Somewhere there is a place where people don't need to be told when something is beautiful.
We don't live there, apparently.
We already found out for ourselves the hard way.
We didn't realize until recently that few hearts and eyes and ears are actually connected.
But it still hurts to see it in the article and video below.
There are enough nails in the coffin of the arts that there is no more room to pound in any more.
So that's why when we find that rare, connected person, it's a special event.
- C
*****************************************
A onetime child prodigy, at 39 Joshua Bell has arrived as an internationally acclaimed virtuoso.
Three days before he appeared at the Metro station, Bell had filled the house at Boston's stately Symphony Hall,
where merely pretty good seats went for $100.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/04/04/AR2007040401721.html
Wednesday, April 25, 2007
Thursday, February 22, 2007
Heart-throb Fiddler!
Heart-throb Fiddler! Alex Depue
He looks young but this guy's been playing for 25 years.
He can do ANYTHING. Classical, bluegrass, pop covers. Beautiful tone and also wicked fast chops that never stopped.
Last Saturday night we saw Alex Depue play as a duo with Michael Tiernan, a real sweetie in his own right.
Alex didn't steal the show because the musicians could read each other's mind.
This means the song and singer Michael Tiernan got the spotlight. But Alex ran in and out of that spotlight. His playfulness and sly looks to the audience at just the right moment kept us laughing.
My guy ran sound for his Swallow Hill Music Assoc. show and the reverb and sound was rich and full and everyone fell in music-love. Completely packed house-concert sized venue. 80 or more. A house concert on steroids but still an intimate feel.
Video: Alex Depue cover of a YES song some years ago
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NHC_Qyov2Xc
Website: http://www.thefiddler.org/
Classical music on his myspace: http://www.myspace.com/alexdepue
He looks young but this guy's been playing for 25 years.
He can do ANYTHING. Classical, bluegrass, pop covers. Beautiful tone and also wicked fast chops that never stopped.
Last Saturday night we saw Alex Depue play as a duo with Michael Tiernan, a real sweetie in his own right.
Alex didn't steal the show because the musicians could read each other's mind.
This means the song and singer Michael Tiernan got the spotlight. But Alex ran in and out of that spotlight. His playfulness and sly looks to the audience at just the right moment kept us laughing.
My guy ran sound for his Swallow Hill Music Assoc. show and the reverb and sound was rich and full and everyone fell in music-love. Completely packed house-concert sized venue. 80 or more. A house concert on steroids but still an intimate feel.
Video: Alex Depue cover of a YES song some years ago
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NHC_Qyov2Xc
Website: http://www.thefiddler.org/
Classical music on his myspace: http://www.myspace.com/alexdepue
Sure would be nice for me to be able to PASS for ordinary.
I don't believe anyone is ordinary.
Plenty are repressed, yes.
Ordinary, no.
Sure would be nice for me to be able to PASS for ordinary.
If you know what I mean.
Then I could get a chance at those snazzy jobs.
Make it past the interview phase, that is, and pretend to play the game.
But the people are holding out for the ordinary.
It's easier for them to keep up the act, it seems, with supporting actors.
And they see right thru me.
So...nevermind. They are defending their homeland and I don't stand a chance.
Unless I find another musician-turned-business person.
THEN, I'm good to go. Cuz we understand each other. :)
C
Plenty are repressed, yes.
Ordinary, no.
Sure would be nice for me to be able to PASS for ordinary.
If you know what I mean.
Then I could get a chance at those snazzy jobs.
Make it past the interview phase, that is, and pretend to play the game.
But the people are holding out for the ordinary.
It's easier for them to keep up the act, it seems, with supporting actors.
And they see right thru me.
So...nevermind. They are defending their homeland and I don't stand a chance.
Unless I find another musician-turned-business person.
THEN, I'm good to go. Cuz we understand each other. :)
C
Sunday, January 21, 2007
Who wants to be a Rock Star?
If a counselor came to your school's Career Day and asked "HEY, who wants to be a Rock Star?", nearly every kid would wave their hand yelling, "YEAH! ME!"
But let's say the counselor asked: "Who wants to travel around in unsafe vans, stay in grungy motels to sell beer in creepy dive bars. Try to use the bathrooms without touching anything. And SOMETIMES YOU EVEN GET TO SLEEP IN THAT VAN! And - And - AND you get to come home in soul-crushing debt! Whoo hoo! "
How many kids would jump up and raise their hands?
Same damn thing, people.
I love MUSIC. After all that hassle, music is the last thing that gets created. Sound always sucks anyway so it's not like anyone can hear it. No point in killing myself with exhaustion. It kills the Muse quickly. Ever wonder why your favorite band's CDs start to suck after that first killer release?
Luckily I was naturally distrusting of everyone and didn't bother to ask for anything like a record contract. But the LIE still pisses me off. I greatly appreciate the musicians who tell their true stories, now that the internet lets us communicate. Otherwise convincing band mates not to "pay to play" would have been impossible.
*********************
That distrust also helped me during the Dot.Com era:
"You want me to work for less money as a web developer to receive the promise of stock options? "
"Puh... Ha ha ha ha ha. Good one. "
One guy was very impressed I was adamant about not tying myself down. He said he was glad I wasn't giving up the dream. They asked many times one year yet not even a hint of stock option greed hit my gut.
Truth was, I didn't trust either business.
Still don't.
For good reason, it turned out.
And the music is still beautiful.
But let's say the counselor asked: "Who wants to travel around in unsafe vans, stay in grungy motels to sell beer in creepy dive bars. Try to use the bathrooms without touching anything. And SOMETIMES YOU EVEN GET TO SLEEP IN THAT VAN! And - And - AND you get to come home in soul-crushing debt! Whoo hoo! "
How many kids would jump up and raise their hands?
Same damn thing, people.
I love MUSIC. After all that hassle, music is the last thing that gets created. Sound always sucks anyway so it's not like anyone can hear it. No point in killing myself with exhaustion. It kills the Muse quickly. Ever wonder why your favorite band's CDs start to suck after that first killer release?
Luckily I was naturally distrusting of everyone and didn't bother to ask for anything like a record contract. But the LIE still pisses me off. I greatly appreciate the musicians who tell their true stories, now that the internet lets us communicate. Otherwise convincing band mates not to "pay to play" would have been impossible.
*********************
That distrust also helped me during the Dot.Com era:
"You want me to work for less money as a web developer to receive the promise of stock options? "
"Puh... Ha ha ha ha ha. Good one. "
One guy was very impressed I was adamant about not tying myself down. He said he was glad I wasn't giving up the dream. They asked many times one year yet not even a hint of stock option greed hit my gut.
Truth was, I didn't trust either business.
Still don't.
For good reason, it turned out.
And the music is still beautiful.
Sunday, December 3, 2006
Eric McFadden Trio - Heavy Rock
Eric McFadden Trio - Heavy Rock
Disclaimer: my younger bro, Paulo, is the drummer for this band when schedule permits.
Un-disclaimer: I'm so picky about music that if it sucked there was no way I'd recommend it, regardless of a family connection. Plus my bro kicks total arse drumming. He and Eric go back more than ten years. There is amazing chemistry between the 3 players, and the gals will love all guys, especially the stand up bass player James Whiton.
Eric McFadden Trio
ok, you won't believe a 3 piece band can sound melodic heavy metal with acoustic guitar, stand up bass, and drums.
See for yourself! This page holds a huge video file but it is soooooo worth the time. THEY ARE ON FIRE! Love this song, "Put it Down."
http://www.emtmusic.com/live.shtml
FREE MYSPACE DOWNLOADS & Tour Schedule:
http://www.myspace.com/ericmcfaddentrio
Eric McFadden's CD "Devil Moon" is my fav of his solo work.
http://cdbaby.com/cd/ericmcfadden
That reminds me, I've got to pick up the new CD "Joy of Suffering". "Put it Down" - the song on the video -is on this new CD. I was going to buy it at a show but we missed the Boulder show and then I forgot.
Eric McFadden Trio (EMT) has an amazing live show, even with the other fine drummer. Invited my jam-band loving friend to see them when Paulo toured with them. My friend now sees every band Eric is part of, including a Wally Ingram project and Stockholme Syndrome. (And every band my bro is part of, for that matter.) Those San Francisco bands really tour and deliver!
Disclaimer: my younger bro, Paulo, is the drummer for this band when schedule permits.
Un-disclaimer: I'm so picky about music that if it sucked there was no way I'd recommend it, regardless of a family connection. Plus my bro kicks total arse drumming. He and Eric go back more than ten years. There is amazing chemistry between the 3 players, and the gals will love all guys, especially the stand up bass player James Whiton.
Eric McFadden Trio
ok, you won't believe a 3 piece band can sound melodic heavy metal with acoustic guitar, stand up bass, and drums.
See for yourself! This page holds a huge video file but it is soooooo worth the time. THEY ARE ON FIRE! Love this song, "Put it Down."
http://www.emtmusic.com/live.shtml
FREE MYSPACE DOWNLOADS & Tour Schedule:
http://www.myspace.com/ericmcfaddentrio
Eric McFadden's CD "Devil Moon" is my fav of his solo work.
http://cdbaby.com/cd/ericmcfadden
That reminds me, I've got to pick up the new CD "Joy of Suffering". "Put it Down" - the song on the video -is on this new CD. I was going to buy it at a show but we missed the Boulder show and then I forgot.
Eric McFadden Trio (EMT) has an amazing live show, even with the other fine drummer. Invited my jam-band loving friend to see them when Paulo toured with them. My friend now sees every band Eric is part of, including a Wally Ingram project and Stockholme Syndrome. (And every band my bro is part of, for that matter.) Those San Francisco bands really tour and deliver!
Monday, November 20, 2006
Adieu False Heart
Adieu False Heart by Linda Ronstadt and Ann Savoy
I only loaded this CD into the listening center at the store because my Mom loves old Linda Ronstadt songs and we often like the same music. I was curious to hear something new by her.
I'VE GOT TO GET THIS CD!
I played it for my guy Allen with the cover hidden. His eyes went wide and he heard two songs with rapt attention. Who Is This? he asked. He was as surprised as I was.
I recall reading an interview with Linda saying she wasn't always happy with her singing. In the early days she didn't know that a song could be played in a better key for her voice.
Well, this recording has every key perfect for her voice. She creates such beautiful colors and sounds more free and light. She's completely in love with every note. And the duo of the two women's voices is perfection. The first track alone, with that passionate fiddle, was enough to melt my heart.
One more CD on the 20+ CD wish list. But it cut in line to get to the top of the list.
[Dec: Got a Christmas gift certificate so got the CD right away. It's even better than what I heard on the short samples!]
I only loaded this CD into the listening center at the store because my Mom loves old Linda Ronstadt songs and we often like the same music. I was curious to hear something new by her.
I'VE GOT TO GET THIS CD!
I played it for my guy Allen with the cover hidden. His eyes went wide and he heard two songs with rapt attention. Who Is This? he asked. He was as surprised as I was.
I recall reading an interview with Linda saying she wasn't always happy with her singing. In the early days she didn't know that a song could be played in a better key for her voice.
Well, this recording has every key perfect for her voice. She creates such beautiful colors and sounds more free and light. She's completely in love with every note. And the duo of the two women's voices is perfection. The first track alone, with that passionate fiddle, was enough to melt my heart.
One more CD on the 20+ CD wish list. But it cut in line to get to the top of the list.
[Dec: Got a Christmas gift certificate so got the CD right away. It's even better than what I heard on the short samples!]
Monday, November 13, 2006
On Quality...
Most web design clients come my way after bad experiences with other designers. They arrive with ugly web sites, broken pages-and-promises. And lots of time wasted.
I wish I could reach them first.
There is enough hardship in the world without wasting time just trying to get a simple web site created.
Except that web sites are never simple. They only look that way.
Quality work will always be a time saver.
My failing seems to be with Clients that come my way without web experience.
How to explain the pitfalls of shoddy work?
How to describe the endless work that will greet them if they use the many cheaper methods?
The tools must work seamlessly or nothing gets done.
Even very intelligent people have decided to stay with a lowest dollar amount provider. Even after one admitted his loved one wanted dearly to release her photos online but couldn't get that part figured out with the poorly-made system. And I couldn't find the right way to help them see further than the dollar amount.
But I'll keep trying.
I wish I could reach them first.
There is enough hardship in the world without wasting time just trying to get a simple web site created.
Except that web sites are never simple. They only look that way.
Quality work will always be a time saver.
My failing seems to be with Clients that come my way without web experience.
How to explain the pitfalls of shoddy work?
How to describe the endless work that will greet them if they use the many cheaper methods?
The tools must work seamlessly or nothing gets done.
Even very intelligent people have decided to stay with a lowest dollar amount provider. Even after one admitted his loved one wanted dearly to release her photos online but couldn't get that part figured out with the poorly-made system. And I couldn't find the right way to help them see further than the dollar amount.
But I'll keep trying.
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