And I am flat out juiced to meet my old friend, never met, Seamus. That is one of the wonderful things about the internet in general, and The Mudcat specifically. You come to know people in a very special way, often even though you have never met them "3D".

I am so please that folks are enjoying our efforts. As is always the case, we feel that we can do better, and wait till you hear the next one................LOL.

One piece of advice I would give to anyone is to get a good producer, especially in the beginning stages. Having had the great good fortune to be a part of both Rick Fielding and Jed Marums next efforts, I have now been in the studio with one of the finest pro's in the business, Paul Mills. Having watched and worked with him a bit, I now see why this is critical. If you are considering a CD, I will offer this bit of advice to anyone interested in listening.

First, spend a great deal of time in planning. Pick many songs and give them an arrangement that approximates the sound you are after. Choose more music than you will record.

Second, get the arrangements down the way you hear them. It is your interpretation. Be bold and do what sounds good to you.

Third, hook up with someone to produce it. I believe it is best to use a pro. This could be someone that is a pro producer, or another musician whose ear and judgement you trust. Generally, I think, this should be someone without any interest other than the ability to understand what you are trying to achieve, and the committment to keep you focused until you get it right. This person should have the type of personality that makes you comfortable.

Get your producer a reference copy of what you have come up with in advance so they can ask you the hard questions. My favorite question that Paul asked when confronted with a song that had been done many times before was "Great song, what can you bring to it that is fresh and not been done before?"

Once you settle on the set, practice, practice, practice! The studio is a place for inspiration, improv, but not practice.

Yep............it was a great experience doing this one. I hope all of you that have it enjoy it, and I hope that others of you will pick one up and enjoy it as well. And I can't wait to start the next one.

Seamus..........see you tomorrow in Muskegon.

All the best,

Mick