A Very Christmas Party

Some of us are still having fun from the Christmas party Tuesday night. My beautiful wife Maridale (I know she's beautiful. Vern told me. Practically shouted it into the phone yesterday) loves word puzzles and shared the one Ken brought with work colleagues. See more on that in the previous emails. We plan to pull out the puzzle again when company comes.

Besides my shirt and James' ice sculpture, other party highlights were the many and various songs and how we heard them. Dixon introduced us to his family tradition of writing a Christmas song, and then we got to hear a version of one of his with full band support. Barbe shared "Breath of Heaven", a new and unusual Christmas song to my ears.

Donna brought Kenny Chesney and his song about looking back on high school football days. Some folks were close to tears.

James, Julie Jean and Mary played and sang a favorite Christmas song. You know, James does not strike me as a Carpenter's fan, but who doesn't love "Merry Christmas, Darling."

The prettiest harmonies of the night came from Mary's choice of song. The artist and song were new to me. I was thrown at first by the song's yearning to get home. It reminded me of how I feel even now as I wait for my daughters to fly in the day after Christmas. Soon it became apparent that the author was ready to go home to heaven. Dixon and I exchanged looks, both thinking, 'if you're going, you'll get there soon enough.' Hope you'll share a link with us to the song, Mary.

Ken let us participate in the first Christmas song he's written. Great performance, Ken.

Evan brought out one of my favorite songwriters, Darrell Scott, who sang about brothers, uncles, a Gibson Hummingbird, and his father. Michael shared his love of jazz by playing Sarah Vaughan's version of 'Green Dolphin Street'.

Julie Jean pulled out her guitar and sang a lovely song about a mongrel puppy, "Choose Me". I'll have to share that one with my dog-loving sister in Oklahoma. Another one I think she'll like is a song recommended by Bobby, "Where's the Line for Jesus?"

Lisa broke my heart with a song that breaks my heart every time I hear it, about dancing as a little girl with her late father, her feet on top of his, her hands gripping his fingers.

If that didn't do it, late-arriving Steve pulled out his guitar for the last song of the evening and sang a tribute to his recently passed father, a song that takes on a whole new level of meaning, "Daddy, Are We There Yet?".

Thanks for a wonderful night. Hope to see you tonight at DSA Open Mic, Dun Bros Coffee, Addison.

Buck

PS--Look for photos soon on Dallas Songwriters in Facebook.

Wonderful Night at DSA Open Mic, Nov.

Last night was great. It was fantastic. It's what music is about. It's why the DSA is a special place for people who love and feel music. Last night was art. I was late. I was host, but I got to Dunn Bros just minutes before we were scheduled to start. I worried about having to kick off by doing 6 songs in a row, because I had zero sign ups, at the same time realizing that I wasn't sure what song I would do first. I looked at my harmonicas sitting in waiting on a table several steps away and decided to do one without them, to get things rolling without further delay. So I did a song about cats. It went over like a hair ball. That was an omen. When you start at the bottom, you can only climb up. After the next song, I gave up the mic to Chad, a friend and writing buddy of Trevor's. Chad's good, and things were starting to pick up. Next was Trevor, who carried a new (to me) guitar. Looks like Trevor and I both have GAS (guitar acquisition syndrome). Trevor did two songs, then he did something different. He put his guitar down flat on the floor, picked up a harmonica, stood up and slammed a new song about Christmas. I say slammed, because he sang/spoke the song au copula, with a little harmonica between verses. He got a long, sustained applause. The karma had shifted. We were on our way to an extraordinary Thursday night. Barbe had talked Devin from Dunn Bros into playing, and he hadn't performed his songs in a while. Even had to borrow my guitar, making me wish I had changed my strings last week. Devin's songs were wonderful, but then he went off track for a cover of Pink Floyd's 'Welcome To The Machine'. And for this he brought up Rolland, whom he called 'The Human Beat Machine'. So, while Devin played and sang, Rolland spit beats. You can hear an earlier version by them on YouTube at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vp7XIwyOnRE. You can hear Rolland and Devin again Dec. 1 at Dunn Bros 1st Wednesday Open Mic. The whole night, Dixon had been sitting with Mary, Paul and Barbe, soaking up the vibe, just beaming. To his credit, he didn't leave after Rolland and Devin, because he was next, and they were tough to follow. Instead, he delivered some beautiful, original Christmas music. Dixon has a great voice, perfect for his songs. But after a few tunes, he seemed to waive me up for a quick consultation. Now I understand he was waiving to Rolland. They did an impromptu Marvin Gaye tune "What's Going On" with Dixon on guitar and vocals and Rolland spitting beats. All I can say is "Mother mother, there's too many of you crying...." Gorgeous. What was I supposed to do after that? Well, I had a play, so I threw down my ace and called up Scott Fant. After a couple of songs, Barbe sidled up to me and told me "You should ask Scott to sing a few more songs." Too late, Barbe, I already had. Do yourself a favor and go hear some Scott Fant right now at the link below. http://www.soundclick.com/bands/default.cfm?bandID=448705 You can also hear him, Scott Sean White and others this Sunday at Memphis in Addison. After Scott, Chad came back up and sang the dark Christmas song that Trevor had slammed. So, why do I love the DSA? Visit Dallas Songwriters on Facebook to see some photos from last night. See you at the Christmas party. Have a safe and happy Thanksgiving. Buck

Randy Brown is Great, plus Christmas Party

2nd Tuesday Meeting Nov. 9

GUEST SPEAKER Randy Brown joined the list of guest speakers who have been astonished by the quality of the songs we listen to and critique every 2nd Tuesday. This is a proud heritage, and all of us who have participated in having our songs critiqued this year should have an extra bowl of exercise this week. (What is a bowl of exercise? It's a typo and a sign of a guilty conscience. I meant a bowl of ice cream.)

Vern gets credit, but I think Barbe did most of the legwork involved in getting Randy to us. He has a wonderful attitude about songs, songwriting and performance. He's gifted at all three. Since he can't talk without a guitar around his neck, we experienced what is important to him about the means and the ends. For him, the ends is art. A process is involved, but the goal is art. Sometimes the process is magical, too. He writes lots of songs. Some are good. Most are stinkers, but all are art.

I'm trying to come to terms with art. I don't call myself an artist, nor what I do art. Maybe I should. Maybe, as Randy said, that's part of accepting that money is not part of the original equation, and that the initial end result isn't a product, but art. Hmmm.

SONG CRITIQUES: Wonder what these artist would think. We listened to songs by Trevor, Vern, Bobby, Donna, Nancy & Vern and Morrie of Levelland.

The range of scores were amazing. Everyone received at least one independent score of 40. High scores from the panel judges were a 48 for A Different Life by Morrie of Levelland and 47 for Whiskey Wins by Donna.

The Official Winners, including panel and audience, were 1st place for The Checker at Counter Nine by Nancy and Vern and 2nd place for Whiskey Wins by Donna.

A GREAT NIGHT. Among the highlights for me was hearing Donna and Evan volunteer to join Barbe, Roger, Steve and me as screeners for the Annual Song Contest. I hope others will join us. Drop me a note if you're interested. When you hear the level of artistry that our song contest attracts, you'll be proud of the DSA. We are known around the world, and the Annual Song Contest entrees prove it.

We had elections. The way we do it is nominate 15 members to be on the board. So, if I know your name, you were probably nominated. Active board members this past year were Barbe, Roger, Steve, Bob and I. We hope to have everyone back, plus some company for next year. That will be sorted out in January.

NEXT MONTH we'll have a holiday party for the Dec. 14 2nd Tuesday meeting. Would be lovely to have a few guitars and other instruments to sing carols to.

More important, next month will be 'Bring a Great Song' time. Try to bring a CD or mpg file to share with members. Bring lyric sheets, maybe 8 or 10. Tell us what it is you love about the song you bring. Give it some thought, and share some beautiful music with your friends. Could be a seasonal song, but whatever the genre, exercise your brain and bring a great song.

We may also attempt spontaneous songwriting. Let's call it Create a Song. Ken suggested we interview someone, then write a song based on the information given. What would it be like to have a song about you written by Vern? What kind of song could Vern inspire from you? A lyricist could work with a composer.

So let's have fun on Dec. 14. If I may, I request that Ken and Donna work with Roger, Barbe and me as Dec. 14 committee members. We need to think about food, drink, decorations, amusements and what would be required for Great Song and Create a Song.

Take ownership. Make it your Christmas party. Bring a friend. Contact me if you have a question.

Nov. 18, DSA 3rd Thursday Open Mic at Dunn Bros, Addison. See you there.

Buck Morgan
972 345 2133
wmsmorgan@verizon.net

Vocal Workshop a Big Success

Saturday was just another triple digit day. People had stuff to do, stuff they couldn't get out of, and then some had stuff that they could do, but didn't have to if they decided not to. I had my step-daughter's graduation from UNT, so I was already in the Lewisville neighborhood for the Free Vocal Workshop at MMOneVoice Studio. Plus I had organized it with Josh and Michael and kind of had to be there. Maridale and I drove by the studio about an hour early, then we went for a drive to see where our daughter Lindsey works at Bath and Body Works. The studio looked pretty isolated and abandoned when we drove by, so I asked MD how many of the 10 workshop confirmations I could expect to actually attend. She guessed 5. I sighed. By the end of the workshop, all 10 of us were dangling our heads over our chests, making Jerry Lewis sounds. "Hey Laaaadddyyy!" I knew we would do better than 5, but I didn't expect 100 percent. Woody Allen said just showing up is 90 percent of success. Here's what some of the folks who showed up had to say about Michael Maresca's free vocal workshop: ---------- As an evolving songwriter who had never taken a voice lesson, I constantly felt like 'wow, this guy is saving me so much time and heartache in the process of learning how to sing.' Clearly, he knows his craft AND is a gifted teacher with the ability to communicate in ways that let creative people get a handle on the otherwise technical aspects of singing. I just want to say THANK YOU to all involved! I am completely impressed, humbled, and grateful." Regards, Rudy ----------- While I am not quite ready to call myself a singer, Michael has me believing that I'll soon be able to get more out of my voice than the pain and frustration I'm accustom to. He is a very impressive teacher, and I'm looking forward to practicing the exercises he shared with us. Perhaps one day, after some practice and additional instruction, I'll be able to comfortably refer to myself as a singer-songwriter. Thanks again for the opportunity to take part in this valuable learning experience. Peace, William ---------- I loved the voice workshop with Michael! What a talented guy. I've always assumed I couldn't sing, so I'm gonna give it a go and take a few lessons. I figure it's fun to learn about something new and it will be of benefit to my songwriting. I truly thank everyone at the DSA for the hard work in organizing these educational and inspiring gatherings, as well as the posts, newsletters, speakers, etc... I get to as many events as I can (which is never as many as I'd like) but I always leave a better writer. Thank you, thank you. Donna ----------- Had a great time last night. Thanks for inviting me to the program. I am going to check him out and take a few lessons, I think, along with my granddaughter. She loves to sing and act out her little skits she puts together. I was quite impressed with his range and sound. Jack ----------- I had a fabulous time & am really interested in trying these techniques to see what changes happen w/ my voice & how it will impact the trio I'm in. Great class w/ lots of interesting folks. Thanks, Michael. Jeta --------------- I got a lot of info and useful tips out of the second half discussion and “wah” exercises. The facilities were top notch and Michael Maresca and his wife were super nice people. I hope we can do more workshops with them. He definitely knows what he’s doing and has credentials out his “wah”. For those of you that were there you know what I mean. Next time I hope to make it on time. Thanks again Buck and all who helped set the vocal workshop up. Buck you’re doing a great job as El Presidente’. Be Well, Steve Sullivan

July Meeting Blog

We had a special night last night at our temporary, one-night-only home at Central Market. What would you expect from our best songwriters but great songs, and they delivered with great performances and insight. Thanks to past Critique Winners Justin and Jennifer, Brooke, Bob and Stephen, and many more thanks to Stephen for having the idea of "song and interview" and pulling it off. Songwriters sang or played their winning songs, then chatted with Stephen about how the song was written, then sang or played another of their songs. We heard some beautiful music, and the room was small enough that we didn't need a mic. We've never clapped so much at a 2nd Tuesday meeting. We also honored the best of the best, Vern Dailey, our Songwriter of the Year, and Vern was kind enough to share some thoughts in the intimate setting of the Community Room. Folks last night learned about a free vocal workshop that we're planning in the next month with Michael Maresca. More on the what, where and when on that coming soon, but everyone seemed interested. Hey, guess what? It's already 3rd Thursday tomorrow at Dunn Bros, so please plan to come out for DSA Open Mic with Craig. That means that 3rd Monday Song Swap at Tinos at Collin Creek Mall will be this Monday at 7. Hope to see you there as well. No 2nd Tuesday meeting in August, but all song swaps and open mics go on next month as always. I've had lots of travel and great visits this summer. Just said good-bye to the last of my girls yesterday, who, unfortunately, had a 3-hour delay on her flight back to Atlanta. So while I was at Central Market last night, I picked up a few items, among them a six-pack of a Montana beer I had never seen before. It was on sale, so if you don't tarry, you might be able to grab a 6 of Trout Slayer Beer for a bargain. I couldn't resist the name, and the beer wasn't bad. Guess I have to mow-zey. Dang yard. Buck DSA prez