Songwriting 50/90

I stumbled across an interesting site today. It's called The 50 Songs in 90 Days Challenge. It's an online community of people who have taken up the challenge of writing, as the title suggests, 50 songs between July 4 to October 1, 2009. This is not the first year for it. I'm not sure how long it's been going, but this year there are over 2700 members and 4400 songs have been submitted. From what I've seen, about 10% of the members have done 90% of the writing. The rest are lurking along checking things out.

I find this idea somewhat alluring. The only way to become a good writer is to sit down and write every day. In the past, I have been an "on-demand" writer. Acappella would need a certain kind of song for a certain album, so I would write it. Keith Lancaster had somewhat the same approach. He just did a whole lot more of it.

The really good writers I've met (who make a living from it) mark out a daily chunk of time to write, say 9:00 AM to lunch. The goal is never really to write one song during that time, but more to document ideas. Over time, several of those ideas flow into one song. And then another, and another, etc.

I find it interesting that I ran across this site just as I am getting into a new group, The Sons of Korah. I really like their writing style, putting the Psalms to music. It runs right along the style I like and the way I like to write.

So who knows? Maybe I might challenge myself to something a little less stressful than 50/90. I'm thinking something more along the lines of 26/52. That 26 songs in 52 WEEKS. One song every two weeks. Even that would be a challenge. My schedule is crazy right now. Something to consider... anyone else up to it?

Shut De Do - Exappella

Here's another song from the Boys Ranch Telethon. We had rehearsed several songs for the show, one of which was Everybody Said. At this point, we were going to sing Shut De Do. My intro confused Kevin and he started the wrong song. Some things never change.

I refer to my ability to confuse Kevin, not his starting the wrong song.

Hush - Exappella

Here's a clip of the four of us, me, Duane Adams, Kevin Schaffer and Gary Evans, singing "Hush" for the Texas Boys Ranch Telethon.

Serious Street Corner Do-wop

Here's what happens when New York based Naturally 7 cuts loose on an unsuspecting crowd in the Paris Metro subway.

Exappella

This coming Friday, Aug. 21st, KAMC Channel 28 (ABC) in Lubbock will be hosting the annual Texas Boys Ranch Telethon. Several artists will be performing, including Richie McDonald (formerly of Lonestar).

Studio 84 is producing the music for the show as well as doing all the filming and graphics. When we were putting it all together, the folks from the Boys Ranch asked if I could get some of my old singers together. I immediately realized that Gary Evans was here in Lubbock with me, and Kevin Schaffer and Duane Adams were in Amarillo. That made it real easy to pull things together. Thus, Exappella was born. At least for one show. :)

So if you are in the Lubbock viewing area Friday evening and want to tune in, we will go on at the 10:35 PM slot, immediately after the newscast. And if you want to come out to the Firehouse Theater (where it's being filmed), there is no charge for entrance. We will also be singing a few songs for the crowd during the newscast. You are welcome to come for any part of the show, which airs from 7:00 PM to 12:00 AM, with a break from 10:00 to 10:35 for the news. Be advised, the Firehouse only seats about 300 people. See you there...

Universal Health Care

When the people fear their government, there is tyranny; when the government fears the people, there is liberty.
Thomas Jefferson

Power of Music

My friend Russ White turned me onto this one. Bobby McFerrin does a great job of simply presenting the power of the pentatonic scale. You'll notice that he only sings three notes for the crowd, but they pick up on everything else. Pretty cool.

Barney Fife and Acappella

We used this video for a while as an introduction to our concerts. I found it again on YouTube. Funny stuff.

He Gave Her Water

Recently, I had the opportunity to return to an annual spiritual retreat in Paris, TN. It is nearly impossible to explain what happens at the retreat. Suffice it to say that it is a mountaintop experience every year.

This year, we gathered together several old fogies to sing, calling ourselves Acappella Classic. It was me, Keith Lancaster, Rodney Britt, George Pendergrass and Steve Maxwell. At one point, we sang the old favorite "He Gave Her Water" with our friend Jerome Williams.

Every time we sing this song, Jerry Jones hops on stage and tries to sing the song with us. This time, we pulled the old trick "turn your back on the guest from the audience" that Acappella (His Image) used to do years ago.

It worked, until Jerry decided to take the lyrics of the song literally. In an attempt to get the microphone, He Gave Me Water. I suppose I've been sprinkled by the pope. A baptismal redeaux. Take a look.

MJ's Death a Hoax?

The king is dead. Long live the king.

Many comparisons have been made between the death of Michael Jackson and the death of his father-in-law Elvis Presley. I'm sure you've seen them and I won't recount them here. So here's my prediction:

Within a month, you will begin to see stories suggesting that Michael Jackson is not dead. He couldn't handle the stress of the new tour. He wanted to drop out of site completely. We'll see shots of what appears to be clandestine meetings between Michael and his children.

The seeds have already been planted. AP released a story about Michael's death certificate and stressed that the cause of death was listed as "deferred." This is obviously because the autopsy had not been completed, but you watch... that's where it will start.

Also, why did the golden casket containing his body detour from it's trip to Forest Lawn? No one seems to know where the final resting place is. Could it be?

Don't get me wrong. I fully believe that MJ has truly shuffled off his mortal coil. This is more a comment on the current society of instant info and our Ethernet-in-the-belly-button lifestyle. Just wait. It's coming.

Book Review: Latter-Day Cipher

I have decided that maybe it’s better to read books by authors you do not personally know. This is no judgement against the book Latter-Day Cipher. As a matter of fact, I really like the book, but more on that in a moment.

I’ve known the author, Latayne Scott, for many years. I’ve read some of her other works and sat in seminars under her leadership and teaching. She is one of the few people I’ve met that I would consider brilliant. Her depth of theological understanding and her ability to present subjects in a clear and understandable manner are highly developed. She has a great sense of humor which, in my experience, runs on the dry and slightly sarcastic side. It’s a joy to be around her.

Which is why it took me completely by surprise when the opening paragraphs of Latter-Day Cipher graphically present the first in a series of serial murders. It made me wonder if I had the right book. I did. And I’m glad. As I write this, I am slightly over halfway through the novel. You are safe from spoilers.

As a novelist, it seems to me that Latayne has a unique style, at least when coupled with this genre. Her flowing language and use of metaphorical imagery create a striking contrast to the topic at hand. Oftentimes, her poetic description of events make them seem all the more horrific.

Latter-Day Cipher flows well. Characters are introduced and fleshed out at a pleasing pace. Events roll along without getting bogged down. The story is well constructed. You won’t fall asleep reading this, unless you take medicine and read it when you go to bed, as do I. But that’s not the fault of the book. That’s the fault of restless leg syndrome.

The story is very compelling and engaging, but what really impresses me is the way she presents truth in an apologetical wrapper. Latayne draws on her extensive history and understanding of the Mormon culture and weaves its secrets into an astounding tapestry. The truths of Christianity shine when compared with the falsehoods embraced by the Mormons of Latter-Day Cipher, and the Mormons of the world.

As I said, I have not completed the book. I look forward to finishing the journey, and I highly recommend you take it as well. Latter-Day Cipher by Latayne C. Scott. Best murder mystery I’ve ever read by someone I actually know.

Wings Point Aid to Nicaragua

Wings Point Ministries has shipped their first sound system to the mission field. Benny Baker heads up Mision Para Cristo in Nicaragua, a medical mission servicing the entire nation of Nicaragua. They were in need of a portable sound system to use as they travel from city to city dispensing aid. Also, one of the larger churches in the country had a place to meet but no means to be heard. God allowed Wings Point to provide for their needs.

On June 24, we delivered 2 sound systems to Global Samaritan Ministries in Abilene. Global Samaritan ships materials to mission points all over the world, including Mision Para Cristo in Nicaragua. Pictured here is David Catalina of Global and me as we stand by a portion of the system, delaying the men who were trying to load it. They had a serious production line going.

Each system we shipped consisted of 2 JBL Eon 305 speakers, a Soundcraft GigRac 600 powered mixer, speaker stands, mikes and cables. Benny tells me that they often use one speaker for their church and one speaker to set out in the street so the town can hear the gospel. That's what it's all about.

If you have any interest helping with future shipments, Wings Point is a non-profit entity. Any donations given are tax-deductible and will greatly help in spreading the Word of God to people who need to hear it around the world.

MLS

Anyone who knows me would probably assume I'm talking about Major League Soccer. Not this time. Since we are moving over the next couple of weeks, we have contracted a Realtor to deal with our house here in Midland. Therefore, MLS refers to the Multiple Listing System. At least I think that's what it stands for.

Anyway, our house can now be seen on Realtor.com at this link. Or you can just search our MLS number, which is 78589.

On another front, I enjoyed watching Gizmodo's live coverage of the WWDC keynote where they announced the new iPhone. I've waited 2 years for this one. My contract finally expired about 5 months ago, allowing me to upgrade around Christmas. I got phones for the family, but held off for mine. I suspected that there would be a new iPhone coming down the pike. I'm glad I waited. 3Gs 16G for me in late June! Whoohoo!

Pitch Pipecast: Episode 16 - Terry Cheatham

Just posted a new podcast!

Episode 16 of the Pitch Pipecast welcomes original AVB 1st tenor, Terry Cheatham. Wes McKinzie joins host Gary Moyers as the three discuss the original days of the Acappella Vocal Band.

Terry shares his favorite AVB songs from his tenure with the group. He talks about his first days as an AVB'er and his first 24 hours, which included the recording of one of his trademark songs.

You can catch the podcast from the Pitch Pipecast website, or as always you can access it directly from this link.

Pitch Pipecast Episode 15: Bret Testerman

A new episode of the Pipecast is now available! Bret Testerman joins me and Wes McKinzie for a great discussion leading up to AVB's reunion concert this coming July.

Bret was the lead singer for AVB during their transition from a back up group for Acappella to a full time independent ministry. He sings lead on some of their most memorable songs, including The Victim.

The Pipecast can be found at PitchpipePro.com. Or as always, you can download it directly from this link.

Roses and Recordings

Not much in general to say lately. We've got our house on the market and we're waiting. One week and no calls.

In the meantime, we've had some nice rains and Sherri's roses have come out nicely. Not that she planted them or anything. They were here when we moved in. She rescued them because they were in pretty bad shape. The rains have helped. Midland water on roses does not do well. Too many minerals. So the better the rain, the better the roses.

I'm heading to Lubbock for the next four days. I've been producing the new release for Taylor Productions. RJ (Sonny) Taylor released a hymnal over 10 years ago. Every year he releases a supplement accompanied by a CD for education and edification. The first 5 were done by Darrell Bledsoe when he was in Houston. The next 5 were done with Ryan Christian at Richland Hills. I get to do #11.

It's been a lot of fun. I've recruited 3 other singers to help me do it right. Lauren Mooney and Jill Riggan are both members of Best Friends from LCU. They sing like angels. For bass, well, there was never really a question. Gary Evans is amazing.

So, my first project with Studio 84 is taking me back to old school. A cappella again.

FSBO: 3306 Dentcrest Dr, Midland, TX

I've mentioned that we have our house up for sale. I realized I might as well go ahead and post the ad on my blog so you won't have to make a trip to 3306dentcrest.com. Here goes:

Great Two-Story House With Charm!
3306 Dentcrest Dr
Midland, TX 79707
MAP THIS HOUSE

3 beds, 2.5 baths
2050 Sq. Ft.
2 Car Attached Garage

FSBO: 3306 Dentcrest, Midland TX

Detailed Description:
Bedrooms: 3
Bathrooms: 2.5
Total Rooms: 7
Floors: 2.0
Square Footage: 2150
Year Built: 1983
School District: Parker Elementary, Abel Middle School, Lee High School
Garage Size: 2.0
Lot Size: 7013 SF

LIVING ROOM (18×15): Fireplace, multiple windows, tile floor.
LARGE KITCHEN (22X10): Multiple cabinets and tops, built ins, incandescent lighting, matching appliances, adjoining breakfast area w/ceiling fan.
DINING AREA (11×12): Open architecture, flows into living area, multiple windows, wet bar and cabinets.
ENTRY AREA (9X14): Cut-back stairs leading to upper loft hallway.
UPSTAIRS: office/library/extra room at top of stairs (17×6).
LARGE MASTER BEDROOM (18×15): Tall vaulted ceiling, private backyard door, tile flooring, 2 huge walk-in closets (4X6 & 9X7).
MASTER BATH: His and her vanity, private toilet and shower/tub.
2nd/3rd BEDROOMS (11×15 & 11×12): Good carpet, natural lighting with multiple windows.
2nd BATH (11×6): Upstairs, vinyl floor, tub/shower combo.
HALF BATH: Downstairs just off living area.
PATIO: Large covered area.
GARAGE (20×21): 2 car attached with shelving and storage area.
ATTIC: Drop-stair, garage entry.
UTILITY ROOM (6.5X11): Area for washer/dryer. Closet for water heater.
BACKYARD: Fenced with cement apron, basketball goal with half-court (18×32), small out building, fenced garden area with 3 beds.
OTHER AMENITIES: Dual HVAC Systems w/Heat Pumps, Central AC, Central Heating, Security System, Tile Floors downstairs, Carpet upstairs, Ceiling Fans throughout, Built-in Appliances (Range/Oven. Dishwasher, Disposal, Microwave), large mature trees.

The Sound of Music

This video was made in the Antwerp, Belgium Central Station (train) on March 23, 2009. It was a Monday morning and with no warning to the passengers passing through the station, a recording of Julie Andrews comes on the public address system singing “Do, Re, Mi.” As the bemused passengers watch in amazement, some 200 dancers begin to appear from the crowd and station entrances.

This was created with just 2 rehearsals. It was a promotional stunt for a Belgian television program that was looking for someone to play the leading role in their musical production of "The Sound of Music". You can see how the crowd reacts. Amazement. As well it should be. Life would be a lot better if this kind of thing happened more often. :)

Ashley & the Talent Show

Ash really wanted to be in the talent show at Midland Christian this year. She kept jumping back and forth on what she wanted to do... sing, play, what song, etc. The night before the show, 90 minutes from rehearsal, she still had not settled on what she was doing. I was concerned, being the stupid perfectionist that I am. So I made her try out for me. Afterwards, I made a small suggestion. She loves doing remixes on Acid (the program, not the drug). Why not do a remix of the song she really wanted to do? Her mind went to work and you can now see Ashley performing Bella's Lullaby from the movie Twilight... techno.

Moving?

It seems the rumor mill is still alive and well. We've not tried to keep this a secret. At the same time, we've not gone out and shouted it from the mountaintop either. That being said, yes, we are seriously considering a move to Lubbock this summer.

I've had several people come up and ask me about it. I suppose it's time to talk more about it. My job with Moyers Sound and Studio 84 is increasing in scope. Studio 84 is in need of someone to manage it. Things are about to take off there, with many plans on the drawing board. Instead of trying to find someone to oversee it all, Wally asked me if I would consider moving to Lubbock and doing it myself.

So, here we go again. This time, it's a good move. We have not sold our house as of yet. That's a big thing. We feel sure that God has something up his proverbial sleeve. I've begun to put together a website to help it sell. If you are interested, you can find it at 3306Dentcrest.com, which is the actual address of our house.

Sherri is applying at several school districts in the area, Lubbock, Frenship & Shallowater. We've made an offer on a house in Shallowater, so it would be very nice to get a job there. We'll see.

If anyone has any suggestions or networking possibilities, please let me know. God seems to be on a roll with this one, and he may want to use you. :)