Cameron Mizell

There are a couple last minute additions to my calendar this week. Both shows are free!

Here is the final mix* of a new track from my new album. I’m pretty sure this is the internet debut of “The Bottoms” which happens to be the last track I wrote for Tributary.

The recording phase of Tributary was finished a month ago, although I didn’t really know it was done until last week. After a few overdub sessions, I stopped listening to the music to give my brain a little break from it, and when I finally gave it another listen I realized all the elements were there. Next step: Mixing.

Warming up on the guitar is an important part of my practice routine. Not only does it get my hands ready to play, I also use the time to clear my head before working on new music. While it’s entirely possible to warm up with scales and arpeggios, I always begin with these non-musical exercises so I don’t have to think about what key to warm up in, or what kind of arpeggios to play. All I have to do is pick up the guitar and start playing these patterns to warm up all my fingers and picking hand equally.

In preparation for the release of my new album, Tributary, I need to clear out some space in my apartment. That means free CDs for the quick witted and internet savvy!

In between working on the trio album or practicing for another gig, I like to do things like record music to accompany the end credits of a zombie flick. Actually, the movie doesn’t exist yet, but maybe someday this track will have a home.

Summer of 2008. That’s when I first started working on Tributary. Preview the title track here.

Here are some tips for beginners who are learning an instrument for the first time. Although I’m writing with guitar students in mind, I believe these concepts can help relieve some of the frustration that comes with learning any instrument.

Back in 2004, before I came to NYC, I recorded my two bands in Indiana–an 8 piece funk band called The Eddie Goza 7, my jazz trio. You can download the album for free over at Bandcamp.

Have a listen to one of the new tracks from Tributary entitled “Swell.” I’ve posted it over on my Tumblr blog.