August Newsletter: The last stand for “Traveling Salesman” (wink.)

August 3rd, 2009

As I look at my schedule, I wonder how it got so busy. When the summer began I thought it was pretty wide open, but as I sit here typing, I realize that it’s been a pretty darn busy season after all.

So much progress has been made this year thanks to you! I’ve been blessed with support from so many wonderful people in the folk community and those connections have set up some exciting shows for the coming months. I’ve also spent time on and off stage at venues, conferences and festivals, and at the shows of other artists who are becoming good friends and touring buddies. And I’ve been writing a lot too.

It was exactly one-year ago when I released “Traveling Salesman”. After one year, it continues to get attention from presenters, radio and fans. Thank you for all of your love and encouragement! I never imagined we’d get so much attention and positive feedback.

But, it’s a fast-paced-world, and “Traveling Salesman” is an aging release. As the summer season makes way for fall conferences and networking opportunities, “Traveling Salesman” is getting ready to become a treasured piece of back catalog. But before I tell you any more about the next record, I’m happy to announce that “Traveling Salesman” will play it’s final big-promotional role as I use it to plan my first European tour for the Spring of 2010.

Pretty Girls

Three weeks ago, I finished writing a new song titled “Skin and Bones”. When I was done, I could feel a door closing. It was the 15th “keeper” in a long stretch of writing that has spanned the last twelve months. I’m seeing the signs that it’s time to start making a new record.

So, I’m putting this out here for everyone to “hear”. My next record will be recorded later this year and will be released in early 2010. The album will be titled “Pretty Girls” and is largely relationship themed.

I’ve started arranging the new songs with Joe, Carolin and Craig, and I’ve sent demos out to some folks and a couple of producers for input. This looks to be a much different record than “Traveling Salesman”, though with the same core instrumentation. When we last recorded, we had only been playing together for a few weeks. Now we’ve got a year and a half of chemistry to work with, and I’d like to capture some of the energy we’ve developed on tape.

We’ll all be taking a break at the end of August for vacations and travel opportunities, and then we’ll be back together late in September to get songs tight and us rehearsed for the studio.

More details will be forthcoming, so get ready… I will be launching an agressive pre-sale campaign with lots of perks and possibilities in September.

Carolin Pook Gets Her O-1 Resident Artist Status

One last thing! I posted this on my website, but I wanted to put it out here in case you missed it. Carolin Pook – violinist extraordinaire, friend and a key element to our live sound – has just been approved for her O-1 resident artist status. This allows her to get a visa and stay in the US legally until 2012. If you haven’t heard us live yet, I truly hope to find an opportunity to get to you, so you can hear Carolin – and the rest of My Beautiful Band – soon.

Remember… If you have a house concert (or would like to start one), a folk coffehouse series, or a fun venue and would like to have me and the best damn band in the North East up close and personal, drop me a line at info@joeiadanza.com and we’ll see if we can’t make it happen for you!

Many Blessings! I’m so grateful for you. Thanks for listening!