I know I don’t need another watch — but I do kind of need a Dr. Beat on my wrist, right? How many times have I tried to figure out a tempo with no means to do so? Whether it be at rehearsal, a performance, or while working, there have been plenty of times when I’ve wished I had a tiny Dr. Beat with that tempo “tap” button so I could determine tempo. Well, that wish has been granted — and from my favorite little Japanese watch company, no less!

Yes, it’s the BPM Watch! Awe. Some. I’m totally ordering it. Oh, and it also has a mini-torch (presumably LED, not flame), so if I ever find myself trapped in a pitch-black car trunk or something, I’ll be able to figure out where I am. (No, I’m not just using that to justify the purchase. Seriously, you never know when you’ll get stuck in a trunk. I can’t stop patting myself on the back for finding a watch that’s so practical…)

Somebody just emailed me to tell me that she played “Wrong-Mountain Stomp” — my bluegrass string trio — to a “very enthused crowd” in St. Petersburg, Russia. This is awesome, not just because it’s my Russian debut, but also because of all pieces, it was Wrong-Mountain Stomp.

I’m pleased it went over well, but I suspect the bar is low for bluegrass in Russia.

Speaking of bluegrass, AEJ and I are going to see Alison Krauss and Union Station at the Greek Theater her in LA in a few weeks. She kicks Wrong-Mountain Stomp’s butt.

If you live near Dallas, mark your calendar! The world premiere performance of my Concerto for Soprano Saxophone and Band will be Tuesday, October 23, at Meyerson Concert Hall, with Don Fabian, soloist, and the Dallas Wind Symphony, conducted by Jerry Junkin. I just read the concert blurb on their website and saw that they’re also doing my piece, “Sasparilla,” on the program. They’re calling the program, “Mackey’s Back!” Nice. The blurb, and the whole concert season, is worth checking out, so click here to see it.

And here’s yet another superfluous picture of Loki.