1st Concert in 4 years, Piano Fingers on Fire!

I've been sequestered, not pestered, alone with me and a piano for weeks now. For a few hours a day at least. Then it's time to pick up our son from school and do daddy time. I mentioned a couple months ago that I was gearing up to record an album of solo piano pieces, and it's all coming together. I've researched pianos and studios around the bay area, and settled on the concert Yamaha at Skywalker Sound, on their scoring stage. Lush, baby. My good friend Kent Sparling will be producing. We've decided to record 18 pieces, and 3 of them will have violin on them as well (played by the wonderful Irene Sazer).

Also on deck is my first solo performance in years - at one of my favorite places to play, the Kuumbwa Jazz Center in Santa Cruz. April 11, 4pm. A show for the whole family (geared towards kids, enjoyable for all). So, in addition to practicing the piano for the upcoming recording sessions, I'm dusting off my guitar and voice, and playing through old favorite songs and working up some new ones for the upcoming concert. It feels like spring!

Cock-a-doodle-doo! love, Gunnar

The Ultimate Rejection Letter

I used to dream of being on a major label. When I was with The Bobs we dreamed of it, and held out for a few years, waiting for the offer that never came. (That's one reason there was such a long wait between our 1st and 2nd releases). When I left The Bobs and 'went solo', I was still pretty green as a songwriter and singer, and my demos from back then are, in retrospect, not great -The major labels were wise to pass on me. But I had chutzpah, and I sent my demos out in the world with confidence in my talents. I was going for a major label deal!

Some people in the record industry were kind, and recognized my potential while politely declining a contract. A few were more brash and brutal in their dismissal, and most simply didn't return phone calls. But one guy in particular sent a form letter that purported to help me (and countless others) figure out what was 'wrong' with their music.

So nice of Tom to offer his assistance!