StickNews Digest Issue #292 - 24/04/07

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

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CONTENTS:
NOSTALGIC ALREADY?
  • The grand old compact disc
BITS AND PIECES
  • New youtubes
  • "Fragments" CD
  • A Liszt and an honor
  • Dave Brosky hangs out teacher's shingle in Pittsburgh
  • Saturday 28 April European Stick Day Gouda/Reeuwijk-Holland
  • 2 new youtubes
  • New CD | John Edmonds | Burn Down the Sun
  • e-Lessons
  • New "Stick Man" on Current.TV and May 2007 Sacramento Magazine
  • Houston, Texas shows by the Matchsticks
  • TV
LESSON TIME
  • Tap-Twister #2 - a little "offbeat" exercise
  • Morphing Triads
  • the elusive Greg Howard B-3 sound and Deep Purple Transmission
NEW GEAR
  • SteppingABout
NOSTALGIC ALREADY?
Hello All,

A few days ago, I walked into a used CD shop. Not a big deal, I know, but it was odd. As I walked in and saw all the slightly worn cases (sans disc of course, watch out for those light-fingered teenagers) I suddenly felt like I was walking into a bygone era. I haven't bought a disc in a while. Most of the new music I've been getting I've been downloading from iTunes or directly from musicians' Websites. So seeing all these old, worn, but once loved documents of musical moments took me back to those days of spending hours searching through bin after bin of first vinyl, then cassettes, then CDs uncovering hidden gems and seeking out those reassuring old favourites.

As we bound headlong into the digital age I'm both excited about the ease with which musicians can get their music out and the potential for more money reaching the artist's pocket but also a little sad as I think about the passing of the little record shop on the corner. The possibilities for digital download of music and information are awesome. Just check out John Edmonds latest music (info below) or Chris Crain's eLessons (info below, review in the next SN). Both of these guys are using the technology to enhance and reach a broader market, not merely replace an old technology. Maybe that's the deal, better music, better communication, more contact through technology. Use technology to make the product better, not just flashier, or purchasable while one is sitting in their bathrobe in front of their computer at 3:24 am.

Take care,

Jim

(PS, I spent about a half an hour looking through discs. Only picked up an old Joe Jackson disc that I lost years ago and was missing. As much as I hate to admit it, the first thing I did when I got home was transfer it onto my iPod.)

BITS AND PIECES

From: SteveAFran@aol.com
Subject: New youtubes
Date: 02/03/2007

5 new youtubes from yours truly, Steve A

http://youtube.com/watch?v=wvAQgscwVQo
http://youtube.com/watch?v=GKi0Qfdem8I
http://youtube.com/watch?v=nodEdvefQrk
http://youtube.com/watch?v=V55xGR08eHQ
http://youtube.com/watch?v=CGpTYrs4QzQ


From: A Salvanos [adde@optusnet.com.au]
Subject: "Fragments" CD
Date: 04/03/2007

Hi everyone,

Just letting the tapping community know that I have released my first CD called "Fragments".

It's a collection of short melodic pieces and improvised solos compiled during the first 5-6 years of my Stick playing life, with and without backing tracks.

Anyone who is interested can have a listen to samples at http://members.optusnet.com.au/adde/ or a slightly different selection at myspace: http://www.myspace.com/andysalvanos.

As a point of interest, I believe that this could be the first solo-Stick album released in Australia (independent or otherwise). Not that I would never use that as a selling point....(huh)!.

Greetings,

Andy Salvanos, South Australia.


From: SteveAFran@aol.com
Subject: A Liszt and an honor
Date: 08/03/2007

This is on a site called All About Jazz (Italy) It's a top 10 list of a well known guitar player's listening habits. #9 looks familiar (others are without the commentary)

1. Monk- The Columbia Years ë62 - ë68: This is a priceless box set of CD's ...
2. Kind of Blue-Columbia Records 1959: Miles Davis -trumpet...
3. John Coltrane, My Favorite Things- Atlantic Records 1960....
4. Undercurrent- Blue Note 1962: Bill Evans-piano, Jim Hall-guitar. ...
5. Out To Lunch-Eric Dolphy, Blue Note Records 1964: Eric Dolphy alto sax,flute,bass clarinet,..
6. Trio X- Cadence Records 1999: Joe McPhee- saxophone, Dominic Duval-bass.....
7. I Thought About You ñ Shirley Horn Verve 1987 ëVine St. Live': Shirley Horn-vocals/piano..
8. Pulling Strings- Michael Bisio-bass and Tomas Ulrich-cello CIMP 2006: .......
9. Adventures in Stickology- Steve Adelson Essay Records 2006: This is a remarkable record. Steve is one of the best stick players' around. Steve started out as a six string guitar player, but sometime in the eighties he switched to the Stick. It looks like a slim straight board with lots of strings on it. In the hands of a great player, it can sound like a whole rhythm section. On this record, Steve has lots of guest guitar players, but it is Steve who really shines through with his mastery.
10. The Vampire's Revenge- Dom Minasi CDM 2006: .......


From: Stickist@aol.com
Subject: Dave Brosky hangs out teacher's shingle in Pittsburgh
Date: 23/04/2007

Hi everyone,

For those of you in the Pittsburgh area looking for a Stick teacher, Dave Brosky is open for business. Dave has been my student for several years, and has taken my teacher training course for teaching beginner technique. His interpretations of rock and jazz tunes are always very creative and he's a patient and thorough fellow. If you are interested in lessons, please email him at: nandav8@aim.com

Happy Tapping,
Greg


From: rbaggerman@galaxygypsy.nl
Subject: Saturday 28 April European Stick Day Gouda/Reeuwijk-Holland
Date: 11/03/2007

I am pleased to announce the follow event:

European Stick Day April 28th 2007 Gouda/Reeuwijk Holland

# Music Center Plug Unit

# Adres:Jan Tinbergen straat 15 - 2811 DZ - Reeuwijk (at the edge of Gouda)
# Stick instructor: Ron Baggerman
# For all European Stickists
# Lessons , Workshop, Masterclass from 13hoo-17hoo
# Evening Concert Ron,Frank Leurs, Guests and Students from 20hoo-Late
# By high demand we'll book a 2nd Stick instructor
# Reeuwijk has 7 beautiful lakes
Check the next link for more info:

http://www.galaxygypsy.nl/page.php?pid=en_945

Thanks,

Ron Baggerman

www.galaxygypsy.nl


From: SteveAFran@aol.com
Subject: 2 new youtubes
Date: 17/03/2007

2 new you tubes:
Steve Adelson w/ Ben Lacy (G Groove)
http://youtube.com/watch?v=wV4mHSGnZ5A&mode=related&search=

Steve A, Ben Lacy and Michale Ramo (minor swing)

http://youtube.com/watch?v=UqmW_etPHlo&mode=related&search=


From: John Edmonds [mountainjohn2@fastmail.net]
Subject: New CD | John Edmonds | Burn Down the Sun
Date: 19/03/2007

Hi, all.

It's been a while since "Subzerosonic," and I finally got back into the studio. Here's what's been happening in the New Mexico mountains.
Ghostly deep vocals and warm, tube-amplified Stick tones tell stories of the dark Wild West: outlaws, arsonists, madmen, misanthropes, cynics,gypsies, renegades, and rain.
It's kind of a movie with no pictures, except for one haunting image by Art Durkee.
If you're a fan of Robbie Robertson and the Red Road Ensemble, Daniel Lanois, Leonard Cohen, or Tom Waits (without the humor), you might like "Burn Down the Sun."
This is music for bass-heavy headphones and darkness.
There's an 8-minute mp3 trailer at:

http://johnedmonds.net

I'll also update my MySpace page soon. Stay tuned.

WHERE TO BUY

* You can order CDs and preview all the album art here:
http://kunaki.com/sales.asp?PID=PX00J7LXLG
Price is $10 + $4.11 S/H in the U.S.
* CD Baby will have copies soon.

* Downloads should show up by summer on iTunes and more than 50 other sites.

As always, thank you for supporting independent artists.

Listen in peril. Listen in peace.

John
http://johnedmonds.net


From: Chris Crain [stickmusic@earthlink.net]
Subject: e-Lessons
Date: 26/03/2007

Hi all,

I've been working on and recently completed a lesson and exercise book for new Stick players. I like to refer to it as a complete multimedia learning experience. The book is an eBook that incorporates audio and video lectures, along with the text, diagrams, tables, pictures, and exercises. You can read more about it on my site.

- Chris

www.ChrisCrain.com


From: Michael Kollwitz [michael@michaelkollwitz.com]
Subject: New "Stick Man" on Current.TV and May 2007 Sacramento Magazine
Date: 12/04/2007

Hi All,

Hope you're enjoying the sunshine like I am. Heck, I think I'm even getting a little tan. Sure beats Winter, right?

Just wanted to update you on the "Stick Man" Current.TV documentary that I've been working on with veteran video producer, Roy Plisko of Phoenix, Arizona. Roy has completely re-edited the video and added lots of new footage (even some from my new DVD, "Live In Concert"). He's also cut it down to about 6 fast moving, action packed minutes. The new version is TWICE as good as the first one and it really ROCKS!

At the moment, we're in 15th place on the American site (out of over 2200 videos!) and 3rd place on the United Kingdom site. It's moved up nicely and is now just under the 500 point mark. We are shooting for 999. Can you help us to move it up futher? Roy tells us how:

"Videos on Current TV compete by collecting points. The points come from GreenLights given by website members.

As a member of the Current website, your GreenLight is worth different amounts of points depending on how much you participate. If you register and vote for 1 video and never visit again, your GreenLight is worth as little as 1/10 of a point. If you visit a couple of other videos on the site and GreenLight a couple that you like and leave a couple more comments, your GreenLight value will raise as much as 5 points just for that little extra effort. If you spend a couple days visiting and participating, you can raise your GreenLight value as high as 10 or 20 points. It all depends on a variety of things.

I just wanted to mention this because even just a little participation can significantly improve the weight of your votes on this video. This process is also RETROACTIVE! If you have already voted, participating will still raise the point value of everything you have voted on.

Thank you everybody for your support. And thank you again Michael for getting behind this idea and putting a lot of your own effort into making it possible!"

There you have it: you can still help us to get "Stick Man" on National TV. Thanks for helping out if you are able. You'll find the video at: http://www.current.tv/watch/23590124

Also wanted to let you know that I will be featured in the May 2007 issue of Sacramento Magazine. The article was written by contributing editor, Cathy Cassinos-Carr. Plus, I also did a photo shoot with photographer Bruce Brown at Berco Redwood's lumber yard (of all places; this should be interesting!) The article may be up to a full page but I'm not certain until it comes out. The magazine hits newsstands the last week of April. Hope you'll be able to get your hands on a copy. After you read it, I'd love to know what you think.

Next month, I'll be back on the KCRA Channel 3 News from Arden Fair Mall. That will take place on Wednesday May 16th at noon. Hey- why not come down and get into the picture with me? That would be great fun, wouldn't it? We'll ALL be on TV. Yippee!

Okay- that's all for now. Have a good month and, as always- thank you for your support of my music on The Chapman Stick. You're the best!

In Friendship,

~Michael Kollwitz
http://www.MichaelKollwitz.com


From: Giancarlo [gcb.music@gmail.com]
Subject: Houston, Texas shows by the Matchsticks
Date: 13/04/2007

Howdy all,

For all you Stick fans in the Houston area, Giancarlo will be playing more frequently in different parts of town. Check out the website www.giancarlo.com, and click on "schedule." Most shows are with other members of the Matchsticks. Check out www.matchstickband.com. You can usually count on seeing former Vegas Blue Man Group member, Travis Foster on drums.

Cheers! GC

TAP A LITTLE


From: Greg Howard [stickist@aol.com]
Subject: Tap-Twister #2 - a little "offbeat" exercise
Date: 24/02/2007

Last time the exercise was all about right hand fingerings. This time we look at the issue of rhythmic independence between the two hands, with a little bit of left hand fingering thrown in for good measure. The left hand is in C with a dominant 7th, and the right hand adds the rest of the #9 chord voicing.

The bass line shifts the first note of the phrase from "1" in the first bar to the "and of 4" in the second. Practicing against regular chord rhythms in the right hand will help you "break" neurological ties that want you to tap simultaneously with both hands. Each line of this exercise has a different right-hand rhythm.

Using the fingering shown for measures 1-4 for the left hand, practice each two-bar phrase until you have it down. Then as an alternative, use the fingering shown for the left hand in bars 5-8 with each right-hand rhythm.

It might help to play the individual parts first, just to get the phrases "into your head" as a musical statement rather than as a pattern of notes that "lines up" in a certain way. The goal is to be able to concentrate on individual parts, not on how it feels to "lock them together."

The last two right-hand rhythms are very similar. Focus on how long each chord is supposed to be played, and be as precise as possible. make sure the 1/8th notes are 1/8th notes and the 1/4 notes are 1/4 notes. This will help you concentrate your attention on your right hand while your left hand is doing a syncopated part, a good skill to develop.

Once you have them all down, try changing the right hand phrase at will. You can create your own right-hand rhythms, too. Write them down first, then play them against the left-hand part.

StaffTab NOTE:
This chart is written for Baritone Melody 10-string. Use the following suggestions to read it for other tunings:

10-string Classic: Play the right-hand chords on strings 3-5 instead of 2-4
Matched Reciprocal 10-string: Play the right hand chords on strings 3-5 and on frets 12.13
12-string Classic: Play the right hand chords on strings 3-5 out of 6.
12-string MR: Play the right-hand chords on strings 3-5 and on frets 12.13

Happy Tapping,
Greg

Tap-Twisters is a trademark of Greg Howard
StaffTab is a trademark of Greg Howard and Stick Enterprises, Inc.

THE CHART: Click here to see the chart.




From: SteveAFran@aol.com
Subject: Morphing Triads
Date: 03/04/2007

Start with the C Major triad (CEG)

Now omit the C note (the root) and add a B. 2/3 of the chord remains the same. The result is EGB which is an E minor.

Next omit the E note (the root) of E minor and add D. Again, 2/3 of the chord remains the same. The result is GBD or G Major.

So the procedure is this: Go To Lesson...

From: nandav8@aim.com
Subject: Article for STICKNEWS MAY edition
Date: 31/03/2007

This month:

1) the elusive Greg Howard B-3 sound
2) Deep Purple Transmission



Anyone who has caught Greg live or listened to his great Latin recording, Sol, has had their jaw drop for the first time when Greg into a solo and channels Jimmy Smith's Hammond B-3. Wow! Oye Como Va to you! Well, I worked in a group lugging around a Leslie Farfisa cabinet up and down stairs, so here is the easier ( and albeit much lighter) way to get that sound.

Around the basement find your old Wah-Wah pedal, a distortion box, and a flanger. Set it up in that order with the melody side of your Stick into the Wah first, then into the distortion, then into the flanger then into your amp. Set the wah pedal so that the pedal is almost all the way down, but not completely. Next, add a tiny bit of distortion for a tube "crackle". Set the flanger as follows: Manual should be off, Depth almost full, Rate should be fast, and Resonance should be about one third up. Play some 4ths and 5ths, and an occasional minor third "trill", and there you go! Now to sound like Greg, all you need is innate talent, endless devotion to the Stick, unbounded writing and performance skills, great sense of humor, philanthropic ability to teach..... etc.

I saw a hilarious car commercial recently where the test engineer is checking RPMS on several cars, and he throws several chrome joysticks and the cars rev to "Smoke on the Water" by Deep Purple. Here's how to rev your Stick to this classic rock tune. On the bass side, pick your lowest "g" note, and play straight quarter notes on each downbeat. (1,2,3,4). On the melody side you do what the Stick does best, play 4ths, and if comfortable, use only one finger. Play "d+g", then "f + Bb", then "g +c". repeat the sequence again, but this time add the 1/2 step up slide on the "g+c" part, or.."d+g", then "f + Bb", then "g#+c#" then slide down 1/2 step to "g +c". Play "d+g", then "f + Bb", then "g +c"-- back down to "f + Bb", then end with "g +c". Audiences love things they know and are in their collective subconsciousness. As a tribute to Steve A., I first plugged "Adventures in Stickology", and then played the outro to "Layla"- inspired by the last track on the album and when he played it at the Stickfest in Ann Arbor last summer. Weeks later my fans are still requesting it. A simple song with a recognizable melody, I have found, is the best crowd pleaser. So, learn some simple songs, gain some confidence and get out and play! take care, and keep tappin'

Dave Brosky - Pittsburgh, PA

NEW GEAR

From: Emmett Chapman [emmett@stick.com]
Subject: SteppingABout
Date: 11/04/2007

The first production run of StepABout units has arrived from BassLab in Germany. I play-tested some through four very different sound systems in my studio, the Italian SR Pocket 700 with panel controlsset neutral, my Bose PAS stack, my downstairs setup station with only a power amp to drive my old pair of huge Toa cabinets, and finally through a pair of small SR self powered 150/A boxes.

I used Sticks with all three of my pickup modules and tried lots of BassLab's "BassXX" preamp settings.

I was inspired by every combination of pickups, StepABout settings, amps and cabinets. Overall, there's a finished "gloss" to the sound.

The highs in particular are beautiful, "balanced" and musical. The lows seem to have a satisfying proportion of very low fundamental and a husky "boom" at the next harmonic. The mids are the most fun of all, and I went for the "honk", setting the "sweep" to get the "aw" in the range of possible vowel sounds, tempered with moderate mid-range gain settings on both bass and melody sides.

I tried the headphones too, and the distinctive EQ and clarity of sound was still there.

Then I asked myself how much of a preamp this unit might be? Greg calls it a "front end" to your sound system. So far in my uses and configurations, I found the unit to be a perfect preamp at loud "room" volumes and for club performances.

My favorite use so far is with Stickup into StepABout and into a pair of self powered SR 150/A cabinets with 8-inch woofers and small tweeters. For stereo I "step" the bass to both cabinets and the melody just to one. I can "pan" the bass a few degrees to the opposite side by turning up the other powered cabinet's gain.

This makes a handy-dandy little sound system, even without setting up any interchangeable effects loops.

For my plain, unprocessed approach to soloing these days, I won't be "stepping" much or organizing chains of effects, but I already like this unit simply as a preamp direct into powered speakers. I don't think I'll be parting with my new unit any time soon.

My appreciation to Greg for the complete concept and project organization, to Heiko at BassLab for the design and his marvellous pair of preamps, and to Andreas of BassLab for the execution, circuitry and assembly. Thanks to the three of you for coming up with such an excellent product, and one that complements and brings out the Stick tones so nicely. No doubt I'll find more words to describe the sound sensation as I incorporate StepABout into my performance.

Now let's get Steppin', Emmett.

You can find out more about the StepABout here: http://www.stick.com/accessories/stepabout/, including sound samples and routing diagrams.

StepABout is a trademark of Greg Howard




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 #292.