A couple of years ago, after a show in NH, I was approached by a few individuals not much younger than myself. They came up to chat about the show, introduce themselves and hand off a cd of their band, Fallow. I sat and chatted with them for a while, graciously took the cd, and after several minutes we all went our separate ways.

I remember putting the cd in my car as I left the venue and was caught off guard with the greatness of the first song. "Concerning Rose" was a catchy-as-hell pop song, and the bands lead singer had a distinctive, appealing voice that completely sold the melody and lyrics. I played the song on repeat until I got back to my house and found myself singing it's chorus to myself for the next few days. But, in typical fashion, time sped by with great disregard for anyone or anything, and soon enough I found myself settled into the summer of 2007, focused on my own personal endeavors.

It was a warm morning in early June and I was deep into writing songs for "Wake" and in the beginning stages of pre-production for the record. I was at home and had dedicated a few hours of my morning to answering some emails. I came across an email from a girl by the name of Keri, who started her email by asking me to recall a group of guys that I had met after a NH gig months ago. She noted that they had given me their cd to listen to and referenced that their lead singer, Baruch, was a big fan and supporter of my music and career. In an instant, I was thrust back to that evening in NH, and the chorus to "Concerning Rose" crept back into my head.

Keri continued her email by stating that Baruch had been ill for some time. The sickness no longer allowed him to play music anymore, and more often than not, he spent his days in and out of the hospital or at home with his father and friends. She finished her email by asking if I would be able to come by sometime to visit Baruch and perhaps even play a few songs. I wrote her back, and within a few responses, we had scheduled a time for me to visit.

It was late in June when I visited Baruch and Keri at his home. Given Keri's email, I was nervous in anticipation of what I would be walking into. I rang the bell and Keri answered the door. She walked me into the living room where Baruch was waiting for me. He sat with his cane by his side, pale and weary from years of battling his illness. The scene was one that would normally make me feel uneasy, but Baruch had a smile that was reassuring and comforting. As I set my guitar down, he cracked a joke about his appearance, instantly laying to rest any awkward feelings and we began to talk.

We sat and chatted for a while. I asked about his music, his dreams, his condition and his plans for his future. He asked about my break-up with my old band, my new record, performing and life. Together, with Keri, we laughed and told stories. I played songs and took requests. And within what felt like minutes, two hours had past and I needed to get back home for an appointment. We said our goodbyes and I left his house and thought in depth about the person I had just gotten to know. Baruch was only a few years younger than myself, with immense talent and poise. He shared the same passion for music, dreams and aspirations as I did. But instead of pursuing those dreams and having the ability to follow his passion the way I had grown accustomed to doing, he was to deal with the burden of being diagnosed with a terminal disease. I thought about how I would act if I were in his place, and then I recalled how Baruch had sat there and joked and smiled. While so many people would probably be crippled with fear, Baruch displayed the kind of positive attitude toward life that you usually only see in Hallmark, made-for-TV movies.

Over the next couple of months Baruch and I stayed in touch via emails and the occasional phone call. He felt well enough to attend a show we had at the Paradise Lounge in July and we had chatted about having him up to the studio in the fall while we recorded the new record, and we had spoken briefly about getting together at some point to co-write a song. Any contact with Baruch was inspirational and encouraging. And in those weeks/months following our meeting, I found myself deeply effected by his situation and his outlook on life despite what he was to deal with.

I was playing cards with Dennis and Steve during a dinner break in the middle of recording "Wake" when Keri had called me to tell me of Baruch's passing last October. Regardless of how often I had prided myself with the ability to come up with the right thing to say, I sat on the phone, a loss for words. Despite knowing that our friend had limited time, the reality of "loss" never quite comes to fruition until the moment is solidified. A bright young talent, who had such an amazing outlook on life, such an amazing gift to write and perform and sing and bring his passion to his friends, family and supporters, was no longer here to do so in person. I was overwhelmed with a great sadness and a profound respect for what Baruch had imparted to me over the course of my short time knowing him.

I remember first hearing Baruch's song "Shooting Star" shortly after he and I had met that June. I sat with tears in my eyes and listened to the song over and over again until my heart couldn't take it anymore. It seemed only fitting that after I was asked to sing at his memorial service, this should be the song I sang.

It was a few nights before the service, while in the middle of recording a song for "Wake," that we found ourselves frustrated with the lack of progress on a particular song. After a while I asked Dennis to set up a new track, and within a couple of hours we had recorded a version of "Shooting Star" with Dennis playing piano and our friend Janna Lindquist singing harmony. While I initially recorded the song to give to Keri, it's clear that I recorded the song for myself as well. Baruch was supposed to be there with us in the studio and it seemed fitting that since he couldn't be, his song should be.

This past weekend marks the year anniversary of Baruch Behrends' passing. So, for the next week or so, I've added my version of his song to my myspace player. I'm hoping that the small gesture pays some respect to a beautiful person that I know many people miss terribly. But I also hope that you'll take the time to visit Baruch's myspace page, get to know him a little bit and listen to the songs he has left us...(he is one of my "top friends"...) for it has become my belief that through things like Baruch's songs and our memories of those no longer with us, that people live on and their lives are celebrated.

Here's to you Barry... thank you for everything...

Hey there...

how goes the summer? I can't believe we're halfway through August. Time needs to relax and stop moving so fast... it feels like I just stepped into the studio to record "Wake," and that was almost a year ago. Yikes...

So, we had the yearly booze cruise...and per usual, it was a blast. The weather was perfect... and I actually stayed sober through our set (unlike last year...still apologizing for that one...oops.) At one point I found myself on the lower deck playing flip cup (a messy drinking game that is in essence a "beer relay race") with a group of fun peeps. I believe that would be a first for me at a show... although I think I might suggest such festivities at the next Paradise show. I'm figuring they probably won't be down with it... but whatever.

Since then, I've been laying low, trying to enjoy the last few weeks of summer the best that I can. We have a couple of Chit Chat shows and I'm working on some plans for shows in the Fall. It's going to be a busy time, but after a few weeks off, I'm sure I'll be more than ready for it.

And just recently I've been notified that I currently have the 1 "independent" record/song in the Country on AlternativeAddiction.com. Check it out when you get the chance... there is still a link on the front page of my myspace that brings you to the top ten list. You're able to vote for the artist of your choice... so, if you have a minute to spare, throw a vote my way. And a big thanks to all those that have already voted. I'm humbled to be in that spot...

Also, just as an fyi (for those interested) there have been talks about going back into the studio to record a bit more...hmm...I'll fill you in on details as I firm things up.

Hope you're bueno...

-Chad

ps. Anyone else slightly perplexed with some of the "sports" that are in the Olympics? I'm thinking Flip Cup would make a nice addition... Now, I'm not bragging, but Michael Phelps has nothing on me in that event

Hey there...

so, if I'm to be predictable, then I should spend a moment to get sappy about Friday night.

I'm somewhat speechless... We were 14 tix away from selling the evening out and the crowd was alive and energized from the first note that Cahill played until the moment we walked off stage. I've never been so overwhelmed, in a good way, about anything in my life. I wish I could put into words how much an evening like that means to me, and the band, but I'm not sure I'm able to. No crowd has ever made me feel so "special," and while part of me doesn't feel like he deserves such an evening, I'm happy to embrace it and be extremely grateful for it.

So, with all that said, let me just say "thank-you." It's an evening that I'll never forget.

Now, for those that weren't able to spend the evening with us and would like to, or for those that would like to hang again, here are a couple of opportunities coming up...

July 12th, we're playing Tupelo Music Hall in Londonderry, NH. (For you Boston peeps, it's only 40 min outside the city). Next to the Paradise, it's my favorite venue to play... Scott (the owner) is a stellar peep and the vibe is something that most clubs attempt to replicate, but most often fail at doing. It's an all ages show... AND it's BYOB. We've always had a wonderful time there... and would love to see some shinning faces there that night.

July 29th, I'll be opening up for Missy Higgins and Eric Hutchinson at the Wilbur Theater in Boston, MA. You can check out livenation.com for some more details about the evening. It will just be me and my pretty little acoustic guitar...

August 1st, we've just been added to the Rock and Blues Cruise with Girls, Guns and Glory (winners of the WBCN Rock and Roll Rumble). This will be my 4th year being a part of this cruise series and I've got some redeeming to do after I spent too much time with my friend Jack Daniels last year. The cruise departs at 8pm... is 21+ and the tix are on sale now. Until this Friday, they are on sale for $17. After Friday, they will be $27. Might be just me, but that extra $10 could by you a beer or two on the boat... bueno.

Hopefully you'll be able to join us... it's a really unique night of music and no other show has the backdrop of the Boston Harbor... You can get tickets at http://www.rockandbluescruise.com.

Hope you're all well...

Much loves,

Me