This is a weird post for my site I know. But I have a secret. All this acoustic/banjo/newgrass/heartfelt stuff gets interrupted now and then by my attraction to a great songstress and band. Evanescence. The report is that Amy Lee (lead singer and writer) is in the studio in New York with famed producer Steve Lillywhite. Steve has produced the Rolling Stones, Dave Matthews and others. This is the first collaboration of Lillywhite and the band.

Two things make this more noteworthy for my interest. First off this is the bands first album in 4 years and the album is being co-written by Fort Worth producer and drummer Will Hunt. According to Rolling Stone and Amy, this album shows a different side to the band. Cool stuff.

I recently secured a temporary rehearsal studio in Richardson. It's small but will work for removing my cobwebs. Finding the time slot has been a burden but I think I've got that one figured out.

I broke it in with the first practice with a new female vocalist/guitarist. She's got a great voice and solid rhythms. We're working on putting together a set list of covers and originals. More information as it happens.

Being disconnected from a band or endeavor is becoming more of a issue for me. I've been considering during the past few days that I would start putting out some feelers in the acoustic music community. It feels more and more like Dallas is full of musicians but not what fits well with my progressive style. I don't want to get back into trying to train someone to work with the kind of music I'm targeting. The vocal part of this requires someone that has an appealing voice that fits well into not only original music but covers that are all over the place. Other musicians I'm considering have to be able to play with aggression, speed and feeling for the ballads. In other words, very open minded and the ability to be versatile.

Hey. It's hard to imagine that on Christmas Eve I was running in and out of Barney's at Northpark in the snow! I just returned from a trip to Lubbock and can't believe the weather, it feels like spring. I think I could use another couple shots of winter before we start seeing wildflowers.

I just downloaded the entire first album from Lady Antebellum. I must admit that I initially think that Hillary Scott (LA's female singer) could easily get out there and do this thing herself. She's got the looks and a great passionate voice to go along with it. Funny thing, as I started looking a little closer at the band members, I realized that she is actually the daughter of Linda Davis, a Grammy Award winning county singer from the 90's. Linda sang back up for Reba McEntire and got her break through that gig. She had the looks too, more like a model than your girl next door.

Lady Antebellum, weird name, fairly commercialized first album. I am looking forward to the accompanying tracks to "Need You Now." If they are close to being as good as that song then they have a number of hits on their way.

Today, many people say "Happy Holidays." And because there are so many people who celebrate other things as well, I find myself when in a retail or business environment saying just that, "Happy Holidays." Many times I will chance the term 'Merry Christmas" and so far this year when testing it, I've had success. We seem to get further and further away from the things that so many of us have grown up with. I'm not going to start a political blog here but it is my site and I had to get it off of my chest.

I want to thank each and every one of you for keeping up with the musical endeavors of me and my peers. It's been a rocky year with little to report, but as I look back I realize that I've learned.

As 2010 rounds the corner I'm looking to re form some sort of musical organization. That will take another strong effort just as it did over a year ago. I've got ideas and more details will follow.

For now "Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all of you." Thanks for your support. Pick on!

I just found out that the reason that I learned to play banjo is coming to a venue close to home.

The Choctaw Event Center is announcing a featured event called "The Legends of Bluegrass."
Earl Scruggs, The Dan Tyminiski Band and The Grascals come to the center on Saturday November 14th. Tickets are $30 and $40. To realize the greatness of Earl Scruggs, the pioneer of three finger banjo, he has never played anywhere close to DFW that I am aware of. I can remember the "Earl Scruggs Review" at the Cain's Ballroom in Tulsa many years ago, but I couldn't attend. This is a great source of excitement with the opportunity to see the guy whose records I used to sit in front of and play over and over again, with banjo in hand, only trying to learn the licks. Earl is up in years and for me it's a blessing to get to see him live.

I've been trying to figure out what type of entry to publish. With little to actually report (musically) I figured that I would just ramble. I've decided to move forward and let the readers know that the Green Council is on vacation. Yes that's right. An unexpected and frustrating vacation. Somehow, somewhere along the way of working diligently on songs, arrangements, bookings and co writing we just lost our grip. I'm without a lead singer and guitar player.

These things happen in the music business and sometimes they happen without a clue. I probably should have seen it sooner but that's the way it goes. So, on with the show.

I have been in discussion with a couple of very capable and talented pickers/singers. But with some personal issues going on with family (nothing serious) and travel for work, the time has not been there to try each other on. I have even thought about carrying on as the lead myself, but I just don't have the vocal chops to do it the way it should be done.

Things will turn around soon I'm sure and updates will follow. Thanks to all of you for staying in touch and reading the blog. Later.

While the Big Green Council is doing some regrouping, great newgrass music is coming back to Dallas.

The inspiring GreenCards bring their brand of newgrass to Poor Davids Pub. If you haven't seen or heard this group you should get in line. Consisting of two members from England and one from Australia the GreenCards have a unique sound and lyric style that is like no one else. You can get your tickets on line or at the door on November 21st.

I know that there are those of you that check the site every few days. Recently it looks like I've skipped off to another country. There's been very little BGC activity over the past few weeks. We're working on complete set lists in our rehearsals and those (rehearsals) have been spread thinner than I like. We have at least two commitments for booking dates but things as I said are moving way too slow. The press pack which was supposed to be ready by the end of August is still waiting for photos and layouts and the demo reel is not acceptable, at least for me.

Not to waiver, these things are very top of mind and will be settled soon. Thanks for reading and look for updates.

The Big Green Council would like to thank Billy Hayes and staff at the Chrystal Opry House for the great treatment we received Saturday evening at our performance. Due to the Labor Day weekend attendance was down but those who attended the performance gave us a great reception. Not being a traditional bluegrass band we felt a need to put together a set list that complimented our style but not waiver too far from what a bluegrass crowd would expect. Hopefully we did just that. We also appreciate the help of bassist  Will Hodges. He did a great job stepping in and giving us that bottom end support.