Hey friend, how’re you doing? Hope your day’s been okay. Around here the nights are all above freezing now. That’s got to be some kind of positive sign. And I know I heard a cardinal today. He’s not really a sign of spring, you’re right. But I think the fact that I was outside and had on few enough layers that I could actually hear his call is proof of some kind of positive progress.
I’ve been keeping busy enough, working away at various projects. It’s always good when I can keep myself occupied. Even better when it’s something useful. I find most of my friends are the same way. Other folks might get together with their friends and compare hobbies. I get together with my friends and we talk about the various projects that we’ve got on the go. Even if it’s something we don’t exactly share someone’s enthusiasm for we can cheer one another on. A buddy system of sorts. I know that support is important for those of us who take on weird things like we do. I know I’ve felt the lack of that support before. This is better.
I was having a visit with my friend Jack the other day. Was pretty exciting. I don’t think I told you about his latest project. It’s very cool in all kinds of ways. He’s made a book of the music of James Gordon. Fifty songs, all complete with melody, chords and guitar diagrams as well as a whole bunch of information about the songs and where they come from. James has been playing all over Canada forever, he’s well known to CBC Radio listeners for his work writing songs for “Ontario Morning” and “Basic Black”. I figure James has likely played in just about every town in Canada at one time or another as well as touring steadily across North America and Britain. A bit of a national treasure. My buddy Jack decided there was nothing for it but to put together a book of James’ songs. So he did.
And the other day we sat over the kitchen table while I made appropriate cheering noises. It’s done. And it looks like a million bucks. I gave him a hand with some parts of the process, but I was kind of embarasssed at the credit both of them gave me. Okay, maybe I helped things along a bit. But it’s James’ music, and it’s Jack’s book. And this is the sound of me cheering my buddy on. Yay team.
So, I remember I promised I’d let you know about stuff before it happened. I also promised to let you know the details when I heard about something cool. I figure this qualifies. The songs are great, the stories are Very Cool, and the whole package just puts a huge smile on my face. It’s called “Pipe Street Songbook” and if you’re passing through Kitchener-Waterloo you can get a copy at Wordsworth Books. If you’re in Guelph you’ll find it at all the downtown music stores including Gordon Taylor Music and Guelph Music as well as The Bookshelf and Ground Floor Music. Or if you’re doing the online thing you can order directly from Jack at BerLen music.
Straight-up–I get nothing if you buy a copy. Except the huge satisfaction of seeing a friend’s really great project do well. Oh hey, and can I tell you two more cool things about the project?
Jack’s set himself up so that he can put together a book like this fairly easily. So now he’s on a hunt for the next great project.
And remember I told you about Lilypond the other day? The whole thing was put together using Lilypond. No really.
Now that’s way too cool.
Thanks for letting me share it with you. Gotta love it when friends do cool stuff. But I’ve burbled enough, so I’ll leave you with that thought. Write when you get a chance. Meantime I hope this finds you well.