June 2007 Nifty Noodles

Nifty Noodles

June 2007

Nifty Noodles/ New Shows
West Coast Office 6/28/07
Finally got the mixes for the latest recorded Radio Rehab shows… #47 & #48… wow.. these shows are so cool… and the best compilation of music so far I think..

About every four shows one really stands out… these two are highlights in the history of RR I think.. on Responsibilities of Happiness.. go hear em at Radio Rehab… they should be up.. haven’t checked yet..

I’m already lookin for new music for shows #49 and #50… which will end this series of shows on what I gotta do to be reasonably happy!.... I’m learning as I go btw.

Next series is gonna be on “intimidation factors”…the rough list of individual shows is “Change”… “conflict”… “Confrontation”… “Failure”…”the unfamiliar”…”set Backs” …”Loss”…

“feelings”… some of these are close to each other… but I think about the things that tend to stop me from moving ahead and taking risks…and making my life productive and purposeful…

I can’t remember being so proactive and I can feel the strain of the effort to find purpose on the back side of my own life… seems like you have to paddle harder and faster just to keep moving forward. There was something comfortably numb about being “clueless” in my youth… aging has a way of sharpening your perspective about what matters…

When I really sit down and think about what it’s taken to find peace through hardship… I’m finding real deep satisfaction at the end of the day… I’m not missin my past popularity much… not really… I’ve tended to hold on to what I had even knowing I wasn’t very happy back then! What’s that? I think it’s cause at least that was familiar in the future can be pretty scary especially when you would rather be comfortable than adventurous… that’s what happens when you get old 8)…. Security is something I’m aware that I don’t really have… so I’m gonna keep movin forward…

O.k. so there’s that! Bryan D

Nifty Noodles/ "Bring yer friendly dogs"
6/26/07 Sandpoint, Idaho
Sixty miles south of the Canadian border is the best kept secret vacation capitol of the U.S.! Sandpoint, Idaho, originally a logging community, is nestled beside Lake Ponderay and surrounded by Schweitzer, Selkirk and Monarch mountain chains. It’s little Switzerland! I spent a four day weekend here playin three shows. One with the Nehosoul band.. one private family reunion and one Celebrate Recovery benefit concert.

Sandpoint has to grow on you just alittle… the local attitude is quite laid back. Yer likely to see an odd collection of mountaineers and free spirits here. Among them is Melody and Jesper Bonding, transplants from California and Denmark respectively, who are celebrating a year in the business of kenneling dogs among other endeavors. They decided to celebrate with a family reunion on Friday night and a full band show on their own 60 acres of prime Idaho real estate.

I arrived Friday morning in Spokane with Ricky B and we were driven an hour northeast to a small downtown hotel next to Connie’s Café and Tam Oshanter’s Tervan! O shanter’s is a closet like little bar that has been here since the gold rush days I imagine. We met most of the regulars over the next few days at these two locations. At least half of them showed up at the gig’s we played.

It was obvious Ricky and I were not from these here parts… ‘where you playin at?” one rather inebriated woman asked us at O Shanters’.. “aaah… it’s outdoors at a dog kennel” I told her.. and she began to laugh hysterically and proceeded to announce to the rest of the bar patrons the news of the big rock star show in town! The poster even reads… “Live Soul Music”… “bring your friendly dogs! “ 8)

Such is the nature of the local mind set. “we tried to have the concert in town at the farmer’s market” said Melody Bonding “but the city was dead set against bringin any Christian music in”… “So we decided to do the whole thing on our own property”.

She went all out, bringing in a first rate stage and sound crew. But by Friday night at eight pm at least half of the family for the reunion hadn’t arrived. I played a 50 minute set on a huge stage to about ten people on the lawn out back of their house.

It was six am before the remaining NehoSoul Band members rolled into town after driving from Seattle. Soundcheck was at eleven a.m. when I approached their rental car to have them follow us to the stage… Jesper Bonding was leaning in the window explaining how their was a lot of racism in the area… “not a lot of black people in this town… maybe two that I know of” he said…

Phil Curry smiled and said.. “well we just doubled the population then”..8)…

Walter, Samuel, and Ricky loading in

Saturday was an afternoon festival of sorts with the local radio station doin a live remote… prizes, and BBQ was offered and there was a continual small stream of folks comin through… but all in all the band played to about fifty people at once. It was a great sound and the band rolled through our regular stuff and played a few not yet finished tunes from the new project. The Sound was awesome!!!!!

After the show we had a rare chance to sit together with the instruments and hammer out an arrangement for the new song “I know the plans” . I just light up when I can interface directly with the musicians in this band everything get’s a little clearer.

Sunday morning I did one song per service at First Christian Church in Sandpoint as a teaser for the concert that night at their church. Sunday was a five dollar donation at the door to support Celebrate Recovery there. “we had about 320” said Recovery leader Hillary DeCecchis (pronounced D- “ketch us”) a wonderful turn of a name for a recovery leader I think! Had dinner with her and her husband Joe the night before.

The concert was a chance to explain that recovery isn’t just about stopping an unmanageable behavior .. “it’s about changing the way you think about what you cannot change!.” I told em at the night concert.

It was a long weekend for myself and Ricky B who stayed till the end as well. Bottom line in all the hang time waiting for things to happen… we met a host of local people at Connies Café who shared deeply about their own circumstances…again in hindsight… I think being there and listening to people might have been the highlight of “ministry and service” to this area. Sitting with no agenda on the bar side of the restaurant and playin pool gave us a rare opportunity to meet people who might never have darkened the door of a Christian event…and the people were the kind that Jesus would have spent time with I thought to myself… real.. struggling…but laughing easily.. and closely bonded…the disciples were made up of people just like these folks I think!.

The view from the stage at Sandpoint Idaho
Sandpoint is beautiful and the scenery is awesome.. and it will remain a place to return to soon.. as we plan to pursue their local music festival in the future. And stay in touch with some new friends. ”I was pretty sure you were an arrogant self involved Rock Star when you came in” said Jesper Bonding who’s wife has been a fan of my music for some time… “but when I saw you drop everything to talk to a woman I’d been talking to about the death last year of her brother in a motorcycle accident and the drinking problem she was having in recent months.. I had to redefine my own assumptions”.

I too had to adjust my attitude and assumptions about the place I was in and why I was here! There is a bigger purpose for all of this I’m sure… and I saw some really passionate people working to make a difference in their community.

O.k. so there’s that! Bryan D
Nifty Noodles/ Expanding Rehab
WCO 6/20/07
Well greetings and Hoovie Goob Nubers! O.k. I’ve agreed to air Radio Rehab on Celebrate Radio. Don Fass heads a radio outreach that includes China, India, SE Asia and Africa via Short Wave Radio broadcast as well as satellite, podcast and web streaming and soon to be syndicated on FM networks.

Don also heads up Streetcats Foundation…started Teen-Anon (teen-anon.com) in 1999 as the first national fellowship for recovering teens. “we’ve been eyeing Radio Rehab for almost a year now and when it showed up on Shoutlife and Myspace pages.. we were reminded to call on it” he says in an email to Katie Allen, Radio Rehab’s Administrative Assistant.

When I asked for a few ‘volunteers’ for Radio Rehab almost a year ago.. I had no idea what my volunteers would bring to the table in the way of passion and vision.

Katie Allen and Beverly Ouellette, Marketing Director for RR, have both assumed effective roles solely on their own initiative. What we are finding out there is a real need for “Content” in broadcasting… I imagine that Celebrate Radio was eyeing Radio Rehab to see if it was gonna be consistent. Well there’s something to be said for staying at a work when nobodies really applauding! It takes an alliance of people to make plans and dreams really successful I’m discovering. Katie and Beverly have brought something in the way of success that I… speaking on my own behalf could not accommodate.

I’m also discovering that all real vision starts without money! The recurring theme from those who have come along to help out is “we’re struggling with funding”…8)… so I think we’re in good company.. the purity of passion burns a little brighter when it is not “funded”! Radio Rehab has always been a pursuit of a bigger picture and those who have helped have done so out of a pure motive… that would include Ray Ware and Ricky B Rogers as well and David Rowe, the producer of the show… and James Bowles, website manager and facilitator.

Radio Rehab is now airing on 12step radio, Reality Radio, The Oasis in Iraq, and soon Celebrate Radio… with interest coming from “blogtalkRadio” and others…

all are “free will” endeavors by people looking to assist people in need…

My gratitude goes first to John Baker and Celebrate Recovery for giving me the insight into happiness in recovery through step 12 efforts.

O.k. so there’s that! Bryan D… keep coming back
Nifty Noodles/ Grand-Fathers Day
Redlands, CA Sunday June 17 Summerfest at Church on the Hill. (Father’s Day)

“My dad passed away ten years ago.. someone told me tearfully on the phone…. “And sometimes it still feels like only yesterday he was here”…I heard from many friends today about missing their fathers…I, in past years, have actually felt like the Missing father, but not this year. It was a grand day for me! I found above average happiness. My sons were both working today but I received calls from both of em.. actually one sent me a text message … “I brag on you everyday” he said in the early morning as I was headed out to do the things I love, riding my motorcycle to sing at a local outdoor event. His message sent waves of emotion over me.

I also got an unexpected card from another “child” that I do things with…it read “I know yer not my dad.. but sometimes just being there makes all the difference”…and again I felt an overwhelming sense of purpose. Erased were all those moments I’ve had where I didn’t think the simple kindness of listening to a kid or drivin em somewhere, in the daily routine meant anything. Just yesterday I was so depressed I could hardly lift a finger in a good direction because of some mistakes I’ve made in my relationships.. suddenly this card was saying… “Just Being there makes all the difference” … as a man it doesn’t feel like it’s enough ever… and yet “just being there” might be the best thing I can do!

Brandon Duncan, Bryan's oldest son & Bryan in La Jolla

God reminded me that the ministry of small kindnesses is really the greatest of all ministries! It’s a leading from the back of the line sometimes… and I’m only now discovering it’s true value and the great dividends of personal happiness that come with it.

I had invited my biker friends from the HOG chapters, Black Sheep and Bikers For Christ… with an email to any dads who might be separated from their kids or family for any number of reasons. I expected the Bike ride to the church to be me and a friend. When we rounded the corner on Orange street in Redlands to pull up at the local coffee shop meeting place… there was a line of motorcycles longer than the building they sat in front of! The fellowship of fellow sheep was absolutely transcending! We laughed and joked and drank coffee and then lit out for the Church on the Hill in a thunderous procession. Arriving just as the service let out. The music began almost immediately. I came on shortly after noon and played for an hour and a half while folks lined up for free food and drinks.

Many of the songs had new meanings in light of father’s day… “everything in the garden” of course about Adam ..who was btw the first of human fathers! Second chances had a resounding new meaning in the light of the failures we’ve all made as fathers on occasion… it was uplifting to sing of another chance to be what we already are! Then too I added a love song from the new Surprise project “don’t leave me in the dark”… explaining to the women that as men we have difficulty hearing.. ‘Feel free to repeat yourself without nagging” I joked… but seriously we can’t read your minds. Most men want to be a hero to their family I think.

The pastor asked me at the end to sing a song that couples could dance to! “I want you dads to dance with your wives… and I want you wives to tell him he’s a good man”… he said.. and I sang a slow dance number from the Mercy project called “When It Comes To Love”. I don’t think I’ve ever seen anything like that at a Christian event!!!! At least a hundred couples dancing in the church parking lot! Wow church has changed. I was elated with the day… as I take stock of how my own life has changed even through hardship to find a kind of peace and satisfaction… that I’m right where I’m supposed to be for my own good.. and still I feel loved more for “just being there” than I ever did when I was at the top of my “Game”.

Happy fathers day… hope you “Sent a card” to your heavenly father Bryan D
Nifty Noodles/ Update
West Coast Office (WCO).........6/15/07
I met with Ray Ware, my manager, in person yesterday... talked about the new project and I played him the entire thing including ten songs..... "I think you have a record here" he said enthusiastically. And So the Surprise project is being realized finally...after songs written and rewrites and songs dumped .. the selection now looks like this as far as titles:
I'm still Dancin
I Love You So
Don't leave me in the Dark
If only I
Chains
Second Chances
Papa Ain't gonna quit
Things you bring to Me
You Keep Me Comin Back
I Know the Plans...

The last three have yet to be recorded and six of the ten need back ground vocals still... I've been in contact with a few singers locally to help out.. we'll see if they work out. I still have three lead vocals to do as well. But even the songs recorded last year still sound fresh to me especially at full volume. Papa Ain't Gonna Quit just makes me laugh out loud.. "I think those are the best 'screams you've ever done" says Ray as he listens... the song is the most upbeat thing I can remember doin in my career.

The plan now is to have all ten songs mixed by an award winning R& B board master that Phil Curry knows in Seattle... he shall be named later as I don't recall and can't get Phil on the phone at this writing. My thoughts now are turning to packaging and marketing as well... we're still three months away from a possible record in the "Can"...and the list of songs may include some bonus material if it comes together... Hoping for a front cover art that is like nothing I've had out there before... vivid photography piece perhaps.. colorful but Iconic... "let's put the pictures of the band on the back I suggested..(lookin in a mirror at my own image)... we want the art to get peoples attention even if they often download a record and never see the art.

Need somethin' that really says.. this is New Soul Music! And Surprise... it's not what you might expect.. Things you bring and I know the plans are both Christian content songs one directed to God and one "from God" based in scripture... I'm finding some kind of odd balance in mixing spiritual songs with love songs... as "Christians have relationships too for cryin out loud" .. the line between music subjects seems to be separated often in to all or nothing categories... and I'm takin a risk here to be in the middle of both...I might not make anyone happy.. but the artists that I love embrace it all... Sting for instance... longevity and a thinking man... My one ongoing frustration with my Contemporary Christian Music "label" is that musically it does not define a style of music ... Christian artist... just suggests 'Dogma" it seems to me... I like seein in print .." R& B Soul Gospel" behind my name.. it seems to identify my music better than "Christian artist" but I've reached a conclusion that I will always be a Christian and have a certain world view that is recognizable mostly in CCM... so lets embrace this world as it is and not as I would have it. but as I've learned in doing the latest series on Radio Rehab.. I'm responsible to NOT see myself by someone else's definitions!!! So....

On another front.. Katie Allen, volunteer with Radio Rehab, has on her own initiative taken on a Shoutlife page for Radio Rehab and plans to facilitate a contact page for listeners... this is an unexpected surprise in itself... go to www.shoutlife.com/radiorehab to check that out... We are getting numerous requests to air RR on podcasts and internet radio programs... Hope this brings some visibility to the show.

I've done six new shows and I'm half way through the script on a seventh on the "responsibilities of happiness"... these have been wonderfully constructive for my understanding. just layin it out there and playin music about the subject.. the song selection has been pretty wide...old stuff from the sixties and remix things.. rap music actually too and new R&B soul artists.. Everything from Staple Singers and Gerry Rafferty... to Jurassic Five and India Arie...I'll be including a version of "don't leave me in the dark" from the unreleased Surprise project as it fits perfectly in the subject at hand.. "Expressing my real needs and feelings"...

O.k. so there's an update.. Bryan D
Nifty Noodles/ Light Bulbs...............
West Coast Office…6/8/07
I’m slumped over my laptop in my little WCO.. workin on songs and email… there’s no direct sunlight in my office really.. so I had the lamp on and it suddenly just turned itself off… I was irritated… went down to the Red Road Records warehouse to get another… stuck it in and presto… light came on but wow… this is a new GE luminescent 100 watt bulb.. it looks like there’s a skylight in the room!!!!! I was astonished at the miracle of light! Struck by the difference it made in my attitude. It seemed to give me more drive to do my work. I had light before but it was a “soft white” 40 watt light bulb… I went from the feeling of working in a little log cabin in the woods at night to a sense that I was under a marvelous skylight.. the whole room felt like I was out doors!

My attitude changed a little because of a light bulb variation! 8)…. You can draw yer own conclusions… make up your own bible study on it if you want…

I took another look at my list of new songs for the NehoSoul project in the light of the songs already recorded.. and I listened to them in different orders… and another variation in luminescence took place for me… Wow this project is a 100 watt production and when you hear Second Chances… followed by “Papa Ain’t Gonna Quit” it takes on a whole new meaning… like now that I have a new opportunity I’m goin for it… the succession of songs is even more powerful than the single song!….

And too goin from “I love you So”… into “don’t leave me in the dark”… is goose bumps all over…oh and “Things you bring to me” into “you keep me comin back”.. adds new meaning to both songs! Just a thought.. today is a daily grind kind a day… just thought you’d feel assured that yer not the only one who has to find new meaning in your routine!

Try dumpin the 40 watt….O.K. so there’s that! Bryan d
Nifty Noodles/ Ramblings...............
Southern California... June weekend one…
I’ve been dead in the water most of May… but still found myself with plenty to be involved in… First week end of June is now gone… didn’t really have gigs.. but I did drop in on David Pack’s concert in Corona… you might remember him from Ambrosia… just recently got a special honor from BMI for having registered radio airplay everyday for the last 25 years. He was playin with his band just thirty minutes away so I rode over around sound check to check out his new music… he had me sit in on an improvisation. We talked some before the show… and I left before they finished.. had other friends to see and it’s a rare weekend off.

I filled Saturday in with a motorcycle ride to the beach for Black Sheep regional breakfast and then Sunday ..Rode with Bikers For Christ to Oceanside for a t.v. taping they were doin at their headquarters and church. I sang at the end… a requested number from what seems like a hundred years ago…”a Heart Like Mine”… doesn’t fit the biker friendly music I would have imagined.. but it went over well.

Rushing Wind is an all Biker Church and I realize how many directions churches can go if they want to. I rode home with a couple of guys.. had lunch half way back… and checked in with my working girlfriend… end of story… not sure what to do with weekends off… doesn’t feel quite right. When yer self employed every idle minute is filled with guilt. And in the back of my mind I’m thinking.. I should be thinking harder or working harder to make something happen. But looking back over this weekend… I realize this is what regular life looks like and I’m not sure what to do with that. This is what Oswald Chambers calls the “daily round”. If I were out of town working I’d be dreaming of this moment and when I have it .. I’m dreamin about more work. When do I ever learn to live in the moments?

Frankly this moment I’m enjoying the fact that we will record two more radio shows… and maybe get over to John Shrieners to finish a rewritten new tune.. remember the lyrics I thought were so good last week? … well I threw em all out…came up with a different approach all together where every line starts with “I know”… except the last verse and every line starts with “I am”… just a way to add subtlety to the voice of God approach for this song…I’m not sure it’s weepy any more though cause as I looked hard at Jeremiah’s chapter that inspired the idea for this song.. God is not being terribly sentimental here… it would make a better song if he were but then … do I really want to understand something of God… “I know the plans I have for you”… seems more like the comments of a football coach who’s wanting you to get it his way! That’s not a God too many of us are willing to embrace… but I’m beginning to believe that it is part of his character.

O.k. so there’s that rambling… Bryan D

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