Forgot about this one. Do I really have such bony elbows?
Tuesday, May 15, 2007
Shetland Blues Festival
That's me then, all sorted for the Shetland Blues Festival this fall. See you there!
At that fork in the road....
At a fork in the road
just south of Mobile
standing in the shade
by an old cotton field
the signs on the road point east and south
but the signs on the road won't help me out
when I'm standing
standing by that fork in the road
it's not indecision that's holding me back
it's a fear of all the information that I lack
to make a proper choice when the road is unclear
in the absence of knowing I'll just stand right here
standing at the fork in the road
Copyright Son Henry, 2007, all rights reserved
So, obviously someone I know has a hard time with big decisions......
On this day....
It's getting obvious that I'm facing major changes in life this week, I think.
It's interesting that, for me, my self awareness comes from looking back at the music I'm writing. Since I've been focused on the 'solo' record lately and writing and recording like a man posessed, the songs are pretty personal. At a subconscious level that's probably because I don't need to run them through the filter of a band, get the tacit approval of other people that's required when a 'me' song becomes a 'band' song. The band songs tend to be pretty non-specific, impersonal ones about not-quite-true or embellished events.
The solo ones are a mirror.
What's interesting to me is that if I'm not aware of what's going on internally, all I need to do is look at the songs and I can find out. So if you were to ask me things like "Am I stressed out about X?" it's likely that I'd have a hard time giving you an honest answer. But, take a look through the song journal these days and I must be stressed out about change, leaving people behind, about the uncertain world we live in, and be looking for some kind of sense of continuity and security. It's all there in the songs this morning.
In otherwords, I'm my normal, deeply moody self. Except that I'm writing songs, lots of them. Most of them you won't ever hear, they're too personal. But some will escape from this prison of modesty if there's something universal in them.
No, I don't need a shrink. I have two- a black book of lyrics and an old six-string guitar. And so, off we go this week to record a few more songs, one or two of which may also make it onto the new record.
But don't worry. It's not a collection of depressing songs. Some of them are actually in major keys.
It's interesting that, for me, my self awareness comes from looking back at the music I'm writing. Since I've been focused on the 'solo' record lately and writing and recording like a man posessed, the songs are pretty personal. At a subconscious level that's probably because I don't need to run them through the filter of a band, get the tacit approval of other people that's required when a 'me' song becomes a 'band' song. The band songs tend to be pretty non-specific, impersonal ones about not-quite-true or embellished events.
The solo ones are a mirror.
What's interesting to me is that if I'm not aware of what's going on internally, all I need to do is look at the songs and I can find out. So if you were to ask me things like "Am I stressed out about X?" it's likely that I'd have a hard time giving you an honest answer. But, take a look through the song journal these days and I must be stressed out about change, leaving people behind, about the uncertain world we live in, and be looking for some kind of sense of continuity and security. It's all there in the songs this morning.
In otherwords, I'm my normal, deeply moody self. Except that I'm writing songs, lots of them. Most of them you won't ever hear, they're too personal. But some will escape from this prison of modesty if there's something universal in them.
No, I don't need a shrink. I have two- a black book of lyrics and an old six-string guitar. And so, off we go this week to record a few more songs, one or two of which may also make it onto the new record.
But don't worry. It's not a collection of depressing songs. Some of them are actually in major keys.
Saturday, May 12, 2007
Hanging with Ray
I had a chance to spend some time with Ray Bonneville this week (www.raybonneville.com). Some of you in Aberdeen remember that Ray blew the roof off the music hall 2 years ago as Robert Cray's opener. He's a solo player with a really killer sense of rhythm- foot board, percussive guitar style, great harmonica playing; he's the whole package.
He's also a great guy and a certified road dog. I helped Ray load gear in to the Lemon Tree on Friday morning and then had a chance to sit and talk music for an hour or so. He was really a great help breaking down his guitar style for me (and it's still Chinese math for me), and some equipment. But it was his insights into songwriting that I really enjoyed. If you've heard his songs, you know that he can really put ideas together in a way that's like a painting, very Dylan-esque.
What can I say? A couple of great shows, and a chance to talk shop with a guy like that? Great weekend. Validates why I do this.
He's also a great guy and a certified road dog. I helped Ray load gear in to the Lemon Tree on Friday morning and then had a chance to sit and talk music for an hour or so. He was really a great help breaking down his guitar style for me (and it's still Chinese math for me), and some equipment. But it was his insights into songwriting that I really enjoyed. If you've heard his songs, you know that he can really put ideas together in a way that's like a painting, very Dylan-esque.
What can I say? A couple of great shows, and a chance to talk shop with a guy like that? Great weekend. Validates why I do this.
Solo CD update
Sang all Thursday morning. 8 songs ready to mix. A couple more to go, and then we're off to duplicate!
Thursday, May 10, 2007
Flood waters risin up to my door.....
Arrrgh-
Had a plumber doing some work on the house yesterday for my landlord. He managed to drill a hole through a pipe and it leaked all night and day RIGHT DOWN THE BACK OF MY '73 MARSHALL SUPER LEAD. Its ruined.
It's not a drink-spill caliber flood. I drained 3 cups of water out of the amp this morning. 3 cups, and it was still dripping while I dried it off with a hair dryer. Speakers in the cabinet are soaked too.
Yeah, I know, it's not like I lost a finger, it's a 'thing' and it can be replaced. But I was really attached to that thing.
I need a hug. And a new amp. In that order.
Had a plumber doing some work on the house yesterday for my landlord. He managed to drill a hole through a pipe and it leaked all night and day RIGHT DOWN THE BACK OF MY '73 MARSHALL SUPER LEAD. Its ruined.
It's not a drink-spill caliber flood. I drained 3 cups of water out of the amp this morning. 3 cups, and it was still dripping while I dried it off with a hair dryer. Speakers in the cabinet are soaked too.
Yeah, I know, it's not like I lost a finger, it's a 'thing' and it can be replaced. But I was really attached to that thing.
I need a hug. And a new amp. In that order.
Monday, May 07, 2007
New CD available at CdBaby
Finally, the new CD is available through CDbaby. It's a great place to check out the sound clips. Wann go listen? click here and then let me know what you think!
Friday, May 04, 2007
Spikedrivers at the Blue Lamp last night
Another great gig last night, thanks to Chris Simmonds!
My first time to see the Spikedrivers, and I'll go see them again. Interesting instrumentation, great originals and lots of stage presence. All in all a really enjoyable night. I'll post more later.....
My first time to see the Spikedrivers, and I'll go see them again. Interesting instrumentation, great originals and lots of stage presence. All in all a really enjoyable night. I'll post more later.....
Thursday, May 03, 2007
Campbell Brothers on YouTube!
What can I say, sometimes you get something really great on youtube. Check out the Campbell Brother clip, these guys are awesome (and I'm not saying that case I'm from their neck of the woods)
Click Here!
And Here!
Click Here!
And Here!
Sunday, April 29, 2007
on the fine art of going local
Looks like we'll be here a while longer, so I'm going local.
It's a thing that happens when you've been somewhere long enough that you really start to put down roots. It's different for everyone, this week, for me it's swapping the power transformers in my amplifiers so I can run on 240 volts. As of this evening, I have converted two of them to run from the wall plug here. I'm sending the marshall is back to the marshall factory to get re-wired, and then we're done.
Funny how that works. The big thing for me was not needing a step-down transformer any more. That always seemed like a temporary thing. No longer, I'm a global kinda guy now, because the amp will run anywhere now, and I can go home one day and only re-solder one wire.
Phew.
It's a thing that happens when you've been somewhere long enough that you really start to put down roots. It's different for everyone, this week, for me it's swapping the power transformers in my amplifiers so I can run on 240 volts. As of this evening, I have converted two of them to run from the wall plug here. I'm sending the marshall is back to the marshall factory to get re-wired, and then we're done.
Funny how that works. The big thing for me was not needing a step-down transformer any more. That always seemed like a temporary thing. No longer, I'm a global kinda guy now, because the amp will run anywhere now, and I can go home one day and only re-solder one wire.
Phew.
"why so little music lately?", she asked
Because I always warned people that one day I was going to sit down and write a book. I'm finally doing it, at about the 12,000 word mark. Stay tuned.
Wednesday, April 25, 2007
Drummonds tomorrow as told by Chris Simmonds
Chris Simmonds, Aberdeen Promoter and all-around good blues guy had this to say about our gig tomorrow night at Cafe Drummonds in Aberdeen:
Fresh from their appearance on the main stage at Burnley, the very excellent Son Henry Band play one of their semi-regular Drummonds gigs. On the basis that this band gets better every time I see them they should be phenomenal tonight! The new Long Way Home CD is great and you can play the "How many guitars will Son play tonight" competition as well!! And with a supporting cast of Dean Stewart on bass; Les Taylor on drums it should be a rocking night here as well.
How many guitars? That sounds like a challenge of sorts. There's my new magnatone, and the old national, and my brown maggie. Hmmm. Anyone want to cut me in on the winnings?
Seriously, it'll be a great gig. The band is razor sharp and after a few days off is always ready to wail into the wee hours of the morning. I'm in the middle of repairing my amp (new speakers and a new 240 volt power transformer) and at the rate I'm going I'm going to be dragging my Marshall amp instead. That'll be fun.
See you there!
Fresh from their appearance on the main stage at Burnley, the very excellent Son Henry Band play one of their semi-regular Drummonds gigs. On the basis that this band gets better every time I see them they should be phenomenal tonight! The new Long Way Home CD is great and you can play the "How many guitars will Son play tonight" competition as well!! And with a supporting cast of Dean Stewart on bass; Les Taylor on drums it should be a rocking night here as well.
How many guitars? That sounds like a challenge of sorts. There's my new magnatone, and the old national, and my brown maggie. Hmmm. Anyone want to cut me in on the winnings?
Seriously, it'll be a great gig. The band is razor sharp and after a few days off is always ready to wail into the wee hours of the morning. I'm in the middle of repairing my amp (new speakers and a new 240 volt power transformer) and at the rate I'm going I'm going to be dragging my Marshall amp instead. That'll be fun.
See you there!
To that kid from youtube
Some 18 year old know-it-all on YouTube told me that I "need to take some guitar lessons from Derek Trucks", which makes as much sense as telling a keyboard player they need to take lessons from Paul Butterfield. That, and some other things that just ain't fit to print. On the off-chance you're reading this:
1. I own more than one CD, there are many other slide players in the world other than Derek Trucks. I don't expect you to understand, it requires an open mind.
2. You should post your own work on youtube, rather than illegal bootlegs of other peoples material.
3. Don't drink and type.
The 3rd one is the big one. I have nothing against anyone else that's 18, and any other new guitar players. This guy is an intellectual vomit stain on the world.
1. I own more than one CD, there are many other slide players in the world other than Derek Trucks. I don't expect you to understand, it requires an open mind.
2. You should post your own work on youtube, rather than illegal bootlegs of other peoples material.
3. Don't drink and type.
The 3rd one is the big one. I have nothing against anyone else that's 18, and any other new guitar players. This guy is an intellectual vomit stain on the world.
Saturday, April 14, 2007
Solo CD track listing
OK, as of now, all that's left to do is sing everything and mix. I realize that this will mean *bupkis* to those of you that haven't seen a solo show in the last 3 months, but bear with me. All of the guitar and percussion parts are done for these songs:
Deeper and Deeper
Water Risin
Sackcloth and Ashes
Solitary blues
Luke's Black Cloud Blues
Hole in my shoe
Water worrying stone
Fork in the road
Man in the mirror
Ribbon of tar
So, there you go. Artwork is even done for this one too. All we need is a little singing, a little mixing and then it goes out the door to be ready for the June 15 launch, which will be at the Lemon Tree that afternoon and the Tunnels in the evening. There will be no escaping this one.....
Deeper and Deeper
Water Risin
Sackcloth and Ashes
Solitary blues
Luke's Black Cloud Blues
Hole in my shoe
Water worrying stone
Fork in the road
Man in the mirror
Ribbon of tar
So, there you go. Artwork is even done for this one too. All we need is a little singing, a little mixing and then it goes out the door to be ready for the June 15 launch, which will be at the Lemon Tree that afternoon and the Tunnels in the evening. There will be no escaping this one.....
Moorings Bar, Aberdeen tonight!
All-
The band is headlining a show at the Moorings Bar tonight. Our first gig there in fact.
If youre a Moorings regular, don't let the 'blues band' tag scare you away because this ain't your mothers blues band- unless she's a loud, hard living biker with a bad attitude and a larger than life alcohol tolerance. In that case bring her along......
The band is headlining a show at the Moorings Bar tonight. Our first gig there in fact.
If youre a Moorings regular, don't let the 'blues band' tag scare you away because this ain't your mothers blues band- unless she's a loud, hard living biker with a bad attitude and a larger than life alcohol tolerance. In that case bring her along......
About those other lap steels.....
In the last week I've had a bunch of questions abut my steel guitars, so here are some quick photos and some notes.
The first one is an old Magnatone, in mother-of-toiletseat brown. It's my favorite of the lot. These are generally frowned on by Steel players because they have a pretty raw tone. The pickup is more like a stratocaster pickup than a normal steel guitar, which means it not a powerful, but these have a great dynamic range and don't tend to feed back. This one is normally in Open D or Open G.
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This one is a picture of a national dynamic- it looks like mine, I can't find a good picture of mine right now. It's a classic National- brand lap steel with the big pickup. This is a guitar on steroids, very powerful and sensitive enough to play 3 octaves up the neck. Normally tuned to Open E, Open E-minor and Open A. Sometimes tuned to an E-tuning that goes 1-5-6-1-3-5
This one is an old Supro Comet, circa 1950-something. It's the one I normally play on the legs when I have a gig where I can't or don't want to sit down. It's strung so I can tune it to basically anything froma low Open-C to an Open-A. Unreal that the strings don't break more....
Ok, this one you may have seen from time to time, it's an odd one- an Eddie Alkyrie 10-string, probably made by Epiphone in the 50's. It's tuned to an E13-type of tuning that I developed for this one. It gives me the intervals I need to play minor and major chords as well as some hip jazz chords with odd extensions.
And, finally, the one that started it all- this is the National New Yorker that my friend Boo Rody loaned me *years* ago to learn on. After all these years Boo gave me the chance to buy it and I jumped at the chance. It belonged to his mother who was a professional guitarist and steel player in the 1930's and 1940's. This is a really powerful sounding old guitar that shreds amps for breakfast- it's the one you hear on 'Heartache and Trouble', for example. This is the big-block Chevy of the bunch.
Oh, it does go to gigs, but only ones where I can keep my hands on it, so it doesn't tend to travel at all. Gotta see a show in Aberdeen to see this one....
The first one is an old Magnatone, in mother-of-toiletseat brown. It's my favorite of the lot. These are generally frowned on by Steel players because they have a pretty raw tone. The pickup is more like a stratocaster pickup than a normal steel guitar, which means it not a powerful, but these have a great dynamic range and don't tend to feed back. This one is normally in Open D or Open G.
This one is a picture of a national dynamic- it looks like mine, I can't find a good picture of mine right now. It's a classic National- brand lap steel with the big pickup. This is a guitar on steroids, very powerful and sensitive enough to play 3 octaves up the neck. Normally tuned to Open E, Open E-minor and Open A. Sometimes tuned to an E-tuning that goes 1-5-6-1-3-5
This one is an old Supro Comet, circa 1950-something. It's the one I normally play on the legs when I have a gig where I can't or don't want to sit down. It's strung so I can tune it to basically anything froma low Open-C to an Open-A. Unreal that the strings don't break more....
Ok, this one you may have seen from time to time, it's an odd one- an Eddie Alkyrie 10-string, probably made by Epiphone in the 50's. It's tuned to an E13-type of tuning that I developed for this one. It gives me the intervals I need to play minor and major chords as well as some hip jazz chords with odd extensions.
And, finally, the one that started it all- this is the National New Yorker that my friend Boo Rody loaned me *years* ago to learn on. After all these years Boo gave me the chance to buy it and I jumped at the chance. It belonged to his mother who was a professional guitarist and steel player in the 1930's and 1940's. This is a really powerful sounding old guitar that shreds amps for breakfast- it's the one you hear on 'Heartache and Trouble', for example. This is the big-block Chevy of the bunch.
Oh, it does go to gigs, but only ones where I can keep my hands on it, so it doesn't tend to travel at all. Gotta see a show in Aberdeen to see this one....
Friday, April 13, 2007
more blues photos
The Lancashire Telegraph just posted a whole collection of photos from the Burnley Festival. To check them out click here
Thursday, April 12, 2007
Off the subject of the blues
The US Mint is finally getting around to making the Alaska quarter-dollar as part of the series. Designs are good for the most part, but I like the one with the Musher and Denali best.
Sorry, it's an Alaskan thing, humor me.
Tuesday, April 10, 2007
Burnley Stage Photos!
Tony Winfield sent me some photos that he took at Burnley last weekend, and he's been gracious enough to allow me to share them with y'all. Thanks Tony!
Be sure and check out his web site of blues photographs at http://www.bluespics.co.uk and his myspace page
Be sure and check out his web site of blues photographs at http://www.bluespics.co.uk and his myspace page
The artist with the Magnatone addiction
I'm sure that there is a cure for people with chronic tendencies to acquire instruments, and if there is please don't tell me about it. Yeah, ok, I have an unhealthy addiction to these Magnatone lap steels, they're cheap, lightweight and sound amazing. And they come in such great colors. Like this vomit-green one, for example, that is currently on it's way to me.
Ahh, the good life. It really did need a home where it'll be able to get out and make some noise and not hide behind a glass case in some industrialists home....
Sunday, April 08, 2007
This just in from Burnley
Son Henry Band kicked the fun off at Burnley Mechanics with their raucous set of swing stomp and jazz blues which had the crowds jumping.
Here's the link: http://www.burnleytoday.co.uk/ViewArticle.aspx?ArticleID=2491049&SectionID=12
Here's the link: http://www.burnleytoday.co.uk/ViewArticle.aspx?ArticleID=2491049&SectionID=12
Burnley Retrospective
Well, gang, I'm back home from the Burnley Festival. All in all our show went really well and we were well received. Also had a chance to meet HarpDog and JC from the the Blindman's Blues Forum, and saw but couldn't connect up with Houndog, so by my rough count that was 6 members of the forum all together (including me, Delius and Dino from my line up). If you're not a member, you should google the forum and check it out, it's a great 'place'.
We decided to take the train, save on gas. Great idea in principle, but with all the gear and lap steels I needed my suitcase weighed almost 100 lbs. Not very smart. But the ride down was really relaxing and gave us a chance to just hang out (which doesn't happen enough). Most of the way down we talked about the religion thread on the forum. That's odd coincidence number one- we have an ex --divinity student and an ex-religion and philosophy major in the band. I know that's so *not* blues band, we should have been talking abut wiskey and wimmen, but we were on a train so I think that evens things out.
Get to the train station in Burnley. No Taxi to be found. Two mile walk to the venue. Finally flag a cab big enough to get us there and a really nice Pakistani gentleman talks blues with us all the way to the hotel. So, you've got 3 Scots, an Alaskan and a Pakistani talking blues in England. Small world.
Hotel is nice, very English pub and all the other headliners are staying there too.
Quick shower and gear check and we're off to the theatre. Cabbie getting us there is the brother of the first cabbie and so, again, we talk blues all the way to the theatre. Line-check, sound check and off to the green room for some food. Oh, somehow I managed to get *so* much volume out of the Fender Twin they had for us that the sound guy complained he had me totally out of the mains. Arrrgh. Ok. Line check, sound check, turn down, second sound check and then off to the green room where we talked about the creation thread, Epigenetics, grid stability in 6L6 amps and wimmen. Ok, thats a little more blues band- gear and girls. The band is now acting 10 years younger.
Great gig. I love the tone of my old Magnatone lap steel blasting in a big theater and reflecting off the walls. It's a huge woody tone with a really large dynamic range for an electric instrument. We played two encores, and for the second one we played a lap-steel version of 'bring it on home to me' at a slow, teasing tempo. It was one of those soul-cleansing moments that reminds me of why I love to play music, sitting on the edge of the stage and bringing the band volume so low that I sould sing from the edge of the stage without a mic and hear the audience breathing. Any idea on how good a band you need to try that?
Done. Time to sell CDs and talk to folks. Met lots of nice people, business cards go flying out of my hands. We drag our tired selves off to the hotel. Yep, same cabbie, wants to know all about our show and were we staying around for Tommy Castro. Nope, as it turns out, we're recording. Too bad, I like Tommy Castro and haven't seen him in a few years.
It's at the hotel after midnight that things start to get interesting. Johnny Mastro and the band drifted into the hotel bar not long after we did, and we got to talking. Turns out that he's from my hometown in upstate new york 30 years ago. We went to college 10 miles from each other and I went to school with his older brother and sister- she was my ex-girlfriends running buddy. Turns out we know most of the same people. Talked with these guys almost until sun-up about things that Johnny and I had forgotten for years, all the people we'd not kept in touch with after graduation because we were different. A couple of blues-playing misfits in schools of career minded adults. Reassuring to run into someone that had the same experience. All this time I thought it was just me.
Over breakfast, Dave and I talk about the Archetypical journey of the modern hero, Carl Jung, Modern Psychology and the genome project. DIno is immersed in a book. Les is the quiet Beatle this morning. We take turns debating who gets to be Ringo and John. No one wants to be Paul.
Cab ride in the morning to the train station. Different cabbie. Too bad, this guy is grouchy. Lost my phone at the train station, but the guy that found it calls Dino and tells us he'll send it back in the post.
It's on the train that the beers, red bull and talk about women starts. And while we're waiting for a train I catch a reflection of the band in a window, and it hits me how much we look like a band. We're tired and unshaven. We're wearing a mix of stage clothes and street clothes, sunglasses and we're standing in a tight huddle on the platform talking in low voices, even though there is ample room to spread out. Strangers give us our space, but we can catch the stray eye puzzling over who exactly these guys are, what band is this anyway? But we're still taking about metaphysics, gear and women, though, and realizing we'll be able to include Dino in the conversation when he finishes his book in the next 5 minutes. He's lost in some fantasy world, different from ours. No matter, we've other long excursions coming up. This was an easy trip, by comparison.
But the trip was a reminder of how much I love playing music with these guys, and hey- I'd travel with these guys anywhere.
We decided to take the train, save on gas. Great idea in principle, but with all the gear and lap steels I needed my suitcase weighed almost 100 lbs. Not very smart. But the ride down was really relaxing and gave us a chance to just hang out (which doesn't happen enough). Most of the way down we talked about the religion thread on the forum. That's odd coincidence number one- we have an ex --divinity student and an ex-religion and philosophy major in the band. I know that's so *not* blues band, we should have been talking abut wiskey and wimmen, but we were on a train so I think that evens things out.
Get to the train station in Burnley. No Taxi to be found. Two mile walk to the venue. Finally flag a cab big enough to get us there and a really nice Pakistani gentleman talks blues with us all the way to the hotel. So, you've got 3 Scots, an Alaskan and a Pakistani talking blues in England. Small world.
Hotel is nice, very English pub and all the other headliners are staying there too.
Quick shower and gear check and we're off to the theatre. Cabbie getting us there is the brother of the first cabbie and so, again, we talk blues all the way to the theatre. Line-check, sound check and off to the green room for some food. Oh, somehow I managed to get *so* much volume out of the Fender Twin they had for us that the sound guy complained he had me totally out of the mains. Arrrgh. Ok. Line check, sound check, turn down, second sound check and then off to the green room where we talked about the creation thread, Epigenetics, grid stability in 6L6 amps and wimmen. Ok, thats a little more blues band- gear and girls. The band is now acting 10 years younger.
Great gig. I love the tone of my old Magnatone lap steel blasting in a big theater and reflecting off the walls. It's a huge woody tone with a really large dynamic range for an electric instrument. We played two encores, and for the second one we played a lap-steel version of 'bring it on home to me' at a slow, teasing tempo. It was one of those soul-cleansing moments that reminds me of why I love to play music, sitting on the edge of the stage and bringing the band volume so low that I sould sing from the edge of the stage without a mic and hear the audience breathing. Any idea on how good a band you need to try that?
Done. Time to sell CDs and talk to folks. Met lots of nice people, business cards go flying out of my hands. We drag our tired selves off to the hotel. Yep, same cabbie, wants to know all about our show and were we staying around for Tommy Castro. Nope, as it turns out, we're recording. Too bad, I like Tommy Castro and haven't seen him in a few years.
It's at the hotel after midnight that things start to get interesting. Johnny Mastro and the band drifted into the hotel bar not long after we did, and we got to talking. Turns out that he's from my hometown in upstate new york 30 years ago. We went to college 10 miles from each other and I went to school with his older brother and sister- she was my ex-girlfriends running buddy. Turns out we know most of the same people. Talked with these guys almost until sun-up about things that Johnny and I had forgotten for years, all the people we'd not kept in touch with after graduation because we were different. A couple of blues-playing misfits in schools of career minded adults. Reassuring to run into someone that had the same experience. All this time I thought it was just me.
Over breakfast, Dave and I talk about the Archetypical journey of the modern hero, Carl Jung, Modern Psychology and the genome project. DIno is immersed in a book. Les is the quiet Beatle this morning. We take turns debating who gets to be Ringo and John. No one wants to be Paul.
Cab ride in the morning to the train station. Different cabbie. Too bad, this guy is grouchy. Lost my phone at the train station, but the guy that found it calls Dino and tells us he'll send it back in the post.
It's on the train that the beers, red bull and talk about women starts. And while we're waiting for a train I catch a reflection of the band in a window, and it hits me how much we look like a band. We're tired and unshaven. We're wearing a mix of stage clothes and street clothes, sunglasses and we're standing in a tight huddle on the platform talking in low voices, even though there is ample room to spread out. Strangers give us our space, but we can catch the stray eye puzzling over who exactly these guys are, what band is this anyway? But we're still taking about metaphysics, gear and women, though, and realizing we'll be able to include Dino in the conversation when he finishes his book in the next 5 minutes. He's lost in some fantasy world, different from ours. No matter, we've other long excursions coming up. This was an easy trip, by comparison.
But the trip was a reminder of how much I love playing music with these guys, and hey- I'd travel with these guys anywhere.
Thursday, April 05, 2007
Burnley, ready or not!
Brace yourself, the band is on it's way to the Burnley National Blues Festival for our Friday night appearance. If you're going to the festival, expect a high-energy set for sure.
And, I always enjoy hanging out afterwards and talking shop, so look for me by the band's merchandise stall because that's where I'll be once we're finished. I usually bring my steel guitars along if you're curious about how they actually work- they are an odd breed of guitar.
And, if you're planning on staying home, well, you're going to miss all the fireworks! Off to pack, over and out for now. Hopefully we'll get some drummer-cam pictures for you to see the show from our perspective!
And, I always enjoy hanging out afterwards and talking shop, so look for me by the band's merchandise stall because that's where I'll be once we're finished. I usually bring my steel guitars along if you're curious about how they actually work- they are an odd breed of guitar.
And, if you're planning on staying home, well, you're going to miss all the fireworks! Off to pack, over and out for now. Hopefully we'll get some drummer-cam pictures for you to see the show from our perspective!
Tuesday, April 03, 2007
Solo CD release party, June 15
Talk about putting the cart before the horse. I know some of you think that waiting for my solo CD is like waiting for an Elvis sighting. So, to put my money where my mouth is, I schedled the release party at the Lemon Tree, Friday june 15 over lunch. I'll see if I can get an evening slot at a place like the Blue Lamp the same day.
Should get the recording finished the week after the Burnley Blues Festival, I have all the studio time booked- a solid week of recording. That should get it done. It's shaping up to be an interesting disk, with mostly lap acoustic. despite what I told Dave last week I think I am going to dust off my piano. Hmmm, some national steel too. arrgh- too much material. What a curse.
So, mark your calendars! And trust me, it'll be in the Lemon Tree Brochure (http://www.lemontree.org)
Should get the recording finished the week after the Burnley Blues Festival, I have all the studio time booked- a solid week of recording. That should get it done. It's shaping up to be an interesting disk, with mostly lap acoustic. despite what I told Dave last week I think I am going to dust off my piano. Hmmm, some national steel too. arrgh- too much material. What a curse.
So, mark your calendars! And trust me, it'll be in the Lemon Tree Brochure (http://www.lemontree.org)
Monday, April 02, 2007
New CD Review on BluesMatters website
Scottish Music Reviewer Eric Scott had this to say about the new live CD:
This is the record of the annual benefit concert Son plays at in Anchorage, Alaska and it demonstrates that, like a good baseball pitcher, he has some truly ‘nasty stuff’ coming out of his lap steel guitar. Dark, mysterious and dirty in the lower registers, wicked and cutting up high, Mr. Henry remains a modern master of tone and shape- an unstoppable force at next weekend’s Burnley Blues Festival, for those of you within driving distance.
read the complete review here
This is the record of the annual benefit concert Son plays at in Anchorage, Alaska and it demonstrates that, like a good baseball pitcher, he has some truly ‘nasty stuff’ coming out of his lap steel guitar. Dark, mysterious and dirty in the lower registers, wicked and cutting up high, Mr. Henry remains a modern master of tone and shape- an unstoppable force at next weekend’s Burnley Blues Festival, for those of you within driving distance.
read the complete review here
From my buddy Bob Parsons
My friend Bob Parsons has been writing down road and gig stories, and sent this to me a few weeks ago. I'd forgotten most of this and had a good laugh reading this......
----------------------
I have been very privileged to play with some real ballsy players. Let me just embarrass a dude right here and now.
I played 3 years with Son Henry. He never missed a gig, although he was sick a couple of times. here's a side note — don't hang with that guy when he's doin Dayquil! As I lug my stuff to the gig, still keeping it to one trip, I look back on all the stuff Son packed into his Suburban to get him through the night. Tremendous committment to a certain sound that he needed. Sometimes he'd bring 400 pounds of gear. And the guy was so road-tested. He broke a string on his lap steel at Blues on the Green, kept talking to the crowd the whole time he found a new string and replaced the broken one. The bnd is vamping through all this and I got so caught up in watching this lesson in multi-tasking, I totally forgot to play anything to help him out. Then he looks back and says "Play something will ya, and help me out here!". Duh, oh yeah, that's right, I'm a musician...
Besides, being sick, playing, playing through crappy electricity, microphones emitting blue sparks (come on, how do you go back and put your lips back on a mic that just hit you so hard it burnt your pickups off your strat?) Son calls me from the hospital the day we are to cap off Ocean Fest. He's strapped to a gurny, can't move his head, because some kid smucked Son in the backside with an S-10 pickup going 50mph — and he's talking about MAYBE needing help with his gear that night!!! Geez Louise... what's your excuse!
----------------------
I have been very privileged to play with some real ballsy players. Let me just embarrass a dude right here and now.
I played 3 years with Son Henry. He never missed a gig, although he was sick a couple of times. here's a side note — don't hang with that guy when he's doin Dayquil! As I lug my stuff to the gig, still keeping it to one trip, I look back on all the stuff Son packed into his Suburban to get him through the night. Tremendous committment to a certain sound that he needed. Sometimes he'd bring 400 pounds of gear. And the guy was so road-tested. He broke a string on his lap steel at Blues on the Green, kept talking to the crowd the whole time he found a new string and replaced the broken one. The bnd is vamping through all this and I got so caught up in watching this lesson in multi-tasking, I totally forgot to play anything to help him out. Then he looks back and says "Play something will ya, and help me out here!". Duh, oh yeah, that's right, I'm a musician...
Besides, being sick, playing, playing through crappy electricity, microphones emitting blue sparks (come on, how do you go back and put your lips back on a mic that just hit you so hard it burnt your pickups off your strat?) Son calls me from the hospital the day we are to cap off Ocean Fest. He's strapped to a gurny, can't move his head, because some kid smucked Son in the backside with an S-10 pickup going 50mph — and he's talking about MAYBE needing help with his gear that night!!! Geez Louise... what's your excuse!
Sunday, March 25, 2007
CD Release Party: the Globe Inn, Thursday March 29th
Next stop the Globe Inn in Aberdeen. We're recording live AND releasing a new CD.
Saturday, March 24, 2007
Drummer-Cam photos from Kemnay
A little photo essay from Les, a drummer-cam of last nightst gig in Kemnay. That the Son Henry Band, a monster talent like Bob Hall on the piano and a 125 friend and you've the makings for a party. And that's just what it was. I think I have the photos more or less in chronological order.
All in all an amazing gig. Bob Hall and Hillary Blythe played a great opening set of boogie woogie and some old blues classics and a couple of original tunes too. After a short break to let Donald the blues DJ work his magic it was all us, with Bob sitting in on the piano. Having Bob involved totally turned things on their ear in great ways- lots of off-the-cuff blues and boogie, a head-cutting session over a Slim Harpo selection. Phew.
OK, more of the same at the Globe in Aberdeen on Thursday, and then we're off to Turrif on Friday. Hopefully we'll see you there.
All in all an amazing gig. Bob Hall and Hillary Blythe played a great opening set of boogie woogie and some old blues classics and a couple of original tunes too. After a short break to let Donald the blues DJ work his magic it was all us, with Bob sitting in on the piano. Having Bob involved totally turned things on their ear in great ways- lots of off-the-cuff blues and boogie, a head-cutting session over a Slim Harpo selection. Phew.
OK, more of the same at the Globe in Aberdeen on Thursday, and then we're off to Turrif on Friday. Hopefully we'll see you there.
Monday, March 19, 2007
Live CDs are finally here...
Yep, here is the proof, and I have a stack of boxes to prove it as well. Finally, seems like this one has been a long time in the making!
Sunday, March 18, 2007
Audio on myspace?
Do any of you actually download the stuff on myspace? I've got a bunch of unreleased live recordings that I'm thinking of putting out there, but don't really want to put the time into it if it's not something that y'all want.
on the fine art of friends and money.....
What a great way to loose a good friend. Shame too, I'd much rather have a house full of friends than a bank full of money. But it seems like a rule written in stone that if you end up loaning someone money you'll end up loosing a friend in the process.
Next time, I'm just going to call it a gift and not take anything but no for an answer. Too strange otherwise.
My father always used to say never sell your car to a friend, in the end you won't have either one , and I think that's sort of the message here too.
Next time, I'm just going to call it a gift and not take anything but no for an answer. Too strange otherwise.
My father always used to say never sell your car to a friend, in the end you won't have either one , and I think that's sort of the message here too.
Saturday, March 17, 2007
Globe Inn, March 29
This'll be the last gig in town before we head off to the Burnley Festival!
We're going to set up a little early so I can run y'all through some of the new solo material. It's really heavy on the lap-steel (acoustic that is), and so far the material has been well received.
I'll also be recording the band set, possibly as a CD release, more likely that it'll be some audio files we'll send to everyone on our mailing list. So, if you're a lurker but not on my mailing list there's a good reason to sign up, and it's as hard as clicking the link at the top of the page.
Oh- this gig is also the OFFICIAL RELEASE DATE of the new live CD too.......
We're going to set up a little early so I can run y'all through some of the new solo material. It's really heavy on the lap-steel (acoustic that is), and so far the material has been well received.
I'll also be recording the band set, possibly as a CD release, more likely that it'll be some audio files we'll send to everyone on our mailing list. So, if you're a lurker but not on my mailing list there's a good reason to sign up, and it's as hard as clicking the link at the top of the page.
Oh- this gig is also the OFFICIAL RELEASE DATE of the new live CD too.......
Ribbon of the road
I asked my father, but he didn't know
how to choose between a woman and the open road
from "Ribbon of the road", recorded tonight.
The problem isn't having enough material for this solo record, it's clearly having a back-log of material that adds up to too much. What a good problem to have...
how to choose between a woman and the open road
from "Ribbon of the road", recorded tonight.
The problem isn't having enough material for this solo record, it's clearly having a back-log of material that adds up to too much. What a good problem to have...
Saturday, March 10, 2007
Recording, part 2
Yes, folks, we're recording in anger these days.
Spent several hours at Musical Vision yesterday recording some lap steel tracks and managed to finish two that I'm happy with:
1. Sackcloth and Ashes
2. Water and stone
And then, to make matters worse, was up to the wee hours of the morning working on guitar parts to
3. Mirror man
4. Born to roam
Tonight we're back at it, and we'll be finishing off
5. Fork in the road
6. Name for a number
7. The celebrated Mother in Law Blues
And then package everything off to sing and mix. Lots of this will come out on the next solor record, and the rest will be available for download on Snocap or myspace or something (not sure yet).
Ok, that's me done coming up for air in the middle of this creative frenzy. If you're waiting on me to return a phone call or something, I apologize. I'm focused and need this done. Man, I haven't even taken the trash out this week but that's probably something I can't let slide much longer.....
Peace!
Spent several hours at Musical Vision yesterday recording some lap steel tracks and managed to finish two that I'm happy with:
1. Sackcloth and Ashes
2. Water and stone
And then, to make matters worse, was up to the wee hours of the morning working on guitar parts to
3. Mirror man
4. Born to roam
Tonight we're back at it, and we'll be finishing off
5. Fork in the road
6. Name for a number
7. The celebrated Mother in Law Blues
And then package everything off to sing and mix. Lots of this will come out on the next solor record, and the rest will be available for download on Snocap or myspace or something (not sure yet).
Ok, that's me done coming up for air in the middle of this creative frenzy. If you're waiting on me to return a phone call or something, I apologize. I'm focused and need this done. Man, I haven't even taken the trash out this week but that's probably something I can't let slide much longer.....
Peace!
Sunday, March 04, 2007
Bob Hall, Son Henry in Kemnay, March 23
Need a great excuse to get a little out of Aberdeen? Here it is, then!
On March 23rd we'll be playing a gig with British Blues Piano legen Bob Hall in the Fetternear Hall in Kemnay (see the map). The night will start with a relaxed set from Bob Hall and Hilary Blythe performing lots of great piano based blues. From there we'll drag Bob into the middle of my band and play a few hours of classic Chicago Blues for danging into the wee hours of the morning.
It's an honor for us to support someone of Bob's caliber. If you were at the opening of the Dundee Blues Bonanza last year when Bob sat in with us, you remember that this is a dynamic combination. You'll hear lots of new material, stuff that I've never taken to a gig yet, but with this line-up it's going to be something else.
Seating is limited, so send me an email at info@sonhenry.com to reserve seats.
See you there!
Sunday, February 25, 2007
New Band Photos
We had some new pictures taken and I've redone the web site to show you the WHOLE band. Click here to see the image! More pictures to follow after the Globe Gig!
Thursday, February 15, 2007
Day one results
Well, a few very productive hours in the studio today. All the guitar parts for:
Stranger Blues
Hole in my soul
Long way Home
Bound to ride that train
one foot in front
solitary blues
are done. Some harp, singing and percussion and these are all finished! Going to take a break from this for a bit, though. Need to spend a little time editing the lyrics to these songs so they're really sharp.
Stranger Blues
Hole in my soul
Long way Home
Bound to ride that train
one foot in front
solitary blues
are done. Some harp, singing and percussion and these are all finished! Going to take a break from this for a bit, though. Need to spend a little time editing the lyrics to these songs so they're really sharp.
Wednesday, February 14, 2007
Recording Tomorrow!
Hey y'all
Work on the long-promised solo CD resumes tomorrow (Thursday) when I take that old National of mine into the Musical Vision Studio here in Aberdeen. I've made a list of the songs that need to be recorded and it's grown really long, but since tomorrow is the first day in this studio I imagine we'll try for getting three complete songs down and be sure to really get a feel for the place. But, if it goes well, there'll be a whole bunch of stuff coming out this year.
As a surprise, I'll be taking my new Stella guitar with me as well- it's an old, cheap plywood guitar that Billy Allardyce found on Ebay. It's got a classic sound for the old-school blues, it's something about the plywood top and old dirt from some grandmother's attic. No matter, I've got a tune or two for it, and if we're rolling tomorrow it'll get it's air time!
Really, there's no way to release all this music on CD, there's just too much of it, so I'm looking into the option of taking bunches of it straight to digital distribution. Tunes, Tune Tribe and a couple of other outlets and by-pass the CD process completely. Some will probably end up as free downloads on MySpace too.
OK, I'll check in tomorrow night, let you know how it all turned out. In the meantime, happy Valentine's Day!
Son
Sunday, February 11, 2007
back in the studio
Well, it had to happen!
Starting Thursday I'll be back in the studio for some more recording, but this time I'll be finishing up that solo disk I've been working on forever. It's going to be an interesting mix of some tunes on the National, a bunch of acoustic and electric lap steel and some songs on the straight guitar. I'm anticipating that the songs will stand by themselves without the need for over-dubbed parts, but in all honesty being in the studio is like having a really big box of crayons to play with- might be hard to avoid the temptation to fill things out a bit. There's one or two songs that would really benefit from a little bass and drums too, so we'll see.
We've started the 'organization' process- slicing up the material that I want to record into easy to manage groups. For example, recording all the songs on the national in one pass (even though they won't end up on the disk like that), preening the guitar parts and the lyrics and generally making sure that the first set of songs are ready to be put under the microscope. It's an interesting process, and truthfully, sometimes these songs just don't measure up. Needless to say we'll record more than will appear on the final disk.
So, fingers crossed! I'll let you know how this goes....
Starting Thursday I'll be back in the studio for some more recording, but this time I'll be finishing up that solo disk I've been working on forever. It's going to be an interesting mix of some tunes on the National, a bunch of acoustic and electric lap steel and some songs on the straight guitar. I'm anticipating that the songs will stand by themselves without the need for over-dubbed parts, but in all honesty being in the studio is like having a really big box of crayons to play with- might be hard to avoid the temptation to fill things out a bit. There's one or two songs that would really benefit from a little bass and drums too, so we'll see.
We've started the 'organization' process- slicing up the material that I want to record into easy to manage groups. For example, recording all the songs on the national in one pass (even though they won't end up on the disk like that), preening the guitar parts and the lyrics and generally making sure that the first set of songs are ready to be put under the microscope. It's an interesting process, and truthfully, sometimes these songs just don't measure up. Needless to say we'll record more than will appear on the final disk.
So, fingers crossed! I'll let you know how this goes....
Wednesday, February 07, 2007
Horns?
It's true.
We've added Ken Shorten on trumpet and David Hair on misc. saxophones. They've both got years of experience and can play their backsides off. They really make the sound of this band bigger than I'd ever believed possible!
Not sure when the first gig wil be, we're scrambling to get tunes together. Could be as early as the end of next month....
We've added Ken Shorten on trumpet and David Hair on misc. saxophones. They've both got years of experience and can play their backsides off. They really make the sound of this band bigger than I'd ever believed possible!
Not sure when the first gig wil be, we're scrambling to get tunes together. Could be as early as the end of next month....
Sunday, February 04, 2007
on the fine are of kicking ass....
What a great band I've got. It's not every night that you open for Jimi Hendrix. I mean,even if it's a tribute band, the crowd expectations are really high and not a lot of people go to see the support act. It's like being the dishwasher or something.
But with nothing to loose, these guys just corked one off. Amazing. Crowd of people pressed to the edge of the stage, digging it. Wow. Awesome all the way around.
I'm obviously wiped out, it's late and I need to crash. So rather than babble on incoherently, let's just leave it at this. Way to go guys!
But with nothing to loose, these guys just corked one off. Amazing. Crowd of people pressed to the edge of the stage, digging it. Wow. Awesome all the way around.
I'm obviously wiped out, it's late and I need to crash. So rather than babble on incoherently, let's just leave it at this. Way to go guys!
Friday, February 02, 2007
Don't believe it's a small world?
Then you need to get to a Lemon Tree gig somewhere. Because there you can hear an Alaskan guitarist, mixed by a lassie from Scotland, and sit at the same table with a painter born in Bethel Alaska, a few folks from Shetland Islands, a Scottish Lap-steel maker and an assortment of folks from England and France.
Monday, January 29, 2007
Home Page Updates!
Well, I'm not a web developer, but sometimes I sure feel more like a web guy than a guitar player. But, all griping aside, I did some updates to my homepage at www.sonhenry.com.
Schedule page, recordings, news- lots of new stuff to crow on about. Take a look!
Schedule page, recordings, news- lots of new stuff to crow on about. Take a look!
Saturday, January 27, 2007
Tuesday, January 23, 2007
Supporting Hendrix and Rob Tognoni
Check it out- Saturday February 3rd at the Lemon Tree supporting the Hendrix tribute band, and the following Sunday afternoon opening for Rob Tognoni. Going to be a busy weekend!
http://www.lemontree.org for advanced tickets to the hendrix show!
See ya!
http://www.lemontree.org for advanced tickets to the hendrix show!
See ya!
Saturday, January 20, 2007
Friday, January 19, 2007
New Myspace Page
Well, we've finally taken the plunge and joined everyone at myspace. I'll be putting video and mp3's there, and making some unreleased stuff available for download. Here's the URL:
www.myspace.com/sonhenry
Stop by and have a look and a listen! Grab what you like and please spread the word.
See you soon, somewhere!
www.myspace.com/sonhenry
Stop by and have a look and a listen! Grab what you like and please spread the word.
See you soon, somewhere!
Thursday, January 18, 2007
Live Recording, Globe Inn, March 29
Just a quick heads up- I've made arrangements to record the band live at our gig at the Globe Inn in Aberdeen. We'll be ready and primed for the gig at the Burnley festival, so it seems like a logical time to do a little extra recording! Not sure that we'll do any more than mix it up and throw it out on myspace.
Oh, if you don't have the link, here's how you get to our myspace page:
http://www.myspace.com/sonhenry
Go check it out, because we need a few friends!
Oh, if you don't have the link, here's how you get to our myspace page:
http://www.myspace.com/sonhenry
Go check it out, because we need a few friends!
Burnley National Blues Festival, April 6th
This is so cool! We'll be on the main stage at the Burnley National Blues Festival on Friday, April 6th. Here's the URL to the festival site:
http://www.burnleymechanics.co.uk/blues.php
Expect a great show, get seats down front. The guys and I are really primed for this one!
http://www.burnleymechanics.co.uk/blues.php
Expect a great show, get seats down front. The guys and I are really primed for this one!
Wednesday, January 17, 2007
Old Friends, best friends
A quick shot of an old favorite guitar getting some stage time at a recent gig!
Wednesday, January 10, 2007
Thursday, December 21, 2006
Twas the night before Christmas......
Twas the night before christmas
and all through the house
the band was getting restless
there was no bass player about
and so in my leather jacket
and backwards beret
I put on my shoes
and went looking for Dave
then out from the street
there arose such a racket
that the cigarettes fell
out of my jacket
and looking through the window
of a rusty old van
who should I spy
but the long lost bass man
locked in the van
along with the keys
was davey the bass player
and 8 bottles of beer
when finally with a coat hanger
we did get him out
he jumped into the night air
and stumbled about
at the top of his lungs
full of good christmas cheer
"Happy Crishmash to all,
And Nappy Hew Near"
But from down the street
we did hear the yell
of punters, "play freebird"
oh bloddy hell.......
and all through the house
the band was getting restless
there was no bass player about
and so in my leather jacket
and backwards beret
I put on my shoes
and went looking for Dave
then out from the street
there arose such a racket
that the cigarettes fell
out of my jacket
and looking through the window
of a rusty old van
who should I spy
but the long lost bass man
locked in the van
along with the keys
was davey the bass player
and 8 bottles of beer
when finally with a coat hanger
we did get him out
he jumped into the night air
and stumbled about
at the top of his lungs
full of good christmas cheer
"Happy Crishmash to all,
And Nappy Hew Near"
But from down the street
we did hear the yell
of punters, "play freebird"
oh bloddy hell.......
last gig of the year tonight
Cafe Drummonds, Aberdeen. Band on at 9:30
Great year, hard to believe that it's over already. Openers for Tam White, Blue Lisa, Ray Bonneville, Mem Shannon and gigs from Estonia to Alaska and all points in between. A new CD, and some great reviews and a live CD off to duplication. A youtube video that drew praise from some heavyweights in the steelguitar world. An awesome year. So how do you wrap it up? Gotta get to Drummonds tonight and find out....
Next year? A new live CD, a new band cd in the studio and a solo cd. And the life of a road dog, have lap steel will travel!
See you tonight, and happy, safe holidays to all. Thanks for your friendship and support.
Great year, hard to believe that it's over already. Openers for Tam White, Blue Lisa, Ray Bonneville, Mem Shannon and gigs from Estonia to Alaska and all points in between. A new CD, and some great reviews and a live CD off to duplication. A youtube video that drew praise from some heavyweights in the steelguitar world. An awesome year. So how do you wrap it up? Gotta get to Drummonds tonight and find out....
Next year? A new live CD, a new band cd in the studio and a solo cd. And the life of a road dog, have lap steel will travel!
See you tonight, and happy, safe holidays to all. Thanks for your friendship and support.
Sunday, December 17, 2006
and while we're at it.....
If you haven't read it yet, jump down t the previous post or this won't make a lick of sense.....
The real trick is going to be making this an integated whole, between the band and the solo gigs, no? It's going to be one thing to havethe solo gigs veer off in a new and interesting direction (not to mention a portable one too- can you imagine taking 5 guitars on a train?). But, to some extent this needs to fit well with the band too. Here's why-
First, the original songs need to be, to some extent, portable between both gigs. Otherwise, don't you run into a radical conflict, where a listener's expectations are far from being met- it seems like a big jump from raw, delta blues to lap-steel hendrix covers, no? Does it matter?
Second, the songwriter is happier if he's got a consistent target to write for, otherwise songs just stay in the books and never get a chance to tell their story on the stage.
And so, I'm open to feedback here- how important is it to have a performer present a consistent set of material from gig to gig? And by this I don't mean playing the same familiar songs the same way every night, but rather that everything seems to hang together. Or do you prefer to be surprised by what can creep into a set list on any given night?
I have my bias here. But I always like to hear from you guys. My email is at the top of the page here, so if you feel inclined, I'd welcome the feedback (as long as it's not a pitch to sell me Viagra or a Nigerian email scam), and I won't put you on a junk mail list.
OK, off to spend some time at the piano. Be well!
The real trick is going to be making this an integated whole, between the band and the solo gigs, no? It's going to be one thing to havethe solo gigs veer off in a new and interesting direction (not to mention a portable one too- can you imagine taking 5 guitars on a train?). But, to some extent this needs to fit well with the band too. Here's why-
First, the original songs need to be, to some extent, portable between both gigs. Otherwise, don't you run into a radical conflict, where a listener's expectations are far from being met- it seems like a big jump from raw, delta blues to lap-steel hendrix covers, no? Does it matter?
Second, the songwriter is happier if he's got a consistent target to write for, otherwise songs just stay in the books and never get a chance to tell their story on the stage.
And so, I'm open to feedback here- how important is it to have a performer present a consistent set of material from gig to gig? And by this I don't mean playing the same familiar songs the same way every night, but rather that everything seems to hang together. Or do you prefer to be surprised by what can creep into a set list on any given night?
I have my bias here. But I always like to hear from you guys. My email is at the top of the page here, so if you feel inclined, I'd welcome the feedback (as long as it's not a pitch to sell me Viagra or a Nigerian email scam), and I won't put you on a junk mail list.
OK, off to spend some time at the piano. Be well!
Saturday, December 16, 2006
finding a new voice.....
Every once in a while a gig opens your eyes to new possibilities, and helps you find a new voice. It's as though the dynamics of the room, the acoustics and the personalties of the audience all lead you towards an answer or a change that you've been working towards. And SNAP, everything is in place.
Here's the dilemna- The National works fine in a sit-down cafe, but not in a pub. And, I've been feeling a little removed from the music, in the sense that these old songs have gone back to being someone elses's stories. So, last night at Satchmo's in Dundee I had a bar stool all to myself on the stage, and Leon Hunter was kind enough to let me experiment. And experiment I did, I took 5 guitars to the club and just played.
It turns out that the night just gelled with an old Jesse Mae Hemphill song, that set in motion a string of old Mississippi Hill Country style songs. Some RL Burnside and other stuff played with that vibe. And instantly the room went from one of ignoring the background music to dancing or shuffling in place, moving close to the stage and sitting there listening and throwing out song ideas. So, there was some James Taylor played on an electrified slide guitar at full volume. and other odd stuff, but somehow it all worked. And the original songs I've been wrestling with, lots of them just fit the bill.
I had a long drive home last night in the wee hours of the morning, and I was still zipping from the aftermath (it's 11 am the next day now) while I was prying my eyelids open with coffee this morning. I love it when the doors open like this, because most of the time it's not very subtle and is what one of those large bank vault doors opening must sound like.
Oh, about the 5 guitars? I only need two from here on out, and a very cheesy, very small amplifier to make it all work. Phew, I'm back to being portable again which is a comfort because moving FIVE guitars for a solo gig is a little over the top. But we did answer the question.
And for Dave and Mario who will want to know what happens to all the old delta stuff, it'll still be there guys, we're just going to transmogrify it a bit and make it a little more relevant to the life of a working-class guitar player with 4 kids living in the 21st century. Add volume and presto.....
Here's the dilemna- The National works fine in a sit-down cafe, but not in a pub. And, I've been feeling a little removed from the music, in the sense that these old songs have gone back to being someone elses's stories. So, last night at Satchmo's in Dundee I had a bar stool all to myself on the stage, and Leon Hunter was kind enough to let me experiment. And experiment I did, I took 5 guitars to the club and just played.
It turns out that the night just gelled with an old Jesse Mae Hemphill song, that set in motion a string of old Mississippi Hill Country style songs. Some RL Burnside and other stuff played with that vibe. And instantly the room went from one of ignoring the background music to dancing or shuffling in place, moving close to the stage and sitting there listening and throwing out song ideas. So, there was some James Taylor played on an electrified slide guitar at full volume. and other odd stuff, but somehow it all worked. And the original songs I've been wrestling with, lots of them just fit the bill.
I had a long drive home last night in the wee hours of the morning, and I was still zipping from the aftermath (it's 11 am the next day now) while I was prying my eyelids open with coffee this morning. I love it when the doors open like this, because most of the time it's not very subtle and is what one of those large bank vault doors opening must sound like.
Oh, about the 5 guitars? I only need two from here on out, and a very cheesy, very small amplifier to make it all work. Phew, I'm back to being portable again which is a comfort because moving FIVE guitars for a solo gig is a little over the top. But we did answer the question.
And for Dave and Mario who will want to know what happens to all the old delta stuff, it'll still be there guys, we're just going to transmogrify it a bit and make it a little more relevant to the life of a working-class guitar player with 4 kids living in the 21st century. Add volume and presto.....
Sunday, December 10, 2006
what a great way to wrap up the year!
If you were at the Blue Lamp last night this won't be news.....
I'm so proud of they guys in the band. We had a double header with the Glebe Street Blues Band last night and they tee'd it up and hit it hard and straight. If you're wrapping up a great year, that was the gig. Dino and Angus were a cement floor, absolutely rock solid. And if you've been watching Dave lately you know he just keeps getting stronger and stronger. Damn, what a great band!
My favorites of the evening? "Don't go cutting off your hair", a dedication to the late Sammy Meyers was spontantous and right on the money, including a perfect Peter Green-tinged solo by Dave, and the "Voodoo Chile" rendition with the Sputnik imitation (a lap steel on legs played behind my head).
Wow, I'm exhausted, and off to catch some sleep. Thanks to all of you that bought CD's last night! Hope they make great stocking stuffers!
Last band gig of the year is at Cafe Drummonds on the 21st. It'll be a good one, so mark your diaries!
I'm so proud of they guys in the band. We had a double header with the Glebe Street Blues Band last night and they tee'd it up and hit it hard and straight. If you're wrapping up a great year, that was the gig. Dino and Angus were a cement floor, absolutely rock solid. And if you've been watching Dave lately you know he just keeps getting stronger and stronger. Damn, what a great band!
My favorites of the evening? "Don't go cutting off your hair", a dedication to the late Sammy Meyers was spontantous and right on the money, including a perfect Peter Green-tinged solo by Dave, and the "Voodoo Chile" rendition with the Sputnik imitation (a lap steel on legs played behind my head).
Wow, I'm exhausted, and off to catch some sleep. Thanks to all of you that bought CD's last night! Hope they make great stocking stuffers!
Last band gig of the year is at Cafe Drummonds on the 21st. It'll be a good one, so mark your diaries!
Friday, December 01, 2006
So where is that solo CD?
Great gig at Drummonds last night, sorry if you missed it...
Eric the Social worker, a couple of guys visiting from Calgary, Collin, Dave, Sherry Mike and Jane all asked about the solo cd- as in when is it going to be finished?
Soon.
Having enough material isn't the problem, it's what material goes together well enough for a cd so that it's an even consistent statement that reflects the 'artist's mindset' at a given point in time. This guy is a little over the road these days. Is it a country or delta blues record? Lots of lap steel? Some electric or ensemble playing? Talk about your basic pointless emotional and artistic crisis- here we are.
So, whadda we gonna do?
How about this as a plan- I've booked time in a local studio in december to take one and only one guitar in for a 4 hour block of recording. We'll record a couple of complete songs and keep the good stuff. Take a second block of time with another guitar and record another bunch of songs, and keep rotating untill we get a good, consistent package. The rest of the stuff I'll put out on my website for folks on my email list to download as a freebie.
GACK! Don't ask me about the live cd, it's all ready to go (artwork and all), but that's waiting on the label to get it out- hassle them at info@frontporchrecords.co.uk...
OK, that's me rant for the day. Off to write a few new songs!
Eric the Social worker, a couple of guys visiting from Calgary, Collin, Dave, Sherry Mike and Jane all asked about the solo cd- as in when is it going to be finished?
Soon.
Having enough material isn't the problem, it's what material goes together well enough for a cd so that it's an even consistent statement that reflects the 'artist's mindset' at a given point in time. This guy is a little over the road these days. Is it a country or delta blues record? Lots of lap steel? Some electric or ensemble playing? Talk about your basic pointless emotional and artistic crisis- here we are.
So, whadda we gonna do?
How about this as a plan- I've booked time in a local studio in december to take one and only one guitar in for a 4 hour block of recording. We'll record a couple of complete songs and keep the good stuff. Take a second block of time with another guitar and record another bunch of songs, and keep rotating untill we get a good, consistent package. The rest of the stuff I'll put out on my website for folks on my email list to download as a freebie.
GACK! Don't ask me about the live cd, it's all ready to go (artwork and all), but that's waiting on the label to get it out- hassle them at info@frontporchrecords.co.uk...
OK, that's me rant for the day. Off to write a few new songs!
Monday, November 27, 2006
Sunday, November 26, 2006
Kemnay Photos!
Chris Overton surprised me with photos from the Kemnay gig, here are some of them. More later. Thanks Chris!
Another YouTube video
I found some more footage from the Stirling Tollbooth this sumer, a real mellow version of the guys playing "love in vain". You cancheck it out here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vkt895kZT8g
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vkt895kZT8g
Wow, the new Sons of Kemnay....
We had such a great time in Kemnay last night, warm welcome, nice room full of people and great acoustics.
I had a feeling it was going to be a great gig when we were driving down the highway into town and say a series of small signs on the roadside, about the size of an A3 sheet of paper that read:
SON HENRY
BLUES BAND
NOVEMBER 25
TICKETS AT HAIR SHOP
With publicity like that, well, we knew we were in the right track. And the thing abut Scots is that they're very much like Alaskans in their open-minded attitude towards music and willingness to have goot time. So, once everything was loaded in and set up we relaxed to hear Paul Tasker's new band the Doghouse Roses, an acoustic duo that reminded me of the Cowboy Junkies. Great music to relax to, and eat a pizza (which we did with reckless abandon)
At 10 pm it was our turn, and the guys corked off a great set right from the opening number. My instruction were to play a 'listening' set first and a dancing set later so people would hang around till the end. We managed to keep people sitting till around the 3rd number and then everyone (inclulding the band) was up and dancing and carrying on. So, we ended up with two long sets of dancing and carrying on.
Thanks to all of you that joined us last night, and those of you that took the CDs home! And to Dave and the rest of the crew that worked so hard to put on the show, thanks as well- you all did an excellent job with all the organizing and such. And for the honor of being tagges ' Honorary Sons of Kemnay'? Well, what can I say? We are really flattered....
I had a feeling it was going to be a great gig when we were driving down the highway into town and say a series of small signs on the roadside, about the size of an A3 sheet of paper that read:
SON HENRY
BLUES BAND
NOVEMBER 25
TICKETS AT HAIR SHOP
With publicity like that, well, we knew we were in the right track. And the thing abut Scots is that they're very much like Alaskans in their open-minded attitude towards music and willingness to have goot time. So, once everything was loaded in and set up we relaxed to hear Paul Tasker's new band the Doghouse Roses, an acoustic duo that reminded me of the Cowboy Junkies. Great music to relax to, and eat a pizza (which we did with reckless abandon)
At 10 pm it was our turn, and the guys corked off a great set right from the opening number. My instruction were to play a 'listening' set first and a dancing set later so people would hang around till the end. We managed to keep people sitting till around the 3rd number and then everyone (inclulding the band) was up and dancing and carrying on. So, we ended up with two long sets of dancing and carrying on.
Thanks to all of you that joined us last night, and those of you that took the CDs home! And to Dave and the rest of the crew that worked so hard to put on the show, thanks as well- you all did an excellent job with all the organizing and such. And for the honor of being tagges ' Honorary Sons of Kemnay'? Well, what can I say? We are really flattered....
Friday, November 24, 2006
back in the saddle
Been a couple of weeks off, much needed here. Sorry about the long absence....
Couple of big gigs coming up- the first Forfar Blues and Bridie festival is December 4, and I'm alternating sets with Gerry Jablonski at the Caledonian Pub and the Plough. Gerry's one of my favorite guitar players, so it should be fun, and talk about contrasting styles? And any time you get to launch a new blues festival is very cool as well.
From there, watch out for a solo set in December at Satchmo's in Dundee AND the mother of all double-header gigs at the Blue Lamp in Aberdeen on December 9th and Cafe Drumonds on November 30. More you-tube video to shoot at those two gigs as well.
Peace all, stay in touch!
Couple of big gigs coming up- the first Forfar Blues and Bridie festival is December 4, and I'm alternating sets with Gerry Jablonski at the Caledonian Pub and the Plough. Gerry's one of my favorite guitar players, so it should be fun, and talk about contrasting styles? And any time you get to launch a new blues festival is very cool as well.
From there, watch out for a solo set in December at Satchmo's in Dundee AND the mother of all double-header gigs at the Blue Lamp in Aberdeen on December 9th and Cafe Drumonds on November 30. More you-tube video to shoot at those two gigs as well.
Peace all, stay in touch!
Monday, November 06, 2006
Looking for horn players
And you thought I was kidding!
The band needs a horn section- Trumpet, Tenor Sax, Trombone or Bari Sax. Lot's of original material to be played, and I want to nufge the band in that Texas swing direction (and not towards a blues brothers tribute act)
The band needs a horn section- Trumpet, Tenor Sax, Trombone or Bari Sax. Lot's of original material to be played, and I want to nufge the band in that Texas swing direction (and not towards a blues brothers tribute act)
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