I'll be showcasing Electronola and a handful of the new-generation traditional jazz bands that I've recorded recently (there's a renaissance going on down here). The show's from 10-12 central time, 90.7FM if you're in New Orleans, or you can stream from wwoz.org (the New Orleans jazz & heritage station) - just click the link below:

http://wwoz.org/listen/player

...but it's actually up for sale today. Know people that you think might dig it? Send 'em the link:

http://bit.ly/Electronola

Feel free to pass this link around on facebook, twitter, etc.

I know a lot about how to make a record. I don't know much about how to promote and sell a record. I'm realizing that means for me the hard work is just beginning, but I'm up for it. I think I'm going to learn a lot as I go through this process. If anyone has any suggestions or ideas in that regard, I'd love to hear from you.

Thanks y'all,

Earl

It'll be available to the public soon.

YAY! It's complete!!!

Sending it off to be mastered tomorrow. Downloads coming soon!!!

Yeah, I know my Sunday deadline has passed... but I've been working hard at banging it out and I'd rather take a couple extra days and have it perfect than rush things and have to live with hearing the imperfections forever.

It's soooooooooo close.....

Here's the final version of the album cover. I think it looks fantastic! Thanks again to Monty for doing this with such excellence in such a short time frame.

:)

The others are inching ever closer.

Monty just shot me an email with a pic of the inks for the cover. I totally love how it's coming out so far. I can't wait to see the finished product!

There's something familiar about those balcony plants...

You can check out Monty's comic here:
http://www.welcometobordercity.com

and his art here:
http://www.stikkmann.com

...and while you're doing that I'll be locked away in the studio. Mixing. :)

I got a good mix going of "Let It Go" last night. I think it's done, but I'm going to listen on a multiplicity of systems and possibly make a couple of tiny tweaks if needed before I call it "done". I'll call it 99% complete right now.

It's available here for your listening pleasure:

http://maddwikkid.bandcamp.com/track/let-it-go-preview

Enjoy!

It's about to be Jazz Fest time in New Orleans, which means every musician in town will be gigging their hearts out. What this also means is that it's the one time of year I can be pretty certain I'm not going to have recording sessions. So...

While everyone is out Festing it up, I'll be putting the final touches on Electronola. By the time Jazzfest is over, Electronola will be done.

I've got Bruce Barielle lined up to master it at the beginning of May, and with any luck I'll have CDs by June.

I met today with Monty, the comic illustrator who created Border City. http://welcometobordercity.com/ As you can see on that site, his drawings lean towards the dark and ominous yet are still vibrant and full of energy. I felt his style would be a great match for the Electronola cover art.

We discussed just vague general concepts for the cover - mostly that I need something that simultaneously represents old New Orleans and new technology. I can't wait to see what he comes up with. I'll post more updates as this develops.

:)

Carl LeBlanc came in to do vocals on a couple of tunes and ended up only doing one. Why? Watch the video and find out the surprise!

We had a lot of laughs just cutting up and goofing around throughout the session. Carl did a fantastic job on the tune he sang. I've always loved his singing, and I'm incredibly grateful that he agreed to be a part of this record. I can't wait to finish it up.

I hesitate to say this, but with the vocals for all the songs now recorded, I think I'm just maybe 2 or 3 weeks from wrapping up this record! (Everybody reach over to your desk right now and knock on wood).

Special thanks to Myshel Terry for shooting the video & photos.

Admittedly this is not directly Electronola news, but I engineered it, and many of the artists on Electronola are also featured on this record (Shannon Powell, Joe Lastie, Lucien Barbarin, etc). It's kind of crazy to think we've got the #2 jazz record in the country right now. I'm elated!!!

http://www.billboard.com/#/charts/jazz-albums

:)

Carl is one of the most versatile musicians in New Orleans, and he's played with everybody. He was in Stop Inc., who recorded the Mardi Gras favorite titled "Second Line" (the tune is actually a version of Joe Avery blues). At one time he left New Orleans for a bit to play with Run Ra. He calls Fats Domino to chit chat. In fact, Carl is the one who put me in contact with George Porter, Jr. several months ago when I needed bass on the record.

I spoke with Carl last night, and he's agreed to sing on Electronola. Here's a little taste of Carl singing and rocking out on his banjo:

http://www.youtube.com/watch...

I'm looking forward to hearing his voice on my music.

I figured this would be a good tune for people to blast during the festivities in the next couple of weekends, so I'm putting out a preview release as a free download.

Enjoy!!!

http://maddwikkid.bandcamp.com/track/the-days-preview-version