A new twist

This month’s newsletter will be brief. Between various time-consuming preparations (crating paintings for Sara’s exhibitions in NY and LA, soon-to-commence studio construction, and a new round of bamboo and poison ivy removal), and some shifts in music activities, there’s less on which to report.

I want to thank a couple of readers (also musicians!) who responded to last month’s notes about birdsong. One replied:

The birds up here have been very chatty, I've had a lot of fun sitting in the backyard listening to them between practice sessions.

And one wonders if the birds' melodies and rhythms find their way into practice material. Another replied:

I’ve always been drawn to crows. I had quite a “thing” going with a murder of crows in my old neighborhood in Austin. I’ll swear they went on my walks with me. 

 After 2 years of waiting, a tribe of my favorite black feathered friends have arrived on the ranch and we interact. I’m hoping the distance between me and them grows smaller. It’s my favorite thing.

This reminded me of a story from 2015 that you may remember.

Out of last month’s Id in tuem articulum pone, have you had a chance to listen to Jonathan Scales? He says, “Thanks for the love.”

Regarding the above-mentioned studio construction, here’s a rendering of what’s planned. We’re looking forward to getting so much more done sans commute, which will be a 100-foot walk instead of a 40-minute (or more) drive. Bonus: one less car on Austin streets.

The Mala Nota album is complete. Next: release. Proper channels are being navigated, currently in The Straits of Decision. Meanwhile, new material is in development for the next album.

Red and The Rebels has a show at Savage’s Hill Country Bar in Wimberley. The venue takes its name from the owner, and AFAIK not his reputation.

Show on the calendar:

June 10
Savage’s Hill Country Bar
9595 Ranch Rd 12
Wimberley TX 78676
7:00 PM, three sets, and followed by… Saturday Night Karaoke (surprise guests?)

Thanks again for reading this actual newsletter. Feel free to send questions or topics you might like to hear about from me.

Peace, Love, and Art,
Ralph
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Ralph Manak
Raking Light Studio
Austin TX
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