Spring is seen as a time of change in nature, when things that were still and cold come back to vibrant new life. I truly love Spring, but it did not start off well for me this year. My beloved drummer and friend, Ed Timson, passed away of a sudden heart attack in late March. It would be an understatement to say this was a shock. Forget the music side of it...to simply lose a good friend with no warning whatsoever, is unbearably difficult. If you have listened to and appreciated my songs "Figure Out," "These Things Happen" and "If We Can Keep Dancing," that's Ed on drums on those recordings. I had hoped for much more musicmaking with him, and it's not to be. Just remember, folks, be good to your loved ones always. You simply never know what fate has in store, and it may not always be something you're ready for. I have continued to play some diverse shows, and there are big ones coming up, including a duo show with Ted Moniak at the Samuel Sachs library in Chesterfield on Thurs., April 26 at 7pm, and a Shakey Deal appearance at Naked Vine on Sat., May 5, 8-11 pm.. There are few things I love more than playing music for people, and doing shows in spring and summer is about the best. Remember that if you are ever wanting to book me for a private party or house concert, I can offer duo, trio or full band shows. We tailor the set to the kind of music you want for your show. Just drop me a line if this sounds like something you want to explore. I finished teaching a wonderfully enjoyable new Songwriting class at St Louis Community College at Meramec in early April. What a talented group of students I had! Hope to repeat the class in fall or next year. Have also been continuing my work on a memoir, which will be full of surprises, and on writing new songs. Three new ones are in the works. And I've been performing my sweet little ode to transition, "Go In Peace," at my last few concerts. I started a recording of this one and will finish it in spring. Hope to include it on a forthcoming compilation album. There are many things I wish I could say about the state of America right now. I'm not going to do that, though. Anywhere in the world of social media you can read any point of view you relate to. What I WILL say, though, is that kindness and community are essential for all of us, and it causes nothing but pain to insult each other and aggressively maintain an attitude of divisiveness. I hope that things will change for the better, SOON. Music is a healing art, and no matter what struggles I endure, I am proud to be a singer and musician. I can't wait to record again, and I continue measured progress on an ambient collaboration with Walter Whitney. Also will probably record a new single in May or June. As always, I welcome correspondence, so feel free to drop me a line, and I'll try to answer all of you. Thanks for the continuing support, and Happy Spring to everyone!