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Hey Paul!!

Just wanted to drop one of my favorite guitarists a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! I hope st. nick has brought you the happiness you deserve. As the holidays wind down I'm squeezing out the last drops of Christmas cheer with Cool Yule. It has been immensely helpful.

Moreover, I was given HCSF "Live MCMVC" for Christmas by a very special someone; the music on this CD is super-duper impressive. I have only CD's of yours from the last five years or so, and I wasn't sure what to expect from this younger, unfamiliar HCSF. My ears couldn't be happier. Your playing is fresh, vivacious, but unmistakably "Mehlonian." Jenny Scheinman's playing is excellent and exceptional, as is the rest of the band. Great kudos!

You should be very pleased with your consistency in musical production. At this point I have six HCSF CDs and they are all distinctly different projects, all equally satisfying, impressive, and ultimately rewarding in their own way. What has stood out to me through Claire de Lune, Yerba Buena Bounce, Postcards From Gypsyland, Bohemian Maestro, and Cool Yule, however, is the remarkable musical rapport between you and Evan Price. I have always been most impressed upon by the music the two of you arrange; more specifically, tunes like Bechet's Georgia Cabin and Price's exquisite arrangement of Debussy's Claire de Lune. In my opinion, these two arrangements encapsulate that rapport between the two of you, producing a music that is all at once mellifluous, emotional, elegant, and melancholic. Seriously, the music you and Evan arrange has done and does do much for me, and I bestow upon you all the gratitude a fulsome facebook message can convey...! As a fan who appreciates the music Mehling and Price have produced for quite some time now, I have always wondered and HAVE to ask: have you considered producing an album of duets between you and Mr. Price? I think it would be extremely rewarding for all parties involved, as well as an excellent way to capture the career shared by both of you. I can assure you with great confidence that at least one person would find great pleasure in such a project! All kidding aside, I hope it is something you consider. At the very least, know that these arrangements produced by the two of you have been immensely satisfying for one very enthusiastic fan.

With very warm regards,

Mark Phillips