StickNews Digest Issue #280 - 12/12/05
An online digest about The Chapman Stick® 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
- Winter warmth, free studio time and deals at Stick Enterprises.
- A holiday sale at SE.
- Tom back in Europe.
- Greg and Mike K. busy in December
- Interviews with Steve and Emmett at Mel Bay.
- A holiday classic from Chris.
- Gypsy Jazz from Ron.
- A guaranteed smile from Steve.
- Ron's links to the Alaire reviews.
- Emmett Chapman offers his unique insights.
IT'S NOT ALWAYS GOING TO BE COLD
Hello All,
I must start by thanking everyone who wrote me after last months StickNews with their heartfelt sympathy and encouraging words regarding the ridiculously cold temperatures here in my new home. Your warmth was felt across these Internet miles. But I've got some good news! Now I'm not sure what actually happens, but it's got something to do with the jet stream, the Rocky Mountains and convention and convection, that kind of stuff. What happens is this: after a long cold spell, very often warm southern air will be channelled north and push out the cold arctic air. The result? Ridiculously warm weather! We went from -32 Celsius to +10 in one day! That I can get used to. Of course the opposite can happen, which is what's happening as I write this but the cold doesn't seem so when there is the promise of warm days ahead.
Speaking of warm days, how would you like free studio time? A couple of weeks ago I spent three days in one of Calgary's best studios working on my original music, with full access to all their gear and production facilities at absolutely no cost. How is this possible? It was simple really, I was a 'guinea pig' for a group of students. I haven't heard the finished product yet but if it turns out anywhere near as good as it sounded when I left, I' ll be very happy. The students were really good, fully supervised by a very experienced engineer, they loved the range and versatility of The Stick and I had access to the kind of gear that just doesn't fit in my basement music room. I know there are lots of these types of schools all over the place. If you're looking for a good quality demo or a place to try out some new tunes I highly recommend checking them out.
Now to StickNews, there's a lot of Stick news below. First off, just in time for the holidays, Stick Enterprises is having a sale on a number of great CDs. Now is your chance to stock up on Stick tunes. There are the usual assortment of live gigs, the always informative and entertaining lessons and a very special interview with Emmett, where he reflects on his experience at the 2005 Stick and Tap Guitar Festival in Allaire, France.
So without further adieu, I hope you enjoy this months StickNews offerings. I'd like to wish one and all a very happy holiday season and look forward to all the best in the New Year. Speaking of the New Year, there are already rumblings of Stick seminars and other events for 2006. It just keeps getting better and better.
Take care,
Jim Reilly
WHO, WHERE, WHAT, WHY AND GREAT PRICES!
From: sales@stick.com
Subject: Stick Enterprises sale on CDs and Videos
Date: Thu 08/12/2005
Holiday Stick CD and Video Sale:
From now until the end of December, Stick Enterprises is offering a discount on many of the videos and CDs we have in stock, including some instructional titles. Most CDs are $10, and we have extra low prices on PAL VHS tapes. A minimum total order of $20 (can include strings, etc) for credit card orders, please. Prices good until December 31, 2005.
To order call us at 818-884-2001, FAX us at 818-883-0668, or email us at sales@stick.com. Prices do not include shipping.
For more information about these titles, please visit our website at: www.stick.com/videoscds
List of Sale Prices:
Videos and Instructional CD:
Emmett Chapman
Hands across the board VHS $10, Pal format $15
Instructional videos and CDs
Lessons on the Stick, Bob Culbertson VHS PAL versions only:
Intermediate $20
Advanced $20
The Stick Book Companion audo CD double Disc $15
Artists CDs:
Nick Beggs
Stick Insect 2002, CD $10
Emmett Chapman
Parallel Galaxy 1999 remastered CD $10, 1985, Cassette or LP $6.
Chris Crain
No Words 2003, CD $10
Bob Culbertson
The Touch 1998, CD $10.
Derek Dallenger
Out of Thin Air 1998 CD $10.
John Edmonds
Subzerosonic 2002 CD $10.
Leo Gosselin
Celtic Vision CD $10.
Vintage Flight CD $10.
Greg Howard
Stick Figures 1993 (remixed in 2004), CD $10
Kevin Keith
The EP 2001, CD $10.
Michael Kollwitz
Steppin' Out 2000, CD $10.
Moments 2003, CD $10
Jim Lampi
Young Lions 1997, CD $10.
Sean Malone
Cortlandt 1996, CD $10.
Don Schiff
Wait by the River 2003, CD $10.
Timeless 1999, CD $10.
STUCK
We're Stuck 2003, CD $10.
Larry Tuttle
Through the Gates, 1999 CD $10
Various Artists
Stick Night '99 CD $10
From: Tom Griesgraber [tom@thossounds.com]
Subject: details on Swedish show w. Isildur's Bane
Date: Wed 16/11/2005
Isildurs Bane Expo 2005 featuring: Mick Karn (UK), Jerry Marotta (USA), Tom Griesgraber (USA), Metamorfosi Trio (Italy), Sounds of Eternity and Isildurs Bane (Sweden) Friday December 16 at Kulturhuset, Halmstad
Isildurs Bane are proud to announce the start of what we hope will be an annual event: IB Expo.
The idea is to invite world class musicians to a musical meeting for a few days. During these days different constellations will improvise, compose, recompose and generally work collectively with different kinds of musical material.
On Friday, December 16, the results will be performed live at Kulturhuset in Halmstad. The concert begins at 21.00. You can order tickets from Biljettcentrum in Halmstad. Their phone number is 035 - 12 02 00. (int. +46 (0)35 120200 Please note that Kulturhuset only takes 166 people. We will work strictly on a first come, first served basis, so get your tickets now, while you can!
We are very proud to present the fine musicians involved in IB Expo 2005: Mick Karn, Jerry Marotta, Tom Griesgraber, Metamorfosi Trio, Sounds of Eternity and Isildurs Bane.
Mick Karn, bass player with David Torn, Terry Bozzio, Bill Bruford, Japan, Rain Tree Crow, Kate Bush, Natasha Atlas, Mark Isham. Ask any bassist who their favourite bass players are and they will probably include Mick Karn. In fact, many of them will have taken up bass as a career solely due to his unique style of playing. Recently referred to in Japan as ' the God of bass guitar ', his influence within music is undisputed, changing the way bass is heard as well as played for generations to come.
It is extremely hard for a fretless bass player to step out of Jaco Pastorius shadow, but Mick Karn is one of a small number of people who have truly succeded in shaping a completely unique voice on the fretless bass.
MK: I wanted to be able to slide and bend notes as I'd learnt to do with the violin and so decided to take all the frets off the bass guitar. I also began playing bass directly after the bassoon, which, although a bass instrument, often plays lead melodies, both of these factors were major influences in shaping the way I play. I couldn't help but feel that bass players were always hidden somewhere in the background whereas I was determined to be heard.
www.mickkarn.net
Drummer Jerry Marotta shouldn't need any introductory words either, but just to make sure. Jerry Marotta is known throughout the world for his unique feel and vision. Whether you know him for his seismic tribal tones with Peter Gabriel in the 70's and 80's, his intricate percussive rhythms with artists like Indigo Girls and Ani Difranco in the 90's, his session work with Paul McCartney and Elvis Costello, or the cavernous calliope conniptions with the Tony Levin Band in the last few years, he is a true force to be reckoned with.
But that doesn't even scratch the surface. Jerry is a fantastic singer, producer, arranger, and dabbler in many other instruments like guitar, saxophone, and keyboards as well. This regal Renaissance man is comfortable programming industrial beats on one hand while birthing earthly echoes on any object nearby, including the infamous garden weasel.
He has composed and recorded music for countless television shows, video games, and movies whilst churning out so many album credits that one must set aside a full day to really comprehend the stamp he has put on the music industry. In a world where most drummers and musicians all sound alike, Jerry stands alone as a charismatic legend.
Jerry now divides his precious time between numerous sessions, The Tony Levin Band, the TV sitcom I'm With Her, running his own studio and his all-new band duo with Tom Griesgraber.
www.jerrymarotta.com
So who is this Griesgraber fellow then?
Tom is an honours graduate of the renowned Berklee College of Music in Boston, Tom had developed a strong foundation in the mechanics of music along with a thorough proficiency on the electric guitar. But yearned for more: he became weary of conventional methods and was compelled to seek out a more atypical means of making music.
This soul-searching came to a new beginning when Tom discovered the Chapman Stick taking up the unique 12-string instrument shortly after watching a performance by Tony Levin with Jerry Marotta and Steve Gorn. As a Stick player, Tom has opened for several national tours with the California Guitar Trio as well as shows with Al Dimeola, Stanley Jordan, The Tony Levin Band, Bill Bruford's Earthworks, Larry Carlton and Steve Lukather, Tower of Power, Michael Manring, Jazz Mandolin Project, The League of Crafty Guitarists, The Steve Morse Band, The Dixie Dregs, Asia, Adrian Belew and Steve Hackett.
Here's what some people have said about Tom Griesgraber:
"Tom is a master Stick player. His technique and musicality stand as an inspiration to the rest of us who play the instrument, and we're always eager to see what he'll do next." Tony Levin, bassist/Stick player for Peter Gabriel, King Crimson, Paul Simon, Pink Floyd and many others
"With a name like Griesgraber it has to be good, and he is - in fact better than good." Pat Mastelotto, drummer for King Crimson, Mr Mister and many others
www.thossounds.com
Metamorfosi Trio are familiar to IB enthusiasts of course. Christian Saggese, Franco Feruglio and Luca Calabrese have been regular partners with IB since 2001, and shared many stages, laughs and magic musical moments with IB. Following last years successful concert in Halmstad just before Christmas, having them back this year was a real no-brainer.
metamorfosi.too.it
Sounds of Eternity is another band faithful readers of this newsletter are aware of, consisting of several IB-related musicians. Here's your chance to hear them in excellent company!
And finally, there's IB. You will hear the band on its own and in many highly interesting combinations with our honoured guests. You have never seen or heard anything like this before, and you may never experience it again!
That's it for this month. I hope your December will be as exciting as ours. Who needs Father Christmas when you can attend IB Expo 2005? You can follow the development on my blog "musical musings" at thomasmusicology.blogspot.com
Thomas Olsson
Newsletter editor
Don't forget to check out website regularly! www.isildursbane.se
From: Stickist@aol.com
Subject: Greg Howard news
Date: Tue 22/11/2005
Hi folks,
Lots' of news this time. Thanks for reading:
NEW CHILDREN'S MUSIC CD FROM EVE WATTERS
HOLIDAY DIRECT DEAL ON GREG's CDs
THANKS FOR THE VAN DYCK
NEW CHILDRENS' MUSIC CD FROM EVE WATTERS
MY SHIP SAILED FROM CHINA, International Songs and Stories for Kids, Produced by Greg Howard, now available on CD from Amazon.com.
This is a great, intelligent childrens music and stories CD. Eve put this out a few years ago on cassette, and for the CD version we remastered the material and added some background music to the stories. Lots of great drawings by Eve in the Booklet. Song in English, Welsh, Russian, Spanish, and French, with stories in English from Thailian and Ghana. I'm really happy it's out on CD. I didn't play any music on it but I did sing backup on one song...
Available at music stores around Charlottesville and from amazon.com.
This record has been approved by the Parents Choice Foundation.
HOLIDAY DIRECT DEAL ON GREG's CDs
If you're interested in ordering any of my recordings for Holiday gifts, you can do it direct from my label, Espresso by PayPal or check. There are lots of titles to choose from:
Ether Ore (CD/DVD double disc) $15
Lift $15
Stick Figures $13
Sol $13
Code Magenta $13
Sticks and Stones $11
Transmigration $13
Water on the Moon $13
The deal is this 2 for $25, 3 for $35, etc, plus if you order more than one disc, I'll throw in the shipping (within the US), and if you live outside the US, I'll give you a commensorate discount.
HOW TO DO IT:
Just send me an emai telling me what you want to order, and include your postal mailing address. I'll write back with an email to print and include with your check or to copy into the PayPal message you send. It's that easy!
More info about the releases at:
www.greghoward.com/sounds/releases/
Thanks for thinking of independent artists like me at this time of year.
THANKS FOR THE VAN DYCK
Also, a big thank you to all the folks who came out to my show at the Van Dyck in Schenectady last month. It was really nice to have so many family members and friends there. I know some of you travelled a long way to catch the show, and I really appreciate it. I hope to be back there in the spring.
From: Ron Baggerman [rbaggerman@galaxygypsy.nl]
Subject: Review Bassday+ Dutch Stickworkshop 2005
Date: 01/12/2005
Hello All
The following are links to reviews of the recent European Bassday where I was with a Stickstand. And also to the review of the monthly Dutch Stick meeting.
Regards,
Ron
Photo review Bassday 6 November 2005 Ralf Elbrächter via Marc Mennigmann
mennigmann.com/index.php?option=com_zoom&Itemid=53&catid=1
Review Bassday 6 November 2005 in German by Marc Mennigmann
mennigmann.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=25&Itemid=39
Forum messages GGP European Bassday 6 November 2005 Viersen-Germany
forum.galaxygypsy.nl/viewtopic.php?t=78
Photo Review 30 November 2005 Monthly Dutch Stickworkshop
www.galaxygypsy.nl/page.php?pid=en_282
Forum 30 November 2005 Monthly Dutch Stickworkshop
forum.galaxygypsy.nl/viewtopic.php?t=105
From: SteveAFran@aol.com
Subject: NAMM
Date: Wed 09/11/2005
If anyone here will be attending winter NAMM in Anaheim, I'd like to send this invite in advance. I'll be playing at Muriel Anderson's All Star Guitar Night. Room holds around 2500 but is always a sellout considering the roster of players they get. Email me directly if interested in attending.
Thanks,
Steve A.
From: Michael Kollwitz [michael@michaelkollwitz.com]
Subject: December '05 Performances, Frosty, Old Sac, etc.
Date: Fri 02/12/2005
Hope you had a great Thanksgiving holiday! The holiday season is in full-swing now so I'm gearing up for my December performances (see below). November was as busy as ever and I performed all over Northern California including Auburn, Modesto, San Rafael, and Sacramento, among others. I had the pleasure of meeting many of you- some for the first time. Thanks for coming to my shows. I greatly appreciate your support for my music on The Chapman Stick.
Christmas is right around the corner so I just can't help but mention that my Christmas CD- "Frosty The Stickman"- would probably make a great gift or stocking stuffer for friends, family or coworkers. 15 beautiful tracks of all-time Christmas favorites performed solo on The Stick. To hear samples, read reviews or get ordering info just click here: www.michaelkollwitz.com/cds.html You can order "Frosty" (or any of my other CDs) direct from me or through my online distributors. Scroll to the bottom for special discounted pricing direct from me (credit & debit cards accepted). Support independent music and put some "Frosty" into your holiday season- just don't put him too close to the fireplace!
The Old Sac situation (regarding my Performance Permit there) just keeps dragging on and on. I've been trying to set up a meeting with them but have been unsuccessful so far. I just seem to get the royal run-around from them and every time I call I get a different story. The staff member who wrote the original letter to me (that started it all) is no longer there so now I'm trying to deal with the Old Sac Town Manager and the Historic Old Sacramento Foundation. No luck with either so far.
The Old Sac Town Manager received all of your letters and comments (almost 150 of them!) on Oct 23rd but has still not even acknowledged or commented on them. Weird, huh? Ironically, The City of Sacramento has HIRED me as part of the entertainment for the annual New Year's Eve Celebration and fireworks displays at (you guessed it) Old Sacramento. Something still doesn't add up down there and I'm determined to get to the bottom of it- hopefully, soon! Your support has meant the world to me so I'll keep you posted.
In the meantime, my family and I wish all of you a very Merry Christmas and I hope to see you again soon!
All the best,
~Michael Kollwitz
Chapman Stick soloist
www.MichaelKollwitz.com
DECEMBER 2005 PERFORMANCE CALENDAR
Thursday, December 15th, 2005: 8:00 - 10:00 pm
FUZIO'S RESTAURANT
1020 10th Street
Modesto, CA 95354
www.fuzio.com
Friday, December 16th, 2005: 8:00 - 11:00 pm
SAC BREW CO'S "Oasis"
7811 Madison Ave
Citrus Heights, CA 95610
www.sacbrew.com
Saturday, December 17th, 2005: 8:00 - 11:00 pm
SAC BREW CO. @ Town & Country Plaza
2713 El Paseo Lane
Sacramento, CA 95821
www.sacbrew.com
Thursday, December 22nd, 2005: 9:00 am - 1:00 pm
MARIN CIVIC CENTER MARKET
parking lot of Marin Center
on Avenue of the Flags
San Rafael, CA 94903
www.marincountyfarmersmarkets.org/srcc.htm
Saturday, December 31st, 2005: 10:00 pm to midnight (HHHHHapppy New Year!!!)
CITY OF SACRAMENTO'S NEW YEAR'S EVE CELEBRATION
Riverfront Boardwalk
Old Sacramento, CA
www.sacramentomidtown.com/CommunityCalendar.shtml
. I'll be performing as part of the City of Sacramento's New Year's Eve
Celebration in Old Sac. Fireworks at both 9 pm and midnight. See you there!
From: SteveAFran@aol.com
Subject: Could be interesting interviews
Date: Wed 07/12/2005
2 recent online interviews for the Stick community
www.guitarsessions.com/dec05/guitar_maker.asp
www.guitarsessions.com/dec05/interview.asp
From: Stickist@aol.com
Subject: Cabezas de Cera DVD "En Directo"
Date: Thu 08/12/2005
Hi folks,
I've just posted a review of the concert DVD by Mexican progressive trio Cabezas de Cera as the new Stick Enterprises featured video. This is a great concert video. Congratulations to the band, which celebrates its ten year reunion this month, on their very original sound and inspired musicianship.
You can find the review at:
www.stick.com/features/video/
Happy Tapping,
Greg Howard
www.greghoward.com
From: Stickist@aol.com
Subject: Greg Howard shows in Central Virginia
Date: Thu 08/12/2005
Hi folks,
For those of you who may find yourselves in Central Virginia over the next few weeks, here's a list of upcoming shows.
12/16 Charlottesville, Virginia, at Fellini's with Matt Wyatt 10:00 pm
12/31 Charlottesville, Virginia, at The Bluebird, solo 6-10 pm
1/20-21 Richomnd, Virginia, at Fusion with Matt wyatt and saxophonist Jason Gaye
You can find details about these shows at:
www.greghoward.com/events
In late February I'l be out in the San Francisco area, more on that soon.
Thanks for supporting live music!
Greg
From: Matt K [mattk@cooldryplace.net]
Subject: Cool Dry Place Plays The Mint This Thursday 12/15 @ 9pm!!
Date: Sat 10/12/200
Hey/Hi/Hello Everyone,
'Tis our last performance of 2005 and what can we say except that we are ready for more, more, & more. As we speak our first full-length album is being braised in a white wine sauce and then lovingly pan-seared to perfection to be served au jus.
Alright alright it's being mastered...and to distract ourselves we will be taking the stage at the plush Mint for our final show of the year. She is quite a minty mistress as we well know so take a spell from the 'nog and the blood sport known as holiday shopping. We are desperate to play you some mad crazy new songs which are scientifically-proven to give you the fits.
:* & <3 <3, Matt, Amy, Mark, Jeremy
Cool Dry Place
THIS Thursday, 12/15, 9pm
@ The Mint
6010 W. Pico Blvd.
$5 with a flyer ($7 without)
TAP SOME HOLIDAY CHEER
From: Chris Crain [stickmusic@earthlink.net]
Subject: The First Noel
Date: Mon 21/11/2005
With the holiday season upon us, I thought I would forego the usual lesson and offer you my arrangement of "The First Noel".
You can find the downloads here.
This arrangement is intended for intermediate and advanced players. For beginners, this arrangement may present an intense challenge, in that both hands must play independent melodies. In any case, I hope you enjoy the tune. Take care and we'll see you next time, when I start a new series on walking bass lines.
Chris
www.ChrisCrain.com
From: Ron Baggerman [rbaggerman@yahoo.com]
Subject: Taygeta pdf+mp3
Date: Tue 29/11/2005
Well folks it's time to put all those lessons, exercises and workouts aside and just play. This month Ron has given us his song "Taygeta" from his Seven Sisters album. An engaging, lyrical melody with straightforward chordal accompaniment in the left hand, Galaxy Gypsy jazz at it's finest. What more could we ask for?
The melody is given in standard notation and tablature for both 10 and Grand Stick Classic tunings. Feel free to interpret and re-interpret the bass as you see fit. Have fun.
Taygeta is here.
From: SteveAFran@aol.com
Subject: WHAT'S IN A NAME
Date: Thu 13/10/2005
In my previous Spinal Columns, I've discussed subjects ranging from scales to progressions, chords and substitutions to intervals and techniques. All that was fine but we really must address the most important issue confronting the professional or amateur musician --- "What do we call our band?"
Let's break our possibilities down to certain categories:
Groups With Colors In Their Name:
|
Moody Blues Blues Magoos Green Day King Crimson |
Average White Band Black Sabbath James Brown Barry White |
Peter Green Al Green Simply Red Deep Purple |
|
Third Eye Blind 311 3 Doors Down |
Three Dog Night Fourplay Take-6 |
A SPECIAL EVENT
From: Ron Baggerman [rbaggerman@yahoo.com]
Subject: Review Allaire http://www.galaxygypsy.nl/page.php?pid=en_283
Date: Tue 29/11/2005
Hi All,
I've made a photo review of Allaire on www.galaxygypsy.nl/page.php?pid=en_283
On it you find also links to reactions on my forum and to the french forum/site about the event. Plus a link to an english language review on an italian website. I will add more comments on this page in a couple of days.
Take care,
Ron
From: StickNews@stick.com
Subject: Emmett in Allaire
Date: 12/12/05
On November 11, 2005 the fifth annual Stick and Tap Guitar Festival began in Allaire, France. Over the years, this event has drawn some of the biggest and brightest lights in the Stick community. This year was no different but perhaps just a little more special.
With all the responsibilities and obligations involved with running Stick Enterprises and making sure the instruments we love to play actually play as well as they do, it's not often that Emmett has a chance to get away from Southern California. But this year he made the journey across the Atlantic to Brittany, in France to take part in the Allaire festival.
Emmett's brother Dan accompanied him, acted as official videographer of the event and played a mean harmonica. The two 'Blues Brothers in Brittany' experienced the very finest in French hospitality, music and culture. A couple of weeks after returning home I spoke with Emmett about the event, The Stick in France and the joys of pinot noir.
Emmett in Allaire.
PS. Don't forget to check out the reviews and pictures that Ron has linked to in the above post.
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 #280.