Hi all

Wow, it's been a while.  Had tech problem getting into blog.  Took a lot of tweaking.  really strange.  but, here i am about 12 tech emails and more later.  it works!

hope everyone has stayed close to not only 60s generation, but the BluesRoot project as well.  here's an update on the Root.

       Issue 11 Nov 2006                  rootmaster@bluesroot. net                       (716) 631-2043 (New BluesRoot telephone number.)     

More changes to www.bluesroot.net. When you go to the  FanCenter you’ll see yet another addition to the website.  We’ve posted the Rootmaster’s Video Blog.  Check the posts. Add your replies.  Get down with da Root!  And don’t forget to check out the new jukebox and video player we told you about in last month’s newsletter.   .

Dramatic jump in listenership on BluesRoot Radio in October. .  The number of fans checking out the tunes daily increased from September’s impressive 647 to 1,198!  That’s more than an 80% increase.  That also means over 34,000 folks during the month!  In addition the number of presets jumped from 379 to 463. Our streaming 24/7 radio station featuring CD quality sound…of all the old greats…’50’s rock, rockabilly and the blues…plus “da Root..”   Check it out at www.live365.com/bluesroot.   

Online mentions (links) soar also.

Online mentions of “BluesRoot” has increased by nearly 100% in one month on the six major search engines …from 25,000 to over 47,000! Yahoo alone mentions us over 40,000 times.

Don’t forget our videos on your favorite vid site! BluesRoot videos continue to spread around the internet. In addition to listings on Google, YouTube, and Vimeo, you can see the Root on MySpace also.   
”That’s All Right Mama”, “House of the Rising Sun” and our own “Hold Tight Mama” are the most popular getting ratings from good to exceptional.

Putting together next year’s gig schedule both locally and around the country.  Our management team is talking to several chains include HardRock.  Want to start in March and hit WV, Va, Md,  NC, SC, and Ga…in addition to NY, Oh, and Pa.  Management, all though independent, will work through BluesRoot Entertainment, newly formed company under JDM Promotions, LLC.

The Root has its own telephone number now too.  Call us at 1 716 631-2043.  Fax toll free to 1 866 712 1091.

Local CD distribution is needed.  The Root needs local locations to sell our CD’s.  If you are a small business person, or know someone who is…let us know if we can supply CDs on consignment for sale.  We will promote and list in all our activities around the area. In addition, the profit margin is attractive as well.  We  even supply the small counter top CD rack.  Cool.  rootmaster@bluesroot.net.

It was a record month for visitors to www.bluesroot.net.  Daily averages increased over 28%, and during the month (October), over 24,000 folks stopped by to check us out.  Still a long way from goal of 100,000 a month, but we’re making great progress.  Visitors are still coming from around the world regularly as well.  Thanks everyone.

Don’t forget the website is now translated into 12 languages.  Repeating this from last month, but it’s important. Check out the new tool bar near the top of each BluesRoot webpage.  The flags indicate the country that the site page can be translated into immediately when someone visits the site.  Simply click on the flag of your choice and see what the Root looks like around the world.  Neat addition that should appeal to international visitors of course.

Starting to work on next CD.  Actually beginning to put together the next two CDs.  One, will be Root versions of some of the old classics.  We will tweak them, do them live, and take it from there.  The  other CD will be originals.  Songs are written, but working on arrangements (with two guys that shouldn’t be too hard…yea, right!)  Want to have one or the other be out next summer, but we’ll see.

In addition, the Rootmaster is toying with a  solo CD done in the style of, and covering, some of the obscure, yet great, songs of the early Delta blues era. 

Live. Real. In the moment CD Sales update.  Rhapsody continues to pull away from the pack on sales.  Most are single song, a lot are paid listens.  iTunes has done well.  They are both digital of course…the future of all music sales.  Hardcopy sales are being led by Amazon.  By the way add this rss feed to your feed viewer and get full Root songs anytime.  Pass this ling along to all your friends as well. Sample the Root without the hassle. http://feeds.rhapsody.com/bluesroot/9781579_liverealinthemoment/tracks.rss

Added a cool life-in-‘50’s video to www.bluesroot.net.  Check it out.  It’s only 4 minutes long.

Check out  the Rootmaster’s column in After 50 magazine or check it out online at www.after50news.com   It’s simply called 60s Generation and covers all the cool things from the 1950s and ‘60s including lifestyle, changes, music and just memories.

Working on new material and staging.  Adding a few new tunes that are historically relevant..  Also working on staging ideas.  Hey folks want the shows to become even cooler for you!  Might solicit some ideas.  Got anything in mind for da Root, just email to rootmaster@bluesroot.net.

Happy Thanksgiving.  Enjoy the holiday’s starting with Thanksgiving.

Last note. As always, the BluesRoot project is so cool…having the time of my life.  Who would have thought that an old guy could have this much fun.  But I will never forget that it’s because of your support. rootmaster@bluesroot.net.

Hope this brings you somewhat up to speed.

take care

The Bluesman