After much ado, the Estrella update is out just in time for Potrero. ;) This is the BlackBird Recording electronic newsletter.  I guess it's amazing what computers will do to you.  My hard drive drashed again, so I'm not sure I've got the latest list.  Please bear with me.  If you don't want to receive this newsletter any more, just drop me a note and I'll take you off.  If you know of anyone who wants to be added, have them drop me a line and I'll add them.  Thanks!

NEWS FROM THE RECORDING FRONT:

We have sold the first 60 of "Bards Make the Best Lays" limited edition CD.  I'll be burning another few for Potrero.  There's one bonus track and each CD is signed and numbered.  Remember, no more than 100 of this edition will ever be made. If you or anyone you know is interested in picking one up, we're charging $15 including shipping and handling.  Again, it's first come, first served. 

The new album is called "More!!!" and was released the Friday of Great Western War.  It also sold failry well at Estrella, with a few wholesalers picking up copies.  I'll also have copies at Potrero.  You asked for more and "More!!!" is available!  It has the following songs and poems:

William's Wedding Song * I Loved Thee Ere * A Period Song * The Crescent of Caid * Red Belt, Silver Spurs * 1066 - The Storybook Version * The Barbarian Freehold Alliance * Price of Steel * The Wish * A Place in the Sky * The Archer King * So You Wish to Be a Bard...

(Note that the last one is the sequel to the poem on the first album.)  Songbooks and tapes are both available. 

The web pages still haven't been updated, (I think Kate's in Ireleand).   If you'd like to get a tape or songbook in a hurry, you can use the order form for "Lays" and just write in that you want "More!!!" instead.

Remember that everyone who is receiving the electronic newsletter when the third album is released will be entered to win a free cassette when it comes out. 

FYI: For those who are interested, both Efenwealt and Yonaton have CD's out now.

NEWS FROM THE PERFORMING FRONT:

Estrella was great!  I had to leave early because I had to fly to Atlantia for a class.  While in Atlantia, I visited the Barony of Ponte Alto for their investiture.  Hung out with Efenwealt for a bit, told a few jokes to his majesty, and had a blast.  Another fine product of Ponte Alto.

While at Estrella, I stayed on Peg and Alister's ship.  They were incredibly hospitable and had some awesome Carne Asada (as usual).  If you ever get the chance to visit them, do so - they're very bard friendly!  

Teunis' (and the Knight's of St. Michael) had their 3rd annual "Crystal Flute/Fruit" contests and they went very well.  I even talked Sir Charles into stopping by for a bit. ;)  If you go to Estrella, go to this event - good stuff there.  Also, there's rumors that Teunis is going to be putting a tape out sometime in the near future.  If he does - get it.  It will be good.

Lastly, apparently there have been some people performing my stuff in neat ways.  One lady is filking "Dream Warrior" (I haven't got the new lyrics, yet.) and there's a group out in the Eastrealm that's going to perform "The Jester" as a trio, with Jester, bard and fainting lady.  I'm very much looking forward to seeing this one! :)

NEWS FROM THE WRITING FRONT:

Got a few new ones out.  I'm including "The History of Rome in 10 min or Less" (Inspired by True Thomas).  Please note: I have yet to bring it in under 10:04, but I'm working on it!  Have fun with it!  In the Potrero update, (should be out in about 3 weeks) I'll include a new one based upon a story told to me by Duke Stefan of the West. (Currently in Atlantia).  It's called "The Battle".  

Please note the new email.  Remember, if you need to get in touch with me, my permanent e-mail is:

Rathflaed@hotmail.com

Thanks again for everyone's support.  Have a fine, fair day.

One last note: I don't know how active I'm going to be able to be from here on out.  I'm throwing my hat in the ring for Tustin City Council this year.  I figure I'll start at the bottom and work my way up.  :)  So, I fear that my opportunities for playing will be minimal in the future.  I'm still planning on putting out a 3rd album, and I'll be at GWW (it's after the election).  I'll still need time to unwind, so I may show up at a war or tourney, but I probably won't be able to hit every one like I have been.  Keep your eyes open and drop me a line every now and then to let me know what's going on.

Rathflaed DuNoir
The Black Bard of Meridies, MSoB
http://www.chivalry.com/blackbard/
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"Bard's Make the Best Lays" and "More!!!" available at: 
BlackBird Recording
PO Box 75
Tustin, CA. 92780

Cassettes: $10.00 inc. S&H.  Songbooks: $3.50 inc. S&H Limited edition CDs ("Lays" only - 40 left) are $15 inc. S&H
(CA residents please add 7.75% Sales Tax)