I just saw and heard Buddy Miller, Bill Frisell, Marc Ribot, Greg Leisz, Jay Bellerose and Dennis Crouch at the Belcourt Theater. I’m such a fan of everyone on that stage, and they all lived up to their reputations. It was great.

We’re just circling the wagons around here, gathering friend and family strength and support for all the friends and family that are struggling with their health. We are lucky to have so many good friends and strong family members to lean on, and who can lean on us.

Tonight’s show was a good example of people cooperating with each other in order to form a more perfect union—-in this case, to make some perfect music.

I saw some of my favorite musicians at the show tonight: Kenny Vaughn, Paul Burch, Bryan Owings, Michael Grimes, Jay Johnson, Jack Silverman.

Here’s wishing everyone a happy, peaceful, healthy, wonderful 2010.

Our Christmas was wonderful and crazy—-lots of family and friends getting together—a couple of unexpected deaths—-a serious illness in the family—-very intense times around here.

And at the same time, these tribulations have brought families and friends closer together. I am counting blessings at the beginning of this year, and there are many. Most of my family and friends are healthy and happy. Those that are ill are getting good care. My children are smart, funny, charming, beautiful and thriving, and they make me proud every day. My spouse also happens to be my heroine—-she is wise and strong and knows how to laugh and have a good time. She is the glue that helps hold together a lot of people who love each other. My songs are out there on a famous singer’s new album. I have a new album coming out in February. I have some shows and sessions coming up that I am excited about. All in all, I could well be the luckiest guy on earth.

I’ll see you out there somewhere I am sure.

Madness has a new album out, and it’s fantastic: The Liberty of Norton Folgate. If you like Madness, the Kinks, Brit pop, or just smart and hooky songs, check it out.

We lost a great one last week. Chris Feinstein passed away in New York. His funeral and memorial were in Nashville two days ago. Tommy Womack put it well when he said that Chris was a “masterpiece of a human being”. Chris was a great bassist, guitarist, drummer, songwriter, producer—you can hear his work on albums by Shadow 15, The Questionnaires, Bedlam, Iodine, Matthew Ryan, Patty Griffin, Jack Ingram, Santogold, and Ryan Adams and the Cardinals. He worked on the soundtrack of films like “I Am Sam”. Chris Feinstein was one of the most talented people I ever knew. The last time I saw him play, he was with Ryan Adams. Chris and Brad Pemberton had grown up to be one of the best rhythm sections in rock n roll. I stood there and smiled a big proud smile all night long.

But the real story is that Chris was the kind of person who made you feel good about yourself. He was a good friend to a whole lot of people all over the world. He was one of the funniest people you could ever meet. Doug Lancio says that Chris could make you laugh just playing the guitar. Make you laugh all night. Doubled over.

So here’s to you, Feinstein. You gave love and we love you. My heart goes out to Chris’ family, his loved ones, to his closest friends.