We covered a lot of ground in a shorter time span, most songs being cut only once and then moving on to another. for some reason, the energy that seems to sit best is a first or second take, after that they just seem to lose their magic (maybe I just get bored with myself, don't know!). started with "black irish," which is a particularly difficult song to get just right. the complexity of the picking with the demands of the vocal melody make this the most recorded song, which is not a good thing (i think we are now past the 30 take mark on this one). other songs played yesterday: "white city," "white lights," "bobby franks," "the world's fair," "friends as lovers," and "el-a-noy"....

The fans that came yesterday were very quiet, so the entire evening seemed to have an austere quality about it. many fans have told me that they really enjoyed seeing the way I work, and the intensity of the focus, which is interesting because I wasn't sure how that would all go down.... so, going into day 5 I'm feeling a lot more positive, and feel I have clear objectives and horizon points to shoot for.... this seems to be the case with me: if I can see where I want to go I can usually get there. every night there seems to be more and more people, so who knows, with day 5 set on a Friday night who will come around? maybe nobody! :)

For the last 2 days upcoming, I am going in early to record a few things with no audience, to see if we can find another level of focus. that should be interesting, to see if I can dial in the energy of the people and the place WITHOUT anyone there...or will it feel hollow without the witnessing of the supportive few? On the other tangent, that being the concert in front of the 1,100 fans [see mini-concert], I feel about as prepared as I can be without having had shows to warm up with. it is a one night stand anyway you look at it, and hopefully will have all the upside without the downside normally associated to such acts--i.e., guilt/shame/renewed religious fervor.... bc