StickNews Digest Issue #278 - 09/25/05
An online digest about The Chapman StickŪ published by Jim Reilly.Please send your posts and responses here: sticknews@stick.com
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Archives of previous Sticknews Digests can be found at sticknews/archives.
CONTENTS:
WELCOME
- Best Wishes to All.
- Colorado Stick Seminar and Concert.
- Stick-Tech.
- Mike K.'s New Website.
- STICK FOR SALE!!!!!!!!!!!
- Live Stick Near You.
- Steve is Slashing Chords.
- Ron's themes and variations.
- Chris expands the sonic palate.
- Sacked in Old Sac.
- John Edmonds introduces a player.
STAY SAFE
Hello All,
I usually start these StickNews intros with some sort of all encompassing 'hope all are well.' With the recent natural disasters along the southern US coast and other events going on in the world these days, this months standard introductory well wishes have been upgraded to 'sincerely hoping that you and your loved ones are out of harm's way, safe and sound wherever you may be.' It only takes a second or two of watching CNN for me to look around where I'm living and see that I have a good roof over my head, that I can walk down the street at night and that my fridge has enough food to make a nice dinner and to be truly thankful.
And now onto the StickNews and the joy, release, frustration and exhilaration that music through The Stick has brought into my life:
Summer is turning into fall, quickly! Frost covered my car windows yesterday morning. One would think that the Stick world would slow down after the high summer season of seminars and festivals. Not the case. Steve Hahn and Greg Howard are both hosting events in October. The first Dutch Monthly Stick Meeting/Workshop takes place October 30 with Ron Baggerman at the helm. Tom Griesgraber is about to embark on another remarkable tour with Jerry Marotta. Other players are gigging in just about every corner of the world and much more. Check out http:www.stick.com for more.
Don't forget to check out this month's lessons. And please note that Chris Crain is asking for some feedback. Tell him what you want to see in his upcoming columns. Go ahead, don't be shy, take your best shot, I'm sure he's up for a challenge.
That's it from me for now, once again stay safe, help out when you can, take comfort in what you have and go play your Stick. After a couple of months away from regular Stick play, I'm happily following my own advice and doing all of the above.
Take care,
Jim
WHAT'S GOING ON?
From: Ron Baggerman [rbaggerman@galaxygypsy.nl]
Subject: Gig on 1 October Worms/Germany: Ron+ Michael Koch
Date: Sat 13/08/2005
Concert of Ron Baggerman on the 1st of October in Worms/Germany together with the band of Stickist Michael Koch.
Details: www.galaxygypsy.nl/page.php?pid=en_714
Style of music will be mainly progressive Rock.
Thanks Michael for setting up this event,
Ron
www.galaxygypsy.nl
From: Pablo Gigliotti [gipstick@hotmail.com]
Subject: Hola!
Date: Fri 26/08/2005
Hola a todos, che!!!
From Buenos Aires, Argentina!! I invite all to enjoy some sound entities from my "petit site": www.acidplanet.com/artist.asp?AID=371856. Your comments will be welcome!
Today my proposal is simple, to be able not to be instrument of the Stick, but adding me to the most immediate and spontaneous requirement that seems to arise between two of the game and the coalition instruments, man and Stick.searching a balance among what I know that it is and that that not, among the silences where the sounds are, between the inspiration and expiration of breathing.
Thanks!!!
From: Michael Kollwitz [michael@michaelkollwitz.com]
Subject:New Website
Date: Thu 01/09/2005
I'm happy to announce that my website has been completely updated and re-designed thanks to my son, Cameron (webmaster extraordinaire!). I hope you'll have the time to click the link below and take a look at the new site. I'm especially fond of the all-new "Quotes" section. It's simply chock-full of great quotes and positive feedback that I've received from many of you over the years. As always- MANY THANKS for your support and encouragement! I'm so pleased you enjoy my music.
Speaking of quotes: I sure could use some good, solid CD reviews added to the sites of my current online distributors (www.CDBaby.com, www.Bathtubmusic.com and www.Amazon.com). If you own any one of my six CDs that you feel deserve special mention- please log onto any of those sites and add your comments or reviews. In appreciation for the top five (5) BEST reviews, I'll send the lucky winners (your choice!) each one copy of ANY of my CDs (except "Carnival"- I'm all out!) I'll choose the best five reviews before the end of September and I'll notify you via email if you win. Be creative, have fun and - good luck!
All the best,
~Michael Kollwitz
friendly neighborhood Chapman Stick soloist
www.MichaelKollwitz.com
From: gcent@wt.net
Subject: Giancarlo's upcoming Houston shows
Date: Fri 09/09/2005
Howdy y'all!
Here are some upcoming Houston Stick/Drums duo shows.
Sept.30 Fri. The Stag's Head Pub 10pm-1:45am FREE
Shepherd Plaza @ Shepherd & Richmond
Oct. 1 Sat. Frank'n'Stein's (same as 9/15)
Oct. 15 Sat. The Blue Lagoon 9pm-1am FREE
Witte @ Westview, north of I-10 @ hwy.8
From: steve hahn [steve@deepchocolate.com]
Subject: The Colorado Stick Seminar and Concert 2005
Date: Sat 10/09/2005
Hello everybody,
Here's a quick reminder about my upcoming Stick event. The link below will lead you to the seminar webpage which provides further details.
The Colorado Stick Seminar and Concert 2005
presented by Steve Hahn
Saturday, October 1, 2005
Seminar from 12:00pm - 5:00pm
Concert at 7:30pm
The Denver Music Institute
4195 South Broadway
Englewood, CO
All the best,
steve
From: Tom Griesgraber [tom@thossounds.com]
Subject: gig spam: Adrian Belew, Tony Levin Band, Steve Hackett and Tom G.
Date: Tue 13/09/2005
Hi all,
October is shaping up to be a pretty amazing month for me. In fact, I've now taken to calling it "Progtober" Here's what's coming up:
STEVE HACKETT (of GENESIS) with TOM G. - Discount tickets available!
For those who may not know the story, originally the band Genesis was made up of Steve on guitar and Peter Gabriel as vocalist, plus Phil Collins, Tony Banks and Michael Rutherford, the trio who continued the band after Steve and Peter left. It was his own artistic decision that prompted Steve to leave the highly successful Genesis, and that spirit of art over commerce has fuelled his solo career. Steve is a guitarists' guitarist as evidenced by his many musical collaborations with people like Yes guitarist Steve Howe and Led Zepplin's bassist and guitarist John Paul Jones and Jimmy Page. He's released a total of 21 (!) solo albums. This current tour will feature his acoustic guitar work, along with his brother John Hackett on flute and Roger King on keyboards.
Steve Hackett with special guest Tom Griesgraber
(only Southern CA appearance!)
Friday October 28, 8PM (doors open 6PM)
Galaxy Concert Theatre
3503 S Harbor Blvd
Santa Ana, CA
All ages
Discounted tickets available for $15.50 each (regularly $21.50 inc. fees) at www.thossounds.com/store.html or by calling 760-942-1031. Discounted tickets also available at Lou's Records in Encinitas for $15.50 each.
All sales on tickets are final. Sorry, no refunds or exchanges. Seating is all general admission, but preferred seating is available with a dinner reservation. Once you have tickets, you can make a reservation by calling: 714-957-0600. For more information, visit www.galaxytheatre.com
More about Steve, his trio and their music can be found at www.stevehackett.com
This show also marks my first time playing at the Galaxy Theatre but it's actually a sister venue to the Coach House which should be familiar to many of you by now. It's actually a little bigger than the Coach House, and with a more traditional "theatre" type seating arrangement. I've managed to catch a few shows there in the past, and it's a great room for sound, with few if any bad seats I think.
ADRIAN BELEW with TOM G.
Coming up in just a few weeks on October 5, I'm also quite fortunate to be opening for Adrian Belew in Solana Beach.
It's hard to say even what Adrian is best known for, but he's been the vocalist and guitarist for King Crimson since 1981, has recorded and toured with David Bowie, Talking Heads and Frank Zappa and worked on recordings with countless others like The Bears, Paul Simon (Graceland!), Mariah Carey, Jars of Clay, DC Talk, Nine Inch Nails, Tori Amos, Crash Test Dummies, Joe Cocker and Bela Fleck. He has an absolutely uncanny ability to blend in with whatever artists he's working with, but in his own solo material is known as both an incredible "Beatles-esque" songwriter and a wildly experimental guitar player. In fact, he's won multiple awards from Guitar Player magazine for his inventiveness at coming up with new and unusual guitar sounds. He's a great vocalist too, known for frequent clever word games in his lyrics. And as if guitarist/vocalist/songwriter/ producer wasn't enough, you'll also usually find him playing drums, piano, bass, cello and who knows what else on his solo albums.
Adrian Belew with special guest Tom Griesgraber
Wednesday October 5, 8PM (doors 7PM)
Belly Up Tavern
143 S. Cedros Ave
Solana Beach, CA
advance: $17, day of show: $19
21 and Up only.
Tickets available through the Belly Up Box Office: 858-481-8140 or
online at www.bellyup.com
For more on Adrian, check out www.adrianbelew.net
TONY LEVIN BAND in europe with MAROTTA/GRIESGRABER
Last but certainly not least, sandwiched between the Belew and Hackett shows, Marotta/Griesgraber will be flying back to Europe to do a half dozen or so shows in (at least) Italy and Switzerland opening for the Tony Levin Band. The full details of the trip are still being worked out, but what information I have so far is up at www.thossounds.com/schedules.html
Tony's band is an incredible mix of talent with Jerry Marotta-drums, Larry Fast-synth, Jesse Gress-guitar and Pete Levin-piano/keys. Tony, Jerry and Larry were 3/4 of Peter Gabriel's group for about 10 years, producing what is arguably some of his most artistic work to date. Tony and Jerry have separately and together played with just about every major artist of the last 30 years including; Paul Simon, John Lennon, Paul McCartney, Elvis Costello, Ani DiFranco, Pink Floyd, Yes, King Crimson, Indigo Girls, Sara McLachlan, 10,000 Maniacs, Buddy Rich, California Guitar Trio, David Bowie, Cher, Tracy Chapman, Robert Fripp, Paula Cole, Alice Cooper, Dire Straits, Al Dimeola, Hall and Oates, Stevie Nicks, Lou Reed, Steps Ahead, Warren Zevon... I could go on, but it just gets silly after awhile. If you're anywhere near where we'll be heading, or you've been thinking about a vacation in Europe, make the trip... it'll be worth it.
That's it for now. I'll keep you posted as any new details come up. Thanks for reading and hope to see you soon!
Tom Griesgraber
www.thossounds.com
From: Stickist@aol.com
Subject: Stick-Tech spots still available
Date: Fri 16/09/2005
Hi everyone,
Just a reminder about the Stick-Tech workshop on October 9 in Charlottesville, Virginia, and Stick night that night. There are still spots available for the workshop, and if you can't make the workshop but you just want to play at the Stick night, that's do-able as well.
Instructions about registering for the workshop can be found here:
www.stick.com/events/seminars/tech2005/
Hope you can make it out.
Happy Tapping,
Greg
www.greghoward.com
NEW CD/DVD "Ether Ore" now available
From: Ron Baggerman [rbaggerman@yahoo.com]
Subject: Dutch Monthly Stick Meeting/Workshop October 30
Date: Mon 19/09/2005
In addition to our yearly European Stick seminar in Zaandam (next one May 8 2006) we start organizing a monthly Dutch Stickist Meeting/Workshop mainly for Dutch players.
The first one will be October 30-2005 - Sunday afternoon in my hometown Gouda.
More news in Dutch on the next page:
forum.galaxygypsy.nl/viewtopic.php?t=105
Ron
From: Stickist@aol.com
Subject: Peering Over Clouds - the sky is bluer
Date: Mon 05/09/2005
Hi all,
I've been listening to this disc quite a lot since I came back from California. I just want to congratulate Don on a great record. Great tunes, great playing, great arrangements, great production. Everyone who is interested in listening to or recording non-traditional instrumental music should pick up this record.
In case you haven't checked it out yet, Don is the current feature on Stick.com:
www.stick.com/features/artist/
Don, you are my hero!
Happy Tapping,
greg
www.greghoward.com
NEW CD "Ether Ore" now available
From: Marc Mennigmann [marc@mennigmann.com]
Subject: For sale: 10 String, Rosewood, PASV-4 Pickup
Date: Wed 31/08/2005
Dear Stickistas,
this instrument in mint condition is for sale:
10 String, serial number 2038, built 2002
Rosewood, very dark
Inlays: Paua
Pickups: PASV-4 Block
Fret Rails
Winding heads all black
Tuning: deep matched reciprocal
Current string gauge: light
Bridge: fully adjustable
Flaps Dual Nut Unit
Including:
Soft case, 1 deluxe cable, 1 additional pack of new strings (medium gauge)
If you are interested please contact me off list with your bid, and I'll be glad to answer questions, send some pictures, or go into detail about this beautiful instrument.
Marc Mennigmann
Germany
From: Jeremy Nesse [jeremy@cooldryplace.net]
Subject: Cool Dry Place performs Molly Malone's Wed. Sept. 28th 9pm! Guests
include Helen Stellar
Date: Thu 22/09/2005
Hey all & everyone,
We are winding ourselves up like those snakes that explode out of jars that you never see anymore because we're so excited to be playing with some great bands next Wednesday 9/28 at Molly Malone's. We're on @ 9pm and then we hand off the stage to Helen Stellar (www.myspace.com/helenstellar) whom you've assuredly heard on KCRW and Indie 103.1. They usually keep to the misty shores of Silverlake but we've lured them out with promises of untold riches. The American Professionals will be kicking off the evening at 8pm and the Pop Kids will close the night. It should be an awesome showand we'd be there even if we weren't on the bill.
Please join us
Matt, Amy O, Jeremy, Mark
YOUR MONTHLY WORKOUTS
From: SteveAFran@aol.com
Subject: SLASH CHORDS
Date: Wed 14/09/2005
No these are not chords with greatly reduced prices. Actually this is a simple notation that's commonly found in all genres of music.
We've all seen C/G. What's it mean? Easy. The top letter is the chord and the bottom letter is the bass note. So C/G is a C Major chord with a G bass. This can also be called second inversion since the G in the bass is the fifth of C and that's the definition of second inversion. In that case the bass note is part of the mentioned triad. That's not always the case.
More here...
From: Ron Baggerman [rbaggerman@yahoo.com]
Subject: Bury The Hatchet
Date: Sun 18/09/2005
This month's lesson is an exercise in melodic interdependence and variation. Ron starts with a basic melody then adds notes, to make small systematic variations, a very effective technique for playing melodically and rhythmic at the same time.
On the MP3, after each phrase he leaves 4 bars open for you to repeat the phrase or try a new melody of your own based on the melodic motif.
The chords for the left hand are indicated (Dm-C-Gm-F) and left open for you to interpret as you see fit.
Enjoy.
You'll find the hatchet here:
From: Chris Crain [stickmusic@earthlink.net]
Subject: Other Right-Hand Chords
Date: Fri 09/09/2005
This time around, I will show you some often overlooked RH chord shapes. We will examine the Suspended 4th, 7th, Major 7th, Minor 7th, and 9th. The audio contains five examples with these chords in action and the chord chart shows how to construct these shapes.
In the first example, we have a Dsus4. 'Sus4' chords are like 1-3-5 major triads, except the 3rd interval is raised a half-step to a 4th. On the chord chart, you can see how this interval's position differs from the major chord next to it. Listen to the character of this chord in the intro to "Pinball Wizard".
Continue here...
KEEP THE MUSIC GOING
From: Michael Kollwitz [michael@michaelkollwitz.com]
Subject: Asking for your help so I won't be Sacked in Old Sac
Date: Fri 16/09/2005
Hi Everyone,
I need your help. ESPECIALLY if you first met me (or have ever seen me perform on The Chapman Stick) somewhere in the historic Old Sacramento district over the years. Please read on if that describes you. If not (or if you live out of the area) you can probably skip reading this...
Here's a brief recap: In July of 2003, I contacted Old Sacramento Management and auditioned with them for a Street Performer permit. They loved my music on The Stick and told me it was "beautiful". I was told that normally they did not allow amplified music or instruments but, in my case, they would allow it (with a six-month probationary period to make sure I wasn't too loud).
Needless to say, everything worked out just fine for me in Old Sac and I have held my permit continuously since then. Each year, I must also pay certain fees as a condition of the Street Performer permit. (i.e. City of Sacramento business license, etc.)
Since July 2003, I'd imagine that I've performed for upwards of 200,000 people in Old Sac over the years. The Jazz Jubilee alone(Memorial Day Weekend every year) attracts in excess of 100,000 people year in and year out.
The many merchants and shop owners in Old Sac really enjoy my music (they tell me so all the time), as it adds a lot to the overall ambience and usually tends to attract customers and keep them in their stores longer (which usually translates into increased sales for the merchants!).
In all this time, I have not had a SINGLE NEGATIVE INCIDENT OF ANY KIND in Old Sac. Moreover, I am not aware of a single complaint about my music or the volume of my small, battery-powered amplifier. It has been a wonderful experience that I've enjoyed immensely and I've made many new friends, as a result. Maybe even you!
Last month (without any advance warning and completely out of the blue!) I received a letter from Old Sacramento Management that informs me that they want to revoke my Street Performer permit at the end of this year on 12/31/05.
The justification they give in their letter is: "amplification, wiring and CD sales". Apparently, they've changed their mind about me and my music on The Stick. NOW they say that I am "inconsistent with the guidelines and mission for Old Sacramento".
I believe that this is just not right. Shop owners, merchants and visitors in Old Sac seem unanimous in their agreement with me and don't want to see me get SACKED IN OLD SAC. I'm planning to request a meeting with OSM sometime in the next few months and I'd like to bring enough documentation to (hopefully) convince them that- somewhere along the line-someone just didn't think this thing through and revoking my permit really doesn't make any sense at all.
If you agree with me (and this doesn't make any sense to you either) may I please humbly ask for your help?
I'd like to bring letters of support with me when I meet with OSM about this (and ask them to reconsider it). If you can take just a moment out of your busy day to tell OSM how you feel about this: simply reply to this email and write a sentence, a paragraph, a whole letter or anything in between. In your own words, please let Old Sac Mgmt know that you'd like to see me there again in the future (like, for instance- 2006!).
Also- please 'sign' your reply email with your name, title (i.e. Police Officer, Old Sac visitor, Meter Reader, CPA, tourist- whatever...) and- very important- your phone number. If they think I'm really tricky and just making this all up- if they wanted to, OSM could call you and confirm that you really wrote this, and not me. (Somehow, I doubt your phone will be ringing)
I'll print out all of your comments and bring them with me when I go down and talk to OSM about this. Perhaps something you can say will change their minds... Either way; I'll let you know how this turns out. With your help and kind words, I'm hoping for a happy ending!
As always- Thanks for your support.
All the best,
~Michael Kollwitz
Chapman Stick soloist
www.MichaelKollwitz.com
From: John Edmonds [je@johnedmonds.net]
Subject: CD REVIEW: Oceans In Space's "Mechanics of Astral Dynamics: Live"
Date: Wed 14/09/2005
Oceans In Space is a one-man act also known as the protean Ben Weber. With a Stick in two hands and synthesizer controls in perhaps two others, Weber guides us on a labyrinthine expedition both alien and familiar through the twists, turns, and wide-open spaces of "Mechanics of Astral Dynamics: Live."
Performed in the studio without overdubs, "Mechanics" is a work of whisper-quiet subtlety. Though Weber's fingers explode now and then into impressive rips and runs, nothing is extraneous or forced. There is no bravado or pretension, only fluid tapping so tactile that you can hear skin on steel, steel on wood, wood on skin. This is particularly impressive in Weber's acrobatic two-hand tuttis and hornlike turns, which summon the octavia of Wes Montgomery, the haunting jangles of Michael Brook, and at times the dazzle of Al DiMeola.
The journey continues:
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 #278.