BOW DOWN, MERCURY!

Mercury goes into retrograde today. Bad time for starting new projects, signing deals and communication. 

Mercury is the messenger and when he appears to be moving backwards because the Earth is traveling faster alongside him, anything involving comprehension and correspondence runs the risk of going awry. If you believe in that crap. 


Mercury in retrograde is just about the only astrological function I respect and fear. Simply because I have had direct experience with numerous endeavours swiftly sailing south within the approximately 3 week duration of challenge and confusion. This particular period starts today and ends Dec. 13th 2011.


So what does it all have to do with the music? Well if I told you, I'd be inviting the little red planet to invade my plans and inspiration only to dissuade and diffuse whatever schemes are brewing up in my brain. So that being said- I won't be doing anything until after Christmas- and maybe even longer. Regardless, its been a busy year and my kids could use a mommy around the house at night time during the holiday season and beyond.   

WENDY BISCUIT - a year in review...

I think it's been almost exactly a year since i posted the first live performance of 'Wendy Biscuit Blues'
at The Main on Main with Wayne Evans on bass and Steve Ranta on keys. I felt like the luckiest gal in the world playing with those boys and nothing's changed...except a lot. 


We've covered a lot of stages this past year with my little project as well as players..(mostly drummers) 
but I'm quite content to settle with these current gentleman, whose presence i'm honoured to share.


Here we are at Falconetti's at our Commercial Drive debut last week. That's Willie MacCalder on keys- and yes he's a dreamboat (check him out @ 1:33 mark in above video)...but we know how smitten I am by him....Jack Lavin on bass who so wonderfully stepped up to the plate after Wayne Evans - my favourite person in the whole wide world-  told me he was too old and too tired to play regularly. Mr. John Nolan on drums who has spent the last 8 years booking and backing the best jazz piano/singers at the Hyatt Regency Hotel downtown Vancouver. By the way - Falconetti's was a full house....:)


Tomorrow we hit the studio. Five of my own tunes are up for grabs (produced by Mr. Lavin himself) and I am just plugging forward like I always have without letting fear and insecurity overcome me. I know these guys are better than I can ever hope to be..and so I just take the leap of faith and hope for the best. What else is there??


Then Tues. Nov. 22nd takes us to 'Guilt and Company' in Gastown. Thank God Wayne and my mom will be in the audience. Makes it so much easier knowing my most loved ones are hanging around! Wayne doesn't drink anymore, so he can give my mother a ride home!!

MY NEWEST FRIEND...

Meet my new friend Willie MacCalder. Who am I kidding? Everyone knows Willie! He began his 40+ year long career as a professional musician as the front man to 'Willie and the Walkers' from Edmonton AB in 1963. The Euro- inspired group were soon signed to Capitol Records, and released a number of incredible tunes that landed plenty of radio play, and a number one hit on the Canadian charts.   


He quit the band to join 'The Powder Blues Band' in the late 70's with Jack and Tom Lavin. 

Isn't he adorable? he looks just like Paul McCartney..

Willie is an amazing musician who attacks the keyboard with unbridled creativity coupled with incredible precision. He is one heavy hitter and I'm scared shitless to play with him for my next two shows...in fact, at our rehearsal yesterday I was so intimidated I couldn't even look him in the eye. So much for me and all my confidence...

Here he is today, so handsome!! Will is still very busy, working as a professional piano man..performing as a top solo act or as a sideman anywhere the tides wash him ashore..I'm nervous about our upcoming show at Falconetti's on Commercial Drive, but honoured and excited too.....thanks for joining the Biscuit Blues train, Will...

I'm a lucky gal!