11/01/08...Re-Mastered Solo CDs Available Now!

I recently had my solo CD re-mastered by Mark Poole at Zone 8 studios and sent it away to have it pressed.  The hardcopies and digital files are now available through CDBaby and DigStation.  It's the same songs and same mix, just with a bit more overall boost, or as they say in musical circles..."oomph".  Mark really did improve the sound with his extensive knowledge of parametric equalizers and flux capacitors. Plus, the packaging looks really cool.

If you have already purchased the old type and would like to receive a new copy, just drop me a line.

Thanks, hope to see you soon!

10/10/08...Week 1: Studio

Phew.  We wrapped up the first week in the studio with a 10-1/2 hour day yesterday.  It's kind of disturbingly narcissistic focusing all your concentration and thought on your own sound for that long, and the danger of obsessing over every part is for real.  However, it truly has been fun.  I have to say thanks to Mark Poole for his general good vibes (and sound) and for inspiring creativity.  We continue to come up with ideas on things to add, rearrange, take away...get weird. 

I have to give big props to the band as well.  This week has really shown the high quality of musicianship.

Forrest, Jake, and Ray...thanks.

There will be cowbell. 

Sam

10/08/08...2008 West Virginia Blues Society Contest Winner!  Last Saturday I competed in the 2nd annual WV Blues Society competition in Fairmont, and placed 3rd overall and 1st in the solo/duo category!  The prize includes sponsorship to compete in the 2009 International Blues Challenge in Memphis, TN in February, as well as a sweet looking trophy to add to my collection (which incidentally, begins now).

Congrats to the first place winners Ms. Freddye and Blue Faze from Pittsburgh and second place The Jon Justice Band out of Cincinnati, OH. 

Thanks again to all the organizers of the event and everyone involved.

See you in Memphis!

-Sam

08/26/08...Just letting you know about my good friend Ben Gilmer's recent CD release. I do some singing and some guitar pickin' and some harmonica playing on a few songs, along with a bunch of other talented musicians. All the songs are Ben's original compositions and you can check it out at: www.myspace.com/bengilmer Let me know what you think!

06/07/08...This week I went into the studio to record some guitar, vocal, and harmonica tracks for Ben Gilmer's upcoming CD. Ben assembled quite a cast of musicians for this debut of all original material and I can't wait to hear the final mix. Mark at Mountain Fever Studios (Willis, VA) was a blast, even though enduring Ben's diva ways did grow somewhat tiresome. (haha) I think the recording part is done and their on to mixing now, so keep an eye and ear out for this CD in the next month or so.

10/05/07...As you may have already noticed, the website has been re-designed, upgraded, facelifted, beautified. I wish to extend my sincere gratitude to Erica Fitchett who is responsible for these changes. Thanks Erica! If anyone is interested in contacting Erica about her website design, drop her a note at: elfrica@aol.com. Also, please check back often for more downloads and updates and good stuff. Thanks!

09/06/07...In an all-out marketing assault, the CD is now also available on itunes Forgive me for pandering to The Man...check out tunes anyway!

08/06/07...The CD is now available on CDBaby! You can also access the store in the music page.

06/07/07...A store has been added to the Music page to allow you to download the songs or the entire album in mp3 format. I'll have clips posted soon. I also intend to allow you to purchase hardcopies of the CD for those of you that still like to have something to hold on to. For now, however, you'll have to send me an email and do it the old fashion way, or better yet, come out and see a show!

...I've also joined the masses and created a MySpace page where you can sample some songs and leave me messages and all that. Stop on by! (www.myspace.com/samlamontmusic)

05/31/07...THE CD IS FINALLY READY!! At long last. Eleven original songs. I will have some for sale at the Black Bear tomorrow and hope to have them available on the web soon.

05/22/07...Last minute BROKE DOWN ENGINE show added!! We will be playing this Friday at Rhythm and Brews in Morgantown (Glenmark Center). BDE consists of myself (vox and guitar), Brian Renzella (vox and guitar), Forrest Schwartz (drums), and Jake the Snake Hiles (bass) playing some electrified blues and funky good time music. This is our first show in some time, so we're looking forward to gettin' down! Our friends The Gear will also be playing. Hope to see you there.

03/14/07...I am also currently working on recording a handmade-homegrown CD of my own original music which I hope to have finished soon and available online. It will be fairly raw and unpolished since I'm recording it all myself, but that's ok, polished stuff gives me the willies.