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<title>News From Colin McGrath</title>
<link>http://colinmcgrath.com/rss</link>
<description><![CDATA[If you want to subscribe to my RSS feed to be updated on recent news, you may do so here.]]></description>
<language>en-us</language>
<copyright><![CDATA[Copyright (c) 2008 colinmcgrath.com]]></copyright>
<managingEditor>info@colinmcgrath.com</managingEditor>
<pubDate>Tue, 11 Nov 2008 15:19:02 -0600</pubDate>
<lastBuildDate>Mon, 06 Sep 2010 20:24:15 -0500</lastBuildDate>
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<title>Window Seat Choosen as Editor's Pick on CD Baby</title>
<link>http://colinmcgrath.com</link>
<description><![CDATA[<b>08.20.07</b><br>Here's the review:<br />
The first time you pop in a disc with childlike anticipation, a little bit on the edge of your seat, there’s either an immediacy to the music that grabs you or it goes in one ear and out the other. Colin McGrath fits into the former category: he has a way of crafting songs that pull you in one level at a time (rather than hitting you over the head with the beginning of a song), and crafts his emotional build with a most tender and yet forthright touch. And similarly, despite the number of times a music junkie can pop in a new album, be engaged with the instrumental parts only to be disappointed with the mismatched vocals, living with an album like Colin’s, where the first entrance of his voice hits such a perfect tone of conceptual resonance, is a reminder of how rare it actually is to find such perfect compatibility between singer and songwriter, whether both are the same person or not. So while his listeners are first engaged by his vocal quality, drawing from bits of Greg Brown to Paul Simon, Jackson Browne to Nick Drake, the wonder and integrity doesn’t end there. McGrath’s knack for instrumentation makes one ponder his background; from violin harmonics to charango to prepared and toy piano, his musical sense of space is reminiscent of an orchestrator. McGrath’s use of color and tessitura suggests thoughtful consideration of instrumentation, beyond what the majority of songwriters are willing to ponder: that of instrumental conversation, sonic space, and the ability to change a textural color with an effect that, while it isn’t audible, shifts the tone without question. At the same time, McGrath has a solid singer/songwriter approach and result, These are solid songs, often playful and light as well as intellectual and profound. Window Seat more than earns its esteemed place as an editor’s pick for male folk.<br />
author: Tamara Turner, CD Baby<br><br><a href="http://cdbaby.com/cd/colinmcgrath" target="_blank">Launch Related Site</a>]]></description>
<author>info@colinmcgrath.com</author>
<guid><![CDATA[http://colinmcgrath.com/html/news.php?s=1]]></guid>
<pubDate>Tue, 11 Sep 2007 19:05:13 -0500</pubDate>
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<title>Huss and Dalton Singletree Banjo Acquired!</title>
<link>http://colinmcgrath.com</link>
<description><![CDATA[<b>09.13.07</b><br>I just got a new Huss and Dalton Singletree Banjo. I went out to Mandolin Brothers in Staten Island two days in a row and played every old time banjo they had and I got the one that I liked best. I'm still keeping my old banjo on hand. Actually, the logo that you see at the top of this site comes from one of the inlays on that old banjo. I'll always have a good feeling for it, especially since I saw it all the way from being a garage sale give away ($1) to being a playable, unique instrument. I remember before I fixed it up one repair guy told me I might as well make a clock out of it, that it was just too far gone and not worth the headache. Glad I ignored him. But this new one is a different beast entirely. Amazing tone, great feeling, it even smells good. Nothing like a new instrument to put a skip in your step as you walk all the way to your broken bank.<br><br><a href="http://www.hussanddalton.com/banjos.htm" target="_blank">Launch Related Site</a>]]></description>
<author>info@colinmcgrath.com</author>
<guid><![CDATA[http://colinmcgrath.com/html/news.php?s=2]]></guid>
<pubDate>Mon, 1 Oct 2007 16:41:44 -0500</pubDate>
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<title>New Review/Feature on Berkeley Place</title>
<link>http://colinmcgrath.com</link>
<description><![CDATA[<b>10.01.07</b><br>"Generally, I’m into pop, rock and rap, but every so often I cotton to a kinder, gentler album that crosses my desk.<br />
<br />
Colin McGrath’s “Window Seat” is such a record, with folky ditties about a favorite childhood book, old friends, and a simpler time. It’s mostly just Colin telling nice stories, but he’s accompanied at times by Aaron Thurston (The French Kicks), Rob Moose (Sufjan Stevens, Antony and the Johnsons), and many others. It’s not the kind of record you’d expect from a native New Yorker."<br />
Ekko, Berkeley Place<br><br><a href="http://berkeleyplace.wordpress.com/?s=colin+mcgrath" target="_blank">Launch Related Site</a>]]></description>
<author>info@colinmcgrath.com</author>
<guid><![CDATA[http://colinmcgrath.com/html/news.php?s=3]]></guid>
<pubDate>Wed, 19 Dec 2007 15:00:35 -0500</pubDate>
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<title>The Haps</title>
<link>http://colinmcgrath.com</link>
<description><![CDATA[<b>12.13.07</b><br>It's mid-December. Becky and I got a Christmas tree but have not put anything on it. Normally we put some lights on our trees, or if we're feeling ambitious we make some origami decorations that we get out of a book that I bought at The Museum of Natural History. This year we have hardly had a free second yet. The tree certainly does smell good though and I never mind having a little extra plant life around, even if it is dead (or soon will be).<br />
<br />
I have a bunch of new gigs posted. It's a hell of a lot of work posting gigs on all three of my sites (this one, my sonicbids epk, and myspace) so I think I will just send everybody from those sites to this one. I also posted a new track in the "listen" section and a few new photos in the "gallery" section. Please peruse at your leisure.<br />
<br />
I have been listening to two artists incessantly: Richard Thompson ("The Best of the Capitol Years") and Pierre Bensusan ("Pres de Paris" and "2"). I could write volumes about each of them but you should just cut to the chase and go buy all 3 of those albums on iTunes immediately. I always feel a little lame for buying "Best of" albums because I feel like I need to take the good with the bad when I get into an artist, but I have to say that it kind of blows my mind to listen to that Richard Thompson album and realize that there is not a bad song on it. Very inspiring.<br />
<br />
I am pleased to say that my album "Window Seat" has recently gone "Balsam" on CDBaby. That's my term for what happens when you sell over a hundred copies. It may not sound like a lot but hey, we're talking about folk music here. I'm very pleased.<br />
<br />
That's about it for now. Hope you have some Happy Holidays,<br />
Colin]]></description>
<author>info@colinmcgrath.com</author>
<guid><![CDATA[http://colinmcgrath.com/html/news.php?s=4]]></guid>
<pubDate>Thu, 13 Dec 2007 23:41:07 -0500</pubDate>
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<title>Folk Alliance</title>
<link>http://colinmcgrath.com</link>
<description><![CDATA[<b>02.13.08</b><br>This weekend is likely to be a pretty hectic one for me and Becky as we are moving to Brooklyn. 7 years in Harlem finally coming to a close. I am very excited to be near the Botanical Gardens, The Brooklyn Museum, Prospect Park and the 2 or 3 train (in case I miss Manhattan). Still haven't quite decided exactly how we are going to move the fish tank. Last time was kind of a disaster. <br />
<br />
So next week I am going to be heading to Memphis, TN for The Folk Alliance Music Conference. I will be there from Tuesday the 19th to Sunday the 24th, and I will be performing at 1 AM on Friday night at the CDBaby Showcase. I am very excited to meet people and hear/play some great music. These dreary winter months leave me hungry for some festival-style picking and song-swapping, so I hope I can find some of that down there. I will be sharing my hotel room with Reid Maclean and I don't doubt that we'll find some kind of fun trouble to get ourselves into.   <br />
<br />
I'm writing lots lately. I made it my New Year's resolution to try to write a little bit everyday. Trying to never let myself get too far from the process of song writing. I find that when I write more, it's hard to tell whether what I am writing is good or not. I've got about 3 or 4 songs on my plate right now and all of them seem in various stages of disarray. It always amazes me how fast they seem to go from being like that to being finished. I seem to know when I am over the hump with a song, when I got what I wanted out of it and even if it's not all done, I know that writing the rest of it will be easy. I just have to figure out what it is about the song that made me want to write it in the first place. The four that are on the table right now are about: <br />
1. The Giants winning the Super Bowl<br />
2. A girl who got herself the nickname "Swiffer Girl" by doing obscene things with a household cleaning instrument <br />
3. How much fun it is to play  music in a band <br />
4. Taking a Vacation (from myself)<br />
<br />
As soon as I move into the new place in Brooklyn I am going to set up my little home studio and start recording these songs and posting them on this site. I am looking to redesign this site, by the way, since so many people have been telling me that they liked the old one better. That one was a pain in the ass to up-date! But it was cooler... I know. I'll make some kind of compromise. Any suggestions are most welcome.<br />
<br />
 ]]></description>
<author>info@colinmcgrath.com</author>
<guid><![CDATA[http://colinmcgrath.com/html/news.php?s=5]]></guid>
<pubDate>Wed, 13 Feb 2008 21:01:53 -0500</pubDate>
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<title>Mini-CD in the works</title>
<link>http://colinmcgrath.com</link>
<description><![CDATA[<b>03.11.08</b><br>The last few weeks have been full of many changes. The new place is almost all set up in Brooklyn and we love it. Moving the fish tank turned out to not really be as big an ordeal as we thought it would be. The only casualty was a fish that I accidentally poured down the drain because he hid himself too well when I was trying to catch them all. Too tough for his own good. Desperado. Maybe he's still alive, swimming through the sewar system, unharmed. I wish him well.  <br />
<br />
Last weekend I did a recording project with Reid Maclean and Jason Harod, produced by William Berlind with Aaron Thurston on drums and Paul Phillips on bass. We are doing a 6 song CD, collaborating and playing on each other's songs. The entire project is being "comissioned" by our good friend Kathy Reber, and the recording is going to be finished right in time for her birthday party in early May. Reid and Jason and I all recorded 2 songs each, just drums and bass so far and the rest will get filled in over the next 10 days or so. Nothing like a deadline to get the creative juices flowing. I'll keep you updated on how and when the CD will be available.<br />
<br />
That's all for now. Got to go back to work. Send me an email if you are reading this. I love to hear from you.<br />
Colin   ]]></description>
<author>info@colinmcgrath.com</author>
<guid><![CDATA[http://colinmcgrath.com/html/news.php?s=6]]></guid>
<pubDate>Fri, 14 Mar 2008 08:48:58 -0500</pubDate>
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<title>Little One On the Way</title>
<link>http://colinmcgrath.com</link>
<description><![CDATA[<b>05.26.08</b><br>Becky and I are awaiting eagerly the arrival of our first child. I haven't written about that yet here on this journal, even though we have obviously known for quite some time now, but I suppose it's time. We have been preparing the house for weeks now, getting everything ready and there is a pretty good chance that she (we found out that we're having a girl) will be here by the end of the week. It is a very happy time for us, and I feel blessed that she is going to be coming into such a warm community. <br />
<br />
I have spent a lot of time thinking about how having a child is going to impact my life as a musician. Of course I have heard all the stories about people who pretty much gave up playing music after having a kid. I am not worried about that with me though. I think that as I get older I just become more focused on what I really want and I become better equipped to get it. I seem to have been born with a kind of stubbornness to do the kind of work that I want to do, no matter what life presents me. Sometimes it's a curse but it can also be a blessing and I guess it gives me comfort when I look ahead at the future and wonder what is going to become of me. There is so much that I can't know yet, but I don't feel afraid, I just feel excited. I can't wait to meet my daughter! I will post some pictures of her as soon as she arrives. Wish us luck!<br />
<br />
Also, I have posted some new songs in the Washington Market Songs section of this site. The pieces I have posted are kind of a song-cycle with a different song to represent each piece on the chess board. I wrote and recorded them to help the children I work with remember how to play the game of chess. They are very goofy and I hope you enjoy them. I have also posted some new photos in the "Photos" Section, and a great drawing that a friend of mine Josh Jordan did of me at a recent gig at The Cornelia St. Cafe. <br />
Colin]]></description>
<author>info@colinmcgrath.com</author>
<guid><![CDATA[http://colinmcgrath.com/html/news.php?s=7]]></guid>
<pubDate>Mon, 26 May 2008 22:48:35 -0500</pubDate>
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<title>Soundcheck with John Schaefer</title>
<link>http://colinmcgrath.com</link>
<description><![CDATA[<b>07.13.08</b><br>On Monday July 14th I will be playing on Soundcheck with John Schaefer. This is a really huge honor, and it is living proof to me that when I set my sights on things that I want to happen for my career, they can sometimes actually materialize! I am going to be bringing into the studio a 6 piece band, which will include Reid Maclean, Justin Hines, William Berlind, Katie Kresek, Artie Dibble and Ian Riggs. It is Sunday night now and I am about to head off to rehearsal at Will's. It has been a beautiful day and afternoon and I have really enjoyed putting together the charts for the band today. Becky has been working overtime on baby duty this weekend and most of last week actually, since I found out about Soundcheck, and I am really grateful to her for giving me the time to pull things together for this show. Baby June is doing great, smiling more than ever. It's amazing how when she does that, the whole world seems to melt. Last night, after kind of a fussy day, I sang to her as she lay there in her swinging chair in the kitchen and she was just beaming. She doesn't like the instrumental breaks so much. She prefers it if I just keep singing. I'm putting some new picture of her up in the gallery tonight. <br />
<br />
Tune in tomorrow at 93.9 FM or 820AM at around 2:00. If, by the time you are reading this, you have already heard the show, thanks for stopping by my site.    <br />
Take care,<br />
Colin<br><br><a href="http://www.wnyc.org/shows/soundcheck/episodes/2008/07/11" target="_blank">Launch Related Site</a>]]></description>
<author>info@colinmcgrath.com</author>
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<pubDate>Sun, 13 Jul 2008 16:55:51 -0500</pubDate>
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<title>Link to NPR's Soundcheck Interview and Performance</title>
<link>http://colinmcgrath.com</link>
<description><![CDATA[<b>07.15.08</b><br>Thanks to everyone who tuned in yesterday to Soundcheck. Here is the link to the podcast. We had a really fun time playing in the new studios at WNYC and I enjoyed getting to meet the man, John Schaefer, behind the voice. After the show, he and Reid bonded over the time that Reid called in to the show to tell the story about how he once got liquid nails caught in his beard. <br />
<br />
Be sure to come out to Jimmy's #43 this Wednesday. Should be a fun show. See the "shows" page for details.   <br><br><a href="http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=93047831" target="_blank">Launch Related Site</a>]]></description>
<author>info@colinmcgrath.com</author>
<guid><![CDATA[http://colinmcgrath.com/html/news.php?s=9]]></guid>
<pubDate>Sun, 17 Aug 2008 20:01:46 -0500</pubDate>
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<title>Thanks to all who came out to Rockwood</title>
<link>http://colinmcgrath.com</link>
<description><![CDATA[<b>09.26.08</b><br>Wednesday night's show at Rockwood was a huge success thanks to alll who came out and showed their support. I had been working really hard on the string arrangements and was beginning to wonder what would happen if we had all this great music and no one showed up, but that did not happen. I apologize for the insensitive comment about the Giants not deserving to win the super bowl last year. I am a sports ignoramus. I admit it and perhaps next time I should keep my opinions about football to myself. Still I found their victory last year inspiring. If they can do it, I can do it. Here's to the wildcards! (Am I digging myself into another hole yet? Better quit while I'm ahead.) <br />
The last minute surprise set from Reid Maclean was a treat. The band after us, Rusty Belle kicked ass and the whole night reaffirmed my love of Rockwood Music Hall. Definitely on of my top 5 venues in the city. <br />
Thanks again for coming out!]]></description>
<author>info@colinmcgrath.com</author>
<guid><![CDATA[http://colinmcgrath.com/html/news.php?s=10]]></guid>
<pubDate>Fri, 26 Sep 2008 12:07:17 -0500</pubDate>
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<title>Recent News</title>
<link>http://colinmcgrath.com</link>
<description><![CDATA[<b>11.09.08</b><br>Grand Prize Winner of the Sonic Bids Listening Room Retreats Competition<br />
<br />
One of Top 5 Finalists in Songwriter Universe Magazine Song of the Month Competition<br />
<br />
Recently signed agreement with Hook Line and Sync Licensing Agency in Australia<br />
<br />
Song featured on MVY radio's "Local MusiCafe"]]></description>
<author>info@colinmcgrath.com</author>
<guid><![CDATA[http://colinmcgrath.com/html/news.php?s=11]]></guid>
<pubDate>Sun, 9 Nov 2008 22:51:34 -0500</pubDate>
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<title>First Place Winner of Belfast Nashville Songwriters Festival 2009 Competition </title>
<link>http://colinmcgrath.com</link>
<description><![CDATA[<b>12.14.08</b><br>"Grin Like That" was selected as the First Place Winner of The Belfast Nashville Songwriters Festival 2009 Competition. Nice!!! They will be flying me to Belfast Ireland in February and putting me up in a hotel and I'll be attending this very cool festival that they hold there every year. See, I knew there was a reason I keep at this crazy business. <br><br><a href="http://belfastnashville.panarts.org.uk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=36&Itemid=1" target="_blank">Launch Related Site</a>]]></description>
<author>info@colinmcgrath.com</author>
<guid><![CDATA[http://colinmcgrath.com/html/news.php?s=12]]></guid>
<pubDate>Thu, 5 Feb 2009 13:01:34 -0500</pubDate>
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<title>Back from CA</title>
<link>http://colinmcgrath.com</link>
<description><![CDATA[<b>02.05.09</b><br>Back from CA. What a week that was. I want my life to be full of those kinds of experiences: stuff that shakes up your mind, gets your creative juices flowing, makes you look at things in a different way. I had a little cabin in the woods and everyday I wrote a new song with a new collaborator. Made some friends from Denmark, Canada, Ireland, all over the states. Took some beautiful walks, had some great nights full of songs in front of the fireplace. Now I just want to write all the time. <br />
<br />
It's good to be home too. June is doing great, she has started to crawl! It also seems like the volume of her voice is increasing. Last weekend Becky and I both went to get haircuts and June let out a mighty yelp. I think a few people almost got their ears snipped by startled scissors. Just when we thought we were in the clear with June's sleeping, now she has started teething. She's pretty reasonable about it though. She's a good kid.<br />
<br />
I love the fact that the last time it snowed, it did not rain afterwards, so the snow is actually sticking around. One of these days I am going to head to Prospect Park with my skis. I did that in Central Park a few years ago but somehow I think Prospect Park would be even better. Call me crazy, but I love winter.    <br />
<br />
I am trying to get my studio ready for recording. There's not that much to do, it's just that it is always a complete mess and I often don't feel like spending time in it. I have too many new songs though and I feel that if I don't record them soon, I may never get around to it. I finally figured out how to keep the radiator from hissing violently, so I guess that's progress. Now I just need to figure out what to do with all my CD's. Ughh.<br />
<br />
Until next time...<br />
 ]]></description>
<author>info@colinmcgrath.com</author>
<guid><![CDATA[http://colinmcgrath.com/html/news.php?s=13]]></guid>
<pubDate>Thu, 5 Feb 2009 14:32:19 -0500</pubDate>
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<title>New Video Section</title>
<link>http://colinmcgrath.com</link>
<description><![CDATA[<b>02.13.09</b><br>I just posted a bunch of videos in the gallery section of this site. Got stuff from the WNYC live performance I did with the band, a show at Jimmy's #43, some Rockwood stuff, as well as a Converse commercial that used my music a few years ago! Am very open to any interpretations as to the true meaning of the film. It looks as though it hurt like hell to shoot.<br />
<br />
I just did an interview today with Robert Butts for Montana Public Radio Station KGLT. They are going to edit the segment (which is a good thing, given how much the two of us went on) and air it probably in two weeks.<br />
<br />
Headed to Belfast on Tuesday. Looking forward to it! <br />
<br />
<br />
  ]]></description>
<author>info@colinmcgrath.com</author>
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<pubDate>Fri, 13 Feb 2009 13:14:56 -0500</pubDate>
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<title>Come to the Tea Lounge Sat. 3.7.09, 9-11PM</title>
<link>http://colinmcgrath.com</link>
<description><![CDATA[<b>03.05.09</b><br>837 Union St., Park Slope Brooklyn (Q to 7th Ave, 2,3 to Grand Army, M,R to Union)<br />
<br />
$5 Suggested Donation<br />
Aaron Thurston on Drums<br />
Ian Riggs on Bass<br />
Colin McGrath on Deliciousness<br><br><a href="http://tealoungeny.com/" target="_blank">Launch Related Site</a>]]></description>
<author>info@colinmcgrath.com</author>
<guid><![CDATA[http://colinmcgrath.com/html/news.php?s=15]]></guid>
<pubDate>Thu, 5 Mar 2009 07:09:35 -0500</pubDate>
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<title>Steel City Coffee House, Wednesday 3.10.09, 9-10</title>
<link>http://colinmcgrath.com</link>
<description><![CDATA[<b>03.10.09</b><br>Gig in Phoenixville Pennsylvania on Wednesday night at The Steel City Coffee House. Come on out!<br><br><a href="http://steelcitycoffeehouse.com/" target="_blank">Launch Related Site</a>]]></description>
<author>info@colinmcgrath.com</author>
<guid><![CDATA[http://colinmcgrath.com/html/news.php?s=16]]></guid>
<pubDate>Tue, 10 Mar 2009 20:19:24 -0500</pubDate>
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<title>Speed Rack takes La Negrita by Storm Once Again</title>
<link>http://colinmcgrath.com</link>
<description><![CDATA[<b>03.13.09</b><br>Concrete Bluegrass with Speedrack, Colin McGrath on guitar, Toby King on banjo, Andrew Rolstein on bass, and whoever else shows up.<br />
<br />
999 Columbus Ave. at 109th st. 9:00PM<br />
Friday, March 13th<br />
<br />
Price tag: free freedy free]]></description>
<author>info@colinmcgrath.com</author>
<guid><![CDATA[http://colinmcgrath.com/html/news.php?s=17]]></guid>
<pubDate>Fri, 13 Mar 2009 08:18:17 -0500</pubDate>
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<title>Next Show:Rockwood Music Hall, 3.27.09, 7:00 </title>
<link>http://colinmcgrath.com</link>
<description><![CDATA[<b>03.17.09</b><br>Where: Rockwood Music Hall, 196 Allen St.<br />
When: Friday, 3.27.09, 7:00 PM<br />
Cost: $5 Suggested Donation<br />
Who: Sasha Greenawalt on bass, Timur Yusef on drums, Colin McGrath on guitar, vocals, harmonica.<br />
<br />
<br><br><a href="http://www.rockwoodmusichall.com/" target="_blank">Launch Related Site</a>]]></description>
<author>info@colinmcgrath.com</author>
<guid><![CDATA[http://colinmcgrath.com/html/news.php?s=18]]></guid>
<pubDate>Tue, 17 Mar 2009 10:45:13 -0500</pubDate>
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<title>Farmer</title>
<link>http://colinmcgrath.com</link>
<description><![CDATA[<b>04.10.09</b><br>I am a farmer. I plant seeds. I wait for them to sprout and hope that they will grow. What do I do while I wait? I try not to go crazy. Focus on something else, attempt to  improve myself, try not to care too much, contemplate other occupations. Everyday I check on my seeds. I make sure they have everything they need and try not to interfere with their growth. Pray for rain. That is the life of the farmer.  ]]></description>
<author>info@colinmcgrath.com</author>
<guid><![CDATA[http://colinmcgrath.com/html/news.php?s=19]]></guid>
<pubDate>Fri, 10 Apr 2009 22:21:12 -0500</pubDate>
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<title>Kerrville New Folk Competition</title>
<link>http://colinmcgrath.com</link>
<description><![CDATA[<b>04.15.09</b><br>I was chosen as a Kerrville New Folk Competition finalist. This festival has always been a big deal to me and I am really psyched that I am going to be playing in the beautiful Hill Country of Texas in this competition. I actually got my plane ticket before I found out that I got in. Kind of ballsy eh? Guess that’s a testament to the power of positive thinking. The responses from festivals are starting to come in now and it is looking like May is going to be a busy month. Nice.<br><br><a href="http://www.kerrvillefolkfestival.com/newfolk.htm" target="_blank">Launch Related Site</a>]]></description>
<author>info@colinmcgrath.com</author>
<guid><![CDATA[http://colinmcgrath.com/html/news.php?s=20]]></guid>
<pubDate>Wed, 15 Apr 2009 16:41:47 -0500</pubDate>
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<title>May Madness</title>
<link>http://colinmcgrath.com</link>
<description><![CDATA[<b>05.04.09</b><br>Been having some great music making experiences lately. Have been rehearsing with different groups, and really enjoying the way that different songs come alive in new ways depending on who plays them with me. Looking forward to the show at Acoustic Long Island, which I will be playing with Ben Carrol and Justin Hines. The rehearsal the other night was pretty amazing and I hope that does not mean that the gig won't be as good, as is sometimes the case. Playing with those two is like walking on air, so I know I am in good company. <br />
<br />
I'm also collaborating with my friend Jason Harrod on a show we are doing at Caramoor. We are doing an evening of funny, danceable songs for kids and we are digging deep into our reserves of traditional, bluegrass and country songs by people like Doc Watson, Tom T Hall, and Johnny Cash. SOOO much fun. I can't get this song "Sing Song Kittie Kitchie Ki Me Oh" by Doc Watson out of my head. <br />
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May is going to be a big month for me with 3 (count 'em!) festival competitions coming up. I'm doing plenty of practicing on my own, getting myself all Rocky Balboa'd out. I bought a pair of running shoes for the first time in years and I actually went for a run. What a novel experience. <br />
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I have been listening to The American Anthology of Folk Music again lately. That stuff completely amazes me. I see in it so many of the roots of what we songwriters are doing today in it. Other material floating through my brain these days: Jessie Winchester, Robert Frost, Magnus Apollo (which is the very cool nickname of Dewitt Clinton, the guy who came up with the idea to make Manhattan a grid and who also dreamed up the Eerie Canal), Thich Nhat Han, Declan O'Rourke (Irish singer songwriter who I met in Belfast), Malcolm Gladwell's "Blink," Joseph Pulitzer and the way he rallied support for the pedestal for the Statue of Liberty to be built. The Statue of Liberty is kind of amazing me these days actually. When it was first given to New Yorkers and they were told they would have to finance the pedestal they didn't really want it. Thought it was too lofty, too expensive, too French. Imagine that. Just goes to show that attitudes can really change. <br />
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<author>info@colinmcgrath.com</author>
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<pubDate>Mon, 4 May 2009 22:05:21 -0500</pubDate>
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<title>Grand Prize Winner of Wildflower! Singer/Songwriter Contest</title>
<link>http://colinmcgrath.com</link>
<description><![CDATA[<b>05.31.09</b><br>On May 16th, I played a singer/songwriter competition in Richardson, TX and I won the grand prize, a Gallagher GC-70 guitar, hand-made in Wartrace, TN. I am proud beyond words to own this beautiful guitar and I feel honored to have shared the stage with the other winners and finalists. Thanks to the judges and the people at Wildflower like Al Johnson, Donna Hanson and Michael Hatley for putting this great festival  together. I highly recommend it to anyone who likes acoustic music, heavily amplified music, tasty beer, and funnel cake. See the "photos" section to see a photo of the new guitar and it's maker.<br><br><a href="http://www.wildflowerfestival.com/content/SingerSongwriter.html" target="_blank">Launch Related Site</a>]]></description>
<author>info@colinmcgrath.com</author>
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<pubDate>Sun, 31 May 2009 10:55:42 -0500</pubDate>
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<title>Live at Rockwood Music Hall, Monday June 15th, 8PM</title>
<link>http://colinmcgrath.com</link>
<description><![CDATA[<b>06.08.09</b><br>$5 suggested donation. Not sure if it's a full band show or not yet. I am thinking there will be guests.<br><br><a href="http://www.rockwoodmusichall.com" target="_blank">Launch Related Site</a>]]></description>
<author>info@colinmcgrath.com</author>
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<pubDate>Mon, 8 Jun 2009 20:19:07 -0500</pubDate>
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<title>Next Show: Abigail's July 30th '09, 8-10</title>
<link>http://colinmcgrath.com</link>
<description><![CDATA[<b>07.18.09</b><br>807 Classon Avenue Prospect/Crown Heights Brooklyn, New York<br />
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Fine dining, fine atmosphere, no cover, and... me! What more could you ask for?<br><br><a href="http://abigailbrooklyn.com/" target="_blank">Launch Related Site</a>]]></description>
<author>info@colinmcgrath.com</author>
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<pubDate>Sat, 18 Jul 2009 14:39:17 -0500</pubDate>
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<title>Next Show:Rockwood Music Hall, Thursday Sept. 3rd, 8:00</title>
<link>http://colinmcgrath.com</link>
<description><![CDATA[<b>08.28.09</b><br>Good venue, good slot!<br><br><a href="http://www.rockwoodmusichall.com" target="_blank">Launch Related Site</a>]]></description>
<author>info@colinmcgrath.com</author>
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<pubDate>Fri, 28 Aug 2009 11:53:52 -0500</pubDate>
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<title>Come to The Living Room on Dec. 17th, 9:00</title>
<link>http://colinmcgrath.com</link>
<description><![CDATA[<b>10.09.09</b><br>Full band show, all stops pulled? Check.<br><br><a href="http://livingroomny.com" target="_blank">Launch Related Site</a>]]></description>
<author>info@colinmcgrath.com</author>
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<pubDate>Fri, 6 Nov 2009 12:33:51 -0500</pubDate>
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<title>New Bootleg Rehearsal mp3's Posted in &quot;Listen&quot; Section</title>
<link>http://colinmcgrath.com</link>
<description><![CDATA[<b>11.06.09</b><br>Going over the rehearsal mp3's from the last couple of weeks I am starting to see the songs emerge from the sea, grow legs and dance around on the beach with seaweed hanging from their noses. Very entertaining. I can't keep it to myself so I'm gonna let you in on the fun. Check them out in the "Listen," section.]]></description>
<author>info@colinmcgrath.com</author>
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<pubDate>Fri, 6 Nov 2009 13:42:21 -0500</pubDate>
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<title>Home again</title>
<link>http://colinmcgrath.com</link>
<description><![CDATA[<b>03.18.10</b><br>Back from Memphis, Ireland, England. Brought the sunshine with me. Back to the construction in the apartment above me, zooming around town for recording, rehearsing, teaching, dropping off, picking up, here and there everywhere. Tomorrow I start the most intensive period of recording for the new album. Very excited and maybe a little daunted. The music has been running around my head for so long and now it is going to enter the world of form. My doubts have been putting up a formidable fight lately as I struggle to remind myself that this is probably the only life that I will ever know. <br />
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Many thanks to Todd Chalfant for his great photos, which you can view in the gallery. I like saying that, "in the gallery." Maybe we can have a glass of wine as we stroll through the gallery. Later we'll go out to the garden and take a stroll on the veranda. Wouldn't that be nice?<br />
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Things I am enjoying lately: <br />
Declan O'Rourke's album "Since Kyabram," especially the songs "Sarah," and "Marrying the Sea."<br />
"The Layers," a poem by Stanley Kunitz <br />
"New Dog," a poem by Mark Doty<br />
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That's all for now. Hope you are enjoying the spring and don't forget to come out and see me and Jason and Reid at The Living Room Wednesday the 24th at 9:00. Bye now.<br />
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<author>info@colinmcgrath.com</author>
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<pubDate>Thu, 18 Mar 2010 12:04:15 -0500</pubDate>
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<title>Raise Sweet 'Taters as Long as Yer Arm</title>
<link>http://colinmcgrath.com</link>
<description><![CDATA[<b>07.01.10</b><br>Me and the fam packed all our stuff into storage last week and headed for the hills. Spending the summer in Patterson New York, where the deer and the antelope play (well, not quite antelope, but definitely chipmunks). I set up a small pro-tools studio in the downstairs bedroom where i am recording and writing. It's kind of perfect. I could get really used to this. <br />
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I've got a big show coming up on July 17th at  Webster Hall with Aaron Thurston, Ian Riggs and maybe Will Berlind. That may be the biggest place I've played yet. Can't wait! Please come.<br />
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<author>info@colinmcgrath.com</author>
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<pubDate>Thu, 1 Jul 2010 17:50:14 -0500</pubDate>
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<title>August Update</title>
<link>http://colinmcgrath.com</link>
<description><![CDATA[<b>08.23.10</b><br>My family and I have moved to a sublet in Kensington, Brooklyn after spending the summer in Patterson, NY. I packed up and moved my studio and have been working on my album and writing some pretty zany  songs for a kid's DVD series called Super Sprowtz, co-founded by a friend of mine named Jessie Jenkins. The show teaches kids about nutrition through vegetable super heros. I wrote the bad guy song, which seemed to come naturally to me. There will be a video made of one of my songs soon and I will try to post it (if doesn't break some copyright commandment).<br />
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I am working up to a world's record for the amount of time it can take to record an album. It feels like some kind of sand mandala at this point, maybe when it's done I'll just throw it into the sea. Patience. I really like it and am excited to show it to the world. I think I'll hold onto it for a little while before throwing it into the sea.<br />
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I love my new digs. Kensington is like something out of a different decade, a different part of the world. Cats walk around on the streets, sometimes making their way past the deck behind my house where tomatoes and mint and a begonia are growing. I am subletting the place fully furnished, and the owners left many of their possessions behind. I can read their books, listen to their CDs, eat their tomatoes. I can pretend to be someone else. So amazing to be surrounded by other peoples' stuff in the place where I am living. I suppose it helps that it's cool stuff. I feel this great elasticity of options, not owning, not renting exactly- subletting. We have everything we need and it feels really simple and unbound in this kind of beautiful way.   <br />
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Come on out to The Living Room on Friday night, August 27rd at 9:00. Enjoy the last taste of summer. ]]></description>
<author>info@colinmcgrath.com</author>
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<pubDate>Mon, 23 Aug 2010 15:13:56 -0500</pubDate>
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