I call you my friends because youare. You have all supported me by either purchasing my CDs, attending aworkshop, a concert, or a New Thought Service. Many of you I have knownfor years, some of us have met quite recently, and some of us throughthe marvel of the internet. But in all cases, I feel a personalconnection with you through the magic of music and the warmth of thehuman experience. As with the “Patrons Of The Arts” over the ages, yoursupport has made it possible for me to pursue my music, to bring it tothe world. And in that sense, we are co-creators. You have made itpossible for me to continue doing what I believe I was meant to do withmy life…make music and touch others with it.
Most of you already have some orall of my recordings and are familiar with the high quality of theirfidelity, the uncompromising lyrical content, and my freedom to pursuewhatever musical genre is called for in any song. In short, I ambeholden to no one…except my own very high standards. I am extremelygrateful for the gift of music that I have been given, and I do nottake that gift lightly.
And so, as I begin to record my 4thCD, I am asking for your help…and your partnership. With 3 CDs and adecade of experience as an artist behind me, with the personal andartistic growth this past 10 years has afforded me, and with my morethan 40 years of recording and making music with other great artists, Iam more than ready to make my best CD yet. It will include new songsyou might have recently heard in my live shows: “Standing Ovation”,“She Loves My Dog More Than Me”, “Something To Believe”, “If Not NowWhen”, “When There’s No Place Like Home”, and more.
As with my previous CDs, I willrecord, manufacture, and distribute my new one on my own label, PoppaboMusic. But this time, I am going to market it on a wider level. TheInternet has provided the tools and possibility to connect with afar-reaching audience of kindred musical spirits, to publicize,promote, and distribute the music. CDs are still with us, but digitaldownloading and distribution is the wave of the future, and the futureis already here. This whole process does not require the huge sums ofmoney once doled out by the dinosaur record companies of old. But itdoes require enough to do the job properly, including help for me so Ican do what I do best...play and create good music.
In addition to recording andmarketing the new FREEBO CD, Poppabo Music is looking to use thisrecording and marketing template to nurture other very talentedartists. There are many of them out there, many of whom I know andrespect, and with your help, Poppabo can also get their music to a muchwider audience, one that is hungry for good new music with intelligentlyrical content.
Below I have listed the variouslevels of support for my new CD, starting with a pre-order for a signedCD delivered to your door, and continuing from there, each withescalating and excellent perks (see "click here" below). If each of yousimply pre-orders the CD at the level, I'll easily meet my goal. But nomatter what level you choose, you are indeed a co-creator, and yourhelp will enable me to complete this CD, as well as to produce andmarket the projects of Poppabo Music in the future.
I thank you in advance for you kindness and support.
FREEBOis an award-winning singer/songwriter (2008 Posi Award for “Best Song”in The Most Uniting Category, The '07 Los Angeles Music Awards “BestFolk Artist”, Winner '07 South Florida Songwriting Contest, finalist in2009 The Great American Songwriting Contest), but he is probably bestknown as a Folk-Rock-Blues Icon. For 30 years, Freebo played bass onrecordings and toured with some of the great artists of ourtime--people like Bonnie Raitt (10 years), John Mayall & TheBluesbreakers, CSN, Maria Muldaur, Ringo Starr, Michelle Shocked, NeilYoung, Loudon Wainwright III, Dr. John, and many others. He has alsoappeared on Saturday Night Live, Midnight Special, Muppets Tonight, andin concert with the legendary Spinal Tap. It was his yearning for morecreative expression, however, that drove Freebo to begin a process ofdeep inner discovery, and this has led to his successful transition asa singer/songwriter.
The Philadelphia Inquirer said of Freebo's latest CD, "Before the Separation flowswith a compassionate spirit rooted in 60's ideals, packs a gentlyurgent relevancy, and is delivered with engaging earnestness." Freebo's songs embrace stylistic elements from all the many musicalgenres he has played throughout his career, but they are uniquely hisown. He even has an entire CD of dog songs (DOG PEOPLE) dedicated tothe human/canine connection. And in his live shows, performed onacoustic guitar, Freebo creates a unique, intimate, and inclusiveatmosphere with his audience.
Keep The Light Alive
Here's a video we just did in Memphis of a song I recorded on "Keep The Light Alive" (www.keepthelightalive.org) , a tribute to Lowen & Navarro.
Keep The Light Alive. One hell of an idea. For hope, forinspiration, for life. For Eric Lowen. As you might already know, Ericwas diagnosed with ALS (Lou Gehrig's Disease) around 6 years ago. Sincethat time, he has chosen to live with purpose. Dan Navarro,of Lowen and Navarro, says, "Eric makes that his commitment every day."Dan, himself, is uncomfortable being included in a "tribute" album, ashe chooses to deflect the attention. This project simply celebratesEric Lowen, and the contributions that he makes as a singer,songwriter, and performer. As Dan has tried to take the focus offhimself, we credit this performance accordingly, even though it is Danwith the legendary Freebo at the helm.
For more information on the project, check out the website here. This album supports The Eric Lowen Trust,which was created to offset the enormous costs of fighting his illnessand helps support his family, which includes his wife and their 5children. Music Fog is honored to have had these fine musicians on thebus during Folk Alliance to further the cause.
Creativity - Songwriting Workshops
In this hybrid workshop, Freebo will explore the creative process, how we are born with pure creative potential, how we’re gradually put in a non-creative box by family, friends, and society, and how we can reclaim our inner child and achieve the creative goals of which we’ve so often dreamed.
He will also give you specific tools and hints for your songwriting, song-arrangement, and performing, all within the context of honoring your special gifts and giving yourself permission and the courage to become the artist/musician you’ve always wanted to be.
In a world of judgment and criticism, we are filled with the voices of others telling us how to be. Freebo will help you to find your own voice, figuratively and literally. Along with the craft of songwriting, he will also help you to shape your song with arrangement, chord substitutions, and phrasing ideas.
And in performing your song, Freebo covers the topics of fear, preparation, tools, timing, and communication. How do you connect to your audience? You become one with them!
WORKSHOP TESTIMONIALS
Thank you, Freebo! Your workshop was PRACTICAL and MAGICAL. Positive and honest. You are a shining example of what you teach. Despite participants' widely varied history, you facilitated an empowering experience for each. During those hours with you, strangers and friends connected, transcending time and distance. Now our songs can, too.
Sincerely, Toni Brink, Coburn, Pennsylvania
Just want to let you know how much I enjoyed the Workshop you gave for the Houston Songwriters Association on Sept. 28 at J.P. Hops House. I loved the circle setting and appreciated the individual attention everyone was given. It was very inspiring and encouraging, especially, for those of us who are still a little shy with performing. I look forward to the next part of the workshop.
Pat Bishop
After having time to reflect a little more on the workshop at Bill’s house on Sunday, I wanted to drop you a line.
First of all, I want to say, what a marvelous experience I had. I love the casual feeling and the openness you created for us. Telling your story up front, opened the door for all of us to walk in and safely share ours. Talking about creative oppressors, really encouraged usto put aside our egos and focus on the song, (what’s really important)!
As I said in the workshop, I am normally very reserved. But given the right environment, can open up and flourish. I feel like I got constructive feedback from you and everyone else on my song start. As a result my spiritfeels renewed and I have hope that something I write will make a positivedifference to someone. And at the end of the day, having a sense of purpose,means more than anything to me.
It’s refreshing to meet someone like you. You have obviously done a lot ofwork on the self and it shows. As a matter of fact, you’re glowing!
Thanks for inspiring all of us, Bob Bost
TO EVERYONE WHO CAME OUT TO THE HOUSECONCERT & THOSE WHO SHARED SO MUCH AT THE WORKSHOP MSA & MEMPHISHOUSECONCERTS APPRECIATES THE SUPPORT.
FREEBO WAS UNBELIEVEABLE, HE MAKES IT ALL LOOK EASY. BUT FOR THOSE OF US WHO WORK HARD AND STRIVE TO DEVELOP OUR SONGWRITING & PERFORMANCE SKILLS, WE KNOW THERE AINT NUTHIN EASY ABOUT IT.
HIS MELODIES ARE GARUNTEED TO STICK WITH YOU, WHICH IN MY OPINION IS THE PROOF OF TRUE SONGWRITING ABILITIES. FREEBO DOESNT JUST PERFORM, HE CREATES AN ENERGY THAT DRAWS THE AUDIENCE INTO A GLEEFUL PARTICIPATION WHICH BECOMES THERAPUTIC.
THE SUNDAY WORKSHOP TRANSENDED THERAPUTIC AND BECAME A SPIRITUAL JOURNEY. I HAVE NEVER ATTENDED A SONGWRITERS WORKSHOP THAT HAS INDUCED SUCH INTERPERSONAL INTROSPECTIVE REFLECTIONS ENCOURAGING EACH OF US TO ACKNOWLEDGE & HONOR ONES CREATIVE SELF. THE SECOND HALF OF THE WORKSHOP WAS AS POWERFUL WITH EACH ATTENDEE SHARING THEIR CREATIVE WORK WITH FREEBO & THE GROUP. FREEBO WAS AN HONORABLE, GENTLE, DISTINGUISHED AND ABOVE ALL HONEST TEACHER OFFERING EACH STUDENT CONSTRUCTIVE COMMENTS ON HOW TO IMPROVE AND ENHANCE THEIR WORKS. THE LEVEL OF SENSATIVITY & SENSABILITY IN A FREEBO CREATIVITY WORKSHOP IS UNSURPASSABLE.
THANKS FREEBO
Phillip Beasley Memphis Songwriters Association President 2008-2010
Freebo, I just want to thank you for the workshop you gave last Thursday night. It was inspirational and insightful on many levels for me. It seemed to open me up and turn on the creative current, which has been dormant. Your sharing with us all has planted the seed. We just need to tend it and watch it grow. Once again, I want to thank you for unselfishly sharing your talents and knowledge...
Bill
A friend of mine, Freebo, is probably best known as the bass player for Maria Muldaur (Midnight at the Oasis) and Bonny Raitt for many years and albums, is now an acclaimed singer/songwriter who travels the country giving small intimate concerts and conducting workshops on songwriting and creativity. He is finally coming to Long Island this October 3 and 4 at the Central Nassau Unitarian Congregation in Garden City for a concert and a workshop. I have attended several workshops that he has conducted and brought away a great deal of musicality and creativity from every one. I highly recommend his workshops to anyone who is involved songwriting, composing or any other creative arts. He is engaging, funny, personal and very inspiring. If you can commit the time (and money), I am sure it will be well worth your while.
"Before the Separation flows with
a compassionate spirit rooted in '60s ideals, but packing a gently urgent relevancy."
– Nick Cristiano, The
Philadelphia Inquirer
"Before the Seperation" is very soulful, introspective, heartfelt, and thoughtful. - Bill Thames, Shake Magazine
What the CD reveals is a very good songwriter at work, with thoughtful,
articulate lyrics and original melodies, beautifully arranged. - Arthur Elliot, Sidestream Radio, Brisbane, Australia
"Longtime
fans of Freebo (like me) won't be surprised by his ability to turn a
collection of songs about dogs into a very moving and musical
experience. Sure, anyone who's ever loved a pooch will embrace this
one, but DOG PEOPLE stands on its own musically and provides further
proof that Feeebo has emerged as a master of his craft".
-- David
Adelson, E!Entertainment, Hits Magazine
"A sincere and amusing tribute to man's
(and women's) best friend" --Jonathan Takiff, Philadelphia Daily News
"Humorous and heartfelt" -- Ames Arnold,
Style Weekly
"Fumnny,charming, and touching,yet
musically cool!"--Tony Braunagle,
Grammy Award Winning Producer "DOG PEOPLE sings to the souls of all
kindred spirits. May all dog people listen, sing along, and savor the
music and the message". -- Dr. Allen Schoen,
world renown
veteranarian/teacher, author of "Kindred Spirits"
