Nifty Noodles/ Noodles of Thanks

6/29/03 Columbus, GA
Sat. 6/ 28/03
I just need to take a minute to thank Greg Haage and the 14 singers and musicians that backed me up in Minneapolis two weeks ago. We are looking at releasing this concert at Heart Alive as a special live DVD.

I'm so grateful for the effort they put in with only two weeks to rehearse a two hour show. The performance was wonderful and I am amazed at the willingness of all these studio quality artists to lend their time to my efforts. It was an unexpected surprise. Especially having only one rehearsal with the band before the show... And literally teaching the band two songs on the stage as they went by. I've only heard the audio portion put I'm amazed at what comes across on tape. It was the perfect combination of music and conversation that comes with my concerts. There is a real "living room" kind of feel about the whole thing and that's not easy to accomplish in a performance. Til now, we have not made much of a deal about the humor in the "live" show. I've heard from new fans that the "entertainment" value of my live concerts was completely unexpected. Just as all the work put into this show was for me. To the Players... Thanks so much for all your time and effort on my behalf. I am grateful.

O.k. So there's that! bryand

Nifty Noodles/ Columbus Christ Community

6/29/03 Columbus, GA
The name Christ Community Church to me summons up images of a huge middle class establishment in a brick building with crisp white trim and a steeple piercing the heavens. In Columbus it is not that. They've started a Celebrate Recovery outreach in what appears to have been a small Car Dealership or storefront at some point. Inside, the auditorium is quite comfortable and the sound system is great. Also inside is a staff of hard to peg southern radicals disguised as local folks determined to bring a new approach to ministry here. The Bible belt has it's own challenges. I found an enthusiastic reception at the concert. Teen Challenge, and several local "sober Living" homes were represented.

It hasn't dawned on many that the 12 step principles of recovery can work very well in the lives of many who live without drug or alcohol problems. I found myself trying to explain to an audience ( who probably wasn't there), That unmanageable "dependency" is not restricted to drugs and alcohol. There is much that can replace reasonable happiness and sanity in our daily lives: passive aggression and controlling nature, pathetic personal boundaries, habits of living that produce poor results, Compulsive behavior that creates more trouble than it's worth! addiction to gambling, food, relationships, pornography, workaholics and co-dependants... Recovery is for anyone struggling with hurts, habits or hang ups.

I should have spoken more to that on Sunday morning when I was added to their two morning services. I'm still something of a novice as a "speaker addressing Recovery".

I have to remember that I am working my own program too and every person must reach their own conclusion about what is unmanageable in their own lives. No one can do that for you.

*****

This weekend was the beginning of the first sponsored Radio Rehab show. I haven't heard for sure that it went on the air but It was scheduled.

I also didn't see the T.V. airing of my performance on hour of power from the Crystal Cathedral. That was also scheduled this week end.

OK so there's that! bryand

Nifty Noodles/ Live DVD
I sat tonight and listened to my own live show (with a 14 piece band) at club Heart Alive top to bottom...the one we did in Minneapolis. What I was struck with this time is not so much what great music was there or whether the mix was right or we played the song perfect... but the inspiring change in my own life and attitude over the last year.

There is a sweet peace and joy the comes across on this recording that may be better than a perfect record. It's ME flaws and all and O.K.

I almost wept listening to the back half of the set. I remember on stage feeling like the last three songs just moved way too slow and I was uncomfortable about it but it doesn't show on the CD.

There are lots of mistakes that didn't bother me I saw a reasonably happy man talking about the grace he has found in Christ. And that was stronger than a great performance.

I would like to fix maybe one place in "love Takes Time" and leave it alone...My sons didn't even mind that I talked about there "driving history".

Anyway maybe we can move forward on this as a new release... (in all humility) I think buyers will be moved as much by the conversations between songs, as the show.

There's my two cents... I'll get over my need for perfection if it kills me!

Bryan d

Nifty Noodles/ Show and Tell

6/25/03 Wednesday, Riverside CA
Friday 6/27/03 Did the final morning show with KSGN. I brought in some of my gold and platinum records for show and tell and my special coffee mug from Mike's Auto Sales (representing the most humbling gig I've ever done) and one of the Dove awards. We gave away recovery chips advertising the show... (30 minute chips) I gave away 30 Slow Revival CD's and played cuts from the new "Live at Heart Alive" CD we're hoping to release.

I sung live with a keyboard and the highlight of the morning was calling my brother Brad who gave us a lesson in speaking with Scotch and Irish accents! He then proceeded to do the "farm Report" from his days in radio back in the Carolina's. And just when I thought it was over... He gave the morning show host's his "impersonation" of me when I'm irritable! My friends who stopped by were on the floor laughing! It was a little too close to reality and they knew it. We had lots of visitors through the three hours to the point of absolute mayhem on the air. A psychologist stopped by to get flyers for Radio Rehab... She thought it was a great idea to have a show like this. We had an offer to make bumper stickers and t shirts for Radio Rehab as well.

The doughnuts were gone when I left... ( I only ate two) I signed off by giving the morning show regulars... A key chain with KSGN and Radio rehab on a recovery chip.

Wow what a whirlwind! I'm exhausted... I play tonight at the local CR and leave for Georgia at 3: a.m. Tomorrow...

So I've got stuff to do.

And There's That.... Bryan d

Nifty Noodles/ The Morning Show

6/25/03 Wednesday, Riverside CA
I did the morning show from 6 to 9 on KSGN a local station. The first of a three day investment to announce Road To Redemption's first sponsored programming. We had fun eventually, that first hour was tough. But then we brought in Krispe Kreeme's and gave away Duncan YoYo's and talked about how the world became a different place with the creation of woman! "Man could no longer live in denial" I stated "now that we have women to point out our defects of character" Boy, the phones lit up!

Met some cool people that stopped by the station enthusiastic about "radio rehab". I was given a t shirt that said "powered by Dunkin' Donuts"... Just my size too.

OK SO there's that.... bryan d

Nifty Noodles/ The Hits Just Keep on Coming

Monday/ 6/23/03 Eagle Rock, CA
Finished the 11th show for Road TO Redemption. Not a high water mark maybe. But better than I expected. Show's called 'facing my favorite fears'. The music jumps around a lot. Opens with Black Gospel tune called "Jesus, I won't forget" by Rev Milton Brunson's Thompson Community Singers... And I thought I'd come up with some long titles. Next is Sting singing "Something a Boy Said" Then Randy Stonehill / Edge of the World Me singing "Leave Your Light On for me" Ginny Owens/ This Road The Williams Bros. With Stevie Wonder/ I'm Too Close And finally Ashley Cleveland's version of "Gimme Shelter"

You can see there was some work to sew these songs together in an effort to communicate "facing fear"

But it works in that wonderful Bryan Duncan sort of way that you can find no place else.

I'll be hosting three morning shows at the end of the week for KSGN 89.7 FM from 6 am to 9 am. So there'll be no rest for the weary this week. I'll let you know how it goes....

Thanks, I've shared bryan d

Nifty Noodles/ Crystal Surprise

Sunday 6/22/03 /Crystal Cathedral/ Garden Grove, CA
It wasn't on my calendar for some reason but a week out I got the preliminary letter saying I was appearing at the Crystal Cathedral. The song had already been selected... "Strollin On The Water". Wow this will be interesting... Strollin... With and orchestra!

It came out very well I thought. The staff at CC are always personable, regular folks and I talk to everybody back stage... Camera crew and musicians, Make up and green room personell.

I also enjoy meeting the other guests... A business man from Hong Kong this week and a missionary, Gracia Burnam who's husband was killed last year when they were taken hostage by an extremist group. I was absolutely riveted by her story. I remember her being in the news. Now she lives in Wichita with her three kids. She gave me one of the few books she brought in her suitcase... "in the presence of my enemies" is the title... Kinda puts my life in a new perspective.

I was grateful to hear her story. Especially as she shared how she begin to think God didn't love her because of the circumstances she was in... I understand that in a smaller way. it was courageous of her to share that. Especially here where the focus is sometimes over the top about taking a positive outlook on life.

I'm always grateful that they do not interview me on the show... I'm always alittle more pessimistic in outlook than what might go over well here and I would be tempted to paint a brighter picture than I believe is true from my perspective.

My picture was also missing from the "wall of fame" in the green room hallway... They assured me that it was because it had faded beyond recognition and not a pronounced sentence of disqualification. I have no desire really to be on t.v. Anymore or make 8x10's for that matter... I have passed beyond my ability to look good in real life. That's why I like the whole radio show thing!

Thanks for lettin me share.... bryand

Nifty Noodles/ My Cup Runneth Over

6/14 &15 Saturday & Sunday Green Bay Wisconsin
Six concerts in two days! The first was at 5 P.M. Saturday afternoon at Green Bay community Church. It was a rare sunny day in Green Bay and perhaps the attendance was down. They are "Seeker Sensitive" here and I played a quick, energetic thirty minutes. I was pumped to play. In such a good mood that it mattered not that the crowd was... Let's just say laid back. Their response had no impact on my enthusiasm. It sounded great.

By Six thirty I was at another venue for two shows... "Cup of Joy", a coffee house across town was a rare jewel! The building looked like an army reserve office. Used to be a gay bar and a tarot card establishment. Green Bay's rough side of town. Now it kinda takes your breath when you walk in. Very nice little club atmosphere, run totally by volunteers from thirty different churches. Now that¹s a miracle!

I did two shows here and it was warm and wonderful. I loved the interaction with the crowd. I definitely want to come back here.

Sunday morning came early. Two more 30 minute sets for a Laid back crowd at Green Bay community Church... Met some great folks that were also at the Cup O Joy gig. Had to take a "nap" in the afternoon. I hate to admit it. But I was exhausted after the fourth day on the road. I had one more show which would bring the total to seven and a rehearsal in four days. Sleep is a real treat at my age these days. After hanging all afternoon we played the final event. Maybe 100 people showed for this. One comment was, "I heard about it last minute in the church bulletin... It sounded like it was some kind of Church business meeting.

I had to make it informal with such a smattering of folks. (in a room that holds maybe a thousand) I opened with my new praise tune and did a full unplugged start, seven new songs just on keyboard. After a few people left I did the regular set with a few older songs thrown in.... Closed after an hour and a half with 'when it comes to love'. The whole night was just really disappointing. But hey, I was playing and singing and that's as good as it ever gets... All other expectations are just a recipe for resentment.

I'm gonna go home and sleep for a day.

O.K. So there's that! bryan d

Nifty Noodles/ Live at Heart Alive

June Friday the Thirteenth
Minneapolis Minnesota

Heart Alive is a showcase club up here that put a ton of work into organizing a live band of local musicians to play with me. Fourteen musicians to be exact! two horn players, two guitar players, two keyboard players, drums, bass, percussion and five singers! The largest band I've ever played with. Most were studio quality talents.

One rehearsal with me and we did 14 songs, two of which I had them play with me on the fly without ever hearing them. It was a full house, fifteen dollar tickets. And it was filmed. Highlights were Everything in the Garden, Blue Skies, Clap your hands,Don't help the Devil, and solo songs I did alone on keyboard, I never lied to You, and I love you with my life.

I was worried about the banter with the audience but it came out well. Some serious and some lighthearted... I always worry about holding up the show if I stop to talk. I got over that I guess.

Couple of songs seemed a little sluggish but over all it was a fabulous night and unique. I was told it was a record attendance for this club. I spent the day relaxing on a 20 foot cabin cruiser on Lake Minnetonka. And had a chance to ride a Harley Davidson Fat Boy after the gig.

What a wonderful surprise this day was! Not sure I looked good enough to make this a DVD product but I suppose I'll have to see the footage. Hopefully we can put some clips at least on the website soon.

O.K. Thanks for lettin me share.... Bryan D.

Nifty Noodles/ Hometown Show

6/7/03 Saturday Riverside CA
Best promoted show I've had in some time... A benefit for Celebrate Recovery at Riverside Community church a (few miles from the CR I attend). They had 600 maybe... And I played for two hours.

It felt like the old days... Except there was something missing. I had no expectations that my career would fix everything else in my life. Probably seems like a weird statement. But only recently have I discovered how much I was counting on my career to fix everything in my life.

I just felt like an old man, reliving a memory of something I was once. There was something else too... An attitude of worship in part of the unplugged set.. Singing 'if you pray for me" and "Only you", and "I never lied to you"..."I love you with my life" All in a row... Pain floated to the surface of my soul...and real longing to connect with God at that very moment... It wasn't rehearsed.

I understand a little better why people might prefer worship music over a focus on the difficulty here. That's kind of a new insight for me too.

I've always seen it as "escapism" but maybe there's nothing wrong with that kind of escape.

Thanks for lettin me share... Bryan d

Nifty Noodles/ In the Woods

6/6/03 Friday Night/ Lake Arrowhead, CA
Played a little Dinner at a resort hotel for Church in The Woods. It's up in the mountains too.. Awful sound system and a typical ball room. It went well though... I shared my "testimony" as that was the request. I also announced the 'soon to air locally' version of Road TO Redemption and played a clip from the show. I interspersed newly written songs into my list of favorites I've recorded. Playing after a dinner is always tough... People get too relaxed I think. Or maybe the air was just too thin. No body wanted to sing along with me. This was an outreach dinner I think... Where many Christian women brought non Christian husbands. That could be what I felt from the crowd, partial skepticism. But My show was as focused as I can remember and I played a variety of material and talked between almost every song as is the approach at a dinner. "I really liked your sermon" one man stated at the end... The fact that he saw it as a sermon doesn't say good things to me. 8)

This is the first time I've done anything official on stage to a public audience about my own struggle. It seems to be of interest in light of my slant on Radio Rehab. I'm still not very comfortable with that line of honesty but I've given up trying to maintain some kind of spiritual image. I'm just broken, and I can't seem to fix that by myself.

"I've been angry for a long time about things (and people) I have no control over" I told em.. combine that with loneliness and isolation on the road all the time, disconnected from any sense of community and you'll get addictive behavior! It's like a recipe for cookies... The specific ingredients always produce a specific result. You get cookies you don't get angel food cake...know what I mean?

I guess that's why you always have to stay in the recipe book to make sure you get a desired "product". Any way I leave feeling Obedient to a new calling and a redefinition of myself and my mission.

So there's THAT! I bryan d

P.s. For those of you capable... See the attachment with the poster for RTR on KSGN 89.7 FM

Nifty Noodles/ 6/4/03-news update
Riverside, CA
Just did the radio spots advertising the coming of Road To Redemption on KSGN 89.7 FM June 28th on Saturday nights at 11:30.

I will be filling in on their morning show for three days in front of my own shows start date. 6:00 AM till 9:00 AM. This oughta be fun! except I don't pick the music.

My first sponsorship for RTR... Brought to you by Celebrate Recovery in Riverside at Bethel Christian Center.

I also sent copies of the show to SOS Radio network out of Las Vegas. They seem interested and their stations cover a huge portion of the western United States.

Opportunities are becoming available... And to think, a year ago we were turned down by KSGN after promises were made... So I just did the show for fun. Now I may have to pick up the pace.

Radio Rehab, as I call it, is on line at my website and on air in Manchester England, Des Moines, and in August, 16 shows will (God Willing) be aired on Armed Forces Radio Network.

All this and I'm not even pushing the idea. Oceans have just parted... I'm gonna have to give up my cynicism if things continue to go like this.

I came up with this idea for a flyer to advertise the show.... It's the back of a Lincoln Continental, or an old Cadillac, Plymouth, or some such car, one with the tire cover on the trunk. The license plate will read KSGN 89.7 The flyer will be turned sideways "Road To Redemption" in place of "Continental" and then Radio Rehab with Bryan Duncan/ Saturday nights at 11:30. It'll have a bumper sticker on the bumper that reads "Celebrate Recovery" Bethel Christian Center in Riverside, Ca.

John Baker, the head of Celebrate Recovery in Saddleback Church has offered to put it in the bulletin and on line at the national website. Of course I will be handing out my flyer to the 30 some CR Groups in the local area.

All that to say... I'm having a great time... Playing with the ideas and moving forward in an effort that is bigger than me... ( And not really about me either). WOW, what has God done with the original Bryan Duncan?

Take a picture... This is me in a great mood! 8) bryan d

Nifty Noodles/ Morning again
6/1/03 Tracey, Ca /New Hope Church
I've lost count of the school auditoriums I've played in that are being used for new church facilities. I couldn't picture in my mind being here before but a year ago I was. God forgive me but I often lose sight of the real power and intent of God's purposes on this planet. Arriving here Sunday morning for the small gathering, I had no spiritual thoughts about why I was here.

By the end of the first service, after hearing the man's sermon, I was aware that God was working on the inside of individuals and much was going on. I took myself completely out of the deal and a nominal performance was erased. I talked one on one with several folks I've seen at most events I sing at in this area. I felt bonded to a few people and the sharing was not "fan" like.

I get quite winded talking about my radio show these days and I met several people new to recovery programs who were very open to the "Road To Redemption". I sold my first few offerings of the first 8 radio shows in a four CD set... A test to see what the interest really is and a chance to make the shows an encouragement to folks out of radio range or on line capability.

The new songs I'm singing are going over very well too. I left with a greater sense of purpose for the future even though from the outside... Nothing looks impressive. Seeds never do... But I'm growing a new garden in a new dimension that is giving me hope for purpose in the next decade.

All is well with my soul! bryan d

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