By Chris Moore:

This has been quite a year, one of new beginnings and of new avenues pursued.  I’ve spent much of the year working on my weekly music reviews, so as the new music year begins for me today with the release of the Decemberists’ The King is Dead, I thought this would be the best time to put things in perspective and set goals for 2011.

First of all, I’ll be taking the month of February off and plan to return to the blog some time during March or so.  At that point, I’ll have had time to think over what specific commitments I’ll be making in terms of videos and the Weekend Review, and I’ll return to posting the decent number of Guest Sessions that have been submitted over the last couple months.  Until then, here’s a quick sketch of what I’ll be spending my time on.

The 2010 Project

I was a little less than halfway through the recording of my first solo album in four years when I stalled for school (both teaching and being taught).  Since my graduate class ended a month ago, I have yet to delve back into recording, and it hasn’t been for a lack of desire.  So, over the next month, I’m making the time for these songs before they gather so much dust that I lose the passion and momentum I feel for them now.  (If you’re interested, I’m keeping a detailed record of my recording process at the all-new www.chrismooremusic.com.)

52 Pickup

I’ve kept a notebook with me much of the past year, and the result (which is more than three-quarters complete) is what will be my third collection of poetry, to be titled 52 Pickup.  It’s a fifty-two poem sequence that tracks the dissolution of relationships (both romantic and otherwise) and how one copes with loss and subsequent reassessment.  I’ve been writing often the past couple weeks and many of the poems I’ve written should make the cut.  (You can also read updates on that as they come at my website.)

Other Pursuits

Other January/February obligations and activities will include midterm exams, the closing out of the first semester of the school year, helping to organize two charity benefit events at school, and a slew of one-off commitments.  Thanks to my friend Mike, I’m hooked on Arrested Development and Dexter and nearing the end of both, and I’m gearing up to be as supportive of my girlfriend Nicole’s student teaching as she has been during my past several years of teaching.  And last, but certainly not least, there’s a tremendous music opportunity that has presented itself to me.  It’s called the Dry-Knuckle BedHeads, and while it pains me to say this, I’m going to keep that under wraps until I return.

So, until we meet again, take care and “see you next session”!