This month...a free piece, a completed new album, a new friend, and a recommendation.

I am a day late on this newsletter because June was a whirlwind of craziness. So here we go...

This Month's Free Piece

I didn't have any time to write something new for this month's newsletter because I was getting ready to go into the studio to record, so here is an older piece and its backstory. 

"The Red Shirt Is for Crying" is a song on my 2020 album "Good Light to Go By" that was different than anything I had ever written before. This song was specifically written for a set of lyrics given to me by David Crosby. He had asked me to try and set the lyrics to music and see what I could come up with. No pressure...

Since I am not really a singer, this was a bit daunting, but after a few days, I was able to come up with a progression, melody, and form that felt comfortable to me. I went into a local studio to record a demo that I would send to David. The night before I sent it, he called me to say, "Don't be worried about sending me the demo, if it doesn't work, I promise I'll still like you and we'll try again." Needless to say, I was still terrified.

I sent the demo to David and his son/co-writer/producer James Raymond who both loved the track. They both talked about recording it on an upcoming album, but when Crosby is co-writing with James Raymond, Michael McDonald, Marc Cohen, Donald Fagen, Michelle Willis, and Becca Stevens...well...it was a very long shot...maybe someday.

Regardless, it was an incredible opportunity and learning experience that I am extremely grateful for having.

Here is the notation & TAB of the final instrumental version that went on my album.

The Red Shirt Is for Crying (standard & TAB)

Here is a video from the studio when I recorded the original demo to send to Crosby.

Recording original demo of "The Red Shirt Is for Crying" (camera audio)

The New Album is Done!

Tom Eaton and I recorded, mixed, and mastered my new album in three days at Tom's brand new studio in East Kingston, NH. Well...Tom did all of the hard work, I just played the guitar.

We recorded 9 new pieces, and selected 4 songs from my last two digital releases that really fit really well with the new material. These will be included on the album.

The new album is titled "Three Evenings" and will have a total of 12 tracks. It will be available on CD, for download, and on all streaming sites later this summer. Notation/TABs will be available for the entire album as well. 

One of the new pieces will not be included on the album, but it will be released as a single in the fall. It is an arrangement of two Celtic tunes; Neil Gow's Lament for the Death of His Second Wife / Rosin the Beau.

Here are some pics from the studio...

Meeting Ryan Judd

While at the studio in New Hampshire, I was able to finally meet Ryan Judd who lives in the area. Ryan and I have traded emails for quite a while now, so it was so nice to finally meet in person. 

Ryan is an accomplished composer and guitarist, and also an internationally known music therapist.

It was wonderful to take a break from working in the studio and talk about the power of music as it applies to our emotional and physical lives every day. As someone who is fascinated by the creative process, I was really intrigued with how Ryan sees his own creativity and how he has developed the ability to get his healing music out to so many people successfully. It was a discussion I am still thinking about, and I am looking forward to many more conversations with Ryan.

Please check out Ryan's work. His music will put you in a good place!

Ryan Judd - Website

A Good 'Ol Read

I recently picked up a 1959 printing of Aaron Copeland's Imagination and Music from Thriftbooks (I may love this website way too much).

I think I first read this when I was in college. This is a fantastic exploration into the role of the imagination in composing, performing, and listening. A highly recommended read.

That's all for now. Keep an eye out for an additional newsletter this month with more info on the release of my new album. I will be sending you a sneak peek of the album cover and a promotion video before I post all that stuff on social media.

Thanks for reading these. I hope everyone has a wonderful summer.

Cheers...

Vin