Live Performance Hiatus
 (April 23, 2008)

Yup, I'm significantly cutting down on live performances for 2008.

Quite simply, the frequency of my live performances has been a major element of why I haven't started this new CD project I've been talking about for over a year. It's frustrating to spend 2 hours setting up music gear when you're going to have to pack it up for another show in a few days.

Also, while I love the creative act of improvising music in real time, it's felt like the 'easy way out' for the last several months. I really think it's time to try something new, which is to work on a cd that would not sound anything like any music I could play live.  Many songs will be built with a heavy emphasis on improvisation, but the project will have an even heavier emphasis on craft, careful listening, and adding/subtracting what is right for any particular moment.

I'll still be performing with the Crank Ensemble, since that doesn't require me to pack any gear.

In addition to taking a break from live performances, I'm also taking a significant step back from organizing shows. (I'm only involved with the Luggage Store series and SFEMF now.) I'm also moving into a studio apartment and finally giving up video games.