Becky Reyes: Blog

Hello everyone!

It's quiet. It's the middle of the night and my head is filled with music. I have thought of you so often over the last few weeks as I've been wishing there was a way to include you in our activities. Scott and I have attended a couple of rehearsals with Buzz and the Soul Senders and with Kevin Pakulis. Talking with Steve Grams today was wonderful, too. We talked about a song we're going to do together and Steve invited Scott up to sit in with them. Can I just tell you that working with these musicians is such an honor? That the enthusiasm I've percieved from each of them is so encouraging.

The past few weeks, getting ready for our upcoming event, Music in the Plaza - Becky Reyes and Friends, has been at times mellow, sometimes joyful, other times electric! I've experienced spontaneous bursts of laughter A LOT of times because the music I'm hearing is SOOOOO good. Each of these acts brings an original twist to the music.

Today, listening to Buzz's soulful voice and singing harmonies with Daniele Panther and Amy "Whiskey Girl" Ross was so inspiring. There's an incredible sensation when three, even 4 voices come together to form a chord. It's hard to describe but when it happens right, it's like a beam of light entering your solar plexus and radiating outward through every pour. And Buzz's line-up is coalescing nicely. The addition of Dylan Charles is brilliant! Dylan is a young whippersnapper and DAMN! Can he play the guitar!

Last Sunday, when Kevin Pakulis came over with stand-up bassist, Mark Pierce, we worked on a few songs. If you listen to KXCI at all, chances are you've heard one of Kevin's songs. In 2007 he was KXCI's most played artist and for good reason. He writes a good story! And he plays a good guitar. And he pairs up with great musicians! Kevin, Scott and Mark have a really salt-of-the-earth feel. Simple, unpretentious and solid, these three deliver songs for everyman. I came away from that rehearsal with a feeling of being connected to my home and community. Kinda rootsy feeling, I guess. Like, no matter what happens in this crazy world, everything's gonna be all right.

Finally, Scott will also be sitting in a few songs with Grams and Krieger. I'm telling you Scott lovers, if you like him when he plays with me, JUST WAIT until you hear him with these players. He's a totally different animal (emphasis on the word: animal)! And these guys, Steve Grams and Danny Krieger, though I rarely get to see them (such is the life of a musician), are truly at the very top of my list of local acoustic favorites. When I listen to them play as an acoustic duo, it evokes in me those heady days when I started connecting to, and claiming for myself, the acoustic sound. Oh, and if you like slide guitar, Danny's got it down. He's one of the best in the business!

I do hope you'll come out this weekend. I can't wait to introduce you to these players. It's my sincerest hope that we'll be seeing acts of this caliber in the area more often. These guys are the cream of the crop. And let me tell you, there's more cream out here in southeastern AZ. You remember the old Herb Alpert album cover for Whipped Cream and Other Delights? It's kinda like that!

Take care and I hope to see you on Saturday. Do remember to bring a jacket as this event goes til around 8ish and it's been getting chilly in the evenings. And feel free to forward this e-mail to folks you think might be interested. I have a feeling it's gonna be BIG!

Much, much love to you, -Becky