2002 was a long time ago. Has it really been 5 years since I put out my last CD? Actually, it’s more like 6 if you count the recording time. Anyway, here we are in 2007, (really)? and I have decided to jump back up on that horse and take my chances again by having another “baby.†“Baby†in the sense that records are kind of like children. You create them, nurture them, see them through thick and thin until, hopefully, they take on a life of their own hoping that along the way you don’t get kicked too hard. My journey here has been a long and arduous one. I won’t bore any of you with the details but through it all I came out on the other end stronger than I have ever been before. Hence the title of said new CD, “My Barn Having Burned, I Can Now See The Moon.†This Taoist proverb says it all. I think it means that after every ending there is a new beginning. I am going to go out on a limb, albeit maybe a skinny and weak limb, and say that I have reached a point in life where I don't care about certain things anymore. I do not fear worse case scenarios or catastrophe. There have been times in the past when I was standing on such an unstable foundation that catastrophe was in the offing. But not now. Having let “my barn burn to the ground I can now see the moon.†Catastrophe is no longer a fear.It’s been 11 years since I left New York cradling my newly won Syracuse Music Awards, (Sammy’s), for the best new artist of 1995 and best roots rock group also of 1995. I was looking for an out and Austin, being organic and eclectic, was more my style as opposed to the rigidity and glossiness of Nashville. I worked, I gigged, learned how to play the guitar and wrote songs and by 2000, I was ready to release my first CD of new material since I escaped the frozen tundra of NY. It was called Lucky 7 and is a great little glimpse of how I fell hard for Texas. With songs like Faithless Heart, and Best Texas Grocery, I was certainly in a Texas state of mind back then. The record faired admirably by charting on the Americana Music Chart, Progressive Country Chart and various European charts. Shortly after Lucky 7 was released, when I was already thinking about the next one, I met my current producer, bass player, and friend Ron Flynt. For those of you who are power pop guys, you may remember his name from 20/20 fame in the early 80’s LA powerpop scene. Along with bands like The Plimsouls and Dwight Twilley, 20/20 were at the forefront and left some amazing songs in its wake. Working with Ron has given my songs new life and has brought me back to my roots. I grew up in the 70’s and what I listened to was pop music. Badfinger, The Beatles, The Stones, Big Star, Bob Seger (yeah, I know, I was a huge fan),…even 20/20! Ron infused a roots sound with the right pop sensibilities, that had me inspired, and singing at my best. “My Turn To Howl†was released in 2002 to glowing reviews from all over. I had some amazing players on that record. Scrappy Jud Newcomb, Ron Flynt, and I got to work with one of my all time fave musicians, Ian MacLagan of Small Faces and Faces fame. (yes…he is on my new record too)! I played, toured, and even played a big festival in Holland as well as a special event on the Austin City Limits soundstage back in 2003!So, here we are back to 2007. The new CD should be out soon with all the usual suspects. Ron, Scrappy, Ian, and even a few new victims thrown into the mix as well like Rob Lee keeping time back on the skins. Ever since I decided that this is what I wanted to do with my life, it's been about my gut feelings, about doing what I like to do and finding my own way of being me and not giving a shit about what others may think. From my brothers record collection to the clubs of Austin, I feel that I have finally found what I am looking for and hopefully, y’all will want to get to know me too!
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