Start of summer check in

Heading off for some much needed vacation (mundane, not all the wonderful camping events coming up the next two weeks, but still). Projects are proceeding apace. I have a new demo for “Lady of the Rose” that I’ll post when I get back. Also on returning I get some quality time with Don Levey (fellow bard, he of the guitar in my first YouTube video of “The Bastard’s Tale” in my living room), and we should be laying down tracks for maybe three more songs to move them forward.

Additionally, I’m pleased to report that my latest assignment is coming along. I’ve been instructed to pick up my guitar, shake the rust off it, and learn to accompany myself on John Dowland’s “Come Again”. (I’m playing only the top notes, not all the chords, but I’m playing a full contrapuntal rhythm which is tricky while singing.) As of today, I’m pleased to say I can sing and play the piece off book (I’m currently just singing the first verse…this is a one-verse arrangement), nearly at speed, although my fingers do stumble on some of the sixteenth-note runs. Still, it sounds like a song, and it’s been a long time since I actually tried to seriously play anything on guitar, let alone finger picking.