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

1 Comment | 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

Apparently somebody is making money in the music business.

However, “anymore” may be the key word here as this song was recorded over 40 years ago…

0 Comments | Posted by Michael Spaly in Random Info

Went with Tom Rooney to play at the University District Market this morning. Was nice to play in the sun. Felt much more like fall than winter. It got a little difficult to compete with the plugged in Karaoke fiddler a few stalls down. Though one marketeer gave us an extra tip noting how nice it was to see a purely acoustic act. That’s just fine with us ;)

In more exciting news, Tom got access to about 1,000 – 2,000 record albums at a storage liquidation event. Everything you could think of and more. From the entire Doors collection (first prints) to Ella Fitzgerald, to Star Wars. Even a really unique set of Northwest LPs and 45s from the ‘grunge era’.

Here are a couple pics. He’s still got em, though they’re going fast. If interested, let me know and I can put you in touch.

0 Comments | Posted by Michael Spaly in Random Info

After years of hem-hawing, I’ve finally split my music and work sites apart. I’m hoping this will be less confusing for everybody – even if I’m the only one paying attention ;)

This site will focus on my musical activities. Specifically, listing upcoming shows, posting new songs, discussing current projects, and waxing poetic on my adventures in recording.

I hope y’all enjoy!

0 Comments | Posted by Michael Spaly in Random Info