Mark Belaire, our “Keeper Of The Keys” for the past three years, is packing up and heading south. Opportunity (and a lot of hard work) will lead him and his family to sunny California. We wish Mark all the best in his new endeavours, and thank him profoundly for his beautiful, soulful, ass-kicking music. We also thank him for: his love and friendship through good times and hard times, his “Do It Till It’s Right” work ethic, his “Smile In The Face Of Adversity” positive attitude, his exuberance for life, his beautiful family, his brother and sonic partner, for bringing Papa Belaire to The Tank, for driving from The Triple Door to Issaquah and back during rush hour to get some gear that was left behind, for his piano, organ, harmonica, strings and voice, all of which made Random Manor a better band, playing better music. We have been lucky to have Mark aboard.

So long, Brother, but not goodbye. It has truly been an awesome ride!

Love and praises,

Don, Rick, Mark & Ronnie

Our stockings are hung by the chimney with care…

2011 was, like Frank said, “a very good year”. The completion of our LP, “Big Dog Run”, with the release show at The Triple Door, was truly special. We thought it only fitting to bring forth some holiday cheer with a musical offering. With I at my pen and Rick at the dials (and orchestra!), we present “Favorite Year”. Mixed and mastered by Tom Hall. We wish you all the best this holiday season and look forward to the New Year!

Download and enjoy,

Don, Rick, Mark M., Ronnie & Mark B.

This song is another one from the “Personal Files”. When I got back into songwriting, I made myself a promise: I was going to go where the songs took me…no matter what. This required commitment and faith in the process. I remember having a little apprehension about the idea of exposing oneself in song. When I presented Long Way Back (off the first record) to Rick and Mark, I was more than a bit nervous. It was such a reflection of my own “stuff”. I think my knees were knocking…but I remember glancing at Rick while playing and he was looking at me…smiling. Chris Martin from Coldplay said he’s terrified when introducing a new song to the band…it’s good to be among friends!

Along For The Ride is like a big smile to me and some lines of the lyric are like photographs of my life…a story of love found when love was not sought. I hope some of you can relate.

We’ve been playing this song for a long time. It was our closer at Ste. Michelle in ‘07 (2nd gig!). It was supposed to be on the first record but we were only doing 6 songs and it took a back seat. It’s a favorite on this one, however (Rick has the opening riff for his ringtone!) and was a blast to record.

We had some fun at The Shack tracking…the effect we used on the verse before the last chorus was a nod to Richard Dodd and Boz Scaggs. The vocal track was played through headphones that were mounted on a vocal mic and recorded to get that “far away” sound that fit so well with the track. I also put in a little guitar homage to Johnny Rivers (“The Poor Side Of Town”…great song!). Rick’s drums really lift the song up and Mark M’s bass has such a great feel…including a “Down Under” riff…care to guess? As always, Ronnie brings his sweet slide guitar and brother Mark B. delivers a truckload of soul on the organ. All tracks, save drums, recorded at The Shack.

Turn it up and get happy!

Next…Elizabeth and I do the math…

Till then,

Don

Friday, July 10th, 2009. We recorded this song a number of times that night at The Tank. Live. The best take is what you hear on the record. The mood was loose…swampy and lubricated…cheap cactus juice courtesy of Tom P. Papa Belaire was there (rest his soul), just hanging out in the control room. I asked him if he wanted to sing, but he politely declined…he seemed genuinely happy to be there.

When we all gathered around for the background vocals, we were running late. Tom offered “you guys should just stay here tonight”. T.P. was into it, playing “air guitar” and lending his trademark vocal.

The next day we were done. The last band to record at The Tank with Tom. Ever.

Mark Belaire’s harp brings the feel up front and Ronnie’s slide lays down the Delta vibe. Rick and Mark M. give a rhythm section from somewhere down the river. The background vocal choir is nothin’ but love. I could listen to this song a thousand times and want a thousand more.

At the time I wrote this song, I wasn’t exactly sure what it was about. It came very quickly, and when that happens, I don’t ask a lot of questions…the road goes where it goes. At the end of the day, as they say, I came to realize the gift of this song and its true meaning.

Next up…”side two”…

Till then,

Don

Thanks to all for a truly wonderful night at The Triple Door for our long awaited CD release party. With a big full moon above the clouds and big vibe in the room, it was a time I did not want to end. The culmination of two years work…and more fun than I’ve ever had on stage. A band of brothers in the moment.

Thanks to the T-Door staff for all their help and we look forward to the next time.

See you all down the road,

Don