Nominated by the Ottawa Xpress, BEST NEW MUSICAL ARTIST 2008!! Vote for me!!!

Greetings from what appears to be a Spring-like day. We had a blizzard a few days ago, out here in the hills. The snow came roaring down and attacked all the glorious trees, breaking some and eliminating all of the colours down to the ground.  No more Autumn in an instant. But now, all the white stuff is gone and I am flat out confused. I think being a Canadian means being a "Seasonal" person. Somewhere deep inside there is a 'seasonal change' box that just knows when to switch to the next phase....well, mine doesn't know if it's living in Spring or Winter or somewhere between.  How about you? One day the skis are out, the next day jean jackets! Whatever the case, confused or not, life is indeed strangely beautiful. I spent my Halloween listening to one of my favourite bands "The Sun Parlour Players". They are mad good, sweaty folk rock good. I passed the evening as a blood-sucking Vampire. It was great, noone knew who I was, so I could REALLY dance as if noone was watching.... I'm not such a dancer, usually I have to be filled with vast glasses of beer and even then it's like pulling teeth. I am meant for singing, that's my excuse but it doesn't always work that way. Especially if Loudlove is playing, they are my ALL TIME FAVOURITE OTTAWA BAND!!! Please check them out, they are on their way to the stars. NO doubt about it. When it comes to their music, beer or no beer, costume or no costume, I am all over that dance floor. Speaking of dance floors, "The Sadies" are playing on my birthday in Ottawa at Barrymore's. I think it'll be a swell night, so if you are reading this and are anywhere near Bank street on the 14th, let's have a cheers!!! I will keep you posted with what's happening next, but for now I have my fingers crossed that I will be voted "Best New Musical Artist of 2008" by the Ottawa Xpress. It's not usually my luck to win anything, but maybe, just maybe  I will get lucky this time (with your help!!)Go to

http://www.ottawaxpress.ca/dossier/bestof/xpress2008.aspx

MERCI!!! xo

Moving, Shaking, Music Making...

I look out the window and see colour. I'm on the streets of St.  John's once more, that's twice this year and it's great to be back home. Last time I was here it rained the whole two weeks, so far it's been sun and wind this time 'round.  I think I will hike up to Signal Hill today, it's an amazing hike, right on the coast, so close to downtown and the view at the top is spectacular...however, that said, now I am looking outside and it appears in the time that it took me to write those first sentences the fog blew in and the Sunshine has been sucked right out of her. Holy smokes. Back to the drawing board. Tonight I will play my first Gig this trip, at The Grapevine. It's a swell place on the oldest street in North America, Water Street. There is a whole lot of history in this part of the world...not to mention the music scene.  You can't believe how many talented artists are roaming around playing thier Sound, every night of the week you can find inspiration in the music makers here.  Yesterday I was sitting in on a Traditional Irish session (I'm learning the Bodhran, irish drum) And the caliber of players playing beside me was the finest. I have often thought of moving back here, it crosses my mind a LOT. But flying off the Island to perform is a damn expensive trip...not to mention Island fever... which has taken me over in the past and is not at all pleasant!!! So trips here and there will have to suffice it for now. One never knows where one will wind up, so it's great to have another option. That said, it's ridiculous to think about how many options we actually do have...sometimes I can't sleep with the possibilities darting back and forth inside my head... mostly what I haven't done yet!!! There are so many stages that are waiting for me, it blows my mind to think of what's actually out there. And how am I going to get there??? One step at a time, I know, but the thing is, my brain has already focused in on the spotlights, and bustle of shows. I can see the prize, there are just a few mountains to climb. Speaking of mountains to climb,  I'm gonna go get some fresh ocean air into my lungs, and hope the view is as spectacular, even with the fog...Lxo

Singer in the Rain...

Let’s face it, if you are a singer of ANY kind, and please God you are!! (Showers, cars, anywhere will do!) We are all in the same boat (no pun intended). It has been a WET summer, I think the sun shone on Tuesday this year, and I am sorry to say that once again, it is raining. So here I sit with no internet access out at the cottage, over-looking the lake, under a thunder and lightning storm, typing to you!! It’s so loud under the tin roof out here that there is no use trying to chat with my folks, so card playing will do for now… though my Mum keeps winning, so I think I’m happier here, thinking of what to say to you. The world is going to heck so I won’t talk about it. Canada has won its 13^th medal as of today… or was it last night? I can’t tell, but the one race I have watched was won by a guy I used to go to school with! Brian Price, coxswain, Olympic Gold Winner, rowing. It blew me away, seeing that, and lucking into the moment itself. I’m not largely into the Olympics, partly because I don’t have a television (or a house for that matter) and partly because, well, I like watching sports live…Anyway, here we are, a WHOLE bunch of wet Canadians, just waiting for the sun. I say bring it on, I’m ready!! In the meantime, if you aren’t busy on Thursday night, the 21^st of August, please don’t hesitate to come see me and my band play at The Black Sheep Inn. There are three great bands playing that night, Little Miss Higgins, T Nile and of course, us. Be prepared to be inspired… and truly I thank GOD (or who/whatever it is out there…) for music, cuz there ain’t no rainstorm thats gonna take away my song….

Canada Day, eh?

Good Morning!! I missed writing this wee note yesterday, as I was out getting debauched in the sun. I like to keep up with this "blog" (yucky word) every Tuesday, I should probably write more, in ALL aspects of my life... more songs, more letters and more, ahem, blogs.  Of course, that's what we want, a little more of everything. Our desire to live. Perfectly put. I only wish that I had more discipline, how can I get more of that? I guess I just need more practice! Practicing discipline, practising guitar...a little more practice. Speaking of that though, I have been practicing with a band and it is going fantastically. In the past I have found it very difficult to sing in front of a full band, funnily enough, it's not easier for me with more people on the stage. Mainly because it's easier to hear what kinds of sounds are coming out of my mouth when I'm solo, you know,  without the competition of a few amps and a drum kit. We had our first trio gig last weekend at a BLOW OUT show in Wakefield. It sounded great, now I just need to find a SUBTLE guitarist/keyboardist. I have my first practice with one (fingers crossed) on Friday.  I'll let you know how it goes... the BLUESFEST gig isn't too far away either!! There will be a bus leaving Wakefield on the 11th of July, to take whoever wants to go see my show... for free!! So get on the bus gus and set yourself free.... xox