Boston, MA, USA / July 2003


GREETINGS EVERYONE!
I'm writing this in Santa Fe @ the back-end of a wonderful (& much-needed) holiday with Caron - we've been here several times & always enjoy everything the Town has to offer - especially the weather.


For those of you who haven't " checked in " for some time, the last six months have been quite full for me, & on the publicity front the current (late June) " Improper Bostonian " magazine has an article (including a wonderful picture of " Austin "); early June saw a piece by Steve Morse in the " Boston Globe ".

The local live dates I have been doing (with Amy Fairchild, Paul Ahlstrand, John Troy, Dennis Brennan, " Swinging Steaks ", & Brian Maes, among others) have really been enjoyable, & earlier this year, the brief March UK trip for the " Feast of Fiddles " tour was also great fun. An honourable mention must go to my jazz trio date in early May at " The Crescent Dragon " in Haverhill, MA with the sublime Tim Ray (Pno) & Marty Ballou (Bs) - it was rather special. PLEASE do try to attend the repeat performance on Aug. 31st. Details on the GIG page.

A variety of people have been calling me for studio work - I prefer to wait 'till a CD is released before going into details - but suffice to say, I've been thoroughly enjoying myself. I'm fortunate in that just about every recording session is a positive experience with fine songwriters, musicians & engineers. (There have been a few more TV/Film sessions with composer Mason Daring too). The astute among you will have noticed that some of the CD's mentioned in my last missive in Jan' are now available. Some of these include: " Super Genius " [about to be released on TRACK in the UK], " Emory Joseph " [Bonnie Rait's a big fan of this one!], "Jon Shain " & " From a Window - the Lost Songs of Lennon & McCartney " - all recommended by yours truly.

With this update I've included some new pics' (as promised in my last update, some circa '91 from the XTC "NonSuch" recording sessions with Gus Dudgeon - he with the vibrant shirt!)! I hope you enjoy them.

Coming up very soon (late July into early Aug') is a brief tour with the wonderful Mary Chapin Carpenter. It's pre-dominantly East coast based with the odd date further afield & I hope you can make it along to one of the concerts - all of which should be posted on my " Gigs " section by the time you're reading this.

I'll be returning " to base " here in New England after Chapin's concerts & look forward to seeing you at a local gig for a chat soon.

Don't hesitate to mail any tech' queries - always pleased to pass on hints and ideas. Better still, check the gig listing and come see me play so we can talk in person.

Thanks for your interest - it's always appreciated. Fondest to you all and do stay tuned. DM

PS: One of the best pieces of contemporary film music writing (& playing) I've heard for some time; do listen to John Williams score over the opening credits to " Catch Me If You Can " - the visuals are pretty good too!

PPS:DON'T miss "A Mighty Wind" - latest Christopher Guest movie (he of "Waiting for Guffman" and "Best in Show" fame.) Absolutely a must!!!