Mr. Roberts was a big bank president
..dreaming of his golden parachute
..Either through rising stocks or a gub'ment bailout
..Don't get jealous cause that's only half the truth
..We've been payin' his taxes
..and to make matters worse
..that parachute won't save him
..You never see a UHaul behind a hearse

By train, it just seems to go on forever. Lots of time to contemplate. This trip is primarily about family. But I have also made a decision to bring music to all aspects of my life. So there will be interactive solo performances for friends, family and what every audiences I can find on the trip.

When I first began performing as Alexander's Real Time Band, about five years ago, it was a solo act. The shows were all interactive and the audience was the 'band' in 'real time'. That's where the name came from (that and the reference to the famous song, 'Alexander's Ragtime Band', credited to Irving Berlin but probably written by Scott Joplin).

Over the years, I have been blessed to attract other musicians to my original songbook. First Sarah on drums, then Whit on strings, most recently, Susan on keyboards ( and a host of other guest players as well ). But on this trip I will be taking things back to the roots of ARTB.

I am traveling solo by train but carrying my guitar, bass, headset mic and a battery powered amp. It's a very portable rig and everything I need to set up in a coffeehouse, living room or on a street corner that feels good. I am excited about the opportunities for music making on this journey. And I will be posting my adventures right here.

So I have a couple of questions for you. Your answer will help us make some decision about how to release and distribute the upcoming 'Remain in Light' album.

First what would you be more likely to buy? 

1 CD (physical) 

2 Album download 

3 Single download?

Also where to you buy most of your music? 

1 iTunes

2 Amazon

3 CD Baby 

4 At live shows 

5 Brick and mortar record stores

6 Other (like where?)

That's it. I know there are probably other ways to gather this info (like an online survey). But this way you have the floor to not only answer the question but give your opinion about why you make the choices you do when picking up new recorded music. Thanks! Hope to see you at a show soon.

I never cease to be amazed how vibrant, diverse, inclusive and supportive the music community is in this town. Both the musicians and the audiences give their all to support the scene here. That doesn't happen everywhere and we are blessed to have that kind of community here in Portland. 
 

Another example of this is the new radio station KZME.FM scheduled to begin broadcasting this year.  KZME will feature only local/regional music. Imagine a station that plays only the music created in your community! Their slogan is "Music where you Live". We will be doing a benefit in support of this organization March 6 at The Flying Cat (see our calendar for more info)
 

If you value the music scene in Portland please support organizations like Artichoke Music and KZME. If you know of other non profit music organizations that need our support, please share them with us and ARTB fans by leaving a comment on this blog. Thanks --a