International Writing (really!!)

Hi all-

My heart goes out to all of those whose lives have been severely disrupted by the Covid-19 pandemic, up to and including sickness and death. It is a worldwide disaster, and even though most of us will come through it, no one will be unaffected.

As a performer, my work completely ended. As a writer, it's grown. I've heard that Shakespeare wrote KING LEAR during a plague that he lived through. I'm doing my best.

I've done more songwriting this year than I have for twenty-five years, and it's all been international.

My longtime friend and co-writer, John Peppard, who lives in England, made contact with the rising young country star, Daniel Wesley, in South Africa. The three of us meet online and have written four really exciting songs together, one of which Daniel has already recorded! He's a wonderful singer and musician and a convincing performer. I am very excited about this. I will keep you up to date on progress of his new album.

At the same time, I've been writing with another old friend and co-writer, the Norwegian folk-rock star, Jonas Fjeld. This fall, Jonas was inducted into the Norwegian Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Congratulations, Jonas! Over the years, Jonas and I have written many songs, some of which he and others have recorded. You may remember his name from 2019 when he joined with Judy Collins and Chatham County Line to make the album, Winter Stories, which included our song, "Frozen North". They all toured together to packed houses last fall in the USA and earlier this year (pre-Covid) in Norway. Mary and I saw the show in Boston, and Judy recognized me from the stage! That was cool.

Jonas has been working all year on a new solo album and we have written ten (yes, ten!!) new songs, which we both love. The album will be released later next year. I will keep you informed of that also. I am thrilled by all this.

In the meantime, have a warm and meaningful holiday season. With everyone else, I look forward hopefully to the new year.

Stay safe.

See you down the road (somehow!),

--- Hugh

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