Wow, can't believe it has been 2 weeks since I last posted, but it has really been that crazy around here. My last post announced the passing of my Uncle Morey, which still makes me feel very sad to think about. I was not able to attend services since I am broke and poor and stuff. It was not even an option on miles.

So, it has not been out of town stuff and travel cramping the schedule - What has it been? Business meetings.

I had meetings everyday last week regarding the new CD, release issues, business planning and brainstorming. I meet with attorneys, music business experts, finance guru's, personal managers, publicists, business managers, CPA's and friends - discussing business options, the current business climate, booking, direction and CD label options.

I was way out of my element and pretty stressed all week. It really started more than 3 weeks ago but all the calls ended up connecting last week. All I can say is, I am nuts. I am totally crazy to be in this business and I now know it beyond a shadow of a doubt! And honestly, it's not that I think I will somehow break the secret code and become richer than God or anything. I just love music and want to make a living at my best talent area - Music. I love the Sax. I love playing the sax. I love making people smile while playing my sax or even cry. I love the passion and conection with humanity a dude like me can experience while playing the saxophone! I love it!!

At one business meeting, an attorney friend said, "Greg, I've told you before. If we where to sit down and decide a great business to get into together, we would not have picked this one!" This meeting consisted of a few musicians, all whom decided to make music a passion and not career years ago. We all laughed and I heard what he was saying. It is about a passion and not a business. We have to deal with this passion in a business world, but it is still about a passion and it is a heart issue, not a mind issue. After talking with everyone on my wish list of mentors and professionals, all I can say is -

Is

Is

IS......


Not really sure. I love the sax, the arts, music, jazz, communication, passion, expression, connection, and issues of the heart!

Made some business decisions and have changed my mind daily since being sure I knew what to do. Talked to everyone and there was no right and wrong on this one. I am at a loss as what to do and know a CD needs to see a release date and radio  very soon.

So - I played with the Greg Vail Band tonight That is me - and NO, I didn't get to post it here before I was all thru with the dang gig - SORRY. It was a great gig. We played at the Laguna Festival of Arts and I thought the URL was really funny. LagunaFestivaloFarts.org - Capitol letters by my direction.

I always think someone really screwed up when I see a URL like that! That's what I saw, the first time I looked at that URL. Not as bad as the site Pen Island dot com, but I digress. Actually, my digression digressed.

So, The gig was great. The band was really good. The crowd made the gig though, not the band. They actually listened, connected and responded - and all in Laguna Beach - very cool and not expected. I talked to people for over an hour and a half after the gig and really enjoyed playing with a good band with such great people to enjoy!

Vanessa, my little one was hanging and she was awesome. I so appreciate her heart. She really wants to help out and has a heart of gold. What a treat!

So, side note on Vanessa. We are off to Hollywood tomorrow to do an Italian Commercial with a small kids choir at the Record Plant. This studio has a long list of hit resords and Grammy winners, year after year and she was really excited as we looked at the site and the list of stars that have recorded there. Justin Timberlake, Milly Cirus, Rhianna and a bunch more names I can't spell right...

So, tomorrow will be a break from the Greg Vail drama and a vacation in the Vanessa Vail recording resort.

So I'll rap this up with, I am at a loss for real direction in today's business world, but am totally excited about the opportunities that lie ahead. We are looking at Latin America and Asia/Indonesia for new areas of work and CD sales. We are working on Church travel and ministry as part of the focus in foreign countries and in America. We are planning for a huge success on a new CD release this year and 2 or 3 follow up CDs as we grow the label and the Greg Vail career. We have a dozen irons in the fire and will work tirelessly to accomplish goals that many would think are not even possible. We is a growing list of professionals that I hope to have on salary very soon, in some capacity.

Now, if I can only get this release scheduled and official soon!

I know I am rambling, a bit, but that's what you get, when you let your heart win, oh oh oh oh...
(Paramore lyrics...)

Blessings to all,

Greg Vail
Hear the new CD - Smooth Jazz Classics - www.facebook.com/pages/Greg-Vail/28666412632
target="_blank" href="http://www.myspace.com/gregvailsax">My Space page - www.myspace.com/gregvailsax

Updated Sites = Alto Sax site and Tenor Sax sites have updated sax sound clips pages and sax video pages are new. Sound Clips are added for the new CD and the sound clips pages are solos and blowing examples, rather than song or melody examples (like on the other sites I run.)

Last update - The new .ME extension has arrived and I bought up every amazing URL I could imagine, and not afford. My URL list is nearly 200 now and sites online are over 30. Pretty dang cool - this internet thing. I am so thankful for Al Gore for inventing the internet for me!! Thanks Uncle Al!!!!!!

gv


OOOPPPPS - Totally forgot -\\
Greg Vail Band at Saddleback Church, new outdoor venue at the Refinery Building.
This Sunday -August 3rd - 8PM - 9:30PM
COST - FREE
This is a family event  -  bring you a blanket, chairs, food, and plan on a great show of Smooth Jazz Instrumentals.

6 piece Band - Greg Vail and friends-
Rob Whitlock, Tony Guerrero, Stephan Lexner, Julio Figaroa, Ron Robertson, Bruce Lett and Greg Vail kick off the Summer series at Saddleback Church this Sunday! 
SEE YOU THERE!!