Well, I have switched to Blogger to update my news page. No real change, except (a) it's easier for me to update, and (b) comments can now be added to posts. Apparently, I need to learn how to use Blogger a little better, though, as I've tried to type this post a couple of times and Blogger has trashed it. Ugh.

Anyway, the projects from this summer are almost done, and I hope to have some MP3s to post soon. Here's a quick list by artist:

• Tim Williams' record is just about to go to mastering, and is set for a January 2 release date. He'll be playing September 28 at The Living Room in NYC with Jesse Harris (composer of the Grammy-winning "Don't Know Why," performed by Norah Jones). Tim also just signed with Dovecote Records, a NY-based independent record label. It's great to see this observant and mature songwriter/singer (his preferred appellation) get a taste of the success he deserves. His new record is sure to garner him more of the same.
  
• the bleedin bleedins are gearing up for the release of the first two songs from their upcoming debut album, which you can hear on their site. The double A-side single is set for release on October 7 in conjunction with a few dates in Ireland, including an in-store appearance at Tower Records in Dublin. The Irish tour kicks off with a performance at NEMO in Boston (at which you'll also see WR affiliates David Berkeley and Grey Star Morning). The singles have already been earning praise from some high places. Ireland, prepare to have your socks rocked off...and that's only the beginning.
  
• Juliana Finch's debut EP is all but finished. A release date should be forthcoming. Juliana has been writing up a storm lately, and it wouldn't surprise me to see a superb album follow this excellent EP.
  
• Rebecca Loebe's first full-length record, for which I produced the vocals, has just been mastered and is being pressed as I type this. Becca is a real talent, and has a voice as a songwriter and a singer that betrays her youth.

So why am I not going to NEMO, you ask? Good question. Fact is I've got a more pressing task -- namely, the recording of Birmingham-born, Atlanta-based songwriter Blake Guthrie's first (non-live) album. Blake's prescient wit derives from the great songwriters of the last 40 years, from Dylan to Springsteen to Jonathan Richman. He was also named by Creative Loafing (Atlanta's major alternative weekly) as Best Singer/Songwriter in 1998 and 1999 before being knocked out of that slot by some guy named John Mayer.

In addition to being honored to work with a local legend, I'm also thrilled to be working on this album on a personal level. Every week, Blake hosts Flight Test (nee the Decatur Songwriters' Circle) at Java Monkey in Downtown Decatur. It's at this Monday night gathering that I've met some of the most talented (and friendliest) folks I've had the pleasure of knowing, including Blake, Juliana, Richard Parsons, Michelle Friedman, Shana Alverson, Daniel Casner, David Stephens, and last but not least, David Berkeley. These folks took me in when I first moved here over a year ago and introduced me to the Atlanta music scene, and made me feel right at home. They're also the genesis for any success I've had here, so it's really wonderful to be able to give something back. Be sure to stop by on Monday evening if you're in the neighborhood.

I will try to keep updates a little more frequent going forward. In the meantime, be sure to check the websites of all these great artists for more information about upcoming releases and shows.

Happy fall, l'shanah tovah, and we'll see you soon.