It's been pretty busy over here at Aartvark Productions. A lot of people have had their music bottled up inside and now it's bursting out at the seams, it seems.

Jacob Clyde has just laid down some rhythm tracks for his blues project and the sound reminds me of the smell of BBQ, greens, and cornbread wafting through the air. I can't wait 'til it's ready for consumption.

Dale Alan has been working diligently on his follow up CD to "This Moment or Two". This new project is a departure in that the album focuses on issues of injustice. Particularly toward Native Americans throughout history. Dale's lyrics ask the question, "Where does the justice go?" UPDATE: Dale's CD project is nearing the finishing stages. UPDATE: Dale's project has been sent off for duplication and should be done in early June!

Gabe Lundy has also laid down the musical foundation of his next CD. Check out Gabe in concert if you have the chance he sings from the heart.

Puck Faire has just finished mixing their CD project and now it's ready for the mastering process. It's been a pleasure working with Jim, Nancy, Mike and Terry of Puck Faire for the last several months. The bagpipes on this CD will send shivers up your spine. Look for this one in the stores soon! UPDATE: The CD is now mastered and soon to be duplicated. UPDATE: Puck Faire's CD "Get Pucked" can now be purchased at Schuler Books and Music on 28th St in Grand Rapids or if you go to their web site http://www.puckfaire.com

Local singer/songwriter, Dorothy Cooley has been stopping by the studio stirrin' up some country stew. Cowboys, love, and small towns are some of the subjects that Dorothy's songs cover. Yeeha, look out Nashville here she comes!

Lindsay Miller and Luke Hackney have started a CD project and have already gotten 4 songs almost "in the can". Lindsay is quite a dynamo and a multi-instrumentalist. Luke plays the turntable like it's an instrument adding creative touches to Lindsay's songs. Every session is full of suprises. UPDATE: We just finished mixing the CD which will be called "Midnight Watching". UPDATE: The CD is now mastered and soon to be duplicated and put in stores.
UPDATE: You can now purchase "Midnight Watching" CD at Holland Compact Disc.

The Katie Good Band have been spending time in the studio working on a CD project of Katie's songs. Katie sings and plays piano. She's accompanied by Matt on guitar, Peter on drums, and her brother Jordon on bass. The CD is coming along very well. It Kicks! UPDATE: we're in the mix down stage of this project and it's sounding good. UPDATE: Mixing is done and will be mastered soon and sent off to be duplicated. UPDATE: "Box of Birds" is off to be duplicated
and should be in the stores soon. UPDATE: "Box of Birds" is done and out of the box. You can find this fine CD at both Schuler Books locations in Grand Rapids, Mi and several other stores in the area.

Ernie Hernandez has been recording and bringing in some hot players. Ernie writes songs influenced by traditional Mexican music, acoustic jazz ALA David Grisman, and bluegrass. Ernie's band is called One Man Short and is worth checking out if you have the chance.

Norm Williams has been recording some wonderful songs that he has written. Norm has been spicing up his songs with the artistry of bassist Charlie Hoats and multi-instrumentalist Dave Mosher.

John Flowers recently brought his children in to record a couple of vocal songs. It was a joy to hear such maturity in these young peoples voices. I hope to do more work with the Flowers family. UPDATE: Jamon Flowers has been back in the studio and will be performing at the 2003 Festival of the arts in Grand Rapids, Mi in early June. Check the festival schedual for Jamon's performance.

Local music veterans Trilogy have recorded rhythm tracks for 12 cover tunes to be used for demos. Vocals and lead guitar are on their way. Check out this band at local clubs. They're lots of fun.

Blue Nebula will be starting a new CD project in February 2003. Their 2001 release "Stay" won them a WYCE Jammy Award for Best Local Jazz Album of The Year. I'm looking forward to working with these guys again. UPDATE: Blue Nebula drops into Aardvark Productions and cooks up some mighty fine gumbo and returns for a repeat performance. Mmmmm.

Java Jive came in and recorded their 4 song demo. Pete, Mary, Vickie, and Matt hope to land some gigs playing American Standards. Good luck to the Jivesters.

Three CDs that came out of Aartvark Productions Studio have been nominated for WYCE Jammy Awards this year. Harmonica Buzz "Long Way To Memphis" for Best Local Blues Album, and yours truly, Michigan Mark DePree "Under the Mystic Moon" and Dale Alan's "This Moment or Two" for Best Local Folk Album.

Harmonica Buzz has been Buzzin' around the studio lately with some new songs and good vibes.You can buy his CD "Long Way to Memphis" at Elderly Instruments in Lansing.

That's about it for now. I'll try to update "What's Cookin'" as often as I can. Until next time, keep them creative juices flowin'.