Richard
Live Shows, New Friends, Etc.
Feb 17, 2010
Hey all.... Just a quick update this week. I have continued to play to an appreciative crowd at "One Flight Up," in Mount Dora, FL.
The owner, Judy, has been really cool and given me my choice as when to play, how long, in what corner....etc.
It really has been fun to get out there again. No, I don't have the past security of having a band backing me, but I kind of like the stripped down, acoustic thing. After all, it's how I started doing this.....some 24 years or so ago!
I will try to remember to update my performance calender on facebook so that those of you able to attend will come!!!! Pleeeeese?
I am offering (for a donation in any amount) a CD Single of "Wander Down the Line" at the shows. I sold approximately 50 or so at the time of this writing. Hoping to generate some interest in the upcoming release! (As well as to keep a fire under my a** to get this album done!)
Stay tuned......We'll get there!
Thanks for reading and your continued support!!
RLH
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The Writing and Re-Writing Process Blues!
Feb 10, 2010
Hey all! I hope somebody actually reads this....because I don't really type for mere amusement.
Anyway, thought I'd again update you all on the pending album projects. As I mentioned before, I have two simultaneous album projects started. The first, entitled "Four Score," is a compilation of various demos and simple acoustic four-track cuts. Some of these tunes are several years old, others are new songs or "new and improved" renditions.
I figured that I had enough ambitious demos that have sat lingering away for years that I might as well put them together as a release.
The original multi-track masters of much of these songs have long since been destroyed, so what you hear is what you get. No way to disguise the uncertainty of the creative process :)
The other album is featuring "The Phantom 305's," a band comprised of Richard Lawrence - Lead Vocal / Baritone & Electric Guitars, Robert Earl Duncan - Bass Guitar, Edward Riley Stephens - Lap and Steel Guitar, Patrick S. Berry - Drums.
The hardest part of this project is scheduling sessions and keeping the dates. Six more full sessions to go in order to get to mixing then on to mastering. The project is fairly "home-spun," but mastering will be done in Minneapolis at GG's Sonic Paradise.
We anticipate it will be worth the wait.
As the songs are being produced, we have made several re-writes in the process. A bit of change keeps things interesting, but also the arrangements are becoming more complex, adding to the delays in production. We will keep at it, though!
Again, thanks for the support and kind words! More soon.
RLH
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Hello Friends....Yes, There Will Be An Album....I Promise!
Feb 1, 2010
Wow....Life has thrown me some curves lately! Nonetheless, I am trying to stay focused on my vision for my short future......Remember....Life is short!
I have been adjusting to being a bachelor after 12 years of marriage....Not my choice....It is what it is.
In the transition, the positive things are beginning to outweigh the negatives. I have begun to enjoy the thrill and motivation of performing live shows again...after a lengthy hiatus!!!
I have chosen very small, intimate venues here in Mount Dora, Florida to 'get my feet wet' once again.
I have truly enjoyed meeting new people and introducing them to not only my own music, but some lesser known "weepers" that I pour my heart and soul into....."This is my Bible....and this is my Drug!"
The encouragement and kind remarks of strangers have reminded me once again how important it is to take chances in this life....To be passionate about something is only truly realized when you share it with others.
It is daunting to me at times to now perform without the luxury of a band, but I remember that this is how I started. Sometimes getting back to some "roots" is what we all need to express ourselves with authenticity and transparency. I know that is true for me.
As far as the work to be completed on my upcoming album, there is a lot! I often get "wrapped up" in writing and recording demos and then loose steam when trying to re-record a finished and more complete production.
Much of this dilemma stems from the fact that music for me is really an exercise in "self therapy." I pour out the emotion in the initial process of writing, often the entire song flows out in a single moment.
Once I get past the urgency of expressing myself, I feel "healed" to an extent but otherwise, less motivated to revisit the song for a more ambitious production.
It is almost impossible to achieve the same magnitude and depth of emotion when re-recording a piece. It is something I am working on....trust me.
Case in point, the version of "Wander Down the Line" (download it free here) was written and recorded in one shot. Consequent attempts of recreating it were dismal.....So, the version you hear will be released on the album with nothing more than re-mastering the original demo.
Demos are "raw" and untethered by the expectations of anyone actually hearing them. Sometimes, and I hope you agree, it is better to leave a creation just the way it is.
Thanks for checking in with me. I will try to update you as often as I can.
I sincerely appreciate the undying support of my family and friends....You make my life worth the bullshit!
Dick
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