It’s weird. I was just thinking about the NYC “outsider” songwriter and artist Ed Askew this past week. When I lived in Brooklyn several years back, I had met two musicians around my age, wearing beanies and sweaters, who were (and I think remained) in his backing band. I haven’t seen or spoken to any of these people in at least 12 years. And yet for some reason, out of nowhere, they all came to mind. Now here I am reading that Ed Askew had died around the time his name popped back into my head. It’s strange when this happens. When people think that there’s no mystery in this life, I tend to think they’re willfully missing it. But what do I know anyway? Anyway... If you’ve never heard Ed Askew’s wonderfully strange and delicate work, here’s some of it.
Speaking of “mystery”, I sent off final mixes to be mastered for my next release, Is It Real, which is all about ghosts and creatures and madness and things. Mike Noordzy and Nicole Scorsone were kind enough to lend me their talents for it (again!), and Mint 400 is releasing it. I’m grateful for everyone’s willingness in helping me get these ideas into the world. And there’s a little preview of one of the songs from it here in this post. Is It Real will be available on March 21st. Until then… Run free little Final Mixes! Become MASTERS and spring forth into this vast, unforgiving, beautiful world! I’ll see you when you’re sent back to me…
In the meantime, this week I’m shaking off that sparkly holiday dust and getting back to the live music thing. I’ll be at Brookdale Public Radio 90.5 The Night this Thursday (January 9th) with Split Level Concerts to talk to Stu Coogan about opening for the WONDERFUL Jill Sobule this Saturday (January 11th). I’m so stoked to be starting off the New Year with such an exciting show! And I’m doing a little snow dance over here to keep the weather at bay.
I heard the show being advertised this morning as I shuffled my little beat up car into a salty supermarket parking lot. They’re calling me a “Local Favorite”. Eyyyy, I’ll take it! Puts a smile on my face. So far, as far as music is concerned, 2025 is feeling alright.
Stay warm out there -R
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