Almost 2 years ago I pulled in Johnny, Pat, Tom, and myself from the Pies and Pints residency to record some tunes.

Last summer we packaged a limited edition: about 12 copies while driving out to a gig in Sedro-Wooley.

Last week I posted the tracks for the world’s listening pleasure. Check out the residency on Facebook: http://facebook.com/folkreview.

Classic Rock Hits from the 90s and Beyond: Tom, Johnny, Pat, Mike

0 Comments | Posted by Michael Spaly in Recording Studio, Songs

Clockwise from top left: Sugar Nile, Blue Moon Bible - vol D (Sam Russell and the Harborrats); The Smolder Sessions (Creeping Time) ; Fly (Kate Noson); Year of the Cow (Sam Russell)

I wasn’t even thinking about album releases or musical product. Then, all of a sudden, I realize that we’ve released 4 albums within 3 months of the new year.

Nevermind that a lot of the tracking for these records were done in the 2011, if not earlier. The fact that all the albums are being finalized in such a short window of time makes it feel like the cosmos are coming together.

Anyway, all this music is available for listening and purchase online right now.

Clockwise from top left: Sugar Nile, Blue Moon Bible – vol D (Sam Russell and the Harborrats); The Smolder Sessions (Creeping Time) ; Fly (Kate Noson); Year of the Cow (Sam Russell).

Please note that 3 of the four albums are basically Sam Russell creations. Sam produced all but the Creeping Time album and has now written and recorded six of an eight album series entitled the Blue Moon Bible. Get more info at http://thebluemoonbible.com. He’s got lots of information about the project: songs, players, overarching themes, etc…

We’re in the middle of figuring out the release schedule for The Smolder Sessions, so I’m sure there’s more news on that front coming up…

0 Comments | Posted by Michael Spaly in Recording Studio, Session Work

Another blog left stale… Sorry about that.

Anyway, rather than rehashing too much, I’ll just rehash a little.

Played a really fun show out in Sedro-Wooley a few weeks back. Johnny Fitzpatrick and Robert (bass) picked up Tom Rooney and myself to play the gig. It was slated for Nettlehoney, but two of their members are out of the country. A wide open venue overlooking a riverside park, the acoustics were great. On the trip out, we packaged and labeled a first-run of our CDs. Was a great feeling to sell them within hours of leaving the press ;)

Pies and Pints has been going really well. Rickie Bobby (aka Rickie Gene Powell) has been playing mandolin with us. I’ve enjoyed the opportunity to focus on the fiddle. Or, in one case, when an extra fiddler arrived, to hop in on snare. Otherwise it’s been the usual suspects, with Johnny and Colin Klein alternating sets (and often playing together) on Banjo.

As for Creeping Time, we are in the final phase of mixing the album. With lots of details to fill out, we’re expecting a full public release sometime in early 2012. How about that for a 3 year recording project!

0 Comments | Posted by Michael Spaly in Recording Studio, Shows

Big news and good times for Sunday.

First, the big news: In the morning, Ken Nottingham came by with Carrie Wicks and we completed tracking for the upcoming Creeping Time album! This thing has been one and a half ‘official’ years in the making, though many of the songs are much older. Turning out to be a really great album with lots of creative pieces. We are fully embracing the idea of doing things in the studio that we won’t necessarily replicate live. Though we can come pretty dang close and we surely put forth the emotional content. Later that evening I sang all my backup tracks, and viola, we are ready to mix! Get ready for a fall release…

Pies and Pints turned out to be a much needed improvement. After last week’s slow night, this week turned out to be a great one. Lots of great pickers turned out and sat in. Jim Marsh was in town from Maine and supplied bass for the first set! Its funny how music and relationships are just plain easier when everybody’s having fun and there are people there to support you.

0 Comments | Posted by Michael Spaly in Recording Studio, Shows

2010 consisted of a lot of recording. A lot of live gigs, a few sessions at home, and plenty of personal fuck-around.

Here’s an old timey tune – Some old day – that  Johnny, Tommy, Pat and I recorded days before Johnny left town. More to come.

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0 Comments | Posted by Michael Spaly in Recording Studio, Songs