tag:lowcountryhill.com,2005:/blogs/latest-news?p=2Latest News2024-02-05T15:00:19-05:00Low Country Hillfalsetag:lowcountryhill.com,2005:Post/73463182024-02-05T15:00:19-05:002024-02-05T15:00:45-05:00Bay Window Sessions<p>Check out stripped-down versions of songs from <i>A Billion Rooms</i> in the “Bay Window Sessions 2024” section of the Video tab. Enjoy! </p>Low Country Hilltag:lowcountryhill.com,2005:Post/73368832024-01-19T15:37:02-05:002024-01-19T16:54:10-05:00An Ode To The Year That's Been (2023)<p><span style="color:rgb(0,0,0);">An ode to the year that’s been:</span></p><div class="video-container size_xl justify_center" style=""><iframe data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="XufwHHRc7Ks" data-video-thumb-url="" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/XufwHHRc7Ks?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></div><p><span style="color:rgb(13,13,13);">It’s just so amazing to see songs blossom from itches in the brain and heart to fully-formed shimmery tracks on vinyl. Celebrating the many people whose love, kindness, and creative spirit made the metamorphosis happen. Gratitude to Dave King, Patrick Sansone, Wayne Cochrane, Sheldon Norton, Emma Whale, Oliver Presta, Tristan Miller, Catherine North Studios, Noah Mintz, Jamie Lawson, Auteur Research, Brodie and Tyler @The Casbah, Winona, Enye and Stacia, Pete Zantingh, Raf Michelli and Aaron Goldstein.</span></p><p><span style="color:rgb(0,0,0);">Peace, love, and understanding for 2024.</span></p>Low Country Hilltag:lowcountryhill.com,2005:Post/73061792023-11-20T10:58:48-05:002023-11-27T07:59:47-05:00Release Show Recap<p><span style="color:rgb(0,0,0);">A radiant day to reflect on a radiant night. Thank you to everyone who came out to the release show on Nov.18. What a turnout! It was a joy to both rock out and be tender, to float along and occasionally fly high with a brilliant group of musicians. Love and praise to </span><a class="no-pjax" href="https://www.instagram.com/raf.michelli/" role="link" tabindex="0">@raf.michelli</a><span style="color:rgb(0,0,0);">, </span><a class="no-pjax" href="https://www.instagram.com/agoldrules/" role="link" tabindex="0">@agoldrules</a><span style="color:rgb(0,0,0);">, </span><a class="no-pjax" href="https://www.instagram.com/davekingdrums/" role="link" tabindex="0">@davekingdrums,</a><span style="color:rgb(0,0,0);"> and </span><a class="no-pjax" href="https://www.instagram.com/pzantingh72/" role="link" tabindex="0">@pzantingh72</a><span style="color:rgb(0,0,0);"> for your gorgeous playing and singing and for your sure, steady presence. Thank you to a fabulous support team including </span><a class="no-pjax" href="https://www.instagram.com/__jotham/" role="link" tabindex="0">@__jotham</a><span style="color:rgb(0,0,0);"> </span><a class="no-pjax" href="https://www.instagram.com/joesjams/" role="link" tabindex="0">@joesjams</a><span style="color:rgb(0,0,0);">, </span><a class="no-pjax" href="https://www.instagram.com/taylorfinnigan.wav/" role="link" tabindex="0">@taylorfinnigan.wav</a><span style="color:rgb(0,0,0);">, </span><a class="no-pjax" href="https://www.instagram.com/winonahogeterp/" role="link" tabindex="0">@winonahogeterp</a><span style="color:rgb(0,0,0);">, </span><a class="no-pjax" href="https://www.instagram.com/staciavonghogeterp/" role="link" tabindex="0">@staciavonghogeterp</a><span style="color:rgb(0,0,0);">, </span><a class="no-pjax" href="https://www.instagram.com/ezra.tekle/" role="link" tabindex="0">@ezra.tekle</a><span style="color:rgb(0,0,0);">, </span><a class="no-pjax" href="https://www.instagram.com/loosefingerdchords/" role="link" tabindex="0">@loosefingerdchords</a><span style="color:rgb(0,0,0);">, and </span><a class="no-pjax" href="https://www.instagram.com/colourfilmmusic/" role="link" tabindex="0">@colourfilmmusic</a><span style="color:rgb(0,0,0);">! Thank you </span><a class="no-pjax" href="https://www.instagram.com/sen69/" role="link" tabindex="0">@sen69</a><span style="color:rgb(0,0,0);"> for documenting the eve and to </span><a class="no-pjax" href="https://www.instagram.com/casbahgram/" role="link" tabindex="0">@casbahgram</a><span style="color:rgb(0,0,0);"> for hosting us! Blessed, grateful, and lucky. Check out more photos from the show in Photos.</span></p><p><span style="color:rgb(0,0,0);"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/143832/424efa6f42a063801d9403aba4e9220c64c917da/original/c5e63e56-183a-4ffc-ae13-3bd1203affe3.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></span></p>Low Country Hilltag:lowcountryhill.com,2005:Post/73051192023-11-17T09:51:07-05:002023-11-27T07:59:47-05:00RELEASE DAY IS HERE! <div class="xdj266r x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r x1vvkbs x126k92a" style='-webkit-text-stroke-width:0px;background-color:rgb(255, 255, 255);color:rgb(5, 5, 5);font-family:system-ui, -apple-system, "system-ui", ".SFNSText-Regular", sans-serif;font-size:15px;font-style:normal;font-variant-caps:normal;font-variant-ligatures:normal;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:normal;margin:0px;orphans:2;overflow-wrap:break-word;text-align:left;text-decoration-color:initial;text-decoration-style:initial;text-decoration-thickness:initial;text-indent:0px;text-transform:none;white-space:pre-wrap;widows:2;word-spacing:0px;'>
<div style="text-align:start;" dir="auto">RELEASE DAY IS HERE! Say hello to <i>A Billion Rooms</i>. Weighing about 150 grams in vinyl form and digitally weightless at birth. What a beaut. The musical obstetricians, nurses, and midwives worked overtime and beyond their pay grade to bring <i>A Billion Rooms</i> into the world. I’m overjoyed and deeply grateful. Put your headphones on and turn the amp up to 10, I mean 11.</div>
<div style="text-align:start;" dir="auto">Purchase your download of the full album at: <a class="no-pjax" href="https://lowcountryhill.com/music">https://lowcountryhill.com/music</a>
</div>
<div style="text-align:start;" dir="auto">Now streaming on all platforms: <a class="no-pjax" href="https://linktr.ee/lowcountryhill">https://linktr.ee/lowcountryhill</a>
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<div style="text-align:start;" dir="auto">Love and praise to Stacia, Winona and Enye; to Dave King and Patrick Sansone for your devotion and artistry; to Wayne Cochrane; to Emma Whale, Oliver Presta, and Tristan Miller at Catherine North Studios; to Noah Mintz at Lacquer Channel Mastering, the late great Georgie Fab, Sarah Truman, Sheldon Norton, Jamie Lawson, Adam, Jessica and Ava at Auteur Research; and to an amazing community of supporters who helped fund the making of the record. Thank you all for your love, solidarity, and kindness.</div>
<div style="text-align:start;" dir="auto"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/143832/e4e278c0f106d09c76fc32cb49f4e36c339e316b/original/release-day-pic-1-website.jpeg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></div>
</div>Low Country Hilltag:lowcountryhill.com,2005:Post/72849692023-10-11T09:00:00-04:002023-10-19T11:52:03-04:00Listen to the latest single "Hymns Within"<p><strong>“Hymns Within”</strong> is now streaming: <a class="no-pjax" href="https://linktr.ee/lowcountryhill"><strong>https://linktr.ee/lowcountryhill</strong></a></p><p>See the lyric video here: <a class="no-pjax" href="https://youtu.be/_U2JfzVLdkY"><strong>https://youtu.be/_U2JfzVLdkY</strong></a></p><p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/143832/b41852045bf32646da1130eecbe7e6c934ff69ae/original/lch-abr-sngl-3.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>Low Country Hilltag:lowcountryhill.com,2005:Post/72737032023-09-15T00:30:00-04:002023-10-09T12:04:03-04:00Come Along To Algonquin single<p><strong>“Come Along To Algonquin”</strong> is now streaming on all platforms! <a class="no-pjax" href="https://linktr.ee/lowcountryhill" data-link-type="url"><span style="color:#56738c;"><strong>https://linktr.ee/lowcountryhill</strong></span></a><a data-link-type="url"><span style="color:#56738c;"><strong> </strong></span></a></p><p>See YouTube shorts: <a class="no-pjax" href="https://www.youtube.com/shorts/jLrlmaq2_qE" data-link-type="url"><span style="color:#56738c;"><strong>https://www.youtube.com/shorts/jLrlmaq2_qE</strong></span></a></p><p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/143832/ffac6c8787a4f0d832718ff2dbd08160ae4757b8/original/lch-abr-sngl-2.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>Low Country Hilltag:lowcountryhill.com,2005:Post/72556352023-08-11T10:58:03-04:002023-08-27T04:21:47-04:00First Single Release Day! A Billion Rooms<p>Release Day. Introducing “A Billion Rooms,” the first single and lead track off of Low Country Hill's forthcoming album.</p><p>Now streaming on all platforms here: <a class="no-pjax" href="https://linktr.ee/lowcountryhill"> https://linktr.ee/lowcountryhill</a></p><p>Check out the lyric video for A Billion Rooms. Enjoy</p><div class="video-container size_xl justify_center" style=""><iframe data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="SezmJloQtqU" data-video-thumb-url="" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/SezmJloQtqU?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></div>Low Country Hilltag:lowcountryhill.com,2005:Post/72409972023-07-12T21:59:20-04:002023-07-13T00:09:22-04:00Done! <p>That's a wrap on another Low Country Hill record! What a joyous process crafting an album with these exceptional musicians and kind souls. Blessed and lucky to work with Dave King and Patrick Sansone. Did this really happen?! And hip hip hooray for the “Let's Make LCH 3” campaign backers. Were it not for you… </p><p>A busy summer ahead. Vinyl pressing already in motion and album rollout campaign begins in August. Some family travel time ahead and looking forward to the change of scenery. See you on the other side.</p><p> </p><p><i>Dave and Patrick in the groove</i></p><figure class="table"><table><tbody><tr>
<td><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/143832/a7601615d3adcf32396211a508bf6c5a894777c1/original/catherine-north-5-mar-24-23-bw-rgb.jpg/!!/meta%3AeyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ%3D%3D.jpg" class="size_m justify_center border_" /></td>
<td><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/143832/944a702dfcfbabcbf29958a3e6472e6b1d8d9706/original/img-5153-bw-rgb.jpg/!!/meta%3AeyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ%3D%3D.jpg" class="size_m justify_center border_" /></td>
</tr></tbody></table></figure>Low Country Hilltag:lowcountryhill.com,2005:Post/72049682023-05-08T11:07:03-04:002023-05-08T11:07:03-04:00Tools and Toys<p><span style="color:rgb(5,5,5);">Tools and toys. Catherine North Session #2. Up next: tracks sent off to Patrick Sansone in Nashville. Overjoyed.</span></p><p> </p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/143832/631ce60b14464d3020ebf4185ac42cfc1dbbbef5/original/tools-and-toys-catherine-north-2-may-03-23.heic/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==" class="size_l justify_center border_" />Low Country Hilltag:lowcountryhill.com,2005:Post/72006562023-05-01T11:40:27-04:002023-05-01T11:40:27-04:00Rest in peace Georgie Fab. Rounds 2 and 3 of LCH 3 <p><span class="text-small">Round 3 of Low Country Hill 3 sessions at a makeshift studio down the street. Tracking acoustic guitar and vocals. Soon we're in for sprinkle time. Thank you, Stacia, Sarah, Wayne, and Dave.</span> <span class="text-small">See PHOTOS section for more studio action.</span></p><p><span class="text-small">Peace and comfort to the family of <strong>Georgie Fab</strong>. Georgie passed away last week. We had been tracking some vocals and acoustic guitar in Georgie's warm studio space last weekend shortly before he died. We were lucky recipients of his kindness and hospitality as well as his storytelling, shop talk, and yes even unbearable jokes. Rest in peace, Georgie.</span></p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/143832/2ded2d00420d5055fcf955c189f89067135e874c/original/lch-lch-3-session-3-apr-30-23-4.jpeg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==" class="size_m justify_center border_" /><p style="text-align:center;"><span class="text-small">That's a wrap (for vocals and acoustic)</span></p>Low Country Hilltag:lowcountryhill.com,2005:Post/71795502023-03-27T23:06:45-04:002023-03-27T23:30:10-04:00Catherine North Studios - 1st Low Country Hill 3 session<p>Hello friends,</p><p>After a rigorous month+ of pre-production, Dave King and I convened at Catherine North Studios in Hamilton this weekend (Mar.24-26). Hard but oh-so-joyous and pleasurable work. 10 songs in 3 days. A focus on drums, vocals, and acoustic guitar in the first round. An effort sustained by javas from Synonym Cafe, the dedicated Catherine North team (thank you Tristan, Emma and Oliver), Stacia's exquisite cooking, Bob's acoustic guitar, and morning light through stained glass. More to come…</p><p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/143832/4ded62e351c31c900c965dabd9cc3b268c7559ee/original/catherine-north-mar-26-23.jpeg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>Low Country Hilltag:lowcountryhill.com,2005:Post/71480742023-02-03T07:23:17-05:002023-03-27T21:29:44-04:00LET'S MAKE LOW COUNTRY HILL #3! NOW WE CAN!<p><strong>Update! We did it. Deep gratitude to the 78 backers whose contributions helped us achieve more than 100% of the funding goal to make Low Country Hill 3! I am tickled and humbled. Can't wait to get to work. </strong></p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/143832/b4062cc88fe9dbd13a96b5d1e1b046fe4ffb1cd2/original/thank-you-2.png/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><p><strong>I am so thrilled to tell you that I am making Low Country Hill record #3 this spring. So happy that the songs I've been working on for the past three years will have a home. I am launching a crowdfunding campaign today and I am inviting you to be a part of bringing this new record to life. Please support my campaign by clicking the link below: </strong></p><p><a class="no-pjax" href="https://igg.me/at/lowcountryhill3" data-link-type="url" contents="lowcountryhill3"><span class="text-huge"><strong>https://igg.me/at/lowcountryhill3</strong></span></a></p><p><strong>Please share on your social platforms!</strong></p><p><strong>Gratefully,</strong></p><p><strong>Paul</strong></p><p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/143832/f66f1d5c784541f8690dfed5ec9ab313f1f92e35/original/website-header-for-campaign-feb-01-23.jpeg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>Low Country Hilltag:lowcountryhill.com,2005:Post/71422812023-01-23T14:32:45-05:002023-01-30T16:45:26-05:00BIG ANNOUNCEMENT NEXT WEEK (first week of February)<p><span class="font_large"><strong>Healthy and happy 2023 one and all. </strong></span></p>
<p><span class="font_large"><strong>Big announcement coming next week. I promise it won't be about $99 digital trading cards. Stay tuned</strong></span></p>Low Country Hilltag:lowcountryhill.com,2005:Post/71166062022-12-03T17:04:43-05:002022-12-03T17:04:43-05:00Good for the soul<p>Such a joy and pleasure to make music at Casbah Lounge on Thursday eve. Gratitude to all of you who showed up and took in the show. What a turnout! Special thanks to Jimmy Hayes, Johan DeZoete, Justine, Trevor, and Brodie for all you did to make it happen. Good for the soul to be back at it.</p>
<p>Early best wishes for a happy and peaceful holiday time :)</p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/143832/79a4fc1e935b81ef6712d2f68daa4011d1426834/original/img-2472.jpeg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>Low Country Hilltag:lowcountryhill.com,2005:Post/70934512022-11-01T22:41:03-04:002022-11-25T21:12:30-05:00Post Pandemic Hibernation show - Casbah Lounge in Hamilton<p>Hello from the other side of pandemic hibernation. Low Country Hill (aka Paul Hogeterp) is playing at <a href="https://www.facebook.com/loungeatcasbah/?__cft__%5B0%5D=AZUXbhjcvC74MH2jm6a0aa7rP9AYtZqYkkTIRjslW5GTiuYfAsl6yqIgRRujkkcliXON65G96mr1hY9Vy-0W6CU1lRSOo1JoiQBqUqrFTOf_FLxMBLg3fT05YW_eFB9KvkrrMqjtTmotLxPk0OjkKM3tyNpkTOud77oig_kHQnVLP1bPXuflvVH5sBzh-JNrzCc&__tn__=kK-R" role="link" tabindex="0">The Lounge at Casbah</a> on Thursday, December 01 (7-9 PM). I'm dusting off old songs and trying some new ones with the help of Jimmy Hayes on pedal steel and electric guitar. Hope to see you there. (Pay what you can, CASH ONLY)</p>
<p> </p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/143832/6d3a8c9ee496fd32933a747f0c15102899750810/original/lch-dec-01-22-casbah-lounge.jpeg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>Low Country Hilltag:lowcountryhill.com,2005:Post/63126052020-05-11T19:03:05-04:002021-01-08T08:48:56-05:00The Time of Burrowing<p>Sending peace, hugs and wishes for patience and good humour in these complicated days. Courage, courage.</p>
<p>The stay at home orders have been a gift for writing and studio time. Working on a batch of new songs. Check out a raw performance (just above) of the very latest song called "A Billion Rooms." Be safe and well.</p>Low Country Hilltag:lowcountryhill.com,2005:Post/59699862019-11-22T19:07:05-05:002021-01-07T03:48:55-05:00Dundurn Market<p>A lovely eve at Dundurn Market yesterday. Good to be in a cozy place with attentive souls, so close to home. Thanks Justin for making it happen. Thanks to my daughter Enye for singing with me. Sorry about the key change. And many thanks to everyone who came out to listen. Good gifts all around.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/143832/0e1ddb68fe86b563ca4e55d17c050ea286add20b/original/78559701-2715626155125594-3789199764063518720-o.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>Low Country Hilltag:lowcountryhill.com,2005:Post/59567162019-11-11T13:35:28-05:002020-11-14T04:58:01-05:00A (Very) Local Show<p>About as local as it gets in terms of playing a show. A solo performance a block away from home! I might even haul my amp and gear over in the wheelbarrow (or on the toboggan). </p>
<p>Come on out to Dundurn Market in the Kirkendall hood of Hamilton on Thurs Nov.21, 7-9 PM. Great local beers and organic food goodness await. </p>
<p>See you then.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/143832/06c99c4c61b1a1a1f2aa07305aac8458551243f7/original/lch-poster-nov-21-19.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>Low Country Hilltag:lowcountryhill.com,2005:Post/58941912019-09-16T18:57:01-04:002020-12-28T12:32:54-05:00Hamilton and Toronto co-bills with Bruce Enloe Sept.28 & 29<p>Off the cyber grid over the summer, enjoying some restorative time on the Canadian Shield in Algonquin Park and environs. Does the heart a whole lot of good. </p>
<p>Very pleased to be co-billing two upcoming shows with Bruce Enloe, a multi-talented songwriter from the Ottawa area. Bruce released a delicious collection of new songs earlier this year called A Perfect Cliché. Hope to see you at The Lounge at Casbah in Hamilton on Sept.28 or (and!?) Tranzac Club in Toronto on Sept.29. See SHOWS for details!</p>
<p>Also, put your guinea pig costume on when you come. I'm working up some new Low Country Hill songs. Slightly nervous here in the prep phase :)</p>Low Country Hilltag:lowcountryhill.com,2005:Post/56879732019-03-21T11:15:08-04:002021-01-08T02:55:02-05:00Winter Touring<p>Touring is a calculated gamble but the stakes are invariably higher in winter. Case in point, I didn't count on 120km winds and an ice storm the eve of my show in Kingston. The show (or should I say the rehearsal) went on despite downtown Kingston morphing into a wintry ghost town. Reassuring that at least the café bartender and two regulars stuck around. Hearty eastern Ontarians. Some internal resistance kicked in at this point...do I pack it in or - if I remain - mail it in? Thankfully, the commitment to seeing it through prevailed. I'm so glad I stuck around to play in the quiet of the narrow but spacious, old room against the backdrop of the (literal!) white noise outside. It was a rare chance in a live setting to play with subtlety. </p>
<p>Thankful for great people along the way on these past few mini-tours. Thank you Red Brick Café, Garafraxa Café, The Acoustic Grill, Musiikki, Brownstone Café and Sawdust City Brewery for booking the shows. This was one of my most enjoyable series of shows to date. </p>
<p> </p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/143832/bb2dc57ecfa337a7aec5d1172ac9d7a31aeb677b/original/img-5091.jpg/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsImxhcmdlIl1d.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">120 km winds blow the billing sign from its protected perch at Musiikki in Kingston.</p>Low Country Hilltag:lowcountryhill.com,2005:Post/56268272019-02-04T12:41:44-05:002020-12-08T14:34:30-05:00Attention gear nerds :)<p>A good chunk of shows coming up in winter 2019.</p>
<p>For you gear nerds, I'm trying a new combination of pedals after my go-to Line 6 delay/loop modeller finally died after 20+ years of faithful service. Rest in digital peace, dear friend. Looking forward to exploring new (to me) sonic terrain with the new combo in the upcoming performances and in studio time.</p>
<p>I'm not much of a gear head nor do I really understand the basics of electronics/circuitry, but I do enjoy messing around with guitar effect pedals (especially when harnessed to my violin). Guitar effects have been integral to my writing process - to establish grooves and sonic landscapes - affecting the overall timbre of songs. Besides the occasional use of a Way Huge Pork Loin overdrive pedal (thanks Wayne C!) and a Boss RC-3 loop station, I'm now working with a TC Electronics Hall of Fame Reverb 2, a TC Electronics Ditto looping pedal, and an Electro Harmonix Memory Toy (Analog Delay). I'm also experimenting with an old Passac acoustic pre-amp that I received from the great violinist, Oliver Schroer (rest in peace). </p>
<p>Lately, I've enjoyed searching out and studying the rigs/set-ups of masterful, innovative guitar players like Nels Cline. Amazing and inspiring. </p>
<p> </p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/143832/3a5fd7d159d2f79694b5b93e4de4b6dfbf109a28/original/pedal-board-feb-2019.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>Low Country Hilltag:lowcountryhill.com,2005:Post/54756922018-10-18T16:50:53-04:002023-12-10T14:14:09-05:00L'Arche Hamilton Coffeehouse<p>Honoured to be a friend of the L'Arche Community in Hamilton. And I'm thrilled to play a set at their 40th Anniversary Celebration on Friday, October 19. Set starts at 7:30 PM. Come on out and learn more about L'Arche.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/143832/b084a97a20ba1394ed9076c843311816fe448801/original/larche-coffeehouse.jpeg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>Low Country Hilltag:lowcountryhill.com,2005:Post/52205892018-05-07T09:55:16-04:002018-05-07T09:55:16-04:00Kingston and Picton<p>Good to play music in eastern Ontario this past weekend. Thanks to Musiikki Café in Kingston and Steve and the crew at The Acoustic Grill in Picton for taking good care of me (and for booking the shows!). Thank you Jacqueline van Hartingsveldt of Triple J Ranch for the comfy bed. May Chives and Drew Yowell, thanks for the open-hearted music. Safe travels back to NYC. </p>
<p>Backroads... </p>
<p>An early Sunday morning departure from Picton with a very (very) roundabout way of getting back to Hamilton. I took a drive to the far southeastern part of Prince Edward County and found this gem of a conservation area off of RR 13 called Little Bluff...</p>
<p> </p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/143832/cdb6d72f1a9c8fa2351db1cfbfaaeebaa68c87e3/original/unnamed.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/143832/64a988bbeba0b818d8a85e1bcf17bdccf26c55b7/original/unnamed-2.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>Low Country Hilltag:lowcountryhill.com,2005:Post/51906672018-04-19T13:48:06-04:002020-12-16T11:13:05-05:00Midweek music at Mulberry<p>Last night (Apr.18) was good for the heart. Feeling lucky to have made music with an astonishingly-gifted band and my beautiful daughter Enye. </p>
<p>Thank you to all of you who came out to listen to us. Thank you Mulberry Street Coffeehouse for inviting us into your beautiful space and showing kind hospitality. My deepest gratitude to Enye, Alan Judson, Dave King and Raf Michelli for bringing the joy. </p>
<p>Let's do this again.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/143832/7fd052654f64109fc78025ada5c0c83cb954836a/original/lch-apr-18-18-1.jpg/!!/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.jpg" class="size_m justify_left border_" /></p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/143832/78ab692f9e1c5c4a19d37fecd792d3fbabcd6e8f/original/lch-apr-18-18-2.jpg/!!/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.jpg" class="size_m justify_center border_" /></p>Low Country Hilltag:lowcountryhill.com,2005:Post/51717172018-04-09T10:58:01-04:002018-04-09T10:58:01-04:00Getting Back in the Groove in the Near North<p>Good to be in the near north to get back in the playing groove. Met some lovely people in Orillia and Gravenhurst. A shout out to Currie's Music in Gravenhurst. What a haven of musical bliss and creativity. You reclaim the good name of materialism. Thank you Andrew, Natalie, Bet and Rob for the support and solidarity. Rob, glad you enjoyed finding your Gibson ES 335's younger, long lost cousin. </p>
<p>Thank you Josh and Alex at The Brownstone Cafe and all the kind staff at Sawdust City Brewery for making the shows happen. Alex, thanks for tweaking the vocals and for the very helpful pointers for the rest of the journey. Also, thanks for slowing my packing up with the circa '72 Herbie Hancock. Wow. </p>
<p>Peter F. Zantingh, always special to sing with you. Thank you! </p>
<p>As is becoming a rhythm in my musical travels, I like to explore off-the-beaten-path places en route to the next show. This time, I chanced upon on a section of the Trans Canada Trail on Muskoka RR 6 near Cooper's Falls. Winter hasn't broken its bones quite yet but I don't mind...</p>
<p> </p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/143832/8ab2f5144a36f3c69600e2543f86e562c9cd69a8/original/trans-canada-trail-near-coopers-falls.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>Low Country Hilltag:lowcountryhill.com,2005:Post/50810142018-02-15T10:34:36-05:002019-12-13T00:35:01-05:00Spring Shows<p>Looking forward to crawling out of musical hibernation. A number of shows coming up this spring. See SHOWS for Low Country Hill's up-to-date touring schedule. </p>
<p> </p>Low Country Hilltag:lowcountryhill.com,2005:Post/48751102017-10-03T11:22:11-04:002020-11-16T05:26:20-05:00Review of Guesthouse EP<p>Thanks you Hamilton Blues Lovers for the kind review!</p>
<p><a contents="Hamilton Blues Lovers" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://blueshamilton.blogspot.ca/2017/10/hamiltons-low-country-hill-releases.html">Hamilton Blues Lovers</a></p>Low Country Hilltag:lowcountryhill.com,2005:Post/48717462017-09-30T11:20:45-04:002017-09-30T11:20:45-04:00Eastern Ontario mini-tour <p>A good time in eastern Ontario and the Capital region last weekend. Thank you to all (each?) of you who came out to listen. Modest but sweet gatherings. Thanks to Musiikki Café, Bruce Enloe, Dean Batstone, House Concerts Russell and Pressed for making the tour happen.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/143832/1ac8d28d98290401e0ac0299236a30573eb898bd/original/22007875-10159201447865012-6895840723511631154-n.jpg?1506784804" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>Low Country Hilltag:lowcountryhill.com,2005:Post/48542392017-09-17T17:25:25-04:002021-04-21T13:09:46-04:00The Release Show - Sept.16.17<p>What a beautiful night. Feeling blessed that over 100 souls showed up for the launch of the Guesthouse EP. I'm touched and honoured that you came out and LISTENED. You could hear a pin drip (or Paul drop...after tripping over cables). Thank you Dave King, Raf Michelli, Alan Judson and Peter F. Zantingh for digging in with me. Thank you Barbara Milne and Gary Santucci for inviting us all to mesh into your beautiful space. What a room! Celebrated afterwards with dear friends on the back deck and then spun records with Peter til 5am. Today is Recovery Day.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/143832/1ade8d97182d892e775b1a9ed199525e9b316c82/medium/guesthouse-release-show-photo-3.jpg?1505683081" class="size_m justify_left border_" /><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/143832/e3ab2e2662d2a2be3c32fdb6ad731ea4b0c7fbe3/medium/guesthouse-release-show-photo-5.jpg?1505683270" class="size_m justify_right border_" /></p>Low Country Hilltag:lowcountryhill.com,2005:Post/48516522017-09-15T09:42:48-04:002020-09-25T02:51:03-04:00Digital Release Day!<p><strong><span class="font_xl">Purchase your copy of <em>Guesthouse</em> TODAY at <a contents="lowcountryhill.com/music" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://lowcountryhill.com/music">lowcountryhill.com/music</a> </span></strong></p>
<p> </p>
<p><strong><span class="font_xl">Online music distribution (including iTunes, Google Play, Spotify, etc) to follow! </span></strong></p>Low Country Hilltag:lowcountryhill.com,2005:Post/48435492017-09-09T12:09:24-04:002017-09-15T09:39:06-04:00Release Week Is Here!<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/143832/4750f95d01af768a5318c24e2881de0170045cb6/medium/yeah.jpg?1504970295" class="size_m justify_left border_" /><strong><span class="font_large">Release week is here and there's a lot on the go...</span></strong></p>
<p><strong>Pre-release streaming of a feature track through the week (see player at the bottom of the screen)</strong></p>
<p><strong>DIGITAL RELEASE ON SEPT.15</strong> Purchase your copy of <em>Guesthouse</em> at <a contents="lowcountryhill.com/music" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://lowcountryhill.com/music">lowcountryhill.com/music</a> Online music retail distribution to follow! </p>
<p>EP Release Show on Sept.16 @ The Pearl Company (see <a contents="lowcountryhill.com/shows" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://lowcountryhill.com/shows">lowcountryhill.com/shows</a> for details)</p>
<p>Prepping for the release show and for upcoming mini-tour of eastern Ontario</p>
<p>Video shoot with Mitch Fillion/Southern Souls</p>
<p>Extra visits to the household espresso maker</p>
<p>----------</p>
<p>A box of Guesthouse CDs arrived just in time for the release show. We enjoyed a little family celebration after the Purolator truck took off. Dubbel beer and drawing with my 12-year old daughter.</p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>Low Country Hilltag:lowcountryhill.com,2005:Post/48153852017-08-15T21:40:30-04:002017-08-26T16:19:13-04:00Guesthouse EP Release SEPTEMBER 16<p>Come celebrate the launch of my new Guesthouse EP. I'm joined by some wonderful musicians for the occasion - Dave King on drums, Raf Michelli on bass and Alan Judson on pedal steel and electric guitar. I've just sent the master mix to the manufacturer and there'll be CDs ready for you on Sept.16. Hope to see you at The Pearl Company in Hamilton. Walk, ride your bike, hop on public transit, take the train, get on a plane.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/143832/317750841bda55a023962244115258d9d683b017/large/lch-guesthouse-ep-release-poster-aug-15-17.jpeg?1502847520" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>Low Country Hilltag:lowcountryhill.com,2005:Post/48095742017-08-10T13:17:54-04:002017-08-10T13:17:54-04:00Finish lines and the war of art<p>News from the studio... </p>
<p>The final hour of making Low Country Hill 2. Finish lines can make the emotional pendulum sway a little wider than usual, the second guessing a little more existential. I'm reminded of Steven Pressfield's book "The War of Art" in which he explores and personifies Resistance and the ways it prevents us from accessing our fullest, deepest selves. Resistance is the equal and opposite force of creation. So in come the mindfulness exercises to right the ship: trust the work, trust the spirit, trust the crew (who are inspiring and untethered) and non-attachment to the pendulum. </p>
<p>One last (and very full) weekend for some final recording followed by mixing and mastering. Thank-you Dave King and Wayne Cochrane for going the distance. </p>
<p>We have a title, we've got a layout and design for the disc, and we're almost finished the weeding in the liner notes (thanks Joe Ollmann). This thing is coming together! </p>
<p>Hope to see some (many?) of you on September 16 at The Pearl Company in Hamilton for the launch! </p>
<p> </p>Low Country Hilltag:lowcountryhill.com,2005:Post/47723172017-07-08T21:38:47-04:002017-07-08T21:38:47-04:00If you forget a mic stand...<p>Left my mic stand at the studio but Belgian beer bottles should do the trick back at home. Working on another song as I wait expectantly for Paul Linklater to add his wonderful, untethered guitar and bass playing to the five tracks we worked on last week. So enjoying the process as it unfolds. I like building stuff.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/143832/2f5b4708ae9f2e8fcc8d7365ff9cec25ecaa608b/original/19702260-1503413836346838-5089298900734271294-n.jpg?1499564284" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>Low Country Hilltag:lowcountryhill.com,2005:Post/47417682017-06-12T09:46:56-04:002020-06-22T09:14:12-04:00A Beginning<p>Week 1 of recording Low Country Hill #2 (still looking in baby name books for a title). Dave and Wayne at the controls opting for a rocking chair and a creaky arm chair instead of fancy leather office chairs. A joy to hop on this train again.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/143832/9ca230de23fc1f2e7239cd3685d4d38c5875d0ea/medium/unnamed-2.jpg?1497275102" class="size_m justify_right border_" /><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/143832/02f2c29a64e76c4a88833353da8d3f9aa4a38018/medium/unnamed-3.jpg?1497275129" class="size_m justify_right border_" /></p>Low Country Hilltag:lowcountryhill.com,2005:Post/46098372017-02-28T09:19:00-05:002020-04-28T03:56:19-04:00L'Arche Hamilton Creative Hands Studio 2017<p>I'm very happy to be a friend of the L'Arche Hamilton community and glad to be a part of their upcoming fundraiser for Creative Hands studio. I'm a lucky guy to have meaningful work in which I co-create musically with the studio participants each Wednesday. </p>
<p>Come on out!<br><br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/143832/e0d381d0359565dc726ae90ca78f92b3ddbd7892/medium/larche-coffeehouse-17.jpg?1488291487" class="size_m justify_center border_" /></p>Low Country Hilltag:lowcountryhill.com,2005:Post/45043122016-12-09T16:21:43-05:002016-12-09T16:21:43-05:00End of The Campaign (Thank you!)<p>Ahem...ahem </p>
<p>The Low Country Hill new EP crowdfunding campaign has officially ended. Thank you to all of the 47 backers who helped achieve 44% of my goal. That's over $3500 to help make my new record. Your solidarity and generosity means a whole lot. </p>
<p>Turns out I'm not so good at reading fine print... </p>
<p>The crowdfunding campaign cannot continue past the deadline (Indiegogo's "In Demand"option ) because I did not achieve my goal. Sorry to mislead you in my earlier post :( </p>
<p>And now the fun begins. Here we go.</p>Low Country Hilltag:lowcountryhill.com,2005:Post/44983232016-12-06T08:52:35-05:002016-12-06T08:52:35-05:00Two Days Left<p>Close to the finish line in the Low Country Hill new EP campaign. Two days left to pre-order the record. I'd be grateful for your support (see link below). Thank you to 38 backers who've helped achieve 39% of my goal. <br><br><a contents="New Low Country Hill EP Campaign" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/new-low-country-hill-ep/x/1870255#/">New Low Country Hill EP Campaign</a> </p>
<p>A little caveat...you can continue to contribute once the deadline has passed because the campaign has been set up as an "In Demand" project. </p>
<p>Listened to some great music that makes me want to get at it. A live performance by the very fine Hamilton Children's Choir stirred my soul this past weekend. So glad my daughter Enye joined the choir this year. "L" bands have been companions lately too, including Lambchop and Low. </p>
<p>Please share the campaign with your friends. </p>
<p>Thank you!</p>Low Country Hilltag:lowcountryhill.com,2005:Post/44825502016-11-24T10:21:30-05:002016-11-24T10:21:30-05:00Two Weeks Left in Crowdfunding Campaign<p>Two weeks to go in the new Low Country Hill EP campaign. Thus far, 25 backers have helped achieve 28% of my goal. Thank you! Fingers crossed that we'll see a dramatic finish down the stretch. </p>
<p>Consider pre-ordering the EP to help cover my costs for recording and promotion. Thank you for giving it some thought. <br><br><a contents="New Low Country Hill EP" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/new-low-country-hill-ep/x/1870255#/">New Low Country Hill EP</a></p>
<p>It's been an active month of writing here at my home in southwest Hamilton. In the most fluid moments I get a little window into the joy that a potter feels in moulding the clay on the wheel. But there are days when I'm stumped and ideas sits stubbornly like a mound of 24000 jigsaw puzzle pieces. Where to begin! Tis the ebb and flow of the creative process of course. But I take heart that all artists are caught in (and live for) this dance between the grind and the ecstasy. </p>
<p>Speaking of...just started reading Patti Smith's M Train. I love where she goes with her words and thoughts. She opens some doors in my imagination. </p>
<p>Keeping at it, </p>
<p>Paul</p>Low Country Hilltag:lowcountryhill.com,2005:Post/44635992016-11-12T10:20:22-05:002016-11-12T10:20:22-05:00Halfway Point<p>Halfway point of the Low Country Hill new EP crowd funding campaign. 15 backers and 22% of my goal realized thus far. Thanks for your generosity and support! Please consider being part of this adventure by pre-ordering the record here: <br><br><a contents="New Low Country Hill EP" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/new-low-country-hill-ep/x/1870255#/">New Low Country Hill EP</a><br><br>If I knew where the good songs came from, I’d go there more often. It’s a mysterious condition. It’s much like the life of a Catholic nun. You’re married to a mystery. -Leonard Cohen </p>
<p>Rest in eternal peace Mr. Cohen.<br><br> </p>Low Country Hilltag:lowcountryhill.com,2005:Post/44491692016-11-02T17:02:32-04:002017-01-15T23:00:25-05:00JOHNNY CASH AND OLD CEDAR<p>Writing for the new record has its healthy share of second guessing and over-editing (over-thinking!) at the early stages. "Fire the editor," says my poet friend John Terpstra. Advice I take to heart. </p>
<p>Good timing to have finished reading Robert Hilburn's excellent biography on Johnny Cash. Impressed me how songs were Cash's lifeblood, enabling him to stay the course through accolades and misery. </p>
<p>Week 2 of the Indiegogo campaign. Less than a month to go. Here's to hoping. Please follow the link and consider a contribution. Thanks!<br><br><a contents="Indiegogo New LCH EP" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/new-low-country-hill-ep#/">Indiegogo New LCH EP</a></p>
<p><br>Also...working with wood (300 yr old cedar) has been an energizing distraction from the other creative work...<br><br><br>Cheers,<br>Paul<br><br><br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/143832/1524bbfbedf1c1966963f7e0403c2489fa01833b/medium/unfinished-cedar-desk-top.jpg?1478120349" class="size_m justify_center border_" /></p>Low Country Hilltag:lowcountryhill.com,2005:Post/44245332016-10-18T13:25:32-04:002020-11-10T02:35:26-05:00Indiegogo Campaign for New EP Goes LiveSo thrilled to share that I'm making a new record. Follow the link to learn more. Many thanks, Paul<br><br><a contents="Indiegogo Campaign - New Low Country Hill EP" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/new-low-country-hill-ep/x/1870255#/">Indiegogo Campaign - New Low Country Hill EP</a><br><br> Low Country Hilltag:lowcountryhill.com,2005:Post/43457162016-08-28T13:33:57-04:002020-11-13T00:19:05-05:00A Western Family Odyssey - a little bit of music thrown in<p>Creative packing required for the family trip/flight out to western Canada. Packing list included gear for urban exploration as well as camping equipment for our adventures in the mountains and on the coast. Hiking boots, Vans, and sandals for one trip (and that's just the footwear). To complicate things further, our largest carry-on knapsack was stuffed with foot pedals, patch chords and a few CDs - music stuff, at least some of it! Thankfully, Long and McQuade (in both Edmonton and Vancouver) was well-stocked with rental music equipment and I finally got a chance to perform with a Gibson J45 acoustic guitar in both cities. For you gear heads you'll know what a treat it is to play this workhorse of guitars. Thanks so much everyone for coming out in high summer to see me play. Shawn De Raaf, Ali Gresik and Kevin Zakresky...thanks again for making the Chancel Concert a sweet reality. A pleasant surprise to be blown away by one of your local treasures, Illiteratty. Thank you to my uber supportive Edmonton family for showing up at The Almanac. A shout out to cousin Ann Vriend for hooking me up with Rebecca Lappa. </p>
<p>All in all, a magnificent trip that was made all the sweeter with a bit of music in the mix. </p>
<p>Feels like it's time to get back to the basement to bash away at some new songs.<br> </p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/143832/e55af37fd5a7d14f84ad1c27f73905bfa73fd1ca/medium/img-1081.jpg?1472405225" class="size_m justify_left border_" /></p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/143832/f5b31145b1b7a70df0f57a196a4ea1bdc0b5fee3/medium/img-1080.jpg?1472405209" class="size_m justify_center border_" /><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/143832/3b3723c1484ba81876f059d7fc8d6795ae84ffca/large/img-2556.jpg?1472405240" class="size_l justify_center border_none" alt="" /></p>Low Country Hilltag:lowcountryhill.com,2005:Post/42730882016-07-11T10:26:22-04:002017-01-15T23:00:25-05:00Eastern Ontario mini-tour notes<p>Thank you Musiikki Café and The Branch Restaurant and Texas Grill for booking me in again. Modest gatherings to be sure, but felt the connection with folks who stuck around to listen. </p>
<p>Road trip notes... </p>
<p>After setting up in Kingston, I walked a few blocks and stepped into a burrito joint to get a bite to eat. I was wearing my TH&B shirt (Toronto, Hamilton Buffalo Railway - to Hell and Back). The railroad is a unique part of Hamilton's story and the shirt tends to send out the Hamilton love signals. On that note, a man in the restaurant approaches me at the counter and says with astonished expression "I had to approach you...I used to work for the TH&B...in fact I drove the first Go Train through the Hunter Street tunnel, one of the oldest (if not THE oldest) train tunnels in Canada." I had the impulse to take the shirt off and hand it to him. A quick reconsideration followed, realizing I was in a restaurant and don't exactly have a washboard underneath the shirt. </p>
<p>The next night was living the rock and roll high life - at least in a local and organic kind of way (no, not that kind of way). But I imagine summer herb trout with chermoula would satiate any munchies just fine (see below). Thanks Nicole for an amazing pre show dinner! Keeping the local and organic rock lifestyle theme going into the night, I decided to pitch a tent just outside of Kemptville after the show. Pelting rain as I climbed into my sleeping bag, but a welcome rhythmic, white noise to fall asleep to. Got up at the crack of dawn and drove as many westbound-ish county roads as I could before rejoining the 4-lane/12-lane rat race into box land. Radiohead helped with the re-entry. So did the hugs from my fam when I got home.<br><br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/143832/0b5385025470fa0448d5f437c0021dd50bbbe511/medium/rainbow-trout-at-the-branch.jpg?1468247116" class="size_m justify_left border_" /><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/143832/929c0acdcffb167f85ef2ac1495f157aace135ce/medium/the-branch-jul-09-16.jpg?1468247149" class="size_m justify_right border_" /></p>Low Country Hilltag:lowcountryhill.com,2005:Post/42402132016-06-20T23:19:49-04:002018-02-02T14:54:27-05:00Guelph Roots <p>Thank you Arthur and crew for a lovely eve at Red Brick Cafe in Guelph on Friday. If the air conditioner hadn't been blasting outside, I would have been very tempted to uproot from my indoor set-up to your beautiful patio out back. A little outside nacht musik next time? </p>
<p>Some dear friends also showed up, some who have provided inspiration (both sinister and pure) for the song "Stay Up Here." The sinister ingredient can be attributed to a friend (I won't call you out) who duped some of us into an illegal camping excursion a good many years ago, not far from Guelph. The other less-controversial strand (but to some, a little crazy) running through the song is late fall canoe trips with my dear compadres. One of those canoeing buddies was representing on Friday night too. I've always appreciated Greg Sennema's optic as it shows up in his photos of our wilderness trips. He's our most-trusted tripping documentarian and a fount of fun to boot. Thanks for putting your doc hat on for the Friday show too Greg (see below). </p>
<p>Some of my earliest full-on commitment to writing for Low Country Hill took place in a friend's kitchen, just across the river from The Red Brick Café. I remember working out the chords for "Stay Up Here" at Dan Veldhuis's kitchen table, probably as far back as 2010. At that time, I really had no idea if this decision to begin writing songs would bring any yield. But I'm thankful for the audacity and naivety that got me through the early attempts and finally led to the making of a record. Thank you Dan for providing a space early on to be audacious.<br><br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/143832/d78c6d8677844b41c4698653f69929e596b5b9aa/original/red-brick-2-jun17-16.jpg?1466478877" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/143832/8ce2607b49584c87becb70a55a5c3708992c3304/original/red-brick-3-jun-17-16.jpg?1466479083" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/143832/089563702fc997e3bdba3f541bb81c2e97aba7b1/original/red-brick-4-jun-17-16jpg.jpg?1466479031" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>Low Country Hilltag:lowcountryhill.com,2005:Post/42147652016-06-05T21:39:49-04:002017-01-15T23:00:25-05:00A Little Bit of Universe Alignment<p>A little universe alignment for two friends. </p>
<p>Without scheming or calculation, Pete and Paul played gigs on the same night in the same town, a block away from each other. The proximity made for some welcome party crashing. Pete sat in with Low Country Hill for a pensive "Fisherman's Blues" and "Tear-Stained Eye" at the cool and quiet Bohemia before his gig at Donaleighs. After dragging my feet while packing up my gear (all thanks to Connory at Bohemia making the perfect call to play the new Radiohead album on the cafe sound system at closing time), I grabbed my fiddle and headed for the considerably louder (read rowdy) Irish pub down the street. Twas a riot to finish off the last part of Whiskey River's middle set playing fiddle in "The Thrill Is Gone" and in a full band (and very speedy tempo) version of "Fisherman's Blues." Some sparks flying for sure. Reminders of the stomp and sweat days in The Immigrants. </p>
<p>Thank you everyone who came to listen to my set at Bohemia. A special thanks to Emily and Connory for your kind hospitality. </p>
<p>And now on to the stomp and sweat of a grant application...more on this at another time :) </p>
<p>Peace, <br>PH<br><br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/143832/7fd6780e1b607d631af6414d751b80049ee00cb7/medium/bohemia-2.jpg?1465177113" class="size_m justify_none border_" /></p>Low Country Hilltag:lowcountryhill.com,2005:Post/42098622016-06-02T22:46:30-04:002016-06-02T22:46:30-04:00Gord DownieLike so many Canadians, I've been feeling the sucker punch of the news of Gord Downie's brain cancer prognosis. For those of you who aren't Canadian, he's the frontman, poet, towering creative powerhouse of The Tragically Hip, a much beloved Canadian rock and roll band. There's been a number of defining moments in music for me over the years and one would have to be hearing The Hip's "Nautical Disaster" for the first time. The dissecting instinct of a music critic and the microscope of literary analysis were thrown out as soon as I heard the first lines of the song, "I had this dream where I relished the fray..." You just know instantly he and the band are onto something primal and wonderful. I want to say a deep thank you to Gord Downie for unleashing an unfiltred joy in all of your creative work. You've made it a little easier for the rest of us to live inside our imaginations without apology. Thank you for your humility and humanity. Peace and courage. Grace too.Low Country Hilltag:lowcountryhill.com,2005:Post/40708632016-03-03T09:34:04-05:002016-03-03T09:35:25-05:00L'Arche Creative Hands Studio<p>An honour to play in support of L'Arche Hamilton's Creative Hands Studio on Mar.04 at 541 - Eatery & Exchange.<br><br>https://www.facebook.com/events/942780905775250/<br><br>I'm a fan of the L'Arche Community and the way they choose to live. Also lucky enough to co-create with the artists of Creative Hands each week when we make music together on Wednesday afternoons. We have a good time. </p>
<p>50% of CD sales at the coffeehouse go to Creative Hands Studio. </p>
<p>See you there.<br><br> </p>Low Country Hilltag:lowcountryhill.com,2005:Post/40535892016-02-22T10:22:05-05:002020-05-10T08:00:04-04:00+11 and -30<p>Thank you music lovers in eastern Ontario for coming to shows in Kingston, Kemptville and Ottawa area. Thank you Musiikki Café, Job and Jacqueline van Hartingsveldt, The Branch Restaurant and Texas Grill, Ben and Christina Stapper and Mike Hogeterp for your kindness. </p>
<p>Relieved that that the -30 degree piercing chill didn't split my fiddle or guitar in two. I added some carbon foot print but saved some precious wood by starting the car fifteen minutes prior to loading gear and blasting the heat at an equal and opposite +30. </p>
<p>Some sweet down time with my hospitable bro who cooked up a storm and put out some flight glasses filled with top notch Ottawa valley micro brews. To top it off, he turns on his basement PA to eleven and invites my daughter Enye to sit behind his kit for the first time. Then Omie (aka uncle) Mike Hogeterp gives his all for Christopher Walkin. More cowbell, more cowbell. Feedback drenching, strings breaking, overdrive out of control. Enye smiling and hungry to find the pocket. Primordial goodness.<br><br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/143832/30825e6c507cbd662aeafb9cf78dc01e1e87f2dd/original/unnamed-2-2.jpg?0" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/143832/6fc3921a4560603f8bb76c866810003da425c3f1/original/unnamed-4-2.jpg?0" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>Low Country Hilltag:lowcountryhill.com,2005:Post/39698112016-01-04T10:51:30-05:002020-11-28T00:38:34-05:002015<p> Low Country Hill is thankful for... </p>
<p>-the year gone by. <br>-meeting incredible people in cozy music gathering spots all over Ontario (and Montreal too). <br>-learning to live a little more poised in performance skin and ordinary skin (which are one and the same). <br>-new music, books, art, and old friends. <br>-musical compadres who've helped shape sound and songs on stage in 2015. <br>-mass mail outs of Dundas Valley School Of Art promo material and my own fridge magnets (see below)...</p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/143832/21aa4e8f03c2fac8e7d59d1180c0a12f990f0b95/medium/unnamed-2.jpg?1451922614" class="size_m justify_left border_" /></p>Low Country Hilltag:lowcountryhill.com,2005:Post/39596882015-12-10T19:38:11-05:002015-12-10T19:44:29-05:00Syrian Refugees Arriving in CanadaOf course it's not news to most Canadians that Canada is welcoming about 25000 Syrian refugees within the next few months. World Vision Canada has been responding to the humanitarian needs of Syrians who have fled from conflict within their country and have been displaced as refugees in countries such as Lebanon, Jordon, and Iraq. While World Vision Canada continues to support Syrian refugees internationally, the organization believes that it is also important to further demonstrate its support and solidarity to Syrian refugees who will be making Canada their home in the coming days and months. <br> <br>Please consider supporting World Vision Canada’s efforts and/or local community initiatives to welcome our new neighbours. <br><br>A heart-warming video produced by World Vision Canada, where my partner Stacia works...<br> <br><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mINeZ28wC0I" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/watch?<wbr></wbr>v=mINeZ28wC0I</a>Low Country Hilltag:lowcountryhill.com,2005:Post/39515402015-12-05T16:11:52-05:002017-01-15T23:00:25-05:00Last shows of 2015<p>Good times at <a data-hovercard="/ajax/hovercard/page.php?id=1603373929894760" href="https://www.facebook.com/exceptforkenneth/">Except For Kenneth</a> in Hamilton on Thursday eve. Thank you Susan for your warm welcome. Vocal mics and PA speakers were set aside (after some initial tech issues), the formality factor turned down a notch or two, in favour of an un-amplified performance. We might as well have all been gathered around a kitchen table. I'll remember this night for the audience's soulful listening as well as their insightful questions and thoughts in between songs. Humbled and honoured that one of you suggested that my sonic/aesthetic approach was reminiscent of Owen Pallett. </p>
<p>The next day, I played at lunch hour in the brand new <a data-hovercard="/ajax/hovercard/page.php?id=480670845423018" href="https://www.facebook.com/hundreddollargallery/">Hundreddollargallery</a> at the epicentre of James St. N. arts district in Hamilton. Congratulations Stephen and Andrew on landing your dream on/in some prime real estate. Such a beautiful space for showcasing some very fine artists. We also discovered it's a pretty cool room in which to play with ambient soundscapes. Had lots of fun layering improvised violin parts. </p>
<p>I've known Stephen for a long time and admire both his art, work ethic and courage. And now his social media/marketing acumen too. I have a little bit to learn on the latter.</p>
<p>Off to <a data-hovercard="/ajax/hovercard/page.php?id=193626520665284" href="https://www.facebook.com/brownstonecafe/">The Brownstone Cafe</a> in Orillia soon for this evening's 10 PM performance. Last show of 2015!<br><br><br><br><br><span class="font_regular">@Hundred Dollar Gallery<img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/143832/7bfcaff1be8a4e164e50bcea0928f642d8b968fc/medium/12339592-10153556308881997-1998981257933769748-o.jpg?1449349771" class="size_m justify_center border_" /></span></p>Low Country Hilltag:lowcountryhill.com,2005:Post/39307272015-11-23T10:22:31-05:002020-08-22T00:52:41-04:00Mahtay Café in St. Catharines Thank you everyone for coming out to my show at Mahtay Café & Lounge on Saturday in St. Catharines. A joy to play music in a full room. Thank you Chris Lowes and the kind staff at the café.<br data-text="true"><br>A moment of spontaneity...<br data-text="true"><br>Two masterful guitarists showed up in the café after playing a sold out classical guitar extravaganza at the new Performing Arts Centre across the street. "Sold out" is mostly good news, except that James Bryan Mccollum's parents were not able to get into the performance on his mother's birthday. So, in between my sets, James asked me if it would be cool to play a piece for his mom (a no brainer "yes of course" on my part) and his parents took their place at the bar to listen to their son. The musical birthday gift was beautiful and fluid.Low Country Hilltag:lowcountryhill.com,2005:Post/39252762015-11-16T10:09:58-05:002020-11-10T00:13:29-05:00Robert VanHartingsveldt Memorial Bursary<p>Had the great joy of playing Low Country Hill and Immigrants songs with my good friend Peter Zantingh on Saturday, November 07. Thank you Dave King, Mark McIntyre, and Jimmy Hayes III for pulling out all the stops. What a band! The occasion: a fundraiser in support of a new Redeemer University College music bursary in memory of Robert VanHartingsveldt. Still waiting for the drum roll announcement on what was raised. Kudos to Jennifer Van Hartingsveldt and a community of friends for pulling it all together. </p>
<p>Rob was a force of nature. A deep intuition and inner, punk rock resolve fuelled an enviable, untethered freedom. And that freedom made him pursue the music full on, whether playing or listening. He had the curse and gift of seeing through flimsy but purposefully crafted pretences. He was a friend without borders who held court just as easily in sports bars as in arty rock clubs. Missing his wit, charm and always-up-for-a-party spirit.<br><br><span class="font_small"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/143832/3ed13f936f765e80edfaa9805a64cb52b4688711/original/rob-out-on-a-limb-demo-session.jpg?1447686498" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></span></p>Low Country Hilltag:lowcountryhill.com,2005:Post/39060822015-10-29T16:53:14-04:002019-12-31T01:53:33-05:00EDN 10 <span style="color: rgb(20, 24, 35); font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">A little late to the party but still very honoured to be in the company of 40 other Hamilton musicians on EDN 10. Thank you 93.3 CFMU! </span><br><br><br><a contents="https://cfmu.wordpress.com/2015/09/09/cfmu-proudly-presents-everybody-dance-now-songs-from-hamilton-volume-10/" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://cfmu.wordpress.com">https://cfmu.wordpress.com/2015/09/09/cfmu-proudly-presents-everybody-dance-now-songs-from-hamilton-volume-10/</a><br><br><br><br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/143832/60eb9055fd325a217187793849111e120c470182/original/edn10-web-banner.jpg?1446152395" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><br> Low Country Hilltag:lowcountryhill.com,2005:Post/38731352015-09-28T21:41:28-04:002018-06-11T06:02:42-04:00Roll over Jack Kerouac<div class="_209g _2vxa" data-block="true" data-offset-key="cksdq-0-0" data-reactid=".0.1.0.1.0.0.$editor0.0.0.$cksdq" style="position: relative; direction: ltr; color: rgb(55, 62, 77); font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; white-space: pre-wrap;">
<span data-offset-key="cksdq-0-0" data-reactid=".0.1.0.1.0.0.$editor0.0.0.$cksdq.0:$cksdq-0-0">Thank you to Chris and Alex et al at </span><span class="_5u8u" data-offset-key="cksdq-1-0" data-reactid=".0.1.0.1.0.0.$editor0.0.0.$cksdq.$cksdq-1-0" spellcheck="false" style="background-color: rgb(220, 230, 248);"><span data-offset-key="cksdq-1-0" data-reactid=".0.1.0.1.0.0.$editor0.0.0.$cksdq.$cksdq-1-0.$cksdq-1-0"><span data-reactid=".0.1.0.1.0.0.$editor0.0.0.$cksdq.$cksdq-1-0.$cksdq-1-0.0">Musiikki Café</span></span></span><span data-offset-key="cksdq-2-0" data-reactid=".0.1.0.1.0.0.$editor0.0.0.$cksdq.2:$cksdq-2-0"> for a great night on Friday. Your little hole in the wall holds some enchantment. With a max capacity of 30 people, the room is friendly to vocal and instrumental nuance. I especially enjoyed some musical bending and stretching in "Twelve Hawks" and "Midnight Prayer." Pure joy and terror to play for people who listen with quiet intent. Thank you for showing up, whether listening from a table in the café or pausing on your stroll down Brock St. to listen just outside the front door. </span>
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<div class="_209g _2vxa" data-block="true" data-offset-key="5vguk-0-0" data-reactid=".0.1.0.1.0.0.$editor0.0.0.$5vguk" style="position: relative; direction: ltr; color: rgb(55, 62, 77); font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </div>
<div class="_209g _2vxa" data-block="true" data-offset-key="6u47h-0-0" data-reactid=".0.1.0.1.0.0.$editor0.0.0.$6u47h" style="position: relative; direction: ltr; color: rgb(55, 62, 77); font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span data-offset-key="6u47h-0-0" data-reactid=".0.1.0.1.0.0.$editor0.0.0.$6u47h.0:$6u47h-0-0">Took some county roads on the way home to Hamilton, following the north shore of Lake Ontario over some arrestingly beautiful terrain. And a two-lane drive is not complete without a playlist. A little bit of music to create some road trippin mythology with my daughters. Roll over Jack Kerouac, my youngest Enye decides we should begin with One Direction, "Midnight Memories" and "Story of My Life." Winona performs some CPR on our rock and roll mythologizing by sliding OK Computer into the disc player. How many times have I heard that record!? But with Nona's first listen, I feel like I'm hearing it for the first time. Amazing, breathtaking actually.</span></div>
<div class="_209g _2vxa" data-block="true" data-offset-key="fmhni-0-0" data-reactid=".0.1.0.1.0.0.$editor0.0.0.$fmhni" style="position: relative; direction: ltr; color: rgb(55, 62, 77); font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </div>
<div class="_209g _2vxa" data-block="true" data-offset-key="ff6rh-0-0" data-reactid=".0.1.0.1.0.0.$editor0.0.0.$ff6rh" style="position: relative; direction: ltr; color: rgb(55, 62, 77); font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; white-space: pre-wrap;">
<span data-offset-key="ff6rh-0-0" data-reactid=".0.1.0.1.0.0.$editor0.0.0.$ff6rh.0:$ff6rh-0-0">So there you have it. One Direction and Radiohead, two of England's greatest exports :) Back to back, not head to head while on the road in United Empire Loyalist country.*<br><br>*For those of you unfamiliar with Canadian history, the United Empire loyalists were people loyal to England who migrated from the 13 colonies </span><span style="color: rgb(55, 62, 77); font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; white-space: pre-wrap;">during the time of</span><span style="color: rgb(55, 62, 77); font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; white-space: pre-wrap;"> the American Revolution </span><span data-offset-key="ff6rh-0-0" data-reactid=".0.1.0.1.0.0.$editor0.0.0.$ff6rh.0:$ff6rh-0-0">and settled in upper and lower Canada (including the north shore of Lake Ontario). </span>
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<div class="_209g _2vxa" data-block="true" data-offset-key="6seev-0-0" data-reactid=".0.1.0.1.0.0.$editor0.0.0.$6seev" style="position: relative; direction: ltr; color: rgb(55, 62, 77); font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </div>
<div class="_209g _2vxa" data-block="true" data-offset-key="4l61m-0-0" data-reactid=".0.1.0.1.0.0.$editor0.0.0.$4l61m" style="position: relative; direction: ltr; color: rgb(55, 62, 77); font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span data-offset-key="4l61m-0-0" data-reactid=".0.1.0.1.0.0.$editor0.0.0.$4l61m.0:$4l61m-0-0">Next show for me is in Toronto at Tranzac Club this Saturday, Oct. 03, 10 PM! Jimmy Hayes, fresh off his Last Waltz-esque shows with a retiring Harlan Pepper, joins me on electric guitar and pedal steel.</span></div>
<div> </div>Low Country Hilltag:lowcountryhill.com,2005:Post/38540452015-09-14T11:48:13-04:002015-09-14T11:48:13-04:00Oct.03 (2015 and 1987)Thank you Station One Coffeehouse for the invitation to play on Saturday. And thank you to everyone who came to listen. It's a big deal to me that you made the choice to go out for the evening to take in live music. I'm grateful for the support and hope you enjoyed yourselves.<br><br>Excited to be hooking up with Jimmy Hayes III for my next Toronto show at Tranzac Club on October 03. Just dawning on me that Oct. 03 is the 28th anniversary of seeing my first big rock show (in Toronto!). U2 at Exhibition Stadium. Wasn't long after that show that I bought a digital delay pedal and electric guitar to take on "Where The Streets Have No Name." Delusions of grandeur? Somewhat. But mostly that feeling of being more alive and waking up to the elevated spirit of rock and roll.<br><br>Tranzac Club promises to be a cozier experience than that cold autumn night in 1987 with 50000+.<br><br> Low Country Hilltag:lowcountryhill.com,2005:Post/37753222015-07-12T22:59:15-04:002017-01-15T23:00:24-05:00Montreal and OttawaBack from Montreal and Canada's capital region. <br><br>Four days of touring felt a lot longer, in a good way. So appreciated the "listening" focus of each venue and was energizing for me to connect with new listeners and artists along the way. Thank you Monika Cefis and Daniel Leblanc-Poirier for co-billing in Montreal. Also a shot in the arm to see old friends (family too!) come to shows of their own free will and have a great time. Some of you even drove 1.5 hrs. Thank you people. <br> <br>Added bonuses on this tour: Fairmount bagels in Montreal's Mile End neighbourhood, stopping in Vankleek Hill for a beer tasting at the now legendary Beau's All Natural Brewing Co., and closing the tour by playing Steve Earle's "Pilgrim" for/with the good folks who run The Branch Restaurant and Texas Grill (at the end of the night). <br><br>Also, I learned that twitter and me don't get along so well, at least not yet. Feels like I need a brain re-wiring to survive the 160 character universe. <br><br>Back to the archaic long form of email this week to set up more shows. Concise and direct long form of course. <br><br><br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/143832/ea7ffc032bb72811fbfc573108adf1d76e47d883/original/lch-le-cagibi.jpg?1436756248" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/143832/ededeec37025bfcea21cae4392f2d0e604b01a17/original/lch-the-daily-grind.jpg?1436756294" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><br>Low Country Hilltag:lowcountryhill.com,2005:Post/37670362015-07-06T12:49:19-04:002017-01-15T23:00:24-05:00Twitter...finally<br>A great pleasure to hook up with Peter F. Zantingh and his mates in Whisky River at The Cameron House on Friday, July 03. Was a joy to listen to the band and sit in with the fiddle for Fisherman's Blues and Pete's song "On That Road." Thank you to Adam Warner, Mark McIntyre, and Jimmy Hayes III for your steady musical presence in the Low Country Hill set. In the face of humidity, tuning woes and the front room sonic tour de force (awesome bands mind you!), these guys soldiered on. Brilliant and pro. I'm lucky. <br><br>Thanks to all of you who came to listen too. <br><br>Also a perfect summer eve in Grimsby on Saturday where I played a solo show at Station One Coffeehouse. Thank you Laurie and crew for getting me set up. A beautiful space too. <br><br>Getting ready for my tour to Montreal and the national capital region. 401 E tomorrow morning! Good to be back in the groove. Lawn to be mowed before leaving, of course.<br><br>Follow me on Twitter on tour @ <strong>https://twitter.com/lowcountryhill </strong><br><br>Finally taking the plunge into the whole brevity thing. <br><br><span class="font_regular"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/143832/e78c53ac8e77cca68981ba55b815c12a64affd70/medium/cameron1.jpg?1436201215" class="size_m justify_center border_" /><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/143832/7b95ab9799faa366a86286f313fe29992ff449ec/medium/cameron4.jpg?1436201098" class="size_m justify_center border_" /></span><br><br> Low Country Hilltag:lowcountryhill.com,2005:Post/37358222015-06-09T21:16:41-04:002015-06-09T21:31:51-04:00Surprised By Joy: Kids Drawing and The Heavy Dream<br>Enjoyed a unique opportunity to share music with Cootes Paradise Elementary School in Hamilton for their day of drawing last week. An intriguing alt to the usual field day/end-of-year sports extravaganza that invariably alienates some kids who have a paralyzing fear of competition and are athletically challenged. From my perch, this drawing activity sincerely felt like an inclusive, community odyssey, as kids of all orientations and description sat quietly under trees, beside bushes, on benches or sidewalks to simply draw. A call to being quiet without being told to "be quiet." Moving, poignant stuff witnessing kids entering into that zone. Arts monastery. Played some minimalist improvised music, running my violin through some looping and reverb pedals into my Princeton Reverb amp. Later I sang and played guitar for older children who were sketching in an aviary and public garden area. The kids were so kind, open and receptive. Even some rock star moments, receiving requests to sign art work at the end of the day. All in all, an antidote to cynicism. <br><br>Congratulations to Dave King (aka The Heavy Dream) on the surfacing of "Hold." Had the great pleasure of attending The Heavy Dream listening party at The Aberdeen Tavern in Hamilton on June 07. Added bonus: not every day that this kind of celebration happens right around the corner from your own abode. Some inspired interpretations of Dave's songs performed at the event, most notably by his son Graham King. My oh my...keep singing, Graham. You can tell this young guy is a devoted student of Jeff Buckley. Also nice to hear Dave's record spun at "11ish" volume, revealing sophisticated, ballsy, Beatle-bowing song craft. The night felt like a little kick at the darkness, a celebration of music, community, friendship. Joy.<br><br>As an aside, Dave is also the guy who recorded, played drums, and helped give birth to Low Country Hill at his Barn Window studio. Low Country Hilltag:lowcountryhill.com,2005:Post/37150662015-05-25T21:56:15-04:002020-10-13T02:12:25-04:00Northern Ontario: Tour Log, Days 7 - 9<br>Back from the epic northern odyssey yesterday. A quick unload of the gear, a spray down of the car to remove the logging road dust, and a vacuum of the car seats to remove loose cedar bark and sawdust and then off to Dofasco Centre for the Hamilton Music Awards. A bit of shell shocking party atmosphere after the solitude of the road but pretty amazing to see a sea of musicians and music lovers come together to celebrate Hamilton's vibrant musical life. Even for a guy writing delicate/contemplative indie folk music, there's a can-do, punk rock resolve embedded in the fabric of this town that fuels my own creating. Congratulations to Katie Bulley for winning the Hamilton Music Award in Roots/solo category. It was an honour to be nominated in her company. A captivating, heartfelt performance from her last night too.<br><br>And oh yeah, the last three days of the tour...<br><br>I've been out of the touring/gigging loop for a long time but not long enough to forget that every now and then you'll be faced with playing a cavernous room. Such was the scenario at LopLops in The Sault on May 21, although I very much appreciated that Steve took the risk to book me. Nice to chat with Steve about music, architecture and the fickle Canadian music business, try a local pint and dress rehearse on a good PA. But no sugar coating that these things test the sometimes waifer-thin metal. <br><br>Then a magical night on May 22 on the shoreline of Lake Superior, just north of Sault Ste. Marie in Goulais River. Thank you Jen and Darren for opening your home and hearts to me and all the house concert guests. A memorable moment...singing "What Are They Doing In Heaven Today?" with my sister Jane who is a dear friend of the hosts. A musical hero she is. As an aside, you can hear her melotron-esque voice on the recorded version of "Mint Leaves." Yep that's a human voice. Late in the show, the hosts' youngest son suggested that I should try the "better guitar" at some point in the set. Just for Seth, I pulled out the jumbo Takamine for "6:04 AM." <br><br>Some pleasant diversions on my last day of the tour, including a stop in the Sault where I received some fine pieces of old rough-milled cedar from Dan who was at the concert in Goulais River. Thank you, Dan! Can't wait to begin sculpting. Later that day, I ran into an artist named Sharon Hunter at a great little shop in Bruce Mines. CD/art swap! And finally the last show of the tour at Fromagerie Elgin in Sudbury. A great space for music and some amazing food and beverage. I hope Stack 72 IPA finds it way down to Hamilton. Grateful for some attentive, appreciative listening during the show and some kind thoughts from Fromagerie staff. Closed the night and the tour with "Hobo's Lullaby." <br><br>Thank you northern Ontario music lovers, promoters, venue staff, house concert hosts for an amazing nine day journey. An epic piece of Canadiana and soul nourishment. <br><br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/143832/d50265537b63fe57c3ae4fde29a1e0598fbc93aa/original/dscn9678.jpg?1432605732" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/143832/c1cad5715cd0b9116e7dbb93e7004f7c6fdaa586/original/dscn9717.jpg?1432605574" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/143832/0b8208324c3d53b3af6b692e5d3eb7a5b5262ec2/original/dscn9753.jpg?1432605638" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/143832/7302e974d75e21c8f639260c53c20bf84e189252/original/dscn9768.jpg?1432605798" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><br> Low Country Hilltag:lowcountryhill.com,2005:Post/37113742015-05-21T01:12:19-04:002017-01-15T23:00:24-05:00Northern Ontario: Tour Log, Day 6<br><br>A total sensory and extrasensory thing to stand on an outcrop and face west into the expansive heart of Lake Superior, both at dusk and at midmorning. Music, unconditional love can bring tears. Panoramas like this, too.<br><br>Enjoyed my time with the good folks at Naturally Superior/Rock Island Lodge. Great conversation and a shared passion for the land and water, good music. Golden Smog anyone, Jayhawks, Wilco, Another Roadside Attraction with Midnight Oil!, etc etc? Also a sense of solidarity in the shared experience of meaningful work that only enables breaking even (if you're lucky). Just before packing up the car for the trip to Marathon, I played a short lunch time set in a room with a view (see below!). This is easily the most inspired space in which I've played. About half a kilometre from the lodge, I stopped to follow a short trail to a medicine cave, a site of deep spiritual significance to the Michipocoten First Nation. Thank you Brian for letting me know and for giving me the lay of the land generally. <br><br>Listened to Great Lake Swimmers new record on the drive to Marathon. Sunny and quiet on Hwy 17. Arrived in Marathon and chatted with Andrew Coulter about our favourite records and shows. Andrew is a passionate music booster and has done some innovative things in this community to generate excitement about local bands and touring musicians. Played to a small but enthusiastic gathering in his living room this eve. An unreleased song called "Lonely 101" prompted conversation about encounters with the police on highways and the graces received. My own story, as it plays out in the song, involves a band in a van on a lonely stretch of road between Timmins and Wawa. Band late in leaving Timmins needs to get to Terrace Bay in time for show. Band has to make up for lost time. Driver in the band speeds, stopped by OPP...You'll just have to come to a show to hear how it goes from there :) <br><br>Nice to meet another Hamiltonian (transplanted) too. And poignant for me to hear the guests' stories of the strength and resolve of their small community. A recent fire in town displaced ten families. But within a couple of days, the whole town mobilized to house each family and furnish each apartment. Also some great rock and roll stories from Doug who has bounced at Massey Hall in Toronto, seen Talking Heads twice and Zeppelin in Detroit (Phyical Graffiti era).<br><br>Off to The Sault tomorrow for a show at LopLops. Great Lake Swimmers there on Friday. Perhaps a prepare-ye-the-way cover on Thursday eve?<br><br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/143832/284d5bb391a831bdbdf26e71b978b217cf28e2d7/original/dscn9514.jpg?1432184887" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/143832/bf27a168cc5f5bd3386f4efb9db44e629cf8ece6/original/dscn9518.jpg?1432184907" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/143832/46286539be71566bcb5deae52eddd9eb223f6355/original/dscn9515.jpg?1432184940" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/143832/5a17843608e7e713ffb9d8cd71d35ad1151e3101/original/dscn9554.jpg?1432184953" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/143832/c22c8e3f213b8d3fee832f94ea7264d2e933e131/original/dscn9552.jpg?1432185035" class="size_l justify_center border_" />Low Country Hilltag:lowcountryhill.com,2005:Post/37111172015-05-20T08:45:02-04:002017-01-15T23:00:24-05:00Northern Ontario: Tour Log, Day 5The drive through tracts of clear cuts on county roads and logging routes today was an unsettling reminder of our complicated relationship with the land. Mile after mile of the blunt sculpting of the wild places, driven by our demand (including my own!) for wood products and the need for a sustainable northern economy. A conundrum, a sadness. <br><br>How fitting that I should be listening to Sufjan Stevens new record "Carrie and Lowell." The songs feel like a bold holding onto life and beauty in the face of death (at least to my ears). <br><br>And then a gentle snow begins to fall. Soon after, a bear and a moose make an appearance roadside within the span of 10 minutes. The sun comes out just as I arrive on the shores of Lake Superior at Sandy Beach. <br><br>The east coast of Superior has to be one of the most beautiful places on earth. And a good chunk of that coastline is still uninhabited and unexplored. I get to fall asleep to the pulse of the breakers against the shore. Thank you David at Rock Island Lodge for the accommodations! Tomorrow...up to Marathon for a concert at Andrew Coulter's home after some beachcombing<br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/143832/2e35c58d7d8256d871e316ad21b33e769ad17274/original/dscn9425.jpg?1432095784" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/143832/17bf823c4d868cd918d2e348d10cd842b5329339/original/dscn9464.jpg?1432095844" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/143832/bbd491a7846885caa836e59b4d94fdd96205173b/original/dscn9480.jpg?1432124942" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/143832/3c075e7dc77376d2cffb8a78c415ff4ba56aa335/original/dscn9484.jpg?1432125004" class="size_l justify_center border_" />Low Country Hilltag:lowcountryhill.com,2005:Post/37107282015-05-18T16:13:00-04:002017-01-15T23:00:24-05:00Northern Ontario: Tour Log, Days 2 - 4<br>A great night at Speakeasy in Sudbury on Saturday. Thank you Jeff, Jasmine and Sabrina for booking me and getting me set up with sound and delicious food. You set an inviting tone.<br><br>A bright and warm Sunday made for a great drive east down Hwy 17, then north east up Hwy 64 into the inspiring Temagami area. Haven't been here since 2002 when we did some family canoe camping on Anima Nippising Lake. I love the feel of the terrain up here. The pines stand remarkably tall and the colour of the stone is stunning. Stopped at a store for repurposing junkies in Latchford and chatted with the proprietor who had some good stories about a legendary criminal lawyer in Hamilton. A little further down the road, a small disappointment to discover the Highway Bookstore in Cobalt is now closed (a gem of a find on our family vacation in '02). And the last diversion for the drive...a right turn into New Liskeard for a peak at Lake Temiskaming. <br><br>Arrived at Elk Lake Eco Centre to a warm reception from staff. Played for some Eco Centre guests who were graciously attentive (even though the main event for them being together as family for a wedding celebration). A note to all you touring musicians in the south...The Eco Centre is an amazing location to play a show. Not only a stunning design and natural ambience to the room but an arts-friendly vibe from the good people who run the centre. Thank you Shawn, Heather and the all the Eco Staff for welcoming me. I hope music will inhabit your space more frequently and for many years to come. <br><br>The drive to Wawa tomorrow will be a wild adventure. Shawn from the Eco Centre pointed out a logging road that will shave 2 hrs off the GPS prescribed route. People still know more than Google. <br><br><br>Enjoyed this Victoria Day holiday by paddling on the Montreal River. I'm stepping out to check out the falls at Kap-Kig-Iwan now. <br><br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/143832/8f186e811edc68e8df34548286c8766ab495557d/original/dscn9243.jpg?1431979537" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/143832/f99f5bf329ec553bcc22a8289a563eca75ff5bed/original/dscn9314.jpg?1431979694" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/143832/efee55ebe5f4dc8065cd5935a657c034db8e9c14/original/dscn9347.jpg?1431979819" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/143832/37748d465627771b246df754dca7c89aea4d0e70/original/dscn9381.jpg?1431979888" class="size_l justify_center border_" />Low Country Hilltag:lowcountryhill.com,2005:Post/37103552015-05-16T20:17:59-04:002017-01-15T23:00:24-05:00Northern Ontario: Tour Log, Day 1 and 2Northern Tour Trip Log. Day 1 and 2<br><br>Hello friends,<br><br>A quiet beginning to my northern Ontario last night at Tranzac Club in Toronto. I arrived at the venue to hear a large band named Dust barely make a whisper with their improvisational hushed sounds. I was taken in by their less-is-more (including less volume!) aesthetic. An inviting way to enter into my adventure. The quiet, sparse tone seemed to ripple into my own set as I played to a small group of attentive souls. "Hello Cleveland! How are you tonight-a!?" :) And the Tranzac's Southern Cross Bar itself has a palpable intimacy. So it felt fitting to close the night by joining the throng of four around their table and sing a couple of lullabies sans PA. <br><br>Made more stops on the trip to Sudbury today than a fam with young kids would have to make. Not so much a leg stretching and going to the potty thing. More about following the distractions of the roadside and waisting time for a closer look (see below). Playlist day 1: War on Drugs and Staple Singers. Nothing like "Heavy Makes You Happy" at the beginning of Hwy 400.<br><br>Speakeasy tonight. Time to set up!<br><br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/143832/74afedb57275d6e02acbca31115bdf067384c7e5/original/dscn9233.jpg?1431821801" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><br> Low Country Hilltag:lowcountryhill.com,2005:Post/36832722015-04-29T21:40:20-04:002015-05-07T03:11:52-04:00CD and Download Sales For Nepal Earthquake Relief Effort<br>Hello friends,<br><br>Most of the time, I have a tough time grappling with suffering, especially on the scale of a massive earthquake like the one in Nepal. My default response to the violent intrusions into peoples' lives is usually one of immediate empathy - if not pity - but that emotional charge sometimes fades to a desensitized resignation. <br><br>So I'm waging a small skirmish against my ambivalence by donating all proceeds from Low Country Hill CD and download sales to World Vision Canada's relief efforts in Nepal until May 15. I'm very happy to support World Vision Canada and can personally attest to their diligent and sensitive pursuit to relieve suffering in the most vulnerable places in the world (my life partner Stacia is a long-time World Vision aid worker). I think they have a healthy sense of solidarity wherever they work.<br><br>If you know someone who might be interested in buying the record (in their medium of choice), this would be a good time to do it!<br><br>Purchase the record here, on iTunes, or at https://lowcountryhill.bandcamp.com.<br><br>Thanks!<br><br>PaulLow Country Hilltag:lowcountryhill.com,2005:Post/36810702015-04-28T16:50:27-04:002015-04-28T16:50:27-04:00Thank you for your support in CBC Searchlight 2015Hello friends,<br><br>My Searchlight quest has now come to an end. Thank you for your long haul support on this journey. Congratulations to Skinner who will represent Hamilton in the next round. A special shout out to The Steeltown 12: CBC Searchlight Contest for your boosting all along.<br><br>Besides a growing solidarity with friends of Low Country Hill and musicians across Canada, I think what I enjoyed the most about Searchlight was the energy it brought to my kids. Worth the price of admission just to see their faces when I cracked the top 25 and then the top 10 in Hamilton, not to mention their eager commitment to voting daily on our modest stash of multiple devices. There's been a "way to go dad" feeling around here. My partner Stacia has also been a massive booster, telling colleagues around the world about the campaign. <br><br>Thank you everyone for your part in making this a joyful, entertaining and rewarding adventure. <br><br>Now some touring to look forward to (and to prepare for!!).<br><br>Many, many thanks,<br>PaulLow Country Hilltag:lowcountryhill.com,2005:Post/36776992015-04-26T13:10:29-04:002017-01-15T23:00:24-05:00April 25 @ The Casbah<br>A night I'll cherish for some time to come. Thank you Adam Warner, Jimmy Hayes III, and Mark McIntyre for your full-bodied playing. What an amazing band. Language insufficiently expresses the synergy and spirit of last night's music-making. Thank you to all of you who came to listen too. Your attentive presence was palpable. Thanks to Brodie, Adam and the rest of The Casbah crew for making last night happen. And finally, thank you Mark Van Noord and Aaron Campbell for filming the show.<br>Besides touring in northern and eastern Ontario in the next few months, I want to remind friends in the Toronto area that Low Country Hill has a number of Toronto dates booked. You have choices to make :)<br><br>May 15 - Tranzac Club, Toronto (10 PM, PWYC, solo)<br>May 30 - The Local Pub, Toronto (5-7 PM, PWYC)<br>June 12 - Uncorked on Main, Georgetown (8 PM, PWYC, duo w/ Jimmy Hayes)<br>July 03 - The Cameron House, Toronto (full band show, details TBA)<br><br>Thank you!<br>Paul<br><br><br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/143832/ac1ed4a46b33ba14cff9b27572007669f059c03e/medium/dscn9107.jpg?1430068038" class="size_m justify_left border_" /><br><br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/143832/638f598abba6e1f698e2fa05673faed53ba22171/medium/dscn8973.jpg?1430068011" class="size_m justify_left border_none" alt="" /><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/143832/8dd5420f4a38780544d6272ed826c9979447b0f2/medium/dscn9040.jpg?1430067949" class="size_m justify_left border_" /><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/143832/e8b993d4fc9886f87fbd98bf235e0310ed4f9cbb/medium/dscn9021.jpg?1430067945" class="size_m justify_left border_" /><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/143832/8a57a8577927d4b5471ae13b395b1e09abd9b8aa/medium/dscn9052.jpg?1430067974" class="size_m justify_left border_" /><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/143832/9da2a5d20f7b65bc58758ffe57054541f4881ad9/medium/dscn8968.jpg?1430067933" class="size_m justify_left border_" />Low Country Hilltag:lowcountryhill.com,2005:Post/36704942015-04-21T21:09:28-04:002015-04-27T19:01:20-04:00Thank you for making Low Country Hill a CBC Searchlight Regional FinalistThank you friends of Low Country Hill for all your support on the CBC Searchlight road. Thanks to your voting, I've made it into the regional finals (Hamilton). <br><br>http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/hamilton/news/10-hamilton-finalists-in-cbc-s-searchlight-competition-revealed-1.3042246<br><br>Ten regional finalists remain in 23 regions across Canada. One finalist will emerge from each region after voting closes again on April 27. I hope you'll consider a daily vote over the next week to help me get to national round of Searchlight. <div> </div>
<div><a href="http://zooglelabs.com/campaigns/308506/8233253/aHR0cDovL3IzLmNhLzducEk=" target="_blank">http://r3.ca/7npI</a></div>
<div> </div>
<div>There is welcome irony in a talent competition to find a "best" new artist (now there's a recipe for narcissism) in that I'm making connections with musicians across Canada and discovering solidarity. </div>
<div> </div>
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<br>Thanks for your ongoing support!</div>
<div><div> <div>Kindly,</div>
<div>Paul</div>
</div></div>Low Country Hilltag:lowcountryhill.com,2005:Post/36660662015-04-19T14:52:36-04:002015-04-19T14:53:19-04:00One more day of voting in CBC Searchlight Regional Semi-FinalHello Friends,<br><br><br>Voting in the the CBC Searchlight regional semi-finals closes tomorrow (April 20) at 3 PM. Thanks for letting me hound you over these past several weeks. We'll see if I get to keep hounding you when the regional finalists are announced on Tuesday :) <br><br>Since you have as many as 10 votes per day to spread around, I'll hope you'll consider showing your support to other Hamilton artists like Gillian Nicola, Jamie Shea, Terra Lightfoot and Leonard, Burns and Dell. <br><br>A final thought before tomorrow. Entering this "competition" is paradoxical terrain for me (and I'm sure for many other contestants) in that I'm giving myself to the built-in narcissism of a talent competition (the "best" new artist in Canada). On the other hand, I'm also finding new solidarity with other Canadian artists who are dedicated to making art and building community. It's been a good exercise in crawling out from under my rock to feel part of something bigger than my own creative process. To be clear, that bigger discovery of not being alone began early on, even before making the record. I've been nurtured by dear friends and an encouraging community all along, but it's been inspiring to mingle with some lovely, selfless souls on The Searchlight road too.<br><br><br>Thanks again for all your support and patiently enduring my accosting you!<br><br>Take care,<br><br>Paul <br><br><br>http://music.cbc.ca/#!/artists/Low-Country-HillLow Country Hilltag:lowcountryhill.com,2005:Post/36578982015-04-14T17:45:14-04:002017-01-15T23:00:24-05:00Thank You for making Low Country Hill a CBC Searchlight Regional Semi-FinalistHello everyone! <br><br>Just found out that I made the top 25 (out of 125 entries) in Hamilton for CBC Searchlight. Many, many thanks for helping me get into the regional semi-finals! And congratulations to the other Hamilton artists who are moving on to the next round!<br><br>I'd be grateful for your continued support in this audacious journey. Please keep voting everyday and vote on multiple devices. The top 10 regional semi-finalists will be announced on April 21.<br> <br>A special shout out to The Steeltown 12 for your support and for a beautiful night of music. A taste of Hamilton's community and creative spirit last night. Proud to be associated with people so dedicated to their craft.<br><br><br>With appreciation,<br><br>Paul<br><br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/143832/5d09fc6bfc5b029a4203921f4471af620eceb05e/medium/photo-2.jpg?1429047809" class="size_m justify_center border_" /><br>A special night of music...<br><br>Playing a set at The Steeltown 12 Searchlight Benefit in support of Tim's Tribute.Low Country Hilltag:lowcountryhill.com,2005:Post/36313712015-03-30T09:12:22-04:002020-09-23T07:15:09-04:00CBC Searchlight begins today!Voting for CBC Searchlight 2015 begins today! Follow this link to cast your vote for "Stay Up Here" from today until April 13:<br><br>http://r3.ca/7npI<br><br>In solidarity with the Hamilton music community, I'm teaming up with a number of other artists to support their Searchlight campaign. You can vote as many as 10 times per day so spread your democratic love around (esp in Hamilton)! <br><br>With appreciation,<br>Paul<br><br><span class="font_large"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/143832/7a9e17747dbff16216574973d315c905394a7b74/original/the-steeltown-12.jpeg?1427720924" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></span>Low Country Hilltag:lowcountryhill.com,2005:Post/36273062015-03-27T11:54:34-04:002015-03-30T15:42:27-04:00Hamilton Music Awards Nomination!Thank you Hamilton Music Awards 2015 for the nomination in the Roots/Solo Category! I'm in some fine company. <br><br><br>http://www.hamiltonmusicawards.comLow Country Hilltag:lowcountryhill.com,2005:Post/35970802015-03-13T11:04:32-04:002020-10-20T04:09:25-04:00Low Country Hill on tourSpring and summer tour plans coming together, slowly but surely !!!<br><br>LOW COUNTRY HILL IN NORTHERN ONTARIO<br><br>May 15 - open for booking<br>May 16 - The Speakeasy, Sudbury, ON<br>May 17-19 - open for booking (esp. in The Sault area!)<br>May 20 - Concerts In The Basement, Marathon, ON<br>May 21 - Loplops, Sault Ste. Marie, ON<br>May 22 - Home Concert/Community event, Sault Ste. Marie, ON<br>May 23 - Fromagerie Elgin, Sudbury, ON<br>May 24 - home <br><br>*hoping I've planned well to avoid the peak of black fly season<br><br>LOW COUNTRY HILL IN EASTERN ONTARIO/MONTREAL<br><br>July 07 - L'Insouciant Café, Montreal, QC<br>July 08 - open for booking<br>July 09 - The Daily Grind, Ottawa, ON <br>July 10 - The Branch, Kemptville, ON<br>July 11 - Home Concert/Community Event (tentative)<br>July 12 - home <br><br>In my next life - if reincarnation as a drummer doesn't work out - a more practical re-emergence as a logistics/tour planner might be my fate. Interesting to research/coordinate dates and places, and connect (and reconnect and reconnect) with venues and house concert hosts. Call me wide-eyed, but I find some comfort and solidarity in knowing that there are people all over this country (and around the world) who believe in the value of showcasing emerging artists. Sometimes that belief comes with significant financial risk but it's almost always rooted in a passion for uncanned music. Thanks to all of you who've opened your lovely bar, café or home to me. Hope to hear from more of you in the weeks to come.<br><br>If you are near any of the above places, hope to see you on tour!<br><br>Cheers,<br>Paul<br><br>P.S. you can find the above dates under SHOWS as wellLow Country Hilltag:lowcountryhill.com,2005:Post/35922162015-03-11T16:45:39-04:002015-03-11T16:45:39-04:00CBC Searchlight 2015!Hello friends,<br><br>Taking the plunge. I just signed up for CBC's Searchlight 2015 with the song "Stay Up Here." I'd be grateful for your faithful support in this audacious quest. With your daily vote, we can get Low Country Hill on the sonic map of Canada. <br><br>Please share this campaign with your friends.<br><br>With appreciation (and hope),<br>Paul <br><br>http://music.cbc.ca/#!/cbcsearchlight/?id=279629Low Country Hilltag:lowcountryhill.com,2005:Post/35250762015-02-12T10:10:34-05:002015-02-12T10:10:34-05:00Check out the recent reviews and features!<br>Thank you Bill Frater @ Freight Train Boogie in California, Shiver Webzine/Indieoteque from Italy and (closer to home) Hamilton Blues Lovers for letting your listeners/readers know about Low Country Hill! <br><br><br>http://ftbpodcasts.com/?p=4997<br><br>http://blueshamilton.blogspot.ca/2015/01/hamiltons-low-country-hill-debuts-with.html<br><br>http://www.shiverwebzine.com/2015/01/29/indieoteque7-recensioni-tascabili/Low Country Hilltag:lowcountryhill.com,2005:Post/35166742015-02-09T12:07:54-05:002017-01-15T23:00:23-05:00Shows in Eastern Ontario<br><span class="font_small">Hello from snowy Hamilton (still).<br><br>Slippery, icy conditions on the roads in eastern Ontario this weekend getting to and from shows. But, some traction and joy sharing songs and stories @ The Branch in Kemptville and @ Ben and Christina's house in Russell. Thank you Bruce, Christina and Ben, Mike and Michelle for making it all happen! CBC Ottawa and David Yazbeck @ CKCU, thank you for promoting the show at The Branch and playing my songs! <br><br>A heartfelt thank you to all of you who came to hear me play too. Your support and interest means a great deal. Not lost on me that you could have chosen to burrow at home instead of brushing and scraping off your cars to venture out. Wonderful, slightly unnerving, but never soul-sucking (!) to make music as you listened with quiet intent. Bruce (@ The Branch), have you ever considered getting a patent for your "Shhhhhhhhhhhhhh" table cards!? <br><br>Special shout out to my young, talented nephew Seth for his debut bass playing in front of paying guests at The Branch. You rock. He held me, my brother Mike and sister-in-law Michelle in line as we sang "The Maker" by Daniel Lanois. Thank you Mikie and Michelle for singing and playing with abandon. <br><br>As an ice shell formed around my car on the longer-than-usual drive back to Hamilton, I listened to Stevie Wonder's <em>Songs In The Key Of Life</em> with my daughter who accompanied me on the trip. Later it was Tallest Man On Earth, Kris Kristopherson and Iris Dement (footnote: teenage daughter retreated to her own listening at this leg of the listening trip). Eight hours of winter driving made bearable and even timeless. <br><br><br>Peace,<br>Paul<br><br>See "Shows" for more photos...</span><br><br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/143832/a9d5fe3648b577821c0ec418bc1521ebb3622e05/large/the-branch-13.jpg?1423539566" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><br><br> Low Country Hilltag:lowcountryhill.com,2005:Post/34864912015-01-26T09:41:30-05:002021-01-05T08:02:20-05:00How Music WorksNice to be in Niagara-on-the-Lake at Oast House Brewers for Friday Night Pints on Jan.23. Some familiar faces as well as a crew of welcoming regulars made for a warm feel all around.<br> <br>Getting ready for a few more shows in the next couple of weeks. My carpenter friends would probably roll their eyes at my romantic notions of the Zen-like qualities of their process and work. I sometimes imagine the approach into the basement studio as an entrance into a back-of-property woodshed/workshop. And when I get really carried away, I can almost feel the crunch of snow under my feet with each step towards the studio door. The bubble bursts a little bit when faced with the task at hand. The guitars sit on their stands, the pedals lined up on the floor, the amps humming quietly ready for their louder work to begin. You stand there facing down the machinery, take a deep breath and surrender to the fact that some heavy lifting awaits. And there will be moments when you hit your thumb with a hammer. But it feels like good, honest hard work.<br><br>Been very much enjoying David Byrne's "How Music Works." Much like in his music, his quirky DIY spirit shines through in his writing as he reflects on both the abstract and concrete of this question. He rolls out his thoughts in ways that are neither dry musicology nor cool/cred rock journalism. An intelligent, creative challenge to the musical orthodoxies we hold tightly. Inspiring and instructive.<br><br>And this just in...<br><br>Hello music lovers in Brazil! Thank you Words Of Leisure for your generous thoughts about the Low Country Hill record!<br style="color: rgb(20, 24, 35); font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;"><br style="color: rgb(20, 24, 35); font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;"><a href="http://wordsofleisure.com/2015/01/25/no-meu-ipod-low-country-hill-low-country-hill/" rel="nofollow nofollow" style="color: rgb(59, 89, 152); cursor: pointer; text-decoration: none; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;" target="_blank">http://wordsofleisure.com/2015/01/25/no-meu-ipod-low-country-hill-low-country-hill/</a><br><br> Low Country Hilltag:lowcountryhill.com,2005:Post/34641062015-01-13T11:38:53-05:002015-01-13T16:03:49-05:00Reserve a table at The Branch for Feb.06!Hello music lovers in eastern Ontario,<br><br>The show at The Branch is fast approaching. Hope to see you there. See Facebook event page link below for more details<br><br>Cheers,<br>Paul<br><br><a contents="Low Country Hill at The Branch" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.facebook.com/events/330402660498457/">Low Country Hill at The Branch</a>Low Country Hilltag:lowcountryhill.com,2005:Post/34561712015-01-07T17:00:29-05:002017-01-15T23:00:23-05:00"Stay Up Here" video premiere on exclaim.ca<img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/143832/ad835a3df0454b8469a9de8fb6a51946d0813de2/large/first-pass-02-00-30-19-still012.bmp?1420596602" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><br> <div style="text-align: justify;">See the new video for "Stay Up Here" premiering at exclaim.ca. Thank you exclaim! <br><br>Shot and directed by Sheldon Norton over a few days at the end of November 2014. The late fall sun was hospitable! Thank you Sheldon, Chase, Stacia and Enye for braving the cold and mud and making something beautiful.<br><br><br style="text-align: justify;"><span class="font_large"><strong><span style="text-align: justify;">http://exclaim.ca/Music/article/low_country_hill-stay_up_here_video</span></strong></span>
</div>Low Country Hilltag:lowcountryhill.com,2005:Post/34549072015-01-06T21:12:47-05:002020-07-20T02:38:44-04:00Premiering Tomorrow - Low Country Hill's 1st video!<img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/143832/ad835a3df0454b8469a9de8fb6a51946d0813de2/original/first-pass-02-00-30-19-still012.bmp?1420596602" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><br> <div style="text-align: center;">A little teaser for Low Country Hill's first video to be premiered tomorrow. Stay tuned!</div>Low Country Hilltag:lowcountryhill.com,2005:Post/34270162014-12-22T12:17:54-05:002020-01-20T04:16:37-05:00Arctic Dreams<br>Hello everyone,<p><br>For almost four years I've been stuck in the polar ice of <em>Arctic Dreams</em>, a beautiful book by Barry Lopez. It is a deeply treasured gift from a dear friend because I've long had a fascination with the Arctic. The writer thoughtfully and poetically reflects on the history, biology and spirituality of the far north and his own relationship with that mysterious and wonderful landscape. I love how - even in the most dense scientific and historical passages of the book - there is a meditative quality to Lopez's writing. I'm a slow reader at the best of times but even more so with <em>Arctic Dreams</em>. I've been unpacking this one at a glacial pace. How appropriate. </p>
<div>
<p>Most of all, I value the attentive humility that the writer brings to a mysterious landscape and it's people. Early European explorers who did not respect the wisdom of the Inuit and who treated the land as something to be conquered largely failed in their conquests - either by aborting their expeditions or by harsh death. On the other hand, those who approached the land and the people with humility, enjoyed amazing, nearly impossible discoveries in the north. It's a lesson that is still applicable, as the dream chasing and exploitation continues in so many other realms of human experience. We still have a lot to learn about the nature of ambition and at what (and at whose) expense those dreams are realized.</p>
<p>In my own little corner (and wrestling with ambition), I hope the lessons of respect for all people and places will reverberate wherever the music takes me. </p>
<p><br><br>Wishing you all a peaceful holiday.</p>
<p>Paul</p>
</div>Low Country Hilltag:lowcountryhill.com,2005:Post/33234092014-11-24T12:12:52-05:002020-07-20T02:36:42-04:0024 HOURS BEFORE OFFICIAL RELEASE<br><br><span class="font_regular"><span class="font_regular"><span class="font_regular">A day before the official release of the record and it's pretty sweet to see the record at #4 on the CFMU charts. Thank you for the support, CFMU and CFMU listeners too! </span></span><br style="color: rgb(20, 24, 35); font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;"><br style="color: rgb(20, 24, 35); font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;"><span style="color: rgb(20, 24, 35); font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;">The record should be on iTunes and other many other digital stores</span><span class="text_exposed_show" style="display: inline; color: rgb(20, 24, 35); font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;"> this week with the help of Tunecore. <br><br>Also Low Country Hill is finally in the CBC universe (Canadian public radio for all of you outside of Canada): <a href="http://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fmusic.cbc.ca%2F%23%21%2Fartists%2FLow-Country-Hill&h=bAQE45Trw&s=1" rel="nofollow nofollow" style="color: rgb(59, 89, 152); cursor: pointer; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">http://music.cbc.ca/#!/artists/Low-Country-Hill</a><br><br>And finally...some gracious words from the folks at THOSE WHO DIG...<br><br><a href="http://thosewhodig.net/2014/11/20/low-country-hill/" rel="nofollow nofollow" style="color: rgb(59, 89, 152); cursor: pointer; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">http://thosewhodig.net/2014/11/20/low-country-hill/</a></span></span><br><br><br><span class="font_regular"><span class="text_exposed_show" style="display: inline; color: rgb(20, 24, 35); font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;">Cheers,<br>Paul</span></span>Low Country Hilltag:lowcountryhill.com,2005:Post/32992592014-11-18T09:22:40-05:002021-01-05T07:03:23-05:00IN ADVANCE OF NOV.25.14 OFFICIAL RELEASE DATE... In advance of November 25 (the official release date of Low Country Hill), some lovely nods from music bloggers...<br style="color: rgb(20, 24, 35); font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;"><br style="color: rgb(20, 24, 35); font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;"><a href="http://ajournalofmusicalthings.com/new-music-inbox-delta-will-british-india-low-country-hill-dear-criminals-youth-worship/" rel="nofollow nofollow" style="color: rgb(59, 89, 152); cursor: pointer; text-decoration: none; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;" target="_blank">http://ajournalofmusicalthings.com/new-music-inbox-delta-will-british-india-low-country-hill-dear-criminals-youth-worship/</a><br style="color: rgb(20, 24, 35); font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;"><br style="color: rgb(20, 24, 35); font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;"><span class="text_exposed_show" style="display: inline; color: rgb(20, 24, 35); font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;"><a href="http://www.sonofmarketing.it/streaming-low-country-hill-stay-up-here/" rel="nofollow nofollow" style="color: rgb(59, 89, 152); cursor: pointer; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">http://www.sonofmarketing.it/streaming-low-country-hill-stay-up-here/</a><br><br><a href="http://www.shiverwebzine.com/2014/11/13/low-country-hill-pat-sansone-e-bill-dillon-sono-gli-ospiti-nel-disco-di-debutto/" rel="nofollow nofollow" style="color: rgb(59, 89, 152); cursor: pointer; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">http://www.shiverwebzine.com/2014/11/13/low-country-hill-pat-sansone-e-bill-dillon-sono-gli-ospiti-nel-disco-di-debutto/</a><br><br><a href="http://wolfwizardradio.tumblr.com/post/101980132486/new-music-low-country-hill-stay-up-here-self" rel="nofollow nofollow" style="color: rgb(59, 89, 152); cursor: pointer; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">http://wolfwizardradio.tumblr.com/post/101980132486/new-music-low-country-hill-stay-up-here-self</a><br><br>Thank you, music writers!<br><br>Also...</span><br> <div class="userContentWrapper"><div class="_wk" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;"><span class="userContent">Received my first lucrative SOCAN royalty cheque last week. $9.13 might not buy much at Starbucks but my kids thought it was pretty cool that I got paid because my songs were played on the radio. Maybe we should blow it all on sour keys at the corner store? <br><br>Looking forward to Nov.30 at Mahtay Cafe in St. Catharines. Playing my first solo show.</span></div></div>Low Country Hilltag:lowcountryhill.com,2005:Post/32747092014-11-10T11:07:53-05:002018-05-12T07:52:19-04:00WHAT A NIGHT<br style="color: rgb(20, 24, 35); font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;"><span style="color: rgb(20, 24, 35); font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;">How do you wrap up the triumph and joy of the album release party with a packed room of encouraging souls? I'll just say THANK YOU for coming and listening with all ears! There were more than few "you could hear a pin drop" moments and times (on and off stage) of sweet connection, ripe with poignancy.</span><br style="color: rgb(20, 24, 35); font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;"><br style="color: rgb(20, 24, 35); font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;"><span style="color: rgb(20, 24, 35); font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;">A special thank you to the fine musicians who played with great sensitivity and</span><span class="text_exposed_show" style="display: inline; color: rgb(20, 24, 35); font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;">soul. Thank you Dave King, Mark McIntyre, Jimmy Hayes III, Peter Zantingh, Bob Tees and my daughters Winona and Enye. It ain't lost on me what you brought to the music.<br><br>I cannot ask for a better way to launch the project. Thank you Stacia, Val, Dan and Jane, Brodie, Adam and the Casbah crew for making it all happen.<br><br>I'll remember this night for the rest of my life.<br><br>With appreciation,<br>Paul</span>Low Country Hilltag:lowcountryhill.com,2005:Post/32636422014-11-03T09:25:21-05:002014-11-03T09:28:51-05:00PREP FOR THE RELEASE SHOW<div class="text_exposed_show" style="display: inline; color: rgb(20, 24, 35); font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;">
<br><span class="font_regular">Hello everyone,<br><br>A few more days</span> until the album release party. A week filled with prep (rehearsals, getting the word out, making sure the right knobs or foot pedals are tweaked when they need to be, etc). It can all be a little dizzying (especially for a multi-tasking challenged soul). But I feel some calm just living in the songs and enjoying the sure and experienced groove established by Mark and Dave. It's a great honour to play with these seasoned players who are good bl<span class="text_exposed_show" style="display: inline;">okes too. I won't be taking it for granted as the bulk of future performances will be on my own.</span>
<p style="margin: 0px 0px 6px;"><br><span class="font_regular">I hope that you too can enjoy this rare full-band rendering of the songs.</span></p>
<p style="margin: 6px 0px;"><br><span class="font_regular">Here we go,<br>Paul</span></p>
</div>Low Country Hilltag:lowcountryhill.com,2005:Post/32425942014-10-21T09:48:25-04:002020-11-16T03:07:06-05:00Art Waves: In Conversation With Bernadette RuleHave a listen to the podcast of my conversation with Bernadette Rule on Art Waves (The Hawk 101.5), Sunday Oct.19.<br><br><br>https://archive.org/details/231PaulHogeterpOct.192014Low Country Hilltag:lowcountryhill.com,2005:Post/32371172014-10-17T09:30:33-04:002020-08-17T13:22:44-04:00Radio Radio<p><span style="color: rgb(20, 24, 35); font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;">Dropped off a few discs at CFMU Radio at McMaster University in Hamilton yesterday afternoon. My sincere thanks to Mr James Tennant for playing "Stay Up Here" on air as soon he unwrapped the CD.</span></p>
<p style="margin: 6px 0px; color: rgb(20, 24, 35); font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;">And for those of you in Hamilton, tune into Art Waves on The Hawk 101.5 on Sunday, Oct.19, 7-8 pm. I'll be chatting about the new record with Bernadette Ryan.</p>
<div class="text_exposed_show" style="display: inline; color: rgb(20, 24, 35); font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;">
<p style="margin: 0px 0px 6px;">The post office has been getting a lot of business from me lately. The very tactile acts of dropping CDs into envelopes, handwriting mailing addresses, and carrying a mound of parcels into the post office feel surprisingly meditative. A lovely intimacy attached to the send off.</p>
<p style="margin: 6px 0px;">Thanks to those who are still waiting for their hand-delivered record. I'm very close to completing the delivery route.</p>
<p style="margin: 6px 0px;"><br>Hope you are enjoying the music!</p>
<p style="margin: 6px 0px;"> </p>
</div>Low Country Hilltag:lowcountryhill.com,2005:Post/32242742014-10-08T23:05:48-04:002020-11-12T01:54:07-05:00The Drum Roll Moment<font color="#1a1a1a"><font face="PT Sans, sans-serif"><font size="3">Oct.08.14<br><br>The drum roll moment...some front porch music. An untethered "woo hoo."</font></font></font>
<p><br><span style="color: rgb(26, 26, 26); font-family: 'PT Sans', sans-serif; font-size: medium;">Time to drop CDs into envelopes and make hand deliveries around the hood. And on the cosmic scale, I suppose I'm joining the chorus of a million other artists sending their work out into the universe, hoping for the best. Daunting? My oh my, yes. But a quiet audacity persists that what is kind, dynamic and welcoming in the universe has more traction than anything static, impersonal or indifferent.</span></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm"><br><span style="font-size: medium; font-family: 'PT Sans', sans-serif; color: rgb(26, 26, 26);">Thank you for all you've done to put this cargo on my steps.</span></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm"> </p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm"><font color="#1a1a1a"><font face="PT Sans, sans-serif"><font size="3">Peace,</font></font></font><br><span style="font-size: medium; color: rgb(26, 26, 26); font-family: 'PT Sans', sans-serif;">Paul</span></p><br><br><br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/143832/a10777a83f2ed3b12d45ddfd09198494fccb1ef6/large/front-porch-music.jpg?1412823477" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/143832/1a26962d56b7f921d549b74868c3b7703f3bbf87/original/img-20141007-163958.jpg?1412823513" class="size_l justify_center border_" />Low Country Hilltag:lowcountryhill.com,2005:Post/31976592014-09-22T09:25:17-04:002020-12-22T10:01:13-05:00Daptone Soul Revue = Good TimingSept.22.14<br><br>Welcome to the new website. <br><br>I took in an amazing musical experience last weekend at Supercrawl in downtown Hamilton along with a sea of music lovers. The Daptone Soul Revue was passing through town with evangelical fervour. <br><br>The four hour extravaganza culminated in a mystical performance by Charles Bradley and his band. This man has had a difficult time in life and now, at 65 years of age, is bringing joy to people all over the world through his deeply felt soul music. <br><br>In between songs he spoke with conviction, "no matter how small or how large your dreams are, go for it, you have something to give humanity." I've heard this language before but there was something about the way it was said that made it feel like a direct pipeline to my own inner journey of making a record and now launching it. Shivers down the spine.<br><br>Thank you for the music Mr. Bradley and co. and for the timing of your words.<br><br>On with the launch.<br><br>Peace,<br>Paul<br><br> Low Country Hilltag:lowcountryhill.com,2005:Post/31940172014-09-18T22:48:52-04:002021-01-11T10:33:33-05:00Quantifiable?<span class="font_regular">Waiting, waiting for boxes of CDs to arrive on my front porch. While the record is getting pressed, it's a good time to reflect on how this project has all come together beyond the nuts and bolts of writing and recording. I'm thinking of people who've not blinked when lending me a hand. Rides to the studio; words of belief and love around campfires, on the school yard or over beers in the pub in the wee hours; taking time to listen to loosely-strung together demos; nursing instruments back to health; taking photos or shooting video; patiently pouring over text edits and album design; and generous financial contributions that mean something bigger than the numbers. None of it quantifiable but it's all adding up to something beautiful.<br><br>Many thanks, Paul</span>Low Country Hilltag:lowcountryhill.com,2005:Post/31765412014-09-08T09:13:08-04:002018-01-19T09:06:48-05:00Finished!<div><span class="font_regular"><font face="verdana, sans-serif"><font color="#37404e"><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;">J</span></font></font>ul.30.14<br><br>We're finished! </span></div>
<div> </div>
<div><span class="font_regular">An ear marathon in the last few weeks, listening to the record on crappy car stereos, hifi studio speakers, and headphones. It's felt like the most difficult leg of the journey as patient, attentive listening has been so essential in the fine detailing of the 11th hour. In capable hands with Zen masters Dave and Wayne who know the psychology of this terrain well. Ear stamina and unwavering focus to the end. Luckily, my noviciate ears were treated to the quiet of Canadian shield this past week as I did some camping with my family. Rushing water on the French River, generous loon song in the evening, wind through the pines in the wee hours and...a restless crying baby the next campsite over, provided auditory diversion. Also plenty of time to reflect on the inner journey of cross-Canada proportions this whole thing has been. Toe-dipping in the Atlantic at last. </span></div>
<div>
<br><span class="font_regular">A few things to wrap up on album artwork and then on with manufacturing the CD. And then...a little return on your investment. I hope to send your CDs in the mail and get the album download functioning by mid-September (perhaps earlier, if all goes well). Also, currently working on the Low Country Hill website where I'll be setting up a mailing list for news updates and bloggy bits. Time to start knocking on doors and prrrractise. Album launch party TBA!</span>
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<div> </div>
<div><span class="font_regular">Thank you for making this happen people. What a journey.</span></div>
<div> </div>
<div>
<br><span class="font_regular">Peace,<br>Paul</span>
</div>Low Country Hill