Okay, so I finished the Black Book and it's on the internet. Since then I've also re-recorded Blue & Grey with new arrangements. Recorded, produced and performed by this guy, DR. Ju plays bass and Dan played keys on Snake Eyes, but the rest of that shit is me. Anyway I'm pretty proud of it, it only took me a week, and I've been listening to it a fair amount, despite my feeling about the lyrics, which I'll say, lack the level of elegance I'd like to think has become my norm, lyric-wise. But I like the lead git parts a lot, and it really doesn't sound terrible for having done it myself in Audacity. Now I'm working on a Paul Anka cover album. So far I've done Puppy Love and Put Your Head on my Shoulder. Not sure what's next. I want to start writing something soon, maybe something darker. Gonna grow out my hair a little maybe. Have that tortured artist look for the summer. David R. Elliott & the Novella's played at Gus's and at the Capital and it was awesome both times. We're playing at the Frigate on Wednesday and this weekend is my two nights at the Kennedy House in St. Andrews. Having been the acoustic guy in a while, but maybe now I can do some Paul Anka, something off of Blue & Grey maybe, maybe some Autumn Rose, City is Dark, Breaking Hearts, Devotion in my Blood, Believing in Iron type shit. In other words, lots of stuff. Get back to being an acoustic performer for a few nights. Sounds good to this guy.

Cheers,

DavidR

So call me obsessive, but sometimes I get into something in a big way and it takes me a while to get out. Right now that thing is Tom Waits. I've always been a fan of the man, obviously, and Rain Dogs has been an album I listen to regularly for some years now, but I've never fully delved into the vast catalogue of Tom Waits, until now. This is somewhat regrettable but ultimately not that bad, because I think I'll get around to most things in time. What I'm saying is that right now I'm working on a project that is unabashedly inspired by the man, and I'm also nerding it up all over the place about him. You gotta see Big Time, and you maybe also should watch this critical analysis of his work between '83 and '06. Anyway so I've spent a chunk of time lately recording off-kilter stuff in my bedroom and using stuff in my house for percussion. So far that has included a hamper, wooden wind chimes, a shelf, a basket of pennies, my lap, a basketball, spoons, rubber bands wrapped around chair legs, maybe some other stuff and a few cymbals. I don't even care if no one likes it, it's really fun, and it's an exercise of musical ability that I believe will benefit me regardless of it's staying power as solo material. I'm calling it David R. & the Black Book, and it's on my bandcamp.