Recording "Lucky Dogs"

As the release date approaches, I want to share my experience recording this new album. "Lucky Dogs" was a very fun album to create. I called some of my favorite musicians together, who I knew had a great chemistry with me and eachother. Rob Seifert Gage is a great producer and we work very well together. I trust his attention to detail which frees me up to focus on singing and playing and keeping the energy moving with the band. We both wanted a live feel on the album as that always works best with my music so we recorded everyone together at the same time. Many of the songs are exactly as we played them live with no overdubs and the album has very few overdubs as it is--only when necessary for sonic quality or to add extra instrumentation and arrangement. This is how I like my music because the vibe of the players really comes through. Everyone had strengths and expertise to bring to the table and we all shared our opinions and ideas. I prefer to work in an open style atmosphere where everyone can add their flavor to the mix and if somethings not working, we all figure out how to make it work. This creates a special bond between players and everyone comes from a place of honoring the song and what serves it best, not just how many cool licks they get to play on an album. Before each song, I would take out my guitar, explain where the song came from, and then play it for the band. I would express my thoughts on instrumentation and arrangement and then we start experimenting and improvising. After a while, we would know we were "there" and would hit record. There is something magical about a group of musicians looking eachother in the eyes, listening to eachother, and making sure that everyone is heard, everyone has a voice, and the song always comes first.

I feel blessed to have had this opportunity to create this record and the opportunity to share it!

Sending good energy to those in Japan

I have been struggling with how to be of service in this time. So many suffering at once and I feel wrapped up in my own little world. So many folks are sending me links to buy potassium iodine and there is so much fear around radiation here on the west coast. I can't help but think, my goddess, the people in Japan NEED that stuff, I will eat my seaweed and drink my miso broth and save any reserves of the strong stuff for those in need right now.

My friend Craig Wright asked if I would help with a benefit in Ashland for the victims of the earthquake and tsunami. i replied "of course." This will happen at the end of the month and i will update my tour schedule accordingly when I know details.

I continue to think about the folks in Haiti who are still devasted and our little birth clinic there that still needs our support. I am wondering who is going to Japan to help the pregnant women there?

So many thoughts swirtling through me and I just had to write some of it down. the rest i'll save for inspiration when i have my guitar out and not a computer keyboard.

Mostly I wanted to tell all the people in my life, whether i've met you or you just appreciate my music: THANK YOU! I love you and appreciate you. I am grateful for every moment.

blessed be,
alice

Lucky Dogs coming soon!

I am absolutely thrilled to report that the new album "Lucky Dogs" has been sent to the printers, the artwork is uploaded and I will have CDs within a month! Street release date is 5/23, but folks who preordered will get CDs when I have them!

Filled with excitement about this album, I've been working hard to get all my ducks in a row for the release. I'll be working with 2 wonderful radio promoters to get the project out to radio and try to get some time on the Americana and AAA charts. My publicist Sue DuMond will continue working with me on radio promotion and press including reviews, interviews and news articles. Bill Wence is a wonderful radio promoter from Tennessee and he will be working hard to get me airplay across the US as well.

If you have any contacts at radio or folks who write music reviews (in newspapers, magazines, blogs, etc) please contact Sue DuMond Music Publicity and Media Services with contact and information and she will get them a CD to review. Individuals can review any of my albums on itunes and cdbaby.

Here's my itunes store link: Alice DiMicele's itunes store and here's my CD Baby Link: Alice DiMicele's CD Baby store

Lucky Dogs features 15 original songs including a re-make of my tune "It's A Miracle" from the 1989 album of the same name and a FABULOUS band!

Alice DiMicele Band is:
Alice D on vox and acoustic guitars
Jeff Pevar on electric guitar, mandolin, dobro, lapsteel, and ukelele
Damian Erskine on bass
Russ Kleiner on drums and percussion
Mikey Stevens on Trumpet and Flugelhorn
Duke Davis on Saxophone

Thanks for supporting independent music!

love always,
alice