Tuesday, February 28, 2006

In "The Road Not Taken", the great American poet Robert Frost wrote "way leads on to way". In "Hey, Hey, My, My", Canadian songsmith and rocker Neil Young wrote "once you're gone, you can never come back." I've been reading a baseball book, "The Head Game", about the role of pitching in the game. The pitcher's mound began as a pitching "box". As early early games were played, holes developed, and pitchers packed in dirt to even them out. If too much dirt was packed in, a "mound" would develop. Once a pitcher realized the advantage to pitching "downhill", and it's effects on velocity toward the pitched baseball, the box became a thing of the past. Way led on to way, there was no way to come back. As I prepare for the UK, the mystical land of mod rock once seemed so far away. To think that I could forget my musical experiences there and be content with a corner in a Largo bar would be pathetic and silly. Way has led on to way. I've gone, and I can't come back. Of course, I'll still play that bar in Largo (I am still very realistic), but to not continue to grow and expand would seem very odd, and sad. To not travel my music would be the eventual death of it. People say "wow", and commend my gumption of continuing to play and travel, but to me it's the natural progression. If you realize there is something you do that is "what you do", then how can you not do it?
Way leads on to way. I want Europe, I want Japan, and why not? I can't go back. I couldn't go back after that first ever gig at 16 at the local junior high talent show. Nothing's changed. From the junior high to the UK, way has led on to way. Take care. Later, Butch

Monday, February 27, 2006

So it's a cold Monday morning (by Florida standards) and I've got a kink in my left shoulder and neck that feels like the size of Texas. It's leading me down that ugly path called "my head feels like it's gonna explode due to a fhuge headache". Other than that I'm trying to surround myself with hakuna matata. Closing my eyes and slowing down my breathing every so often doesn't really do much but it makes me feel like I'm trying to cope. I'm not sure if it's that I slept in a funky position, or that I didn't sleep much this weekend (and when I did doze off it was in a funky position on a sofa or something), or just simply stress, or all of the above mixed in together to make me feel like crap. I mean, besides the headache and neck/shoulder pain, I feel twisted, uneven. A few weeks back I had a laugh over a waiter I saw who looked "twisted" but really wasn't. He was just serving the food in an odd fashion. I wonder if this is bad karma coming back to get me? Whatever the reason, one thing's for sure: this too shall pass and I'll feel better when it's gone. I look forward to a better tomorrow, one that is pain free, footloose, and full of fancy, whatever that means. It sounds good, better than this Texan kink, so I'll take it. "Fancy" seems so self indulgent. But really, sometimes you've got to save yourself. You, and only you, can make you feel even again, healthy. Keep on keepin' on. Kinks come and go. Yeah, this too shall pass. I think I'll weather this storm. Here's to a better tomorrow. Take care. Later, Butch

Friday, February 24, 2006

It was just like old times. Steve Connelly and myself killed 5 hours of studio time in a heartbeat. Midnight arrived quickly. He's such a talented guy. Anyone who has come across him will easily attest to that. It was a pleasure. I felt so at home. It was like that old pair of jeans. You know, the ones in the back of the closet you haven't worn for a bit. You forgot just how good they felt. Yeah, it was great being back there. The creative juices really flow for me in that environment. Steve just jumps in head first into the songs. He causes you to do the same, to go for it. I can't wait to be back, to work on a full album again. Maybe the summer. For now, I've got other fish to fry. The live gigs pick up starting tonight. The UK and Cavern Club are right around the corner. Time to focus back on that. The blinders are going up, got a job to do. It's been a long time coming. I'm ready, more than ready. Adios. Take care. Later, Butch

Thursday, February 23, 2006

Tonight I'm back in the studio with one of the finest musicians I've ever met. Steve Connelly is the guy who plays "everything" on my two solo CD's, and did a bunch of little stuff on "Wishing On the Stars", as well as engineer and co-produce those 3 CD's. It's hard to believe it's been 2 years since I last worked with him. We've been in touch, but to actually be in the studio with him, working on music, has been 2 years now. Wow, time flies. Tonight I'll be working on an acoustic tune I want to include on a compilation CD I'm putting out including bits and pieces of the last 4 CD's I've recorded the last 10 years. I always feel so comfortable working with Steve. I know I'm in good hands. We always seem to be on the same musical page. I'm really looking forward to it. And I'm not a guy who really likes the studio all that much. I mean, it's hard hard work. Things don't go to tape sounding good easily. Having Steve man the controls has always made it more pleasurable for me. Don't get me wrong, it's not that I hate the studio, but I'm more of a live show kind of guy. That's where I feel best. More tomorrow on how it went. Take care. Later, Butch

Wednesday, February 22, 2006

Other than music, the only other thing I could surround myself with all day, every day, would be baseball. I love baseball. I mean it's a passion. I could go to a game every day. I don't want to sound like a poetic fairy but I really do dig the sound of the crack of the bat, or the popping of the ball against the mitt. Growing up in Florida, baseball means the warm feeling of the sun on your skin. I'm a pretty laid back person (some will argue that) so I think the flow of the game, the leisurely pace really feels comfortable to me. When you "take in" a game (and that's what you do with baseball, you don't "go" to a game, you "take" it in), there's so much room for conversation and reflection. Anyway, it's baseball time again. I love this time of year. I get the same feeling every season. I feel giddy just like I did when I was 10. My dad is the same way. I can hear it in his voice over the phone. He's jonesin' for a game to start. So am I. Take me away baseball. Take me away from the everyday, the stress and the strife. Let me escape back to my boyhood. Let me remember how carefree and safe things once were. No responsibility except to stay true to your team. Wow, if life could be so simple. But, as Peter Pan found out, that's not the natural way of things. Being Peter Pan will leave you empty and longing. So, let's play ball for just a bit, escape each Spring and Summer, own up to things, and live out the lives we long to live. Have a smile and a Coke and be happy with the realization that the everyday isn't all that bad. Hope springs eternal, both in life and baseball. GO CUBS!!! Take care. Later, Butch

Tuesday, February 21, 2006

Last night I saw and felt myself at age 12 all over again. My son will turn 12 next month. He was told by the school principal he needed a haircut. It really wasn't that long (I've got no room to talk) but it's a private school with rules, take it or leave it. It's the same Catholic school I attended. Great place, I love it. Anyway, I took him to the barber. As I sat reading People magazine, my eye caught him sitting there looking into the mirror as the barber cut away all those locks that took so much time to acquire. He looked like he was going to cry. My heart went out to him. I was there once. You need that hair length to look good in front of the mirror while blasting the radio and playing air guitar. It's from those moments that rock and roll dreams are born. Damn, I hated getting my hair cut. And I was lucky that my grandfather was a barber. He was always on my side. He cut the least possible. I never forgot that. Every so often he'd show up at a gig and I'd play "La Bamba" for him. I owed him. I miss him. Let me get back to my story before I depress myself. Once my son's torture was over, I tried to console him: it's only hair, it'll grow back, you won't have to cut it over the summer, once you're in college you'll never have to cut it again (I left out the part about job interviews after graduation). He just shook his head and stared at my mane. Poor kid. Take care. Later, Butch

Monday, February 20, 2006

Gimme back my bullets. That's the title to an old album and song by Lynyrd Skynyrd. The album cover was shot on the porch of a little old two story wooden country house. Wow, that's a lot of adjectives. Well, the house is even older these days. I had the pleasure of doing a photo shoot there Saturday morning. What a location, what a setting. It was cool on it's own, but knowing it's "rock" history made it really cool. See, I'm still and will always be 16 at heart when it comes to rock and roll. I was walking on air when I played The Stone Pony. I felt like Bruce was everywhere on that stage. I actual shed a tear when I first walked into The Cavern Club and realized I'd be on the stage where The Beatles (and for me, John Lennon) had started. And so I found myself with Telecaster in hand, walking around amazed I was there. Yeah, I still dig this whole rock and roll thing. Always will. Take care. Later, Butch

Friday, February 17, 2006

The TV sitcom sensation of the 80's, "Cheers", had a theme song that many remember. The opening line, though, begs and leads me to a question this morning. The line, if you remember, is, "sometimes you want to go where everybody knows your name." And while this is true, isn't it also true that sometimes you want to go where nobody knows your name. In fact, I'm going to throw the proposition out there that as we get older, isn't the thought of being able to "escape" from the everyday and all it's ruts and b.s. more welcomed than going to a place where everybody knows your name? (Of couse, this is all shot to hell like a Dick Chaney hunting trip by the word "sometimes", as opposed to "all the time".) Maybe I'm becoming more and more antisocial? I don't know. Maybe it IS just me, but the idea of going where nobody knows your name, and therefore not expecting anything from you, demands and responsibilities out the window, is very appealing. The thought of peace and freedom, together at the same time with no cell phone calls, no place to have to be, no time schedules, would be really cool for a while. Of course, then I'd get bored, or feel like I'm not accomplishing much. But just for a little while it would be cool. I mean, going to a place where everybody knows your name all the time would get equally as old as quickly, I think. Just a thought. I guess the impotant word here is "sometimes". Take care. Later, Butch

Thursday, February 16, 2006

Well, things are finally gonna start to heat up again as far as full band gigs. Starting next weekend, we go two weeks with a few band gigs to play, one week off, and then it's the UK. We'll do 3 straight nights over there. The guys'll fly back, and I'll stay on to do a few acoustic solo shows. Once I get back, we play every week leading up to a road trip with 2 dates in Nashville Easter weekend. Finally, things will seem a little back to normal. Besides those full band dates, I'll have a few acoustic solo gigs sprinkled in. I'll also do a studio date this month before heading to the UK. I imagine I'll be back in the studio after the Nashville trip. It'll feel good to get this all behind me and keep moving forward. It's not that I haven't been busy since the shake up at the beginning of the year. The past 6 weeks have been full of rehearsals, solo gigs, the occasional band gig, editing video, and many business decisions. So, it's not like I've been sitting around. But it will feel good to be back up in the saddle again. I won't exactly be right back to where I left off in 2005, but a lot of headway has been made. Gigs and time will get me there shortly. I can't wait. That's where I want to be. I must remain patient. Take care. Later, Butch

Wednesday, February 15, 2006

The "50 Miles" video has been completed. I finished it a few days ago. After watching it a few hundred times during the editing process (it has 238 edits), I let a few others view it. I received good feedback. Then I let it sit for a few days, and finally rewatched it. It's done. The process of letting it leave your mind for a few days and then coming back to it is one I use with everything. It's good to get a fresh perspective on it after a few days rest. You tend to either miss things or keep adding too much when it's jumbled up in your head while working on it. The time away from it helps you to avoid these type of pitfalls. The video took over 10 hours of editing time. I'm pleased with it for a few reasons. At first I thought I didn't have enough raw footage and therefore wasn't going to have a video. The driving around footage really helped to hold it together. I'm also happy with the fact that I think the shots and quick edits really help get the feeling across that I was trying to capture when I wrote the song to begin with. I let my mom watch it. She really liked it. She thought I looked angry in it. It's not anger, it's desperation and serious commitment. That's what the character in the song is all about. The song itself has never been released. In fact, the version for the video is a demo I did of it. Live, it's usually the opener. Once things settle down and get into place with the band, I'll start recording a new CD. It will be on there for sure. As for the video, it should be posted for general viewing on the site very soon. I just had 20 high schoolers give it the seal of approval. Yeah, it ended up being a great thing to work on. I'm very satisfied and happy with the experience. Take care. Later, Butch

Tuesday, February 14, 2006

Happy Valentine's Day! And what a morning it's been for the "new look" Butch. I felt a cold coming on so I went to bed early. The rest, along with the OJ and vitamin C had me feeling good this morning at 5:30. I even had a laugh thinking of something that happened the night before, as I was headed upstairs to bed. I saw my son secretly writing a Valentine's card. I thought he was hiding it from me because it was a surprise for me. WRONG! I got nothin'. It was for a girl in school. Guess the kid is growing up but I still see him as my baby boy. Anyway, then as I leave the house... flat tire! Great! And it's freezing outside, really. It's cold. Not just by Florida standards either. It was like in the 30's! I know, Chicago is laughing right now. But, c'mon, the "new look" Butch is still the "same old" Florida boy. It was cold. Oh well, at least I'm not sick... yet. Take care. Later, Butch

Monday, February 13, 2006

Guestbook wars! I find it very amusing that there seems to be some fighting between those who like the "new look" Butch and those who don't. The "new look" Butch, in case those with a life haven't noticed, is me wearing a print shirt that buttons down as opposed to a t-shirt. Also, a jacket! Not a sport coat but something Tom Petty or The Kinks might have worn. (Note to the person who suggested the Springsteen/Petty song skills with the UB40/Thompson Twins look, check out "Tunnel of Love", or "Damn the Torpedeos" or "Hard Promises", etc., etc.) I guess it's good that at least people are going to the site. I thank those that like the "new look" Butch for their support. To those who don't, sorry, but try to get over it by listening to the music. I haven't added synths! Thanks for checking the site. I wish I could make everyone happy with my fashion choices but as Abe Lincoln said a long long time ago, "you can't please all of the people all of the time". And besides, I like the "new look" Butch (though it's not that new of a look), and in the end, isn't that what's most important. You can't please others if you're not pleasing yourself. Thanks for giving me that, and thanks for your support. I need it. Take care. Later, Butch

Thursday, February 09, 2006

Yesterday I got two pieces of information, both of which were troubling. Two people I know well, both about my age, had rough weekends, to say the least. One with ailing health, the other mental anguish. Unfortunately, one lost their life. I'm left numb. This life is so precious, so fleeting. I'm at a loss for words. Deadlines, schedules, etc. can wait. I pray for them, for all of us, and for myself. May I realize what I have, how lucky I am, and may I live everyday to its upmost potential. I hope you do the same. Take care. Later, Butch

Wednesday, February 08, 2006

100!!!! Yeaaaaah! OK, that's it for the celebration. Got no time, baby. Made big leaps with my raw footage yesterday. The video is going great, movin' along. The edit ideas are poppin' in my head like zits on the face of a pizza eatin' teenager. Will explain tomorrow, gotta get back to the edit room. I'm really happy with the video thus far. 100 came and went...we'll celebrate 200 much bigger. Promise. Take care. Later, Butch

Tuesday, February 07, 2006

Today is my 99th entry. One more and I've hit the century mark. Who would've thunk it? An English major with a gift for gab reaching 100 blog entries, nah. Speaking of 99, remember 99 in "Get Smart"? (Yep, not much today.) She was a hottie. Barbara Felton. Que bella. She wore those black spy turtle neck sweaters... ummmm. Two things here: one, you'll never see me in a turtle neck (a few folks close to the band are laughing right now), and two, listen to a song I wrote called "Driving to Canada" and you'll know how I feel about women in sweaters. Man, I just melt. And then 99 had that Monica Lewinsky hair style, which looked great back in the 60's to begin with, but looks even better now because it brings with it images of Monica and "happy endings". Yeah, Barbie Felton, baby. Mysterious... naughty... randy. That's what I see in my mind's eye when I hear "99". Not some fat spoiled football player who tried to get crazy with Mikie D. of your Robinson Knights (a lot of inside references today. Sorry.) There was even a song written in the 80's about her. I think it was from the band Toto. Some internet junkie should send me an email to confirm this. What? Please. Face it, if you've got time to read my blogs, you've got time to look it up. If not I'll ask The Jeff Wood, my drummer friend. He's a walking music trivia encyclopaedia (alternate spelling). Anywho, today was just the pre-show to tomorrow's extravaganza that is my 100th blog entry. Maybe something cool will happen today so I can blog about that and not bullshit my way through another entry? One can only hope. Take care. Later, Butch

Monday, February 06, 2006

You gotta love The Stones. Mick was honest when he said they coulda played "Satisfaction" at Super Bowl I. And they sounded soooo live, soooo raw. Not that usual Ashlee Simpson lip syncing crap. It was rock and roll, edgy and dirty, they way it's suppose to be. And I'm not a huge Stones fan but c'mon. Keep Timberlake, Janet, and her boob. Gimme The Stones. AND, I hate dancing that has been practiced! Keep that for Radio City. Timberlake is NOT a rock and roller. He's a good looking kid who can dance and sing like he has soul. If this were the 1940's, he'd be playing Vegas. Save it. I'm troubled that a lot of the youngsters these days think this is rock and roll. It isn't. It's crap. AND don't get me started on American Idol! Crap, crap, crap. Whew... I feel better. These little idiots are spewing their negetivity today on the radio over The Stones Super Bowl jam. They have problems cause it sounded too live, and Mick doesn't dance in unison with Keith and Ronnie. Pathetic. I can't wait to run home and plug in my Tele (might even turn my amp to "11") and make some noise! I weep for the future. The Stones rocked, and these kids today suck...wow, I gots to relax. Take a chill pill. Take care. Later, Butch

Thursday, February 02, 2006

I want my MTV. That was the catch phrase of my teen years. Light years later I'm buried over my head with raw footage I'm trying to edit for a new video for the web site. A new song with the new line up. It's a lot of work but hell, I've been teaching this stuff for 9 years now so I know what's what. That's the problem today. I need more footage, better footage, and a storyline. I was thinking the old usual band playing live video, but that's not cutting it. Not enough quality video. So I find myself driving the Interstate with a camcorder on my dash, singing along to the CD player. Go figure. A driving song. It's called "50 Miles" so I guess it'll work. Who knows? I guess I still want my MTV (although MTV isn't what it used to be. Do they ever play actual videos any more?). Having a video on the site is very helpful. People can see you besides hearing you. Good for the promo pack too. Anyway, as if I didn't have enough on my plate with getting the new guys ready for the UK, I'm now a video producer as well. And, no blog till Monday as I'm doing a little charity work at my son's school. Gotta earn those parent hours. Take care. Later, Butch
P.S. Incase you're wondering if I ever rest, I'll get 7 and a half hours sleep come March 16th as we fly to Manchester. The manager will drug me! Ah, such sweet relief.

Wednesday, February 01, 2006

Today I opted for the chili. I could've gone for the old regular: ham and cheese sandwich with a banana on the side, which is quite good and satisfying, but the chili seemed the better choice due to the weather. I know my people up in Chicago would laugh at 40 degrees but remember, I'm a Florida boy. Forty is cold, though forty one isn't old (different subject, nevermind). The leftover chili will really hit the spot, adding a little warmth to a very cold day (not emotionally though, that's a different subject, nevermind). I wonder if the powers that be caused this 40 degree weather to prepare me for the UK? I wonder if they have chili in the UK? I bet they do. Chili would be a natural in England when it's cold and wet (not that it is all the time. I wouldn't want to offend the good people of the UK. It's a wonderful place over there). Maybe if they don't have chili in the UK I could start a chili cafe. I'd call it... The Chili Cafe! I'd make a million pounds (which would be like 1.79 million dollars over here in the USA). YEAH, forget rock and roll, chili is where it's at. Besides, my Fender Telecaster doesn't come with a hot water bottle. I'll need something to keep me warm over there. Chili. Take care. Later, Butch
P.S. The word chili appears 10 times (11 now) in this blog entry. Wow, I must really be looking forward to it. PLUS, the word Chicago (GO CUBS) which appears in this blog entry once, also begins with C-H-I, like chili (12 times). Go figure.