Hello friends! How have you been?
Can you believe that we are still feeling the effects of Covid-19 and the havoc it has raised in the world? I have so been looking forward to this summer because of the hope of re-openings and new possibilities, but life has been happening to me "while I was busy making other plans". Let me bring you up to speed:
On June 5, after spending two weeks in hospital, my Dad died at St. Joseph's Hospital at 8:50 a.m. I was blessed to have been in the same room with him when he took his last breath, and held him as he expired his last. For those of you who know me know the special relationship my Dad and I shared. My heart is broken, and I am doing my best to learn how to live a life without him on this planet.
On June 22, my son had open heart surgery to correct an issue he has had since birth. I want to publicly thank the nurses, doctors and staff at Sick Kids in Toronto for being so good at what they do. I also wish to thank our cardiology team at McMaster Children's Hospital for how they have guided us through the past 15 years with amazing care. I am happy to report that he is healing and the surgery was a great success. For those who have been praying, I thank you.
SO, you can imagine that the hope of finishing Mark II has been delayed slightly due to life events. I think John Lennon would echo his line from "Beautiful Boy" to comfort me! I also have a new official title: The album will officially be called "Deep Blue: Blue Suburban Skies Mark II" and I am going to say we are looking at a September date for release. For now, the album will be available for digital download and on compact disc and if there is demand, we might do a limited edition vinyl release.
Speaking of Blue Suburban Skies, the album celebrated a 19 year birthday this past June and I am hoping to start work this fall on a Deluxe Edition of the record. It will include a few bonus tracks that were recorded around the time of the record and a full remix (IF I am able to access all tracks...this might become a technical nightmare, having been done on older software and a blue and white G3 Mac!). As well, if there is interest there could be a 2 LP vinyl version (on blue and orange vinyl, of course!).
Live shows are happening! This past week (July 3) I played my first solo show since November. It was at a private party in Ancaster and was such a lovely time. It reminded me that I am not used to playing live shows over 1 hour so I will be working on my vocal endurance this week!! My first official show will be restarting my residence at the Thirsty Cacus in Dundas this Sunday July 11 from 1-4 p.m. If you are in the area please come and join me for a lovely sit on the patio. Because of current restrictions I recommend coming early to avoid disappointment. I should be there every Sunday for the months of July and August and then, crossing fingers, will restart my Tuesday night residency again this fall from 8 - 11 p.m.
Due to my life commitments recently I have not been able to perform online much, but have been trying to do a series called "On Deck" where I perform live in my own backyard. The birds love to join me, as well as the odd city bus traveling by, and I hope to be back to doing some Friday night online shows soon. Follow me on my YouTube page www.youtube.com/christopherclause
For those who would love to have me perform in your back yard or deck, message me through the site or email me at live@footrecords.ca and I can give you a quote.
Have a wonderful summer and I look forward to seeing you on my YouTube page OR in person this summer!
blessings,
Christopher