So I'm waiting for my food down at the local Baja Fresh (don't judge), and I'm surveying my fellow patrons, and I'm struck by both the stark contrast, as well as the unlikely symmetry of this tableau. I won't narrate this one too much, except for to say that I think the young LDS gentleman on the left spotted me taking this picture; which, while mildly embarrassing for me, was a price I was willing to pay to capture one of life's little coincidences.

DAMN! Have you ever had this? It is darned good. You can't buy it in stores, but you can buy it at the Lagunitas brewery! That's right, next time you find yourself north of San Francisco, in what is sometimes referred to as "wine-country" here in California, forgo the wineries and instead hit up the plethora of breweries that dot the landscape. One of the finest is the aforementioned Lagunitas Brewing Company.  And one of their finest products is their barley wine (named "GnarlyWine"). Be forewarned, it is 10.6% alcohol by volume... (I'm suffering the effects of it right now... as a matter of fact... damn it feels good), it is formidable!! In any case, I heartily endorse this stuff. While you're up there, you might as well check out The Ace-In-The-Hole Pub (I played there once). Their specialty? Cider! I know, I know, Cider? But trust me, whatever your reservations, this place will disabuse you of your beer-prejudiced snobbery. Try the Pear Cider, hell! Try 'em all!! (There is a noticeable proportionality between my intoxication and my use of exclamation points!!!... and I think I spell better when I'm fluffed... by he way).

The Honey Dewdrops

A few weeks ago, Virginia duo The Honey Dewdrops (Laura Wortman and Kagey Parish) were in town and they slept on our couch. No really, both of them at the same time! Our couch is that wide. Anyway, In the morning, Jennie and I made them some breakfast and then we all drove up to Santa Barbara, where I did a little opener for them. I even got to play along on a tune (pictured above). Needless to say, it was all great fun, and darn it if they don't sound ridiculously good! Click on the link above and check out their stuff, you owe it to yourself.

Friday Frilling: Pug(s)

Check back here each Friday for stuff like this! Or don't, I certainly wouldn't blame you. It's sort of important to me that I publicly admit that I like this kind of stuff. Embarrassing? Somewhat, but I am what I am, and I am someone who thinks that a pug dressed up as a pug is hilarious. I'll try to balance this proclivity by proportionally exhibiting more cultured material, but sometimes it's just gonna' be just be pugs dressed as pugs...

Pensive Peregrinations I: Science Education

Under the heading of "things related to the life" and not necessarily "the music" of Shaun Cromwell, I thought I would post something about the plight of science education here in the United States. I know, right? Just... please bear with me...

Prior to my formative musical studies, I was, at one time, a fledgling biology student at Michigan State University. While my academic performance was less than stellar, I did have an aptitude toward the sciences. As a professor of mine once said to me, "Shaun, most of these people don't get this stuff, but you're just not trying." Anyway, my inadequacies as a student aside, I did cultivate a basic understanding of, and an appreciation for, all things science; in particular, the extreme breadth and expanse of the wondrous field of Biology. To illustrate, the foundational theory of biology is referred to as The Modern Evolutionary Synthesis; it combines Gregor Mendel's Genetics, with Charles Darwin's theory of Evolution by Natural Selection and was later extended to include the findings of Ecology and Developmental Biology. On the whole, it is less than 100 years old, and constitutes the basis for everything we can claim to know about life on this planet. Without it, literally nothing (including any internally-consistent-conjecture that some might proffer) even remotely makes sense in light of the evidence surrounding the diversity of life. (As an aside, it should be noted that while I could just as easily refer to other aspects of science-denialism, I'll limit my focus to Evolution...) So, it's profoundly demoralizing to see Evolution so maligned (despite its being as well understood and evidenced as anything that human beings have come to count as knowledge) in service of what we here in the United States euphemistically call "the culture wars." It's as if a large segment of the U.S. population views scientists as simply one more interest group trying to foist their propagandized demagogic claims on an unsuspecting and gullible American public. This demonstrates an unfortunate level of ignorance, one that is being fostered in many communities throughout the US of A.

Without delving too deeply into the history of the anti-evolution movement in this country–one that dates back to at least 1925 with the Scopes Monkey Trial–I'll just point out the latest strategy. It is the persistent attempt at circumventing the scientific process through partisan legislation. Legislation that seeks to give broad interpretive leeway to science teachers, allowing them to either: not teach evolution, or to erroneously represent it as "just a theory" among many possible theories (usually emphasizing one of the many brands of creationism). As a result, those who are antagonistic toward the underlying naturalistic aspects of the scientific method, seek to broaden the scope of science to include the supernatural. I won't delve into the philosophical aspects of why this is absurd; suffice it to say, those proffering "alternative theories" to evolution, have yet to flesh out an actual theory, only untestable hypotheses. While these hypotheses are certainly fodder for curricula associated with courses such as: "Comparative Religion"; "Philosophy of Religion"; even "History of Science",  et. al., they do not belong in biology class or, more generally, science courses. It is important to point out that the scientific methodology that is used in amassing the knowledge that makes up Evolutionary Theory, is the very same methodology used in the study of medicine; in fact, medicine is often dependent on the ideas inherent in Evolutionary Theory. What is acceptable for one branch of science–and all that it produces–is good for all the rest, as the underlying methodology is exactly the same! The key point here is that science is not some abstract thing done somewhere off in a laboratory with test tubes, bunsen burners, lab coats, and such; it is that–narrowly, but broadly, it's the endeavor of people attempting to understand the world through the use of our various cognitive faculties. It uses the same exact tools that we use daily to solve all sorts of quotidian problems (albeit in a highly formalized way): deductive and inductive logic; creativity; finely honed intuitions; observation; careful testing and analysis of data. We use these tools to elucidate the best explanations available to us, of the various phenomena we encounter in this universe. Science is never done. As better equipment, techniques, and more detailed knowledge becomes available, we can always refine that which we've learned. Certain things, however: Gravitational Theory, the Germ Theory of Disease, Atomic Theory, and the Theory of Evolution are firmly established. These various ideas represent the closest thing we have to certainty. If you have any doubt of this, you owe it to yourself to follow some of the links that I have provided.

Scientific ignorance, especially when it is institutionalized, could very well damage the well-being of our society; not only from an abstract intellectual standpoint, but also economically. Without a solid educational foundation in both the facts, methods, and processes that make up what we–collectively–refer to as science, we will both individually and as a country, fall behind in job creation and profit generated from the products and intellectual properties that stem from scientific and technological innovation.

If you live in a state that is affected by the type of legislation I've described, please write your representatives to tell them how you feel, and contact organizations such as the National Center For Science Education with any related complaints.

Congratulations if you made it to the end!

Yeah Science!

Rafa's

Christopher Locket took this photo. I like it. As a general rule, I–like many of you–enjoy pictures of myself about as much as I enjoy prostate exams (which is to say, not very much–just to clarify). But I do like this one. Might have something to do with the Elvis portrait. It was taken at Rafa's Lounge, a strange Echo Park establishment with an eclectic melange of aged folk art, confused architecture, and artful steel work... They sell Rosé from a box (Franzia, if I remember correctly), and Carlo Rossi Burgundy from a jug. It's somewhat macabre and, at the same time, charming. Rafa is quiet, unassuming, and as far as I can tell, exceedingly pleased to be hosting live music. Thanks to Chris for the photo (I think this one is kind of low res; maybe I'll hit him up for the full version) and the gig, and thanks to Rafa for the space.

"This Place Really Sucks"

This is somewhat random, but over a year ago now, when I did a little tour of British Columbia, I saw
this sign on the side of the road. It's, perhaps, one of the more unusual marketing strategies I've come across. Maybe they're looking for a very specific sort of clientele...?

Suppressing The Muse

So I have been relatively disengaged with music over the past year or so. While I play my guitar daily, I haven't made an effort to really learn anything new or to push myself in the way of writing or performing. Not sure why exactly. In fact, I haven't even listened to much music over the past year, and haven't bought any music in OVER a year. I've been engaged in some cathartic life-altering decision making and there just wasn't much room in my brain for music. Regardless, I'm playing a show here in Santa Monica at McCabe's Guitar Shop on January 6th as an opener for Ernest Troost. Ernest has coaxed me into playing some banjo on a couple of his tunes, so here I sit, practicing my banjo and trying to write a tune or two. I've also started listening to Elvis Radio and Classic Soul on the free XM radio that came with my car (by the way, the XM radio was supposed to be active for only a three month trial period, yet it still works. Is it, that if I were to pay I would receive more channels, or did they neglect to shut me down...? In any case...) I have to admit that I'm feeling the pull a bit more, so maybe I'm "back"... maybe...?

Rant

I'm out of a job. Now you would think that unemployment would be the perfect time to maybe get some songwriting done, right? Wrong. Apparently, the time one lacks whilst slogging through successive workdays is not nearly as much an impediment to creativity as are the impending financial woes that could result from joblessness. So as I sit with my resume, and several unfinished songs before me, I decide--cathartically--to write in my little online journal. Why? I have no idea. I suppose I just wanted to feel what it was like to actually write something for a change; you know, to formulate thoughts, put them into words, and see if they make any sense. How am I doing? All the while, CNN is broadcasting perpetual coverage of the civil unrest in Egypt, and I have the volume turned down. Every now and then I turn it up and revel in the fact that I am witnessing the collective power of people to effect real change, whatever that change might be... Then, slowly, cynically, I realize that the end result will, in all likelihood, be some sort of compromise in which an opportunistic demagogue will be "elected" to power; one who is sympathetic to either pro-Israeli western interests, or to some branch of fundamentalist Islam. Either will ostensibly be in favor of some vague notion of democratic reforms, but will simply reinforce the path of least resistance; that is, the path that furthers the interests of the rich, powerful, and devout. The day-to-day lives of average Egyptians with modest aspirations probably won't improve... ok, I guess I'll try and write a song now.

Me at McCabe's Guitar Shop

Sound check at the hallowed folk venue. This was actually a real gig... they paid me and everthing! Pretty spooky... from the green room all the way down the steep nautical-grade stairs to the stage, the erie tension of heros, musical history, and ghosts. The pictures that-literally-fill the walls of upper McCabes, pictures of just about anyone you can think of from the folk/singer-songwriter world, e.g., Peter Case, Tom Waits, John Hammond, Townes Van Zandt, etc... serve as cruel intimidation, inspiration, and validation. We'll just have to see if they'll ever have me back... sigh...

So... I've given a bunch of CDs to a radio-promotions liaison named Jared Ingersol. Jared has sent my CD to some 180 people for airplay and print/blog review. So somewhere near you a song from "Folk-Worn Prose" is--hopefully--being played on a volunteer staffed folk-radio program, at a community station, broadcasting on a relatively low-watt signal, out of some building that was originally otherwise-purposed (like a strip mall unit or school-district-owned facilities management shed) and hundreds of people who would not have otherwise heard, say... "The Rise And The Fall Of It All" will be either basking in the sweet sounds; professing utter indifference; or... something much worse. So if you know of such a radio station, feel free to call 'em up or email them and request a track or two from the new album. Thanks, in advance...

Shaun

Folk-Worn Prose

New CD is out!

You can find it at CD Baby as both a physical product and as a download

It's also at iTunes and probably some other places.

Also, if you find a little time, please give it a review at either place; helps make

it look legitimate... check it out.

Just finished a 7 day tour of British Colombia as part of Trisha Gagnon's band that consisted of both the eminent John Reischman, and the ubiquitous Jim Nunally. It was a tour in support of her debut recording "A Story About You And Me" which I sang on, along side such luminaries as Vince Gill, Peter Rowan, Tony Furtado, i.e. Why me? you ask, not sure exactly, but as the story goes, she typed into Google something about "best country singer in California", and my name was, like... third!!?? I know, weird right? In any case, she gave a listen and apparently liked what she heard; next thing I know, I'm on the album. Then, the NEXT thing I know, I'm on stage in Penticton, B.C. with John Reischman, Jim Nunally and Trisha Gagnon who, besides being part of the 10 year juggernaut "John Reischman And The Jaybirds," have played along side many of the greats of Bluegrass (David Grisman, Tony Rice, etc...). Anyway, it was an honor, as well as a good time. I'll let you know if anything else springs forth...

Oh... here's a picture of me with John's Lloyd Loar...

Nova Scotia w/ Cahalen Morrison

Ahhh, Nova Scotia in January; perfect time for a tour. I was here with Cahalen Morrison as part of the "In The Dead Of Winter Music Festival." Good times, cold, but good.

They have giant Kit Kat bars in Canada, who knew?

Why is Cahalen stunned? This is why...

Them Canadians sure know how to porridge!!!

This is at a place in St. Andrews, New Brunswick called Salty Towers. It was old, crooked, and really cold, and possibly haunted, but very cool. I'm told it's quite the place during tourist season!

A Little Chesnutt...

Several years ago, when I first moved to LA from Detroit I got a job in a studio as a tape op/Pro Tools guy. The studio (Penguin Recording) did mostly transfers, that is, transferring audio from one format (usually analog reel-to-reel tape) to another (usually digital files and/or CD references). We did a lot of work for all the major record companies and, as a result, did a lot of the transfers for various reissue projects from their massive catalogs. As you can imagine, I got to hear the original masters of some pretty incredible music, stuff that the general public will never get to hear; stuff like out-takes from a recording session with Aretha Franklin and a four piece funk band; In-studio performances by Bonnie Raitt; the multitrack masters from various Paul Simon sessions; every single 1/4" stereo recording of just about every Yes concert (from Steve Howe's personal stash)... Anyway, one of my top-five all time projects at that studio was when a funky little 4-track cassette came in. We had to rent a Fostex four track to do the rough mixes and transfers (due to the fact that 4-track cassette isn't really considered a professional format). Now, for every completely awesome, incredible, mind-blowing project that came through the door, there were at least 8 or 9 nightmare projects that were anywhere from mediocre to unbearable, so this little cassette didn't seem very promising. I hit play on the deck and began trying to get some basic levels and do some EQ-ing (I would usually get 1 or 2 passes with this stuff). By the time I got to the 3rd or 4th song I was slightly hooked and by the time we got to the 5th or 6th track, "rabbit box", I was a rabid fan! It was definitely unlike anything I had ever heard. In fact, the barely credible guitar playing and quirky dialect screamed at my rational mind to hate it, but instead, I thought it was one of the most amazing things I had ever heard. I couldn't quite explain it. The words painted such unusually vivid pictures and the language was completely unique, colloquial and sophisticated at the same time... That cassette was the "Little" session for Vic Chesnutt, produced by Michael Stipe (of REM); it was one of the maybe dozen musical-paradigm shifting experiences of my life... seriously.

Vic Chesnutt died on Christmas and as someone who is usually pretty unaffected by death, even untimely ones, I was truly saddened. Sad for his family and his friends; sad that the exorbitant cost of healthcare in our country played a large role in his passing; sad that I won't get to hear any new Vic Chesnutt songs; sad that I won't ever get to see him perform live; sad that, seemingly, only shitty music prevails (where did that one come from...); and just... sad, I guess... maybe it's partly the holiday blues or whatever... whatever. Anyway, I'm going to go listen to West Of Rome; that song "Steve Willoughby" kicks ass...