April: Just - No...

Once. Nuff said...

National Geographic

I was down at the lake yesterday doing spring cleaning, and reading the May 2010 issue of National Geographic when I was inspired by one of this month's offerings. There is an article ("The Forgotten Road" by Mark Jenkins) on the Tea Horse Road, a mountainous trade route that served between China and Tibet for many hundreds of years, and the tale of it's origins plus a chant that helped the traders and porters make the journey struck me as a fantastic idea for a song.

Seven steps up, you have to rest.
Eight steps down, you have to rest.
Eleven steps flat, you have to rest.
You are stupid, if you don't rest.

I brought my guitar with me, but I was so engrossed in the story (and with the physical labors of my self-appointed spring cleaning of the lakefront lot), that I didn't use it to help me shape the idea. That oversight aside, the words flowed in my mind, and with work and practice I think I might have something to perform at the WPMF in July. A solid goal!

In-Blog Play:

Ice Age - Pete Yorn

Hmmm...

It has become crystal clear that I most definitely do not have the inner fire, drive, or determination of a serious musician. I followed a couple of lackluster months with a dismal March. I practiced FOUR times. When I was taking lessons I practiced a minimum of 6 days every week!

I make no more vows or predictions. I will pick up the guitar when the urge or inspiration strikes me, and that will be that. If nothing else, I will update monthly, and I will post extensively about the Wyman's Pond Music Fest as it draws near. Hopefully there will be moments of brilliance, but no breath-holding, for your own safety! :Þ

In-Blog Play:

She - The Sundays

Outdoor Music

I was down at the lake this afternoon (future site of the Wyman's Pond Music Fest on July 31st) hoping to kayak for a bit, but the lake was frozen. Good thing I brought my guitar! I spent nearly an hour practicing at the edge of the water (in full sight of several random lakeside folks who had decided to make today an 'outdoors' day), and messing around with some new song parts. I didn't even feel like I was out in the open, which I'd imagined might be uncomfortable. I also spent some time standing on a rock, surrounded on all sides by frigid water, smashing big chunks of floating ice with an old fireplace tool (haha). Very cathartic. And finally, I listened to all of Miranda Lee Richards' "Early November" EP. With the blue sky and lungsful of fresh spring air, it was quite the enjoyable listening experience. She has a beautiful voice...

In-Blog Play:

Sunday Morning - Miranda Lee R...

...and Double Ugh

Well. February was even less productive than January!

I only picked up my guitar six times. Though on a positive note, one of those times was playing for my twin nieces, which was fun (and good "in public" practice). I also spent more time messing around with my own song ideas, even on days when I wasn't playing, so that is something. Overcast days (and financial worries) really sap the life out of a guy.

Go March!

In-Blog Play:

My Lucky Charm - The Postmarks