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NEW MUSIC

Surprise, right!? Well, to those who are in the Pnut Gallery on Patreon, they have been following the process and hearing the demos over the last year.  The stars aligned and thanks to executive producer Kirk Pasich and KZZ Music (a production company spinoff from Blue Élan Records), I went into the studio last week with a dream team:  Paul Bushnell producing and playing bass (Tim McGraw/ Elton John/ Sarah McLachlan/ Sinead O’Connor/ Neil Young/ The Commitments/ Edna Swap), Zac Rae aka @grumpybeard on keyboards (Death Cab For Cutie/ Stevie Nicks/ Leonard Cohen/ Lana Del Rey/ Morrissey/ Ringo Starr), Dave Levita on guitars (Alanis Morissette/ Tim McGraw/ Dr. Dre/ Sara Bareilles/ Five for Fighting/ Sheryl Crow/ Lana Del Rey), and Thomas Lang on drums (Peter Gabriel/ Robbie Williams/ Glenn Hughes/ Falco).  Zackary Darling was behind the board engineering and is currently in custody of the tracks in order to mix! I just heard the rough board prints and they are wonderful!

I’m very excited to share these songs which run the gamut from modern singer-songwriter to indie pop punk. I’m bringing back some of the rock and quirkiness from my early days, but maintaining that sing-a-long quality and lyrics that are t-shirt worthy.  You will laugh, shake your bootie, and yes, there will a ballad to make you cry.  In a good way 😉 This group of A-listers truly elevated the songs.     (Pic below L to R- Kirk, Dave, Paul, Moi, Thomas, Zac and Zack)  Lots of behind the scenes videos on Patreon.

The “I Hope I Remember How to Do This” Tour:

In April 2021, my last CD “While the Angels Sigh” was released.  Unfortunately, all of my tour plans were canceled due to the pandemic.  So, I’m FINALLY gearing back up to lift the curtain and perform those songs as well as my new ones for a live – in person – audience!  I really hope to see you at one or more of these upcoming performances.  Singing for you keeps me sane. Sort of.

APRIL 30, HOLLYWOOD, CA  HOTEL CAFE 

MAY 13 – WASHINGTON, VA  BENSON HOUSE CONCERT 

MAY 14 – ROCKVILLE, MD  HANK DIETLE’S TAVERN

MAY 15 – MARTINSBURG, WV  ARLENE’S HOUSE CONCERT 

MAY 21 – CARMEL, CA  FOREST THEATER 

JULY 31 – CARMEL , CA   DE TIERRA WNERY TASTING ROOM

MY HAPPY PLACE

I live in my “Happy Place,” so It’s easy to NOT leave town.   My local walk “in the hood” is to places like this:

I can’t wait for you to hear my new song “House without Windows” on the new EP – I’ll be playing it live at shows before the record comes out. THIS is home – Big Sur.

If there was ever a time to come visit Big Sur/ Carmel, it’s the weekend of Saturday May 21st.  I’ll be doing a very special show at Carmel’s beautiful outdoor amphitheater – the Forest Theater.  Tickets available HERE. (Click on “Music in the Forest” through Pac Rep website)  Wine provided by Galante Vineyards- portion of the proceeds to be donated to Guitars not Guns: Monterey County Chapter.  If anyone wants to go hiking the next day, I’m happy to organize one.

WHAT ABOUT YOU?

Please let me know how YOU are, what music you are listening to these days and your tips for raising teenagers (click the contact page!). Jette & Perry are turning 13 in a couple of weeks – they are amazing, wonderful, brilliant and mostly functioning hot messes.   They are my teachers in this life, and I am so lucky to be their mom.  And wow does it make me miss MY mom.   My angel mama leaves me feathers and wisdom in the wind.   Chip is doing great – he has created a beautiful home studio where we can both create.  I’m hoping for a new Bella Portal CD from him in the near future.  He is also collaborating with his longtime musical partner/genius Gregory Markel in their band, All in Your Head (“AIYH”).

Thanks for reading! I have a new email platform through MailChimp, and you can subscribe HERE.  As always, if you ever want off the ride, just let me know – no harm, no foul.

For those of you who have stuck with me through the years, I am forever grateful for your support.

Sending you a big hug from Big Sur,

Cindy aka pnut

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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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I have a new musical baby…

“Nowhere to Hide” is a stripped down, acoustic record. It was the first time that no one told me how to play, or how to sing. I was only told to stop thinking so much and just “do it.” And almost every time I wanted to fix something, I was told “No.”

The idea of this record originated from Kirk Pasich, founder and President of Blue Élan Records. He wanted to capture the raw, emotional connection of my acoustic performances that he’d been watching on stage for many years. The focus was to be on 1. me as an artist and 2. the songs, and not on production. Nowhere to Hide became a concept – the record was recorded live in single takes, where we played together in the same room. The only instruments involved were voices, a grand piano, acoustic guitars and dobro. Kirk set the stage, and allowed the musicians to do what we do best in an environment without restraints. Kirk was seeking the beauty of imperfection, not a slick production. Without a click track, the songs ebb and flow with emotion and honesty, and the push and pull of heartstrings.

There was a lot of love in the room. Everyone involved in this record is a friend, and is special to me. The relationships span the entirety of my career – from my first writing partner/band mate Paul Trudeau to my latest writing partner/producer Colin Devlin. To mix my past and present together in one room was a rare opportunity. Paul and Colin cover most of the tracks instrumentally and vocally, and we sprinkled the collection with appearances by my first producer, mentor and writing partner, Dave Darling, label mate superstar Janiva Magness, my touring sidekick and duo partner Ali Handal, my long time band mate Tina Trevino, my Blue Élan sister Scout Durwood, Randy Ray Mitchell – who I met when I first came on the scene and has played in my band over the years, Bernie Barlowe – who has graced some of my previous records with her gorgeous back up vocals, and a brand new musical collaborator, pianist Tyler Cash.

The songs were curated by Kirk in order to cover the span of my career. You’ll hear some of old favorites from my catalogue, a few new tunes, and two covers which were suggested by fans on Facebook!

I recorded “Nowhere to Hide” summer 2017 at Clear Lake Audio and Fever Studios, with owner/engineer Eric Milos at the helm. I met Eric when I recorded Deep Waters at his studio and felt so strongly about his work ethic and talent, that I insisted he be involved. For the final sonic touches, we turned to Grammy nominated mastering engineer Emily Lazar.

“Nowhere to Hide” will be released worldwide on January 5, 2018! However, pre-orders start Tuesday September 19th and come with immediate delivery of FOUR tracks – 1 from the record, and 3 bonus tracks unavailable anywhere else. Everyone who pre-orders will receive their goodies just before Christmas.

Can’t wait to share this very special record with you…. I’ll be handing you my heart.