I just finished playing with Luke at a Colorado Springs Farmer’s Market.

It was set up in a parking lot behind a library that overlooked the mountains. Right across from our little music tent was a woman named Brenda selling some tamales and to my right was a lady selling pretty wild flowers in recycled glass jars. There were probably three trucks set up with owners selling fresh farm produce. Jeff bought one juicy peach and ate it right in front of me in the middle of my set. I was sad that he didn’t share. It got worse when ripe peach juice dripped down his chin and he wiped it off with a sticky hand and a big smile.

Then my mom called me during one of our intermissions. She asked what I was doing and I told her I was playing music at a Farmer’s Market “just for fun.” She was quiet on the phone for a little while and then just said “MmmmHmmm. . . So you’re not getting paid? I thought you started at least making a little money at these gigs of yours?”

“N o o o o. . . mom. Sometimes I just play because I love music.”

“O o o o h h h. . . ”

“Stop being so critical. Your tone is critical. I’m having a great time and lots of friends are here. I don’t need to make money every time I do music.”

“O o o o h h h . . . ”

“Look, I’ve gotta go.”

“MmmmHmmm . . . Well, at least call your grandparents. They never hear from you.”

Click. I love my mom.

We finished out the set and I was pretty excited about some new plucking I tried out on the Titanic song. Then I bought 6 pork tamales from Brenda, packed up and came home.

(Mom, if you’re reading, I want you to know that Luke sold 2-3 CD’s. One might have been stolen, but we’re not sure.)

I once asked my friend Luke Flowers when he develops most of his lyrics. My commute to and from work, was his answer. I’m surprised that one can be inspired enough by potholes and bottlenecks to generate such interesting song ideas.

On first listen, you’ll hear him sing about robots, Styrofoam statues and boxes of butterflies. His lyrics will weave in and around the night the Titanic sank and will even introduce you to a woman named Martha that you’ll probably never meet. But once you’ve moved past the first layer of each of his songs, you’ll begin to hear messages on loss, love and hope. In subtle ways, Luke shares stories about himself and about people and circumstances that have impacted him.

His isn’t the kind of music that you get immediately. But it is the kind that requires you to soak it in and think… about yourself and the intricacies that make all of us unique. His music helps to illuminate why the ancient craft of storytelling is still so therapeutic.

Every time I do shows with Luke, I’m forever inspired to be better about looking into my day-to-day experiences a little deeper.

Plus, he’s just a really nice guy and introduced me to Ray Lamontagne.

We’ll be playing at Dogtooth Coffee tonight. Faith Fuqua will be opening up for us.

I’ll be playing with Jeff Caylor at Nemo’s tomorrow night. We’ll be doing several songs from his debut album and may throw some new pieces in the mix as well. The show starts around 6:30 and will last until 9pm.

Jeff has posted directions on his website if you’ve never been there.

Hope to see you there!