“Serendipity”
According to Wikipedia, on this day in 1754 Horace Walpole coined the word “serendipity” in a letter to Horace Mann.
I think one of the first songs I *really* learned (read: spoke to me) on the guitar was “Don’t Let Me Down” by The Beatles. I think I’ve been trying to re-write that song numerous times, including today.
“Little Jean”
My good friend and Peoples Improv Theater resident funnyman Chris Grace came over and we banged out some blind bluegrass harmonies.
“The Ballad of Fish Face the Cat”
I composed the chord sequence this morning and really liked it. Diminished and augmented chords are so easy to play on the piano.
It’s a cute song; a children’s song, really (although children might be frightened of the cat’s kidnapping). Plus, I got a chance to use my basso profundo in a fun way.
If you know me at all, you know that this song is part of me and my muppet-like, cartoon mind. Rather than be embarrassed by it, I embrace it and share it with you.
mrjotz asked: I saw your improv show tonight. Well done! Also, I'm really enjoying your daily songs. Thanks for doing this crazy thing each year.
double and quadruple thank yous!
“Eighty Sixed”
I started to write two songs prior to this one.
The first was a “serious” song regarding feelings and frankly, my feelings are shot full of lead. That target needs to be taken to the shop and get refurbished. Nothing was getting off the ground.
So I took a walk. When I leave my building there are two buildings in view. One has been completed. The other is a skeleton of a building that was started in 2008 and was never finished. So I played with that image. I was happy to write something silly and outside of myself but, again, nothing was flying. And because I’m trying to work quickly in the framework of a day, if the idea doesn’t fly it gets crumpled up and tossed.
Writing songs works up an appetite. So I reheated some butternut squash soup in the microwave. It was too cold. I reheated it in a pan. I burned my tongue. And then this song came around.
“Ready When You Are”
As a perpetually prompt person, I’ve had to learn over the years that not everyone runs on the same clock. Just as long as I don’t miss my flight or train, I’m okay with it. But if I do….
“Come and Gone”
This is the sound of me swinging for the cosmos. Dedicated to a very good friend we lost way too soon in this life. I think about him almost every day.
“Sleep No More”
I created a riff this morning, built a song around it and then… nada. All day, nada. I had no idea what direction I should take it lyrically. It was going downhill into generic town and I was hating it. Then I busted out a book about movies from the 1970s and turned to a page that featured Herzog’s “Nosferatu.”
That film looks mega cool.
“Too Far Too Soon”
I have the pleasure of being on not one but two improv teams with the lovely Lorraine Cink (Borealis and hello). She’s as sweet as she is funny. When she gets tickled, look out! We wanted to write a humorous song about dating but it turned into something rather sad. We’re just holding up mirrors to society. And sometimes we see ourselves all too clearly. And then we cry. Enjoy!
“Midsummer Blonde”
I have a HEAVY predilection towards English rock and roll. I’m an Anglophile through and through. This song benefits from a cheeky accent and owes a debt to Syd Barrett of Pink Floyd. Wish you were all here.
“I’m On My Way to Hot Yoga”
There are just a small handful of people I’ve met in this world who make me laugh like I’m happily going insane. Grace Helbig is one of those persons. Sometimes when we’re feeling really silly all we have to do is look at each other or say one word and we’re on the floor laughing for the next ten minutes.
I’ve been lucky to know Grace for five years. We went through every improv class together and have never not been on a team together. She’s got a great goofball mind.
I emailed her for a suggestion of a song and she sent back this title. So, this is for Grace!
“Out of Time”
It’s a good thing I had established the verse and chorus on this song early in the morning because the day got super crazy with unexpectendess and a mad dash to the finish line. Still had time to throw in a Rhodes solo. Life’s pretty good.
“One Hand Clapping”
This song is dedicated to any person who has experienced the frustrations and joys of toiling away in obscurity.
“Popular Songs That Will Live Forever”
When I was growing up, my mom ordered piano fakebooks from Reader’s Digest. One bore the title of this song and I was always enchanted with the idea of it. All the hits from the 1920s until the early 1970s. “Far Away Places”, “Tie A Yellow Ribbon” and “Tea For Two.”
I’m pretty proud of this song. Three different sections, three different tempi. A key change. Even slapped on a horn section for those who have missed my hot trumpet and trombone skills.
Sing ‘em along, you’ll live forever too.
“Lemon Hill”
There’s a singer name Roger Whittaker. He sang a song called “Durham Town (The Leaving)” which was popular in the early 1970s.
Growing up, I think his voice was one of the first that really affected me. He had a fantastic baritone voice and the song’s very melancholic. Lots of instrumentation behind it. I can’t help but think of wood paneling and avocado green whenever I hear it. When I played the first three chords, that song popped into my mind.
There are mistakes galore and the volume’s pretty low but it’s got charm.
