World, meet my lovely wife.

Yes, the rumors are true! Believe it or not, she started a blog. Now do yo’self a favor and head over to check it out.

Show some love and leave a comment for her.

These are pictures. Look at them.

This is the setup I’ve been using this week. We’re really, really pleased with the sounds we’re getting with the treatment to the room. My kit has never sounded better! Saturday we’ll track the last song, then it’s time to move on to Bass and Rhythm. Won’t be long! Have a look:

Eric built these two panels early in the week. We draped another quilt between them and left a little tunnel at the bottom for the kick. Perfect for the room.

More on the way!

Tracking is fun.

Even if it is rootsy-Americana where I only use real sticks on 3 of the 10 songs (only kidding, Eric).

First of all, let me tell you what we’re doing… re-recording all the songs he’s written, that’s what. There are several reasons for this:

1) We’ve learned a great technique for miking the drums and treating the room for the kit;

2) I’m more comfortable with all the songs;

3) Rehearsing the songs for live gigs took several songs in a new and interesting direction, often sounding much different than the original recording;

4) Tracking drums is usually the first thing done in the recording process. However, since I came into Eric’s life (how sweet) after most of these had been tracked with programmed drums, I was the last to go on — things tended to feel slightly awkward. Now things are feeling more organic.

Tomorrow afternoon brings more drum fun at Eric’s. I’m sure it won’t be long before we have some more finished material and you can be sure I’ll post it for your ear candy. He’s so serious about this, he may even pay someone else to mix and master this one… and he’s one cheap dude. Only kidding… wait, no. We’re both cheap.

Stay tuned!

The latest finished project

Eric, Duffy, Anthony, and I were able to jam a little Tuesday. Duffy and Anthony had to split after a couple hours but I put down some BGV’s (background vocals, for those not in-the-know) on his song for his friend Amanda. I think it’s pretty good even though I don’t consider myself a singer.

He paid me a pretty nice complement and I think it’s one that will stick with me for as long as I can remember…

“Dude, you’re the guy I’ve been looking for since I moved to Nashville! You can freakin’ do it all…” – E. Brown, East Nashville, 2008

That really did make my day and was very nice of him. Alright, ready for a listen? I’ll spare you Take 1 because of the 8-year-old humor we put on it… let’s just say his vocal “booth” is a bathroom and leave it at that. Take 2… or 27:

Clay Wood – Drums, Percussion, BGVs / Brian Duffy – Bass / B Thornberry – Electric Guitar / Britt Edwards – B3, Rhodes, Wurlitzer / Eric Brown – Vocals, Acoustic and Electric Guitars.

Honesty and Friendship

I’d like to take this time to name drop. No, people in Georgia, I’m not going to be talking about all of my famous connections here in Nashville. This post is for my good friends Bush and Eric and here’s why I’m talking about them today.

Last night Bush and Maris had us over for tacos and a hang, and on the 30 second drive home, I told Hannah how much I enjoy talking with them — every time. We discuss things that are going on in the world, the church, and our own individual lives, and usually controversial things are brought up (like race issues, money, and activism). I now really want to read about MLK’s life after hearing them talk about the first 10 pages of one of his books. I’m truly thankful for the great friendship we have with them and I know I would be a totally different person if they had not continually challenged my thinking over the last year or so.

Speaking of challenging, Eric has also played a large role in my life over the last 6 months or so. He is one of the most genuine people I know. We have a lot of the same struggles, strengths, and beliefs, so he’s a great friend to have around and work through life together. However, he’s experienced things in life I have never come close to (and no one in my extended family for that matter). This allows him to give honest advice and input from experience on topics that are often under-discussed in “Christian” culture and in families. I admire his diligence in the Word and his curious mind when it comes to thinking about Scripture. Thanks for your friendship and willingness to hang out with a mess like me…

Sometimes I look back on the way I used to think about race and shudder. Why did I think (and still do think) derogotory things about someone based solely on skin color? Why did I just say that about this person? Why do I still act this way? I’m not perfect now, that’s a work in progress thanks to the Grace of God in Christ. But I wanted to get this aired out now. The smallest racial puns/jokes/thoughts/nuances/slurs/etc now make my stomach turn. I’m repulsed. And these folks I mention today (along with the Ivey’s) have played a large part in my reformation of thought. I cannot thank you enough for helping to bring me to this new place.

Grace and peace.

We’ve been let down

Last night I was hanging with Duffy after our rehearsal and got a phone call from Eric.  He said he had bad news.

Evidently the venue double booked our date and we got bumped.  When do we find out?  24 hours before the show.  How convenient.  The bright side: time and more rehearsals will make us that much better for the next gig.  And maybe someone who needs to hear his songs will be there and be moved by them.  That’s really why we do this…

Tom Yarbrough wants us to open for him soon, though.  What a good guy.

What a week ahead.

This week is definitely going to be a busy one, juggling work, rehearsals, gigs and traveling. I’m really looking forward to the music because I’m getting to play with good friends. I also love the fact that Wednesday’s show is a totally different vibe than what we’ll be doing down in Alabama. Keeps me on my musical toes. Eric’s stuff is a nice blend of the Americana legend Buddy Miller and the storytelling of Bob Dylan. I’ve had to think outside of the box when it comes to playing drum parts with him. And the band has really come together nicely which makes it a joy to be a part of.

Friday, the wife and I will be heading down to see some good friends in Alabama and do a retreat with them at a church in a neighboring town. Matt is also a great writer and is gracious enough to give me a call to be his drummer several times a year. Our friends the Horne’s will be there all weekend as well. It will be great to see and catch up with them.

That’s all for now.

Grace and peace to everyone.

Certified.

Today was a good landmark in the world of work. I completed the barista training and know how to make lots and lots of lattes and mochas in all sorts and sizes. Very fun.

In the world of music, our last two rehearsals have been very good. Everyone’s parts are solid and it’s all coming together very well. The show on Wednesday should be tons of fun. We’d love to have y’all out!

Lost is on now so I should go… and I have to open super early in the morning. It’s my first shift after training and I’m already covering hours for people who are sick. No one should have to wake up at 4:15 am.

My shift was supposed to start at 9:30, but I’m a nice guy (pushover).

Kidding…

I haven’t forgotten

I’ve had a lot going on but this morning I have found a little time to give an update on what’s going on. Starbucks is going well and training will be wrapping up early next week. It’s a lot to learn and become familiar with, but I’m catching on pretty quickly I think. This is a great second income and the people are good fun. And the coffee… ooh the coffee.

We’ve still got the gig on February 13th at French Quarter. Should be good fun with friends.

The online business is doing phenomenally well and we continue to grow each month. We’re very thankful for the quick success.

Recently, I started painting our 3rd bedroom (drum room). Looking good.

Still have to vote my conscience and support Ron Paul on Tuesday, February 5th and I encourage you to do the same.

Upcoming show…

Just got word last night that Eric has booked a gig at the French Quarter Cafe in Nashville… on the eas’side. The date is Wednesday, February 13th, the cost is $free.99 and your tails better be there. We’re going on at 7pm followed by the talented Jacob Thomas at 8pm.

I hear Tom Petty will be there too… that’s the word on the streets, at least.