Aaron Riveroll | Photographer

Tonight I went out to the Hot Java Cafe to listen to my good friend, the lovely and talented Stephanie Cataldo.

And there are so many things wrong with what I just said.

First, I didn’t get to hear Stephanie; turns out, she went on before I got there. So I missed her amazing vocals and guitar playing. Second, I had a cold java; blended, not stirred.

I still had a good time listening to everyone else with Steph…there was an R & B dude who, in my humble opinion, rocked. There was also the guy who brought a little blues feel to that classic tune Hit Me Baby One More Time. And then there was the guy who looked like Dolph Lundgren — you know, the guy who kills Apollo Creed and nearly knocks out the Italian Stallion in Rocky IV? But let me tell you, this guy could play some guitar….dude. He played this celtic tune and his friend accompanied him on the box. His fingers were flying all over the fret-board. It was awesome.

And it was good to see Steph too. I PROMISE I am going to see her next time. Maybe later this month?? :)

I’m always amazed and people who play the box. I wish I could play the box. It’s quite the cool instrument, if I do say so myself.

I’ve been singing since I was a little brat and performing just as long. I majored in music for crying out loud…and I can’t think of a time that I was REALLY nervous about being in front of people doing my thing. But open mic nights frighten me. It’s really cool to see all these amazingly talented people get up in front of total strangers and do their thing.

Well, I start validating tomorrow…wish me luck!

I don’t know…maybe it’s her cute Southern Accent. Or perhaps it’s her sweet innocence. Usually it’s the bright smile that does it for me. And the girl can sing too. But maybe it’s because she’s freakin’ hot.

Whatever the reason, Kellie Pickler has definitely captured this guy’s heart. There’s something about her that makes you go “ga-ga.” Her story and her voice just captivates you from the beginning…and from her audition in Greensboro, NC, I still believe that she is going to go far.

The dudes and the chicks of American Idol went up this week and there are several favorites. Kellie is one of them. Another cutie with a voice like gold is Katharine McPhee. I don’t know, dawg, it’s gotta be the smiles. :)

On the other side of the fence, Elliott Yamin got my vote tonight (yes, I voted, but only once). Although he ran very close to Gedeon McKinney, who in my humble opinion gave a really outstanding performance. Other honorable mentions were Taylor Hicks and Ace Young, who I think will go far in the competition. We shall see.

I don’t know, kids. The more I read about this stuff, the more frustrated I get.

It’s like the RIAA just doesn’t get the argument. I don’t care if you are trying to make a buck (which, by the way, is a sizeable amount)…the point is the more you fight and take away the methods we consumers enjoy our music, the more upset and angry the consumer will be.

And really, who likes an angry consumer?

So now they are saying that using music that I have purchased on my very own iPod, which I also have purchased, is not allowed? A-hem…I don’t think so. I’ll make it really easy; I’ll just stop buying my music. How do you like them apples?

EFF: DeepLinks

A while back, I posted that Jars of Clay was going to be playing at the House of Blues. It’s gonna be a great show.

But I just found out via MySpace, the addicting void of the internet, that Derek Webb will be opening the show.

Two great artists for the price of one.

Anyone wanna go? I think I’m definitely going now.

Well, I come to you in the wee hours of the morning to share with you and tell you about a great new artist I just discovered. Well, I didn’t discover him since he was around long before I knew about him…but he is new to me. It all started with a simple MySpace add…and then I gave his tunes a listen and found out how good he actually was.

Josh Bales is his name; a singer/songwriter from Chattanooga, Tennesse, Josh writes some really fantastic songs and has a great voice. His music has a very real feel to it, with honest lyrics and an easy quasi-folksy sound. I just ordered a CD, and will looking forward to its arrival. But I encourage you to check out his website, joshbales.com, and give him a listen. I think you will agree that he’s pretty darn good.

Anyone interested in catching Jars of Clay in Feburary at the House of Blues? Tickets go on sale mañana:

Jars of Clay
House of Blues San Diego, San Diego
Thu, 02/09/06 8:00pm

I know this is like two months ahead of time, but Lambs Players Theatre is running Sondheim’s Into The Woods February 10 through March 19.

This is such a witty, funny show if you haven’t seen it…and if you have, you know what I mean.

Anyone wanna go?

Click for more info…

Dude, it was so flipping hot today. What is wrong with this picture: my Reefs, shorts, and a t-shirt in November? Actually, that’s one of the reasons I love San Diego…although it is nice to have weather once in a while. But today was total, crazy beach weather. Gorgeous day.

The day (like yesterday) started early again with a photo shoot up in Alpine. We missed the ideal lighting by a bit, but it was still beautiful. Bright, though. Brian got his workout holding the reflector/light diffuser. Good job, Sir Mounts. After the shoot, we headed back to Casa Aaron and schmoozed over NGS videos. By this time, a half-asleep Danny woke up and joined in the festivities.

Since then, I’ve watched like a hundred episodes of Friends on TBS and done laundry.

Oh, and a word about laundry. I’m sort of methodical when it comes to laundry. I have a process that has been developed over many lonely Friday nights. But seriously, I have a certain way of washing, drying, folding (especially). Well, I had a conversation a few weeks ago about this process and we concurred that fabric softener was better than dryer sheets. I think this is just common knowledge, people. However, dryer sheets are better than nothing at all…and I confirmed this today because I forgot to include a dryer sheet in my load of colors. I will have multiple shocking experiences in the following week as everything fuzzy will stick to me like nails to a magnet.

So what’s on the books tonight? Hmmm…I think I will go to the Flood later this evening and perhaps retouch some of the photos from this morning’s shoot. Other than that, it has been pretty chill…and should remain that way.

Speaking of chill, I created a play list the other day that I’m quite pleased with. I call it my Chill Music. I have many moods of music, like I’m sure everyone does. My many moods tend to influence the music in my head. But so many times, though, I am just wanting to melt into a couch and soak in relaxing, thoughtful, melodic tunes as opposed to everything else I listen to. So i thought it would be fun to share what’s playing on my iPod. It’s still being developed, but I think I’m off too a great start with these. I might make some changes and definitely add to it, but in the meantime, it’s great to fold laundry to or listen to while sitting in the dark. Here it is: Read the rest of this entry …

This has pretty much been my mood lately. But let’s not get into why my mood has been that way…I digress…

But, it’s been a bit since I’ve posted on music in the CCM world, so I thought I would reflect on a few favorites…

First, put March on your calendars for the release of Caedmon’s latest: In The Company Of Angels II: The World Will Sing. Now, I have to admit that I wasn’t a huge fan of the first In The Company of Angels…but, it is Caedmon’s Call…so I’m definitely going to buy this album anyway.

A couple weeks ago, I purchased Relient K’s Mmhmm. I really dig this album…they sort of have this punk-rock sound which is really fun and brings me back to the good old days. I also appreciate punk rock bands that introduce sweet vocal harmonies and really pretty piano melodies amidst the driving guitars and drums. But enough of this musician-speak…they are good. And this is one album I love listening to from beginning to end. Those are rare finds these days.

I’m really excited for Relient K’s latest, Apathetic, which released on the 8th. This seven-track acoustic set is a little mellow follow-up to their usual sound…but it’s nice to see the contrast. I highly recommend it, not only to you but to myself as well. I’m going to pick it up ay-sap. (yeah, I cheated…I listened to the samples on iTunes. But they were pretty samples. :) )

Well, I was going to kick it until the season finale of Laguna Beach…but since I sort of already read about it (two-hour delays are great!) I hardly see the point.

Perhaps I’ll Tivo it anyway. :)

Okay…so I’m back. :)

A few days ago, I was telling you how great Tristan Prettyman is (which she still is), and how annoyed I was at her label for putting anti-piracy protection on the disc.

Then I read this in the San Diego Union-Trib. It was published the day after mine, so I guess they read my blog and decided to wise up.

At least they see the error of their ways…for now.