So one year ago today I stood on stage at Galactic Quest in what had the feel of my Lost Boys farewell show.  It wasn’t really as I performed with them twice this year, but apart from those, sporadic cabaret shows, and a few solo shows I’ve kept myself in what I have called a musical cocoon this year.  I’ve been about the task of reinventing myself as a musician, undergoing a metamorphosis, and discovering wings I didn’t know I had.  Now that my CD is almost out I will look to be getting out more and playing some open mic nights and other venues in addition to my show at Galactic Quest on February 27.  Be sure to sign my mailing list if you haven’t already so I can let you know when and where I’m doing what and with whom.  Musically, that is.

In the meantime, however, I have learned quite a bit about myself this year.  I am not one to blog about too much personal stuff, but here are ten things I’ve learned about myself  in the last year as pertains to music.  May all of you benefit from what you have learned about yourselves from your experiences this year, and may you have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.  Here’s my ten:

  • Recording a do-it-all-yourself (or 94% of it anyway) full-length solo CD is more work than I thought it would be at the beginning of the year.
  • I am much more influenced by Green Day than I thought I was (or would admit I was) at the beginning of the year.
  • The songs I write are more effective if you believe the stories behind them to be something other than what they actually were.
  • Proportionate to the tracks on my CD, the majority of songs I have written ask questions.
  • Sometimes people react to my songs in ways that surprise me.
  • I am very blessed to have some very talented musicians in my life.
  • I am very blessed to have some very loyal friends from among the Teal Nation who haven’t forgotten about me this year.
  • 187 is becoming one of my favorite numbers.
  • Playing drums with a parrot on your shoulder isn’t that much different than playing drums without one once you get used to it. After a few minutes the only difference is that there’s a parrot on your shoulder.
  • There are a lot of musical things I can do better than play the recorder

See you in 2010