Great music

I spent Thursday afternoon in Asheville, NC, singing harmony vocals for Greg Adkins new CD, due out this fall. I've never driven 5 hours to sing backup before, but then, there are not many songwriters I admire as much as Greg Adkins, and it is an honor to be on his CD. He's recording with Chris Rosser, who in addition to being a great singer/songwriter, is a highly regarded producer. From what I heard of the recording, this is going to be an awesome CD. (harmony vocal aside). I knew most all of Greg's new songs, from playing with him on a midwest tour earlier this year. There are some absolutely tremendous songs on this CD, notably for me is 'The End Of You And Me', which you may have heard me do a cover of recently.

The thing I was thinking about on the long drive home late Thursday night, is what is it that makes Greg's songwriting so good? Why does it speak to me more than other songwriters? One theory I've come up with, is that the place that his music fits in his life, is exactly the place where songs should come from... What I mean by that, is Greg writes and performs music because he loves doing it, not because he is trying to accomplish some ridiculous level of fame (like most singer/songwriters I know, occassionaly myself included). Greg has a great job that he enjoys, a wonderful family, and a strong faith, all of which are clearly more important to him that his music "career". Without that distraction of searching for fame or critical acclaim, he is able to write songs that matter to him, and write about the things that mean something to him.
The fact that he can write as well as he can from the technical side, and his music/vocal abilities are just good fortune on his side. Some people have it, and some people don't. But, there are plenty of people who have "it", but don't put enough truth and feeling into their songs, and it shows. Greg Adkins has "it", but he also has the skills to let it shine.

I will be letting you know the moment his new CD is available, and I hope y'all will buy a copy, because it deserves to be heard.

Big times in Florida

This summer has been pretty slow for me on the touring front, as summer usually is. I did, however, have a great trip down to Florida last weekend.
I made my first ever trip to the nation's oldest city, St. Augustine. Stu Weaver, host of 'Messages' on WFCF Radio set up a concert for me, sponsored by WFCF at Flagler College. They are hoping to make this a regular concert series, and from the turnout of the first show, I certainly think they should. It was a wonderful crowd, and I owe a lot of it to the promotion work of Stu, who also opened the show for me. His is a great singer/songwriter in addition to his radio work.

The next day, I drove down to Orlando to play at the Live at Leu Gardens Concert Series, put on by the Central Florida Friends of Folk. Many thanks to Doug Spears and Barry Brogan for getting me down there. My old friend Garrison Doles opened the show, and it was a treat to hear him again. Noteworthy from the Orlando show, is that a family drove up from West Palm Beach, a 3 hour drive, to see me perform. I am always quite humbled when someone enjoys my music enough to want to go that far out of their way to see me, thanks!

Congrats to Charlotte Kendrick

Many congrats to my friend Charlotte Kendrick, who has won 1st place in the folk category of the 11th Annual Unisong Songwriting Contest. Her song, 'Thank You' has always been a favorite of mine, and it's a well deserved winner. She performs with her husband, Dan, who is a ridiculously nice guy, and also a great upright bass player/harmony vocalist.
I highly recommend checking them out if you have a chance, www.charlottekendrick.com.

Last Comic Standing and how it relates to song contests

So, I was watching Last Comic Standing tonight, and I had an epiphany. (I always thought an epiphany would hurt, and maybe require stitches, but it wasn't bad at all).
The judging process for the show is a lot like the judging for the song contests that I'm always entering. Tonight I watched a bunch of people who have worked at their craft for years and years have 3 judges determine their fate, and either tell them they were good, or to go home. The thing is, some of the people who didn't move on to the next round were absolutely hilarious to me. What makes the 3 judges opinions more legitimate than mine or yours? When you see a stand-up comic, you will either find them to be funny, or you won't. No "expert" can tell me whether or not somebody's funny.
Now, just for the record, I am in no way opposed to the judging of comics or songwriters or any other group of artists, it's just that there's no such thing as better or worse, it's just one person's opinion vs. another.
And, my opinion is, that dude on the show who was talking about being hero, and beating some guy up in the bathroom, was just phenomenally funny. Now, I just need to find out his name, and send him an e-mail, or maybe a check for $10, cause darn it, he deserves it.

My latest project

I'm starting a new songwriting project, thought I'd let you know about. I am going to do a full CD of songs about people, places and events in my home state of Alabama. Y'all probably already realize how much I love Alabama, I thought it'd be fun to dig into some specific characters and places that I don't yet know about. I am going to try and find something from every area of the state to write about, and do some interviews, and then travel around and get some photos of what the songs are about.
Don't know how long this will take, but hopefully by early 2008 I'll have this project ready, tenatively titled 'This Is Alabama'.
If any of you know of anything/anyone in Alabama that you think would make for a good song, please let me know.
Thanks!

The omop by Method - Fantastic!

So, my wife bought a new mop for cleaning the kitchen floor. She got the omop, from a company called Method. I don't have any idea if it cleans well, but it is by far the best mop on the market today, hands down. Go buy one, whether you're in the market for a mop or not.

The instruction manual is priceless, I've just finished my 3rd full reading of it. I've put a couple photos from the booklet.

I was assembling the handle, when I began to notice the fun somebody had putting this all together. Step 1 of alingning poles says this; "align flat side of male pole with flat side of female pole (this sounds dirtier than it is)" It also worth noting that they officially named the little metal parts you have to push in, "metal doodads".

The inside of the booklet is all about how to use it and keep the floor clean, and it talks about the old saying 'a floor so clean you could eat off of it'. Well, a few pages in, it has a picture of a place setting set out on the floor with instructions where to put silverware, etc.

It goes on and on, and only gets better. Including step 3 of the ceramic tile cleaning page, "allow lovely aroma to conquer your olfactory senses and entice your palate (for food, not the cleaner)"

The fine print sections where it tells what their lawyers said they had to say is well worth pulling out a magnifying glass for as well.

I just can't tell you how impressed I am with this mop. Again, I have no idea if it does a good job cleaning floors, but does it really matter?

Nice reviews for '$12.99'

Here's some recent reviews of '$12.99'. The first site listed, www.c0nsensus.com, is a website where anyone can submit a song to be reviewed, and it's gets sent to 5 different reviewers, selected at random. Each reviewer rates the song on a scale of 1-10, in several different categories. Right now, '$12.99' is the highest rated song on the website!
http://www.c0nsensus.com/ourpicks.php

A couple more recent CD reviews;
Parrotheads Ramblings (yes, Jimmy Buffet fans like me too)

FAME Reviews

Live Recording - Free Downloads

For those of you like free music, here's a couple new downloads for you.
For those of you who don't like free music, well, I guess you can send me some money.
These are from the concert at Swallow Hill Music Hall in Denver on May 19th, featuring Rob Seals on lead guitar.
These are also available on my website, along with several other live and unreleased songs. (www.davepotts.com). Enjoy!

'Ferris Wheel'


'Black Coffee'

Vanilla Coke is back!!

If you haven't noticed yet, Vanilla Coke is back!! I have always been a huge fan of Vanilla Coke, and when it came out about 4-5 years ago, I figured I was set for life. But a terrible thing happened on the way to being set for life; the vanilla coke went away.

Never fear my friends, it is back, and good as ever!

Now, don't forget, the best way to get vanilla coke is still straight from the fountain. I recommend South Side Diner's vanilla coke (Goshen, IN).

Sweet tea for lunch, vanilla coke for dinner, sweet dreams!

Kerrville New Folk

It's becoming nearly an annual ritual for me to finish 7th (or so) in the Kerrville New Folk Contest. It was a very wet weekend down in Texas, but I had a great time catching up with some old friends, and hearing some great new artists. As you may know, I usually camp in the summer heat, but I splurged for a room at the Motel 6 this year. By far the best money I ever spent, plus, I got to watch City Slickers in spanish, which was at least as funny as the english version.
The winners of this years New Folk Contest were Danny Schmidt, Storyhill, Carla Gover, David Llewellyn, John Wort Hannam and Anthony da Costa. They were all great, and well deserved winners. 3 of them were actually winner on my secret ballot as well. I won't say which 3, but I will tell you my 3 favorites who didn't win, but should have in my estimation; Pat Wictor, Jan Smith and Edie Carey.

I would say there is a good chance this will by last time in the Kerrville New Folk Contest, though I certainly am not certain about that. Consider this a Roger Clemens-like retirement from New Folk. To be chosen as a finalist 4 years has been quite an honor, and I'm sure I'll be back at Kerrville again, even if not as a New Folk Performer.

It is great to be back home for awhile. This officially begins my summer season of relaxation, and performing close to home. I am excited to be able to spend most of the next 3 months at home with my family. They are so wonderful for putting up with my crazy travelling schedule, and still get excited when I come home!

Swallow Hill!

Just home from a great trip out to Denver. The highlight of the trip was my gig at Swallow Hill. I got my start as a singer/songwriter at Swallow Hill Open Mics back in 12th grade. It is there that I saw Dave Crossland, an independent touring singer/songwriter, and realized that it was possible to do this for a living. I have never looked back since that night..
To be back as a headliner at Swallow Hill nearly 15 years later was such a thrill. I had a nearly full house, and they were a wonderful audience. The one and only Rob Seals joined me on stage, and his playing adds so much to the music.
I hope to be able to make Swallow Hill a regular tour stop in the years to come.


I also had 2 great house concerts on the Colorado tour. Acoustic Avenue in Longmont is a great series, many thanks to Bruce and Dale for having me back. I learned something very important that night... they now make vanilla cream hershey kisses! Wow, good stuff.

On Sunday night, some good friends of mine down in South Littleton hosted a house concert for me. It was their first time hosting, and they did a magnificent job of getting a great audience and creating a wonderful space for a concert.

I've got 2 days at home before I head off to Kerrville for my 4th appearance in the last 5 years as a New Folk Finalist.

Magnolia Time!

There are countless reasons why I love living in Alabama, but this is definitely near the top of the list. If you're bored sometime, go through my songs, and count how many times I use the word magnolia. It's probably a lot.

Hey Mon, that fish has a head!

Howdy y'all -
We are down in the Bahamas for a great vacation at the Atlantis Resort on Paradise Island. I know what you're thinking, how does a folk singer afford a trip to the Bahamas? Well, he doesn't! My wife is a Pampered Chef Director, and she earned the trip for FREE!! It is a great place, there's a huge waterpark and about 14 pools and 4 beaches at this resort.
We went into Nassau for dinner Tuesday night, and I figured I'd get some fresh seafood. I ordered grouper and snapper, and boy was it fresh. The snapper still had it's head on^%$^%$!#$#! I guess that's how we know it's fresh. I just used the word fresh a lot in that paragraph.

After going home for a few days, I'll be heading off to Denver next weekend for the big show at Swallow Hill, where I'll be joined on stage by the one and only Rob Seals. Can't wait!

CD of the week - Jud Caswell, Blackberry Time

If you make a habit of reading my posts (and who doesn't?) you've heard me mention Jud Caswell before. If you don't trust my judgement in saying he's one of the very best indy singer/songwriters today, listen to these folks;
2006 Kerrville New Folk Winner, 2006 Wildflower Performing Songwriter Contest Winner and 2006 Boston Folk Festival Winner.
His new CD, 'Blackberry Time', which he handed to me at a hip-hop night club in Massachusetts (another story for another time), is stunning. He self-produced it, which normally I am very skeptical of. Most singer/songwriters do not do a very good job on their own records, but Jud did a fantastic job of recording and capturing his live sound, with all the warmth and intimacy, while making a compelling listen with great backup musicians.
He is a top-notch songwriter, my favorite tracks on the CD are 'For Sale', 'Blackberry Time' and 'What Ever Happened To Rob'.
I really encourage you to listen to it, http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/judcaswell4, and considering purchasing a copy to help support a great singer/songwriter. (I'm sure he'll give me a percentage)

You can make comments

Hey y'all -
I'm curious how you're enjoying this new blog/journal. It has taken the place of my website journal page... You can make comments to my posts, to make this a more exciting, interactive thing. (I know what you're thinking, how could this possibly be any more exciting?)
At the bottom of each post, there's a link you can click to add comments. You know you want to comment.

Northeast Tour Wrap-Up

I am back at home in the warm (hot) sunny south after 11 days on the road. After my weekend in the Boston area and New York (see last post) I headed down to the DC area. My friend Sam Hensley (www.samhensley.com) helped me set up 2 shows and offered some fine accomodations complete with ice cream, popcorn and Playstation football. He also took me out for some great pizza at a place in Alexandria called Generous George's. Next time you find yourself wandering around Alexandria looking for pizza, that is a place I would recommend.
On Wednesday night, I played in Rockville, MD at an event for Focus Music. Focus puts on folk concerts at a couple different venues around the DC area. I split the night with Maria Dunn, a singer/songwriter from Edmonton. We did an impromptu performance when she accompanied me on accordion on 'One Mississippi'. The show was held at a barbecue restaurant called O'Briens, and they had sweet tea! That's right, sweet tea in Maryland.
Friday, I headed down to Fredericksburg, VA for a writers-in-the-round series held at a music store/theater in historic downtown Fredericksburg. We had a great night, hosted by Bob Gramman, who after the show, gave us a tour of his guitar workshop. He builds beautiful guitars, check them out at http://www.bobgramann.com/.
The tour came to a close Saturday night in Columbia, MD with a house concert. I opened for Freebo & Photoglo at the Panzers House Concert Series. They put on a wonderful show, and I enjoyed the opportunity to play in front of such a wonderful audience.
I was a little disappointed that I didn't get to Columbia in time for lunch, becuase I found a mall that had a Pizzeria Uno right next to a Cheesecake Factory. Wow, that would have been a pretty special day!

Speaking of cheesecake however, my wonderful wife made me her famous candy bar cheesecake for my birthday. It is the greatest dessert in the world, with no real competition.

A great weekend in the Northeast

I spent 3 great days in the Boston area over the weekend. After my marathon 1200 mile drive, I began the tour at Rick's Music in Raynham, MA. We had a great crowd for the concert, and fundraiser for Homes For Our Troops. Please visit www.homesforourtroops.org and consider supporting this wonderful organization.

Besides the concert, the highlight of my visit at Rick's was that it was my first time ever performing at a venue that had a signed drumhead by the drummer of Twisted Sister.

Thanks to Tom Irving for getting some photos of the night, and here they are.

On Saturday, we had a full house at the Open Book Coffeehouse, held at Canton Public Library in Canton, MA. Many thanks to Dan Chauvin who opened the show and provided the sound system. (www.myspace.com/danchauvin)

Sunday was a bit of a crazy day, started when I got some green donuts at Dunkin' Donuts. Why were they green?? I have no idea, I ordered vanilla frosted, and they were green.. maybe it's a Boston thing, I've no idea. (or ideer, as the locals say)

Sunday afternoon there was a Habitat For Humanity benefit at the Mozaic Room coffeehouse, and there was a ton of great music all day.. I got to hang out with Erik Balkey for a few minutes, and play my cover of his great song, 'Baseball In My Blood'. Below is a pic of me performing with my world famous harmonica at the Mozaic Room/Habitat Benefit. (Picture again courtesy of Tom Irving).

Sunday night, I went to a very unique little venue in Westford, MA called Parish Center For The Arts, which was an old church building turned into an arts center in a sleepy little New England town, a very nice setting for some folk music.

Monday night, I survived the big city! New York City was no match for the mad driving skills of the boy from Alabama. I drove straight into midtown Manhattan, and played an open mic at the Birdland Jazz Club, which is 2 blocks from Times Square. Christine Lavin invited me to the Birdland, she hangs out there most Mondays, and they have an extremely unique open mic, quite unlike any I've experienced before. It was mostly cabaret, broadway style singers, backed up by the house pianist and bassist. Only 4 people out of about 20 played the guitar, so that was unusual for me. It was great to spend some time with Christine Lavin, such a friendly, helpful, down-to-earth superstar.

I am in the DC most of this week, and I'll keep you posted on the goings-on in the nation's capitol.

8 states in a day

I'm writing from Rhode Island... If I stretch my arms out wide, I can reach both Connecticut and Massachussets from here!
I am starting my Northeast Tour tonight in Raynham, MA, I'm very excited about the gig tonight at Rick's Music, which will also be a fundraiser for 'Homes For Our Troops'.

It turns out it's a long way from Alabama to Massachussets... After driving to Knoxville Wed. night (for some 5-star accomodations at the Adkins household), I drove through no fewer than 8 states yesterday! Man, that was fun. Thank goodness for XM Radio and day baseball games. My wheels hit the pavement in Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New York and Connecticut. Today, we're adding Rhode Island and Mass, with Alabama and Georgia on Wed, for a 3-day total of 12 states. Just in case you're keeping track at home.

It's Amazing the things you can buy.... for $12.99

My friend Shelley, up in Michigan, e-mailed me this photo today.. It was too good not to share it with you. Never underestimate the amazing things you can buy for $12.99!

Buy This CD Now – Benny Skyn, ‘Chewing On Broken Glass’

This is really a gem, and one that you have almost certainly never heard of. A few months ago when I was on the road with Greg Adkins, he played me a few songs by this guy Benny Skyn.. Greg used to see Benny at open mics around Knoxville. He described him as a rough old man with no pretention, no interest in the music “biz”, just a beat up old guitar and some great songs. Benny made a low budget recording back in 1994 called ‘Chewing On Broken Glass’. It’s all recorded just guitar and vocals, no fancy overdubs. It’s pretty hard to explain how good it is, but you need to buy it yesterday. His music is much rougher than what I normally listen to, but it really grabbed me. Some of it is absolutely hilarious, some of it is heartwrenching. There is a photocopied note on the back of the homemade CD cover from WUMB, the nations premier folk radio station. It was written by the station manager who listens to hundreds of CD’s a year, and was raving about this CD, just as I am.
There are hundreds of CD’s made everyday by singer/songwriters with moderate talent and high dreams and hopes. This one really stands out, by someone with extreme talent, and little desire to get lost in the singer/songwriter rat race. www.bennyskyn.com