I know, I know….too long since last entry. Also, the last entry was a sad one. Why would you leave us feeling so sad? Maybe this post will leave you feeling happy, I hope. I finally finished the new CD entitled Standard Delivery. Scheduled release date – January 2006.
I had such a great time making this one. It also was a lot harder to make than the first one. I think it’s because is was so simple and basic. The usual core crew is on this one, Jennifer, Jaz and Travis – and they sound amazing.
For the Michael Frank lovers, I get a little backup singing time on his new CD, Rendezvous in Rio, which as you guessed, as is all of Mr. Franks’s CDs, is fantastic. I am always amazed at how he keeps writing tunes that are so diverse and timely. We just complete Michael’s tour, finishing up at the legendary Scullers in Boston.
I would write about my new CD Standard Delivery, but I put all that information in the liner notes. So instead I’m going to mention some of the CDs I purchased just recently.
Ella Fitzgerald at the Opera House – Ella Fitzgerald; (Day Dream) Best of the Duke Ellington Songbook – Ella Fitzgerald; The Jazz Sides, Charlie Parker – Jazz and the Philharmonic 1949 with Ella Fitzgerald; Juju – King Sunny Ade & His African Beats Music; Rise Up – Thomas Mapfumo and the Blacks Unlimited , This Time – Al Jarreau; Mishka – Mishka and Mishka-One Tree.
I haven’t been up to much lately, except the usual things working, practicing the bass, writing songs. I did participate in the 2006 Brooklyn For Peace Fair last Sunday. It was astounding. There were over 150 participants there. Even though the various groups had their agendas, they all came together under the umbrella of peace. Setting aside agendas. This can be the hardest thing for us to do. Sometimes we need to set aside that which makes us uniquely different and focus on that which makes us uniquely similar. This is necessary if we are to communicate with each other.
It’s that time of the year, my favorite time of the year. Fall. When I’m not touring, I spend part of my time in Brooklyn and the other part at the house in Woodstock. This year the trees in Woodstock are breathtaking. I guess this is the first time that I noticed, really noticed nature’s talent for color and texture. I’ve noticed how crisp the air is and how resolved the clouds appear. Also, some of the best holidays are in the fall, Halloween, Thanksgiving, my birthday………The latter is probably the reason why I like the fall so much. Some people don’t like birthdays, I know, but me……It’s a nice reminder of the relevance of time and if I’m doing anything that helps create value in someone’s life. Doesn’t have to be anything big, a hello or a smile is enough at times.
I’ll keep this one short.
Those of you who celebrate Halloween, have a happy one!
Peace, Happiness, Love & Prosperity
V