The List!

    When I returned to performing a few years ago I didn't have a very long song list, barely enough to cover 2 sets. In fact, in some of those early dates I'd have to repeat a couple of songs to get through it. 

    Recently I came across a set list from back then and saw that I don't play many of them anymore. They have been replaced with others to the point where now between covers and originals the list is over 100 songs, more than I need for any gig. As I looked it over I realized that I missed playing them. 

    For instance, one is "City of New Orleans", the Steve Goodman song made popular by Arlo Guthrie. It used to be a staple of my first set, but I haven't played it for a long time. This song has a lot of lyrics and tells a great story, and was a bit of work to memorize and is a challenging fingerpicking exercise. I tried it out during a practice session and found I still remembered all the lyrics, but even better I found it was easier to play, fun even. Not only that but I got the idea to add a rhythm loop that emphasizes the feeling of a moving train that is the theme of the song. I've added it back into the list, even knowing that it will displace one of the newer songs I've learned.

    There are several like this and it's actually a good problem to have. The list has grown because I'm constantly getting requests from listeners and sometimes it's for a song that I know and like but haven't worked up. One recent addition, that I frankly never thought I'd ever do, but has turned out to be a crowd pleaser is "King of the Road, which is fun as a singalong. Another reason is as I've improved my guitar playing I'm enjoying the challenge of adding songs that previously were difficult technically. I think the point here is to alway be growing and keeping fresh without losing touch with older songs that still have a lot to offer. 

    Going back to the past list with a fresh approach is like visiting an old friend and catching up. Without realizing it I've developed a repertoire that goes beyond what I ever thought I'd have when I began this journey, and I'm looking forward to where it takes me next.

Credit: ESA/Hubble & NASA

Singer/Songwriter Rick Millward lived and worked on the West Coast until moving to Nashville in 2000. He was part of the Music City songwriter community, collaborating with other artists and producing projects in his boutique studio, including two EMMY nominated soundtracks. Now in Southern Oregon, Rick has discovered a vibrant local music scene centered around the many tasting rooms. 

His records: "Limited Edition", "Home for Good", and “Loveland” are available on Spotify and other streaming platforms. His new recordings, "Astronomy", will be released later this year.

LOVELAND ON SPOTIFY