house concerts and 21st century touring

James Casto is not a dreamer. He’s not even an idealist. Dreamers rarely step forward in the direction of their dreams, and idealists never accept that there is darkness inside those silver linings. His three “No Hit Wonders” CDs are distinguished landmarks of his Big Step out of the darkness of the everyman life, and the thousands of little steps toward one man’s dream.

James decided to become a songwriter. So he wrote songs. Everyday. He practiced, co-wrote with anyone he could. He drove to Nashville (from Atlanta) - sometimes twice a week - to play for free and for anyone who would listen.

But a funny thing happened to James on the way to becoming a songwriter. He became an artist. From his percussive groove-gospel piano style (who said being a drummer was a handicap?) to his soulful, passionate voice, James’ message is undeniable. Yes, there is darkness - yes, there is hope - and yes, oh yes, there is God.

While many artists see their gifts as a way to get something - fame, money, etc… James Casto sees it another way. His gifts are for giving - his talent, his time, and his Faith. His collection of songs will reach anyone with a human heart. It is faith without alienation, love without bounds, and a gift you will treasure for years to come.

The featured song, “Two Inches Deep” is the tale of that Big Step, where James and many others have found the courage to “take back their lives” from the rascals to whom they were once entrusted.

See James Casto’s profile at CIYH to hear “Two Inches Deep.”

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Artist of the Month for February 2008. Jennifer Batten

Hmm… the strangest pick yet? You bet! Although folk, roots, and traditional music generally rule the house concert scene, I think it’s important to know some of the incredibly diverse, world-class talent that is out there. And this one is out there…

Jennifer Batten toured playing guitar for Michael Jackson for 10 years, including Superbowl 26 which aired to 1.5 billion people. This decade was followed by 3 years of touring and recording with Jeff Beck. She’s authored 2 music books and has guested on numerous CD’s and videos.

She’s currently supporting her 3rd solo CD/DVD entitled “Whatever”. The DVD includes 90 min+ of art and live playing films, commentary, interviews, and a guitar lesson. She graduated from Musicians Institute and later taught there. Her first CD “Above, Below, and Beyond” was produced by grammy nominated producer Michael Sembello. She has toured the world consistently for 20 years playing solo as well as with different musicians from every continent.

This is a one woman show (with one roadie) and includes all equipment including projector and 8 foot wide screen.

If you live out west, and would like to shake up your house concert series a bit… this is a great opportunity. There’s a minimum guarantee, but it’s surprisingly reasonable. Find out more about her house concert show.

This is also a great one if you’ve got some serious “guitar-heads” in your community. I know several artists who’ve taken lessons from Jennifer - she’s the real deal.

Enjoy the video!

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Not much I can do to improve this… except put a link to a great CD that does NOT include this song.

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Hey Fran,

Did I ever send you the lyrics to : “IN YOUR LIVING ROOM”, I sing this sometimes to start out a house concert if there a lot of newbie’s there….usually gets a great response, sort of a novelty-type of song…notice the james taylor reference, got that from you my friend!

Enjoy…

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IN YOUR LIVING ROOM

I’ve been singing in these smoky bars
Stuck off in the corner, staring out at the stars
I make 39 dollars after taxes, oh, and a glass of house wine

No one’s really listening
On the TV, there’s too much happening, for them to notice
Hey, I ‘m singing my guts out over here

So that’s how I end up, in your living room
It’s terribly charming and incredibly kind of you, to have me here

You could put James “freakin” Taylor in the corner of that bar
They’d walk right on by, hardly notice him at all
They’d say, that guy’s got no hair, I don’t see him goin’ anywhere

So that’s how I end up, in your living room
It’s terribly charming and incredibly kind of you to have me here

We’re gonna laugh we’re gonna sing
We’re gonna slow it down, but we’ll pick it back up again
We’re gonna clap our hands, maybe shed a little tear, if no one’s watching

I’ve got 30 pairs of cheeks smiling up at me
With your eyes all a glow from the songs that I sing
You’ve got 30 pairs of cheeks, sitting in slightly uncomfortable seats (so
I’ll be brief)

I’m so happy to be here, in your living room
It’s so terribly charming and incredibly kind of you, to have me here

© Bob Sima 2007

Bob Sima
Singer-Songwriter
info@bobsima.com
www.bobsima.com (main)
www.myspace.com/bobsima (listen)
“Good Music For Good People”

How about an live mp3 of this song, Bob??

Bob is one of the artists featured on our free sampler CD here: FREE MUSIC

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