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

As I'm typing, it's clear, sunny, and warm. There are sparrows out my kitchen window flittering onto our bird feeder and then back to wherever they go about their sparrow day—nice breeze coming in through the open window too.  A couple of nights ago, the Fearless community had its first Zoom open mic/get-together. (You're welcome … Continue reading Prompt: Bless this Body