Guild Tidings
The official publication of
The International Songwriters Guild
Volume 30, No. 07
July 2025
The next zoom feedback session will be
Sunday July 6th at 5pm. Please see the zoom details
at the end of this newsletter.
We will also send details closer to the date, under a separate e-mail,
and an announcement on the Facebook group page.
please e-mail us at isgorlando@gmail.com if you have any questions.
We are asking members to renew their dues for 2025. It costs only $5 per year,
and it helps us to defray costs for the zoom meetings.
We have 2 methods of payment. Either paypal to our treasurer Asli Goncer's
paypal account. The paypal access is at aslivision@gmail.com
or you can snail mail a $5 check to:
Asli Goncer
2849 Babylon Court
Oviedo, FL 32765
Either way, we appreciate your continued support.
Any Details not in this newsletter are at:
If you wish to join our Facebook group, please check us out at:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/831814850193553/
Here I Stand
By Jackie Mason
I have so much respect for Elvis Costello. It’s his willingness to explore different styles of music that inspires me. I think it takes courage to be
the apprentice. I admire Elvis because of the risks he takes. We can consider the dynamics between two songwriters. One is the senior, a bit
more experienced and the other is “the new kid in town.” There has to be some personal interdynamics to navigate for both parties.
Last month I wrote about Allen Toussaint and today I will write about his collaborations with Elvis Costello. The first song they recorded was
“Walking On Thin Ice” written by Yoko Ono. Elvis had been asked by Yoko to record the song for a tribute record. It was the last song Lennon
had recorded before he was murdered in 1980, So it was a song of great significance to Yoko, and Elvis took the request as a responsibility.
I think Elvis followed his musical instincts and reached out to Allen for some production help. It’s an unusual first song for a collaboration.
On Sept 3, 1983 they recorded the song at Sea Saint Studios in New Orleans. That was one of Allen’s favorite studios and the birthplace of
many important recordings. It was severely damaged by Hurricane Katrina.
“Walking On Thin Ice” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Eb-eLodaMJw&list=RDEb-eLodaMJw&start_radio=1
https://www.explorelouisiana.com/music/sea-saint-recording-studio
In 1988 Allen contributed piano to Costello’s song “Deep Dark Truthful Mirror.” It can be heard on the highly acclaimed “Spike” album released in 1989.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tujLEFMtaVA&list=RDtujLEFMtaVA&start_radio=1
They didn’t meet up again until 2005. Allen was playing solo gigs at Joe’s Pub in New York and Elvis went to see him a few times. I think those
times as an audience member inspired Elvis to pursue another project with ”the prince in a thin disguise.” That’s Costello’s description of Toussaint.
I found an interesting interview with them. It took place in 2006 and Allen was still in exile in New York. He’d lost his home, studio and piano to Katrina.
https://relix.com/articles/detail/in_conversation_allen_toussaint_elvis_costello/
“In Conversation With Allen Toussaint and Elvis Costello.” The article was first published in 2016 after Allen’s death. It’s insightful and we learn about
Toussaint’s intimate and deep knowledge of New Orleans and its musical roots. He has called the city a “musical garden.” He refers to the syncopation
as having a “strut.” A “New Orlean’s strut.” He explains the merging of musical cultures. It’s a musical gumbo.
In 2006 their collaboration “The River in Reverse” was released. It received a Grammy nomination for Best Pop Vocal Album. It was recorded at
Piety Street Recorders, New Orleans in 2005 and helped restart the struggling music business in the city. I’m happy to report that this studio is still in
operation but another hurricane in 2024 caused a roof fire. Fortunately most of the equipment survived.
https://acloserwalknola.com/places/piety-street-recording/
I think Elvis had the idea to make an “Allen Toussaint Songbook.” Somehow that plan changed and the project became a part songbook tribute and a
reflection of the tragedy caused by the hurricane.
Start with the title track and jump in. “The River In Reverse.”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=71YLX4pUMW0&list=RD71YLX4pUMW0&start_radio=1
The title of today’s article is somewhat obtuse and I’d like to explain what’s on my mind. I find myself standing at a crossroads in my life. I’m trying to
find the best way of downsizing my equipment and at the same time pursuing some kind of a career. I am not a huge fan of retirement. Anyway that’s
what I have for today.
So long from the Song Motel.
WebChatter
by CyberToad
For those of us that spend a lot of time trying to record decent demos, here is a video from Mattie
(he was our guest a few months ago). He explains EQ in a way that makes it easy to understand.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=APZrhbKKNwE
I am continuing to praise the power of https://www.bandlab.com/
It is a simple online DAW (Digital Audio Workstation) that has really helped me with collaborations. It is FREE,
(there are options to pay for a subscription if you want to get premium features), but the basic functions are just fine.
It is deceptively simple, but my brother, who initially sneered at it, has now admitted that he has a newly found respect for it.
The neat thing is that it works across all computer platforms and on your cell phones and tablets too, All you
need is an email address to join up. I also purchased a printer cable that allows you to connect the cell phones
and tablets (usb-c) up with midi keyboards, USB microphones and even audio interfaces, to allow access to record!!
It is a game changer. I will attempt to put the link in. It only costs $5.99, and I have tested it on all my equipment,
ISG Bulletin Board
Meeting space was graciously provided by Central Florida Musicians Association,
Local 389. You are invited to join the largest union in the world, representing the
interests of the professional musician. Visit their website at afm389.org for more
information. You may reach them by phone at: 407-894-8666.
Why isn't your gig or live stream announced here?
Members in good standing call SusieCool with your appearance schedule!
407-760-2153 or e-mail her the details at isgorlando@gmail.com
If you are interested in open mics in the Central Florida area, SusieCool has compiled a list.
Steve Hodak hosts several newly listed open mics on the Florida East coast. Please call ahead before making any long trips.
https://sites.google.com/site/susiecoolsongs/open-mic-directory-central-florida
SusieCool is the admin for a Facebook group called "Orlando Creative Music Network"
where we give out info on songwriter meetings, playing circles, open mics, workshops and
concerts. We have a Facebook page for this group if you want to join.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/orlandocreativemusicnetwork
Central Florida Folk ( https://cffolk.org/ ) is a massive supporter of Musicians, and have monthly concerts at the
Winter Park Library. The requested donation is $15, or $10 if you are a member. Here is the Facebook page:
https://www.facebook.com/centralflorida.folk/
New members and guests are always welcome!
© 2025 ISG
ZOOM DETAILS Sun July 6th 5pm
*****************************************************************************
Central Florida Folk Inc. is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.
Topic: ISG Song Feedback sessions. First Sundays 5pm
Time: Sunday Jun 6th, 2025 05:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
Every month on the First Sunday
Please submit your mp3 and lyrics to isgorlando@gmail.com by noon of the day.
Join Zoom Meeting
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