Just spent some time watching the Macy's Thanksgiving parade (on television) with my youngest (Robbie). Although a veteran of small town parades (he likes to chase after the candy often distributed/thrown from the floats), he had not, before today, encountered the big city mega-parade. Sponge Bob and Foster's Home for Imaginary Friends helped to seal the deal. That was fun. Speaking of parades, we've now concluded competitive marching band season at Queen Anne's County (Md) High School where, for this year only, my oldest, Joseph (18, a senior, and REALLY into it) and his sister Charie (14, a freshman, for whom it couldn't possibly end soon enough) were in the marching band together. Perhaps, at some point here, I'll retrospect on my own high school band days. Suffice, for now, to say, sometimes it was the only reason I showed up. The school band program is a beautiful place for the musically inclined (or diseased or called) to develop, network, and grow. In my case, it was where "A Couple of Joes Trio" (Joe and Paul Midiri plus me) got started. In the present day, it has been where my son and daughter could work, strive, play, and grow together. I'm proud of them. It's a beautiful place. One of many things for which I'm thankful.

The new Christmas CD: "Do You Hear What I Hear?" arrived on Friday (2 days ago)! Already there is the real possibility of sequelling with a "part 2" next year, as I have a number of interesting, usable cuts remaining. First things first though, got to move the current product - now. I'm pleased with it, and feel good about it's documentation of where I am today. Most musicians stumble over the marketing thing. I'm working at it (currently consistently putting in 20+ hours/week of "salesman" time). We'll see how it goes.

This whole deal about leaving Bryan Clark has been difficult, including the interaction with those who follow Bryan with whom I have developed my own rapport. An e-mail from just such a friend evoked the following (excerpted) response:

".... Although I had no plans to abruptly leave the Bryan Clark scene (which has, at it's core, nothing to do with Bryan), I was conscious of the inner pull to move toward the opportunities for deepened creative expression. To this end, I have been working toward solidifying solo and concert opportunities with the goal of (spiritually/artistically) connecting with a larger audience. I hesitate to dogmatically proclaim God's "call" at this point, but this is what it feels like. Now, it seems, we "step up" the process. It is sad to see this (Bryan Clark) chapter end. I have invested a lot of time with Bryan, and he with me. I think, though, that he would agree that much positive has come of it. It was apparent to both of us that we were brought together in God's providence, and, at least to me, I can see how I've been able (used of God) to be helpful to Bryan along the way, and to be a part of bringing him to this current place of positive growth and commitment to his own expression (God's "call" on him). Looking back over what I just typed, it is apparent that I still have much bottled up, and there is much more that could come out. Suffice to say that recent weeks have had some unpleasant moments, but/and God is good. "

Now is the time, it seems, to lay claim to my spot on whatever the "next level" is. It's less dramatic than it sounds, I suppose, but then again, it feels like the beginnings of a seismic shift. I have (after years of threatening) finally let go of a regular schedule at Sullivan's (though I may still play/sub occasionally). Sullivan's has long been my smallest "billable hour". It has been a great gig and run artistically. Playing weekly (or more) piano/bass duo gigs has really solidified my rhythm section chops. In addition to this, the relationships and friendships (most especially with Bruce Kaminsky) are priceless to me. Why, then, would I let it go? The cleanest and simplest answer is the understanding that I must place that energy elsewhere. For unrelated reasons, my professional relationship with Bryan Clark is, in large measure, at least for now, ending after my gig tonight. This means that I am letting go of a significant clump of weekly income at a time when finances are strained (I'm still "gigging like crazy" with music therapy and other work, but a complete income, in this business, is always the sum total of all the parts). As you can imagine, if you know me, I'm not sitting idlely by just watching, but thrusting into an increased schedule of sales time to realize what I truly believe is the time to get myself out there, more so, to the general public. The day after I "closed the chapter" on Bryan Clark, Joe Midiri calls me with 4 (more) west coast festivals/trips for next year. Still a drop in the bucket, but nonetheless, a "sign from God", so to speak, to encourage me on my way. The "Midiri boys" have been most helpful in permitting me to promote and market myself from within their ranks. They are responsible, in God's providence, for the (access to) relationships (newsletter subscribers/product orders) on the west coast. More thing are, I believe, in store. God is good.