My apologies for the lack of posts lately.
So here's the update on gigs......
Evita was extended through May. It's been fun. They're trying to get us 4 more dates in June. This would be great for me as I lose my day job by June 20th. The show has been fun. I've been subbing out of most Sundays as Cam's Tie is taking off.
Cam's Tie is now playing 3 Slams a month on average. Marc Smith (SO WHAT) likes the group. The people seem to like it too. I'm having a blast!! Showing up, play improvised music behind poets, have a few beers, get paid. What's not to love? This past Sunday, Cam's Tie shared the bill with The Weird Sisters!!
That is significant because subbing in with The Weird Sisters is how Cam's Tie came into being. Oh yes, it was the birth of the gig. Bonnie had asked me to sub in for their regular bassist, Al. Marc seemed to like me and he asked me to put together a trio. That was on October 26th. Cam's Tie has been playing 2-3 Slams a month ever since. Not bad for a music school drop/transfer out eh?
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
Friday, April 17, 2009
Evita + Gear Review
Hello,
Evita, is in the final regularly scheduled weekend!! I'm subbing out of the last night, April 19th, to play a Slam. The run has been a blast thus far. We have an extension to run through the end of May...hopefully longer. Some of the cast and band will be changing. Kevin Brown, will be leaving us due to another contract and the new drummer will be awesome. The music director, Ryan, will be subbing out of a few dates as well. I'm sticking with the run....and will be subbing out for some Slams. Not going to lie, the Slams are a blast and they pay a lot better. In a typical night playing the Slam, I make double what I do playing Evita in a given evening. Evita is a lot of fun and pays well for the weekend...just not as much on a night.
Gear Review Tascam MP BT1
So this is my first formal [if i can call it that] gear review. I bought this little machine the first week of March and I've been playing with it since.
Some background, it's an MP3 Bass Trainer. What is a trainer? It's a headphone amp + music player in one. It features effects, metronome, tuner, and some fun software. The software allows you to slow down a song without changing pitch, transpose a song without changing tempo, cut the bass track, loop sections, and a variety of similar functions.
Now that I've had it for a bit, I love this thing. The metronome & slow down functions are great. The metronome isn't as feature laden as my Korg MA30, but it's adequate. You can't put in subdivisions or anything like that, you get to pick how many beats, and tempo. I used this to learn Sir Duke by Stevie Wonder & What is Hip by Tower of Power. Two tunes that previously I considered "landmarks'...where i knew my playing was at a great point when i could play those cleanly and with power. This device was also great for learning "Higher Ground"...I was reading a transcription of it as done by the Chilli Peppers while playing along with the Stevie Wonder version. The difference is...Chili Peppers played it in E where as Stevie does it in Eb.
The only frustration I had was at first with iTunes...I didn't realize that they had a really simple tool to create MP3 versions of songs. I thought you only had the Mp4s. Yeah, once I looked under "advanced" and saw make MP3 version. I was astounded. Now, I load up tunes & play-a-longs to the bass trainer and go to Evita to get some practice in between 7:30 & 8PM [we have a 7:30 call, but without the trainer, I'm just sitting there reading or being bored].
So yeah-I give this device 4/5 stars. The only things that I am deducting the star for are: Only plays MP3s, it's pretty big-about the size of a pack of Djarum Cigarettes or a bit wider than a pack of Marlboro 100's and about as thick. The unit is by no means large, but eh-I'd like to to be closer to the size of an iPod. Yep. ..I'm sorta picky. However, I do LOVE this unit. It has helped reinvigorate my practice routine. I love being able to practice whenever I want with an amp and metronome without driving the neighbors nuts. I like playing late [after gigs], so this is a great thing.
all the best.
Evita, is in the final regularly scheduled weekend!! I'm subbing out of the last night, April 19th, to play a Slam. The run has been a blast thus far. We have an extension to run through the end of May...hopefully longer. Some of the cast and band will be changing. Kevin Brown, will be leaving us due to another contract and the new drummer will be awesome. The music director, Ryan, will be subbing out of a few dates as well. I'm sticking with the run....and will be subbing out for some Slams. Not going to lie, the Slams are a blast and they pay a lot better. In a typical night playing the Slam, I make double what I do playing Evita in a given evening. Evita is a lot of fun and pays well for the weekend...just not as much on a night.
Gear Review Tascam MP BT1
So this is my first formal [if i can call it that] gear review. I bought this little machine the first week of March and I've been playing with it since.
Some background, it's an MP3 Bass Trainer. What is a trainer? It's a headphone amp + music player in one. It features effects, metronome, tuner, and some fun software. The software allows you to slow down a song without changing pitch, transpose a song without changing tempo, cut the bass track, loop sections, and a variety of similar functions.
Now that I've had it for a bit, I love this thing. The metronome & slow down functions are great. The metronome isn't as feature laden as my Korg MA30, but it's adequate. You can't put in subdivisions or anything like that, you get to pick how many beats, and tempo. I used this to learn Sir Duke by Stevie Wonder & What is Hip by Tower of Power. Two tunes that previously I considered "landmarks'...where i knew my playing was at a great point when i could play those cleanly and with power. This device was also great for learning "Higher Ground"...I was reading a transcription of it as done by the Chilli Peppers while playing along with the Stevie Wonder version. The difference is...Chili Peppers played it in E where as Stevie does it in Eb.
The only frustration I had was at first with iTunes...I didn't realize that they had a really simple tool to create MP3 versions of songs. I thought you only had the Mp4s. Yeah, once I looked under "advanced" and saw make MP3 version. I was astounded. Now, I load up tunes & play-a-longs to the bass trainer and go to Evita to get some practice in between 7:30 & 8PM [we have a 7:30 call, but without the trainer, I'm just sitting there reading or being bored].
So yeah-I give this device 4/5 stars. The only things that I am deducting the star for are: Only plays MP3s, it's pretty big-about the size of a pack of Djarum Cigarettes or a bit wider than a pack of Marlboro 100's and about as thick. The unit is by no means large, but eh-I'd like to to be closer to the size of an iPod. Yep. ..I'm sorta picky. However, I do LOVE this unit. It has helped reinvigorate my practice routine. I love being able to practice whenever I want with an amp and metronome without driving the neighbors nuts. I like playing late [after gigs], so this is a great thing.
all the best.
Sunday, March 22, 2009
Evita is off and running!
Hello,
Evita
We're 2ish? weeks into Evita. The show is locking in and is a blast. I'm subbing out of 2 more dates to play Slams. They are: March 29th and April 19th, I've lined up Chris Damman to sub in for me.
Link to a listing of Reviews
Thus far, the show has been a blast.
The bass book is the most challenging that I've played....there are parts of it that I've simplified that I'll be working on for another few weeks. I feel that simple works pretty well in this context. The book is actually a doubling book-the show is scored for a huge orchestra. There are places where the double bass and harp double each other [well-sorta], places where the double bass is with brass. So-with some editing by Ryan Brewster [music director of Evita]-we've made it work with just electric bass. A lot of the times where I'd be functioning as string section, I'm either just rolling a low note or I'm laying out. I feel like it lets the music take on a more intimate sound where it's just piano & voice, when Kevin [drummer] & I come in-the music takes on a very different texture. It has this inherent drive-i dig it.
Gear for Evita
I recently did some work on my StingRay5. Work = refinished the neck and restrung it. If you're reading this, more than likely you're either related to me or a gear junkie...or i work for you. The necks of StingRay & Sterling basses are gunstock oil and wax.
So, to refinish it, I used a scour pad [the back side of a sponge] to get some of the dirt and gunk off. I used a little bit of rubbing alcohol to get more of the gunk out. This DOES dry out the wood a lot. Once i went over the neck and fingerboard with the scour pad + alcohol, I made sure it was dry. I used Birchwood Casey Truoil for the neck finish. I did 4 coats of oil. I waited 30mins between coats #1 & #2, 15mins between #2 & #3, 15mins between #3 & #4. I waited 30mins before applying wax. This is a much shorter wait time than what the package suggests. I put it by a window wrapped in paper towel while i was waiting. I then put several coats of wax on the neck. I used brown paper bags to rub it out after I had applied it. Now? The neck feels good and is much cleaner.
String-I had been playing on the same set of PowerSlinkys for about a year. It was time for some new strings. The store didn't have Power Slinky's in 5 string, so I got Regular Slinkys 5 [45-130]. Holy hell, new strings made a huge difference in sound. I sound like the recordings again.
It's extremely gear wise for Evita. StingRay5 + SWR WorkingMan's 12. I set my EQ once and I leave it. The treble is barely boosted, mids barely boosted, bass up to about 7/8 of full. 99% of the show is just variations on finger style playing [closer to neck vs. bridge, etc]. On one song {Peron's Latest Flame}-I palm mute.
Well, i need to do some homework before Evita tonight.
all the best.
Evita
We're 2ish? weeks into Evita. The show is locking in and is a blast. I'm subbing out of 2 more dates to play Slams. They are: March 29th and April 19th, I've lined up Chris Damman to sub in for me.
Link to a listing of Reviews
Thus far, the show has been a blast.
The bass book is the most challenging that I've played....there are parts of it that I've simplified that I'll be working on for another few weeks. I feel that simple works pretty well in this context. The book is actually a doubling book-the show is scored for a huge orchestra. There are places where the double bass and harp double each other [well-sorta], places where the double bass is with brass. So-with some editing by Ryan Brewster [music director of Evita]-we've made it work with just electric bass. A lot of the times where I'd be functioning as string section, I'm either just rolling a low note or I'm laying out. I feel like it lets the music take on a more intimate sound where it's just piano & voice, when Kevin [drummer] & I come in-the music takes on a very different texture. It has this inherent drive-i dig it.
Gear for Evita
I recently did some work on my StingRay5. Work = refinished the neck and restrung it. If you're reading this, more than likely you're either related to me or a gear junkie...or i work for you. The necks of StingRay & Sterling basses are gunstock oil and wax.
So, to refinish it, I used a scour pad [the back side of a sponge] to get some of the dirt and gunk off. I used a little bit of rubbing alcohol to get more of the gunk out. This DOES dry out the wood a lot. Once i went over the neck and fingerboard with the scour pad + alcohol, I made sure it was dry. I used Birchwood Casey Truoil for the neck finish. I did 4 coats of oil. I waited 30mins between coats #1 & #2, 15mins between #2 & #3, 15mins between #3 & #4. I waited 30mins before applying wax. This is a much shorter wait time than what the package suggests. I put it by a window wrapped in paper towel while i was waiting. I then put several coats of wax on the neck. I used brown paper bags to rub it out after I had applied it. Now? The neck feels good and is much cleaner.
String-I had been playing on the same set of PowerSlinkys for about a year. It was time for some new strings. The store didn't have Power Slinky's in 5 string, so I got Regular Slinkys 5 [45-130]. Holy hell, new strings made a huge difference in sound. I sound like the recordings again.
It's extremely gear wise for Evita. StingRay5 + SWR WorkingMan's 12. I set my EQ once and I leave it. The treble is barely boosted, mids barely boosted, bass up to about 7/8 of full. 99% of the show is just variations on finger style playing [closer to neck vs. bridge, etc]. On one song {Peron's Latest Flame}-I palm mute.
Well, i need to do some homework before Evita tonight.
all the best.
Sunday, March 8, 2009
Loonnnnnnnng time no post
So, I need to get back into the posting routine.
It's been over a month. Here's what I am up to.....
Theater
I'm no longer subbing in on the Robber Bridegroom. I did a few weekends of it and then the guy i was subbing for quit his day job. No day job = he doesn't need a sub. I now have Sunday afternoons open for homework & relaxing. Oh yes.
Evita is in tech!! We open tomorrow! Tonight is the preview. This has been a true learning experience. The book has kicked my ass pretty hardcore. Like-UFC with guns level kicked my ass. It's getting better and I will be a much better musician when I have this book to the level that I want it to be.
I am playing my StingRay5 on this gig. It fits the bill. The instrumentation is piano/organ, drums, and bass. Very sparse, but we can get a nice sound going.
The Slam!
We are booked March 15th, March 29th, April 19th, and May 3rd! The March dates will feature Diana Lawrence on piano, the April date the pianist is TBD, and in May Ryan Brewster will return for a one off evening with us while Diana is on tour. The drummer on all of these dates will be the awesome Scott Hirtenstein. He is the perfect cat for this gig. I am working on new tunes to keep up the mix of standards and arrangements.
Well-I need to get going. I have to leave in about 40mins for Evita. The 10min commute is awesome.
It's been over a month. Here's what I am up to.....
Theater
I'm no longer subbing in on the Robber Bridegroom. I did a few weekends of it and then the guy i was subbing for quit his day job. No day job = he doesn't need a sub. I now have Sunday afternoons open for homework & relaxing. Oh yes.
Evita is in tech!! We open tomorrow! Tonight is the preview. This has been a true learning experience. The book has kicked my ass pretty hardcore. Like-UFC with guns level kicked my ass. It's getting better and I will be a much better musician when I have this book to the level that I want it to be.
I am playing my StingRay5 on this gig. It fits the bill. The instrumentation is piano/organ, drums, and bass. Very sparse, but we can get a nice sound going.
The Slam!
We are booked March 15th, March 29th, April 19th, and May 3rd! The March dates will feature Diana Lawrence on piano, the April date the pianist is TBD, and in May Ryan Brewster will return for a one off evening with us while Diana is on tour. The drummer on all of these dates will be the awesome Scott Hirtenstein. He is the perfect cat for this gig. I am working on new tunes to keep up the mix of standards and arrangements.
Well-I need to get going. I have to leave in about 40mins for Evita. The 10min commute is awesome.
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
It's been awhile...more gigs
So yes, it has been awhile.
Sub gig
The gig I mentioned earlier for subbing is 'The Robber Bridegroom' which will be running at the Theater Building Chicago from Feb 13th through March 29th. I will be subbing in on the Sunday matinees from Feb 22nd through the end of the run. I'm also filing in on 1-2 other nights. I will be playing my New Standard Cleveland for this show. It's blue grass...I don't know if I'm going to be amped/mic'd or not. I'm not worried. It's a pretty small space and my bass is loud. The instrumentation is 2 fiddles, banjo, guitar, and bass. No drums [sadly]...I think the sound of the band would take on a whole new dimension if that had someone playing snare w/brushes or rods. The only parts of this show that are striking me as 'odd'....the band will be costumed & on stage. I'm a sub. The guy I'm subbing for is a lanky/thin guy. I am no where near thin. Sizable beer belly is a good way to look at it. I'm hoping a plaid shirt & jeans will suffice. The stage part-isn't a big deal to me. I've played in this space before. There is no other place for the band to be, but on stage.
Zombie Prom
I was contacted by Daniel Singer to play for a Jr. High Production. Ok, get the laughs out of the way. This show is fun. The bass books has a lot of freedom and the book as is, is a blast to play. However, the freedom is great so that I can modify the parts to be more 'like me'. I'm not sure who the original player was or how much of the book was written out. There's about 3 fills that happen a ton. I like them, but eh-I've changed them a bit. The kids are great. When I was learning the book, I thought 'are middle school kids really going to pull this off?' I've gotten my answer. Yes they can...it's like the Obama slogan all over again. I live in Chicago and am in the liberalish community-that slogan comes up in a variety of capacities quite often.
The show is out in Glencoe, IL. There's a Metra station about 10mins from the theater/auditorium-so that's how I get out there. Danny brings me home when it's an evening deal and I take Metra home when it's an afternoon deal.
Gear on Zombie Prom
Yes, I am trying to keep the gear part of the blog consistent. Sometimes, I fail. As you all can tell, this concerns me oh so greatly.
When I listened to the 'Zombie Prom' album, I was happy. The bass tone is typical modern theatre bass. More than likely it was recorded on a 'jazz bass on steriods'. Sadowsky, Alleva-Copolla, Lakland w/an active pre, etc. Probably an active bass strung with round wound strings. This is a good thing for me as I have a bass that gets that sound in spades. Surprise!! Yes, I am playing my StingRay5 w/rounds on this show. I'm using the classic smiley EQ on this...on my onboard preamp I have it setup like this: treb slightly boosted, mids flat, bass slightly boosted. I am using the bridge coil w/the dummy coil. I need to have my electronics looked at as this is the only position that is humbucking for me....not good.
Amp-the tried and trusty, SWR WM12. I'm not going direct so I am able to turn it up a bit more. Great sound, reliable, and was easy to take on the train.
Gentlemen Prefer Blondes Closed!
My recap of GPB at Circle Theatre in Forest Park. It was a blast to play. The run was pretty long [November to Jan 31st]. The arrangements that Allison Kane did were beyond amazing. I did 'Diamonds are a Girls Best Friend' at a show case from a piano vocal book...the arrangement was horrible. Allison's version? Wow. I was fine with playing that 3 times a week for a few months. Heck, A lead sheet of it would have the possibility of making it into my Slam set. The other band people were great. I can see myself calling them for work. The actors were extremely nice and appreciative. The theatre staff/tech people were nice . All in a all, a fun time.
I'm Cam, this is my Tie, and we're Cam's Tie.
Yes, I'm still leading a trio backing the Uptown Poetry Slam at the Green Mill. Marc Smith (So What) likes the group. I've got Diana Lawrence on piano and Scott Hirtenstein on drums. I couldn't ask for better people to spend a few hours with. They're both amazing musicians and I am lucky that they have room in their schedule to jam with me. I've been playing 2-3 times a month since October when I subbed in with the Weird Sisters. I owe Bonnie Shadrake and the Weird Sisters& Stranger Brothers a huge thank you for landing this gig for me. Not only was it blast subbing in with you guys, I've never felt more comfortable on a stage than for the Poetry Slam.
The next dates Cam's Tie is backing the Slam at the Green Mill: Feb 15th, March 15th, March 29th. If you come to the Slam and read this, be sure to say hi. I'm the guy with the tie, big bass, and when I'm not on stage....in the back by the exit with a beer in my hand. Yeah, even though I love playing for a packed house, once I'm off the stage the crowd freaks me out a bit when it's uber packed. Hence, near the exit [where it's less crowded] and with a beer [makes the crowd seem easier to be around]. As always, there is a $6 cover and the Green Mill is 21+ only. Preshow music by Cam's Tie starts at approx 6:45PM, Open Mic at 7PM, The Featured Guests at 8PM, and the World's Least Competitive Slam at 9PM. We wrap up around 10PM.
Sorta ties into Cam's Tie...Slam Related
I was asked to back Marc Smith (so what) for a presentation on Uptown & The Slam a few weeks ago. I forget the exact date...it was a Monday afternoon the day after my trio played. That was a lot of fun. It was an information session for some teachers from Loyala Academy...I think they were all working on their Masters Degree. They seemed nice. Marc did some poetry, I backed him up, and life was good. It was a bit weird being at the Green Mill when it was light out...and I think around 1PM.
Next post will include 'Evita' with Theo Ubique, 'Zombie Prom' wrap up, a potential new music toy.
Sub gig
The gig I mentioned earlier for subbing is 'The Robber Bridegroom' which will be running at the Theater Building Chicago from Feb 13th through March 29th. I will be subbing in on the Sunday matinees from Feb 22nd through the end of the run. I'm also filing in on 1-2 other nights. I will be playing my New Standard Cleveland for this show. It's blue grass...I don't know if I'm going to be amped/mic'd or not. I'm not worried. It's a pretty small space and my bass is loud. The instrumentation is 2 fiddles, banjo, guitar, and bass. No drums [sadly]...I think the sound of the band would take on a whole new dimension if that had someone playing snare w/brushes or rods. The only parts of this show that are striking me as 'odd'....the band will be costumed & on stage. I'm a sub. The guy I'm subbing for is a lanky/thin guy. I am no where near thin. Sizable beer belly is a good way to look at it. I'm hoping a plaid shirt & jeans will suffice. The stage part-isn't a big deal to me. I've played in this space before. There is no other place for the band to be, but on stage.
Zombie Prom
I was contacted by Daniel Singer to play for a Jr. High Production. Ok, get the laughs out of the way. This show is fun. The bass books has a lot of freedom and the book as is, is a blast to play. However, the freedom is great so that I can modify the parts to be more 'like me'. I'm not sure who the original player was or how much of the book was written out. There's about 3 fills that happen a ton. I like them, but eh-I've changed them a bit. The kids are great. When I was learning the book, I thought 'are middle school kids really going to pull this off?' I've gotten my answer. Yes they can...it's like the Obama slogan all over again. I live in Chicago and am in the liberalish community-that slogan comes up in a variety of capacities quite often.
The show is out in Glencoe, IL. There's a Metra station about 10mins from the theater/auditorium-so that's how I get out there. Danny brings me home when it's an evening deal and I take Metra home when it's an afternoon deal.
Gear on Zombie Prom
Yes, I am trying to keep the gear part of the blog consistent. Sometimes, I fail. As you all can tell, this concerns me oh so greatly.
When I listened to the 'Zombie Prom' album, I was happy. The bass tone is typical modern theatre bass. More than likely it was recorded on a 'jazz bass on steriods'. Sadowsky, Alleva-Copolla, Lakland w/an active pre, etc. Probably an active bass strung with round wound strings. This is a good thing for me as I have a bass that gets that sound in spades. Surprise!! Yes, I am playing my StingRay5 w/rounds on this show. I'm using the classic smiley EQ on this...on my onboard preamp I have it setup like this: treb slightly boosted, mids flat, bass slightly boosted. I am using the bridge coil w/the dummy coil. I need to have my electronics looked at as this is the only position that is humbucking for me....not good.
Amp-the tried and trusty, SWR WM12. I'm not going direct so I am able to turn it up a bit more. Great sound, reliable, and was easy to take on the train.
Gentlemen Prefer Blondes Closed!
My recap of GPB at Circle Theatre in Forest Park. It was a blast to play. The run was pretty long [November to Jan 31st]. The arrangements that Allison Kane did were beyond amazing. I did 'Diamonds are a Girls Best Friend' at a show case from a piano vocal book...the arrangement was horrible. Allison's version? Wow. I was fine with playing that 3 times a week for a few months. Heck, A lead sheet of it would have the possibility of making it into my Slam set. The other band people were great. I can see myself calling them for work. The actors were extremely nice and appreciative. The theatre staff/tech people were nice . All in a all, a fun time.
I'm Cam, this is my Tie, and we're Cam's Tie.
Yes, I'm still leading a trio backing the Uptown Poetry Slam at the Green Mill. Marc Smith (So What) likes the group. I've got Diana Lawrence on piano and Scott Hirtenstein on drums. I couldn't ask for better people to spend a few hours with. They're both amazing musicians and I am lucky that they have room in their schedule to jam with me. I've been playing 2-3 times a month since October when I subbed in with the Weird Sisters. I owe Bonnie Shadrake and the Weird Sisters& Stranger Brothers a huge thank you for landing this gig for me. Not only was it blast subbing in with you guys, I've never felt more comfortable on a stage than for the Poetry Slam.
The next dates Cam's Tie is backing the Slam at the Green Mill: Feb 15th, March 15th, March 29th. If you come to the Slam and read this, be sure to say hi. I'm the guy with the tie, big bass, and when I'm not on stage....in the back by the exit with a beer in my hand. Yeah, even though I love playing for a packed house, once I'm off the stage the crowd freaks me out a bit when it's uber packed. Hence, near the exit [where it's less crowded] and with a beer [makes the crowd seem easier to be around]. As always, there is a $6 cover and the Green Mill is 21+ only. Preshow music by Cam's Tie starts at approx 6:45PM, Open Mic at 7PM, The Featured Guests at 8PM, and the World's Least Competitive Slam at 9PM. We wrap up around 10PM.
Sorta ties into Cam's Tie...Slam Related
I was asked to back Marc Smith (so what) for a presentation on Uptown & The Slam a few weeks ago. I forget the exact date...it was a Monday afternoon the day after my trio played. That was a lot of fun. It was an information session for some teachers from Loyala Academy...I think they were all working on their Masters Degree. They seemed nice. Marc did some poetry, I backed him up, and life was good. It was a bit weird being at the Green Mill when it was light out...and I think around 1PM.
Next post will include 'Evita' with Theo Ubique, 'Zombie Prom' wrap up, a potential new music toy.
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
Long time no post
Hello,
I've got 3mins to type this before I need to leave for work.
I've lined up more gigs!
Pending an unforeseen surprise, I'll be playing "Zombie Prom" at Glencoe Jr High School w/Danny Singer [music director for Damn Yankees]. This is in addition to the other gigs.
I've also agreed to sub every Sunday from Feb 15th through March 29th for a buddy of mine in a blue grass theater show. Should be fun. He said I can use his bass, so unless if I absolutely hate how it feels-I won't even need to bring my own.
The Slams are going well. I'm looking to get a live recording done during one of our February dates.
Well-I must depart for work. I'll post more information later this week.
I've got 3mins to type this before I need to leave for work.
I've lined up more gigs!
Pending an unforeseen surprise, I'll be playing "Zombie Prom" at Glencoe Jr High School w/Danny Singer [music director for Damn Yankees]. This is in addition to the other gigs.
I've also agreed to sub every Sunday from Feb 15th through March 29th for a buddy of mine in a blue grass theater show. Should be fun. He said I can use his bass, so unless if I absolutely hate how it feels-I won't even need to bring my own.
The Slams are going well. I'm looking to get a live recording done during one of our February dates.
Well-I must depart for work. I'll post more information later this week.
Monday, December 8, 2008
Debuted an original tune at the Slam
So, tonight was an extra special night for me. One of the things I like about leading a group is that I decide on the tunes. Tonight, was a debut of an original tune of mine. The working title is 'Choking Hazard'. The chord progression is extremely simple, but the tune itself I've been messing with for a few years. About a month ago, I had this itch to write it out. I'm glad that I did.
Tonight, we debuted it. The response was great. The tune isn't a typical Green Mill song-instead of being Bop or Free Jazz orientated, it borrows elements from Minimalist music & musical theater. The reaction from Marc Smith [Slam Founder/host] was strong enough that he came up on stage and looked at the lead sheet we were playing. Pretty hip? Sooooo-I'm going to record this and see if I can get a copy of the recording of tonight's Slam.
The song is based around a pedal point in the piano right hand of F C. This stays static until I switch it to E C. The most 'dense' it gets is adding a D to those chords. The bass tones are: D C Bb and F. I'm thinking of the chords as Dmin7, Csus4, Bb9 [no7], F [triad], Bb9#11, C9 [no 5th]. There's probably a more accurate harmonic actualization/spelling, but eh. That's even a bit complicated to what I think.
The reaction was great. I gave Marc my copy of the lead sheet. It was a ceremonial jesture more than anything-I'm going to print another one off for me.
all the best.
Tonight, we debuted it. The response was great. The tune isn't a typical Green Mill song-instead of being Bop or Free Jazz orientated, it borrows elements from Minimalist music & musical theater. The reaction from Marc Smith [Slam Founder/host] was strong enough that he came up on stage and looked at the lead sheet we were playing. Pretty hip? Sooooo-I'm going to record this and see if I can get a copy of the recording of tonight's Slam.
The song is based around a pedal point in the piano right hand of F C. This stays static until I switch it to E C. The most 'dense' it gets is adding a D to those chords. The bass tones are: D C Bb and F. I'm thinking of the chords as Dmin7, Csus4, Bb9 [no7], F [triad], Bb9#11, C9 [no 5th]. There's probably a more accurate harmonic actualization/spelling, but eh. That's even a bit complicated to what I think.
The reaction was great. I gave Marc my copy of the lead sheet. It was a ceremonial jesture more than anything-I'm going to print another one off for me.
all the best.
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