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Seth and Tony Door Art

Over the summer, I performed for Seth & Tony’s House Concert series.   Not only did I enjoy L.A.’s finest taco cart and eat cake with my picture on it,  I made some new friends in a community that enjoys and supports independent live music.  When I heard that Kevin Fisher was going to be entertaining at the next concert, I quickly bought a ticket.

Let’s backtrack….  Before I played my first show back in the 90’s, I used to hang out at Genghis Cohen on Fairfax Avenue and learn by watching L.A.’s finest singer-songwriters.  Some of my favorites were Vonda Shepard (whom I’ve opened for several times over the last 20 years), Dan Bern, Danny Peck, Kevin Montgomery (who became a dear friend) and Naked to the World.  Kevin Fisher was the lead singer and songwriter of Naked to the World, and to this day, some of his songs are indelibly stuck in my brain.  We orbited in the same circles but never really connected until the night I went to his show at Seth & Tony’s.  As I remembered, his songs were poignant, funny and super smart.  We chatted after the show and made a date to try to co-write a holiday tune.  I had it in my head that I wanted to have something to release before the end of the year for my fans.

My first co-write with Kevin yielded the tune “Christmas in the Ordinary.”  It came fast and easily, and we decided to keep going!  In a p-nutshell, Kevin and I share similar backgrounds and values, and swim in the same head space.  On a whim, we created a side duo project and we’ve dubbed ourselves…. The Humming Bards.  Our first collaboration is a completely fan funded holiday EP called “Holy Common Ground.”   It’s a collection of songs for Everyone- “whatever you believe, whatever road you’re on.”    I hope you get a chance to listen to it!  The EP releases November 16th on my own JamCat Records.  There are only a few limited edition, autographed physical copies available in my store, but you can also download it from iTunes on 11/16.

Art by Lynanne Petroff (Please visit her page, Lynanne’s Creations on Facebook)

We’d like The Humming Bards facebook page to be a community that fosters and inspires creativity.  We were so touched when the gifted Lynanne Petroff  (@LynannePetroff) posted her artwork inspired by one of our online concerts.   (If you’ve never checked out my live Concert Window broadcasts, please do!  Be sure to register so you can participate in the live chats.  Most shows are free or “pay what you can. www.concertwindow.com/cindyalexander.  Next show is December 2, 2018.)

Kevin and I are scheduling house concerts for 2019.  We will be performing our own material plus the new songs we’ve written (and continue to write) for The Humming Bards.   Please email me (cindy@cindyalexander.com) if you are interested in hosting!

Wishing you all a beautiful holiday season ahead. With much love and gratitude,

Cindy aka pnut

Our new EP! Available November 16, 2018

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What a painter….

I have something very special to share with you. NEW MUSIC! I’ve always written music for YOU – with the thought that when the songs resonate and become yours, my mission is accomplished. However, I realize that my mission is never over. I recently wrote a song that I believe was meant for ME. Words I needed to hear, a melody that spoke to me from within…

Sometimes it takes a while to craft a song, and find just the right word and musical riff. Sometimes, songs are written through me, like this one. “My Favorite Artist” poured out in less than 5 minutes. I didn’t change a thing. In that spirit, it was recorded in one take. To keep it personal, it was recorded in my home by my husband, Chip, with some musical help by one of my best friends, Paul Trudeau. Produced by the three of us, I am beyond grateful for this song and experience. Huge thanks to my label mate, the amazing Rusty Young (POCO) for playing pedal steel that elevates the song and makes it even more special.

I hope you enjoy it and take it to heart. Please share it if you do!

 

G-d’s my favorite artist
‘Cause She’s got so much damn soul
Can’t try to imitate Her
I would never, ever be that bold

But I know She gave something
From the well within me it pours
I’d give all away for nothing
So come get what you came for

Come get what you came for

I talk a real good story
But I don’t know what the hell I talk about
I’m just shooting from hip of glory
Making art is making love that knows no bounds
Yeah making art – is making love

Come get what you came for
Come get what you came for
Just take it – take it all – I can make more
Come get what you came for

Don’t know where I’ll be tomorrow
Chances are, I’ll be gone
But I’m here now – with you – for a reason
And you’re leaning in for something like a song

So come get what you came for
Come get what you came for
Just take it – baby I can make more
Come get what you came for

G-d’s my favorite artist
G-d’s my favorite

Come get what you came for
Come get what you came for
Come on …..

Copyright 2018 Cindy Alexander/ JamCat Publishing

Inspiration

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Fidgeting with festive wrapping, I find people struggling to cope. Beneath the mistletoe, I see heartbreak. Illumined by the candles, I witness a world that wants to be more than it is at this moment. I don’t write this because I’m unhappy. I write this because I’m empathetic. I can’t help but me moved by the suffering I see around me, and the absolute line in the sand that’s been drawn between political sides, races and religions. It is my hope and prayer over the next few weeks, and in the New Year, that introspection allows us to commit to lovingly embrace our common humanity and this beautiful earth we are so blessed to inhabit. I am eternally grateful for my family and friends, and the heavenly gift of music that moves me, and moves through me, in darker times….. it saves me. Thank you to all of you who have made my music, your music. I’m truly honored.

I’m looking forward to sharing “Nowhere to Hide” with you on January 5th, when it’s released worldwide. 2018 Tour is in the works, so please check the schedule regularly as new dates are being added. Hope to see you on the road!

With love and my best wishes for the Holidays & New Year,
Cindy

PS:  On December 11, I spent the day in the studio with my Blue Élan family recording a beautiful Christmas song by Gina Sicilia called “Shine Down On Us” to benefit the Alliance for Children’s Rights, and their efforts to help thousands of foster children.  Every stream or purchase helps the Alliance because Blue Élan Records is donating 100% of the profits.  Here’s a video from our day in the studio – please share!  https://youtu.be/4b4h5pUnHGE