Another recording session with Creeping Time. We’ve been mutating into a more electric and moody band lately. This was the first song from the new sessions that really hits the electric side hard. It sure was a blast turning up the amp to 11. Kjell’s comment that he was wearing his headphones to protect his ears summed it up quite nicely. We approached this one by getting a lot of ideas in the mix with the intentions of whittling down to the bare minimum during mixing. Ken’s got ideas – you can see it in his eyes. Should be a fun one to mix…

0 Comments | Posted by Michael Spaly in Recording Studio

I’m pretty sure last night’s evening at Pies and Pints was exactly what Tom’s had in mind since taking over as organizer. First set started out a four-piece with Tom, Johnny, Pat Ferris, and myself. We’ve played a few times with this lineup and it is starting to show. We actually all know all the songs we’re playing ;) The second set gained Matt Herron (formerly of Loose Digits) and Milly (formerly Racoon) on fiddles. The third and final ’set’ ended up being a sit-around-the-circle-and-pick-jam that added Colin Klein, Tim Wetmiller, and John Brogan. Some real nice singing and tunes.

Next week should be a good one as it’s Pi Night, get it, 3.14 (march 14)? Pretty funny, eh?

Thanks again to the loyal Bastyr crowd for showing up – and studying cutting out paper hands(?). Good to see Sam Russell and Beth there as well, even though they seemed to have been beamed up to the enterprise without my noticing.

0 Comments | Posted by Michael Spaly in Shows

A last minute opportunity came up to play Thursday and Friday in Hoquiam and Ocean Shores, respectively. Thursday night was a trio of Tom Rooney, Johnny Fitzpatrick, and myself at the 8th Street Ale House in Hoquiam. A great little venue with a surprisingly good crowd for a Thursday. We were lucky enough to have the local bluegrass festival organizers in attendance. After two sets running through the house sound system, we unplugged and played a nice acoustic set in the front of the bar. What a refreshing change – turning down the volume actually turned up the quality of the performance. There’s something to be said for hearing each other and controlling volume the natural way. The night ended way too late in Ocean Shores where we were proud witnesses to an impromptu wrestling match. Sad part is that nobody actually got hurt until it was broken up. Untangling can be a bitch ;)

Friday night featured a set at Galway Bay Restaurant and Pub in Ocean Shores. Johnny had to get to Olympia that night so Colin Klein (aka Dragon) sat in in his stead. Also joining us were Kris Clemens, of Ockham’s Razor, and his friend Kitty (Katie?) from Eugene, Oregon. Friday night ended up a little looser for many reasons – though still a good time.

The impetus for the weekend was to be a warm up for Saturday’s Northwest Craic Fest hosted by Ockham’s Razor. The real highlight of the trip was traveling down with the whole family. Michal, Oliver, and even Ghia came down and we were treated with incredible hospitality by the Galway Bay establishment. I hope we can make it back there soon…

0 Comments | Posted by Michael Spaly in Shows

I usually wouldn’t write about a rehearsal. But Sam’s put together a real all-star cast for next week’s Neumo’s show and I thought I’d share.

This is a free show but you have to have a ticket. Get in touch with me if you want a ticket (or many).

L to R: Cary, James Apollo, Sam Russell, Isaac Chirino, Benjamin Obee, Justin Roeser, Allison Tullos

0 Comments | Posted by Michael Spaly in Random Info, Shows

Another session of tracking for Sam’s upcoming album – part IV of the Blue Moon Bible series. It was a hastened session as I was a little late and had to leave early. The thing with Sam’s quick takes is that it’s never easy to figure out if we’re moving on from a part because I nailed it or if it looks like it just isn’t going to happen. I think we hit about 50% yesterday. We’ll have to wait and see what makes the final mix – we should know by early 2015 ;)

One fun part was attempting a lead vocal on a cool new poppy tune. It’s definitely got my favorite ‘moment’ of Sam’s new song set. Its real straight-ahead pop-rock with this one line that just flows perfectly: “I need a girl like you…” sung in a descending line. Just like Frank Zappa liked Parallel Fourths, I’ve found all my favorite melodic lines are descending, including “it makes me feel better” [Hickory Wind, The Byrds] and “Shame, boat loads of shame, day after day, more of the same” [Shame, Avett Bros].

0 Comments | Posted by Michael Spaly in Random Info, Session Work