June is bustin out

I'm back. It's been awhile. June is a cool month. It was a year ago , we were in L.A. for my brother's 50th birthday party. Around here, I have been in a new phase as far as gigs go. I'm mainly doing solo piano with vocals gigs at 3 new venues for me. Garrison's, Seasons 52, and Cafe 267. I've been having fun adding lot's of songs to my repertoire. Listening-wise, I am really enjoying the new cd by The Bears that Bobby Pennock kindly sent me. They are a great pop band with modern edges that features Adrian Below as well as 3 other talented musicians who also perform as the trio-The Psychodots. I am not sure who sent me this great new Warmth OF The Sun Beach Boys t-shirt but whoever did has my thanks. It's a great one. The Warmth Of The Sun is the name of a new Beach Boys compilation that has a great selection.
I've read 2 fine Beach Boys related books in the last month-The Lost Beach Boy by Jon Stebbins and David Marks, and Inside The Music Of Brian Wilson by Phillipp Lambert.
The Lost Back Boy is a mesmorizing and often chilling tale of David Marks Beach Boys story as well as a tale of the cruel music biz. It's also the inspiring story of a surviver and a fine guitar player.
Phillip Lambert's book is an amazing look at the music of Brian Wilson. I particularly like the way he analyzes the songs. His knowledge of music theory and of Brian's music is refreshing and informative. I tried to do a similer thing in 2004 with my online essay The Jazz Theory Of Brian Wilson but Lambert's book is much more in depth and better written.
Other musical plans right now include session piano work on the new Bobby Pennock cd, more wrok with fusion/world music guitarist Papamichael, and preparation for the July 13th Jez Loves You Live-Brian/Beach Boys tribute. Bill is helping me with the arrangments. The concert will feature most of the songs from the Jez Loves You cd as well as some new ones like a boogaloo version of Johnny Carson.