2010

I can safely say this has been a wild year. Each month has almost left me with no memory of the previous and the past months have definitely overshadowed the entire year altogether with wonderful solo gigs, the release of my 11th CD Tribute, the birth of our second daughter Koralynn Mae and than 8 days later Naomi’s massive heart attack, which turned out to be a dissection of the left coronary artery, leaving her in the ICU for an entire month with a $700,000 bill…yes, $700,000! (insurance paid it)

In the end I really don’t have much to say. I think truly remarkable events leave you speechless, I’m thinking of my wife’s case.

So, what can I say?

I’m thankful.  Thankful and grateful that I can hope in God. So thankful that that hope has real results. So thankful that we have 2 beautiful daughters.  Thankful that Naomi is alive (very few survive what happened to her). I’m thankful for a solid marriage that can withstand such craziness and so thankful that our family (extended and church) surrounds us with such confidence and support.

I’m so thankful that people listen to my music, that you/they even consider me worth the time.

My pastor says that the way you exit is the way your going to enter. So, I’m thankful that I’m exiting this year thankful.

2011 is going to be an amazing year!

-Tom Feldmann

Signature Slide

Much of my blues discoveries took place in the cassette section of Cheapo in St. Paul, MN. CD's were $15 and cassette tapes were $5, so I naturally took the lesser risk route and went with cassette tapes.

I didn't know who I was looking for, just starved to find more and more and more of this music. Every purchase was a key that unlocked a door which led to another door.  I can clearly recall the day I bought a tape by Muddy Waters and heard slide guitar for the first time. My first reaction was, "I've got to learn how to do that!"



So, 15yrs later it is with great honor to announce that Sly Devil Glass Bottlenecks in Los Angeles has released their own "Tom Feldmann" signature slide.

These are real glass bottleneck slides hand-crafted by Roger Gohl from the highest quality European wine bottles. The perfect length, texture and weight provide the very best tone and excellent vibrato. Roger's slides have been used by Catfish Keith, Doug MacLeod, Paul Geremia, and many other amazing slide guitar players.

It is a bit ridiculous, a bit perplexing, a bit (fill in the blank), but I am so extremely happy to be able to put these great slides in player's hands.

I've gone through loads of different slides over the yrs., testing all sorts of brands and materials, looking for the one my ears liked best and I can safely say the search is over.  These are the slides I like best and I hope you will too.

Purchasing info at: tomfeldmann.com/goods.html

too busy...

It’s been a while since my last post…not that I haven’t had anything to write about but that I’ve been too busy to do so.

New Tribute CD arrived on Aug. 20 leaving 4 days for me to stuff 300 envelopes I had prepared earlier before we left for our tour/family vaca.

300 is a breeze, it is sizably scaled down due to the genre of the music. If it’s an Americana release it’s more like 500+. 1 sheet & cover letter, folded mind you, mailing and return address labels, stamps (4-5 each envelope) and CD…it’s exhausting.

These are all promotional copies going worldwide to radio, mags, etc.,

The post office is always the worst part of the promo push. Nothing like handing them an envelope and saying I need 300 of that amount…I’ll say nothing of international shipping. I always get overcharged…

But it got done and my wife, daughter and myself were off to spend two weeks on the road traveling through MI, IN & WI.

My wife said she’d never travel with me again when I’m releasing a CD cause I was on my iphone the entire time. Those 300 people have to be contacted to make sure they got the packages…

We were off to join a traveling food shelf tour called, “the Uprising” put on by the Tribe of Judah from Iron River, MI. It wasn’t billed as a traveling food shelf tour but that’s what it was. We played outdoor parks/bandshells, a few churchs, etc.,

They have a big bus and they did all the work. They set up the stages and cooked all the food and alls I had to do was show up at certain times and play a few sets. They just wanted to bless people with free food and music.

It is interesting to get lined up with other people’s visions and passions. Playing music puts you in contact with people whose vision is to house said music. Might be a traditional venue, might be an old mechanic shop, and might be a traveling food shelf.

We had a great time. We stayed at a small ranch for a few days, which my daughter loved…horses, dog, pancakes, but mostly we stayed in hotels. We’d swim in the morning and the eve and we got settled into a nice rhythm. It’s hard to do a new town every day and a new room every night and with a 8mnth pregnant wife and a 2 ½ yr old daughter it was a bit of a gamble. They did amazingly well and it’s my hope to be able to have that be a more frequent thing.

I will say it was a wash financially…mostly because of the hotels.

We spent the last 3 days in Wisc Dells, which was super fun. We stayed at an indoor water park/resort and it was really, really fun.

We ended with a show at Molly’s Rude Awakening and she said it was the best turnout in a long while so with that we headed for home. Arrived at 1am. It was good to be back in our beds.

Neko Case, An Agent of My Poor Self-Esteem?

I recently posted on Facebook that I dreamt I was in Neko Case's band but got kicked out after the first song. This is an absolutely true dream and I've been chewing on it for the past few days.

The question that keeps coming back to me is: Who dreams that they get kicked out?

Most people, it would seem, would dream about being in the band and everything is wonderful, heck your even the star.

Me, I don't even make it past the first song! What's that say? Does it say anything?

I'll be honest, it wasn't until I was 30yrs old that it actually occurred to me that I might not be that good. It wasn't because I had thought I was good all that time, but I was having so much fun playing it never really dawned on me that I might not be so hot.

Why 30? Well, people would say, "How old are you?" and I'd reply 19 or 23 or 20something, etc., and they'd say, "your pretty good for (insert age)." The your pretty good for (insert age) stopped after I turned 30. I had become too old to be thought of as good simply because I was young.

So a startling realization began to sink in a few yrs ago, was I good because I was 19 or because I was good?

So, I've been working seriously hard to get better, like I did when I was trying to first learn, and over the past 2yrs I've been practicing 1-2yrs a night + gigging most every weekend and I can safely say that I've improved...or at least I thought I had until this dream!

Maybe Neko isn't so much an agent of my poor self-esteem as she is a kick in the butt to not settle where I'm at. That even though I've gotten better, I know I'm still not where I'd like to be, where I hear myself being. I'm happy with the improvements that I've made, but I'm still frustrated enough to want to learn more and develop further.

Maybe in a few months I'll have another dream and if I make it to the 2nd song before I get kicked out, I'll know I've made some progress!

Thanks Neko, I love your music!

Webers Deck

3177 Cty Rd 3 NW

Annandale, MN .

Put some bands on the deck, invite people to come out on a Sunday afternoon, bring the kids, the lawn chairs, the coolers and listen to some music. After leaving I had a chance to think a bit more about what Webers Deck is about, or at least what I liked so much about it after my initial thought forementioned.

It seems that most people will only venture out to see their favorite bands, or their friends band, etc., gone it seems are the days when people just go to a spot they like regardless of who's playing. Obviously there are still a few spots like that left but a lot of music venues have become destination venues, i.e. the place is empty unless you bring the people.

This is what struck me about Webers Deck. I think people would come out and sit on their lawn chairs with their coolers even if there was no music. The music is the draw but no one band in particular, at least on this occasion. Who's playing? Who cares! Let’s get together and have a nice day. I like that.

I got to talking with a guy and he said he was just driving by, saw the cars/motorcycles and heard some music so he pulled in to see what was going on. That's Webers Deck.

Lastly I'll say the other thing I liked from a band perspective is that it's hard to be competitive or have an ego when your sitting on a deck playing some tunes. You get into some clubs and the bands are all "we've done this and we've done that"...sizing you up. I laugh at that because I used to be like and it's silly.

I realized a long time ago that no matter how big the show is, I still have to go home and mow the lawn and take the garbage out...which I did after our set at Webers Deck. But none of the performers were like that at Webers and I think the atmosphere has everything to do with that.

Right In My Face

I will say first and foremost. Molly's Rude Awakening is a gem. Key characteristics of a gem as given by Wikepedia: precious and rare.

I can't say how many times I've taken exit 115 to the Holiday gas station in Black River Falls, WI. So I've passed Molly's many a time. But I never even glanced at the place, never even cared to notice what was right in my face.

Well, you might understand why from the outside.

In the past year I've been booking shows site unseen, which proves to be really the only "adventure" for the traveling musician.  There is a reason why every bands story begins with, "Oh, we played this one place..." 

The venue is the adventure because it is the destination.

This is something I lost playing with the band. Not because of them personnaly but because with a band you have to find places that can pay or I paid. No risks, no let's take a chance, no adventure. Truth be told I hated that.  Again, it wasn't the guys but with no adventure it was just long boring hwy miles.

So I threw myself back into the old me, the only part of the old me worth going back into, and I booked a ton of shows at places I'd never been.  I saw some like-minded musicians playing certain places and I took a risk.

Molly's is one such place.  It has a coffee cart for the drive thru folks and a little storefront with hippie things for sale, odd in itself cause I didn't figure Blk River Falls, WI had that type...but I digress.

Molly purchased the adjoining auto garage from her uncle and turned it into a music venue/hang out. Open the garage doors, set up some tables and listen to some music...yup, makes sense to me!

I played with my good friend Josh Harty and I was glad he was there because all these site unseen small town places have been a real shot in my arm.  They've rejuvenated my hope for live music and the people who attend and I want him to get in on that as well.

We play around the city, amongst 1,000's of other bands and you’re just the next guy in that night, who cares. We get treated like crap most of the time...seriously.

So going to these small town places has eliminated this completely. Yes I have to drive 2hrs or more to play a show. But I'd drive 10hrs to play for people like Molly and the awesome folks of Black River Falls.

I'm not sure what Molly's rude awakening was or is but for me it is such a wonderful place. Like I said, a gem.

I'll be back at Molly's Rude Awakening on Friday, September 10.  It's a pot luck so bring some friends and your appetite!

Henry Townsends Guitar

Day 3 continued...

I played at BB's Jazz Blues & Soups in St. Louis.  It was my first time in St. Louis.  I've passed by St. Louis for 14yrs and was happy to play it finally.

I walked into a typical blues venue with memorabilia all over the place, as most blues clubs have, and loaded my gear onto the stage.  My gear consists of 3 National Reso-Phonic guitars and 1 acoustic.

John May, the talent buyer, noticed all my Nationals and says, I have the guitar National made for Henry Townsend, you want to play it?  Of course I do, I said.

I'll admit that I didn't have much pre-knowledge of the legendary bluesman other than the song "Cairo" from a video of various blues icons.

National made this Style 1 single cone guitar for Henry in 1997 and presented it to him at the Blues & Heritage Festival, I'm quoting the inscription.

It's a very cool guitar.  2 things of note:

 

1 - the rigged up pickup.  I actually did not use the pickup and went straight through a mic...I didn't want to be the one to damage anything.

2 - He used a plain steel string on the 3rd (G) string rather than a wound string.  John May was very close with Henry, even produced a few of his recordings and was with him on his death bed in 2006.  BB"s was his "home" venue, obviously cause they had his guitar. 

John didn't know why Henry strung it up like that but I offered this suggestion.  He was playing a gig and broke that string, which is very common, and didn't have a wound replacement so he used a plain steel.  He liked what he heard and kept doing it.  Makes sense to me.

I was a little unnerved when he told me that Henry Townsend and Roosevelt Sykes used to play this very stage together on regular occasions...

2 things that struck me about BB's.

1 - Most blues clubs have memorabilia that they've purchased or has been given to them but BB's is the real deal.  The real guys played this place.  It wasn't just stuff on the walls for the tourists, it was the history of the venue that included their lives.  Very personal.  Family.

2 - Most clubs would have had Henry Townsends guitar in a glass case, something to show the tourists, but this guitar is getting played.  I never met John May, I've never been in that club, we don't know each other and he says, you want to play Henry's guitar...that's crazy!  That's BB's.

Now there a lot of St. Louis clubs that have tons of history as well as BB's, but it's the only club with Henry Townsends guitar.

I was scheduled to play in Nashville the next night, but I cancelled.  Something I never do.  It was 100deg in Nashville and 5hrs away and I didn't feel up to the drive for a 15min set.  So I drove back to...you guessed it, Iowa City. 

I woke up at 8am with the worst stomachache.  I crossed IA my 4th and finally time and got home to spend some time with the fam for fathers day.  My stomach hurt so bad, I slept for almost 24hrs...glad I didn't go to Nashville.

The Road to Henry Townsends Guitar

What a weekend...

I crossed Iowa 4 times in two days.

Day 1 - I left my house around 10:30p after my wife got home from her music ministry rehearsal and I drove to Mason City, IA, which would be my 1/2 point to Iowa City. Thankfully I left later cause it was the night that storms where blowing through and Albert Lea got hit by a tornado, which was in my driving path.

Day 2a - I was on Iowa Public Radio's Javablend Radio Show at 2p, it's a pre-recorded show recorded at the Java House in Iowa City. The air date is July 9/10 for those who can hear it.

This was my 3rd trip, 1st solo, and I did all the songs from the upcoming Tribute CD as it was in promotion of the release. People are really responding to this material and I'm getting more and more excited about releasing it.

1st major storm of the day blew overhead out of nowhere, it raced ahead of me to Iowa City leaving quite a bit of damage. Lucked out on missing that one too.

Day 2b - I hoped in the car at 3:30 and had a 3hr drive to Garner, IA for Bash on the Farm.

I originally had a date booked closer for that night cause I was playing in St. Louis the next day but Bash on the Farm only comes 1x a yr and it's worth the drive for me.

1 passed through 2 more awesome storms. 1 with a wall cloud that covered the entire horizon and the other that formed just behind it. I only got the rain part but the emergency vehicles were out watching and waiting.

I made it to the farm on time and it turned out to be a beautiful night. Had a great set and than drove back down to Iowa City...yes back down...that's 3 times across IA for those keeping score.

Day 3 to be continued...

Yes, I do sleep in my van

Friday, June 11 - 2nd Street Bistro, Ashland, WI
Saturday, June 12 - Green Room, Sheboygan, WI

First off I forgot to take pics so I apologize for no photo's.

It was around 70deg as I left Minneapolis and as I reached Duluth it was 44deg.

This is good for folks like me who sleep in their van...yes I do sleep in my van, quite cozily I might add with my full sized blow up mattress.  My wife doesn't like me sleeping in the van, but it's cleaner than any motel I could afford, I tell her.

I have crazy dreams in the van...maybe it's because I'm usually exhausted.  Can't really recall what I dream but they are def. a different variety than at home.  Although now that I think about it I do liken them to the dreams I have the night I get back from a trip.  I'm usually exhausted than too...exhaustion must be a key to crazy dreams.

Anyway...

I've written before about the 2nd Street Bistro and the lack of patronage for this great bistro/venue.  I have a bit more insight now.  There is no advertisement of live music.  No events listed on their website, no emailing list, not even a facebook page.

I was told, "it's not the owners thing to mess with the computer."  My reply is whether it's your "thing" or not it better become your thing cause that's how word gets spread these days.

This isn't an old mom and pop eatery either, then I could understand. The owner is a younger guy so there is no excuse except laziness, which will result in "Out of Business".

It's truly sad because they have everything going for themselves in great food, great atmosphere and a great space for live music.  But when you fail to make adjustments, you fail. 

A local musician came in to check out the show, it's a 6-9 slot, and after about an hour and half he turned to the bartender and said "he doesn't take a break does he?"  Nope, I don't.  I came to play music and I play music...three hours straight.

I'm sure I'll play there again...I tell myself I won't, but I know better. 

The Green Room in Sheboygan was cool.  A bar.  Just a bar.  They've got some cool bands coming through and it was a good booking.  I played with my great friend Josh Harty from Madison so it was a treat to see him.  There was a good amount of people out and they really liked the music so all in all it was a good night.

I realized during my set that I close my eyes so tight my eyelids sweat.  It's odd.  Sounds even odder as I type it out. 

I don't close my eyes for any particular reason, I do it automatically as I begin to play hard.  I'm just burning...gotta get it out.   I'm singing as unto the Lord and the people get in on that experience...but my shortcoming is not engaging them in what I'm experiencing.

In fact, I'm guilty of the same thing the owner of the 2nd Street Bistro is, disconnection.  Neither of us is clueing others in on what's going on. 

It seems we both have adjustments to make.

June 4

Listening Room
Fargo, ND

Show starts in ten minutes, we are in the kitchen area and the host/promoter Scott Curfman says,"I'm sorry, this has never happened."

Absolutely no one has arrived. Not one person. My expectation was safely around 60 people. This being a "house concert" style show they usually have a solid core of people that they count on in addition to the promotion in the paper/radio. Also I had two friends who were native Fargoians and spread the word so I was pretty confident going in.

But as we waited in the kitchen I began to ponder, did we drive 3 1/2 hrs for nothing? Did we climb the stairs of death, set up & sound check for nothing?

People offer excuses for why no one has arrived to make it seem like it's ok that no one has come...the weather is usually on the top of that list. I just nod my head at such statements, what else can you do?

See, I've been performing for 14yrs now and I've learned something; weather is never an issue, no excuse is ever the issue. If Bob Dylan was playing an outdoor show and it was pouring down rain, you'd bring an umbrella. If Willie Nelson didn't start til midnight and you had to work at 6am, you'd go to work tired.

The simple fact is, I was the issue, we were the issue. No one wants to admit that or come to terms with that. If no one is at the show, it's because they didn't want to see you...ouch!

I know this fact. I dealt with that fact 12yrs ago and it's not an issue with me anymore. I'll take a risk and drive just because I love to play music. I'll take off work and go play for 10 people, just because I love to play music.

This is what was going on in my head ten minutes before the show.

But, people came. 12 people to be exact. Most people would say, "12 people what a waste of time". But people aren't a waste of time. The only number that makes it a waste of time is 0, anything above that is worthwhile because 1 person makes it worthwhile...and we sold 17 CD's.

Before the show I talked with a friend and encouraged him to get away from the abuse that comes with playing the cities and head to the small towns where you'll play to appreciative people & owners who are excited about you being there. That it would refresh him in regard to performing. It would give him a new sense of direction and give him a new sense of passion for performing.

Those words came back to me that night. I love playing music, 12 people or 112 people...

I highly recommend the Listening Room .

Friday, May 14
Lincoln Wine Bar, Mt. Vernon, IA

What a great little spot outside of Cedar Rapids.  One of those historic distric towns.  They have a very well known cafe a few doors down with limited seating so people put in a res. and come to the wine bar to conversate til their table is ready.

These are tough gigs cause when people aren't there to hear music you gotta really work hard to be a part of their evening rather than a seperate entity in the corner.  Couples have been at work all week and this is their moment to re-connect and the trick is not to interupt that connection but become a part of it.  To make their night even better.  If you get ticked that noone is paying attention you miss it.  If you try to get loud and obnoxious, you miss it.  If you understand that your their for them, not the other way around, you get it.

Everyone tips if you become a part of their night, you even get a few who become interested listeners.  I was amazed that a couple listened til their table was ready and than came back after their dinner to catch a few more songs.   A right attitude makes a difference.

I'll be back at the Lincoln Wine Bar on Aug. 6

Saturday, May 15
Rock Island Cafe, Neenah, WI

My first trip to Neenah.  I was exhausted, I wanted to be home.  I work full time and spent the evenings mixing so I hadn't seen my wife or daughter all week.  I delight in being home even though I love playing music.  I've been basically working 7 days a week with the gigs on the weekends and it wears on you. 

So being tired as I was, I was thrilled to see a bench out front of the little cafe.  I grabbed my National style N (the silver shiney one) and sat on the bench to rest and play. 

TIP:  If you want to stop traffic on a busy street, play a resophonic guitar.  I literally almost caused an accident.  A Suburban slammed on the brakes, rolled down the windows and listened for a good minute...now a minute doesn't seem long but tell that to the people waiting behind him.

I can safely say I attracted more attention than expected.  People were waving, honking horns, it was a site for sure.  Unfortunately it was a very quiet night indoors.  I should've stayed on the bench.

Mixing: Day 2

When: Wednesday, May 12
Where: Underwood Studio's, Minneapolis, Mn

Live So God Can Use You – Muddy Waters
I Know the Lord Will Make a Way – Miss. Fred McDowell

We got 2 songs done, which doesn’t sound like much. But if you figure it took us 6hrs to do 4 solo songs than 2 band songs in 6hrs is about right…being that there’s 3x the work.

And it is work. It’s actually exhausting. Your trying to put a puzzle together; you’ve got all the parts, now how do they fit to make the picture? You can force the song to come together or you can spend the time to find out how the song wants to be mixed.

Yup, the song determines how it wants to be mixed/heard. The song wears the pants. It’s the boss. After 14yrs of recording this is a new revelation.

I remember it drove my wife crazy when, in the first few years of marraige, she'd ask me to do something and I reply, “Don’t tell me what to do.” Not in an angry way but in a, “I know it needs to get done and it will get done eventually” sort of way. And I can hear the songs echoing that phrase back to me...I’m sure my wife is smiling, revenge!

I can safely say necks are gonna get sore listening to this disc cause we got some great heading bobbing tunes on here. Some great grooves for sure.

Day 3 - 5/13.

Stay tuned…

Mixing: Day 1

When: Tuesday, May 11
Where: Underwood Studio's, Minneapolis, Mn

A great day to start mixing. It's hard to be in the studio when the sun is shining...no problem today.

We decided to start with the 4 solo songs, Mark Stockert and I, so we did just that.

I Am in the Heavenly Way - Booker White
Lord I'm Discouraged - Charlie Patton
Nobody's Fault But Mine - Blind Willie Johnson
This Little Light of Mine - Son House

I won't say much about it, as there isn't much to say, it's guitar and vocals.  

I will say that for a while we were scratching our heads, looking for more...more sound, a fuller sound, but than stated the obvious, there just isn't more. So we were satisfied, more than satisfied, it actually sounds like great guitar and vocal.

I can also say that it's a bit unnerving being out there solo on record. Sure, I mostly perform solo these days but performing solo and recording solo are two very different things. Your naked brother, not the sexy airbrushed kind of naked, but the lumpy, bumpy, flabby, real kind of naked.

At 1st listen your like, "sounds great" but by the 150th pass you hear every mistake, every mistake, every mistake, and soon it all sounds like mistakes. Almost to the point where you say, "No one can hear this!" But than you step away for a few minutes, come back, and it's the 1st pass again and can confidently say, "hey, this is dang good."

I can see where you could spend months going over every word til its perfect, every note til its pristine, til, let's be honest, it's no longer really you...I don't play perfect, don't sing perfect.  No, the real is good enough.

I will also say, recording your work is the best thing, mixing that work is not.

Thankfully, I love my dear friend and top notch music producer of 7yrs, Mark Stockert, so it's more like hanging out with my buddy than self autopsy.

It's going to be a powerful and great album!  Day 2 tomorrow.

Bubble Burst

My bubble was exposed yesterday by an innocent question posed by an innocent young man. "What's gospel music?'

I don't assume everyone knows the music I know, but I also never consider that they don't. You mean someone might not actually know what gospel music is, or who its practitioners might be?

I stumbled for an answer, as I was not prepared to have my bubble penetrated at that time and place.  I later sat in my car and thought, oh, I should've said it's the Bible set to blues music...although blues was birthed from gospel, in my replay of the conversation I get to assume he knew what blues music is...or maybe it would've landed another blank stare.

So I said, "here," and handed him my newly acquired business card (the location for this conversation) and if curiosity should allow he could go to the website and hear some gospel music.  He said, "right on."

As per all my design relatd needs, the cards where designed by Douglas DeMuth

Ames Progressive, Ames, IA
Friday, April 9

It was a bust.  5 people, 4 not including Jonathan, who opened the show, and the 4 people were his friends.  So, in all actuality, no one came. 

This doesn't really surprise me, it mostly reaffirms that all age college venues are not for me.  There are a few exceptions, but very few.  I think back to my late teens/early twenties and I didn't like all age college venues then either.  Musical differences we'll call it.  Now I know that some people can bring blues, gospel, folk, etc., to an all age audience and do it very well.  I've just never been that guy.  After 14yrs I know I'm not that guy. 

Ames Progressive is actually a cool space.  It's an office space that converts into a music venue on nights that music is booked and they host a variety of other community related things.  Friendly people.  Cozy space.  There was a Parot in the pet store below.

Supposedly there is a podcast...I dunno.

Homers, Kansas City
Saturday, April 10

I've played Homers a few times in the past 2yrs.  It's actually in Overland Park, just outside KC.  I was looking for a Christian coffeeshop to play in KC and remembered there being a few but all have closed except Homers.

It's got a great stage, nice sized room and it sits right on a main street so you get lots of walk in traffic in addition to the locals who come and support music.  All of my shows at Homers have been good, but this was the best.

I played with the Hallelujah Cowboys.  Their drummer died about a yr. ago and they took time off to re-adjust.  The keyboard player became the drummer (if I remember correctly) and this was their first show back at it.  The two founders have played together for 24yrs which is amazing.  I asked how they can stand each other and they said, "That's why we stand at opposite sides of the stage."  Jokingly of course.

I was a little worried because I only made $20 in Ames and KC can be a crapshoot but they did the most gracious thing.  It was a packed house, all because of them, and they don't usually pass the hat at Homers, but the band said they were gonna pass the hat and give all the money to me to cover the travel expenses!  I was blown away. 

They asked me to join them on their last song, which they've played at every show except for 2 in their 24yr history.  So I joined them on resonator for "Will the Circle Be UnBroken".  It was super fun.

It was a great trip.

Where the Folkheads at?

Friday, April 2
Second Street Bistro, Ashland, Wisconsin

This was my third show (I use the term loosely) at the 2nd Street Bistro. We played there twice as a band and it didn’t make sense to come back as a group since they are lacking in 2 key areas: money and audience.  I would say collectively I’ve played to about 30 people combining the 3 visits.

It’s odd, it’s a great room, good food, real nice staff and the owner is a super nice guy also. They have music on Wed/Fri nights so it’s a regular affair. Apparently if you’re a local artist it’s a packed house, but if you’re an out-of-towner, it’s a crapshoot…nothing new.

I really, really like this venue and even more so the town, which sits straight east of Duluth. The scenery is amazing with National forests on all sides. Northland College is also in the town, but the bistro doesn’t seem to be an attraction for them.

They have a folk festival in the summer, which leaves me wondering where all the folkheads are at…might be a tourist event rather than supported by the locals.

I drove all over the town thinking, “There’s got to be an angle on this town”. My mind drifted from the attempt to crack the Ashland code as I gazed on a most miserable looking Easter bunny sitting on a bench with kids clamoring all around on an extremely windy and cold afternoon. I’m sure he would have happily traded the attendance of my previous nights performance to the one he was now enjoying.

I will be back at the Bistro on Friday, June 11.
2ndstreetbistro.com

Like a Cozy House Concert - 318 Cafe

Thursday, Mar. 25 - 318 Cafe, Excelsior, Mn
Americana Showcase featuring Me, Martin Devaney, Sally Barris and Brandon Sampson, the "ring leader" of the Americana Showcase.

It was a night of really good songs.

I've known Martin for 9yrs and he just gets better and cooler as the years go by. I said the one thing I like about him is that he's always been honest, but he's also one of the hardest working people I know and a great songwriter to boot.

I've never met Sally before, but I was introduced to her songs one night driving back from N. Mn via Radio Heartland. She is an amazing writer and singer, so easy to listen to. She's written some hits for top country artists and the fact that she doesn't make you feel small in comparison is truly remarkable in this day & age of ego and one-upmanship. They say "if you got it, flaunt it" but I think if you got it you don't need to flaunt it cause everyone knows you got it and Sally proves my point. I was also impressed with her ability to play with a flat pick and finger pick at the same time...that's hard to do.

I've known Brandon for about 4yrs. He amazes me, you hear lots of people talking about community and unity and whathaveyou but Brandon is one of the few who actually works to create said "community". If you get a chance to make it to one of his Americana Showcases, do it. Your missing out if you don't.

Tonight Brandon brought us together to the 318 in Excelsior for about as intimate of a setting as you can find in local music. Those sitting at the front tables can actually touch the mic stands!!

It's been a long time since I played the 318 but it's a great space because it is so intimate. Like a cozy house concert.

Alls I can say is that it was an honor to share the stage with these wonderful people and it was fun to hear their new songs as well as introduce a few new ones myself. All in all it was truly a grand time!

A lover not a fighter - E Squared Cafe

The last time I was in Brainerd I kinda figured it being my last. Jed Staack (drums) and I went up to do a duo gig at the Eclectic Café, which was a nice enough place. The owner was super nice, the staff very kind, but the town was engulfed in an Ultimate Fighting event that was going on that weekend and we should’ve stayed home.

Nothing against Ultimate Fighting, although I get sick to my stomach watching people beat the tar out of each other, I just didn’t see a crazed Ultimate Fighting town being a fit for us.

But I’ve noticed that some folks have been playing this new place called the E Squared Café, so I thought I’d give it another go. I’m very glad I did.

Oddly enough it turned out to be the same owner as the Eclectic Café, just a new location. But with a new location brings a completely different atmosphere. It’s more of a bistro/laid back bar with a listener friendly crowd rather than a Ultimate Fighting hang out with music on the side.

Matt Taylor has left the TV’s behind and brought music to the forefront and in doing so created a decent live music venue for Brainerd/area. I know I’m looking forward to going back.

I had a rough night as a crippling cough settled in earlier in the week, allergies, and I had to cough between verses, between songs, basically any chance I could get. I felt great, but sounded like I felt terrible. Maybe it was sympathy, but I walked out with double than I was guaranteed.

I'll be back on these dates:
Frday, May 28 - 8p
Friday, July 23 - 8p
esquaredcafe.com

Tribute CD Recording Log

In case you haven’t heard, we are recording a new CD.

I’ve been playing music for 14yrs and thought it was time to take a break from my own compositions and do a tribute to the blues artists that have influenced me over the years.

The plan was as follows:
Thursday - scratch guitar/vocals
Friday - drums/bass
Saturday - guitar/vocals
Sunday - pedal steel

Day 1 – 3/11

Day 1 was scratch tracking. I recorded guitar and vocals for all the songs which are used as the blueprint for the rest of the guys to work from and than I go back and do the guitar and vocals for real after the drums and bass are done.

All went smooth. Arrived at 7p, was out by 11:30. Most of that time was spent clearing our old record off the tape, dumping it to Protools for storage, and than erasing the tape.

Paul had to wait outside for 25min cause I didn’t have my phone on while tracking…

Day 2 – 3/12

 Jed arrived at 1p. It was rumored Paul was arriving at 1:30 but showed up at 3:30. Which was good cause in that time Jed nailed the majority of the tracks. Mark and I were impressed to say the least. He recorded his 7 songs in under 4hrs allowing for 1hr of set up time. It used to take us a few sessions to get the drums completed.

Paul started around 5ish. Also an impressive run, he was finished by 9!

It was my turn to wait outside…I went for pizza. At least I could eat while I waited!!

Day 3 – 3/13

My optimism outran my ability. The plan was to record guitar/vocal for all 10 songs on Day 3.

I record guitar and vocals separate only because we’ve had to re-record entire albums in the past where I recorded both at the same time. It makes it is way easier to adjust volume if the tracks are separate.

We auditioned a few different mics, which took about an hour and than dove right in. I was going strong for the first 4 songs, 1 takes each, but than we hit a snag. 1 song just didn’t sit right. It felt like everyone was driving in a different direction and after about 5 takes Mark and I decided that a re-work for the guitar part was the only solution. So I spent the next 3hrs coming up with a new guitar part!!!

The rest of the tracks went smooth but it was 10p and I spent 8hrs-playing guitar and it was time to be done. Vocals would have to wait until Day 4.

Day 4 – 3/14

I had a tickle in my throat, was a bit nervous that I wouldn’t be able to sing. But I went to church as usual on a Sunday AM sang through praise and worship just fine so I gave myself the green light to record.

I never thought that my voice would be the easiest instrument for me to play on this record. I’ve sung these songs for 2yrs so it was super easy to get the tracks done. I usually take days to record my vocals, and than re-record them, and sometimes re-record them. But we had all the vocals done in 5hrs.

I can definitely say it’s my best vocal effort and I’m super proud of what was accomplished.

Closing

Jed Germond has to lay down pedal steel for 3-4 songs and than Mark and I will begin mixing.

We came super close to the original plan and I’m super proud of the guys and the work we did. I’m also super proud to say that this is my tribute to the blues artists that inspired me.

I’m exited for people to hear it because even though it’s other people’s songs we ran it through our filter and I think you’ll be pleased.

2nd Closing...

We recorded at Underwood Studios in Minneapolis run by Mark Stockert and I’ve worked with Mark for 7years now and I really can’t tell you how much I enjoy working with him…heck just hanging out with him.

Looking at late May for possible release.  Stay tuned....

Basement---Thirsty Pagan---Attentive Listeners

I may seem like I deserve your pity as I sit alone on my corner stage at the Thirsty Pagan, playing to an audience that is seemingly trying to out do me in the volume department and no one claps at the end of songs. I'm like a jukebox; It's on, everyone knows it's on, but no one came to listen to the jukebox.

And I love it.

I can remember when I was just learning to play the guitar, I wanted to play for some people to get used to the idea of playing for people, so I drove to a nearby park that had heavy traffic. I would sit on the bench for hours, many days a week, and just play. Some people stopped, most people didn't, but I wasn't there to get them to stop, I was there to get myself comfortable playing outside of my basement.

14yrs later, I still need a place where I can just play and not worry about people listening. The Pagan has become a wonderful spot for me to work out new songs, new techniques, etc.,  I don't mean that every song is a train wreck, I bring in 1 to 2 new songs to test out, but you get the idea.

I think you need a place between the basement or practice space and attentive listeners. A place to see if you got down what you've been working on, to see if that song really is completed.  A place to forget your lyrics or mess up the guitar part, a place to experiment.

I can safely say that the Thirsty Pagan is the most comfortable place I play.  People do enjoy the music from what I can gather based on tips and CD sales and mostly from the waitresses...if no one complains, if no one notices, than you've done a great job.

I've also learned 1 other thing: It's tricky to get people to leave when you want them to.

I play form 6-9p and I get paid from a percentage of the restaurant/bar, so I want people to pay their bill before 9p. I don't have a solution to this just yet, but I'm working on some theories. Do I play a bunch of slow songs, or play a bit sloppier, or do I get real loud, or maybe all of the above? Either way I do have a new appreciation for that server who comes up and says, "my shift is over, can you give me my tip".

Here's to the Pagan!

Every last Saturday of the month.

Good vs. Evil...I think not

I thought it'd be a fun idea for me and Adam Hammer from the St. Cloud area to do a monthly double bill at the Local Blend in St. Joseph.  He thought it was a good idea too.

Adam and I had never met, truth be told I had only heard 1 of his songs when I asked him to do the shows.  He has graciously written reviews of my releases for the St. Cloud Times over the past 5ys., so we've talked often. 

It was agreed that rather than split the bill, we'd do an "in the round" setting, a song swap.  We liked the idea of trading off songs to keep the night fresh for the listeners and also for us. We could feed off each other, or completely ignore each other, either way it'd be interesting to see what happens.  Adam calls it a musical conversation.

We've done 2 shows so far and it's been great! 

The only negative thing I can speak of, and I will, is that the venue has come up with some clever descriptions to promote the show..."Heaven vs. Hell", "Satan vs. Gabriel".  This is false advertising.

There are many reasons why I dislike the description, mostly because it sounds like we don't like each other. If we are "vs." that means we are fighting agains each other and that is completley outrageous. It was not our intention for the shows to be a spiritual, ideological battle nor will it become our aim. 

So for those of you who might have shyed away due to the description of the show, don't.  Come out, have a good time, laugh with us as we all enjoy some songs about life.

We hope to see you at the Local Blend.

Next shows:
Sat. Mar. 20

Fri. Apr. 30  

Tom Feldmann - New Beginnings

I've been playing solo these days.  It was September, we were on a week long tour from Mn to FL and I knew, we all knew, it was to be the last band trip for a while since we've never covered the expenses, not once in 5yrs.

I would pay the band regardless of money made  from shows and a weekend trip would leave me $150-$250 in the hole, so a week long trip would cost me around $500.  It was just a matter of time.

So, I played my first solo (terrified and trembling)weekend of shows, in 5yrs. in October and came home with $350.  I couldn't believe it, I hadn't made money, made a profit, in 5yrs!  So I booked a few more weekends, and a few more weekends and in 3mnths of shows I never came home with less than $200.  Now this isn't stardum by any means but it has been tremendously liberating.  It's not about the money, as long as I'm not losing money.

Playing solo has also brought me to find some new great venues.

1 - Terrapin Station, Nevis, Mn

2 - Cup o Joy, Green Bay, Wi

3 - Greenman Music Hall, Viroqua, Mn

4 - Wild Hog in the Woods, Madison, Wi   

5 - Sugar Clay Winery, Thurman, Ne

To name a few.

So, I will be posting pics, videos, tales from my solo travels and when we play as a band, that'll be up here to.

I've also started recording videos from the back seat of my van when I'm out and about.  Calling it "Van Sessions".  You can watch and subscribe @ www.youtube.com/tomfeldmannmusic. 

Here's to new beginnings!