Yes, even in this "future shock" world of increasing disease, decreasing jobs, and less creativity respected, I for one have an idealistic outlook. I know that many others do as well.
Can you still escape in a book? Can a documentary grip you and make you think differently about the world? Do you study something--- any subject-- with enthusiasm, enough to look forward to it when you are busy doing something else?
Maybe we are just too busy to notice that we are in the wrong place or the wrong time. We are too busy to catch all of the news and who is fighting whom. I know very little of the candidates running for office and what they stand for aside from headlines that yahoo.com tells me when I check email. I am too busy.
I have books to read, homework in two classes, music to write, instruments to practice, a baby to raise, bands to rehearse with, and orchestra to practice with, and several performances of whatever coming up in the next few months.
If something bad is going to happen...it will happen when my back is turned.
Now the question...is this good?
Seeing the silver lining or keeping your "hands busy" seems to be a brainwashing tactic in 3rd world countries-- am I not that way? Should I be more realistic?
Where is the happiness?
The happiness is in liking what you are doing..not following man-made time and not letting the world get you down. We are stuck on this large rock (earth) and we need to make the best of it-- and we are all in this together. An orchestra needs members and music needs to be played to be experienced. Some people just want to listen, so give them a chance if you can play.
I can only convince the world that what I am doing (as well as others) is useful if I remain positive about it.
Show that you like what you are doing and live in your own world. If others notice it is a bonus but not crucial. Make your path and it will be worthwhile.
Idealism... sounds good!
Thursday, September 20, 2012
Sunday, September 2, 2012
Band Situations: Fall 2012
Of course, anyone on my site can look at the listing I have of bands I am in. This is a partial list which I hope to remedy as soon as I get the materials and time to update.
I must be busy being in so many groups? That is partially true. While most of these groups only meet once a gig is procured, others keep practicing or keep in touch by planning out new sets and new projects. At the moment, one band is being dissolved into another band (new members and new name), one band is getting back together with new members to attempt gigs again, and a few bands are waiting for word on new gigs.
But, that does not give you the best idea about what position all of these bands are in...so I will go down the list.
Mere Point Jazz:
Currently, this group is waiting for the next function. We worked as a trio a few months ago for a private party and we are hoping for a few upscale hotel gigs over the fall and winter. Believe me-- I have the business cards to make it happen. The members shift around when some are busy. So far, Mitch Thomas and I are the constants. I am the answer to the call of his voice. If you need a great crooner jazz band, upbeat old-style rock, or gospel music with a beat, we are ready!
Cello and Violin Duets:
I only worked with Andrea once, but another cellist/violist/gamba player named Bea Asken fills in when I need someone. So far, no one has offered an opportunity or me to play in this context again. I tried doing the same thing with a bass player but the repertoire for him was not suitable.
Every Other Sunday:
After over a year hiatus, this band is looking to get back into playing with new members in October. We had a great sound but we could never keep a drummer-- or keyboard player. We are a large (6 member) band, but we chose this to reproduce exact harmonies and most all effects that are heard on recordings. Our sound was tight and we hope to return to the close-knit bond we all had. We were made for weddings and our song list reflects that as well as well as 90's top hits. Any gigs in sight for such a band?
James Inc.
I have not played with my father for years, and he has not played anything for years himself. He has not had the will and we live far apart (1.5 hours). At one time, we played in Boothbay Harbor all over singing old Bee Gees and David Gray songs. We had all the best equipment and I was wired up from front to back with wireless units, mic cables and effects-- although I spent my time seated at a piano. It would be nice for us to play again-- he would have to find the time and the money would have to be there. Maybe an album is in order. I will be posting some of our old projects in the recording page.
Murmur
Sean Demers moved to New York City and is working as a playwright, actor, and possibly still at Toys R US. When he would come back to Maine, he would let me know to plan playing open mics around the L/A area. He played acoustic guitar and sing lead, I was on mandolin and sang backup. Our sound as amazing and I tore the mandolin apart-- all the tiny melodies in our REM catalog and Michael Jackson songs and the like. They called me "Mr. Mandolin" at one bar. The pic on the site is us playing a wedding in Saco. I can say that I have few that I can wing a gig with in acoustic setting and feel comfortable-- with Sean I can cloe my eyes and trust that he can get us out of any rut. He has not been back in a while, but when he does, I hope to make a field recording of us in our glory.
Adipose:
This is possibly the first band I ever made with a friend Jason Cloutier. It started around 1990! We began on guitar and drums (we would switch off) playing instrumental "ideas" and we soon started singing. Each of us had our own songs sung when playing guitar and we made setlists to determine when to switch instruments. We made several (hundreds?) of recordings although nothing with great production. We played at a coffee shop in Boothbay and then Adipose became completely acoustic-- and it worked because our songs were melodic and we could hear our words. For the past 10 years we have talked about a reunion-- we are both so busy that it never happens. Still, when we get together to play, it takes the strum of a chord and we are right back to singing and playing our music note for note perfect as we made it may years ago. While I lived in Virginia I transcribed all of our albums (most) and made several books of them. I will soon post them for posterity and to prove a composition point! I can easily play with Jason and since we have such a huge repertoire, all I have to do is start a song and he is right there with me. If we both had time and a gig came up with money...maybe it could happen.
Every Other
Mike French and I played at the Norlands Museum for a fall pie festival (we may play this year I hope). He played acoustic and sang, I played fiddle and sang. This was right after the main coordinator had died of a heart attack so it was a somber event. We played things from EOS and celtic fiddle tunes-- the latter I thought could get some gigs but we never pursued it. With EOS returning to play, I am going to see if we can't do a Great Big Sea/ Natalie MacMaster duo sort of thing for small fairs and such. We have the sound equipment and the track record. Would you hire us?
MaineStream
MaineStream just played at the Balloon Festival and our production company left to buy a house in Florida for the fall and winters. This means that MaineStream is no more since they own the name. Unfortunately for them, we all still want to make money so Glenn (bass/vocals) and I decided to rework things and get back to our best sound with our original singer. We will be meeting soon to recap 2 years of rehearsing dance pop and we will be adding older music for the crowds we get all of the time. This is the band that has been practicing weekly for me-- I have had a part of this for a long time. I can't argue because I have had more gigs with them than any other. I have to go where the money is!
String Trio/Quartet
Occasionally members from AVCO get together and we play a function as a trio or string quartet. We just played a wedding and before that a commemoration. If we were more serious and had time, I would love to explore string quartets more in depth (my favorite), but that would take many rehearsals and more devotion from all members. Art music is hard!
Cape Elizabeth Viols
I have played with the viols for around 5 years. We only played one gig(?) but we practice every few months together. I love playing with the caliber of musicians (orchestra members or classical enthusiasts) and we always end up sounding great. I hope to land us a gig at the Basilica this fall because I feel the sound we make is holier than any organ can muster. Gut strings carry centuries of resonance and no other place in this state has the acoustics of the cathedral (down the street) that has an inside composed of marble. Maybe it can happen-- I sure hope.
I am missing a few tiny groups that were formed for one thing or another, but this list gives the gist of my groups and what they are doing. I am always ready to work. I do spend a few months each year playing musicals with pick-up groups but that happens when theatres come knocking on my door (not often). I will still have my nose to the ground looking for gigs--- if you can help, I can provide.
Thanks!
I must be busy being in so many groups? That is partially true. While most of these groups only meet once a gig is procured, others keep practicing or keep in touch by planning out new sets and new projects. At the moment, one band is being dissolved into another band (new members and new name), one band is getting back together with new members to attempt gigs again, and a few bands are waiting for word on new gigs.
But, that does not give you the best idea about what position all of these bands are in...so I will go down the list.
Mere Point Jazz:
Currently, this group is waiting for the next function. We worked as a trio a few months ago for a private party and we are hoping for a few upscale hotel gigs over the fall and winter. Believe me-- I have the business cards to make it happen. The members shift around when some are busy. So far, Mitch Thomas and I are the constants. I am the answer to the call of his voice. If you need a great crooner jazz band, upbeat old-style rock, or gospel music with a beat, we are ready!
Cello and Violin Duets:
I only worked with Andrea once, but another cellist/violist/gamba player named Bea Asken fills in when I need someone. So far, no one has offered an opportunity or me to play in this context again. I tried doing the same thing with a bass player but the repertoire for him was not suitable.
Every Other Sunday:
After over a year hiatus, this band is looking to get back into playing with new members in October. We had a great sound but we could never keep a drummer-- or keyboard player. We are a large (6 member) band, but we chose this to reproduce exact harmonies and most all effects that are heard on recordings. Our sound was tight and we hope to return to the close-knit bond we all had. We were made for weddings and our song list reflects that as well as well as 90's top hits. Any gigs in sight for such a band?
James Inc.
I have not played with my father for years, and he has not played anything for years himself. He has not had the will and we live far apart (1.5 hours). At one time, we played in Boothbay Harbor all over singing old Bee Gees and David Gray songs. We had all the best equipment and I was wired up from front to back with wireless units, mic cables and effects-- although I spent my time seated at a piano. It would be nice for us to play again-- he would have to find the time and the money would have to be there. Maybe an album is in order. I will be posting some of our old projects in the recording page.
Murmur
Sean Demers moved to New York City and is working as a playwright, actor, and possibly still at Toys R US. When he would come back to Maine, he would let me know to plan playing open mics around the L/A area. He played acoustic guitar and sing lead, I was on mandolin and sang backup. Our sound as amazing and I tore the mandolin apart-- all the tiny melodies in our REM catalog and Michael Jackson songs and the like. They called me "Mr. Mandolin" at one bar. The pic on the site is us playing a wedding in Saco. I can say that I have few that I can wing a gig with in acoustic setting and feel comfortable-- with Sean I can cloe my eyes and trust that he can get us out of any rut. He has not been back in a while, but when he does, I hope to make a field recording of us in our glory.
Adipose:
This is possibly the first band I ever made with a friend Jason Cloutier. It started around 1990! We began on guitar and drums (we would switch off) playing instrumental "ideas" and we soon started singing. Each of us had our own songs sung when playing guitar and we made setlists to determine when to switch instruments. We made several (hundreds?) of recordings although nothing with great production. We played at a coffee shop in Boothbay and then Adipose became completely acoustic-- and it worked because our songs were melodic and we could hear our words. For the past 10 years we have talked about a reunion-- we are both so busy that it never happens. Still, when we get together to play, it takes the strum of a chord and we are right back to singing and playing our music note for note perfect as we made it may years ago. While I lived in Virginia I transcribed all of our albums (most) and made several books of them. I will soon post them for posterity and to prove a composition point! I can easily play with Jason and since we have such a huge repertoire, all I have to do is start a song and he is right there with me. If we both had time and a gig came up with money...maybe it could happen.
Every Other
Mike French and I played at the Norlands Museum for a fall pie festival (we may play this year I hope). He played acoustic and sang, I played fiddle and sang. This was right after the main coordinator had died of a heart attack so it was a somber event. We played things from EOS and celtic fiddle tunes-- the latter I thought could get some gigs but we never pursued it. With EOS returning to play, I am going to see if we can't do a Great Big Sea/ Natalie MacMaster duo sort of thing for small fairs and such. We have the sound equipment and the track record. Would you hire us?
MaineStream
MaineStream just played at the Balloon Festival and our production company left to buy a house in Florida for the fall and winters. This means that MaineStream is no more since they own the name. Unfortunately for them, we all still want to make money so Glenn (bass/vocals) and I decided to rework things and get back to our best sound with our original singer. We will be meeting soon to recap 2 years of rehearsing dance pop and we will be adding older music for the crowds we get all of the time. This is the band that has been practicing weekly for me-- I have had a part of this for a long time. I can't argue because I have had more gigs with them than any other. I have to go where the money is!
String Trio/Quartet
Occasionally members from AVCO get together and we play a function as a trio or string quartet. We just played a wedding and before that a commemoration. If we were more serious and had time, I would love to explore string quartets more in depth (my favorite), but that would take many rehearsals and more devotion from all members. Art music is hard!
Cape Elizabeth Viols
I have played with the viols for around 5 years. We only played one gig(?) but we practice every few months together. I love playing with the caliber of musicians (orchestra members or classical enthusiasts) and we always end up sounding great. I hope to land us a gig at the Basilica this fall because I feel the sound we make is holier than any organ can muster. Gut strings carry centuries of resonance and no other place in this state has the acoustics of the cathedral (down the street) that has an inside composed of marble. Maybe it can happen-- I sure hope.
I am missing a few tiny groups that were formed for one thing or another, but this list gives the gist of my groups and what they are doing. I am always ready to work. I do spend a few months each year playing musicals with pick-up groups but that happens when theatres come knocking on my door (not often). I will still have my nose to the ground looking for gigs--- if you can help, I can provide.
Thanks!
Saturday, September 1, 2012
I love the fall-- it always means changes.
Yes, I do in fact like the season we are approaching. I like the cooler weather because I can wear clothing comfortably. I like the prospect of "back to school" because I am always studying as if I am in school (and technically I still am). I like taking stock of my life and career and finding ways to improve upon them-- maybe more readers for the site! I like getting my house ready for inclement weather and figuring out a heating strategy...
The fall is a time to improve. If you are not thinking about that then start to do so. I haven't met anyone who is completely satisfied with their position in life, so we can all look for improvements. Sometimes that means finding the right tea/coffee/cocoa/juice to drink in the morning-- finding something small and rewarding to wake up to. I just found that waking up early provides me with a quiet house where I can read more efficiently (I have so many books to go through). I also have started making composing music at night a habit and I hope to post a few "ideas" on the site.
The fall is also about hardship. The cost of future heating, maybe a stricter schedule, more work and stress, and personal assessment. Change is not easy, but it is human, so we can manage it.
I have been trying to return to USM for this semester (I was there in the spring) and I am not having an easy time. In order for me to become a global asset, I need a "global" education. I have been knee-deep in global music for many years, but now I need to return to the languages and traditions of different cultures. I am an international studies major, and although my journey through it will be one of relations to music and art, I need to take classes to better my perspective. It is a good thing that I have kept up with my global news and innovations from podcasts for the past 8 years-- I cannot say enough about them!
I will keep everyone updated about my journey. Once again, anyone who reads this will find a person who is trying to make an unlikely living in an unlikely place. I have many pots on the stove though-- one starts to cook every now and then. We have to do what we feel is important.
Thanks!
The fall is a time to improve. If you are not thinking about that then start to do so. I haven't met anyone who is completely satisfied with their position in life, so we can all look for improvements. Sometimes that means finding the right tea/coffee/cocoa/juice to drink in the morning-- finding something small and rewarding to wake up to. I just found that waking up early provides me with a quiet house where I can read more efficiently (I have so many books to go through). I also have started making composing music at night a habit and I hope to post a few "ideas" on the site.
The fall is also about hardship. The cost of future heating, maybe a stricter schedule, more work and stress, and personal assessment. Change is not easy, but it is human, so we can manage it.
I have been trying to return to USM for this semester (I was there in the spring) and I am not having an easy time. In order for me to become a global asset, I need a "global" education. I have been knee-deep in global music for many years, but now I need to return to the languages and traditions of different cultures. I am an international studies major, and although my journey through it will be one of relations to music and art, I need to take classes to better my perspective. It is a good thing that I have kept up with my global news and innovations from podcasts for the past 8 years-- I cannot say enough about them!
I will keep everyone updated about my journey. Once again, anyone who reads this will find a person who is trying to make an unlikely living in an unlikely place. I have many pots on the stove though-- one starts to cook every now and then. We have to do what we feel is important.
Thanks!
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