Hi Deane:

I spend a large part of each day writing songs and recording them.

Since childhood I have enjoyed a wide variety of music and never had much serious training. During my working career, Radio was the primary source for hearing what was new and exciting, mostly in the Pop and Country genres.

As a retiree, I can now spend time doing what I enjoy. Golf is no longer and option due to back pain but Chess and Music are still available and I do my best to make the most of them... provided they do not interfere with my family enjoyment and responsibilities. Writing songs has been reduced to a hobby even though I am a Music Publisher with ASCAP and have a catalog of more than 1000 original songs, not including children's tunes and compositions. It is nearly impossible for a songwriter to achieve monetary success in today's business for a variety of reasons. (Oversaturation being the main culprit.)

I am thankful that I don't have to perform or tour... or play a venue several nights a week like most of you. My music is done in a quiet little studio where my Yamaha 910 is connected to a Digital Recorder and a Computer. You guys have my complete respect and admiration. Just wanted you to know that the Arranger (no matter what make or model) is the best kept secret among songwriters and allows us to compete (to a small degree) with big box studios and labels without all the big money and hoopla that goes along with that side of the biz.

Best of luck to all of you. I know Don Mason's many followers are missing his performances as they enjoy their "date nights" in the Shreveport/Bossier City area. He could be a Recording Star with that voice he uses so well. Thank you, Don... for all your support and advice during my brief string of creativity.

Dave Rice
Bowstring Music Publishing (ASCAP)