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.

Without adding a whole lot of current information, the band is now up on Myspace. You can access the link at www.myspace.com/bigreencouncil.

We'll be adding more tracks, pictures and information very soon. Myspace Music has become a big player in band bookings and promotion. Thanks for giving us a visit!

Between my current pressures of traveling and home, rehearsals have been tricky. We tried a new bassist last week and are looking at number two this week. Hopefully we'll have someone in place before our September dates.

I was recently digging through old tapes and came across the only remaining vhs copy of my old group Modern Acoustics' only music video. Be aware that this production was shot in two days in the early summer of 1983 in Dallas, TX. Production was done on 3/4 inch Sony Pneumatic and edited on a Sony RM-440. There are a few drop outs and some a/v timing issues but it is dubbed and it's posted. Enjoy!

Wow. What a summer it's been!

July was very busy month for both band and business. With my recent travel schedule, 4th of July vacation and band work it's been very active.

Thanks goes out to Todd, Gary and the guys with the Fast Lane band. I had a great time last Thursday at the Dallas Arboretum. It's been a while since I've got to perform with a full blown rock band. Although it was a warm evening, we had somewhere around 3,000 in attendance. The band sounded great. I look forward to doing it again.

The Green Council is still gearing up for a busier fall. We've got some public interest and will hopefully be able to get more attention. We've dug up so many new songs that it's hard to keep it all straight. Right now, that's a good problem to have!

I have had quite a bit of traffic on a couple of sites where the images were posted so I thought that I'd add a couple here as well. John was playing the Jack Casady bass during his visit to Dallas.

After a great 4th of July weekend in Missouri and a little drama, I'm ready to get back at it. The band is still looking for just the right bass player and we have a few good prospects (maybe).

We had trouble last week with our software configuration which hindered our effort to record, but according to Gary it's fixed. So tonight we go after it again.

We have agreed to play the Chrystal Opry House in Tom Bean, TX on September 5th. We're working on our bluegrass chops in order to be able to accommodate a crowd expecting to hear "banjo music." I think we'll be fine. But you just might hear a couple of Eagles songs in the mix.

The Council is uncovering a great worth of new tunes for our set lists. The addition of the mandolin has opened up quite a bit for us. We're not only busy working on new covers of contemporary songs but it has given us a real sense that we can actually do great bluegrass sets. Our drive is pretty strong as Mike's rhythm is just what we needed and his leads stand out well.

We've just began to lay down some digital tracks for our upcoming press kit. I'm hoping ot have it completed within the month. More to come...soon.