12/29/23
Capping Off An Interesting Year
Had a very nice Christmas in Arizona. Weather was stormy the first day I was there, then it changed back to warm and sunny, I liked it very much. We spent time relaxing, eating, cooking more things to eat, watching movies, going on a couple walks, and drove around “rich peoples” neighborhoods and looked at their Christmas lights/decorations. It was as near perfect as you could ask for. I felt at peace, and I think that is what the holiday is supposed to be about.
Early in the month I finished another bass part for my friend Dave Hill Jr.. Just like the first song (Song I’m Afraid To Write), this one was a lot of fun, but challenging in different ways. I imagine it will be mixed, mastered, and posted to the usual spots pretty soon. Dave writes very interesting music that I really enjoy, grateful to have been asked to help! He was also kind enough to send me a copy of his book, Doubt Riding Shotgun, looking forward to digging into it.
In other news, had my gallbladder removed a couple weeks ago, was a very strange experience. This was my first (and hopefully last) major sugery. Glad it’s gone, as it had been giving me trouble on and off for the last 7 years. I seem to be healing up well, no pain or complications so far, knock on wood!
11/5/23
Autumn in the Ozarks
Made it back to Northwest Arkansas, just in time to see the colors changing, such a beautiful part of the country.
I stayed with my cousin and her husband at their wonderful farmhouse. Was very peaceful, quiet (except for some yipping coyotes), and I was very relaxed. My first night we had a family dinner, I think there were 11 of us total, super fun. My Aunt and Uncle also live in the Fayetteville area, we had some quality time together, ran errands, did some chores, and cooked.
Went for a nice hike in the Ozarks, and the colors were amazing. I didn’t realize that area was so densely forested, and with many different species of trees than I see here in the west.
When we were coming back from the hike, we stopped at a roadside store/gas station where my cousin said they had great “Brown Food”. I wasn’t sure what that was, but when I went inside, I understood, huge heated display cases full of fried everything (seriously, everything), all the same color of brown. It’s really was impressive, we got a bag of fried chicken livers, and the were out of this world good.
That night we went to a nice Italian restaurant that was excellent. The next day they took me to a little Southern diner, elk heads on the walls, Fox on the TV’s, more fried food, and huge portions. I didn’t go hungry.
I sure had an excellent visit.
As I mentioned earlier, I worked on a song for my friend Dave Hill Jr. It’s mixed, mastered, and out in the wilds. Here is a link to it on his Spotify page, give it a listen!
I am currently working on other song for him, and really enjoying it!
10/12/23
Lovley Time Of Year
I recently went on my first hike of the season. Back out to Red Rock Canyon for a morning hike, was wonderful, such interesting and strange terrain. The weather has cooled significantly, and the days are near perfect.
Planning to travel back to Arkansas soon, see Autumn in that part of the county, and spend some time with family, really looking forward to that.
Vast Robot Armies have released the new record, The What Gallery, and it’s great! I believe it was mixed at Massive Sound by Paul Malinowski (of Shiner and others) who also played Bass on it. The band lineup and guest list is super impressive:
Jason Thomson - Vocals, Piano, Synths, Ukulele, Banjo, Marimba
Joseph Wells - Guitars, bass, vocals
John Agee - Vocals, bass, guitar
Paul Malinowski - Bass
Jason Gerken - Drums
Featuring
Allen Epley - Vocals, guitars
Michael Dulin - Guitars, vocals, Keyboards
Stella Panacci - Vocals
Jordon Zadorozny - Guitars, congos
Dave Merrit - Vocals
You all know I love the music Jason makes, and this is no exception. Easily my favorite (and their most aggressive) mix to date, and the performances are stellar. Grekens drumming alone is worth the price of admission, Go Check It Out!
Also happening is a Kickstarter for one of Keith D’s more successful projects, Chopping Mall. He is planning a double vinyl re-release of “Mauled By A Magical Bear With Scalding Hot Liquid Cheese Spraying From Its Eyesockets” including some new artwork and 9 new songs, how could that be a bad thing? Details are are here on his Kickstarter page. Chip in and help him realize his disturbed dream.
9/16/23
A Nice Summer
It’s been just over a year here in Las Vegas, and so far I have enjoyed it. Summer had some extremely hot days, and recently a monsoon, it was the craziest strom I have ever been in.
Spent my birthday in Pheonix, was an excellent few days. Stayed a night at a fancy resort, ate like a king, and swam in their pools. Saw the Science Center, it was interactive and really fun. They had a Guinness Book Of World Records exhibit that was super interesting, and a great Night Sky show in the Dorrance Planetarium. I even went bowling one afternoon, total win.
Vast Robot Armies released the first single, Like A Bug, off the new record.
The new record features members of Shiner, Blinker The Star, and others, it’s going to be a treat!
Keith D’s Panda Kingdom has been formally released, and it is epic! So many great vocal performances from guest musicians located all over the world. Be sure to check it out!
7/14/23
Family is Good
Late June I went to Fayetteville AR to visit some family. What a beautiful part of the country, low rolling hills, heavily wooded, with lots of lakes and rivers. My Aunt, Uncle, and a Cousin are there, along with their extended families. These are some of my favorite people and it was so nice spending time with them.
We went to the Crystal Bridges Museum, it was wonderful. I saw so many famous works of art, including the first Maxfield Parrish I have seen in person (that’s nearly a bucket-list item). The museum itself was lovely, as were the grounds, and to top it all off, it was free, dang!
Had my first ever kayak float on the White River below the Beaver Lake Dam, and it was so much fun. I met a few good dogs, a couple of feisty cats, ate better than I have any right to, and was as relaxed as I’ve been in a long time. My Cousin’s husband built them a beautiful farmhouse outside of town, that’s where I stayed. They even have an outdoor shower, so each morning I showered (with some frogs) in the sunshine and fresh air. Oh, and blueberries, so many blueberries…
Musically, I had the opportunity to work on a song by my friend David Hill Jr. It is a very cool piece, thought provoking, and a bit intense, so the fretless came out for it. I had a lot of fun, it was challenging, and inspiring, a double win! Dave is an old friend, a great drummer, and an all-round amazing person. Our paths first crossed back about 90’, and his journey has lead him to become a Profession Coach, an Author, and now a Songwriter, check him out!
6/5/23
The World Is Big
Just returned from a week in Switzerland. Such a beautiful country, and everyone I met was very kind.
Landed in Zurich Wednesday morning, and stayed for two days at the Central Plaza Hotel (it was great). Walked all over the Old Town area, went to the National Museum, visited Grossmünster Church and climbed one of the towers, and walked around parts of Fraumünster Church. The second day we walked along Lake Zurich to Kilchberg and the Lindt Home Of Chocolate. The tour was fun and informative, the chocolate was amazing.
On day three we took the train to Luzern.
I doubt I have ever been captivated by a city the way I was with Luzern. It was so beautiful, interesting, and relaxed. We stayed at the CASCADA Boutique Hotel, it was also great, and their restaurant, Bolero, was fantastic. We saw the Spreuerbrücke (Spreuer Bridge) and looked at the “Dance Of Death” paintings that adorn it. Also walked the Kapellbrücke (Chapel Bridge) that was originally built in the 1300’s.
The Old Town area along the Reuss River was so much fun, lots of curving and crooked cobblestone streets lined with shops. The sun was out late and most of the resturaunts along the river had outdoor seating. The whole area had a festive feel.
The Lion of Lucerne was under renovation, but still impressive. Even more impressive was the story behind its creation. We also walked parts of the Museggmauer (Musegg Wall) and it’s nine towers, climbing the Schirmerturm (Umbrella Tower), Zytturm (Clock Tower), Männliturm (Little Man Tower), what nice views.
On Sunday we took the train to Meiringen, and Reichenbach Falls, the main reason for my journey. Hiking the falls to the place where Sherlock Holmes defeated Professor Moriarty was on my bucket list.
Meiringen is a peaceful place, and exactly what I imagined rural Switzerland to be. There are many waterfalls around the town, and the mountains were lush and green. The hike itself was absolutely beautiful, not crowded, or overly difficult. We made it to the plaque near the top commemorating the finale of The Final Problem, it was a special moment for me. Truly an amazing day. Later that evening we road the train back to Luzern.
-I would be remiss not mentioning the trains, they were wonderful, dead on time, clean, comfortable, and so easy to navigate-
On our last day in Luzern we went to Mount Pilatus, taking the cable cars to the summit, it was awe inspiring. The weather could not have been better, sunny and just the right temperature. The view from the top gave me a very different perspective, so many lakes, small towns, and farmland, not nearly as mountainous as I had imagined. I really enjoyed the ride up, the views, and the stories of the Pilatus Dragon and Dragon Stone.
We took the train back for one more day in Zurich before heading home. Did some shopping on Bahnhofstrasse, had coffee, and walked along the river, was really nice.
Was sad to leave, and the plane ride home seemed much longer than the ride there, but I am so glad I went. I will never forget it.
The Weather was perfect the entire time, all of the food was great (had Fondue twice!), and most of the coffee was really good too.
4/18/23
I Don’t Miss The Rain
March and April have been nice, the weather’s good, and it’s starting to warm up.
Was in Phoenix for Easter, sunny and warm, made (and ate) amazingly good food, and saw some really cool stuff. Went to the Old Town Scottsdale Farmers Market again, and The Heard Museum. The Heard was wonderful, and very educational, I would highly recommend it.
Had a few great day hikes, one back to First Creek Trail, and one around the Calico Hills, in the Red Rock Canyon Conservation area. This area is beautiful, and super interesting, I love it.
I’ve gone back to using Pro Tools again. I always curse it, and Avid (the company that owns it), but it does everything I need it to, usually in the way I expect it to. I enjoy some other DAW’s, like Cubase or UA’s LUNA, though the workflow and features sets are not always what I am used to. PT is so familiar, like an old and well known enemy! The latest versions seem to run very well, and they have added some interesting options since the last time I waded in.
In some very sad news, my dear friend Korey recently lost his wife, Linnitt. They have set up a Go Fund Me campaign. I am sure they would love, and could use, the support, if you are so inclined.
3/3/23
Nice Weather For It
February was nice, I visited with friends and family, got outside, tried new things, and enjoyed some real quality time. Aside from a couple cold days, a snow flurry or two, and a few bouts with high wind, it’s been a very nice “pre-spring”.
Early Feb I was back in Phoenix. Saw a wonderful stage production of Jesus Christ Superstar at ASU Gammage, it was really neat! The Auditorium itself was very interesting, I read Frank Lloyd Wright was the architect.
While in Phoenix I went on my most challenging hike to date, Tom’s Thumb. Took an easy pace up and back, and was glad I did, the landscapes and views were amazing (and my legs thanked me later). Went on some fun walks, spent time with a really good dog and a sassy cat, had great food, and laughed a lot; was sad to have to come home. I like the Tempe/Phoenix area, everytime I visit, I have a great time.
Later in the month I had some family in town. We went on a few hikes, ate very well, and spent time sharing stories old and new. One of the hikes was to La Madre Spring, a moderate hike through some very interesting terrain. On the way in we saw some petroglyphs, very cool!
This last week I reviewed a couple mixes for the next Vast Robot Armies record. Jason and I have been doing this on and off for at least 8 years now. I love his writing style, and he is always recruiting players that I admire. This new record is a bit of a departure from the last few. He has been recording in different studios, with a new engineer/bass player, new drummer, and guitarist (all of whom are fairly well known) and is singing the lead on most of the tracks.
I had heard early demos of a couple songs, and if the first two mixes I heard this last week are any indication, this record will be his crown jewel.
After taking far too much time off, I am starting to play more actively and decided I am going to try my hand at mixing again (for the 1000th time), wish me luck.
Also, Thelma has an Instagram page now Mornings With Thelma, check it out
1/3/23
22 Was An Interesting Year
So many things changed in 2022, one the most life altering years I can remember. I went into it feeling directionless and indifferent, but came out of it feeling positive and excited, I’ll take that as a win.
I am continuing on with a few of last years resolutions, and adding a couple new ones as well. Hoping to make better headway with them this year.
Music work has been in a bit of a lull, but it feels like it’s time to start rolling again.
Adding a few of my favorite pictures (in no particular order) from the many things I saw last year.
Quick Update 1/11/23
The Country/Americana style record I worked on with Don Gunn back in 2019 (and again with the fretless in 2021) is up on Andrew Jackson Love’s Spotify page.
I made it onto a few of the songs, here are some links:
I Do
Memories
You Win, We Lose
