In for the last stretch here at Black Box. Black Box Part II has been amazing, working to get remaining mixes done. Recorded 'Atmosphere', on acoustic guitar, in the wee hours of the morning...the recording has definitely captured that time of day...nice and dreamy and sleepy. We did some spacey back ground vocals...cool how the vocals swim around each other.

Tomorrow will be the last session here... and I still haven't sat down to watch Metallica's 'Some Kind of Monster DVD'. Think I'll poke my head my head out of the mix for a bit...Bye for now.

Back at Black Box. Had the most amazing train-bus-train-bus-car-ride from the Swiss Alps to rural France. The changes in landscape were amazing and it seems as though the seasons also changed during my travels. When I arrived here in February it was winter and just days ago I was praying for sunshine. The change in seasons always boggles my mind. I love the magic of Spring.


OUTSIDE THE STUDIO WALLS OF BLACK BOX


BLACK BOX

Woke up this morning to the sun streaming through my windows and took my guitar outside in the garden. Was playing around with some new songs and then realized after a few seconds that I was having a hard time concentrating...there was a full blown orchestra accompanying me..the crows overhead, the dogs barking in the house, the cows down the road, the chickens on the tractors laying their eggs. So much commotion.

In a few days we'll be recording an acoustic song...I believe, complete with ambient Black Box animal sounds.

I arrived a few days early to work on some pre-production. David's tying up some mixes on another project so I'm hashing some things out on my own. I'm set up in my bedroom with David's Mac, Mbox/Pro-tools and the Brauner mic working away. I could easily spend days hidden away in this room, working away writing - writing, recording, writing, recording....


PRE-PRODUCTION IN MY ROOM AT BLACK BOX

Been visiting friends in Zurich and recharging before heading back into Black Box Studio this Tuesday. Been writing lots, inspired to stay in and seek shelter from the freshly fallen snow and biting wind. Sometimes, I have a hard time believing that I grew up in one of the coldest major cities in Canada...where block heaters, frozen nose hairs and long underwear are as common as they come. Those cold Montreal winters should have made me resilient to this cold...when did I become such a softy? Anyhow, I did venture out last night to hear some live music. Emiliana Torrini was great, her performance was beautifully delicate, sincere and intimate...could have listened to her for hours more.

Strange to be on the other end of the globe where it is still winter... feeling somewhat homesick especially after hearing that the Cherry Blossom trees in Vancouver are in full bloom. Can't say that I am complaining though. Europe is breathtaking in the 'spring'...even if the cold snap and layers of snow have made my tropical blood freeze! In true vagabond spirit, I have been traveling from city to city...fortunate enough to be taken in by friends where they have fed me and given me a warm and comfy place to crash.

My prolonged stay in Europe has come as a bit of a surprise. But after much thought and a series of good yet strange happenings, I have chosen a gypsy life (just me and my guitar)...at least in the interim until I am able to head back to Black Box Studio. The album has come together really well and there are just some remaining mixes to tie up before I am ready to head back home.

I have traveled from city to city...inspired by European way of life - my camera has kept me company throughout my solo voyages. My favorite moment had to be walking throughout Paris and capturing shots of Parisian's in their every day life.

Next week I will be back in the studio...until then, here is a quick look at Europe through my eyes....


PARIS AS IT WAS AND AS IT IS - part i


PARIS AS IT WAS AND AS IT IS - part ii


MONSIEUR COMING


MONSIEUR GOING


L'HOMME @ LES HALLES, PARIS


THE BIRDS - NOTRE DAME CATHEDRAL, PARIS


LOVE BIRDS - MARCHE DES OISEAUX, PARIS