Feet Prints

December 11th, 2009

Where to begin? I feel I need to update all of you on my recent troubles to get some stuff off of my chest. First, I am recovering nicely from a recent broken hand. It made us have to cancell a few gigs but luckily I am making a seemingly full recovery and my bass playing seems not to be affected.

Fresh on the heels of this recovery, for the last few days I have been suffering from an infection in my mouth caused by my two bad front teeth. Most of you know that I have a few broken down teeth up front from years of having no dental plan and no money to keep up on my dental health.
It has caused me a great deal of pain and frustration of late but I am happy to say that I am taking antibiotics right now to reduce the swelling and pain.

In January I will be having the two teeth in question extracted and then I will be following through with a new dental regimen, thanks to the Hudson River Community Health service in Amenia NY. They are a wonderful organisation who help people of moderate income to meet their health and dental needs.
Thanks to my new dentist, Sarah Dunn, I will be on a path to better dental health. Thanks for listening and brush your teeth 3 times a day and always remember to floss often. Oh, and thanks to Rachel for helping to see me through all of my recent pain.

Feet


May 17th, 2009

Another long pause in writing. Been busy with wedding plans. Rachel and I are going to Cape Cod to get married on June 7th and then we will be having our reception locally in September. I've just also changed a few things on the website to update it a little. You can expect some revamping soon.

Feet


February 4th, 2009

Wow it's been a while since I last wrote here. It seems I'm always starting my posts lately with that opening line. Anyway, We're recording, so that's cool and we are really looking forward to finally having a studio release. We are working with Tony "Pops" DeMarco who is a long time friend and partner in crime of mine. We play together once in a while (he's a drummer) and he used to be Indian Summer's sound engineer back in the mid to late '90's. Pop's finished his new studio, Cellar Sound and Recording recently, located in Fishkill NY. 24 track analog to digital with Pro Tools. Great little work space.

I've also been nursing a cracked cartilage in my rib cage these last two weeks which hurts like hell but I'm starting to feel a little better. Another wonderful side effect of having to still work for a living<G>.

It still hits really close to home but I just need to say that I will really miss Michael Kemp. He was a friend and fellow musician who left us way too early. I will always remember his humor and talent and how my brother Bob always called us the number 10 when we stood next to each other.

All for now...


August 7th, 2008

Sorry for not writing in a while but times have been busy and strange and wonderful and busy(did I say busy?)
Our newest addition to the band, Matt Donahue is working out great. All my love still goes out to Tuck and I will miss Tuck Talk here at whatitis.biz. We'll see if Matt Rap has what it takes. Lots of new stuff coming soon so I will try to stay on the Feet Prints to let ya'll know.
Soon.
Feet


January 14th, 2008

First posting of the new year. I hope everyone had a good and safe holiday. Our gig at The Gilded Otter was fun and we played some fine music. We've been seeing some old friends show up at some of our gigs and it's good to feel the old vibe again. I hope this trend keeps up. This past Friday was real fun at Keegan Ales again. We got the "Pick of the Week" spot in the Kingston Daily Freeman and it helped to bring in a nice crowd that danced all night for both sets. The next night found yours truly at Joes Irish Pub again in Beacon with St. George and Friends.
I played for six hours straight on bass because no on else showed up to sit in and we never take set breaks. Needless to say I am still recovering. I am home today watching the snow fall and preparing to dig myself out.
Gettin' used to East Coast again. Peace for now.
Feet


December 5th, 2007

I've been home sick from work for the last couple of days and I thought I would finally write something here. New York has been treating me well and life here on the East Coast feels right. I do miss the West Coast from time to time, mostly the people. We've been gigging a little more as time goes on and it looks as though we made a good decision. The music seems to have taken on a different twist back east and it's due to the energy levels that you see change from coast to coast. We'll be ripping it up in New Paltz this weekend and back there for New Years as well. We've also got a Nectars gig coming up in VT soon which is big news for any Jam Band.

I look forward to another rehearsal this weekend to learn some new material and prepare for the coming months.
I've also been doing some gigs here and there with some old friends when time allows. St George and Friends is a great cover group that also hosts an open mic, second Saturday of every month in Beacon NY at Joes Irish Pub on Main St. and I've been acting as house Bassist for these events. I also just did a reunion gig with some of the members of my old band Indian Summer in Poughkeepsie and it was a real hoot. Anyway, that's what I've been up to.
I hope everyone out there reading this has a great holiday season and remains safe in the new year.
Feet


November 3rd, 2007

Keegan Ales tonight. Yes. Should be good. I feel pretty good. Cold though. No heat. New furnace in two weeks or so. Yes. Love and music keep me warm. Later.
Feet


October 27th, 2007

Happy Halloween everybody from spoooooky Millerton, NY.
I hope all is well with the folks out west and all my buddies here on the east coast. We've been busy again and it's lookin' good for the future here. Keegan Ales next Saturday and I'm at Joe's Irish Pub with my buddies in St. George and Friends for an acoustic show tomorrow, October 28th in Beacon NY. 3pm start time. I'll write back here soon,
Feet


August 4th, 2007

It's one month since my last writing here and a lot has occured in my life. I am now in New York with Rachel and it's so good to be home. The guys are also getting settled here on the east coast and we should be gigging soon enough. A few bookings are trickling in so I am hopeful. I will be working in the trades for a while to get financially real and trying to fit in some much needed writing time. The tour and move has inspired me and I am feeling more creative than I have in quite some time. I will be looking into some recording space to start work on a much needed studio album and I will post news items on whatitis.biz to announe our progress. I hope all of my west coast friends are doing well. I will miss all of you and my love goes out.
Thanks for listening.
Feet


July 4th, 2007

Independence day. I feel that we should be celebrating our individual independence, not the memory of conquest. Patriotism should feel more peaceful, not represented by the obligatory "Bombs bursting in air." I love my country and I would defend it. I don't think we are defending anything by fighting a war half a world away for economic reasons. Just my two cents.

We'll be on the road for NY in two days time and hitting many great venues in many great cities along the way. I'll keep a sense of peaceful pride for this great land as I cross it and I will remember the cost of freedom. I just wont support the current ideal.
Hostility,
Feet


June 30th, 2007

Tonight is the big farewell show at Henfling's and I'm going to have mixed emotions. I will no doubt miss the hell out of many people here on the west coast but I am also totally ready to move back home. It's been way too long since I've seen Rachel and it's been killing me. I try to keep my chin up but I'm done faking it. It has been the hardest thing I've ever had to do and it's finally coming to an end. I will return, I am sure, to the west and play again. But New York is my home and there I will live from now on. Many thanks to the west for keeping me safe. See ya tonight at 'fling's.
Feetarup


May 21st, 2007

These preparations for a cross country tour and move back east are murder. I would love more time to do all of this but it is what it is. I appreciate how hard Pieter and Tuck are also working toward this end, and I appreciate all of our recent fan support at our shows and beyond.
I will miss all of the great west coast folks who have been an important part of this chapter of my life and I hope I get a chance to at least tell each of you how I feel. And Rachel, I'm still coming home. Hold on to that for me please. I need you more than anything.

Off to work.
michael


April 2nd, 2007


Been working with a contractor by the name of Karl Zeise. A very nice guy to work with. Tuck has worked alongside Karl as well. It's helping with the preparations for moving back east. I'm happy to say that we are getting ready for a major switcharoo. Start rockin' on the home front again. It's going to feel nice being around the old neighborhood again. We're planning some great double bills already and hopefully something steady like a weekly gig close to home.

In other Feet news, my buddy Paul Lucas' father, Don Lucas, passed away suddenly last night. Heart failure.
He will be missed.
I have a toast...


February 14th, 2007

It's Valentine's Day and my sweetheart is 3000 miles away.
I guess I'll wish you all a Happy Valentine's and hope that next year Rachel and I will spend ours together for a change. We are going to be up in Tahoe again this weekend and the weather reports look good so I hope to see some familiar faces on Friday. Saturday is also my Rachel's birthday and I hope she has a nice day and that we get to talk that night for a bit when we get back from the show. I'm looking forward to February 22nd when we share the stage with Open Space Project and Skeleton Cruz at Don Quixote's. Izabella is at Henfling's that night, so you will see me there as well when my set ends.
See ya in the mountains
Feet

February 3rd, 2007

Had a great show at Henfling's Thursday night. I felt like I played very inspired. No recording. Oh well. We were really tight for not having played for a while. Tuck and Pieter were both soaring. Anyway, we're goin' to Tea Leaf Green tonight and see what they're like live, hand out a few CDs and enjoy the show. See ya this coming weekend at Ireland's in 'frisco.
Feet


January 2nd, 2007

Well, it's 2007 and I'm in New York with Rachel. It's been a wonderful holiday break for me and it just reminds me that this is really my home. I love the west coast for many reasons but I am and always will be a New Yorker at heart. Now, I'm not saying that I'm one of those "citiots". I am a New York country boy, at home in the upstate regions of the Hudson River Valley where I was raised as a kid. My family and oldest friends still reside in these parts for the most part, with the exception of a few who are scattered throughout this fine country, or have passed on to greener pastures.

This holiday found me reminiscing on the latter, and missing a few dearly departed comrades. I finally got a chance to visit the grave site of my best friend growing up, Bertrand Amblose Trouillier, for the first time since his passing. Back in '89 he was killed in a motorcycle accident and left behind a friend who has always appreciated his influence. He was the first person I knew who ever took apart a computer to see how it worked, and we both learned how to play guitar together, sharing our knowledge and discovery as we went. I don't want any of this to be misinterpreted as depressing, I just felt like giving props to a truly unique individual who was taken from us way too early. I still miss you Bert, to this day.

I'll be back in California in a few days, feeling lighter of spirit and looking forward to playing with the boys again. See you all in San Francisco in February.

As always, thank you Rachel for this life anew.
Chow
Feet


December 11th, 2006

Just got finished with two days of intensive listening and mixing to get new music on the site. All the songs on the music page are a result of that diligence. We just got the High Sierra Music Fest submission in and now we wait until March for our answer. We are also submitting to many other festivals for this coming summer. We are not sure where we will be touring and whatnot until then so I'll try to post often here to keep you up on things. Until then, sayonara,
Feet


December 5th, 2006

Looking forward to playing in SF tonight with Ray on percussion at Ireland's 32. I've been having a rough last few months and I apologize for not being as diligent with my posts here. I'll feel much better after a few shows this week and then on the 19th I'm off to New York to be home with Rachel for the holidays. If that don't get my head on straight, I don't know what will.
Talk soon,
Feet


December 2nd, 2006

It's after midnight and I'm a little drunk for the first time in quite a while. I've been drying up recently, having noticed that as I get older, I'm losing the ability to party like I'm 25. Tonight I felt like having a few and I got loaded quick. When you stop for a while, it don't take much to get lit. Anyway, I'm just being honest. Later.
Feet


November 18th, 2006

Still confused. Playing SLO tonight. Frog.


November 3rd, 2006

Confused. Trying to keep it together. Alone most of the time. One day things are fine, the next, who knows?
Not sure where to turn. Confused.


October 12th, 2006

"is" meets Larry Hosford. All three of us sat in with Larry's band at the Britannia Arms in Aptos, CA tonight.
We played a "Clover" with myself on Larry's hollowbody guitar, Tuck on Drums and Pieter playing tambourine while Larry's Bass and Lead Guitar players filled in the spaces. Then we did an "If You're Havin' Trouble" and they kept dancin'. Thursdays at the Brit with the Larry Hosford Band. We'll be in every chance we get.
Feet



October 11th, 2006

Been so busy these days, with work and all, that I've forgotten to write something here in quite a while. We're working on some new stuff to blow minds and it's refreshing to have some new inspiration. I've been thinking a lot about the future these days and it's starting to look like there's a silver lining to all of this hard work. It's been a slow but rewarding last few years, and so many changes have occurred in my life that I spend most of my time with my head spinning. I'd like to officially thank Tuck and Pieter for sticking it out with all of this for the last, almost three years. I hope to keep this up for the duration. I'm also very happy in my overall perception of what we're all doing here. All of us. We are discovering, day to day, and experiencing this world around us in all of it's myriad and diverse colors and maybe we aren't supposed to know the true purpose of our existence...

...at least not yet.


September 10th, 2006

Been at the "Rental" for 10 days now and I'm sick as hell. I've had this terrible cough and now I'm also getting cold sweats and a fever. It aint been easy these days I tells ya. Anyhow, I'm going to get better; I always do. Rachel, it is not going to be like this forever. I swear that it is going to get easier. We will have our time and our lives together. It just doesn't seem fast enough right now and I know that once we are together the time will fly like Superman. I am still very much in awe of all of this RAT. I'll talk to the rest of you "isers" later.
Good quote of the month, Tuck.
Feet

August 31th, 2006

Just one day until I am officially moved into the new place (which I am dubbing "The Rental"), and looking forward to a few things as a result. First off, my own shower, kitchen and laundry. The "Office" I've been at hasn't had all of these modern luxuries and it'll be nice to not have to shower outdoors at Tuck's cabin or go to the tea house which I like but it gets expensive. Also, I think Pieter and I will get a lot of new songs written.We've got a few on the way already and I haven't even fully moved in yet. For the last year it's been difficult to write in my living situation because it's small and there isn't a lot of privacy. Now, I will be able to pick up my acoustic guitar anytime I need to and work on ideas as they come to me. No more livin' in the city for this country boy. Peace and quiet, stars overhead and clean air to breathe. See ya'll soon.
Feeticus

August 23rd, 2006

Been traveling a lot this summer and I miss Rachel already. I got to spend a few weeks back east but it's never enough. This weekend we're in Sparks, Nevada which is real close to Tahoe so it's not that far to travel. Things should calm down a bit for September and we'll be working on some new stuff. I'll be moving in with Pieter out in Corralitos and my brother Bob will be moving into my office downtown. I'll be able to get some new writing done and have a little bigger place to kick it. On Friday night, Pieter and I will be having a little writing session while Tuck takes a much needed break to spend a little time with Nancy. Rockin' takes it's toll and we have to break once in a while to remember that we are human and we need solace. Anyway, enough babble. I've got to go out and try to make some money.
See ya'll at the next one.
Feet

August 17th, 2006

I have a toast. Let it be heard. To my fiancee Rachel's Father, Richard A. "Lightning" Thompson who just passed away yesterday after a long fight with Parkinson's Disease. Carlos Santana said that when we live we dream and when we pass we are finally, truly awake. All my love to you Ray.
michael

August 16th, 2006

We've had a busy summer. These are the turning point days. I feel like this is the time where this music lifestyle will either make us or break us. Travelling is not easy on the soul or the wallet. The good thing is that we all get along so well and always seem to make the best of the tough times. I couldn't hope for a better band situation than this. In the coming months we'll be travelling a little less, I'll be moving out to Corralitos with Pieter and we'll be able to work together on a lot of business for the band and some new song ideas that we haven't had time to see come to fruition. Tuck will be with us a lot at the Corralitos location although we'll still be having band rehearsals at the Orchard School Gym in Aptos. I think times are tough all over for a lot of us but we haven't fallen off the universe yet. Remember that love and friendship go a long way and if you need a helping hand, sometimes all you have to do is ask for it. To blazes with pride. Also, if you're doing well in your own life, don't forget to lend someone a helping hand. It's the least you could do for the cause.
Thanks for listening.
Feet


July 20th, 2006

Feelin' fine in Boulder. So far the tour is going OK. It's not easy playing all of these new venues. I thought CA was hard to pull a crowd but this is ridiculous. Mystic Hot Springs was a treat and we'll have DVDs available of that show as soon as we can get back and working in the office. Off to Denver in a little while for our Quixote's gig tonight. See ya'll soon. I'll be in NY for a spell after this tour and then on to MT. Shasta for a fest.
Seven Rachel.
Feet


July 5th, 2006

Got back Sunday night from our LA tour and it was a real blast. We never make any money on these little trips but the payoff was some great music and getting to see some of our friends and fans. Thanks to John, Lisa and Brett of Grampa's Grass for teaming up with us at the Marlin. We had fun and you guys sounded so good as an acoustic trio. Also, John and Lisa, congratulations again on the news and best of luck with the family. Thanks also to The Hot Buttered Bread boys for the show at the Blackwatch. I like the CD so far, Spiro. Now I've got to get ready for Colorado, and then New York for my Reunion show with Bare Feet. 22 Ray. Love ya.


June 28th, 2006

Got a lot of planning to do for this summer touring schedule. We are playing all over the place. I haven't been to Colorado since 1999 and I'm looking forward to the trip. This weekend we'll be in LA and such and playing with Grampa's and Hot Buttered Bread. It'll be good to see some of our LA friends again. After Colorado I'll be flying back east again to be home with Rachel for a while and play another show on the Delaware River with my old band Bare Feet. Check out www.geocities.com/barefeetjamband
for the info and stuff. We just started an online store there as well and there are a lot of cool products available. Gotta go now, Rachel's on the phone.
See ya in LA.
Feet


June 13th, 2006

My trip back east was spectacular and I feel truly lucky to be alive. Thank you LadyRay. 44. I've been back to work at the glass stuff and back to the grind of band business and the such. It goes so much smoother after I take these trips to be with Rachel. The guys and I played the Moonlight Mountaintop Benefit in Carmel Valley on Saturday, the morning after I flew in from NY and my flight was delayed so Pieter had to wait an extra hour in the airport bar for me. I guess it could've been worse right? Last night, Jimbo and I played a set at the E3 together and Jimbo sounded great on harmonica playing one of my older songs, "The Prize". It was sweet, I tells ya.
We also did "Belong", "Makin" Change" and "Movin" On".
Good stuff but no recording. I do have a recording of our set from a few weeks ago and It came out great courtesy of Kevin from Stash Brownstone. Thanks Kevin. I'll be seeing you guys at the Ugly Mug on Thursday with Pete Cardilla. Gotta go, got a call to make and Tuck and Pieter are comin' over to the office for some hang out business tonight.
Peace
Feet


May 27th, 2006

5 days until I am back in the sweet comfort of Rachel. I miss that more than anything.

I had a great talk about the future of is with the guys tonight. It's feeling and looking good for the music to come.

I also caught a set of songs from Stash Brownstone at the Blue Lagoon of all places tonight. I am a fan. I've been doing open mic sets with these guys for the last few weeks and I'm convinced that Stash is going to erupt.
You heard it here, so don't call me crazy.


I've been lifting way too much heavy glass this week to be taken seriously.

Feetistired


May 22nd, 2006

I just rolled in from the Vets Hall in Santa Cruz and I'm still all fired up from the show. It was a real treat to play tonight with Matt Hartle again. We got into some really far out stuff in "Jigsaw" and "Johnny, Ease Your Mind". At one point we were just playing space off of each other and really feeling the sound. It's nice to play with a really inspiring guitarist from time to time.
I can't wait to hear these recordings. The "Necessity" at the end of the night was also a true moment of bliss with an aggressive touch. I'm glad it all went down with a good crowd and a peaceful all around happening. See ya'll tomorrow at the E3 Playhouse where I hope to get a set of acoustic songs sometime after 8:00pm. Front St. Santa Cruz. Good night all and thanks.
Feet


May 10th, 2006

Been working hard these days to get back to NY to see the only person who I could actually spend all of my time with but I hardly ever get to see. It's entirely my own fault since I've chosen to be a musician and along with that choice there have been a lot of missed opportunities, pain and long, lonely nights. I keep hoping that it will get easier as time goes on but it never seems to. I made mistakes in the past that I don't seem to be recovering from no matter how hard I try. If you are choosing music as a lifestyle, take this bit of advice from a fool; never forget the human issue. There may be good times to be had onstage and on the road but nothing compares to real love and commitment. Never let your music get in the way of that one special connection because if that connection is made, your music will be made all the more real and honest; without it, you'll just be singing into your beer.
21 days Rachel.
I hope I'm not too late.
Feet


April 26th, 2006

Hell of a weekend in SF, Oakland and Caspar. A fine time hanging and sharing the stage with those Grampas Grass folks. They play some fine stuff they do. Best of luck to Lisa and the whole dental hygiene thing. Gotta go. My tooth hurts.
Feet

April 17th, 2006

I just got back from the E3 open mic and I played a set of stuff that went over well. I did some of my stuff as well as a Tom Waits song and a Paul Simon number. I was drunk as hell when I did my set but I'm not ashamed. I feel that I really made sense of what I was saying musically and that it was understood by the audience.
The song writers that are featured on these Mondays are something to see. I urge you to come on down to check it out if you've got the time. Mondays at 6pm at the E3 Playhouse(Front St, Santa Cruz). I love to play music. I hope you love to hear.
See you this weekend with Grampas Grass in SF, Oakland and Caspar.
is is.
Feet

April 10th, 2006

It's still raining a lot these days and although this weather puts a damper on some of our more commercial interests, the good earth has needed this rain for sometime now and it is a blessing. It's going to be a good summer and I can be patient.
I went down to the E3 Playhouse(on Front Street in Santa Cruz) this past monday and saw my good friend and co-conspiritor Pete Cardilla do some of his songs at the open mic. It was a real treat to see Pete doing his thing on a nice stage through a quality system. I was inspired by not just Pete but a multitude of great local songwriters who seem to be coming out of the woodwork. I think I will go again this monday and showcase some of my own less jamband style compositions.
It should prove to be a refreshing change of pace.
I'll also be doing an acoustic set of songs at the Vets hall on Sunday, May 14th. The showcase starts at 9pm and goes 'till midnight.
Tonight I may be up at JJ's in San Jose for the GLRBR.
Whatever the style, I'll always try to see as much live music as I can and I hope to see you out there as well.

Have a great weekend.
Feet

March 23rd, 2006

Cookin' some late night pizza at the office and unwinding after a good week back to work and a good rehearsal with the band this evening. Espliffany and Let Me Know are sounding good and we've got a few new arrangement surprises for this weekend and beyond. Tuck, Pieter and I were really gellin' like felons eatin' melons with Magellan tonight. Mmmm, melon.
It's 11pm now and this is when I miss you the most Rachel. When I just want to unwind and feel you in my arms and look into your eyes. I hope you are deep in slumber and dreaming sweetly right now.
See y'all in Ukiah tomorrow night.
My pizza's ready.
Sweet dreams.
Feet

March 22nd, 2006

Feet has not been enjoying the rainy season since it means less work for my day job as a glazier. The upside is that we've needed this rain around here and it's a blessing. So I will look at the positive side of things.
Gearing up for a trip to Ukiah for our second job at the Ukiah Brewery. Hope we have some jamband folk at this one to get crazy with us. Then to Calistoga for some wine country rockin'. Off to Moe's to see Rainmaker with OBJ (Our Buddy Jimbo). Meetin' Bob'O and Cosmo there.
Late
Feet

March 6th, 2006

Howdy ho, it's been a while since my last post. Not too much new stuff on my brain. I've been working on a lot of new music to go with some lyrics I've had and soon should have some new songs to add to the list. We've been busy with gigs and traveling lately. I'm starting to mix down some new stuff so I should be posting some new music here on the site when I'm done. We're on a little break now and I wish I could afford to go see Rachel for a spell. Anyone want to donate to the Feet travel fund? Kidding, I'll work something out. Later all. Go see any music.
Feeticus



February 8th, 2006

Sometimes I think that music flows from within. Other times, I feel like I have no control over what I play or write. It's like the songs already exist and it's just up to me to try to pull them down from the air to a place where we can all hear. Flow is funny that way. I've been just sitting here looking for inspirado and I felt like sharing some thoughts with you all to maybe kick start a feeling. I'll go now and keep trying to find those moments to share. Keep listening and I'll keep playing.
Bye.
Foot



January 29th, 2006

Just got back from Tahoe. Another great weekend up in snow country. We played great shows at Divided Sky and the Past Times Club to very receptive audiences. Our Mammoth trip on my birthday weekend was also a real hoot.
Many thanks to Ron and Jill at Sherwin's and Tana as well for the great grub. Also, thanks to Brian at Sky and Smiley Dan for the help with accomodations at the Sunset in Truckee. Looking forward to a lot of upcoming shows locally and up in San Francisco. It's shaping up to be good year so far. Hope to be home soon Rachel. I love and miss you. See ya at Apple Jack's on Friday and The Vets Hall on Sunday.
Feetarup



January 17th, 2006

Wow, it's been a crazy holiday season and I've had such a blast. Our N.Y. trip was really wild. Thanks to all on the East Coast for supporting and sharing in such a great adventure. Our families were all very much a part of the mayhem and it was a real treat. Thanks to the staff at Cab's and Pops and Darin for working the sound. Thanks to Pieter's family especially for merch, as well as Solomon and Amber, Jason and Leah(sp), and Melissa. And thank you Rachel. For everything.

Off to Mammoth for my b-day.
Later.

Feet






December 18th, 2005

Well, I get on yet another flight tomorrow for the Big Apple, with New Years Eve right around the corner. I'm counting my blessings this holiday season since I've got a lot to be thankful for. I'm keeping many friends in my mind this season and hoping the new year brings easier times to many loved ones. Rachel, I'm grateful for you and Tuck and Pieter, I hope this next year is as fun and meaningful as the last. Thanks a million guys. I'll see you all either in New Paltz on the 30th and 31st or else on the road in the stellar future ahead.
Happy Holidays everyone.
St.Feet



December 7th, 2005

Greetings mortals! I have just returned from yet another of my interstellar journeys into the unknown. Seriously, I got back from New York last night after a few much needed days with my lady Ray and some advertising for our New Years Eve celebration in 'da Paltz, and I'm really getting pumped for these shows. While I was in town, Rachel and I went over to Great Barrington, Mass. and caught a show at the Club Helsinki. Performing first was an N.Y.C. duo called the Two Man Gentleman Band. These guys were really talented, bass and banjo with kazoos, and they were funny as hell. I urge you to check them out if you're in the area. The headliners were local favorites The Hunger Mountain Boys, and they are two great multi-instrumentalist bluegrass players. Some standards and originals, a packed house and a really great two set show all around.
Well, gotta go, see ya up in Willits and Woodside this weekend.
Feetandbackagain


November Something or Other, 200?

Just want to wish Tuck a get well. Oh yeah, we're playin' in Tahoe again this weekend, so get your asses in your cars and come to Tahoe to see us rock most uniqueley.
MAFRAT
Feetatlarge


November 14th, 2005

Hey now, monday morning in America. We had a great time playing up in wine country this weekend. Friday the 11th found us at Jasper O'Farrells in Sebastopol and I would like to thank our new friend Patrick for bringing in the good vibes and singlehandedly saving the day. After he came in, the whole feel of the room changed. We played three rockin' sets and will be posting some of the music on the site as soon as possible. Saturday the 12th, we played at the Hydro Bar in Calistoga and it was a cool place but there was no room to set up our gear, and the show was over pretty early. I guess everyone did a little too much wine tasting that day.
See ya soon. Tahoe on Friday and Saturday.
17 RAT
Feetaluau



November 1st, 2005

Feet here again on another installment of Feet Prints. I am here tonight writing on a serious note or two. First off, as some of you may know, I am engaged to a beautiful and supportive woman in New York, Rachel Thompson by name and she means the world to me. We are going through a tough one right now, as her dog, Sadie, who has been her best friend forever, is not doing well. Her age is catching up to her and I feel that the effect this is going to have on Rachel may be just a little too much for her to have to deal with right now. All I ask is that anyone out there who knows what it's like to really love a devoted pet as a family member, just send some good vibes and prayers her way. Just a positive thought and a silent support could have a deep effect. Positive energy speaks for itself.

Her e-mail is rachela70@yahoo.com



My next request is a little more direct. My close friend and musical compatriot, Rob McAlpine, has been seeing his baby girl through some incredibly difficult treatments for Histiocytosis. Her battle has been going for some time and she is showing some positive signs of recovery, but the battle is not over.

https://www.active.com/donate/fixhistio/lindsaykate


Please help me raise money for Histiocytosis Association of America.
Copy and paste the above URL to your search bar to donate. The website is secure, fast and easy to
use. At the website you will be able to choose an amount to donate and receive email confirmation of your donation. No amount is too small. This would really mean a lot to me.

Thanks in advance for your help.
Michael A. Friest
Otherwise known as Feet





October 30th, 2005

Did everyone remember to set their clocks back? Howdy folks, day before Halloween, I'm up early as hell due to daylight savings and figured I'd write a little. Today, Pieter, Tuck and I are going to the free show at San Lorenzo park in S.C., with Melvin Seals and the JGB, with our buddy Dave Stein and the DSB opening up. Noon to 5pm. It should be a blast. It's pretty early right now and the sun is already shinin', so it looks like it'll be a great day.

This past friday found is playing at Apple Jacks in LaHonda again to a nice dancin' crowd of folks. I wanted to thank Jason Ruggles and Bill Ward for sittin' in and helping us rock the house. We'll get that B.o.B. stuff happenin' soon, Bill.<g> Tuck's family was also at the show and they seem to have had a really good time. Thanks to all of our families and friends for supporting us in our endeavors and letting us pursue our musical dreams.

32 RAT.
Feet



October 20th, 2005

Goin' to the Catalyst again tonight. Gov't Mule and Moe. are playing a double bill and Pieter, Tuck and I are going to boogie down. Saturday finds us all in SanFrancisco playing the Brainwash Cafe and Laundromat with our friends the Knotworking Bluegrass Revolution. This is sort of an offshoot of a N.Y. based group founded by my old friend Ed Gorch. He performs as a solo singer/songwriter and once in a while has a band to back him and these guys are the band he sometimes works with.
On the East Coast they would be just "Knotworking".
Back in the day, myself, our old guitarist Jimbo, and Ed would play with a huge jam band called JuiceBox and rock the Poughkeepsie college scene. Once in a while we would play in N.Y.C. and bug out all the city folk.
You can check out Ed's stuff at knotworking.com
later
Feet



October 19th, 2005

Had a great weekend. Rachel came to California to be with me. 4 days of bliss. We had a little jam at the Orchard School on Sat. night with Justin Goger Malo, Jason Ruggles and Ari sittin' in and we played loud and proud. Smokin' jams from all involved. Now I'm alone again at the office and wishin' I could either be with my girl or playin' a gig. Oh well, what the hell. I geuss I'll get back to work. I promise I'll post some of these new jams just as soon as I get a chance. Life has been kind of hectic for me lateley. Oh, by the way, there are some old classic Feet moments on geocities.com/barefeetjamband
another installment of my past as a jamband kind of guy.
Later for now.

Foot



October 6th, 2005

Morning all, just gettin' ready to go to work and thought I'd write a bit. Playing at JJ's Blues in San Jose tonight, Thurs. Oct. 6th with Ray Hauck sittin' in on percussion, (from The Good Life Rhythm and Blues). We have an opening act but I'm not sure who they are. We will go on about 9pm or so. Saturday Oct. 8th we are at The Poet and Patriot in Santa Cruz for the first time. I don't think I've ever seen an electric band there so it should be interesting. I hope to see some of ya'll there.
Be good to each other and we will get by. Love to all.
One week RAT.
WebFeet



October 2nd, 2005

Just got back from a little jaunt up north with the boys.
Thursday we played at Humboldt Brews and rocked the house with 2 sets of some of the most experimental stuff to date. We had Friday off and camped at a KOA outside of Eureka. Rained on us all night but we had a blast nonetheless. Saturday found us at Jelly's on Pier 50 in San Francisco, splittin' the night with The Matt Hartle Band. We both played groovin' sets to a very receptive audience and will be doing more shows there in the future. Killer venue, big stage, great sound and lots of room to boogie. We'll let you know here on the site of any upcoming dates. Tonight we're at the Attic here in Santa Cruz, again with Matt Hartle for a party. I think it's private though, so I guess we'll see ya'll at JJ's Blues this coming Thursday in San Jose.
11 days RAT.
Feet



September 25th, 2005

Cool show at the Greek last night. The tribute was moving and the crowd was really friendly. It felt like the old days. Bruce Hornsby and Warren Haynes together, Trey and Warren and Bobby, with Billy and Mickey on drums, Melvin and the JGB, Donna Jean, David Nelson, most of String Cheese, and more. The band lineup changed frequently and everyone flowed well with the vibe, playing over six hours of music. We were wishing that this could happen on a weekly basis. I hope recordings will be made available. If anyone finds out or gets them, let me know.
Feet



September 24th, 2005

First off, I've got big news. I went and got engaged in New York this past month. We haven't set an official wedding date as of yet but we're shooting for early summer '06. Rachel Thompson is her name and I couldn't be happier. We have known each other practically all our lives and now is the time to set things right. That ol' Sycamore must've known all along. I'll keep ya'll posted on the date.

Tuck and I have been having a great musical week. We went and saw Dickey Betts and Great Southern at the Independent in S.F. on Thursday night and I gotta tell ya, Dickey still rocks with some serious high energy. It was like a late 70's Allmans show, all the best songs you'd ever want to hear and they have a great system at the Independent so it sounded pristine. Dickey's band is young and on fire, ripping through the tunes with intensity and sensitivity. A must for Allman's fans.

Tonight we are attending the "Comes A Time Musical Tribute to Jerry Garcia" at The Greek in Berzerkeley.
So many great performers it would be silly to list them all here now, so I'll write a review later. Until then, I'll be seeing ya at the live shows and Rachel,
thank you for the love and support and making me the happiest man on the planet. 19 days.
Feet



September 6th, 2005

Hey all. Thought I'd write a little to clear my head. Been a long day. As some of you know, when I'm not playing music with is I'm working with my friend Mark Sandman doing glass work. When I started up at Sandman Glass we were pretty small, but we've been slammed with work and the band is getting really busy. I love to work with my hands and be artistic as well and glass work gives me that opportunity, but the music really gets me up off the ground and connects me with life. No other occupation is so rewarding yet so difficult at times. Playing to small rooms when not a lot of people show can be draining. Our music thrives when there is positive energy to feed off of from a welcoming audience.
Times are tough and it seems a lot of bands are having a rough time of it. I hope people can see a future where there isn't so much need to toil endlessly toward a goal that sometimes seems unattainble. Go out and support live music, but more importantly, support each other through the rough seas. Sometimes all we have is each other.
I'm off to N.Y. in a few days to play a show in New Paltz at the Oasis, on the 14th of Sept. and to do a Radio show on WDFH Ossining, N.Y. with my long time friend Brad King. Maybe I'll see some of you out. I could use a good romp with some old friends.
4 days Ray.
Feetupalot



August 23rd, 2005

Wow, it's been a whirlwind lately and I can't believe I haven't posted anything here in almost a month. Just got back in from LA, one night off last night to take care of some personal business and back out to Bocci's Cellar tonight for an early show with, I believe, a guest guitarist for some of the set. LA was fun and busy. We did five shows in four nights and had a really good time.
Thanks to all at the OCC, Dave and the Guys from Hot Buttered Bread, and Cubensis. Also, I would like to thank Tuck's folks for coming all the way to LA from N.Y. to see the band play. The hotel suite was sweet, and it was a pleasure to finally meet you both. Cheers.

Just a brief word to all of my New York crew. I had the time of my life playing with Bare Feet, Brad and Rita King and hanging out with Jim and Tanya Dooling and meeting their boy Jamie for the first time. These times are really special, and it's easy to let opportunities slip past with all of our busy schedules. I'm glad I can snatch up these chances to connect with the people I care about. Being out west most of the time makes it difficult to spend time with my roots. I hope everyone understands that that time together does mean a lot to me.

I also need to say to Rachel that I am grateful for you, and our time together is just beginning.
All the way...

See ya later
Feetman





July 27th, 2005

Hey all, me again. Headin' for N.Y. tonight to rock out with Bare Feet at the Bob Landers campground in Narrowsburg this weekend. Check out www.geocities.com/barefeet05 for some info and directions and stuff. Tuck is pickin' me up at JFK! How cool is that. He's in N.Y. to hang with friends and family and we're gonna party my first night in with Brad, who I hear is gay. Then off to the show. I am sending out all good vibes to Rob and Jill for Lindsay's health, and I hope you guys are finding the strength in each other to hold on. Annual Reunion is in order.
I am also disappearing for a few days for a little R&R with someone who I have missed. Many regrets are fading like rocks dropped in a pond.
I will be back on the west coast on Aug. 4th (Tuck's Birthday) for a show at The Coastline Brewery at 9:30pm.
See our dates page for more info.
Happy trails.
Feet



July 24th, 2005

Just got back from the newly re-opened Henfling's Tavern in Ben Lomond CA where my friends the Good Life Rhythm and Blues Band played tonight. They were really tight and very loose at the same time. Excellent show. We played at Apple Jacks in LaHonda last night and Bill and Ray from the GLRABB were there to show support. Ray sat in on percussion but Bill didn't have his bass, and since he's a lefty he couldn't play mine. Bummer. It was a jammin', hoedown kind of weekend and I can see many more in the future. Good times will be had by all. B.o.B is coming.
Feet



July 19th, 2005


Workin' late again on the website and mixing down some recent shows. Great jams with Matt Hartle at the Coastline in Capitola. Took me back to have such a Jerry sensibility in the music, like Garcia meets Medeski Martin and Wood. I had a great weekend in Tahoe and Tuck had an adjustment with no happy ending. Bummer.

On a more serious note, I would just like to send my wishes out to my dear friend and long time partner in crime, Rob McAlpine and his wife Jill, for the speedy recovery of their little girl Lindsay who has been undergoing treatments for a rare disorder. I hope to see you guys at the Canoe Trip but will understand if you can't make it. Lots of love.
Feet



July 8th, 2005

Feet is burnin' the midnight oil. Had a great 4th of July weekend thanks to an old wound healing. Great to be alive. Tuck brings good luck. It is contagious. I'm going to camp all summer long and play music. I've been hanging out with old friends and moving through some new beginnings. Looking forward to playing in LA for the first time, but Tahoe is next. We had a blast last time in Tahoe so I hope to see you there. Check out the Dates Page for info, or email me at wolfeet@sbcglobal.net
Feetupalot



July 2nd, 2005

Tuck's at High Sierra and I'm wishing I was there. Could use a good romp. I'm thinking about the future without Jimbo in the band and it's really difficult to put into words. He's been my best friend for longer than I can remember. Back in N.Y. in the 90's we went through band members like water through a sieve and yet Jimbo and I always managed to pull it together and do the gig. I will miss having him on stage but it seems we are still good buds and that is very important to me.
Feet



June 5th, 2005

Much on my mind. It's late and I'm tired but these posts always relax me. Even if I have nothing much to say. We looked at a new 15 passenger van tonight for touring and I think we are going to buy it. Good news! I've been preparing for a trip to New York in July for a BARE FEET reunion gig. This is a band I worked with in N.Y. years ago, and we were a family, and still are, even with all the years and miles separating us.

http://geocities.com/barefeet05

All the info is there.

This will be a really good, all day jam on the bank of the Delaware river.

Oh well, see ya soon.
Feetly



May 30th, 2005



Home now from SLO. Chutzee. It's getting harder and harder to go back to my day gig after a weekend like this. I am supposed to play music. No question.
Feetarupalupagus



May 25th, 2005

Hoedown was fun. Met lots of very cool people and drank awesome homebrew. Psychedelics in the air. Great musicians in them thar hills. Oh yeah, we played a set too. That was ok. Sun almost melted us. Note to self; maybe help out with Falldown and put up a roof over beergarden stage. Been mixing down lots of stuff in studio at 418 and am now taking break from is to listen to some live phish radio. Oh well, See ya at Bocci's Cellar tomorrow night.
Feet



May 16th, 2005

Work. We play as much as we can and it's all I want to do but there must be work. Hard work. It's monday, I've been working a lot and I need a gig. Our rehearsal session was nuts on Friday. I didn't record. Figures. The Hoedown seems fun. We'll see what transpires. Any body selling a 15 passenger van out there? Contact us through this site if you do. Or not. It's up to you. We got some frog thing comin' up in Saint Louis or something. I love my new desk.
I'm finished.
Ramble on Feetarup.



April 26th, 2005

Here I am, once again working on the site and wondering what I should talk about. Festival time is coming around and we have been trying real hard to get on some of these bills. The High Sierra Fest is out of the question for us this summer but we're waiting to hear back from the 10,000 Lakes Fest in Ohio and the Shakedown Fest up in Oregon. I can't wait to play for thousands of jam banders all groovin' outdoors in the sunshine. Trey is headlining 10,000 Lakes too, so I would love to be there. Oh well, enough dreaming for now. Back to work. I'm mixing down some of the "Music for No One" recordings as I type. I better pay attention so they come out good. See ya in Frisco this weekend.
Feetarup




March 16th, 2005

Howdy folks, just a short hello on this fine Wednesday afternoon. Myself, Jimbo and Tuck were at Moe's alley last night to see Channel One play. A good show and a decent turnout for a Tuesday locals gig. We will be there next tuesday on the 22nd and I hope to see some of the same faces. I have also been getting a lot of positive feedback about our new online shop isshwag on Cafe Press. I also have been working on a shop that showcases my own artwork from past band posters to t shirts of some of my weird paintings. Check the link on the news page.
I hope you can dig it.
Let me know at wolfeet@sbcglobal.net
See ya at Moe's on Tuesday
Feetarupalupagus



March 11th, 2005

Hi everybody! This post is to announce our new online store at Cafe Press. Link over to their shop on our news page any time. We have a variety of T-shirts, Hats, mugs
and other products of my own design. There is also an exclusive web only compilation CD of all the songs that have appeared so far on our web site. "Music for No One", of which I spoke in an earlier post, is currently in the works as well as an official studio CD to be released later this year. Until then, you can always pick up a CD at one of our shows. Just ask one of the band members or check the merch table and talk to Bob. See ya.
Feet


February 28th, 2005


The party on Sat. night was quite a musical adventure with almost four hours of jams. Nobody was injured although there was a pass out incident resulting in a face plant. The victim, who shall remain nameless, was back on his feet and partying within minutes. I myself had a blast. All I really need is good company and good music and we had both in abundance.

Now, professionalism dictates I mention that this Friday we are playing a daytime gig from 4:30 to 6:30 pm on Campus at the Joe's Pizza and Subs (not to be mistaken for the one at the corner of Branciforte and Water St. on the East Side).It's located on Hagar by the Bay Tree Bookstore. The # is 831.459.3066 if you need directions. This is our first on campus gig, so I hope to see some familiar faces. That's all for now.
Feet



February 22nd, 2005

Hey now. Jam at the band house on Saturday the 26th instead of the cancelled Aptos gig. BYOB.




February 20th, 2005


Feet here. Just doing a little website work on a cloudy sunday and thought I'd write something. This is my first installment of Feet Prints and I just wanted to start off by thanking all of those folks that have been coming to see the band around the Bay Area. We love to see familiar faces when we tour as well as new ones. We are always working really hard on our material and it can get depressing when you play to empty rooms. Some of our craziest music has happened when no one was there to hear it. I've actually thought about releasing a CD collection called "Music For No One" featuring some of these rare gems. I'll have to work on that. I'll try to keep you guys posted on this page so check it out once in a while.
Feet

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