Stave Magazine: Editor's Desk

Today I learned of the passing of two incredible songwriters, so please send your good thoughts, prayers and love out to their loved ones and the musicians who loved them, too.Jason Bryl - Austin songwriter and sideman died Monday, August 16, at the age of 41.  We'll miss how you were in love with love, Jason.  Your spirit is eternal.Kenny Edwards - American legend.  Songwriter and sideman and pioneer of the folk-rock sound died Wednesday, August 18.  Kenny, you changed the way we create our music, and your spirit is eternal.Neither to be forgotten.  Both to be lifted up to the great mystery and wonder that inspires us all.
We'll miss you in this earthbound world.

I'm soliciting participants for "Peace from the Porch, Vol. 3."  Musician, writers, poets, painters, photographers, sculptors, textile artists, etc.  This installment will include a companion book to go with the compilation CD.  If you'd like to participate, drop me a line.  I'm ready to start vetting submissions.This go round, we'll be raising money for non-profit hospices.  The money is getting scarce.  Medicare is reducing payments, and private donations are not as strong.  In general, our economy is not able to sustain community based healthcare the way it used to.  Many in the creative world don't even have health insurance.  Non-profit, community based medicine is where that medical care comes from.  Hospices provide more than medical care at the end of life.  They provide emotional and spiritual support.  Their mission is to make sure that every day is full of LIFE for patients and families.  It's really the only holistic [...]

The Power of Music to HealIt's not secret that I have a life outside of music. It's called a day job.  I have one.  However, unlike many who think of the day job as an 8 hour sacrifice, mine is fluid with my music philosophy - the Peace from the Porch Project philosophy.I manage a rural, non-profit hospice.Tonight, I was going over some music for a fundraising event in October.  The event supports a rural cancer resource agency.  It's really kind of hokey, small town fun.  The other non-secret is that the small town is the one I grew up in.  My hospice cares for people in that town.  So, imagine how much of an out-of-body experience it is for me to admit one of my school mates' parents to my service.  I have learned to take on a bizarre protective layer that keeps me cool, distant and professional.  It's like window shopping compassion for the family.  They can see me, but they do not ever really touch me.  It works for me in reverse, [...]

In last month’s edition, I commented on what felt like the fading of my generation of songwriters.  After attending a songwriters’ meeting, I became concerned that I wasn’t the only one in a slump.  Many great artists were right there with me.  Some (maybe more who are unwilling to admit it) clubs and house concert series are beginning to wane if not disappear altogether.  I had a conversation with my friend Stacy about my observations and concerns.  A few weeks later, she traveled to San Antonio to attend a house concert that was hosting Natalia Zukerman.  Zukerman is one of the best examples of  a young songwriter who is gently moving Americana in a new direction with her mixture of jazz, folk, country, roots and rock.  Check her out. Here's a little footage from my series, Bear Creek Concerts (that ghosty side player she keeps looking at outside the video frame is Erika Luckett):




However, Stacy told me that the average age [...]

Celebrate who you areTell me a musical biography of yourself.  We all come from some musical heritage that makes us the musician or fan that we are today.  Sometimes it's about rushing away from something we felt was oppressive only to find that, indeed, we are good at what we do as musicians because of that very thing.  I'll give you an example.  My friend Stacy is a product of the Church of Christ where musical accompaniment is not allowed.  No guitars or pianos lead the hymns.  It is strictly voice.   "Well, that's no fun," many say.Stacy is a good guitar player today.She is open and accepting. She isn't preaching the exclusivity of entry into "heaven."  She's not a church goer.But let me tell what she couldn't shake from her musical past.Harmonies.You need a good harmonizer or someone to score vocal parts for you?Stacy's your girl.Part of my family are also Church of Christ.  We have Preachers in my family!!  We don't go to their [...]