I haven’t rockedthis hard in a LONG time!!!!
I’m not exactly sure when my stage performances became so laid back…
Which is fine…
But NoTHING about the Lead Me On tour was low energy.
Consequently, I’ve been belting out these old songs…Love of Another kind…Fight…Wise Up…and so forth for four days now.
And you know what, I haven’t felt this energized and impassioned about creativity and music in a long time.
I know we’re all getting older and a little less willing to jump in the mosh pit, but if you plan on coming to any of the concerts in this 20 city run,then you might want to leave your high heeled fashion footwera at home so you can move a little bit.
Trust me, it feels great.
Like an emotional, spiritual, and physical B-12 shot.

I loved being at rehearsal today, realizing that it was 21 years ago tonight that we recorded Lead Me On.
I was very pregnant, and in fact gave birth to Matt the next day.
I love the unexplainable power of music to cause emotions long forgotten to well up inside.
Joy,,,passion,,,daring…anticipation.
That’s what bringing back these old songs has done for me.
Can’t wait to share the experience with whoever else wants to join in.

There’s a lot to be said for preexisting brain tracks.
Yesterday was the first day of rehearsals for the Lead Me On tour.
First song on the rehearsal list…
Lead Me On…and it sounded as tight and flawless as it did 19 years ago when we ended the tour supporting that record.
The band:
Greg Morrow on drums
Mike Brignardello on bass
Jerry McPherson and Chris Roderiguez on guitar
ken Rarick and Chris Eaton on keys
Warren Hamm vocals and sax
And Kim Keyes vocals and percussion

I’ve heard a lot of great guitar players play the opening riff and solo of Lead Me On, but hearing Jerry play the part that he originated is magic.
Now if I can just get my vocal chops up to speed…

Tonight is my second show in Iowa this weekend. This one is with the Des Moines Symphony.
My good friend, violinist Ruth McGinnis, flew in from Nashville as my special guest.
Her sister and brother-in-law are the first chair cellist and concert master, respectfully.
Vince is in Iowa, too.
I’m not sure where.
I wonder if we’ll pass on the highway while we’re sleeping…
That’s life on the road.

Song meeting tomorrow morning to play new songs for EMI.
This weekend will be the last two shows before rehearsals start for the Lead Me On tour.
Can’t wait to lay eyes on everybody.
Twenty years is a long time.
Just imagine that in dog years.
My guess is that we’re all going to slide right back into those familiar brain tracks.
Maybe just a half- step lower.

One month and five days until we fly to Phoenix to start the Lead Me On tour.
Time to start getting my voice back in shape.
I listen to those old concert recordings and think. Who is that screamer?
So if you pass me in traffic and I’m singing my head off, no laughing.
Any requests for songs to be included in set list welcomed.
Must be from 1988 or earlier.
Be well.

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