Am I the third best songwriter?

I have already had some great things happen with the music from “Bounce” and have blogged about some of it. Well, here’s some cool news. My Dad listened to the CD and said he liked it. ok, so that may not count much in your book so…

I received a third place from the folks at the Artistic Freedom Collective and AFC RADIO in their songwriter contest. 13 Judges from three different countries and all aspects of the music industry completed the final judging.

I like and believe in my work. Most people can tell whether an artist believes in their performance. And industry people smell that a mile away. So it’s cool to get recognized by people in the industry with a sincere mind set of bringing good music to the front.

But what really gets me jazzed is when I hear from someone who randomly decides to send me an email to say how much they liked one of my songs. Thanks for your support.

Oh, about the contest. I will be featured on their station for the month along with the first and second place song writers. AFC Broadcasts 24/7 via streaming programs and has live shows throughout the week. More information on the afc can be found at www.afcollective.com

Winning the 2009 IMA Ringtone Award

I am so excited about winning this category at the Independant Music Awards. Rigamaroll is always so much fun to perform because of its high energy and open “jam” format that gives the band a chance to let it out. There’s a new studio version on my new CD with Nez and Marcus trading fours, Keith taking a solo and kicking off a doubletime swing piano solo… we had fun and did this song in one take.

I am really hoping to see everyone at the CD release party on May 12. The line up will include me on both keyboards and that beautiful grand piano, Keith on bass, Ricardo Monzon on percussion and Nez on Drums. We may have one or two surprises up our sleeves as well.

Tickets to the May 12th show are available at http://web.me.com/sueauclair/Bill_Champitto_At_Scullers/May_12_09.html

To access the free ringtone of “Rigamaroll by Bill Champitto” from your cell phone Text “569732” to 69937 (MYXER) or on your computer go to http://www.myxer.com/tag/569732/

A quick and overdue update.

I just finished up tracking some of the songs for the new CD. I’m running out of time (and out of money) to meet the publisher’s deadline – but working hard to get done.

 

So far I have Silently She Calls My Name, Bounce and One Day mixed. I think we’re in good shape with just a few more tweaks. A Better Way, Can You Tell Me and A Strange Place are tracked. A Better Way has changed a lot from the first mix (the early release) with a new vocals, bass and organ.

 

So here’s a quick run down of some of the songs.

 

Silently She Calls My Name: It was written with a kind of Latin Rock groove to it featuring some incredible percussion work by Ricardo Monzon and drummer Andrew (Nez) Nesbitt, as well as some intricate B3 work.  It uses imagery that reflects how you can be mesmerized and enthralled without a word being spoken.

 

Bounce: is jazzed funk – and the song literally bounces thanks to a simple and catchy keyboard hook lifted by a solid rhythm section performance from bassist Keith Kirkpatrick, Ricardo and Nez.  The lyric speaks to the importance of being able to “bounce” when dealing with hard times, job loss, financial and other social pressures.  While this does apply to my own life, I see this as a recurring theme for many people I know and meet.

 

One Day: Another reflection on the impact on people of the current economic situation, the song reminds you to keep focusing on what’s really important in your life – the people you love.  This light 12/8 groove and modal flavor conjures up some old Steely Dan ghosts with an updated beat.

would you send an email for me?

I hope this post finds you well. Things have been heating up with the new CD in the works. I’ve recently been notified by Billboard Magazine who is considering two of my songs for recognition in their 2009 awards.

There two very simple ways for you to help me out with my career. I have been selected to participate in two competitions that require voting. Please help with the following if at all possible.

1) please send an email to VoteNCNRomp@gmail.com with “I vote for Bill Champitto” in it.
2) please download (for free) my ringtone by texting “569732” to 69937 (MYXER) or on your computer go to http://www.myxer.com/tag/569732/

The first is part of a regional competition Continue reading “would you send an email for me?”

I am a finalist in IMA’s ringtone category and I can use your help.

To access the free ringtone of “Rigamaroll by Bill Champitto” from your phone, Text “569732” to 69937 (MYXER) or on your computer go to http://www.myxer.com/tag/569732/

The good news is that I have been selected a finalist in a very prestigious international award program. The good news is also that you can get a free ringtone out of the deal. The help I need is for you to download the free ringtone to your cell phone.

 

To access the free ringtone of “Rigamaroll by Bill Champitto” from your phone, Text “569732” to 69937 (MYXER) or on your computer go to http://www.myxer.com/tag/569732/

 

 

Video of Bill performing live at Scullers, Boston

This video includes a live performance of two of Bill’s songs, “A Better Way” and “You Know Me”. It features Bill on piano and vocals, Keita Ogawa on percussion and Keith Kirkpatrick on bass. It was shot during a live performance at Scullers Jazz Club in Boston, MA.

video of Bill performing at Scullers, Boston

Winning the 4th Annual Steppin’ Out with the Stars Talent Showcase

I was selected as a finalist from thousands of entries and edged out three other finalists for the opportunity to perform at Steppin’ Out with the Stars 2008 Gala. With Keith on bass and Keita on percussion, we performed live for a panel of judges and, according to the Dimock Center’s press release, “energized the audience” at Scullers Jazz Club on Monday, September 29th. “His trio edged out three other artists/ensembles for the opportunity to perform on the main stage at this year’s Steppin’ Out gala Saturday, November 8th.”

We performed my new single “A Better Way” and the best selling single from “Water’s Edge”, “You Know Me”. The show lineup includes such great jazz and R&B artists as Lala Hathaway, Andre Ward, Monty Alexander, Terri Lyne Carrington, Esperanza Spaulding, Kendrick Oliver, Wannetta Jackson, Larry Watson, Julia Nixon and Samba Tremeterra.

Thanks to all of you who showed up in support. This was fun and the show in front of an aduience of 3,000 will be very exciting.

About Dimock, in case you don’t know… (from their website)

The Dimock Center, founded on July 1, 1862 as the New England Hospital for Women and Children, was the first hospital in New England opened and operated by women for women, and only the second in the country. Noted prominently for its role in the history of women in medicine, Dimock strives to continue in the innovative spirit of trailblazers like Dr. Marie Zakrzewska, who established the hospital, and Mary Eliza Mahoney, the country’s first black nurse who studied here in 1879. Our nine-acre campus was designated as a National Historic Site in 1985 and a National Historic Landmark in 1991. Today, as the largest community based agency in Roxbury, Dimock serves thousands upon thousands of children, adults and families each year.
Dimock is a local and national model for the delivery of comprehensive health and human services. Our Health Care programs provide health maintenance, screening, immunizations, and prevention for adults and children with specialized clinics, including Women’s Health and OB/GYN, HIV/AIDs, eye care, and dental care. Our Child and Family Development programs offer group fitness activities, academic support and computer training, as well as a safe environment for children and adolescents. Our Behavioral Health program assists those struggling with mental illness, developmental delay substance abuse or violence issues. For many individuals and families, participation in Dimock’s programs and services literally saves lives.

http://www.dimock.org
http://dimock.org/display.asp?node_id=11673

The Blues Grill, June 13 – hitting the curve ball…

I was honored to work with my old friend Ricardo Monzon which is always a setting for magical things. The club is having a dispute with the major licensing organizations (BMI, ASCAP and SESAC) which is a story for another day, but until its resolved performers are not able to perform any of the music they license. Since that’s nearly every popular song over written, I performed four hours of my original music along with many improvisations.

Like many of the land bound towns close to the shore, after a beautiful day followed by a warm summer’s night the audience often wanders to the shore. Not the case this night. Attendance was very good and people were very generous with their applause and praise. This kind of warm response really fueled the music. I had a fantastic time and think they did as well. Thank you again to everyone who made it out that night. I’m looking forward to the next show.

I am in the middle of writing a blog about the recent behavior of ASCAP, BMI and SESAC. If you’re interested, keep your eyes open for it. Be well.