StickNews Digest Issue #275 - 06/17/05

An online digest about The Chapman Stick® published by Jim Reilly.

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CONTENTS:
WELCOME
  • The biggest yet.
ALL THE LATEST
  • Live Stick.
  • New CD from Don now available.
  • Seminars just past and still to come.
  • New CD and Website from Irene Orleansky.
  • Reversing the SB8
LEARN BABY LEARN
  • Steve Adelson'S back gets more and more limber.
  • Chris Crain rounds out the quartet.
  • Ron Baggerman has the blues, minor blues that is.
THE INSIDE SCOOP
  • CSI (cool Stick investigations) Las Vegas.
  • Get together in Oregon and Michigan.
  • Three reviews.
HELLO, HELLO

Hello All,

Hope all are well. Welcome to the biggest Sticknews yet. Maybe it's because there is so much going on, with seminars on the West Coast, East Coast and points in-between. Maybe it's because summer is officially days away and the gigs are coming in fast and furious. Maybe it's because there are new CD's from newcomers and familiar faces alike. Who knows - who cares? I'm just enjoying the lessons, stories and updates below.

There's lots of new stuff over at stick.com too. If you haven't seen Dan Chapman's video for Emmett's version of John McLaughlin's Lotus on Irish Streams yet, check it out here: www.stick.com/news/lotus.html. The tune feature's Emmett on the new Alto Stick re-interpreting the tune that first appeared on his Parallel Galaxy disc.

Once again I'm amazed and excited with all the events going on this summer. From gigs at the Montreal Jazz Festival to seminars both large and small. On that note, you don't need a big name player/teacher as an excuse to organize a Stick event (although there's nothing wrong with that). A small group of players in Oregon got together for a day of music, you can read all about it below. They shared ideas, exchanged tips and wrote and recorded a tune. I sure hope that encourages other's to do the same. Hey, maybe the songs that get recorded could be sent here and shared with everyone... (Was that hint subtle enough?)

That's enough from me. I don't want to keep you from diving into the good stuff below any longer. Safe travels as you're all making your way from Stick event to Stick event this summer, looking forward to seeing you there.

Take care,
Jim
JUST WHAT IS GOING ON?

From: SteveAFran@aol.com
Subject: gig
Date: 26/05/200

IMAC Theater and The Huntington Arts Council presents:

LONG ISLAND'S OWN
A Double Header of Cool Jazz and Hot World Music featuring The Steve Adelson Band & THE BAKITHI KUMALO BAND. Hosted by: WFUV's John Platt Thursday August 4th, 2005 @ 8:30pm

The CHAPIN RAINBOW STAGE,
HECKSHER PARK, HUNTINGTON, NY
Cost: FREE


From: Don Schiff [donschiff@sbcglobal.net]
Subject: I smell donuts!
Date: Sat 28/05/2005

Hi All,

Yes, that fine aroma hits the air however this time it's a little different.

So, I'm over at SE delivering a shipment of my 'new' CD entitled "Peering Over Clouds" featuring instrumental solo NS/Stick with drums/percussion by non other than Greg Ellis.

It's a wonderful looking CD if I say so myself (no not a picture of me on the cover) but artwork by Jacek Yerka. "Ohhhh heeee's gooood!"

Think Tank Media (your friendly Indy label that put this fine product out)www.thetank.com says this.... about that....

"(May 27, 2005) We are proud to announce the new prog rock solo CD from Don Schiff produced by Erik Norlander especially for Think Tank Media. Peering Over Clouds is the latest effort from the Stick virtuoso who is known for his work with Lana Lane, Erik Norlander and Rocket Scientists. And he even played with Elvis, too. Yes, really! Peering Over Clouds is a progressive rock instrumental CD featuring Don on the NS/Stick and Greg Ellis on percussion. Included songs are a new version of Don's "Under the Olive Tree" (first heard on Lana's Garden of the Moon album) and Don's new cover of "A Whiter Shade of Pale". Over 70 minutes of music. Peering Over Clouds features cover art from Jacek Yerka and the usual high audio quality you expect from a Think Tank Media release. Available here at the tank on Tuesday, June 1, 2005."

However because two of the artists on that label are currently touring Japan and Europe there aren't many people in their office sooooo while the goin's good I got a few of my CD's over to SE where (Yes, this is where you come in!) You could get your own copy there!!! Ohhhh it's a fine lookin' one too! (Did I mention that already?) and sounds nice too.

I hear that there are some nice things said about me on the inside jacket and I also recall perhaps telling a story or two AND could of even said something funny HOWEVER maybe when I was five years old my eye sight was good enough to read the CD inner sleeves... So FYI which now means "For Young Eyes Only" get a young kid to read it to ya whilst ya listen.

Ohhhh yes, the donut tie in... WELL... while I was visiting Emmett and Yuta we opened one of the CD's and I'll be darned if upon breaking the cellophane wrapper I thought I could smell donuts!!! True, previous to that we ate half a dozen but ya never know. Some people put bonus tracks on CD's I guess it's only natural mine would have donut smell as a bonus. Let me know what happens when you open yours.

Take care, enjoy... Thank you Emmett and Yuta for the nice visit and "Buckley" their wonder dog whose eyes where young enough to read the inside cover but we couldn't understand what he was saying. So close, yet so far. Anyway let me know what they said about me too.

Take care,
Don
www.donschiff.com


From: SteveAFran@aol.com Subject: Summer NAMM in Indy Date: Wed 01/06/2005

Anyone in the neighborhood, I will be available for some quick lessons in the Indy area, July 21-24.

I will be at NAMM in Indy for 3 of those days. I'll be doing demos at the Koch and GK amp booths. I will also be performing at Muriel Anderson's All-Star Guitar Night, which is usually the hottest inside ticket show. Email me directly if interested,

Steve Adelson


From: Irene Orleansky [irene@musicbrothersrecords.com]
Subject: Debut CD and Website
Date: Sun 05/06/2005

Dear Stickistas and Stick lovers!

My album 'Live The Music’ has been recently released on Music Brothers Records. Almost all the music of the CD with the exception of vocals and drum loops is played on The Chapman Stick. Besides my own singing and playing, you will hear on the CD my friends who participated in the recording as guest artists: the great Russian singer Kirill Malahov, the Argentine Stick maestro Guillermo Cides and the Israeli dj Asi Kojak. You can listen to audio samples and order the CD on my website.

And now a few words about my website. My website contains pages dedicated to The Chapman Stick. Among the special features there are: -the page "How To Learn" dedicated to the possibilities of learning The Stick with numerous links -the page "Showcase" on which I will present every month a different Stick player. This month I am welcoming Glenn Poorman. -the page "Articles" on which this month I am presenting a chapter from the book by Guillermo Cides in which he shares his experience about encountering, learning and teaching The Stick. Your comments and thoughts on the article will be added to my website.

Here is the link: www.musicbrothersrecords.com/irene

I hope you will enjoy my music and my website!

Thank you for your support,
Irene Orleansky


From: Ken Slauf [ken@ksa-inc.com]
Subject: Midwest conference
Date: Tue 07/06/2005

Hi All:

I just wanted to say what a great event the conference was last week. I had just received my Stick a week earlier and went in completely clueless. I found both Greg & Bob's instruction to be incredibly helpful and motivational.

But best of all were meeting the other players. There is a great sense of community here that one does not often find. Everyone was ready to share knowledge and experiences... very refreshing. Special kudos to Glenn & Steve Oz for putting the whole thing together... takes a lot of time.

Thanks again, all. Looking forward to seeing you all again in the future.

Ken

Ken Slauf
Principle
KSA, Inc.
1 North Main St.
Lombard, IL 60148
630.629.7531 x223
ken@ksa-inc.com


From: Stickist@aol.com
Subject: After the Midwest Stick seminar
Date: Wed 08/06/2005

Hi all,

This was a great seminar. It seems they get better all the time. If you're into the whole "energy vortex" thing, Ann Arbor is truly one for Stick.

Thanks in large part to Oz's music, a center of Stick propogation for many years now, and our own Glenn Poorman, who selfelssly digs into organizing and promoting these events (almost) yearly. As each new group of players brings their ideas and abilities to the instrument, our vocabulary grows, our standard repertoire increases, our cultural reference points multiply.

I particularly enjoyed getting to hear some players I've been hearing about for years, like Darrell Havard, who has mastered a very fluid bass/chord technique in the left hand, and also some new surprises like Japhlet Attias, who showed what only ten months of truly dedicated practice can yield. Look for great stuff from him in the not-too-distant future.

Aaron Wolf's new group, Darktown Saints, are a tight and very entertaining pop band. He uses The Stick in a way that serves the music without being boring, and they have enough surprises up their sleeve to keep things interesting even for folks not specifically interested in pop music. Check them out on tour if they come near you, and they have a well-produced CD that shows that The Stick is not just a great avenue of individual expression, but an instrument that fits easily into this milieu.

Gary Garner brought the whole family band, though Mom (usually the French horn player) sat out the set with a video camera. He and his daughter Jocelyn on Stick, and her sister on drums played some original jazz tunes. It's great to see a dad introduce his kid to The Stick while she's still in high school. It looks like we'll get a chance to see what an early starter can come up with in the long run.

As always, it was great to hear Bob play, and to have a chance to check out some of his teaching, too. Many thanks to Glenn and Oz for their hard work, kind hospitality and great playing as well.

Keep your eyes open for a seminar near you....

Happy Tapping,
Greg
www.greghoward.com
NEW CD "Ether Ore" now available


From: SteveAFran@aol.com
Subject: New Jersey seminar
Date: Tue 07/06/2005

Last call. We're keeping this mini-seminar small. A few of you expressed interest but never followed up. I have room for only two more.

Date: Sunday, July 31
Asbury Park, NJ
Three hour class, mid afternoon.
Free music all day at the Guitarbeque
My Stick-Tet (quartet) performs before the class.

Email me directly if interested

Steve Adelson


From: Stickist@aol.com
Subject: Greg returns to the Montreal Jazz Festival July 8th
Date: Fri 10/06/2005

Hi folks,

I'm really happy to announce that I'll be returning to one of my favorite cities in North America to play at the 2005 International Jazz Festival in Montréal. This year I'll be playing in duo with Matt Wyatt on drums on July 8th. 6:30 pm on the outdoor GM Stage.

This is one of 350 free concerts throughout the festival. If you've never been, it's a great event.

You can find out more on the festival site at:

www.montrealjazzfest.com

"search for" free concerts.

I hope to see some of you there.

More details on this and other concerts at: http://www.greghoward.com/events

Happy tapping,
Greg
www.greghoward.com


From: Tom Griesgraber [tom@thossounds.com]
Subject: Announcing S CA Stick Seminar - preliminary information
Date: Tue 14/06/2005

Hi all,

I'm happy to announce that plans have been laid for another S CA Stick seminar! While some details are still in the works, here's what we have so far:

S CA Stick Seminar and concert - Aug 27 and 28 MiraCosta College in Oceanside, CA with an additional special "open mic" format performance opportunity for seminar participants Fri Aug 26 (location and time to be confirmed)

Instructors: Greg Howard, Tom Griesgraber and Don Schiff

Stick Night concert featuring Emmett Chapman, Greg Howard, Don Schiff and Tom Griesgraber Sat Aug 27, 7:30pm - MiraCosta College Theatre

This seminar will be open to ALL experience levels, and ALL Stick instruments and tunings; Stick, Grand Stick, NS/Stick, Stick Bass, Alto Stick, and anything else Emmett creates in the meantime.

One of our main priorities for instruction will be to insure that every participant gets a private lesson as part of the seminar. We should have three separate rooms to work with which will allow us to split the full group into two smaller groups and use the 3rd room for the private lessons. Schedule allowing, we will also try to honor everyone's first choice of private instructor.

ALL experience levels means just that. With three instructors, we should be able to meet everyone's needs. Additional instructors may also be brought in if the number of participants requires it. A limited number of Stick instruments will also be available to rent for in class use for those considering the purchase of a Stick, or who may already be waiting for their instrument to be completed.

Cost for the seminar is $165 if registered by Aug 1, $185 afterwards. Registration fee includes private lesson and admission for two to the Stick Night concert Sat night. Lodging and meal expenses are the responsibility of the participants.

Registration may be made by mail (preferred) or e-mail to:
mail:
Tom Griesgraber
PO Box 230862
Encinitas, CA 92023

e-mail:
send payment via paypal.com to: tom@thossounds.com


Please include the following information with your registration payment:
What instrument and tuning are you using?
How long have you been playing?
What do you hope to see covered at the seminar, and what are your personal goals?
Who is your first choice of private instructor?

The S CA events have always been fantastic. I'm quite excited to have Don, Greg and Emmett all involved. Hope you can join us, and feel free to e-mail me with any questions.

Thanks!
Tom Griesgraber
www.thossounds.com
760-942-1031


From: Guenther Andreas Leyen [guentche@yahoo.com.br]
Subject: tuning commentary
Date: Fri 10/06/2005

Hi!

I am writing to speak about an experience I did with my SB8. I love Bach but every time I tried to play his pieces I had problems with hands crossing, and I realized the problem was the strings position. My left hand had to cross all the neck to play the lower strings, the same occurring with the right hand and the higher strings, so each hand could use only the part of the scale that was not occupied with the other. I thought it would be probably easier, actually more logical, if the strings were inverted, with the lower strings placed near my left hand and the higher near the right hand. Well, finally after a long time of hesitation I changed the strings placement and the result is really amazing! In the beginning it was a little bit strange. I had to reeducate the fingers (and the brain) to go in the opposite direction they were trained to, but after a very short time I felt comfortable with the changes. I have no more problems with hands crossing because each hand is now totally free to use all the extension of the scale independent of the other hand’s position. It opened an entire new world of possibilities to play. Besides, I feel the hands, mostly the left wrist, more relaxed in this new position. So this is the tuning, a 'Reversed Bass 4ths':

1. B
2. E (+4th)
3. A (+4th)
4. D (+4th)
5. G (+4th)
6. C (+4th)
7. F (+4th)
8. Bb(+4th)

I have also a little curiosity to show. I am actually a percussionist and as the most drum players I know, I always carry with me a practicing pad. As I was missing something like this to practice fingering in places were it was impossible to have The Stick, I decided to make one. I am sending you a photo of this “Stick pad”. It helps me a lot. Well, that’s it. I am very happy to be the owner of a SB8; your instrument is really great! Thanks! Guenther

Check out the Stick pad here


From: SteveAFran@aol.com
Subject: Evidence cables
Date: Tue 14/06/2005

There is a difference in cables. Check www.evidenceaudio.com. They actually have a Chapman Stick under endorsements.

SA


From: Kevin Beale [kevinb5108@hotmail.com]
Subject: Roland MIDI pick-up for sale
Date: Thu 02/06/2005

Hello. I am selling my Roland GK-2A MIDI pick-up. This pick-up was custom-fit for the Stick and installed by the folks at Stick Enterprises. It's about four years old and in great condition. I am selling the pick-up only. I paid $350 and will sell this one for $200 (packing and shipping included). If interested, please email for pics. Thanks.

Kevin Beale

TAP YOUR WAY INTO SUMMER

From: SteveAFran@aol.com
Subject: Spinal Column
Date: Sun 12/06/2005

PYALA MODE

Throughout my many years as a guitar/Stick teacher one of the hardest subjects for students to understand seems to be the concepts behind the mysterious "modes." With names like Lydian and Aeolian it's no wonder that these intimidating sounding phrases confuse and bewilder the inquiring player. It ain't that difficult.

First, let me define what a mode actually is. The standard modes are basically regular Major scales with a displaced root. If we play all natural notes from C to the next C, that's called a C Major scale: C D E F G A B C If we play the same exact notes from D to D that's called a D Dorian mode.

The tones don't change but the root or resolution tone is now D instead of C: D E F G A B C D What you have is a different flavor because of the note relationship to the new root. Each tone of the Major scale can be considered the root and thus create its own mode. I will list them in order and give the harmonic explanation using the C Major scale as our template. Just be aware that this applies to any key.

Here's the rest...


From: Chris Crain [stickmusic@earthlink.net]
Subject: Mission Complete
Date: Mon 13/06/2005

If you've been following this series of articles, then you have learned "Chopsticks", "Mission Impossible", and "Malaguena". You may have also realized that I chose and/or arranged each song to focus on an aspect of hand coordination. In the last issue, I showed you "Malaguena", which aimed primarily on alternating lines with each hand.

In this last of the four part series, I show you Beethoven's "Ode To Joy" and you will work both hands at the same time. Download the sheet music and audio and we'll get started.

Download it here...


From: Ron Baggerman [rbaggerman@galaxygypsy.nl]
Subject: Carot and Stick
Date: Mon 09/05/2005

This month Ron’s giving us a nice minor blues vamp to work on. The left hand groove is a straightforward root-fifth-octave pattern with the colour coming from double stops in the right hand. The trick is to pull the funky, bluesy rock feel out of the interplay between the two hands. As for the double stops (two notes played at the same time) I like to alternate between playing both notes with one finger and using individual fingers for each note. I also like looking for notes either one or two frets above or below the written notes that sound good. Almost always there is something that sounds nice really close by. When I play double stops with one finger, my other fingers act like drumsticks, tapping out rhythms. When playing them with individual fingers, I invariably ending up playing more melodically but still try to lay back and keep the funky feel.

Go to the MP3 and PDF...

THE REST OF THE STORY

From: Don Schiff [donschiff@sbcglobal.net]
Subject: NS/Las Vegas-Showroom scene investigations
Date: Sat 11/06/2005

Hi All,

I'm here in Las Vegas playin' at the "Orleans Hotel/Casino"... Lovely showroom however I did have trouble with the monitor mix sound. That's something I don't have control over and had to shrug it off and get through that show the best I could. That's when knowing your instrument comes into play.

The sound was loud enough but mushy. It lacked punch and presence. It's tough to drive a band with that sound pumping through their monitor mix. If I were playing my electric bass I would compensate by playing harder on the string (pounding them actually very hard)and plucking farther back to the bridge.

The NS however reacts differently and you have a few more options... however pounding isn't one of them. That will actually give you a thinner sound and some 'clack' to boot. The good options are these:

Pluck back by the bridge - turn the volume up and pluck the string with a bit of force to get the mid frequencies working for you. Note: That by changing my amp eq, that will effect the sound for me but do nothing for the mixes as both the house and monitors signal is taken direct (bypassing the amp). So you must effect your instrument to get every system 'in line' with your sound. So, it's fingers and volume which (in my opinion) is where the quality of sound is initiated).

Also with the NS you have the "outside" option of which set of strings to play that bass note on. You can play low on the neck and use the thinner gauge higher strings or player higher on the neck using the thicker gauge lower strings. The difference - More punch to the tone if you use the thinner string - and using the lower gives me more mass volume and natural darkness to the tone. Not muddy bass but a darker rich tone.

(How did Don get out of this one? Were any donuts eaten in the process? Find out here...


From: Qua Veda [exalted@easystreet.com]
Subject: Oregon Stick Session
Date: Sun 12/06/2005

Oregon Stick Session -2005

On June 11, Tim Barrow, Scott Schurr, and Qua Veda met at Barry Silverman’s house for the Oregon Stick Session. The concept of the Session was to gather area Stick players, build relationships, share and learn from each other, and by the end of the day, develop a musical idea and make a recording.

Fortunately for all of us, Barry recently completed a great home studio in an outbuilding next to his house. It was just right for our Session. After setting up, each of us had time to talk about areas where we’d like some help. We shared our knowledge and tips on topics such as theory, technique, song ideas and gear.

We all wanted to learn more about modes and modal playing. Wide ranging topics included elaboration of song ideas, cable management, looping and recording. Barry, an NS/Stick player and accomplished musician, was able to help us on just about every topic. But everyone made contributions to the success of the Session.

Check out how everything came together ... WITH PICTURES


From: Glenn Poorman [glenn.poorman@autodesk.com]
Subject: 2005 Midwest Stick Seminar Post Mortem
Date: Wed 15/06/2005

Hey everybody,

I promised a "windbag" writeup from our recent event here in Michigan and, by golly, here it is.

www.detroitstick.com/writings/events/seminar2005

Thanks again to everyone who attended and to Greg and Bob for sharing their dimentia with us. It was a real shot in the arm.

Glenn


From: Jim Reilly [sticknews@stick.com]
Subject: CD Review: Here Comes Spring
Date: 14/06/05

The last time a CD from Michael Kollwitz crossed my desk the snow was beginning fall, the days were short and Christmas was in the air. With that disc, appropriately titled 'Frosty The Stickman', Michael kicked off winter very impressively, especially for a guy from Sacramento, California where snowball fights are a rarity.

His latest offering, 'Here Comes Spring' arrived the other day to find flowers in bloom, the sun shining and just a few days left before the summer solstice. And I can’t think of a nicer thing to do then to put on this disc, sit back and relax on the longest day of the year.

Read on...


From: John Edmonds [je@johnedmonds.net]
Subject: Two CD reviews
Date: Sat 11/06/2005

Greg Howard's "Ether Ore"

It's been seven years since Greg Howard took us on a flying tap to the moon with his first solo Stick release of live improv. "Water on the Moon" planted a flag for exploratory Stickists in a spot where few others have quite yet landed. Howard has blasted off again, this time for somewhere beyond the known stars.

"Ether Ore" is a minimalist gem, an example of maximum restraint within sonic spaces as wide and tempting as faraway galaxies. These live performances do have their moments of contained outburst and percussive inventionsistic counterpoint. But they are foremost a striking lesson in how to create so much and so little at the same time, using so little of what much could have been used.

How does this work? Imagine that you have a large toolbox filled with dozens of tools. With them you could build anything, from a crate to a cabinet to an elaborate villa. Now imagine that out of all those tools you choose only three, maybe four. With them you build something more beautiful than all the tools combined could have created.

This is "Ether Ore's" large step for high-tech Stickist-kind. With a rack of digital processing and a floor strewn with a cockpit's worth of ground controls, a boundlessly capable player like Howard might have rendered chaos like a supernova. Instead he slips a hammer and pliers -- i.e., a few nice effects presets -- into his strapped-on rocket pack and comes back to Earth with eerie morsels not quite known to man. Howard notes that there are no static looping devices (only long-lingering delay regenerations), something at times hard to fathom given the richness in texture and the endlessness of impression that fill the ears and brain. This minimalist approach, in hardware and in thought, gives these tracks a coherence and focus often missing from gadget-laden seat-of-the-pants performance.

Read more...

The Darktown Saints' "This"

Guys, maybe you've been here before. You spot a gal from across a crowded room. You find her intriguing though maybe not quite your type. You almost pass her by. Then you steal another look, one that is returned boldly in the style of "You. Come. Talk to me. I have things to tell you." So you walk over. You sit. She speaks. You listen.

Thus began my unexpected relationship with a young new band with serious expressions on their faces, stern gazes in their eyes, and some cool songs in their hearts.

The band is the Darktown Saints, out of Michigan, perhaps from some town as shadowy and tempting as their collective aura. This energy is polished on their sepia-toned album cover to a smooth, silky finish, an enigmatic sheen that bleeds smoothly into their not quite classifiable pop-rock genre. The album is "This." The tapping tie here is Aaron Wolf, who with three colleagues has produced a refreshing album that's a Stick album without really being a Stick album.

Stickist, by now ensconced in instrumental obscurity, are known to ponder the elusive assimilation of the Stick into mainstream settings: When will the Stick be as recognizable as the guitar? When will people stop asking, "What is that thing?" If ever that day comes in our lifetime, the Darktown Saints have brought it one record closer. This is not an album about the Stick. It's an album of songs and vision, and the Stick plays a perfectly assimilated role.

Read on...


Please send your posts and responses to: sticknews@stick.com.

Copyright 2007 by Jim Reilly, all rights reserved, except where noted. The opinions expressed by subscribers and contributors to this digest are not necessarily those of the publisher. Any business transactions arranged by readers of StickNews are solely their responsibility, and not those of Jim Reilly.

Stick and Chapman Stick are registered trademarks of Stick Enterprises, Inc., and are used in the title of this digest with permission.

Archives of previous Sticknews Digests can be found at sticknews/archives.

End of StickNews #275.