Got In My Own Way Again

It's only been a few weeks since my last post so it must mean that things are picking up and moving along...well, kind of.
I feel as though I should relate to you the cause for a year and four month hiatus from public music making. Things had gotten out of whack for me. I was in a band situation that was essentially flogging a dead horse. I was playing most of the same material that I have been working on for about 5 years - since my Douglas Corner and Hotel-gig days. Add to all of this that I was wanting to branch out but couldn't figure out just how to do it. So...it ended by my own hand and the cookie just crumbled in the wake of that decision. It's OK.

After a few months of sitting around, I went out and replaced a red telecaster that I had sold a while before. I missed it horribly (I would even buy it back someday if you find it - Jordan #16 from the 80s - a custom deal and I can send pics if you think you've found it). I wanted to find a new voice in music and I wanted to find something elusive that I had once but had long since lost...FUN!
So, with a new telecaster in hand, I began to explore new and old musical territories and new sounds and sonic possibilities. I took some lessons. I quit taking lessons. I spent many nights playing the same riffs over and over. I had as much fun as I had when I was a kid and just figuring this six stringed box out (I still haven't figured it out but I've tried like hell). I had as much fun as I did years ago sitting at the feet of masters and learning bluegrass mandolin. God, I had missed the having of fun with music!
Then life got in the way...my kids were nearing their last year at home and I wanted to be near them and enjoy them while I had the chance. I could still learn and have fun and spend time with them...and I did.
I worked on my own stuff too. My person...my being. Getting myself to a point where I could face the world with an open mind and take in all that is there to take in - a place where I could feel good about being me again.

Today I am breathing fresh air. I am continually trying to find that fun and sense of wonder in music; but I also realize there are more things to do. I am embracing the new year with a purpose. I plan to put in some time into the further study of some things I am lacking in my technique on several instruments. I also plan to FINALLY put the 3rd CD to bed - with a twist in how it will be delivered, distributed, etc.. AND I plan on taking all of these things and making them public again. I need the interaction. It has seemed like a long time in the wasteland.

Also - I will be rejoining the ranks of sidemen...I am open to playing with other folks and adding texture to what they are doing (Really, it's not all about me). So to that end, I will be playing in Murfreesboro in early March in that capacity. I will post all of the particulars once I know them.

See you soon,
rs

And a tiny voice emerges from the distance...

Happy New Year!
Yes, I am alive and checking in on things after a long spell of inactivity. It was a hard year and one that did not allow much, if any, music (at least on a performing/professional level).
I am happy to say that I feel energized about the new year and will begin keeping you abreast of things as they come about.

There is, dear reader, some good music kicking around in my head and in the studio. I want very much to share it with you as soon as I have it ready. I am going to try some new modes of thinking this year which will greatly affect how I release said music to you. Alas, for the moment I can only offer up little niblets of hints. All will be revealed shortly, as I hope to have things ready soon.

Until then, THANK YOU FRIENDS for keeping the flame lit. At the end of the year, as I reflected on my ignoring my public musical side, I was surprised by the sale of quite a few CDs and downloads (both domestically and abroad). I was also happily surprised by an article published in Appalachian Voices that referenced my earlier work. As you wait for new music and news, please indulge yourselves with this...

http://appvoices.org/2010/12/08/mining-our-heritage/

So there you have it. I look forward to more posts soon and I hope that you are all doing quite well and enjoying the freshness of the year ahead.

Your Pal,
rs