In the studio with Adam Rossi the past couple of months putting the finishing touches on new material that I’m extremely excited about. Looks like this is turning into my bastardized version of a soul record! Still some more writing and purging to do, but loving how it’s coming out, as well as the process of working it out with this band of badasses. It’s been awhile since I’ve written this way and although it takes longer (getting folks in the room is the challenge) I’m extremely grateful to have this group of strong opinions and talent. Last week Pie Fiorentino, Laela Peterson-Stolen, and Patty Espeseth added some strings to the new song “Burn It Off.” One of the more darker songs that I’ve written in awhile, but explains a lot about the feelings that creep in during such a long frickin ordeal with cancer and the mental aspect of it.
Also heading out to Tucson to mix these songs with one of my favorite people in the world Craig Schumacher! We’ll be holed up for 3 days at Wavelab and he and I go as far back as the “Pollo Elastico“ days and from what he’s told me, our live warehouse show in 90′ was one of the first things that he ever recorded. Craig has gone on to produce, mix and help create one of the most unique sounds in indie rock, having worked with Giant Sand’s Howe Gelb, Calexico, Neko Case, Devotchka, KT Tunstall, Amos Lee. Iron & Wine, M. Ward. Craig has also gone through the exact same cancer as I was diagnosed with and has been one of the folks that I can count on for support from the get go. Can’t wait hear what he does with these tunes!
Excited to announce that I’ll be opening for Wesley Stace (aka John Wesley Harding) on Thursday April 21st @ The Makeout Room 7pm Doors: 8:00pm Show: Tickets on sale here
Wes has released numerous albums under the name John Wesley Harding and his latest record titled “Wesley Stace” came out in 2013 on Yeprock and was produced by long time friend Chris Von Sneidern. To top it off he’s written 4 novels and his latest “Wonderkid” just came out in Feb. I’ve seen him a couple of times over the years and his show never disappoints, is humorous, damn those songs are great! I’m opening and will be bringing new songs to light and explaining my own precarious state of mind.
Lastly had the damn good fortune and honor to sing “This Life With You” with my buddy Eddie Spaghetti & The Supersuckers last month. Eddie is also another of my Tucson friends who has gone down the same health path as myself this year, and we’ve been talking about all the trials & tribulations that this type of crap brings. He was sounding better than ever and their new record “Holdin The Bag” is another shit kicker of a disc. Jello Biafra & Blag Dahlia jumped up there during the show and Rock & Roll was restored to order. Cha Cha Cha.
