Only good things...

Plenty to tell since the last post.
In the interest of keeping it short and simple, I'll briefly tell of a serendipitous meeting with a local poet, Chris Lee. Since reacquainting at Unity Center of Life in Chantilly, he's been gracious enough to send his work to me via Facebook. I can't recall being this easily inspired since Laela was a new baby.
Sometimes the stars align, meoldies, rhythms and words come easy. When that happens, it feels kind of like a miracle. Like an idea made real right in front of my eyes. Sometime soon, I will be posting some of these tunes to the site, YouTube or here. Would love to get some feedback.

Superstition

In case you missed it or want to watch it over and over again, here is me and Will playing Superstition on Fox 5 morning news in anticipation of the Stevie Wonder tribute this weekend. (July 28, 2012)

DC Breaking Local News Weather Sports FOX 5 WTTG

Hurts so good...

Last night, I had a rare and wonderful and not entirely easy experience...
Got to love those - opportunity to grow (once you figure out what you're supposed to do with it).

A dear friend, who knows and has supported my music for years, broke it down to me. He gave me the fullest, most honest critique I will probably ever receive. It was not all positive.

I'm intentionally being vague here. Suffice it to say, I am aware that I've got some work to do to properly bridge what I see as the new direction for my art and the old - Just Do It style of writing and playing I had that was apparently working for some people.

I'm up to the task. Just figuring out how.

A few words on Promise

It is here! (If you pre-ordered a copy, it is there).
Promise will be available on CDBaby early next week.

Even Tobi, the consummate agnostic, has expressed an interest in what the songs on the new CD have to do with the bible and my religious upbringing. (I think that's a good sign. The connection is meant to be subtle and obvious all at once :)

So, over the next few weeks, I'll post the inspirations behind the tunes and you can let me know what you think.

PROMISE

The title track is actually the third track on the album, but who listens to albums anymore, right? Promise is also the inspiration for the cover of the album.
I've always been a sucker for rainbows. (Sometime when I was in high school, my hyper religious mother pointed out that I wasn't allowed to like them any more because of, well, other affilitations :)

Anyway, I like 'em 'cause they're beautiful.
Also kind of appreciated that the "bow" was set in the sky at the end of the story of Noah and the Ark as a promise that there would be no further destruction of all life on earth by means of a flood. It seems a very interesting omission to me that the book says nothing about other means of mass destruction... 
Not what the song is about. 

The song is about promise. Hope, despite the storm.
"Where there is pain, let love rain down. When the sun is shining (for you), spread it all around.
Love is a seed. Cast it far and wide. In all hearts there is fertile ground."

So the lyrics are dripping (sorry :) with references to the ark story, but the song is about individual and collective struggle.

Perhaps Blues Traveller said it best, "Every struggle could have paradise behind it."

Where the Music Starts

Yesterday was a rare and wonderful treat.
I was able to start the day with my kids down by the Smithsonian. We went over to the Discovery Theater and rocked out with Billy Jonas and his band (Everybody's in the band). Have I told you lately that this guy is my hero?

He plays adult music and kid music with such enthusiasm and integrity that the two worlds blend. The wisdom of children is still ours and that wisdom, my friends, is the only way to see heaven. :)

"Who's gonna make our music?
We're gonna make our music?
What do we do?
Bang and sang
What do we use?
Everythang"

Too awesome to describe.


Then... as if I hadn't already reached my fun quota for a day, I rolled over to the One Common Unity open mic at Busboys and Poets and enjoyed an energetic mix of poetry, uplifting message music and an incredible atmosphere.

I will definitely be back soon.

All There Is

It seems slightly insane to say so, but even before the Promise CDs have arrived, I've started working the on next CD. I'm almost sure what it will be called, who the musicians will be and (drumroll) many of the new songs are already written.

That's write (right). After 3 years of virtual writer's famine and a often asking myself whether I'd need a new line of work - I'm writing again. And not a little bit.

Now, of course, you alone can be the judge as to whether or not it's good stuff, but it's writing and that alone feels good.
There is a little secret to my newfound success, but I'll tell you about that when I see you.

:)

Come As You Are

Funny, whenever I see those words on a church billboard, I think of that Nirvana song.

So, after toying with a few possibilities and listening to some great suggestions, I think we're going to go with a Pay As You Can at the 2nd Saturday showcase.
There'll be a suggested donation of $15 and the music and atmosphere will be much more for those who have to it to spare.

When it came right down to it, I really want anyone to be able to come who feels like that's where they want to be. 'Cause we're going to be having a good time.

See you soon.

To Fly or Not to Fly?

Interesting.
Nicki Minaj. My hero?


I was thinking of posting about my new found respect for Pop music.
It's actually a rather long story that begins with a young songwriting forswearing mainstream, popular music as insipid, useless and incessantly about romance. The most recent chapter involves a grown up version of that same songwriter discovering amazing depth in some of the most often played songs on the radio. And in the videos.

I don't mean just the personal growth of John Mayer. I mean, Madonna and Justin Timberlake. Maybe hard to imagine, maybe, but it's there. Depth. I mean, mind stretching depth.

Anyway, our lyric analysis has been tested by the Powers at her school who want to put the lid on a talent show performance because of the supposedly explicit lyrics in a song that Laela (and I) find inspiring.

So, after listening to Laela's argument and considering the angles, I marched to the school and had an awesome talk with the PTA president :) Looks like I may be working with the talent show in the future.
Who would have ever thought that Nicki Minaj would help me become a better parent?

Thanks Nicki.

By the way, the song is FLY. Check it out.

Tell me what you think?

Do I own the record, no? Do I see the value?
I have to say, I truly do.

I learn something new every single day.

Promise Kept

Ladies and Gentleman, we are airborne!

Approximately 10 minutes ago, I officially placed the order for the new CD.
Not certain the exact arrival date, but it will be within a week of my birthday.
Thank you to all of you who contributed funds, good suggestions, plan to open your homes or just thought happy thoughts.
It worked!

Thanks guys. Can't wait to hear what you think of it.
Love Lea

Moving on Up

Well, muchas gracias are in order to the many people who are stepping up to help bring this CD into the world!

I've gotten a lot of offers to do house concerts, which will be starting in summer and fall. If at all possible, I'd like to do one a month. The size of your place is no limitation at all. We can do some wonderful, intimate shows with discussion of the tunes. So, keep the request

Within an hour of putting out the APB for help, I received a commission for over $1000. Very special thanks to the good people of Stockfisch Records.

In general, things are moving right along. It looks like we'll be on schedule! That is, in no small part, thanks to you.
In the meantime, I'm going to put some MP3s up on the site. (Good idea, Jill.)

Thank you.
Love Lea

A Pledge for Promise?

A classic "duh" moment.
The same afternoon I posted the last message, I received not 1, not 2, but 3 invitations to pre-order a CD.
One of them was from the awe-inspiring Richard Julian. I jumped right on that bandwagon. Thank you for doing what you can to bring this thing from the dream realm into the world. (Even if it's just thinking happy thoughts)

 

$20 - PLEDGE - Early delivery of the CD. In the mail the day I get them.

$50 - VOW - 2 copies, signed, sealed and delivered. 

$100 - OATH - 5 copies, signed with a poster (with a special love note from me :)

$500 - BOND - 5 copies, signed with a poster. Got Skype? How's about a 45 minute online concert. You write the set list.

$1000 - GUARANTEE - 5 copies, signed with a poster. Plus a 45 minute live concert (within 1 hr of the DC area)

$5000 - PURE POTENTIAL - 10 copies, signed with a poster. Plus a 90 minute concert (where you are). Recognition as Executive Producer on the CD itself.

Thanks for being part! Can't wait to send you your copies. (Still aiming for June 20)

As Greg Klyma once said, you will have the music much longer than I will have the money :)

Promise CD Pre-Order

PLEDGE (Early Bird delivery)$20.00 USD VOW (2 CDs, signed, sealed, delivered early)$50.00 USD OATH (5 signed CDs & poster)$100.00 USD BOND (5 signed CDs & a private, online concert)$500.00 USD GUARANTEE (5 signed CDs & a 45 minute live concert - DC area)$1,000.00 USD PURE POTENTIAL (10 signed CDs & a 90 minute concert)$5,000.00 USD

Ah life...

You may know that I very cheerily posted about the progress of my upcoming CD. Since then, there have been some developments. For one thing, I am teetering between the titles of Promise and Journey.
Both ring true and are titles from the CD. Perhaps I'll post a preview of each song and get some feedback. Next post.
Thoughts?

The second update is much more... well... challenging.
From the moment I chose to dive into this project, I've made the lifeline for it my birthday this year, June 20, 2012. I'll be 34.

Well, friends, life has happened and to make a long (possibly interesting) story short - some of the variables have changed.

1. Everyone is fine.
2. Our car is totaled.

So, I'm entirely open to ideas, thoughts, (cars :)
Seriously, you guys are certainly smarter than I am, so what would you do?
No question that this will be solved. Just curious to see how.

More soon,
Lea

Other People Playing

FYI:

Literally.
For your information, I'm starting to post other people's shows on my calendar.
Think of it as LEA's tips. There is a lot of great music happening in DC. No reason you shouldn't be hip to it :)

Promising Prospects

Just wanted to let interested parties know that the 8th CD is a-cooking. It shall be called: Promise.

It's all tracked - with some amazing players from the US and Germany, many of whom are dear friends of mine.

It's all mixed - everything's audible.

It's all designed - I know just how it's going to look and I'm excited about going with the most streamline, simple packaging available. Maximizing the music. Minimizing the mess.
(dig?)

All we've got to do now is master and "burn" 'em.
In the meantime, I'm posting lyrics, musings, thoughts, links and other info on the site. Check it out now or after you get your copy.

Let me know if you have any thoughts or ideas.
til soon,
Lea

Cause for Celebration

Well, I just met with Rev. Trish and the good folks over at the Celebration Center for Spiritual Living over in Fairfax. Everything seems to be green lights.
(You know, green's my favorite color :)

For the last year or so, I've been dreaming of a regular place to make music with grown folks and kids alike, a place that nourishes me and allows an opportunity to share what I've been given. Having flirted with and found a few cool places and ideas, I do believe this is it.

Starting in July, I'll be kicking off a

Second Saturday Celebration Series

at the Celebration Center for Spiritual Living 

Stay tuned. The rest of the details shall be forthcoming. 
The beauty of the thing is, this is not just a building or a location.
This is a place where people gather often in community and in acknowledgement of humanity, the world and the universe as one entity.
(Right on)

Their philosophy is so much aligned with mine, that I'm excited to be sharing music, movement and more with the kids of the church starting also in July.

While I'm not presently inclined to become a member of any "church," if I were, this place would be in the top 3!

Wonders Never Cease

The Right Rev. Allen White over sat Unity Silver Spring said to be "ever in a state of non-surprise" when amazing things come to us like manna out of the sky.

My good friend, Matt Holsen stopped by yesterday.

This was not your ordinary, "I was just in the neighborhood" kind of visit. It was a "I come bearing glad tidings of great joy." kind of visit. Actually, it was a "I come bearing a brand new guitar that some anonymous benefactor thought you ought to have." kind of visit.

So, I gratefully accepted the gift in a state of non-surprise (AND MILES DEEP GRATITUDE).

The next time you hear me play, I'll definitely be on that instrument.
(Unless you come to one of the kid's gigs. I think I'll keep playing the busted one with the kiddos, because it sounds fine and I don't have to freak out when they want to touch it.)

Also, note to self: It is no small matter that the company who makes the guitar is called Breedlove Music

:)

World In Motion

On Monday, I received the official go ahead and commission by Peter Bishop to start work on a CD of songs that were written for the children of the Humanist movement.

These are really awesome tunes. By that, I mean, well written, easy and fun to sing with incredible depth and meaning in the lyrics. The title track was inspired by the Challenger accident and talks about how bad things happen "quite unrelated to what we've planned" and not, necessarily because people are being punished for something.

I'll post a few tracks up over the coming week as I record them, so you guys can get a taste.
And of course, I'll let folks know when the CD is done and available. I think I'll have to buy a couple my self for around here :)

It was an honor to be tapped for the project and I'm glad schedules aligned to make it possible.
More soon...
Lea

Where the Music Starts

 "Hush. Be still. Feel the beating of my heart.
Hush. Be still. This is where the music starts"

- Billy Jonas
"Sleeeeeeeeeping" from the CD - Life So Far
(My favorite album)

By no means do I expect you guys to hush. As a matter of fact, I hope you'll be honest and open with me about what you find here.
The music, the words.
Please do tell me what you think.

Please know, too, that these ideas and these songs are as near to me as the beating of my heart.
That's why I want to share them with you.

Repent (This is Good News)

Those of you who know me know that I was raised in the Baptist church. I made a transition to what could only be called a sect when I was 19. A few years later, I left that group with only a minor fear for my immortal soul :) For the last decade, I've been content with the fact that I had no idea what anything meant or what it was about.

In the last few months, though, my agnostic mind has come crashing into my old theology. These two are melding well with insights from other traditions to stir up a clarity and purpose that I think (hope) are worth sharing.

-

So, Jesus said, "Repent. The Kingdom of Heaven is at hand."
 (Matthew 3:2)

According to the Book, this is the first thing JC said after he'd come down out of the mountain on his vision quest.

Can't you just see them all staring at him, mouths gaping and bewildered? What is this dude talking about? The thing is, people probably wouldn't understand him any better if he were teaching today. The guy was a radical, revolutionary thinker.  I only wish more of his contemporaries (including enemies) had written about him. We'd have a much more vivid portrait.

Ah, well. Can't have everything.

What we do have is the opportunity to hear the words with fresh ears.

I should add that I've excused myself from 2000 years of preconceived ideas that are meant to serve institutions instead of inspire us to a better humanity.

Here's what I think JC was saying:

Repent - what you're doing and the way you're thinking is cause for great remorse. It's not working!
The good news is that the kingdom of heaven is as close to you as your hands. And it is, in no small way, a matter of your own making. (After all, what do we do with our minds and our hands, but make our world)

It seems to me that the message is:

This place (earth) is a paradise. That's what it would be if we just live like it.

 Check out Promised Land by Peter Mayer. It's the first tune on his Uncrowded Sky CD.
People apparently have known about this for a while. I'm just now catching on.  :)