In September 2011, I found myself unexpectedly wandering the streets of Istanbul. I say “unexpectedly” because there was revolution in Syria, a growing social uprising that would eventually ignite an all-consuming civil war. Security concerns had made going back to the city of Aleppo, which is where I had expected to be, impossible. Click to … Continue reading A song of melancholy and last-chance hope: Why I wrote “The Last Dice”
Songwriting
Why I wrote “American Troubadour” — and why the song is more relevant than ever
If you want to listen first and then read the article, go to Spotify, YouTube, or Apple Music (and other services). Or listen free at this website: AmericanTroubadour.com. Every time I tried to tell you the words just came out wrong, so I’ll have to say “I love you” in a song. — Jim Croce, … Continue reading Why I wrote “American Troubadour” — and why the song is more relevant than ever
I got sick and rediscovered Paul Simon
Fever, chills, and all the frills – that’s what it took to get me to watch the two-part documentary “In Restless Dreams: The Music of Paul Simon” (highly recommended). My own restless dreams were of the feverish variety, lacking any sense or plot. Watching this masterful history of a phenomenally gifted songwriter, during short moments … Continue reading I got sick and rediscovered Paul Simon
Alan AtKisson 