First Workshop Review

I was talking to Rick Taylor today and he pointed out that we neglected to post how are first songwriters workshop went last last week. Sorry for being such a negligent blogger. Better late then never...

Well we had a great first night. 11 musicians came out as well as a number of casual Wednesday night listeners and regular passer-byers at the coffee house. The songwriters that were featured last week were Joshua Weresch, Jason Silver, Peter Stewart-Kroeker and our host Thomas Wilson.

The format was that the showcased songwriter would play a song (some people brought copies of their lyrics to read, that was very helpful) and then we as a group of musicians would talk about the strengths and weaknesses of the song for about 20 to 30 minutes. As well as getting input form the other featured songwriters, last weeks musicians also received input from some musicians that have had concerts at The Freeway in the past: Fred Magie, Glen Mcdonald, and Adrian McFarlane (Ophelia Syndrome), as well as myself (2x the Mono).

The Night was a really positive experience for everyone. The top 10 stand outs for me were:

1. Getting to talk to this group of musicians for a prolonged amount of time, instead of just the 10 minute conversations that happen before or after a show. It is great to talk music with other musicians.
2. Adrain (the drummer of the group) suggesting that Tom needs to sing in a more syncopated beat. Figures the drummer would be focused on the rhythm of the voice.
3. Me telling Joshua that his songs could make "Pedro The Lion" cry, and then finding out the next day that he has added that quote to his Myspace page.
4. Hearing Jason say at least 10 times "I know I'm a sell out but..."
   
5. Seeing Tom do a great job of keeping the night moving.
6. Hearing Tom sing his song about Hamilton called Hamilton Mulch. I have already asked to get a copy after he records it. Check out the words to this great song on one of our previous posts.
7. Seeing Peter do some creative knob twisting on his delay pedal. I'm sucker for pedals.
8. Watching Jason perform his song for a second time with the lyric changes he came up with in the discussion time.
9. The great open discussion that happened with the perfect balance of encouragement and helpful criticism.
10. Hearing that people enjoyed themselves and that they are going to tell their friends for next time.
    

Our next workshop will be on Wednesday February 13th, 7:30pm. Come on out and have a great time discussing music and songwriting. If you would like to have one of your songs featured, email our host Thomas at thomas.g.wilson@gmail.com