Ahh, Spring is arriving here in North Carolina and 2009 is in full swing. 
I've been moderately busy with life and haven't had much time to write, but that's going to change.  Soon you will be able to check this blog a few times a week and see my ramblings, musings, and updates.

I played First Friday last night at Port City Java on Fayetteville St. in downtown Raleigh.  The weather was beautiful all day and although the evening was very windy, the night was good gig weather.

Port City Java is not located near the main gallery areas downtown, so they have yet to really enjoy the First Friday rush, but there were a few people out and about who came in to listen and I had about a dozen friends and fans come out as well throughout the evening.  It's a nice space and I hope to be back.

Album Update:  Well, I had hoped to be in the prerecording phase of the new record at this point, but I'm not there yet.  I'm currently working on finishing several songs that are still works in progress, and I would like to write a handful more so that I can choose the ones I really want.  Right now there are only 3 or 4 definite songs and a bunch of probables and maybes.  This is pretty normal for me and until I get the demos recorded the song list will fluctuate a bit. 
The other big issue of course is financing the album.  I recently saw an article about Jill Sobule getting $75,000 in donations from fans to record her new record.  She offered many perks, including a guest duet spot, to those who were willing give big.  Truth be told, I don't even know how to spend that kind of money on an album (maybe I could deaden the bass drum with $100 bills).  Regardless, I am not asking for money I just found the article fascinating.  I'm not sure I'd be willing to have a rich stranger come in and sing on a song simply because they gave me money.  But it seems to have worked for her, and I'm glad she was able to make her record.

Other than that, I'm currently on the home stretch of a song called "No Easy Way Out".  I'm still messing with the last two lines and playing with verse order, but I hope to start playing it at gigs by the end of the month or in early May.  I also have another song I'm very excited about that is lacking a verse and bridge.  That one has real album potential depending how it turns out.

Not sure at this point about summer touring, the economy has made money tight around here and gigging less lucrative.  However, I plan to be playing around North Carolina regardless and hope to see you out at a gig.

Chris.