Sitting in the lobby of the Super 8 in Gainesville, Fla. Arrived last night after my concert in Greenville, SC Wednesday. I'm more relaxed now (but distracted by the television). I built tension into my schedule by working Sullivan's (in Wilmington, De) Tuesday night, and pulling away at 11:30pm. After crashing in Ashland,Va later that night, I drove aggressively (but responsibly, I think), to arrive at the church with 40 minutes to go. The good news, for me, is even with that, I was able to settle in to the zone/spiritual place during the gig, despite not having any warm up/sit at the piano time (which, at the point just before hit, was frustrating). This idea of "falling out of self-absorption", and stepping outside myself to a spiritual place when performing, has changed everything. Last week, I devoted a day, and recorded my entire Christmas CD. Before now, that degree of focus and consistency would have been out of reach, and something I certainly wouldn't have planned for. I did plan this way, however, for last week's session, believing/having confidence in this work of God in me. I think we can call this responding in faith. It's all exciting to me, as I ride the ride and discover where it goes.

Forgot to mention, the Karen Somerville spot on the Tim Qualls show is up (archived) now at posprotv.com. Go to: videos, then choose entertainment, then Tim Qualls 8/23/06. Hopefully the video will play (for me, it's temperamental). We are the last 5 minutes or so. If you see it, let me know what you think.

No one can (should) ever claim to be bored in my business. Here is a brief summary of my "workspace" over the past couple of days:
On Saturday, I had a gig in Princeton NJ at the Jazzfeast (an outdoor jazz festival) with Alan Dale's New Legacy Jazz Band. Nice baby grand on stage. Hard swinging band. Both (vocalists) Bryan Clark and Beth McDonald were with us (first time together). It was then off to downtown DC (always trouble for the "directionally challenged") for an evening gig (wedding reception) with Felicia Carter. This was my favorite gig of the weekend. It's cool to play with musicians who are coming from a somewhat different place as you (ultimately, everybody is). I had worked with Dominic (drums) and Jeff (bass) before. I didn't know Ted (sax). His reference points (historically) are not exactly mine, but we hit "common ground" immediately. He was enthused (and told me so) about my inner voice leading and melodic movement. This was quite validating to me (I'll try to comment in more detail at another time). The gig was at the Sewell-Belmont House (almost) across the street from the whole Capitol complex. This was in significant contrast to my gig the next (Sun) morning; backing up Karen Somerville and her gospel group for a "concert" at the "Rural Heritage Day" at the 4-H park in Queen Anne's County, Md. As I sat and waited (under the outdoor tent) for the gig to begin, watching the two cows (oxen?, I don't know) yoked together just outside the tent, I enjoyed the (concept of) the "change of scenery" from just 12 hours before. The next day (yesterday), I spent the day recording with Marc Moss at his new location: the "Baby Grand Opera House" in Wilmington De. It was fabulous! In all likelihood, I've completed my solo Christmas CD (in one day! First time for me.) This also deserves it own blog entry at some point. Now for today, my (not uncommon) "Tuesday triple" (ending with my 5 hour Sullivan's gig this evening). Did I mention that my work is seldom boring?

This is "cute". I've not been compared to "Rolwf" before.
(Easton Star Democrat - Weekend section 9/8/06

I've been hearing good things about the Karen Somerville (w/ me) TV spot. I live "out of region", and so I'll have to wait for the Tim Qualls Show website to (hopefully) post a video, which I'll link to from here. I'll let you know if (when) I do.
I'm enjoying taking a couple of days off from gigging (and having more casual time to spend with my children). On Tuesday, however, the ground will be moving as I hit it running. Could turn out to be the most productive month of my career (to date). It's a good thing I'm back to drinking coffee. One more down (Labor) day, then off we go...