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August – September 2008
News From Swamp
Airports, jets, and rental cars...I have been racking up a bunch of sky miles as I have been jet setting all over the country with '80's star Tommy Tutone. We have been playing concerts everywhere from the plains of Comstock, Nebraska to a beautiful theater in West Palm Beach, Florida. We've made two trips to California and a trip to the live music capital of the world, Austin, Texas. We shared the stage with some great musicians including Missing Persons, Great White, 10,000 Maniacs, ABC, Naked Eyes, The Knack, A Flock of Seagulls, and Gene Loves Jezebel.
Kim joined me for a couple of the concert trips including the second trip to California where we played a great amphitheater in Hemet called the Romona Bowl. This theater has been in existence since 1923. The rock formation mountain that stood behind the stage was very impressive and made a wonderful back drop. We stayed a few extra days visiting friends and relatives and enjoying a sunset on the Pacific....look for new pictures from the trip.
I will be doing more spot dates with Tommy but I am looking forward to getting back on track with the three projects I have going in the studio...The Drew Tillman project is shaping up to be a really great CD...The Caleb McLeod project is progressing nicely and the Mass Choir CD is in the editing and mixing stage....
Until later peace...mt<><
June-July 2008
News From Swamp
June and July were busy months with the starting of the Caleb McLeod project. It is a mixture of alternative country which is exciting and fresh..We are continuing with the Drew Tillman CD, it is going to be hot....We also did a live remote recording of The Fellowship Mass Choir in Quincy Florida...wonderfully moving Gospel Music that really rocked the house...in July Michael went off to Nebraska to do a huge outdoors 80's festival called The Comstock Music Series with Tommy Tutone.... We shared the bill with Great White, Missing Persons, Nazareth, Fire House as well as others...thanks to all the wonderful folks who came out to the show we had a blast..until later...
Peace...mt<><
May 2008
The West Coast Adventure
What can I say about May? Amazing, beautiful or breathtaking? None of these accolades come close. I feel everyone should drive the Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) at least once in their lifetime.
We did start out the month going to the Charlie Daniels Volunteer Jam in Valdosta, GA. Good friend and GREAT harp player, Harley Lamareaux, invited us as his guests to attend. It was an awesome night with Shooter Jennings, 38 Special and Charlie Daniels. Even at the age of 72, Charlie is still rocking as hard as ever. The encore jam that featured Harley was a special treat!
Now back to our West Coast Adventure...We landed in LA and after spending a few days with family and friends, we drove up the coast via Highway 1. We took lots and lots of pictures! We spent the day and night in San Francisco which I think is one of the greatest cities in the world. After that, we met up with Tommy Tutone in Santa Rosa and started making plans to do a retro R&B CD together. We are pretty excited about this project.
After enjoying the sights of the Redwoods and the Oregon Coast, we finally made our way into Seattle. We spent time with Phillip and Cheryl Horvath, who showed us around the city and provided us with wonderful hospitality. They have three lovable (big) dogs - Luke, Lola and Moose! Phillip and I discussed how to improve our presence on the internet...be on the lookout for these changes!
We flew back to LA where I spent the last few days showing Kim old haunts of mine and the sights of LA. On a special note...we spent a night on the Queen Mary in Long Beach, where we had dinner with long-time friend, Jim Atwood, Kathy and Tianna. This was truly magical!
We finished the trip on top of a mountain with family and friends overlooking the Annaheim valley and watching the fireworks over Disneyland. A fitting end to a wonderful trip.
Now we're back home...working in the studio. Until later...
Peace...MT <><
April 2008
News from the Swamp...
Well, March and April is Legislature Session time at the Capital, so much of my time is being taken up with running the audio and visual department for the Florida House of Representatives. This keeps me very busy during this time of the year. That is the reason I am combining two months into one update. There are a few things coming up though.
April 17, 18, and 19 I will be playing in Panama City Beach at Pineapple Willie's with Roger "Hurricane" Wilson, as well as doing dates and continuing with the recording of the new CD for Drew Tillman. Due to Session, it has slowed us down but we will press on.
In contrast, May is looking very good as Kim and I will be heading to California for two weeks and we are very excited about the change of scenery and hope new business contacts. We also have several projects starting up in May, check the calendar for more on these projects...
Until later...peace...mt<><
February 2008
News from the Swamp:
It's done!!! The new CD by Roger 'Hurricane" Wilson is mixed and will be off to be mastered at Trol Sound in Atlanta with release date to follow on Blue Storm Records later this year.
Tommy Tutone, pop icon from the '80's who sold millions with "Jenny Jenny 867-5309" has been in the studio this past month experimenting with some new approaches to his amazing writing styles in pre-production of his upcoming project with Spectra Records, Charleston, SC. On February 16th we performed a concert at the World Grotto in Knoxville, TN and had a great time! Tommy brought the crowd to their feet several times throughout the show. A special "THANK YOU" to Susie Drew and staff for their wonderful hospitality! (When in Knoxville, check out the World Grotto for an evening of fun! www.worldgrotto.com and the Hotel St. Oliver www.hotelstolivertn.com, a charming hotel!) We are planning more dates as we have rejoined to try to come up with something new and electrifying. Check out the calendar page for future dates with Tommy.
As the Roger Wilson CD is going out the door, the Drew Tillman CD takes center stage. We have already started on the rhythm beds for this project. It is going to be a unique sound with a truly wonderful artist.
Jimmy Agren's promo package is almost ready to send out. We are looking forward to introducing Jimmy to the American music scene.
Until next month..Peace.Michael and Kim
January 2008
News from the Swamp:
January brought about the return of Roger "Hurricane" Wilson to Sxynaxis Sound to complete his final vocals on the electric follow-up to last year's CD - "The Way I Am" which hit the top five in satellite blues airplay. The new CD which includes Mark "Rockette" Morton on bass and Michael on drums from the Magic Band should prove to be a more energetic cross section of blues, soul and even a touch of surf. Notable contributing musicians include: J.B. (John Babich) and Toby Frisk on keyboards and Lucia Fishburne and Stina Brockmann joining Michael on background vocals. Michael produced and is in the process of mixing the new CD for release on Blue Storm Records slated for later this year. For further info on Roger, check out our links page.
Swamp Monk Music Works is also in the process of putting together a package to promote the new (now ready for release) CD by Jimmy Agren. "Various Phobias" the title of the new CD is an amazing display of Jimmy's virtuosity on slide guitar, vocals, drums and bass. Hailing from Umeå, Sweden, Jimmy hopes with the help of Swamp Monk Music Works to break into the American music market. Be on the lookout for future developments of this exciting project. While you're at it.check out the "Jimmy Agren Band" on YouTube.
Also in the studio, is Drew Tillman, a prolific singer-songwriter from Tallahassee. This CD will be an introspective look into the inner workings of love, hate and twisted emotions. Will keep you posted on the development as this project progresses.
Peace.
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