After a decade of turning myself into a musician, a singer and, more recently, a songwriter, I've been in the studio with Brandon Ross and Charlie Burnham to make my first record with Shahzad Ismaily recording. We've tracked 7 songs now, five of mine and two covers. Around the New Year I sent the rough mixes to a few people I know and love and trust, beginning with Hal Willner. Willner, to my everlasting happiness, declared that I "have [my] own musical language," adding, "And that's the hardest thing." He was sufficiently knocked out to play the tracks for Lou Reed, who called me over to him at a party and gave me two – TWO – unsolicited "Bravo"s right in my ear. At first, I didn't know what he was talking about, but then I realized Hal must have played him my tracks. I know Lou a long time. He cares only for music and art that is unique and tells the truth – and he really likes my record.
As if that was not enough, Nick Cave wrote after listening to say that my record put him in mind of his "favorite record of all time," Van Morrison's Veedon Fleece. I have to admit I'm not familiar with the record, but I got a copy and I see what he means, a certain loose-limbed trance-like feel. I'm a little taken aback to put him in mind of such beauty.
So I was especially delighted to see in the Times magazine this weekend a photo essay on rockers of an age who can still rock the skinny suit with a 2-page spread featuring two serious Semi-Free fans. May you be next.
We start mixing this weekend. I've got the manager of my dreams now and a 6-week residency brewing at Sunny's Bar in Red Hook in late spring/early summer. Lots of music to come. Keep your ears open..............
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