"For Now I Think I'll Let You Dream Tonight..."

On Friday July 23rd, my grandfather passed away at the age of 94... I found out a few days ago and ever since I had been scrambling to try and make it up to the service which was held today at 11:00 am in Springfield, VT. Unfortunately, plane tickets were unreasonably expensive and it was not possible to make it up from South Carolina given the time I had and the circumstances I am in.

So after many discussions with family and loved ones, I decided to stay here and honor my grandfather from a distance. Everyone was in support of my decision and trusted I'd be there in my own way, knowing how much I wish I could have gone. So today, during the exact time the service was being held, Melissa and I went to Azalea Park, a quiet, pathway-weaved sanctuary laden with pink flowers and willow trees to pay our respects and honor his life and passing. We made our way to a quiet gazebo where I played a song that I had written for my grandfather a while back called "Rising Suns". Unfortunately, I never got a chance to share the song with him but today I found it very appropriate to sing it. I am sad I couldn't be there with my family during this time but glad that Melissa and I could have our own little service in the south for my grandfather.

Rest In Peace, Grandpa. I love you and I'll miss you.


Here is my modest performance of "Rising Suns" with the lyrics posted below. After many starting attempts that were interrupted by bugs flying onto my face and sirens screaming in the background, we got through the whole song. Please excuse my singing and playing errors...it has been a long time since I performed this one.



Rising Suns

your eyes have seen the light of so many rising suns
your feet have brought you further than both of mine have done
and with the beating of your heart you've kept a steady pace
while tragedy and love have carved the lines upon your face

and I can't imagine
how it feels to see it all
to hold on to the memories, however big or small

and one day I will ask you
what you thought of your own life
but for now I think i'll let you dream tonight


the wind has carried secrets, inspired stories told
it's held up walls meant to protect, knocked down the trees of old
but today it serves one purpose and thats to keep your fire bright
for the gentle breeze holds melodies sung deep within your life

and I can't imagine
how it feels to see it all
to hold on to the memories, however big or small

and one day I will ask you
what you thought of your own life
but for now I think I'll let you dream tonight

We never know what tomorrow brings
they're drowned out by songs we sings
but I know that the sun will set
and until it does let's live how we know best...

and I can't imagine
how it feels to see it all
to hold on to the memories, however big or small

and one day I will ask you
what you thought of your own life
but for now I think I'll let you dream tonight
for now I think I'll let you dream tonight
for now I think I'll let you dream tonight

Stand To Be Released August 1st

While Passing Into August didn't quite make the cut as a song concept, its title still manages to play an important role. On August 1st, I will be releasing Stand, the first song written for the record back in 2003 and the second single to be introduced to you all since Ask You's debut back in May of 2009. With several delays to the project and quite a large lapse in sharing any new music, Stand should satisfy some eager taste buds and offer up a hint of what is to come at the end of the year.

Keep your eyes and ears open for Stand on August 1st!

***Keep in mind that this rough mixed-down version I will be sharing with you is lacking a few components that will be featured on the final edit, including the back-up vocals by Angela Paladino as well as some possible string sections throughout various parts of the song. Said melodies excluded in this single but featured on the final version were written by Chad Macomber.

This is just like waking up...

...and not being able to sing too well. haha Nevertheless, I have provided "y'all" with a little morning diddy to go with your coffee. Enjoy!

Bicycle on the Ice (Live from Summerville, SC) ...Oh and it's Tuesday, not Thursday...haha.

The 411 on I-26

The returns of video updates!

Could it be??!!???!

Oh my god! This morning I was looking through the photos that Melissa took yesterday for the Gibson Les Paul shoot and look what I saw!!! Is that The Weston Monster?!??! Could he have somehow followed me all the way down here from MA and if so HOW? Maybe when we weren't looking he snuck into our moving truck or stowed away in our two crammed cars in between trips from the apartment to the parking lot??...I DID take one final trip to Weston the week before we moved...maybe he jumped into the car when I was saying goodbye to Dave but then if so wouldn't Dave had seen him do it? Wouldn't I have heard him breathing in the back seat or laughing a mischievous little chuckle under my piles of clothes? Either way, this is indeed bizarre. Will I have to rename him The Carolina Monster??

Stay tuned for more on this crazy occurrence. What IS this creature up to....

Lyrics: Hello, Amy

Hello, Amy
I didn't expect you here this soon
You're not due for quite a while at least that's what I assumed
and I don't want to be rude but I think that you should leave
I'm not ready to sit down with you and talk of life and what it means.

'Cos you're hurting me so effortlessly
simply put: I want you gone
I want you far away from me

Tell me, Amy:
Why do you still insist on comin' knockin' on my door when you know I'll just resist?
I'm closing all the curtains, pullin' up the welcome mat
and if you can't take the hint by then I guess I'm headin' out the back.

'Cos you're hurting me so effortlessly
simply put: I want you gone
I want you far away from me

Well done Amy
I think I've given into you
'cos you've numbed up all my senses and there's nothing I can do
and if you should never leave me I guess I'll take your hand and say:
Amy, perhaps we're meant to be, suppose it's better off this way...

'Cos you're hurting me so effortlessly
simply put: I want you gone
I want you far away from me

Goodbye, Amy
I've had some time to think things through.
I don't know what I was thinking when I said that I'd love you.
Perhaps out of desperation or a fear of losing time
I just know now that I don't want you and there's no way to change my mind.