Double T's

We went to Double T's tonight. Its a BBQ place in Carytown that serves up all kinds of BBQ. I just had a hamburger. Double T was there and he came to our table to see how it was. He had a cane with him. He seemed friendly enough. I had never met him before. But he asked us how we enjoyed our meal. And he welcomed us back when we left. Then we went to Barnes and Noble on Libbie Ave again. Followed by a sprint to CVS, where I bought some Twizzlers. They are having a party next door tonight so I will have to wait till tomorrow to record my video. Just as well, though, as I'm feeling a bit tired. I took a bike ride late this afternoon down Grove Ave to Franklin St and then back up Grace St. We watched the movie Shenandoah last night with Jimmy Stewart. Its a good movie, although corny in some parts. But I enjoyed it. They call it a Western because it has a lot of horses in it, but I'd say its more a Drama. Its about the Shenandoah Valley during the War , and this farm family that doesn't want to fight in the War.

I feel like a fool....

I can't believe I liked The Killers. I like some band, and then they become super popular and there music is nothing anymore. Why? I'm not really even into Rock music (its a genre I can take or leave at best) and then I thought I found some hope in them. Now they are just plastic and soul-less like all the rest. I still have both their LPs "Sams Town" and "Hot Fuss"- they're catchy tunes. But when the radio people started playing them to death, it was over for me. Mostly their fanbase are teenage girls who don't care at all about the music but the lead singer Brandon Flowers. Who I think needs to really learn to sing better. I've found some redemption in JET, which I thought was just a rip off of The Beatles, some of their songs are pretty solid and remincent of Alt-Country acts like Wilco and The old 97s. But I just can't stand The Killers any more. Good riddance.... I like it all when it comes to music, but in my collection I'm gonna just stick to Classic Country and Western music. At least with that you can never go wrong.

Jewish New Year, and I've got my Second Wind..

Its so funny when the late Summer comes and early Falls creeps upon the horizon, I seem to get my steam going again. Its the Jewish New Year that propels me forward. And I'm not even Jewish. When January starts I hit a lag, and I feel that way pretty much until the late Spring, but its late September through December when I'm most productive. I've been right busy lately. Last night was rehearsal over at church with some other church members. We put ourselves a band together and are going to entertain for this Fall Festival charity benefit we're doing. Everyone is sounding so good- I enjoy having harmonies and added instruments on my tunes- especially "Moved By The Spirit". We had such a good time last night. I really enjoy doing this and I'm glad to be a part of it. Today I took some old CDs in to sell to Plan 9. They are sort of picky, but they gave me 5$ for my Carter Family album (I have it on vinyl). I have many shows lined up this fall- including Via Cappuccino in Rocky Mount, North Carolina. My main thing right now is I keep getting new material and my sound is changing. Its not so much different from "Songs Of Love" or "They Can't Keep Me Down", but remarkably different from "Songs By Meade Skelton". Ironically, I'm getting back to my roots- they type of songs style I was emulating in my ealy teens when I was out in the garage recording with my karaoke machine. I would have a definite country feel , but there was a lot of kind of stylized humor and wit to the songs, and also a more Pop and Folky element. I think my songs are suiting my personality.

Last Sunday I sang "Ten Thousand Angels" in church. I had a good time on that tune. Loretta Lynn recorded it. I had never heard of it until I came across her video on youtube. Youtube has also let me discover (or maybe rediscover) Mr. Shakin' Stevens. He was the Welch answer to Elvis Presley- but born some 10 years later. But his style is very much Rockabilly and some Pop music of the 80's. Someone requested I sing "Beyond the Blue Horizon" which was made famous by Lou Christie. I heard the song and it does seem to fit with me. I still dubb myself Americana-Pop because that allows me to do pretty much anything in Country Music that I like. I'm also really getting to become a fan of Carlene Carter. I remember hearing her back in the early 90s with "Every Little Thing" and a few of her Country Rock hits. But at that time, I had no idea she was of the Carter Family elk. She really is talented and you can hear that.

Heres a slide show I put together. I recorded Amazing Grace at the Ryman in a recording booth there. Notice, how I am sort of struggling because the key (F) was way too low for this Tenor. But they only had pre-recorded tracks and that was what they use for male singer voices. They should have had at least a Tenor key. But anyways, I guess I do sing higher than most guys do. Some guys don't think its masculine to sing too high. I feel like its still manly singing, its just in a higher key. Sometimes I hit the same notes in the Alto Range, but you can still tell I'm not a lady. Well, anyways, here it is:

So-So Week....

This week has been kinda dull but I still have been keeping busy. Thursday I stopped by over at Short Pump Town Center and dropped off a press kit. I'm interested in singing there for Christmas. It probably won't happen because they seem to favor generic type cover bands with at least 10 different musicians in one band playing worn out songs from the 60's Rock Era. I don't get it... But see, I just sing my heart out and play my piano and some folks may think its not good enough or entertaining enough, but thats what I do, and I guess thats how I'll always be. I have nothing against playing in a band, but my main thing will always be the heart and humor songs that I mix up with the crowd. I don't have much draw in Richmond, so most conventional clubs won't hire. Thats why I have to take to playing Farmer's Markets, very obscure coffee shops, laundromats, and other less typical clubs. These venues are never short on talent- (usually the talent in these places rivals any "club") , but because they don't have to rely on draw, they allow for more people to play- and also folks like me who play music that isn't top 40 Classic Rock covers.


Side Rant...

Anyways, thats about it. We are cleaning the carpets. I got the bed out of my back bedroom because I wanna get it decked out soon for my Christmas special. Each year I think I do improve a bit in polish and professionalism. Last year was pretty good- I even did on location things like the Maymont Children's Zoo and such and had more flavor to it. This year I have a lot of things planned... won't give it away yet. Also, I am wanting to do more videos for youtube. Because of the videos on the internet, it really is a great way for exposure- and songs that I haven't put on wax yet I can make a video of so people can get an idea of my newer sounds... I watched a movie tonight called "You Can't Take It With You". Jimmy Steward and Jean Arthur are the leads... It was a Frank Capra movie and a lot like "Its A Wonderful Life".. but it was pretty good. I know people tend to think Frank Capra movies corny and overly sentimental, but when you get beyond the cheese, there really is some good messages in there.. along with more cheese. But its worth it. I prefer crackers with my cheese too.

And I like the old black and white movies because they inspire me a lot. In the old movies they were based on characters and stories, not explosions or special effects.. and the acting was better and they were more like plays. So its like watching a play on film. Some people think older movies are boring- a majority of these people tend to be the beer and pretzel types who lack imagination and scope. Anyways, I try not to judge. I am doing well I think on my weight. But I'm still 260 lbs. I really want to be 190 lbs, but I am looking thinner than my weight , so maybe I have more muscle. I rode my bike downtown today (not good to do at rush hour). But this horn honking thing is increasing in Richmond.. and rudeness and its only in the last few years. When I delievered flowers, I rarely encountered road rage or horn honking. Its either Yankee transplants, or people getting too used to high speed internet. But whatever it is, it needs to stop. One lady was honked at simply for slowing down to make a right turn.

Well, I had a job interview today...

It was this evening over at Maui Wowi in Innsbrooke. I'm glad it was at 7 PM and not in the morning. I just can't wake up before noon. I do need my beauty rest! Anyways, it went okay. I was interviewed by the wife of the manager. She is Carribean or something and seems nice. They just want people to make smoothies and sandwiches and say "Aloha" when they come in. I think I could handle that. Although I put my best foot forward, I'm not sure I'll get the job. But I really do need to find some way to raise money for my new album. Its been very difficult lately here at home. I'm also having a lot of trouble with this month's podcast that we're doing. Some times spiritual attacks get in the way of doing these things. But we've had trouble communicating. My friend Joel who handles the assembling of the podcast has been very distracted with girl problems and such. And Ardith is feeling pressure too from both ends as she is dealing with situations at present. But somehow we will manage. I enjoy helping other musicians out this way, and I like for them to be heard by other people.

Today I took a walk with Gretchen down Carytown. We stopped at "For The Love Of Chocolate" and looked around. Nice smell. ... Yesterday I saw a lot of Halloween stuff being put up in the stores. Some of it seems like it comes directly from hell. Some of the masks and such look like demons and the screams really get on my nerves. I do remember Halloween being fun as a child, but now its more like the devil's party. Still there is an excitement to it. We like to stroll down Hanover Ave each year where all the trick-or-treaters go. Its very fun to see the costumes. I may even dress up myself this year. I won't get any candy , though. No one is going to give some 28-year-old candy, even if I do look young for my age. They may even think I'm a creep.. So I won't go alone. Anyways, I have been getting ready for a lot of things coming up. I do hate looking for work, though. I' m a Skelton... we don't like to work. We're used to a leisurely lifestyle with lots of time to play golf at the country club, and foxhunting at the Deep Runt Hunt.

Water Bugs !!!

My house has a water bug problem. There was one last night and even crawled up into my bed. I was just horrified. They are like giant roaches. They are more afraid of me than I am of them, yet they can bite, but usually they run away. They are cousins of scorpions. But I was able to take this one outside. I wonder how they get in. We never had them really before. They are considered pests at times. They call them "toe biters" because they are known to bite early morning swimmers as they touch the bottom of river beds or swimming pools.I wonder then, why are these crawling around our house and not in water?



I played up at the Little Grill tonight. I was kind of tired from not sleeping well (see water bug above), and my performance was just okay. The audience was nice though and cheered. I didnt have the dynamics quite as I do. Sometimes my keyboard doesn't have as much "punch" as I like when I play. Then other times its like I have an orchestra at my finger tips.

Then Buck Gooter went on after me. I am much more traditional performer than they are. Billy some times goes into a trance when he's performing and leaves the audience spell bound. I'm not sure if hes aware hes doing it. Terry Turtle some times sings leads and then backs him up on the guitar. They are really high energy and I'm more on the mellow side. The crowd really reacts to their show. They do experimental and Noise Rock. My show is much lower key and I am more "quiet". Some times I think I'm too boring for The Little Grill and would do better at a Farmer's Market, a Coffeehouse, or a Supper Club. But somehow we both fit. Tonight being tired, I wasn't quite on as much. I did "Shopping For Love". I backed up Terry on a song he wrote as well. Driving home I stopped at Wendy's for a bite to eat and then the gas station. Driving at night is surreal. I was trying to find "coffeehouse" music on the radio- Snow Patrol, Jazz, but I wound up with mostly top 40 and Classic Rock. Usually at night driving from a show I'm in the mood for pretentious ditties. But I put on my tape player and cranked up Patsy Cline instead.

Singin' For The Lord....

I went to choir practice tonight. It was fun being there. The usuals were there. Always there's more gals than guys, but its been that way for years. Its hard to believe that next year I will have been there 10 years. I joined the choir in March of 1998. I remember we were looking at houses the fall before that, and I saw it on the corner - Tabernacle Baptist Church. A voice told me to sing there. The past 7 years I have been doing solos there. Every Christmas they have a Christmas In The Fan Show with the Richmond Concert Band, and I have sung some numbers with that as well. Last year I got a standing ovation when I did "Two Step 'Round The Christmas Tree". They ate up all the yodeling and such. I don't think I can top that this year. Anyways, this church has had a very large impact on my life and a very positive experience. It has gone through a lot of changes since I've been there (including a few Pastors) , but I really have enjoyed it.

Today I went with Gretchen downtown to get something to eat at Shockoe Expresso. But their grill closes at 4 P.M. So we went to The Common Cup instead where i had a club sandwich. I also went to Ukrop's and picked up a style weekly. A few days ago I didn't sleep at all but did some serious house cleaning. I shampooed my carpet and cleaned my bathroom. I just love the smell of chemicals !

The exciting world of Walgreen's.....

I didn't sleep a wink last night, but I had to get up and read scripture for church. I also sang with the choir this morning. Luckily I didn't have to sing solo. I took a nap. Then my good friend, Ardith called me on the phone and we talked for awhile. I was kind of glad she called because I was kind of feeling stressed out this week.

Later I went with Gretchen and we ate out at Nacho Mama's. Something I do when I get bored is I go to Walgreen's and look around. Or sometimes the bookstore. I often go to the bookstore and get a cookie in the cafe and just sit there for awhile. I look at the travel section and maps, and books about the South and Virginia. I enjoy reading those, but I never have enough money to buy them. I can get them from the library for free, so I figure I shouldn't bother paying for it anyway. When I get bored I switch to different stores like this and just walk around. I go to Targets some times too and just walk around the store. Sometimes we go out to Short Pump Town Center. That is kind of like another world from Richmond. Its kind of like Fairfax County in a way. Very new, very suburbian, and very plastic. I hate the suburbs , but I kinda like them. In a way its soothing to go out there because its like a kind of little world away from the city. But then again, its fake and boring. But its also relaxing. So I have mixed feelings on the matter. Short Pump Town Center and Short Pump, reminds me of teenagers with ipods listening to bands like Maroon 5 or The Killers and such, and hanging out at the movies or going to the bookstore and rollling around after dark on their skate boards - suburban white kids trying to be punk or ghetto. We live in a Maroon 5 Short Pump Town Center world I guess.

Lindsay was in church today- she looked pretty as ever. I must resist her. I must.....

The Incomparable Patsy Cline....

Well, today is September 8th. In 1932 in Winchester, Virginia, a little gal was born that would change the face of Country Music History. Her name was Virginia Patterson Hensley... better known as Patsy Cline !

New Age Hippie Coffee Shop Sub Culture Phenomenon....

It always takes me awhile to catch on to trends, or something thats happening from a socio-cultural perspective. But one thing I have noticed as my travels have increased in the past few years, is the coffee house sub culture. This , of course, is nothing new. We remember the 1960s and the folk phenomenon, and the Beatnicks that came before that (my mother was of that late 50s James Dean/Elvis Presley Era) and hung around coffee shops frequently. But this is something of a modern age version of the former. This thing I notice- is a very large sub genre of mostly female (and a few male) acoustic-pop oriented musicians. You can find them at open mics and coffee shops, playing lite-pop and you can tell they were inspired by Jewel. They carry around a guitar. They range in age from late teens to early 30s. Their lyrics are on the poetic side. They seem like New Age Hippies. Often keeping journals with flowers on them, and within those journals, flowery writing. There are male counter- parts as well- often sporting Emo-esque haircuts, and a bit more on the masculine punk side, but still flowery , just the same. As that Anna Nalick song "Breathe" has hit the air waves, conjures up the images of what I have experienced and seen in this sub culture. I know its nothing new. But see I have been sheltered. I got my license at 18, but didn't experience the traveling musician phase til several years later. All in all, its kind of neat. These people are not quite mainstream, but not hipsters. Their tastes are more main stream. They probably have Snow Patrol or other Pop-Lite bands on their Ipods. Yet , they seem apart from other people. Most of them probably grew up in the suburbs. Jammin' Java in Vienna, VA (outside D.C.) seems to host a lot of these types. As well as places in Charlottesville, and Nashville , TN. I'm on the fringes of this group. Because I'm Alt-Country and Americana, though, I do fit there from time to time. I notice that this "Pop-Lite" Folky-Pop is the darling of "bookstore music", as you can hear it being piped on the hi-fi of many a Borders and Barnes and Noble. Am I the last to catch on to this? Has this been going on for quite awhile? I realize there has been coffee shops since almost the dawn of time. But this brand of culture, just feels more newer and different. Its replaced the Grunge scene that was so popular 15 years ago. I'm not on trends, either. I don't follow them. But I do observe. You can experience this at a bookstore or coffee shop near you.

From The Outside Looking In

Well here's a little video I made of my newer song which I hope to put on wax right soon. I always get a little choked up singing this one. Its probably more emotive than "Porker".....

Labor Day without Labor....

I had a knock out time last night out in Harrisonburg with Buck Gooter and some other bands. We played in an office room up on the 5th floor across from the courthouse. The room was kind of nifty , a bit messy when I first got there. The ambiance was good, though. I think the people liked me okay, but I am always the more mellow side of things, which seems to balance things out. I closed with "He Could Have Called Ten Thousand Angels"- a Gospel number which I haven't done live before, but I learned just recently. It was nice to meet up with Billy Brett and Terry Turtle (Buck Gooter) and hear about their escapades all over this glorified land. The band that came down from Philadelphia was good, but had a slight attitude. The one girl complained that there were no diners in Virginia and she wasn't into Waffle Houses. I guess thats just how they are up there. The night was cool. I got home about 3:30 in the A.M.

Today I'm just loafing around to celebrate my hard work. I made 25$ or so from last night. I really don't feel bad about things . I do want to get some more videos up on youtube. I have some keen ideas in mind. If I can get more to show there then people can hear some of my newer tunes I haven't put on wax yet. The thing is, I do worry about copyright issues, but I don't think anyone will steal them.