thinking & making

  • Good in 10 (2002 version)

    I created this ten-song playlist in 2002 to epitomize my idea of “good music.”

  • The Celebration

    A poem written after waking up to the sound of coyotes.

  • Can’t Ignore

    Can’t Ignore

    Written over several days worth of yard work, a couple of nighttime scribbles, and three afternoons helping direct parking—singing into an empty parking lot. This first draft recording was made with just me and the guitar in the dining room, direct into a stereo mic on the evening of June 19, 2023. Listen and download…

  • Here

    Here

    This song was written pretty much in two sittings. I am not a real banjo player, but the banjo was in my hands when the words came and I’m glad it was. This is the second draft of the song, recorded live into my phone on the deck of our place in Western North Carolina…

  • Cast Iron Skillet Pizza

    Cast Iron Skillet Pizza

    Ever since we moved to the country, I’ve been refining my home-made pizza process. I’ve finally documented the recipes and instructions for making dough, sauce, and cooking it all up to perfection. I hope you enjoy making and eating it as much as we do! DOUGH INGREDIENTS 5 grams (2 tsp) dry active yeast 625…

  • Collard Greens with Ham Hocks & Beans

    Collard Greens with Ham Hocks & Beans

    The first time I ever tried making collard greens was in 2008. The recipe and my process have evolved a lot since then, and I figured it was time to write it all out.

  • Keeping Watch

    A poem written about fatherhood.

  • Creek sketch

    Creek sketch

    Made this quick little drawing on the way back down from Wildcat Rock, near Fairview, NC. The midwestern winter had me yearning for a fresh walk through spring mountain air—i felt so fortunate to spend a week on the road with two of my older sons.

  • Painting larger, process

    Painting larger, process

    Here are some progress images from a new 3×4 foot painting where I’m layering abstractions based loosely on photos from my walks in nature. I’ve been interested in how music influences the improvisational aspects of my mark making, and as such I am making this painting while listening to a single album on repeat –…