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I originally wrote this journal entry on Saturday, May 5th. I can't believe it's September already! All I can say is that I hope you'll
continue to check my journal entries even though I haven't updated mine in a long time. I promise to bring you more Mer insight and
ramblings. So here it is:
It's time to add a new CD to my "recordings" section. This one I think I am most proud of--it's for The Shelley Winters Project, my
main musical focus and passion! This 5-song EP is a product of two years worth of recording, development and love.
I joined The Shelley Winters Project in April, 1999, not knowing the journey I was embarking on. I had played in so many different
kinds of groups and bands and had no idea when I auditioned for Shelley that she would change my life completely (okay, maybe I'm being
really dramatic, but it's TRUE!). I had seen Shelley perform and fell in love with their songs--so poignant, so musical, so timeless,
so-well, different than some of the music that is soaking up the airwaves these days. The Shelley truck was driven by Rick Berlin,
with the collaboration of Dave Berndt--an amazing musical child was born.
The first year was experimental. We developed a repertoire, a sense of how to arrange songs and got used to each other as people.
I had never rehearsed so much in a non-classical setting. I'd always improvised my parts in previous groups and hadn't kept them
the same each time. As a result, I found myself playing the violin better. I began coming up with better parts. I listened and
learned from Rick and Dave--they had ideas about what violin parts they envisioned. At the same time, they allowed and encouraged
me to invent my own parts. I ended up combining their ideas and mine, which produced a wonderfully balanced violin part. I was so
excited! I was writing parts!
The second year Dave Featherman (our bass player) joined the band. Now we had a bottom, a rhythm section. Dave Berndt and I
(who were switching off on bass) could now focus on our respective instruments. Featherman fit right into the mix and we continued
to progress as a group. We started playing out in clubs more and our on-stage personalities started to shine.
At the end of 2000, our drummer, Matty Dodson, left the band, to be replaced by Nigel Grover. I was incredibly sad to say good-bye to
my friend and fellow musician. Matty and I had always driven to the long-distance gigs together and had other friends in common.
While I knew that it was best for the band and for Matty, I still was very sad.
But Nigel added a new dimension to the band that we needed. He's an animal on drums, while also being sensitive to the musical nature
of Shelley. Every band needs a Nigel. Plus, Nige (that's what we call him) is a fun, young, cool person that we all connect with
outside of rehearsals (for Shelley that's an important thing). With all the players in place, we finally were ready to release our EP.
Which is how I started off this journal entry!
I can't say anymore about the CD, it certainly speaks for itself. It's available through www.radioboston.com,
www.amazon.com and
www.theorchard.com. It's also on sale at any upcoming show
(check out our site at www.rickberlin.com for updated gig info along with photos, news, reviews, etc.).
You could always ask the only male waiter at Doyle's (before he asks you) to buy a CD. That would be Rick.
And as far as Massachusetts stores: CD Spins, Hi Fi, Rhythm + Muse in Jamaica Plain and Newbury Comics
(also Record Hog 368 Beacon St - near Porter Square, Somerville). It's worth every penny, I think--a great deal--5 songs
for $5. I hope you like it.
So friends and family who have been hearing me rant and rave about Shelley this and Shelley that for the last few years, now's your
chance to get a taste of what the hell I'm so damn excited about and to support us and our vision for success. If you know anyone in
the music industry that could advise us, appreciate us or get us anywhere towards more outward success, please email me at
mercooper@hotmail.com. And you people that live nowhere near Boston and get
my mass emails about shows, news and tidbits (email me if you want to be on this list - it's a bi-monthly email), now's your chance
to grab hold of your reins and join the rodeo. The animal's just been let loose!
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