@durod
<p>Well, just barely got my latest CD out in time for the 2010 March of Dimes "March For Babies" fund raising drive and walk. Anyone who donates at least $10.00 to sponser my walk gets a copy of the CD. It helps out a good cause and also helps me get my music out there; so for me it's a "win-win" situation. The music ranges from soft rock to country/folk and the song subjects range from evolution to eternity. I feel it's my best attempt yet, but of course I'm biased!! I've included a link to my page on the March of Dimes website if you would like to donate; and please send me your mailing address if you would like a CD.</p><p><a href="http://www.marchforbabies.org/personal_page.asp?si=4BF188B6-ADBD-43CB-99E0-89B6F4A47E5A&prefill">http://www.marchforbabies.org/personal_page.asp?si=4BF188B6-ADBD-43CB-99E0-89B6F4A47E5A&prefill</a>=</p>
<p>Chalk one up for the rookie (me) on his first lead guitar attempt!!! As someone very graciously pointed out, the lead guitar had some parts that were ridiculously out of tune. I knew something didn't sound right!!! Thanks so much James and Warren for pointing that out; once you mentioned it and I looked at it, it stood out like a preacher in a cat house!</p>
<p>Didn't do too bad I guess, only forgot a couple of lines and didn't quite cover my E string with my capo on one song and had to quickly correct that mid-song<img src="images/smilies/face-surprise.png" border="0" alt="surprise" title="surprise" />. I forgot what nerves can do to you!! All in all it went really well and it feels great doing live again. Memorizing versus using a song sheet is a WHOLE different world; it certainly gets your adrenaline pumping to a totally different level! Oh the adventures of live performances<img src="images/smilies/face-smile.png" border="0" alt="smile" title="smile" />.<br /><br />Duane</p>
<p>Well, my second live performance since getting back into it went pretty well I guess, and I give the praise to my King. But I can now see that if you're going to do a coffee house venue, it should be with a soft, quiet acoustic type music that is kind of more in the background rather than up front and loud. People are there to chat and socialize, along with listening to a little music between conversation. That's just the nature of a coffee house setting I guess; at least most of them.<br /> The event wasn't promoted, so basically the only people that showed up were the ones who's kids were practicing for a Christmas presentation in the church next door. Thank God for the childrens practice!! By the time I was getting to my last two or three songs, everyone was already filing out to go get their kids since practice was over. I sang the last song to my wife and the two attendants behind the coffee bar!! Believe me, it can be pretty disheartening to watch everyone slowly disappear before your set is even complete!<br /> I kept getting the feeling I should bring my own equipment, but I ignored it and used the existing sound system.........Oh when will I learn to listen to the guidance of His Spirit!! The speakers were spread far enough apart that I needed a monitor to stay in time with the backing tracks. Well, for some reason the monitor was either so quiet I couldn't hear it, or it was so loud that I couldn't hear myself!! Needless to say, when it was down at one of it's low volume levels, I got out of time on one of my songs and couldn't find my way back until a break between verses. The old nerve level really skyrocketed after that. But, now for a highlight; I didn't forget a single line out of 12 songs......HALLELUJAH!!<br /> Performing live can present many opportunities to get frustrated and discouraged, but I have decided to ignore the lies of that mangy old devil and to learn and grow from these times rather than let them get me down. I do think, however, that I will stick to performing in churches and at events in the future. But first I will take some time to seek Him and His will for the future and remind myself that I am a child of the Most High God and that alll things work for the good of those that are called according to His purpose.</p>
<p>IN ALL THINGS I WILL GIVE PRAISE AND GLORY TO MY GREAT GOD AND FATHER WHO ALONE DESERVES PRAISE!!!<br /><br />Duane</p>
<p>First mix was TERRIBLE <img src="images/smilies/face-crying.png" border="0" alt="crying" title="crying" />!!! Pulled way back on the bass guitar, snare and kick and it sounds much better I think. Please let me know what you think. Thanks!!<img src="images/smilies/face-smile.png" border="0" alt="smile" title="smile" /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.mixposure.com/duane_rod/">http://www.mixposure.com/duane_rod/</a></p>
