November 2009 Newsletter
Thursday, October 29, 2009
Chad Truemper/iStockphoto
I GET IT NOW
I have nothing against my suburban Boston hometown--it was a great place to grow up. But if asked to compose a list of places where I never thought I would end up living, Reading would have probably be at the top. I simply grew up thinking I would go off to find my own place in the world. Ironically, I ended up buying my first house in a neighboring suburb, seven miles away from the one in which I was raised.
I remember being 18 years old, feeling the itch to leave not only my hometown but the entire Boston area to go and make my mark on the world. Like any teenager, I chaffed at chores like mowing the lawn and thought to myself "when I am older, you won't catch me wasting weekends working in the yard." Ironically, the yard is exactly where I have been all weekend while procrastinating the writing of this newsletter.
Perhaps with age comes, if not wisdom, then at least some measure of acceptance (and even appreciation) for things that once seemed unimaginable. You mean, some day, I'm going to become like my dad?!? Mowing the lawn. Raking leaves. Trimming the hedge. Repairing broken shingles. I can't get enough, and those are just the outdoor chores. There is a Zen-like clarity of mind that comes with immersion in simple tasks done well and with pride. (Incidentally, this is not just a "guy" thing...my wife is steam-cleaning the family room carpet as I write this.)
Aside from the joys of fostering a nice environment for one's family, I suspect a deeper motivation for all these seemingly mindless chores. In a chaotic and often frightening world, mowing the lawn or trimming the hedge can (in some small way) be an unconscious act of resistance, a way to keep the anxious wolves of modern life at bay. Of course, we can become so invested in superficial pursuits that we retreat, blinding ourselves to the realities of the world. I know I don't lessen the suffering of all beings by trimming my hedge, I just feel slightly more at peace for the brief time out of mind.
I get the same kind of focused mindlessness from writing songs, but with a busy life it can be hard to clear the schedule so I can sit with my guitar and stare out the window waiting for a song to come. Sometimes, it is better not to chase the music. Instead, let's paint the living room! It will look unequivocally better when I'm finished, and it is infinitely easier than trying to wrest from the universe a catchy, three minute, up-tempo song about big, meaningful things.
So these days the songs come when they come, each one a gift, from who or where I do not know. And in between the tunes, there is much to do, and project by project, our little house feels more and more like home. I get it now.
DARWIN SONG PROJECT AVAILABLE NOW!: You can get your copy of the Darwin Song Project now at my website. Despite the trend towards 0's and 1's, a lot of care went into this beautifully-designed package, and it's well-worth the investment in the physical medium. You can also get it on iTunes, but that isn't nearly as fun for me, as I don't get to walk down to the post office with my boy and let him stuff the envelopes in the mailbox. Order yours today, I think you'll enjoy listening to as much as I enjoyed participating in this unique project.
PODCAST ALERT: Something Live is a great podcast produced here in the Boston area, featuring a wide cross section of our vibrant songwriter community. I was lucky to be host PJ Shapiro's special guest for the most recent episode, which features a solo, acoustic version of my new song "Kingdom Come" from the Darwin Song Project. The podcast is free and is available as an mp3 download on SomethingLive.net or streaming on iTunes (search for "Something Live" under the Podcast category).
FACEBOOK: Hi Facebook, have I been ignoring you? There are only so many social networking hours in the day. To make up for my neglect, I've posted some shots from my recent session at Great North Sound Society, where we were hard at "work" making my 8th record, to be released in 2010.
MP3 of the MONTH: This month's track is a bluegrassy take on "Do It Everyday," the lead cut from my 1999 debut cd. I hadn't performed this one live in years, and it was fun to let the pickers in Barn Star! have their way with it. It's available here as a free download for the month of November. Enjoy!
THE SHOWS:
Fri Nov 6th
Our Kind Of Folk House Concert, Palm Harbor FL
This kicks off a weekend of house concerts in Florida. I know I've waxed poetic about the beauty of autumn's decline here in New England, but I think I'll be able to manage a few days of warmer temps and palm trees just fine. Of course, if you're not there to sing to, then the balmy weather won't be worth a damn. Come on out! Call 727-422-6583 or visit this house concert's website to reserve your seats today.
Sat November 7th
House Concert, Coral Springs FL
I've not been to Coral Springs before, but it sounds lovely. Can there really be beautiful coral reefs in the crystal clear springs of this town? I know it's an inland town, but still, if you don't come, you'll never know for sure. Call 954-341-0086 or visit this com/kolishamusic website for all the details.
Thu Nov 12th
The Living Room, New York NY
This is the room that has served as a sounding board for a lot of folks who have gone on to become famous, like Norah Jones. That it manages to remain down-to-Earth and committed to showcasing grassroots talent, in one of the biggest cities in the world, is no small achievement. I love playing here and haven't been to the city in what feels like a long time, so come on out and join me. Visit the venue's website for all the pertinent details.
Fri Nov 13th
House Concert, Blue Bell PA
I was supposed to do this house concert back in May and had to cancel at the last minute due to sickness. I've only done that a handful of times, but trust me, it was the right move. I never feel that all is right with the world til I make these canceled dates up. Please come out and help me repay my karmic debt! Visit the house concert website for all the details.
Sat Nov 14th
Roaring Brook Nature Center, Canton CT
It's always fun to play Roaring Brook, where they used to have live reptiles in terrariums behind the stage while you played. Maybe they still do? One way to find out. Call 860-693-0263 or visit their website to get your tickets today.
SIDEMAN SECTION:
Nov 17 - Cantab Lounge, Cambridge MA (with Jake & Taylor Armerding)
Nov 20 - Natick Center for the Arts, Natick MA (with Jake Armerding band)
ON THE HORIZON:
Dec 17 - Passim, Cambridge MA (Annual covers show with Lori McKenna & Jake Armerding!)
peace,
mark
