New Album(s) Update (Long Post!)
Hello from the summer sunshine road!
Updating you all from the questions I have had a lot of lately. The number one question is, ‘when will there be new music?’ First off, I did start a covers demo with my Scott Baker Band a few years back. I still would like to finish that at some point with the fellas, as it was hot on the heels of our road time, mixing with my Michigan Music History Podcast, as guests have expressed working together. However, as the year progressed, my thoughts have been focused on something new all together. So that is on my back-burner for the time being. I still work a 40 hour plus work week, maintain all my musical engagements, have maintained our bi-weekly podcast show mixed at my Harvest Canteen studio and continue to book and look ahead on dates. My summers have been PACKED for over three years now, as Michigan has made a point of diving into entertainment (particularly acoustic based music at restaurants, clubs, art shows, street parties, and house shows). Which brings me to music that hits me now.
We have been mulling over ideas with Muddy Gumbo since 2023, a reunion of sorts. The news most people know is that I have been writing for a new Gumbo album, which is taking all of my writing time. It’s two years into the works and Earl ‘Squirrel’ has given me the green light to put it together. He has been busy running his family business and knows I have the Gumbo interest in hand. I have been wanting to include my kids and revamp the typical Gumbo lineup, keeping with a lot of percussion. I have 34-38 demos as of right now. Earl has a few as well. Timmy Scott and Chris Winberg, our last bassist in the band, will be back as well. Chris is raring to go. I was planning on hitting the studio with them earlier this year, however I have moved, got a new job and life has changed for me–I am not in my studio all the time. Which leads me to these projects:
I worked with Bobby Balderamma on demos for a new ? and Mysterians album–and for a new Mysterians album with his band. Bobby and Frankie have gone through a lot of health changes and that was somewhat put on hold. I also am writing and demoed with Question Mark for that album, as well as a blues album between Que, Larry McCray and myself. That is still an option when the time is right. Larry has been out on the road, recorded a new acoustic album with our pal Charlie Walmsley, and we are still loving the accolades of winning the award for ‘Hangman’ off the last Larry album with Joe Bonamassa and Josh Smith. Larry plays a lot with Devon Allman as well, so he is booked up. Que and Mysterians are celebrating 60 years of ’96 Tears’ being #1. They have a lot on their plate this year. Also–I am wrapped up for a major portion of my work on the upcoming ? and The Mysterians documentary that Daniel Ralston and I have begun–almost two years ago. There should be a trailer for the movie this October…I am very excited for this. Daniel has worked it all from L.A. and if you want to look back, his IHeart radio podcast (found everywhere now) on the ‘Fake Zombies’ band that came out of Bay City, MI in the late ’60s is an incredible true music series (which might be made into a movie for him!). We have all been busy! But the music remains.
So when do we hear new music?
Soon! A magical meeting happened to me earlier this year with world-wide drummer/percussionist Muruga (Steve ‘Muruga’ Booker). Muruga is a Yogi, Priest, Shaman, and keeper of all things percussion and lives in Ann Arbor. He has been heard on albums with Weather Report, Bob Dylan, Ted Lucas, and a Grammy Award winning album in the ’90s with Merle Saunders & Jerry Garcia (Grateful Dead). He also was the drummer for P-Funk for all of the ’90s. Yeah, this is the CAT! We met on my podcast and decided to meet. Muruga insisted on recording an album right off the bat at his studio in A2. We have over half an album in the can! We will be finishing the album in the coming months and he is having his P-Funk producer Greg Reilly mix and master it. Fantastic. Now I hear you–“what type of music is this? This isn’t Scott’s roots rock, isn’t Scott’s jamband or acoustic, this isn’t the blues or pop he has been writing with Larry McCray or Question Mark”….no, this is mainly instrumental, a combination of free-jazz and art jazz. Lots of space, lots of power and groove. I can best describe this as Peter Green (Fleetwood Mac), meets the Universal tones of acoustic and electric jazz and sonic rock. I have nothing to really describe it. We are looking into playing live this fall and winter. Muruga and I will be joined by Muruga’s long time bassist Doug Weaver and Northwoods Improvisers bassist Mike Johnston. The band is named Insight Owt. We want to play jazz, open music, avant-garde, and free-jazz fests–anywhere we can explore sound and vibes. I am so grateful for Muruga’s blessing and love of my music. This has been a REAL eye opener to going places I have never been able to take music to. Look him up–his Wiki is outrageous!
I also did start an album with Adam Levy I get asked about often. Adam moved out to CA and left Brooklyn. We will get to that, when we are able. I have three or four demos he has liked. That’s the extent of that. This project is almost three years in.
I hope you all understand, I have been trying to create musically in all the directions I am able. It’s the best challenge for me and my mind takes me on these amazing journeys with amazing musician friends. Eventually, it will all roll out. For now, road trips and summer shows!
Love always and don’t forget to inspire others!
S.