Something to look ahead into the new year. Jon Stork's new CD is getting released soon, might be a tour to follow. The old acoustic lap steel has been out nonstop, there are about five new songs brewing that need air time. An a recording? Hmmm, not sure yet. Watch this space!

All healed up...

It only took four months. My arm is finally better. It only took four months of not playing much, skipping the coffee. Stretching. Not playing much at all.

In the end, the culprit was the fiddle. Or, a death grip on the fiddle. Learned to play with a lighter touch, and now I'm playing again. Just in time for the new year....

Bring it on, 2017! Let's go!

My life as a sideman

So, we bring seven months of work to a conclusion as a side man for an up-and-coming Texas songwriter. It's been an interesting experience being part of the support structure for a good band but, in the end, it was time for the experience to draw to a close. I'll miss the guys in the band, miss the gigs that were a look into the real musical heart of Texas. But I learned a few things....

First, I remember just how much I love the sound of the steel guitar. Playing all the parts that pull a song together is one of the best spots on the stage. You can move couples closer together on the dance floor with the right melody lines, support a good singer and make them sound better. And there is nothing on this Earth that sounds as wonderful as a pedal steel. Nothing.

Second, I never would have even considered taking up the violin had it not been for this band. It's another sound that I've fallen in love with, and hopefully soon the sound in me head will match the sound coming out of the instrument. Sandy Mathers was right, it is the devil's instrument. It's not going to take a visit to the crossroads to master this thing, just time and the stress of getting parts ready to play on stage. No fear.

Third, I'm not cut out for sitting in the back.

Finally, would I do it again? In a heartbeat.

With luck I can still fill a spot with these guys in the future. Always good to make music with your friends...

Gigging again

Been fighting some kind of a tendon problem in my left arm. Probably comes from trying too hard to learn how to play the fiddle. I'm pretty tough, determined and so with some stretching and a lighter schedule I'm healing up. Still practicing like a fiend, because I'm going to master that 4-stringed monster.

So, tomorrow night, playing with Cody Ray at the Lone Star Saloon, a real Texas roadhouse in Richmond by the train tracks. I'll be playing some guitar, mandolin, pedal and lap steel. If you're in the area, come on out and say hello.

Yeah, I may go back to running my own band someday. Right now I'm content to show up, plug in and wail. I'll let someone else deal with the crappy world of booking gigs and dealing with band members. It may or may not last, but for now it's great to just play. And play.

If by luck you're nearby, come one out- tequila's on me...