Flares

weblog

Some years ago, I was privileged to hang out in the studio with the great Bill Withers (“Lean On Me,” “Ain’t No Sunshine”).  He wanted to know if I thought the guitar solo on his new song was too loud in the mix.  Before I could answer he said, “Naw, it’s good ’cause that was the great Eric Gale, and he was serious when he played that.  He meant that.”

Yep.  Made an impression.

Hey, we’re back from Memphis and the International Folk Alliance.  Met great folks, deepened friendships, and heard some amazing music.  Thank you to all that brought such soul to this thing.   I know you meant it.

…to the International Folk Alliance gathering in Memphis, home of Al Green and WC Handy – oh, and Elvis.  It’s a totally over-the-top festival (in mid February) where music and stories abound ’round the clock, and heros of the art form mix it up side by side with courageous, unheard of ones.  They all bring songs and let ‘em simmer there in a stew with about 400 other writers and modern troubadours.  Down on Beale Street you could get the notion that songs are essential – you eat ‘em for breakfast, you breathe them all day in and out of windows and doorways, you drink them like midnight elixir.  I have played some great music towns, and hung out with some remarkable talents, but this thing in Memphis is different.  It’s a kind of a vortex drawing odd souls together.  The point is to find some kind of dialogue among the muses, ghosts, and fresh spirits wandering the hallways of a downtown hotel.  And, yes, I know it’s a conference for songwriters, publishers, labels, publicists, and folks trying to figure out how to make this madness into something like a career.  God bless us every one.

I am happy to tell you that a young artist, Grace Pettis, whose new album I produced, will be showcasing in Memphis as well. Grace is getting some great national attention, winning awards, and is someone to keep your eye on.

Thanks for every bit of your kindness, emails, ideas, and engaged listening.  Always.

Writing is fishing—it’s catch and release.  You get a song on the line and then you let it go.  It’s a pretty good metaphor.  I don’t know a songwriter who thinks they were not simply in the right place at the right time, with a cane pole and an afternoon!  Wishing Sky is officially released this week.  These 12 songs were briefly on my hook—maybe they were just swimming by and got tangled up in my net.  Nevertheless, I’ve become quite fond of them, and now it’s time to send them out.  I hope they swim all the way over to you!

I have been doing more shows this season, and having a fantastic time.  It’s great to be back at it.  Thank you for coming out, if you have!  Lots of friends are connecting, and the music is making it’s way to some new places.  Thanks to Lane at The Bugle Boy in LaGrange, Steve at Unity On Greenville in Dallas, Becky at Winter Wind in Norman, and the Belinoskis at the Onion Creek series in Austin.  These venues are beautiful experiences all, with a great listening ethic, wonderful acoustics, and hugely benevolent spirits.

My studio life is full at Blue Rock so I’m picking my moments to step out.  I have a CD release show coming November 18 at the Cactus Cafe in Austin (see shows page).  I would love to see you there.

Fin,

Billy