November 16th 2024
The Portland and Salem record release shows are in the books. Below are some pictures from the Alberta Street show. Still waiting on some pictures from Salem. I'm feeling a wash of gratitude. Both shows were a total success. The turn outs and vibes were so real, and special, and appreciated. I felt good and proud of my bands performance, and mine. Sure, I picked things apart, how I could have played this better or sang that better, but overall things could not have gone any smoother. But all that starts to wear off, and a heavy emotional hangover starts to come down.. I'll be candid with you, this pursuit of attention, and adoration is a double edged sword. I've spent two months trying to get eyes on me, trying to get approval from the outside world, trying to fill voids inside, with the outside. It's a balancing act I'm just not good at. On one hand I'm filled to the top with gratitude for my glowing Willamette Week Review! I'm appreciative for The Milwaukie Review taking the time to come to my studio, interview me, talk about my record, and do a photoshoot. Both gave my new album very good reviews, and I have not been reviewed, or covered in print for a very long time. So naturally you take those review/articles and share them on your social network. Now this is where the problems can begin. The “likes” and “comments” start to come in, and it is intoxicating. It feeds into the self centered nature, the recovering narcissist in me. Then the hook is set and my life revolves around getting that hit from feeling like the center of the universe. It's a bit of mania, and affects my state of mind, and my sleep. I could go deeper here, but you might be repulsed by the darker side of this immature playground of defects. So I get up this morning and all the false lift from the outside world is fading a little, and it only needs to fade a little, and I'm back to just feeling good old me. It's like that depression that comes with the cocaine wearing off. Give me more, more, more. I'm sitting here in my living room and ready to practice on living in my own skin today. I'm trying to focus on the good, on how we are all trying so hard, how I'm not alone in the struggle. I wish you luck. Now go over to facebook and give me a big “like”

October 13th 2024
As you can see by the above photos, I have all kinds of plans for special merchandise for the release shows. The first happening in Portland, November 14th at the Alberta Street Pub. The very next night I will be in Salem at Rivercity Music, and I'm thinking the hometown Longview show will be part of the annual Christmas show. the Longview show will be December 14th at the usual spot; The Women's Club. 
I'm really releasing a double album that night. Along with the vinyl LP “So Intense Is The World” I will be releasing a companion CD called "Airline Companion"." This CD contains songs recorded in the gaps of making So Intense Is The World. Most of these songs are solo, and not played live often (though they will be part of these shows.) I'm also working on a chap book that coincides with the song Halloween. I've always felt I could not properly explain the inspiration of the song, so I thought I'd just write a little essay about it. These chap book will come with your purchase of the new album (while supplies last) I'm also adding it to my book of poems and short stories. This will also be a special Halloween addition. It may or may not be available by November 14th, we'll see. So we plan, and worry, and prepare, and stress, and look into the eyes of joy. Love to see you at one or all of these shows.