SEA LEGS

Everyone rides a bike in Boulder. And since I now live in Boulder too, I suppose that I should ride one as well. It's been ten years since I've ridden a bicycle, ever since mine was stolen in college, probably because I'd adopted the intelligent practice of not locking it up at night. I guess I had other priorities that were more pressing.

Anyway, I went bike shopping a couple days ago and found one that looked like it might work for me. No sooner did I get it outside and step up onto it than I subsequently fell to the ground in what must have been at least moderately humorous for pretty much everyone within viewing distance. Looking back, I'm not really sure how it happened. But it happened. Regardless, I go forth undeterred and will, one way or another, respectfully join these local legions of velocipedes.

But when I do, for the first few days, you know, watch out.

AND NOW FOR SOMETHING COMPLETELY DIFFERENT

We arrived in Boulder last Friday after the long drive out west. Things have been fairly busy since we arrived, opening box after box, putting everything in its place and so on. We found a place to live near a mountain with several trails leading up into the wilderness that we hope to start exploring soon as well. Good gracious this is a different environment than New York City, but altogether very pleasant and extremely welcoming. And though I'm sure it will undoubtedly take time to learn exactly how we fit into this little burg, the future appears to be very promising indeed...

THE MASTERING TRIP

Here are some photos from a recent journey to Asbury Park, New Jersey to master a new album I've been working on lately.

THE PORT AUTHORITY

THE WAITING AREA DOWN BELOW

THE BUS

THE INSIDE OF THE BUS

LEAVING NEW YORK IN THE RAIN

THE STUDIO

A CELEBRATORY BEVERAGE

WALKING TO THE BEACH

THE BEACH

THE BOARDWALK

THE GARDEN OF JOY

WAITING AT THE TRAIN STATION

THE TRAIN ARRIVES

TRANSFERRING IN LONG BRANCH

INSIDE THE TRAIN

CLIMBING FROM THE DEPTHS OF PENN STATION

PENN STATION

AND I'M BACK...

OF AN IMMIMENT ENSEMBLE

Over the past two years, I've been playing solo acoustic shows here in New York. It's been a wonderful experience to be able to gather up my guitar and take the subway or walk to every show. Since the end of 2004, I haven't played with a group of other musicians except on very rare occasions, all of which I've appreciated immensely. I'm really looking forward to getting out to Colorado and having the ability to put together a band in earnest again, learning new things from other musicians, sharing the energy that exists when a group of people play the same song together - you know, 'rockin out', as they say. I know it will take some time to meet people, find a place to practice, and all the other logistics that accompany such an endeavor - but I'm optimistic that it will all come together eventually.

PHOTOS FROM THE BRIDGE

GHOSTS OF HALLELUJAH

Last Thursday night, I listened to an album that I hadn't heard in a few years - Ghosts of Hallelujah by The Gourds. Although I know that other bands are more readily identified as alt-country legends, this album stands for me as one of the finest examples of the genre ever created. I'm certainly not a music writer, so I'm not going to expound on the reasons why I hold this opinion. But I invite you to investigate.

THE MCKIBBIN LOFTS

I have one or two more mixing sessions over at The Gallery before I finish this new project and move to Colorado. I've been recording there on and off for the last year or so, an interesting and informative experience to say the least. Yesterday, I found an article in the New York Times from a couple years ago about the McKibbin Lofts, where The Gallery is located.

When I first visited the lofts and the surrounding area, I certainly wasn't struck by an overwhelming sense of charm. I came to view the studio, meet Brian Forbes, and talk about what would eventually become By The Numbers. What did impress me was Brian's amiable disposition, his vast knowledge of the technology and eagerness to serve the music to its highest capabilities, all of which were more important to me than the snazzyness of the environment in which I'd be working.

Regardless, if you would like to get a better picture of where I've been recording over the past year, here's the article.

FIGMENT FESTIVAL

So I played at 11AM this past Saturday out on Governor’s Island during the Figment Festival, which is almost certainly in the running for top 3 earliest show times in my life. There were a few early birds there, though not many. I did make at least one new fan though…

MUSIC @ SOUTHPORT

When I was in Florida briefly last week, I went to my favorite dive, Southport Raw Bar, for some conch fritters and a pitcher of beer. There was a band playing that afternoon, consisting of two guys playing 'island' music, one with a guitar, one with a bass, plus a drum machine between the two. Simple, but effective for the surroundings. Good times.

VIDEOS FROM THE GALLERY

Below is a collection of videos from sessions recorded at the Gallery Recording Studios in May 2010. Segments include Aaron Steele on drums, Dan Asher on bass guitar, Brian Forbes on electric guitar, Thomas Bryan Eaton on pedal steel guitar, Raphael McGregor on lap steel guitar, and me. I also apologize for the fairly sloppy editing on this. I'm obviously not an expert at putting videos together - but I wanted to share.

Thanks for listening.

WAGONS WEST

We’ve spent almost two years here in New York, which has been undoubtedly amazing. However, come this August we’ll be moving again, this time to Colorado, Boulder specifically, about 25 miles northwest of Denver. We’ve always wanted to live out west, and now it’s actually going to happen. The next couple months will be filled with the logistics of a long-distance move, but I doubt it will be that bad - we’ve done it before. I’ll miss New York a lot, mostly my friends, but also the convenience of the city. Every move causes me to assess where I am, where I’ve been, and where I’m going, which is never a bad thing. And so far, I feel pretty good about this one.

DUSTIN EDGE + STREET SOCCER USA

Over the next week, 50% of all online sales will go to support an organization that I greatly admire - Street Soccer USA. Aside from being an ardent supporter, it's been a privilege to work side-by-side with Street Soccer USA in the past as a guest performer at the Homeless World Cup in Washington DC.

With a mission of using soccer for social change, SSUSA uses team sports to help adults and youths overcome homelessness through a national sports league in 20 cities across the country. Players within the organization commit to change their lives by setting 3, 6, and 12 month personal goals. Then, with the assistance of coaches and volunteers, each player is held accountable to meet – and even exceed – their vision for a better self. Since its inception, Street Soccer USA has helped over 75% of their players get off the streets within a year of joining the program.

WWW.STREETSOCCERUSA.ORG

NOSTALGIA

Here's an old image I found that was taken of me during a show I played in Virginia earlier this year. The picture is grainy because it was very dark in the small tavern where I was performing. It reminds me of good times spent with old friends. I guess I've just been so busy lately that I haven't had much time for that. But I miss it...

...IN WITH THE NEW

I'm headed back into the studio later this month to start recording another EP. This one will be much more acoustic and lo-fi in nature, less rock-oriented. I've been writing a lot on a new classical guitar and will most likely use it on all the new songs we'll be tracking. And I'll be recording once again with Brian Forbes at The Gallery in Williamsburg. He's shared some great thoughts on these ideas and has definitely helped push me into fresh songwriting territory. I'm also planning to make this a much more interactive experience from the studio by posting videos and pictures of our progress, so stay tuned for all that. I'll be back with more as soon as possible...

CD RELEASE PARTY @ OTTO'S SHRUNKEN HEAD - 4.3.10

THANK YOU

Thanks to everyone who came out to the CD Release Party last night! I had such a wonderful time performing for all of you. And I'm so grateful that I have so many amazing people in my life that continue to support my musical endeavors. So thank you thank you thank you for everything.

All the best,

DUSTIN

BY THE NUMBERS

THE GOLDEN RATIO  

SOUND SOUND

GIVE ME THAT SOUND

MELODY SWEET & RHYTHM PROFOUND

WORDS WORDS

ALL OF THESE, WORDS

WRITE THEM DOWN AS THE BEAT DESERVES

PHI, PHI

COULD IT BE PHI?

THE RATIO’S GOLD AND THE TIME IS NIGH

WHEN I WILL LEARN HOW TO ABIDE

LET THE MUSIC BE MY GUIDE

WHEN THE YINS AND YANGS COLLIDE

I’M GOING TO SEE HOW I’M DEFINED

SO I’M GETTING PREPARED

I’M BUILDING WALLS

I’M GATHERING FOOD

I’M WORKING HARD

I’M WETTING MY LIPS

I’M COUNTING CHIPS

I’M LOOKING AHEAD

I’M PLAYING DEAD

I’M CLEANING IT UP

I’M TALKING SHOP

I’M TAKING VOWS

AND MAKING LIFE

SO WHY SHOULD I APOLOGIZE

FOR AN ACTION THAT WAS NEVER MINE?

SHOULD I HAVE BEEN SURPRISED

WHEN I LEARNED I WAS PAST MY PRIME?

NOW THERE’S NOTHING LEFT HERE TO BEGRUDGE

BECAUSE I PLAYED BASS FOR FILBOYD STUDGE

I NEVER WANT TO, BUT I JUDGE

IT’S INVOLUNTARY SLUDGE

I BREAK IT INTO FRAMES

BECAUSE I WANT TO DISCERN

WHAT THE POINT OF THIS IS

BEFORE THE MEETING’S ADJOUNRED

SO TEACH ME TO FORGIVE

OR FATHOM A SIGH

IF YOU CAN’T SHOW ME HOW TO LIVE

THEN SHOW ME HOW TO DIE

SHOW ME HOW TO DIE!

WEIGHTS & MEASURES

PLEASE OH PLEASE STOP LOOKING AT ME

OH PLEASE OH PLEASE STOP LOOKING AT ME

WHY WON’T YOU JUST STOP LOOKING AT ME?

TURN YOUR HEADS AWAY BECAUSE

I MUST LOOK SO TERRIBLE

I MUST LOOK SO TERRIBLE

I NEED TO WORK OUT MORE I GUESS

I NEED TO WORK OUT MORE OH YES

I’M GOING TO SET MY SCHEDULE

AND GET THINGS DONE

THERE’S NO TIME TO WASTE

IT’S NOW OR NEVER

OH, I’M GONNA TO FEEL INVINCIBLE

YES, I’M GONNA TO FEEL INVINCIBLE

AM I DOING THIS JUST FOR THE PRINCIPLE?

OR IS IT ALL JUST ABOUT ME?

NO, I DON’T HAVE TIME FOR THOUGHTS LIKE THAT

NO, I DON’T HAVE TIME TO SIT AND CHAT

I HAVE TO GET UP EARLY AND DROP THE FAT

SO THEY ALL WILL DESIRE ME

I’M GONNA LOOK SO GOOD

HOW GOOD? SO GOOD!

AND EVERYONE WILL THINK

I HAVE MY LIFE TOGETHER

EARLY TO RISE

I’M STUDYING THE MIRROR

FLEXING MY BODY

PAIN IS THE PRICE

I’M GONNA PAY

FOR A FINE PHYSIQUE

OF COURSE

MY DISCIPLINE’S SHARP

AS I FOLLOW MY DIET

FORCE ALL THE EVIL TOXINS OUT

AND PUT THE VITAMINS THROUGH MY VEINS

AND I SHOULD LIKELY SEE RESULTS

IN ABOUT EIGHTEEN WEEKS

OH, BUT IF THESE PLANS DON’T WORK

I CAN ALWAYS SAVE UP MONEY

TO CONSULT A SURGEON

WHO’LL ADJUST EVERYTHING

WITH A QUICK PROCEDURE

SO I WON’T HAVE TO WORRY

UNTIL I NOTICE SOMETHING ELSE

UNATTRACTIVE WITH MYSELF

THAT NEEDS FIXING

HUMAN OR MACHINE

IT WAS A SLEEPLESS NIGHT OF RESTLESSNESS

WHEN FROM OUTSIDE, I HEARD A NOISE

IT WAS STRANGE AND DISTURBING

IT WAS SO CLANDESTINE

IT WAS DIFFICULT TO KEEP MY POISE

I RUSHED OUTSIDE AND I STOOD THERE, SILENT

LOOKING FOR THE SOURCE OF STENTORIAN VIOLENCE

ALONE, I WONDERED WHERE THE NEIGHBORS WERE

WAS I THE ONLY ONE WHO HAD HEARD THE STIR?

THE NEXT THING I KNEW, I WAS OFF MY FEET

RISING STEADILY ABOVE THE STREET

ALL MY EXTREMITIES BEGAN TO STING

I HAD NO IDEA WHAT WAS HAPPENING TO ME

AM I HUMAN OR MACHINE?

AM I IN TUNE OR OUT OF KEY?

IF I COULD JUST HEAR THAT SOUND AGAIN

I’D BE ABLE TO BEGIN TO UNDERSTAND THE STATE I’M IN

WHEN MY FEET TOUCHED GROUND

I WAS DIFFERENT SOMEHOW

I COULD SEE THE WINDS MOVE

SO I CHOSE TO ESPOUSE

THAT THE MOMENT WAS REAL

AND I WAS ACTUALLY THERE

AND IT WASN’T JUST THE IMPACT

OF A FABLED AFFAIR

I KNEW NO ONE WOULD TRUST ME

IF I TOLD THEM THE TALE

DESCRIBING EVERY SECOND

OF THIS AURAL TRAVAIL

IT WAS JUST ANOTHER STORY

THAT NO ONE WOULD BELIEVE

EVEN THOUGH I DETERMINE

ANY NUMBER TO THE NTH DEGREE

AM I HUMAN OR MACHINE?

AM I IN TUNE OR OUT OF KEY?

IF I COULD JUST HEAR THAT SOUND AGAIN

I’D BE ABLE TO BEGIN TO UNDERSTAND THE STATE I’M IN

AM I HUMAN OR MACHINE?

AM I IN TUNE OR OUT OF KEY?

IF I COULD JUST HEAR THAT SOUND AGAIN

I’D BE ABLE TO BEGIN TO UNDERSTAND THE STATE I’M IN

EASY AS PI

COME OVER HERE

MAKE YOUR ARGUMENT

FOR WHAT YOU BELIEVE

SING IT LOUD AND CLEAR

YOU LEARNED THE MOVES

BUT FAILED TO UNDERSTAND

WHAT YOU THOUGHT WAS FAITH

SO NOW YOU JUST PRETEND

THAT YOU’VE BLOWN AWAY

THAT YOU’VE BLOWN AWAY

THAT YOU’VE BLOWN AWAY

THAT YOU’VE BLOWN AWAY

BUT I CAN TAKE YOU FAR FROM HERE

I WON’T MAKE YOU LOST

BUT I’LL ENGINEER

OUR ESCAPE

THE BEEZY DOUGLAS CARNIVALE - 3.20.10

Photos courtesy of Brooke