Well it’s been a long haul since we posted “Unbroken Optimist” to the host platform for digital release. Between a backlog of submissions and then delays in getting all the specs ironed out (wouldn’t it be lovely to a have consistent standard that means the same everywhere?!), his audio memoir has passed two of the four final approval stages. It will be a great listen, and I’ll let you know when it’s finally official. Thanks for your patience.
Yesterday Kirby Wendt left Tesco Productions with CD copies of 100 Words, his latest release of original tunes. There’s a wide variety of styles and messages in these 14 songs. All of them have at their core his vocal and acoustic guitar. Several songs additionally feature Keith Wilson on acoustic and electric guitar, as well as bass. There’s four songs with Bill Rasmussen playing drums. Also, yours truly tickled the ivories for strings, electric piano and a small foray into Native American flute.
Kirby has written and played his songs for many years, and said he’s already written 3 or 4 more since completing this project. My first encounter with Kirby and his music was a referral to compile a collection of prior recordings, most of which had been produced by the very capable hands and ears of Chuck Beckler, who passed unexpectedly not long ago. Kirby will be placing this music on Reverb Nation and Spotify, and as soon as that is done I’ll post links here so you have access to enjoy 100 Words yourself. Some of his prior releases are available now on these same sources.
This month saw the total completion of the anticipated audio version of Kofi Douhadji’s memoir, Unbroken Optimist. It is a self-read book that will certainly immerse you in his story. Hearing the account from the author whose first language is not English (I believe he told me it’s one of seven) is part of the aura and realism of this telling. And Kofi is quick to emphasize it’s not just his story, it’s our story too. All of us are given the opportunity to shape what our story is and will be by the choices we make each minute of every day. No barriers need dictate our possibilities – they rather can be stepping stones on our journey. From a very meager beginning in Togo, West Africa, adversities in education, meeting his bride to be, arrival in the United States, enlistment in the Air Force, gaining coveted U.S. citizenship to entrepreneur adventures and so much more, this story will keep you engaged and challenged.
The audio files have all been submitted to the online audio distributor, and they await final processing and release. I’ll be sure to post a link here as soon as it’s available. Well done Kofi, and we look forward to all being able to hear your story – and to see what chapters unfold next.