I’ve always been a do-it-on-your own kind of guy, preferring to solve my own problems rather than weigh down others. That said, there are times when it really helps to have great people on your side, ready to bail you out when it matters.
Natasha’s uncle Glen is the kind of guy that (and if you checked with anyone who has spent more than 5 minutes with him would confirm) you really want on your side. Talented with music, generous with his time, and always good for a laugh, Glen has been there for me since my sophomore year of college.
He and Natasha’s aunt Wendy bought us groceries and booze while visiting in Philadelphia, have taken us out to countless dinners in New York, and even offered to help us scrounge up the security deposit for our first apartment. Needless to say, when he mentioned to me that he was interested in re-doing his website, I offered my services without batting an eyelash.
Over the past 2 years, Glen produced two CD’s of outstanding Christmas classics. Xmas ‘05 (CD Baby / iTunes) hit the charts hard, only to be displaced by his follow-up hit “Christmas Sessions from NYC” (CD Baby / iTunes). If you are anything like me and go completely nostalgic during the winter holiday season, you should check this two cd’s out for a completely fresh take on the old songs you know and love.
One of the lesser known trivia bits about me is that I’m completely in love with Christmas. Ever since I was a little kid, it was my favorite holiday, bar none, so much so that I delayed revealing my knowledge of Santa’s “reality” until as late as possible. To date, I’m still a hot mess on Christmas eve, staying up until midnight, riddled with unexplained nervous energy. The first sign of snow puts me in the best mood possible, and working with a website that (currently) promotes xmas music was an early sample of December to come.
Although a work in progress (the cruel demon that is Internet Explorer 6 has yet to be vanquished), his site already has a ton of cool features like lightbox on his studio page, and inline 30-second samples on the store page. As part of our agreement, you can also get Glen’s opinions on the music industry, and his latest projects via his blog.
All in all, it was a pleasure working on this site, and paying back a tiny percentage of the goodwill offered to me by Glen. Check out the site and listen to the music. Who knows, you might find that perfect CD to complement your upcoming holiday vacation. Just make sure to tell him “Eli” sent you. Maybe then I can negotiate some kick-backs.
Thanks, hombre! . . .for the shout-out, your hard work, and (most importantly) your friendship!