Volume II Sings!

Folks.... the goods are here! The latest internet-only tribute album to the Louisville, Kentucky rock quartet, My Morning Jacket, has been released to the general public!

The Way That He Sings: The Fans Sing My Morning Jacket Vol. II"

• Dave Rayburn - The Way That He Sings
• Megan Hamilton - Come Closer
• Tom Eisenbraun - Golden
• Corey Hannah - Old September Blues
• Jason Benvenuti - Picture Of You
• Tom Eisenbraun & Megan Hamilton - Nashville To Kentucky
• Trudgernaut - By My Car
• Tony Nash - One Big Holiday
• Clay Masters - I Will Be There When You Die
• Corey Hannah & Megan Hamilton - Hopefully
• Ulaine - The Bear
• Keith Edmiston - I Won't Cry
• Tom Eisenbraun - Self Doubt Gets A Proper Jacketeering
• Jintro - Mahgeetah

On the heels of the popularity of the first volume, plans were quickly thrown in place to launch a second effort. I was asked to once again take part, and I gladly accepted the challenge. now, for the story behind my track... For last year's collection, I was told that I could submit a second song if I could meet the deadline. Well, I started recording the basic parts, but I was unable to finish it in time. As the new project was launched, I decided that I would dig up the lost tracks. I added some parts, and re-recorded other parts in their entirety. So, one year in the making... I turned in my homework, and it ended up being the lead-off track for the album! Please disregard the sloppy drum machine work. That's the last time I build a track up from the acoustic guitar part. Yikes.

My liner notes: On the morning of Friday, March 28, 2003, I received news that my father was hours away from dying. I scrambled to book my flight and make my travel arrangements from work while KCRW's Morning Becomes Eclectic program played faintly in the background. All signs were pointing to this being the most difficult day of my life when "The Way That He Sings" began to play. I had no idea who My Morning Jacket were at this time, but that song made me look up at the radio and, for that brief moment, allow the music to wash away my pain. Upon returning home the following week, "At Dawn" was the first thing I longed for. It grabbed hold of me instantly, and it hasn't let go since. Being in love with something you can't see isn't so ridiculous. That's the power of music... and it's a meaning that I understand.

That brings me to the reviews which are starting to flow in. Here's the first one that specifically mentioned my track:

I loved reading the story behind why Dave chose this song. I think the production on this one would make the boys proud. It sounds like something from Z... very spacy and powerful. I love the arrangement. When it slows down for the "Why's it so great" part at the end I start to get teary eyed. This record is so well done and flows so well. I'm really so amazed by the fans of this band and really proud to be a part of such a great little community. So much heart up in here. Great Work friends! Corey, you are a good man to organize and take such good care of this project. Brian Meccia of Knoxville, Tennessee

Thank you for the kind words, Brian. And special thanks go out to Corey Hannah and all the rest who made this thing happen. The collection sounds great! You are all so talented. I am honored to be amongst you.

Demo Recording

As mentioned in the previous blog entry... we're not kidding here. This album is gonna happen, and so we entered into the second creative session at ye old Lillie Pad of Fullerton. This time, mastermind Gary Fitch set up his computer and a pair of microphones (y mas Coronas) to capture the basic demos for the selected songs. We weren't looking for any perfection... just live run-throughs to spend some time with so the core group (Gary, Tony Dare, and myself) could get familiar with the present arrangements. From there, we'll take these songs back into the studio so we can record more fleshed out versions of the songs, and, as Gary puts it, "stand them up on their own" and see how they look. Serious recording begins with drum tracks sometime after that.

Tonight's session included a rehearsal of Gary's "The Truth About Me And You" which now includes a previously unheard coda that he always wanted to have in the song, but never used. "Phases And Changes" was dedicated to my mom who passed away a year ago tomorrow. Also, a few unfinished songs of mine were presented ("Almost Home", "Arizona Skies", and "Shuffled Around") in hopes of finding "the one" that we want to throw into the session work. No decision was made right away.

At the end of the night, we both walked away with a CD of the evening's progress with plans on reconvening in the next week or two for a trio session. Don't touch that dial.

And So It Begins...

Dave Rayburn. Gary Fitch. Beer. Guitars. Songs. Paper. Decisions. The first serious step has been taken. The Dave Rayburn debut CD is officially in the works. Yeah, I know it's been talked about for quite sometime (even as a Buddy CD), but the ball is rolling and a plan has been hatched to make this thing happen NOW.

Things began this evening just after suppertime at the Lillie Pad in Fullerton. Longtime friend Gary Fitch (of Planet Roy) hosted an evening of hashing out details on what best represents a Dave Rayburn album. A working list of 14 songs was made. Ideas on the recording process were discussed. Creative criticism was noted and songs were rearranged. Then came the run-throughs. The lovely and talented Erin Foster emerged from her study environment to join in on some harmony vocals while Gary and I banged out the basic tunes on acoustic guitars. It was great fun... and I knew for sure that this time, we had begun the long-hyped musical project of mine.

Songs considered for the album sessions (with author and year of origin):
"Awake" (Rayburn, 2004)
"Broken" (Gomez/Rayburn, 2002)
"I've Got Time" (Rayburn, 1996)
"In Peace (Dogstar)" (Rayburn, 1997)
"It's Your Turn Anyway" (Gomez/Rayburn, 2001)
"Just Another Reason" (Rayburn, 1996)
"Outside" (Rayburn, 2005)
"Phases And Changes" (Rayburn, 2003)
"Set Me Free" (Rayburn, 1997)
"Small Midwestern Town (Moore/Rayburn, 1994)
"The Truth About Me And You" (Fitch, 199?)
"Wonder" (Rayburn, 2000)

A few twists: "Phases And Changes" and "Broken" are being changed to a different key for the first time. "In Peace (Dogstar)" is going to be expanded with some newly added lyrics while "Outside" is being finished up after collecting dust for nearly three years in a notebook. Additionally, two newer songs are going to be thrown into the mix, but the titles are not yet available. Logically, we are looking at a 2006 release if all goes well. All good things in all good time. Stay tuned here for details as they happen.

Zzzzzzzzzzz

As mentioned previously, the second installment of the My Morning Jacket fan tribute effort is almost ready for public consumption. This evening I finished up my final mix of "The Way That He Sings" for the new "CD". From what I've heard, this year's collection is going to be bigger and more varied than last year's. Everyone is quite excited... including members of My Morning Jacket! They adored the first set, and they can't wait to hear the new tracks. I guess the feeling is mutual, as they are set to release "Z", their latest studio album. I've already heard bits of it, and I'm very impressed thus far.

In any case, when this compilation if finally out... please do me a favor and disregard my poor drum programming. It's kinda hokey, but then again... so is "American Idol". More details will be posted here regarding the "street date" and information on where you can get it once the beast is out of the box. I had fun putting my track together and I'm looking forward to hearing the rest. Rock on!

Seems Like Old Times

Michele Rene, a longtime PIT participant, celebrated the release of her self-titled CD EP in glorious DIY fashion at the Plush Design Lab in Fullerton. The CD features full band arrangements for songs that I was used to hearing with just her and multi-instrumentalist Bobby Banclari. Brilliant stuff... and much worth the price she's askin' (support local music).

The CD release party kicked off with a solo set from PIT alumni Tom Folden. Tom's grown his hair out since I last played alongside him, and he sounded better than ever. Suddenly, I look to my left and there's Tony Dare (another PIT pal from the past). Holy cow! I almost felt like I was in some strange dream because this place was servin' up coffees in a well-lit environment (a stark contrast to the ol' Liquid Lounge), yet everyone seemed to be gathering here.

And, just when things were getting strange... Michele starts handing out cookies with pictures of her and Bobby on them! Delicious! Little Danica (pictured above with me) couldn't wait until Michele's set was done to get a taste of the talented singer. And, as expected... the "when are you gonna get the PIT back together?" questions started up again. You know... it may not be too far away. Grab some milk and sit tight. In the meantime, go check out Michele's web site and learn how you can acquire her latest CD. You won't be disappointed!