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music just performed | music being prepared | tales of the echo beach band | music from the laptop | music from the stereo | music at large | as seen on tv |
Sunday, September 28, 2003 12:39:25 PM
Yesterday the patrons of the Kelseyville Pear Festival gave the band a very warm welcome on a very warm day. We appreciated the response. Jazz fans were in evidence near our stage and in fact we heard comments from people who heard us play from throughout the festival site on Main Street, because sound from our stage was piped to the entire site. "Afro Blue" got a great response from the crowd as did "Key West Intermezzo". We played Benny Golson's "Killer Joe" for the second time live and it sounded very good. Brian brought that tune into the band. I dedicated "Jamaican Sun" to Robert Palmer. For me one of the highlights of the day was playing my bass marimba which is rarely on stage. It's costly and difficult to transport so most of the time it's in storage or the studio. The pears tasted great by the way. And Kelseyville is a beautiful part of California.
Monday, September 22, 2003 9:31:34 AM
Every gig holds different treasures, some small some large. Yesterday's Echo Beach concert at Borders San Mateo had the treasure of communication between the audience and the band. And the band's mistakes were forgiven (we stumbled into some new ones a few times) within a generally strong performance. Song order modified from gigs earlier last week, but we played almost all the same tunes (except St. Thomas). Thanks to Scott Mason for filling the drumset chair for us. And thanks to those who bought our CD; we sold a record number yesterday.
Thursday, September 18, 2003 9:21:36 AM
Last night's 3-hour set at Zebulon Restaurant downtown was a great one for us. We were tightly grouped in a corner on the cement floor (good for hearing each other) and tightly integrated musically, and playing with spark and dynamics. The setlist duplicated last Sunday's with the addition of Miles Davis's "So What" at a rapid tempo and I also played my solo marimba improvisation in G major in place of the "improvised rhythm section groove". Scott Mason continues on the drumset with us next Sunday at Borders San Mateo. Frank Ellis returns to his myriad of other recording and live projects; I'm sure we'll have him on board again. Thanks to Zebulon for our debut there, we look forward to returning next month. Excellent audience last night too.
Monday, September 15, 2003 10:54:09 AM
Echo Beach received a good reception for our two-hour concert yesterday at Borders Books Santana Row. Frank Ellis on congas -- his first concert with us in two years. Scott Mason on drumset -- his first gig with us. We played Sharkbeat / Merengue / Jamaican Sun / Delicate Creature / Afro Blue / Tune Up / Girl From Ipanema / Vagabond Virgin / Place To Be / Morning/Midday / Wave / Footprints / Improvised Rhythm Section Groove / Key West Intermezzo / Viva Tirado / One Note Samba / Cal's Pals / Blue Bossa. In two days we play another concert and I have work to do on the marimba as I was not very pleased with my playing yesterday. Almost the whole concert is on 4-track tape and the tape doesn't lie so when I mix it down and dub pieces of it for the band and myself I'll judge my playing fully. In the meantime, I practice.
Thursday, September 25, 2003 10:59:46 AM
As a musician, this band is a privilege and a pleasure. Last night, when the rest of the rehearsal studio building was quiet, the five of us played the set for this Saturday. Festival stages are great fun and for the lineup of Justin, Rob, John, Brian and me, Saturday will be our first festival gig. I am eager to let the playing begin up in Pear Country! I'll be playing my bass marimba on stage for the first time in a couple of years.
Tuesday, September 23, 2003 5:40:19 PM
You know how when you take your car to the mechanic, it stops making "that sound"? When CAE Sound in San Mateo opened and resealed the case to my Yamaha QY20 sequencer, it started working normally again! It started making "that sound" (music) again. Well, as long as it works. Time to do a full MIDI data backup from it before I start composing on it again this week, just in case of further problems.
Wednesday, September 17, 2003 1:02:43 PM
As we used to say in Echo Beach: "Calling Doctor Beat -- Emergency!". (In rehearsals in the '90s we quoted a lot of pop songs; these days we mostly talk about other things)*. My sequencer is sick. The Yamaha QY20 is having symptoms of backup battery death or maybe it's more of a meltdown than that. This may be the time (almost ten years after purchase) when planned obsolescence kicks in. Although plugged into AC power the sequencer won't play a pattern for more than 10 bars or so before going silent. Tomorrow I'll take it to CAE Sound in San Mateo. They repaired my Korg synth a couple of years ago. My work on "Mr. Coaster" is on hold.
* We (Les Perez and I) also used to say "It's time for the bar exam" as we attached the vibraphone and marimba bars to their frames. In the middle of "Guacamole" is a difficult passage requiring very intricate mallet work playing through key changes. We called that passage "the Miracle Mile". I got a million of 'em folks...But in the meantime in three hours I leave here to play with the band at Zebulon for the evening.
Thursday, September 11, 2003 12:18:32 PM
After last night's band rehearsal we are ready for Borders Santana Row Sunday, our first concert there. It's good to know that Scott Mason can play Ian Paice's solo from "Smoke On The Water". Never can tell when we'll need it. Hehe.
Friday, September 05, 2003 10:17:25 AM
- Nine days until the next Echo Beach concert -- it's time to woodshed the setlist.
- While enjoying the Mark Morris Dance Group last night a title and a melody snippet came into my head and today I'll start working on "eveninglory".
- Working with John on a tune I started, "Mr. Coaster". I gave John a chart of the chord sequence I put together (modified from the chords of Lindsey Buckingham's "What Makes You Think You're The One") and I'm developing a guaguanco rhythm track for the tune based on the rhythm section lesson given (to Rob, Steve and me) by Louis Romero 18 months ago. I'll build the guaguanco track on Yamaha QY20 sequencer, transfer it to 4-track tape and give the tape to John for further development.
Thursday, September 25, 2003 11:06:21 AM
massive attack - protection. these brits are in good company including with their friends Ben Watt and Tracey Thorn in using synths, samplers and sequencers to made groovy music. yeah, groovy.
Tuesday, September 23, 2003 5:42:16 PM
From Launch Video: ZZ Top - "Stages"; Queen and David Bowie - "Under Pressure (studio version)"
Friday, September 19, 2003 4:44:46 PM
Launch videos I selected to hear while reviewing applications for the Percussive Arts Society California Chapter 2003 PASIC Scholarship:
If there were more instrumental music on Launch I'd keep listening right now but I need to totally focus on these applications so I'm shutting down the Launch window.
Thursday, September 18, 2003 1:29:12 PM
Paul Weller - Paul Weller on CD. This time of year is when I most want to hear Paul Weller's solo work. Similarly I like hearing XTC in the wintertime above all other times. In both cases it's something about the production and songs.
Wednesday, September 17, 2003 9:31:17 AM
Launch videos I selected to hear while working:
Tuesday, September 16, 2003 6:15:25 PM
Additional Launch videos I selected to watch:
Tuesday, September 16, 2003 2:37:46 PM
Launch videos I selected to watch:
Tuesday, September 16, 2003 8:15:18 AM
Jazz over the net from KSBR, Orange County. Playlist on the lite side but not bad.
Wednesday, September 03, 2003 7:36:00 PM
The Gemini Program - "Breakup" on garageband.com. To me, this track sounds as hot as anything on Television's first album.
Wednesday, September 03, 2003 7:40:39 PM
Amphibians - "Easter Song" on garageband.com. Listeners who appreciate acoustic Led Zeppelin and the work of King Crimson, and/or the acoustic work of Richard Thompson and Simon Nicol, probably will like this tune. I dig it.
Wednesday, September 03, 2003 6:09:02 PM
Cal Tjader - Primo on CD. Recorded 30 years ago, still da bomb in showing how vibraphone sits inside Latin music (arrangements by Tito Puente and Charlie Palmieri). This man's music has been such a huge inspiration to so many musicians around this Bay and elsewhere, I think it's impossible to overstate.
Tuesday, September 02, 2003 2:29:27 PM
Tuesday, September 02, 2003 8:51:55 AM
Paul Simon - "She Moves On" from Rhythm of the Saints on CD and a sound clip from Evelyn Glennie's Shadow Behind The Iron Sun
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Sunday, September 28, 2003 12:52:06 PM
Ry Cooder & Manuel Galban - Mambo Sinuendo on CD. Cooder's always-excellent guitar music amplified (bad pun) a few powers with the addition of Galban. This album would play real well during an afternoon sipping drinks with friends, watching the world go by.
Friday, September 26, 2003 2:05:42 PM
I am saddened to hear of the passing today of gentleman singer Robert Palmer whose work I've enjoyed since '72. Taste, wry humor, and a highly emotive voice whatever the style of music. And so I'm listening to:
Monday, September 22, 2003 11:39:44 AM
Captain Beefheart and The Magic Band - Trout Mask Replica Side 1 on vinyl; Branford Marsalis - Random Abstract Side 1 on vinyl
Monday, September 22, 2003 9:28:52 AM
Over the weekend: The Who - Odds and Sods Side Two on vinyl. Long Live Rock.
Today: The Bangles - "Between the Two" and "Grateful" from Doll Revolution on CD; Stewart Copeland - "Samburu Sunset" and "Gong Rock" from The Rhythmatist on vinyl
Friday, September 19, 2003 9:35:08 AM
Yesterday: Rebecca Kite's Prism
Thursday, September 11, 2003 11:56:12 AM
Tuesday, September 09, 2003 3:33:35 PM
As I assemble an Echo Beach demo package for Dolores Park Cafe here in the City: Street Songs by Evelyn Glennie and The King's Singers.
Monday, September 08, 2003 10:52:19 AM
A stack of 45s:
Sunday, September 07, 2003 12:27:37 PM
Anton Fig - Figments on CD.
Friday, September 05, 2003 8:48:07 AM
Starting the day with a stack of 45s *
* I don't need to be reminded that my teens were a long time ago, but sometimes reminders are unavoidable. A couple of weeks ago I was selling some 45s at Green Apple Books. After looking over the vinyl the clerk said to me, "You know, we don't sell too many of these 78s". Uh, right.
Wednesday, September 03, 2003 12:52:36 PM
Round Midnight soundtrack, Side Two on vinyl. Hancock, Shorter, Higgins, Gordon, Williams, Hutcherson, Carter, McFerrin and more. It doesn't get much better than this.
Tuesday, September 02, 2003 8:49:06 PM
Over the weekend: Burning Spear - Garvey's Ghost on vinyl. The dub remix of the Marcus Garvey album. Two albums of quintessential reggae. Key hook: the wood-on-metal sound of Horsemouth Wallace's drumsticks hitting the hi-hats.
Tales of the Echo Beach Band
Wednesday, September 03, 2003 6:11:53 PM
I just spoke with drummer Scott Mason who is going to work with us for a gig or two
Tuesday, September 30, 2003 2:22:38 PM
The Bangles - "Something That You Said" heard on the sound system at Macy's Union Square, yesterday.
Friday, September 26, 2003 10:12:53 AM
Last night's 8:00 show of the Branford Marsalis Quartet at Yoshi's had it all by turns: abstract improvisation, concrete melodies, ballads with vocals, some burning playing by each in the band. Most enjoyable for me: Marsalis's soloing early in the set, and throughout, the drumming of Jeff "Tain" Watts.
Thursday, September 25, 2003 11:31:16 AM
Today is the 60th birthday of Spirit's John Locke. His keyboard work was fresh and innovative as was the sound of the whole band. Ahead of its time and timeless.
Monday, September 22, 2003 1:11:24 PM
Pat Metheny was interviewed last year in conjunction with the Pat Metheny Group appearance on Austin City Limits. Two statements by Pat stand out for me: 1. "One of the most fun things about being in a band or being a band leader is to experience that collective feeling of things changing and evolving over time over the course of a tour and that's kind of what this whole year has been about." Absolutely. I couldn't agree more. In Echo Beach's "mini-tour" of Northern California this year all of us have enjoyed the evolution of the music and we share the feeling that's it's improving week by week. As a musician there is no better feeling. Pat's other statement that stands out for me: "I tend to remain pretty optimistic because of the power of the music; which I think really does speak for itself. As a very enthusiastic fan of all music, I really do feel lucky that I am able to appreciate so many different kinds of things as just a fan of music - but especially that I have been able to participate so actively in the jazz world which is filled with such unlimited potential. When I think about jazz, and the jazz that's being made even right now in 2002, and the incredible diversity of it and also the number of very high level of players that are still playing great, I can't be anything but optimistic about the future of the music because there is so much good stuff going on."
Thursday, September 18, 2003 10:21:38 AM
A week from today I'm going to Yoshi's for Branford Marsalis and band including the great Jeff "Tain" Watts on drumset. I've heard Wynton in concert but not Branford and I'm looking forward to it with great anticipation. I've also seen Watts in concert and chatted briefly with him and it'll be exciting to see him play once again.
Monday, September 15, 2003 10:56:26 AM
On September 30th Randy Newman's releasing a new album on Nonesuch where he's re-recorded songs from his career, accompanied only by his piano playing.
Saturday, September 13, 2003 8:03:26 PM
Bill Murray more than passably sings Roxy Music's "More Than This" in the karaoke scene of Sofia Coppola's new film Lost in Translation, seen today at The Metreon. Yes, Bill's still got the lounge singer touch, but I should add that he doesn't ham it up here. It's an understated interpretation not unlike Bryan Ferry's.
Saturday, September 13, 2003 7:58:57 PM
Heard Herbie Hancock's "Watermelon Man" played by SF's Brass Liberation Orchestra in front of a watermelon booth at the Ferry Building Farmer's Market this morning; their playing was intended to bring attention to the practices of the World Trade Organization and the information on the following websites:
Friday, September 12, 2003 9:55:06 AM
On this date 37 years ago The Monkees tv show premiered on NBC. Craftily and artfully assembled for maximum exploitation of The Beatles' popularity it provided some great tv comedy and some great rock & roll.
Two unique American voices to miss and appreciate
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Thursday, September 11, 2003 4:40:13 PM
With the specific and ongoing intention of keeping this blog about music and only music I omit my political opinions and actions here. However this op/ed piece in today's New York Times relates to humanity even more than politics and I found it so important in its concepts that I link to it here. Robert Wright's opinion on the due consideration of the humanity of others resonates strongly with me. His examples -- of what is usually considered and what is usually ignored in global economic and other types of conquests -- illustrate the vacuum that is yet to be filled...and my point is that music and other cultural exchanges have a role to play in filling this vacuum, in creating common understanding. The State Department has used this "advantage" in the past (Louis Armstrong's and Dizzy Gillespie's overseas tours come to mind). Going forward it is my hope as a musician and as a citizen, that this type of statecraft will receive much greater priority than it is currently. And much more importantly I hope that statecraft will be conducted with greater thoughtfulness as to options and the long view.
Wednesday, September 10, 2003 12:24:01 PM
Music journalist Joseph McCombs has posted some of his thoughtful, well-written work here.
Tuesday, September 09, 2003 5:00:28 PM
I transcribed from video today, and have continued to think about, the following statement by Evelyn Glennie from her 60 Minutes interview with Ed Bradley...her sense of gratitude (about being a percussionist) is like my own:
"I think...I have already the miracle of being able to play music, and being able to find the seed, find that aspect in life that pleases me and so that is my miracle, I can't ask for any more, I don't want any more. So each one to their own."
(the piece "Rhapsody" from Her Greatest Hits was playing as I typed this)
Monday, September 08, 2003 5:50:16 PM
On September 23rd, Rhino re-releases the first two albums by Television with bonus tracks plus an often-bootlegged live album recorded here in town at the (now closed) Old Waldorf. More details here. With these CDs and their Elvis Costello reissues (among hundreds of others) Rhino is preserving some of the best music of the past. Another example of Rhino's CD stewardship: "Compared To What" by Les McCann and Eddie Harris which I heard on KCSM recently.
Sunday, September 07, 2003 12:30:11 PM
My head is still ringing from last night's concert at The Fillmore by El Rayo-X. But it's a good ringing! They played my live faves "Papa Was A Rolling Stone", "Don't Look Back" (the final guitar solo section is on its own like a great symphony or like standing in a creatively-architected large building looking up at the ceiling) , "Quarter Of A Man", and "Premature" inside a two-hour set that built a full head of steam about halfway through and then never quit. As a guitar fan it's very cool to soak in the vibes of Mr. Lindley and Mr. Woodburry from 20 feet away. As a percussionist I can't overstate the fun and rightness of the grooves produced by Walfredo Reyes Jr. and Wally Ingram. As a fan of The Small Faces, The Faces and various Bonnie Raitt bands I once again delighted in the B3 stylings of Ian McLagan. And the subwoofer that Jorge Calderon throws on the bass sometimes will kill ya! The opening act was Oakland's Chocolate O'Brian which had some very strong songs mixed into their set. At several points they sounded to me like a cross between Love and Squeeze which makes a good combo.
Friday, September 05, 2003 9:39:12 AM
Concert last night at UC Berkeley's Zellerbach Hall - Mark Morris Dance Group, UC Berkeley Chamber Chorus, Philharmonia Baroque Orchestra performing George Frideric Handel's "L'Allegro, il Penseroso ed il Moderato" (Pastoral ode after poems by John Milton). Orchestral overture: Handel's "Concerto Grosso in G Major, Op. 6, No. 1 (A tempo giusto - Allegro)". The magnificent relationships projected onto the stage by Mark Morris and his dancers have moved me every time I've seen them. This show was my favorite so far. This time the musical vehicle from which Morris extracts meaning is performed on historically accurate instruments including harpsichord, alongside a chorus of more than 30 voices. Next week, MMDG dances to music by Bob Wills, Bela Bartok, and Lou Harrison. A wholly different set of rhythms and punctuations; the choreography and execution will undoubtedly illuminate the music brilliantly; in that sense you could say that the Mark Morris Dance Group always inspires confidence.
Tuesday, September 02, 2003 8:49:46 PM
Bun E. Carlos of Cheap Trick does record reviews for CREEM online. Here's one of a recent Yardbirds reunion album which included Jeff Beck. And Bun E. has also reviewed How The West Was Won by Zep -- his reaction was somewhat tepid, see for yourself.
Friday, September 26, 2003 10:06:42 AM
Just saw Elvis Costello perform "Still" from his new album North, on Live with Regis and Kelly. I believe that Steve Nieve was playing the piano behind Elvis. Good tune, vivid lyrics, not his best ballad IMO but there are so many great ones to choose from.
Friday, September 19, 2003 9:16:22 AM
D.A. Pennebaker directed three of the best music DVDs I've seen, Don't Look Back, Monterey Pop, and The Outtake Performances from Monterey Pop. Last night I rented and watched portions of the latter two DVDs. Highlights so far include: Extensive audio interviews with two of my favorite musicians, Cass Elliot and John Phillips; film of Simon and Garfunkel's "Sounds of Silence" (better IMO than the acoustic and electric versions released in the '60s); Quicksilver Messenger Service's "All I Ever Wanted To Do (Was Love You)" which I have always liked and learned last night was their song; long interviews with Lou Adler and D.A. Pennebaker filmed two years ago; Laura Nyro's "Poverty Train"; The Who's "Substitute"; Electric Flag's "Drinkin' Wine"; and The Mamas and The Papas' "I Call Your Name". All of the above are in addition to the Monterey Pop film itself, which is known the world over for the performances of Joplin, Hendrix, Redding, The Who, etc. Criterion did a superb job with this material.
Monday, September 15, 2003 6:05:59 PM
Seen over the weekend, the last 20 minutes of Beck and the Flaming Lips on Austin City Limits on KRCB. Hmm, intriguing.
Monday, September 15, 2003 5:45:32 PM
Upcoming on tv this week: Cheap Trick on Craig Kilborn tonight; Oakland East Bay Symphony conductor Michael Morgan on KQED Channel 9's Spark program this Wednesday; The Bangles on Jay Leno this Friday.
Tuesday, September 09, 2003 10:47:03 AM
"...a representative sampling of an outmoded artform" as described in the opening to the music videos on the VHS compilation R.E.M. Succumbs. Specifically watched today: "Radio Free Europe", "So. Central Rain", "Can't Get There From Here", "Driver 8", "Fall On Me". Visual homage to The Monkees, source ideas for Red Hot Chili Peppers videos in these frames. And such a great soundtrack!
Wednesday, September 03, 2003 12:53:22 PM
Lindsey Buckingham will be interviewed on tonight's Charlie Rose show.
Tuesday, September 02, 2003
I'm testing blogger.com for potential use as the publishing / page format platform for this blog. I'll link to the test blog later this month.
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to the Echo Beach Band website .. echobeachband.com
