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A long time indeed has passed since I last sent a report to you. I had promised to let you know what was taking shape, so, therefore I am pleased to upload a new song, aptly titled, "Givin' Away". I hope that you enjoy listening to it with as much pleasure as I had creating it. I played all the "instruments" with the exception of my brother Blair's soulful contribution on percussion. I was fortunate to have this track mixed by none other than Nick Blagona. I have taken this learning opportunity to expand beyond my own work and have recently invited other song writers and instrumentalists to participate in these sessions. The lessons learnt have been invaluable. Many people have written to ask about my performance schedule. Let me state that it is very healthy. Hint; King Henry's Arms, March 13th w/Lou Moore. I don't always update my webmaster on time. May I please remind you again to listen to the new download (available from the "Music" portion of my web page). I enjoy sharing. Grant Saturday November 17th, 2007 - 2:33PM EST Ok. Here I am. Being dragged and pulled into the twenty-first century. Do you remember the 1980’s? For me it was high school, drum machines, Reagan and everything that a believer in natural conscience found alien and unfriendly. It was the dawn of MIDI. Sure there was a lot of serious music; John Hammond presented Stevie Ray, there was Joy Division, U2 and Husker Du. But where could you find a Lefty Frizzel? A new compact disc cost $19.99. Perhaps you already owned a copy of the recording in the superior sounding vinyl format. But that didn’t stop us buying into the concept. The Beatles were yet to be re-mastered, and we went headlong towards the digital frontier. Some were grateful. I was not. Fast forward to today. People still search out new music and more people than ever wish to create it, disseminate it and above all, participate in it. The message has stayed the same but the medium has become much louder. The limits of our expressions are bound only by the tools within our reach. That, and the opportunity in which to explore and develop our talents. Just the other day I was at the Gardiner Museum and saw the Gertraud Mohwald exhibit. A survivor of the Dresden fire bombings, she used her experiences as a young woman to express, through sculpture, the infinite yet personal opportunities that our modern life has to convey. I highly recommend seeing it. As Kurt Vonnegut’s sister used to say, “I can’t wait to see what happens next”. Saturday October 13th, 2007 - 10:31AM EST Ahoy-hoy, welcome to those who are tuning in. What’s making news? Well I have been on an intensive crash course in “makin’ records” People, there exists today the technology to turn out finished music at a fraction of the effort and expense of only a few years ago. The only trick is learning some new controls. Oh, and being able to play something decent into a microphone. I am very close to being able to work this equipment, and boy, I’m as excited as a kid. You must be aware of the immense changes that have
taken place within the recording industry, well isn’t there always a
silver lining. I have been very fortunate to have the vast pool
knowledgeable people to assist me. I would like to thank firstly my
brother Blair, who with his exceptional skills got me set up and
running in the first place. Musicians and studio owners Michael
Sloski, and Chris Dell have also been instrumental in actually
making it work. This is a brave new frontier, wish me well on my
journey. Thursday September 6th, 2007 - 6:01PM EST Well Gentle Readers, today I depart from the usual jesting and light-heartedness that characterizes my usual rants. Today I must vent. John “Rockin’ Johnnie B” Butcher passed away last week after a long battle with cancer. A lot of trouble befell John in his later years. I knew John when he was a prosperous person with a solid job, a condo, cottage and a Porsche. He eventually lost everything but not before first losing his wife. He made some poor decisions and wound up in a very bad place. Eventually cleared of any real wrong doing, he was never again the same man. John was always a kind, dignified and generous man. More than once he took me in and provided council and comfort. All the musicians will remember him as a tireless supporter of live music and as a champion of their craft. I miss you John. Unfortunately this is the just the latest news in what has been a very trying year for me. Early this year my Grandmother passed away. Her long life will be remembered through her many charitable contributions and the immense pride she had in her four grandchildren. I miss you Bubbi. Poor health has been the unrelenting theme this past year. Rod Phillips, that monster of a musician never recovered from his battle with cancer. It’s still hard to believe that that seat is empty. We miss you Rod. One of my dearest friends, musical mentor, and partner Steven Woods suffered a stroke and was diagnosed with cancer. He has made a full recovery but as of yet, has still not returned to performing. Steve is lucky. Thank God. I miss working with Steve. Jim Thompson, the big man with the big heart is battling cancer. Jim produced my first CD and the love and dedication he put into it was the envy of many. Come on Jim, you can make it. My girlfriend Crystal’s father is seriously ill and in need of a kidney. Crystal is the most suitable donor. I am very close to Brian. To see him suffer is painful. Perhaps by giving this gift, Crystal can save a life. She is generous and brave. I am taking a break from performing (except for a few select shows) and I’m crawling into the new home studio. I will stay there until I have something beautiful that I can give you. I will keep in touch and I promise to have some good news next time. Peace Thursday August 23rd, 2007 - 5:36PM EST Welcome and thank you for tuning in again. Since I’ve last taken up writing this journal, I’ve enjoyed the fine opportunities such as performing at the Oakville Jazz Festival where we were very warmly received. The crowd even stayed through the downpour and I was blessed by the company of Michael Sloski and Roly Platt. I was unaware of just how much some people love Karaoke. Recently, Crystal and I were invited by friends to a swank hideout in Little Korea on Bloor Street where we were escorted to our own private living room. The joint offers all of the hospitality and amenities that one could ask for. All this and a set list of thousands resulted in much hilarity. Honestly, I had no idea that people took this stuff so seriously. Has anyone heard of Audacity? It’s a great, free online software package that allows musicians easy access to recording capabilities. I highly recommend you look into this. I’ve got a steep learning curve of unusual steepness ahead of me, but with some patience I may be able to post some work on the web site soon. In other news, our wonderful cat Leo (Leopold the Bold Scottish Fold) recently celebrated his second birthday (see photo below). A good time was had by all. He’s still recovering from his catnip jag and sleeping more than usual.
Monday August 9th, 2007 - 5:08PM EST Hello and welcome. I have been asked to create this blog as it seems that some people would like to know more about what’s going on between the times that I show up, plug in and play. What do I do on a typical Monday afternoon, for example? Or, how do I make that delicious chicken soup? Well, I won’t answer these pressing issues at the present time. I have however, included two lovely summer recipes if you care to read on. But first…I am very pleased with the feedback I’ve received about our recent CD “retronym”. If you look in the "Reviews" section of the web page you will find some very generous comments about yours truly and company. And, we are currently in negotiations to have the disc distributed throughout the United States. Most of all, I am delighted to be performing with the very same group of people who played on the CD this Sunday at The Oakville Jazz Festival. If you can join us, show time is 1 p.m. What else is new? We’ve added more links to our "Links" section to give users a greater opportunity to explore the connections and interests in my little world. Please, take a look… So, to wind up, I would ask that if anyone has ideas about what I should (or should not) be putting in this space, please don’t hesitate to let me know. I was musing about jotting down the occasional guitar tip. Not about maintenance (I leave that to the pros) but instead, some of the nifty things that six metal strings and a plank of wood can do. If you ask them… nicely. Guitars can bite you know? O.K. Two tasty summer recipes. My very own creations too! 1. You like avocado? Smoked salmon? Mash avocado with lime juice, season, (try adding a drop or two each of hot pepper sauce and honey) and then roll into a slice of smoked salmon. Pierce with toothpick and Mmmm. 2. Bourbon marinated pork loin. Mix one ounce bourbon (Jim Beam, Wild Turkey) with a dash of hot mustard powder, black pepper, and a dollop of honey. Rub on pork loin, cover and let stand. Heat grill, cook to medium-rare, let stand, and enjoy. Until next time, to all, peace and prosperity. Grant |
