2010 remastered DVD release $12.
Recorded Live on January 28, 1999, Remastered for DVD, 2010
at La Ve Lee nightclub, Studio City California.
Hosted by Greg Howard
The magic and incredibly divergent artistry of eight of the most
experienced Stick players has now been captured on our 106-minute
DVD release entitled Stick Night '99.
Joining host Greg Howard are Larry Tuttle, Don Schiff, Steve
Adelson, Third Door Down (featuring Casey Arrillaga), Bob
Culbertson, Emmett Chapman and Jim Lampi, who had gathered in Los
Angeles for the NAMM Convention. The diversity of sounds, Sticks
and styles make for a unique night of music, and an excellent
viewing and listening opportunity for the fan of tapping music.
As producers of this new video, Sal Guitarez, Greg and Emmett have
gone to great lengths to provide the sounds (audio mastering by
Bruce Hanifan and DAT recording by Chuck Ivy), the camera angles,
dissolves and visual effects (video editing by Alan Popkin at Time
Warner Studios), and the graphics (by Dan Chapman) that best
complement the inspiration of each artist.
Larry Tuttle, of Freeway Philharmonic fame sets a high
standard for the night, starting things out on Grand Stick with
four solo instrumental pieces, from his new Through the Gates CD.
He was followed by Don Schiff who played and sang three
songs from his Timeless CD, with Casey Arrillaga jamming
along on percussion. Don's NS/Stick piece will give many their
first taste of this diverse 8-string multi-technique instrument.
New York jazz Stick guru Steve Adelson plays his versions
of jazz standards with guest drummer Roman Cho.
Third Door Down: The sweetly dramatic vocals of Kira
Arrillaga and Heather Niss hitch a ride on Casey Arrillaga's
driving arpeggios.
Bob Culbertson contributes two beautiful solo instrumentals
from his CD. Sitting with his Block-equiped Grand Stick on a
crossbar over his knees, Bob employs a mulititude of playing
techniques.
Next we hear the Latin sound of trumpeter Shyam Kannan, drummer
Roman Cho, and Greg Howard, playing two songs from Greg's Sol CD. Greg uses his Baritone Melody ten-string in every
solo and accompaniment mode the music calls for.
Emmett begins with an improv he calls "Stick Reunion '99",
then embarks on an extended version of the Irish folk song "Kerry
Dancers". His Block-equipped 12-string, processed through
distortion, ambients and the Patch of Shades.
Winding up the performance is Singer/Stickist Jim Lampi,
whose soulful singing and dynamic play show what a complete
instrument for accompanying a vocalist The Stick can be.
Eight performances, each showcaseing a completely different aspect
of The Stick as brought to life by these artists.
The magic and incredibly divergent artistry of eight of the most
experienced Stick players has now been captured on our 106 minute long VHS
stereo, hi-fi video cassette entitled "Stick Night '99".
The night caught fire as Stick players from various parts of the world
assembled at a San Fernando Valley nightclub on the evening of January
28th, after the first day of the LA NAMM show. Performers all brought
their own sound equipment onto the little stage at La Ve Lee on Ventura
Blvd., cables and pedalboards covering the floor, yet nothing failed, and
the night proceeded without hitch or glitch. This was due in large part to
the organizational efforts of Greg Howard who hosted the evening event
after having spent a strenuous day at the NAMM show, performing and helping
us manage our booth display as well as various Stick concerts at nearby
lobbies and stages.
No one knew how successful the "Stick Night" event would turn out to be.
Each player seemed to accept the challenge (really no spare time to be
nervous) and to raise the standards a step higher. Each player reached a
high level of performance, especially considering the short sets of the
evening program. The sheer variety of music, sound and concept was
impressive, no doubt reflecting the diversity of Stick players who have
been out there performing on their own for many years.
Luckily, we had the presence of mind to bring three High-8 video cameras to
document the event, as well as my two-track DAT recorder. Sal Guitarez
manned the fixed center camera, and we later mixed just a bit of that
camera's stereo audio signal with the DAT's direct-to-stage feed, adding
some metallic brilliance and club ambiance to the full DAT sound. My
brother Dan was the roving cameraman, homing in on closeups and personality
shots.
The room was very well attended with an enthusiastic audience. Greg's
thoughtful announcements as MC made the documentation of this special
evening complete, lending depth and perspective to the event.
Stick artists include, in order of the actual night's program:
Larry Tuttle, solo on Grand Stick, performing clean and intricate
orchestrations of four originals from his new CD, "Through The Gates".
Don Schiff, solo and duo on MIDI'd Grand Stick and on NS/Stick (with Casey
Arrillaga accompanying on percussion), Don singing and playing four dramatic
rock originals from his new CD, "Timeless".
Steve Adelson, duo and trio on Grand Stick with Roman Cho on drums and
Casey on percussion, taking us on a solid jazz excursion with walking bass
and bebop lines.
Casey and Kira Arrillaga with Heather Niss in "Third Door Down", Casey's
ten-string Stick rhythmically driving the unique and sensuous vocals.
Bob Culbertson, solo on Grand Stick with ACTV-2 Block, bringing an incredible
array of finger techniques and emotional expression to his original and
Celtic songs, while sitting with his instrument near vertical on a bar
across his lap.
Greg Howard, trio on ten-string Stick with trumpeter Shyam Kannan and
drummer Roman Cho, bringing a festive Latin energy to the evening with an
improvised rendering of two songs from Greg's recent CD, "Sol".
Emmett Chapman (that's me) improvising solo on a tarara Grand Stick with
Matched Reciprocal tuning and high bass fourth, an instrument I had just
finished building and setting up with heavy gauge strings and the ACTV-2
pickup module on the day of the show.
Jim Lampi, solo on Grand Stick, the ultimate stylist with the loosest, yet
most coordinated, Stick arrangements and vocal expressions you'll ever hear.
An incredible variety show of mature talent and mastery, the only recurrent
themes being The Stick itself, the ambiance of La V Lee's audience and
drinks, and Greg's inimitable personality as a host.
We held a video premiere and beer with pizza party at our house on Friday
for all who were involved with this project. We played the video through
stereo JBL speakers, and judging from the joyful and enthusiastic
reception, I have to say it was worth all the months of work since January.
I must add, Greg Brouelette's home brew was also a hit, reminding me a lot
of Sam Adams Boston Lager, except better.
As producers of this new video, Sal Guitarez, Greg Howard and I have gone
to great lengths to provide the sounds (audio mastering by Bruce Hanifan
and DAT recording by Chuck Ivy), the camera angles, dissolves and visual
effects (video editing by Alan Popkin at Time Warner Studios), and the
graphics (by Dan Chapman) that best complement the inspiration of each
artist.
In the world wide competition for your attention span, I'm hoping
you'll remember this "ride" for a long time.
All the Best, Emmett.