Links

Check the "Links" section on the right side of this page for not only other areas of the web I've infiltrated, but also some organizations and friends who I support.

I promise (thank you, GGD) to be more diligent about keeping this list up to date :)

The Weekend That Wasn't

Those of you following the action on Twitter, Myspace, or Facebook know that my Dad had emergency surgery over the weekend to remove his gall bladder, which was seriously infected. We waited, literally, all day on Saturday for them to perform the surgery, expecting it to happen first thing in the morning but having it put off until 9:00 pm. The surgery was a success and he's doing well. Thank you all for your thoughts and prayers.

Now here I am with a nasty case of the Mondays amplified by a weekend cut in half by a hospital visit. It's really hard to get up and moving on days like this.

I'm getting some things in order, hoping to get out and make some music soon. I've had flashes of songs in my head that haven't materialized into much of anything, but the flashes themselves are encouraging.

On a side note, I highly recommend the new Chickenfoot record. It's incredible. Sammy sounds as good, if not better, now than he ever has. Great stuff.

Anyway, stay with me and stay tuned. Rome wasn't burned in a day.

Quick Shout Out

I've met my share of performers over the years. Many of them, regardless of genre or celebrity status, have egos that encourage them to take themselves way too seriously and, subsequently, are petty, competitive jerks.

That kind of attitude permeates even Gospel music...sometimes, unfortunately, even more so.

However, a couple of weeks ago I had the pleasure of meeting Jonathan Martin (of the Martin Trio) at our church's Hymn Sing. He was the special guest and was one of the coolest, most genuine artists I've ever met.

If you're into Gospel, or even if you're not, check the guy out and show him some love. He's incredibly talented and has a great heart. He deserves all the success that comes his way.

Great to meet you, man.

In Memorium: Rick Roy

We've lost one of the greatest musicians I've ever had the pleasure of performing with.

Rick, you'll be missed and never forgotten.

Heaven just got a piano player.

Alayne at Ballydoyle's

Here's a shot of Alayne at her Rock Academy gig at Ballydoyle's in Downers Grove, IL. The name of her band is Hospital Bill, so the wrap on her wrist is part of the outfit.

She's just shy of 13 but looked like a seasoned pro up there. Great job, kiddo!

I'll post the info for their next session when I get it.

Renovation

So it seems that the Batcave will be renovated, waterproof, and ready to use by Thursday. That's good, because I have quite a bit of work to do.

I'm trying to maintain some songwriting momentum so I can keep pumping out new material, I need to chart Colleen Wild's songs as I'm now her "official" accompanyist, and I also have my own gigs coming up.

On a side note, if you live in Illinois and are a country music fan/artist, please check out the ICMA. Membership is cheap and the benefits are great. The crappy economy is hurting this great organization that has given so many opportunities to myself and others. Most of the action happens in Central IL, but there is a Southern IL chapter and I'd love to see more activity up here in the Northern third of the state. Let's take country back!

The "What's On Your iPod" Question

A few of the songs which are on heavy rotation on my iPod at the moment:

• Feel Alright - Steve Earle
• Tear-Stained Eye - Son Volt
• Big Sky Country - Chris Whitley
• Washed By the Water - Needtobreathe
• Home - Marc Broussard
• Landing In London - 3 Doors Down w/ Bob Seger
• Sunday Morning Coming Down - Johnny Cash (Yeah, I know Kristofferson wrote it)

Anybody wanna share their list?