This week brought another trip to the Joiners Arms for big open mic fun. The neighborhood was crazy packed thanks to the Pussycat Dolls/Lady Gaga show across the street, but the vibe at the JA was relaxed and casual. Shane rocked it first, starting with Driftin, then a slowed down version of The One I Love, closing with Immortality. Dude rocks a mean Pearl Jam, and it's always great rockin our favorites together, I'm glad we finally took Driftin outside for all to hear, as we've been rockin that together since last year. Good times. I rocked two new songs. The first was Compost Heap, which didn't turn out to be exactly how I wanted to debut one of my favorite new songs, so I'm not posting it publicly, but YouTube friends of mine should be able to see it. Then I played Anyway, another new one, and finished with a fun version of Patience. Thanks to my fellow open mic peoples for helping me bring the GNR classic home, and especially Emily and Shane for egging me on, you guys are the best. I may rock up to the Queens Arms for a jam tomorrow, depending on how I feel. All my best til next time. -Matt

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fpvp4AoekFU

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PqsSTSq3qTo

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qlUvL9vJRqM

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vrsdqfHK8yc

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YK5GTigkN-A

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R9vAezHuRQ8

I was fortunate enough to be joined by the one and only Emily Bryson on double-bass this past Thursday at the first ever Open Mic @ The Joiners Arms. Together we billed ourselves as the Wonder Twins. We played three of my songs: Sola, Heart, and Walking into The Light. She made me promise, so there's no video; I meant to record it with my phone, but forgot, maybe next time...speaking of which, Emily and I hope to return to the JA again this week, this time with our friend Shane in our unplugged 90's rock cover band, Flannel Lounge, which has been quietly building its repertoire since Shane and I started jamming last year. Maybe I can document it this time, it should be great fun.

Friday night will be recording night, as I have the house to myself for the evening. I made a rather ambitious to do list for it, starting with taking a few passes at three to four songs on drums, two of which are the most upbeat on the record. Then I have electric and acoustic guitars for several songs. Finally, if I'm not totally dead by then, I'll rock some vocals. It is a bit odd to come home from work and immediately throw myself into my projects, but I have to take advantage of the opportunities I get. It helps that I am genuinely excited about the material, I'm much improved in the past year, and it shows. Gotta run, hope to post some new stuff soon.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vY-EdhbcFo8