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!)
August 13, 2008
...The Dark Knight
One must be tough to be in love, or so I would gather.
I was going to blog on something entirely different just now, but with a will like the wind, I am now blogging on the cinema event of the year, thus far. It is epic, but not perfect; it is strong medicine, but not the cure. It is "The Dark Knight", and it is better than good.
I will spare you all my inept film criticism and instead share a unique thought I had on the movie itself. I don't say unique in that I'm the only one who has this thought, but unique in that I did not expect this thought to come from myself.
When my wife and I (give it up for her guest blog last week!) saw TDK for the first time two weeks ago, two things hit me the most. First was that Heath Ledger's grave should be adorned with gold statuettes early next year, and two...well, two was harder to put into context, much less words. Tina, my wife, got a little impatient with me, and then the puzzle finally clicked. I knew what it meant to me, if no one else. It was a perfect, modernized, symbolic take on the personas of World War Two. Let me explain.
I am no conspiracy buff, who attaches two disparate things together, and then calls the rest of the world blind for not seeing the connection. But some thoughts came to mind and they string together accordingly. Please consider the following thoughts:
In the comics, and twice in the movie, many scenarios and causes have been presented for the Joker's appearance and psychosis. The movie breaks from the canonical history of the comics by having his appearance be a mixture of scars and makeup, when most "origin" stories in the canon involve him falling into a chemical mixture that causes the disfigurement and the madness. Either way, the movie has thrown a different angle into the mix, but the part of interest is this: He tells it different each time. That much remains true in translation from small page to big screen.
Much like the Joker, one Adolf Hitler underwent a severe change as madness set in. By many accounts, Hitler was from a good home, had a solid upbrining, and was even a potential world-class visual artist. Yet, somewhere along the way, like a wolf that lusts for blood, Hitler changed both the course of his life and history at large. Needless to say, the maniacal, genocidal rule of Hitler's National Socialists is well-documented and troubling to the soul. My point is this: How did Hitler become a murderer instead of a painter, and how did the nameless villain-to-be become the Joker, instead of anything else?
I am reminded of John Carpenter's "Halloween" series of films. We never know the reason why Michael Myers decides to become darkness; we simply are left to deal with the wreckage of his choice. Dahmer, Bundy, Gasey, etc... The "why" rarely gets answered. And that's where the horror rests to a sane mind.
To me, this was the first link in my brain. Through the character of Alfred (performed wonderfully by Michael Caine), the next link came quite pivotally. When talking to Wayne/Bats about possible motives, Alfred throws a monkey-wrench into the mess by pointing out "that some men just like to watch it burn" (to paraphrase).
Again, going back to post-WWI Germany, we find a people hurting and reeling from a war they lost badly. In shock, they let a small group of hate-mongers prove that propaganda is a powerful tool of war. That thought might strike you off-handedly, but be honest and examine: Hitler, and others in his party, were cults of personality. Charisma does not have to be used to achieve goodness. It was the hundreds of thousands of men and women, young and old, that allowed themselves to become the flock to a twisted shepard. A shepard complete with his own gospel, apostles, angels, and devils. Hitler simply formed a church and a gospel built on lies and hatred, and Germany bought it lock, stock and barrell. It is one thing to load the gun and point; it's another thing entirely to actually pull the trigger.
The Joker models this same style of subvertive leadership throughout the tale. He turns petty thieves upon each other in the hope of financial gain. He turns the mentally ill loose upon easy prey for sheer enjoyment. He is a master orchestrator of epic proportion, ever the puppet-master dangling the threads in his own production. He is ever-present, yet nowhere to be found. He pits groups of people not only against themselves, but against their perceptions of themselves.
The two boats of people is a cruel mixture of Pearl Harbor and The Cuban Missle Crisis. And that's the brilliance of the Joker's plan. Even without one boat destroying the other (or itself, neither was ever proven), he thrust the looking-glass into each of thier hands, making them see the ugliness inside of themselves, hidden deeply under decency and manners. Much like how many "decent" Europeans, whether they were bakers, mechanics, housewives, aristocrats, or soldiers, were allowed to hold the looking glass, but still look away for far too long. Both dictators, real and imagined, darkened a few White Knights in their time.
Also much like the dictator of real life, it seems that our Joker has a suicidal bent. Perhaps if we are to disregard another's life, it's just inherent that we share the same lack of committment to our own. Hitler followed through, but it's as if the Joker sees too much of himself in Batman, thus, he wants Batman to kill him, "completing" his suicide wish.
At this point, the circuit completes itself to me. Bats doesn't kill the Joker, and in fact saves him from sure death. Two groups of people do not cave in to a life and death situation, and spare each other in the end. A mircocosm of Apocalypse is averted by a simple code of honor, and people willing to stand by it. A hero of one era, born of it's dreams and hopes and fears and failures, remains a hero still today, however modern the technology or how expensive the storytelling.
The generation that stood, fought, suffered, then won WWII has been called the greatest generation yet. I don't know if that's true, but I won't argue against it. My generation suffers from affluenza and selfishness and hopelessness, and, worst of all, blindness. A cause must only be worthy if Celebrity A is "getting behind it" in an effort to "keep it real". Comfort leads to control, and we will not fight for the control we've so willfully surrendured as long as we're comfortable. But when the cradle is rocked, will we, the fabled tiger, have any teeth left? Are our claws waiting to be unsheathed?
I don't know the answers, and I barely know who to frame the questions. This is not meant to be a complete and through examination of anything, but I did mean it to be more than some rambling game of connect-the-dots. I meant, more than anything, for this text to make you think. I do not pretend to be the standard-bearer for truth in this world, but I send this one humble prayer on behalf of all of us...
God keep us in a world with no super-heroes; may we birth no super-villains.
___________________________
There is so much great Batman-related material in the world, but if you're interested in either of Christopher Nollen's movies (or Tim Burton's for that matter), then you must pick up "The Killing Joke". Written by Alan Moore (see previous post on "The Watchmen") and illustrated beautifully by Brian Bolland, it's Burton's favorite comic. Also, see "The Long Halloween" by Jeph Loeb & Tim Sale (both in TV now on VERY cool shows...check it) as well as "Batman: Year One" by Frank Miller & David Mazzucchelli. These three books provided a lot of material for these last two Bats movies, and are brilliant on thier own. Check out Alex Ross' (with TV superscribe Paul Dini) Batman: War on Crime as well. Ross is unmatched as an illustrator. He single-handedly keeps me into comics for those long-spells when I'm just not interested.
Also, Tim Burton started a four-movie run in the last twenty years that is worth enjoying. Keaton was good, Kilmer was as good, but I didn't get Clooney. Anywhoo.... There is also a fine, if youth-oriented, animated series by Bruce Timm, and another more recent run that didn't seem as good.
And who can forget the original, campy, unforgettable live-action series? Adam West paved the way for the Keatons, Kilmers, and Bales. Let us not forget where what we love comes from...
And if Angelina Jolie becomes the Catwoman...look out, cause that movie could break all records....
I was going to blog on something entirely different just now, but with a will like the wind, I am now blogging on the cinema event of the year, thus far. It is epic, but not perfect; it is strong medicine, but not the cure. It is "The Dark Knight", and it is better than good.
I will spare you all my inept film criticism and instead share a unique thought I had on the movie itself. I don't say unique in that I'm the only one who has this thought, but unique in that I did not expect this thought to come from myself.
When my wife and I (give it up for her guest blog last week!) saw TDK for the first time two weeks ago, two things hit me the most. First was that Heath Ledger's grave should be adorned with gold statuettes early next year, and two...well, two was harder to put into context, much less words. Tina, my wife, got a little impatient with me, and then the puzzle finally clicked. I knew what it meant to me, if no one else. It was a perfect, modernized, symbolic take on the personas of World War Two. Let me explain.
I am no conspiracy buff, who attaches two disparate things together, and then calls the rest of the world blind for not seeing the connection. But some thoughts came to mind and they string together accordingly. Please consider the following thoughts:
In the comics, and twice in the movie, many scenarios and causes have been presented for the Joker's appearance and psychosis. The movie breaks from the canonical history of the comics by having his appearance be a mixture of scars and makeup, when most "origin" stories in the canon involve him falling into a chemical mixture that causes the disfigurement and the madness. Either way, the movie has thrown a different angle into the mix, but the part of interest is this: He tells it different each time. That much remains true in translation from small page to big screen.
Much like the Joker, one Adolf Hitler underwent a severe change as madness set in. By many accounts, Hitler was from a good home, had a solid upbrining, and was even a potential world-class visual artist. Yet, somewhere along the way, like a wolf that lusts for blood, Hitler changed both the course of his life and history at large. Needless to say, the maniacal, genocidal rule of Hitler's National Socialists is well-documented and troubling to the soul. My point is this: How did Hitler become a murderer instead of a painter, and how did the nameless villain-to-be become the Joker, instead of anything else?
I am reminded of John Carpenter's "Halloween" series of films. We never know the reason why Michael Myers decides to become darkness; we simply are left to deal with the wreckage of his choice. Dahmer, Bundy, Gasey, etc... The "why" rarely gets answered. And that's where the horror rests to a sane mind.
To me, this was the first link in my brain. Through the character of Alfred (performed wonderfully by Michael Caine), the next link came quite pivotally. When talking to Wayne/Bats about possible motives, Alfred throws a monkey-wrench into the mess by pointing out "that some men just like to watch it burn" (to paraphrase).
Again, going back to post-WWI Germany, we find a people hurting and reeling from a war they lost badly. In shock, they let a small group of hate-mongers prove that propaganda is a powerful tool of war. That thought might strike you off-handedly, but be honest and examine: Hitler, and others in his party, were cults of personality. Charisma does not have to be used to achieve goodness. It was the hundreds of thousands of men and women, young and old, that allowed themselves to become the flock to a twisted shepard. A shepard complete with his own gospel, apostles, angels, and devils. Hitler simply formed a church and a gospel built on lies and hatred, and Germany bought it lock, stock and barrell. It is one thing to load the gun and point; it's another thing entirely to actually pull the trigger.
The Joker models this same style of subvertive leadership throughout the tale. He turns petty thieves upon each other in the hope of financial gain. He turns the mentally ill loose upon easy prey for sheer enjoyment. He is a master orchestrator of epic proportion, ever the puppet-master dangling the threads in his own production. He is ever-present, yet nowhere to be found. He pits groups of people not only against themselves, but against their perceptions of themselves.
The two boats of people is a cruel mixture of Pearl Harbor and The Cuban Missle Crisis. And that's the brilliance of the Joker's plan. Even without one boat destroying the other (or itself, neither was ever proven), he thrust the looking-glass into each of thier hands, making them see the ugliness inside of themselves, hidden deeply under decency and manners. Much like how many "decent" Europeans, whether they were bakers, mechanics, housewives, aristocrats, or soldiers, were allowed to hold the looking glass, but still look away for far too long. Both dictators, real and imagined, darkened a few White Knights in their time.
Also much like the dictator of real life, it seems that our Joker has a suicidal bent. Perhaps if we are to disregard another's life, it's just inherent that we share the same lack of committment to our own. Hitler followed through, but it's as if the Joker sees too much of himself in Batman, thus, he wants Batman to kill him, "completing" his suicide wish.
At this point, the circuit completes itself to me. Bats doesn't kill the Joker, and in fact saves him from sure death. Two groups of people do not cave in to a life and death situation, and spare each other in the end. A mircocosm of Apocalypse is averted by a simple code of honor, and people willing to stand by it. A hero of one era, born of it's dreams and hopes and fears and failures, remains a hero still today, however modern the technology or how expensive the storytelling.
The generation that stood, fought, suffered, then won WWII has been called the greatest generation yet. I don't know if that's true, but I won't argue against it. My generation suffers from affluenza and selfishness and hopelessness, and, worst of all, blindness. A cause must only be worthy if Celebrity A is "getting behind it" in an effort to "keep it real". Comfort leads to control, and we will not fight for the control we've so willfully surrendured as long as we're comfortable. But when the cradle is rocked, will we, the fabled tiger, have any teeth left? Are our claws waiting to be unsheathed?
I don't know the answers, and I barely know who to frame the questions. This is not meant to be a complete and through examination of anything, but I did mean it to be more than some rambling game of connect-the-dots. I meant, more than anything, for this text to make you think. I do not pretend to be the standard-bearer for truth in this world, but I send this one humble prayer on behalf of all of us...
God keep us in a world with no super-heroes; may we birth no super-villains.
___________________________
There is so much great Batman-related material in the world, but if you're interested in either of Christopher Nollen's movies (or Tim Burton's for that matter), then you must pick up "The Killing Joke". Written by Alan Moore (see previous post on "The Watchmen") and illustrated beautifully by Brian Bolland, it's Burton's favorite comic. Also, see "The Long Halloween" by Jeph Loeb & Tim Sale (both in TV now on VERY cool shows...check it) as well as "Batman: Year One" by Frank Miller & David Mazzucchelli. These three books provided a lot of material for these last two Bats movies, and are brilliant on thier own. Check out Alex Ross' (with TV superscribe Paul Dini) Batman: War on Crime as well. Ross is unmatched as an illustrator. He single-handedly keeps me into comics for those long-spells when I'm just not interested.
Also, Tim Burton started a four-movie run in the last twenty years that is worth enjoying. Keaton was good, Kilmer was as good, but I didn't get Clooney. Anywhoo.... There is also a fine, if youth-oriented, animated series by Bruce Timm, and another more recent run that didn't seem as good.
And who can forget the original, campy, unforgettable live-action series? Adam West paved the way for the Keatons, Kilmers, and Bales. Let us not forget where what we love comes from...
And if Angelina Jolie becomes the Catwoman...look out, cause that movie could break all records....
August 07, 2008
Melody From Heaven--by guest blogger, Mrs. Brandon Findlay
Recently my husband and I watched an ambitiously powerful film called "The Red Violin". Shot in 5 countries, it follows the "life" of its title subject across centuries, characters, and continents. It reminded me of how what we usually look upon as "mere objects" have rich histories behind their scenes, and a world of significance far beyond function alone.
Until the day I was born, I was going to be called "Melody" until the soulful influence of Mrs. Ike Turner won out, and gave me something I also share with Ginger on Gilligan's Island, that is, our names are both "Tina". But maybe my mother sensed something beyond what she could even explain, a destiny of music deep in my code, even before I sang my way out of the womb.
My "pre-name" of Melody was something Brandon decided to honor when he obtained his 1999 Paul Reed Smith McCarty Soapbar guitar, a model discontinued this past year. I've learned from him that a guitar is not just a guitar; in the words of the best-selling musicians' magazine, it is a "guitar world". At our house, Melody is a sibling of Maya, Midnight, and Marcus. "She" came into our life carrying the vibes of at least 2 other great musicians we cherish and admire, from the walls of Dirk Newton's Guitar Shop in East Village, and the hands of Karen Harrison from the Soapbox Prophets (who I just heard on the radio 10 minutes ago--shout out to them and to 99.1 KFMG-FM).
Melody was paid for in stages, patiently received by our friend Karen. Before that, she was perused and fawned over, on and off the wall, by Brandon at Dirk's place. Brandon first spotted her and thought of how much she reminded him of an awesome guitar belonging to Karen. Shortly after to his delight, he discovered that this was indeed the very guitar of Karen's that he had always admired from afar.
Since her initial arrival at our home, Melody has lit up many a song, concert, and the Lady Blue CD, with the light of her unique smooth tone (that's another Brandon principle I've been blessed to learn about, the importance of tone). It was she who gently coaxed me into a much higher level of guitar interest and knowledge, and her interaction with my husband's artistry has opened my eyes about the craft, musicianship, and overall mastery involved in the world of the guitar.
One of these days, I may have to finally clip my diva fingernails and jump into the journey of Melody in a more, shall we say, hands-on way. She has, like the red violin of the movie, a story of her own that transcends all those fortunate enough to cross her path for a time. While we're the lucky ones living with her now, I intend to take full advantage of the mysteries she has to share. As the hymn says, in our hearts (and hands) there rings a Melody of love. And she definitely has a destiny of music deep in her code, a destiny we are delighted to share with her, and all her siblings at home, for at least a little while.
Until the day I was born, I was going to be called "Melody" until the soulful influence of Mrs. Ike Turner won out, and gave me something I also share with Ginger on Gilligan's Island, that is, our names are both "Tina". But maybe my mother sensed something beyond what she could even explain, a destiny of music deep in my code, even before I sang my way out of the womb.
My "pre-name" of Melody was something Brandon decided to honor when he obtained his 1999 Paul Reed Smith McCarty Soapbar guitar, a model discontinued this past year. I've learned from him that a guitar is not just a guitar; in the words of the best-selling musicians' magazine, it is a "guitar world". At our house, Melody is a sibling of Maya, Midnight, and Marcus. "She" came into our life carrying the vibes of at least 2 other great musicians we cherish and admire, from the walls of Dirk Newton's Guitar Shop in East Village, and the hands of Karen Harrison from the Soapbox Prophets (who I just heard on the radio 10 minutes ago--shout out to them and to 99.1 KFMG-FM).
Melody was paid for in stages, patiently received by our friend Karen. Before that, she was perused and fawned over, on and off the wall, by Brandon at Dirk's place. Brandon first spotted her and thought of how much she reminded him of an awesome guitar belonging to Karen. Shortly after to his delight, he discovered that this was indeed the very guitar of Karen's that he had always admired from afar.
Since her initial arrival at our home, Melody has lit up many a song, concert, and the Lady Blue CD, with the light of her unique smooth tone (that's another Brandon principle I've been blessed to learn about, the importance of tone). It was she who gently coaxed me into a much higher level of guitar interest and knowledge, and her interaction with my husband's artistry has opened my eyes about the craft, musicianship, and overall mastery involved in the world of the guitar.
One of these days, I may have to finally clip my diva fingernails and jump into the journey of Melody in a more, shall we say, hands-on way. She has, like the red violin of the movie, a story of her own that transcends all those fortunate enough to cross her path for a time. While we're the lucky ones living with her now, I intend to take full advantage of the mysteries she has to share. As the hymn says, in our hearts (and hands) there rings a Melody of love. And she definitely has a destiny of music deep in her code, a destiny we are delighted to share with her, and all her siblings at home, for at least a little while.
August 05, 2008
^D8
It's been a while! I have not been ignoring my little section of the blog-verse, but I've been very bush with many other things.
"All will be revealed...."
"All will be revealed...."
July 09, 2008
HD3's are going to be caught up very soon!
Hey, you, the reading audience... I haven't forgotten you. Really. It's been nutty recently, but I plan on posting several HD3's over the next few days to get myself caught back up again. Maybe I'll post some other stuff too as a consolation prize for the loyalists among you all!
Thanks for reading,
Deacon
Thanks for reading,
Deacon
June 26, 2008
HD3 Week 2: COMING TOMORROW~
Hey- sorry for the delay on week 2, but it's been busy! Check back tomorrow and you'll see your week 2 edition of HD3- and it will be worth it. I might even throw in a bonus for the delay!
Peace,
Deacon
Peace,
Deacon
June 20, 2008
...Marc Ford
Read here....
I stumbled across an interview/spotlight piece I did on Marc Ford a few years ago for Guitar World Online. I remember calling him at his Malibu house, and he would take phone calls in the middle..."Hey man, I'm in an interview, I'll call you back"... of our interview. How's that for abusing the formal sentence for one's own purpose!! Hah!
Needless to say, it was a thrill, and I'm still proud of the work I did in that period, though I easily recognize how much better a writer I am now. But, to be fair, that improvment came by doing work like this for my friend and mentor, Alan Paul.
Hope you enjoy, and please leave me comments so that I know this stuff is being looked over.
If you like this, then I might scan some other work I've done.
I stumbled across an interview/spotlight piece I did on Marc Ford a few years ago for Guitar World Online. I remember calling him at his Malibu house, and he would take phone calls in the middle..."Hey man, I'm in an interview, I'll call you back"... of our interview. How's that for abusing the formal sentence for one's own purpose!! Hah!
Needless to say, it was a thrill, and I'm still proud of the work I did in that period, though I easily recognize how much better a writer I am now. But, to be fair, that improvment came by doing work like this for my friend and mentor, Alan Paul.
Hope you enjoy, and please leave me comments so that I know this stuff is being looked over.
If you like this, then I might scan some other work I've done.
June 18, 2008
^D8
http://wearekaleidoscope.blogspot.com/2008/06/end-of-beginning.html
Follow this link to read about some very cool and exciting changes that Kaleidoscope CreatiVEntures is undertaking.
A short post...what's the world coming too?
Follow this link to read about some very cool and exciting changes that Kaleidoscope CreatiVEntures is undertaking.
A short post...what's the world coming too?
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