P.I.T. STOP

After a lot of recent thinking and consideration, and as the carrier of the torch for the Perpetual Intermittent Tour, I have decided to place the P.I.T. project on hold at this time. This is not to say that the P.I.T. will R.I.P., but I've decided that a hiatus is in order. As for our home base... the Liquid Lounge of Long Beach... Diane has always loved having the P.I.T. host shows, and she has agreed that we are always welcome back if I decide to revive the whole project. I will keep you all posted. I have had the best time of my musical era with the P.I.T. guys (and gals). The experiences have been enlightening and the friendships I've made have been special. I hope that the P.I.T. has meant something to you as well. I'm going to take a nap now. Please check back for updates.

On Stage With Planet Roy

Friday, September 24, 2004
DiPiazza Lava Lounge - Long Beach, California
Players: John Frum, Planet Roy, King Thick
(click names to see photos)

Planet Roy's set:
"Baby Please"
"Glimmer Of Light"
"I Don't Care Anymore"
"Summer Rain"
"Hard To Trust"
"Here's To You"
"Never See The Sun"
"Haunted Heart"
"I Need You Now"
"I've Got Time" (Rayburn) - Dave guests on lead vocals
"Bigger Than You"

Come visit Planet Roy

P.I.T. Review: September 21, 2004

Tuesday, September 21, 2004
The Liquid Lounge - Long Beach, California
Players: Evan Price, Brian ???, Michele Rene, Dave Rayburn, Erich Munzner
(click names to see photos)

Dave Rayburn's set:
"Set Me Free"
"Awake"
"Small Midwestern Town"
"Wonder"
"Leavin's Not The Only Way To Go" (Miller)
"The Thin Ice" (Waters)
"Phases And Changes"
"River In The Rain" (Miller)
"I'm Going Down" (Springsteen)
"Souvenirs" (Prine)
"It's Your Turn Anyway

Roger Miller Songwriting Contest

Wish me luck... the Dave Rayburn song "Phases And Changes" (as previewed here in mp3 form last month) has been entered into the 1st annual Roger Miller Songwriting Contest in Nashville, Tennessee. Winners will be announced on September 30th.

Roger's music has always been a solid influence since I was a kid. In fact, if you look at the cover songs that I or Buddy pull out of the hat, the majority of them wind up being Roger Miller songs. We even did one of Dean Miller's songs a while back. Anyway, "Phases" is one of those songs directly inspired by the serious side of Roger's songwriting. I think it's got as good of a shot as any of the other songs in the Buddy arsenal. Speaking of which... recording shall resume shortly. More to follow.

A Chat With Peter Case

Found myself in the company of Peter Case this evening. Most may know Pete from the Plimsouls, but I know him for being the host of First Flight. First Flight was a program that was held monthly at the new-old Ash Grove... the one on the Santa Monica pier. Well, it's there no longer, but that's another story. From `95-`96, Pete would bring in three additional singer-songwriters and have them all sit on stools at his side on a bare stage. The idea was to bring new songs... talk about them... and then play them for the first time, live. They would go back and forth until each artist played about a half dozen tunes or so. Then the evening would end with a group jam on something (previously written).

The talent that I got to see in such an intimate setting will probably not be seen together again. John Doe, Mare Winningham, Stew, Astro Puppies, Dan Bern, John Wesley Harding... the list goes on. Well, Pete and I started talking about those good ol' busking days. He even remembered me as being the guy that was there nearly every month. Good times. If the P.I.T. continues on into 2005, I may consider a First Flight format. It would be nice to see so many local talents actually sharing the stage together instead of full sets. It is just an idea, and time will tell.

Johnny Ramone (1949-2004)

The sad news came late Wednesday. Johnny Ramone, iconic guitarist for the Ramones, passed away after a five-year fight with prostate cancer. My own music may not be charged by the high energy currents of the Ramones' sound, but, I did look up to them in my Junior High and High School years. "Beat On The Brat" was a radio favorite on KROQ during a period where the "80's" were happening to the music scene. Thanks to Rodney B., bands like X and the Ramones were able to get some air time. Hard to believe that this band is almost entirely reunited again... in the great beyond. Thanks for the riffs, Johnny!

Trivia: The Ramones were named after the alias Paul McCartney would sometimes use when checking into hotels during early Beatles tours... Paul Ramone.