The Throat of Justice

So I really like the line, is it cheesy? "How can you lay your boot across the throat of justice?"

The other day I came up with this really cool chord progression and I started it as a love song and it was like a fast almost latin beat. Today I wanted to try something different with the progression and slowed it down to a groove that fit well with more of an r and b verse. Then I amped the same progression up for a chorus that was very shouty and it turned into a protest song. How'd I go from that extreme to the other? Ha, well I have been writing a lot of lovey dovey songs but at the same time in the background is this terrible police brutality going on with the Occupy Wallstreet movement. They said there was something like 4,000 cases of police brutality, one that got a lot of news was a ton of college students protesting high tuition. They locked arms and sat in their own court yard non violently and got sprayed with pepper spray in the face. It's a really scary/sad/crazy/intense video and you should watch it. Yes, they were warned but dude WTF? Why did the police have to spray them when they were just sitting there? It's really stupid, basically "they won't move and we told them they have to...so we spray them in the face with harmful chemicals". I don't get it, and I think that America needs to support protesting, first amendment rights, and speak out against the things that are not working. If we can not just speak out then what are our rights as citizens? College tuition has gone up every single year and it's so unaffordable not to mention the huge debt we go into after school. Anyway, rant aside I will be posting the song once I figure out which direction it's leaning toward. Here are some of the lyrics so far ...work in progress:

Bet you failed that test back in high school

You were busy pulling sleeves and haunting dreams

But now you've got a super man vest

Still doesn't make it right and you will never be cool

Why do people think they can lay force upon each other?

When someone's just attempting to change what isn't right

Just spray it in their eyes cuz they won't move when we tell them

Then it's home to kiss the wife and beat the kids

How can you lay your boot across the throat of justice?

How can you shake your fist at the site of (something?)

(insert clever line here)

(another line)

Chorus

Purple mountains majesty

And Amber waves of grain

We call it America

Home of the brave and land of the free

What do ya think?

Sinking Teeth demo

Sinking Teeth by efilsitra

I came up with this chorus as "I want to thank you for what you've given me" but I changed it to "I want to thank you for sinking teeth". I really like the chorus and harmonies, I came up with that tune and the idea that it would be this old school harmony feel right at the beginning so it felt natural recording it that way. I decided to do kind of a vamp verse just repeating the one chord and sliding up to it on a seven. I started recording just free verse over it and I really like the feel...trying to recreate it with real vocals is hard. I may just keep it how it is and it'll be free verse every time. I like the idea of when a girl finds you or hits on you she "sinks her teeth" into you. It's also something that kinda literally happened. Ask me some time I'll tell you the story.

Airplanes...again

I kinda went back to the original feel on this song at least in tempo and such. I originally was doing four quarter notes to a chord just basic basic strumming. I changed it to a finger picking but the pulse is similar..more info on the soundcloud page about it, kinda lazy right now. Airplanes again by efilsitra

Different Inspirations - New Version

Different Inspirations version..? by efilsitra Here is another version of this song. I am really liking the groove here and the background vocals. What do you think?

here are the lyrics so far:

Different Inspirations

By Chris Shaw

Verse

I try to think of different inspirations

But all I can see is your face

The back of my mind is all I need to find

To get into some good head space

V

What you've done is nothing that you said to me 

But actions speak so clear

Maybe this is what you need

Distract so you don't bleed

Even after all of these years

V

I've got so many many questions

Nothing that I know I can ask

I want to look back but it's so damn new

it's just not the right time for that

Chorus

I don't see what you see

I don't believe what you believe

I just think we disagree

And no one is to blame but it's hard to see

Video Post 2 - End Goal

Video Post - Process

People In The Streets Lyrics

Here are the lyrics, they are not done yet and the mp3 doesn't reflect all the lyrics, I was mainly just getting the feel of the song not concentrating on lyrics. I have some work to do on these. I sometimes get inspired by homeless people, pan handlers, etc. This song is kind of a combo of watching people while walking around the city. I recognize some homeless people just by seeing them and I think about their stories and how some of them choose to be homeless and some of them are mentally ill. No matter if it's their choice or not to be homeless it is not an easy life. A lot of them are addicted to drugs and though yes it is a choice to do drugs it can be very hard to get out of when you go so far deep in that hole. No, I have never been addicted to drugs but seeing different documentaries about it and even being around it (a little), and from what I have learned in school and what not it is not easy to get off drugs. I also believe that we are all affected by are surroundings. People with good support and that come from a healthy home are often less likely to be addicted to a substance. This is of course not always true, some people just have addictive personalities. I guess I just am thankful that I do not have one and that I am in a good position in life. Ok, enough rambling.

People In The Streets
Chris Shaw


Verse
These people in the streets
They don't know what they mean
They find themselves in the middle of a crossroad barking up the family tree


V
The seek just what they need


It's not right but the roots grow deep
We're past the point of choice now we need a remedy
The dope is only just a tiny part of the disease


Chorus
What gets buried underneath
Can never be revealed in the sunlight
It's gotta come out somewhere some how
This is the time to let it free
In good company


In good company


V
What's with this family
Everybody's cold and they're so hungry
They don't need food but they crave sanity
Another complication of dependency


V
It's not the bullet it's the belly of the beast
It's not the mashed potatoes it's the whole damn feast
It's the whole entire puzzle not just a piece
It takes your whole life not a day not a week


Bridge
If we can't see past what we want to see
And we only see what we want to believe
We can't make this grow and be who we want to be
We gotta take this life and ....something?

People In The Streets

People In The Streets ver1 by efilsitra

This track I have been working on writing for a while. It started on acoustic and has evolved into more of a full band sound. It was one of the first songs where I was trying to write in a "style", the chorus was the part I really wanted to get right in that soulful type style, regardless I like it. The feel has really come along. Today I am experimenting with the guitar part making it less sterile and more funky, kinda Curtis Mayfield inspired. Here's a great Mayfield track, I actually just got turned on to Curtis and I really enjoy this track in particular, going to try and learn it as a cover..see if it works.

New Home 2

Here is the second version with a swing feel. I like the bounce it gives the song feels like it keeps the momentum going. What do you think? New Home ver2 by efilsitra

New Home

So I am really trying to figure out the groove to this, I like the structure, chords, melody, vocals, but the groove I am not sure about, is it too boring? Going for a Motown-ish feel, a vintage pop sound...I think. So what do ya think? New home ver1 by efilsitra

Different Inspirations

I just wrote the chorus of this today, still a work in progress but I like it so far. I am trying to piece these three parts together so I have uploaded them just back to back, this is not how they will be but I wanted to see if they flowed with each other. Any ideas on this one? Anyone reading? :) Come on don't be shy.
Different Inspirations (parts) by efilsitra

Two Different Hearts

Oh break up songs. So far I have recorded two versions of this song. I was originally trying to write a soulful song that was fast, I tend to try to write in a slow groove feeling but every once in a while ya gotta have a fast one. I really like this Alicia Keys tune "Wreckless Love" so the beat was kinda inspired by this, or the rhythm..it's not the same but this was kinda a kick-off point.


Also the guitar rhythm is an easy James Brown rip-off. I picture if it does end up fast that it will be a lot of ride cymbal/bell work and syncopation. I will upload both versions, I like the slow one as well so which is better?

Fast version:
Two Different Hearts by efilsitra
Slow Version:
Two Different Hearts ver2 by efilsitra />

Blind Willie's Bar Lyrics and Audio

"Blind Willie's Bar" or "Spent My Whole Life" (working titles)

Verse

Amaj7 G

I'm sitting here at ol' blind willies bar

Kinda funny how i've outlived willie by this far

This place was once a diner,1979 

When willie bought it out man this place was a dive

V2

He had some aspirations fixin up the place

Soon enough his wife had left and didn't leave a trace

Coming into the bar yeah willie was a mess

I was drinking Heineken that year but i digress

V3

There's a girl in the corner I think that she's fine

That son of a bitch Eddie is testing out some pick up lines

He always gets the girls, the  young ones too

If I had a girl like that you know I wouldn't know what to do

Chorus

F Am D7 Am F Am D7 Am G

I've spent my life in this place

I've seen it struggle and I've seen it  do great

Heads split open, I've seen birthday cakes explode

drunks crying in their drinks they don't never want to go home

This is kinda what I have so far, mostly I think these lyris are going to be in the song with some edits possibly, I like them so far though.


Here is the rough demo so far:
Blind Willie's Bar by efilsitra

*update*
Here is the second version with the drums laying into more of a reggae groove, trying to keep it really simple. The chorus is interesting with the snare being not in a typical backbeat but I feel it still works.

Blind Willie's Bar ver2 by efilsitra

Blind Willie's Bar

This is one of the first songs I started working on with this project a while back. I had my good musician friend Justin Campbell join me when I was first showing these songs to people. I wanted him on drums but he ended up doing some great bass lines, I feel that I was not really ready yet though and things kinda fizzled out. Later when I was doing some rehearsals with Jimmy Castoe and Charlie Scott Justin filled in on drums once and it felt a ton better than those early rehearsals. Over all I know now I am in a much better place and can't wait to get these guys playing these tunes again, once they are more woodshedded out. So annyway, this song has a working title of "Spent My Whole Life" or "Blind Willie's Bar". This is a story song in the point of view of a bar fly, I guess you'd say. Just picture that guy sitting at the bar who's bar stool is shaped to his butt. He has seen it all and this is his story. I kinda based it so far around Ruby Tuesday on Summit in Columbus, Ohio and some things I have seen there and experienced. I am trying to put as many real references as I can in here. I will post the lyrics next and then some audio in a bit.

Won't Talk To Me Version 3

Version three is trying to go a little more straight back to the Bill Withers-esque beat. I also love G. Love and Special Sauce's drummer "Houseman"...he does a lot of beats like this one..that are probably inspired by Bill Withers tunes, ha. Here is a great example of a Houseman groove:

Rhyme for the Summertime (album version)
Won't Talk to Me Version 3 by efilsitra

Won't Talk To Me Version 2

Second attempt at drumming was inspired by the Donny Hathaway tune "Little Ghetto Boy" I posted earlier, I was listening to it today (the cover version on the Roots/John Legend album like the one I posted) there is a really cool bridge (i think it's the bridge) with a beat that I really like. Check minute 2:57 it's right there
Also maybe a little old school Wailers/Bob Marley ala this....oh I love it.
It feels like the traditional reggae beat wasn't quite there yet..and the music felt more soul/r&b than anything..at least to me.

Won't Talk to Me Version 2 by efilsitra

Back from Florida, working on drums..

Back from Florida, admittedly I did not get a lot done. I tend to write by myself and when people hear or watch me write it's just kinda uncomfortable. Unless it's a duo or group session...I like to get my ideas flushed out before people hear 'em. I think that is probably normal. So now that I am back I feel the need to get to work like hard core. The tour was work of course but it felt like a vacation in a way, it was nice to stay in a condo and have a lot of time to do whatever it is we wanted. Right when I got home I started working on tunes again. I will share what I worked on last night but tonight I worked on a tune with the working title "Won't Talk To Me". I was inspired by like a Bill Withers type groove originally but I think it's evolved passed that. So I am trying different drum beats. Here is the first attempt: Won't Talk to Me Ver. 1 by efilsitra

New state, old song, new cover

So we made it to Florida wirth Andy Shaw Band. We are staying in this great condo that band friend/booker/helper extraordinaire Genean hooked us up with. So we found out today that we need a new transmission for our (brand freakin new..well, just bought) van. it's a 2008 or so so it should be fine but the transmission went bad I guess, I know nothing about cars. What's this have to do with my recording project? Not a lot, just giving a bit of context to the situation. So I do not have my own room as there are basically four "bedrooms" (Matt is actually in an office with a pull out bed). I am on the couch so as you can see my temporary set up (pictured) is kinda, well let's just say it works enough. If someone can invent an absolutely portable sound proof climate controlled (I might add cheap) musician practice studio they would make millions..even if they ARE cheap. But I digress. So today I am trying to keep busy and keep momentum going while being on the road, being with a lot of people, and not having my normal space to work in. I was working on a tune today by Amy Winehouse called "Wake Up Alone". I really am looking to her as an inspiration and I love the guitar tracks on this song. The one is arpeggios the whole tune and the other is just doing hits on the 4 (tune's in 6/8). It's a great one and listening to the actual track from the cd gives me some tricks I didn't get from the book. Its definitely getting there..im also working on an old tune I'm trying to fit a groove to it as originally I wrote it for acoustic. I really like the lyrics so I think this ones going to be good. It's called "Airplanes" as of now and I wrote it when flying somewhere alone..can't remember where. Lots of time to think and observe in the airport waiting and on the plane especially when flying alone. Gonna see what I come up with groove wise maybe improvising w/percussion with out my drum set in the house were staying in. Hopefully I will get something up in the next few days. For now here are the lyrics so far:

Airplanes
Lots of people making great changes
Some just need a break
And others want to see home

Strange ways
Everybody's looking out for themselves they
Don't want to help you
But guilt gets in the way

Baby's crying
Planes are flying off in the distance
Everybody's going there own way
Bags are packed there eyes look straight ahead

Once in a while you'll get a smile
We all have to board the same damn plane

There are a few more lyrics but I like these ones so far, gonna keep 'em. Any suggestions? Anyone read this thing?

Money Make You_sample by efilsitra
Here is the song with the working title "Money Make You". This is about not letting go of your dreams and though you have to work and what not, you can still go after what it is you really want. God it sounds so cheesy when I type it but I really believe it. I had a friend who talked a lot about "the man" and what not in high school and I see him now in the corporate world and it can be hard. I want people to be able to live the life they want, maybe it's hard but it's worth it. Any thoughts? I am trying to create a deep pocket groove so this is the newest rendition of what I think the drums should feel like.

So I am compiling a list, seems like it keeps getting longer. Sometimes I have a hard time keeping on track and following through so this is a good way to keep my self accountable..the blog, the list..all of the documentation. Maybe if I write down the stupid stuff I do I can fix it, and the good stuff I can keep. This is a working list and yes the "Biscuit Brigade" is a working title of the band..I may go with "Chris Shaw and the Biscuit Brigade" or just the name itself, or scrap it later..not sure. I have been toying with it and it is the name of this blog, fittingly. I am a really big fan of the songs on the top of the list. Jimmy Castoe, Charlie Scott and I have been rehearsing for a bit and Crazy and Just Maybe sound really good, especially when Tim Magree adds his keys to the mix. I love The Ones We Hate/Why Do We Stay? as well but it needs some structure work. New Home just needs to figure out the feel and I will be posting some versions here soon. Ok, off to record some more!

John Legend & The Roots - Little Ghetto Boy (Live In Studio)

This groove is tasty, was listening to this in my car today, original tune by Donny Hathaway, love The Roots/John Legend interpretation.

New music venture (kinda), and new direction of the blog..kinda

So I have not posted in a while. I have decided to move the direction of the blog into a more personal matter, I may still post about my experiences in the Columbus scene and really it is still my experience in music. Point is, I am going to document my new musical venture. For a long time I have been working on a "solo" band. That being it is not Andy Shaw Band, it is not Shaw Brothers, it's really not even "Chris Shaw" solo. It is a new band with me playing electric guitar and I am attempting kind of write in a direction. I never have done this before, normally I just write whatever comes to my head and sometimes it sounds like my brother (I think) or sometimes it sounds like whatever I listened to on the radio, or just me. I like this a lot and I like my style but recently I have been getting really into some music and I have kind of figured out it is mostly soul....with some other stuff mixed in. Some of the artists I have really been getting into include throwback musicians like Adele, Amy Winehouse, Mayer Hawthorne, that pay tribute to soul, motown, ska, classic r&b, and the like. I recently have been realizing that this is the music I have always been into, groove music, something that speaks deep to well...the soul. I grew up with bands like Sublime which has elements of soul/reggae/hip hop, No Doubt (reggae/deep grooves), and always come back to these records as my favorite types of music. I have always appreciated the grooves that G. Love and Special Sauce come up with especially on the album "Electric Mile", if you hate on G. take a listen to this album it may change your mind. So right now I am attempting to write in this style taking the electric guitar and using it almost as a percussion instrument and not the lead instrument like an acoustic and create different grooves.

I could go further and I will, but I am going to jump into today. Today I am working on a song with the working title "Different Inspirations". This is a song originally inspired by the classic songwriter inspiration: a break up. This is about when I was newly broken up and just thinking about her and not being able to just do the things I wanted because she would not get out of my head. Then I would go out and I would see her at all the places I hung out at. So it's not finished and songs change meanings as time goes by, and if I have not finished writing a song and now feel a different way sometimes I change the meaning of the lyrics. I am not sure if this is going to happen yet but we will see.

What I have been doing recently is demo'ing out all the parts, or at least core parts like guitar, vocals, drums, maybe bass (usually played on guitar), and sometimes piano. There are a few key groups I am not trying to necessarily emulate but get inspiration from. I mentioned Adele, Amy Winehouse, Mayer Hawthorne, and then there's The Black Keys (see album "Brothers"),  Curtis Mayfield, James Brown, and similar artists. I like to take certain simple guitar rhythms and build a groove off of that and the drums. So here it goes. I will be posting some audio/video/lyrics and such as I go. Please feel free to comment and such.

Where the HELL have you been?

Yeah so it's been a hot minute hasn't it...damn these blogs! So I have been mega mega busy. Cincinnati, Louisville, Memphis, Denton, Austin, Chillicothe, Athens, Fairborn, Dayton, Springboro, and ...wait for it....CELINA?? Where the hell is that? I don't even know. I subbed in with a friend Will Freed and his band in Celina near this man made lake...great band, Will is a veteran of 11 years in the bar scene and is only 28..crazy. He's a superb guitar player, singer, and songwriter. His band is also great and it was a pleasure playing with them. A little known musician called John Popper played on his record..yeah. So check him out fo' sho. Andy Shaw Band actually did not play this weekend but Shaw Brothers played at a wine tasting near Dayton. Our friend Laura whom we met at Franklin Park Conservatory during a gig hooked us up with this gig. This place was called "Boro Bistro" and it was great. A wine bar/restaurant with a nice family friendly atmosphere and great food. I can't wait to go back to play again, people were so nice and one guy gave us a $20 tip, always awesome! Been way busy I will try to update this more. Working on Columbus Music Menu which is going to be aweeesssome, a comprehensive website of C-Bus music. Blogs, venue reviews, band bios, live music calendar, and much more. Also check out the ASB Blog for news about us. Rumba this Thurday May 5th with Lewis Brothers and Joshua P. James and the Paper Planes..gonna be a barn burner! More soon..

The Big Release Show

ASB CD Release last night was so fun! Thanks so much for coming out. I really felt the love last night and I know it sounds hippie and what not but man, there is nothing wrong with feeling the love! Ha, man so many emotions last night. First, I feel like sometimes people try to put our music in a box, and that's normal for any band but specifically with what we try to do it can be misconstrued if one has never been to a show or really has not heard us. Of course being IN the band I only know what I am trying to do with the music and that can be very different with each member. I know that even Andy and I have different views on the band but I think for the most part we are trying to take an underlying feel of roots reggae and infuse it with something new, maybe add a beat that pays homage to reggae but maybe not exactly a strict one drop feel, or maybe we add a tribal tom beat to it. We want to advance reggae to a different level. If you listen to bands like RX Bandits and State Radio they really try to take reggae to a different level without being all "white boy stoner" about it. So that is the intention at least from my point of view. I respect what roots reggae artists do and I would never want to bastardize it, so I put my own spin on it and it is real and it can be very raw and emotional, if we can put all those things into a song than I think we are doing something right. Anyway, I'm kinda rambling but last night was really awesome. We ended up making shirts for the cd release that said "Andy Effing Shaw" paying homage to one of our good friends Heather Fullmer who affectionately came up with this "party call" at our shows, it has caught on and I had to make a shirt (thanks Matt Paetsch for the idea). Download the album here at andyshawband.bandcamp.com

The Columbus Duets Project went off really well too! I was a bit nervous at first when Caleb told me he had no voice but we pulled it off and it sounded good. By the second song with Joey Hebdo I really started feeling comfortable, the songs were able to breathe a bit too adding a little length to the mostly short songs on the album. Bree Frick did a great job and I felt really good about our song as well as the one Kerry and I did called "Smoke Song". I hope people enjoy the album and if you want a copy please go to TheColumbusDuetsProject.bandcamp.com and download it now! In closing, thanks everyone so much for the support! It is soo awesome!!!!

Lots and lots to talk about!

Damn...been a long week...well long month. I look at my Google calendar which has become my personal assistant, a pretty crappy one without having a smart phone, to see what I have to do every day, what I have done, and to remind me to call people and do my laundry..ha. Ok, the laundry I can take care of but it really helps. So I am looking at it now and February is crazy. Lessons, meetings, recording sessions, video shoots, rehearsals, house shows, meetings, meetings, ha..lots of meetings. I write this blog so I can kind of look back later and document some of the crazy stuff that goes on in my life right now so sorry if it's kind of self referential. Let's recap some of the fun/funny/interesting things that have happened this past month.

Athens house show, a really fun show with a bunch of college kids a lot of hippy type kids, lots of hugs! We even had a little, well it was not Yoga..it was a Chinese discipline I can't remember the name but kind of a group session in one of the rooms when the music was not playing. I just walked in and everyone was kind of chanting "zzzzzz" it was a series of stretches and cleansing of thoughts. Very different from a Columbus party, it's amazing how different the culture felt just as I walked in the house. Eric Osbourne was cool enough to have us and the Shaw Brothers really appreciate his hospitality. Someone even made home made beer...it was not my favorite but I appreciate the effort!

The first We Are Columbus SXSW Showcase/Fundraiser Feb 10th at Kobo. This went really well, all the bands were great I even got to play fiddle with Slick City Ramblers which is a blast. Dan Desanto is great as their new bass player, that band really needs an upright player, though I do miss Andyman. We did a silent auction and a raffle and we raised some money for sure, the next one will be March 5th which will be even bigger go to wearecolumbusohio.com and find us on Facebook to find out more, everyone has been so supportive and we just got a donation from Jung Kim at the Columbus Chamber of Commerce. He came to the show and afterward gave an individual donation. Thanks so much Jung!

Bob Archer house show in Chillicothe. Bob and Jana are good friends of ours back from the Freelyfest days, they have been super loyal to Andy Shaw Band when we come down and play at some of the bars down there like the Dock and Crosskeys. I asked them if they wanted to host a house concert and they were totally in. The cool thing about this concert was we got to hear Bob's son Clay's band. Clay is in middle school and I forget the guys name who teaches them but he is a really nice guy that is so nice to help these kids. He teaches them tunes that he knows a lot of them being classic rock tunes like Magic Carpet Ride and AC DC, great stuff. The bass player was singing and playing bass at the same time, so cool! After the Shaw Brothers played we got to jam with the boys, it was a really fun time and I felt like it really gave them a boost to hear us and to hear us tell them how talented they were, which was true they were great!

House concert in German Village with Susannah and Natalie, thanks girls! We had a great time. House concert at the Shaw House with The Beggar Folk. Lessons, meetings, lessons, after party for the Yonder Mountain String Band at A & R Bar with Andy Shaw Band. We got free tickets to the show so we passed out a ton of flyers and got some people to come over afterward. The show ended a bit late so we think that the crowd suffered since by the time it was over everyone wanted to just go home, and to be honest was too drunk to want any more music. That being said we had a bunch of good friends come out, and some unknowns dancing up the dance floor. I felt really good as a band as we have not played for almost two months (besides once at Kobo for a short set). We have been practicing a lot and I think it's helped for sure.

So a quick summary, I left out a few things but those were the highlights. This all brings us to yesterday. After great house show in Chillicothe last night with host Rae Lynn (thanks!!) and guest musician from Baltimore Heather Lloyd of the band Ilyaimy we did a show at the North Market for the fiery foods festival. I love playing the North Market. Andy and I play our original tunes mixed with some Beatles and other covers but mainly just play originals. The room is big and usually decently quiet besides the gentle hum of the crowd and vendors downstairs. I always feel really calm playing there and I can hear everything so clear it's great. After North Market we went straight to our next gig with Bejae Flemming and Jackie Blount. We met Bejae a bit ago and she is a transplant from Iowa. She's been doing music for a long time and is a great teacher. She toured with Towns Van Zandt back in the day and is a wonderful songwriter. Jackie plays bass with her and is an amazing compliment to her with her six string bass. So they set us up at the Guitar House Workshop. I had heard about this place but never been. They have some luthiers there and make beautiful looking guitars, I have not heard any of them yet but I am sure they sound great too. It is really cool to be able to see a guitar while it's being made. So they hold these "house concerts", essentially that is what it is since it is an old house converted into a business. It was great, there was a large crowd, the house is pretty small so it was packed in there with about 30 people and everyone was listening. I love these concerts where people actually come to listen to music. Oh I could go on about it but it is about time the musicians get the respect they deserve, just people listening..that's really it! Sounds easy, but it's hard in these bars. So after the house concert which went really well we went over to Woodlands. About a year ago or so when I was booking heavily over there I had an idea to do these big nights. People had done really great with Beatles tributes, and Townes Van Zandt tribute nights. I wanted to do a Motown tribute night. So Justin Campbell and I worked on the planning and eventually I was so busy I turned a lot of the work over to JCam. I felt pretty bad because I really wanted to be more a part of it but we got most of the original planning done so now it was putting it into action. I made a cool poster and handbills and promoted through facebook and Justin got the lineup together and rehearsed and such. Unfortunately a few people that were supposed to be singers quit last minute but they totally pulled it off without a hitch. I came for the later set and it was fantastic. John Elliot, Bobby Floyd Townes, Matt Paetsch, Tim Magree, George Barrie, Evan Oberla, Nate Parker, Walter Cavanaugh Kolhoff, Josh Smith just an all star cast. Oh, and Jeffro Jam emceed and Julie Schatz did some sweet video which I happened to miss since I was at a gig. Thanks so much to everyone and to JCam for handling it all and making it awesome. He bought food out of pocket for everyone too which is so awesome! Next time it's gonna be bigger and I am playing drums damnit! Ha, I actually did get to sit in and my bro Andy sang Master Blaster, it's Stevie Wonder who was a motown artist technically..though it's a very reggae tune. People loved it so it didn't matter, ha! Man such a great night of music, stay tuned for more productions like that for sure. Next up Andy Shaw Band cd release with The Columbus Duets Project February 25th and tonight Sunday the 20th listening party for our cd so come out and hear our cd for the first time. Also some great local musicians are going to be covering some ASB tunes so that is going to be really fun to see, I have not heard any of them yet so it's all going to be a surprise. 5pm at Wild Goose Creative near Summit and Hudson.

An intro to house concerts

lots a stuff

Lots going on continuously...We Are Columbus showcase in Austin TX is coming along. Please support the event by going to the fundraising events February 10th and March 5th at Kobo the bands will be split between these dates and there will be a silent auction with lessons from musicians, house concerts, gift certificates from local businesses, and fun other surprises. Facebook page is here. Columbus Music Menu is going to make its debut pretty soon thanks to Erin Corrigan, she rules by the way. This site will feature local bands, reviews of local music, lots of videos, pictures, venue information, and more!

A few house concerts are coming up and if you would like to know about hosting one with the Shaw Brothers let me know. I have posted a video about house concerts so check it out and see if you are interested.

Ok last but DEFINITELY not least. February 25th Andy Shaw Band and The Columbus Duets Project CD Release 10p-2am at Ruby's at 1978 Summit, be there.

Matt Monta and Chris Shaw "Going Home"

Chris Shaw & Matt Monta - "Going Home" from Jeff Tobin on Vimeo.

This week...

Let's see what happened just in a week. Hold your breath now it's gonna be a bumpy ride. I had about fifteen meetings this week, who'da thought a musician would have so many freaking meetings? Here is a brief summary. Justin Campbell and I met about the Motown Show we are doing at Woodlands Feb 19th, 2 ASB rehearsals, brainstorming meeting about the We Are Columbus unofficial SXSW showcase, meeting with Via Vecchia about doing some music there...awesome place btw and great people running it. Ok then practice with Jimmy Castoe (um..need I say more? bad ass) and Charles Scott (Mojo Flo) we have been working up a set of some original tunes of mine and covers. A video shoot with Matt Monta for The Columbus Duets Project (thanks Jeff Tobin for filming), played happy hour with Donna Mogavero at Woodlands, played in Chillicothe with Andy (bro), Andyman Hopkins, and Adam Cummins..great time! What next? I went to the Columbus Bridal Show (huh?) and passed out some flyers for Shaw Brothers..gotta get those wedding gigs! Another meeting with all the bands for the Austin/Columbus showcase at Kobo, and rounded off the week with another gig at Woodlands for "Last Night Out" with Jeff Tobin and Chris Bell. Check out Chris Bell immediately! So now what? Well, it has been a very busy year so far just planning, organizing, finding sponsorships for the We Are Columbus Showcase in Austin. Please come out to the show there will be a Columbus Showcase (two actually) February 10th and March 5th both at KOBO. Jacob Wooten has been kind enough to wave production fees so all the money collected will go towards funding the project. www.wearecolumbusohio.com for more info! Otherwise Andy Shaw Band and The Columbus Duets Project dual release February 25th at Ruby's 1978 Summit Street. Phew...till next time!