I fully intended on writing a blog entry with some regularity; I really did. I mean I really DO. Somehow, things always seem to get away from me, and the next thing I know two months have passed. Perhaps raising a three year old has something do to with it.

I'm glad that 2006 is coming to a close, and eagerly anticipating '07. It's been a year of considerable change in my life, as well as that of my family, but things seem to be settling down, and I hope to have enough material to begin work on a new recording by the end of the year. I've realized that 2006 will be my 15th year doing what I love for a living, all but one (when I lived in Nashville and played, proudly and with gusto, as one of Todd Snider's Nervous Wrecks) spent here in Iowa City. I'm profoundly grateful to the people of this great state for helping support me, and proud as hell to make a living playing music in a place that has very little industry to speak of. If I had to do it all over, I'd do the same thing.

One of the hardest changes I've had to endure is the semi-retirement of long-time drummer Brad Engeldinger. Another great blessing in my life, he and I shared almost a decade of music, and in that time I've never had a closer musical bond with anybody. Unfortunately, it's part of the deal when you play independent music professionally; musician's move on and you're left to keep doing what you do. It's amazing, though, when I stop and think about all the great players I've shared the stage and a band with: Brad, Eric Griffin, Marty Christensen, Stephen "The Kid" Howard (Godfather to my son, Rocco),; the list goes on and on. I've learned everything I know about performing from these and other wonderful people, and for that, I'm thankful.

So, I"m wondering what the new year will have in store. Whatever it is, I know it'll be filled with wonderful characters, interesting locales, and lots and lots of music.

--David Zollo
10/17/06