In Memory of Richie Hayward

Richie Hayward, world renowned drummer for Little Feat, passed away yesterday after a year-long battle with liver cancer.  A founding member of the legendary band, he was widely regarded as one of the greatest rock and roll drummers in history.  Besides Little Feat, he also performed and recorded with some of the biggest names in the biz, including Eric Clapton, Warren Zevon, Travis Tritt, Robert Palmer, Tom Waits, Taj Mahal, Barbra Streisand, John Cale, Buddy Guy, Arlo Guthrie, Carly Simon, Bob Seger and others.  Richie had mad creative talent behind a drum kit, and in other areas of life as well.

I first met Richie in 1999 in Gaithersburg, Maryland, when I performed with Little Feat for the first time.  It was New Year's Eve, and what a night.  The band was just terrific, both personally and professionally.  Richie seemed warm and down-to-earth, and made me feel like a member of the band.  We did two sets that night, and the band invited me to solo several times.  Each time, the audience went crazy.  After the show, we had plenty of time to countdown to midnight and catch the impressive fireworks.  Finally, I was invited to an after-party in the band's hotel suite, where I chatted with Richie and the rest of the gang in a more casual setting.  It was a truly memorable night all the way around.

I met Richie and the band again at a blues fest in St. Petersburg, Florida, some years later.  Denny Jones, the band's tour manager, invited me out to the fairgrounds where I met the band before the show. Although I didn't perform with them that time, I was surprised to run into Richie at a local jam session after the show.  It was really nice getting to know him outside the Little Feat circle, and he got a chance to hear me perform once again.  He left a lasting impression on me as a sincerely warm and genuinely human being.

I regret not staying in better touch with the band.  I occasionally corresponded with Bill Payne, but I never met Richie again.  I can't say I knew him well, but from the time I spent with him I sincerely liked and respected him.  He was a fantastic musician, and a wonderful man.  He will certainly be missed.

Below is a video collage of one of my performances with Little Feat.  In this clip, Bill Payne and I trade licks over their classic tune, Dixie Chicken.  Enjoy. 

Hollywood Music in Media Awards Video Recap

Everybody's talking about the 2009 Hollywood Music in Media Awards. Heather Haze, nominated for best rock with her song, "Buddha Baby," shined on the red carpet along with other celebrities from music, film, and television. The following video from WTV Online sums up the event, with Heather appearing about 40 seconds in, giving an interview on the red carpet.

Hollywood Music in Media Awards TV Spot

This is a television spot for the 2009 Hollywood Music in Media Awards. Heather Haze will be walking the red carpet as a nominee for her new song "Buddha Baby" (available on iTunes).

Groovit Yourself on iTunes

Heather's new album, Groovit Yourself, has been released on Apple iTunes. It is now available on most major online music retailers, as well as HeatherHaze.com. In addition to a prestigious music award nomination, the album has received high marks from listeners. Here are some comments from fans:

"Very well produced and recorded, and great musicianship. Your vocal is clear as a bell and earthily distinctive."

"...I know good music in every genre, when I hear it. Again with appreciation to the recording engineers and mixers. Your CD will not have to be remastered for 100 years. I'd swear I was in the studio that day."

"Not only are the songs great, but the instrumentals are exceptional and really show the tremendous talent of the artist."

Buddha Baby Nominated

"Come on Buddha Baby let me be your Bodhi tree!"

Heather's off-the-wall rocker, "Buddha Baby," has been nominated for this year's Hollywood Music in Media Awards. The 2nd annual red-carpet gala celebrates not only music in media such as film, television, and games, but the efforts of independent and mainstream musical artists from around the world. The awards show will take place at The Highlands in the legendary Hollywood & Highlands / Kodak Theater complex in Hollywood on November 19th.

The nomination comes at a propitious time for Heather, having just released her first major album, Groovit Yourself. Buddha Baby is the third track on the album. The news came as a surprise to Heather, who is nonetheless grateful for the nomination. "It's really an honor," she stated, "I have a lot of respect for the HMMA. I think it's a wonderful event, and a great opportunity. I'm thrilled to be involved."

Hollywood Music in Media Awards

Groovit Yourself (Coming Soon)

It's almost surreal. Heather's first major album is finished and on its way to top online music services, including iTunes, Rhapsody, Napster, and many others. The physical CDs will soon follow, available both online and off. On the album, Heather's grooviest new tracks lead the way, such as New Funk in Town, Give Me a Bite, and Buddha Baby, followed by a few familiar fan favorites, including Martian Soup, Catch 22, and the inimitable Woobie Man (featuring Jayson Moreno). A little quirky, a little naughty, a little funky, a little Zen, Groovit Yourself will drive you crazy in all the right ways, and keep you coming back for more. Stay tuned for availability and ordering info!