The Mad Musings of a Hopeless Daydreamer: March 2012

Monday, March 26, 2012

New Track from Rufus Wainwright's Latest Album...

Rufus has a new album coming out later next month. As always, I'm excited about anything new from this guy. He's one of my favorites! Check it out...

Friday, March 16, 2012

Music from The Lambuth University Jazz Band...

Here are a few mp3 files that I had on my computer from the Lambuth Jazz Band's 2001 spring tour and one from the fall of 2000. Mr. Dick Brown was directing at this time. I was playing 1st alto sax. Dr. Derek Jones was in his first year at Lambuth and was playing tenor sax with us, and Dr. Ross Bernherdt, the choral director, was playing trumpet. Those are two of the most talented musicians I've ever encountered. My cousin, Steven Lumley, was also playing trombone in this group, and my KA brother, Dustin Smith, was on drums (he's fantastic). I loved my years at Lambuth, and the Jazz Band was a highlight of my time there. I can't believe it's been over ten years since we made these recordings!

"Channel One Suite"

"Children of Sanchez"

"Oh When the Saints"

"The Suncatchers"

"In the Mood"

"I Feel October in the Air" (from fall 2000)

Alto Sax Solo by Jason Spraggins

Thursday, March 15, 2012

"Look Beneath" from "BENEATH THE SURFACE"

Here is a demo of a song from "Beneath the Surface", the musical (based on the Gacy murders) that Matt Glickstein and I are writing. This is the first song in the musical. It takes place in 1979 in the prison hospital where Gacy is being held. It has been one year since his arrest, and his defense team is preparing for his trial by having him evaluated by Dr. Helen Matthewson (fictional), a psychiatrist. The defense is hoping that she will declare him insane, as they are basing their case on an insanity plea. The song includes two characters: Dr. Matthewson and Mr. Morretti, the defense lawyer. Matt sings both parts in this demo...

"LOOK BENEATH"

Mr. Morretti:

How could they think he's not insane-
that something's not terribly wrong in his brain?

The things that he's done, no sane man could do,

but what makes him different from me and from you?

We must dig deep; we must find the source.

What leads him to kill and show no remorse?

Please understand, his life's on the line.

I will prove his illness excuses his crimes.

You must look beneath the surface

of this troubled man's charade.

You must sift through all of his secrets-

buried and decayed.

You must resurrect the memories you find

as you look beneath the surface of his mind.

Dr. Matthewson:
I understand the trouble he's in.

He's standing on ice that is dangerously thin.

If he is insane, it could save his life,
but he must go under psychology's knife.

I will look beneath the surface

of this troubled man's charade.

I will sift through of his secrets-

buried and decayed.

I will resurrect the memories I find

as I look beneath the surface of his mind.

Lyrics by Spraggins/ Music by Glickstein

Youth Group Trip to Florida (2005, I think)

Nice memories of fun times with great people. These kids are all grown up now, and I miss them. Sadly, we lost Chris in a car accident a few years ago. I'll cherish memories like these forever...

(back row l to r) Me, Jeric, Chris, Elliott, Jordan, Brittney, Kristina, and Lauren

(front row l to r) Ryan, Matt, Joey, and Liz.

Miss Jody and I overseeing the loading of the bus.

A very tired me consulting with Claydawg about the next activity.

Relaxing and having some Pizza with Clayton on the balcony.

Me wearing shorts that are a few sizes big. I don't remember why!

Go cart time!

My uncle Greg, the enforcer

At the beach

SongU.com

www.SongU.com is a site for songwriters that I have been using for about a year now. In fact, it's how I was connected with Hawaiian composer Matt Glickstein, with whom I've written a number of songs that you can find on this blog.

SongU provides song writing courses developed by award-winning writers, song feedback, mentoring, one-on-one song coaching, co-writing, un-screened pitching opportunities and more.

I've learned a lot from taking part in the site and have gotten some helpful feedback on my work. Since I joined, I've had several of my song designated as "The Best of SongU" by the professional coaches who evaluate new material. I've also had a record company contact me about using two songs that I co-wrote with Andy Brown on country artist's upcoming album.

This is a helpful site, and I'd encourage any one interested in the craft and business of songwriting to check it out...

Songs Designated as "Best of SongU":

"Ghosts" (Matt Glickstein/Spraggins)

http://themadmusingsofahopelessdaydreamer.blogspot.com/2011/06/ghosts.html

"The Garden" (Spraggins)

http://www.spragginsmusic.com/spragginsmusic/featured..html

"Two Worlds" (Spraggins)

http://themadmusingsofahopelessdaydreamer.blogspot.com/2009/03/two-worlds-verse-we-have-seen-neon.html

"Yours" (Spraggins/Andy Brown)