Putting a CD together is a labor of love – it’s something we love to do, but it’s hard work also. There are times when the process progresses smoothly and without incident. One sound combines with another in synchronized fashion until an idea becomes a melodic and rhythmical creation, something that brings a smile to our faces. At other times it can be a mind-numbing procedure as we play the same song over and over, struggling to produce the clarity, balance, and expressiveness of sound that exists in our mind. When we hear the same song repeatedly, it’s sometimes hard to retain the objectivity necessary to make good musical decisions. But we stick with it, believing that we are producing something of worth.

Then it’s done. The last note is entered, the last picture is included on the cover, and the project is sent to those who will make numerous copies of our creation. We sit back, hoping that others will find the project to have at least some merit. After all, we’ve exposed ourselves here. The ideas expressed, they are our ideas – many never publicly performed before the CD’s release. The musicianship, it belongs to us – we had no sidemen or canned tracks. The only thing left is to offer the product to people and hope they approve. And celebrate. Celebrate because we did what we could do as well as we could do it at the time.

Saturday night was a great night of celebration for us. So many friends came to our home in Cape Canaveral. We celebrated out by the pool as we performed many songs from the CD and a number of other songs we just wanted to play. People listened, people clapped, people danced, and people visited with some friends they might not even haven known they had. Smiles were plentiful, laughs were abundant, and some folks stayed even after the party ended and we were gathering equipment.

And the celebration was its own kind of music – the music of people supporting each other, people giving of themselves and their time. And we felt so blessed and honored.

I have often said that if there were but one person in any audience, I would be willing and honored to share the music. But having the opportunity to make music with my best friend and love of my life and having the additional opportunity of sharing that with so many good and supportive friends, that is something special that I will always appreciate. Patty and I thank you all.

To any who were unable to attend on Saturday night, thanks to you as well. We have felt your support in this project and for our music in general. Life is good, and good friends are a major reason why. – Bob Tatum

2 Comments to “SongTravelin’: 8.22.11 – Singing and Celebrating around the Pool”

• September 8, 2011 at 7:46 pm
  Jean Anne Snyder-Barrett says:

  I’ve experienced the snow, and the ice storms, floods, no electricity, etc…… I’ve also experienced your heart. It is in this song! I know the beauty of Avery County. I know the beauty within you. I’m so glad you have Patty to share this and so much more!
• September 12, 2011 at 12:23 am
  Patty says:

  It is definitely different from what I was used to (most recently a condo lifestyle), but Smoky Hollow also has its unique charms. I’m glad I have both, but I’m especially glad I have Bob to share it all with – I have to agree with Jean Anne for sure!