Elusive Creativity

The creative burst I had the other weekend, which led to writing and recording “Broken Loose,” seems to be just that – a burst. Since then I have gone through my day to day without the “itch” of inspiration. I did have a fun, social weekend last weekend – including spending most of Sunday playing music with my dear friend Lora Pendleton. And playing music is creative. But I miss the artistic drive I think I used to have. I dabble in so many things – writing, photography, drawing, playing guitar, singing, songwriting – but I don’t seem to have the discipline to excel in any of them. I put a lot of time into my job and my work for social justice, but I like to think I have another part of my soul to feed. Or do I? It doesn’t seem hungry. I fear that I distract myself too much with the internet. I fear that I am softening as I age. I fear fear. I need to carve out more time for quiet, for solitude. Space to listen for the muse.
I realize this is redundant.

Thursday Hooray!

I had the pleasure of seeing the Archrivals last weekend. Made up of the members of stephaniesid, the Archrivals play keyboardist Charles Clement Lichtenberger‘s catchy, funky original songs and jazz with a rock edge. The musicianship was top notch, of course. The band’s outfits were awesome. And I love the vulnerability that Chuck shows in many of his lyrics, which he delivers as the hilarious character of the “Archrival.” The Archrivals stay playful and uplifting while pounding out rock with complex arrangements. I danced the whole time.

“Take your butterfly wings, and start a hurricane – let’s talk about love…”
photo by frank zipperer

New Song – Broken Loose

Somehow I managed to write and record a little song last weekend. It’s called Broken Loose. I am grateful for the inspiration and having the time to create.

Lyrics:

neighbors laughing, damn the cold
embrace the fading sun of gold

for good or bad, the day is done
no more blue skies for dogs that run

the tender space, the edge of time
‘tween daylight dreams and night sublime

a search for words that carry truth
and a heart that’s broken loose

from my chest, taking flight
dancing in the dying light

Thursday Hooray!

My friend Timmy Smith (aka SocialLifeAVL) turned me on to artist/tattoo artist Miya Bailey. Born and raised in Asheville, “Miya got his start tattooing back in the early 90’s, when he lived in the projects, as a way to make money.” You can now find Miya at City of Ink in Atlanta, GA. He just finished a documentary about his career and the struggles of black artists called “Color Outside the Lines.” I can’t wait to see it.

Elvisfest 2012!

Elvisfest was off the chain as usual. Read my report on the Xpress website.

Thursday Hooray!

Word on the street is that Dan Dyer will be at the Doo-Nanny this year.

Happiness in Hot Springs

On New Year’s Day Krekel and I went to Hot Springs. It was chilly, not cold, and the rain that was falling as we drove stopped right as we arrived at our favorite hiking spot. We walked along the Laurel River with Max as mist rose from the water. The sun kept peeking out and illuminating the drops of water on the bare tree branches. It was magical. After the hike, we met some friends at a cabin they were renting. We spent the day soaking in a hot tub of natural mineral water, grilling out, laughing and generally setting the tone for a good year. We even had black-eyed peas and collards – just in case there’s anything to that superstition. I haven’t gotten caught up in the new year’s resolution tradition this year, though of course I am looking ahead and hoping for good habits, creativity and exciting adventures in 2012. What about you?

 

Birthday Bliss

Since my birthday is December 30, I celebrate completing another solar orbit with the new calendar year. Last night I marked the occasion of my birth by going to see Free Flow Band play at Havana Restaurant. I recently wrote an Xpress article about them (I took the photos for the article too), and the band was really sweet and dedicated songs to me. Jason’s mom surprised me with a 10-layer cake. Hector, the owner of Havana, gave me a bottle of champagne. Everyone danced. And on and on. I am so blessed with love.

photo by jake frankel

Thursday Hooray!

Reigning Sound has a new (free) EP, “Abdication…For Your Love.” Someone edited this old video footage to one of the tracks. Fits so well. Greg Cartwright definitely channels an earlier time in music, but puts a fresh spin on it.

Holiday

Huzzah! We did the Christmas thing and it was quite nice this year, thanks to family and friends and the Krektones. Riding on the LaZoom bus on Friday while the Krektones played was a blast. And their show last night was memorable, too – great costumes, decorations by Suzie Millions, killer arrangements of holiday tunes and guest appearances by Morgan Geer and Greg Cartwright. Rock.

Thursday Hooray!

In celebration of the Solstice, here’s a new Mad Tea single/video just for you:

Song by Ami Worthen. Performed by Mad Tea: Jason Krekel and Ami Worthen with Jon Reid. Video by Krekel & Ami. http://www.themadtea.com

YOU CAN DOWNLOAD THE SONG HERE

Back at It

I never did write a post describing Mad Tea‘s recent weekend back out on the road. I’ll share a bit now. Despite our current love of being at home, we fell back into the swing of regional travel pretty easily. Friday night we opened for Southern Culture on the Skids at the new Ziggy’s in Winston-Salem. Huge rock club, rowdy crowd, SCOTS tore it up. Saturday we visited Amanda and her family on Sullivan’s Island, then played at the Tin Roof with Paint Fumes. The sound was awesome and Krekel said it was one of his favorite shows we’ve ever played. We’re really getting our groove on these days. The folks that own/work at the Tin Roof are nice as can be. It was a good night. Sunday we had pho for brunch at the International Market in Charleston, then drove, etc. Tiring and memorable.

photo of mad tea at ziggy’s by dancing lemur (jenny l. viars)

999 Eyes Experience

Last night I saw the 999 Eyes Freakshow & Surreal Sideshow at the Grey Eagle. What a show! I had written a preview article for Mountain Xpress, even though I’d never seen them live. It was great to meet Black Scorpion, who I interviewed for the story, in person, especially after being so impressed with him on the phone. I was VERY happy to learn that he (and the rest of the 999 Eyes) really dug what I wrote. Scorpion said I seemed to understand him. I *did* strive to truly hear and authentically convey what he told me. The show was packed out and extremely entertaining. It was nice to feel like I was a part of it.

Thursday Hooray!

Mad Tea played with Paint Fumes last weekend and they blew us away.

Video: Superhero

Here’s a video from last night of me kicking off the Wide Open Mic with my song “Superhero.” The solo version is definitely different than the Mad Tea version.

Diggin’ It.

Mad Tea got back out on the road this weekend. I hope to post some stories soon. Then I came home to a very memorable Wide Open Mic. I dig it all.

Thursday Hooray!

My friend Valorie showed me this video the other night. This chick Irma sure is talented. I think she’s from France.

The Best!

We went into the studio with Secret Agent 23 Skidoo on Friday to record on his next CD. He is such a genius. And so is Krekel – he is a master of funny voices!

Then, on Friday night, thanks to our #2 place win in the Fragglepop category (with first place being “What the hell is Fragglepop”?!? Ha!), Mad Tea performed at the Mountain Xpress Best of WNC Bash at the Orange Peel. With carnival-themed decorations and cotton candy, the atmosphere at the Orange Peel was festive. The entertainment began with the emcee introducing my heroes the Runaway Circus. They are so rad.

Before we knew it, it was our turn to hit the stage. The room was packed with happy people. We were lucky to have our friends Justin Ray and Jacob Rodriguez playing with us (on trumpet and sax, respectively). They added SO much to our show. Truly took it to the next level. Krekel and I were relaxed and rambunctious, totally on our game. To top it off, by the end of our set the crowd was REALLY getting down. Beautiful boogie. It was one of the best sets we’ve ever played. I can’t articulate the joy that experience gave me. I am grateful for it.

The rest of the evening was a whirlwind of laughing and dancing. Here’s a blissful me at the end of the night:

Thursday Hooray!

I must be distracted, because I almost forgot the Thursday Hooray! But I remembered, and here I am, posting, with hours to spare. My friend shared a bunch of music with me the other night, and of course this track spoke to me. Getting me in the mood for the Mad Tea set tomorrow night.

Content and Restless

Lately I have been counting my blessings over and over again. I have a wonderful life and not a thing to complain about. My days are permeated with a feeling of contentment. That said, I also have restless feelings that surface occasionally and cause me to question everything, mostly my creative path. Where is my fire and drive? Have I reached a good place to simply be in and enjoy, or have I numbed myself with too much time on the internet and idle activities? Am I happy to be stepping back a bit from performing/songwriting, or am I crippled by fears that keep me from really putting myself out there creatively? Who am I?

Thursday Hooray!

This movie is awesome. I can’t stop thinking about Tribe Called Quest.

Creative Community

Once again I’ve been blown away by my creative friends. Thursday night I attended a magical event hosted by Phil Cheney at Rob Seven’s ArToREtum. On Saturday I got to see Secret Agent 23 Skidoo (with Krekel on guitar), Floating Action, Wayne Robbins & the Hellsayers, and DJs Greg Cartwright and Dr. Filth. (It was a long, fun, full day/night.) Then on Sunday Mad Tea was part of Jon Reid’s Race to the Bottom live AshevilleFM broadcast with Angi West, Moses Atwood, Stephanie Morgan, Seth Kauffman, Art Sturtevant and Tom Scheve. The show was terrific. Being a part of it was particularly satisfying because everyone there, including the crowd, was nice and supportive. I am grateful to have friends who are world class talents, but who still take the time and energy to cheer others on. I treasure their gifts of inspiration and encouragement.

Thursday Hooray!

Just when I start to lose faith in rock and roll and kids these days, the Black Lips do something irreverent and awesome. I love them.