Judith Avers: News/Journal

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

I cannot believe that we basically recorded this album in 5 days. That is so crazy.

Updates, updates...do you want the truth? Today was a rough day for me. Feeling a little vulnerable or needy or something. I think I miss Frances and her support a lot. Plus, Zeus (my cat) is about the coolest thing in the world and I am DESPERATE for his love and affection. He loves me and follows me around...I miss that. That sounds bad, huh? If it makes you feel any better, I follow him around too.

We started mixing today! We got two and a half songs done and fixed a few things on other songs that were bugging us. There was a song I was getting ready to cut from the record and we got the idea of having Anand sing with me. He did and in 10 minutes we had saved the song. It sounded great. His voice is so clear and cool. Really smooth.

I still have no clue what to cut or keep. Oh well. It will all become apparent.

I am starting to feel a little bummed about leaving my new friends, Anand and Sturgis. Rose, too. They are like my soul-brothers (and sister). Wish they could just suck it up and move to West Virginia. So selfish on their part, really.

I watched the movie, Heartlands, again. I swear it gets more and more beautiful to me every time. It is absolutely my favorite movie of all time. I was a little sad and wanted to feel inspired so I could focus on the album more. It really helped.

I wish I could cook you all dinner. Lots of veggies and goodness. We could talk about how we're all connected and be nice to each other. I want to be nicer.

meaningful and sincere hugs to you all,
Judith

Hi there,

Day seven was so exciting. We finally recorded the two punk rock songs I want on the album. We spent about 3 hours on them, but it sounds so freakin' cool. My throat is really thrashed from the screaming, but should heal up nicely.




April Fools.
That was too easy.
Truthfully,
I got up early today and went to pick up Miss Katie Sawicki from the airport. Kristen Gass drove in after just (literally) arriving back from Costa Rica. We all met at the studio to lay down back up harmonies.

It started off a little rough, but later in the day we had some really beautiful moments together. (Not those kind of moments). Katie rocked out on two songs with Anand-she sounded really lovely and was such a trooper. She was so prepared and came to the table with tons of great ideas. It was so beautiful to watch her and Anand record harmonies together at the same time. To paraphrase a poet I can't remember the name of off hand, " they hovered for awhile...they even flew a little". (By the way, if anyone can remember the name of that poet, can you send me a line? Edna St. Vincent Millay? it is one of the most beautiful poems I've ever read. I loved the book it was in so much that I stole it when I was 18 from a library. A few months ago, I started feeling really terrible about doing things like that and sent back all of the books I had ripped off from libraries. Unfortunately, I miss the books and that poetry. sidebar-too much information, Jude.)

Kristen sang on two songs. One of them, I was listening to her record and all of a sudden, I got chills and started sobbing. Pretty. Random. She took this song to an entire new level. I couldn't believe how brave she is with her vocals. I've never met anyone like her and am so grateful for her energy on this project.

Jim Armenti came in and layed down some wicket clarinet on one of the tracks. It sounds so cool. I am really excited about that song. it is my newest one. We weren't going to record it at all, I just sent Anand a demo for fun and now it is one of my favorites on the record.

I think we have decided on our first chop. (We recorded too many songs and have to cut it down a bit.) It is a bummer, but will hopefully reappear as a single on the website next year. We shall see.
Anand and I were at the studio until around midnight. It was a long day for me, but even longer for him. He is doing a fantastic job.

Enough about me. How are you doing?

Love, love,
Judith

After staying up until the wee hours of the morning...a couple of days off. I got up Sunday a.m. and...you guessed it...called Anand. He can't get a break. I arranged to meet him and picked up the first rough copy of all of our songs.

I don't have much time to write, but can tell you that I walked up and down the back roads of Westhampton listening over and over to each and every song. The sun was shining and I cried and cried. I am so happy with the rough cuts.
Wish you were here to listen with me.

Much love,
Judith

Hello everyone!
It is Saturday...day five of recording. I have been over-hydrating, taking my vitamins, drinking tea out the ying yang, and doing my best to get some sleep. All so that I can preserve myself and my voice. My little vocal chords have really been working hard. Today marks the last day of singing for me. I can finally be a little more comfortable around folks who have colds (Sturgis has a cold...I didn't hold it against him, don't worry. He still got hugs.)

Our last song was "Bitterness". Remember my earlier update? This is the song that made me go out to my car and call Katie while bawling my eyes out. Today was no different. I think that because it means so much to me, I was too tense. No other songs have been tense for us, really.
I was so close to just forgetting about it when in walks Josh Relin. He has been playing with The Amity Front and drove here from Boston. He waltzed into the room and we all relaxed and nailed the song. it felt great. Josh has really saved some songs for me this week. He has been a true gentleman, also.
Rose and Sturgis left early (bummer), and Anand and I were left to our own devices. We worked on some guitar parts and some resonator guitar parts. (sidebar-the resonator guitar is the instrument of the album in my opinion...it is so stunning.)
I believe that Anand and I both fell asleep at two different points in the evening on the soundboard. We were so exhausted. We finally left around 1 or 2am. Neither of us had really gotten very much sleep the night before. Our days are running around 10 to 12 hours long. It doesn't feel like that, though. It feels wonderful.

Tomorrow is our day off. I don't know what I will do with myself. I have a feeling that I will miss Frances and my kitties a lot. Hopefully, I can stay busy with something. I definitely could use some sleep, that's for sure.

wish we could go get some good fair trade, organic, water-pressed decaf together...yum.

Judith

I broke my rules.
You know how I said (did I say?) that I didn't want to send any rough mixes to anyone until everything was done? I did. I sent. Frances started getting a little sick and Katie was absolutely relentless, so I sent them one song so they could get an idea of what we have been doing. They liked it. I was so happy to hear their excitement, too.

Day four was filled with so much energy. I was a little beat yesterday and didn't sing, so today it was great to have some energy back. We recorded three more songs today! We have officially recorded WAY too many songs and now I don't know what the heck to put out on the album!!
(The basic tracks of all of these songs have been done live with Anand playing a melody and Sturgis playing drums while I play and sing. Then we add bass. It makes for some AMAZING energy.)
Later in the day, Chris Pureka came to lay down some harmonies on two songs. Anand had a song he really heard her on and I had a vision about another song, so we couldn't wait for her to head in so we could see if our hunches were correct. They were. She did such a great job. One of the songs made me start crying when I listened back later. I love her music and really respect her as a musician. I believe the words I am looking for here are....she kicked the S@#T out of the songs. Thank you, Chris. So very, very much. If you have been hiding out in a little cottage somewhere with some hot new love interest and haven't heard Chris's music, check her out at www.chrispureka.com. You won't be disappointed.

We have been at the studio from around 12 or 1pm until 12 or 1am every day. Tonight was no different. Anand and I were both bloodshot and starving (well, I was-I don't like eating before I sing, so I didn't eat for a really long time...man, did my organic tomato soup at 2am taste FANFREAKINTASTIC!) and sitting at the controls listening and backing up the music. I am so proud of the job we are all doing.

There is magic here. I don't really think there is a market for this music, and finially, I don't really care. We are making music. Everyone on this album has been so full of grace and talent. We are all connecting and sharing our talents. It is overwhelming. I am completely submerged.

Much love going out to you,
Judith

Greetings everyone,
Well, day three started out with a little bit of a panic on my part. The mighty road warrior (also known as my KIA) wasn't doing so hot. Lucky for me, my drummer kicks major car-butt and offered to help me out.
Sturgis seriously came through for me and with the help of his friend, Mike, fixed everything right up. Apparently, my alternator belt decided to divorce me and didn't tell me. On top of spending the afternoon in the cold working on my car in jeans way too cute to be getting dirty, they only charged me some indian food and a buffalo chicken grinder. Not bad, eh?

While we were dealing with the car and a killer samosa, Anand was working away on bass parts for the songs and adding some way cool Harmonium parts to some tracks.

When I finally got to the studio, we started working with a really cool fiddle player named Josh Relin. Josh was a trooper. We were so happy with the track we had him in to do that we added him on another. He was really kind and so sweet. I hope he comes back on Saturday.

Most of today I sat around in a semi-uncomfortable chair listening to the same things over and over. Later, I worked with Anand on writing some harmony ideas for Chris (Pureka) who is coming in to sing on two songs. I am stoked about that. She kicks serious A#@ and I love her. I can't wait to fill you in on the songs she's on....top secret for now.

Katie Sawicki has been harassing me to send her rough mixes. I am standing my ground. I want her to be surprised when she comes out next week with Kristen Gass to sing harmonies (!!!).

Other than that, it was a pretty long day that ended with me not singing much of anything. It was actually a blessing since I sang so much yesterday. My throat is doing well, just a little tired.

Anand's family has been out of town, so he was up until 4am working on the album. He looks totally tough right now. He hasn't shaved and his hair is wild-he looks like a total rockstar, actually. He's pretty hardcore if you ask me.

I am having a great time and am so glad that the car is okay. I have broken my grocery budget but hey, I needed some flippin' produce!!!

I love you all. Muah!
Judith

Hi everyone,
I am still reeling from day two at the studio. Rose Sinclair came in, along with Sturgis and Anand to work on the bigger songs for the album. Rose is so awesome. She is such a talented musician and completely blew me away.

We recorded songs together live today. It was so amazing and connected...I am so excited. It felt like we were in the studio for days...like I've known these folks for years. I'm ready to load up the bus and take everyone with me on the road. I am so grateful for Anand and his choices in musicians.

So far, only one minor meltdown on my part...haha. Thankfully, my friend Katie Sawicki talked me down, so to speak. I just couldn't get this song down and was so ANNOYED with myself!! I'm over it and ready to try it again today. It doesn't help that the song title is, "Bitterness", huh? Wish me luck with it, if you can.

The songs are turning out completely different than I thought and at the same time, are exactly what I wanted. Does that make sense? Anand is such a connected producer and I have felt so comfortable and, well...free, I guess, is the word I'm looking for. I feel like someone cracked open my chest and the songs came pouring out. I am hoping that is a good thing. : )

My car has issues and I've gotta take it in for repairs, I guess. Kind of a bummer, but hopefully something really small (and inexpensive).

I had a moment at the studio, looking at all of the musicians, when I realized that normally, I would be washing dishes at that time. I am grateful for that job, but it is so far from what I feel I am to do here with my time on this planet. I am so thankful for this time and for everyone who made it possible for me to be doing this and making this art. I am shocked by my joy.

Thank you so very much!!
Hope you are getting your share and my share of cuddles from someone you love. I am a little love-sick. Kiss someone for me, okay?
Much love,
Judith

I am sitting in the studio (www.slaughterhousestudio.com) listening and watching Anand and Mark running around setting up microphones and amps.

We start recording this evening. For once, I have no idea about what songs will or will not make the cut. It is an exciting time.

The first day is mostly setting up, so not much to report. I can say that MA is so beautiful and if you ever get a chance to head up here...do. The crosswalks are AMAZING!! (They actually stop the cars for pedestrians). I felt like royalty all day and just kept crossing the street over and over. It was grand.

If you get a chance and like alt-country-rock, you can check out one of the people I am staying with, Jim Armenti. He's in the band Lonesome Brothers and has such a cool, cool voice. They are on Myspace, or check out www.lonesomebrothers.com. As you may know, I am a HUGE fan of alt-country and americana. I have been daydreaming about my next album...a country folk rock thing...we shall see.

I am off to work on the next song. Thanks for the emails of encouragement and the good vibes.
More soon with pics!
Judith

I made it to MA safe and sound. Lots of rain and potholes! It is so beautiful here. I love it. I also met my new temporary roomies-very cool music lovin' folks. They have really been great with me. Jim even gave me some last minute guitar lessons. Along with some rabbits and fish, they have an awesome dog named Pippin and my new best friend...a cat named Sancho.

We had our first rehearsal yesterday. We worked for about 10 hours. It went great. The drummer, Sturgis, was awesome and so down-to-earth. Anand is so patient and comes up with beautiful arrangements. I am really starting to feel good about this project.

I was so dazed afterwards, I got all the way back to my temporary diggs and realized I had left my guitar somewhere along the way. If you knew me well, you would know that this is VERY unlike me...I'm much too paranoid and untrusting. Lucky for me, it was safe and sound on Anand's porch.

THAT was a heavy dose of gratitude-pie, let me tell you.

I am frantically (well, I'm shooting for frantically) working on my timing and on a couple of last minute considerations for the album (top secret).

Hope you're doing good out there.

More soon,
Judith

There are only two weeks left until I head north to record the album. I've been trying to practice, but have been more drawn to write. A lot of new songs have been peeking their little heads up out of the snow. I am happy about that.

The fundraiser last Friday was so fun. Everyone that performed did such an incredible job. Eric Fritzius' piece was so well written and interesting. Devon Preston wrote a beautifully cool piece and read. Michael Buttrill and Luna performed the sweetest skit I've seen in a long time. The High Rocks girls wrote pieces about themselves and High Rocks-they were so well spoken, I was so impressed!!

As far as the comedy portion, I think it went good. I am sure my mother would have been horrified if she had heard it-that's always a fun sign. I had a blast and got to cross something off of my list. (okay, okay-I've wanted to do stand up and have had it on my "before I keel over" list for about 3 years). I think everyone liked it.

Thanks to everyone who came out in the blizzard and who bought items at the service and goods auction. You are appreciated.

I am going to go play my new song and feel guilty about not playing my other songs, but wanted to drop a quick note here.

Hope you all are toasty warm and being good to yourselves and others. I am sure trying my best.
Mucho love,
Judith

Hello hello hello,
I have been working hard on getting over a mean little cold. If I see one more cup of tea...

I digress.

I got stir-crazy in our lovely little home yesterday and took some photos. I also added a couple of funny ones from the road.

Check them out and let me know what you think! (Thanks to all of the kind guestbook comments...I love reading them!)

Hope you are healthy and happy and sniffle-free.

judith

Hey everyone,
I am sitting in the Wild Bean in Lewisburg, West Virginia, drinking the best cup of cocoa I have ever tasted. Seriously.

I am working on the fundraiser Feb. 29th. Leap Day. Check out the calendar page for details. It should be so fun. I am incredibly nervous about the comedy portion.

Sometimes I commit to things before thinking them through. Yikes.

Wanted to let you all know about a CD that is getting ready to be released. Katie Sawicki's new album...Time Spent Lost.

Katie and I are serious friends, I know, but that doesn't mean I have to like her album...I just can't help it. I have been obsessed with it and it's not even my normal style. Every song is unique and thoughtful and so well done. I am so impressed. My favorite tracks?? Losing Ground (!!!! Why oh why didn't I write this song??), Drown (stunningly sparse and so personal), and Good Thing with the brilliant and innovative Kristen Gass. Chris Pureka, whom I also love, makes an appearance on the track, Hanging On.

I am not kidding here, good things will happen for Katie, just you wait and see. This album really surprised me and I love surprises.

More soon, I have made it a goal to journal more often.

How am I doing so far??

A little puny, but I'm working on it!!

Love to you,
Judith

(Sneak peek...Katie will be making a brief WV appearance during her national CD release tour later this year for all of my WV fans and friends.)