DRUMS IN THE VILLE

Below is a link to some audio I captured in Louisville last summer that I recently rediscovered on my computer. I'd been going to this open mike at the Monkeywrench on Wednesdays that is still hosted by a great songwriter named Ben Purdom. One night he invited me to an upcoming performance with his full band at Lisa's Oak St. Lounge (awesome dive bar, by the way). Anyway, I arrived early that night and found two drummers playing in the back before the show. So I decided to record them with my 2-track recorder that I used a lot in Prague to capture subway and construction sounds.

DUSTIN EDGE TRIFECTA

This past week I played three shows in a row starting Thursday and ending Saturday. I thought they all went well on performance level. I also gave away some free CDs and got a couple dozen new signees for my newsletter. And most importantly, I made some new friends.

The weekend also re-introduced me to a handful of eccentricities present in the music business that I had forgotten since I was a member of my last band back in North Carolina...

First, if a band is playing after you, why do they sometimes decide to walk right in front of you while you're in the middle playing a song and proceed to load-in a ton of heavy equipment? I understand that, yes, the equipment needs to come into the club. But can't they just wait 2 minutes until there's a break between songs?

Second, why do some bands just leave after their set is finished? I know life is short and that the practicalities of a performance (loading out equipment, talking to fans, selling merch, etc) negate being able to watch every minute of the other bands on any given bill. But where must these people go that is so important that they can't stay for a while and support another band that is essentially trying to achieve the same objective - to have people listen to their music?

Third, why can't people write legibly when they sign up for my newsletter? I'm pretty sure the main answer for this is Alcohol. Either that, or a lack of attention in grammar school. But I've also seen writing that shows good penmanship, but has been offered in the form of a signature. And I can't read that. And I can't contact you later to tell you about how much I appreciated you taking the time to listen to my performance.

So blah blah blah, I reckon. I'm pretty sure that the reason why all these things happen is because many people out there are simply self-centered jerkfaces. But that's a fairly short-sighted assumption. And there's obviously much more to it than that. But what it is, I don't know.

BABBLE AND BEAT

Babble and Beat magazine out of Milwaukee is featuring one of my songs on its monthly music player. The magazine has lots of great interviews, concert reviews, and other music news, so please check it out. They're a great bunch of writers. Thanks Babble and Beat!

THE YIPPIE MUSEUM

Thanks to everyone who came to the the Yippie Museum show last night! It was certainly an entertaining evening of music, featuring myself, Galt Line Workers, and the Dead River Company. I'm also playing with Galt Line Workers next month on the 5th at Stain Bar in Brooklyn. So that's, you know, nice.

Here are a few pictures Brooke took during my performance...

And here's the set list, in case you're interested...

LEAD ANCHOR
HARLAN COUNTY USA
THE HONEYMOON
PRONE
APARTMENT
PSYCHOACOUSTIC
LIEUTENANT SPINS
TOO LATE TO DIE YOUNG (DAN BERN)
INTERMEZZO
EASY AS PI
MOONCURSERS
STUPID PREOCCUPATIONS (VIC CHESNUTT)
AN ALIEN COMMUNIQUE
THE IDEAL CITIZEN
NO ONE WILL
MEN WHO DIE YOUNG

ENCORE - LONG BLACK VEIL (TRADITIONAL)

PAST IS PROLOGUE

I played at the Bitter End this past Sunday as part of the NY Singer Songwriter Sessions. It was the first show in New York City that I'd actually booked all by myself. So that certainly felt all warm and fuzzy for me. Overall, I thought it went very well - a fitting prelude to future performances.

And I just want to say thanks to everyone who came out to see the show. You made the evening spectacular for me. Thanks!

SONG OF THE DAY

One of my songs, The Ideal Citizen, was selected as the song of the day on FM102x! It's airing this Friday, January 16th. FM102x is a daily podcast that streams a new song everyday from different independent bands around the country, giving musicians like me a chance to be heard by new audiences interested in emerging artists.

Just follow this link to go the site.

Thanks FM102x for the support!

ESCAPE FROM THE FRIGID

I just found this picture from a trip we took to Savannah, Georgia this past summer. It's been pretty gloomy here the past few days, so I thought this might help.

And while I'm at it, this will probably help too...

AUDIO GUMSHOE

Three of my songs were recently featured during the Audio Gumshoe podcast, hosted by Rich Palmer.

Here's the link to the podcast.

Thanks Rich!

OPEN MICROPHONE 17

I performed at Penny's Open Mike again last night, the first time I'd done so in about a month. It was definitely nice to be back. I love the diversity and artistic triumph that occurs there on a weekly basis. And I missed it. I had planned to take a video of my set, but I got too caught up in the night's festivities to bother.

My favorite part of the evening came when the performance artist "satan" expounded on the significance of craft versus art. There's no way I could possibly describe it here. Well, there's probably a way, but not one that would ever do it justice.

Thanks again for an awesome night Penny!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

I know I haven't posted in almost two weeks, but not getting things done is a central tenet of the holiday season, right? It's been an eventful few days lately. On New Years Eve, I performed with some friends at the Kraine Theatre in the East Village. I was invited to do so by the spectacular Mike Milazzo. We played some blues standards and a couple Velvet Underground tunes, plus I got to sing an old gospel song called This Train. It felt great to be onstage and collaborating with other musicians again. I forget how much I miss it until it's actually happening. I'm going to put a band together soon, so hopefully those feelings will be present more often. But aside from that, there's something utterly liberating about just playing rhythm guitar, not having to worry about being married to the microphone. Sometimes I really wish I were a drummer.

By the way, Brooke took an absolutely amazing photo of the countdown that night. Here it is below. Can you find me?

MERRY XMAS INDEED

My grandparents-in-law offered me their vinyl collection this morning. I had mentioned to them at dinner two nights ago that Brooke had given a new record player to me for my birthday that also comes with a USB output to convert all my vinyl to mp3 files. Well, they remembered that information and informed me that all their old vinyl records were in storage at Brooke's parents house. So after all the present unwrapping was over, I searched for and found the records. Four boxes full of them! Al Jolson, Cole Porter, Judy Garland, Frank Sinatra, George and Ira Gershwin, Ella Fitzgerald, Pete Seeger, Joan Baez, a ton of classical music, and too many others for me to remember! I estimate that there are probably 75-80 records total. There's no way I would ever risk shipping them to New York or taking them on an airplane. So they'll have to wait until I'm down here in Florida with an automobile. The point, however, is that they are here and available whenever I'm able to claim them. I've never been offered such a large collection of someone else's making before. I'm very humbled, honored, and thankful even to have the opportunity to appreciate it. Nevertheless, if I'm fortunate to claim them in earnest one day, I will give them the respect and appreciation they deserve. Thanks Gerry and Alan! Thank you so much!

NEW SONG

Here's a new song I recorded a few months ago. It's called Apartment. I wrote it over the course of a weekend when I didn't leave my home for three days. It's obviously not finished yet, but what do you think of the general idea?

A VERY YOGA CHRISTMAS

I went to the Joe Yoga Christmas Show tonight at Stain Bar in Brooklyn. I met Joe at Under St. Mark's Theatre. He's a great songwriter with insightful lyrics and a passionate delivery. There were several other acts on the bill, including Alabaster Rhumb and Nick Courage. I also had the excuse of checking out Stain Bar because I'm playing there in February. I give it a thumbs up for certain. It's a nice setting for a performance.

Thanks for a great show Joe!

DEMONSTRATION

Sorry to be out of touch the past few days. I've been working on a demo. It's designed to present to various venues in lieu of the fully produced album. Since I've been playing solo the majority of the time here in New York, I thought it would be good idea to create something representative of my current sound. I recorded 3 new songs and 4 old songs. Even though I doubt anyone interested in booking me will want to listen to all of them, I thought it would be good to have a variety of different songs to submit.

Several of these newly recorded songs will be available in the Member Section of the website as soon as its finished. We hope to have it available for use sometime next month, complete with videos, photos, other song ideas, and a message board. I'll be sending out a newsletter to let everyone know when it's ready.

On another note, I went over to Queens on Monday night to hang out with some people I met at Penny's Open Mike. There's a rehearsal space they use in a large complex off Broadway with a full setup, including a drum kit. Well, I couldn't resist asking to play said drum kit for a few songs with my new friends David, Michelle, and Joe Yoga. Graciously, they said yes. I really wish I had a drum kit. I love playing the drums. One day, I reckon. Anyway, it was nice to be with some fellow musicians for an evening and play some tunes together.

Ok, back to the demo now. Have a nice weekend everyone.

A FOREST THROUGH THE TREES

LUMINOSITY

MY DARLING YOU ARE THE SEA

AND I AM THE LAND UNDER THEE

WHERE ARE THE ANSWERS TO LIFE ?

ARE THEY BETWEEN YOU AND I?

CURVED IS THE EARTH

STRAIGHT IS THE LINE

I WILL RETURN WHEN THE PLANETS ALIGN

THIS IS A NIGHT FOR THE YOUNG

BLIND AND DESCRIBING THE SUN

STAND UP AND STEP TO THE FORE

DEFEND THE THINGS YOU ADORE

CURVED IS THE EARTH

STRAIGHT IS THE LINE

I WILL RETURN WHEN THE PLANETS ALIGN…

…LUMINOSITY!

VIDEO MOTION

ALL YOUR BONES ARE CONNECTED TO YOUR MUSCLES

YOUR OBJECTIVE IS TO CRACK THE CODES

YOU CAN DO IT BUT YOU’VE REALLY GOT TO HUSTLE

YOU’VE GOT SEVEN HOURS LEFT UNTIL THE BOMB EXPLODES

HOW MUCH CAN YOU SUSTAIN?

HOW MUCH CAN YOU RECALL?

YOU WANT TO KEEP IT STEADY

YOU WANT CONTROL THIS TIME

‘CAUSE YOU’RE IN VIDEOMOTION

CONCENTRATION AS YOU’RE PUNCHING ON THE CABLES

INTERRUPTION FROM THE DINNER FOLK

FIGHTING DIRTY LIKE YOUR SCRUPLES WERE DISABLED

AND THE THOUGHT OF CONVERSATION WANTS TO MAKE YOU CHOKE

HOW MUCH CAN YOU FRUSTRATE?

HOW MUCH CAN YOU DENY?

YOU WANT TO KEEP IT STEADY

YOU’RE ON A ROLL THIS TIME

‘CAUSE YOU’RE IN VIDEOMOTION

YOU WANT TO KEEP IT STEADY

YOU WANT CONTROL THIS TIME

I SEE YOUR HANDS ARE SWEATY NOW

YOU’RE ON A ROLL THIS TIME

‘CAUSE YOU’RE IN VIDEOMOTION

THE IDEAL CITIZEN

I RIDE THE BULLET TRAIN

I RIDE THE BULLET TRAIN

I RIDE THE BULLET TRAIN ALL DAY FOR YOU

I STACK THE MONEY TALL

I STACK THE MONEY TALL

I STACK THE MONEY TALL ALL NIGHT FOR YOU

I FOUND THE REAL AND FAUX

BETWEEN THE NEW AND OLD

I FOUND THE DOR TO THE GOLDEN EPOCH

NO NEED TO HEM AND HAW

COMMENCE THE COUP DE GRACE

WE’RE STEPPING OUT FROM THE AULD LAND SYNE

PRAISE TO ALL THIS ARTISTRY

PRAISE TO SHARP AWARENESS

CAN’T SEEM TO LET IT GO

BETWEEN THE EBB AND FLOW

THE PROGRESS MADE IS ILLUMINATION

OUR MOTION IS ALIGNED

OUR THOUGHTS OUR INTERTWINED

WE’RE STEPPING OUT FROM THE AULD LAND SYNE

WE’RE STEPPING OUT FROM THE AULD LAND SYNE

SHRIEKS OF APATHY

CHOSEN VOICES THROW ME FORWARD

EVERYTHING IN ITS PLACE!

EVERYTHING IN ITS PLACE!

MOTION FORCES CHANGE IN COURSES

EVERYTHING IN ITS PLACE!

EVERYTHING IN ITS PLACE!

WON’T YOU HELP ME KEEP THIS MOTOR RUNNING?

WON’T YOU HELP ME KEEP THIS MOTOR RUNNING?

WON’T YOU HELP ME KEEP THIS MOTOR RUNNING?

WE HAVE TO KEEP THIS MOTOR RUNNING!

WAS THE WORRYING WORTH THE FANTASY?

WAS THE BAND YOU LOVED A NOVELTY?

WAS THE LIFE YOU LIVED A LIE?

EVERYTHING IN ITS PLACE!

EVERYTHING IN ITS PLACE!

CAN’T YOU FEEL THAT SOLIDARITY?

HEY TAKE IT EASY PAL

I DREAMT THAT I WAS MAKE BELIEVE

WITH NO DESIGN FOR SOUL DISMAY

NO LIMITS TO WHAT I COULD ACHIEVE

SO I ESCAPED THE HELL TO PAY

NO NEED TO DEFEND MY DOSSIER

OR PURIFY WHAT I PERCEIVE

SINCE EVERYTHING TURNS OUT OKAY

IN THE LAND OF MAKE BELIEVE

TRICKY AUTONOMY

TRICKY AUTONOMY

TRICKY AUTONOMY

TRICKY AUTONOMY

PSYCHOACOUSTIC

WILL YOU KNOW WHAT TO DECIDE

WHEN YOU’RE RUNNING FROM NO ONE?

WILL YOU STAND ON TRUE AND TRIED

WHEN YOU’RE RUNNING FROM EVERYONE?

DON’T FEAR THE DEMISE OF THE REAL

ANALYZE THE SURREAL

WHEN YOU LEARN YOU’RE STILL ALIVE

THOUGH YOUR PROMISE IS BROKEN

YOU WILL GORW TO CALL THIS JIVE

AND YOU’LL SHINE ON FOREVER HERE

SO DON’T FEAR THE DEMISE OF THE REAL

ANALYZE THE SURREAL

LIEUTENANT SPINS

DON’T POINT THE GUN AT ME

I AM THE LEADER HERE

YOU HAVE WHAT IT TAKES

TO VANQUISH WHAT YOU FEAR

I HAVE A DEEP RESOLVE

YOU ARE JUST A PAWN

BUT YOU CAN BRING YOUR PROTEST

WHEN THE ENEMY IS GONE

HEAD BACK TO CENTRAL COMMAND

WHERE THEY KNOW WHAT TO DO

‘CAUSE THEY’VE GOT THE LAY OF THE LAND

AND WHAT THEY SAY IS TRUE

‘CAUSE THEY ARE THE ONLY ANSWER

GO AND GET THE TRUCK

DON’T WANT TO LOSE THE FIGHT

COWARDS CAME AND KILLED US

WITH A MISSILE IN THE NIGHT

SOME SORT OF FAKE REVOLT

GRIPPED THE BEST OF YOU

BUT INSUBORDINATION SPELLS

THAT YOUR TIME IS NEARLY THROUGH

HEAD BACK TO CENTRAL COMMAND

WHERE THEY KNOW WHAT TO DO

‘CAUSE THEY’VE GOT THE LAY OF THE LAND

AND WHAT THEY SAY IS TRUE

‘CAUSE THEY ARE THE ONLY ANSWER

HEAD BACK TO CENTRAL COMMAND

WHERE THEY KNOW WHAT TO DO

‘CAUSE THEY’VE GOT THE LAY OF THE LAND

AND WHAT THEY SAY IS TRUE

‘CAUSE THEY ARE THE ONLY ANSWER

THEY ARE THE ONLY ANSWER

THEY ARE THE ONLY ANSWER

THEY ARE THE ONLY ANSWER

SYMMETRY PURSUIT X

LOST ARE THE DAYS OF THE LONESOME UNKNOWN

SCRAWLED IN ARRAYS ON THE ROSETTA STONE

FREE FOR THE SOUNDS

KNOW WHAT SURROUNDS

FEEL MY WAY THROUGH SPACE AND TIME

BREATHE FOR THE TAO

THESE SONGS ARE ABLAZE ON THE WANDERING ROAD

OUR PSALMS AND CLICHES WILL DECIPHER THE CODE

FREE FOR THE SOUNDS

KNOW WHAT SURROUNDS

FEEL MY WAY THROUGH SPACE AND TIME

BREATHE FOR THE TAO

FREE FOR THE SOUNDS

KNOW WHAT SURROUNDS

FEEL MY WAY THROUGH SPACE AND TIME

BREATHE FOR THE TAO

AN ALIEN COMMUNIQUE

I WAS AN ALIEN

CAUGHT IN THE MAKER’S EYE

ALL THAT I COULD’VE BEEN

WAS ALL THAT YOU COULD DENY

I WATCHED THE FIRES BURN

AND LOST ALL THAT I HAD KEPT

ALL THAT I EVER SPURNED

IS ALL I WILL NOW ACCEPT

NIGHT FOLLOWS DAY

THOUGH THE LIGHT NEVER FADES

SOON I’LL BE HOME!

MARCH DOWN THE OPEN PATH

WHERE ALL OF THE SPACE IS NEW

ALL THAT I WANT TO GRASP

IS ALL THAT YOU KNOW IS TRUE

NIGHT FOLLOWS DAY

THOUGH THE LIGHT NEVER FADES

SOON I’LL BE HOME…

COLLECTIONS

Yesterday Brooke and I went to Queens to visit my friend Lane and his family for dinner. Lane used to play guitar in one on my favorite bands from Louisville called Ennui. Now he works as a lighting director at CNN. A few weeks ago, he gave me a tour of the facilities inside the Time Warner building up on Columbus Circle. I'd never been in a television studio before and was very impressed (from a technological standpoint).

When we arrived at Lane's house, his wife Jolyn and daughter Jordana entertained Brooke while Lane showed me several of his guitars in the basement. Lane is an accomplished luthier who also rebuilds amps in his spare time. Every single guitar he showed me played great and sounded amazing. Because Lane has his own house, it was also great to be able to play loudly for a while.

I came away from the evening feeling like I need to take more interest in collecting instruments of quality instead of simply using an instrument as a writing tool. On the road, I've usually been concerned about the practicality of my guitars rather than their price or pure acoustic sound. Since they were all being sent through an amplifier, it wasn't imperative that they possess superior acoustic quality. But I know that these things matter. So I'm starting a new collection as soon as I can.

CLUCKITTY-CLUCK-CLUCK-CLUCK

On Thursday, I played a short set at Under St. Mark's Theatre as part of the show God Tastes Like Chicken. I was invited by Brother John Murdock, whom I met during Penny's Open Mike, to play a few songs following the performance. This improv group is filled with a variety of hilarious people. I highly recommend it if you're searching for something of quality to do on any odd Thursday of the month. Brother John was also gracious enough to invite me to perform again next month on the 18th. So that's exciting, right? Praise to the Chicken!