I am pleased to announce that I have started a new recording project. I have a backlog of material and have decided to "get with the program." I'll be working with my ever-talented producer Jason Scavone once again. Today we are beginning recording drum tracks for as many songs as we can get to this week. Drummer Jonathan Erickson is once again providing his expertise on the drums and percussion. This project will culminate in a full length album - yet to be titled!

Way back in November, I started my Ocean Lady project. Well, the recording has been mastered and this week I'll be getting it out for everyone to hear. Stay tuned!

I am sitting on a sofa in the control room listening to my producer Jason Scavone and my sister-in-law/piano player Katharine Monk work out a piano part for my newest song Ocean Lady. Recording began this morning with me recording a  scratch track of guitar and vocals. Recording can be a sometimes arduous endeavor.  Every measure is picked apart to make sure it is right. But what will result if a really great recording. I have full faith in Jason (a very patient man.)

I am really looking forward to joining Shannon Lee and Melissa Mummert tonight at EagleSpeak Coffee House. Come hear what we have to offer 8 PM tonight.
EagleSpeak is located at 3907 South Blvd.

​I have the good fortune to be among some really great neighbors. We decided we needed to have a block party which we did last Saturday. In spite of the rain, we had a good turnout. I played for just under an hour and had a very fine time. I had several neighbors come up to me surprised that I could sing! I ended with a rousing interactive rendition of the Hokey Pokey much to the elation of lots of wee people and big ones alike. After my set ended, the Flat Tire Trio came on stage and sounded great.  Hope to do this again.

My new song, The Picture, was started in my mind shortly after my mother died in 2007. My mother had a first husband before my father. His name was Charlie Burnette. Their story is one of love, risk and ultimately sacrifice and tragedy. This is a story that needs to be told because, as I know, Betty and Charlie loved each other very much and made the most of their short time together. From a file that was found after my mother's death to research about train travel in 1943, The Picture tells this brief and important story of Betty Porter and her first love Charlie Burnette.
My sister found the small folder in our mother's belongings that contained photographs, mementos and letters  - evidence of an important but short period of our mother's life. She met Charlie in about 1938. It was obvious that they loved each other very much - all I had to do is look into their eyes in the photographs left behind. The letters he wrote were of mundane subjects but were an indication of his care for her. Sadly, other letters were written by her employer to the War Department desperately seeking answers about Charlie's whereabouts after May 2, 1945 when his plane disappeared from the sky over Borneo. 
I hope you will listen to The Picture and think of it not as the sad story it is but as a tribute to two young people, very much in love and willing to take the risk of having some time together. There are no guarantees during wartime. 

I'm looking forward to seeing everyone at EagleSpeak Coffee House tonight. I appreciate being able to have some time to talk about my songs and the songwriting process. Questions are welcomed. Show starts at 7 PM. EagleSpeak 3907 South Blvd. near Scaleybark. 

Come out to hear me at Eaglespeak Coffee House on August 19th at 7 PM. Joining me is the talented Marie Calabro. We'd love to see you there! 

Mary Todd is my mentor teacher. She taught me at CCDS in the'70's and I will never forget the influence she has had on me. If you remember a special teacher in your life, make sure you let them know.

Please join me on Wednesday August 19th at EagleSpeak Coffee House starting at 7 PM. You will hear my original songs including Amanda and The Picture. I will be joined by the very talented Marie Calabro. Come see us.....