London-Bound

I can't believe it's already December! I am in a mixed state of shock and denial about that fact! So, to really pile it on, this week, on an invitation from Julian (my music partner in Eye to Eye), I leave for London to teach a popular music songwriting class at Middlesex University.

He's handing over the reins to me for the class. We'll cover the importance of rhythm, the origins of popular music, and I will be offering them a songwriting tool kit that we will take various exercises from. I'll be teaching a class of 60 students, all second and third year bachelors. I'm most excited to teach in a college setting for students who are serious about making music their profession. I look forward to learning from them as well.

Outside of my teaching hours, I will be visiting dear friends while in the U.K. – Julian and Arabella Marshall and their family, Rhett Davies, producer of Clean Slate (Eye to Eye), and hopefully some of the Eye to Eye band, like bassist Steve Pearce.

And of course I will be visiting my favorite spots in London! Portobello Road and the surrounding area (Notting Hill) is always lovely, especially the chocolate boutique, Melt. In my fantasies with my spare time, I'll stroll Hampstead Heath and Primrose Hill, walk along the south bank of the Thames, and people-watch in Hyde Park and Regents Park.

This trip gathers three of my favorite things: music, London, and dear friends, and I look forward to sharing photos and stories of my time in the U.K. when I return.

ALBUM UPDATE:

It's coming in February 2012! The music is ready, and now we're getting the CD designed and ready to go. I've just gotten new photos taken by Vital Agibalow and am working with a fantastic new designer, Garrett Curry, on the album art.

Early next year, I'll share some new songs with you to give you a taste of what's coming.

More soon!