative Process in the Individual - which sits on Elvis Presley's desk at Graceland. On December 13, TIME named "YOU" their Person Of The Year for 2006. Scientists tells us that the universe is expanding, causing there to be greater distance between all matter. Perhaps that explains our obsession with separation. This profound physical force constantly pulling us apart. Could this dividing factor be our motivation to open our hearts wider, to fill the gaps between us and build bridges to connect (perhaps, reconnect) us to one another? Could this also explain our intense drive for progress? Aren't we, in essence, competing with nature for our survival? Stretched by these forces across a vast universe like strings on a guitar waiting for a divine hand to strike us? No great song has ever been written with a single note. We are an ensemble. What will be our song?
Let us be re-membered. Together. For, this is the only way to guarantee that there will be anyone left to remember us. And, let them do so with gratitude.
-- Alan Bennett* * * * * *
I invite you to check out the tremendous work these people are doing. I chose the word tremendous because one of my new students suggested I use it this weekend (for fun). I'm a nerd.
Carbonfund.org
Toward A Zero Carbon World
Reduce your carbon footprint and support climate-friendly projects.
ClimateCrisis.net
Al Gore was nominated this week for the prestigious Nobel Peace Prize for his documentary, An Inconvenient Truth.
TheSecret.tv
The Secret is being featured on The Oprah Winfrey Show broadcasting across the United States this coming Thursday February 8th. This very special show dedicated entirely to The Secret will then reach the rest of the world over the coming weeks!
4ACause.com
A Billion Good Deeds Done!
Recently, I accepted a position on the Board of Directors for a national charitable organization, based in Nashville, called Military Family Support. It's founder, Mike Hitchins has a vision to help the families of American service men and women by creating an online resource network. To achieve this, Mike has started a separate, for-profit company called 4 A Cause whose first program, the A Billion Good Deeds Done! project seeks to raise one million dollars this calendar year to fund the charity. Click on the corresponding links to learn more about the cause and about how you can get involved.January 11, 2007:
Today is 1/11/07. 111 has been a powerful number in my life since I quit working for "the man" and started striving for a greater purpose. Those who know me well know that I worked as a per diem, temp and (even) full-time employee at some pretty big companies (including Sony Music: Columbia Records; Epic Records; Sony Classical; Legacy Recordings and New Line Cinema) in my eight years in New York City. I spent a good part of one of those years homeless. I slept on (some of your) couches and did some apartment-sitting so I could afford to record Ordinary Miracle (Alan Bennett Band, RTR 1999). I remember waking up many of those days wondering where I was working, where I was sleeping, and how to get around the city with my bags and my guitar. If that sounds crazy, imagine I had about 40 different odd jobs (through high school, college, graduate school and post-graduation) before I ever moved to Manhattan.
It's when I left all that behind and went out on tour playing music around the country that this truly amazing and unexplainable thing started to happen. For no apparent reason, I started seeing triple numbers... especially "111." By some strange twist of fate, I started turning my eyes toward the clock at precisely 1:11, and seeing triple numbers everywhere. On street and highway signs, on mailboxes, on store-fronts... you name it. It's been 3 1/2 years and it still happens almost every day. It happened today when I looked at the clock as it was turning 1:11PM (on 1/11). It no longer surprises me. What's left is the comforting feeling that I'm operating in harmony with some universal system.
I do wonder if there's some even deeper meaning to it. Maybe I'm developing special powers. Maybe I'm a super-hero in training. Haven't you ever wondered? If time is non-linear as new science now seems to believe, then maybe it's possible that we're capable of their (what might seem to be) super-natural powers. That makes waking up worthwhile for me, and feels better than wondering where I'm going next to make some money and lay my head down to sleep.January 7, 2007:
This morning, I learned about Oprah Winfrey's new Leadership Acadamy Foundation in South Africa. I've gotta tell you - it feels amazing to give and be a part in this wonderful project that aims to turn gifted South African women from impoverished backgrounds into the country's future leaders. I invite you to join us. Simply click on the link below to make your donation and learn about the foundation.
http://www.oprahwinfreyleadershipacademy.org
My dear friends, Julie and Robert created and executed the deal that will now bring the Metropolitan Opera to a movie theater near you! To read about the initiative and screen the trailer, visit: www.metopera.org/hdliveJanuary 5, 2007:
Happy new year! January 1st always seems like a good opportunity to reflect and reconnect to those things that are most important to me. The latter is really what making resolutions is about. Recommiting to those things I feel serve me. And yet, this year, I've noticed that a lot of my friends have said they don't make resolutions anymore. I've given that some thought, and conclude that resolutions don't work because they point to the past. As do all comparisons. So, it's more effective to simply COMMIT - in the present tense. Even saying the words "more effective" is a comparison. It's pretty difficult to avoid past-based language, thoughts and feelings - especially having grown up in modern, western culture. However, as a rule, I'm finding that living in the present-tense (e.g.: making present-tense choices and using present-tense language) is transforming my life. In essence, I'm exploring the power of "now." Sounds like a book title, right? (Actually, I just did a Google search and it looks like this guy, Eckhart Tolle's already written it. The Power Of Now. Awesome! Save me a lot of time.
Also, I'm discovering the power of affirmative language, thoughts and feelings. What I think about and feel, I bring about. That's the universal Law of Attraction which I believe a lot of people would prefer you didn't know about. (Check out this DVD, The Secret : TheSecret.tv and you'll know what I mean). So, I may as well focus on what I want. Focusing on what I don't want will just bring about more of what I don't want. That's starting to sound every bit as confusing to me as it must sound to the universe. And, it's had me by the throat my whole adult life. It's something I learned. That's what I mean about resolutions being about reconnecting. Like anything I've ever tried to recreate, relive or recapture (a feeling, a situation, a relationship etc.), it's never been quite the same. That's because I was dealing with the past. You know, if I were a betting man, I'd say that I was given no certain memory of the past when I began this human life because true power ONLY exists in this moment, and because life ONLY occurs in this moment.
For me, this year is about making healthy choices. I've already made a few that weren't so healthy, and I might make A LOT of 'em. My goal is to simply notice, forgive and move on. That comes out of some good advice my old friend, Vicky gave me over dinner last week. In essence, the punishing thoughts and feelings I can choose to focus on are what will do the most damage. At this moment, I can see clearly how life is working - as a process. I'm seeing my own development as on-going, and learning the importance of communicating, thinking and feeling it as such. I'm choosing to focus on the healthiest words, thoughts and feelings I can find in each moment, and I'm inviting you to join me!
Let's have a year to remember, and then forget all about it.
~ Gratefully, Alan :)December 25, 2006:
Today is Christmas Day, and so many people around the world are taking a break from work and routines to enjoy valuable time with loved ones and reflect on the compassion of a world leader born around 2007 years ago. It's a great time for folks of any religious belief or background to take a break, relax and recharge. With a new year just a week away, it's also a great time to reflect and set goals for the coming year. Who will you be this year?
As an American, I live in a free society where I determine my own fate. It's important to remember that it's my responsibility (as an American) to act like a free person. This year, I'm asking everyone in my community to get involved and join me in an effort to do something miraculous. If you don't feel your leaders are speaking for your, speak for yourself by rallying around those who do. And, let it be heard around the world. Join these great world leaders in their effort to help those who need it most. Offer your much-needed support to those who need it most, and show the world how generous and compassionate we can be. Here are some great ways to get started!
THE BILL & MELINDA GATES FOUNDATION
www.GatesFoundation.com
Bringing innovations in health and learning to the global community.
THE CLINTON FOUNDATION
www.ClintonFoundation.org
Strengthening the capacity of people in the United States and throughout the world to meet the challenges of global interdependence.
ONE
www.One.org
The campaign to make poverty history.
DATA
www.DATA.org
Raising awareness about, and sparking response to the crises swamping Africa: unpayable Debts, uncontrolled spread of AIDS, and unfair Trade rules which keep Africans poor.December 19, 2006:
Imagine having such a broad and positive impact on the world with your life's work.
Cartoon legend Barbera dies at 95December 14, 2006:
Here's what's news...
Was in New York City last weekend playing guitar on a new children's CD by my very talented friend, Melissa Levis. Melissa wrote the 2004 Fringe Festival's Audience Choice Award-winning musical "The Joys Of Sex: A Naughty Musical Revue" which ran at the Variety Theatre (off-Broadway) in New York. Melissa's a wiz with words, and anyone with kids will want to own this record. I'll keep you posted its release.
I don't know about you, but I'm very excited about 2007! I'm grateful for all of the wonderful blessings I've enjoyed in 2006. Time spent with some of you. Mainly, time spent following my bliss and getting my act together. Playing guitar, writing songs, teaching, building and launching Web sites (which, to me, is publishing), learning new skills, meeting new challenges, striving... Growing. Getting caught up with my taxes (finally!) and buying my first house. Thank you so much for your support and love. You know who you are.
I'd be lying if I said I wasn't disappointed in myself for having gone another year without releasing a new record. I've spent most of this year (and the last) learning how to write songs with other people, in hopes that I'd become a better writer. And, in truth, that I could learn to write songs that will pay for this dreamer's lifestyle. Commercial music. Yeah, most of it sucks. But, when it's done right, it can be amazing and touch the lives of millions of people. Ultimately, that's what I'm looking to do. I'll find the right balance soon enough, and bring you some inspired, new music shortly.
Here's some cool stuff to check out:
www.thesecret.tv
www.lighttounite.org
www.cdbaby.com/robgiles
As always, thanks so much for your interest and support. I love you all.
Happy Holidays,
AlanSeptember 30, 2006:
I came across this article on the BBC World News Web site today. Written by the President of Pakistan in June 2004, it's eloquent and outlines the general's strategy for a harmonious world through "Enlightened Moderation." I was thrilled to learn about it, and thought it might be of interest to many of you. Click the link below:
http://www.presidentofpakistan.gov.pk/EnlightenedModeration.aspx#topSeptember 13, 2006:
So little time even just to write private journal entries lately. Not complaining. It's wonderful and I'm exhausted. Watching a fantastic program on public television this evening:
Live from Lincoln Center
Opening Night Gala Concert of the New York Philharmonic
Lorin Maazel leads the New York Philharmonic in Beethoven's “Egmont Overture” and Symphony No. 3 (“Eroica”). Also: pianists Emanuel Ax and Yefim Bronfman perform Mozart's Concerto in E flat major for Two Pianos, K. 316.
Now doubt, Nashville Public Television is playing this program to inspire interest in the new Schermerhorn Symphony Center which opened last week. I'm told that the Opening Night Gala was a white-tie affair to the toll of (what I heard was as much as) $1500 per ticket. Two tickets, minimum. Wow. I would love to have been there. They probably had champagne and jumbo shrimp. Shit, they better have for that price.
Was a cool fireworks display earlier this evening in Bi-Centennial Park. It's just a block from my new house here, in Hope Gardens. I'm rather enjoying my stay here, though I spent some time at my old house in Sylvan Park last night and recalled how much I loved living in that quaint little neighborhood. So beautiful. Feels like home to me. This one feels nothing like that, but promises to be a good investment. It's a trade-off. The former owner of this house came by today to help me replace some locks (very kind of him) and remarked how much he missed living in this place. I guess we'd get nowhere if we strove for nothing more than be comfortable.
Hopefully, more very soon.July 9, 2006:
Saw some great new music tonight at The Station Inn. Ole Black Kettle w/ Julie Lee and Sarah Siskind. Amazing stuff. Here's some more great music you might want to know about: Mary Gauthier and Kristen Hall.
June 18, 2006:
Here's a recent self-portrait with someone special. | View picture
June 2, 2006:
Here's a recent picture with my new friend, the lovely and talented opera singer, Diane di Stasio at S.I.R. in Nashville, TN. | View picture
May 10, 2006:
This is an hilarious Jewish singles video.
This is how to find the lowest gas prices in your neighborhood.
Things are great. Doing a lot of writing, teaching and working on projects. Recent and/or up-coming co-writes include Memphis Boys piano player, Bobby Wood (Elvis, Wilson Pickett, Neil Diamond, Willie Nelson, George Jones, Garth Brooks, LeAnne Rimes etc.), Mike Reid (11 #1 songs including Bonnie Raitt's classic "I Can't Make You Love Me" and former defensive tackle for the NFL's Cincinnati Bengals), 60's legend Bonnie Bramlett (Delaney & Bonnie, John Lennon, George Harrison, Eric Clapton, Leon Russell, Allman Brothers, Jimmy Buffett, Ike & Tina Turner), Joie Scott (#1 Collin Raye song, "Not That Different" and recent Shania Twain single "Shoes" from the Desperate Housewives soundtrack), Wes Hightower (George Strait, Montgomery Gentry...if it's country he's sung on it), and Jaime Babbitt (background singer, Leon Russell). Heading to New York on Friday for a little time with mom.December 22, 2005:
Hey, hey, hey... Happy holidays. Yes, it's that time again. Good times, good friends, good cheer. Perhaps, for one day, the restless can be at peace, the greedy can be satisfied, the dishonorable can ask for and experience forgiveness, no one person can sit in judgement of another, and the fearful can lay down their weapons. One day, even if for just one day, the hungry will have had enough to eat.
John Lennon had a great way of saying my next thoughts in his song, "Imagine." Here's what he said:
Imagine
Imagine there's no heaven,
It's easy if you try,
No hell below us,
Above us only sky,
Imagine all the people
Living for today...
Imagine there's no countries,
It isn't hard to do,
Nothing to kill or die for,
No religion too,
Imagine all the people
Living life in peace...
Chorus:
You may say Im a dreamer,
But, I'm not the only one,
I hope some day you'll join us,
And the world will live as one.
Imagine no possesions,
I wonder if you can,
No need for greed or hunger,
A brotherhood of man,
Imagine all the people
Sharing all the world...
Chorus
Words & Music by John Lennon
Maybe, for one day, we can transcend the limitations of fear and live, unafraid, in celebration of this glorious paradise and all that Source has created. Embracing our unlimited potential. For this one day, kindness, generousity, faith, and community can prevail. And, love. Not the romantic, co-dependent, commitment-oriented love that we seek. Unconditional love. Pure. Love that needs nothing and owns nothing. The love that the Source has for all of its creation. Maybe, for this one day, we can trascend ourselves and experience the lightness of being self-LESS. And, rather, be inspired -- "in spirit." I believe this was Martin Luther King, Jr.'s vision when he said "I have a dream." I, too, am a dreamer. I dream that one day, even if it's just for one day, we will live as one.
Happy holidays. Peace, love and joy to the world.
Alan :)November 24, 2005:
Happy Thanksgiving everyone. I'm grateful for all of you. Good health and good spirits! Alan :)
November 19, 2005:
Last week, apparently, we were on the front cover Nashville's biggest newspaper, The Tennessean. I just found out. It's a picture of Trace Adkins, Ty and Scott Nelson and me silhouetted by the American Flag at our gig on The USS Intrepid in New York City. Pretty cool. I'll post more info when I have it. For now, here's a shot I found on the Web site (probably the picture from the front cover), and one of Trace and me...
Scott & Ty Nelson, Alan Bennett, Trace Adkins
Veterans' Day Aboard the USS Intrepid
November 11, 2005Alan Bennett, Trace Adkins on USS Intrepid
November 11, 2005November 12, 2005:
Yesterday was great. I flew to New York City to play guitar with Country music artist, Ty Nelson on the USS Intrepid. Trace Adkins was also on-hand to sing the National Anthem and his new song, "Arlington." He was a cool dude. Very down-to-earth, really deep voice, and about as tall a person as I've ever met. I think he's 6'6". We took a picture together, and I'll post that here soon. Also saw actor, Aidan Quinn on-board, and ran into another good dude, Al Anderson, on the flight home. Met him at a great round I played in April '04 that also included Vince Gill, Jimmy Webb, Suzy Bogguss, Beth Nielsen Chapman, Gary Nicholson, Leslie Satcher, Record producer, Peter Collins, and Matreca Berg and her husband, Jeff Hanna (both of whom I also saw yesterday, walking through the airport). It was a real good day. Being surrounded by people that I admire and respect tells me like I'm in the right place.
October 25, 2005:
Hmmm... Why doesn't our government seem as concerned about global warming as we do? Maybe this can help explain it: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/4354036.stm
October 19, 2005:
In case you didn't see this in the American media: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/south_asia/4322624.stm
October 17, 2005:
Everyone has their own opinion about how America has carried itself in world affairs over the past few years. As we become an increasingly globalized society, we will continue to find ourselves effected by the same issues which effect people around the world. This includes the most basic of all - survival. The days of watching underprivileged people starving and freezing to death without taking responsibility have passed. America's government has declared itself a beacon of freedom and has sent a clear message to the world that it intends to liberate those who are not free. Many people and much evidence would support an argument that this is nothing more than a marketing campaign, that America intends to transform these countries into capitalistic societies for its own benefit, and that it consistently and consciously compromises the health and safety of its own people and those around the world in order to make money. One could elaborate on how the news media has become part of the entertainment industry, how major networks turn news stories into prime-time television dramas, how the major food, drug and medical companies which work together to capitalize on our illness sponsor these programs, how the natural disasters and uncharacteristically warm weather we are experiencing around the world are results of global warming, and how a very small number of people are profiting from scaring and sedating people into conformity and consumption. Or, one could shift their focus, transcending fear-based consciousness and manifesting a new one based in love and spirit. This is where I am going.
Most people prefer comfort to freedom. How often do you see someone at work take on authority (the boss on up to the CEO) to improve the quality of their work environment? Not even for others, but just for themself? Put that on a grander scale, and look at how we interact with our government. Voting for a politician is just part of the process. When it comes to effecting change in the country, most are unwilling to do anything until they or someone they love has been directly effected. Many of the liberties and comforts Americans have been enjoying as citizens of a free and "democratic" society have been compromised. Who is responsible? Americans. It's time to start acting like a democracy and raise your voice. Television creates a powerful gap between us and "perceived" reality. We are more powerful than media, TV, big business and politicians. We can turn things around. It will take participation and heart. This is an opportunity to show people around the world that we care.
The following is an email I received from a good friend. I think it's very well-written and on target, and I'd like to share it with you all here. Thanks for checking in.
Love & gratitude,
Alan :)
Dear Friends,
I want to pass along some feelings I have about the U.S. response to the earthquake in Pakistan. Hopefully all of you have at least heard about it - though I doubt you've heard very much. At present, 4 million people are without adequate food, clothing & shelter - and the winter season is quickly moving in. These people need our help if nothing else, our attention and our energy. For SOME reason, who knows what that reason really is, our 'news' media has chosen to ignore this situation.
This has been an interesting year to say the least. We've seen a lot of true colors from those who are in positions of power, those we trust and hold responsible for representing us and informing us. In my opinion, we must utilize this situation as an opportunity to finally see our news media for what it is - an entertainment business. It's as if we aren't political or social or conscious at all - we're just pigs who buy lots of products. I think Americans are more than that and I think it's time to wake from this culturally-induced coma.
Is there any chance that the earth is sending us a message? What kind of message are we sending the earth? The earth is an eco-system with a dynamic balance of energies and symbiotic relationships. As much as we'd like to think it, we did not build this Earth and we are only allowed to be here by the grace of our own health. Isn't it time that we showed some RESPECT for each other and for our Earth - I mean for OURSELVES!!! How many more record setting days of weather will it take until we start to put things together? The earth is warming. Things are changing. You change one little thing and it changes everything else. Who knows what will happen to us with our bio-engineered food - our silicon-filled bodies and our voracious appetite for un-renewable resources.
Maybe what we're really hungry for is balance - understanding - integration and connection with ourselves and others. I guess my point is that the 'news' is probably not going to give us what we need so I hope we can find some other way to manifest it. We are the world that we create and right now that's kind of a scary thing. I've sent letters to many major news networks - visit my blog to see more details and hopefully send your own thoughts - http://mollymagdalain.blogspot.com.
namaste -
molly magdalainOctober 5, 2005:
The National Guitar Workshop has invited me to teach blues guitar lessons online. Other teachers include B.B. King, Chick Corea, and Pat Metheny. They're flying me to Massachusetts next month to spend two days in their studio recording the lessons. Seems like a cool thing. Here's where it'll all go down: www.WorkshopLive.com
Been writing with a variety of people lately including a few signed artists: Mila Lukich (Sony/BMG Int'l); Summerlee Staten (EMI/South Africa); and Memarie (Cupit Records). Also playing guitar for a few of them in concert. It's a new challenge. Pretty cool.
The show last week at CB's Gallery in New York City was good. The sound man was pretty over-zealous, but what are you gonna do. It always sounds great in the room and on stage, so I don't know how he screwed that up. I heard the room sounded good. My old friend Matt Turk played afterwards, and joined me on stage with his mandolin for a version of Van Morrison's "Into the Mystic." The crowd was great. It was a good night.September 17, 2005:
Gave a radio interview this morning in Centerville, TN - the hometown of Minnie Pearl and country music star, Blake Shelton. The show's called the Grinder's Switch Hour and is hosted by music veteran Charlie Garner. I ran into Bela Fleck at the bagel shop down the street, on the way over. That's the third time we've met since I moved here. Cool things like this have become commonplace. It's probably a bit like being an actor and living in Beverly Hills. Pretty exciting sometimes. On the way back, I heard Neil Young talking on NPR about his new record, which he apparently recorded here. I haven't run into him yet, but that would be very cool. This town, small as it, surprises me on pretty regular basis.
September 16, 2005:
Went to a great show last night at The Bluebird Cafe called "The First Amendment Center presents Freedom Sings - a Celebration of the First Amendment." Some great peformances by Jonell Mosser, Bill Lloyd, Jason White, Don Henry, Tommy Womack, Ashley Cleveland, Gary Nicholson, Steppenwolf ("Born To Be Wild") singer John Kaye, Walter Egan, George and Dave Daeger from Early Evening, Hege V, Marshall Chapman, Danny Flowers and Shonka Dukureh and an all-star band featuring Garry Tallent (bassist: Springsteen's E-Street Band), Craig Krampf (drummer/producer: a long list) and John Deaderick (keyboardist: The Dixie Chicks, James Taylor, Patty Griffin). Was a real thrill to see them all together, get to meet some, and just be there to hear great songs that were banned by the powers that be.. be trying to control our lives and sell us back our freedom). But, we won't let 'em do that. ;) love and gratitude
September 15, 2005:
GRAND REOPENING
Hi! I've taken a very long hiatus from writing in this online diary. It's a long story. Just thought I'd lay low for a while. Anyway, I'm glad to be back and sharing stories with you all on a regular basis. Here's the latest...
Just got back from traveling in Alaska and Vancouver (pictures to come), where I saw some beautiful sites including glaciers, rainforests, and hump-back and orca whales, met some new people, and did the most excruciating hike of my life (in Skagway). Three miles up and three miles down in the rain. Felt like one of the salmon at the base of the mountain we saw trying to swim up-stream. Took a cruise on the Sun Princess a guest of their featured entertainer, my friend Jacqi Michaels. Jacqi is an excellent singer who's been on Broadway and has sung background for Barbra Streisand. :-: Jacqi Michaels
Spent most of July and the first week of August teaching courses at the National Guitar Workshop in Connecticut and Tennessee. Was cool, but A WHOLE lot of work for not nearly enough money. But, what are you gonna do. It was a good experience and I met a lot of good people. Definitely made a significant difference for some of the (100+) students I taught from around the United States. :-: National Guitar Workshop
Assembling on a songbook of the works of the late Townes Van Zandt called The Musicians' Guide to Townes Van Zandt. I've been teaching his daughter to play the guitar for a few months now, and Townes' wife has asked me to transcribe 77 of her late-husband's great songs. I'm honored to do it, of course. Townes' most well-known song is "Pancho & Lefty," made famous by Willie Nelson. :-: Townes Van Zandt
Gave an interview yesterday morning on a new internet radio station in Nashville: www.xradio.biz. Played a few new songs and talked about this and that. Other guests included Jaime Babbitt and Bonnie Bramlett. Jamie's a talented singer and songwriter from Queens, NY who's sung countless jingles and sang on Courtney Love's latest record. We write together and just hang out a lot. Bonnie, I just met yesterday. She's from St. Louis, has sung background on some of the best blues, rock and soul recordings of the last 40 years, and was an original Ikette. She's deep, so check her out. Looking forward to working with her a lot more. Bonnie's daughter, Bekka Bramlett is the top female demo singer in Nashville. That's how Gretchen Wilson ("Redneck Woman") got started. Six million records later... :-: www.xradio.biz | Jaime Babbitt | Bonnie Bramlett
I've also started taking on pick-up gigs playing guitar for friends and students. So far, it's been good. Every bit helps when you're working for youself.
More soon.April 10, 2005:
Hi kids. Just wanted to say a quick hello! I've been busy writing a lot of songs and enjoying the sunny/rainy spring weather down south, in Nashville. Still traveling to New York City every other week to teach about 20 private voice and guitar lessons. I'm happy.
Currently, a song that I co-wrote with my friend Jennifer Riddle is being held by 3 major labels here for their artists. Brooks & Dunn is one of those, and has first dibs. Doing well here so far. Thanks for your interest, and stay tuned. I'll be playing in your town again soon (though it'd be a hell of a lot easier if you'd all just come to me).
Site design and maintenance by ARBsites
