My current project, working title "Ol' Ketchfish" may look stagnant - abandoned like so many of the projects you sometimes encounter on online showcase websites like N1M. The reality of it is somewhat different. The projected release date is still March 2020 to coincide with my retirement from the corporate world that has consumed so much of my time and energy that constrained me from the uncertainty of following my dreams. With my reduced responsibilities to others, I can roll the dice on a new endeavor. But I digress. What is happening behind the curtain now? That's what I wanted to talk about. One, I'm writing, revising, arranging and recording like crazy. At the same time, I've developed a scalable business plan to make releasing "Ol' Ketchfish", an album length project, a reality. To support the release, I will be embarking on a series of small and non-traditional venue mini-tours in small cities and towns to bring the music directly to my audience. For most of these appearances, I will be engaging local talent to back my performance. In some cases, I'll share the billing and back their performance as well. In others, I will straight up be hiring musicians to play the shows in their geographical area. This method not only reduces touring expenses, it also will keep the music fresh and exciting. Working with different musicians you're just getting to know is much like the adrenalin rush of walking a tightrope with no net. Over my decades of live performance, those are the shows where I'm at my best and that's what I want to give you. My best. To get back to the business end of things, I deliberately used the word "scalable" in describing my business plan. With my side gigs and performance fees, I can fund a limited version of the release, touring, promotion and merchandising that getting "Ol Ketchfish" out in the world will require. I am also seeking sponsorship/investment and, depending on what kind of commitments I can garner, I can easily expand the number, length and geographical distance I can cover with this model. In the meantime, "Deep Blues" as performed by the original line up of Brightwater Blues will likely remain the only song up here on N1M to pique your interest until the time draws closer to the release date and initial tours. In around November/December 2019, some other songs will be pre-released - some as rough cuts and some in a finished form. At the same time, short runs of merchandise will be made available. If you're a musician, particularly those within a state of the east coast, that has an interest in playing some shows with me in the Spring and Summer of 2020, by all means get in touch. Having a ready list of potential collaborators with insight into their local area will save me a mountain of leg work. Small venues, outdoor community events, house concerts and non-traditional venues is the plan. Hope to see you all next Spring and Summer!