Hello folks:

I haven't updated in a while, and the reason is good: I've been really busy working on this record! But I wanted to take a minute and fill you in.

First of all, the recordings are within a half-inch of being ready to press, and that's what has taken the lion's share of my time for the past couple of weeks. The good news is that they sound SO GREAT I CAN'T EVEN BELIEVE IT! I can't wait for you to hear this.

Meanwhile, I finished all of the illustrations, and I'm really pleased with them. A lot of things came out of the charcoal that I didn't expect, including a flying church with stained glass dragonfly wings. I spent Saturday afternoon at the U of A library scanning them all and getting them ready for printing. I also scanned all the sheet music! There are several manuscript pages, and for the ones that were digitally typeset I added performance notes and other things in pen and ink, so it's just a charming-looking pile of music all the way around.

The concept for the packaging has evolved as well, and I think you'll really like it. Drew and I are working on the details this week, because it's time to get moving on this!

I'm planning an official release show here in Tucson in late January or early February, but all of you will have your goodies the moment they're ready, which will be in late December or early January. Hopefully Austin will follow in the spring, and perhaps a small trip around the U.S. to go along with it.

But now, back to the list ... so many things to do yet ...

I'm back in Tucson with a thumb drive full of sound and a to-do list ready for checking. 

The sounds we've captured on this recording have far exceeded my wildest imaginings. It's a big, deep, dark, beautiful, soft, violent, resonant, ringing thing. I love it. I'll spend the week listening to the mixes, and emailing this and that to Graham Reynolds for adjustments, but it's really really close.

The work of recording itself was a real pleasure, and it was great to be back home and working with Graham and Jeremy again! Inspiration all around.

Meanwhile, I have a few illustrations to finish, the cover to design, and a lot of material choices to make. If everything falls together as it should, I think we'll be ready to release in early December. If not, then early January. I can't wait!

For you central Texas backers: I never did call for a big get-together while I was in Texas, and I'm feeling regretful over it, but this recording really did take all of my focus. We'll have to meet up when I come back for a show in the spring!

In the mean time, thanks again, and I'll keep you posted!

Chris