Buddy Makes Podcast History

Longtime musical pal Matthew Wayne Selznick has always been a fighter and visionary for independent artist. Why, if not for him, we would not have even started up a little coalition movement called the Perpetual Intermittent Tour. When he went online with his website a ways back, it had always maintained open arms to creative people like himself. Not only did it serve for being his "home base", but it offered a place to go for advice, critique, ideas, and inspiration to those who do-it-themselves. Matthew's latest edneavor dips into the next wave of radio. Podcasts!

The idea is simple. Each week he hosts a 30 minute program of independent material, sent in from those daring enough to do so. He injects the program with intelligent detail, and gives the "little guy" a chance to shine with worldwide exposure. The radio show comes in mp3 format, and can be downloaded at will, or sent to subscribers (free, by the way) of the podcast. I found the first two shows to be very good (the second one even featured a couple P.I.T. members), and I began to forge a Friday night ritual of tuning in, just like I used to do with KPFK in Southern California.

Well, tonight's show featured no less than two live Buddy recordings! Pulling material from Best Buddies Vol. 1 (our own bootleg best-of CD issued in 2002), Matthew spun the following:

"It's Your Turn Anyway" (Gomez/Rayburn) - Caroline, lead vocal
"Why Won't You Fall?" (Rayburn) - Dave, lead vocal

Both tracks were recorded live at Sacred Grounds Coffee House in San Pedro, California on May 22, 2001. Thanks to Gary Fitch (of Planet Roy fame) for engineering that night and preserving it to DAT. And thanks so much Matt, for giving us some of your precious digital air time. We are honored to be on board. With any luck, we can be involved in future shows. Download the show and find out more about MWS Media while you're there!

"Figures"... Mark Mason Covers Dave

I remember the days when I used to buy a "45" in order to get the ONE song I wanted, just to be pleasantly surprised (or indifferent) about what was on the other side. Well, times have changed, and things have gone digital. Today, Mark Mason releases an "mp3 single" (complete with A & B side) for a free download on his web site.

A) "Figures (Barbie Song)" is a Mason original that, in my opinion, is the best thing he's done yet! The recording is super clean, which is no surprise since he went to recording school, and the melodies are quite captivating. Lyrically, he keeps it vague enough to where his audience can apply it to at least one person they know (an important songwriting trap). If this is any indication of the material on his upcoming full-length, we will all be very pleased.

B) "Small Midwestern Town" was composed by Michael Moore and myself under the name Garage Salesmen ten years ago. Since then, it has taken on a few morphs in the Dave Rayburn solo arena as well as a rockin' stint with the Spurs From Austin Texas in the late nineties. It was last year, however, that Mark felt inspired (and maybe brainwashed from all those P.I.T. gigs) to lay down his own interpretation. There is some really nice instrumentation involved, and the vocals amply reflect the yearning of the lyrics. Mr. Mason, I am flattered.

If you have the time, please take a trip over to http://www.mmasonmusic.com/ and pull down your copy of the new single (artwork included)!

P.I.T. Review: October 19, 2004

Tuesday, October 19, 2004
The Liquid Lounge - Long Beach, California
Players: Evan Price, Tom Folden, Dave Rayburn, Planet Roy, Tony Dare, Jason Young, Jon Cicchetti & Mat Summers
(click names to see photos)

Dave Rayburn's set:
"Wonder"
"Small Midwestern Town"
"Less Lonely"
"Uncomplicated" (Costello)
"It's Your Turn Anyway
"Baby" (Bradley/Blackwater Surprise)
"Phases And Changes"

I want to thank EVERYONE that came out last night. That was a ton of fun. It makes me recall what has made the P.I.T. so special to me. With things left on a high note, so to speak, I am sure that it will be much easier to reapproach and revive down the road. I hope you all had a good time. All of you turned in great sets... and, I must apologize that we got such a late start due to the Red Sox game 6 win that ran into our time slot. Still, the vibe was strong last night, and I was glad to see so many people sticking around until we locked the place up.

On a personal note, I felt like I was getting a star on the walk of fame. Planet Roy kicked out a smokin' acoustic band version of my oldie, "I've Got Time". Tony Dare followed with a mini set that included HIS version of "I've Got Time" as well as a nice take on Buddy's "It's Your Turn Anyway". Those tributes aside, I've never felt the room SO much on my side as I did last night. Thanks for the warm support! Thanks again to Diane for offering us a home for as long as she has. We will be back. I promise you.

Dave In-Store Appearance!

Well, I was there too. Yes, Dave Alvin (X, the Blasters, the Knitters, the Pleasure Barons) put on a fine little acoustic gig at Fingerprints in Long Beach earlier this afternoon to promote his new album "Ashgrove". I first met Dave nearly ten years ago after a McCabe's gig, and then again at a sparsely-populated gig up at Cal State University at Stanislaus, where some friends of mine nearly pulled off a loosley coordinated Knitters reunion. Anyway, Dave and I spoke again about the Knitters, and he confirmed that the next studio record should be out somewhere around June 2005. I, myself, cannot wait!

Still, I found myself chatting a bit more at length with Dave's sidekick for the day, Amy Farris. Amy's album "Anyway" actually made my top-album-of-the-year list (sorry Mr. Alvin) early on. It's no surprise that it was produced by Dave. To me, the surprise was the traditional sound that holds throughout the entire record. She's a fine fiddle player and friendly as can be. I commented on her hip wardrobe for the day and she went on to tell me how much she paid for each item at different garage sales during the previous week. I forgot to ask her how she got around to choosing X's "Poor Girl" for the album, but now that I think about it, why should I question anyone who has good taste?

Karaoke Surprise!

In celebration of a clean sweep on bowling night, the Cobascoobydoobia (minus Pam & Victor) made it's way to the bar for more drinks and to enjoy the vocal stylings of Gil. No, not that Gil. Anyway, it was karaoke night and we immediately went for the books. Well, I went for the books. Sure enough, I was the first one up. For some reason, "Sister Golden Hair" by America was calling my name, and I answered. Right? Well, I think I did alright. Mike seemed to be cracking up, which could be taken two ways. In time, the room had filled up a bit. But after hearing Virgil's rendition of "Where The Boys Are," (by Connie Francis) I knew it was time to go. I guess I'll have to save Gordon Lightfoot's "Sundown" for next week.

P.S. It's been something like ten years since my last karaoke experience. All I can remember from that is Gary Fitch (of Planet Roy fame) and I sharing a duet of Elton John's "Daniel". I feel so naked without my guitar.

"Phases And Changes" Video

After working on it off and on for the past couple weeks, I am ready to unveil my first conceptual music video, although it may come off like the opening credits to The Wonder Years. "Phases And Changes" is quite possibly the one selection from my artistic cannon that makes me most proud. I've been playing it live at every show since I wrote it. I've entered it in a major songwriting contest. I've received many words of praise in regards to it's meaning and impact.

So, it would only be a matter of time before I put some visuals to it. In doing so, I began sifting through about 45 minutes worth of my family's 8mm film footage that dates back to 1957 and concludes in 1971. Well, I had to narrow it all down to about four minutes worth of the best images, and then splice them together in a way where the message and feeling of the song coincided with the picture. A little fancy transition work here and there, and voila! A video collage which satisfies my own inner need to pay tribute to my folks one more time and celebrate life in general. There's footage of my parents in their happy, youthful prime. My grandparents, as I remember them. I can even be seen, smiles galore, in some of the severely washed out footage. Good times. Just know that I won't make you sit through the full 45 minute Kodachrome archive.

If you've got four minutes to kill, take a peek into my past. In a strange way, it gives me things to look forward to. I hope you enjoy it.

download or play the "Phases And Changes" video

Miscellaneous Heathen

I drove out to L.A. to see my buddy Eugene Edwards at his CD release party at Taix on Saturday night. John Hoskinson was opening up and sitting in with the Edwards band. I knew that John's CD had just come out, and I had already read a few very favorable reviews. I had planned on picking one up based on the reviews alone, but I really didn't know much of the material outside of a demo CD that he had passed on to me about a year ago. After witnessing his solo acoustic set, I was sold... or at least the CD was... to me! All it took was an intimate performance to seal the deal.

Upon popping the CD in on my way home, I was a little uneasy about the full band representations that contrasted with the show I just absorbed. Still, I made my way through it, and by the second listen, I found myself actually preferring the fleshed-out arrangements. Instantly, John can draw comparisons to the individual Finn Brothers, but the proof that he is a uniquely gifted artist is in the songwriting. John proves this throughout the Miscellaneous Heathen album. In fact, when you find yourself admitting that you could be the poster child for "It's Not My Place," or that you wished you could even compose the awkward scenario in "She Still Plays Around," or you reminisce of your parents love for each other with a song like "I Hope I Die Before You Do"... the album becomes part of you. A welcome addition. This album quickly grew on me, and it's no surprise that it's getting local airplay. Excellent. Hooray for another P.I.T. player! Incidentally, Caroline has been playing "It's Like Cigarettes" non-stop.

Folks, John is playing a lot, and probably in your town. I recommend you go check him out, or at least enhance your CD collection with Miscellaneous Heathen. You won't regret it. You can check out some sound samples and pick one up at http://www.johnhoskinson.com/.

Dang Me!

Well, folks... I didn't place in the top 3. But, no worries. Entering the Roger Miller Songwriting Contest has actually stimulated my intent to focus on my writing more than I have been. I will more than likely try to get involved in more of these competitions in the near future, and I will certainly keep you all posted here at the Buddy Blog.

On a related note, I am putting the finishing touches on my first ever music video, intended for internet release soon. Stay tuned for the multimedia mayhem.