News Archives - 2009

Not quite a year ago I wrote the first installment of this series, introducing the (new) Wild Heart band and talking a bit about where we've been and where we are going. So I guess it shouldn't be too big of a surprise that I'm revisiting that very topic, since as you look over the web site you probably are asking “What happened? Where's Carm?”

Through the years I've had the good fortune to work with a lot of talented and wonderful musicians on this journey we call Wild Heart. As much as we'd like to compartmentalize and spout “it's all about the music”, the reality is a bit different. Life doesn't always cooperate with our plans or schemes and Wild Heart is no exception. You move to a different city or state, you get a different job, you get married, you have children... all these things and many more affect relationships, plans, needs, desires, the personal journey we all must take.

And so we come to a fork in the road. Carmel is an awesome talent and good friend. She never fails to put less than 100% of heart and soul into everything she undertakes, and I've been privileged to share with her not only musically, but also on a personal level. It is with no small regret or sadness that I bid Carmel a farewell as we again go our own ways. But know that it is indeed “fare well”, not goodbye. I'm fully confident our paths will cross again.

Meanwhile keep your eyes pealed and your ear to the rails. Carmel continues with her other musical projects, and I will be most surprised if new opportunities don't come her way in the very near future. Likewise, the Wild Heart band travels onward. Smooth, happy, and safe journey to us all!

OK, so who's got the last two months that it seems I've lost? I know they're out there somewhere, because I remember (most :-) of what took place. Let's see if I can recall this “lost” summer...

July got off to a great start at the Beaver Dam Lake Days. Wild Heart had a beautiful day by the lake. The weather was just perfect and everyone enjoyed brats, burgers, cool drinks, and a marvelous ski show. The location of the park and way in which events are set up allows a good view of pretty much everything, no matter where you sit. If you missed it this year, mark it down for next. This was a REALLY good time.

Just a few days latter we found ourselves in Black Earth at their weekly Concerts in the Park. We were so happy to have the opportunity to return to this annual concert series, and got to re-connect with a lot of folks from last year. It's a wonderful way to get out of the house for a few hours, enjoy some tasty BBQ pork, visit with friends and family, and generally break up the work week with a fun outing and music. Kudos to the local businesses in Black Earth for sponsoring these weekly summer gatherings. We'll see ya there next year!

Towards the end of July Wild Heart found ourselves back at the good ol' Country Corners. The Corners never disappoints, but that Saturday was exceptional. You folks that were there know what I'm talkin' about. You that weren't, check out the PICS. That was a FUN Saturday night!!!

A few weeks later we're scheduled at the Hody. On the Tuesday before Siggy, Wild Heart veteran of 14 years, found himself a bit under the weather. Thankfully it wasn't too serious and he was up and about the next day, but we thought it best if he rested up for a few weeks. Tom “MIX” Furan's old friend Dale (Shilo "beat man") came down from “up nord” and did a great job of filling in for him at the Hody. Not to be held back, Siggy hung on the sidelines and cheered us on... along with a fantastic crowd! A special Wild Heart thanks to Dale for banging the drums and to all you boot scooters who were there to party down with us.

I guess that brings us around to just a few days ago and the Taste of Madison. The New Q106 sponsored a great stage and gave us the opportunity to make some music for all ya'll. Incredibly, the weather was again perfect. Just an awesome day. It was an ideal setting for the talented bands Q106 provided on their stage, and we were humbled to be among them. Great food, great folks, great fun! Special thanks to Jimmy “the gap” for the hard work he did back stage and the marvelous hosting by Q106. It really made for a memorable and enjoyable time for all.

Next week we're back at the Mazo Wild West Days. This will be a nice way to end the summer and we hope you can all join us. Yeah, HWY 14 is under some construction, but the current detour is just as fast, and really pretty scenic. Please join Wild Heart for this end of summer fling and your last chance to enjoy some outdoor fun before the leaves fly.

See ya'll then!

As you can see from glancing below, I've been “away from the blog life” for a while. For those faithful followers of these random thoughts, I hopefully haven't put you through too much stress waiting on this next entry. In any event, it is a national holiday, and that provides me with an opportunity to catch up on some things, and bring you up to date on Wild Heart activities.

We've played several really fun shows, and hope you've enjoyed them as much as we have. Check out the PICS “knob” to see what we've all been up to. In particular, we had a beautiful day for our Brat Fest set. Jeff took a head count and assured me there was exactly “a bazillion” of you out there. Unfortunately, he neglected to differentiate between new fans and true believers in his statistics. But hey, there's always next year and besides, you know who you are... right?

Then we had a smokin' hot night at the Dry Bean. I'm talkin' Paris Hilton “hot”. Just perfect for a couple of ice cold taps served up by some of the friendliest bartenders around. The band was hittin' on all 5 cylinders and you folks were “looking just marvelous”.

The following Saturday night at the Marshall Fireman's Park was a great way to end up the month. The Marshall FD always treats the band A-1. They are a great bunch of men and women, which probably explains the large number of you folks who showed up to enjoy their company and a song or fifty (:-) by this great bunch of musicians that we call Wild Heart. By the way, that awesome light show for both the Bean and at Marshall was provided by our good buddy Matt Hewitt, and of course Tom (Mix) twirled knobs and created the usual spot on sound.

Oh, and don't let me forget to mention we squeezed in a couple of other shows at favorite haunts Country Corners and Arthurs prior to taking this little Wild Heart holiday vacation we're currently enjoying. “Vacation????” you say. Don't worry, cause we're back July 11th at Beaver Dam Lake Days, and then just a few days after that at the Black Earth concerts in the park.

Finally you may notice a few minor tweaks and update to the web site. We're trying to keep it fresh but familiar. Hope you like what we're doing! See y'all in Beaver Dam.

A lot has been happening since I last checked in. First of all, we completed our first original recording of TC's Time Goes By. If you haven't listened to it yet by all means do. It was both a fun and educational project for us.

For those who might be interested in the technical details, we recorded the backing tracks on analogue tape. Then we bounced those onto a DAW (digital audio workstation) for vocal overdubs and post production. It was our first foray into the digital domain so the learning curve was a bit steep, but we're happy with the first time results. Hopefully there will be more coming down the pipe in the not too distant future.

We've played some pretty fun shows at places like Pauls in Middleton and of course the Country Corners. It's been fun giving away Country USA festival tickets the last month, and we've got one more set to part with on June 5th at Arthurs. Your chances of winning are REALLY good, but you gotta be there in order to scoop up the prize!

Yesterday we played the Brat Fest for the third year straight. It was super fun being on a nice stage and seeing so many friendly faces out there. The brats and beer we're pretty good too (:-). The only downer was having to pair down to just one hour of music. That was very tough for us. If you didn't get to hear your favorite Wild Heart cover you'll just have to come out to our next show.

And now I had better wrap this up as I've been on this stupid computer all afternoon and I'm getting thirsty, ya know? See ya'll on the 5th in Spring Green.

Time... Wow, has it really been three weeks since my last entry? Time flies like an arrow. Fruit flies like a banana. And there is no rest for the wicked...

We continue to work on original music. It is a process that is both rewarding and frustrating. Sometimes the music just flows, things happen out of nowhere, and everyone can just grin. Other times we struggle over one or two notes or beats at a particular spot, ready to tear out our hair, bang our heads against the wall, or do whatever it takes to get past it. Time will tell.

Last time out (March 21st) the Wild Heart band was back at good ol' Country Corners. Our unofficial photo historian Jane, got some pretty good pictures this time around. Be sure to click on the PICS knob and check them. You folks look pretty darned good out there, dancin' up a storm. And the C.C. “dance pole” always provides some “interesting” (heh :-) photo ops.

Next time out (April 3rd) we'll be back at Arthurs. Venues like the C.C. And Arthurs are like comfort food for Wild Heart, a place where we can just be ourselves, play some fun music, and enjoy your company. And speaking of food, stop by early and check the great Friday night buffet or one of their Black Angus steaks before the show. Well, I suppose that's about all the time I have for now. So until next time... YEEEEHAAAAAAAA!

It's been a pretty busy two weeks for the Preacher Man. I think my poor wife was beginning to think I had abandoned her, bless her heart. However, I was at least partially redeemed when Jason and Nicole on Q106 gave her a shout out from me after our 9:20 session Wednesday. I really can't say enough good things about the support Q106 provides the local music scene here in Madison, and this is just one small example.

The Q106 9:20 sessions are a unique opportunity for you folk out there to get a bit more up close and personal with local, regional, and national performers live on the air. And even cooler yet is they are all available as Podcasts on the Q106 website. So be sure to check that out!

As you can imagine it can be a bit intimidating when your realize you are speaking and singing to tens, or even hundreds of thousands of people. When Jason asked “Whos speaking for the group” everyone in the band (but me) piped up “Preacher”! I wasn't quite ready for that, but Jason and Nicole made us all feel right at home and I managed to muddle through some introductions.

Afterward you always think about the things you wish you had said. But I really didn't have much time for that, as later that evening we played a couple of sets at Scats in Middleton. Now if you haven't been to Scats yet, you should really check it out. They have a bazillion flat screens all over the place. It's like you can watch all 114 cable channels at the same time (ok, maybe not 114... I don't have cable so I'm just making this up as I go. But you get the “picture”. :-).

We started after the Badgers game, a loss to Minnisota which was a bummer. But Scats has a really nice stage and ample sound and light system, so we were pretty pumped up. I got to try a local brew, “Ambergeddon” (what a great name) prior to the set that provided the proper lubrication. And there were some Wild Heart alumni in attendance which is always cool, including recent members Steve and B-Rae and founding member and guitarist Tim Hintz. If you get a chance check out Tim's band Bob Rocks.

That about wraps it up. Wild Heart plans to spend the next few weeks recording and working on some originals and then we're back at the Country Corners. See ya then!

Eighteen steps. That's the number. Eighteen!

I'm talkin' 'bout the “grunt” as we call it in the biz. That's the noise you make for example, when your trying to heft a 80 pound speaker bottom up the eighteen steps at MoJo's. Well, at least it's the noise I make, now that I'm “maturing”. Fortunately, Siggy and TC were pretty much healed up Saturday night and up to the task (see last weeks sermon below). And well fortified by those tasty burgers MoJo's serves up I might add.

Jeff and I made it in just fine as well. Jeff was a bit earlier than me. I had a fight with my trusty Winstar (a.k.a. “snow white”, but also occasionally known by other names which aren't appropriate to mention in a public forum such as this :-). I lost, but my beautiful wife came to the rescue (and later rewarded herself with some awesome MoJo's fries).

Carmel arrived following a two hour work out, claiming she felt like a “noodle”. I don't know... it sure didn't show. She and TC had a great show. Tom (Mix), our sound man, had the worst of it. Hats off to him for luggin' all that gear with never a complaint. Tom... dude... there'll be a special place in heaven for sound guys/roadies like yourself. Thanks man!

Once again we had a “snow day” - 5 inches. And once again we had plenty of friends and fans show up. Nothin' gonna stop you folks, and that's pretty cool as far as Wild Heart's concerned. Speaking for myself, I had a really good time. The band is soundin' better every gig we play, and I can really feel the comfort level begin to rise now that we've got a few gigs under our belt.

Next weekend we're off, as I'm in Beer Town at a computer conference doin' the thang that pays my bills. But the following Wednesday Wild Heart will be a SCATS playing a few sets after the game. It's a Q106 night. Come on and check it out. Wild Heart will also be working on a new original over the next few weeks. We'll get it posted right here for your listening pleasure, just as soon as it's in the can.

So stay tuned and don't let the boot scoot you in the behinder (:-). Later folks!

They say when it rains it pours... but we are after all, in Wisconsin, and it is February, so I guess “snow” is a bit closer to reality. And snow it did Friday night, both ways to the Wild Heart show at Arthurs in Spring Green.

Actually getting there wasn't that bad, if it hadn't been for the person in front of me going 40 MPH the entire way, while the SUV behind me did everything thing in it's power to illuminate the entire interior of my Windstar. Really, I could have copped a nice tan by those headlights (or at least a red neck :O).

But I don't write this because you need to hear me whine. You can go out and get some “two buck chuck” if that's where you want to be headed (me too!). I write this because those drives make me appreciate all that much more your coming out to see Wild Heart in action. Heck, it's not lost on me that you are traveling through the same crud. In fact, some times I'm amazed when good folk like Jimmy the Gap from Q106 make the trip to see us perform, as he and many other friends and fans did Friday night (hey Bonnie and all ya'll!). You guys are just the best!

Anyway, we had a lot of fun, in spite of Siggy and TC's struggles with the current round of respiratory distress. When is this flu season going to wind up? But they pulled it off just fine. Your support was a great shot in the arm for all of us, and we hope you enjoyed yourselves as much as we did. And (as far as I know) we all made it back home in one piece. That makes for a great night in my book!

Next Saturday we're at MoJo's in the world's only Waunakee. Not as much of a trek for most of us, so you might want to get there early as “seating is limited” and we start at 8:00. This should make for a very up front and personal Wild Heart show, so don't miss this unique venue. See ya'll there, and as always.... YeeeeeHaaaaawwwwwwww!

This will be the first installment of what I hope will be a regular rambling of random thoughts by yours truly. It's Sunday and I'm in the "recovery room" following last night at the Corners. What an amazing time, but more on that later.

When I first was asked by some good friends back in '93 to help put together a country band, I was busy writing some admittedly pretty strange music. Coincidently, Jeff (our rockin' bass player) was involved with that side trip, although he didn't come into the Wild Heart picture until nearly ten years later.

In any event, Wild Heart was born out of a relationship between four guys of long standing acquaintance and one stranger... a vivacious red head named Carmel with a powerful set of pipes. A few years later, Siggy (whom I had worked with ten years prior to that!) joined the troop while Carm pursued other musical interests. But that, as my wife would say, is "alte scheise" (old poop).

Through the years ya'll know how many changes we've been through, but at this point in the road I find it interesting that we have returned to a configuration of four with long standing acquaintance including myself, Jeff, Siggy, and Carmel, and one new comer... TC, another powerhouse vocalist whom I'm sure you'll come to love and appreciate as much as we do.

So the last few months have been quite interesting. The band has been finding its new voice (or I should say voices) and we've been busy revamping every aspect of that thing called Wild Heart. Everyone has been working their hiney off, and it still seems like there is so much still to do. But as some point you got to jump in the water and sink or swim. It's both exciting and frightening at the same time.

Last night that is exactly what we did. Set up the drums and mics, fired up the old geetar amps, and made some noise for a notably friendly audience at the Country Corners. To those of you I didn't get a chance to visit with, I want to say here and now... THANKYOU! To those I did, I hope you got that message on site.

There are so many things that can distract one when performing, both on and off the stage. But the one thing that we can alway depend on is the looks and yells of encouragement and joy from our friends and fans. That, and making the best music we can make is what this trip is really all about.

So as Wild Heart continues it's journey, I hope ya'll will continue to enjoy the ride. We think it's going to be a good one. One that will continue to improve, evolve, and possibly even occasionally surprise you and us. One thing won't change however... our commitment to playing the best country music we can, and sharing it with you every chance we get. AhhhhhEEEEEEEEE!!!!!