shannon butcher sings

Cross Training - Lesson #2

You might get lost but you'll find a new path that will get you home.  It just might take a little longer than you planned.

Cross Training - Lesson #1

As a numerical nod to 2010 I've decided to run two 10Ks.  This will also be the year that I release two albums. I've realized for a while now that preparing for one goal really helps me get ready for the other. (If only each album only had 10 songs.  Oh, the synergy would be magnificent!)

This running decision my sound like new year's resolution silliness to you but if you know me you probably remember that way back in 2005 I ran my first half marathon.  Also known as my only half marathon.  Still, since that time I've participated in a number of 10k and 5k runs in the city of Toronto.

Running provides me with a great opportunity to reflect and refresh.  Usually I'm running to the rhythm of my iPods riches, sometimes just to the sounds of the street.  Either way I often come home from a run with new insight into my musicianship.  I truly believe that singers are athletes.  To be the best we can be, we've gotta get ourselves in shape!

To keep myself on track, this year I've decided to share my little lessons on my blog.  Some are simple. Some are silly.  Some are cliche.  Some might be just for me.  But I hope most of them speak to you too.

Lesson #1 - Don't forget to breathe. 

 

The Jazz Session - Jazz, podcasted

This morning I happened upon a new website - well, new for me - www.thejazzsession.com.  Have you heard of it? It's this great resource for jazz podcasts.  You know podcasts, right?  It's that media style that Ricky Gervais put in the Guinness World Records book.  You know Ricky Gervais, right?  He's the guy who hosted the Golden Globes last night while drinking a beer.  You know beer, right?  Oh, I could go on and on.

Anyway, back on track.  The Jazz Session with Jason Crane.  It's free!  Anytime you want it!  You can swoon to Jason's classic NPR accent while he talks to your favourite jazz artists.  The Session's mission is "to chronicle the lives and opinions of musicians who make creative improvised music, without regard to artificial genres or labels." 

Last week Jason posted his interview with Michael Kaeshammer.  Michael has been on my mind the past couple of days as I just got the first mix of our duet we wrote for my upcoming album.  (The track is sounding so good. I'm very excited.)  Then I stumble upon this interview.  Co-incidence?  Or is The Secret really on to something?

At Canterbury Studio: Michael looking natural at the piano while Marc and I appear to be acting with our hands.

So please, click on over to The Jazz Session.  There are over two years worth of interviews from artists like Sonny Rollins to Karrin Allyson to Matt Wilson.  And tell him that Shannon sent you!

Ah! I didn't realize my blog had this new Twitterish option.

I'm interested in how I can keep my mind on one track when the internet is providing me with a million side roads!

Tip Jar Memories

As this little jazz bird prepares to return to her jazz nest, a.k.a. The Rex, later this month, my mind turns to charming memorable moments.  Those experiences that could have only come my way during a show at 194 Queen Street West... Meeting Mr. Bucher who was excited to find a long lost relative only to discover they had mis-spelled my name on the marquee... The ebullient man who brought the boys drinks up on stage - in the middle of a tune... Getting Jim Cuddy's autograph.

A new year spring cleaning lead to the rediscovery of a charming Rex memento.  See the tip jar can bring us musicians some great monetary rewards in the form of coins and bills but it also can yield some alternative paper bounty.  I share this with you today:

 

I'm hoping that the bearer of this note thought I recognized her genius!

Come on by the Rex Sunday, January 24th and 31st from 7-9.  Bring along your favourite quote if you like.  The more the merrier!