So much of my days are just rushing to get from A-B that I miss and ignore all the little things that lie in between.  As I continued my walk I passed people walking and I was reminded just how powerful a smile and a greeting can be.  I actually experimented with this on my way to the little downtown market.  This lady was walking opposite me and I didn’t make eye contact with her at all and she just walked like I wasn’t even there.  The next person that came my way I smiled and I said, “Good afternoon” and she smiled back and said, “Good afternoon to you to” as if she was pleasantly surprised that I greeted her.  The smile on her face was not something you could fake and you could see the genuine happiness.  It also made me feel good and reminded me that just one kind gesture, even for a brief moment, can not only make you feel good but offer someone a brief moment of seeing the kindness of someone else.

When I got back home I didn’t write a single lyric or come up with a single progression of music.  What I did do was sit with my guitar and just play feeling inspired by nothing more than life in general.  I was reminded that life is pretty damn beautiful no matter what little obstacles you approach.  The fact that I am able to pick up a guitar and just play it is something that I take for granted an awful lot.  So I did just that.  I picked it up and for the next 30 minutes I just played and played and played enjoying every chord and loving it for what it is.  I need to go walking more often.

I’m looking forward to seeing what the creative future holds for me.  I have managed to find inspiration in talking to friends and sharing music with them.  Recently a good friend has been keeping a blog and I really enjoy reading her writing.  It makes me realize that I don’t read enough of other peoples creative musings but by doing so, I have found a lot of inspiration.  Inspiration is all over and it’s funny how I seem to have shut myself off from a lot of the simple places that inspiration can be tucked away in.  Going for a long walk, a drive or just sitting outside still for a 1/2 hour seems to really bring something to me.  In 2012, that is my goal.  To seek and find inspiration in places that I didn’t know or places that I just ignored.  When I go for walks, I’ll leave the phone in my pocket and take in everything.  I will keep my head up as I walk and maybe even slow down the pace enough to take things in.

… an old leg sign.

I have recently started playing music with two really good friends and I can’t even begin to say how much fun I’ve been having.  We have just been getting together and playing some really great, fun rock n’ roll songs.  Everything from the Stones to Crazy Horse we’ve been tearing it up.  It’s not perfect but it doesn’t have to be.  It’s fun and it’s very cleansing.  Volume seems to cure what has been ailing me these days.  Picking up my bass guitar and plugging in has been a blast.  We are even working on original material to eventually start playing.  This has been an amazing experience for me and has rekindled my love of playing music.  For a while there I was starting to get discouraged.  At 38 years old, my life as a folksinger/songwriter isn’t going to get much better than what it is so I was starting to feel trapped and somewhat smothered.  Playing with Mike & Bruce has given me some new space to spread the wings of my creative spirit and give me another outlet.  In addition to these fellas, I”m still looking to put together my dream band, a stoner rock trio in the vein of Black Sabbath, Graveyard and Captain Beyond.  This is something I’ve always wanted to try and I figured I might as well follow my own advice that I give to others: You’re never too old and it’s never too late to pursue a dream and try to make it come true.  Hell, the worst that can happen is that it would suck right?

So what’s going to happen to my folksinger/songwriter life?  Absolutely nothing.  I will continue to do it because it’s who I am.  It is a huge part of me.  It is something I will always love and be passionate about but I just won’t be pushing it like I have.  I won’t be trying to get every gig and play 20 shows a year.  Maybe this move will make things more exciting for me as a solo artist.  Maybe only 2-3 shows a year will make it an event and make it more exciting.  I’ll always have the music in me and I’ll always make my solo albums for any and everyone who will listen to them and connect with them.  I just feel that exploring other musical outlets will not only give me more creative and spiritual room to grow as an artist but it will keep my folk stuff from suffering and getting stale.  The last thing I would ever want is to have my art suffer because of frustration.  The more outlets and room I have to express myself the better off I will be.

So to all my friends, family and fans near and far, thank you for all of your support.  Every single one of you who have come to the shows, downloaded an album and/or messaged me to tell me that a song or two connected with them, thank you.  I couldn’t do it without the support and love you all give me and I hope I can count on your support in my upcoming adventures into uncharted waters.  It’s going to an adventure to say the least and I look forward to seeing what lies ahead.

Happy Holidays and Happy New Year!

Playing shows, whether you’re a solo act or in a band is not like it was in the old day.  You don’t play a venue over and over again for years and have your following grow with each passing show.  These days, playing  shows means you  are mainly playing to your friends who dig your music as opposed to playing for people who have never heard you and will come back show after show.  I mean this in no disrespect to the friends that come to see my shows.  I mean, the truth is that I have no doubt these friends like my stuff.  If they didn’t they wouldn’t come out to the shows but at the same time, would they necessarily come out if they had just seen me by chance in a coffeehouse one night?  That remains to be determined.  I can say this though.  I have had the extreme pleasure of meeting some really great people at my shows who have come up to me to tell me that they really enjoyed my songs and my performance.  This never ceases to make me feel like a million dollars but there’s one problem.  I never see them again at future performances.  Why is this?  There is really no answer to it.  It’s just how it is… and I’m really ok with that.

So if I’m ok with that, why stop playing solo for a while?  Well, the reason is because I’m 37 years old and there are STILL some musical ideas and dreams that I have yet to pursue and this is the time to do so.  I always held off on them because I was convinced that with each passing year something just may happen to take my solo music to another level.  I’ve had a great time doing it but it’s time to shift my focus.  My solo music will always live and thrive but performing as a solo act will no longer by my priority.  I’m sure I will go back to frequenting the open mics as an outlet to do solo shows and maybe next year in 2012 I’ll only do 3 solo shows max.  I want to put these dream bands of mine together.  No more holding back.  It’s time to shit or get off the pot.  I preach to people all the time that it’s never too late to pursue a dream.  Well, I guess I’m finally taking my own advice.

I want to say that I appreciate and love you all for all the support you have given me over the years.  Hell, for all I know 3 people read this blog, haha.  But that’s fine.  I do this for me anyways.  I really love that everyone sends me their best wishes and support.  I hope you all will follow my adventures from here on out.  This should prove to be an interesting ride.

Until the next comeback tour…

Moving back to Atlanta was a welcome change for me.  Being that we only were here for a two year stint (my wife was doing a fellowship), we had no idea if we would be staying.  I used the two years to strip it back down to being a solo folksinger once again and found myself getting know myself, my songs and my performances in a way that I hadn’t done so in many years.  I suddenly felt connected to the songs, I felt engaged and it almost felt cleansing at times.  I released two albums that I am very proud of (“Planes, Trains, Crickets & Central Air” and “This Is Wooden Music“) and played a slew of fantastic show.  I got invited to be a guest NPR’s “The State of Things” and even got asked to perform in Knoxville, TN on the legendary WDVX Radio’s “Blue Plate Special” (LISTEN HERE!)  I managed to do more in two years time than I did in my 7 years in the Chapel Hill/Raleigh/Durham area and this was a huge thing for me.  I felt validated, appreciated and even felt like I just might be taken as a true folksinger/songwriter and not just some dude who plays coffeehouses.  With all that being said, I feel that I have hit that proverbial wall.

So here I am.  I have rooted myself here in Atlanta, GA for the long haul.  I feel like a dog who’s been living in a crate for a while and now has suddenly been giving this huge ass yard to run around in with no boundaries or restrictions.  It’s overwhelming, exciting, breath taking and honestly it scares the living shit out of me but in a positive way.  It scares me because now I am awarded the chance to run free and just do all of the things I’ve only ever thought about or dreamed about doing with my music.  Now is the time for me to shit or get off of the pot.  I literally have nothing holding me back from achieving what I want.  I have a loving wife who supports me and urges me on, I have the flexibility, time and energy to do whatever the fuck I want to do.  So what the fuck am I going to do?  Well, I have already started laying the foundation for two different projects and we shall see where they go.  If they don’t work out, that’s totally cool.  At least I tried them.  I don’t want to go to bed anymore thinking about the things that could’ve been or that could be.  Instead I will work to at least try them all so that at the end of the day, I will know that I pursued my pipe dreams and did what I could to make them reality.

Thanks for reading this and good night!

Eddie’s Attic is a lil listening room here in Atlanta that has for some odd reason become a legendary fixture on the scene. Their big claims to fame are acts like Shawn Mullins and John Mayer and that right away should tell you the kind of music that Eddie’s Attic calls good music. Eddie’s Attic also has an Open Mic Competition where you get your set judged by a panel of judges and if you win you work your way up to a “showcase” where you can get like a 30 minute set at Eddies or something like that. It really blows me away how many people I meet who are so excited about this and then come away discouraged and pissed when they don’t “win”. I highly doubt that my podunk folk singing ass would be considered to be a “good artist” by those who love Shawn Mullins and John Mayer.

The fact that they have turned performing music in this town into a competition makes me sick. I just don’t understand what makes anyone feel like they can say who is better than who. I refuse to be a part of it and I refuse to support it in any way. Eddie has managed to make a name and turn this into a huge business for himself by turning music into a boxing match of sorts. I will never get it and maybe there’s something there but all in all, I think it is cheesy as hell.

I attend what I think is the best open mic in the city, The John Madden Memorial Open Mic at Red Light Cafe. I share the stage every Wednesday with some of the most amazing songwriters I’ve ever met. I learn something every week from these people, especially the older guys who have stories to share from their experiences. There is ZERO competition here and this to me is what it’s all about. When you add the element of competition to something like this, the focus becomes solely upon winning and critiquing each other and being on the defensive side. What is fun about that? Matter of fact, I see a lot of performers come into the Red Light who think their shit don’t stink because they played at Eddie’s Attic and they are so cocky and full of themselves that nobody really gives a rat’s ass about them or what they’re playing. Again, I know that not EVERYONE who plays there might be that way but when the majority of those types are associated with your venue, what’s a person to think?

I don’t mean this to insult anyone. If you’re into it and it means the world to you to be judged and told that you’re better than someone, then so be it. If you’re cool with being told you’re not as good as the others, that’s cool too but don’t let it shape who you are as a writer, a musician and a performer. If Eddie’s Attic doesn’t like you, there’s a great chance that some other establishment will think you’re the bees knees.

Its been almost two years now and Bruce and I still get together and trade music as often as we can.  Sometimes its every week and sometimes once a month or so but either way, Bruce never ceases to amaze me with what he gives me.  The first time I ever listened to Delaney and Bonnie was at Bruce’s place and now I’m forever a fan.  He showed me what REAL blues music is, not this rich white boy playing expensive guitar blues but classic Muddy Waters and Robert Johnson stuff.  He also introduced me to a great songwriter by the name of David Bromberg  who opened up a whole new world of quirky, fun songwriting.  Hanging with Bruce always opens my eyes and ears to some amazing music that I would maybe never have crossed paths with.  This is what I love about our friendship.  On paper you couldn’t have two more different people but with all those things aside, we are both just music loving dorks that get excited over a great lyric, a fun jam or a cast of characters that read like a whose who of music.  Music is our bond and it is what makes us great friends.  The power of music to bring people together is something that will never cease to amaze and excite me.  Bruce, if you’re reading this… thank you!  I love what we’ve got goin’ on!

My wife tells me all the time that she has no idea how I do it.  “How do you go up on stage and open yourself up to people the way you?”  I just smile and try not to make a big deal out of it and usually just say, “Eh, ya know.  It’s just what I do.”  Actually, when I ponder over this I realize that it really is a big deal.  When I write a song, I literally enter this meditative like state.  It’s almost as if the song just flows out of me once it gets started and then next thing I know I’m done.  Then once this very personal entry is completed, it’s time to take it to the stage.  When I have a gig coming up, I pump myself up so much for it.  I plan a set list, I start promoting and then it’s time for the show.  When I perform a show I’m having such a great time but when the show comes to an end, I’m mentally and physically exhausted.  Performing in front of an audience it more a kin to having your personal journal passed around for everyone to read.  As an artist, I’m really setting myself up for a certain level of scrutiny from the people.  I am always prepared to accept the constructive words of criticism but for the most part, the positive words seem to outweigh the negative.  This being said, the positive is always easily accepted but the critical and/or negative always tends to bruise and leave a mark or two.

In my life as a songwriter, I have had many levels of constructive criticism.  I’ve had newspaper reviews of my music say everything from “He’s bringing back and keeping alive the spirit of folk music” to “his voice really annoys me.”  Whether it be the good or the down right ugly, criticism is constructive that I take and try to and learn from it.  I try and make myself a better performer or musician from it and hope to grow.  Over the years, I’ve also been hit with negative criticism that is neither constructive or remotely helpful.  It even made it more hard when it would come from a band mate.  When a band mate would tell you to your face that they liked something but then turn around and tell another band mate that he thought you sucked, that  is pretty damn hurtful.  This kind of shit is what makes me weary of playing in a band or with other people but as a person, I was always taught to not judge everyone based on the actions of one or two others.  It’s taken me time to patch my ego and put a band aid on my pride and remember that this is the price I pay for being a songwriter, for putting myself out there like an open book for all to read.  There’s a reason why not everyone is or can be a songwriter.  Honestly, I would’ve have it any other way.

Dear Chapel Hill,
Thank you for being such a cool little town to play. You were awfully hard on me when I first moved here but once I got my footing and met some really great local friends, things picked up for me. I went to one Halloween on Franklin St. and it was the most boring thing I’d ever seen but I forgive you for that. You have many great places to eat and perform and for that I thank you.

Dear Mystery Road,
My band, my friends and my family. Many ups and downs were seen in this band but all in all we had many more triumphs than failures. I learned so much about myself as a musician and a person and in all honesty I feel like a better one for it. I wish you all nothing but the best. Elana, my partner in crime, you were my strength and my support in getting this band together and keeping it moving forward. You are an inspiration and a positive presence and I wish I could take you with me. Please don’t give up on your dreams and please keep playing music. You will undoubtedly be an amazing asset to any band lucky enough to have you.

Dear The Cave,
Thank you for giving me a home all the years that I’ve been here. When nobody else would bid me the time of day, you were there with open arms and cold PBRs. I remember when you only took cash and at times would just give me one or two on the house during a show when nobody was really there to see me. I remember early shows to 3 people and I remember packing it wall to wall with my band Mystery Road. You were always there and I hope you always will be!

Dear John Howie,
Thank you for loaning me your PA that night the one at The Cave took a shit during my first set. You saved my ass that night and you fronted one of my favorite bands! I’m bummed we never played together but heres to ya anyways!

Dear Open Eye Cafe,
You were my first gig in town before I even lived in the area. After moving here you were there for me until you moved to the bigger building and I was forgotten about. You never had me back as a solo act but when I put Mystery Road together, you welcomed us and it was loads of fun. Thank you for for the great “on the house” coffee, a great room to perform and your free wi-fi!

Dear Peppers Pizza,
Thank you for great calzones and for the ever charming wait staff who actually improved upon moving to a bigger more “mainstream” type of space. Your waitress Hannah was always really sweet and very easy on the eyes. I liked how she always said my last name in her best french accent. You’re salads were great as well and I will miss them!

Dear Franklin Street Pizza and Pasta
Thanks for being a great, cheep alternative to Peppers. Your stuffed meat pizza is something that I’ve grown to literally crave along with a diet coke all for under 5 bucks.  You also had a back room that served as a meeting place for me and my cronies to laugh and snort over potty mouthed jokes.  Gotta love it!

Dear Joes Joint:
You guys are the unsung heroes of Chapel Hill. My friends and I have enjoyed many great burgers and fries in your little hidden establishment away from the madness. It was ALWAYS a great time. You will be missed big time… trust me.

Dear Local 506,
I’m sorry we never got it to show you what we were capable of. I hope that you will be more open in the future to giving newer bands that offer something a little different a shot rather than booking the same bands on rotation all the time. We could’ve been good together.

Dear Grayson Currin,
Thanks for not giving my band any press of any kind.  It just made us work harder to get dedicated following of people to come see our shows and I learned that you don’t NEED press to make or even break you.  Anything can be done if you work hard enough for it.

Dear Birds & Arrows
You guys were the ONLY band in town that we felt were sincerely nice to us and as awesomely great as people as you were a band. We traded shows back and forth and you guys always supported us as much as we supported you. I performed with a number of bands that were invited to do shows with my band and they never once returned the favor. You also are hands down my favorite band in town. Being around you both was always a true joy for me both watching you perform and just to hang with and talk. I wish we would’ve had more of a chance to hang out on a more personal level. Anyways, thank you for just being so wonderful and loving! I will really miss you guys!

Dear Nightstick,
We did all of ONE show together but damn was it a great one. You guys are one of Chapel Hill’s best kept secrets. I wish you guys the best and may your shred cams take you far!

Dear Mansion 462
You were a fantastic “new” face in a town that really needed change. You took a chance on our lil band and gave us two really fun and memorable shows. We had a lil falling out at one time but you made good on your promise to make it up to us and did so in a huge way. We really enjoyed sharing our music within your walls and all those that came out to see us really enjoyed themselves. I wish that more venues would’ve taken the the chance on us that you did. Thanks for the great times! I’ll never forget ya!

Dear Pittsboro General Store
Back in my solo folksinger years, you were there for me not one, not two but THREE times. You offered me a comfy place to perform my songs to an audience of people who really appreciate hearing some folk music while enjoying their dinner. You gave me a great meal for free and kept my coffee cup filled. I still miss that sound of your boomy walls and high ceiling along with the smiling faces of those that were enjoying my music and purchased my CD on their way out. Thank you for having me, I’ll miss ya!

Dear Carrboro Music Festival,
You were one of the highlights of my years in NC by having me not once, not twice but three times as a performer. I enjoyed my performances there and always loved the VIP treatment of being a performer there. This is an aspect I will always miss about living in NC and I hope you will continue to flourish, grow and keep the music and arts alive in Carrboro.

The shows so far in 2011 have been outstanding and honestly some of my favorites.  The shows have found me feeling more connected to the audiences than I ever have.  The people also seem to be a lot more openly vocal to me about how they feel about my songs.  It’s things like this that keep me moving forward and never wanting to stop.  The shows do keep coming and I’m REALLY looking forward to them.  I will be heading back to North Carolina to share a show with my good friends Something Candid which is something I’ve been looking forward to for a while.  I also have two Atlanta area shows as well.  Head over to DON’S GIG CALENDAR to see when and where you can get folked up with me!

The change of seasons that is upon us has also been really inspiring and I can feel my creative flow returning.  This time of year finds me feeling so inspired which is both a blessing and a curse.  A blessing in the sense that I love writing new songs but a curse in the sense that my mind never shuts down leading to sleepless nights and kinda sleepwalking through my days sometimes.

So what has Don been listening to lately?  Well, I still manage to find much inspiration in listening to my David Crosby/Graham Nash albums but I’ve also been spinning a lot of Tony Joe White and a now defunct band out of Georgia called No River City.  Aimee Mann’s “Forgotten Arm” is a classic that I love to revisit and Kevn Kinney’s “Pre Approved Pre Denied” reminds me just how magical his stuff is.  Open your ears folks and do more than hear.  Listen, take it all in and let it make a difference!