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July 25 Session Update

This was one of those days where, by God, I got to be a musician nearly every waking hour. I haven't had a day like this in years. And the stress was minimal. Normally, I can be very tough on myself when it comes to recording my voice. I am learning to accept what my voice can and can longer do. It helps to have a supportive producer, who pushes in the right direction.

Today, we got master vocals done for three of the new tracks for the upcoming LP. We started with a ballad, so I eased into the process. I was quite happy after a half-dozen takes, I was getting the right feel for the song.This is the first time in years that I've put down a vocal for a song that I haven't performed live with a band. No preconception of the vocal, which was refreshing.

The second song, however, was a remake of Supermodels With Gatling Guns. That presented some problems as I usually belt that one out live, but it usually includes an array of rock and roll (i.e. "bum") notes. So it took a while to feel the vibe of the song in the studio without the benefit of my bass slung around my neck. Toward the end of the second hour of work on it, I captured the right attitude for it. That recording was exhausting, but worth the effort.

Around six in the evening or so, Adam and I agreed to give one more song its due, and we both chose the mid tempo On The Rebound. The first take was pretty luminous. I did a half-dozen or so takes and each one was a keeper. Nice when you find your range for singing and it can be effortless. That allowed for more creativity and some ad libbing. Again, not a song that has ever been done on stage, so today was the day to give it life. Fortunately, I've been living with the early edit of the song for a few days and I already enjoyed the guide vocal performance I did for it in May.

All for now, stay tuned. Going into overdrive to get the album completed. More vocals as the week continues and perhaps the remaining lead guitars before Labor Day.

Peace!

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