Can't Get no Satisfaction

Well... The Limited Pre_sale of VIP tickets went on today..... I was there.. and I could of had them... had them confirmed.... West, Row 25, seats 17 ang 18, but I had to let them go........

I thought... given there would no travel or Hotel expenses... the Better half would go for the VIP Tickets.. and we'd get to listen to the Stones in Style!!!!!

Sigh..... No such luck....But I guess thats life when your a Music Addict!!

Oh well.... Hopefully I'll get a Reg Ticket on Monday when they go on sale... And I'll bring the telescope to look at where I could have been sitting...

Such is life... lol

Some Flash, Some Fizzle....

Well.... I may have spoke too soon...

My hopes of starting at the top (see last post re: 1st interview) may be a lot more difficult then I imagined...

Oh well.. not to worry... I'll track down the "Regular Joe's" and interview them first... then ask again, and again, and again... After all... All it only takes two things to make a Diamond... "Time & Pressure" (ok, 3 things actually, if you include coal, but you get the point...)

Anyway, in the meantime, I am please to report that I now own Cyber-RealEstate (if there is such a thing).

I registered the Domain Names.... www.almostfamous.ca , www.bongwatermusic.com , www.bongwatermusicproductions.com , and www.robertcrewe.com

(ok, that last one wasn't necessary, chaulk it up to vanity.. ha ha ha)

Special thanks to Mike Lamoureaux, my computer GURU for stepping me through the process...

I eventually hope to move this Blog to one of those... and well... the rest is more or a Pre-Emptive move Just-In-Case this idea gains momentum....

Time will tell...

"Almost Famous" update

Well, nothing "material" to report just yet... but there are faint signs of progress..

I'd like to think I'm reasonably close to my first interview... I can't say with whom just yet, but I can say that I hope (if granted some of their time) it will be an "A-List" musician who actually was and still IS FAMOUS....

This would be awesome on three fronts..

1st, well the dudes famous.. being able to attach their name to the project would lend it an incredible amount of credibility...

2nd... In addition to having an interesting story on his own career in music, this person has in depth knowledge of several "Almost Famous" acts... and

3rd I think it would be just really freaking cool to meet this guy in person...

Anyway.. I wont jinx it by spilling the name just yet... and, to be honest, all I've got so far is an email reply with a definate "maybe" but its a start...

My only hope is that I don't offend them by asking more questions about the "Almost Famous" group, then their own career.... But in my defense.... thats the whole point of this project...

Not that the currently Famous don't deserve their own documentary.... as they most certainly do... but to a large extent... thats been done... We've all scene MTV "Behind the Music" and/or the PBS Biographies and/or our regional equivilants... regardless... they are already famous... BUT, have you ever seen a documentary.. (opps) I mean ROCK-U-Mentary on a band that was "Almost Famous" but never made it??? While I could be wrong (and Hope I'm not) I sincerely dont think so.... otherwise, there goes my point... and my idea... ha ha ha....

But as obscure as it sounds... I think people would watch it...

Just yesterday I caught part of an interview on CBC radio with Randy Bachman (BTO) and Tal Bachman (Wallflowers) and While I can't remember the dudes name... Randy talked about some "dude" who taught him how to play guitar back in the day....

Now.... we all know who Randy Bachman is.. and if not.. slap yourself.. you need it...

And you should also Know Tal....

But I bet few people know about this other "dude" who taught Randy a great deal on guitar, including some "Jazz" prgressions which Randy credited to giving him the basis that lead to him being able to write "She's come undone" (If you think about it, and/or dig out the song and play it, you'll get the Jazz connection--- also.. If I've misquoted Mr. Bachman, my appologies.. I never caught the entire intrview, just pieces of it so please don't sue me)

Anyway... my point... While fans are fans... Musicians are also fans... and a great number of relatively unknown and/or unsigned talent out there, I think, is , at the very least, deserving of a listen.....

Well.. now its late (12:47am) and Im dead tired... and I've yet to put the garbage out..... So tired in fact I've drifted from my point... ... point.. oh yeah.. PROGRESSS. opps.. ok.. back on track now...

An old friend with absolutley (and I'm quoting him) no music talent whatsoever, other then playing a mean stereo, but who also happens to have a PHD in some form of "Computer/programing" field (aka, the dudes a computer/website guru) who is a fellow Music "fanatic" with notable busines skills also.... thinks I might have a good idea here and is open to help me get started...

My Philosophy..... I'd rather have a share of something, then 100% of nothing... so Im grateful for the help..

So if anyone else out there would like to help... Whether it be with ideas, constructive critisizms contacts, cameras, recording gear, labor, PR, or anything... even just Moral Support
email me.. at bongwatermusic@eastlink.ca

I can't promise you anything as I have ZERO budget.. but I can promise my appreciation, and that I'll give Full Credit where credit is due (aka acknowledgement/recognition for contributing")

oh... in case your wondering, that first pic up above here is a promo shot for the Movie, "Almost Famous" (which I probabkly shouldnt use as I dont have pemission) which is partially responsible for me haching this crazy idea.. well, at least the title..... the rest of the credit belongs to my dad and his band, the ducats, and to my freind, Barry Garber, suggesting that their story (the Ducats) Might make an interesting documentary... I just embellished and built on that idea to the broader concept it is so far... )

The Year of the Road Trip!!!

Special Thanks to Jonas O'Reiley, (he waited for me to get back from Montreal to share a ride to New Brunswick") I got to go to Charles and Julie's inagural outdoor party... hereafter known as "BACHMANFEST"

Chuck went all out... he rented tents, a port-o-pottie and even built a stage for the band....

it was a blast.... and 98% all GOOD...

Why not 100%???

Well... Some Idiot was going around piercing holes in Beer cans, but oh well... not everyone can be sensable I guess.... other then that... it was a very fun trip... especially since I wasnt drinking beer.. (ha ha)



We dont get together like that a lot... but man when we do.... We Sure have FUN!

We also got to spend some time With Paul and Sara, and their new addition Abigal..
man oh man, she's gonna be a heart-breaker...

We went to their place first, had a really great BBQ and then it was off to Chucks place...

Sara's parents looked after little Abigal so they could come out with us... and it was actually their First night out as new parents...



Some Mutual friends (all from Port Aux basques) brought up a PA and played for the night.... Nothing better then live entertainment....

after their second break, Paully and I got up to play a few tunes...


i wont Post all the pics... Chuck actually has them at www.charlesbachman.com but heres a few of me and Paul Jamming with the Boys gear after a few rums...



fun stuff...

Why "BongWater"???

Ok.... everyone keeps asking me what that means..... and I guess in hindsight, I never really considered the possible negative connotations a title like the might have... when in reality, it doenst have to have anything to do with that......

The jest of it is this: "MUSIC" all by itself, is the ultimate Drug!

i.e. have you ever listened to a song and just "got lost in it"????

I'm sure it happens... Music can make a bad day better, and a good day great, it can pick you up when your down, make you smile, make you drive faster, make you work harder, it can make you laugh or cry, it can give you energy, help you sleep, keep you company on a lonely drive, and it can bring people together, it can be a soothing background during dinner, and it can Breathe life into a party.... and so on..... especially when its done well....

And if you still don't understand what I mean by that... Just pick up the Eagles "Hell Freezes Over" DVD and play it loud, with surround sound, and close your eyes..... , or Pump on AC-DC when your on the highway, or Dianna Krall during a formal dinner, You'll figure it out pretty quick once the music starts....

And NO other drug can boast all that:

Then, Take that one step further, as a musician.... to play to a captive and appreciative audience, when it all comes together, and everything is in-sync, and the crowd is loving it..... THAT is the Ultimate high....
And I call it the "Bongwater Effect"

Its not a drug... but its equally if not more powerful, but in a good way... and not unlike a "Bong" its meant to be shared.....

And best of all... For the most part... there are no side effects.... other then a continued desire to get that "Music" high again and again, and share it with friends...........

If your still struggling with the concept... Go and Buy Eric Claptons "Crossroads Festival" DVD
http://www.pbs.org/wnet/gperf/shows/guitargods/index.html









Theres a dude there, I can't remember his name.. but he plays a pedal steel guitar.....
Watch his expression as he JAMS with ERIC CLAPTON....

as I interpret it... it starts off as "Holy Crap, I'm Jamming with Clapton!" and all of sudden, as he realizes he's earned the rihgt to be there... and can really hold his own... he finds the "Pocket" and his expression becomes much more confident...

I've watched it like 5 times.. and I smile every time that part comes on.. With Much Envy, I might add... but thats it... that is the BongWater Effect....

Global Attention????

Hey Guys!... it seems my little old "Blog", and more particularly.. my "Almost Famous" idea, has been "googled" by folks other then those who actually know me!!! I've gotten some emails from folks I've never met before who stumbled into this little posting....

Anyway, this is COOL!!! So, if any of you have a min, or even a second... add a comment or email me with your feedback (good and bad) its all appreciated...

Anyway... I'll post an "edited" version of "Amost Famous" soon.. but in the meantime, I'm not gonna wait for help or a sponsor.. I'm just gonna take my cam-corder and start doing it!!!! and build it from there.....

More to follow...

Awesome Vacation!

Well, I cant say i was TOTALLY away from work... f__king blackberry keeps you on a short leash.. .but I did have a great time overall...

We had both took 2 weeks, most of which we just did local stuff, but we also had 3 days and 2 nights up in Montreal

We got lucky with the rental car (paid for a compact and got a Wicked Buick Rendevous for same cost) it was soo cool we both agreed to look for one next time we need to trade...

We skimped on the hotel, and stayed in a really cheap little place, but it worked out well as we spent very little time there..... Most of our time was chaulked full of most of the touristy things..

We saw Old Montreal, the Biodome, Insectarium, did some shopping, I drooled over the toys at Steve's Music store, and we even took in a concert...(see previous post) which was the real primary reason for the trip in the first place, but we had a lot of other fun too...

But all that Aside, with exception to the continuing issue with Ants... (we gave up and called the pros to come spray next week) it sure is good to be home....

Anyway.... Im up a little toooo late now.. so I need to cut this short.... I also trust you'll forgive any gramer or spelling mistakes..... but I really dont care enough to spell check at this hour.. Ha ha ...

Im just gonna grab a shower and some cereal and its off to bed for me...

Nite all!!!!

Rob


PS... does anyone read this stuff?
I really enjoy doing it... and have even had some strangers who found it while googling something else... but I'd like to know who, if anyone other then by accident, reads this dribble... Anyway... if so, email me.... or add comments...

cheers for now..

Bon Jovi Concert Experience: BEST EVER

ok, I whimped out and didnt go to the Stones last year.. So I can't compare this to that...
But I have seen more then my share of concerts... and this, I have to say... TOPS THEM ALL

Yup... I've seen U2, Eagles, Celine, Cher, and even the 87 version of Pink Floyd (less Waters) and much to my surprise.... this was my Absolute favorite... hands down...

Now dont get me wrong.. IM a die hard Pink Floyd, and Eagles fan.... but, whats in my Ipod, and which gave the best concert/entertainment value.. I've learned need not be the same...

Nickleback opened for them (I'd seen them in Halifax, they are always good to hear) and some new band called Ashmore, or Asswhore (not sure, more likely the former, not the latter) was the warm up act.... All in all.... One word.... WOW!!!!!

We had a decent view.... and met some cool people to.... even some guy named Mike from Huntington who gave me a smoke...

I'll post some more pics later...
http://bongwatermusicproduction.spaces.msn.com/photos/
I even got about 40 minutes of good quality video...

I also got to speak with the dude I gave my "Almost Famous" idea to again....http://robsbongwater.blogspot.com/2006/05/almost-famous.html

We didnt get to have lunch, but we did speak at the concert..albeit very briefly..... .I guess in the bigger scheme of things.. that is his work.. events like that, and spending time with little ol' me from PAB, Newfoundland, is likely more of a polite distraction.... But it was cool to speak with him nonetheless.... The Lucky bugger even had backstage pass.... he did, however, say that he passed it on to someone he knew at VH1 but no response yet... Anyway... I thought that him thinking enough of it to do that much was quite an honor... , I can't ask for much more then that... Anyway... its like they say.... Nothing ventured, nothing gained right... But I thnk they also say "the sales process starts with the first NO" So I've not given up hope.....

Regardless, I've resolved not to bug him with it again, at least not for now... He's a good guy, has worked hard to get where he is, but I dont want to wear out my welcome.... (assuming I havent already, ha ha) but also... and more realisticaly, I have'nt really done anything yet... Its just an idea so far.... So I've resolved to "Just Do It"

aka, I'm gonna stop "talking about it" and just go ahead and start filming some and start building this thing on my own with a camcorder and my computer....

So If anyone wants to help out.. Please let me know... I can sure use it... Aside from that.. I'm not gonna talk about it anymore... I'm just gonna put my head down and work at it.... At the very least, a good hobby.... but from there.. who knows....

so, no more chit chat from me about this for now... But once I've an actually product to show... THEN I'll start pushing it around to see what happens... Wish my luck...

Anyway.. its 2:47 am.. Im dead tired, and have to party to New Brunswick tomorrow.. the last bash of this Vacation.. so I better get some sleep...

Cheers for now all...

Rob

Collingwood Trip Rocked

Well, who'd of thought that a work trip to Collingwood Ontario would be COOL.

My last trip to Ontario, I sat next to Jimmy Rankin on the way back... which was a treat... I consider myself a fan, but didnt recognize him in person...

Anyway... on the way through security this trip, who should be imediatly in line behind me, Jimmy rankin again...

"Not stalking me are you Jimmy!" I said...
"he didnt remember my name, but knew me as the "banker/songwriter" which was cool enough I guess...

anyway... The work part of the trip was pretty cool.... We stayed at the Blue Mountain resort... and While others said it was a lot like many other resorts they'd been at... myself, not being much of anywhere, I thought it was very nice...

And even more impressivethen the resort, was the fun everyone had... While the liqour flowed at night.... Everyone was on time and alert the next morning for work... Work-Hard/Play-Hard being the theme I think..

The second night we were there, there was this KICK-ASS southern rock style band called SUPERSTACK (www.superstackmusic.com)

Not only are they a kick ass band, what was most impressive is that they played 90% original music and was able to entertain a crowd of bankers and other tourist who'd never heard their stuff before... and everyone was LOVIN it!!!

I got to talking to them during the break, and they even let me get up and jam a tune with them on the bass... to bad they didn't have a keyboard up there.. I'd have stayed all night...

regardless... it was a lot of fun... Im not sure if they get free booze or not, but I stuck around afterward and they bought me soo many shooters, I have no idea how I was able to walk on my own back to my room.. I left not long after, hoping to get to bed before the alcohol really took affect... Smart move....

they even know some fellow Nova Scotians (Trews) so maybe they'll get out this way someday.... I would not be surprised at all if these guys made the Big time... and if Im lucky... maybe they'll need a keyboard player... I'd likely have to let my hair grow though....

But as if that wasn't enough music for one trip.. On the plane on the way down I met Bob Mills, a mechanical engineer from Nova Scotia, working in Toronto..

Now, by all accounts, being a mechanical engineer is a pretty good gig.... But this guy has a band, has some original music and dreams of a career in music...... hmmmmm sounds familier... maybe we should start a support group or something... HA!!!!!

Anyway... I've just finished a tune (music only) that sounds a lot like their style.. so once I get it finished, Im gonna send them a copy and see what happens... they were able to get
Bob Ezrin, who was a Producer, for the Orchestral Arrangements on PINK FLOYD, THE WALL to listen to some of there demo, and he LIKED it, and wants to hear more....... exciting stuff.......

All this conincidence...... has me excited...

I'm hopping to have lunch a guy I know in the Biz, when we go to Montreal.... I dont know him extremely well, and he certainly doesnt owe me any favors or anything like that, but I have known him casually since about 92.... and he's a decent guy.... So, can't hurt I guess.... I just hope I don't impose too much... Its like they say.. theres a thin line between persistance and annoyance... So I have to be mindfull of that... but it is difficult, especially when ya get excited about an idea or something you believe in...

I gave him an MP3 cd when he was down in Halifax for the Juno's which had my originals, waynes and some other stuff along with my "Almost Famous" idea... http://robsbongwater.blogspot.com/2006/05/almost-famous.html
He said he'd pass it on to a buddy he had at VH1, so ya never know I guess... nothing ventured, nothing gained.... At the very least, I was honored he'd do that much...

Trena and I are going to see Bon Jovi while we're there (NickleBack is opening for him) and a large Elvis mega production... http://www.elvisstory.com/ so it should be a fun trip all the way around..

Aside from that.. were now part way through week one of a 2 week vacation... and I've already worked 2 days!!!! oh well... its not Rock and Roll, but its still a really good job!!!!!

Cheers for now...