exit Summertime. enter... Autumn Leaves.

exit Summertime.

Two songs that have been particularly special to me over the years are "Summertime" (music by George Gershwin & lyrics by Dubose Heyward) and "Autumn Leaves" (music by Joseph Kosma & lyrics by poet Jacques Prévert....Johnny Mercer wrote English lyrics for it in 1947). Often I will try to include them in my sets - whether I'm with a jazz trio, quartet, etc. or in other settings with rock/pop/folk musicians. There is an unusual earthy sweetness in the melody, lyrics, and feeling in both songs and they somehow transport me....

Likewise, there is something about the physical shifting of the seasons from Summer to Autumn that has a similar effect on me. I am enchanted. Change is in the air.

The last few months a lot has happened with work on my album - and music in general. I don't have time to mention everything, but to put it in a nutshell: it was a GREAT summer. In between shows and trips out of town for music, we finished ALL of the recording and editing, MOST of the mixing, and I made a change to the title of the album - from "Harvest of Change" to "Somewhere Between Sunsets." That has a story behind it itself - so feel free to ask me sometime. It feels good to be so close on things. As of my mixing session this morning, we really have only 2 mixes left (scheduled to finish next week) and then begin the mastering and work on the graphic design phase of things. After that it's duplication, getting official website up, release concert, etc. :)

A few particularly great moments from summer?
Eating the best steak and potatoes of my life (thanks to the superb chef - my brother Mike), gaining a FANTASTIC Sis-in-law (Marie Duan), performing at the Homestead - stunning view, recording a duet with Justin Williams for his upcoming album, family coming to town to visit, playing in the" Hammerhands" Concert Series with some great folks, eating 200 donuts (ok, watching others eat them on a string), writing a new song for a friend's book, doing a Fireside in Reno for some awesome youth, finding out a lost and found had found my lost keys, accidentally/happily discovering a new fun rendition of "Apologize," ("It's never too late to 'pologize..."), singing at the top of my lungs with my step-sis. haha. Good times. And I ALMOST won at pick-up-sticks (thanks a lot, Jer).

My general manager says to tell you he added links to videos posted by fans - kudos Brent! :)

Jamie Hartley's EB Survivor Week rocked (we've been working on recording more of her album this last few weeks as well)! She and her husband, Taylor Hartley, really worked hard to make their dream of doing a camp for EB surviors a reality. It was fun to sing with her and do a handful of original tunes before Comedy Sportz performed....they even invited me up to play the guitar for their musical improv - wow, I've never backed up a comedy troupe before. ;)

Took several drives up the canyon, wrote some new music, and enjoyed some very meaningful conversations with old friends, new friends, dates, and family.


I guess all I can say is: I feel blessed.

I'm learning in ways that stretch me. There is much good in the world - great reason to hope. I look forward to a memorable next few months :)


enter Autumn Leaves.

(and Sunset phase of CD preparation)