June/July, 2010 – The summer is cruising by a little too fast, as it always does, but lots to report. I’ve been busy writing new songs, as I’ve been feeling very inspired as of late. The Batabago is proving to be a cool environment for accommodating my lifestyle – I like the move/park/move/park option and am enjoying seeing lots of new pieces of America. The option of jumping on the Harley once I’ve found a suitable locale is particularly appealing to me. I’ve reconnected with my old road engineer, Kevin Cameron, whose new home studio in Brockville is proving to be a productive location for demo-ing new Bat-songs. We’ve already put a few down and I’m planning on heading back mid-August, schedule permitting.

I had a great weekend at Mountain Jam VI in June and made many new friends, fans and contacts. Looking forward to next year’s festival and in the meantime I have several other outdoor shows booked this summer, including The Rosendale Street Festival and Avalonfest in Paw Paw, West Virgina.

I have been spending some time at home in Canada as well, both enjoying my family/friends and working on the house [mostly painting, which I’m needing to be done with soon...;)]. While home I managed to catch the Levon Helm Band [with guitarist Jim Weider, who played on my last 2 CD’s] at Ottawa’s Bluesfest, where they put on a great road version of their classic ‘Ramble’ show – a must see for music lovers everywhere!

I’ve also been looking into a mutually beneficial coupling with Canadian based, world market player’s ‘Atlantic Multimedia Inc.’, who’s recent expansion in to the US market after a growing presence on the Canadian Music Scene. More on that to come....

May, 2010 – Lots of happenings this month, starting with winning 1st place in the Spring, 2010 edition of the ‘Tennessee Concerts’ song writing competition for my song ‘Cage of Memories’ from the ‘Love Do The Talkin’ CD. Judge and music icon, drummer Gary Allen (The Charlie Daniels Band/JJ Cale/Stonewall Jackson) said of me; “Dean fills the shoes of Harry Chapin in my world, and impresses me as not just a  charismatic singer with great songs, but a full blown artist.”  Read his full review here http://www.deanbatstone.com/index.php/press

I’ve upped the commitment to touring, both for gigs and radio promo, with the addition of the ‘Batabago’ RV, complete with Harley hauler in tow. It’s made all the moving around I do a little more comfortable and I’ve been using it on the second leg of my US radio promo tour, currently in full swing.

Gig highlight this month was the Bob Dylan Birthday Bash in Woodstock, NY hosted by folk legend ‘Happy Traum’ and attended by a sold out house who watched varied performances of Dylan selections by the likes of Frank McGinnis, Seth Rogovoy, Kelleigh McKenzie, Doug Yoel, Charles Lyonhart and myself, among others. It was a great evening!

Mountain Jam looming big on the Bat Radar this month, with a Mountain Jam Preview Party this Sunday, May 30th at the Rhinecliff Hotel in beautiful Rhinecliff, NY, followed by a live appearance on WRIP 97.7 on Tuesday, June 1st at 5:30pm where I’ll be performing some songs live with host Sonny Rock, as well as sharing DJ duties for the show. It’s then on to Mountain Jam for my Friday, June 4th performance on the ‘Awareness Village’ acoustic stage. View the full weekend schedule at the above website.

APR. 2010 – Finalized the last bits of my US O-1 Visa and am looking forward to being able to accept more of the work being offered, starting with a couple of WDST sponsored gigs in May and Mountain Jam VI on June 4-6. I’m slotted for the Acoustic stage on Friday June 4th and already have a small posse heading down from Canada [some riding] to offer their support to my show.

I spent a good portion of April in the US promoting my CD and single, ‘Lay Me Down’ to Triple ‘A’ and NPR radio stations in New York, Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine and will be heading down shortly for the second leg, which will see radio shows in NYC, New Jersey, Maryland, Delaware, Pennsylvania, North Carolina, Virginia, Illinois, Ohio and Michigan, if all goes as planned.

Special thanks to WDST Radio Woodstock for being the first to add my song and a big thanks to all the other stations adding it, especially WKZE Red Hook, NY, WEXT Troy/Albany, NY and WMWV North Conway, NH....

Oh yeah....I’m damn happy to be riding again, too...SWB.

MAR. 2010 – I’ve had a great month, though one of the recurring themes over the last couple of years with my peers both sides of the border has come to focus again this month, namely “Where is the Canadian support?”. In truth, I’m somewhat responsible for my lack of profile in Canada. I certainly used to have a much clearer presence, having had a band on the road for over 15 years as well as radio airplay and videos on Much Music, tons of press and a Canadian record deal.

I made a conscious decision in the early ‘90’s to take my music South and try the fit, more out of opportunity than preference and it has turned out to be a productive decision that I’ve never regretted. Accept it or not, there is a stigma attached to recognition on your home turf that probably holds true in most parts of the world. ‘He’s local – he can’t be as valid as someone from Toronto, New York or London’. As soon as you’re away from that stigma, in my case, playing the Hudson Valley, for example, you’re judged on your music and your abilities alone, independent of the ‘stigma’. Simply, I’m enjoying that choice.

On the same topic, word from Canadian radio friends and icons is that there really is no format anymore in Canada for my music. In the US, I fit into several formats, including ‘Triple A’ and NPR stations. So, to my Canadian fans who keep asking why they don’t hear me on their local radio station, I can only suggest they call local radio and start asking for me ...or listen online to US stations – maybe that’ll open it up a bit in Canada...:)

This piece of press, printed in the Ottawa Sun by Ottawa Valley journalist Tom Van Dusen speaks to this as well:
http://eedition.ottawasun.com/epaper/viewer.aspx

Feb. 2010 – I don’t believe I’ve mentioned lately that there are no shortcuts!...so if you’re not willing to bend your back to the shovel, get outta my ditch...:)

I’m back in writing mode again – not a place I actually ever leave, truthfully, but have found some quiet moments to get into some new songs this month and am really enjoying it.

Big news is confirmed by the banner on my main page – I am performing the acoustic stage at  Mountain Jam VI at Hunter Mountain, NY [near Woodstock] being held this year June 4-6, 2010. I also believe I may be the only Canadian in the line-up so far, so hopefully the Olympic hockey final will be a distant memory by then....;)

I’ve also managed to fit in a [first time] visit to Arizona, where I spent 8 beautiful days riding a rented Harley over some amazing country side [see pics on my Facebook page] and dropped in on a couple of radio stations for some promo while there.

Big shout out and congrats to my friend and bass player Chris D. on the launch of his worldwide music licensing site, Fliktrax ...all the success you deserve, bro...and to all the crew at the Levon Helm camp, especially Barbara O’Brien, for seeing Levon through some tough times and rising him back on top where he belongs – and singing again too....it doesn’t get much better!

Jan. 2010 – We’ve added a press page to the website to showcase reaction to the new CD from the publication world, so be sure and check it out! January saw me back in the Hudson Valley for an extended visit dedicated to writing, some really fun ‘impromptu’ guest performances and some radio promo as well. Learned from talented writer and performer Lucy Bonilla that her single from her new CD, penned by friend/guitarist Jim Weider and yours truly, peaked at #15 in the top 100 indy charts – good for her and good for me, as she called looking for another song from the Dean camp and I can tell you I was more than proud to offer her some – will keep you posted on the follow up single! We did a radio edit [almost a minute shorter at the request of the ‘powers that be’....love you guys.....honest!!!] which was just shipped to US radio last week – hoping to spot the map with some more radio adds this next month. Final word is not in yet, but it also looks like I’ll be performing the acoustic stage at this year’s Mountain Jam – the 6th year for this famous 3 day outdoor festival hosted by WDST Radio Woodstock at Hunter Mountain, near Woodstock, NY June 4,5,6. Get your tickets early and make the short [or long, as it may be] ride to this great weekend of live entertainment.

Dec. ’09 – A busy year ended in a busy way – guess that’s typical for a lot of us. I’ve been working closely with Paul W. Brown, my US radio promoter, getting ‘Lay Me Down’ heard across America. Caught a great Midnight Ramble @ Levon’s Helm’s with guests ‘The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band’ and ‘Eric Church’ – both excellent! Closed my year in New York at a super fun holiday party at Paul Antonell’s Clubhouse in Rhinebeck, where I had the pleasure of seeing many old friends and meeting several new ones. On Dec. 25th [yes, a Christmas edition] I was gifted with the first (of many, I hope) positive reviews of the new CD ‘No Angel’, written by reviewer/musician David Malachowski for the Kingston, NY Daily Freemen. Review header says “Dean Batstone’s ‘No Angel’ a World Class Album” [Full article Click Here ] I’m back in Canada for the remainder of the holidays and we’ll be updating the website with a ‘press’ page and upcoming gigs shortly, as 2010 is shaping up to be even busier than ’09. Ottawa Valley fans can watch for a CD release party near the end of Jan./early Feb. to be announced shortly.

Nov. ’09 – Started the month off right with an opening slot for singer/songwriter Shawn Colvin and have spent most of the rest, so far, back and forth between home in Canada and home in the Hudson Valley promoting the new CD to radio. Joined Facebook about a month ago [was a reluctant ‘old dog’ not ready for new tricks] but have been pleasantly surprised with the ability to re-connect with old friends and fans as well as new. Cool to find ex-Ottawa radio/music icon Kath Thompson happy and deep in it at Mix 97.7 in Calgary. A few more US stations now turning on to ‘Lay Me Down’, the first single from ‘No Angel’, with WDST Radio Woodstock still leading the way, being the first to ‘officially’ playlist the song – thanks again everyone @ WDST!

There have been a lot of requests for my older material and though I am currently out of stock of all but the 2 newest CD’s, I’m happy to say that you’ll again be able to download 2 free tracks from each CD shortly on this website, as well as buy digital copies of all the songs soon on iTunes and others – stayed tuned for news and links!

Oct. ’09 – I’m back in Woodstock and Rhinebeck, NY promoting the new CD this month and having lots of fun doing it. I got back out this week to jump up with the ‘Saturday Night Bluegrass Band’ at the Bearsville Theatre in Rhinebeck [watch for a live album in the future with myself and these guys doing a batch of stuff I’ve never recorded – I love this band!]

I also managed to catch live [and meet backstage] one of my favourite songwriters, Steve Earle. He gave an inspiring, sold out solo show in Woodstock with his wife, Alison Moorer, opening.

The first single ‘Lay Me Down’ from the my  new CD  goes out to radio this week, with Radio Woodstock WDST jumping the cue and playing it already – thanks all! Just got word that powerhouse NYC Pop/R&B singer/songwriter Lucy Bonilla's cover of the Dean Batstone/Jim Weider song 'You Are My Refuge' is slated as the radio single from her new album 'Rolling Higher' - thanks Lucy - your voice slays that song - congrats on the CD's release!

Sept. ’09 – I was home in Canada for a couple of weeks of family time and home reno’s and then back down to NY to begin work on promoting the new record. Early reaction to the record is great, including some early radio adds of the likely single ‘Lay Me Down’. Nancy Austin, Dave Doud myself and some new friends were fortunate enough to attend one of Levon Helm’s Midnight Ramble’s and we were suitably ‘blown away’ by the evening – great band, especially friend Jimmy Weider on guitar – and a musical experience I’ll never forget. I was also fortunate enough to be invited up to play a couple of songs with the Saturday Night Bluegrass band, featuring the legendary Bill Keith on banjo and am impromptu video captured by audience member Barry Butterfield of the new song ‘Goodnight Radio’ can be viewed on YouTube and on this website’s main page.

Aug. ’09 – First pressings of the new CD ‘No Angel’ are in hand and will be available for sale online shortly and for distribution soon. In the meantime I’ve secured new personal management through an introduction by WDST Radio Woodstock DJ Dave Doud. A chance meeting with Studio Woodstock promoter Nancy Austin gained me first a new fan of my music, but more importantly a new partner in my future, as she’s taken on the key position of navigating the marketplace to help find a welcome port for the ‘ship of Dean’ and its crew of salty dogs....:) I’m proud to have her working with me and excited about the partnership.

July ’09 – Paul Antonell and I flew to Boulder, CO to master ‘No Angel’ with Grammy winning engineer David Glasser at Airshow Studios. A class ‘A’ operation and a beautiful city as well made for an overall excellent experience. Back in the Hudson Valley veteran designer Kenneth Cooke put the finishing touches on some great artwork and the package was sent shortly after to Canadian manufacturers ‘Healey Disc’ for quality pressing and packaging. Now we wait.......

June '09 - Had a great ride down to the studio in Rhinebeck - only 5 minutes of rain on an otherwise perfect day. Partied in Woodstock @ the Colony Cafe where we managed to catch old friend Gary Burke and new friend guitarist Josh Colow backing songwriter Tim Moore - great stay in the Wild Rose Inn with owner/hostess Marti taking very good care of us. Timing is everything, they say, and I think mines finally getting sorted! - we lucked out on our scheduling, as the largest vintage motorcycle show in America was taking place in Rhinebeck. We spent most of Saturday in the heat, looking and buying some great stuff, and then overdubs and mixing began on Sunday. Chris Davison, bassist and long time NY friend, sang on a couple of tracks and enjoyed the 'hang' - check out his new business catering to licensing new songs to TV and Film at www.fliktrax.com Rhinebeck singer Anni Krueger lent her voice to 3 tracks and there was also an impromptu harmony coaxed out of Josh Colow. Paul Antonell and ProTools Master Eli Walker bore the brunt of some intense mixing days, but I'm happy to say that I'm very pleased with the outcome. Dave Dowd dropped by from WDST Radio Woodstock to hear some of the new tracks and we'll be doing a show on air when I return in a couple of weeks. Also, photographer/designer Ken Cooke stopped in with the first draft of the CD design and once again all were pleased with the outcome. I'm hoping to have this CD ready to release by the end of July, so stay tuned - SWB.

May '09 - Spent almost 2 weeks at 'The Clubhouse' and cut 11 new tracks, 10 of which will appear on the new CD, [new working title 'No Angel'], re-named after the latest song conceived, written and recorded one day in the studio.  As hoped, drummer Gary Burke, guitarist Jim Weider and bassist D. James Goodwin formed the core band, with great Hammond organ or Wurlitzer piano parts added by New York keyboardist [and incidentally, my new favourite] Jason Crosby [Art Garfunkel, Tao Seeger]. Robbie Dupree lent his classic American Pop/Blues voice to harmonies on a track and old friend Chris D. is due in when I return in early June for final vocal tidbits and mixing. Also planned for June 8th is a motorcycle tour with some of my close friends from the Ottawa Valley, through the Adirondacks, ending in the Hudson Valley for a night of celebrating the finishing of the record. Pics and more to follow so check back.....:)

Apr. '09 - It's official  - after a fun night of pre-production in Ken Friesen's  'Signal Path' Studios,[Almonte, ON] I'm back down to 'The Clubhouse' in Rhinebeck, NY the first week in May to record my 8th and latest project, working titled 'Goodnight Radio'. Paul Antonell will again be engineering and co-producing and the band will be recorded live off the floor, as much of the 'Love That Shine' CD was done. Confirmed for the session are drummer Gary Burke, guitarist Jim Weider and bassist D. James Goodwin. I'll be recording mostly new songs written over the last year, several in the last month and a couple of previously un-recorded older songs, including a remake of a tune from my very first [vinyl] album recorded back in the '80's. I'm very excited about this project and will update progress here - stay tuned!