Monday, December 2, 2013

25 Years of Music-Making

Hope you had a happy Thanksgivukkah! Rubina and I stayed in Brooklyn... we're hunkering down and getting ready for the birth of our lil' Bumphreys, due in late December. I have added one solo show to the docket for December 14 – an 8 pm set at my fave neighborhood bar here in DUMBO, 68 Jay St. Bar. Please come if you're in town. Would love to see you.

AL KOOPER

Got to visit with legendary musician, producer and songwriter Al Kooper (pictured right) in November. Some of you know Al is a HOBEX fan from way back... he replied to my last newsletter (people actually read these things, who knew?) and let me know he was in town to play organ on some gigs with Ron Wood and Mick Taylor. We had a great hang. Thanks, Al!

HOLIDAY GIFTING

For a special holiday gift, may I suggest a Greg Humphreys CD bundle for your favorite music fan? Visit my store here to purchase CDs directly from me via PayPal. I will be fulfilling these orders myself, and I'd be glad to sign the disc(s) and write a personal note to your giftee, complete with an original cartoon. Running a D.I.Y. operation all the way ovah heah! Of course, all four solo album releases are also available through iTunes and other digital outlets.

2014: TWENTY-FIVE YEARS OF MUSIC-MAKING 

Thanks again to everyone who came out to one or more of this year's 50 live performances. 2014 will mark my 25th year as a recording and performing artist – Dillon Fence released our self-titled self-released EP in 1989. 

I've released over 10 albums' worth of songs and performed well over 2000 times these past 25 years; sometimes it's overwhelming to think about it all. I am forever indebted to the many talented musicians and business people with whom I've been lucky enough to work, as I am indebted to you for your support and encouragement. I'm sorry if I ever let you down. 

Special thanks to awesome folks Brad, Val, and Chris at Mongrel Music, who have been booking me over the last ten years, both with HOBEX and as a solo artist. 

It's not likely Bohemia will appear on any end-of-year Best-of-2013 lists, but I know in my heart that I am making some of the best music of my 25-year career right now. I also know that those of you who have bought, listened to, and enjoyed my solo releases will vouch for their quality and integrity. 

Super-excited for you to hear the tracks I've been working on with Matt Brandau here in NYC. We have half an album's worth of songs completed so far – yet another genre adventure. More soon! The next time you hear from me, there will likely be a lil' Bumphreys in the house.

xo,
Greg

 

LATEST ALBUM: BOHEMIA.

 

"...a perennial pleasure, an ever-blooming example of what dedication to one’s art and a fierce resistance to abandoning exposed heart and simple, sincere emotion can produce." – Dennis Cook, Dirty Impound

Available on iTunes. Hard copies available via PayPal and at live shows.

Check out the music video for the song "Across The Ocean, Mama," the third track on BOHEMIA. Buy BOHEMIA on iTunes herePurchase a hard copy via PayPal here. Have a listen online here or here

Bohemia is a 9 song puzzle.  Some tunes are newer; some were written during a couple of summers spent in Prague, CZ and the EU. They fit together just so.

It's about leaving, and arriving.  You could consider it a love letter (or goodbye note) to my home state of North Carolina.  You could also consider this LP a musical warm-up, setting the stage for new adventures in New York City and beyond.

Bohemia features musical turns from very talented guests Matt Brandau, Phil Cook, and Lizzy Ross. There's a song co-written in Nashville, TN (and on Interstate 40) with Lizzy Ross, and a song co-written drunk on a roof in Prague with Montana singer-songwriter Jessica Kilroy

It's of a piece with my previous three solo albums Trunk Songs, Realign Your Mind, and People You May Know; mostly acoustic. Mostly recorded at my studio in Durham NC with help from friends.

STREAM THE ALBUM HERE - GO TO THE MUSIC PLAYER AND PRESS 'PLAY ALL'.

BOHEMIA

1. Someday, I’ll Have My Due
2. Sayin’ What You Mean
3. Across The Ocean, Mama
4. While You’re Away
5. Jubble On, Jubbly
6. Shelby, I Told You
7. Hush
8. Sweet La Rue
9. Railroad Bill

Tuesday, November 5, 2013

NYC and Philly this week!

Back in the city. I'm whupped, but I'm happy! Two more shows this week to round out the Bohemia fall tour.
 

Tonight, Wednesday November 6, I'll be at NYC's Rockwood Music Hall Room #3, doing a special 8 pm duo set with my good buddy (and excellent singer-songwriter / guitar picker) Jon Shain. We'll be doing each others' songs, just like we used to do on Jon and Maria's porch in Durham. Advance tickets are available!
 

On Saturday, November 9, I'm opening for Jim Boggia at Steel City Coffeehouse in Phoenixville PA near Philly. I caught Jim this summer in London, at a show we did together at the 12 Bar along with our mutual friend Mick Terry. I was blown away and I'm sure you will be too if you make it... you can pick up advance tickets here.
 

BOHEMIA FALL TOUR – THANK YOUS 
 

Thanks to everyone who made it out to a show! It warmed my heart to see so many friends and fans over these past couple of weeks. North Carolina is beautiful this time of year. Although not every show was packed, I got to play for some sweet and appreciative crowds big and small. I'm lucky you're on my side.
 

Just wanted to take a moment to thank some amazing musicians I got to play with on this tour. First up, Tania Elizabeth (of the Duhks and The Stacks) killed it at our duo set at BB Kings opening for Donna. Catch her before she blows up... she just performed on Letterman last week with the Avett Brothers.
 

Secondly, I'd like to thank the funk 'n' soul musicians who came together and made last week's HOBEX and Q-BEX shows so happening: Andy Ware, Jeff Sipe, Doug Largent, Dan Davis, Robert Cantrell, Tim Smith, David McCracken, and Cyril Lance. Your musicality inspires me... thanks for lifting me up when we play together. Looking forward to the next time.
 

Thanks to Big Fat Gap's Miles Andrews, Jamie Griggs, and Jon Hill (as well as Josh Moore) for sharing the stage with me last Tuesday at Carrboro NC's Second Wind. You guys have the most fun. Thanks to Jamie for fixing my guitar as well – love my Griggs guitar.
 

Thanks to my talented sister Ann Humphreys for coming out and singing with me at Second Wind and my show at the Garage in Winston-Salem. Here are a couple of youtube vids she posted of us sangin' together... old fave Windows and Jerry Jeff Walker's Charlie Dunn. You just can't beat sibling harmony.
 

Thanks to my Dillon Fence bandmates Scott Carle and Kent Alphin for surprising me in Wilmington NC at the Satellite. I recruited them for an impromptu late-night second set that a few old Fence fans were lucky enough to hear. You guys are the best. Thanks to Jones Smith for adding some mandolin to a few tunes as well.
 

Finally, thanks to the folks that put me up along the way – Marcos and Emily, Devin and Madonna, Brooke and Hilary, Jay, and Jeff! Couldn't do it without your help. 

Until next time,

Greg

   

LATEST ALBUM: BOHEMIA.

"...a perennial pleasure, an ever-blooming example of what dedication to one’s art and a fierce resistance to abandoning exposed heart and simple, sincere emotion can produce." – Dennis Cook, Dirty Impound

Available on iTunes. Hard copies available via PayPal and at live shows.

Check out the music video for the song "Across The Ocean, Mama," the third track on BOHEMIA. Buy BOHEMIA on iTunes herePurchase a hard copy via PayPal here. Have a listen online here or here

 

Bohemia is a 9 song puzzle.  Some tunes are newer; some were written during a couple of summers spent in Prague, CZ and the EU. They fit together just so.

 

It's about leaving, and arriving.  You could consider it a love letter (or goodbye note) to my home state of North Carolina.  You could also consider this LP a musical warm-up, setting the stage for new adventures in New York City and beyond.

 

Bohemia features musical turns from very talented guests Matt Brandau, Phil Cook, and Lizzy Ross. There's a song co-written in Nashville, TN (and on Interstate 40) with Lizzy Ross, and a song co-written drunk on a roof in Prague with Montana singer-songwriter Jessica Kilroy

 

It's of a piece with my previous three solo albums Trunk Songs, Realign Your Mind, and People You May Know; mostly acoustic. Mostly recorded at my studio in Durham NC with help from friends.

STREAM THE ALBUM HERE - GO TO THE MUSIC PLAYER AND PRESS 'PLAY ALL'.

 

BOHEMIA

 

1. Someday, I’ll Have My Due

2. Sayin’ What You Mean

3. Across The Ocean, Mama

4. While You’re Away

5. Jubble On, Jubbly

6. Shelby, I Told You

7. Hush

8. Sweet La Rue

9. Railroad Bill

Wednesday, October 2, 2013

BOHEMIA FALL TOUR 2013

Thanks to all of you who came out to the show last week at The Bowery Electric... so nice to see you there.
 
Doing it again this Friday, October 4 at B.B. King Blues Club here in NYC. Playing a special duo set with the fabulous Tania Elizabeth, of The Stacks and The Duhks! We're opening for our friends Donna the Buffalo – showtime is at 7:30pm and you can get advance tickets here.
 
BOHEMIA FALL TOUR 2013
 
The B.B. King's show Friday is the kick-off for my fall BOHEMIA Tour.

Sharing bills with some absolutely amazing musicians and songwriters this time around, including Tania, Donna the Buffalo, Tom Brosseau & Sean Watkins, Band of Heathens, Jon Shain, and Jim Boggia.

Also excited about a couple of very special shows throwing down with my talented funk'n'soul collaborators in HOBEX (Andy Ware, Doug Largent, Dan Davis, Robert Cantrell, Tim Smith, Cyril Lance) and Q-BEX (Jeff Sipe, Andy Ware, David McCracken, Cyril Lance).

Feels like a long time since I've headed south. Looking forward to seeing my friends and fans while I'm in the area! Come out to a show if you can – it'd be great to see you.

BOHEMIA FALL TOUR 2013

10/04 New York, NY B.B. King Blues Club duo with Tania Elizabeth, opening for Donna the Buffalo
10/23 Asheville NC The Grey Eagle with Tom Brosseau & Sean Watkins  RSVP Advance tickets
10/24 Raleigh NC The Pour House Music Hall solo set, HOBEX  RSVP  Advance tickets
10/26 Charlotte NC Visulite Theatre opening for Band of Heathens Advance tickets
10/30 Brevard NC 185 King Street Q-BEX (Jeff Sipe & HOBEX) RSVP
11/01 Winston-Salem NC The Garage
11/02 Wilmington NC satellite bar and lounge Wilmington Unplugged series
11/06 New York NY Rockwood Music Hall Room #3 duo with Jon Shain Advance tickets
11/09 Phoenixville PA Steel City Coffeehouse opening for Jim Boggia Advance tickets

DIRTY IMPOUND LOVES BOHEMIA

More great press for Bohemia – check out Dennis Cook's review here. "...a perennial pleasure, an ever-blooming example of what dedication to one’s art and a fierce resistance to abandoning exposed heart and simple, sincere emotion can produce." Yes, I will take that! Thank you, Dennis and Dirty Impound.

Until next time,
Greg
   
LATEST ALBUM: BOHEMIA. Available on iTunes. Hard copies available via PayPal and at live shows.


Check out the music video for the song "Across The Ocean, Mama," the third track on BOHEMIA. Buy BOHEMIA on iTunes herePurchase a hard copy via PayPal here. Have a listen online here or here.

Bohemia is a 9 song puzzle.  Some tunes are newer; some were written during a couple of summers spent in Prague, CZ and the EU. They fit together just so.

It's about leaving, and arriving.  You could consider it a love letter (or goodbye note) to my home state of North Carolina.  You could also consider this LP a musical warm-up, setting the stage for new adventures in New York City and beyond.

Bohemia features musical turns from very talented guests Matt Brandau, Phil Cook, and Lizzy Ross. There's a song co-written in Nashville, TN (and on Interstate 40) with Lizzy Ross, and a song co-written drunk on a roof in Prague with Montana singer-songwriter Jessica Kilroy.

It's of a piece with my previous three solo albums Trunk Songs, Realign Your Mind, and People You May Know; mostly acoustic. Mostly recorded at my studio in Durham NC with help from friends.
STREAM THE ALBUM HERE - GO TO THE MUSIC PLAYER AND PRESS 'PLAY ALL'.

BOHEMIA

1. Someday, I’ll Have My Due
2. Sayin’ What You Mean
3. Across The Ocean, Mama
4. While You’re Away
5. Jubble On, Jubbly
6. Shelby, I Told You
7. Hush
8. Sweet La Rue
9. Railroad Bill

Thursday, September 19, 2013

NYC 9/25, Fall Tour

Thank you for all your kind wishes regarding our impending parenthood. The Bumphreys has been kicking lately. Excited!
 
NYC SHOW 9/25
 
New Yorkers, I'm playing a 7:30 pm solo set at Bowery Electric on Wednesday, September 25. Would love to see you there – you can RSVP (or invite friends) at the FB event page.
 
Other than that, laying low in September... busy recording some more future chart-toppers with Matt Brandau at his Upper West Side studio.
 
SUMMER HOOT RECAP
 
The Summer Hoot was a hoot-and-a-half! Met a lot of very sweet people. Jammed with some absolutely great artists like The Stacks, who were kind enough to sit in with me. Caught some unforgettable sets as well – 94 year-old folk legend Pete Seeger's Sunday afternoon sing-along made us cry.
 
The Dirt Farmer Band closed out the festival on Sunday evening, inviting the other artists on stage and leading us through "The Weight" (Rubi's pic above.) Thanks to my talented friends Mike + Ruthy for including me! Posted some pics of my own at my FB personal page, if you'd like to peruse.
 
BLURT REVIEW OF BOHEMIA
 
Bohemia recently received a great album review from Lee Zimmerman over at Blurt. Choice quote: "Ultimately, Bohemia seems to live up to its title, given its nonchalant attitude and unassuming demeanor. It’s a sensual sound, a momentary retreat to a place in the pines." Thanks for the kind words, Lee, and thanks to Blurt for the coverage.
 
FALL BOHEMIA TOUR
 
Coming south in late October to support Bohemia! First up, on Wednesday October 23, I'll be splitting an acoustic bill at Asheville NC's Grey Eagle with L.A. based duo Tom Brosseau and Sean Watkins (of Nickel Creek fame.) Excited to see these guys! You can get advance tickets here.
 
HOBEX makes our only fall appearance the following night on Thursday, October 24 at The Pour House Music Hall in Raleigh NC. Bassist Andy Ware and I will be joined by drummer Dan Davis, organist Doug Largent, saxophonist Tim Smith, guitarist Cyril Lance, and percussionist Robert Cantrell.
 
Kicking off The Pour House show with an 8 pm solo acoustic set. This is the first time I've played in the Triangle since the LP came out and the first time since I moved to NYC, so let's just call this show a Bohemia album release party for the Triangle. Yeah. RSVP and invite folks hereBuy advance tickets here.

Q-BEX, our loose-and-fun semiannual collaboration between super-drummer Jeff Sipe and HOBEX, convenes on Wednesday, October 30 in Brevard NC at 185 King Street. Special guests and frequent collaborators keyboardist David McCracken of Donna the Buffalo and guitarist Cyril Lance up the ante considerably. You can RSVP and invite folks here.
 
Returning to my hometown, Winston-Salem NC, on Friday November 1 for a solo acoustic set at The Garage! Special guest TBA. Working on gigs in Charlotte NC and Wilmington NC on this run as well... more details soon.
 
Until next time,
Greg



   
LATEST ALBUM: BOHEMIA. Available on iTunes. Hard copies available via PayPal and at live shows.


Check out the music video for the song "Across The Ocean, Mama," the third track on BOHEMIA. Buy BOHEMIA on iTunes herePurchase a hard copy via PayPal here. Have a listen online here or here.

Bohemia is a 9 song puzzle.  Some tunes are newer; some were written during a couple of summers spent in Prague, CZ and the EU. They fit together just so.

It's about leaving, and arriving.  You could consider it a love letter (or goodbye note) to my home state of North Carolina.  You could also consider this LP a musical warm-up, setting the stage for new adventures in New York City and beyond.

Bohemia features musical turns from very talented guests Matt Brandau, Phil Cook, and Lizzy Ross. There's a song co-written in Nashville, TN (and on Interstate 40) with Lizzy Ross, and a song co-written drunk on a roof in Prague with Montana singer-songwriter Jessica Kilroy.

It's of a piece with my previous three solo albums Trunk Songs, Realign Your Mind, and People You May Know; mostly acoustic. Mostly recorded at my studio in Durham NC with help from friends.
STREAM THE ALBUM HERE - GO TO THE MUSIC PLAYER AND PRESS 'PLAY ALL'.

BOHEMIA

1. Someday, I’ll Have My Due
2. Sayin’ What You Mean
3. Across The Ocean, Mama
4. While You’re Away
5. Jubble On, Jubbly
6. Shelby, I Told You
7. Hush
8. Sweet La Rue
9. Railroad Bill

Wednesday, August 7, 2013

Summer Hoot August 23, 24, 25!

Ensconced in our new apartment in DUMBO, between the Brooklyn Bridge and Manhattan Bridges and overlooking the East River. Have some huge news to report on the personal front: Rubina and I are engaged and she's expecting a baby in late December. We're very excited, to say the least. 

I'm told this will change my life and I don't don't doubt it, but I do hope to continue making records and playing shows. In fact, I've been working on a new LP lately with Producer/musician Matt Brandau that is sounding groovy. That said, my latest LP BOHEMIA is available on iTunes here, at shows, and  via PayPal here. Baby needs a new pair of shoes! 

SUMMER HOOT – AUGUST 23, 24, 25

The Summer Hoot is upon us. This new summer festival is happening at the Ashokan Center in Olivebridge, NY on August 23, 24, and 25. My friends Mike + Ruthy are the organizers... here's the schedule. I'll be playing two solo sets – Friday at 10pm and Sunday at 2pm. There will be camping, great local food, art activities and nature programs for all ages. Come hang! Buy your advance tickets here. 

The Amazing line-up of performers at the Summer Hoot, in alphabetical order: Kristin Andreassen, Dan Bern, The Big Takeover, Robert Sarazin Blake, Burnell Pines, The Cupcakes, Death Vessel, The Dirt Farmer Band (featuring Larry Campbell, Teresa Williams, Amy Helm, Byron Isaacs and Justin Guip), Mikhael Horowitz & Gilles Malkine, The Ivy Vine Players, Natalie Merchant, Chris Merenda, Mike + Ruthy, Elizabeth Mitchell & Dan Zanes, The Murphy Beds, AC Newman, Adrien Reju, Pete Seeger, The Stacks, Richie Stearns & Rosie Newton, Story Laurie and Friends, Happy Traum, Uncle Rock, Jay Ungar & Molly Mason, Lindsey Webster, The Wiyos, and the Zucchini Brothers.

EUROPEAN TOUR RECAP

Had a wonderful time in July on my European tour supporting BOHEMIA. Traveling solo with your guitar slung over your shoulder is always an eye-opening and reinvigorating experience. What a treat it was to share the stage with talents like Jim Boggia, Mick Terry, Danny George Wilson, Kathy Ziegler, and Justin Lavash. Met some great people along the way, of course. Many thanks to my hosts AJ and Judith Terlouw, Bill Pixley, and Mary Liles for putting me up. Posted some snaps from the tour over at my FB personal page, if you'd like to have a look.

REST IN PEACE, FAYE HUNTER

Let's Active Bassist Faye Hunter (and sweet friend) has passed away. I had just seen her recently at the Winston-Salem NC Centennial Celebration. I will never forget the night she came to see our high school band at 'The Riff' in Winston in the mid-'80s. She was one of our heroes and we were nervous. To be honest, we weren't very good. At the end of the show, she told me that we sounded "like the Bobby Fuller Four." Sweet and encouraging... that's the way she's been every time I've seen her or talked to her since then. A true gentle soul. Rest in peace, Faye. You deserved a lot better. We love you.

Until next time,
Greg




NEW ALBUM: BOHEMIA

Check out the new music video that I made recently for the song "Across The Ocean, Mama," the third track on BOHEMIA. Buy BOHEMIA on iTunes herePurchase a hard copy via PayPal here. Have a listen online here or here

Bohemia is a 9 song puzzle.  Some tunes are newer; some were written during my last couple of summers in Prague, CZ and the EU. They fit together just so.

It's about leaving, and arriving.  You could consider it a love letter (or goodbye note) to my home state of North Carolina.  You could also consider this LP a musical warm-up, setting the stage for new adventures in New York City and beyond.

Bohemia features musical turns from very talented guests Matt Brandau, Phil Cook, and Lizzy Ross. There's a song co-written in Nashville, TN (and on Interstate 40) with Lizzy Ross, and a song co-written drunk on a roof in Prague with Montana singer-songwriter Jessica Kilroy

It's of a piece with my previous three solo albums Trunk Songs, Realign Your Mind, and People You May Know; mostly acoustic. Mostly recorded at my studio in Durham NC with help from friends.

STREAM THE ALBUM HERE - GO TO THE MUSIC PLAYER AND PRESS 'PLAY ALL'.

BOHEMIA

1. Someday, I’ll Have My Due
2. Sayin’ What You Mean
3. Across The Ocean, Mama
4. While You’re Away
5. Jubble On, Jubbly
6. Shelby, I Told You
7. Hush
8. Sweet La Rue
9. Railroad Bill

Someday, I’ll Have My Due – A 6/8 ballad in the old soul style. Guess you could say it's about believing in the future, despite the odds.

Sayin’ What You Mean – Nowhere in the song am I saying what *I* mean.

Across The Ocean, Mama – About saying goodbye, forever. We all have to at some point.

While You’re Away – An older song that Matt Brandau and I recorded at his studio here in NYC one afternoon last summer. Matt played bass, drums and keys on this version and gave it a reggae spin. I'm on guitars and vocals.

Jubble on, Jubbly – A non-sequiturrific number co-written on a roof in Prague one night with Montana Singer-songwriter Jessica Kilroy and others. Alcohol was involved. This version features the fantastic Phil Cook on Slide Dobro.

Shelby, I Told You – A chart-topper written for fictional country star 'Keith Cline' by myself and Lizzy Ross. On our way to Memphis for Folk Alliance International, we spent an evening in Nashville listening to bands play classic country in the honky-tonks of Broadway Avenue. We wrote this tune a few days later in the car on our way back to North Carolina. Lizzy sings harmony on this version.

Hush – A happy confection I whipped up one afternoon in my living room last spring. You can hear my dog Daisy shake her collar at the beginning of the tune.

Sweet La Rue – The song had been sitting on the shelf for a long time... I played it on the ukelele one day and it felt just right.

Railroad Bill – Our take on a traditional number. Phil Cook and I play guitar and sing together on this version.

Produced, engineered and mixed by Greg Humphreys.
Track 4 produced by Matt Brandau and Greg Humphreys, 
engineered by Matt Brandau.

Mastered by Colin Leonard at SING Mastering.

Greg Humphreys:
Vocals, Acoustic and Electric Guitars, Steel Guitar, Hand Claps,
Bass Guitar, Ukelele.

Matt Brandau: Track 4 Bass Guitar, Drums, Wurlitzer Piano.
Lizzy Ross: Track 6 Harmony Vocals. 
Phil Cook: Track 5 Slide Dobro, Track 9 Vocals and Guitar.
Daisy dog: Track 7 Percussion.

Tracks 1, 2, 3, 4, 7, 8 written by Greg Humphreys. 
© Phrex Music BMI 2013.

Track 6 written by Lizzy Ross BMI and Greg Humphreys BMI.
Track 5 written by Jessica Kilroy BMI, Greg Humphreys BMI, 
Rinnah Henderson BMI.

Track 9 traditional arrangement by Phil Cook and Greg Humphreys.

Monday, June 24, 2013

European tour starts this week!

So very excited to return to Europe this week for BOHEMIA tourdates! Hitting the Netherlands first... playing shows in Maastricht and Liempde on Friday, June 28 and Saturday, June 29, thanks to my hosts AJ and Judith Terlouw. On Sunday, June 30, I'll be doing a 10pm set at Muziekcafé Local Vredebreuk for The Hague International Singer-Songwriter Festival, followed by a set from my friend Kathy Ziegler.

Back in Prague CZ for five shows between Tuesday, July 2 and Sunday, July 7. This is the fourth summer in a row I've been able to perform in Prague – I feel lucky to have tapped into a beautiful community of musicians, friends and fans there. Can't wait to see everyone and drink some pivo. This time around, I'll be splitting a bill with Justin Lavash and performing at old haunts the RedRoom and James Joyce, along with some new venues. 

Wrapping up my trip with four UK shows in the greater London area between Tuesday, July 9 and Saturday, July 13. I'll again be sharing a couple of bills with talented friend Mick Terry. Mick and I will be sharing the stage with Jim Boggia at the 12 Bar on July 9. We'll be with Danny George Wilson (of Danny and The Champs) at Betsey Trotwood on July 10 for Mick's Living Room Scene series (yes, he did name the series after the Dillon Fence album!)

Details, ticket links, and venue websites for all of these shows are at my schedule page. Hope to see many of my European friends and fans this time around... please tell your friends to catch a set.

SUMMER 2013 BOHEMIA EUROPEAN TOUR:

Fri    6/28/13  Cafe Con Leche Maastricht, NL 
Sat   6/29/13  House Concert Liempde, NL 
Sun  6/30/13  The Hague International Singer-Songwriter Festival The Hague, NL 
Tue  7/02/13  The Tunnel Prague, CZ with Justin Lavash
Wed 7/03/13  RedRoom Prague, CZ 
Thu  7/04/13  Joy Prague, CZ 
Fri    7/05/13  James Joyce Prague, CZ 
Sun  7/07/13  Caffreys Prague, CZ 
Tue  7/09/13  12 Bar London, UK with Jim Boggia, Mick Terry
Wed 7/10/13  Betsey Trotwood London, UK with Mick Terry, Danny George Wilson
Fri    7/12/13  Spiritual Caipirinha Bar London, UK
Sat   7/13/13  Jerusalem Bar London, UK

SUMMER HOOT – UPSTATE NY FESTIVAL AUGUST 23 – 25

Also excited about performing at the Summer Hoot, a new summer festival at the Ashokan Center in Olivebridge, NY from August 23 – 25. My friends Mike + Ruthy, a fantastic duo, are the organizers. They've put together a great line-up of performers including The Dirt Farmer Band (featuring Larry Campbell, Teresa Williams, Amy Helm, Byron Isaacs and Justin Guip,) Natalie Merchant, Chris Merenda, Richie Stearns & Rosie Newton, Jay Ungar & Molly Mason, The Wiyos and more.

NEW HOBEX LIVE RECORDING

HOBEX had a great time at our NC gigs at the beginning of June. Here's a live set from the Texas Pete Twin City Rib Festival on 6/13/13, if you'd like to have a listen or download. The band (Andy Ware, Dan Davis, Tim Smith, Robert Cantrell, Doug Largent) is sounding fierce these days, whenever we get together! Thanks to all who came out and thanks to Terry Killebrew for taping and posting this show. 

NEW ALBUM: BOHEMIA

Check out the new music video that I made recently for the song "Across The Ocean, Mama," the third track on BOHEMIA. Buy BOHEMIA on iTunes herePurchase a hard copy via PayPal here. Have a listen online here or here

Bohemia is a 9 song puzzle.  Some tunes are newer; some were written during my last couple of summers in Prague, CZ and the EU. They fit together just so.

It's about leaving, and arriving.  You could consider it a love letter (or goodbye note) to my home state of North Carolina.  You could also consider this LP a musical warm-up, setting the stage for new adventures in New York City and beyond.

Bohemia features musical turns from very talented guests Matt Brandau, Phil Cook, and Lizzy Ross. There's a song co-written in Nashville, TN (and on Interstate 40) with Lizzy Ross, and a song co-written drunk on a roof in Prague with Montana singer-songwriter Jessica Kilroy

It's of a piece with my previous three solo albums Trunk Songs, Realign Your Mind, and People You May Know; mostly acoustic. Mostly recorded at my studio in Durham NC with help from friends.

STREAM THE ALBUM HERE - GO TO THE MUSIC PLAYER AND PRESS 'PLAY ALL'.

BOHEMIA

1. Someday, I’ll Have My Due
2. Sayin’ What You Mean
3. Across The Ocean, Mama
4. While You’re Away
5. Jubble On, Jubbly
6. Shelby, I Told You
7. Hush
8. Sweet La Rue
9. Railroad Bill

Someday, I’ll Have My Due – A 6/8 ballad in the old soul style. Guess you could say it's about believing in the future, despite the odds.

Sayin’ What You Mean – Nowhere in the song am I saying what *I* mean.

Across The Ocean, Mama – About saying goodbye, forever. We all have to at some point.

While You’re Away – An older song that Matt Brandau and I recorded at his studio here in NYC one afternoon last summer. Matt played bass, drums and keys on this version and gave it a reggae spin. I'm on guitars and vocals.

Jubble on, Jubbly – A non-sequiturrific number co-written on a roof in Prague one night with Montana Singer-songwriter Jessica Kilroy and others. Alcohol was involved. This version features the fantastic Phil Cook on Slide Dobro.

Shelby, I Told You – A chart-topper written for fictional country star 'Keith Cline' by myself and Lizzy Ross. On our way to Memphis for Folk Alliance International, we spent an evening in Nashville listening to bands play classic country in the honky-tonks of Broadway Avenue. We wrote this tune a few days later in the car on our way back to North Carolina. Lizzy sings harmony on this version.

Hush – A happy confection I whipped up one afternoon in my living room last spring. You can hear my dog Daisy shake her collar at the beginning of the tune.

Sweet La Rue – The song had been sitting on the shelf for a long time... I played it on the ukelele one day and it felt just right.

Railroad Bill – Our take on a traditional number. Phil Cook and I play guitar and sing together on this version.

Produced, engineered and mixed by Greg Humphreys.
Track 4 produced by Matt Brandau and Greg Humphreys, 
engineered by Matt Brandau.

Mastered by Colin Leonard at SING Mastering.

Greg Humphreys:
Vocals, Acoustic and Electric Guitars, Steel Guitar, Hand Claps,
Bass Guitar, Ukelele.

Matt Brandau: Track 4 Bass Guitar, Drums, Wurlitzer Piano.
Lizzy Ross: Track 6 Harmony Vocals. 
Phil Cook: Track 5 Slide Dobro, Track 9 Vocals and Guitar.
Daisy dog: Track 7 Percussion.

Tracks 1, 2, 3, 4, 7, 8 written by Greg Humphreys. 
© Phrex Music BMI 2013.

Track 6 written by Lizzy Ross BMI and Greg Humphreys BMI.
Track 5 written by Jessica Kilroy BMI, Greg Humphreys BMI, 
Rinnah Henderson BMI.

Track 9 traditional arrangement by Phil Cook and Greg Humphreys.

Until next time,

Greg

Wednesday, May 29, 2013

New Video. EU tour. HOBEX in CLT, W-S.

Lovely day here in NYC. Sharing a new music video with you that I made recently for the song "Across The Ocean, Mama," which is the third track on BOHEMIA. As I told my friend Chris Peeler, it was very hard to train the birds to fly backwards. You can set the youtube player at 720p for HD viewing pleasure.

By the way, BOHEMIA is here! Buy the album on iTunes herePurchase a hard copy via PayPal here. Have a listen online here or here. I will of course have copies for sale at my upcoming shows, including my official BOHEMIA album release party at The Double Door Inn in Charlotte, NC on Thursday June 6th. Which leads me to...

HOBEX IN CHARLOTTE, WINSTON-SALEM

HOBEX is back on the prowl for two North Carolina shows in early June. We'll be playing our first club show in a long time on Thursday, June 6, at one of the first venues to ever host the band: Charlotte NC's legendary Double Door Inn. I'll be playing a short acoustic set to open the show; as I mentioned, this show will be the official NC album release party for my latest solo LP, BOHEMIA. We'll be bringing an all-star big band for the HOBEX set: bassist Andy Ware, keyboardist Doug Largent, drummer Dan Davis, saxophonist Tim Smith, and percussionist Robert Cantrell. Here's the FB event page, if you'd like to RSVP or invite friends to the show.

The following day, Friday, we'll be bringing the band to Winston for the Texas Pete Twin City Rib Festival. If you know your hot sauce or you know your Dash, you already know that Texas Pete is somewhat incongruously made in Winston-Salem. Friday is Funk & Soul day at the Fest, so prepare to be grooved. Our HOBEX set will be on the Main Stage at 9:30pm, near the intersection of 6th Street and Marshall, following sets by The Deluge and The Low Counts.

SUMMER EUROPEAN BOHEMIA TOUR

A European tour is coming together nicely for late June and early July... here's the initial list of dates. More info at my Schedule page, and more dates TBA. Very excited to see the friends and play the music!

Fri June 28 Cafe Con Leche Maastricht, NL
Sat June 29 House Concert Liempde, NL
Sun June 30 The Hague International Singer-Songwriter Festival The Hague, NL
Tue July 2 Tunnel Prague, CZ with Justin Lavash
Wed July 3 RedRoom Prague, CZ
Thu July 4 Joy Prague, CZ
Fri July 5 James Joyce Prague, CZ
Sun July 7 Caffreys Prague, CZ
Wed July 10 Betsey Trotwood London, UK with Mick Terry, Danny George Wilson

Also excited about traveling upstate for the Summer Hoot, a new festival organized by my friends Mike + Ruthy that will be held at the Ashokan Center in Olivebridge, NY from August 23rd to the 25th.

Until next time,

Greg

 

Wednesday, May 1, 2013

Bohemia on iTunes! May Dates in the Carolinas

BOHEMIA is now available on iTunes! Buy the album here. Enjoy and help support original music and the artists that create it. You can have a listen online here or here if you like.

Hard copies are also in hand; I'll have copies for sale at all of my upcoming shows, or you can purchase via PayPal here. I'm including some individual song information at the end of this email. This is my fourth solo LP, and I think it might be my best sounding yet.

MAY DATES IN THE CAROLINAS 

Headed south again in May for some shows in the Carolinas. First up, I'll be playing a lil' 7pm solo show in Pawleys Island, SC at Pawleys Island Tavern (P.I.T.) on Wednesday, May 8th.

Next up, visiting my hometown of Winston-Salem, NC on Friday, May 10th. i'll be playing a few favorite Dillon Fence and HOBEX tunes with house band Vagabond Saints' Society, who will be presenting a tribute to Winston-Salem's musical history as a part of the Winston-Salem Centennial Celebration. This outdoor set will be from 7 to 10pm at 6th and Cherry St. in downtown Winston. Proud to be a part of this.

Back to South Cack on Saturday, May 11th, where I'll be playing a 3pm set with HOBEX for Columbia, SC's Rosewood Crawfish Festival. Big Head Todd and the Monsters and the Blue Dogs also perform. Bassist Andy Ware and I will be bringing an all-star cast of musicians for this set – Tim Smith on Sax, Dan Davis on Drums, Doug Largent on Organ, and Robert Cantrell on Percussion.

HOBEX convenes again for dates in early June. On Thursday, June 6th, we'll warm it up with a club date at Charlotte, NC's legendary Double Door Inn. On Friday, June 7th, we'll be playing a set at the Twin City Rib Festival in Winston-Salem, NC. 

SUMMER EUROPEAN BOHEMIA TOUR

A summer EU tour to support Bohemia is starting to come together for late June and early July. I have some dates in The Netherlands and the UK booked so far. More dates to be announced soon!  Also, just added the Summer Hoot to my schedule. This is a new festival organized by my friends Mike + Ruthy that will be held at the Ashokan Center in Olivebridge, NY from August 23rd to the 25th.

SHAKORI RECAP

Rubina and I had a wonderful time at Shakori Hills Grassroots Festival of Music and Dance in April. Got to see many friends and play a whole lot of music. Thanks to Tim Smith, Lizzy Ross, Abdias Ernesto Garcia, Will Ridenour, Jay Starling and members of Big Fat Gap (Miles Andrews, Jamie Griggs, John Garris) for sitting in on my solo set Friday evening. We had a wonderful crowd despite the rain.

Got to sit in with Cyril Lance on Thursday and Big Fat Gap on Saturday, and the Sunday morning Songwriters' Circle was a lovely collection of writers and performers. It was a real pleasure to play with Donna the Buffalo and Friends on Sunday night and close out the festival. Wish every weekend were that much fun. Here's a photo gallery from FB, if you'd like to peruse.

NEW ALBUM: BOHEMIA

Bohemia is now available here on iTunes and is also streaming here now if you'd like to have a listen.

Bohemia is a 9 song puzzle.  Some tunes are newer; some were written during my last couple of summers in Prague, CZ and the EU. They fit together just so.

It's about leaving, and arriving.  You could consider it a love letter (or goodbye note) to my home state of North Carolina.  You could also consider this LP a musical warm-up, setting the stage for new adventures in New York City and beyond.

Bohemia features musical turns from very talented guests Matt Brandau, Phil Cook, and Lizzy Ross. There's a song co-written in Nashville, TN (and on Interstate 40) with Lizzy Ross, and a song co-written drunk on a roof in Prague with Montana singer-songwriter Jessica Kilroy

It's of a piece with my previous three solo albums Trunk Songs, Realign Your Mind, and People You May Know; mostly acoustic. Mostly recorded at my studio in Durham NC with help from friends.

STREAM THE ALBUM HERE - GO TO THE MUSIC PLAYER AND PRESS 'PLAY ALL'.

BOHEMIA

1. Someday, I’ll Have My Due
2. Sayin’ What You Mean
3. Across The Ocean, Mama
4. While You’re Away
5. Jubble On, Jubbly
6. Shelby, I Told You
7. Hush
8. Sweet La Rue
9. Railroad Bill

Someday, I’ll Have My Due – A 6/8 ballad in the old soul style. Guess you could say it's about believing in the future, despite the odds.

Sayin’ What You Mean – Nowhere in the song am I saying what *I* mean.

Across The Ocean, Mama – About saying goodbye, forever. We all have to.

While You’re Away – An older song that Matt Brandau and I recorded at his studio here in NYC one afternoon last summer. Matt played bass, drums and keys on this version and gave it a reggae spin. I'm on guitars and vocals.

Jubble on, Jubbly – A non-sequiturrific number co-written on a roof in Prague one night with Montana Singer-songwriter Jessica Kilroy and others. Alcohol was involved. This version features the fantastic Phil Cook on Slide Dobro.

Shelby, I Told You – A chart-topper written for fictional country star 'Keith Cline' by myself and Lizzy Ross. On our way to Memphis for Folk Alliance International, we spent an evening in Nashville listening to bands play classic country in the honky-tonks of Broadway Avenue. We wrote this tune a few days later in the car on our way back to North Carolina. Lizzy sings harmony on this version.

Hush – A happy confection I whipped up one afternoon in my living room last spring. You can hear my dog Daisy shake her collar at the beginning of the tune.

Sweet La Rue – The song had been sitting on the shelf for a long time... I played it on the ukelele one day and it felt just right.

Railroad Bill – Our take on a traditional number. Phil Cook and I play guitar and sing together on this version.

 

Produced, engineered and mixed by Greg Humphreys.
Track 4 produced by Matt Brandau and Greg Humphreys, 
engineered by Matt Brandau.
Mastered by Colin Leonard at SING Mastering.

Greg Humphreys:
Vocals, Acoustic and Electric Guitars, Steel Guitar, Hand Claps,
Bass Guitar, Ukelele.
Matt Brandau: Track 4 Bass Guitar, Drums, Wurlitzer Piano.
Lizzy Ross: Track 6 Harmony Vocals. 
Phil Cook: Track 5 Slide Dobro, Track 9 Vocals and Guitar.
Daisy dog: Track 7 Percussion.

Tracks 1, 2, 3, 4, 7, 8 written by Greg Humphreys. 
© Phrex Music BMI 2013.
Track 6 written by Lizzy Ross BMI and Greg Humphreys BMI.
Track 5 written by Jessica Kilroy BMI, Greg Humphreys BMI, 
Rinnah Henderson BMI.
Track 9 traditional arrangement by Phil Cook and Greg Humphreys.

Until next time,

Greg

 

Wednesday, April 3, 2013

NYC. Shakori. New LP Bohemia now streaming.

April is here and the buds are popping! Just uploaded my new album, Bohemia, to my music player for your streaming pleasure. Listen over here. More streaming options soon. Should be up on iTunes in a couple of weeks – and Amazon etc. soon after that – if you'd like to buy your own digital copy. I'll let you know. Please share. I would love for people to hear this.

BOWERY ELECTRIC NYC: SUNDAY, APRIL 14

New York City's Bowery Electric has moved my Sunday April 14 solo set into the big room downstairs, after a good turnout for my March set. NYC folks, I'd really appreciate your presence. This'll be my last show in the city for a while, so I hope you can make it! I'll be starting at 7:30 pm and there's a $5 cover.

SHAKORI HILLS GRASSROOTS FESTIVAL: APRIL 18 – 21, SILK HOPE NC

The Spring Shakori Hills Grassroots Festival is almost upon us, and I'll be there! Proud and excited to be a part of this fantastic line-up of artists. I'll be performing a solo acoustic set Friday, April 19 at 7:15 pm on Carson's Grove Stage. Expect some very special guests to join me for my set. I'll also be leading a songwriting workshop on Friday at 4pm on the Front Porch – still working on my program for that.

Sunday morning April 21, I'll be leading what promises to be an epic Songwriters' Circle at 11am on Carson's Grove Stage. I'll also join Donna the Buffalo & Friends for some tunes at their festival-closing jam session, which will take place on the Meadow Stage from 8:30 to 11:30pm on Sunday night.

Some fun sit-ins are tenatively planned with some of my favorite artists on Thursday and Saturday as well! Don't miss this central NC treasure – it's a true celebration of music and dance. Spring Shakori is inevitably one of my fave weekends of the year. Get your advance tickets here.

MAY, JUNE

HOBEX will play a few shows around the Carolinas in May and June. On Saturday, May 11, we'll be at the Rosewood Crawfish Festival in Columbia SC. Thursday June 6, we'll be doing a rare club date at Charlotte NC's legendary Double Door Inn. On Friday, June 7, we'll play a set at the Texas Pete Rib Festival in Winston-Salem NC. As usual, Andy and I will be bringing an All-star cast of musicians to these shows. More show details below, in my schedule... come get your HOBEX fix.

NEW ALBUM: BOHEMIA 

Just uploaded Bohemia to my music player – it's streaming here now!

Bohemia is a 9 song puzzle.  Some tunes are newer; some were written during my last couple of summers in Prague, CZ and the EU. They fit together just so.

It's about leaving, and arriving.  You could consider it a love letter (or goodbye note) to my home state of North Carolina.  You could also consider this LP a musical warm-up, setting the stage for new adventures in New York City and beyond.

Bohemia features musical turns from very talented guests Matt Brandau, Phil Cook, and Lizzy Ross. There's a song co-written in Nashville TN (and on Interstate 40) with Lizzy Ross, and a song co-written drunk on a roof in Prague with Montana singer-songwriter Jessica Kilroy.

It's of a piece with my previous three solo albums Trunk Songs, Realign Your Mind, and People You May Know; mostly acoustic. Mostly recorded at my studio in Durham NC with help from friends.

STREAM THE ALBUM HERE - GO TO THE MUSIC PLAYER AND PRESS 'PLAY ALL'.

BOHEMIA

1. Someday, I’ll Have My Due
2. Sayin’ What You Mean
3. Across The Ocean, Mama
4. While You’re Away
5. Jubble on, Jubbly
6. Shelby, I Told You
7. Hush
8. Sweet La Rue
9. Railroad Bill

Produced, engineered and mixed by Greg Humphreys.
Track 4 produced by Matt Brandau and Greg Humphreys,
engineered by Matt Brandau.

Mastered by Colin Leonard at SING Mastering.

Greg Humphreys: Vocals, Acoustic and Electric Guitars, Steel Guitar, Hand Claps, Bass Guitar, Ukelele.
Matt Brandau: Track 4 Bass Guitar, Drums, Wurlitzer Piano.
Lizzy Ross: Track 6 Harmony Vocals. 
Phil Cook: Track 5 Slide Dobro, Track 9 Vocals and Guitar.
Daisy dog: Track 7 Percussion.

Tracks 1, 2, 3, 4, 7, 8 written by Greg Humphreys.  © Phrex Music BMI 2013.
Track 6 written by  Lizzy Ross BMI and Greg Humphreys BMI.
Track 5 written by and Jessica Kilroy BMI, Greg Humphreys BMI,  Rinnah Henderson BMI.
Track 9 traditional arrangement by Phil Cook and Greg Humphreys.

Until next time,
Greg

Monday, March 4, 2013

March: NYC, Austin, Raleigh

Spring is just around the corner. Thank god! It's been cold in the city – I've been fighting off various bugs since i got here. It's been great to spend time with my sweetie, see old friends, and get to know the neighborhood, though. The view from our roof is spectacular. Had a nice respite from the cold down in Miami FL last week at the Virginia Key Grassroots Festival. Thank you to the festival organizers, volunteers, and attendees for such a good time. 

Just added an NYC solo show this week: Thursday, March 7th, at The Bowery Electric's Map Room. It's for a new series curated by my friend Anthony DaCosta. I'll be sharing the stage with Aly Tadros and Dewey & The Decimals – my set is at 8:30pm. Playing another DaCosta-organized show at The Bowery Electric on Sunday, April 14th, if you can't make this one.

Headed out to Austin, TX! Phil Hurley and I will be playing a 1:30pm duo set on Saturday, March 16 for the Folk Alliance SXSW Day party at Threadgill's World Headquarters. There's a great lineup of artists and SXSW wristbands are not required – please come say hello if you're in town.

DILLON FENCE IN RALEIGH NC

Our Dillon Fence set at The Showdown in Raleigh, NC on Saturday, March 23rd is almost upon us. This LoneRider Beer-sponsored event in Moore Square Park will benefit Nourish International, a non-profit fighting extreme poverty. I'll be joined by Drummer Scott Carle, Guitarist Kent Alphin, and Bassist Chris Goode for our 9:30pm DF set.  LiLa, Jack The Radio, Debonzo Brothers, and Dark Water Rising will also perform, and the event starts at 5pm.

Other upcoming NC shows: I'll be back at Shakori Hills Grassroots Festival (April 18 – 21) for a solo set, and HOBEX is booked to play two NC shows in June.  More details at the tour page...

 

NEW ALBUM: BOHEMIA 

Very happy with my new LP Bohemia! I've been holding off on a release date to shop it around a bit;  Not afraid to admit that I'd appreciate some help marketing this sucker. As I've seen with my past three solo LPs, it can be a struggle these days to get reviews, airplay, etc. on a self-release. Sorry for the delay, but I promise you'll enjoy this album. 

Bohemia will be released in early 2013 and features musical turns from very talented guests Matt Brandau, Phil Cook, and Lizzy Ross. There's a song co-written in Nashville TN (and on Interstate 40) with Lizzy and a song co-written drunk on a roof in Prague with Montana singer-songwriter Jessica Kilroy

Bohemia is 9 songs.  Some are new, some were written during my last couple of summers spent playing music in Prague, CZ and the EU.  It's about leaving, and arriving.  You could consider it a love letter or a goodbye note to my home state of North Carolina.  You could also consider it a musical warm-up, setting the stage for new adventures in New York City and beyond.

It's of a piece with my previous solo albums Trunk Songs, Realign Your Mind, and People You May Know; mostly acoustic. Mostly recorded at my studio in Durham NC, with help from friends.  Check out the cover above and stream an early version of the track Sayin' What You Mean from the album. 

BOHEMIA

1. Someday, I’ll Have My Due
2. Sayin’ What You Mean
3. Across The Ocean, Mama
4. While You’re Away
5. Jubble on, Jubbly
6. Shelby, I Told You
7. Hush
8. Sweet La Rue
9. Railroad Bill

 

Until next time,

Greg

Monday, February 4, 2013

February: NYC, Miami

About situated in our West Village apartment here in New York City.  It's very cold here as you might expect, but I'm having fun with my lady and getting used to everything.  It's all a bit overwhelming, but I've got my guitars out. Got my recording rig working and my office desk set up. I'm back in action.

I have to admit it was harder than I thought it would be to leave my home in Durham.  It's easy to take the familiar for granted – especially that feeling that almost any place you go, you will see someone you know and have something to talk about.  

I'm really going to miss seeing y'all, and that's the truth.  I am glad to at least have social media around to keep up with everyone.  I'll be coming back to NC for shows in March, April and June... hope I'll get to see you then! 

Thanks to writer Chris Dunbar and photographer Christer Berg for this very sweet review and remembrance of my January solo set at Billsborough Music Hall.

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 19: THE LIVING ROOM NYC

Playing my first set as an NYC resident on Tuesday, February 19th at The Living Room, as part of a showcase event called On the Road to Folk Alliance.  This night will feature singer-songwriters (including my pals The Sea, The Sea) that are headed to Toronto for the 25th International Folk Alliance Conference.  I won't be attending FA this year, but I'm looking forward to playing for friends and seeing some of the NY folk community. 

On the Road to Folk Alliance will be from 7pm to 12:15am, with half hour sets downstairs and upstairs at Googie's Lounge.  I'll be playing a 30 minute set upstairs at 9:30 pm.  There is a $10 Suggested donation and the full schedule and details are at The Living Room calendar page.

FEBRUARY 21 – 24: VIRGINIA KEY GRASSROOTS FESTIVAL MIAMI FL 

I'm booked for the second annual Virginia Key Grassroots Festival, which will be held at historic Virginia Key Beach Park in Miami FL from Thursday February 21st through Sunday February 24th.  I'll be doing a number of sets throughout the festival – solo acoustic sets, a Sunday morning songwriter circle, and an electric set featuriing Donna the Buffalo's David McCracken, Mark Raudabaugh, and Kyle Spark.  Aww, yeah.

This Festival is brought to you by the same folks responsible for Fingerlakes Grassroots and Shakori Grassroots; It's a perfect excuse to escape to Miami for a few days and have a time.  An interesting line-up of performers includes Araka, Bobby Lee Rogers, Call 2 Rise, Donna the Buffalo, Driftwood, Elastic Bond, Equanimous Minds, Jose Conde, Lizzy Ross, Locos por Juana,  MC Yogi, Mipso Trio, Nag Champayons, Preston Frank and his Zydeco Family Band, The Resolvers, Revelation Mizik, Rusted Root, Spam Allstars, and Suenalo.  Come join us... Get your advance tickets here!

SPRING SHOWS IN NC

Have already been booked for some great shows in the Spring.  I'll be performing with Dillon Fence in Downtown Raleigh, NC's Moore Square Park on Saturday, March 23rd for The Showdown.  This event is sponsored by LoneRider Beer and will benefit Nourish International, a non-profit fighting extreme poverty.  LiLa, Jack The Radio, Debonzo Brothers, and Dark Water Rising will also perform.

Other upcoming NC shows: I'll be back at Shakori Hills Grassroots Festival (April 18 – 21) for a solo set, and HOBEX is booked to play two NC shows in June.  More details soon!

NEW ALBUM: BOHEMIA

Received the mastered tracks from Colin Leonard at SING Mastering for my new LP Bohemia; very happy with the way they sound.  I'll be uploading soon for streaming, iTunes, Amazon etc.  Excited for you to hear this album! 

Bohemia will be released in early 2013 and features musical turns from very talented guests Matt Brandau, Phil Cook, and Lizzy Ross, as well as a song co-written on I-40 with Lizzy and a song co-written on a roof in Prague with Montana singer-songwriter Jessica Kilroy

Bohemia is 9 songs.  Some are new, some were written during my last couple of summers spent playing music in Prague, CZ and the EU.  It's about leaving, and arriving.  You could consider it a love letter or a goodbye note to my home state of North Carolina, where I've lived all of my 45 years.  You could also consider it a musical warm-up, setting the stage for new adventures in New York City and beyond.

It's of a piece with my previous solo albums Trunk Songs, Realign Your Mind, and People You May Know; mostly acoustic. Mostly recorded at my studio in Durham NC, with help from friends.  Check out the cover I've been working on, using some recent artwork.

Until next time,

Greg

Thursday, January 3, 2013

THANK YOU! Happy New Year!

Happy New Year! I'd like to thank everyone for making my epic four and a half hour farewell show at the Lincoln Theatre on December 22nd so special. It was a wonderful night I'll never forget. The place was packed, the audience spectacular. The room felt full of friendship. Everywhere I looked, there seemed to be someone I knew and loved. It was a real pleasure to visit songs over the course of one evening from all of my years as a songwriter and performer.

My fellow musicians were fantastic! Robert Sledge, Mandolin Orange, Jeanne Jolly, Jon Shain, The Old Ceremony's Mark Simonsen, and Chatham County Line's Chandler Holt and John Teer added fire to the opening acoustic set. Scott Carle, Chris Goode, Phil Hurley, Kent Alphin, and Daniel Chavis rocked hard on the Dillon Fence set. The connection between our band and our fans amazes me. Andy Ware, Dan Davis, Doug Largent, Cyril Lance, Taz Halloween, Robert Cantrell, Jeanne Jolly, Phil Hurley, Robert Sledge, Peter Lamb, and Paul Rogers grooved into the night on the HOBEX set. We ended with some surprise holiday classics for our revelers. 

I'm lucky to have such talented friends. Can't thank y'all enough for being there. Special thanks to promoter John Fields and The Lincoln Theatre's Chris Malarkey, Pat Dickenson and Mark Thompson for pulling it together. If you'd like to peruse images from the show, Rodney Boles has posted a gallery here at his website and Ashe Crowe has posted a gallery here at her flickr page.

Sound engineer John Koelle recorded the show and Dan Schram and Co. shot some video – we'll have some quality documentation for you, once it's all mixed and edited. Until then, here's some youtube love from the opening set: Rick England's front row vid of Buttons and Strings with Mandolin Orange and Jon Shain, and Eric Chen's vid of Way Over Yonder with Mandolin Orange, Jon Shain, and Chatham County Line's Chandler Holt and John Teer. 

Very appreciative of the local press support we received. INDYweek ran a great piece by Chris Parker looking back at my 25 years of music-making here in North Carolina. WUNC's The State of Things had me on to talk with host Frank Stasio and play a few tunes – you can listen to or download the SOT podcast, if you missed it. Although I'm moving to NYC, I plan on returning to my home state to play as much as I can. See you all again soon. 

JANUARY 2013

Have some shows here in the Carolinas before I move at the end of the month. First up will be Q-BEX, the loose and fun collaboration between super-drummer Jeff Sipe, HOBEX bassist Andy Ware, Donna the Buffalo keyboardist Dave McCracken and me. We're playing a rare show in Brevard NC on Friday, January 11, at a great new venue, 185 King Street. You can buy advance tickets here. The following night, Saturday, January 12, I'll be joining Megafaun's Phil Cook for an intimate songwriters-in-the-round evening at The City Tap in Pittsboro, NC.

Just added an 8 pm solo show at Hillsborough NC's brand new music venue, Billsborough, on Thursday, January 17. I'll be in Boone, NC for a house-concert-style show at the Nth Gallery on Saturday, January 19. Please RSVP here with host David Brewer if you'd like to attend, as seating is limited. Returning to beautiful Isle of Palms, SC for a solo set at The Windjammer on Sunday, January 20. 

NEW ALBUM: BOHEMIA

Received the mastered tracks from Colin Leonard at SING Mastering for my new LP Bohemia; very happy with the way they sound. I'll be uploading soon for streaming, iTunes, Amazon etc. Excited for you to hear this album! 

Bohemia will be released in early 2013 and features musical turns from very talented guests Matt Brandau, Phil Cook, and Lizzy Ross, as well as a song co-written on I-40 with Lizzy and a song co-written on a roof in Prague with Montana singer-songwriter Jessica Kilroy

Bohemia is 9 songs. Some are new, some were written during my last couple of summers spent playing music in Prague, CZ and the EU. It's about leaving, and arriving. You could consider it a love letter or a goodbye note to my home state of North Carolina, where I've lived all of my 45 years. You could also consider it a musical warm-up, setting the stage for new adventures in New York City and beyond.

It's of a piece with my previous solo albums Trunk Songs, Realign Your Mind, and People You May Know; mostly acoustic. Mostly recorded here at my studio in Durham NC, with help from friends. Check out the cover I've been working on, using some recent artwork.

Until next time,

Greg