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Finally releasing some musical tension...
Not always an easy task added on to a multi-tasker's
task list. But I appreciate the positives and try to remain
grateful and centered. As many of you know, our Saxman David Box
has left the band to travel around the world, but continues to stay in
contact via his
myspace blog. As much as I miss his musical presence, I know
that this is something he had to do for himself - his answer to trying
to stay sane. The band, sans David, has continued to grow and
mature. Everyone is focused on improving and locking down our
sound. This in spite of the band's individual and collective
challenges of jobs, family and life crisis'.8/23/2008 5:00 PM PDT ...and let me tell you it's been building up for years! Always asked by fans coming to shows "when are you going to release an album"? Although I've spent lots of time in the studio over the years creating demos and cutting tracks, I've never releasing anything. Bands come and go (do you remember "SwingShift"? How about "Backstreet"?) Anyway, the pressure was on to get something out, so I decided to release an album of 9 songs - live recordings - from shows that Zen Boogie did when it consisted of Jeff Oliver, Alan Schlaifer and David Box (and one throwback to the "Bopz" days... does ANYONE remember "Bopz"?) The tracks are lively and fun. I've always had a personal affinity for great live albums ("Concert For Bangladesh" and "Mad Dogs and Englishmen" spring to mind, and of course a personal favorite, "Billy And The Beaters Live At The Roxy" - but there have been many.) David wailed on sax of course, Alan played my music on guitar like it was his own, and although the music is definitely raw and imperfect it had an edge, and the fun we had playing definitely comes across on CD. It will be available online through the usual sources (CD Baby, Amazon, etc.) and is expected out by September 5th. Especially appropriate now that plans are in the works to for a complete "studio" album. Summer shows (with a retro theme)... 8/22/2008 3:59 PM PDT I did get opportunities during my recovery to enjoy some great music taking place in and around the southland. The Police rocked the house and had no trouble filling the Hollywood Bowl with both people and their sound. Sting may not be able to quite hit all the traditional high notes vocally as he once could, but emotionally he was all there. All the hits (both Police and Sting), and they even put on a friendly facade to put doubt in the minds of those who testify to the everlasting feud amongst the bandmates. All this, and Elvis Costello as an opening act! From the heart of the 80's to the gold of the 70's, I got my first opportunity to finally see James Taylor in concert at the Greek Theater. JT's voice seems to be ageless and he was spotted with an incredible band that backed him up and didn't miss a beat. I had always wanted to see Steely Dan in concert. Their LA concert conflicted with my recent surgery, but I got a second chance when they played again at Anaheim's Honda Center in August. The sound was a little boomy and out of control, and the opening act was dismissable, but it was fun to watch Donald Fagen and Walter Becker take a musical walk down memory lane together which was enjoyable if not exactly electrifying. Showing a little spine... 8/21/2008 3:15 PM PDT Yes, the rumors are true. I had spine surgery (C 5-6) to repair severe damage from an old auto accident that left my spine at that point more than 50% compressed by both a damaged disc and bone spur growth which had me in considerable and increasing pain over the last couple years. Dr. Samudrala and his phenominal team from Cedars Sinai did an amazing job repairing me and getting me out of the hospital in less than 24 hours (I could have almost left my car's engine running!) I've been spending the better part of the last 6 weeks healing and trying not to do too much (difficult for me). And even though I've kept the news of this pretty quiet, those who have known have been great about keeping their watchful eyes on me. So if you have to have this kind of surgery (and one hopes you never should), have a good, no, great doctor (and get plenty of referrals and opinions!) Trying to stay sane... 3/25/2008 1:00 PM PDT It was great to get invited to play the Calabasas Independent Film MethodFest and makes a great prelude to our upcoming show at BB King's in May. We've been playing a good amount, but we're still trying to find a great place to play in the Southbay and Pasadena. The time has come for us to bring our music into the studio, because as much as I hope we come away with a great live album from our upcoming show at BB King's there's a process and result that comes from studio recording that is unique onto itself. I've been meeting with producers and recording studios as I move closer toward that goal. I'm always a little resistant about going into the studio. Financial considerations aside, I'm always insecure about the process.... quality of my songs, my vocals and ultimately wanting to have something that's worthy of the creative effort. I get a little crazy during these times. A great production team will go a long way to relieve those concerns. I'm also trying to work out the perameters to my upcoming trip to Nashville. I hope to get together and do some co-writing as well as catch up with friends and see some of the performances during CMA Fan Fest week. Hopefully sanity will prevail... And If You Think The Last Wait Was Bad... 6/15/2007 2:50 PM PDT As for me, well I've been writing with some phenominal songwriters both here and in Nashville, and I hope to introduce some of that music into the band soon. Trying to sort my life out is tough enough... trying to put it to music is something else. It's challenging enough to make sense out of the things we go thought without needing to make it rhyme! Life has been busy this last year for the entire band as well as myself. David has had some major changes in his life, took 3 months off by taking the music directorship on a cruiseline on an east coast run to the Caribbean, and has come back hitting the ground running - working simultaneously in film and music. But it all comes back to the music for me... as it has throughout my life. Nothing ever makes me feel better -- not a pill, not a drink -- than getting in front of an audience and making music for them. BB King's on July 14th is a great place to play. I'm looking forward to feeling a lot better soon. No One Gets Out Of Here Live 5/30/2006 9:50 PM PDT Next week it's back to Nashville for Fan Fair and a week I've come to crave... performing and writing, writing and performing... and seeing friends. Then back to L.A. to complete the work on the "live" album. "Piggin'" out... 3/19/2006 12:30 PM PST I can't wait to try out 14 Below on March 31st... it's going to be Zen Boogie's first Santa Monica performance which we're hoping will please our west-side fans. We're still working on booking dates in a couple venues in the valley as well as in the south bay and Pasadena. Thanks to the email suggestions, Zen Boogie now has a MY SPACE presence. What a kick! We're making new friends we might never had made. And at least until our own Zen Boogie webiste is completed, it's the only place you go to hear excerpts of some of our songs! Keep those emails coming! The Band Cooks and the Audience feasts... 2/26/2006 1:50 PM PST In rehearsal, we're working on some new tunes which we're hoping will be ready to premiere live soon. The plan is to start doing studio recordings in March, and possible include a live song or two in that first album. We also have two places in Santa Monica we're currently in discussions to play, one will definitely be on the books for Friday, March 31st shortly. We've also been getting requests to play where people can get up and do some dirty dancing to our tunes, and a couple venues are being discussed for that as well. Thanks for the emails regarding my Chronic Fatigue. It's been pretty much under control lately, and I've been doing the things I have to do to try to keep it in check (eating right, working out, taking suppliments) and hoping that will keep it in check. Also in response to Cheryl F. who asked about what influenced the song "Seems It Never Lasts". It was mostly about a woman I knew for a brief period many years ago, and yes, she was all that was in the song and then some! A New Year... (just like last year, only better!) 1/15/2006 4:44 PM PST It's Sunday afternoon, the band gave a solid, if not stellar performance last night at RJ's in Beverly Hills, which has become one of our regular playrooms along with THE PIG AND WHISTLE. I do hear your requests and read the emails, so believe me when I tell you we're in discussions with places to play in the San Fernando Valley, South Bay, Santa Monica and Pasadena areas as well. The Mint on February 4th is next and we'd like to do a new song or two in honor of our first visit to this legendary Rock and Blues club. As we continue our quest for the perfect Bass player (one who sings backups as well), I still cover the sound on keyboards, but we hope to soon fill the void (and free my left hand for a second keyboard!) In the meantime the band solidifies it's sound and just the feeling of musically coming together is very cool. The fans who have followed us from our earliest shows have been raving about the road the band is taking creatively... and we plan to travel much further down that road. (Yes, there are detours... nights when things don't quite jell... the sound system might not be up to par... I might blow a line or flub a few notes, but we cover, and work together so hopefully only our most diehard fans might notice. I'm still hoping we start to work on our first studio album in March... we'll know more as the time (and hopefully a bass player) approaches! Nashville in December! 12/3/2005 11:58 AM CST Well it's been quite a week here. The weather has been cold (in the 40's and 50's during the day and 10's and 20's at night) but beautiful. The rain (which can be quite prevelent this time of year) stayed completely away -- at least until this morning. Two performances, the first being the songwriter's showcase at Cocktails (which is such a nice nightclub despite it's proximity to an upscale strip-club upstairs!). I was able to do some writing (thanks to the wonderful manager Sharon Dennis for introducing me to Cora Rose, a lovely young country folk singer and writer, with whom I had the pleasure to sit down with, get to know this southwest Wisconsin native a little, and start a new song with.) Producer Richard Armentrout kept me fairly busy on this trip what between his "WELCOME HOME" show for the troups from Williamson County which went off flawlessly and had several moving performances by Lee Greenwood, Jimmy Fortune (from the Statler Brothers) and my good friend Michael Peterson. I felt as though I was running to meetings and sessions throughout the week, although right now I'm not certain I could give you a fair accounting of my time. I had a very nice meeting with Sherree Austin, a dynamic singer-songwriter herself who Is currently heading back to New York where she recently starred on Broadway in the Musical version of Bonnie And Clyde. She will now be lending her talents to the soon-to-open Musical Revue based on the music of Johnny Cash. Friday night was a blast. Despite battling a flu and accoompanying laryngitis, I not only sang three songs for the TV and Radio show THIRD COAST MUSIC HOUR (recorded live but broadcasted later on Radio and Cable) but was pegged to be the show's guest announcer. It was all fun and Producer Richard Armentrout knows how to do a fun show! Alex Harvey (writer of hit songs such as Delta Dawn) graciously loaned his backup band to me (not to mention his vocals on "Hurt Me Bad".) It's Saturday late morning now, and the flu has gotten the best of me, so I'm going to pretty much stay in bed, cancel my meetings for today and watch the USC-UCLA game a little later. Early tomorrow morning I get on a flight back to LA and get Zen Boogie ready for our next show on the 16th at THE PIG AND WHISTLE Did you miss me?.... 11/28/2005 somewhere between 7 and 9 pm in a plane from L.A. to Nashville... I know, I know it's been awhile since I've blogged. Thanks to Sarah, Michelle, Jim and the others who were wondering if I had deserted you all. It's not completely my fault however. When the site got hacked it was through the blog, and it completely shut down the site until we could figure out a way to make it... well... unhackable. Ultmately we had to dispose of the Blog and replace it with this "diary" (which is basically a blog that you can't respond directly to.) But you can email me and I will respond to whatever I can. It's as close as we can get to instant gratification through a computer without someone being able to abuse it to send people to porn, viagra and penile enhancement sites. Yes, it was pretty salatious stuff, and I took notes and will post it all later {yes my tongue is planted firmly in my cheek}. I'm on my way back to Nashville for a week of writing, meeting and working with Producer/musician Richard Arementrout on the massive show he's producing at the Williamson County Arena just outside Nashville. The show, which headlines Lee Greenwood, is being produced for our troups with a great lineup and should be one terrific show. I do want to comment on how well Zen Boogie has progressed. Jeff, David and Alan are playing their hearts out for the band and we're all having a great time. More and more of you have been coming out. Next month (December) our only public show scheduloed is at the PIG AND WHISTLE in Hollywood on the 16th. Starting in January we should be playing in L.A about one show every couple weeks and our stops scheduled include THE MINT, back at RJ's... and a few other surprises. As usual everything will be up on the PERFORMANCES page as soon as it locks down. Hope to see you all soon. Okay, the plane is jumping around like a ball of yarn being swacked by a cat, so I'll sign off until later ( when I can see straight again ). Keep those emails coming guys and when all else fails... keep boogie-ing! ~R A good show (and the ribs weren't bad either).... 09/14/05 12:06:00 am Zen Boogie's show last week at RJ's was a definitely cool experience. The band is starting to come together nicely. Lots of work still to do, but the process of seeing the music and musicians evolve is very satisfying. And the crowds are increasing with every show, so I suppose word is getting around. So far our next show for RJ's is already booked and the manager has already approached us about a regular monthly gig. Tempest is also coming up, and I'm looking forward to that club. The band is also reaching out to donate performances to raise money for Katrina victims. Keep checking the blog... and my performance schedule- where I always keep things updated. Next shows are also usually listed at www.zenboogie.net as well. ~R A bad week all around.... (Louisiana and CJ Watson) 09/03/05 12:04:57 am First, the devistating news from the deep south and watching the horrific images as they flash on the different news outlets. The disappointment I'm feeling in my federal government is running very deep for me now. There is little doubt that their hesitancy to react more quickly and decisively will continue to be measured in human lives lost. There should be a price to pay - both political and personal-- and I hope it will be a steep one. I'm also greatly dismayed by those who would like to selfishly turn this tragedy into an issue of race to seemingly further their own personal agendas. This horror may indeed be partially a sad reflection on CLASS... for those who had no transportation, money or otherwise ability (or sense) to leave the city were forced to face the storm head on... and with deadly tenacity in so many, many cases. And as sad as it is to see so many of those being minorities (and black) captured in the footage of the media, let's not forget that every race is represented in the displaced and terrorized people of Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama. I have friends amongst them who are of different races - not just black. We must lay the "race card" down and simply deal with the desperate situation itself and move quickly now to relieve what will continue to be great suffering that we all should be feeling for our fellow man - regardless of race, creed or class. My second dose of bad news came from Nashville where I heard that my good friend and co-writer, CJ Watson suffered what was considered a "minor" stroke. He was automatically the first person I went to see when I arrived in Nashville last week and he was feeling ill that night-- although he was still there running his "writers' night" showcase at COCKTAILS. He continued feeling ill the next day and had to cancel our planned writing session (if you know CJ, he NEVER cancels a writing session-- so you just know he was feeling pretty unwell.) But he thought it was another cause, so imagine the surprise when the news came down. He is recovering, but he is ailing, and I ask that anyone who knows and loves CJ as I do will let him know it and lend any support they can to this man who was not only amongst the first to put his hand out to support me when I first came to Nashville but to so many other writers and performers as well. Get well, my friend. I'm lost in Nashville without you. Thank you... the soapbox is yours now. ~Robert Between Lightning and a Hard Rock (Cafe) 08/28/05 11:36:14 am Last night's jam at the Hard Rock was incredibly fun. Thanks to Richard Armentrout and Third Coast Music for the invitation and generous sharing of the stage. I really enjoyed playing with Richard, Tim, Matt and the rest of the Third Coast tribe. And when 10 year old Tayor Marie Ware took the mic and showed the audience why she was Yahoo's yodeling champion, you could see the skyrockets go off. Such a doll. I also want to send thanks to the folks at the Hard Rock who helped make the evening enjoyable as well. To be performing in the outside patio is such a hoot since you not only have the folks sitting in the Hard Rock area, but the people walking by on a busy and bustling 2nd Avenue at the corner of Broadway. By the time we sang the final song it was past 1AM and we were ready to move on. I packed up and headed to nearby Printer's Alley where I stopped by the Boogie Blues Bar there and dropped in on my new friend and songwriter Rick Tiger. Earlier in the day and thanks to a last-minute bit of "matchmaking" by John Ozier at Curb I had the good fortune of being paired with Curb writer John Barner where after a bit of getting to know each other we fired off two verses and a chorus of what is sounding like a very cool and fun song. Nothing better than a little lightning striking on a first meeting! Obviously it was a trip full of lighting strikes - both creative and weather as the Tennessee storms would come and go. But it's become evident that Nashville is asking for a return visit before year's end... and next time ZEN BOOGIE may be joining me if plans can be worked out as a tentative invitation has been given to have the band play it's first Nashville gig at none other than Nashville's B.B. King's. Thanks also to the wonderful and talented Jessie Saint James who graciously opened her home for me while she was out of town so I had a lovely place to stay without having to deal with hotels and such. Everytime I go to Nashville I continue to be amazed by the kindness and generosity I'm enveloped in. More to come... Thanks for the support, EVERYONE! Robert It's Nashville time again... 08/25/05 05:45:33 pm Hi all... Back here in Nashville... writing and playing. I've just been asked to play again at the Hard Rock's Saturday Jam hosted by guitarist and all 'round good guy Richard Armentrout of 3rd Coast Music. I'm adding it to the schedule, so I hope all my good friends in Nashville come on out. The flight out was okay... I took a mid day flight out of LA. The on-board staff was more than a little giddy (I think they've been dipping into the emergency oxygen.) I arrived around 10:30 PM, got my car and headed to my friend Jessie Saint James who's loaning me the use of her charming home in West Nashville while she is out enjoying Florida's lovely hurricane season. Lots of writing to do and be done... and already plans being made for my next trip (probably in October or November.) I always worry before my trip here about whether I'll have enough to do.... and I always have plenty (not to mention the happenings that always seem to crop up as well.) Zen Boogie had it's first initial public performance last Saturday. Wasn't bad for the first time out... though it wasn't quite as together and tight as we were in rehearsal. On-stage sound problems (which can be solved) caused us to "overplay". I can't wait to see how the band grows together over time and playing together. The next show is back at RJ's on September 10th, so I won't have long to wait to find out... Thanks for all the emails and questions... I try to get to them all as quickly as I can. Keep the boogie! Robert P.S. Thanks for all the good thoughts and suggestions about my bout with Layngitis. Mega-vitamins, Gargling regularly with hot salt water and asprin got me back to performance level by Saturday... (a little prayer didn't hurt as well!) Laryngitis 08/18/05 09:31:02 pm I don't know where it came from or what caused it, but I noticed my speaking voice started dropping about an octave on Wednesday and by rehearsal Wednesday night I was sounding like the worst parts of Joe Cocker and Dr. John. Once I croaked through rehearsal I put myself on a regimen of asprin, antihistamines, and frequent salt water gargles. I expect this to pass by Saturday night. My voice is already starting to recover. Like I needed the extra challenge going into the band's first show Saturday night! Preparing and Practicing 08/16/05 04:31:01 pm Wow... so this is what it's like not to sleep... I had forgotten. Probably because I wasn't getting enough sleep! In any case, it's entirely worth it... seeing Zen Boogie virtually fall together and hearing my music played so cool. We're certainly rev'ing up to give our best at the band's Saturday night public premiere at RJ's. It's going to be interesting to say the least. The email announcements/reminders should be going out tomorrow (Wednesday). Nashville is looming next week and I'll be flying back to Tennessee to do some writing and performing. What can I say? I love my trips to Music City. Except with my keyboard and heavy equipment, I'm going to try to bring the smaller suitcase... who needs clothes anyway? I'll be staying at the home of terrific songwriter/singer Jessie Saint James who is currently away in Florida. I hope she doesn't find out! Seriously, she is such a good person to open up her home to me.. and I so appreciate a trip to Nashville where I don't have to "hotel it". Anyway... back to the piano... maybe first a stop to check out my new fishpond that I bought from neighbors who moved and couldn't take it with them. But that's another story.... P.S. My favorite set of neighbors, Michael and Angela are also leaving - at least temporarily. Michael heads up north to work on a 2 to 3 year commitment at the new George Lucas animation studio and Angela in the other direction to Brazil after receiving a fellowship to teach Anthropology there. Now here is a couple so together that even a separation of thousands of miles and at least a year won't be more than an inconvenient blip in their lives. Now THAT'S love and commitment... in so many ways! Here's hoping that they each have exciting adventures, wonderful experiences and remember to leave a trail of breadcrumbs back to their door here in L.A. As things continue to progress... 08/07/05 11:07:50 am I know it's been awhile since I last blogged, but rest assured it hasn't been for lack of wanting. Things have been busy. The music is going well and there's been a lot of work for me personally in that direction. Plus the response has been so terrific that I've been really forced to focus on getting the new members of Zen Boogie set. And as long as I brought it up... so far, Zen Boogie consists of myself, David Box on Sax (as well as other brasses and woodwinds), and my former SwingShift bandmates Alan Schlaifer on guitar and Jeff Oliver on percussion. The sound is really coming together and so far the process is a cool balance of fun and work - which is what I like. Most importantly, the fans (which is always MY barometer) is letting me know what's working and what's not... the enthusiasm they bring is contagious. (Believe me, I watch the emails and respond as often and as quickly as I can.) I think that the most fun will be in watching us progress musically as we continue to come together and congeal artistically. I know a lot of people have already started asking about a CD, but be patient... I want to do more than just 'throw together some songs". And right now I want to get in another rehearsal or two and concentrate on the next scheduled show on August 20th at RJ's. Our show last night at Alex Lehr's big party at Brent Nelson's home in Woodland Hills (thanks, Brent!) to celebrate the progress of his new production company and it's first film "The Dream of Alvareen" was an incredible boost to the band's spirits and continued focus. People were dancing in the aisles... up the staircase... in the foyer... it was pretty out there! And my coming trip back to Nashville to write and have meetings is starting to get exciting as well. I'm definitely looking forward to it. More soon... ~R Working on the Website... 07/08/05 06:42:41 pm Donna Caldwell, who designed my basic web site, made the mistake of showing me how to do a few things... and now I'm addicted!! Actually, I hope I've made a few improvements in the look and feel of the site. I'll probably keep futzing with it... adding stuff, info, blogs, etc. I hope you'll let me know how you like it. In time I'm sure we'll expand it further... Thanks for the support and kind words as we continue to work out the kinks of the site. By the way... did you know that I'm a singer and songwriter too? Two showcases to prepare for... 07/05/05 12:05:36 am I HOPE EVERYONE HAD A HAPPY AND EXPLOSIVE 4TH OF JULY! The last week has definitely been a challenging one. Two shows at two parties last week and two showcases coming up this week. I'm digging the attention and great responses, and I'm looking forward to the LAWiM songwriters concert on Wednesday where I've been asked to perform two of my songs, and then my lovely friend Maria Jacobs, who has asked me to perform on her Sunday showcase. No "zen boogie" band this week... both shows are just me and piano. The intimacy is fun, but I always miss the elements that the band bring to my songs. It's a coincidence and convenient that both shows just happen to be at the TEN20 in the Bel Age Hotel in West Hollywood... a room I've enjoyed playing in (especially for its Baby Grand!) And to top it off, the audiences always seem to be right there and into the music. (For those interested in coming out to one or the other shows this week and support me, check my "In Concert" page for details.) I've been wanting to write so much this last week, but although I've been full of ideas... there's been no time to really settle down and focus on writing. I'm starting to feel like if I don't sit down at the piano with a pencil and paper soon, I'll explode! Hopefully I'll have another chance to write some more this week, otherwise I hope to see many of you at the shows! ~R Birthdays... gotta love 'em 06/25/05 12:16:22 pm Thanks to everyone who offered me their good wishes. My family and extended family all made their presence in my life known. Celest Ray...what can I say? A terrific mentor and generous friend. David Grossman (V.P. of Music at Paramount Television) actually called and serenaded me "Happy Birthday To You"... vocal AND piano! And he didn't make me clear (license) it first! I especially loved the very cool sunglasses Debra Brenda gave me... they will look great on or off stage! Tonight (Saturday) I'm meeting my friends Jeff and Suzi Oliver, Michael Rose, Angela Torresan and Jill Tarlow at Cozy's in Sherman Oaks to toast another year to the tunes of one of MY favorite bands, "Billy And The Beaters". Billy Vera is a terrific performer and songwriter... and fronts one of the hottest So Cal Blues bands over the last 20 years! Send feedback • Edit A Dry Finale (well, almost) 06/12/05 10:48:45 pm A great closing to Fan Fair Week in Nashville. The weather held up for the most part and relatively little moisture fell-- which was great news to the packed Coliseum throng. The performers which included members of the Music Mafia and Gretchen Wilson gave the audience their money's worth in their performances. In the meantime, another receiver for my music has materialized (I don't want to say who at this point) as well as another invitation to perform... this time in LA in early July (it will get added to the "In Concert" list once it's confirmed. All in all the week was challenging and enjoyable-- with lots of potential for my songs, potential new writing parters and some positive feedback on my performances ("lounge singer" excepted). I feel the room for improvement and am working toward that goal. I really appreciate my fans and cannot wait to get back in the studio... this time perhaps doing my own vocals (as opposed to using top studio singers as I usually do on my demos.) I'll keep the blog updated as events occur or as thoughts arise. Now I have a great desire to write new songs, tell new stories... Keep listening, keep watching~ Robert Rain, rain, rain... 06/11/05 10:38:31 pm ...may not have dampened the spirits of the throng at the Coliseum tonight as a stellar country lineup of Joe Nichols, Trisha Yearwood, Kenny Rogers and Wynona took the very wet stage. However it "rained out" my outdoor jam session that would have taken place tonight at the Hard Rock Cafe. Weather permitting it will reschedule for tomorrow night (Sunday) but I wouldn't hold my breath (however I may have to...underwater, if the weather reports are accurate!) It was great to hook up with Joe, since my songs "Too Hip For The Room" and "Swing Shift" are both being sent his way for consideration for his next album. We'll see what Sunday has to hold... Monday early morning I come home to Beachwood Canyon, but it seems like I arrived only yesterday considering the pace I've been keeping... but as usual, the people and events have made it a terrific trip thusfar. 1 feedback • Edit Friday... 06/11/05 04:21:08 pm ... is a writing and meeting day. Sat down for the first time with Matt Lindsey at his office just off Music Row to write (by the way, for those of you who aren't aware, Music Row is to Nashville what Tin Pan Alley was to New York). Got an fine start on a new song with Matt. Also, I ran into Carrie Underwood again last night at the Coliseum. I seem to keep running into her wherever I go... ...I wonder if she's stalking me???!!! Keep smiling all.... ~R Fan Fair Begins.... 06/09/05 11:31:08 pm Thursday evening marks the first night of the CMA music festival (once and still known by many as "Fan Fair") The day saw more meetings with publishers and more potential writing partners for my future trips seems to be materializing. Today was a bit difficult for me. It appears that the several nights of little sleep I had in the days preceding my trip caught up to me and kicked up my CFS (Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, also referred to as Epstein-Barr, a chronic disorder marked mostly with intense and sometimes overwhelming tiredness) which I've had since I was a boy. In any case, the clouds seem to lift for me in time for the opening night at the Coliseum where I was able to watch and hang out with the members of Trick Pony who has my song, "Too Hip For The Room" under consideration, Carrie Underwood (fresh from her American Idol win) and Keith Urban. A great show out front and lots of fun behind the scenes as well. Tomorrow is more meetings, a first writing session with a terrific songwriter, Matt Lindsey, and an evening backstage at the Grand Old Opry. Should be interesting and fun. And now to bed.... ~R The Lounge Singer Commeth... 06/09/05 06:28:52 am Hi all... Wednesday was a day of meetings and connecting.... publishers and publicists. Wednesday Evening saw me as the featured writer performing a full set at "Cocktails" a really nice club in Downtown Nashville... downstairs from a strip club (which, no, I didn't wander upstairs to check out... lol!) My show went very well.. the place was jumping and had a good crowd by the time I started my set... Great response and reaction. The audience seemed to really get into "Hurt Me Bad" and "Too Hip". Donna Caldwell, who I work with at Paramount TV Music was there and thought I did very well (in spite of the fact that she thinks my voice gets a little too "lounge singer"-- the thought of which is a little frightening to me (Conjures up the thought of someone in a red velvet suit singing "FEELINGS" at a piano bar)... maybe I need to do something about that! Donna is "Miss Country" knowing virtually everything and everyone about the genre, and, of course I never claiimed to have a "country" voice (hey, I'm a boogie blues guy)... but lounge singer? I'm not quite sure what to do with that! The rest of the week is more meetings and greetings. Nights watching the big shows at the Coliseum (with the exception of Friday when I've been invited to be backstage at the Grand Old Opry.) ~R Party at Sharon Dennis Management 06/07/05 09:52:06 pm What a fun but exhausting day. After making a stop to visit Michael Peterson at his fan party today, I returned to my hotel to prepare for a party that Donna Caldwell and I were hosting at the Music Row office of Sharon Dennis at 5:30 PM. Donna took care of food preparations and I basically handled the music. And what music there was! Michael showed up and played. My friend and co-writer CJ Watson was there doing what he does best... playing guitar and adding his unique spice to the mix of the music going on around us. Wendy, Liguya and Kim of 3AM came and blew everyone away with their rock solid harmonies and amazing songs. Kirstie Manna shared several of her terrific songs (including her hit, "Austin") and rocked the house. CJ and I played on each other's songs of course - including my "Too Hip For The Room," his "Coupe DeVille" and our song, Swing Shift (the first time we have played the song together in public). By the time I rolled into "Hurt Me Bad" there were people dancing in the middle of the room! I also got turned on to a couple of terrific singers that came as guests of CJ and Kirstie. Heather Davis and Karen Castile each stopped the room cold with very cool songs and intense vocals. A party we planned to end by 9 went on an hour past before the last people finally left. It was an evening filled with networking and overall schmoozing and, I think saw some cool alliances formed - both new and old. Between that and the music it was pretty damn incredible. By the time I made it back to the hotel at 11:15 I was exhausted (again) but very satisfied. Everyone had such a good time there was a petition to make this a yearly event during Fan Fair. ~R Monday's arrival in Nashville 06/06/05 10:29:42 pm My flight arrived at 2:45 PM - 15 minutes early and I needed every minute... definitely hit the Nashville ground running. Donna Caldwell from Paramount TV Music and I are co-hosting a Pre-Fan Fair" gathering at the Music Row office of Sharon Dennis which she generously donated for the occasion. It's looking like it's going to be an amazing turnout of the who's who of the Nashville music scene... I'll let you know how it goes tomorrow. All I can say now is that there is going to be some amazing talent performing which I get the honor of hosting and singing with-- in a sort of revolving Nashville round style... WHAT A RUSH! I'm totally looking forward to this experience. In the meantime, tonight I was invited by Sharon Dennis to join her at the Hermitage Bowling Lanes where Lonestar was hosting a country windfall of music stars all bowling for dollars for St Jude. Definitely fun for the fans, and for those of us who got to connect with other singers and writers who we never get to see except when we're crossing paths working. In addition to the Lonestar boys, I was able to hook up with my favorite family of musicians - The Wilkinsons. They're a very busy family these days... not only is daughter Amanda's recording career about to skyrocket with her first major label album due out in August, but the family as a whole is seeing their lives become a reality TV show showing the trials and tribulations they're going through collectively and individually as they build a new home in Canada while maintaining their collective music careers. Besides Amanda, brother Tyler has a new alternative rock blues band taking off, and daddy Steve still heads the musical family when they can perform together. Mom Chris was taking video of the family for their contribution to the production being created by and for Lifetime! I also had the chance to run into one of my personal favorite country songwriter performers, Sherrie Austin - who -in my opinion- knows how to write a touching and heartfelt lyric without being over-the-top like her "Fools Like Us" (she must never know the "jones" I carry for her-- to use a line from a song of Angela Kaset), as well as Debbie Allen (not the choreographer/director, but the terrific country songwriter/performer) who was having a blast out on the lanes! Michael Peterson was there using the occasion effectively as quality family time with his beautiful daughters, but also found time to clown around with me... a completely good guy and friend (not to mention a top-flight musician/songwriter/performer). Tomorrow is the shindig at Sharon's. Should be interesting! ~Robert Getting ready for Fan Fair in Nashville .... 06/04/05 02:05:19 pm I'm taking a couple moments off from the whirlwind of preparation to write... and everything is a challenge. I had to buy a new case for my Roland RS-5 keyboard and equipment after the last trip saw the airlines damage the keyboard in transport (despite a soft, though very padded case.) Well, I took no chances this time and bought a "Road Ready" hard case to protect things (a shout out to Philip and Jeffrey at Guitar Center for taking care of me). It's great- I had special straps added and had it customized by Langer Luggage for my gear- even though compared to the old soft padded case it's much heavier than I'd like to have to deal with - especially with no roadies along! (Times like this I wish I played guitar...) Packing is always a chore... I try to take less each time, and always end up taking more... why is that? Got my hair cut this morning... Darryl Tanner always does a terrific job taking care of my hair... she was stunned when she saw the emergency haircut that my neighbor, good friend and professional hair and makeup stylist, Laurie Gudroz gave me prior to my show last week for GINA. It looked great (everyone seems to like it) but it hasn't been this short probably since I was 12! Anyway... more packing to do... special CD's to burn... much to do before I leave LAX very early Monday morning. More later, Robert GINA Concert for the Missing 05/22/05 02:05:40 pm Well, that was an interesting experience. Two of my songs (Too Hip For The Room and Swing Shift) were chosen from a field of about 60 to 100 entries as part of the final 10! They wouldn't let me bring a live band, so I had to sing to tracks (which I detest) while playing live keyboard. Now first of all let me say that I was a bit leery about entering this contest to begin with. After all, I didn't have any songs about missing people or people who are missing, or being lost or losing someone. But they made it clear that there were no limitations for entries and that they wanted a wide range of songs in all genres and styles and themes. My performance went well enough considering the situation... and the audience was light but enthusiastic and I received some terrific feedback -which I always appreciate and is nice to hear. The other songs and performers were also very good and all in all I had a nice time (although the waiting after for the judging to be announced - five hours later - seemed endless.) But when it came time for the judging, which songs won? The top three were all ballads about missing people or people who are missing, or being lost or losing someone! They were certainly nice enough, but... hmmmm.... Not that I'm surprised my happy and "upbeat" songs didn't place. One of the rewards for each of the top three songs was being featured on a prime time television show about lost and missing people. I personally couldn't see them showing sad pictures of people who are missing in front of the peppy music and lyrics: "Here comes Mister good time to chase away the gloom..." However, I think the organization should have been a little more forthcoming and although everyone involved were definitely nice and sincere, and the cause is certainly a worthy one (which is why I wanted to be involved to begin with), the experience left a somewhat sour taste in my mouth. ~Robert |
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