Thursday, November 29, 2007

Studio Blog 1 (11-29-07)

2:00pm

My wife told me that yesterday and today, I've acted like a schoolboy on their first day of school.

I got up bright and early and got dressed, then proceeded to load up 2 amps, a speaker cabinet, 3 electric guitars and 1 acoustic (my trusty Taylor) into my Jeep. After I loaded up, I drove over and picked up Ash, who is filming the recording process. We stopped by Mickey D's for breakfast, then headed on to the studio. I got to the studio at 9am and unloaded all my stuff, getting set up for the day.

We got started a little after 10, with us all in a room hammering it out. Will Denton is playing drums and Joey Canaday is playing bass. These two guys were requested by me because they were in Steven Curtis Chapman's band for a while and I had met Will a couple of times. Stephen Leiweke, who is co-producing, played guitar and Jason Walker, who I co-wrote "I'm Clean" with is playing piano.

We listened to the song once and then went in to the big room to begin whittling away the arrangement to make it perfect. We took a measure out here, 2 measures out there and we changed one thing here and there, and we had the arrangement. We tracked the song 5 times and we had what we needed.

After we tracked it a couple of times, we saved my scratch vocal and I went to playing electric guitar, adding some umph underneath. But, after 2-3 times of me playing with the band, we had what we needed. And it was off to lunch.

After lunch we came back and fixed 2-3 trouble spots and suddenly, "Pleased" is finished and ready for overdubs. It sounds incredible already! We're getting ready to start on "Potential".


5pm
We started working on "Potential" and decided that we didn't like the feel of the song. So, we spent the last couple of hours reworking that song. We sped it up a little bit and moved Jason over from Piano to Rhodes through a distortion pedal and made the whole song just feel more mature. It's really, really different, but it's exciting to hear the difference. And it feels way better. It doesn't necessarily rock more, but it's a little more driving.

The players I'm working with are incredible. I've caught myself a few times almost laughing because it's so exciting to be around incredible musicians. They hear the song once and jump in and kill it.

It's incredible.

9pm
Well, the next song up was "Something Beautiful". We started working on it about 5:30pm and immediately Joey, the bass player, started messing around with a riff taken from the chord structure that we all thought was pretty cool. Stephen started to mimic it on guitar and pretty soon we had a riff to build the song around. We figured out the feel of the song after the riff and then started tracking to nail it down.

I laid down a couple of vocal tracks until we had a scratch track that was good enough and then I went out and played guitar on a couple of takes. My guitar part is down and now I'm listening to the guys track another take as I sit here and type.

Seriously, the songs have all taken turns for the better from my crappy demos (well, I would hope so). I'm excited to see how they end up over the next few days as we add guitars and keyboards and vocals.

I spent a lot of money today.

But it was completely well-spent.

74 comments:

HstryQT said...

I'm sure you were like a boy on his first day of school! That's a good description. Exciting to hear that Pleased is already pretty much done! Is March really four months away? I dont think I can really wait that long for the album (and other various "arrivals" :)!

Tom in ATL said...

Congrats Dude-

Wish I could be a fly on the wall - if Ash is filming will any footage be released to public - or just for the Sligh Home movie collection?

Peace -

Tom in ATL

Carmen said...

Chris,
Wow, how exciting to finally be in the studio and doing what you love! Congratulations on getting to this point in your career. I am anxious for your new CD to be released. I know it is going to be awesome. Once again, congratulations on everything.

Carmen

Anonymous said...

To actually have you give us play by play is just incredibly cool. Almost like we are in your living room having a Dr. Pepper at the end of your day.

Cathy Storms said...

I can only imagine how excited you are. As Tom in atl says, I also would love to be a fly on the wall.
I can't wait for the finished product.

Kara Phillips said...

That's great Chris! You sound so excited! I can hear you smiling! :)

Carrie said...

Awesome. I can't wait to hear it.

I heard clips of Blake's album earlier. I really want to buy it now.

Oh and If anyone is on facebook, you should all check this out.

http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?
id=14450425500

DJ in AL said...

Sounds like everything is clicking! I say we you give some lucky fan the opportunity to come hear you record....did I say that? Nevermind. But in Utopia, wouldn't it be cool?

Carry On!

I'm with Tom, Amanda is definitely Hero material. Hey Tom, you don't look anything like an ax murderer:)

DJ

Anonymous said...

How awesome for you to be working/playing with greatly talented guys! It's pretty awesome for us just reading about it.
And ya know you've made it when you can make a lot of people envious of flys. :o)

Tom,
LUCKY! TWO Third Day shows???
Jars Of Clay made one of my MOST favorite CD's ever. Redemption Songs. Hymns w/a modern twist. Every cut is amazing.

Air 1 Radio has a contest going right now. Winner gets trip to Minnesota, $1000 gift card for Mall of America & tickets to this concert. WOW!

vivian from missouri said...

what fun, you can sense the excitement in your post---how incredible to be able to do what you love, looking forward to hearing the final result----still voting for the original version of Hero--also like the notion that Potential has a more driving sound---very fond of that, one of the things that brought me to U2.

risalea said...

I love the boy on the first day of school analogy. If you whip all the songs out that fast, you might be ready to get that CD out before March! I wish it was going to be ready for Christmas...I could sure knock out some of my gift list with that! That's ok, it can be in their Easter baskets! : )

Tom, thanks for posting your pic. I love the chance to see what everyone looks like.

Amanda has redefined hero for a lot of us on here, that's for sure. We love you, Amanda! And if you have supported St. Jude's in the past, pat yourself on the back. Amanda's healing and that of so many others wouldn't be possible without the money that funds the research that finds the treatments.

One more day of November. I can't believe it! Is time rushing by as quickly for y'all as it is for me???
Risa

Carrie said...

I really don't think your demos were crappy.

rosalee said...

ROFL!!! Yeah, I love to see what everyone looks like too, Risa.
GDA........

Carrie said...

If any of you wanna hear clips from Blake's cd;

http://music.barnesandnoble.com/search/
mediaplayer.asp?ean=886971993523&disc=1

You can delete this if I shouldn't be posting about this.

risalea said...

OK, I just want to announce that I have the best husband in the world. (apologies to all husbands posting on here and Chris, but I do!) I think I've told y'all he's retired from the Air Guard in May. He then worked a temporary contract job for the Air Force until the end of Sept. and he's waiting for a civil service slot to come through. In the meantime, he's been playing Mr. Mom. I've come home every night to a homecooked meal. (and he's getting quite good...tonight it was oven fried tilapia, mashed potatoes, peas and carrots). I am hosting Christmas Bunco next week and he knows I have been swamped and he put up the tree and totally decorated it by himself. And now he's doing the mantel and putting all the Christmas things up in the living room. Gaylon...I think I'll keep him! : )

risalea said...

Dang it, I always post a book and still leave something out. I must have a tin ear, Chris, cause I didn't think your demos were crappy, either! If those were what you considered crappy, the final product will be AWESOME!!!!!

midlifecrisis said...

Okay, you are like the boy on his first day of school. You even rounded it out with completing your homework by posting to this blog. Thanks for giving us this down to earth and grounded view of what has been going on since AI.

rosalee said...

Rhodes?
I knew those keyboards as "Fender Rhodes" back in the seventies. I didn't know they still make them, or that they were used today, for that matter. They were a big thing 30-35 years ago. I have a couple of real antiques myself sitting in my basement - a Farfisa organ and a Leslie speaker (wood cabinet in perfect condition). I don't think they're worth much, though.

Tom in ATL said...

Hi All -

Chris - and all your regular bloggers - sorry for the off topic subject - but as requested I just have to give a little synopsis of my evening with Third Day/ Jars of Clay.

Well I missed J of C becuase we were running late - my wife and I ran into terrible traffic (actually I got lost - but being a male - I can't admit that) - we heard them closing their set when we walked in. As we were going to our seats - we ran into Tai Anderson's wife (the bass palyer for Thrid Day) - I had posted earlier that my wife met her as our kids were in the same Gym Tots class - or something like that..

Anyway - I was hoping for the big invite back stage to meet the band - but they were talking kids and exchanging recipes and whatnot - and my wife didn't press it (as I'm nudging her in the side "get us backstage!!") -

Third Day is incredible - a true religious experience to see them up close (Not trying to rub it in Slim - but I was 4th row). Those guys are so tight - and have turned very traditional Christmas songs into fantastic contemporary rock songs - but without watering down the message. If you haven't bought Christmas Offerings - run to your nearest store and buy it now.

For the encore - Jars of Clay came back and both bands played a 3song acoustic set together. A cool medley of "Love Song" and "Love song for a Savior", Silent Night, and Joy to the World. My description can't do it justice. Slim - I'll defintely get directions to the show in Greenville so I won't miss the first set!

Again - apologize for rambling about other bands on your blog - can't wait to see you out on tour to support the new album!

Peace -

Tom in Atl

gdahimself said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
gdahimself said...

To Rosalee,
From GDA,

While I problem solve your request maybe you'll find the lyrics to the following Move song amusing.

Kilroy Was Here - Roy Wood

There's a fellow roaming ‘round the street
I think most of all I'd like to meet
I must consider him a clever lad
Making like a young Sir Galahad

Everywhere I go I think he's been
He autographs the walls around the scene
If you look hard enough you'll find him there
In rooms of public places everywhere

Kilroy was here
Left his name around the place
Kilroy was here
Though I've never seen his face

On a short vacation with my friends
I found I had time on my hands to spare
Surveyed my telescope around the land
And saw his name imprinted in the sand

Kilroy was here
Left his name around the place
Kilroy was here
Though I've never seen his face

I wonder could he be a cavalier
Or a roving musketeer
Or just a dustman who's insane
Everyplace regardless where or when
the formless Kilroy strikes again and again and again

If I ever meet that man at all
I'll hang a plaque upon my bedroom wall
A monument erected in his name
Would help to contribute his fame

Kilroy was here
Left his name around the place
Kilroy was here
Though I've never seen his face
Kilroy was here
Though I've never seen his face

Nique's Nana said...

I love your demos - if your demos sound this good, I can't imagine what the final versions will sound like - you're gonna' knock our socks off!

Looking forward to buying your new cd............

Cathy Storms said...

Chris~If the songs on your new CD sound even half as good as your demo's, we are in for a real treat. I thought the demo's sounded great!!!!

sandmoran said...

painting a picture
of your studio bliss, Chris
you are an artist

risalea said...

LOL, GDA!

DJ, we're calling you down next!

rosalee said...

Good one, GDA

Karen Burns said...

WoW I thought the demos were good, but to hear you working so hard, to give us your very best, and to be a part in your many hours of work, makes me feel privileged. The end result, is God's reward.

gdahimself said...

To Rosalee,
From GDA,

My dear lady,

you do realize that in the interest of fair play, we need to see who's shoulder that bird has been sitting on.

Eye patch is optional!

risalea said...

Well, Amanda got another famous visitor--Miley Cyrus, aka Hannah Montana. She's got a cute pic posted on her journal. She's in NLR tomorrow night. I wouldn't want to be within a mile of Alltel...you won't be able to stir the pre-adolescents with a stick! LOL My friend, Carol, will be there with her 13 yr. old niece who is flying in from Montana. But she's a fan of the opening act, the Jonas Brothers! I told Carol she sure went through a lot of trouble, not to mention money to get tickets to see the opening guys!

And Chris, I noticed that your friend, Kevin Max is going to be in Hot Springs, AR on the 15th. I thought about going if it doesn't interfere with the holiday symphony concert in LR.

Take care! Risa

DJ in AL said...

Risa,

I know, I know! I told you I am very picky about finding a pic that isn't too hideous, I am not photogenic in the least. But as Popeye says, I am what I am!

I promise to work on this, this weekend.

DJ

rosalee said...

GDA -
My pic has been available on the fansite since August (in the Forums under General Discussion/My Nassau Coliseum Pics is a link to my photobucket site). I also have a Myspace site set up now (with pics) for friends only, if you care to join....

I use my pet lovebird pic as my avatar because he's prettier. And yes, that IS my shoulder...

Jason said...

So when are you gonna lay down "Empty Me"...I am pumped about that song...

Anonymous said...

Tom,
Thanks so much for the review.
Had to laugh about the women chatting. Were they REALLY discussing recipes or was this one man's version of what "woman talk" consists of??? I'm imagining you tuned out at the first mention of the kids and imagined the rest??
(being one myself, I don't think I've EVER talked recipes w/my friends at a concert, that would be WIERD). ha ha
Now, if your wife really DID do that, she's not wierd, just unique. :o)

At any rate, what a bummer you didn't get backstage. But 4th ROW??? Awesome!
You only got half your money's worth missing Jars of Clay. Sounds like you learned your lesson though. Wishin' you greater success in Greenville.

gdahimself said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
gdahimself said...

To Rosalee,
From GDA,

I rather thought the point was to have one's vestage as a daily presence.

Anyway one not very interesting portrait modified appears at the blogger profile. I've not discovered how to make it appear

Tom in ATL said...

Hey Slim -

You got me - It was just women chatting about whatever it is women chat about - I know that's not very politically correct but hopefully people have seen enough of my posts to not take offense (none meant) - they were not literally exchanging recipes. At least as far as I know -

Anyway - off to Greenville tonight to visit family - and then on to the concert tomorrow. I'll make sure I get to catch all of Jars of Clay this time...

When's Chris going to give us the skinny on how today went in Studio?

Peace -

Tom in ATL

gdahimself said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
gdahimself said...

To Tom in ATL,
From GDA,

"Again - apologize for rambling about other bands on your blog - can't wait to see you out on tour to support the new album!"

It seems after about dozen post these columns turn into notice boards with commonplace book type postings.

I'm one of the guilty, but at previous time Chris did say have fun with the blog.

risalea said...

GDA, I hope you're not referring to MY book postings! LOL

Thanks for sharing your pic!

Tom in ATL said...

Hey GDA -

Point taken - I feel honored to be the first recipient of a post from you with a pic! Oops- scratch that - just caught your post to Rosalee....but point made - Chris doesn't seem to mind we use this as a defacto chat room sometimes -

Your Kilroy post showed some sharp wit.

Peace -

Tom in ATL

rosalee said...

GDA -

Whatta puss!!
Were you separated at birth from Elton John???

Thanks for putting that up!

rosalee said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
rosalee said...

Folks -

I see that there's still a lot of regular posters here who have not voted for Chris for the 2008 Bloggers Choice Awards -

(I am chopping these links into two parts because if they are too long, they are being cut off in the post, so you will have to paste them together(Chris - please look into this..))

Best Celebrity Blogger:

http://www.bloggerschoiceawards
.com/blogs/show/13100

Right now, Rosie O'Donnell's blog is in the lead with 240 votes. Chris has 78 votes. We can catch up. Chris is still in second place.

You can also vote for him here -
Best Blog of All Time:

http://www.bloggerschoiceawards
.com/blogs/show/13209

Anonymous said...

jnicCompletely random and OT, but spouse just showed me this!
http://birdloversonly.blogspot.com/2007/09/may-i-have-this-dance.html

This dancing bird clip has something for everyone!:-D
(thinking of you, rosalee)

rosalee said...

Bullyse -

Love it!
He should team up with those beatboxing cockatiels on those Youtube links I put up a while ago.

gdahimself said...

To Risalea,
From GDA,

“I hope you're not referring to MY book postings!”

commonplace book n. A personal journal in which quotable passages, literary excerpts, and comments are written.

Source: http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/commonplace%20book

Anonymous said...

Wow, sounds amazing! Thanks for the updates on the process you're going through. Oh and.. your demos don't suck :P

Carrie-Thanks for the link. I wanted to hear clips of his album.

xangelglitterx said...

HI ALL
WELL IT IS 4:30 AM HERE AND I AM SITTING AT WORK TRYING TO GET INTO THE CHRISTMAS SPIRIT LISTENING TO SONGS FROM THE PAST THEN IT STRUCK ME TO ASK CHRIS IF MAYBE HE WOULD (IN THE FUTURE) DO SOME NEW CHRISTMAS TYPE SONGS FOR US. IT WOULD REALLY BE NICE TO HEAR HIS VOICE ON SOME OF THESE OLDIES BUT
I'M NOT SO SURE YOU WOULD DO A CD ON THIS......
TAKING A BLOGGER POLL:
1.WOULD YOU BE INTERESTED IN A CHRISTMAS CD?
2.SHOULD IT BE OLD SONGS OR NEW?
3.WOULD YOU BUY A CD OR DOWNLOAD ONE?
4.INCLUDE OTHER AI MEMBERS?
5.SKIP THE WHOLE IDEA?
OK NOW VOTE NO ANSWER IS WRONG. JUST A POLL.
PEACE & LOVE.................
ONE LOVE..................

HstryQT said...

I like your poll angelglitter!

I would definitely buy a Chris Christmas CD.
I'd say it'd be best to do mostly oldies, with one or two originals.
I'd get the album to have a hard copy because I know I'd wear it out! :)
A guest spot with Phil, Gina or anyone would definitely be cool!

Maybe one day! Then my Chris Christmas CD would take over Neil Diamond and Colin Raye as my #1 favorite Christmas CD! :) (I know that's an odd combination of people to have as my favorite Christmas albums - but they are seriously the best - especially Neil Diamond's!) Oh and then after he and Colin Raye's, it's definitely Garth Brooks, Beyond the Seasons, the song Friendly Beasts is just fantastic. (I couldn't find it on youtube otherwise I woulda put a link up.)

risalea said...

Morning, all! I actually had suggested on the "Can Do Man" blog that Chris put up some Christmas demos for us to listen to, maybe on his other myspace so as not to distract from his current work in progress. Maybe encouragement from others will get him thinking about it! : )

I'm a sucker for Christmas CD's. Two of my favorite Christmas songs are country ones--Dolly Parton's "Hard Candy Christmas" and Alabama's "Christmas in Dixie", which I put up on myspace. And then there's anything that Josh Groban sings...and "Mary, Did You Know?"
Here's some links:

Christmas in Dixie
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l333xjfSlR4

Hard Candy Christmas--kind of an interesting video with stills of Marilyn Monroe
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YEjZZmOOi-0&feature=related

Mary Did You Know?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_wf_4_5Et_Y&feature=related

OK, off to Curves, then I'm unplugging the computer so I can get something done! LOL Take care and have a great Saturday! Risa

janice said...

I love Potential and I am glad you are using it! I am anxious to hear the remake! That song just speaks to my heart! I am going to visit Amanda Tuesday and stay a few days "Yes" I agree she defines Hero ! Great Job CHris!

amandarhea86 said...

Hey everyone, thanks for all the praise, but its not over yet, i still have a really really long road ahead ecspecially with the steriods that im on. Thanks for all your continued prayers and support. Sorry i dont come by here that often anymore by the end of the day i can update my page and then i just want to sleep. My body is a long way from being totally healed but its goinog to get there. Love yall, and dont forget my page and leave me comments,
www.caringbridge.org/visit/amandajones Love yall.

Chris i really wish i could hear the demo's but myspace is blocked im really sorry.

rosalee said...

Amanda!
Glad to see you posting!

DJ -
Don't worry so much about your pic - just get something up. You've seen what the some of us look like - are any of us "drop dead gorgeous"? And look at Greg Morago....(lol)

Anonymous said...

Hi Chris and everybody!
Still flailing from all the week's news and concert stuff in Nashville, but life is beginning to attain a level again! LOL.

Glad you liked the dancing cockatiel rosalee. :-) It is hilarious, seeing that bird going to the beat! And with BSB music pumping there? I figure that alone would interest a few of you! heh. I should send the link to Blake--he'd like the bird with the 'do, ya'll.
*smirks*

There are so many nice Christmas musics out there, it gets boggling when you walk past those displays. I do like Xmas music. Charlie Daniels has kind of a fun one you country folks might enjoy, if you see it. It's "different". Me likey.
My sister in law loves Neil Diamond, and I lean more towards Barry Manilow, but hey, it's ALL good. I'd love to hear Chris put out one.Some new, some old favs, yeah.
As for interest having another Idol on the record would bring? Um, yespleasetx! I wanted Andrea Bocelli's just because he put Kat McPhee on the album, and I pray they'll do more together.(if she can stop trying to be a Mariah Carey already)
It's not very hip or fresh or new, to put an album out of Christmas songs, it comes across self-indulgent I guess, but once a fanbase is out there? I really liked the idea of Jodee Messina's one, where she said she wanted it to be like she was right there in your house, sharing the holiday with you. Nice. :-)

The in-studio blogging(or even after studio) is really neat! Thank you for wanting to share with us.

risalea said...

Rosalee, what do you mean...I'm NOT drop dead gorgeous? LOL
Yes, I know, I was supposed to unplug my computer. I'm addicted. I admit it. I need a 12 step program.

OK, back to cleaning/decorating!

rosalee said...

I KNEW you'd have something to say about that, Risa! (LOL)

ChrisSligh said...

Jenna,

Thanks so much for stopping by and posting. I deleted your comment not because I thought your post was "hating" or disrespectful...but as Risa said, I do like to keep those world's seperate. I defend my friend's constantly and, yes, though there are things I don't like over there, for the most part, I feel my presence over there is a positive, especially AS a contestant.

I hope that this particular subject is something we can simply agree to disagree...if you read through anything I write, you'll notice that I defend on a regular basis.

Anyway, thanks so much for coming by.

Chris

gdahimself said...

To xangelglitterx,
From GDA,

While Christmas album is an interesting idea, I don't think it is that viable at this point.

Once it was a big deal, but regard as a novelty to issue a Christmas single but the market is now so highly saturated with Christmas albums of all sorts.

I think sales tend to be linked to sales and appreciation of the previous "regular" records, and promotion needs to occur at a time when there is so much competition with product on all fronts for Christmas sales that it is to easy for one to get lost.

This is a question that needs to be revisited this coming July.

Anonymous said...

Gotta agree w/ya GDA. Overly saturated for sure. I have SO few Christmas albums because I just CAN'T STAND most of the standards. How many different ways can you sing Winter Wonderland or White Christmas?

Have found only one GREAT one. Amy Grant/Art Garfunkel w/a Boys Choir. Produced by the great Jimmy Webb.
The Animals' Christmas.
It has The Friendly Beasts on it. Totally Beautiful.
Lori, I'm rushing off to check out Garth's version.

Blessings to all!
clarissaNaz

Anonymous said...

I like what GDA said, and too, Xmas albums need way-early planning, to be ready by Sept when stores are getting their Xmas Merch up.

I think right now it takes a special artist to make an album worth running out and getting. A personal fav artist, yes definitely. I also like the idea of one that brings something "different" in the way of songs and sound, ie the Charlie Daniels album. It tickles one's ear, to hear something new like that.

The flip-side of that, is someone tried and true, whom almost All people's love. Julie Andrews, Bing Crosby, Barry Manilow, and others. Once you own a set of "standards" however, don't you need to expand into something New?
That's where even the Cheetah Girls make us happy. Aly and AJ put out one too, and we like the freshness off of these. Just saying.

Tom in ATL said...

Hi All -

I for one would buy a Chris Sligh Christmas CD in a minute - but since there isn't such a thing for now - I can only strongly suggest you go check out Third Day's "Christmas Offerings" - released last year - and they are currently touring to support it. I agree Christmas CD's are often bland - this one doesn't leave my CD rotation and won't even when Christmas is long gone. Some of the songs on it are Traditional (O Come all ye faithful, Joy to the World, O holy Night, etc) - but are given a classic rock twist that are really great. They also have several original songs (Born in Bethlehem, Jesus, Light of the World) That are stand outs. Not trying to come off as a Third Day groupie - even though I guess I am since I've seen them play twice in the last 3 nights. But for those of you looking for a Christmas CD that you may actually love - I can't give a better recomendation.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t8Zgbu0gE14

http://play.rhapsody.com/thirdday/christmasofferings/oholynight?didAutoplayBounce=true

Slim - caught Jars of Clay this time - they were WAY different than Third Day - and I can't say they were their equal (just my personal opnion) - but enjoyed their show and they had 3 or 4 really great songs. And their ministry for Blood Water Mission was awesome.

Peace -

Tom in ATL

rosalee said...

I believe Elliot Yamin put out a Christmas album in October – The Elliot Yamin Holiday Collection. It contains 8 songs and it’s available at Target.

rosalee said...

And now it’s time for…..ANOTHER FRO PATRO MOMENT!!!

BILL CLINTON GETS A COPY OF THE HPF CD!!!!

Bill Clinton was doing a book signing in my neck of the woods today, so of course it provided the perfect opportunity for promoting Chris. I waited in line in the freezing cold and snow for a couple of hours with approximately 1000 other people to get an autographed copy of Clinton’s new book. Of course, I brought along a little holiday gift for him – an HPF CD with a note attached talking up Chris. There were police and Secret Service all around. I was not allowed to hand the CD directly to Clinton. A staff member near him took it from me to give to him later. However, I did get to shake Clinton’s hand and talk with him. I told him that I knew he was a music lover and that I had left him a holiday gift of a CD by American Idol’s Chris Sligh. Again, I told him about how talented Chris was. Clinton said that he was looking forward to hearing the CD.

So everyone – now you HAVE to vote for Hillary if you want Chris to be invited to play in the White House any time soon!! ROFL!!!

Cathy Storms said...

Rosalee, you crack me up. Giving a copy of HPF to Bill Clinton was a great idea.
I would so buy a Chris Sligh Christmas CD. The first season of AI actually put out a Christmas CD but I don't know if any other season did.
Kimberly Locke has a Christmas CD out
and its actually pretty good. Kind of bluesy. Kevin Max also has an awesome Christmas CD out. Same with Stephen Curtis Chapman. Personally, I love Christmas music. My favorites are O' Holy Night and Away in a Manager. Nothing makes me cry harder than going to a Christmas play at church or at my grandaughters school & hearing little kids sing these songs. On the first season AI Christmas CD, Kelly Clarkson actually does a really good O Holy Night and she also does "My Grownup Christmas List".
So Chris, how about a Christmas CD next year?

risalea said...

You rock, Rosalee! A dedicated Fro Patroer, indeed!!! I now award you a cyber brownie button for braving the cold and snow and winding lines to deliver the TACOSB gift!!!!

Clinton's first cousin, Marie, is an acquaintance of mine, and I'll see if I can get her to follow up with him and see if he listened to it!

On the other side of the political aisle, y'all may have heard another former Arkansas governor, Mike Huckabee, is running for the Republican nomination. He bought a house in North Little Rock maybe a mile from here...I guess to give equal time to both sides, I should drop one off to him. He's sure to be home sometime during the holidays. Other than their extreme opposite political views, he and Clinton actually have a lot in common...both from Hope, AR...both are musicians. And both, no doubt, would appreciate some good Chris Sligh music! : )

OK, fellow Fro Patroers, the challenge is before us...Rosalee got to Clinton, Carmen got to Jenna Bush. What other famous folks can we introduce to our guy, Chris?

Oh, and while I agree it's not the time of year to create a Christmas CD, it wouldn't take much time to make one little itty bitty demo song for myspace that we could enjoy for the next few weeks? (not so subtle hint). I don't care what it is as long as it's not "Grandma Got Run Over By a Reindeer!" LOL

I hope everyone has an awesome week! Risa

risalea said...

Oh, and Tom, I enjoyed your Third Day links...especially "Oh, Holy Night." That's one of my all time favorites and I loved their version.

Tom in ATL said...

Hi Risa -

You might like these as well:

http://play.rhapsody.com/thirdday/christmasofferings/joytotheworld?didAutoplayBounce=true

http://play.rhapsody.com/thirdday/christmasofferings/jesuslightoftheworld?didAutoplayBounce=true

Cracking up over Rosa spreading the word on Chis to Clinton. That is classic -

Peace -

Tom in ATL

HstryQT said...

Rosalee that is soooo great that you got the HPF cd to Clinton!! I can't wait to hear Chris' thoughts on this; I'm sure he'll be tickled pink. It'll be too cool of Risa can come through with a follow up. We might get an actual presidential reaction to HPF!

What a Christmas gift for Chris :)

Lori

ChrisSligh said...

Rosalee,

My hat goes off to you.

Chris

risalea said...

Chris...possible gig in the future. I was just looking at the info on Winterfest (humogous youth rally) in Gatlinburg for next Feb. Our youth group is going and has gone there for several years. On the website it talks about the groups that have done concerts there (Jars of Clay, Third Day, Newsboys, Audio A, Supertones, Tait) and this time it will be Kutless. Sounded like something that might be interesting for you, and the location would certainly be convenient. Maybe in 2009??? Risa

Carmen said...

Rosalee,
Way to go girl!!! I knew you would be able to do it! I have plans to travel to St. Petersburg on the 11th to see Mitt Romney so I will be taking a copy of TACOSB. Risa if you actually see Huckabee that would be so cool! Please tell him that I have been very impressed with his campaign thus far.
And oh Risa, I love "Grandma got run over by a Reindeer!!

I love Chrismas music. I tend to go for the ole standards but love to hear when folks take them and make them their own. I got to say Johnny Mathis sing "Do You Hear What I hear" is my all time favorite.

Carmen

risalea said...

Carmen said: Risa if you actually see Huckabee that would be so cool! Please tell him that I have been very impressed with his campaign thus far.

Well, I don't know that I'll get to talk to him personally, but I do know several of his neighbors. Maybe I should send Lindsay..she's a friend of one of his sons from college. : ) They bought in an upscale, but older section of a NLR community, and it's not gated. I can at least do a drive-by and leave it in the mailbox! LOL

Anonymous said...

ADD Listening Party at AOL!
Go and listen!
http://music.aol.com/songs/new_releases_full_cds

Woo! Happy-Happy!

risalea said...

I'm passing this message on for Amanda. Her friend, Tyler, at St. Jude's, badly needs our prayers. Please add him to your prayer list. Risa