July 20-ish

It’s hard to believe that the record will be done in a week. For the most part, I’ve been nestled into the studio, getting the bedtracks recorded. In five days, we finished ten songs—bass, drums, guitar and vocals. At least half the songs were recorded live off the floor, which I’ve never done before. Recording live means abandoning a certain degree of self-consciousness to just connect with the band and feel the songs. With Don on drums and Doug Friesen on bass, I was in excellent hands and the feeling of that groove was incredible. With this recording taking place so fast, it often is about being intuitive—if it feels right, then roll with it.

Unfortunately, Doug (our very fine bass player) has no sense of humour. The atmosphere is rather dull and sombre with him around. Surely, this picture attests.


Don is going through a watermelon phase, so it becomes a staple of our breaks. I've never consumed so much watermelon--it's a good reminder that summer is unfolding outside the studio.



Every now and then I get to break out of the studio and play a few shows. The first was in Hamilton with Mike Evin and David Celia. Mike Evin easily swings along on the piano with colorful stories and engaging lyrics that kept me absolutely fixated during his set. David was next—totally seduced me with his voice and easy style. Brilliant songwriting!