Interesting Observations...

The last few days, I've been reading some reviews, going back to my electronic roots with some musical tunes.

Its an observation, that most of the people that bought "The Journey" really liked it. Of course as my 2nd album, that I produced, recorded myself makes it very hard for me to go back and listen to it.. as I hear all the flaws. I have had a few fans emailing me, telling me they would love for me to release an album unlike what I did with "Trillium". I had always wanted to create an instrumental album with the instruments that "Trillium" has. That is why I chose to go the route I did with my 3rd album.

I have been thinking about returning to my electronic elements for the forthcoming album. I have so many styles that I want to experiment with. I love the rhythms from the alternative genres... as well as rock... I have been contemplating about the next release.

I don't want to get "stuck" in one sound. I want to do so much more. I have so much in my head. I know I won't please everyone. I understand that everyone has a sound that touches their spirit. So I am not offended that not everyone liked "Trillium". I had a chance to work with legendary guitarist Will Ackerman, and I took it. What came out of it for me, was a leap in my writing capabilities. When creating an album, it takes and enormous amount of time. At least for me. "Trillium" took me 3 years from start to finish.

I am quite certain the new album will take some time. I don't want to rush myself. I am not even sure I will release clips.

So there is much to observe and consider. This is where I am at.

More to come...

Tushita Heaven..

Tushita Heaven is a great place to be on Friday nights. Why? Because you can come and sit for 2 hours while musicians like myself perform for no cost. You can come into the store and enjoy the ambiance there while music weaves around the store. Then if you get a little hungry, you can find some light refreshments tempting you with the tastes of cheese, chocolate, fresh strawberries, green tea, and other things to help with you palate.

Last night was one of those nights where you couldn't plan the music and people. I was there performing.. but what struck me was the beauty of the store and so many people were in the store. The spirit I felt from everyone was something I won't soon forget. Everyone's inner beauty was shining so brightly, the whole feeling encouraged me to write music on the spot.

DJ Thornton was our host (KSBR Morning Breeze Radio show hostess). It was a good night. My thanks to everyone that organizes and brings these concerts to you.

Peace in Music...

Ruminations...

I am basking in the afterglow of the performance in Dana Point. I stayed in San Clemente from Thursday evening till Monday morning. Most of us were at the rehearsal on Thursday evening. Which went really well. Dov and I did more rehearsing on Friday morning. All of these guys are characters in their own right. Was fun seeing each one's personality blend in with the synergy that was going on.

Saturday's rehearsal was so incredible. It was hard to concentrate because I was listening to what everyone was doing on my music, and I really need to pay more attention!!

The whole weekend was a blur of music, eating, talking, silliness, friendship, synergy, stress, patience, blonde moments, cooking Om-letes, watching the sunset, reading, learning, re-learning, forgetting.. etc!! I could go on.


Highlight of the weekend:

During Jeff Oster's set, playing the Improv Jam in A minor, I cut myself loose on the piano.. and when I looked up everyone on stage was looking at me and smiling at me... lol. I was like " uh oh.. what did I do wrong?" LOL... and when I looked at them.. they all smiled back at me and nodded in encouragement. I still think about that and still wonder about it.. maybe I was out of tune! hahah.

Working with Scott August, Dov, John Luttrell, Jeff Oster as well as our back up Bass player Robert Murray and drummer Russ Sedat, was a trip. The synergy with all of us was excellent. It was an honor to be on stage with all of them.

Oh yes.. and I had the in-ear monitoring system with me this year. WHAT a huge difference. SOUND crew.. you rock.. thank you very much for your willingness to work with me on making the mix sound good in my ears so that I could hear myself.

Deej did a fantastic job of putting it all together. Deej.. you should be VERY proud of what you were able to accomplish!


Room for Improvement:

pffft... always room for improvement. I think the most problematic thing for me was making sure I had the synths/keys I was using in everyone's set written down!!!! I had some of them written in.. but some of them I did not.. so I was not happy with myself about that. ALSO.. if I use the Korg again for the Schmooze.. I need to have a folder on the hard drive with all the songs with the sounds programmed in. I should have taken the time to do that. Making a mental note to myself of to make sure to write down everything I do, etc etc etc.

In Ear monitoring is so different sounding than the actual mix. Making mental notes to remember that and not be so hard on myself.

Korg's bi polar pedal settings!!!! I had to keep resetting the global settings to make sure the pedal was the opposite setting of its default settings.

Overall Ruminations:

I loved every minute of the concert. It went by like a blur..because we all were having such a GREAT time. I look forward to more performances.

More to come...