I’ve been working hard at finalizing the details for the upcoming See That Gleam album release concert and I wanted to keep you in the loop on the updated details.

- July 31st at Lola’s Room (Crystal Ballroom)
- Doors at 8pm… show at 8:30
- Tickets are $10 in advance (buy here) or $12 at the door
- Free CD with admission!
- 21yrs and up

With the help of Sameunderneath I’m going to bring you the album in its live form and of course, let you take it home with you for free:) I’m looking forward to this special night so please help me spread the word and make it something to remember. See you soon!

link to the event and get your tickets

Sample a song from the album:

The Big Hearts performance from Artichoke Music is now posted to YouTube for posterity. This song was written for some very close friends of mine that have amazing hearts- constantly helping mine grow. Though I could never thank them enough for their grace, let this song be my humble attempt. This is quietly one of my favorite songs so I hope you enjoy it too.

Watch the video then listen to the studio version:

BIG HEARTS

Heaven knows I’d wait to feel another breeze.
To lay beneath another sun.
Germany here I come.

Big hearts are filling up the hemispheres.
Big hearts are warming up the coldest years.
They’ll lay beside me forever more
Cause big hearts make mine grow.

Growing everyday and softly resting miles away.
Heaven is exploding there-
It’s filling up the air.

Big hearts are filling up the hemispheres.
Big hearts are warming up the coldest years.
They’ll lay beside me forever more
Cause big hearts make mine grow.
Big Hearts are Full Moons and Northern Lights
They come full circle to defy science.
Big Hearts are freight trains that push me along-
Shine out the clearer;
Shine on.
Big Hearts are factories of Godlight Beams
That just get brighter as the daylight recedes.

A month ago, I made up my mind that I was going to write a song about Wyoming. The inspiration was there, the love of subject was there and my writing had finally returned after months of drought. I finished it (proudly) last week just in time for the Artichoke concert.

I wanted this song to be deep, heartfelt and human. I wanted it to really express the beauty within the state and the air that flows through it. With that said, it spoke for itself and I had written three of the four verses before finally hitting a wall. In search of some final inspiration, I went to Wikipedia to gain a little insight on Wyoming and her history.

Above is the song’s debut at Artichoke Music. The lyrics to Wyoming should reflect my love but above all, tell a story and pay tribute to the last good plot of land.

I picked up the Artichoke concert DVD from EMA Video on Tuesday afternoon. Between then and now, I’ve managed to cut up the film enough to post a couple songs on YouTube (including this version of Cellophane). I am no video editor but over the next couple weeks I will pretend to be one as I release the Artichoke footage bit by bit. Here is Cellophane from last Thursday’s performance… the rest will come with time.

Last night was my long-awaited PSA Showcase at Artichoke Music. This was truly one of my favorite shows to date and I’m honored that the turn out was so positive. I got an hour to play my music for a captive audience; in an ideal venue and believe it went as well as it could. Thanks all.

I tried something new when I had my lyrics projected for the audience to read along. Despite some technical difficulties it was a nice addition to the intimate setting. I could feel a connection with the crowd as they reviewed the writing on the wall. Logan played bass and I sang tenor and these are the nights I live for…

In February I competed for the title of the PSA Portland Songwriter of the Year and won! Now, in April the PSA is hosting an intimate night at Artichoke Music to celebrate the winner and showcase an hour of my original music.

I’m very honored to have received this award so I’d like to share this evening with those that are closest to me and have supported and inspired my passion.

-Seating is limited (60 people)
-All ages welcome… but no screaming kids:)
-$3 at the door
- Show will be recorded (audio + video)

SHOW SCHEDULE:
Songwriters in the Round: 7:30 - 8:15
Intermission/set-up
Tyler Stenson Showcase: 8:30 - 9:30

Sometime in February, my song Babysitting the Cowboy was featured as a Willamette Week Local Cut of the Day. Riding the momentum of the PSA Award and upcoming album See That Gleam, I’m hoping to get much more press like this one to continue to spread the word. Click here or on the image above to see the full Local Cut post and read the author’s interesting interpretation of the Babysitting the Cowboy story. I always love hearing a third-party analysis of my songs but of course, if you view the comments, I had to leave a note from the writer… telling the true inspiration behind Babysitting the Cowboy.

I just posted this new video on YouTube of me playing Come Around at PolitiPalooza earlier this January at the Montgomery Park Building in Portland. This is the newest song that will be included on the upcoming album so give it a watch, read the lyrics and patiently wait for the album to be released within the month or so!

I hope someday
In the sunlight’s softest rays
That you will glide your way
Back through this town.
I hope someday you come around.

A week ago I received notice that the Portland Songwriters Association was going to be hosting its annual Top Ten Final on Wednesday February 13th in search of this year’s Performing Songwriter of the Year…

With that said, as last year’s winner, the PSA board presented me with a unique opportunity; either play as an honored “alumni” guest and hand down my crown OR play by the rules, play NEW songs for NEW judges and compete to defend my title… with little hesitation, I chose the latter.

Last year I played LAST in the line-up of performers so it was fitting that I was the FIRST to compete in this year’s competition. I was no doubt nervous when I started the evening- I played “Whistle Stop” and then made a last second switch to “Cellophane” as my songs of choice. Once finished I simply sat in the back (full of nerves) as the other performers played one-by-one, better and better each time as the evening progressed.

I was in the presence of many talented individuals and would have happily conceded my title to any of the songwriters in this final round; however, I’m pleased to announce that my new songs earned me a victory and the repeat title of the Portland Songwriters Association 2007 Performing Songwriter of the Year!!!

I didn’t expect to hear my name but I’m so proud to wear the badge of honor for one more year. Thank you to all of you for your support and providing me with the confidence to tackle these nights with little hesitation.

Tyler Stenson and Lander will be playing a special musical event at the White Eagle Saloon (McMenamins) this Saturday February 9th starting at 9:15pm. Cool Blue Review will be presenting three great bands, including yours truly, Audio Fatigue and the Dead Beetles all under one roof. We ask that everyone wear something blue to support the Cool Blue Review and to show the White Eagle staff that you’re there to support your local music!

Also, Lander will be in rare form as I’ve put together a special group of musicians to help make the event extra special; Tommy Alfson on drums and percussion and introducing special guests Logan Coale (upright bass) and Daniel Work (keys). Logan and Daniel have been performing on the upcoming album so I’ve asked that they come and sit in on the White Eagle session. It will be like nothing you’ve ever seen from me before so I hope you’ll grab ALL of your friends and come join in on the fun.

WHITE EAGLE SALOON - $6
836 N Russell St
Portland, OR 97227
(503) 282-6810