Judith Avers: News/Journal

Hello lovely people out in space-land!! I hope you are doing fantastic this fine Labor Day weekend. I am on tour now, but wanted to drop a quick line and let you know that I have not forgotten our Maverick Magic....on the contrary-I have just been busy. I have stories and news and funny happenings to fill you in on, but will have to write more when I get a little more computer time. The tour is going fantastic! I have loved it and have spent time with some amazing (and I mean AMAZING) folks this time out. Wow. We have a pretty f-ing rad planet full of pretty f-ng cool people. I am blown away. Great shows-great audiences-great music. I like music for all kinds of reasons. At our house, we have dance parties at least 2 or 3 times a week and ROCK OUT so dance music is good...folk music and alt-country for when I'm driving across Kansas and rock for when I'm particularly happy. Before I sign off here, I wanted to let you know a few names of some of the talent that I've been listening to. What a lucky life I have. Thank you all for hosting shows, attending, listening, talking with me and for giving me so much hope about the coolness potential of the world. You all rock. Music: Jen Korte and the Loss - Someone please make these people rock stars. Laura Goldhamer and the Silvernail - Holy shit. This is my new favorite. a MUST see live act. Sean Hayes- This cat is so cool, I looked up the word "cool" in the dictonary and found a picture of a cat and THAT cat handed me something cold and said "yep...he's cool alright." Barclay Martin-A sweetheart-he rocked out at the Tour de Fat yesterday and has been keeping me company for part of the tour. Also, he's a really good person and his fans are soooo sweet and kind. There are others, too, but my brain is a little fried right now. (sorry for the sporadic entry). Have a bike-riding-fried plantain kind of day my friends, Judith ps-do YOU have any stories for ME?? Write them at the Guesbook or email me...I love stories.

Hi there!  Hope this finds you all sitting pretty and feeling fine. 

It's been a good week here!  Just got word that I was chosen as one of the finalists for the Shenandoah Valley Acoustic Roots Songwriting Contest! 

I got to talk with the lovely and amazing Pops Walker and will get more details later.  Here is what I know so far:

I will get to perform in Luray, VA at the Shenandoah Valley Acoustic Roots Festival Songwriting Contest Finals on October 3rd, 2009.  The top three folks will be chosen and get lovely prizes, but you know how I get with competions.  What I am most excited about is hearing some good tunes and meeting some kind music folk. 

Here are some of the people who will be playing with us (I think)

Chuck E. Costa

Pops Walker

Beaucoup Blue

I will let you know more as I hear.  You can also check the "tour" section of this website for contact info. 

Thank you, Luray!

 

Got word that I get to go out to Sisters, Oregon for the Sisters Folk Festival on September 11, 12, and 13th.  How awesome is that??  I am a finalist for the Dave Carter Memorial Song Contest.  Wow!  There are so many talented folkies out there-I'm a little humbled and very honored.  Dave Carter wrote so much amazing music and he and Tracy Grammer were magic.  I hope I can do him some justice. 

The lineup is incredible and I think I'm more excited about getting to hear three days of music than actually playing!  We have been a little isolated because of our location for a couple of years, so this many musicians in one place, six stages and three days is like chocolate to a grumpy lady for me. 

Yum.

Here is the website:  www.sistersfolkfestival.com

Would love to see a familiar face, hope you come.  : )
Judith

ps.  okay, okay, I'm VERY excited to go play!!  I was just saying that for effect...you know how I can be.

 

Hello fellow Maverick's!! Hope this finds you all sassy and happy and eating yummy ice cream. Sounds good... Several things going on here. First-taking off next week on tour to Colorado. Making a couple of stops in Kansas and MO to see dear old friends and play with some new ones. Please check out the tour schedule and come say hi! (I'll be selling the new album)

Second, I got word last week that I am one of the finalists for the Dave Carter Memorial Song Contest for the Sisters Folk Festival in Sisters, Oregon! How awesome! They called at the end of a very long and frustrating week...it was so nice to hear some good news. If any of you are out that way, come check it out. It sounds amazing!

Click here to see the amazing lineup!  I am so excited to head out to beautiful Oregon.  What a cool state-ocean, desert, mountains, plains...it has it all covered.

finally, I have decided to give you an assignment this week.  I know, I know you are busy-we all are...but this is something I feel very strongly about. 

Here are your instructions:

1.  Turn your speakers on your computer on and up.

2.  Make sure you have plenty of room around you. 

3.  Stand up.

4.  No, really, stand up.

5.  Click the link below and proceed to dance your cute little booties off.  I am obsessed with this song and band and we have been dancing to it for weeks.  Like crazy people.  Maybe I'll make a video and send it to you.

6.  here is the link. (My website makes the hyperlinks look like the regular text...just click on the word "here")

 

Much love and robot moves to you and yours,
Judith

Happy August everyone! It's Judith here. How nice of you to stop by the Monday newsletter. What's new here? Hmm...if you stop by the "tour" schedule, you can see the shows that are coming up. I'm so excited to head out to Colorado. You may know that I moved to West Virginia from Colorado and my music career began there. It will always be a favorite. Speaking of "favorites", when I first went solo (had a band for 6 years), I used to hang out at this place called Avogadro's Number in Ft. Collins, CO. (It's still there). I played my first solo show there and used to stalk the open mic's-checking everyone out and listening to great music. There really was great music. One person in particular really stands out-my friend Markus Noah. Markus reminds me a little of Townes and a lot of Neil Young, and used to break my heart every week. We would sit at the bottom of the stairwell after hours and play each other sad songs and sing and sing and sing.... He is one of those musicians that is so much more talented than I could ever hope to be, that just listening to him made me want to quit music. THOSE are my favorite artists. The ones that actually cause pain because of their beauty. I think it was John Giorno that said "you gotta burn to shine". Colorado will always remind me of that. The kind of art that is painful and gut wrenchingly beautiful. I know they are everywhere, but there are so many memories of those mountains and their music. I am grateful. I hope that I see you at some of the shows. There are some very cool house concerts that I HIGHLY recommend to you. I would love to actually be able to say hi. I am a little sleepy and rambling, I know, but will leave you with a funny card we saw the other day. It is for a "talking" game-you know the ones. Anyway, it cracked us up...here is the card I drew: "If my life where a movie, book, play, or television show, what would be its title? What character would I play?" Is it just me?? OF COURSE I would play the hairdresser. I'll write more soon and am sending you lots of good juju... Ju-ju-dith

Hello everyone! For some reason, I forgot what day of the week it was, so please forgive my tardiness. Things have been busy here. Doing my best to book tours and figure out where I want to go this year. It is difficult because I love ALL of the states! To narrow it down for touring is very difficult for me. I've never been good at making decisions when faced with too many options. Does that bother you too??? Maybe it's a good thing, no? To be constantly impressed. Maybe I will embrace this about myself. Speaking of options, our new little WV town has several businesses that provide interesting combo-options to its customers. Maybe you are familiar with these types of combo-deals? Take the combo tanning salon/movie rental place. It seems to me that if I was going to be lying in a tanning bed for an extended length of time, I'd prefer a movie PLAYING or something, but maybe some folks like to feel tannercized and then rent the latest Jim Carrey flick. To each their own, I guess. (what does that MEAN?) Or how about the pet store/garden nursery? Buy a kitty, get an apple tree. Smell the roses....buy something that pees on the roses. I like this one! And last but certainly not least, my favorite. The donut shop/chicken store. It is a little donut place that also serves bulk fried chickens. Buy a chocolate donut and get a 10 piece chicken bucket. Hmmm...my arteries are hardening just thinking of this, but have to admit it does sound kind of fun. There are even giant chickens painted on the windows. Yay giant Chickens!!! These are the things I've been noticing. How about you? Any good combo=deals in your neck of the woods? I'd love to hear about them! I'm off to make soup, but check back this weekend for the latest tour dates. And if you'd like me to come to your town, email me here (go to the contact page) and I'll do my best. I am sending lots of love and chicken wings your way, Judith

Hello everyone!
I haven't been flaky about my posts, I've just been in the woods. I've been working at two camps for High Rocks (www.highrocks.org). High Rocks is a year-round program, but it also hosts two free camps for teens in West Virginia. The focus? empowerment and leadership, education and adventure. Were we successful this year? I think so!
The first camp, I led Girls Group, which is top secret, so I can't tell you too much about it, but I CAN say that it was fabulous (or as the girls might say..."it was totally FABOO"). I had a great intern working with me, Raissa, and I left camp wanting to adopt every single girl. You all were beautiful and amazing and brave!

The second camp, Camp Steele, is a more intense camp for older teens. This camp I was the Planmaster which means that I was in charge of planning and running the camp smoothly. My fearless intern, Kristin, was my partner in crime (or top secret espresso runs) and I think we did a good job! It was pretty intense to be in charge of so many schedules and plans, but it was so nice to be trusted with that much responsibility. I'm a pretty free-spirit, so it was cool to get to explore that part of myself.

I had such a good time working in Southern West Virginia. It will always be my home and my friendships there got so much deeper this summer. I am forever grateful.
Things I won't forget:
*eating plantains with my fingers (thank you, Raissa)
*laughing NONSTOP with my podlets
*late night music sessions after the girls were asleep (shhh)
*getting dirtier than I've ever gotten...woohoo!!
*laying by the river on my night off
*playing by the fire on the last night listening to Laura H. play music and rock out
*singing in the shelter with Emma, Sarah, and Rachel
*torturing my friend Missy (everyone needs a friend like Missy who can torture you and do naughty things like convince you to get a grab bag tattoo)
*Frances decorating my "borrowed" room just like our bedroom at home so that I could rest on my night off.
*the sweet sweet girls who remind me of myself and bring out the absolute best in me.
*sitting before dinner for almost 2 hours before the girls were FINALLY done saying all of their "gratefuls"
*Pig farm morning with Sarah and Rachel with special guests, Silus and Hazel.
*two words...DANCE PARTIES!!!

There are too many things to name here. I am eternally grateful for High Rocks. It has opened my mind and my heart so much. I love you all and miss you terribly. Thank you for another amazing summer.

In other news, I have been trying to catch up on everything else in my life. Things I've been working on:

*new songs! This new town and my loneliness have really been inspiring lately and I am writing so much. I'm grateful.
*daydreaming-I'm daydreaming about having a good booking agent and good distribution. I have no idea how to get either of these things, but I still daydream...
*cats-I've got lots of making up to do for my time away. Zeus is not happy.
*love-got some catching up to do! Anniversary time and our last summer before intern year. I'm trying to make it last!

I am blessed with so much travelling, so many beautiful friendships, so much laughter, so much chaos (I'm working on it), so many dreams and schemes, I have NO idea how to get my music out in the world but I keep trying, so many questions and so much love. This is a full life I have and I am grateful. I'm so glad you are a part of it!!

I hope you are overflowing, wherever you are...
Judith

Happy July!

Hope this finds you all picking veggies from your gardens and sitting on your lovely porches drinking ice water. (I know there are probably more delicious things than iced water, but it sounds REALLY good to me right now).

The past month has been really busy on this end. I've been teaching at a leadership/empowerment camp for girls (www.highrocks.org) and gearing up to run the next camp. Yikes! Music is still heavy in my mind and I although I haven't been home much (camping in the woods with the girls...why oh why do I do this to myself?), when I have been home, I have been writing like a crazy woman. (hopefully a bit more organized than a crazy woman might write, but probably not as interesting.)

After this next camp I am hoping to pick up where I left off in terms of booking fall tours (I just know there is the perfect booking agency out there somewhere...hello?? echo...echo...). If you want me to try to make it out to your part of this beautiful country, drop me a line and I'll do my best. Want to host a private house concert for your friends? Let's do it! I'm open to ideas and love to hear from you.

I am off to sleep land, but just in case you were curious about our garden...the luscious, bountiful, inventive garden we planted and worked on tirelessly....it's all gone. A groundhog, I like to call Chuck has done a fabulous job devouring everything but one little bunch of basil (which now that I know Chuck doesn't want, I'm too freaked out to eat.) If this wasn't a rental, Chuck would be long gone, but it is. So he is part of the territory and I've been too much of a wuss to do anything. Next time.

Someday there will be a little home that is ours (for a time) a yard that is ours to plant and worry over and a fence that is 2 ft deep and 6ft high, but until that day, I will keep on writing, playing music, and daydreaming with Frances about the tomatoes that will be and the green beans that we just know will change the world.


Much love to you and your squash,
Judith

ps. Our friend Dan gave me a HUGE geranium for my birthday this year...it is SO beautiful. I've been tending to it and babying it along with the other flowers that have taken over the porch, but the other day we noticed a little something extra. A little brown bird has made her nest IN the pot...IN the dirt. I had one tiny moment...ONE!.. where I panicked about losing yet another precious plant when Frances reminded me that the little baby birds that are hopping around inside the plant don't know how to swim and apparently they won't. Ever.
I guess another one bites the dust.
tweet. tweet.

What is a maverick? I went to a dictionary and here is what I found (thanks, dictionary.com)

1. Southwestern U.S. an unbranded calf, cow, or steer, esp. an unbranded calf that is separated from its mother.
2. a lone dissenter, as an intellectual, an artist, or a politician, who takes an independent stand apart from his or her associates.

I guess both still apply.

This edition of Maverick Mondays is a little late, I apologize. I have been working with teen girls in Southern West Virginia. Our non-profit, High Rocks (www.highrocks.org) was busy putting on an intense leadership camp and I was working there. I am just getting home and adjusting to modern technology. (no phones, tv, computer, electricity...you get the idea.) I'm also adjusting to having toilets I can flush! We really are in the lap of luxury here in the good ole U.S. of A.

The first review of "Mountain and Shore" is in and came all the way from the Netherlands. Some kind friends translated it for me...I'm taking their word on it that the review was kind, although it would be pretty funny if the review was talking about how awful the album was and our friends decided to make me feel better by writing a raving one. Who knows...who cares...I am grateful for the kindness...however it comes.

Thank you, Alt Country Forum (www.altcountryforum.nl)

You made coming back to the modern world a whole lot sweeter,
Judith



Mountain and Shore Review
by Martin Overheul
June 10, 2009
www.altcountryforum.nl
Music is an inexhaustible source of inspiration and irritation, of animation and annoyance, or of passion and deception. And that is just right. Imagine that we would all love the same things and listen to the same records. I imagine that the auditorium of the hell looks like that. For without bad there is no good, right? And without ugliness no beauty. How subjective and disputable that difference might be. I am very glad that next to a lot of good music I also hear a lot of rubbish. Because that way you realize that you hear something very special when you hear a voice that can do melt the coldest hearts and souls. Or a voice able to touch your soul in such a way that you can’t forget it for weeks. Take for example the voice of Judith Avers, a young and remarkable talented singer-songwriter from West Virginia.

The songs on “Mountain and Shore,” her second CD in 4 years (in 2005 her first appearance “Strong Hands” came out) are without exeption breathtaking, musically as well as textually.
It has been some time since I heard a record where the listener gets such intimate looks into the inner life of a human being. “There isn’t one thing or one more bit of love that I could have put into it,” says Judith Avers about her new CD, “It is what I had in me at the time.” And what she had in her at that time was amazing. “Mountain and Shore” opens at high level with the very intimate “Lilac Dreams” which, thanks to the pedal steel of Rose Sinclair (Martha Scanlan, Crooked Jades), gets a wonderful grand sound. Beautiful songs!! But at the same time you think a little worriedly, ‘I hope this turns out well,’ because Avers starts on a high level with this song. But Avers avoids this trap brilliantly for the songs that follow are also fantastic. Be seduced by the banjo solo (again Rose Sinclair) or the magnificent “Rocket Ship” or the loaded with delightful harmonium (Anand Nayak, also producer), “All of It.” “Karen”, one of the textual highlights of this CD, tells about a young woman who is unable to cope with the “hard times” she is going through and jumps into a canyon “and with a crash she said goodnight.” Heartbreaking? Yes. Beautiful? Very beautiful. Judith Avers excels in making these kinds of observations full of compassion and understanding of the human imperfection. Add to this that she wraps her songs in a way that they never get melodramatic but are always like real life. For example in “West Virginia”, another highlight: “I am Vegas, baby. Turn me on. I am New York and I can’t keep up. I have done all I can do; put up a good fight, but I wanna be West-Virginia tonight.” More earthly is not possible.

“Mountain and Shore” ends with the heartbreaking “Love You Right,” the kind of lovesong
everyone hopes will be written for her or him one day. “To love you tonight, I would scream. I would fight, but I would lay all my fear aside if I could love you tonight, I’d love you right.” Let there be no doubt; Judith Avers’ fantastic voice has conquered my heart already. And I am convinced that she will add many more songs to the above mentioned.

Translation courtesy of Luis and Henk Bovenschen

What do leather chaps, prom dresses and rainbow colored EVERYTHING have in common?

No, not my last family reunion.

Buffalo Pride 2009!

We headed off to gorgeous Buffalo, New York for some fun in the sun and we got it. Some of you may know that we moved to WV from Colorado, so we have definitely witnessed some AWESOME pride in Denver, but it's been a while, and let's just say that our little area in WV isn't going to be hosting a vast array of beautiful drag queens anytime soon. It was fabulous.

If I seem excited, it's because I am. I love people! Conservative ones, liberal ones, angry ones, happy ones, you name it. I can squeeze out some love for pretty much anyone, but it was especially easy for me to find this weekend. I love all of the joy and freedom I saw. There is a change in the world. Equality for ALL is slowly creeping in and we were all overjoyed. Even the radical feminists were cutting loose and having fun (albeit reminding us of just how far we still have to go and don't you forget it..) They were and it was wonderful.

Thank you Buffalo for rocking and for being a refreshing change of pace for us two WV folkies. A quick shout out to Nancy, Cecilia and Michelle (there are many others, I know) for hosting me and putting on a fantastic Pride. Plus, they got us yummy fruit and who could ever be mean to someone handing you yummy fruit?

(Side note: there was a cover band that played the best songs from the 80's and 90's. They were called the Stamplickers. The entire crowd was CRAZY and we were all screaming "don't you...forget about me...I'll be alone...dancing you know it baby..." I don't know if they are serious musicians or not, but they are definitely a BLAST.)

My to-do list is a mile long and I'm a little overwhelmed, but it is so much better than being under-whelmed, I think. Life is very good.

Hope you are doing well and that your well (if you live in the country) is doing better than well.

Much love
Judith

P.S. I know you're going to ask...no, I didn't see Ani DiFranco (the celebration is right by her house.) BUT...I heard she was there in the morning with her little girl. She took her daughter to pet the animals that were at the animal shelter booth. They had the cutest little kittens!

Greetings fellow Earthlings,

I hope this finds you feeling fancy free or free of fancy-you choose.
I am sitting in our office/music attic, listening to the glorious sounds of the industrial park down the street and missing Lewisburg, WV. (In all fairness, there are LOTS of bird sounds and cat sounds, too.)

This past week, the music part of my life was awesome. My good friend, Katie Sawicki, came through on tour and we played in Pittsburgh at the Club Cafe. A very VERY intimate concert, but talked with some very cool folks and then ate some very good eggs. It was so nice to sit around and play songs for each other...run our new song ideas by each other and just chill out.


Also on the agenda, the one....the only....the Irish Pub in Lewisburg, WV. I cannot tell you how wonderful it was to come home to Lewisburg and see so many friendly and kind faces. The pub was packed and people actually KNEW some of my songs...it was just what I needed. We shed some tears about missing our peeps and our town, but know that now is not the time to live there. Lewisburg, if you are reading this....you are wonderful. I hope every person who lives there knows how fortunate they are. Just to have people let you in to the next lane when you are driving for crying out loud!! What a luxury!!

We stayed with our amazing past landlords, Greg and Sally and had a ball visiting friends and drinking divine latte's from the Stardust. Please go there and drink a latte. Bob Dylan called me and told me to tell you all to do it.
Are you going to mess with Bob on this? (Wow, the name "Bob" doesn't quite have that authoritative ring to it without the "Dylan" attached, does it?)

I sent about 10 packages out to folks in the music business this week. Not as many as I had hoped, but a lot was going on. I took out my "good mojo" spray and covered them with it. : ) I am slowly realizing that it doesn't really matter either way what happens with them, it's just mostly important that I'm giving myself a shot. If I can do that, I won't have anything to bitch to myself about later. Besides, I have a blessed life and don't need a thing...anything else that comes along is just gravy. You know what I mean?

The groundhog that has been eating our garden has been nowhere to be seen this past week. You may know that we tried everything (other than a bullet) that we could think of and are now wondering whose idea is the one that scared him off. Is it
a-the freaky pinwheels we put in front of the "prime" attack-worthy plants
b-the cayenne/soap/weird stuff spray i've been spritzing on everything
or c-the human urine we used to "mark" our territory. (please, please don't ask.)

Either way, the bok choy is now being devoured by some kind of insect and the broccoli plants have moved on to their next lives (they were buddhist plants).

I hope you and all of your lives are well. I will try to post some pics soon, but couldn't get the thing to work today.

Muah!
Judith

ps-I'm playing the Buffalo Pride Festival in Buffalo, NY this weekend! 10-13,000 folks attend and Tom Goss and Doria Roberts are also performing. I guess the event ends up right in front of Ani Difranco's house. I will let you know how it goes or see you there!

Hey everybody,
I told you I would post every Monday and by George, I am going to.

Welcome to the first edition of Judith's "Maverick Monday's"

(I'm taking the term "maverick" back, folks.)
What is a maverick? I went to a dictionary and here is what I found (thanks, dictionary.com)

1. Southwestern U.S. an unbranded calf, cow, or steer, esp. an unbranded calf that is separated from its mother.
2. a lone dissenter, as an intellectual, an artist, or a politician, who takes an independent stand apart from his or her associates.

Okay, both could apply. : )

A lot has been happening around here.
A groundhog ate all of our broccoli, most of our bok choy, squash, zucchini and cucumber plants. There are a few survivors, but I was pretty bummed.

We have decided against shooting it, trapping it, stuffing it, or cooking it. I shed a few tears and then the next day....the universe sent a HUGE storm that totaled a lot of the plants in the garden. See??? At least the plants got to be food for SOMEONE! (I'm trying really hard to be positive here.)

That storm I was referring to? It flooded our basement. We spent Memorial day weekend sweeping smelly water into a drain hole (thank goodness we had one). I thought we had it pretty bad, but then our good friend called and said he has poison ivy on his face, abdomen and...wait for it....his penis.

Okay, I said. He wins.

As far as music goes, I sent out the massive email list letter, did research on companies that have contacted me lately (most are scam folks who take sweet little musicians money and promise them fame and fortune), and tried to come to terms with the massive to-do list I have going.

Katie Sawicki is coming to town tomorrow and we are playing in Pittsburgh on Wednesday night. I am excited to play new songs and to listen to her new music. She is so talented.

I played in Buffalo last week at Ani Difranco's venue, Babeville, with Chris Pureka. The venue was SO incredibly beautiful. It is a renovated old church with such good energy. Well worth the trip if you're close by. I was expecting something different from Buffalo, judging by interviews I've read and people who live there who have talked with me, but I found it absolutely beautiful. The audience was absolutely lovely and were quiet as little mice. (Thank you!) I had a fantastic time playing and trying out new songs. I'm a big fan of Buffalo.

(No, I didn't get to meet Ani, but I did meet her manager, Scott Fischer.)

All in all, it was an okay week. A little low vibe, but nothing that some fresh air and a few productive days won't cure.

I hope that yours was spectacular, or at least poison-ivy free.

See you soon,
Judith

ps-Wednesday night show
Club Cafe
Pittsburgh, PA
7pm sharp

Hi everyone!

Welcome to the new website. I've been working it out and still have a few things to add, but for the most part, it's done. I've uploaded a few clips of songs off of the new record, Mountain and Shore. I hope you like them!

You can now buy the album online under the BUY link and I will let you know as soon as it's digitally released. There are also updates on the BIO, MUSIC, and PHOTO pages. Please look around and make yourself at home.   There is also a new "love letter and questions" section under the CONTACT link.  I love to hear what you think of the record, site, shows, whatever.  If you are interested in booking a house concert, venue, college campus, festival, etc..just write me at the CONTACT section and I'll respond personally.

On a greener note, I just watered our garden and guess what? The carrots have appeared! I was beginning to wonder! Also making an appearance: Zinnia's, cosmo's, morning glory's, strawberries, lettuce, radishes, tomatoes, peppers, corn, sweet peas, and broccoli. So far, the cucumbers, squash, sunflowers, chinese lanterns, and zucchini are unhappy with their new rooms and are being very passive agressive.

Happy gardening and much love,

Judith

A good friend of mine recently asked me if I had found the "cd credit casualty" yet. I knew he was referring to that feeling of panic you get when you realize, after your CD's have been printed and are sitting nice and neat in your home, that you have forgotten to thank someone who was INSTRUMENTAL in your album's creation. I smugly snickered and told him that, no, in fact, I hadn't forgotten anyone.

I was wrong.

It hit me today as I was driving. My mind on the Slaughterhouse Studio and my time there. I was thinking about how I wouldn't have met Anand Nayak (producer of the new album) if it hadn't been for the glorious Mark Alan Miller.

And then I knew.

I rushed home and opened my copy of the new CD, "Mountain and Shore" which should be called "Mountain and Shore thanks to Mark-Alan-Miller" and found that yes, in fact, I had made a huge mistake.
I didn't tell him thank you for recommending Anand. I didn't tell him thank you for the AMAZING work he did mixing my record. I didn't tell him thank you for letting me record the song, "mountains and shores" in the middle of the night and then convincing me to put it on the record. Most importantly, I didn't tell him thank you for being a blessing in my life with his coolness, his wit, and his heart.

I was jamming out tonight to Mark's band, "OUT,OUT" and thinking about how talented this guy really is. From Dar Williams first record to Chris Pureka's Dryland...everything he touches gets MORE BEAUTIFUL. If that isn't humbling, I don't know what is.

I am sorry, Mark, if you are reading this, and most importantly, I thank you and I love you.

Love,
Judith

ps-(I wasn't jamming to Mark's music out of guilt..it really does kick major A@S and if you'd like to check it out, here is a place: http://www.myspace.com/outout
Want more info on his beautiful studio? visit

www.slaughterhousestudio.com
They are super busy, but if you get a chance to check it out, you won't regret it.

Hi folks!

Just a quick line to let you know that one of my songs, Trade In your Kingdom, will be featured on the first ever "United for the Ride-Volume 1" CD compilation!

The Cd will be sold in support of the HIV/AIDS services provided by The LGBT Center of New York City.

other musicians include:
Roger Kuhn
Morry Campbell
Randi Driscoll
Mike Rickard
Katie Sawicki
Jeffrey Wilgus
Terry Christopher
Robin Renee
Joshua Klipp
Norine Braun
Dan Manjovi

Please check these great musicians out!

I'm honored to be included and will let you know as soon as I can where you can get your hands on one of these discs.

Love,
Judith

I'm very sleepy, but thought I would write about our funny evening.

We were going to go to a movie, out for cofee...your average date night, but something was happening in our little town in WV. Dump Day.

Have any of you heard of this?? I guess the city dump offers free pick-up and everyone throws all of their crap out by the street.

Well, we were on a walk in this very fancy fancy neighborhood by the hospital when we discovered this phenomenon. I cannot repeat the events that followed, but I can give you a list of the glorious finds we walked away with.

1. new area rug
2. 4 new double paned windows
3. watering hose
4. clothes drying rack
5. paper shredder
6. printer
7. this cool wire thingy I liked
8. new snow shovel (this means that we now have two, but it's so much more fun to shovel together)
9. an awesome old tool box!
10. a hip green pleather chair that is rockin'
11. a painting by some dude named Alex
12. two yard things that you put in the ground and morning glories and other vine plants grow up...very cute. (could also substitute as tomato stands)
13. Did I mention the BIKE???? Oh YEAH!! it's hot and sassy and red and gorgeous.
14. 8 or 9 board games (cool ones...we even got a scrabble!!!)
15. a lamp (which we really needed
16. fishing poles (which we don't need, but they were attached to number 17 and we got too flustered to untie them)
17. a set of golf clubs!


Now, I know that some of you might be wondering WHO in the heck throws these types of things out, and we did too, but then we saw all of the cars from other neighborhoods coming. It seems that EVERYONE knows that the wealthier neighborhoods on dump day are amazing. People were so happy! They were grabbing treadmills (yes, there were treadmills), tv's, exercise bikes, suitcases, flower pots...it was awesome.

Later on, we went and had homemade lasagna at this local italian place and laughed about our funny little date night.

life is definitely full and hilarious.

much love to you,
Judith

ps-the cd's are here!!

Hi there!
Just wanted to let you know that I ordered the copies of the new CD on Friday!!! (Enter Etta James....At laaaaaasssstt)

My good friend Dan Heatherly did the artistic layout for me and I'm very happy with it. The amazing Jack Redell designed the posters. They are wonderful! Thank you so much!!!

The title: Mountain and Shore

The release: we are having an early bird CD release party on our last day in Lewisburg. We are moving the very next morning and are having a farewell concert/cd release on Friday March 13th. Check out the calendar for more info.

I also just added a show at Club Passim supporting Chris Pureka. I love playing with Chris and here's a bonus....she's singing on my new record! She is a very cool songwriter and I can't wait to hear her again. My first time at Club Passim....woohoo!

I would love to see you at the early release/farewell. Our time in Lewisburg has meant so much to me. So many songs have come from moments I've had here. This place is magic. The concert is free to all-a thank you from me...for everything.


Love,
Judith

Hello there,
I am sitting here looking out the window in West Virginia-watching the snow flurries and trying to keep my cat from walking on the keyboard.

It is a truly blustery day.

We went to gorgeous Pennsylvania this weekend. I played my first show in our new stomping ground....PITTSBURGH. What a gorgeous city. I absolutely loved it. It was so colorful and beautiful. Water...mountains (hills?)...architecture...art...stylish glasses on everyone...gorgeous.

I was opening for the fabulous Chris Pureka and her lovely band...Lyndell (sp) and Julia. They sounded fantastic and the arrangements were lovely. My favorite new Chris song is the one that starts of "Bottoms Up". I really should figure out the actual name. She did a great job and it was so good to see her.

To all of you Club Cafe folks who attended-thank you. It was great to meet some people. We went back to the hotel with business cards and restaraunt recommendation, poetry and prose first friday suggestions (!!), art gallery ideas and book clubs...WOW!

I have a very good feeling about the move and you made me feel very welcome.

It will be so hard to leave my West Virginia friends and community, but it is good to know that we are going to a place that was welcoming and diverse. Thank you!

I'll hopefully see some of you in Indiana on Saturday.
Playing with Chris again in Indianapolis....my first time!

Much love and warm blankets,
Judith


ps-we technically moving 30 miles away from Pittsburgh. Hey...I love the city, but I'm a small town girl at heart. :)

...but might as well own up to it.

You've got me.
Last year, Frances wanted us to perform in the big talent show for the medical school she attends. I think that they expected us to sing together on one of my little ditties and to stand up there and sound like pretty little birds. We decided to shake things up a bit.
Our goal was to create an impromptu dance party in 5 minutes or less. It took us a little over 6 minutes, but who's counting??

The two men at the end?? The Deans of the school. And normally...such well behaved men.

Hope you like the link...and that it inspires a little dance party of your own.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iofSBJjWaWg
Love,
Judith

I pick a word.
Every year.
To focus on and meditate on.
This year...guess what my word was?
I made a mistake!
I chose the word "patience".
And holy crap have I been BLESSED with lessons in patience.

To make a long story short...the cd isn't quite ready. BUT, I did finally get the master in. It's all made and beautified and finished. I am just raising the last little bit of mula for the copies. (If you're interested in donating to the cause...let me know!)

Life is sweet here in WV. Cocoa is abundant and I am mastering the art of soup making. Reading, working, and trying to be.....
you guessed it....
patient.

I think next year, I'll focus on a new word....

"ABUNDANCE"

Love to you and yours,
(truly)
Judith

Hey everyone,
I can't wait to play Saturday at Carnegie Hall in West Virginia...my favorite spot. I have been focused on working and raising mula for the final copies of the album and have forgotten that I used to actually PLAY music. Imagine that!

I am so grateful that Carnegie Hall thought of me and hope that you'll make it out to support Tristan Prettyman. Her website has tons of info..www.tristanprettyman.com
I'll also be getting a chance to play some music that is brand new fresh off of my summer high.

I hope to see you and speak with you after the show. Thanks for being so patient with the new album.

Much love to you,
Judith

Hello out there,
I just finished downloading and burning the first master of the new album!! I have been waiting for this for a long time and really learning a lot about patience. I swear the entire process of making this album has taught me more about patience (the good kind) than I ever thought possible. I did want to be a more patient person this year-I am getting PLENTY of opportunities with myself!! (haha)

I am strapping on my walkin' shoes and going for a hike by the river to give the new album a proper listen. I cannot wait to hear it. I know there are a few changes to be made already (Anand told me), but this is as close to the real thing as I've been.
I will write more soon and let you know how it sounds.

I hope that your Sunday is as exciting as mine. I wish you were here to eat fresh blueberries with me and organic veggies from the market down the road. I would make you the best cup of decaf I could and we could talk about the blight that got my tomatoes and your favorite books.

See you soon,
Judith

Hi everyone, Judith here. I have so much news, but am in the middle of a HUGE summer of family and community service. It's been great. I will post more soon, but wanted to let you know about something fun we did this week.

Somewhere in the middle of this trip, Frances talked me into taking a big LEAP. Aimee Mann (whom we love) was hosting a big contest. She asked that you record yourself singing her song "Freeway" and upload the video to Youtube. Well, I have always really stressed out trying to learn other folks songs. In fact, I have only really learned a handful in my life.

I actually did it. Later, after we uploaded the video, we read that they were judging on quality and on originality. Well, we had borrowed a camera, borrowed a guitar, the battery on the camera only had enough juice to last for one take and I don't know how original we were. No flying trapeze artists in the background or witty banter or editing, but I am really proud of myself for doing it. At least we tried, right?

Anyway, here is the link. Hope you enjoy! I highly recommend checking out Aimee's version on her website or on Youtube.

Much love to you from me,
Judith

link:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XlUNhZ5NNL0

Where did two and a half weeks go?
I found myself asking that over and over today. We started mixing early this afternoon and kept going until almost 11, which is by far the earliest night we've had. Almost done!! There are a few touch ups to do next week and I will have to listen to lots of mp3's and check things over, but should have a good idea of where the songs stand within the next week or two.

I had a nightmare that I left my cat in a little cell while I went on a weekend tour and forgot all about him until the next week. I woke up so terrified!! Zeus, Percy and Lydia are all fine-thank goodness. I can't wait to see my little love-filled family.

Later on in the evening, I asked if I could throw down a quick recording of my new mandolin song for Robby (Jim's wife-my other temporary roomie). I also wanted to show Frances my new song and since I don't have a mandolin, wanted to record it so I don't forget it. Mark graciously offered the time and equipment and he and Anand set me up in the studio. We recorded it in one take. It is called "I Want A Home" (I think). After I got done, I came in and Anand asked if I would consider putting it on the album. Hmmm....why not. We'll see.

I STILL have no clue about what will make it on the CD. Isn't that crazy???? I am so confused about it.

I said goodbye to Mark and Anand around 10:30. It was really sad for me, actually. I feel like I have found a really beautiful art-supporting community here in MA and love everyone so much. It is hard to believe that we aren't going to be getting together on Sunday or next week for a veggie potluck or jam session. How can I get so close so quickly? I am thankful for it.

Jim and Robby made me an awesome dinner for my farewell. They have been so great. Jim really offered me some perspective today with the songs and helped me to make good decisions with mixes and things. He also was just an all around amazing musician. I wish we could have had a wee jam or two. Robby was so loving and cool, too. If it wasn't for her, I would have never recorded "I Want A Home", so I am so thankful. She has no idea how awesome she really is. I wonder if anyone does.

To everyone in MA-thank you thank you for a transformative experience and a time I will never forget. I truly submerged myself completely. Working on this album felt like falling in love. I lost track of time, food, coffee, space, sleep- all of it. All for music. What a gift I have received.

I'll be driving home to WV tomorrow. I will have a few days off to rest and sleep. I hope you are taking good care.

coming up for air,

Judith

Well, I have officially listened to myself sing the same thing over and over about a million times.

ugh.

We are mixing with a fabulously talented engineer, Mark Alan Miller of the band Out Out. (outout.radio-valkyrie.com) He is also the owner of this amazing studio. (www.slaughterhousestudio.com).

We worked on three songs today. They were songs that were stressing me out a bit, so I got a little weary. Anand and I got done around 2 am. I had had about all of the Judith I could handle. We won't get all of the mixing done before I leave, but we're getting a good chunk done. The rest we will do on internet meetings, with mp3's. Technology can be really cool.

In other news...I wrote a new song one night very very late. I wrote it on Anand's mandolin. The bad news it that I don't know how to play the mandolin. : ) Great mandolin players will cringe in my wake. I do love the song, though. I love mandolins and can't wait to get one someday.

I got to cuddle Mark's dog, Madison tonight. She is so so sweet. She only had eyes for Anand, though. Oddly, it made me feel better to know that my Zeus would probably ignore him. Does that make me a mean person? : )

love from studio land,
Judith