Starting off the new year, busy as usual

As 2006 wound down, my Autumn recording spurt ended with 12 new songs. That collection is pretty much finished and will become a Spring 2007 release, complete with full artwork. (There's also a few gems for a future collection of a different sort, perhaps for the Fall or for 2008.) After the Spring release, I will turn my attention to expansion of my website and the possible launch of an additional site to balance and reorganize my writing vs. musical pursuits.
2006 had many highlights. Two plays, one album, some shows, and our first year anniversary as home owners. We had some of our best traveling, got to see lots of friends and everyone, for the most part, remained healthy and productive throughout.

Now a bit less bloated and groggy from the holiday festivities I look ahead to what promises to be a busy 2007. BABA recently received a grant from the Columbia-Montour Tourism Board for an additional event (besides Noboborsho, our Spring event). More details on that soon. Before we know it, Summer will be here and the BU Alumni will be doing another show. That usually means two things: #1 living in Carver Hall, #2 our house gets flooded with actors who take over the house and our only bathroom! At least now we have a new toilet, and we actually have a bathroom ceiling (thanks again Paul!).

Possibilities for travel include Chicago, a trip further west or perhaps a small tour to support the new CD. A lot depends on how our local events pan out on the schedule. (And some people *still* call this a hobby... when will they figure out it is not?!)

Jonah Walters, a young songwriter from Lewisburg, has been working with me in the studio to learn about the recording process as part of his final student project for Greenwood Friends School. We may be posting some of his work in the Spring as well.

There was also lots of good music and reading to be had this year...

*** Two new albums you should buy (and they aren't even mine!) ***

1. Yusuf Islam (formerly Cat Stevens) released his first "secular" album in over 25 years - An Other Cup. It is a beautiful example of quality music in every sense. The emotion, sentiment and production are all impressive. I'd encourage anyone who was a fan, but may have been confused by his spiritual journey to reconsider and pick up this album. In many ways, it is as if he is picking up where he left off, but even wiser and with more intensity.
http://www.yusufislam.com/

2. Tom Waits - Orphans - This 3-disc set is a bit pricey for the non-enthusiast, but this is a very broad selection of pieces, mostly new, that show his depth of genius. Not since Ian Anderson and Jethro Tull have I been this absorbed - some may say obsessed - with an artist. And in so many ways, these influences couldn't be more different. Tull (the band) and Anderson (the primary driving force) always seemed to strive for something a bit more "pretty", even in the heavier stuff they do. Waits, on the other hand, through a lot of noises, bumps and growls, seems to achieve his own prettiness in a roundabout, often dark, way. It's a refreshing contrast if you are patient enough to let it grow on you. If you are turned *off* by his voice, well, then you probably just won't get it.