Mike Nelson

April, come she will
When streams are ripe
And swelled with rain”

– April Come She Will by Simon & Garfunkel

Welcome to April, and welcome to my first-ever newsletter! Some good friends have encouraged me to give it a try, so here we are! And if you haven’t already, please subscribe by scrolling down and entering your email.

Oh, and posting your comments below is VERY welcome. Who needs that boring old Facebook to start a great conversation?

March Shows

Here’s what went down last month:

Blue Jimmy at Record Archive

Dates with Blue Jimmy are fewer and further between these days, but that fact makes them all the more sweet.

And even sweeter sweetness was having special guests join us on stage! Leecy Momano blew everyone away with her powerful vocals and presence. While the world-class Pat Harrington (guitar) and Owen Eichensehr (drums) helped bring the house down with epic jams.

(Photos copyright Aaron Winters, March 2024)

Ayers Brothers at Twisted Rail Brewing

The Geneva location of the Finger Lakes craft brew stalwart is a very cool hang! Housed in an old-timey theater in the lakeside town’s old business district. Put a Twisted Rail visit in your spring/summer itinerary. Worth it!

Mud Creek at Lovin’ Cup

Been a minute since I was last at Lovin’ Cup Bistro for a gig. Think it was an Ayers Brothers show a few years back. Missed this place! Always sounds great, a proper music room. And Mud Creek’s take on the Grateful Dead catalog is always a blast. Thanks guys for a great night.

New Music!

Brian Ayers

Congratulations to my brother Brian Ayers on the release of his two new singles, Fallen and Truth Be Told. Happy to lay the bass and pitch in on production and mixing.

These sessions also led me to meet Pat Harrington, who put down the tastiest guitar licks. Fast forward a few months later and we’re sharing the stage (see Record Archive, above), along with his amazing partner in crime Owen. Couldn’t be more humbled.

What I’m Listening To:

Ryan Adams

Whole lotta Ryan Adams these days. Gotta get ready for RA Night during Rob Smith’s residency at Three Heads Brewing in May!

David Gray: Skellig

Skellig came out in 2021, and is most definitely a “pandemic album”. It was a balm at that time, and sometimes I find myself needing to go back to that place. Not in terms of what was happening all around us, but in terms of how and where we were placing ourselves internally. How we were coping. Music was a big part of that, for obvious reasons. As a listen, Skellig has just the right amount of information going on. And sometimes we need just enough. It’s a wonderful album, and wonderful place, to check in with from time to time.

While revisiting, I was reminded what a gift the young producer Ben de Vries has been. I think he brings so much to David’s latest work. Especially in the sound design department, an area of growing interest for me. I’ll probably write about Ben next month.

Update: just found this pod episode where David is talking about Skellig. The interview opens with David talking about his younger years in, and fondness for Liverpool England (even though he’s Mancunian). Ah! Another reason why I love this guy. 😆 (Btw, beware, I may include Liverpool Football Club content in future newsletters. Can’t help myself. Hopelessly devoted to LFC for over 10 years. ⚽ ♥️)

Brittany Howard: What Now

Brittany Howard, former leader of Alabama Shakes, made a huge statement with her solo debut Jaime a few years ago. I’ve been looking forward to the follow-up ever since. What Now does not disappoint.

St. Vincent

A little grunge-tronica anyone? With a dash of Nine Inch Nails?! Yep, I’m in. First single of Anne Clark’s latest manifestation of St. Vincent, and I’m looking forward to hearing more. The always-awe-inspiring Justin Meldal-Johnsen contributes all manner of low-end disturbances.

Sodajerker on Songwriting

This exceptional podcast delivers joy and inspiration every single time. Listening to game-changing guests like Madison Cunningham, Flyte and so many others affirms and reaffirms the power of thoughtfulness and purpose in songwriting. All of it: writing, arrangement, instrumentation, sound design, mixing. It’s not overthinking, it’s providing the best possible service to the song.

Madison Cunningham

And speaking of Madison Cunningham, the Sodajerker interview caused me to go back to her older material. The complexity and nuance doesn’t come across as tricky for the sake of trickiness. I always feel like I’m part of a journey when listening to a Madison Cunningham song. And I love that.

What I’m Watching

Flyte: In-Studio Documentary

I love a good behind-the-scenes piece. Couldn’t think of a better subject. Flyte are a long-time fav. While we’re at it, why not have a listen to the album itself. It’s just simply beautiful.

April Shows

Hope to see you out there!

April Birthdays

Shout-outs to April’s batch of bass legends:

April 4: Berry Oakley

April 13: Louis Johnson

Till Next Month

Thanks for hanging out! Hope you enjoyed my little round-up of March activity. Let me know what you think in the comments below. Peace!

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