When I was 18 and putting myself through the local community college, I was researching in the library one dreary afternoon. I was starting to get interested in some of John Coltrane's more accessible recordings, and I figured I could find a biography or two. But, then I made an interesting discovery.Shrugging beneath it's time-laid blanket of dust, like a forgotten Atlas, was "The Land Where The Blues Began" by a fella named Lomax. Then and there, the potential to understand so much of the music I loved opened before me, as if some heretofore unseen church had begun to light it's stained glass windows from within.
I'll not lie- time and life have worn down my memories of said book, while other timeless tomes by Robert Palmer (Deep Blues), Nat Hentoff, and many others have come to share what little headspace I have left. But there's a lesson I learned from the memory of these books today, and now is the perfect time to share it.
On the sometimes wonderful contraption called Facebook, I've been linked to friends new, old, and to become. I am selective in my choices and alliances, and one choice alliance was a Blues/Folk Radio program based out of the Boston area. They were trying to save their Blues and Folks programs; much like the first act of your typical fairytale, the program stood no chance, Evil steamrolled Good, and all seemed lost in anticipation of heroic ascent. Except this is real life, billionaire playboys don't really don capes, and somedays life really is a toilet and we're all swirling downward.
But the book... maybe this old book can tell us something.... maybe, but not quite yet....
You should know that I live in Des Moines, IA, a community with very deep blues roots, and a strong, burgeoning folk scene. Which is why it strikes me as so odd that in a recent City Council election, an incumbent Councilman, when asked to describe his vision for shoring up the budget and getting back to black, specifically culled arts, entertainment, and the public library from the herd of potential budget cut victims. Calling arts and entertainment too "esoteric", and saying that the public library is "non-essential", I found myself infuriated at the sheer ignorance of his comments. Democracy survives because we have free, public institutions such as libraries, parks, and... you know where this is going.... radio.
He lost to an early 20's go-getter with basically no experince. Just saying.
Wait- back to the book. It's been right there all along. An old blues book is like an old blues record- testaments to what came before and should be remembered. I guess ignorant, illiterate folks, a generation or two removed from chattel bondage, should have more studiously taken the yolk of education upon themselves and properly phrased those slave hollers, instead of passing folktales through dusty, scratchy old aluminum discs that Lomax & Lomax carved out in the fields and juke joints.
Shame on ya, Terra. Boss 'round those parts never called learnin' time, eh?
I feel like I live in a world where the Truth is an iceberg, and Hear/Speak/See No Evils are pushing with both hands towards the equator, as if life would be better without these big chunks of ugliness floating around. The Truth remains ugly, right?
So ugly we've got to hide it when destruction's not hip, apparently. I would not have gone on to write for publications such as Guitar World, BluesWax, and others if I had not been so personally persistent in uncovering hidden truths about what I love. I could not have learned without someone preserving the history that birthed what I love. I would not be able to illustrate the web of influence and result, of cause and effect, to students without being shown it first, in pieces small or large. I could not have become the musician and man I am today without that sense of history. Of knowing that after my Scottish ancestors fought bravely and returned safely to their highlands, it was with the music of both their ancestors and their own lives that comforted their loss, put hope in their hearts.
Past easy and safe categorizations, roots music today keeps that alive, not because of an adherance to using vintage instruments and wearing period clothing, but because the stories continue to grip the hearts of generations past and present. Behind words translated to modern tongues live melodies and harmonies that people shed blood and life to keep alive. They kept it alive so that their sons and daughters could progress without having to suffer the same mistakes.
There is an entire book written about the history of "The House of the Rising Sun", that presents an interesting look at how one song can take on so many guises and meanings in it's lifetime. It's also true that songs, like books and history itself, can be twisted to speak agenda instead of truth, which is why my generation is passing N'Sync and Lady Gaga to the grandkids. Isn't anyone going to revolt, or are we too revolted?
My world likes to present itself as a renaissance era, but it's like lipsticking a corpse, as my wise and wily wife would say. Decorations hiding the fact that we're rotting from the inside out. I don't have the answers on how to diagnose, much less cure, such ills. But, come to think of it, I'm pretty sure that there's at least one song out there that holds the answer.
I just don't expect to hear it on the radio any time soon.
Looking back is the best way move forward sometimes. I wonder how much better this country would be if we followed Washington's benediction when he left office. Read the farewell address. We promptly ignored the warnings, and now reap our due harvest.
Perhaps the loss of roots programming, wheter folk, celtic, blues, americana....whatever- labels are worthless and serve the problem, not the solution. Perhaps this loss should jar us into action, but it's not really. I'm writing a letter on a blog that no one regularly reads, so what good did it all really do? Well, if you read this a hundred years from now, and it still rings true, then you tell me. I made the record- it's what you do with it that matters....
Jeff Boudreau, please know that I've tried....
December 16, 2009
November 18, 2009
The Manzanar Project- check it out
My friend Rusty Eklund (Mali Kan), an excellent and well-studied musician of several ethnic drumming styles, posted this on his Facebook today. I read through the info at this website, and knew I had to share it with my readers.
Get involved if you can- ideas like this can be infectious, you know?
-Deacon
Get involved if you can- ideas like this can be infectious, you know?
-Deacon
October 06, 2009
Yet another thought....
I've said before that the measure of a man is in what he creates, not what he destroys. My creative/artsy/"enlightened" friends tend to agree with this thought. But these days I think it's really about balancing your creative and destructive powers. For instance:
1. Creatiion can be bad- ask the creative braintrust behind the Manhatten Project if their creation was all they hoped it would be. Not famiilar?- read about the Manhantten Project here.
2. Destruction can be positive- the United States abstained from entering into WWII until Pearl Harbor. Perhaps we always knew that monsters such as Hitler and Stalin needed to be stopped, but FDR needed a reason to enter into war. Japan offered it up, we went to war on its heels, and the destruction that our weopons and soldiers caused actually ended genocidal suffereing, stopping the death count at around 11 million Jews, handicapped, gypsies, resistors, and soldiers.
We don't live in a world where current events preach a balanced approach to life's choices. In this world of extreme changes, constant shifting of priorites and goals, and an endless feeling of peacelessness, we should mourn the loss of old houses that must be torn down, celebrate new houses that must be built, and be content with finding a home in this midst.
1. Creatiion can be bad- ask the creative braintrust behind the Manhatten Project if their creation was all they hoped it would be. Not famiilar?- read about the Manhantten Project here.
2. Destruction can be positive- the United States abstained from entering into WWII until Pearl Harbor. Perhaps we always knew that monsters such as Hitler and Stalin needed to be stopped, but FDR needed a reason to enter into war. Japan offered it up, we went to war on its heels, and the destruction that our weopons and soldiers caused actually ended genocidal suffereing, stopping the death count at around 11 million Jews, handicapped, gypsies, resistors, and soldiers.
We don't live in a world where current events preach a balanced approach to life's choices. In this world of extreme changes, constant shifting of priorites and goals, and an endless feeling of peacelessness, we should mourn the loss of old houses that must be torn down, celebrate new houses that must be built, and be content with finding a home in this midst.
October 05, 2009
Study Probe #2
Ponder this- Freedom of choice was the alpha weopon of mass destruction- what will be the omega? Will our own creativity be our undoing? Can our creativity "save" us? Will we choose to rise above, or fall below?
I believe there is an unbreakable link between the spirit and the arts. Part of that is unexplainable- some things just cannot be made tangible for painless digestion. So, I'm encouraging my email list and Facebook friends to respond to a series of questions I'm going to post here. Here is the first. Please leave me as detailed an answer as you feel, and know that I am very grateful to all who reply!
Study Probe #2:
NOT SPECIFIC TO ANY SINGLE FAITH- Please reference your own beliefs and theology when responding to this question.
"Theaters are the new Church of the Masses- where people sit huddled in the dark, listening to people in the light tell them what it is to be human" - 1930's Film Critic. [Editor's note- If you know who said this, I'd love to know! Found by my spouse Tina at churchofthemasses.blogspot.com]
To some, this will be furiously provacative, to others, this will ring true and deep. Regardless of what side you fall on, it is universally true that the arts, whether visual, theatrical, or musical, have endeavored to enrich human life and lead us into a deeper understanding of ourselves, our fellow men and women, and things that are far greater than all of us. Much like spiritualities and faiths have done. But who is leading who in this "race" of sorts?
The modern church, globally and especially nationally, has seen the Christian church experience try to re-imagine itself a mixture of college multi-media lecture hall and U2 cover band concert experience.
Other faiths have taken strides to remain traditional and orthodox per their history, but this perhaps is to their detriment as well, as humanity is constantly re-conditioned as to what expectations they should carry forth. Many times, values such as 'historical 'and 'traditional' don't connect deeply enough to entice new followers, or were the very causes of a person's exodus in the first place.
At the same time, whether through blogs such as this one, or huge theatre experiences such as "Wicked", a very complex and sometimes hurting world desperately seeks for what is truly worth having faith in. Faith is a very human trait, unique in its seemingly contractictory nature.
Faith helps to maintain hope in the face of hopelessness, and peace in the midst of desperation. Desperation- that's a key word in this discussion. An inescapable feeling we all suffer... Desperation- a hopeless Palestinian kid is convinced that paradise is one small sacrifice away. Desperation- a hopeful drug-addict takes one final hit the night before entering rehab, and never wakes up. Desperation- what does it look like for you?
Some people feel desperate locked into their cubicle at their 9-5 insurance job. Some find desperation waiting in the welfare line. And some people find "normal" to be a panic-inducing thought. What does "desperate" look like to you?
I think it looks, and feels, "Human", which is why faith so perfectly foils it. So if this quote is true, then it has proven itself quote prophetic, as a desperate world reaches for a better version of itself on stage or screen- it's just that sometimes those stages/screens are in a church/temple, and sometimes they're in a theatre/concert hall....
?'s for you:
1. What is the greatest benefit(s) that the arts can provide to spiritualties/faiths?
2. How have the arts bolstered your faith in Faith?
3. Bonus question... other than the object of worship, how different is, say, a theatre or concert experience vs. a church/religious experience... that's sure to get a few people going....
Dialougue is a key to improving the state of affairs in our life and world. No thougths are wrong, but keep this spirit of discussion in mind, if you would.
Blessings,
Deacon
I believe there is an unbreakable link between the spirit and the arts. Part of that is unexplainable- some things just cannot be made tangible for painless digestion. So, I'm encouraging my email list and Facebook friends to respond to a series of questions I'm going to post here. Here is the first. Please leave me as detailed an answer as you feel, and know that I am very grateful to all who reply!
Study Probe #2:
NOT SPECIFIC TO ANY SINGLE FAITH- Please reference your own beliefs and theology when responding to this question.
"Theaters are the new Church of the Masses- where people sit huddled in the dark, listening to people in the light tell them what it is to be human" - 1930's Film Critic. [Editor's note- If you know who said this, I'd love to know! Found by my spouse Tina at churchofthemasses.blogspot.com]
To some, this will be furiously provacative, to others, this will ring true and deep. Regardless of what side you fall on, it is universally true that the arts, whether visual, theatrical, or musical, have endeavored to enrich human life and lead us into a deeper understanding of ourselves, our fellow men and women, and things that are far greater than all of us. Much like spiritualities and faiths have done. But who is leading who in this "race" of sorts?
The modern church, globally and especially nationally, has seen the Christian church experience try to re-imagine itself a mixture of college multi-media lecture hall and U2 cover band concert experience.
Other faiths have taken strides to remain traditional and orthodox per their history, but this perhaps is to their detriment as well, as humanity is constantly re-conditioned as to what expectations they should carry forth. Many times, values such as 'historical 'and 'traditional' don't connect deeply enough to entice new followers, or were the very causes of a person's exodus in the first place.
At the same time, whether through blogs such as this one, or huge theatre experiences such as "Wicked", a very complex and sometimes hurting world desperately seeks for what is truly worth having faith in. Faith is a very human trait, unique in its seemingly contractictory nature.
Faith helps to maintain hope in the face of hopelessness, and peace in the midst of desperation. Desperation- that's a key word in this discussion. An inescapable feeling we all suffer... Desperation- a hopeless Palestinian kid is convinced that paradise is one small sacrifice away. Desperation- a hopeful drug-addict takes one final hit the night before entering rehab, and never wakes up. Desperation- what does it look like for you?
Some people feel desperate locked into their cubicle at their 9-5 insurance job. Some find desperation waiting in the welfare line. And some people find "normal" to be a panic-inducing thought. What does "desperate" look like to you?
I think it looks, and feels, "Human", which is why faith so perfectly foils it. So if this quote is true, then it has proven itself quote prophetic, as a desperate world reaches for a better version of itself on stage or screen- it's just that sometimes those stages/screens are in a church/temple, and sometimes they're in a theatre/concert hall....
?'s for you:
1. What is the greatest benefit(s) that the arts can provide to spiritualties/faiths?
2. How have the arts bolstered your faith in Faith?
3. Bonus question... other than the object of worship, how different is, say, a theatre or concert experience vs. a church/religious experience... that's sure to get a few people going....
Dialougue is a key to improving the state of affairs in our life and world. No thougths are wrong, but keep this spirit of discussion in mind, if you would.
Blessings,
Deacon
October 02, 2009
Study Probe #1
Ponder this- Freedom of choice was the alpha weopon of mass destruction- what will be the omega? Will our own creativity be our undoing? Will we choose to rise above, or fall below?
I believe there is an unbreakable link between the spirit and the arts. Part of that is unexplainable- some things just cannot be made tangible for painless digestion. So, I'm encouraging my email list and Facebook friends to respond to a series of questions I'm going to post here. Here is the first. Please leave me as detailed an answer as you feel, and know that I am very grateful to all who reply!
Probe 1:
"The church has found that condescension, irrelevancy, and a total lack of commitment to the Creative Vanguard has not only tarnished it’s heritage and legacy, but has, like a Great Flood, washed away it’s foothold in the hearts and minds of this world."
1.How true or false is this statement? Please explain how strongly you agree if it's true or false, in detail.
2. What is the first change the Church/Faiths must make to positively and permanently change this perception?
Faith/Church in this usage does not denote Christian faith/churches specifically- whether your faith is Jewish, Muslim, Atheist, etc... your feedback is important. My goal here is to contextualize the connection between the spirt and the arts. Please & Thank You.
Be blessed,
Deacon
I believe there is an unbreakable link between the spirit and the arts. Part of that is unexplainable- some things just cannot be made tangible for painless digestion. So, I'm encouraging my email list and Facebook friends to respond to a series of questions I'm going to post here. Here is the first. Please leave me as detailed an answer as you feel, and know that I am very grateful to all who reply!
Probe 1:
"The church has found that condescension, irrelevancy, and a total lack of commitment to the Creative Vanguard has not only tarnished it’s heritage and legacy, but has, like a Great Flood, washed away it’s foothold in the hearts and minds of this world."
1.How true or false is this statement? Please explain how strongly you agree if it's true or false, in detail.
2. What is the first change the Church/Faiths must make to positively and permanently change this perception?
Faith/Church in this usage does not denote Christian faith/churches specifically- whether your faith is Jewish, Muslim, Atheist, etc... your feedback is important. My goal here is to contextualize the connection between the spirt and the arts. Please & Thank You.
Be blessed,
Deacon
March 19, 2009
Younger/Peer/Older/Gone--#3A of 4, second half to come!
I'm going back...back, back, back, back, back...backwards through the list, that is!
Jamerson, Pastorius, Wonder, and Tyner. Some of you are wondering if I've betrayed my home base, namely guitar-based music. Well, fret no more. I'm going to give you some peers today that are rocking the House of Guitar kasbah like there's no tomorrow...
These bands all feature guitarists that are around my neck of the woods. I have greatly enjoyed hanging with, learing from, and hopefully giving some goodness back to these fine folks you're about to meet. I also love celebrating the Great Unknown when it comes to artists I love, and hopefully, you will grow to love a few of, if not all of, these great bands and musicians. Without further ado, and in no order other than numerical...
1. James Biehn/Soapbox Prophets-Was the first, and perhaps only, true personal guitar mentor I ever took on. I fell in love with his playing during his tenure with a band call Hyde Park- more on them to come later, but it was a glorious musical experience to behold. They were truly the Jazz is Dead for my generation and locale.
Since the Park ended several years ago, Biehn has gone onto an outstanding, hard-swinging quartet called the Soapbox Prophets. and occaisionally leads a local conglomerate known as Southbound, a musical tribute to Duane-era Allman Brothers joy.
Besides being a great instructor, and now college teacher, I've had the pleasure of watching his peronal life bloom with marriage and fatherhood. All told, he is one musician who truly "deserves" to make it- as much as I hate that term, it's apropos to the man and his soulfulness and talent.
GEAR: Through an Ibanez S-series, to a Cort CL-1500, to a PRS RW-neck McCarty, to a Highway 1 Strat, to his current beauty, a '61 Gibson SG re-issue, he has maintained a beautiful tone through Traynor, Fender, and now, I believe, Marshall amps; regardless of gear, he has continually refined the beauty of his artistry.
2. Andy Anderson/SNAFU- Everytime I talk to frontman deluxe Andy Anderson, I find something about him that either mirrors my own feelings, or might as well have been my thought- we appear to be cosmic brothers of another mother!
SNAFU is a power trio that blends the hard swing of Zeppelin, with a tastefully sophisticated pop sense learned at the corner of Queen and Elton. A highly-talented vocalist, songwriter, gutiarist, keyboardist, arranger, producer... Anderson's got it all, and it's all good! Driven as an artist, but not obsessively, Andy is quite the inspiration to observe when you need that shot to the heart. He is fearless on stage, and I've witnessed many a moment that would have become trainwrecks in the hands of lesser men seem effortless to him and his band. He is, what my wife would call, an ambassador of joy in how he carries himself, and that electricity is only amplified when he hits the stage. A definite must see, and another man and musician who could truly make waves if given the opportunity. Like Biehn, there are many in the world who could truly use this special kind of magic.
GEAR: Think Clapton through Brian May's rig, and you are right about on the mark! Currently using a Clapton signature Strat, with a Brian May tribute sitting in the rack, through a modern Vox amp. His tone is always dialed right, bright, and a whole lotta fun to listen to. For keyboards, he typically rocks a Korg Triton.
3... ah, don't get greedy now! I'll return the end of this week to shed the light a few more (more than 2 means a few) wonderful contemporaries of mine from the homeland. Until then, click on those links, check out those killer bands, and maybe find something new to love!
Peace,
Deacon
Jamerson, Pastorius, Wonder, and Tyner. Some of you are wondering if I've betrayed my home base, namely guitar-based music. Well, fret no more. I'm going to give you some peers today that are rocking the House of Guitar kasbah like there's no tomorrow...
These bands all feature guitarists that are around my neck of the woods. I have greatly enjoyed hanging with, learing from, and hopefully giving some goodness back to these fine folks you're about to meet. I also love celebrating the Great Unknown when it comes to artists I love, and hopefully, you will grow to love a few of, if not all of, these great bands and musicians. Without further ado, and in no order other than numerical...
1. James Biehn/Soapbox Prophets-Was the first, and perhaps only, true personal guitar mentor I ever took on. I fell in love with his playing during his tenure with a band call Hyde Park- more on them to come later, but it was a glorious musical experience to behold. They were truly the Jazz is Dead for my generation and locale.
Since the Park ended several years ago, Biehn has gone onto an outstanding, hard-swinging quartet called the Soapbox Prophets. and occaisionally leads a local conglomerate known as Southbound, a musical tribute to Duane-era Allman Brothers joy.
Besides being a great instructor, and now college teacher, I've had the pleasure of watching his peronal life bloom with marriage and fatherhood. All told, he is one musician who truly "deserves" to make it- as much as I hate that term, it's apropos to the man and his soulfulness and talent.
GEAR: Through an Ibanez S-series, to a Cort CL-1500, to a PRS RW-neck McCarty, to a Highway 1 Strat, to his current beauty, a '61 Gibson SG re-issue, he has maintained a beautiful tone through Traynor, Fender, and now, I believe, Marshall amps; regardless of gear, he has continually refined the beauty of his artistry.
2. Andy Anderson/SNAFU- Everytime I talk to frontman deluxe Andy Anderson, I find something about him that either mirrors my own feelings, or might as well have been my thought- we appear to be cosmic brothers of another mother!
SNAFU is a power trio that blends the hard swing of Zeppelin, with a tastefully sophisticated pop sense learned at the corner of Queen and Elton. A highly-talented vocalist, songwriter, gutiarist, keyboardist, arranger, producer... Anderson's got it all, and it's all good! Driven as an artist, but not obsessively, Andy is quite the inspiration to observe when you need that shot to the heart. He is fearless on stage, and I've witnessed many a moment that would have become trainwrecks in the hands of lesser men seem effortless to him and his band. He is, what my wife would call, an ambassador of joy in how he carries himself, and that electricity is only amplified when he hits the stage. A definite must see, and another man and musician who could truly make waves if given the opportunity. Like Biehn, there are many in the world who could truly use this special kind of magic.
GEAR: Think Clapton through Brian May's rig, and you are right about on the mark! Currently using a Clapton signature Strat, with a Brian May tribute sitting in the rack, through a modern Vox amp. His tone is always dialed right, bright, and a whole lotta fun to listen to. For keyboards, he typically rocks a Korg Triton.
3... ah, don't get greedy now! I'll return the end of this week to shed the light a few more (more than 2 means a few) wonderful contemporaries of mine from the homeland. Until then, click on those links, check out those killer bands, and maybe find something new to love!
Peace,
Deacon
Duane Allman, Berry Oakley, and Natasha Richardson
My wife was a big fan of the now deceased Ms. Richardson, and we both love her husband, so first of all, blessings to her family in this very hard time. But here's the thought I've been having.
Both Duane and Berry, if I remember correctly, turned down medical attention after their bike accidents. How different would their world, and now the Redgrave and Neeson families' worlds be, if people would just quit being so damn proud and get examined.
I liked this woman's movies, the couple I'd seen, and I obviously love Duane and Berry. Cautionary tales are of no good if we don't pay attention, brothers and sisters...
Both Duane and Berry, if I remember correctly, turned down medical attention after their bike accidents. How different would their world, and now the Redgrave and Neeson families' worlds be, if people would just quit being so damn proud and get examined.
I liked this woman's movies, the couple I'd seen, and I obviously love Duane and Berry. Cautionary tales are of no good if we don't pay attention, brothers and sisters...
March 11, 2009
Younger/Peer/Older/Gone--#2 of 4
Yes, this list going backwards...today's topic is the older yet still present musical inspiration!
So, last post we focused on 2 musicians whom I've loved for many years, but passed away at tragically young ages. Bassists Jamerson and Pastorius redefined the electric bass song by song, and left an indelible mark on the instrument and it's practicioners in their wake.
Today's choices reflect a couple recent additions to the home library. I highly recommend both, and have enjoyed them greatly!
1. Stevie Wonder on "Live at Last: A Wonder Summer Night"
Came out yesterday, and though I have one quibble, it is a high education, to say the least. My quibble? He leaves the heavy-hitters for the end, and then treats them as if on an oldies tour, truncating and hasting his way through them. Leaving the epic "As" for last, he cuts entire sections from the song, and limits that legendary improv to an entirely too-short, yet still killer, climatic burst. For a performer of his tenure to still have the goods as he so eloquently does, it's literally a crying shame to not have, simply put, more of him to enjoy. In a day and age where his generation has lost touch, soul, ability, focus, or even life, Stevie Wonder stands firmly as an Artist, vibrant, vivid, and as valuable as ever. To see his way with his audience, the complete respect he pays his band and vocaslists (including daughter Aisha Morris), and to realize that one man, still alive, wrote all these classics.... that is to know that Giants still walk among us.
2. McCoy Tyner on "Guitars"
When I auditioned for a college of jazz in 2004, I made the faculty suffer my horrendous performance on Santamaria's-via-Coltrane's "Afro-Blue". Trane's Live at Birdland, personally reccomended to me by Derek Trucks no less, became a constant companion from 2003-2005. And as much as Trane enlightened me, a lot of it was blowing right past me at the same time. But the spark that always kept me entranced turned out to be his young pianist, McCoy Tyner, who's visinoary and breath-taking livelihood on the piano always fiercely drew my attention, and changed me irreversibly.
Tyner, the last remaining member of Coltrane's legendary quartet, has endeavored to continue in the exploratory spirit of both Trane and his own catalog, and his newest record is no different. "Guitars" is a CD/DVD set that showcases Tyner's trio of Ron Carter on bass, and drummer Jack DeJohnette, augmeneted and inspired by a quartet of guitarists, and one very special banjo hero.
The aforementioned Trucks shines on his two selections, the standard "Greensleeves" and "Slapback Blues", and is perhaps the underdog hero here. He is young, not commonly associated with jazz as a genre by the mainstream press, and is definitely known as one of the world's best electric slide guitarist. He is respectful to near fault here, but the pairing is a wonderful taste of what could come, if pursued. John Scofield is a titan in the field, and shows why; Bill Frisell plays with subtlety and grace, and the acoustic banjo loveliness of Bela Fleck is, in my opinion, the most uniquely best fit. Marc Ribot, a player whom I respect, has me scratching my head and feeling dissapointed. His overly-effected, harsh tones do not fit well with the tonality of the otherwise acoustic trio, and, to point, I don't think he played up to his potential. It sometimes comes off as "Sun Ra and Ornette Coleman had a baby, and they called it electric avant-garde"
The DVD is well-worth the price of admission- seeing a legend of Tyner's pedigree working on arrangements, discussing tunes with musicians, and completely schooling everyone on how to improvise is priceless. As with Wonder, I just wish there was more....
~
And there you... 2 more more cool people and things to check out. Revenge of the Long Post indeed, but I do this because I can, as my friend Ernie Terrell is fond of saying. As always, I welcome your feedback, hope you enjoy, and keep rocking the free world!
Videos? We got yo' stinkin' videos!
McCoy Tyner - "Guitars" Trailer
Stevie Wonder - Surprise....
So, last post we focused on 2 musicians whom I've loved for many years, but passed away at tragically young ages. Bassists Jamerson and Pastorius redefined the electric bass song by song, and left an indelible mark on the instrument and it's practicioners in their wake.
Today's choices reflect a couple recent additions to the home library. I highly recommend both, and have enjoyed them greatly!
1. Stevie Wonder on "Live at Last: A Wonder Summer Night"
Came out yesterday, and though I have one quibble, it is a high education, to say the least. My quibble? He leaves the heavy-hitters for the end, and then treats them as if on an oldies tour, truncating and hasting his way through them. Leaving the epic "As" for last, he cuts entire sections from the song, and limits that legendary improv to an entirely too-short, yet still killer, climatic burst. For a performer of his tenure to still have the goods as he so eloquently does, it's literally a crying shame to not have, simply put, more of him to enjoy. In a day and age where his generation has lost touch, soul, ability, focus, or even life, Stevie Wonder stands firmly as an Artist, vibrant, vivid, and as valuable as ever. To see his way with his audience, the complete respect he pays his band and vocaslists (including daughter Aisha Morris), and to realize that one man, still alive, wrote all these classics.... that is to know that Giants still walk among us.
2. McCoy Tyner on "Guitars"
When I auditioned for a college of jazz in 2004, I made the faculty suffer my horrendous performance on Santamaria's-via-Coltrane's "Afro-Blue". Trane's Live at Birdland, personally reccomended to me by Derek Trucks no less, became a constant companion from 2003-2005. And as much as Trane enlightened me, a lot of it was blowing right past me at the same time. But the spark that always kept me entranced turned out to be his young pianist, McCoy Tyner, who's visinoary and breath-taking livelihood on the piano always fiercely drew my attention, and changed me irreversibly.
Tyner, the last remaining member of Coltrane's legendary quartet, has endeavored to continue in the exploratory spirit of both Trane and his own catalog, and his newest record is no different. "Guitars" is a CD/DVD set that showcases Tyner's trio of Ron Carter on bass, and drummer Jack DeJohnette, augmeneted and inspired by a quartet of guitarists, and one very special banjo hero.
The aforementioned Trucks shines on his two selections, the standard "Greensleeves" and "Slapback Blues", and is perhaps the underdog hero here. He is young, not commonly associated with jazz as a genre by the mainstream press, and is definitely known as one of the world's best electric slide guitarist. He is respectful to near fault here, but the pairing is a wonderful taste of what could come, if pursued. John Scofield is a titan in the field, and shows why; Bill Frisell plays with subtlety and grace, and the acoustic banjo loveliness of Bela Fleck is, in my opinion, the most uniquely best fit. Marc Ribot, a player whom I respect, has me scratching my head and feeling dissapointed. His overly-effected, harsh tones do not fit well with the tonality of the otherwise acoustic trio, and, to point, I don't think he played up to his potential. It sometimes comes off as "Sun Ra and Ornette Coleman had a baby, and they called it electric avant-garde"
The DVD is well-worth the price of admission- seeing a legend of Tyner's pedigree working on arrangements, discussing tunes with musicians, and completely schooling everyone on how to improvise is priceless. As with Wonder, I just wish there was more....
~
And there you... 2 more more cool people and things to check out. Revenge of the Long Post indeed, but I do this because I can, as my friend Ernie Terrell is fond of saying. As always, I welcome your feedback, hope you enjoy, and keep rocking the free world!
Videos? We got yo' stinkin' videos!
McCoy Tyner - "Guitars" Trailer
Stevie Wonder - Surprise....
March 03, 2009
Younger/Peer/Older/Gone--#1 of 4
This week I begin a little series of sharing inspirations from four different groups. We have been trying to broaden our horizons by routinely gleaning from the following: Younger--those up and comers who keep it fresh and exciting for us, Peer--from our own age group, Older--mature knowledge from those further on up the road, and Gone--classic wisdom from those whose artistry is still alive with us in spirit. To be too enmeshed in only one of these groups for an informational fountain is to be continually skewed in your perspective. Crossing generational lines (both ways--older and younger) is a valuable way to grow both musically and personally.
#1 of 4 -- GONE but certainly never forgotten
Jaco Pastorius
James Jamerson/Marvin Gaye
#1 of 4 -- GONE but certainly never forgotten
Jaco Pastorius
James Jamerson/Marvin Gaye
February 20, 2009
As the mind bends...
As the mind bends, the emergence of random musings is imminent... from this week's webisode of Deep Thoughts with Brandon Findlay. Anyway, here's some stuff...enjoy and respond if you get the urge!
The Faces (w/Rod Stewart)--Maybe I'm Amazed
Sean Costello--You Wear It Well
Red Hot Chili Peppers--song about doing something pretty radical
lyrics for the above radical song
The Faces (w/Rod Stewart)--Maybe I'm Amazed
Sean Costello--You Wear It Well
Red Hot Chili Peppers--song about doing something pretty radical
lyrics for the above radical song
February 13, 2009
Valentine Vibe Convergence--by guest blogger Mrs. Brandon Findlay
Anyone who knows us knows this: I am Stevie Nicks Fleetwood Mac, BF is Peter Green Fleetwood Mac, I am known to sneak Justin Timberlake into the pile, BF would rather throw Justin into a different kind of pile!
But occasionally, my spouse and I have the good fortune of finding works of art that do it for both of us. Usually it's an ongoing push-pull, where he's in the mood for Ziggy Stardust at the precise moment I am craving Sarah McLachlan. But when projects like the following cross our path, it is indeed a pleasure to be on the same musical page. Enjoy these examples of Findlay musical vibe convergence:
Heart--Dreamboat Annie LIVE
George Winston--Night Divides The Day--Music of the Doors
But occasionally, my spouse and I have the good fortune of finding works of art that do it for both of us. Usually it's an ongoing push-pull, where he's in the mood for Ziggy Stardust at the precise moment I am craving Sarah McLachlan. But when projects like the following cross our path, it is indeed a pleasure to be on the same musical page. Enjoy these examples of Findlay musical vibe convergence:
Heart--Dreamboat Annie LIVE
George Winston--Night Divides The Day--Music of the Doors
February 05, 2009
Serving at the pleasure of...our city's music-lovers
On "The West Wing", we routinely hear the characters say, "I serve at the pleasure of The President". It's an ongoing way of reminding themselves that their mission is for something and someone outside themselves and greater than themselves.
These days I'm privileged to have an outlet for just this kind of service, right here in my own city. It's called The Des Moines Live Music Commission, and it is a subcommittee of The Des Moines City Council. Not to be confused with DMMC--the Des Moines Music Coalition, this sub-committee has been strategically formed in city government for the task of influencing our city's creative economy through all its live music, from Wells Fargo Arena, to 80/35 and other festivals, to the plethora of neighborhood bars with cover bands.
Someone said that there are no small roles, only small people. This seemingly small way to play a role in city government is something I take seriously, and need help in which to succeed from the consistent feedback of concerned music-loving citizens like you. For this reason, I invite you to become aware and get involved by checking out the links below, as well as communicating through the blog comments here, or my email which is bkfindlay@yahoo.com, or I'm also on Facebook. What are your hopes and dreams for our live music scene? Your opinion matters to our city, and to me.
These days I'm privileged to have an outlet for just this kind of service, right here in my own city. It's called The Des Moines Live Music Commission, and it is a subcommittee of The Des Moines City Council. Not to be confused with DMMC--the Des Moines Music Coalition, this sub-committee has been strategically formed in city government for the task of influencing our city's creative economy through all its live music, from Wells Fargo Arena, to 80/35 and other festivals, to the plethora of neighborhood bars with cover bands.
Someone said that there are no small roles, only small people. This seemingly small way to play a role in city government is something I take seriously, and need help in which to succeed from the consistent feedback of concerned music-loving citizens like you. For this reason, I invite you to become aware and get involved by checking out the links below, as well as communicating through the blog comments here, or my email which is bkfindlay@yahoo.com, or I'm also on Facebook. What are your hopes and dreams for our live music scene? Your opinion matters to our city, and to me.
Des Moines Live Music Commission
Creative Class--thoughts on creative economy
January 27, 2009
Psychic Snacks from YouTube
The Happiest of New Years to everyone and welcome to another Midnight Wine blog! Great things happening behind the scenes, albeit not without stresses, frustrations, and obstacles to overcome. You know what they say, no pain no gain. But we also like to add, yes pain YES GAIN! After hunkering down in a state of both exterior and interior wintertime, my wife and I are eager to reconnect with many folks we've missed during our self-imposed hiatus from our usual "out-and-about" life. Here are some "psychic snacks" -- be cheered by them as we have been! I swear on my chicken caesar salad and M&M's, more blogging is coming here at the Midnight Wine blog, so don't give up on me...
Bettye Lavette at the Inauguration
Derek and Susan at the Inauguration
Tom Jones/Jeff Beck (Because of this clip, Tom is my wife's new blues crush!)
Bettye Lavette at the Inauguration
Derek and Susan at the Inauguration
Tom Jones/Jeff Beck (Because of this clip, Tom is my wife's new blues crush!)
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