DEB SEYMOUR: BLOG
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Summer 2008
 It’s The Little Places That Count
Last night the Debonairs played at the P&G Speaskeasy Cafe in Duvall, WA
and we had the best time!
The P&G isn't large- about the size of my home living room-and the audience turnout was small- but their hearts were huge!!! How many times does a perfomreer get to address individual audience members by name? And how many times do you actaully *really* have the time and space to *really* meet the strangers in the audience and get to know them on the break? And everyone sang along!
Venues like the P&G aren't in it for the huge crowds.If anything, taking the risk to have small group performances might even cost them more to stay open.
But it is venues like the P&G that are the heart and soul of indie folk music. The audience gives as much as it gets, and concerts are truly a two-way street.
So skip the big tickets, folks! Seek out the neighborhood venues- you'll not only hear music you may not have heard before, but you'll actually meet your neighbors!
Deb Seymour & The Debonairs:
Chillin' out in front of the P&G Speakeasy Cafe, Duvall, WA
Photo by Tamara Pickrell
Spring 2008
Studio Report
Yes, folks! It's been a fabulous winter hiding out in the studio at Elliott Bay Recording Company in Seattle, working on the upcoming "Mama Wears a Hard Hat" CD. You wondered where I was!
As many of you know, this project, my third CD, has had a couple of false starts, but now, under the tutelage of the uber-talented Alicia Healey, the project has rapidly leaped ahead and is finally looking more like a *real* album! An EP of four songs will available by our April 12 Wenatchee Show, and hopefully the full CD in mid-summer.
I have been blessed not only to have Alicia now on board as producer, but to have so many fabulous musicians backing me on this project: first, of course, the dashing dudes of the Debonairs: Alan Kausal, Ron Dalton, and Michael Guthrie, but also
Will Dowd, Bob Heinemann, Eric Frank, Darren Reynolds, Peter Spencer, Paul Elliott, Laurie Miller, Mark Iler and of course, Ms. Healey herself!
Sound confusing? Not really! As each of my songs has such a unique personality, I have hand-picked specific musicians for specific songs. (Besides, I can only use four musicians at a time! Get's crowded otherwise! ) Each and everyone has put a special piece of themselves in this project to make my songs shine, and I am *so* grateful... and delighted!
Since I know you're all dying to know which ten songs will be on the CD, they are the following (not necessarily in this order
-Mama Wears A Hard Hat (of course!)
-Girders of Steel
-The Can Man (Light is On)
-Tools
-You're Right
-Words
-Roger's Jig
-Hop,Skip 'N' Jump
-Chrissie's Hair
-Say Yes
Still dying for a sneak -preview? I was just *waiting* for you to ask, as I just *happen* to have an Mp3 mix for your pre-viewing pleasure...(you were *right*, of course....)
 www.debseymour.com/mama_ preview/youre_right.mp3
(This version of "You're Right "was also submitted to Victory Music's Compilation CD project. I still don't know whether it made it on the collection, but I *did* submit it!But you can say you heard it here first!)
Thanks also to Scott Ross, Owner/Chief Engineer of Elliott Bay Recording, for his expertise, deft handling of mikes, audio, musicians, and especially for his weird sense of humor!
-Deb |
Deb Seymour a la microphone
dand le studio
Producer Alicia Healey& Engineer Scott Rossdeciding what's what.
Ron Dalton & Michael Guthrie:
"Saying Yes!" to rhythm.
Alan Kausal: The King of
the Rasta Two-Step Surf riff!
Elliott Bay Recording Company
control room
"This is really why they pay me"-
Scott Ross
|
Winter 2007-2008
 Rain. Cold. Primaries.
Graphic art. Web design. New office.
Cat. Housemate. Boyfriend. (:-)
Sabbatical. No concerts. Work on CD.
Cold toes. Warm mochas. Hot gym.
Lots of crossword puzzles!
Still catching my breath from *last* year...
-Deb
Fall 2007
Debonairs On The Road!
Yes- that's right!
The Debonairs made a special trip to Deb's home town of San Francisco, CA, to do a command performance for Deb's family and friends! Victory Review editor Anita La Franchi, sound goddesses
Alicia Healey and Lisa Mills, and prime Deb Heads Peggy Sullivan and Jason Wood also went with.
And did we, like, have fun? Well... judging by these pictures...
The gig was at the historic Presidio Main Post Chapel in the one-time military base, the Presidio of San Francisco.
About 60 folks attended-Deb's aunts, uncles, cousins, and Bay Area friends.
Also in the audience, were Berkeley peace activist and folk musician extraordinaire, Hali Hammer, Bay Area Celtic fiddler & classical piano teacher Angeline Le Leux and her husband, William Bajzak, guitarist for the Bay Area Celtic Trio "Sheltering Sky".
An old friend from Deb's Boulder, CO. music days, Andrew Mayer, was also in attendance. Mr. Mayer, having seen Deb in every band incarnation since 1988, had *just* a few stories to impart to the Debonairs...of course, nothing shocks those guys, (except, maybe, misplaced mayonnaise...)
Oh, boy, oh boy... blackmail is such fun...
Now, having played a gig the farthest away from DHQ (Deb World Headquarters) that we ever have, out *next* gig will be back in Seattle at the venue *closest* to Deb's Place...catch us November 3rd at the Wayward Coffeehouse in Seattle's Greenwood neighborhood!
Love to you all, -Deb :-)
DEBONAIRS BY THE BAY: Live & Loose in San Francisco!
Photo by Peggy Sullivan.
|
Singin' by the bay...
 Alicia Healey & Lisa Mills
Ron & Peg do the Martian Tango...
Alan Kausal *as* the Martian...
 Victory Music VIPs Michael Guthrie & Anita La Franchi
 Sweetie Jason, being sweet!
|
Summer 2007
Howdy!
Well, it certainly *was*a busy Spring! 
Work, travel, music, the cold-from-hell...
..but the Debonairs didn't miss a beat. My European adventure to visit family & friends was neatly slipped in between our Feb. 10 C&P Coffee Company gig and our Mar. 23 Pegasus Coffeehouse gig...
This summer gives us three SEATTLE gigs! YAY!
Close to home!I love to travel, I also love *not* to have
to go so far to sing!
Hoping to see all you Seattlites at the Wayward Coffeehouse, History House and/or Northgate Family Festival.
Have fun in the sun, y'all!
-Deb
Deb Seymour & The Debonairs: Pegasus Coffeehouse, March, 2007
Photos by an anonymous but kind audience member.
Spring 2007
Dear Deb- Heads:
Happy Spring!
-Deb :-)
(Photos by um, well, me..;-)
Winter 2006-2007
The Intro to a Year-End Conclusion
Well, 2006 is coming to a close. As I sit here a and type, I reflect upon the diversity of experiences this year. What a bang-up!
(Deb Seymour & the Debonairs, Tumbleweed Music Fest, Richland, WA)
Lots of highs and lows... starting in the Debonairs Dept. with the death of band mate David MacAuslan (see Spring Blog- Special Entry) , then discovering Summer Rocks and Summer Concerts (Summer Blog), on to fall with cats and more cats (Fall Blog) then.. wham! A serious bang-up happens to friend Michael Carlos by way of auto wreck.
Oh, yeah, and the 69 mph windstorms that paralyzed Seattle and killed a tree in my back yard.....but I digress.
Rather than another, long 3 AM rambling, here are the years bumps & grinds, all neatly (I hope) bulleted:
The Better Bangs:
- Ron Dalton's cat ears and Martian Antennae, seen on his person at Debonairs concerts.
- Tumbleweed Music Festival: always!
- Hanging from the rock faces in Moab, Utah!
- Fabulous friends in my life
- A fun and intimate solo house concert hosted in Issaquah hosted by friend Tamara Pickrell
- Even more fun at the C & P Coffee Company on November 11th with the Debonairs. Move over, "Java Jive!"
- Silly rehearsals in Deb's living room, (always well-monitored by the cat...)
- Visits to friends and family in the Bay Area
- OK! OK! I confess! I've succumbed to I-Tunes...
The Bitter Bangs:
(L: Jen Reese with her daughters. Photo was taken at a Michael Carlos gig R: Michael at Tumbleweed Fest. 9/3/06. Above R: David MacAuslan)
 Lemonade From Lemons
In his movie, "An Inconvenient Truth," former vice-president Al Gore tells us that the Chinese word for "crises" consists of two written character, "danger" & "opportunity." It would seem that the above "bitter bangs" would be the dangerous part .However, I note that there are more good bangs than bad.
Another result of the Carlos' Car wreck were two fabulous benefit concerts on Dec 8th, one in Wenatchee and one in Seattle, that brought all sorts of folks together: this is the opportunity after a danger. As is the addition of Ron Dalton to the Debonairs following David's death. As is getting to know my parents better as we strategies their next steps. As is deciding to go for it and climb rocks! As is the newly sunlight spot in the back yard where the tree once stood.
However, I confess: I'm still not sure about mold in the fridge. Do I toss the food or the machine? Time will tell.
A YEar -End Conclusion from the Intro!
Despite the dings, dents and bangs of this year, my life is good. I am content.
And grateful to be here. And alive. To have friends and family who love me and whom I love.
To be able to make a difference to those in need. To have a good time!
In short, life *is* short. Enjoy it! -Deb
P.S. Happy New Year!
Michael Carlos Benefit Concert, Wayward Coffeehouse, Dec 8th.
"Yep! We're having a good time!"
Fall 2006
 "RE-EWOEWER!
Am I feeling a bit fractiously feline?
Well, I *do* have a song called "Bad Cat"...
This fall is turning out to be... well... wild, wet, winsome, WINDY, rainy, woeful, wonderful... a lot of "w's"...
Life trundles along in its cycles. Birth. Maturity. Decline. Death. Re-birth.
The leaves tell me this as they begin their reddening cycle. The fine lines appearing on my neck and around my eyes tell me this- the road maps of every journey taken and yet to take.
Then there's my cat... Miss Sweet Pea... still lovely to look at with all those calico spots and vocal as all get-out...but is it with little more of a pause (not to mention "paws") and effort that she springs into my lap? 
But it doesn't stop her from getting her needs met, nor should my small aches stop me. Life is good.
Full of life. Full of friends. Full of music. Full of light, dark, big, small, questions, answers, no answers. Who knows what will happen next? Be yourself. Let yourself be.
-Deb
"HSSSSSSSTTTTTTT!"
Deb Seymour & The Debonairs,
P&G Speakeasy Cafe, Duvall, Sept 16.
Photo (and cat-calls!) by by Jason Wood.
SUMMER 2006
 A Bit of Blue
I'm feeling a bit blue. Not sure why. But there it is. Perhaps it's the rainy weather we've been having this June in Seattle. Perhaps it's the moon. Or just the blue dress...but I think it's really just the let-down phase from a *fabulous* Memorial Day Weekend!
On Seattle Folklife
I had a super set with the Debonairs May 26 on the Back Porch Stage at Northwest Folklife with all our friends singing (& dancing!) to the Debonair beat. Everyone had a good time and the rain was kind enough to hold off until *after* we played!
And on to Moab...
The next day, I trundled onto a plane and flew off to Moab, Utah, where I met up with old musician friends from Boulder, CO: Peter Stokes, Marty Humphreys and Linda Linkman (Clay Kirkland Band), listening to tunes, playing tunes and ...learning to ROCK CLIMB!
 You climb rocks, Deb?!
I do now, yes! Not only is old friend Peter a kick-ass bass player who writes a pointed lyric himself, but he's an expert rock climber who's now gotten the bug bitten in me! See Deb Climbs Rocks for more pictures...
In Conclusion:
Pretty neat, huh? Always a good thing to aspire new new heights! (yes- pun *was* intended!) OK- maybe rock climbing isn't your thing,(after all, this is a music web site) but *I* plan on doing more! Perhaps this will lead to the Debonairs playing Red Rocks Amphitheater (Denver,CO) one day! :-)
Happy Summer -Deb
Deb Seymour & The Debonairs
NW Folklife Festival, May 26, 2006. Photos by Anita Lafranchi
APRIL 13, 2006: Special Entry
David MacAuslan
July 3, 1957 - April 6, 2006
Debonair David died on Thursday of a sudden heart attack. Yeah- I could go into all the metaphysical, medical reasons, etc, etc...but all I want to say is: THIS SUCKS.
It takes me a long time to get to know people and to relax into believing that they'll stick around. Then : BOOM. GONE.
Although David had been showing up at gigs forever and eventually joining me (and Alan Kausal) as a Debonair, it was only in the past few weeks that I'd really started to get to know him better, have conversations about more than just music and gig logistics.
Two Sundays ago, I needed last minute help moving furniture
out of my upstairs to combat a recently discovered mold problem. I called around and who but my two band guys cheerfully and expediently came trundling on over to haul bookcases and heavy oak desks around. I commented on how much I hated asking for help. "Oh,don't worry," said David,"after all, what are band mates for?" I could feel his grin over the phone lines. It was at that moment I thought: "Wow! these two guys really *do* like me! There could be some very cool friendships beyond pickin' strings and hashing out harmonies. And I started that relaxing into a new level of friendship.
Like, I said: THIS SUCKS.
Thank you for being in my band, David. You taught me how to be organized. You taught me that a band could be fun. You taught me that someone could be 100% committed to my band and music even whilst singing with all these other groups. You showed me how to share. That music doesn't have to be about egos. You also taught me- just a week ago at the Cafe Allegro gig, that switching the set list in the middle of the set is not good for a multi-percussionist who changes instruments on each tune. Awareness is a good thing. I only wish we could have been aware of any health issues going on with you and or could have helped stave off your untimely demise. I'll miss you. I really , really will miss you.
-Deb
David MacAuslan singing and loving life! Photos (1,2) by Ron Dalton and (3) by Anita Lafranchi
SPRING 2006
Outing The Inner Introvert
After reviewing my last Blog entry, I thought that I ought to write something
with a little more depth... maybe show a little more of the
off-stage me. Or, maybe it's OK to keep things to myself...
after all, I *am* an introvert!
What? Deb, You?
Many people think the opposite: that I am "hyper" all the time and that I talk all the time! Certainly, folks
who come to my gigs see a boisterous, silly, intense and
outgoing woman. Many of the photos in this web site would seem
to prove it. But, have you ever thought about how I might
*get* the energy to be that way? And what I might be like
*off* stage?
So, Introversion Is...What Again?
Introversion and extroversion refer to how a person *gains* or
*loses* energy. It is *not* about whether one is talkative or
outgoing or quiet or shy. Extroverts *gain* energy by being
outwardly tuned- they are pumped up and *re*-energized by
being around people and activity. Being quiet or alone for too
long literally drains an extrovert. They start to droop and
say things like "I've got to get outta the house" or
they have to stop what they are doing and go chat with someone
for a few minutes. Introverts, on the other hand, are
re-energized by being alone, quiet and *away* from people and
activity. An "innie" likes people and to do things
but need to take breaks to be alone and away from the action
before returning to an active, chatty space. A relaxed
introvert will then be comfortable and talkative because they
are tanked from having re-charged in the quiet-tude. That is,
until their energy runs out and they have to retreat again,
saying things like "I gotta get *into* the house" or
they *stop* chatting with someone and go rest for a few
minutes.
But, Deb, *You're* Not Shy!
Ah, no! Not really! But this brings me to one of the most
important things to understand about introversion is that it
is *not*necessarily the same thing as shyness. The two terms
are often misused. Introversion, as stated, is what you need
to re-charge your batteries. Shyness is *worry about what
others think of you*, either from nature, nurture or
"mis-nurture": perhaps an individual had a traumatic
experience that caused them to be wary. But in simple terms,
there can be (and do exist) *shy extroverts*,people who really
need to be around other people or activity to *gain energy*
but who maybe don't talk much, or whom feel awkward, again,
*worried about what others think of them*. Conversely, there
are also outgoing introverts- persons who like people, who
talk, who are socially adept, but who simply need that down
and away time to recharge... meaning, again, to *gain energy*
 Which brings me to the second important thing: the dichotomy
of the revved up "innie". This has also been a
source of confusion the outside world and even those "innie'
themselves: the outgoing introvert. Why *is* it that some
people claim to be innies, but when you see them, they chatter
all the time? Well folks, what you may be seeing is a
*relaxed* innie, one who's fresh from her nap or her alone
time, and now she's ready to talk. A relaxed introvert has
much to say, because she's had all that time to process it.
And if she is well rested, comfortable with friends and
knowledgeable about the subject at hand, that relaxed innie's
lips will fly like a hummingbird's wings, with lots to contribute,
before she needs to go off, collapse somewhere and re-charge again. And an
introvert with a deep level of energy awareness knows that
it's only a matter of time before all the air in that rolling
tire is gone.
Always Learn By Example
Without consciously intending it, this Blog is a good
example of introversion to extroversion! You might note that that the previous two entries
have been short and sweet with not much content. Written during the dark of the winter. Now it is spring and here is a babbling fountain of information! Yep- relaxed, rested, more
comfortable with blogging and a subject I am knowledgeable
about...hmnn..;-) Anyway, once I realized what I had done with
this blog. I had a good laugh at myself!
...If Not From The Cat!
Think of a cat that sleeps eighteen hours a day and then who
bursts out in frenetic energy for the remaining six, only to
return happily to another eighteen hours of sleep. It is while
they are sleeping that they are re-fueling for the next
outburst. If one only ever saw cats when they are running
crazy, you'd think they were always extroverted! But we know
that they are not- that they are "throttled-down"
the rest of the time, meaning introverted.
 I am like that cat-an "innie." I *need* (and spend)
a great deal of time alone- 75% or 80%- like that eighteen
hour section of kitty down-time (although I don't sleep 18
hours a day.. but ah, if I could...) Thus said, it might not
now surprise people to hear that, unless I am actively
gigging, I am at home being *quiet*. I have the music and TV
off as I prefer to listen to that quiet. (Yes, outies, you
*can* physically hear quiet!) Or I might be out on a long (but
solitary) walk, or swim at the public pool (during the quiet,
late hours, of course!) Or perhaps drawing or fussing at the
computer. If I choose to be with friends, I prefer it be only
one or two- again it's quieter that way! It is in this manner
that I "tank up" to give you the me you see on
stage. Energized! Outgoing! Exuberant! But after the gig?
Plummph! I am back on the couch in the quiet with the cat. And
often the next day too! (Thank God for email and answering
machines!)
It is a relief to discover this about myself in my 40's. It is
even a *bigger* relief to be OK with it! That I am not, lazy,
ill or stupid just because I have lower energy threshold than
most and need more time and space to re-charge. I'm merely a
normal introvert! And as an introvert, I have an advantage as
a songwriter! All those thoughts, feelings, goofy imaginings,
they all turn into all those Deb songs you know and love:
tango-dancing aliens, bad cats, hard-hat wearing mamas-
characters whose stories would *never* come to life without
the introvert's space I give them!
So Back To The Concert:
If you see me in a corner during a break at a gig, curled up
with a pillow or head-in-arms at a table remember: I am not
sad or being rude or rejecting you. I am only introverting and
fueling myself up for the next set! (Although, since I *do*
like people, I tend to go out and say hi when maybe I should
just keep to my pillow!) Likewise, if I *don't* return a phone
call, email, etc. in a timely fashion, perhaps it because it
is in the hours right around when I take the stage. Or the day
after and I am still recovering! (A good reason to check the concert
schedule!)
Isn't it amazing how wonderfully different we all are?
See you on the "extrovert" side!
-Deb
P. S. For an excellent book on the subject of introversion,
check out The
Introvert Advantage by Marti Olsen Laney. It is from this
that I learned most of the above about myself and that has
been a God-send in energy management! She even goes into
studies about the physical and brain chemistry differences
between extroverts and introverts. It's the first I've seen of
any scientific backup on the subject and found it to be
illuminating. I only hope I didn't accidentally plagiarize Ms.
Laney by trying to share some of what I've learned with all
the introverts and extroverts in my life whom I love and who
love me!
"Innie to Outie" at the C&P
Coffee Company, Seattle, Feb. 18, 2006 (with the Debonairs)
Photos by Ron Dalton
WINTER 2005-2006
Well, rain, rain, rain! YAY! After four winters of drought,
snowless-ness and flowers blooming in all the wrong places, I
feel a sense of normalcy. Not that mudslides and floods are a
good thing, but oh, how this songwriter loves the rain!
Rainy winters have always been my best writing milieu. I get
to hole up and work on songs with no compunction. A cup of hot
chocolate, backs of old papers and multi-colored pens (not to
be mixed up with the multi-colored cat), I scribble away. I
churn out the pent up emotions of love, angst, joy., fear and,
of course, thoughts of rodents... well, if you've had the
exterminators out to your house, as I have lately, how could
you *not* take advantage of this terribly convenient metaphor?
See you in the Spring!
-Deb
P. S. Be sure and catch a Debonairs show, before then, near
you!
Pegasus Coffeehouse, Bainbridge Island, Jan 14,
2006. (w/ /special guest Peter Spencer)
Photos by Connie Decker
FALL 2005
Well, what a summer! Gigs! Gigs! Gigs! YES
Magazine! Dancing! Playing! Smiling! Painting a ceiling!
Falling off chair while painting ceiling! Creating a bulging
disc and pinched nerve in my neck...
Yep. Even we Virgos, known for our carefulness and
fastidiousness, fall off things like chairs and such. Although
maybe it wasn't the chair that did it ...maybe it was painting
the ceiling that had me on the chair in the first place. Or
was it the weight lifting, followed by that jog around Green
Lake? Or just sleeping funny on my neck one night? Well, I'll
never know exactly what did it what... I only the results of
the MRI (on the eve of my birthday, thank you very
much!)...which Concerts a *lovely* bulged disc between C6 and
C7. No wonder my arm hurts! No sitting for long periods for
now. Nor driving long distances. Nor joggin' or runnin' or
dancin'...OR GUITAR PLAYING...(sigh)
OK, so I've had to cancel a couple of gigs. (Sept. 20 and Oct.
8) Argh! But on the other hand, I didn't have to cancel my
brain and maybe this is all a ploy by the Universe to get me
to sit quiet and think up new song ideas. Well, fall is a good
time of year to do that! When the leaves change, the weather
changes and things slow down. All of nature begins to prepare
for its period of rest. It is a time to gather the last of the
harvest, reflect upon the good of the past year and go deep
within. And in times like these, with climate changes taking
on a more urgent, global meaning (Hurricanes Katrina and
Rita), perhaps it is not just a time for me to go inward, but
for the world to stop and pause and think of better, saner,
calmer and less hurried ways of living our lives as well. How
to be at peace within ourselves as well as with each other.
I am starting to enjoy my break from music in ways I never
would have thought: I am hurrying less, sensing more, have a
clearer mind, and hopefully, a clearer heart. I am doing
things more *accurately*, because I have to do them more
*slowly*. What a thought!
I wish you and yours the best of autumns and hopefully I'll be
back on stage in time for my November
14th show at the Hopvine Pub in Seattle.
Until then- Deb:-)
Tumbleweed Music Festival, Richland, WA,
September 2005.
Photos by Ron Dalton.
SUMMER 2005
Well, it seems I'm a little late with my quarterly posting, it
already being July 3, but with good reason: I've been
interning in the office at YES!
Magazine.
YES!
Magazine is published on Bainbridge Island, WA by the
Positive Futures Network and is an ad-free, non-profit
quarterly journal about sustainable living practices and about
positive outlooks on humanity's future. We have a circulation
of 40,000 and a subscriber base of 25,000. We can be found
nationwide on newsstands, in classrooms, and, of course, in
people's living rooms. YES!
Magazine was started in 1996 and is about to celebrate its
tenth year of publication.
So, what exactly, you might ask, is a positive future? Surely,
it can seem doubtful in these difficult times of deficit, war,
suspicion and fear. But imagine a way of life in which
neighbors actually know neighbors, food is grown locally, time
is valued over money, and money itself returns to what it once
was: a means, not an end- merely a simple medium of exchange
for goods and services. Imagine an environment that is
abundant with resources and that can actually be used and not used up. Imagine sustaining an economy that is
just and that can actually be shared and passed on to
future generations. And suppose we not only just imagine this future, but actually live it! It's possible!
Because it is actually happening now, as we speak!
 YES!
Magazine focuses on all the people in the world who are,
at this moment as we speak, not giving in to despair,
but who are living right now in the present with solar
and wind power, setting up community gardens in ghettos,
successfully teaching their children non-violence, promoting
cross-cultural and cross-racial understanding and friendships,
embracing each other's religions and spiritualities, investing
in socially responsible funds and companies, (and
prospering!), re-claiming public spaces for playtime activity
and encouraging neighbors to reach out to neighbors and love
each other as ourselves.
And, of course, music is always a part of this. It has always
been here as a unique human gift, available to all. It's the
great equalizer. Not only can one come together with strangers
and sing, even whole disparate groups have found common ground
in an old tune or a new melody. And you don't even have to
speak the same language!
So give yourself a real gift this summer: celebrate the
positive in human connections by getting out to your local
cafe, pub, park or church and listening to some music. Honor
your local musicians. You never know, they may just live
around the corner! And while we may not be on "American
Idol" or getting Grammy awards, we are no less successful
or talented. And better yet, unlike those super mega-stars,
we're accessible! We're affordable! You can actually walk up
to us, shake our hands and talk! And even be listened to! And
best of all, we're here!
In Peace and Music -Deb
P. s. For a Deb Seymour concert near you, check out the Concerts
page .You'll be saying, "YES!" I promise!:-)
Seattle History House, July 2005.
Photos by Karla Oman & Nancy Nordstrand.
SPRING 2005
 Well...it sure ain't raining. No-siree- not even in February.
Drought conditions could be bad. But hopefully, this will not
stop you from getting out to a few Deb Seymour Concerts!
Yep folks- my constraints are merely being in school these
days and also fine-tuning my day-job resume in hopes for a new
day job. Unless, of course, you guys start to toss hundred
dollar bills into my tip jar! Hey! It could happen!
So far, this spring is booked with solo acoustic Concerts
only: Seattle, Kennewick, Wenatchee, Duvall and back. This
seems to be my paper route! But I love 'em all!
Be sure also to check out the Galloping Gossip column each
month in Victory Review. That's me writing that l'il ole
column, you know...
Happy Spring! -Deb:-)
P. s. Pray for rain...
The Deb Seymour Band at the Arlington Street
Fair, Jul. '04.
Photos by Steve Jacobs.
WINTER 2004/2005
Greetings to all who tread here! The year is turning and here
I sit, trying to bang out the latest on the web site
"journal"...
You may have noticed that there is very little Deb Seymour
Band activity scheduled for this winter and early spring 2005
...that is because I will be returning school full time and
will have a crazy life for a while. Anyway, lest you worry, I
will be hopefully be doing some smaller, more acoustic gigs
around the Seattle area starting in March. Once I get settled
into my scholarly rhythm. (As someone who tends to take on too
much too often, I am restraining myself in trying not to
over-book too many things) I have Meanwhile, Deb's World of
Music hopes your holiday season is/was merry, whichever one
you celebrate (d) and remember, Deb
Seymour CDs always make a great new
years gift for anyone! :-)
HAPPY 2005 Y'all! -Deb
P. s. Keep checking the Concerts page
for show updates. They will occur, really, they will! I didn't
pen eleven new songs in 2004 for nuthin'...;-)
Sandblast Music Festival, Duvall, WA, July
2004.
Photos by Jeff De Wolf.
FALL 2004
 Of
Changes:
I'M TURNING 40! Whee!!! And thus I can't help but wax
sentimental (hey, we middle-aged folks get to do that...) As I
enter/complete my 4th decade (pick one, I never did figure
that stuff out), I have to say: life is good! I have a band!
I've got gigs! People want me! I have a new-used
electro-acoustic cutaway guitar! I even have a bass amp and
real Listening Room gear of my very own! I have a calico cat that's not
dead like they said she would be by now (she has a tumor
removed in Dec.) My garden is bursting! I'm not broke! (yet!)
I host house Concerts! People come! My neighbors like me!
(Yes, despite the house Concerts, imagine that!) My family
adores me! As life gets better and better, even in these
precarious times, I am reminded of the beauty and of the
goodness that still exist and that surround me. I am humbled.
I am happy. I am grateful.
Of My Community:
Community is the fuel that keeps the fires in this woman
going. And it is at this time that I want to deeply thank all
the communities in which I am involved and which have given so
much invaluable support over the years: Victory
Music,, for whom I write a monthly music column called
"The Galloping Gossip" and whose open mikes
faithfully keep me in tune, The
Puget Sound Guitar Workshop, under whose auspices I still
keep the joy of learning new and interesting tricks The
Washington Women's Foundation that teaches me about true
selfless-ness and giving, all my neighbors who watch out for
me every day, my family, who are everywhere and who love me
unconditionally and ALL my various and eclectic circles of
friends who support me in my tears and in my laughter and in
my life. You are ALL so loved! I raise my glass of (not) beer
in toast to you and thank you for being a part of the journey
of my wiggly-squiggly life!
Of Those Fine Summer Nights:
It was also QUITE the summer for gigs: the Seattle Wooden Boat
Show, Arlington Street Fair, Sandblast, Zoka's, Island Earth
Fair & more ! Each and every gig was a gem, if not just a
plain old blast! I especially thank drummer David
Rizzi, bassists Michael
Guthrie and Dave Pengra, keyboardist and accordion wizard Michael
Carlos for being my musical tapestry on stage, loving me,
loving the music and just plain old groovin' to the jam!
But Here's Looking At You, Kid...
But most of all I wan to thank YOU, the fans who came to
Concerts, sang the songs, danced to the tunes, smiled and
bought CDs- you are now official "Deb-Heads"! Yay!
Happy Autumn-Deb:-)
Seattle Wooden Boat Festival, July 2004.
Photos by Zac Jenckes.
SUMMER 2004
 On Vacating and Vacation...
Just got back from a lovely trip to sunny New Mexico, where I
got to jam along the real, actual Route 66. The shot to the
left was taken for my drummer David's benefit, since Route 66
is one of his favorites ... (The song? The highway? Or the
bodacious drum solo he gets to do when we play it?)
On Upcoming Fun Stuff:
Meanwhile, The Deb Seymour Band is rolling along on it's own
"route 66", with gigs nearly every weekend, starting
with the Seattle Wooden Boat Show on July 4th, followed by the
Arlington Street Fair July 10. the Sandblast Festival in
Duvall on the 17th and more and more and more...see the Concerts
PAGE for a complete schedule.
So Low You Can't Hear It...
In addition, June marked the re-debut of myself as a bass
player at the P&G Speakeasy in Duvall, pinch-hitting for
the The
Michael Carlos Band (Yes- there are photos and yes, you
can see 'em.) I used to play bass in "Twins Before
Birth", a folk-rock trio that gigged around Seattle in
the early 90's. Meanwhile, I've had the pleasure of having
several bass players of my own, Mike Guthrie, Dave Pengra and Nick Dallett. Now... if I
could only how to figure out how to play bass for myself as
well as sing and play guitar... on second thought. , nah! These
guys are the *real* deal and all kinda cute, too!
Ya-hoo!- Deb:-)
The Deb Seymour & Michael Carlos Bands, P
& G Speakeasy Cafe, Duvall, WA, June 2004.
Photos by Paula Tharp.
SPRING 2004
Well- it's finally happened: I've decided to keep a web
journal of the latest and greatest in Deb's World. I guess the
discipline of writing the Galloping Gossip Column for
Seattle's Victory
Music Review has now crept over to my own web site Oh,
well- why not?
Deb Seymour Trio
This spring has been busy. I have been gigging with several
different formations of the Deb Seymour Trio, usually anchored
with drummer David
Rizzi and having a bevy of bass players sitting in: Greg
Hendrickson (Kevin Jones Band) Bill Roman (Brooke Pennock
Band), Nick Dallett, former band mate from the Twins Before
Birth days (whaddya mean you don't remember
"Twins"?) and new-guy-about-town, Dave Pengra. Look
for more of these gigs over the summer!
The Michael Carlos Album
 This spring as well, I have had the privilege of singing
backup to Mr. Michael Carlos of Wenatchee, WA on his debut CD
"Yesterdays Icons". Michael, whom I met at last
year's Tumbleweed Songwriting Contest, is a political
songwriting dynamo whose songs cover everything from the Enron
Guys ("Armani Suits and Handcuffs") to stabs at pop
icons ("Andy Gibb"), and he also writes the
occasional heart-throb song ("Maria" &
"Morning News") that will break your heart. His
lyrics will hit you like a velvet stiletto: a soft first
touch, but twisting and turning until your brain is burning
and all the while you're loving it. His album was recorded in Chicago and Seattle, is produced by Ethan
Sellers and features Chicagoans Grant
Tye of the Robbie Fulks Band on guitar, cellist Nick
Photinos of the band 8th Blackbird as well as Seattle
accordion diva Nova Devonie and a cameo by Deb Seymour Trio
drummer David Rizzi. It is due out in late May and I can't
wait! Look for Michael and myself double-billing at a cafe near you...(hint: we'll be in Ballard on May
1rst
New Deb Songs
Speaking of songwriting, somehow in the midst of all this
band-gathering and back-up singing, I wrote eleven new songs
of my own over the winter- yikes! Musta been COLD out there...
perhaps it's time for me to go back in the studio myself?
We'll see... meanwhile, come out and hear "Dinner For
One" or "Sequin Town", whilst always
remembering that "Cleaning on a Boat (Is Not As Easy As
You Think)".
And On To Summer
The gigs have been pouring in and it's going to be a FUN
summer! Festivals, festivals, festivals...be sure to check out
the Concerts PAGE for the most
recent additions. Then go out and look at the last of the
tulips- they're still a few hanging around ... but please
don't kick the cat like I just accidentally did. (She seems to
have crept under the desk while I was typing this.) Oh,
cripes! Now she's shedding on my toes...)
Happy Spring- Deb:-)
Penny Cafe, Seattle, January 2004.
Photos by Nick Dallett.
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