August 2008
Exactly a year ago, I released two projects into the world – an album entitled 'Invocation'
and a son named Roosevelt Isley Schrock. 'Invocation' was borne out of inspired time spent
with good friend, and 'Bob Marley and The Wailers' long-time Sax player, Glen DaCosta in
Jamaica, W.I. Rosey was serendipitously born on my mother's birthday. It's been an amazing year. The record
is well loved in its small circles and the baby is a gentle sweet soul who makes everyone smile. As Grace &
Providence would have it, the baby has taken precedence over the album, so the Big Bad National Press Machine
needs some oiling, maybe it needs it's diaper changed and perhaps some coddling too. But I am not too worried.
We are carrying on and playing lots locally here in New England and beyond. The album will forge its unique
way into the world.
I am joined these days by the gifted and talented Jeff Rojo on guitar. He brings his humble spirit to
the stage every night and I am blessed to have his musical partnership and Mexican mysticism in the mix.
For the bigger shows, Portland native Marc Chillemi has been joining us on drums and horns. Marc's been
around the block many times with his Berkley trained horn chops but this is the first time he's jumped
behind the big kit with a group such as what we have. We give him lots of grief, but he seems to enjoy
himself and come back swingin', adding some really interesting textures to the mix.
One of the highlights of the summer was the road trip I took in June with my son and my mother to
Hamilton, Ontario for the 2008 Solstice Music Fest at Manorun Farm in Copetown. Wonderful young bands
graced the fire-lit stage all night. I did my show solo on piano with guest artists Bob Lanois, who
added a swampy harp on 'If Loving You' and producer Glen Marshall, my good friend Ruby and Bulls Eye
Records former VP, Lisa Millar, adding heartfelt backing vocals and percussion on 'Need'. We were surrounded
the whole weekend by violent storms but they miraculously veered from us, leaving us dry and grateful.
In July, a documentary film crew from Arkansas descended upon us. They are embarking upon a project
highlighting the work of my grandfather, Dan West, who started Heifer International. Boy, you never
quite realize what kinds of treasures or ghosts are in the family closet until a film crew starts
focusing in your own! These boys, are not only talented film-makers, but are accomplished musicians
as well. Going by the name 'Greg Spradlin and The Boondogs', they joined us for a show in Portland
on July 11th at the North Star Music Café. It was refreshing to hear authentic delta blues and
the audience ate 'em up.
This fall we are focusing on New England shows, looking, as always, for an opening to hit the road
deeper into the US. Winter might find us in California, so stay tuned…
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