The Brislin Bros.

Just in case you were wondering what we looked like.

Alice in Wonderland

I could have SWORN I updated this blog more recently, but it sure looks like I didn't. So, let's catch up.

First, The Barn has been up and running since June. I installed all new ceiling panels and the dehumidifier works great, so no condensation issues. I reconnected all the equipment (yes, it was an ALL DAY job) and put it into a new configuration so it is easier for me to work alone. Plus I can get out of the way better when I'm recording someone else. The picture shows what it looks like.

Once the studio was up again, I started working on music for a play adapted by my friend and teaching colleague Dena Hendersen. Dena teaches Drama at North Port High School and decided to write her own adaptation of Alice in Wonderland for this year's Fall Play. She also wanted to have a "play with music" and kindly asked me to provide something unique. I ended up writing 22 interstitial pieces; that is, music that either connects scenes or is used to underscore action. Yup, just like a movie, but it's for a play. As far as I know, the play is in rehearsals now and is scheduled for performance on October 4, 5, and 6 at the North Port Performing Arts Center. I'm excited! I'll be taping the Oct. 4th show, so hopefully I can show highlights.

The Brislin Bros. are also working on their next release, which at this point is untitled since Jay and I can't come to an agreement of what to call it. I have about ten songs that I'm thinking of contributing...Jay has two (haha!) Actually, that's an unfair thing to say since Jay doesn't have a back catalog of 400 songs from which to work. However, we have traded some songs already and are working on adding parts. Jay did write an Irish drinking song that is proving to be a bear to work with. We'll see.

Studio update and NPHS Musical

Well, as you can see, The Barn is a little empty. Last month, I removed all of the equipment and took down the ceiling panels due to a condensation problem. The roof is fine and the insulation looks good, so it was just the ceiling panels that were ruined. Since then, I've installed a dehumidifier for use during winter months when the air conditioning isn't really kicking on. There has been no sign of condensation since then. So...all I need to do is get new ceiling panels (seriously thinking about using pegboard to get a weird dotted effect) and install them. Of course, I have no time at all to do that, so the studio looks exactly the same since I started this project. One. Big. Empty.

I also just finished my 8th year of being Sound Director for the North Port High School musical. This year's production, Seussical The Musical, was outstanding on all accounts; sets, singing, acting, dancing, lighting...and maybe sound. With 12 mics and 7 of them changing hands throughout the show, it was one of the most challenging shows I've been involved with. Using omnidirectional mics is a mistake, but the school and theatre just cannot afford to upgrade to cardiods and have enough of them for each performer. In effect, it just makes my job harder. I had two excellent students as assistants and they truly worked their butts off to make everything work as smoothly as possible. So, I guess, you just can't ask for more.

Radio Interview

On Sunday Feb. 17 from 9:30-10:00 pm, I am going to be interviewed (sort of) by a friend of mine, Steve Lemke, on his radio show on WSLR in Sarasota, FL. Probably be discussing the latest release from The Brislin Bros. and maybe past albums from now that they're here. Either way, WSLR streams so anyone, anywhere can tune in at wslr.org and listen live.