My album recorded at home

In 2008, I was inspired to start writing music and poetry again after not doing so for a bunch of years. A year later the creative juices were still flowing nicely and I decided to challenge myself further and write and record an entire album.  With no plans to go to a recording studio, I knew from the start that this would be a lo-fi affair.  I liked the idea of doing everything myself--writing, singing, playing every instrument, and learning how to record and mix every track using free Audacity software.  It took over a year, and I really enjoyed and got into the experience.  I made copies on CD and gave them to friends and family though, in all, very few people have heard this.  The sound quality is murky but I'm proud of these songs that I recorded on an old laptop in my living room.

Vic Chesnutt

Vic Chesnutt is one of my favorite poet-singers. Here's a short poem I wrote when he died in 2009. And here's me today covering his song "Lucinda Williams" from the 1992 album West of Rome. It's just a crude iPhone recording but I had fun belting this anthem out.

The steel and cloth of a man is what's left.
Bereft.
A wheelchair and clippings.
Woodgrain and shavings.
Clipped wings still can't fly after passing,
can't beat at the honeyed air,
or slice at the earth,
inspire sweet relief or despair.
The gnarl and rail don't come from the casket.
But none of us ask for it.
None of us asked for it.
 

Welcome

On most weekday evenings in my house it's not until about 9:30 or 10:00 that my son is asleep, dishes are done, and lunches for tomorrow are made.  At this point if I don't succumb to watching old Simpsons episodes, I am doing something creative, either in the basement working on songs, curled up on the couch writing lyrics or poetry, or sometimes just reading.  I play out in the neighborhood sometimes, but besides that the fruits of my creative pursuits don't get much exposure.  Hence, this blog.  I don't expect fame outside the walls of my house (my parrot really likes my songs), but recognition is nice and so is the small chance that my work will entertain or inspire.  So here's to a conscious effort to be more open with my art.  I'd be happy to have any comments you care to share.