Last night's recording session was phenomenal. I am producing, with Duncan Phillips, a unique recording that will feature some of the more obscure Bruce "Utah" Phillips songs performed by regionally-based musicians. Wait 'til you hear this! It's going to be amazing. We've actually recorded six song basics so far, with more to be recorded in April. For me, it's an honor. For my brain, it's a lot of organizational work. Trying to get everyone into the studio is like trying to move frogs in a barrel. I also don't have time to play my instruments much once I am into a project like this. But you can hardly beat the magic that sometimes happens in the recording studio. One of these days I'll get to sing on it, too. Until then, I'm on the "bridge" with the sound engineer and those who stop by to listen. Last night we had a room full of friends; Duncan Phillips, Anke Summerhill, The Iversons, Buddy Mondlock, Hal Cannon and the engineer Michael Greene. Phillips' fans should see the project's website, www.thelongmemory.com.

It's been a while since I have written. I've had a myriad of activities going on including touring in TX, OK, LA, recording a new album with Kat Eggleston, performing on other artists' recordings and organizing the production of a Utah Phillips tribute recording. This week is quiet. For a few days.
My latest aha...I've grown accustomed to bed and breakfasts. Staying at a B&B is like a visit to Grandma's house, which is a real treat when you are on the road. I think I'll stick with them. When I am traveling, in the mornings when getting ready for the day, I sometimes watch the music video channels. On Monday morning I saw a few videos on the country music channel. Wow. There was Jewel. I love Jewel's early stuff but have not heard her recent recordings. She's now on the country music channel. She has moved? She's country now? In the video she was portraying the 'I'm a model, too,' thing. I couldn't believe it. She was putting on lipstick, puckering in front of the mirror, and all! Of course women are beautiful creatures by nature. We are. And to make the most of that is an art form in itself. I get that. But the upsetting part for me, was that the song she was singing was insubstantial, which is where the need for the model comes in. Oh my gosh. Jewel!!! What has happened???
To be kind, I must give her the benefit of the doubt, that it is only one song and there could be more. Yet I could not help but wonder why Jewel's career would become LESS substantial as time goes on, except to suspect that she's decided she has to take that route. Does she think that she won't have a career if she's not playing that game? Are people telling her what to do? And what about us? Have we gotten nowhere? Do we still have to primp and strut, and put on that sexy, longing look in order to get some music accross? I just don't know what to think about it.
Hmm...I make very little money, was turned down for an opening act slot on a great music tour because of my AGE, have a day-to-day decision to make about whether to continue working in music, decided yesterday that I would not die the gray 'highlights' out of my hair. Yet, if I had the chance to be on a major record label, and to be able to reach the whole world, well, I hope I'd not make fluff. That, I guess, would be obvious if one listened to some of the songs on my latest album. 'Blooming' was released in October, was buried underneath the releases of the more famous people, I'll not be on TV. Somehow, instead of discouraging me, this all seems to light a fire in my heart.
Still, I love Jewel.