Playing For The Wall....

Today at the bookstore I hardly had anybody . Maybe a few coffee slurpers here and there. I didn't make any money. But its their fault for scheduling me at 2 in the afternoon. It was dead in there. But last night at The Daily Grind I did pretty well. I made 25$. I sang all my new songs and some of the old ones. I couldn't feel the audience as well this time, but I was doing ok especially in the 2nd act when I got my wind back. It was kind of rainy last night on the way home.

This afternoon I was kind of tired. But I think the few people who heard me enjoyed it. It never seems to go over that great when I play Borders. It doesn't go horribly, but I can't get the audience attention for some reason. But bookstore gigs are often that way. I think they expect you to be background music. No one there complained. I didn't like the idea of the Harry Potter thing in the front. It made it feel like Halloween. Anyways, those yuppies got some good music, that's for sure.

As God as My Witness !

I watched "Gone With The Wind" for the 32ND time last Friday. Its truly brilliant. I never get sick of the film and I am floored each time. I always get irked when some people write it off as a Soap Opera or a chick flick. Because that is totally inaccurate. Its an Epic and a true Classic. I know because I hate Soap Operas, so if it were that, I could never love it as much as I do. I also think the film itself is a true work of art. As a Southerner who's ancestors were all Confederates, I can appreciate the story line. The beauty and sequence of each shot, the costumes, and the glorious technicolor are simply remarkable. The film stands the test of time after all these years. But the movie is more than just Rhett and Scarlett. Its loaded with symbolism, historical as well as social significance, and it has a great message. In 1998, I had the very lucky opportunity to see it on the big screen at the Movie Theater in Westhampton. It was such a thrill to see my favorite movie of all time on the big screen. I saw it twice that summer. Would have seen it a third time or even more, but it was only there for a short time. Just to see the gorgeous Vivien Leigh in a corset is worth seeing it alone.

Today dad and Christopher got home on the train from Charleston. We ate at Picadilly's tonight. Its sort of like the old Richmond when you go there. A southern buffet style place where everyone gives you that nice down home friendly service. And the atmosphere and vibe is something of nostalgia too. I had shrimp creole with fried okra and a roll. Apple pie for dessert. Yes, my waist line may expand, but it was worth it. I will do an extra bike ride tomorrow.

Wow, I got up early today !

I got up at 10:30 in the A.M.!

I had to take my daddy to the train station . He's on his way to Charleston to visit my brother and his wife and family.

I hope he doesn't gamble or pick up any lose women.

I have to go down the post office. Someone didn't recieve a shipment that I sold them , and I have to find out where it is. Those post office people can be so inefficient ! Well, at least they're friendly at the one on Floyd Ave. But I really think they need to get on the ball. At this rate, I'd have more luck with the pony express. Tonight we're eating at Ham's restaurant. I really don't want to go, but I promised someone I'd tell them how the food was. I'm not really into Sports Bars and Ham's is that kind of place. Also, I try not to eat out too much because its harder to keep in shape. Yesterday was Nicole Kidman's birthday. I went to Starbucks (Corporate, but the only real thing open at 10 at night) and got myself a chocolate chip cup cake to celebrate. I'm sure she would want me not to be too unhealthy. She is such a doll. I keep a picture of her in my bedroom for inspiration.

Its hard when you're not a band..

I may have been harsh when I said bands are a dime a dozen. Really that was anger talking. I do like many bands and I like the sound. I think its really neat when they can create something musical together. Its just that they are hard to compete with, as a lot of places are reluctant to book singers because they're not sure you can pack 'em in. And most people will go to hear bands because they think louder is better. But not always. Because someone can be just as dynamic with just their voice and one instrument. I like to play solo, but I wouldn't mind playing in a band. Its just that in a band, all the guys have to learn your tunes, and it takes awhile, and my sound keeps changing. So I keep getting new songs and they would have to keep learning the new stuff. And some stuff I'm putting away as it no longer really applies to me. Also, with my keyboard and voice, I can usually fill up the room pretty good. Adding all those other instruments can be a little on the over kill. I'm not sure if I will have a band of my own. Eventually, if I get bigger, (not fatter, but bigger), I may have to. But for now, I'm content playing by myself. I'm still in the thinking stages right now and I have to ponder these things. Stil, all in all, bands have it easier. More people will go to see you when you're a group.

Meade+Skelton took the free ColorQuiz.com personality test! "Needs to feel identified with someone or something..." Click here to read the rest of the results.

Dazed in D.C.

Well I just got back from my gig at Cafe 14 U. It was kinda neat there but overwhelming. When I came into town, I forgot how beautiful D.C. was. I could see the Washington Monument and even the Capital building coming over the 14th Street bridge. I got there in plenty of time but it was hard finding a place to park. And D.C. can be intimidating. It makes Richmond look like a sleepy little town. The place wasn't exactly what I expected. It was tucked in Adams Morgan, a very busy section of town with all the bars and restaurants. I thought it would be some sort of hipster hang out. It was more maintsream and had all kinds of people. I was a bit overwhelmed from the start because I felt like a hen out of a coup. I felt like I was a foreigner in some strange land. While Washington may be only 2 hours away, its really another country. There were all kinds of people , some speaking other languages. And it was just busy. I walked 3 blocks from where I parked, dragging my keyboard along with me. When I got there, I found out another girl had one, so I used hers. I got a pretty decent crowd and did some of my newer tunes, along with a few old favorites from Bob Wills to The Killers. I closed with "Moved By The Spirit". The place is about as small as the Mudhouse Cafe in Charlottesville, only twice as crowded. The stage was booby trapped. But I made it ok. The girl came up later and played her set with her band. I chatted with a few of the locals. Then I left. I got back on that beltway (which scares me to death) and drove that highway down 95. I did it, though. I finally sang in Washington, D.C.

A little Grillin' in Harrisonburg....

Last night it was pretty spectacular to see Buck Gooter in action again. The end of the night found Billy Brett splattering himself on a table and cascading to the floor in a spiral motion while he wailed the last final note. And that was worth the 2 hour drive for me. I had a very nice time. I was on first, and the crowd was pretty tight and packed in . I did several of my newer numbers, mostly the uptempo stuff and staying clear of ballads since this crowd was on the edge. But they all seemed to like it and gave a swell response. At the Little Grill and in Harrisonburg, I have become something of a welcomed guest. I only had one light boo uttered, but the patron was drunk and he had been notorious for hopping around clubs in town. Billy repsonded "be nice". He had to be escorted off the premises later on. I ended with that upbeat Gospel number "Moved By The Spirit", and most folks were anxious to talk to me afterwards. The crowd was young and mix of hipsters and hippies and some older folk too. Book Of Kills came on next across the room, and then Antelope, and Evan Mortiz. Antelope is a very cool trio, and I dig their sound. They seemed, however, a tad aloof, but I don't hold that against them. They may have been tired driving down from D.C., and maybe even not as social. By the time Buck Gooter came on, half the group was gone, but the faithful remained. I drove home myself and was right tired and I prayed that I could make it back okay. Its a lonely drive in the night through the Shenandoah Valley and then over the blue ridge towards home. Before I left town I was hungry, so I stopped at 711 where I got a bag of chips and a turkey sandwich. I listened to the AM Radio show for company. I finally got home at 2 in the AM. This morning I made it to church okay, but was dreadfully tired and took a nap.

I can't seem to fall asleep before 3 A.M.

Its now almost 6 A.M. and I'm starting to feel sleepy. I don't know why this is. It started when I was about 13 or 14-year-old. I would stay up in the summer time watching old movies until dawn. During school season I would go to school very tired. I would kind of get my second wind after lunch time but not for very long. I'd come home exhausted some times taking a nap. Someday I will correct it. Maybe its just how I am.

Anyways, I'm off to bed. Here's a little 'ol quiz I took.

You Are 5% Left Brained, 95% Right Brained

The left side of your brain controls verbal ability, attention to detail, and reasoning. Left brained people are good at communication and persuading others. If you're left brained, you are likely good at math and logic. Your left brain prefers dogs, reading, and quiet. The right side of your brain is all about creativity and flexibility. Daring and intuitive, right brained people see the world in their unique way. If you're right brained, you likely have a talent for creative writing and art. Your right brain prefers day dreaming, philosophy, and sports.

Are You Right or Left Brained?

Why I prefer vinyl.....

Being born just before 1980, I actually grew up when vinyl was still pretty much the main medium. They had cassette tapes at the local record shops, but very rarely did I see a compact disc until the late 1980s or so. I remember when I was about 9 years old we got our very first CD Stereo. I was excited because I heard you could hear everything "crystal clear" without any pops or scratches. Well, needless to say, I was highly dissapointed. Sure, the CDs sounded a bit clearer, but not all that much, and there was just something missing. And thats when I discovered how much I really liked records better.

Now, true, you can't carry a record around in your pocket. And you can't play it on your car. But overall, records just sound better. There's warmth and richness in tonal quality that CDs and other digital mediums lack. Plus, digital mediums lack the mid range frequencies which are more pleasing to the human ear.

About a year ago, we found a treasure at Goodwill. A Stereo Cabinet from the early 1960s. It still plays very well. I listen to my grandfather's old 78s and I buy used and new LPs from Plan 9 and thrift stores around Richmond.

I have a large collection now. Ranging from The Killers to Patsy Cline, and everything in between.

Vinyl will always be King in my opinon. CDs are just so cheesy. I know that a lot of kids today who have been acoustumed to the highly compressed sound of digital, will be surprised when they start trying out vinyl. Clean records that are properly taken care of, will never have "crackle" or "pops" , which are the most common arguement against records . The records I have from the 50's and 1960's sound as fresh and clean today as when they were first recorded.

I still listen to CDs. They are easier to handle and easier to take care of. However, if there's an artist I truly like and I REALLY want to listen, I always try to get it on vinyl. It just sounds better.

What I did today.....

Well I got up about noon. I took a shower and then I went for a bike ride to Westhampton. I think the 2nd gear on my bike is funny or something because it makes a grinding noise. But I have been riding it right often. When I got home I had to call this Video Professor thing. They kept sending me these installments for my computer that I didn't want. I had mailed them back and they just kept asking me if I'd like more. So I had to cancel my account. They said they would refund my money. It was about 320.00$ and it was on my daddy's credit card. So I hope they do it because he was very addled about it when he found out. But those people are really crooks. Why the guy isn't behind bars is beyond me. They probably fix it so what they do is legal. I didn't intend to get them, but I signed up for the trial because I was supposed to review them and get paid for it. I made some posters and put some at Borders for the show there. I went to Daily Grind to leave a poster for that one, but they weren't open. So I went to Ukrop's in Short Pump and got a chicken wrap there and a sweet tea.

I just bought a Member's only jacket !

Now I'm a member. If only I knew what I was a member of...

Its teal in color. Its a big snug, but I think when I drop a few more pounds it will be nice and fitting. It says "member's only" and everything. Its probably from 1983 or so if I had to guess. And it was made in Hong Kong....

Anyways, today I sang in church and the choir was down on the floor. Not literally, but figuratively. Although, I'm sure we could get down if we wanted to. We're such a swingin' hip bunch.

Then I went to Strawberry St Cafe for lunch, and it was raining outside. I had a blackened chicken wrap, which is uncanny, because I usually order the gourmet sandwich. I guess I wanted to be somewhat adventurous and daring today. Then I went home and put on a Patsy Cline record (Sentimentally Yours) and poured myself a glass of sweet tea.

I just love Sundays.

In defense of Country Music....

A lot of people just don't know enough about it. I made a little video explaining why its a very meaningful and relevant genre today.