HELLO 2013! SEEYA 2012!

 

Everybody give it up for the year that was.

Two thousand and twelve… oowattabuzz.

We got all we could handle on the list of chores

Whatever you were doing, do it even more

Obama’s back in and the hockey’s back out

The world didn’t end; was there ever any doubt?

Gizmos and gadgets redefining our brains

Do we really need to climb aboard that train?

If you’re pushing too hard and speeding down the tracks

Maybe take a minute, calm down and relax,

What a beautiful world, and what a crazy scene

Let’s make it all good in twenty-thirteen!

 

Been away, haven’t seen you in a while, how’ve you been?

More precisely, you perhaps haven’t heard from me in a while. This newsletter format, while enjoyable, is also a responsibility to sustain, and a task to which I’m not always equal. I consider it a privilege that you folks like to know what’s going on in my world, so it is a joy to share with you.  

Photo by: Cher Renee Lewis

All the news that might fit:

Coney Hatch has done a few shows again this year with the original four guys (Me, Andy, Steve and Dave). A worldwide deal for a new album is now in place with Frontier Records of Italy!  As we assemble material and build the tracks in the studio it all slowly begins to take shape. A pretty exciting sound, worthy of the vintage days of Coney is emerging!  First quarter 2013 is now the goal for release date.

 

 

CONEY HATCH, MARCH 31,2012 w/ Andy Curran

I’ve produced a CD full album for a group called the Victoria Secrets, a student combo from Haliburton. It’s a great listen, with a variety of musical styles. For more on this see the youtube video of “Victoria Secrets Summer of ’93” and the posting on my website.

I’m working with Roger King at PNA agency to acquire voice-over jobs. People have commented on my speaking voice for years and Susan deCartier (Blue Rodeo manager) put me in touch with Roger.  The hope is it will be another application of my voice and performance skills, and already I’ve had the pleasure of a radio-spot session helmed by the legendary Syd Kessler!

In the over FOUR Years now since my car crash (unbelievable how fast time flies) I’ve made huge gains in healing and recovery. I’ve also learned to accept the things that just aren’t going to get any better. As I like to say to my wife Betty, “Not bad for a guy who was broken to bits and stuck back together.” I’ve been helped along by the good will and active support and encouragement of so many people. Thank you.

I actually got out on the ice for some old-timers pickup hockey before last season was done and I’m looking forward to the start of the new season. I don’t skate so fast now but the wonder is that I’m out there at all.

Had lots of epic solo acoustic shows this year as well as a couple of dandy trio gigs with Mark Santer and Tim Harrington. Also a few gigs playing bass with old friends Hotel California.

Working on writing and demoing a bunch of country tracks with Dean Young for some kind of future album release. Still working out the details.

My book project is splitting into two now; I just can’t shut up I guess! It’s too much for one book, I’d have a doorstop-sized volume, so splitting the story in two areas of interest is now the way.

Thanks to Cher Renee Lewis for the action shot below from my Hard Rock Hotel Orlando 2012 show. Re-date for 2013 so keep an eye out! Take care and I’ll return with more news soon.

         

Introducing The Victoria Secrets

June 18^th was the album release for a project I’ve been working on with a terrific group of young people from my home town of Haliburton,Ontario It's an album of original music on which I was the producer and the "coach". This is a remarkable story.

The students, aged 16-19, are from the AETC facility in our town. That’s Adult Education Training Centre.

These are kids who were marginalized, or didn't fit in to the regular school system. Some were bullied and harassed, some had disastrous home lives, and some had behavioural issues or poor choices which led to them being out of the mainstream in tough to finish an education. The music program was begun there by a caring teacher named Greg Shantz about four years ago in an attempt to hold their attention with something they'd enjoy. I began volunteering to help two years ago, and this CD titled the Victoria Secrets is the improbable result. The name came about because they are housed in the Victoria Street public school.

This is a nice underdog story. This collection of young people came to the school at different times over the past year, most of them with little or no experience of playing, singing or writing music. Many have never been on a team or felt connected to others in a good way; the experience they had of life was often of rejections, failings and unhappiness. They knew the blows and kicks that life can bring far more than the sweet stuff. But now, because of this project, they have pride in themselves and a positive identity to stand behind ie "I'm a musician", "I'm a singer" “This is our band", "These are my friends".

There are some amazing performances on this record, and I hope you will take a look at the youtube video they've created for "Summer of '93". This could sweep the nation, as they used to say in the old days.

If you like the single, the album will be available July 9th through my website by clicking on the store – Diamond Ditty.

Cheers,

Carl

CONEY HATCH NEWS FLASH

Commencing in two weeks, Carl, Andy, Steve and Dave are convening in a studio in Toronto to record a new album set for summer release to celebrate the 30^th Anniversary of our first album.

The band’s UK debut at Firefest last October went so well that we were immediately offered a European record deal. We’ll be recording our first new music in many years.

In support of the new album, we are planning more concerts in 2012. The first one is just around the corner at the Edelweiss in Kitchener/Waterloo on Saturday, March 31^st. We'll be test-driving some new material as well as swinging through the Monkey Bars and dealing from the Devil's Deck!

Look forward to seeing you at the Edelweiss and to keeping you posted on our progress. We’re working to get a single out as soon as possible so you can look forward to having a listen here and at coneyhatch.com

The video clip currently on Carl Dixon TV is from our 2011 appearance at Firefest in Nottingham, England. Featured are, We Got The Night and Girl From Last Night’s Dream. This video was shot by Stephen Bate a great guy, fan and friend.

DIXON ROCKS HARD ROCK HOTEL - ORLANDO

Carl's back to the Hard Rock Hotel Universal Orlando on February 14th for an exclusive solo acoustic show. Last year was a hit with his Florida fans and new fans filled the room beyond capacity. Happy Valentine's Day. Look forward to seeing everyone in Orlando!


Hard Rock Hotel  Universal Orlando 2011
Photo by: Renee Lewis