Writing ... writing ... writing ...

I have been writing this summer. Piles of lyrics, most with melodies attached, that now need to be composed on an instrument. Ah, the slowest part of the process for me. Which chords will express the ideas? Which progression? I, IV, V? Ah! No! Trying to get out of that pattern. It sometimes helps me to get away from the guitar. In the photo posted here I am singing "Makin' Honey," a melody that I composed on a kazoo. My friend Robert Gallagher showed me how to walk that tune up the neck of the guitar. It took me a long time to learn how to play it, but worth it. It expresses the sentiment and playfulness of the words. I am always working toward that. 
   Right now I am working on a draft of a song about elephants. The original story was drafted two years ago in long complicated lyrics that I am boiling down into a more simple set of words. But music? I have been taking drum lessons for almost a year. I'd love a good drum beat. I am learning Afro-Cuban rhythms. Will they work their way into the song? TBD.
     Whatever I decide, I am having fun. As always. Crafting stories into songs and learning to perform them. My favorite activity. 
     
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