Guitar tab for "Notebook"

Every once and awhile I turn up something I hadn't thought of scanning or putting on the site, and although there is already a guitar tab for "Notebook" on the "other" page, this one was too hard just keep in a binder without sharing. This one comes directly from Don Peris and a copy was shared with me many years ago.

"Wonder of Birds" photo shoot

I've been holding onto this story for several months, but it would seem now is good a time as any to highlight two unpublished photos that have turned up on the net.

During the making of the "Wonder of Birds" music video, Valerie Gates (Gates Studios) took photos for A&M Records. Many professional and personal photos were taken of the band during this time, and Valerie's husband, who worked for A&M Records at the time, become friends with both Karen and Don.

You can visit her two web sites to view the images in their entirety. One image is hosted at Gates Studios, and the other is hosted at her site at Behance Network.

Source: Valerie Gates, Gates Studio.

Folk and Proud compilation

Added to the discography today is a 2-disc French compilation CD set called Folk and Proud. The song "Colors of the World" appears on the 2nd disc.

You can view the promotional video below.

Mike Bitts and Hunter Johnson with Hiram Ring

Mike Bitts and Hunter Johnson performed with Lancaster resident Hiram Ring yesterday evening. Unfortunately, I just received this information early this morning. Unfortunately, this was a one-time performance with Mike and Hunter.

Hiram and Mike met at a local open mic in Lancaster, and Mike played upright bass on two of the songs from his new album, "One Girl for Me" and the title track "Breathe Deep". These two songs were recorded live with Sam Frantz engineering - other musicians on those two recordings are Aaron Walker (drums) and Matthew Monticchio (piano), as well as other local musicians and friends.

When Hiram was putting together a group for his CD-release, Mike was available, and since Aaron Walker was not, he suggested Hunter Johnson. So the three and Matthew Monticchio became the core musicians for the CD release. For those who may not be familiar with Hunter Johnson, he performed drums with Don Peris and Mike Bitts on Don's 2006 mini-tour.

Below is a video from the CD release party. The song is called "Eternity".

Hiram Ring: Eternity from Timothy Rezendes on Vimeo.

Source: Heather & Hiram Ring

Tribute album for the Polaris Project

Update: Anna-Lynn emailed me with a brief update. The tribute album will benefit the Polaris Project - an organization which "combats human trafficking and modern-day slavery." Trespassers William will be recording "Tomorrow on the Runway."

Original Post: 5:51 PM, 1/21/09
Unfortunately, we don't have much to go on yet but according to Trespasssers William's news page an Innocence Mission tribute album is in the works and they are recording a track for the album. As to who's producing it, which bands and artists are participating and which songs they are covering, that remains to be seen.

If you have any news updates, please contact us or post on the forums. Thanks to ManicD for the tip.

January Fan Video Update

This month, there are 4 new Innocence Mission related videos: three "The Lakes of Canada" fan performances, and one of "Umbrella". Anyone else noticing the Sufjan trend?

Two compilation albums added

Two compilations have been added to the site. The first was back in October called Blue'song's which includes the NTDIO track "What A Wonderful World".

The second compilation, The Indie Love Songs, features "Bright As Yellow".

"O Little Town Of Bethlehem"

Sounds Familyre has included The Innocence Mission's "O Little Town Of Bethlehem" with their free downloadable release A Familyre Christmas Vol.2.

"Electromatic 2"

Don Peris has uploaded a new instrumental demo track to his myspace.com page titled, "Electromatic 2". The track is available in our downloads section.

"Badman, Has It Really Been 10 Years?"

Update: The album is no longer free at Amazon.com

Give your friends and family the perfect holiday gift...Badman, Has It Really Been 10 Years?. The internet-exclusive sampler from Badman Recording Co. is now available for download for FREE at Amazon.com (or available through iTunes, however charges apply).

Included is the Innocence Mission track "Brotherhood of Man", as well as songs from other Badman recording artists.