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Samples from Songs From Our Circle 5
BSA 2009 Compilation CD Playlist by BSAonlineBSA - Baltimore Songwriters Association
Music Interview with Greg Brown
by Paul Harrison and Mary Madison
Ram’s Head Tavern, March 24, 2003
Background: Called the “Poet Laureate of Iowa” in Sing Out Magazine’s recent cover story on him, Greg Brown is a highly acclaimed songwriter in the folk world. He has received Grammy nominations and won Indie Awards. A tribute album, Going Driftless, includes Lucinda Williams, Mary Chapin Carpenter, Ani DeFranco, and others singing Greg’s songs. His own CD’s include “The Poet Game” and “Further In.” Paul Harrison and Mary Madison had the privledge of interviewing Greg before his recent performance in Annapolis.
PH: Given our audience, we would like to focus primarily on songwriting, so can you tell us about your writing process? For instance, do you have a regimen that you normally follow?
GB: No I don’t. I’ve really been plugged into it since I was a little boy. I popped out and I started writing poems. I was surrounded by music and storytelling. My father was a wonderful storyteller and my grandparents were storytellers and poets so I just grew up in it. There was never any point where things changed all that much, ya’ know? I just grew up lovin’ it and I still do.
I work all the time. I work at getting better on the guitar and better at singing and I love all this shit. I listen to stuff all the time. Writing kind of comes along when it does…during the course of my life. I never feel like… “I have to write a song”…I just write them when they come along and I try to be ready. The closest model that I’ve read about that is like how I do it is the old Japanese haiku poet who spent the energy preparing the instrument of reception, you might say. They prepared themselves to be receptive so when inspiration, or whatever you want to call it, comes along, they’re ready to go. So that’s what I try to do…I try to be ready.
Songs From Our Circle 5
This year's compilation CD has been released and you won't want to miss out! Visit CDbaby.com to listen to samples, download individual songs or purchase the full CD or Order now using Paypal or a major credit card!
In the four years since the BSA last released an open compilation, its song circles have heard hundreds of songs. Finding some of those tunes spruced-up for this collection is a wonderful joy. Many Members featured here have joined since that last compilation, some sharing their recording debuts. Conversely, a few stalwarts here also shared songs on the first BSA CD, four compilations ago. Regardless of tenure, the community of BSA Members is what makes the organization hum - the music is a bonus.
Thanks to the BSA Board for project approval, to Ty and Kate for being the CD Committee, to Eileen at Oasis, to the Members who've shared their songs, and to you the listener, an important reason why the BSA keeps sharing its music. Enjoy!
-Ken Gutberlet, BSA President, December 2009
Find out more about contributing artists and listen to song samples!
Songs From a Charmed City
This CD "Songs From a Charmed City" was the result of a juried songwriting competition held by the Baltimore Songwriters association. Over 80 songs were submitted by members of our organization. Judges from all across the music world volunteered their time to listen to all the wonderful songs submitted, and after a whole lot of listening, each judge selected his or her favorite 10 songs. This CD represents the top 20 songs submitted. This CD is also a celebration of the BSA's 10-year anniversary. Please check out each performers web page and information. And most of all thanks for supporting original music. Order now using your PayPal account or a major credit card!