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October 2012 Newsletter

Monday, October 01, 2012

October 2012 Newsletter

USE IT OR LOSE IT

I recently performed at a benefit for the Voice Health Institute, a Boston non-profit on the cutting edge of vocal medical care and research. VHI's lead doctor has treated all sorts of famous singers (Steven Tyler, Adele, etc.), but he is currently helping the friend of mine who organized the benefit, Sean Staples. I've known Sean since my earliest open mic days, and when I learned he had developed some debilitating vocal problems I wanted to help immediately. Last night's benefit, besides being the greatest concentration of Boston singer/songwriter firepower in recent memory, was both an emotional catharsis and a financial success.

Nearly all professional singers, myself included, run into potentially serious vocal problems at some time in their career. The frustration of losing your voice, both literally and artistically, can easily edge into despair. The louder the room, the bigger the crowd, the more alone you feel because you literally cannot express yourself above the background noise. Listening to the radio on the ride home from the benefit, my mind drifted to thoughts on how an election year provides a unique window on the importance of a 'voice.'

I think of voting the same way I approach singing. I know how it feels to literally lose your voice, and to sing out with all your might and feel like nobody hears you. Our freedoms and responsibilities culminate when we exercise our right to vote, our voice. We have an election coming up, and it is very easy to feel like your vote, your voice, doesn't matter. I could easily feel my voice goes unheard, either in the larger context of the 'music biz' or just trying to get through a gig when I am a long way from home when attendance is light. But I sing what I sing, the way I sing, as a matter of principle. There is dignity in working this way, and if I give it up, I have nothing.

Voting is part of a larger civic fabric--it is part of what defines us. Many have struggled, persevered, fought and died for us to be able to do it. Folks can assume what they want about my politics, but I care far less who you vote for than that you exercise your right to vote. I would normally make this pitch to vote in November, but in many states you need to register to vote at least 30 days in advance. So many lose their voice due to factors beyond their control...don't throw yours away.

McKENNA MILESTONE: I am proud to announce that I will be producing Lori McKenna's next full-length studio record. We'll go into the studio later this month, and are shooting for an early spring release. I have known and worked with Lori for about 15 years now, and I am humbled and grateful that our professional relationship continues to deepen and evolve. More details to follow in the coming month, but I am so excited I couldn't help telling you.


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MP3 of the MONTH: This month's track is a live cover of "Passing Through," a song I co-wrote with Catie Curtis and was originally on my 2006 record Hope & Other Casualties. This version is particularly special as it was the finale of the benefit I mention above, and features...(deep breath) Dennis Brennan, Jennifer Kimball, Peter Mulvey, Rose Polenzani, Lori McKenna, Tim Gearan, Sean Staples, Rose Cousins, Sarah Borges and Brian Webb on the chorus harmonies. Not bad. It will be available as a FREE downoad for the month of October on my Bandcamp page.

THE SHOWS:

Fri Oct 5 - One Longfellow Square, Portland ME - 8 pm
It's always great to head back to Portland, and even better returning to open for and accompany Lori McKenna. We'll be doing this show as an acoustic duo, and working out some material for her new cd. I also have a brand new song I may play if I can learn it in time!

Sat Oct 20 - Club Passim, Cambridge MA - 8 pm
This place is my ground zero, and I get to play here a lot, but I only do an entire night of my own material about twice a year. These nights are invariably special, and this one will be made more so by the accompaniment of my Barnstar! compatriot Jake Armerding on mandolin, fiddle, guitar and vocals. There will be new songs and maybe a few old ones resuscitated for the occasion.

SIDEMAN SECTION:
Oct 4 - Shalin Liu, Rockport MA - benefit concert with Paula Cole (and Joan Osborne)
Oct 6 - Ivy Chord Coffeehouse, Reading MA - with Lori McKenna...in my HOMETOWN!

ON THE HORIZON:
Nov 9 -
Ingraham House Concert, Bristol CT
Nov 10 - Burlap & Bean, Newtown Sq PA
Nov 11 - Cabin Concerts, Wayne NJ
Nov 17 - Old Sloop Coffeehouse, Rockport MA (Seven Curses w/Jeffrey Foucault)

updated 2 weeks ago