As we write this, a fossil fuel-driven summer has arrived along with one of the most consequential political moments in US (and world) history. But along with all the stupidity, and along with all the resulting pain and suffering, there also remains lots of love and beauty in this world and music is there to reflect and react to all of it -- the good along with the bad. And with that in mind, our new album "Home Grown" is now ready for harvesting.
New Album: Home Grown
"Home Grown" is the 4th album we've released so far this century (and for us that's moving fast!). These 10 original tunes were recorded in our project studio from 2020 to 2024. They've previously appeared as singles on our website but have now been re-mixed, re-mastered and (in some cases) re-recorded allowing them to be their best possible selves.
The repertoire touches on Swing, Pop, Brazilian, Classic Country and Jazz grooves while lyrical themes include Life's Third Act, Climate Change, Politics, Religion, and (of course) True Love.
It's on all the major streaming services but can also be streamed from our website, where you can also see or download the liner notes with lyrics. You can also download the entire album for import into your music library if you choose. And there's no charge for any of this.
We're very proud of this release and hope you get some joy from listening to it! Check it out here:
Since our last newsletter, we've posted another "Live From The Project Studio" video, in this one we tackle Robbie Robertson's "The Weight" as a harmonica instrumental with live looping and pre-programmed drums. I fell in love with The Band as soon as their "Music From Big Pink" album hit the stores back in 1968 -- went to see them live several times back then and their music has stuck with me through the years. This particular tune has been covered by many, so there are some great versions out there. My favorite (of those I've heard) is still the version from The Band's "Last Waltz" album, performed with The Staples Singers (If Mavis Staples' vocal on that cut doesn't send chills down your spine, you may not be human :-)). So, this ain't that, just our humble take on it. - Slim
In our last newsletter we mentioned that Nashville basedUtopia Unearthed Recordsare (in addition to re-releasing his catalog of music) working on a documentary coveringDan Del Santo'slife in music and its tragic ending. They've been interviewing family, friends, and band members and have been traveling to Poughkeepsie, Austin, and Oaxaca in order to do so. They even showed up here in Santa Cruz to film a segment with us covering our long friendship with Dan and the countless hours we spent recording him and his band in our Marble Falls, TX project studio during the 1980's.
These guys are relatively young and have an obvious passion for Dan's music. When they started to dig into Dan's history, they sensed a story that had to be told and have been laser-focused on putting it all together. But, as you might suspect, they're operating on a shoe-string budget and could use some financial help. For those of you who rememberDan and would like to help this project see the light of day, please check out their GoFundMe page:
