Live Music Capitol of the World Inspiration

Sometimes there really is nothing like going out to see live music to find inspiration. I sure the heck did tonight!

I only meant to go out for a wee bit to chat with some friends and see Chelle Murrey perform, but the evening took over. One of my friends didn't show. Then I heard Chelle as not going to play, so I went to see John Pointer perform. Wow! The guy is amazing. He really has done a brilliant job at turning himself into a one-man band.

John is best known for his acapella group, Schrodinger's Cat. Now he's performing around town as a solo artist. And he's fantastic. Some be-box combined with amazing guitar playing (I first met John while he was studying cello in college) and some groovin' funky soul vocals. The guy poors his heart out into the performance, and it shows.

A couple songs into his set, I got a call from my friend who was still at the Lavaca Street Pub. Chelle was playing. So I ran over there and caught her short 20 minute set, beautiful lyrics, vocals, smile, and personality. Sat enchanted drinking.

Well after she stopped, I went back to see John, but his set was over, so having drunk a wee bit and not in a good condition to drive, I decided to walk down to Sixth Street. I saw B.D. Riley's and figured I'd stop in and network with the owner. He wasn't there, but I walked in to hear the most delightful music. Stand-up bass, fiddle, flute, and guitar creating an old-timey dance tune that was just enchanting. John wasn't there, but soon I grabbed a seat, finally ate and watched some Americana at it's finest.

The group was somebody's sister... oh, no, that was the name of the band, Somebody's Sister. I haven't had a chance to find out if they have a website, but they were a beautiful bunch with beautiful music. Well, they played some great original songs and some old-timey songs including a very bluesy version of "Oh Susanna!".

Well on the drive home, I was inspired. Hmm? Mayhaps I can finally figure out how to play "Clementine". I was working on the song. Just didn't like the performance. So I turned it into a blues song. WHAM! Sounded great. So then I went to "Bard of Armagh," and played it in a more traditional fashion. Fantastic!

Finally, I came to "Johnny I Hardly Knew Ye". WOW! I loved it so much, I had to record it. So I made a rough mix with my rough recording. There's a quite a few problems with the autoharp performance, but I love it nonetheless. I'd love to know what you think of it. Please post comments in my forum.

Finding your voice, Cats and People

Well after a wonderful weekend I got home to a pleasant surprise--my kitties are finding their voices. They're starting to talk at long last. And it's a challenge to keep from nibbling them ferociously every time they say something!

But that's a necessity. I'd hate it if they got to be a bit like Jasper who would wake up in the middle of the night, chat and sing. I mean, I love the kitty talk and all, but there's a time and a place.

So what's been up with me? Yeah, I know I kinda disappeared. Well, I'm busy as usual. Been out of town the past couple weekends. Last week, though I finished one project that I've been sitting on for a while. Coventina's Well is a new compilation CD I put together to help promote Celtic musicians through my Celtic MP3s Music Magazine. I finished mastering the album just last week before I started recording some bard material. The album sounds fantastic and fantasy artist, Jen Clower-Brown put together an incredible CD cover to compliment the music. The proceeds of the album goes to help out the Austin Celtic Association, so if I'd appreciate it if you would help out by ordering a copy of the album if ye can. And right now, it's on sale too.

If you're looking for some great music, this Thursday I'll be at the Lavaca Street Pub to listen to Chelle Murrey. It really is nice to get out and hear some great new musicians. There's a lot of great music out there, so keep on the lookout for it.

Oh, and a final note, I'm still looking for sticker ideas. Please drop by the forum and make a suggestion.