I Had An Incredible Music Week

Alright, since I’ve probably been getting too far off into my political ideologies, I thought today’s entry would be a good time to get back on track, musically.

As many of you may not know, “Moonlight Reflection” has been accepted into the finals of the Independent Music Awards. Admittedly, I’m beyond happy this track was chosen for the finals in the New Age category. The awards are sponsored by Borders Books and Music. Winning in the category could create a very nice jump in my music career. On the same level as being selected as a finalist in playing Summerfest, this year, I’d have to say that my solo career is finally meeting my expectations. How ironic things are happening once I stopped pushing and started to allow Divine Intervention to come into play. The awards come out in December and I will let everyone know how things came out.

Regarding “Moonlight Reflection”; it was, by far, my very favorite track that was recorded for the “S&P” CD. I think that song, “Glitter Fades Away”, and “Winter Melts Into Spring”, showed quite a bit of the direction I’m intending to go. Although, I can say that the next CD is going to have more of a 70’s AM-radio pop edge sound to it. Hmmm, that’s a great and proper segway to the second half of my news.

As many of you are aware, I played this past summer at the annual “Art By The Falls” festival in Chagrin Falls. My ongoing joke to people was that maybe Eric Carmen will be walking through the festival, and I can finally share my music with him. I’m aware that Eric is from around that area, but I’m not quite sure how “around” he is from there.

Anyhow, after two days of excruciating temperatures in the high 90’s, I’d not blamed him to come out and walk through that festival either. Honestly, I’d been seeking a Leinies and had looked for a cooler local to veg out. Back to my thought, I didn’t even know if he was in town, but hey, we all have to have little wishes some time, hmmm? Anyhow, I had tickets for the Raspberries show in Cleveland, and I’d finally get to see his live performance. Now that the stage is set, let me jump forward to yesterday, early evening.

While in the Lyndhurst area, I decided to stop up at Sam Ash Music, and drop off a copy of “S&P” to an energetic guitarist I’d met the week prior. Colin, once you read this, rest assured, I’d like to see how we could use that energy for some great music. Anyhow, I was joking with a friend of mine (Sue) that my CD has become, more or less, my business card, prior to walking into the store. She had mentioned that it was quite an expensive business card, but who knows, some day it might pay off.

Walking into the keyboard area, I did a double take. There before me, obviously looking like he was buying gear was Eric Carmen. Yes, it was a momentary surreal moment for me. The guy whose music was (and still is, once you read further) part of my life (via WOKY-AM in Milwaukee) was standing right before me. I turned around to Sue and commented that it was Eric Carmen. As Sue typically does, she commented with something like, “Yeah, I know” while beaming that I was face to face with Eric.

Stunned, I said Eric’s name in a questioning voice. I introduced myself, while trying to maintain some semblance of composure, and took some time to chat with him. And instead of giving the CD to Colin, I handed it to Eric instead. I’d mentioned to Eric that I always thought it would be great to have him produce my music. Honestly, I’m certain he could help pull out some of the ideas I “just miss” when I’m recording.

I did mention seeing the Raspberries at the Scene Pavilion, saying that I thought the performance was good, but that the sound was somewhat off. Well, Eric went into explaining how and why the sound was off. Regardless, I mentioned that I was glad to finally have seen the band and wondered what was next. He’d mentioned to me that they were taking the winter off, then who knows?

Well, I thought my visit was long enough, for obviously I interrupted his purchase, but he seemed to be genuine and exactly like the person I thought he would be. Which is a very good thing, especially when I’d been a listener and fan for so long.

I mentioned to Sue, as we were leaving, that he’d never believe that I had his “Essential” collection in the car, that very moment. I’d found it in my CD library, and pulled it out to listen to this past week. Consequently, I’m still miffed that the short version of “All By Myself” is on the CD (which is why I still have my copy on vinyl). Gee, if I know I’m going to meet my influences by keeping them in the car, I’ll start riding around with Paul McCartney, David Bowie, and Kevin Cronin (REO) CDs.

Sarcasm aside, I was happy to finally meet Eric and really do hope he considers the producing idea. Since I’ve always wanted to do a version of “Desperate Fools” (with the harmonica part as a sax solo) for a future CD release, it would be fitting to have him as the producer.

Anyhow, it was a great week. And as the Beatles say, “It’s getting better all the time.”

Thanks for reading and keep coming back!