“Right Where I Want To Be”
So…..
I was walking off the stage when Abbie grabbed my arm and brought me back. I found myself pulled into a deep bow, and Abbie whispered in my ear: “We’re getting a standing ovation…just enjoy it, man.” It worked. It settled me. I was glad to be exactly where I was right at that moment.
It was a very special set at the Tucson Folk Festival. Abbie and I had worked ourselves into a good and solid set of songs that we were really enjoying playing. There was good energy all over the place. Thank you, Tucson. Also, thank you, SHC Music Tribe, for a great tour.
Hell, it was a great month that started in Nashville, and I found myself with Walt Wilkins in Texas and then on a tour with Abbie Gardner through Arizona. Sometimes you find yourself right where you need to be. I’m thankful for all of the good people, new friends, and old out there that are still coming to hear songwriters and are open enough to want to be moved… to try to feel things. Again, it was a good month.
Here is a thing that makes me happy:
Today is the release of the 15th anniversary edition of my record DOWNHAULER!!
Recorded in late 2009 and released in 2010, DOWNHAULER was an important step forward for me musically and personally. The release of the record and the songs within opened up some very good doors that led to some new places and a bit of a bigger audience. It was a golden time. I remain very proud of it.
After many, many meetings with my high-powered attorneys (actually, I just asked a few people who seem to know about these things about how to proceed) I was glad to find out that I could re-release it and freshen it up a bit with some remastering and a new version of the cover. I was happy to learn that any deal I had previously with the former record company that originally released it was no longer in play, and that I now own the master outright. My record. Mine. Control. Like Janet Jackson.
A fiesta. A mambo through time. A boat ride through the channel. A walk into the fading sun.
Ruby, Something Real (Neal and Jenny), Lonely Town, Cuba 1953, Havana, Smokegun Jack Daydreams, Quiet Places (with Red Molly), Passing Through, and more. Upon revisiting the record, I am still very proud of it and remain thankful for the places that it took me.
In February 2010, I wrote the liner notes while staying in Reata Pass, Arizona. Regarding the characters in the songs: “They probably want the things that you want. Maybe it’s a life that holds the promise of adventure, the possibility of renewal and rebirth. Maybe it’s a quiet place and companionship. They’re all searching for something real. They are all looking for home.”
Yeah…..that holds up.
If you remember the record, go back and revisit it, and if it’s new to you, I hope the songs find a place in your world here in 2025.
You can look for it on all of the STREAMING SITES right now! Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube Music, Amazon Music, and more.
Moving into April, I cannot be more excited about next weekend’s shows with my great friend and co-star, Danielle Miraglia. We will be hitting Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Brooklyn on the weekend of April 24 through the 26th. I love playing with Danielle, and we have made a lot of room for fun while we share the stage. Tickets and Information is HERE.
Before I leave you today, I would also like to tell you about the first weekend of May, when I will return to one of my very favorite rooms in the whole country, the Towne Crier Cafe in Beacon, New York, to share the stage with Ari Hest. Ari is a powerhouse, Grammy-nominated artist who left a major label deal with Columbia Records and has since made duet recordings with Judy Collins, and continues to make up stunning songs. I’ll be honored to share the stage with him on May 2! The ticket link is below.
The very next night, I will head to the legendary Bitter End in New York City’s Greenwich Village to share a show with my new friend Robinson Treacher. What I know about Robinson is that he is all heart and we have 1 million friends and common, so I am really looking forward to this night. I hope you will help us pack the room. It’s been a long time since I’ve walked through the doors, and I really can’t wait. Again, the ticket link is below.
Before May is over, I will head up to North Adams, Mass, for a show at the Railway Café at Studio 9. This venue is absolutely gorgeous. I really look forward to it. An old pal of mine, Matt Borello, will open the show. I would love to see you there.
OK for now. I am glad we are friends.
Upcoming Shows, Tickets, and Information:
4/25 with Danielle Miraglia
4/26 with Danielle Miraglia
4/27 with Danielle Miraglia
5/2 with Ari Hest
5/3 with Robinson Treacher
5/9 with Special Guest Matt Borello