To view embedded videos, scroll to bottom and click “view in browser”.
This month…
• 2 free pieces
• A hip new hip
• “Shambhu Sessions” Podcast
• New publication
• New album update
• Some recommendations
My Spohn and 2 Free Pieces…
I took a couple weeks off from playing guitar after my hip surgery. When I felt comfortable enough to sit with a guitar in my lap, I had a dilemma. What guitar do I play? I haven't played steel string guitar regularly in a couple years, so I had an itch to go back to it. I played each one to see which felt and sounded right for the moment, and it turned out to be my Spohn guitar.
This beautiful instrument was built by the young German luthier, Max Spohn. About five ago, Max reached out to me and asked if I would be interested in receiving one of his guitars on loan to see what I thought. Upon receiving it, it didn't take long to see how skilled Max is as a builder…and it didn't take long for me to call Max and tell him that I was going to buy the guitar from him. My Spohn OO model has a Swiss Moon spruce top, and back & sides made from a stunning figured walnut. It plays and sounds as beautiful as it looks. It was recorded using my Audigo Labs mic. (Which is absolutely the best thing ever for a low-tech like me.)
The first free piece is “As the Days Become Shorter”, an appropriate sounding minor waltz for darkening days of autumn. Curse you daylight savings time!
It is in DADFAD tuning with a capo on fret 2. (I haven't written anything in an altered tuning in a very long time.) If you play it, try to bring out the melody over the accompaniment. There are very subtle variations in the second statement of the A section at measure 17. These should be pronounced a little more. Also try to bring out a contrast in the B section, with either a variation of color or dynamic.
The second free piece is “All We Ever Wanted”. I haven't played this in years, but for some reason, it was the first thing I wanted to play when I picked up the Spohn. I recorded this tune twice…once on “What Falls Away” (2011), then again on "Unlike the Stars" (2014). The video is an abridged version of the recorded ones.
When I wrote this, it was coming from a place of feeling content…as if saying 'all we ever wanted is right here within us'. It has a dreamy, easing on down the road vibe to it. If you play it, aim to keep it light and loose. Go easy on the alternating thumb and highlight the melody.
On October 21, I had my right hip replaced. I have to give a big thank you to Dr. Marc Urquhart. The whole procedure and recovery have been absolutely amazing. Other than some swelling and soreness, it has been a painless (or at least very tolerable pain of 2 or 3) experience so far. Three weeks out and I am getting around the house easily without a cane, and PT actually feels wonderful. I still have to take things slowly and have a couple more weeks of recovery before heading back to school, but I am looking forward to getting back into my classroom.
So happy that I had this done. This is the best I've felt mentally and physically in over ten years.
Shambhu Sessions Podcast
I recently had the opportunity to meet a favorite musician of mine. Shambhu is a composer & guitarist who has also worked in Will Ackerman's circle. He composes, improvises, and records some of the most beautiful music out there.
We sat down together virtually for the latest episode of the “Shambhu Sessions Podcast”. We discussed how I got started in music, my nostalgic love for heavy metal, working with Will Ackerman, Tom Eaton, and David Crosby, collaborating with other musicians, my writing process, and music education.
Please listen or watch the podcast and consider sharing it on you socials. Give Shambhu a follow while you are there and go check out his work.
New Publication
I have a new piece for classical guitar trio being published by Guitar Chamber Music Press. “Clouds and Cathedrals” is a lighthearted waltz. Guitar 3 provides and arpeggiated accompaniment while Guitars 1 & 2 have the melodic interplay. I will share links when it is available for purchase. In the meantime, you can view all the pieces I have available for purchase here.
New Album Update
I think it's time I give you a little more detail about the upcoming new album…
First of all, it's not a solo album. It's Vin Downes & Tom Eaton album. Since the majority of the writing of this album took place in the studio between the two of us, we have decided to release it as a duo. This is something that I have wanted to do with Tom for a very long time now, and it just seemed to happen naturally. The other point of interest is that I am playing electric guitar on the entire album.
The album will contain ensemble pieces (guitars, synth, piano, bass, percussion) as well as piano and guitar solos. There may even be a guest on there as well. It was almost entirely created in the studio. Some parts being improvised, and some being composed on the spot.
It's not exactly ambient, not exactly new age, and not exactly pop…maybe all three? I'm not sure how to describe it. It might live in the same musical space as some of the duet recordings by Robin Guthrie & Harold Budd, but it definitely sounds like Tom & Vin.
We are extremely excited to get this music out there once it is complete. We are really proud of this album. Look for it in early 2026. Stay tuned…
Recommendations
I've had lots of time to listen and read while convalescing. Here are some of my favorites…
Paul Skenes won the National League Cy Young award this week. It's a big deal for my Pittsburgh Pirates. He is only the third Pirate pitcher to win the coveted award. Now, I can only hope he stays in Pittsburgh and doesn't go to the Yankees or Dodgers. 🤮
Photo Credit: AP/Gene J. Puskar
That's it for November. I hope you and your families have a wonderful Thanksgiving! If you are outside the U.S., I hope you have a wonderful November 27th regardless.
As always, thank you for reading these and for supporting my music.
