Ahhh… Yep, 7 days in the studio involved much of the above title…

I love recording – there is something about being in a studio, with all its glamour… Well, maybe glamour is the wrong word (especially when you are in Kakadu studios in Darwin!), but there is a lot of time and work that goes into the buildup of making a record, a lot of excitement and expectation – the pre-production, the finances, the airfares, the rehearsing… oh, and of course the songwriting… but of course the most important thing is getting it right once you hit that button that says record.

Producer Charles ‘Chuckles’ Jenkins and producer/engineer Justin ‘Bigfooty.com’ Rudge were a dream to work with – hard working and great communicators with a sense of humour at the same time… which proved quite valuable, with cabin fever setting in around day 5, with more silliness than a bus full of excitable teenagers on the way to the school excursion at the bowling alley…

There were a few technical glitches, but we kept a clear head, and even though there is plenty more work to be done before the record sees the light of day, I think that everyone can be pleased with their efforts so far.

Big thanks to Chuck and Jus, Toby Robinson, Dan Davies, Alex Brindell, Glen Forner and the ‘man-choir’ for playing so wonderfully on the album, and big ups to financial supporters Arts NT, Telstra and APRA.

Here is a photo of my hetero-sexual-life-music-partner Toby Robinson with ‘Chuckles’ Jenko in the background enjoying a Darwin Sunset Cruise which we lapped up after our busy week.

Big love,

dg

Hey Guys,

Dave here – I got Harry’s login info as my first blog didn’t come through from Easter(!), but ere’s me spiel:

The Happiest man alive by David James Garnham.

The emotion of happiness is a weird and at times elusive thing. Some would not call it an emotion, but rather an art. I would be a refugee with both feet firmly planted in this camp.

For an ‘emotion’ seems more of a reactive stance – merely a byproduct of one of lifes’ mathematical equations playing out by a simple and unwavering rule. Whereas the ‘art’ is the sculpting and molding of these equations answers, keeping, teasing, and laying waste to what seems appropriate. Lay them out like a tapestry, a sculpture, a painting or prose that is used as a shield much as a weapon itself – That, to me, is the process of happiness.

Friends have recently told me, that in two recent incidences, I seemed to look truly, truly happy. Friends that I have known for years, who say it almost surprisingly, as if it were something not to be expected again, be it out of an aged cynicism or perhaps facial recognition due to a deepseeded detication to beards.

Case 1: The Telstra Road to Discovery launch in Sydney.

Living a lifelong dream of meeting and playing alongside your hero, your muse. The hours spent as an awkward teenager, growing into an awkward adult listening to records over and over – tailoring your shield, taking heart that there’s something out there that you ‘get’, and being able to hold the man responsible? Pure happiness.

Case 2: Sizzler in Maroochydore.

Sometimes you don’t have to intellectualise happiness… Sometimes you just need some cheesy bread.

(the end)

Big love

dg

Hiya folks. I have just finished up at the CMAA academy up in Tamworth town. In order to celebrate our graduation, we put on a bit of a show at the Blazes showroom. We had a cracking band to back us, and many of us chose to showcase songs we’d co-written at the academy. Certainly not an easy task to showcase a song you’ve only just written. But hey, everyone was up to the challenge. And I feel privileged to have been apart of it.

I’ll admit I didn’t know what to expect going into the academy but coming out of it, I am extremely grateful to have had the experience. I have certainly learned a lot. Anyhow, I will be in studio later this week with the one and only Matt Fell.

Will keep you posted. Keep on keeping on my friends.

H

Hi folks,

I had the utmost privilege of playing at the Telstra Road to Discovery launch last monday night at the Basement in Sydney town.

I performed a tune of my own, as well as one with the LEGENDARY Mr. Mick Thomas. We performed Graham Parker’s “Life Gets Better” together. It was TRULY THRILLING – I’m still pretty buzzed about it.

ALSO EXTREMELY EXCITING, I got to perform a verse of Nick Lowe’s “The Beast in Me” along with Luke, Tenielle, Dave and TIM ROGERS. I haven’t really been able to come to terms with any of it for a long time. And there were many points during the evening when I thought I might just curl up and die from sheer excitement, but I made it through…although I am still not entirely sure if any of this is real…will let you know when I know for sure…

I think the tone of the night was the perfect example of what this program is about, too. There was no competitive vibe, it was about mentorship, and being able to hang with cool people, the two tenets that really define TRTD if you ask me…

Anyhow, you will hear from me soon no doubt as I head up to Camerata Tamworth Country music college to learn about the country music industry from alpha to omega…I’ll tell you about it once I get there.

Here’s lookin’ at you kid.

H

Hi all,

I have been up in Gippsland doing some demos for the singles to come later in the year. Has been an all round exciting experience. I had never ever had any studio time before now, so to plug in and experience the whole professional studio set-up has been a real eye opener. I went in with my family band + a guitarist buddy of mine Mr. James Remington. I tell you what – they all did me exceptionally proud! We knocked off 15 tracks in 2 days.

More to come soon, but I thought I’d shoot you a photo of the demo band with our Producer Barry. There never was a better way to wish the Queen a happy birthday, than to spend the weekend in a music studio!

Cheers gang,

H

Howdy folks,

Last tuesday I played a lovely little venue in Fitzroy called Deco Bar. It was as Melbourne as Melbourne can be, the occasion being a celebration of Bob Dylan’s 70th birthday. So the set list was Dylan tunes old and new, definitely my sort of scene. The crowd was enthusiastic and unabashedly full of certified bobcats. Thank you to Steve and co. down at Deco for hosting what was an awesome party! I think even Dylan, in his own enigmatic way, would have enjoyed himself.

Anyhow, I’m headed out country way now, going to play the hermit for a while, and polish off some new songs before the demo sessions coming up in June.

thanks folks,

H

Howdy friends!

I played down at the Tinamba food and wine fair last Sunday. Tinamba is just down the road from Cowwarr where I’m from, and is right in the heart of a big dairy region of Gippsland. It was a lovely day. And there’s nothing quite like some fine wine and cheese to bring out the best in your performance.

Anyhow, I thought I’d throw you a photo. Now I’m off to prepare for a gig tonight. I’m actually playing a birthday party, but not just any birthday party, Bob Dylan turns 70 today, so I’m playing a Bob Dylan themed birthday party. Totally my scene. I’ll tell you more about it tomorrow.

Cheers gang,

H

Howdy friends!

I was walking down Swanston st. today and overheard a busker playing an acoustic guitar instrumental version of Randy Newman’s “you got a friend in me”, a song made famous by the Toy Story films. It got me thinking about Randy Newman so I pulled out some old tunes from the collection.

I tell you what, as much as I love his Disney film scores, the guy’s got a lot more going on. He’s got a keen sense of humour and sings songs about psychopaths, slave traders, southern rednecks and New York Jews, pretty eclectic sort of taste. Some of them are so dark you can’t help but laugh. Then there are others that are so honest, and so heartfelt, they just break your heart. He was born in LA but grew up in New Orleans and was exposed to music from an early age through his uncles who were famous film composers. Funny enough, Randy’s uncle Alfred Newman composed the 20th Century Fox theme. Anyhow, I am well and truly absorbed in his work at the moment so I thought I’d throw a few choice picks from the big man your way:

Louisiana 1927 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=91Eb3FiebTs) – a song about the flooding of the Mississippi in 1927. It became an unofficial anthem for New Orleans following Hurricane Katrina. Most certainly check out Aaron Neville’s cover as well. Powerful tune.

Marie (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_xtVZjVj2Dc) – heartbreaking tune, beautifully arranged.

Political Science (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PGO42gvCSPI&NR=1&feature=fvwp) – I like this for the props he give to Australia, and for the perfectly sarcastic tone of it all. BOOM goes London. BOOM goes Paris!

I miss you (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ow9mnmr5KP0) – A song he wrote for his first wife 20 years after they divorced. This is a tragic one. So much regret. Legend has it that Randy Newman’s current wife forbids him from playing it, here’s hoping that when he comes out in July he disobeys her!

Please enjoy my man Randy Newman. He’s a pro.

Thank you for taking the time!

H

Hi there friends!

I have just arrived back in the city after having played a gig at the Cricket Club Hotel in my hometown, Cowwarr. It was a farewell gig for the Hopners, a couple of local legends who have owned the pub over the last 11 years. They recently sold it and decided to have a party to farewell the place, what better place to farewell a pub really…

The Cowwarr pub was the site of my very first gig. My family and I played to a crowd of 5 folks, one of whom danced away with his blue heeler. I tell you what though, I may be a little further on down the line now but the principles are still the same. As long as the blueheelers are dancing, you know you’re on the right track.

‘untill next time folks

H

Alright, I know I have gone on a lot about sir Bob recently, but please just allow me ONE more chance and then I will do my best to curb my enthusiasm. Laura and I staked out a front row spot at his Byron Bay Bluesfest performance – it took 8 hours of standing in the same puddle of mud, but man Bob made me grateful that we did!

Say what you will about ol’ Bob but you really can’t deny his style, and willingness to reinvent it. He’s as mysterious as ever, and quite frankly as rocking as ever. His band, led by Mr. Charlie Sexton, played some pretty heavy hitting blues and really rocked out. It’s a really well-crafted sound. Sure his voice is scratchy, and I’d be lying if I said I could understand ‘everything’ he said BUT his style speaks for itself.

The atmosphere of the place was unlike any other gig I’ve ever been to. People would hang on his every move, they’d cheer and headbang. All the while the ‘purists’ would moan about how he wasn’t ‘true to form’ as if the year were still 1965 and it was the first time he’d ever played an electric instrument. BLAH. I don’t care. It made me smile at any rate.

All being said and done, there were some terrific acts that weren’t Bob Dylan as well. Elvis Costello was in a really energetic way. Was thrilling viewing. And Michelle Shocked, a lady I hadn’t previously heard much about was so engaging. She performed complete with campfire and was really very inspiring. Kasey and Shane were pro as always – in the finest of forms – with Bill Chambers on the electric guitar. What legends. So all in all, the Blues at its most one fine easter weekend! (incidentally an excellent drive through the NSW tablelands too).

Well it being Friday and all, I gotta get my bowl, get my cereal and head on up to Sydney for some playin’, thank you for indulging me! See you down the line,

H