I can't tell you how excited I am about the latest CUT OF THE MONTH. It's an amazing feeling when a project gels as well as this one did - good songs, GREAT band, the perfect recording, and all coming together so fast! The band in question is FIREBRAT, and the song is "Letter". You will hear a Costello and the Attractions influence, which makes it timeless. Please give it a listen - you don't want to miss this one!

LUMINOUS FLUX (formerly Black Eyed Susan) continue to mix their recordings. Their sound bears a strong resemblance to Portishead, very early Human League, Angelo Badamenti and David Lynch - full, rich, almost operatic vocals over the top of clever synth and drum sequences accentuated with Marshall half stack guitar.

OTA PROTA has finished their full length CD with the addition of new female vocals. It's now starting to sound rather Thrill Jockey, Bjork, Macy Gray-ish (if you can imagine that!). It's taken a great deal of creative work, and the results are quite grand.

ELLEN FULLMAN and her Long Stringed Instrument where captured remotely in improvisation with Lori Goldston (cello), Frances Woods (violin), Angelina Baldoz (trumpet), Paul Hoskins (bass clarinet), and Robert Jenkins (guitar). What a gaggle of pros! This recording will be one of a series of improv pieces which feature Ellen's unique instrument.

KYLE HANSON was in to continue work on the next 33 FAINTING SPELLS dance project, which will premiere at the Moore Theater later this year. This collection is a unique blend of circus-esque/Black Cat Orchestra/turkish melodys and spy music, with koto and vibraphone as lead instruments (Kyle's a genius). More later.

JOHN FAHEY wasn't in the studio, alas, but his recordings were. I am honored to be entrusted with the mastering and restoration work of all his original Fonotone recordings from 1958-62. The results of this project will be released by Revenant by the end of the year.

The YOUNG COMPOSERS COLLECTIVE are putting the final touches on their "Scream! Lion Dogs" project, as well as beginning a new recording which includes moody pieces composed with two upright basses, tuba, trumpet, sax, bass clarinet, guitar, violin, cello, percussion and vocals (not to mention the broken plates and other smashed items).

LORI GOLDSTON was in to record the soundtrack for Lynn Shelton's indy film exploring the experience of miscarriage. The all-cello soundtrack is coming together nicely, with a bit of ambient sound design by yours truly (and a cameo by the yet-to-be-arrive Baby Bodi Butler).

I also did a quick documentary-type recording of an improv performance with Jon Butcher, Matt Sperry and Gino Robair. The recording came out amazingly well, I'm happy to report.

Still loving my new 02R and believing I'm the luckiest man alive, I am --