Typically, I would blog when I have something incredibly important to talk about, or maybe for some gig where I desperately need the support of everyone I can beg to come. But this blog is not that, instead it’s more your garden-variety self-indulgent blather, babbling and what not, about... well, me! I will start with a little snapshot of where I am musically at the moment. It’s been nearly 5 months since the release of my CD, “Re-Occurring Dream”. Putting out this CD was largely the culmination of a long-time dream for me, and that is indeed one of the implications of its title. But as a culmination, the release in itself was a major high-point. The music represents the best of me, as abetted by some talented musical friends. I’m proud of that. It’s been largely well-received by those who’ve heard it, and that in itself is gratifying. As far as music promotion, these days it’s D.I.Y., and the squeaky wheel gets the grease, you know. I have done my share of “squeaking” lately, but largely I’ve opted to keep my efforts to get the music out, on a local level. Life just intervenes and the music has to fit it's own place in the scheme. The CD is available worldwide on the net of course (and has had a few international sales, at that) but my profile on the music scene remains largely peripheral to Philadelphia, and my performances (aside from Studio LuLoo) have been limited to a few shows each month, largely local. Without getting too maudlin, I’ll just say honestly that the schedule I keep is really all I can handle these days. I don’t find a lot of time to write much lately. I do hope that starts to change. I’ve been doing this for quite a while now (and yes, I just turned 40 last month.) Over time you learn a lot of things about the world and about yourself. Music continues to provide me with inspiration in my life, and that’s something to cherish. Sharing that with people, including my family, is a great joy and a great gift. That never changes. But I think I might be just waiting for some new wave of inspiration, to push me creatively. I’ll keep you posted on that. These things do come in waves, and you can’t predict it. These dreams do re-occur. They always do. So, no, I’m not retiring, and rumors of my death were grossly exaggerated. Following are lyrics to the song, “I’ll Drive Tonight” from my recent CD:
Everyone knows how the old story goes
First you live, then you die, given no reason why
Everyone knows how it is from the start
You get time to make your mark, then you leave in the dark
And I am just one man, trying hard’ to understand
That the world’s at my command, it’s in my hands.
And I’ve got just one life, and just one chance to get it right,
I’ve got the wheel and I’m holding tight, I’ll Drive Tonight
Everyone knows how the old story goes
First you live, then you die, but you got to give it a try
Everyone knows that the racket is rough
You get time to do your stuff, but it’s never enough
And you have just one man, and he’s hard to understand
And the world’s at your command, it’s in your hands.
And I’ve got just one life, and just one chance to get it right,
I’ve got the wheel and I’m holding tight, I’ll Drive Tonight
And I am just one man, and I’m trying hard to understand
That the world’s at my command, it’s in my hands.
And I’ve got just one life, and just one chance to get it right,
I’ve got the wheel and I’m holding tight, I’ll Drive Tonight
©2009 John F Shaughnessy