Album release in May

Good news.. the album is finally nearing completion! Everyone has been busy recording in the studio on their own time, and the tracks are coming out really nice. Over the next few weeks we'll be wrapping up the recording and then it's mixing and mastering. Rumour has it that Adrian Dolan of The Bills will be assisting with the final mix and doing the mastering for us.

We're tentatively planning a CD release show on May 18th, the day before our performances on Mayne Island. Visit the Banquo website or our MySpace profile to keep up to date.

We've been working on some new repertoire lately, and it's all sounding very good. One song in particular, "E, Dame Jolie", a 12th century French love song, is sounding unlike anything we've ever truly done.. sound like an early music consort in a classical sense. The arrangement so far is voice, hurdy-gurdy, harp, recorder, violin and light percussion. :-)

Home, sweet... home

For those of you who were unaware, the landlord of the house I have been living in for the past 10½ years put it up for sale in mid-January. This caused me some panic; although I do eventually want to move into a bigger place, I can't do it yet!

Well, the house sold last week for a mere $465,000 (eek). I am very happy to report that the new owners wish to keep me on as a tenant. I have yet to meet them, but apparently they are around the same age as me... more to follow. :)

Work extended

I found out on Monday that I have been extended to May 31st, which is great. I wouldn't be surprised if go beyond that after hearing what's coming down the pipe later in the year due to this.

Tuesday: Four seasons, one day

I was at Dunsmuir Lodge (located up the peninsula close to the airport) this past Tuesday for an all day workshop. While the workshop was a complete waste of time, the lunch and view from the lodge were good.

The weather was incredibly crazy.. it literally was four seasons in one day! Here's a few pictures I took while I was there. You can see a weather front rolling in.

40 Things You'd Love to Say Out Loud at Work

1. I can see your point, but I still think you're full of shit.
2. I don't know what your problem is, but I'll bet it's hard to pronounce.
3. How about never? Is never good for you?
4. I see you've set aside this special time to publicly humiliate yourself.
5. I'm really easy to get along with once you people learn to see it my way.
6. Who lit the fuse on your tampon?
7. I'm out of my mind at the moment, but feel free to leave a message.
8. I don't work here - I'm a consultant.
9. It sounds like English, but I don't understand a damn word you're saying.
10. Ahhh. I see the screw-up fairy has visited us again.
11. I like you. You remind me of myself when I was young and stupid.
12. You are validating my inherent mistrust of strangers.
13. I have plenty of talent and vision - I just don't give a damn.
14. I'm already visualising the duct tape over your mouth.
15. I will always cherish the initial misconceptions I had about you.
16. Thank you. We're all refreshed and challenged by your unique point of view.
17. The fact that no one understands you doesn't mean you're an artist.
18. Any connection between your reality and mine is purely coincidental.
19. What am I? Flypaper for freaks?
20. I'm not being rude. You're just insignificant.
21. It's a thankless job, but I've got a lot of karma to burn off.
22 Yes, I am an agent of Satan, but my duties are largely ceremonial.
23. And your cry-baby whiny assed opinion would be?
24. Do I look like a f..ing people person to you?
25. This isn't an office. It's Hell with fluorescent lighting.
26. I started out with nothing and I still have most of it left.
27. Sarcasm is just one more service we offer.
28. If I throw a stick, will you leave?
29. Errors have been made. Others will be blamed.
30. Whatever kind of look you were going for, you missed.
31. Oh, I get it. Like humor. Only different.
32. A cubicle is just a padded cell without the door.
33. Can I trade this job for what's behind door number 1?
34. Too many freaks, not enough circuses.
35. Nice perfume, but must you marinate in it?
36. Chaos, panic and disorder - my work here is finally done.
37. How do I set a laser printer to stun.
38. I thought I wanted a career; turns out I just wanted a salary.
39. I'll try being nicer if you try being smarter.
40. Wait a minute - I'm just trying to imagine you with a personality.

More studio time booked

Yes, Inez, you're first in line and have been from the beginning of the project! That's after the Banquo members get their copies, of course. :-)

So... I have another 4 hours booked in the studio on Sunday. More percussion tracks and some jaw harpin' for me.

Eric laid down some tracks last week. I'm looking forward to hearing what he did. I understand that a lot of droning on bagpipes was going on.. I feel sorry for Jude's wife who had to listen to it all at 5-10 minute stretches.*

*There's an urban myth about a man who went crazy listening to the note A440 played constantly on a piano. I can see this happening - it'd be torture!

Back in the studio!

About to record a bodhran track!

Well, we're finally getting back into the studio to finish off the recording for our new CD. I spent four hours yesterday recording percussion tracks. Both Jude and I managed to get a lot of things laid down and the new tracks are sounding great. I have to go in for another percussion session (including jaw harps) and then the rest of the folks can start scheduling their time in the studio. :)