09/02/08
Labor Day
Yesterday Steve & I performed at the SEIU Labor Day Festival in St. Paul, MN. We had a hell of a time and were so happy to be there. We saw some friends - Tom Morello and Billy Bragg (who also did amazing sets) and who knows - maybe our voices reached the RNC across the way. The deal is, a labor union is one of the only ways for workers to get health insurance these days - that's how my family gets ours - through our union. Unions are important and the only real power working people have.
I enjoyed watching the Democratic National Convention last week. I thought there were some really great moments - I loved Michelle Obama, and I thought Montana governor Brian Schweitzer was really great, too. Obama was, of course, brilliant in his speech. He is a really great, inspiring speaker. And that he has the ability to inspire should not count against him - that does not make him a "celebrity." This country needs to be inspired. Our youth, especially, need to be inspired to stand up and voice their opinions, to be told that being apathetic is not cool. That this country is not going to be the one they were born to in 10 years if we all don't make our voices heard. We need to make real changes. And they're not going to get made with McCain (or Palin) in the White House. The middle class is disappearing, and the next generation will be the first one in many that won't do better than their parents - IF WE DON'T DO SOMETHING!
The tour is winding down, folks, and after being on the road for 9 months I am indeed ready for a break. If you're in NYC sept. 22 - 26, try to catch one of the Judson Memorial shows. My friend Eleanor Whitmore is going to play some fiddle and mandolin with me for something a little different - I'm excited about that - she's great - you'll love her.
We're going to Australia and New Zealand in November, then we'll truly put this one to bed. Steve's already working on a new album, and I'm going to start soon, when I've had a chance to catch my breath and think about where I'm going. The music business is a strange beast these days, and it's hard to know where I fit in, but all I can do is keep singing and making records and hope they reach the people that want to hear them. And hope to stay sane during the process! I feel things bubbling under my skin - I think I'm ready to write a new record. We shall see. I'll keep you posted.
Movies I've seen:
Brideshead Revisited - so, so pretty and good. I recommend it highly. Now I want to read the book.
What I'm reading:
Fall issues of Vogue and Harper's Bazaar
Animal, Vegetable, Miracle by Barbara Kingsolver
When you are Engulfed in Flames by David Sedaris
What I'm listening to:
Jacob Dylan - Seeing Things
I know you're married but I've got feelings too - Martha Wainwright
Tom Baxter - Skybound
07/29/08
Label News
Well, I found out today that for now my record label is intact! Phew! I wasn't ready to go through all of that again just yet. So "Mockingbird" lives.
The song, "Mockingbird," will be on Volume II of the Sex and the City soundtrack, which has a release date of September 23rd. That will be a big week, because Steve and I are doing 4 shows at Judson Memorial Church in NYC to close down the US portion of the Washington Square Serenade/Mockingbird tour. We'll see what else pops up for that week.
I'm enjoying a short break from the road, but I'll be back at it in just a couple of days. Unpack, do laundry, pack, unpack, do laundry, pack, etc. Sometimes I can't remember which one I'm supposed to be doing...
Peace and Love.
AM
07/20/08
Milwaukee, WI
I just got off stage - we played tonight at the beautiful Pabst Theater in Milwaukee - Steve is still on but the dressing room was FREEZING so I came on out to the bus, where I was greeted by the ever friendly and loving Beau and Petey (our canine children). They really do make a bus a home.
Just thought I'd check in and say hello! Things are good - really good. The last European leg of the tour went great, the weather was unspeakably good (no rain if you can believe it), and the crowds were even better. There haven't been many breaks in this tour but we are surviving and generally loving being out seeing all of you. Thanks for coming to the shows.
Let's see - what else is going on?
I started a blog for my clothing line - 1turtledove.blogspot.com - to keep everyone posted on that side of things. I'm hoping to get a small collection together for Fall '09 for you clothes lovers out there. This tour has given me some time to sketch and think about what I want to do with it.
There aren't any new record plans in the works just yet. New Line was folded into Warner Brothers so I'm once again in label upheaval, which never feels good. So it's going to take some time to figure all of that out, and I feel like I want to take some time to figure out what my next record is going to be. I already have a bunch of songs written , so I'm just going to keep writing and when the right thing comes along, I'll get to it. Meanwhile, I'm keep touring and singing and playing. I feel confident that things will line up as they are supposed to.
I do miss the comforts of home. The other night I told Steve, "I need to sleep in a bed that isn't rolling for a little while!" He laughed. Then I laughed. I think the dogs even laughed. I miss cooking and eating things from my own pots and dishes. I miss my sheets and towels. And if I were home this summer I'd wonder what I was missing out on the road! Ah. Such is life. It's all good.
I hope this summer is finding you all well. Gas is too high to even talk about (try filling up a tour bus), and I hope we see that change soon, but I fear it will be a while. As everyone tightens their belts, I hope we can try to remember what is important and to count our blessings. I sure am.
Peace, Love and Blessings.
A.
06/13/08
It seems I am a woman of few words these days...
not by design, it's just that at this point in the tour, whenever I have 30 minutes to spare, I try to take a nap. When you're in a different city almost everyday, you learn to conserve your energy and take good care of yourself. For me, this means trying to keep up my yoga practice and as much sleep as I can get. Glamourous, I know...
I'm really enjoying this tour and think the shows are going down well. I'm loving singing the songs from Mockingbird - I think we'll keep going through september then wind down and see what comes next. A break will certainly be in order.
SO! Hillary is out. Barack is in. Here we go. I certainly hope that people vote for the change they say they want and don't allow prejudice to keep them from making a choice that will allow that when they draw the curtain at the polls. I don't know how we can survive another four years of republicans in the White House.
I just keep singing "A Change Is Gonna Come," and I keep believing it.
Peace, Love and Blessings.
A.
03/17/08
Dear Rojo.
I grew up in the country. South Alabama. There were always animals running around - dogs, cats, goats, cows, chickens - whatever we had collected. This may explain my need for some sort of critter by my side at all times - I don't know. But I digress...
We had a rooster named Rojo when I was a kid. My father named him this I suppose because of his hat - it was bright red, and he had quite a bit of red in his tail feathers as well. He was proud - he strutted around a lot - and yes, he crowed. Well, one day we came home from school and found Rojo in the dog pen - I guess he misjudged a landing from the chicken house - and the dogs had pulled his tail feathers out. Poor thing couldn't stand up. He died.
And I miss that rooster so much today. I miss home. I want to be in the country and grow a garden and make a quilt and cornbread and a pot of vegetable soup and dig in the dirt and feel the hot sun on my back.
There are some things that stay with you forever. Some things are just in your blood. No matter where I go - and I've been a lot of places - certainly more than I ever thought I would when I was that little girl coming home from school finding the rooster in the dog pen - I will never forget picking fresh vegetables out of our garden. And I will never not regret not being old enough to learn how to grow one of my own before my parents could teach me. I will never forget those hot summer days in south Alabama when my sister and I would grab 4 pieces of Roman Meal bread and 2 cane poles and head down to the pond to catch bream (the bread was for bait!!). We would catch some fish so small they weren't any bigger than our hands, but we cleaned them and ate them anyway. And they were SO GOOD.
I treasure what I learned there. And though I've let it go, and it's sometimes painful that I have, the ties to that time and place define so much of me. What I realize is, I missed so much. Now I'm playing catch up. I wasn't old enough to ask my father how to plant peas. One day, when I slow down enough to have my own garden (hope hope hope) I will have to buy a book.
And that's o.k. But damn.
I'm in Seattle, WA today. I've always liked this city - something about the wet, green landscape reminds me of home. Maybe that's why I'm homesick.
Oh poor me!!!!! :-)
Life is good. Memories are good. They are part of what keep us alive. They burn, they soothe, they simmer, they hurt, they inspire, they propel, they stop us in our tracks.
This was a good day. Call someone you love.
See you on the road.
Peace and Love.
A.
ps-Leno on the 27th!!!!!
02/25/08
Italian Meatball Soup
I got this recipe from epicurious.com, and it was originally called Italian Meatball Soup Rapido. But I replaced the canned beans with dry ones and the frozen meatballs with fresh ones. So it's not so rapido anymore. And it's better!! Of course, rapido is always good, but if you have time to do it the long way, it's worth it.
I also make it as a vegetarian soup (because I don't eat meat) but make the meatballs on the side for those that do (like Steve) - they can add them if they like.
Ingredients:
1/4 cup olive oil
1 cup frozen chopped onions (about 6 oz)
4 garlic cloves, chopped
1 celery rib, halved lengthwise and thinly sliced crosswise
2 carrots, halved lengthwise and thinly sliced crosswise
5 1/4 cups vegetable stock
2 1/2 cups water
1 lb. of dry white beans (navys or great northerns will do as well)
1 lb. of lean ground beef or turkey (for meatballs - optional)
1 (5- to 6-oz) bag baby spinach, coarsely chopped
1/2 cup finely grated Parmigiano-Reggiano (optional)
3/4 teaspoon salt, or to taste
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Accompaniment: finely grated Parmigiano-Reggiano
Preparation:
Soak beans overnight or do the "quick soak" method.
Heat 2 tablespoons oil in a 5- to 6-quart pot over high heat until hot but not smoking, then cook onions, garlic, celery, and carrots, stirring occasionally, until onions are pale golden, about 4 minutes. Stir in broth and water and bring to a boil, covered. Meanwhile, heat remaining 2 tablespoons oil in a 12-inch heavy skillet over high heat until hot but not smoking, then cook meatballs, turning occasionally, until browned all over. Set aside on paper towels to soak up excess oil. Add beans to soup and briskly simmer, covered, stirring occasionally, until vegetables are tender and beans are heated through, about 15 minutes. Stir in spinach, cheese (optional - you can also add the cheese as a topping), salt, and pepper and simmer, uncovered, until spinach is wilted, about 1 minute.
For meat eaters, serve over meatballs.
02/25/08
You look tired...
I said to myself in the mirror.
Steve and I both caught the flu in Europe. Getting sick is hell on singers. Luckily what we had was more of a respiratory thing, instead of a throat thing, but it still made some of those shows hard, and as Steve said, downright psychedelic.
We had our very own "SICKO" experience, though. SICKO as in the Michael Moore movie. We arrived in Madrid, and it was decided that we should see a doctor. When one was called, he arrived at our hotel within 30 minutes, saw us both in our room, he said "yes it's the flu" here's what you need to do, he wrote us each 3 prescriptions, we paid him 200 euros (would have been FREE if we had been citizens of Spain), we walked down the block to the chemist and our 6 - yes 6 total - prescriptions were filled for 27 euros. That's the equivalent of about 40 bucks, folks. Yes. 40 bucks. For 6 prescriptions! With our system here in the US, without health insurance, those prescriptions (2 were antibiotics) would've probably been 200 dollars. But don't let anyone tell you we need NATIONALIZED HEALTH CARE!!
Geez Louise.
It was an eye-opener. I wish someone could tell me why it would be a bad thing for everyone in this country to have medical coverage. I think that if someone needs help you help them. I wouldn't mind paying more taxes if I knew everyone had access to decent health care. These days if you get sick and happen to have health insurance they just cancel you or call it a pre-existing condition. People go bankrupt trying to pay medical bills. People are choosing between medication and food. It's just insane. I'm not sure I will ever see the day when we have a better program in this country, but for anyone to profit from someone's illness is just criminal. There is a special place in hell for those people - I'm convinced.
If I believed in hell. Which I don't.
The US election coverage in Europe is very interesting. They're all over it. We as a country are under the spotlight and the world is watching. We need to remember that.
Anyway...
We leave on wednesday for the first US leg of the tour. Can't wait to see you guys. We'll have new t-shirts and copies of the new record for those of you that haven't gotten yours yet.
See you out there.
Peace and Love,
A.
01/12/08
is it 2008?
I'm a little late on the happy new year blog. I feel as though I've just come out of some sort of holiday haze. Don't know why that is, but the good news is that I feel like I'm coming out of it!
My father-in-law passed away 2 days after Christmas. He had been sick for a long time, so it didn't come as a surprise to me, or to anyone else, I don't think, but it's still always hard when a loved one leaves for good. The Earles are a tight bunch, tight in a way that I'm not used to, having no parents for most of my life and all. Steve is the oldest of 5 children, and his parents were married for 53 years. So yes - things have changed for them in a way that I cannot imagine. You see, I am very close to my sister, and certain other family members, but I have no parents to be the glue that binds us all together so it ends up being more of a choice thing rather than a responsibility, which is cool in a way, but disjointed all the same. I can only hope and pray that Steve and his mother and brothers and sisters find comfort and relief in the fact that Mr. Jack is no longer suffering, and they can honor his memory by continuing to be the loving family that they have always been.
Speaking of family, my grandmother, in all of her glorious, wonderful, unspeakably beautiful 81 years came to visit us for Christmas. She made 2 pecan pies and 2 batches of biscuits and everyone got fat and it was great. She also helped me cook Christmas dinner for a houseful of people. While she was here I would catch myself looking at her and hoping that I got the genes that allow her to look 20 years younger than she ought to. Seriously - we were eating lunch and ran into someone that Steve knew, and I introduced her to them as my grandmother. Minutes later we were interrupted by 2 ladies who wanted to know if they had heard me correctly - was she really my grandmother - because they couldn't believe she was old enough to be. She is indeed inspiring and I'm so lucky to have her. And she can still sing and she makes me laugh.
So let's see - what else?
I've hand-embroidered 50 shirts in celebration of "Mockingbird." They will be up for sale on the website very soon (the 16th of jan I think if all goes as planned). They are all for women (sorry guys - but didn't think you would wear hand-embroidered bird shirts) in a variety of styles and sizes - no two are alike - so go over there and order one. I expect to see some at some shows! They were truly a labor of love and I hope you like them.
Oh yes - my first Grammy nomination - for the duet on Steve's record - for best country collaboration with vocals (don't know how they let us into that category but we'll take it). So very excited about that. Steve also got one for his album in the best contemporary folk album category. So yay!
We leave on tuesday to start the first official Steve Earle/Allison Moorer tour. The first date is Thursday, Jan. 17th in Glasgow, Scotland. We are very excited and can't wait to see you guys.
So that's it for now.
We're off to rehearsal - see you on the road! I'll try to blog as much as I can.
Peace and Love.
And Happy New Year.
A.
11/27/07
nov. 27
Hey there.
Thought I'd drop by - it's been too long.
Today I started the all important interviews for the new record. I did two good long ones with HARP and VENUS. So there. It begins.
I am so very excited about "Mockingbird." Hopefully by now you've all checked out the titles (and heard the teaser track - Nina Simone's "I want a little sugar in my bowl"). I'm doing some radio visiting this week, along with 4 performances of the play, so I'm trying to store up some rest right now - Petey's in my lap, which always makes me want to stay put.
It's a cold, grey day in NYC today, which suits my overall mood. No, nothing's wrong at all, everything is great, except that Steve left for Nashville today, where he'll be for the rest of the year producing Ms. Joan Baez' next album (how cool is that?). And that's great and all but I miss him. Boo Hoo. We're not apart much, and when we are it's for a really good reason, such as this one. I'll join him down there after the play closes on Dec. 16th for the holidays.
Speaking of the play - I finally got my picture in The New York Times.
I am SO SUPER EXCITED about the tour!!! YAY!!! Some dates are up on the tour page so take a look. I'll be opening the shows for Steve, and then singing some during his portion of the show. We both can't wait to get out there. Hope to see some or all of you!
I hope you all enjoy the holidays. I'm particularly thankful this year. Just because. I'm far more blessed than I deserve to be.
Much love and good wishes,
Allison
ps-I'm still off of caffeine.
10/17/07
Airports, etcetera
I've been spending a lot of time in airports lately. Yes, I do travel a lot, but lately it's all been by plane. Not my favorite thing, to say the least.
But last week, as we were delayed in Detroit waiting to go to Philadelphia, I began to people watch. Now - I usually have my nose in a book or magazine. I've always been good at keeping my head down and minding my own business - probably too good. But I don't know - my mind wandered. And so I began to wonder about all those people from all those places with all those ideas and thoughts and strenghts and weaknesses and fears and troubles and loves and joys. I wondered how they all got there - literally and figuratively - and how we were all just trying to get home.
It made me a little sad. But mostly happy. Because I realized that even though we may struggle to live with one another on a daily basis - we are all basically the same. We just want to get home and get loved. Find our comfortable, cozy spot at the end of the day. Through all the work and the striving to be better and the trying to do big things that we do, most of the motivation for these things can be traced back to one thing - the desire for love.
Now - of course - it can get whacked out. But today I'm going to be sympathetic. How about you?
Know what I mean?
Otherwise- the record is coming out February 19th in the states - probably a little earlier in the UK/Europe since we're starting the tour over there in January. Will keep you posted on tour details but there will be plenty of dates coming your way. I just adore this record and can't wait to get it out there to you.
Movies:
3:10 to Yuma - a great new western. Russell Crowe, Christain Bale - go see it if you like a good shoot 'em up.
Records:
Wilco's Sky Blue Sky
Books:
I'm reading "The Shock Doctrine" by Naomi Klein. Get it!
There's a news entry about what I'm doing for the rest of the year - REBEL VOICES - at the Culture Project in NYC. Should be a great show. If you're in NYC come see us. We'll put the schedule up on tour page as soon as it's solid.
See you soon!
Peace and Love,
A.
09/19/07
OH YEAH!!
So in my caffeine deprived state I forgot to tell you how much fun I've been having!
I played a set that I really enjoyed at Bumbershoot in Seattle a couple of weeks ago - the crowd was great, the setting was fine, and it was all around a good day. Then I tagged along with Steve while he visited radio down the coast (we have a duet on his new record and I did background vocals on it, too) and then we finally landed in Los Angeles. You may know that Ms. Lucinda Williams was doing shows at The El Rey Theatre - performing a different record every night. Well, Steve produced "Car Wheels on a Gravel Road" so she asked him to come and sit in with her on the Car Wheels night. The show was going great and the band and she sounded wonderful. I'm hanging out backstage listening and digging it and all of a sudden I hear "Allison, if you're back there come sing on something!!" So I ambled out and did the harmony part on "Greenville" and it was cool.
Next week Steve and I are doing a show at Town Hall in NYC - so come out if you're in the area. I'm gonna do a couple of new things from the new record.
What I'm reading:
An annotated version of Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen (she's so cool)
What I'm listening to:
Umbrella - Rihanna (I love, love, love this track)
Wilco - Sky Blue Sky
Feist - The Reminder
Steve Earle - Washington Square Serenade
Shelby Lynne - her new one that's coming out early next year
And the best movie I've seen lately is "LA VIE EN ROSE" the Edith Paif biopic. Oh my goodness - so, so good. Highly recommended.
That's it - I'm about out of my stupor now...
See you guys soon.
peace and love,
A.
09/17/07
Oh Dear.
Don't be alarmed by the title. I'm just trying to get myself off of caffeine. It's a nasty little (or big - depending on how you look at it) addiction - one that I'm just not willing to tolerate anymore.
See - I'm one of those people who just aren't human before their first cup of coffee in the morning. Don't look at me, don't come near me and for God's sake don't talk to me!! It's bad.
So therefore - I'm attempting to quit. I think I can do it - I've done harder things.
I'm on my 2nd day - and yes, I feel it. I'm trying to be all zen about it as I sit here with my hot water and lemon suffering a headache the size of Texas - telling myself - it'll be worth it. Yes - you'll be clearer, you'll have shaken yet another drug, and you'll probably live longer. Yes - that's the ticket!!
And then I'll reserve the right to have a cappuccino every now and then. But only after I've kicked it.
Speaking of Texas - I just got back from the ACL Festival where Steve played a great set on Saturday. It was too hot - who's great idea was it to have a festival in Texas in the middle of September? Everyone knows it's hotter there then than any other time of year. Why not April or May? October, anyone? Oh well - they didn't ask me.
Speaking of Steve - his new album, "Washington Square Serenade" comes out next week, Sept. 25th. Go get it. Or buy it online. It's great. We have a duet on it called "days aren't long enough." He's so cool.
My record will come out in January - then we'll tour together. So watch out for tour dates to be posted soon.
Fall in Tennessee is spectacular. The slightest little nip in the air, clear skies, leaves changing - it blows me away. We have about 20 birds on our front porch as I write this - how cool is that?
Remember that show I took part in at Cooper Union in NYC back in the spring? Well, that show is going up at The Culture Project (off broadway) for 6 weeks starting in early November and it looks like I'm taking part. I'm very excited about it - details to come.
I hope all is well in your worlds - see you on the road soon - and more details about the record release date and all that stuff coming your way.
Peace and Love,
A.
08/12/07
August 11, 2007
Fairview, TN
The record is finished – mastered yesterday, in fact. And I have to say, I love it. I’ve always been lucky that way – I’ve never had a record turn out in a way I don’t like. Some I like better than others in hindsight, but I love them all. They’re like my children, I guess.
This one is different. For a couple of reasons. First – I wrote only one song on it, so that’s definitely a change for me. But really the main difference is my attitude about it. For so long I thought I had to control everything and guide it all with a clenched fist and tightened jaw, now I prefer a velvet glove and a smile, if possible. It feels much better to do it that way. In the end, all you can do is what you can do. Accepting that as enough is tricky, but a good lesson to learn. Or maybe I should say a good skill to gain. Lessons seem to me something you learn and put on a shelf – skills are something you pull out and use again and again.
This is a beautiful record, if I do say so myself. Buddy Miller is truly outstanding in every way – as a musician, producer, and most of all as a human being. He put me so at ease and made me feel like we had all the time in the world to do whatever we needed to do. And it didn’t take very long, I might add. We somehow whittled my huge song list down to 16, recorded them all, then finally decided on 12 to include on the record. So that means there are 4 extras kicking around that will probably poke their heads up at some point. Buddy picked the perfect musicians and expertly guided the vibe so that everything came out the way we wanted it to. There were some surprises, of course, as there always are, but mostly it was just one of the most pleasant experiences I’ve ever had making art.
The label is talking about a January or February release. Steve and I are planning on starting a worldwide tour in January – so next year is shaping up to be a busy one.
Until then I have a handful of shows to play, songs to write, clothes to sew, and t-shirts to embroider on (more on that later). We’ll be revamping the website as well – there may even be a new message board!!
I hope to see all of you guys soon – much love and peace.
x
Allison
07/03/07
Happy Independence Day
Hi folks.
On the eve of this country's 231st birthday, I have to admit I am once again disappointed and dismayed and all around disgusted with the current state of affairs. I know, I know - I complain all the time about Bush and the government and how crazy it is that we, the people, allow such things to go on, but come on. This is just too much.
COMMUTING LIBBY'S SENTENCE??
Umm. Hello. Yes, we knew a full pardon was coming, but we thought it would be when Shrub left office - AFTER Scooter (geez - get a name) had done some time. Hell - even Paris had to go to jail. All she did was drive drunk, dress badly and abuse the word "hot." Why didn't she get a commute?
I don't know. It's all too much. But why am I surprised? I expect more, I suppose. I guess expecting people in power, or people who know people in power to experience the consequences of their actions is expecting too much.
They send people to jail for doing drugs. For holding pot.
But perjury? Obstruction of justice? Outing a CIA agent? Nah - no biggie.
You know - I'm happy I live here. It's beautiful. It's somewhat free. It's home. But we need to put a stop to this mess. Any ideas? Anyone?
And I haven't even mentioned the war. Remember the war? Those are real people over there. Our people, their people - does it really matter? We're all the same - we all live on this planet together. And until we all start thinking and living like that, we're screwed.
It's a good thing I don't like the sound of fireworks. I won't be lighting any this year.
However!! The recording of the new record is finished - we're in the mixing stage now. I really want to reveal the song titles but I will refrain until we make the track listing final. It will be soon - I promise.
I really have had the best time making this record - for many reasons - and I'm so very excited to get it out. I'm told the label is thinking January 2008. So there will be many updates coming up.
I'm going to spend my July 4th thinking about what I can do to help make the planet a little better. Recycling, donating, growing things, smiling and laughing more, and trying to spread some love and good energy around. I don't have a political mind - I always end up trying to make things more simple than they are because it does seem so simple to me - treat each other well, don't kill each other, don't take more than you need. Alas, I'm usually just patted on the head for that.
All I really know is: Petey is curled up beside me, I have a loving husband and family and great friends and folks that care about me, I have a wonderful job that I adore, a roof over my head, enough to eat, cute shoes, and just too many blessings to count. So for tonight - I will try to convince myself that everything is o.k. And then I will pray.
Peace and Love.
Allison
06/18/07
Hello from Tennessee
I just thought I would check in and let you all know how the recording process is going.
We're having a ball and everything is sounding great. We started recording on thursday and we have 10 tracks so far. We still have some left to do, but it's been relatively painless and a lot of fun. Buddy's studio has a tree swing in the backyard, so I've decided I don't want to make a record anywhere else from now on! Swings are among my favorite things on earth - I think everyone should have one - seems there would be a lot less violence and nonsense in the world if that were the case. Don't you? How can you not be happy if you're in a swing?
I won't reveal the songs that we've recorded just yet - but I promise there will be some you know and love, and some that you will know and love when you hear them! I wrote the title track, "Mockingbird," but that's my only songwriting contribution. There is a song by my sister, a Patty Griffin, a Cat Power (Chan Marshall), a Joni Mitchell, a Jackie DeShannon, a Nina Simone, a Jessie Colter, a Patti Smith, - so there are some hints. I'm really enjoying the whole process - it seems like it would be less pressure, not recording your own songs, but it's not. It's just a different kind of pressure - I have to take care of other people's songs - which is a whole other kind of responsibility. The musicians have been amazing, too. So we'll see how it all turns out, but all signs point to good!!
On another note, it's good to be back in Tennessee for a bit, though I have to admit New York feels more like home these days. I'm not sure why that is - but it is.
Anyway - I'll be back with another report soon. Enjoy the heat.
Peace & Love,
Allison
05/23/07
Guess What!
Buddy Miller is going to produce my next record.
How Cool Is That??
I'm so excited I'm doing a snoopy dance all the time. Mostly when no one's around, but sometimes I slip.
Just thought you might like to know.
We're going into the studio next month.
More details to come.
Peace & Love,
Allison
05/02/07
One day past May day
Hello people!
Greetings from New York City.
If finally got warm enough to plant some flowers in the garden so I feel human again. Petey promptly pulled most of them up, but I patiently explained to him that we like the flowers in the dirt, and he agreed that yes, they were prettier there. So we replanted them together. My dog is truly one of the lights of my life. That may sound sad to some, but any true animal lover will understand!!
Hmmm - let's see what's going on...
Well - if you're in NYC today - come by Cooper Union (the Great Hall - Cooper Union and Astor Place) at 6:30 for a Voices of A People's History of the United States reading. Some guest readers include Ally Sheedy, Danny Glover, Stanley Tucci, Deepa Fernandes, Brian Jones, and I'm gonna sing and so is Steve. Should be inspiring. And it's free!
The big news is I just signed a new record deal with New Line Records (yes - part of the film company) so I'm very excited about that. I'm going into the studio in June if all goes as planned. I won't reveal who the producer is yet, but just know that it's someone whom I've admired for many, many years, have never worked with in this capacity before, and who is talented beyond words. I'm very, very excited about the record. It's going to be a different kind of thing than you've heard from me before - one I think you'll enjoy. So there!! There are some details for you. More next month...
Other than preparing for that and flying around the country and chasing dogs and my husband (he's currently recording his new record so there are words and melodies flying around this house like you wouldn't believe - not to mention cords and cables and guitars and capos and lyric sheets and diet dr. pepper cans) I've been trying to chill and do stuff I like to do. I've made about half a closet full of clothes - yes - the sewing thing has become a serious obsession. Can you say FABRIC? Oh dear...
There are some dates coming in the fall. The record will probably come out around that time as well, unless we hold it until after the first of 2008. Too early to tell at this stage. But just know that after my last record, and the fact that the record company (won't put their name in print) forgot they needed to tell anyone it came out, I feel like a horse at the starting gate. I feel like I've been away - when I actually haven't. I worked very hard on that record, and it's my favorite thing I've ever made. But that's life in the music business. All I can do is make them and do my best to get out and tell people about them. I can't do all the rest. And that was a hard lesson to learn!! But once I let it go, I felt better.
I'm very excited about the new Wilco record - can't wait to hear it. I've been listening to Willie Mason's "If the Ocean gets rough," which is very good. Also check out Justin Earle's "Yuma" if you can get your hands on it. Just google it and you should be able to find it. I'm partial, but he's very talented. I've also been listening to "Stay with Me," by Lorraine Ellison repeatedly. It makes the hair on the back of my neck stand up. Jesus.
I'm still reading Joan Didion before I go to sleep every night. I also have "Paris - The Secret History" here - can't wait to dig into that - just haven't found the right moment. "Cultural Amnesia" is here as well - it looks great.
OK - too much rambling for a wednesday morning.
See you soon I hope. I love you guys.
AM
04/03/07
A couple of things I forgot...
to say.
1. I think "Moonlight Mile" (Rolling Stones) is one of the most perfect recordings ever. I've listened to it on repeat for days at a time. Check it out if you haven't heard it in a while.
2. I saw "The Wind That Shakes The Barley" the other day and it's amazing. Go see it if you can find it in your town.
That's All!
AM
04/02/07
4-02-07
I can't believe it's April. Where does the time go?
I guess the important thing to remember is that it goes into living life. It's not always the goal that's important. What is it they say? It's the journey - not the destination? Something like that. Yeah. Something like that.
I get in a hurry sometimes. Actually, it seems like I've always been in a hurry to get somewhere or do something. Accomplish. Attain. Obtain. For what? Sometimes you just need to take a nap. Then when you wake up - whatever caused you to want to take to your bed in the first place has resolved itself. A little trust in the universe and the natural order of things can sometimes be hard won, but so rewarding when you actually get it. Get it? I know I'm not in control of anything but sometimes I forget I can't will everything into place. I hope to correct this behavior on a permanent basis one of these days - only then will I come close to any sort of wisdom.
On my best days, I remember.
On my best days, I remember that dancing by myself to a great song that makes me smile, eating a cupcake, putting on high heels just for the beauty of it, staring at the sun, buying flowers for myself, or better yet, for my husband, are the little things that make up a life. Better yet, they make up living a life. Taking time to examine it is not an indulgence. It is necessary. Taking time to think, or not, is what provides sanity for me. Taking stock of things: where I've been, where I am, and where I want to go, a personal inventory, if you will, keeps me happy and real.
I'm still not in the studio doing a new record but I will be soon. These things take forever. Another reason why remembering that it's the journey, not the destination, that's important. Because the music business will drive you insane if you don't! Hurry up and wait...
New York is gorgeous but still too cold - I'm headed to Tennessee for some sun soon - I understand it's warm down there already.
I sang "Love Hurts" with Buddy Miller at a celebration for Emmylou Harris a couple of weeks ago and it was divine. He's so incredible. And Ms. Emmy has sold 15million records! Good for her - just her presence is inspiring - I'm so happy to know these folks. My life is truly blessed.
So anyway - everything is coming together as it should. As it always does. I'm happy - hope you guys are, too.
Enjoy spring. Grow something. Walk somewhere.
Peace and Love,
A.
03/09/07
Good Morning
I went to see “The Year of Magical Thinking” last night at The Booth Theatre. It’s an adaptation of a book by Joan Didion of the same name, which I’ve mentioned here before, and it’s starring the magnificent Vanessa Redgrave. I was blown away. I’m a huge Didion fan, and I loved the book – it describes what grief feels like (has felt like to me, rather) better than anything else I’ve ever read. I feel so fortunate to have seen this show. My jaw is still on the floor somewhat this morning, so I’m extremely inarticulate about it – maybe I’ll have more to say when I process it a little more. For now, all I can say is wow.
The sun is peeking out and it’s beginning to warm up – supposed to be a whopping 33 today!!, my dog is curled up in my lap, and I’m having my second cup of coffee. Life is good. I was in Tennessee last week and the weather was amazing, so I was a little dismayed when I arrived at JFK Monday night to people everywhere and arctic winds. However – seeing that show last night reminded that living here provides an experience you just don’t get anywhere else. For a claustrophobe like me it’s challenging sometimes, but Murray’s Cheese Shop is around the corner…ya know?
I’m playing with Steve next week, Monday and Tuesday nights at The Blue Note here in NYC, so I’m pondering what songs I’ll do. It’s a total of 4 sets, and I don’t want to do the same one twice, so it’ll take a little planning. Maybe I’ll do a couple of new songs. I have been writing as the notion strikes me. I did take a little break after “Getting Somewhere” was finished. That was a whirlwind and I needed to take some stuff in before I could put anything else out. So I do have a handful of new songs. We shall see…
What else? Oh yes – South by Southwest next week. I was going to go and just be wife – but when people find out you’re gonna be there they start asking you to do stuff. Thankfully it’s cool stuff, like singing “Love Hurts” with Buddy Miller at an Emmylou Harris tribute show!! Can’t wait for that one!! So if you’re gonna be in Austin, try to get in to see that. All kinds of cool, talented folks are gonna be there. The next day, Steve’ll do a thing at KGSR, and they’ve asked for me to do a couple of things as well. Then he has his showcase Friday night at The Parish. He’s writing songs for his next album, which he’ll start recording very soon, and the songs are just stunning.
Oh – and I think I’ve told you I’ve been learning to sew. I’m totally into it and am now just trying to prevent it from becoming an obsession. See – I’m that kind of woman – obsessive. Compulsive. Uh Oh. I love making stuff. Songs, Meals, Art, whatever. I guess it’s all art to me. And I love clothes. So I’m having fun. We’ll see how brave I get about wearing stuff I make out of the house. My only problem is that sometimes I get a piece of fabric that’s too pretty to cut. And I’m not a hoarder…
Anyway – I love you guys. Hope to see you soon. There are some dates across the pond in July. I look forward to them. More on the new record deal coming soon - stay tuned.
Peace and Love,
A.
01/31/07
Location: New York City
Happy February!
It's freezing here. That's the first thing that came to my mind when I sat down to write this. I know, I know - talking about the weather. At least it won't offend anyone!!
Seriously...
I'm reading the collected non-fiction works of Joan Didion, which I've written about here before. It's wonderful - she's such a badass. She also wrote "The Year of Magical Thinking," which, as I said before, describes the way grief feels better than anything else I've ever read. Nothing else even comes close to touching it - except maybe some songs I've heard. It's going up on Broadway as a one woman show with Vanessa Redgrave. I have tickets - I can't wait.
I've also taken up sewing as something to do with my hands while I'm not working. Can't play guitar and write and sing all the time. I've actually made a couple of things. It makes me feel close to my mother, who sewed almost constantly when I was a kid. I once saw her hem a skirt and drive a car at the same time. I swear. Yes, she was quite a woman.
I'm doing a show with Patty Griffin in NYC next week so I'm excited about that. Unfortunately it's invitation only but it's gonna be filmed - we'll let you know when it's due to turn up. So maybe I'll wear a pretty dress! I love Patty - I think she's an amazing artist and she's a sweet gal as well. And her new record is great - it's called "Children Running Through" - pick it up when it comes out next week.
Steve is doing 2 nights at the Blue Note next month - March 12th & 13th - and I'll be opening. 2 shows a night. It's a tiny place so it'll be really intimate and the only shows we're doing until the summer I think - so come on out.
New record label and new album plans will be revealed soon - as soon as they get to a stage where they're revealable.
I'm excited to go back on the road sometime soon - I like the bubble it provides. Anyone who knows me knows that I'm not anywhere close to being afraid of the real world, but boy, doesn't it get wearisome/worrisome sometimes. I much prefer holding onto my guitar and letting the sound of my insides out. Speaking of guitars, Steve gave me a gorgeous 1965 Gibson Country & Western acoustic for Christmas. It's the best one I've ever heard. I've experimenting with open G lately. Pretty.
We put a photo of Petey up in the gallery. Isn't he the cutest thing? He's such a sweetheart. How lucky am I to have such a friend?
It just occured to me, after I took the trash to the street to be picked up tomorrow morning, that maybe the reason that people who live in New York put up with such dirty streets is that they're so beautiful when they're clean.
Anyway - I'll talk to y'all soon. I'm sure I'll have more things to ramble about shortly.
Much Peace and Love.
A.
01/10/07
2006
Happy New Year!
As I reflect on 2006, it occurs to me that much happened. So I thought I'd make a list (you all know how I love making lists) of all my favorite and not so favorite things about last year. Why don't you all do the same and post them on the message board?
FAVORITE THINGS ABOUT 2006
1. Being married to my sweet and talented and amazing husband.
2. Getting the coolest puppy in the world, Petey.
3. The arrival of my nephew, Jackson Elijah Earle.
4. Releasing my 5th album, "Getting Somewhere."
5. Playing at The Globe Theatre in London. What a thrill to stand on that stage!
6. Going to Prague.
7. Public opinion turning to object to the war in Iraq.
8. The November election results.
9. Planting flowers for the first time in my life. And having them not die!!
10. Continuing to play music and write songs and recognizing that I'd do it for free (and sometimes do...)
11. Realizing that I need things in my life other than music and my career and the need to worry about it less.
12. The Edward Munch exhibit at MOMA.
13. New, great friends
14. Doing radio shows for XM
15. Living in NYC: Being able to walk somewhere without the fear of being run over and to take public transportation. Also great food on every corner, theatre, etc. Volunteering at Women In Need.
NOT SO FAVORITE THINGS ABOUT 2006
1. The continuing war in Iraq
2. The Bush administration
3. No public health care and the chance of it nowhere in sight
4. Family members growing older and being sick and some dying
5. Realizing that I need things in my life other than music and my career - change is hard!!
6. Airport security. I didn't know you could blow up a plane with lip gloss. Or contact lens rewetting drops.
7. Realizing that some of my husbands female fans wish me harm!! :-)
8. Plasticity and airheadedness being rewarded - intellect and real talent and originality being overlooked.
9. Global Warming
10. Dependency on oil
Well, that's 15 things I liked and 10 that I didn't. That's not so bad, huh?
On another note, I'm working on a new project that I'll be able to tell you about soon. There will be a new label involved and a record out this year if all goes as planned. Stay tuned!
AND! Go see Pan's Labyrinth - SO GOOD!! The Good Shepard is excellent as well.
Much Peace and Love.
Allison
12/05/06
Bookworming
There is a store in my neighborhood called Three Lives & Co. It's a bookstore, and it's the warmest, coziest, best place outside of my own home I can think of. It calls my name. It draws me in. It makes me feel good.
I've always been a book lover. I spent most of my childhood either at the piano or with my nose in a book. One of my favorite things to do was read into my tape recorder, which drove my sister crazy. There is one such recording that still exists of a probably 5-year-old snotty-nosed me (I always had a cold) reading "Peter Rabbit." Just as I get to the Flopsy and Mopsy part, my sister bursts into the room and shouts "Peter Peter Peter!" Hilarious. She was bored, I guess.
Anyway - I just wanted to tell you what I've been doing lately. And I am working on a new project but more about that later - new label and all that still up in the air. But between doing those kinds of things and everything else that I do, I've been visiting the bookstore and coming home with armloads of beautiful things. I love everything about the experience - walking there, being greeted by the staff and then the quiet, the smell of paper, perusing the new releases, picking out a couple of things, then taking my purchases home and finding homes for them on the shelf. Yes, I have too many books that I have not yet had time to read. But the unread ones hold so much promise. I know there's a world in each of them, and those worlds may hold something for me.
Currently, I've picked up:
Edmond and Jules De Goncourt - Pages from the Goncourt Journals
We Tell Ourselves Stories in Order to Live - Collected Nonfiction by Joan Didion
The Shape of Things to Come by Greil Marcus
The Plot Against America by Philip Roth
Politics by Hendrick Hertzberg
Nonviolence: 25 Lessons from the history of a dangerous idea by Mark Kurlansky (reading this right now - it's great - pick it up)
Housework vs. The Dirt by Nick Hornby
You Shall Know Our Velocity by Dave Eggers
How Language Works by David Crystal
The Book of Imaginary Beings by Jorge Luis Borges
The Medici Giraffe by Marina Belozerskaya
So, see? I buy books like someone who has a lot of time on their hands. Or maybe it's just that I'm planning on living a long time. Hmmm...
And I HAVE to tell you this: The other day I was walking buy a street fair, and I typically don't stop at those sorts of things because I find that I buy trinkets that I later wish I hadn't. But I looked up and saw this wooden horse from Bali - open mouth, bared teeth, wings, gold saddle - about 16 inches long (I normally don't like stuff like that - and I'm not even sure I like this) and I swear he said "HEY!" And I thought to myself, "Hector." So I went over and asked "how much for the horse?" and the lady behind the table said "25 dollars." I said "I'll take him." I was immediately scared of him and when I got him home I looked for the safest place to put him - a place where he can't get into trouble - because, I swear, that's what this horse looks like - trouble. I know, crazy, right? But I was drawn to him and knew his name was Hector and had to take him home. We'll see what develops. Hell - I don't know - I did the same thing with a little handbag in a vintage shop one day - she's named Evelyn. And I love her. Let's hope Hector works out as well as she has.
Happy Holidays.
Peace and Love.
AM
ps-see you on the road next year.
10/26/06
XM Radio
I forgot to mention in my last journal entry that I'm doing some interviewing for a show on XM radio called "On The Record."
I did a show with my sister, Shelby Lynne, recently. It will air on Saturday, November 11th at 6pm EST, 3pm PST on channel 133. It will be available on the XM website after that.
We'll let you know about other upcoming shows.
Peace & Love.
AM
10/23/06
Hey there.
Sorry it's been so long since I've dropped in - but I thought I'd take a minute to dash off a quick note. We're back in NYC for a little while - only a few trips to take between now and the end of the year. So it feels good to be kinda settled for a bit.
I'm no longer on Sugar Hill Records - that's some news for ya. Never fear, though - I'm still gonna make records and write songs and sing. Being on different labels is all just part of this making art thing. We're in the process of finding a new home for my music - will keep you posted.
Petey (the wonder chihuahua) has to go in to be neutered tomorrow. Poor baby. He's pouting already. He needs it though - he humps everything. Is that too much information?? :-)
He took his first trip to the beach a couple of weeks ago and it was the cutest thing ever. He ran and ran and played and played. I'm in love - can you tell?
Farm Aid was a blast - got to sing with Steve AND my sister - how cool is that? Farm Aid is just all in all one of the best events of the year. Neil, Willie, etc. Love it.
Played some shows out west - hopefully some of you made it to some (Hi Rich - saw you in the audience at Hardly Strictly but didn't get to say hello - I hope you saw me wave. And Hi Stephanie - was good to see you in Tucson). So I'm finished touring for the year except for a CMJ show in Brooklyn next week and a show in New Orleans at Tipitina's that is in conjunction with an artist/activist retreat I'm involved in down there put on by the Future of Music Coalition. There's more on the news page about it if you're inclinced to find out about it and/or want to go.
Anyway - that's what's up with me. Getting ready to write a new record. Enjoying the fall weather. Playing with my dog(s). Enjoying Life. Hope you all are, too.
Much love,
AM
PS-I already voted. You can do it early in the state of Tennessee. Don't forget mid-terms are just around the corner. VOTE!!
06/28/06
Happy Birthday To Me
Well - I had the best birthday ever. My husband surprised me with a chihuahua puppy. I'd had my eye on the little thing - our neighborhood has several pet shops - but didn't think it was the right time to get a puppy with all the traveling we're currently doing. I thought he was so cute that I even dragged Steve to look at him. But I had no idea that he was going to be mine. He's the cutest thing ever and loves snuggling and is a lovebug. I'll try to include a photo on the photo page. His name is Petey and he only weighs 2 pounds.
Other than having a great birthday - I caught a vicious cold or flu or something and now have lost my voice. So I'm sitting here frustrated waiting on the doctor to call me back so I can go get something for it in order to sing by next weekend. A girl's gotta work. And let me tell ya - when you're a singer, losing your voice scares the hell out of you - you always panic that it's not going to come back. But it wil, it will...
I hope all is well with you guys. And I hope you like the new record. I love it. I'm not even sick of it yet.
Hope to see you guys at some shows. There's gonna be one at The Housingworks on July 21st in NYC. The other ones are already up on the tour page.
Peace & Love,
Allison
05/29/06
I WANDER...
Hey you guys.
I'm back in NYC after a couple of weeks of promotional activities and such. I'd run through the schedule with you, but I'd probably lose you after describing the first day. Just know this - each day is filled with at least one airport, several meet and greets and/or performances, interviews, and a couple of hotel rooms. Yeah - wake up in one, go to sleep in another. That's how it goes when you're trying to get people to PLAY YOUR RECORD!!!!!
It's a good thing to travel around the country doing, however. I wouldn't trade it for any other job I can think of.
In that past 10 days I've been to Louisville, Berkeley, Portland (oregon), Seattle, Denver/Boulder, Chicago, Philadelphia, and finally back home for a long weekend. And it all starts again tomorrow morning at 8:30. Then across the pond to London this weekend.
I'm enjoying it, though. The winter in New York was the longest I'd been in one place for years. And by the time all this stuff rolled around, I was ready to go. Living out of a suitcase is always a challenge, but it's a fortunate person's problem.
I hope you dig the new website - we worked hard on it. Thanks to my designer, Mark Paris, for a splendid job. And to Cole Gerst, who graciously let us use his artwork from the album. We should have a finished video sometime this week - will let you know how/when to see it. We'll probably even put it up here.
What I'm reading:
"Amsterdam" - by Ian McEwan. Just finished "The Cement Garden" by him as well. I'm on a McEwan kick.
"Chronicles" - by Bob Dylan. Still reading this in spurts - forgot to take it with me when I left so it sits by the bed...
Movies I've seen:
Shopgirl - so, so good. Lovely and beautiful.
The Family Stone - hard to describe. But I'll try. Funny and Sad and Infuriating and, all in all, really great.
What I'm listening to:
My ipod on shuffle - mostly on planes.
See you soon.
Love and Peace,
Allison
05/10/06
And so it begins...
Well, here I sit on a cloudy wednesday NYC morning as I ponder this life I've chosen. Today my "vacation" is officially over. Today is the day I start promoting my new record. I leave for Detroit tonight and tomorrow I will visit 2 retailers headquarters and tape Acoustic Cafe in Ann Arbor. Playing and singing. Picking and grinning. Smiling and Signing. Kissing hands and shaking babies. Kinda like being a politician - except it's o.k. to be yourself - most of the time.
And you know what? I'm excited about it. I'm probably more proud of this record than any I've ever done. For a lot of reasons. So off I go to tell the world about it. Fingers crossed.
I hope you're all enjoying the spring. I planted flowers the other day for the first time in my life. I've only ever successfully grown one plant - a sweet basil that sat in my kitchen window for months. It had even gotten big enough to cook with. It was dear to me - I even talked to it. I was so proud. But - I had to be out of town for a couple of weeks and had a friend staying in the house. I told him, "do whatever you want, have a party, whatever. But DON'T FORGET TO WATER MY PLANT!!" Of course, when I returned home, the poor plant looked like it had been set on fire. Deader than hell. Broke my heart. The guy is still my friend, though I've never let him forget it. So - it goes without saying I hope these impatiens make it.
More tour dates are coming. I'll be playing most of them solo due to the economic situation of touring these days, but some will be with a band.
And - I filmed a video the other day for "Fairweather." As soon as it's finished and released we'll post when and where to see it.
Take care and I hope to see you out there soon.
Love,
Allison
04/17/06
Shoppity Shoppity all the way Home
Well. Like any good southern gal, I know the value of a new good spring shoe. Actually, I know the value of good new spring shoes. That means more than one pair. See - I live in the very trendy shop-filled downtown section of Manhattan (actually, most of Manhattan is one big store), so there's something cute on every corner. Very dangerous to the bank balance, folks.
I am a great multi-tasker, as many women are, and one of the things I'm really good at is walking down the street, carrying on a conversation or seeing the sights with my husband or friend or whoever, and simultaneously keeping mental notes of what stores I will revisit while alone (I'm a stealth shopper - the fewer people the better) to check out all the new spring things I "need." Yes, need. The one perfect pair of shoes or boots to take me seamlesssly from winter to spring to summer. I think up outfits I will wear them with. I think of all the situations that said outfit paired with said shoes would be appropriate in. Radio visits, retail visits, in-stores, photo shoots, etc. I rationalize the whole thing and tell myself it's part of my "job" to look good and put together. Sadly, it has become part of the job of being an artist that is in the public eye, especially if you're female. Not that it's ever not been part of the job, but it seems to be the case now more than ever. But the truth is, if the music connects, you could just tie rags around your feet and noone would care.
Having said that, nothing makes me feel better than standing on stage in a pair of kick ass heels, not rags, and putting on a great show. And I believe it's o.k. to want both the heels and the show!!
I haven't gone off my rocker - I just thought I'd tell you what I was thinking about. Now I'll get back to the real world - kicking and screaming, of course, but doing it in cool shoes.
Much love.
x
AM
04/02/06
Well, here I am in NYC, enjoying one of the first real days of spring. It started out perfectly with coffee and the paper, followed by breakfast at our favorite neighborhood breakfast joint. We forgot the time changed today, so we were later than usual but that meant we got to see the street vendors setting up as we were on our way there. There's something cool about that.
We have the luxury of having a garden here in the city - where greenspace is rare and highly valued. It's the reason we chose this apartment - we have french doors and our very own tree. And it's warm today - so the doors are open, and the garden has become another room - and another room in a New York City apartment makes a HUGE difference. It's lovely. And the best part about that, is that I know it's lovely and am appreciating it.
the ipod is on shuffle, and in the last 30 minutes or so I've heard: Joe Cocker, Rufus Wainwright, Lauryn Hill, The Happy Numbers (check them out - they're so cool), Neil Young, Josh Ritter, Tom Petty, etc.
I've been playing and singing a lot - in my time off I haven't done too much of that so I'm warming back up - getting ready to get out there again. I don't know what my tour plans for the summer are yet, but as soon as I do, you'll be the first to know.
I hope all is well in all of your worlds. See you out there soon.
Love
AM
02/05/06
Sunday, 05 February - Back in NYC
Hi Y'all.
I'm back in NYC for the remainder of the winter, and although the weather has been pretty warm, I'm afraid we're about to get hit by the old man himself. Bring it on, I say. This warm winter stuff scares the hell out of me. I just about puke everytime I hear the president say the jury's still out on global warming. Whatever. Wake up.
I like it here. I don't have to drive. Not that I mind it, but my two feet or the subway get me around just fine. I'm a country girl, but I've always felt right at home in the city. Not to mention all the lovely things this city has to offer. I've even signed up for an art class - a short, six week course that fits right into my time off (lucky me). I've never taken an art class before - had my first one today and it was really cool. Of course I was nervous about doing it wrong and of course I did (do it wrong, I mean) - so after I got over it I had fun. Anything that encourages free thinking and self-expression are alright with me. We'll see where it takes me. I've never been particularly good at making visual art, but I'll take a stab at it - everyone should.
The BIG NEWS is that the new album is in the can and delivered to the label and I absolutely adore it. It's called "Getting Somewhere" and will be released on June 13. I can't wait for you guys to hear it. It's kind of a new direction for me (but not as big a new direction as one might expect) - mainly because I wrote all the songs myself except for one. And I'm so happy I did - it was high time. We recorded it really quickly (10 days) and the musicians were fabulous. I'm excited about getting it out there and then getting out again and playing with a band.
I'm in the middle of getting the art figured out for it, so that means photos and all that are upcoming (actually this coming week). So I get to do fun, girly stuff like pick out clothes and talk hair and makeup. Can't help it - I'm a girl's girl and finally realized I don't have to apologize for it - I plan to embrace it fully. Seems like everyone has an opinion about how I should look but I think I can make those decisions for myself - don't y'all?
Anyway - thought I'd say hi - sorry it's been so long. I hope you all had a great holiday season (mine was really good but busy - we only took Christmas Eve and day off from working on the record) - I cooked Christmas dinner for about 20 people (I'd never done that before, either) and have to say it was pretty good! You learn a lot of things hanging out in your grandmother's kitchen. And mine is a kick-ass cook, believe me (she hates it when I talk ugly).
I'll keep you posted on upcoming stuff, which there will be plenty of.
oh - I'm reading a lot:
Augusten Burroughs - "Running with scissors" and "Dry" are both great.
Ernest Hemmingway - "The Sun Also Rises"
Jared Diamond - "Collapse"
the best movie I've seen lately is "In Her Shoes." And I wasn't expecting it to be great, but it is. See it. Especially if you have a sibling.
The best record I've heard lately is Antony & The Johnsons "I am a bird now." Can't describe it, but it's beautiful. Buy it.
I'll be back soon.
Love you guys.
AM
10/19/05
Good Morning
Yesterday I wrote this down and taped it to my desk:
"Today is a gift. Don't fuck it up."
Until I absorb this idea fully (and believe me I'm working on it), I have to be able to see it.
I'm in NYC and have been for the past month. I'm getting very close to finishing the songs for the next record. I go in to start it in mid-december. I'm very excited about it - hope you guys are, too.
What I'm reading/have read recently:
A Year of Magical Thinking by Joan Didion. I've not read a book that describes what grief feels like as well as this one. I flew through it in a day.
The Fellowship of the Ring by J.R.R. Tolkien. I'm a Lord of the RIngs fan, but I've never read the books. I just started this, the first part of the trilogy, and am really enjoying it. I have to read this kind of stuff in spurts, though...
How we are Hungry by Dave Eggers. I loved "A Heartbreaking Work of Staggering Genius" so this makes a lot of sense. Short stories that you can put down and pick up again.
What I'm listening to:
Ray LaMontagne - Trouble. Just bought this on itunes and like it a lot. Nice songs, nice voice. Reminds me of "astral weeks" somehow.
Not much else - just my own songs.
Movies I've seen:
CAPOTE - Amazing. Go see it if it's playing in your town.
The New Zealand and Australia dates will be posted soon - we're still confirming some of them.
I hope to see you all soon. I'll be keeping you posted.
Peace and XO,
AM
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