Dale Robin News

April 22, 2008. It's Sweet and it's Salty

My my my … it sure has been a while since I have written. I thought I would be able to stay on top of everything AND keep in touch about my recording project, but it’s all been happening so fast and so wonderfully, I don’t know where to begin.

It was just the other day when the latest version of the rough cuts arrived in the mail. These are the studio takes of all the songs that we think we want to keep. So far there are 15 songs that we like or love. A little over 50 minutes of music that may make it to the final cut!.

Who is “we”? “We” is: Jack Radcliffe, my able and almost-genius, think-outside-the-box producer, friend, mentor and general wise-guy; Cat Radcliffe, Jack’s lovely, brainy and impossibly patient wife; Erik Lindgren, our able and most-definitely genius recording engineer; Don Barry, the most wonderful bass player a girl could ask for, as well as dear friend, deep listener and spirit-lifter (thanks, DB!); and Steve Ventura, Wepecket Island Record’s musician wrangler, fresh ears and plank tester. That’s “us!”

Of the 15 songs, three are written by me, and most of the remainder are songs I have been playing for many years and have always dreamed of recording. A few are new-ish to me, but have caught my ear and my heart. Two of the songs are written by dear friends of mine. Four of the songs were learned from my musical (s)heroes and two from musical heroes.

The working title of the disk, “Sweet and Salty” is now the actual title for the disk. “Madwoman of West Kennebunk” did have that je ne sais quoi, (HAH!) but “Sweet and Salty” comes from a line of one of the songs I wrote, and it seems to fit the whole project really well.

Right now the greatest challenge I face with this project is the visual art for the cover and the disk. A good friend who has access to an endless supply of chocolate offers to help with the “sweet” part. But what about the “salty” part? I have some of the best artistic minds in my circle of friends and acquaintances working on this. But so far we’ve not hit on it yet. Another dear friend agrees to help with the photography, but what exactly to photograph?

Jack is getting nervous about the art. So am I. Time is ticking quickly! I have a lot of the writing for the booklet notes done or at least outlined. We’re not sure whether we have the space to include the lyrics, but we’re figuring that out. There are so many facets to this project, it’s hard to think about them all, and also such a blast to think about them all!

If you have some inspiration for me about how to make the cover of “Sweet and Salty” look… well… sweet and salty… please step forward and help me. Right now! There could be some chocolate in it for you. And some hugs from the whole gang!

“Sweet and Salty” is in the home stretch... one more studio session for one possible do-over of a song and then we add some harmony vocals and we’ll be all done with the music. The rest of the work is written word, art and manufacture. Then planning the CD release events and some touring… getting it on the radio and selling the thing to thousands of people! Oy!

There is information about Wepecket Island Records here. It is a wonderful and generous thing that Jack and Cat Radcliffe are doing with this label. The most recent release on Wepecket is “Dirty Dusty Road” by Sherman Lee Dillon and the Dillonaires, one of the most fun family of musicians I’ve bumped into!

As always, thanks for keeping up with me. Thanks to all those who read my emails and ask about my music and this record. Well, CD, not record. Guess I’m showin’ my age here! Hah!

I spent some time in Atlanta a few weeks ago and then in Massachusetts, without access to my email. My mailbox got full and started bouncing things back to people. If you wrote to me and didn’t get an answer, please send again; I may have missed it.

If you are reading this far. I consider myself lucky!

Happy Spring!
Happy Earth Day – take care of our Mother – she needs some TLC!
Peace!
In song,
Dale Robin
www.dalerobin.com
dalerobin@dalerobin.com

FREEDOM THOUGHTS, Tuesday, April, 22, 2008
In the non-music-obsessed part of my life, it is Passover. Yes, time for matzoh and macaroons.... but more importantlly, this is a time to reflect... to retell the story of being released from slavery and long journey to freedom. To tell it as if we were living through it in the present time. Well, maybe this isn't so farfetched. The Exodus is a poignant story now, as we hear and read about starvation and bloodshed and predictions of huge economic challenges all over the world right now. We are all enslaved to the whims and judgments of those who hold the power. It seems that in a democracy it should be us, the people, who hold the power, but it is clear we do not. We have lost hold of the reigns and this buggy seems to be driving out of control.

At the Passover table this year, I enjoyed the company of friends and family, but I also prayed hard that I would learn what I can do to make a difference, that the Passover story would reveal to me some new inspiration. I vote, I write letters, I do stuff… but not enough. I prayed that I would be able to end my feeling enslaved by fear of the unknown, and the fear of speaking out and the enslavement of too much comfort. Wasn't that the very struggle of the Israelites at points in their journey? There was some really good discussion at the Passover table that night, and I think it has opened me up to some different thinking... different action.

It seems clear that we are at some kind of turning point in our country, our civilization. Although it doesn't look like it right now, I have to believe that the power to turn ourselves to a purposeful and peaceful direction lies in our own hands. I am seeking -- praying, thinking, singing, talking with others - about how we can each push the whole into the right direction... and even what that right direction might be. I am seeking my own place and my own voice in the work that is ahead of us to save the American Dream as I believe it is meant to be dreamt. I welcome dialogue with others to help enllighten me. I pray that this becomes our national discussion.

RADIO DAZE SUNDAY, JANUARY 27, 2008
A lot of people have called and emailed to ask how my WMPG radio debut went a few weeks ago. I am so surprised by that. I mean surprised that anyone would give it that much thought. And touched by the enthusiastic response.

So here's what happened that day.

Starting right from 8:30, the show went pretty well. It was the first time I ran that control board for a music show, so it was a little nerve-wracking. But .. no train wrecks, no major glitches. I was having a fine time. The phone started ringing at about 9:15,and I got a little distracted by the phone calls, but they were fun. Lots of Lincoln's listeners calling to say they were enjoying the show. I thought since no one at the other end of the line was crying for Lincoln's return, I was doin' pretty good. And I wsa able to keep my hands busy with radio and not with talking. :-) (read "big shoes..." below if you don't know whta I mean by that)

And then my pals started calling. From all over the country! What a madhouse, but a wildly fun one!

I started losing track of what I had cued up and I couldn't figure it out, and I couldn't figure out why I was so confused.

And then suddenly it came to me…. CDS!! The last time I had done radio, we were still on vinyl and turntables. Used to be, you cued the record up and got it ready to go, but you cold still see the label. Now, with CDs. They slide into that drawer and out of sight, and if you haven't made a point to note which CD player each of the selections was cued up in, you have no idea which player has which CD.

Now once you get the hang of it, you make a little system for yourself so you can remember. But of all the advice I got from my fellow MPG-ers, no one thought to tell me about that, because it is an issue most radio people have long ago figured out for themselves. But it had been so long since I had been on the radio….. pre CD era!

I didn't let it get to me - I just told the folks in radioland that I had NO IDEA what we were about to hear! It was a fun time, and I was glad for all the friendly voices on the phone!

I heard from a number of folks that they could not get onto the internet stream. I guess so many folks occupied all the stream slots there was no room left! Well, thanks to those who listened and also to those who tried to listen. And thanks for all the emails and phone calls and cell phone messages and voice mail at my office phone, too!

I had a blast on the radio, but still I am not looking to have my own show just now. I'll just keep subbing when occasional opportunities arise. I feel that I still have so much to learn in my job as Development Director, and I don't want to get distracted from that process. WMPG is relying on me to build our financial support and listenership base and that is where my energies need to go.

I love being at WMPG. It is a hectic and busy place, and the energy is great. There is so much to do it can be a little overwhelming, but I love what I am doing and I love all I am learning. And I get to see some of the most fabulous and interesting people in Maine every day. How lucky can a girl get??

Thanks to Lincoln for trusting me to sit in for a morning! Don't miss him on Mondays at 8:30. Folks.... HE produces some of the finest radio I have ever enjoyed!! 90.9 and 104.1 fm, and wmpg.org.

Broadcast Email of Dec 15, 2007
Hello Friends,

This is the first message from the dalerobin.com mailing list. First message? Why now, you ask? There are two answers:

1) Well, it’s about time! I’ve been playing music on and off for about 35 years and I have always done promotion for everyone and his brother, the bands I have worked in, but never for my own solo work. A few friends told me I really needed to do this, so I am. That’s what friends are for.
2) I have just begun work on my first solo CD. Some folks have been asking about it so I reckon this is a good way to keep notes and share the progress on the project.

About the CD:

WOW! Gotta say it again so I believe it! I am recording my first solo CD!!

I just spent a delightful day in Bristol RI with Jack Radcliffe, of Wepecket Island Records and the almost-miraculous Don Barry, a multi-instrumentalist whom I met and heard when we both performed at the Taunton River Folk Festival (first annual) in October. How lucky I am to be in the company of these two fine artists/thinkers!

We played music and talked music and jotted our notes and now we have a song list (including a few originals), and a roster of side players to work with us. We’re looking at early to mid-February for studio time, with an early summer release date. I’m on Wepecket Island Records – a very cool tradition-oriented label and I am honored to have been invited to record with these fine folks.

Need Title, You Can Help!!

One thing that is still up in the air is a title for this CD (at least a working title), so if you have any ideas, please send them my way. The last suggestion to arrive in my email inbox was “Madwoman of West Kennebunk”, which, after I realized it was the ultimate flattery, seemed too boastful, so the search continues...

Don Barry and I are looking for a few gigs in and around northern New England just to work together some more. Any ideas or suggestions for venues? Send ‘em my way; I’ll be grateful.

Folks have asked if my focus on my solo work means that I am not working with Mom’s Home Cookin’ anymore. Not so! I am still playing music with Monica and loving it and we will be getting started soon on our third CD.

You received this email because at some point in my recent or distant past, you expressed some interest in knowing more about my music – or maybe I just thought you did, or I dreamed you did… or maybe I really wanted you to. Or you might be on my list by pure coincidence or serendipity. Who knows…

Well, I am glad you are here on my list. BUT if you do not want to receive periodic updates (I promise that periodic does not mean daily, or even weekly… maybe monthly or less) on my work, please email me back with “unsubscribe” somewhere in the message and I will promptly delete your address with not even a trace of hard feeling. These updates will also be available on my website, www.dalerobin.com.

Thanks for reading this and for being a part of my musical community. If it weren’t for the encouragement of listeners, friends and fellow musicians, I would not have the chutzpah (nerve) to do this. So thank you for your support. I hope I will see you soon.

From my home to yours, sincere wishes for a meaningful and festive season. Buy less, love more.

In song,
Dale Robin
note to you if you are reading this on the website~~ if you would like to receive occasional news from dalerobin.com, please send me an email and let me know: dalerobin@dalerobin.com

THERE ARE DOZENS OF DOLLARS TO BE MADE! Sunday, December 23, 2007
Musicians are a funny lot. Almost all the musicians I know are struggling to make ends meet at a most unlikely line of work. Yet, if given the chance, they'll play for almost no pay, perform free at benefit events and give away their CDs just for the opportunity to share their music. Most of us have a "day job" to keep the bills paid.

There's that joke I've heard -
Q: What does a musician do when she wins the million dollar lottery?
A: Keep on playing music til the money runs out!

One day last January, my friend Jack Radcliffe called me up and told me "Wepecket Records wants you". Although I was in disbelief, I knew the source was reliable, because Jack is the chief cook and dishwasher at Wepecket; he owns and runs the label. This has got to be the work of fools, because there are at least a thousand easier ways in which one could try and make money… but Jack, a wildly talented musician in his own right, has music to share - his own and others'. He is disturbed, as I am, about the scarcity of actual tradition-inspired music in the folk music world. It seems that much of today's "folk" music is really pop music that can't fly in the commercial world. Jack wants the ballads and the sea shanties and the blues songs and the fiddle tunes to live on and he is doing something about it; he is recording it and releasing it!

I had received that call once before from Jack - an invitation to record on the Wepecket label. But I was in the middle of recording "Pot Luck" with Mom's Home Cookin' and I could not switch musical priorities right then.

When I got the call for the second time, I was ready and able to commit to the project. After some delays, largely caused by health issues I was dealing with this past summer (much better now, thanks!) we are finally at work on this CD. I am still so excited about it. Tune in here for continuing updates. There are some pretty amazing musicians being invited to work on this thing… I can't wait to hear what happens when they come to play and record!

I am grateful for all the support I receive about my music, and in this case, it's Jack Radcliffe who is to blame for my recent spate of musical joy. I hope I can live up to the expectation! And although it's never just about the dough for me, I hope we can make at least a little. Just enough to help the next Wepecket project come to fruition, and maybe finish paying off my instruments! :-)

BIG SHOES FOR MY HANDS! Saturday, January 5, 2008
This fall I made a change in my day job, from my work at Community Action/Head Start (a job I loved) to working as the Development Director at WMPG community radio (the job I have always wanted to do and also love). A lot of people keep asking me when I am going to be on the radio, but my responsibilities at work don't actually involve me being on air even though I'm now certified to be on-air. I don't have or even crave a regularly scheduled show, and thus far I have only subbed for the mid-day news and public affairs shows.

Well, this past Friday afternoon I was out of the office visiting with a new WMPG underwriter (Welcome Linda Mansfield of Keller Williams Realty!) and when I returned to the station there was a message from Monday morning's "South By Southwest" host asking if I could sub for him this coming Monday.

Lincoln's "South By Southwest" show is one of my very favorites on the air. Vintage country music of the highest caliber accompanied by some of the most informed and engaging radio music commentary there is. I think Lincoln knows as much about this kind of music as anyone I know, even experts like Paul Brown and Henry Sapoznik and Andy Cohen from whom I learned so much in my younger years.

How can I possibly fill these shoes?? Lincoln's shoes are huge and I only wear a size 8 or so. 8 wide, though...

I talked to Lincoln and he told me about some of the country music treasures in the WMPG library. I thought about some of the music I could bring from here at home. OK, I think I can do this. Not as well as Lincoln, but I'll give it my best shot.

Although I have done plenty of radio before, this is going to be my first show on WMPG. I'm not nervous about talking on mic…. Anyone who knows me knows I like to talk -on mic, off mic - I can talk about almost anything.... and about music - well -that's my passion! So no problem there…. But it's the thinking about all the switches and dials WHILE I am talking that seems so daunting to me. Anyone who knows me knows that I talk with my hands… so how am I going to click and twist and push all the things that need clicking and twisting and pushing , all the while gesticulating wildly as I talk about the music I am playing AND telling you the weather and other important stuff???

I have been known to let go of the steering wheel when talking on the phone while driving so that I can express my thoughts fully by using my hands. That's why I had to get a Blue Tooth device. It wasn't about safety- those auto safety research people tell us it is no safer to drive and talk with a hands free device than without one…. That is UNLESS you also need a hand or two to finish the sentence!

I am facing a new challenge on Monday. Do I, Dale Robin, have the ability to speak fluently without also waving my hands around in order to complete the thought? Tune in and find out. Monday, January 7. 8:30 to 10:3 am0. If I can master the talking and engineering thing by mid-morning, I'll even start taking phone calls. The number in the on-air studio is 780-4909. But don't call til I've got the hands thing down, hands down. Hope to see you on the radio….
WMPG is on the air at 90.9 and 104.1 (Portland) and streams live at www.wmpg.org