Douglas Witmer

Thursday, December 20, 2007

my gift to you...happy holidays...happy new year

When I look back at 2007, I hope to remember it as the year I rediscovered my musical side. There was a time about 16-17 years ago when I consciously chose to pursue my painting over my music. Back then everything seemed so clearly "either/or" and not "both." In 2007 I finally released the album I'd been tinkering with for a few years. I strengthened a relationship with an old musician friend and musical collaborator. I produced a compilation album that was released through my cafe. I began to sing again, very privately, very naively. I performed solo on the drums in front of an audience just a few weeks ago and didn't totally suck. And for the past several months I've been recording myself when I play guitar. I've just had the impulse to press "record" when I sit down to play for my own private enjoyment. I did not and do not have any expecations when I do this. It has simply been in the same spirit as when one draws in a sketchbook--to record ideas for future review and reference.

Listening back to the recordings recently, I found some moments that seem worth putting together. I thought it would be nice to put them out there in the world. They're a gift. What better a time to give something than now?

I'm calling this six-song set "First Light." There are many references: dawn, a new day, new hope, a new discovery, light coming from the darkness, the idea of the Advent season. All of these recordings are just me playing electric guitar through a digital looping effects pedal. All the pieces are completely improvised, recorded in one take with no overdubbing. As such they are loose, tenuous, sloppy in parts, imperfect, and somehow way more clear than they would be if I were actually "working" on them.

They're my gift to you in hope that we may all work together for peace in the new year. Enjoy!