New Stuff

Belated good wishes for 2020, I hope the new year has launched well so far.  The holidays were peaceful and easy going here at the Bennett Hacienda, low key to the point it was nearly a non-event.  That said we did have our usual Christmas feast of Navajo Tacos with homemade green chilli, Navajo fry bread and all the trimmings.  So far it’s been a mild winter as they have for the last several years, more rain than freezing temps.

I’ve really enjoyed being home since we wrapped up Mark’s tour the end of September.  Lots of time to catch up on things including time to write and record a new album for myself which I’m very pleased with and will probably be out by the end of the year.  It’s a different record from the others and I’m enjoying everything about it.  I’ve also done some recording for a Brazilian guitar player friend of mine, Sergio Diab, also known as Stratoman.  He writes and records big themed South American and Western style music.  I played on his last record and he asked to have me back for his latest.  There are a few projects on the horizon but my main focus is writing and recording for myself now.

I’ll have some very good news to report in the next update but not quite ready to let the cat out of the bag.  For the time being I will tease you with the fact it has something to do with vinyl.

Finally, a new guitar has been added to my arsenal.  It’s a Martin 00-17 Authentic 1931 model.  All mahogany including the top.  I’ve always loved the sound of these mahogany guitars and Martin has pulled off the miraculous task of painstakingly recreating this model from the top to tail, including aged wood, thin finish, hide glue and down to the smallest detail of that year’s model.  The result is an instrument looks and sounds nearly 90 years old and screams The Great Depression, plays like a dream and clocks in at under 4 pounds.  It’s my favourite acoustic guitar now and is small enough to play in my armchair.  I seldom get into gear talk in these updates or anywhere for that matter, but this little Martin was love at first strum and sight.  It will no doubt find a place on my new record and I’ve already used it on the above mentioned session for my Brazilian friend.  

Here’s wishing everyone a healthy and peaceful new year.

Richard