The Fall, and the rise...

November 1st, 2009

The past few months have been spent writing, waiting, and writing some more. Sometimes I wonder if I am ever going to get all these ideas out of my head and onto the "page" ...actually, in this case, a high speed hard drive in the formof music being created thru millions of digital trolls that live inside my computer and gear.

I seem to start a new song every morning and by the end of the day end up with one more endless beginning and no clear path to follow. Maybe I am making a new path, or maybe I am on one that I just can't see... Could be. Either way, it does get very frustrating at times. I hope that I will have the opportunity to get these songs out to you in a sonically comprehensive way.

I am very excited about the work I am starting with Daniel. He's a great writer and works in a completely different way than I do, which is great. It's a fresh way of thinking for me. I am also looking forward to writing and recording more with Robb. He and I think alike, almost to the point where it's a bit odd. Of course I can't leave out Jenn. She's there every step of the way. We've been writing together constantly the past few months and we are developing a really cool sound that hasn't been done yet...at least I don't think it has.

I am in the middle of a new song that was inspired by a dream the other night. It's for my Grandma actually. I miss my family every day. I hope she loves the tune.

Well, that's about it for tonight. TTFN

Tom

Summer, shows, and what happens next ?

May 16, 2009

I know it's summer in LA again because there has already been a fire in Santa Barbara...that, and it's 90 degrees outside. So this summer I have a lot to do. Since last year around this time life's been pretty interesting to say the least...I've been seen on TV a few times, my wife and I have been discussed in blogs all over the web and luckily I think we are no worse for the wear. I am looking forward to the summer shows that are being set up and praying to get this album finished--if I can find a way to pay for it--that's the hard part, the music part is easy. Aint that always the case though. I have been writing a lot these days--lots to say I guess, although I am not sure what, but it seems important to me. I am also very proud of the songs that Jenn recorded --I wrote most of them with her so that project is very important to me. Alas, what to do now that we have some great songs finished-- do I release an EP, or wait to finish an entire album --- I wish I knew. I have enough songs for 5 albums but that's neither here nor there. Well, if I figure it out I'll let yo u know. In the meantime, for those of you who are reading this, thanks for being a fan, taking the time, and for your continued support. Please pass along the enthusiam and hopefully some great thigns will come. till later...

Jenn tracks and more...

March 5, 2009

So I have been back and forth between LA and Phoenix for the past few weeks working on Jenn's new tracks with Robb Vallier. The songs are mostly ones that Jenn and I wrote together, except for one of Robb's tunes. They are really coming together nicely and I can't wait to get them finished and mixed. We are going to have a very famous mix master put his golden touches on the tracks---Ross Hogarth. I am pumped to see what he does to them!

What else...well, it's March and that means on ething in my house--NCAA BASKETBALL! I love March Madness and hopefully my Xavier Musketeers will make a good showing in the tournament again this year.

I am looking forward to the spring and to playing as many shows as I can. It's time. I need it. I've got the itch:)

The View

February 12, 2009

I found it pretty amusing to watch the ladies discuss Jenn this morning. Since when is it a bad thing to be incredibly beautiful and also extremely talented?

Re: The last hollywood elimination

I was very proud of her. I thought she sang great, looked amazing, and was by far the classiest person they have ever show. She is a true pro. A+

Things that are ridiculous:

February 11, 2009

First let me say thanks to all of you who have been following a certain tv program (that will remain nameless) to see if either Jenn or I make an appearance. By now you have seen the outcome. Please know that MANY things that happened were not shown. I think that's pretty obvious. I wish the best for my friends who are on it, but I am glad to put the experience far behind me.

  Jenn and I are now recording new tracks for her--you are going to love them. She sounds amazing and the songs rock! Get ready cause here we come, full force!

Recording, late nights, movie stars and more...

January 19, 2009

I just got back from Phoenix where Robb and I recorded 4 more songs for the album. These tracks came out great! Mike Fix laid down some killer drums and Jimmy Cochran came in and dropped some great guitar pieces as well. A little treat for those of you who know Jenn--she made some appearances, vocally speaking, on a few of the tunes and I even got Robb to sing too! I have to say a little about Mr. Vallier....I could not have done this without him. His arrangments, enthusiam and overall producing amazes me. I am very lucky to be able to work and play with such a phenominal talent like him. I think we are going back to the studio very soon to track a few of Jenn's new songs---can't wait to hear those!

Late nights. Also thanks to Robb. We found ourselves at The Chateau Marmont having dinner and too many drinks with movie stars Ray Winstone, Mark Ryan...and more. It was a classic Hollywood night. Thanks to Ray & Mark!

Thanksgiving

November 28, 2008

Happy Turkey day folks. I am taking a break from cooking, eating and football and thought I would say hi. Life is getting crazy around my house these days. There are a lot of interesting articles being posted online and in newspapers about me and Jenn. Aside from that I am still working on recording more tunes for the album. Robb is on his way back to LA to go through more songs with me and I hope to release another track or two at the beginning of the new year....please keep checking back for more updates

Aside from that, I am very thankful for all that I have been blessed with. I hope you all have a wonderful holiday season full of laughter, good health, and happiness.

Election 2008

November 4, 2008

Wow. This morning I woke up with a sense that today would be a very special day. The first thing I did was to throw some clothes on and head on down to my polling place and cast my ballot. I just had this feeling that something unique was in the air. The rest of the day was spent shopping--to keep my mind off of the election--I was sooo nervous. I found some great stuff at Kenneth Cole and eventually made it back home and was glued to the tv for the rest of the night. All I can say is that it was historic. Someone very close to me said it was like watching the end to the greatest movie ever made. I, myself, was fairly choked up...and that wasn't the champagne. I am very proud of my country and it makes me even more excited for people to hear "American Son."

CM DRAMA GALA CONCERT

Ocotber 7, 2008

I just performed at the CCM Drama Gala event this past Saturday night. It was a great event and the faculty's speeches along with some of the featured alumni were wonderful. I was very flattered to have been asked to perform and of course it's always nice to get to play a 9 ft. grand piano on a big stage... It was great meeting so many fans after the show and reconnecting with some of my fellow CCM alums. Overall it was a wonderful celebration of theatre, the craft of acting and how a strong foundation can really change people's lives. Congrats CCM Drama!

American Son

September 25, 2008

Today is the release of "American Son." I'm really excited to pu this song out there. It has been a long road to getting this song made and it has seen a lot or transformations. There's something I hope people realize about the song...It is about our identity as a people. In lieu of what has happened to our name, and image over the past few years, we can still get back to what we are supposed to be. I have great hope in this election and in our future, but the only way to move forward is to act, to vote, and to let our voices be heard. John Mayer said that our/my generation is "waiting for the world to change" and that's true, but the problem with that is that it is passive. Don't get me wrong, it's an awesome song, and it's very true, but if want to reclaim our identity as a strong, goodwilled, venerable nation, than we, as a people, must take responsibility for it, and if we want change, then by god, let's make some changes.

ADK (Adirondack Mountains)

July 22, 2008

I just returned from a wonderful week in the Adirondack Mountains --Old Forge to be specific. It was beautiful and I had quite an adventurous week. My friends and I did all sorts of things--water-ski, kyack, swim, hike, hang-out, sport shooting, and we logged a few hours getting lost in the woods too. I found Little Moose Lake to be very calming and I had a great time hanging with my good friend who were hosting us for the week in their mountain retreat.

Georgia Stitt Concert

July9, 2008

I performed an awesome song called "These Two" on Monday night in 88's concert "This Ordinary Thursday...the Songs of Georgia Stitt" The song was the key song of he night because it followed Ryan Black's proposal and is the song for their now upcoming wedding! I was a little stressed about singing it, but I was honored to have been asked to perform it. It is a stunningly beautiful song that Georgia wrote for her own wedding. I hope to have a video of it posted soon!

Bruce Springsteen

April 18, 2008

Well, I went to see the Boss yet again a week ago in Anaheim. It was a great concert--made even better by standing in the front of the pit and Bruce waved to me during the show as he scanned the front row. After the show I found myself backstage talking with Tom Morello, who made a special appearance and did an awesome version of "The Ghost of Tom Joad." I also got to talk with Marty Rifkin (of Bruce's Seeger Sessions Band). Marty played the dobro and slide guitars on Jenn's country album so it was good to see him. From there we went to the hotel and hung out with our friend Kevin, who has worked for Bruce for 20+ years. We had a few laughs and a few beers and overall a great night. It was a crazy week because just a few days earlier I was at the Bon Jovi show with my friend/guitar player, Brian--another great performance.

Keith Urban / Carrie Underwood

March14,2008

I just got back from the Keith Urban / Carrie Underwood concert . It was a great night. Watching Keith was very inspiring and it really made me want to get out and play more and with as much %^$*^ as he had. I love being inspired and challenged. Here I come....

February!

Feb 5, 2008

Wow. I can't believe it's february already. The past few months have really been a blur. I have been writing and recording like crazy...some would say it's a bit extreme, but I would say not. I just love what I do. Anyway, I am really looking forward to a great year--a great spring coming up. I am working with some new players in the band--I am very excited abou that--they are really great. We are going to be playing live again very soon--probably beginning in march and will hopefully make it to your town. I am also very excited about Jennifer's music. We are collaborating a lot these days and it has been really wonderful. I am posting some new tracks--just demo stuff that I am working on right now. I hope you dig them. I can't wait to play in front of some audiences again and debut these tunes--some are old ones that have been brought back to life, and some are just plain NEW! I have so much more to say but I don't want to jinx anything so I am going to keep my mouth shut unitl a few things are in stone.....(what a tease) later

December

Dec. 4, 2007

December already? wow...this year has really gone fast. I can hardly believe it. The trees are bare and I am spending my free time christmas shopping. I do have a vice though---it's those peppermint mocha's at Starbucks---they are quite addictive. Anyway, I hope that the holiday season finds you happy and healthy and eager for a new year. I am looking forward to a new start, many new experiences and ...let's hope, the long awaited debut studio album ! I have been writing like mad, working many long nights in the studio (both recording and producing--gotta love pro tools) and I am keeping my fingers crossed that Santa will bring me what I asked for-- (a great producer to help me get this thing done !)I will be posting some new stuff very soon. Stay warm !

What are you gonna be for Halloween

Oct 31, 2007

AH Yes.... Halloween. I have many fond memories of trick or treating when I was younger. I was a ninja for 3 or 4 years in a row. I used to love going door to door with my brothers and our friends on that cold October night and try to collect as much candy as I could fit in my pillow case. There is always a buzz in the air on Halloween. I love it. I do miss the cold weather a bit now that I am living in Los Angeles. Halloween night was always one of the first really cold nights every fall where I grew up and that always added to the creepiness of it all. You could smell that people where burning logs in the fireplace that night and hot apple cider was always just around the bend. This year I am not going to be begging for candy but I did manage to get a costume together. One of my favorite movies of all time is "The Man With Two Brains." It's one of Steve Martin's best films. I am should tell you that I am a HUGE Steve Martin fan. "The Jerk" was the first movie I ever saw --I was six weeks old ! Ever since I have just loved the Steve. Anyway, this year I decided that I needed to step into the crazy shoes or Dr. Hfuhruhurr. Hope you enjoy the pic! Happy Halloween !!

I met THE BOSS!

Oct 31, 2007

Last night, October 29th I went to the Bruce Springsteen and The E Street Band concert at the LA Sports Arena in Los Angeles. Needless to say the show was awesome. I was very lucky to have gotten tickets thru a great manager and I found myself standing backstage before and after the show, which I watched from the first row of the pit--that's the area in the front of the stage where some really lucky people stand. It was such an amazing experience watching this band and of course, Bruce. The way he commands the stage and how he excites the audience was quite a lesson. One great perk of the night was going backstage with Kevin and seeing all of the guitars etc....but nothing compares to what happened after the show. As the audience began to leave the arena I found myself standing backstage outside of the dressing rooms hanging out with folks such as Jackson Browne, The Edge (U2) Max Weinberg (E street Drummer), Nils Lofgren (E street guitar player), Jimmy Kimmel, and a bunch more celebs that were there just as I was--to see the Boss. Finally, Bruce emerged form his dressing room and I quickly made my way over. I introduced myself and nervously shook his hand. He was very nice and asked if I liked the show. It was a really special moment for me because as an artist, Bruce is one of my biggest heroes and to be able to meet him was really something. Bruce, if you read this, thanks again!

September!

September 21, 2007

First off, let me just say that I love September. It is one of my favorite months. The air begins to get cooler, nights come faster, and there is an energy from the anticipation of autumn that you can almost taste. September brings the end of summer and in most places the changing of leaves, apple cider, and, of course, football season. I miss going to football games on friday nights and the excitement of a fall weekend. I remember when I was in college I lived on McMillan Street above a natural food store and I had a great fire escape that hung out over the bustling college street and every night I would sit out there and watch the night ebb and flow, with the ins and outs of the patrons at the bar next door and the groups of young students heading to a party or returning from one. I would sit there and imagine what their nights were like, who they were, what they did and what they were going to do. It was much better than tv, that's for sure. Sometimes my friend Jacob or Mark would sit up there with me and we'd drink Killians and play guitar or our favorite game of pizza roll toss where we'd try to land pizza rolls on the awning of the Burger King that was across the street. I also remember going out on those first nights of school when I was just beginning to meet new friends and experience all sorts of things I had never done in my short time. Learning why I didn't like frat parties, what streets NOT to take home, that champagne that you get at a 7eleven for $5 is not champagne, and how I preferred the gathering of a few friends and doing something simple. I wouldn't trade those experiences for anything. I miss those days --but only out of fondness and with my extremely sentimental side, which I get from my mom. That reminds me, my Mom's birthday is in September too. That's another good thing. Oh yeah, and where I'm from, Cincinnati-which is a very German town, towards the end of September they have Octoberfest in the downtown area and I love going to the Schmidt's tent and getting a brat with kraut and a cream puff --their's are the best. I wish I was there right now. Oh well...I still love September.