June 16th, 2020

These past few months have been, um, challenging for all of us in a number of ways. And for some, they've been downright impossible. From a devastating series of tornadoes here in Tennessee in early March that took 25 lives and tore a path of destruction through parts of Davidson, Wilson, Smith and Putnam Counties, to a global virus outbreak that has caused untold suffering and death, as well as massive job loss and economic despair as schools and businesses were forced to shutter their doors for the safety of all, to the massive outcry for justice from people everywhere following the murder of an unarmed black man, once again, at the hands of police officers whose job it is to protect our citizens. To say the unfolding events of recent months have been a test of our mental, emotional and physical fortitude would be an understatement. But through all of this, we've also seen examples of amazing heroism and courage, solidarity and kindness, and a determination to rise above unfathomable levels of pain and adversity and find the good within ourselves and each other, again and again. Even the beautiful Mother Earth got a bit of a much-needed reprieve as the COVID pandemic has dramatically slowed down the continual onslaught of industrial pollutants and the burning of fossil fuels, at least for a little while.

Another change that has occurred is with the leadership at our beloved spiritual home, Center for Spiritual Living Nashville. It is with a sense of peace, happiness and anticipation that we embark on a new path, stronger and wiser for the experiences of the last two years under the leadership of Reverend Claudia Renee and her husband Tony Williamson. I am honored to take part in providing music for the virtual service on Sunday, June 21st, at 11am, which can be viewed on their FB page HERE. I got to go to Reverend Lynn Bennett's amazing "Stagepost Studios" video production facility and tape a couple of my songs today. Everyone there was so kind and easy to work with. They made it really fun and relaxed, made me feel right at home - so THANK YOU for that, you awesome, beautiful people!

I know they say it's darkest just before the dawn, and that darkness can really put us to the test. But I'm also excited and filled with hope for what the future holds for all of us. New opportunities, new insights and new ways of doing things abound. Let's not waste them.

Listen to a live interview I did TODAY, Tuesday, Jan. 27th, 2020, from 3-4pm with the lovely Drew Laney on "Radio Free Nashville" in Pasquo, TN (103.7 and 107.1 FM). Amazing how quickly an hour goes when you're having fun!! Just having a nice conversation and playing a few songs. There is a symphonic piece that comes in during my last song, which makes for an unusual sonic experience, BUT... it's pretty straightforward up to that point!

It seems odd to still be living in an era when we feel compelled to hold a rally and march to show our support for science as a whole, and to once again express an urgent wish that our elected officials, citizens and business leaders come together to address the need for meaningful action on climate change. But, nonetheless, here we are again. We will meet in Public Square on Sat., May 4th at 10am. See event page for details: 

https://www.facebook.com/events/864222037260000/  

"Reckless Abandon", a collection of 11 original songs, drawing on both contemporary and traditional influences and recorded in a stripped-down, acoustic format, has finally made it's way into the world-at-large. Released on August 1st, it has begun to gain attention at Folk radio, making the #16 album, #21 song ("Ordinary Miracles") and #22 artist on the charts for it's debut month. Off to a great start! The album and individual songs are available on this site for listening and download, and will be soon be made available on all major internet downloading and streaming sites.

I have completed my latest collection of songs, and stripped down the sound somewhat from my last offering. Really looking forward to sharing this with everyone! Stay tuned...

I was thrilled and honored to find out on Dec. 31st, 2017, that three of my songs took honors in the 2017 MASC Songwriting Contest: "Compass", co-written with my friend Robin Hackett, received "Honorable Mention" in the Pop category, "Unbroken" received "Honorable Mention" in the Gospel category, and "Stand Down" is a finalist in the Country category! How exciting isTHAT?!! Nice way to ring in the New Year!!

FINALLY!! My new album, “Rhythm of the Road”, is DONE and will be arriving soon, in both digital and physical form!! It’s a cool, mostly fun and upbeat collection of rock and pop songs hand-picked with Grammy-winning veteran producer Bil Vorndick, Bassists Byron House and Michael Rhodes lent their talents to the effort, as did guitarists Pat Bergeson, Jack Pearson, JT Corenflos  and Chip Martin, Bob Mater played drums and percussion, Will Barrow played keys. I did my best to remain standing in such fine company!! My friend Rose Kightlinger did the photography and my friend Nancy Terzian did the graphics. I am blessed to know so many amazing and talented people! 

Now I’ve got a BIG OL’ BIRTHDAY and CD RELEASE PARTY coming up on FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 3RD, 7:30-10pm, and I want basically ALL Y’ALL to come and throw-down with me and some equally fine musical companions.  I decided to hold it at CENTER FOR SPIRITUAL LIVING NASHVILLE so it would be kid-friendly.  First, two FANTASTIC openers: Grammy-nominated songwriter and top-notch performer Amanda Colleen Williams will be playing a set, as will my very dear and musically awesome friends from the “Brown’s Gift Shop Revival Band”. 

Then, joining me onstage that night will be my friends Andy Peake on drums, Lance Hoppen on bass, Will Barrow on keys, Eddie Henzelman and Jeff Zona on guitars, and the lovely Yvonne Smith on background vocals. It just doesn’t get any better!! It promises to be an INCREDIBLY FUN night of music and mayhem. Wear your dancing shoes, people!! Prepare to groove.

I was excited to receive word yesterday that "Price on Heaven (Song for Bristol Bay)" won first place in the Musicians United to Protect Bristol Bay song contest. This is an international organization of musicians, founded in 2014 and dedicated to protecting Bristol Bay against the ongoing threat of mining companies who want to lift protections on this highly ecologically sensitive area, which is home to one of the world's largest remaining salmon runs, in order to mine for gold, copper and other minerals. We must not allow this to happen. This song is a call to stop the reckless destruction of these wild places for short-term profit, and to stop putting a price on what is sacred and beyond any measurable value.

Check out the YouTube video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SLYv9Gfipxk 

Still hoping to complete album, now by about mid-June. Life and financial matters intervene, but we press on!! Just need to complete mixing, mastering, graphics, duplication (oh, is that all?). Meanwhile, played a lovely service at MCCSL (Music City Center for Spiritual Living) on Easter, and continuing to play when / where I'm able, given my schedule, including frequent Thursdays at The Old School (farm / bar / restaurant in Nashville). Looking forward to SERFA (Southeast Regional Folk Alliance) in May. Gearing up to be a chant leader at the March for Science and Climate here in Nashville this coming Sat., despite predictions of rain. And so it goes...

As of Feb. 1st, "Final Word", with a timely message about our need to come together as a nation, inspired by a quote from Dr. Martin Luther King, will be available for purchase here, as well as on iTunes and CDBaby. Check it out!