Songwriting master Jonathan Byrd started publishing videos as “The Song Coach” a few months ago. The videos are always informative and well put together. This past week he released a video called Songwriting Hits with Major II Chords. His almost offhanded mention of “Dock of the Bay” caught my attention.  Let’s talk about both the … Continue reading Otis Redding and the Major II

I started listening to "The History of Rock Music in 500 Songs" hosted by Andrew Hickey a few weeks ago. It wasn't long before I checked out the episode about Aretha Franklin and Respect.  The song's bridge caught my attention. Hickey said the bridge jumps from the key of C to F#. That's as far … Continue reading Aretha Franklin’s Respect

Hearing Pancho and Lefty was the first time I remember recognizing a particular musical trick and wanting to emulate it. (I used it in the song Dear Rebecca). The trick is like a trap door. You start a song (or verse) on the chord a key is named after and end it on that chord's related minor. In the … Continue reading Townes Van Zandt’s Pancho And Lefty

Let's be honest; I've had many, many come-to-Jesus talks with myself re: "being healthier" or "taking better care of myself" over the years. Self-care, finding balance, and being healthy are all Holy Grail kind of pursuits, i.e., they are searching for a sort of perfection that doesn't exist.It's good to remember that any self-care program that includes … Continue reading Prompt: Bathtub

There's a weirdness to getting going after taking a break (especially when there's so much change swirling around me). I've got a new job. I'm learning the ropes and settling in. I played my first show in ages a week and a half ago (it was pretty great, here's a pic taken by Rob Mattson).I've got … Continue reading Prompt: Recurring Dream