Just Another Boring Entry...

Just read Paulies Blog and So I thought I'd Copy his idea for a quick Blog, and get back at what I was doing...

I realized I'd forgotten to mention Gibby's wedding the other week...

It was really nice, but we (me and Trena) had to bail mid-way through the reception to relieve the sitter.. and then with the stuff with Riley, Well, It was kind of eclipsed off my radar, so to speak...

Chriss and Melissa are Good People, and good friends... and Very Nice wedding.. Congratulations guys...

So.... What else is new? thats about it for now.. maybe some stuff...
-Im really excited to be getting my studio board finally (this weekend)...
-I'm painting, cleaning, decluttering the house... We're Definately Selling.. Done like Dinner.. I'd have made an offer on a new place already, but pointless until this ones ready to show..
-Works going well... Which is good..Sometimes is actually really Fun! It can be hard work, and exhausting at time... but at its worst, its still ok.. So I guess I'm lucky there.. Some people hate their jobs...
-Im back to Chiro in 2 weeks.. Which will be awesome.. It was actually Working, my back was feeling better.. but then I couldnt go for like over a month.. So Im glad to finally be going back...cause my back feels like Sh_t right now... its Scarey (Chiro) with all the cracking, but it works..
-Abby's (our Abby, the dog) is depressed... She misses her buddy Riley, So we've resoved to get a puppy.. Could take a while.. but were on the waiting list at least.
-I'm getting my old Korg T1 fixed.. Should have er back soon I hope.



-the band (Stilbite) has been on Summer Hiatus.. But hope to get things back in gear soon.. Everyones still interested, but just busy..


-I got some "pick-up" gigs with Scott Cheverie and "Full-Circle" playing bass... these guys are good.. And I'm really excited to get to play bass.. Normally Im not allowed, as keyboard players are harder to find then bass players.. lol.. but they already have a key player.. and She's Awesome.. So I get to Play the bass.. finally..
Scotts the 2nd from the left here in this Pic.. the first guy on the left is Steve, the guitar-player..

The two guys on the Right are Gord and Larry, the guitar player and bass-playing singer in a band I was in a few years ago called Brennan Road..
this pic was taken at a hosue party I had here in 2004. Larry Loaned me his PA, and we had all my Musician friends over for a MASSIVE Jam party!!!
And thats What i LOVE about music.. Brings people together.. And you make and keep some great friends..

Anyway..the Full Circle Gigs: We Play Pogue Fado Sept 29, Big Leages on the 30th, and Copper Penny on the Oct 6th or 7th, I think... Should be fun..

and thats about it for now...

Oh... Cant believe I almost forgot...
I hope to complete at leat 2 to 4 interviews for the "Almost Famous" project this week!!


Pic: Ducats, Circa 1960-something

That, along with the Board has me REALLY Hyper!! But you'll have to wait for the details..



Rob Signing out... for about a week maybe.. Should have some cool stuff to tell ya by then!!!

Cheers.

Order on its way.. But Modified...

We'll I started out by trying to order the Tascam, but not as easy as I thought... Seems everyones away at the MIAC convention, and no ones shipping at the moment..

But thats ok, as It gave me some extra time to re-think my options.. the Tascam I wanted is certainly an AWESOME unit.. BUT, not portable without a laptop... So with limited budget, I thought the Korg D3200 would be more appropriate for me..



It can act as a quality studio all by itself... BUT I can also upload my files to CUBASE and/or download Cubase Mixes to it... So While I wont have a CUBASE interface, I can get by with the mouse... But at least I can take this show on the road now, and record live acts...

Anyway... I'm pretty excited!!!

The Almost Famous idea is still building momentum.. I've got some interest (locally) from people wanting to help.. and I start filming my first interviews This Weekend!!! Its all gonna be done on the "cheap", but ya have to start somewhere... and the technology and quality in those little DV camera's now-a-days is pretty impressive..

Computer has Clean Bill of Health!

Well, my PC's been acting strange for about 3 weeks now...
Actual programs would work.. But if I tried to use Internet Explorer.. it would just crash.. Hang.. etc..

My buddy Mike suggested Modzilla and/or Opera as a work around.. to kept me going until he could get here to do his own diagnostics... He's actually got a PHD in I think Computer programing... (forgive me Mike if i got that wrong) but whatever the actual specialty is.. He is a PHD in some computer related doctrine, which is to say he's forgotten more about this stuff then I'll ever Know..

Anyway.. wouldn't you know it.. Mike gets here... and this friggin Computer WOULD NOT CRASH!!!

Everything works!!?? Go Figure... Best guess is that an Auto Update patch fixed whatever problem that was there before...

Anyway.. he cleaned it up some, did a few tweaks. and we at least got to talk some Shop. Mike's also a Music fan, is often finding new indpendant artist online to listen to, and has also been an enthusiastic supporter of the "Almost Famous" idea..

Anyway.. thanks Mike... Much appreciated

Check out Mikes blog...
http://blog.sourcinginnovation.com/

i have to conceed that alot of its over my head.. But if any of you out there that are into programing and the like, will most likely find a worth while resource. Check it out!!!

House For Sale

Were not going to list with an Agent until I get all the little odd jobs done, and some stuff taken out and put in storage, but the House is OFFICIALY FOR SALE



I've not idea what the place is worth, I'll likely take guidance from the Realtor on that one once we list with MLS, but as long as Im not out of whack, I dont think I'll have any problems...

Features:
1100 sq ft per floor (2 floors, 2200 total living space)
2 Bathrooms (1 up one down)
3 bedrooms (2 on main floor, 1 down, all a good size)
1 Office (as big as masterbedroom, I use it as studio. can't technically call it a bedroom as there is no Window)
Cathedral Ceilings
Lots of Closet space
Large Lot, Landscaped, Fenced back yard
Built in 1998
Hardwood in living room and Hall upstairs
Tile in Kicthen, Entry and Bathrooms
Carpet on Stairs and In Upstairs bedrooms
Lamenate downstairs
8x12 Shed
Wired for Highspeed internet and digital cable, Recroom pre-wired for Surround Sound and pre-wired for speakers upstairs from downstairs as well as some other cool stuff..
Hotwaterbaseboard heat (very efficient) New Burner on Furnace (replaced Becket with a more efficient and reliable Reillo)
Air Exchanger and Humidex
Paved Drive way

Would likely include 4 appliances (fridge, Stove, Washer, dryer)with the house..
Negoitable on whatever else they'd like.
im sure theres more.. but thats all i can think of at the moment..

If you know of anyone looking... give them my email

robertcrewe@hotmail.com and we can arrange for them to come look..

All I need to do to ready the place for listing is a fresh coat of paint and a Yard sale to de-clutter.. other then that... She's all good

More pics below in last post..

Had to Work on a Saturday... / Selling House.

yup... it happens.. and BOTH of us had actually had work stuff to do...
Oh well... Could be a lot worst things to do Im sure..

I went to Steve and Amanda's reception after... Steve's a close friend and former roomate from University days.. They got Married in Jamaca, and had a little social today with pictures, food.. etc... Was Very nice.. They even have an Awesome Golden nammed Maddy.. which made me miss Riley, but oh well, what-a-ya-do.

Im back home now and doing some housecleaning and getting ready to Paint the deck.. We Love this place, and the neighbors, but we need a slightly bigger place... So were going to sell..

So if you Know anybody whos looking for an Awesome little house.. tell them to Call ME this House is for sale

Here are some pics,, Including a rough sketch of the floor plans.
Its about 2200 Sq ft of living space.






Basement Finsished with bathroom, 3rd bedroom, rec room and a den/office
these pics are old (I'll get new ones soon) but should give you an idea.
Since taking these pics, we've Paved the drivway and fenced the back yard..
The House actually needs nothing, maybe just a coat of paint.. But theres nothing that actually NEEDS to be done, but they do say that its the finishing touches that help sell a house quick. So Im gonna do it as fast as I can just in case.. in the meantime, if someone wants to make an offer... By all means.. Less work for me!!! HA..



It the only house like it in the entire subdivision, which is a plus, AND it has a larger then average lot for this subdivision, Catherdral Ceilings, and is just around corner from Schools.. So I think it will go fast once I formally put it up..

Similar size homes on SIGNIFICANTLY smaller lots are selling for 250, 260 down in Beechville... Only advantage I could see for living there, vs here, is your about 4km closer to town. Out side of that, I think this is a Much Nicer Subdivision..

SO If your interested, let me know.. I Figure I'd start at 250,000 and see what happens.. and YES, I know thats High!.So don't be afraid to make an offer.. But hey, wouldnt that be nice? besides theres one around corner, smaller, and older, with smaller lot for 220 So I think I'm respectably in that Ballpark, just maybe a little bit lower... lol...

Remembering Riley

Click this Link for a Special Tribute to Riley

the Life of Riley

We'll, i dont have the time or stamina to tell the whole story here just yet... But OurOld guy has Cancer....

truly, a saint of a dog... An Old Soul, perhaps...

We'll know more soon.. but I just had to put some pics of him up.... I'll get more later...

Needles to say... its not been the best of weekends..
But we've been truly blessed to have had such a great Friend for these past 11 years...

Forgot to Mention U2! My bad...

was just reading Pauls Blog from last year, and realized I totally forgot to talk about our Road trip to see U2!

I wont go into too much detail, as Paul sums it up quite well, but it was a great time. Special thanks to Paul to for "Financing" my trip... I was a last minute addition to the trip, And it was a Bus/hotel/ticket package deal... the Price was good, but at the time i was (as we say back on the rock) 'Skimp bye'.... So Paul was good enuf to let me pay it off in installments... Rock on Paul...

Anyway.. we kicked it off with a few Pops at Pauls the nite before.. Chuck Came over.. And even though that was fun.. we did call it a nite relatively early..

the Buss Ride the next day, however.. well.. I think Rum was on Tap!!
We pretty Much drank the Whole trip... and were in Fine Form by the time we got there...

In hindsight we shoudl have taken our guitars... it would have been soooo much more fun. but we still had a blast... and there was a dude playing some james taylor type stuff. but they didnt let him play it too long..

near the end.. we were all out of gas... so a good steak, and nap.. and we were in good form for St. Catherines st...

the next day.. I actually has some work to do in Montreal.. Which in itself was a rare treat.. Can't realy say it was work.. A meating with an old friend, and some work folks.. then a steak and conversation.. A good day All in All!! ..


So the boys had the afternoons without me.. and I caugth up with them a little later on...

the Pre party was fun... but we were really just building up steam for the concert..
We had a LOT of liqour there.. which, consider the long drop from the balcony, and the short railing.. was not the best idea we ever had.. but man, it was fun..








Anyway... read Pauls Blog for the rest of the details... but it goes without saying.l. it was One of the best concerts I've seen..

As for the ride home on the bus??? Not so much drinking.. but LOTS of sleeping..
then for the ride home from Pauls.. .. One of those rare times I was a passenger , and Not driving.. so I too full advantage and had one heck of a nap...




(Note: I've not yet seent he stones live... so can't say for certain how that will stack up.. Will let you now after Sept 23rd)

A few New Pics of Sarah!

Aint nothing better in the World, then hanging with my little Girl!!!

Made the Order! Finally!

Well... I Bit the Bullet and Made the order!!

I been saving my spare change, birthday cash, going without lunches, Tims, Movies, Rum, DVD's, magazines, even passed on a Roger Waters ticket, but I just can't wait anymore...

I'm just hoping I'll get to have it for at least a month before technology leap-frogs me and something new comes out thats better and cheaper! Oh well.. One up side is this in just an interface.. the recording part is softwarebased on the computer... so as that changes, hopefully I'll have access to the newer versions ...

I'm hoping it will be here within a month or so.. and then I'll be able to start recording some original material, live acts.. and it will certainly come in handy for the "Almost Famous" project.. ..

I've gotten so good at, well, being a tightwad, that I think I'll keep the jar going... (yes, I actually have a jar.. I even labeled it, and count and track every penny!!) While this unit was the BIG Kahuna, theres a lot of other toys I'd love to have down the road... So I think I'll keep the savings going... Could take a lot longer for the next one, but all in good time...

On the short list of whats up next (just in case your interested, or are thinking of Xmas ideas, lol)...
-A hard shell case for my keyboard,(Gator G-TOUR 76)
-a half decent condensor mic
-an expansion piece for this board(Tascam fe-8) Pic Right -->
-a decent desk/workstation to put all this sh_t on (Omnirax F2 or Forte (see pics below)
-and someday, a decent PA, board, and lights.. but these things are for WAY long term, realistically retirement or "Lotto" but hey.. everyones got a dream... Some folks dream of golf or Harleys... I dream of music... altought Trena jokes that a drug habit might be less expensive... Somehow, while i think she may have a point, I'm gonna go out on a limb and suggest that Music is a healthier diversion..

Anyway..im tired, but excited... this board was a big milestone.. and who knows.. maybe i can use it to make the cash to get the other stuff...

One can only hope...
Here's some pics of that Ominrax gear... Kicks ass but mega pricey... if anyone out there fancies themself a carpenter and thinks they can Build something like this cheap.. EMAIL ME.. I have Schematics!!!











Anyway.... Special thanks to Mike Lamoureaux for the firefox tip, If not for that, I'd be unable to do anything net-based.. (for some reason my PC decided it no longer wants to run internet explorer)

G-Nite!!! and Good Weekend!!!

Taking Heat for Liking Bon Jovi and Dixie Chicks!

Ok... I've been getting blasted from my Rocker Buddies, you know.. they guys who Love AC-DC, Dave Mathews, Phish, U2, and the like.. for blogging about how much I liked Bon Jovi and the Dixie Chicks...

To be clear... so no one guesses... While I really liked the concerts, that does not necessarily mean these acts have suddenly dominated my Ipod.... And no Paul, Jon Tesh can play for free and I'd rather watch a Sienfield re-run then go see that nonsense.... But I Do have to give credit where credit is due... and that is to say.. that these Concerts were nothing short of Fantastic!!

My favorite Bands have always been eclectic, to say the least...

Paully has often mocked me that the first tune I ever downloaded back in the Napster days was Jim Reeves, "Welcome to my World" and its true... But if you ever really listen to it, its a very cool cord progression.. Barry (Musseau) helped me work it out with a 2 guitar harmony phrasing that is still one of my favorite progressions to jam...

Pic: Paul Osmond and some other dude


Anyway.... Im getting off topic..

My favorite tunes/bands???
#1 would have to be the Eagles...
I like a lot of music.. but theres not a lot of bands I can listen to 1, let alone 3 albums in a row of ... and the Eagles are IT!

#2 (by a very close margin) Pink Floyd... I saw them in 87 in Nice, France (Momentary Lapse of Reason Tour, less Roger Waters) but I was 16 at the time... and while it was really awesome, I think in hindsight I was too young to truly appreciate it... I've also seen the Ausie PF show, and the Studio dudes... both were fantastic.. and we have a running agreement (Paul, John Dev, and myself) that if they every reunite with Waters.. we'd fly anywhere in NorthAmerica to see them....

I even had a chance to see Waters in Montreal, And normally I'd jump over my best buddy to see Waters, but I passed on the ticket (lower bowl to) to save the case towards my Studio Board.... (I'm really close to getting it now by the way)

Then.. theres a list of others I really REALLY like which include (in no particular order)
Van Halen, AC~DC, Roy Orbison, Elvis, Buddy Holly, Buddy Guy, Albert Collins, Johnny Cash, Kriss Kristpoherson (for his songwritting, not for his singing) Ray Price, The Judds, Blue Rodeo, Crowded House, Matt Minglewood, Clapton, Beatles, (and Wings, etc), ELO, Traveling Wilburrys, Tom Petty, (those last few very connected via Jeff Lynn) Boston, Kansas, Styx, Boz Skaggs, Travis Tritt, Ricky Skaggs, Brad Paisly, James Blunt, John Mayer, The Gourds, Dave Mathews, U2, Sarah McLaughlan (ok I cant spell for crap), Stevie Ray Vaughn, Journey, Metalica, KISS, The Trews, Matt Mayes, SuperStack, Cowboy Junkies, Enya, White Snake, Deep Purple, Jerry Lee Lewis, Fats Domino, Dilbert McClinton, Parliment, James Brown, Allman Brothers, Lynrd Skynrd, KD Lang, BON JOVI, and the Dixie Chicks, Sugar Ray, and.. theres many many more.. but I only have a short break before I have to get back to work, so that will have to do for now...

But in terms of Concert Experiences... I would have say that I have a different rating system...
and its completely arbitrary.. but its just based on how much I liked it..

Now, the most FUN I ever had at a concert is tied between the Great Canadian Party in St Johns, back in geesh, 90? and the Beach Boys in Grandfalls, but that had more to do with how drunk and stupid I was, and not the show itself... But the Best Concerts? hmmm
top 5? I'd have to say
#1 Bon Jovi + Nickleback
#2 Pink Floyd (even though it was in 87, it still kicked arse)
#3 a tie between Eagles and U2... U2 had a better stage show, but Eagles.. well.. its the Eagles man.. what more do I need to say
#4 Austrailian Pink Floyd Show
#5 Dixe Chicks

and then after that theres a whole bunch of ties..
I've seen Brian Adams, Alice Cooper, Jan Arden, Sarah McLaughlan, Diana Krall, Celine Dion, Kim Mitchel, Gowan, Spoons, Matt Minglewood on big and small stages, Blue Rodeo, Great Big Sea, Big Sugar, 13 Engines, Burbon Tabernacle Choir, Bare Naked Ladies, Helix, Irish Decendants, Charlie Pride, Remy Shand and more.... and I'd be hard pressed to pick a rank among them.. I enjoyed them all

Anyway... To Paully and all those out there who might poo-poo on Bon Jovi and Dixie Chicks.. Just go see the show man... You might not necessarily become a fan... But at the very least, I am 100% certain you'll have to tip your hat and say "Man, that was a great concert"

Dixie Chicks were Great

We saw the 2nd of two Halifax shows, and I was thoroughly impressed.
While it doesn't compare to the Bon Jovi show we recently saw in Montreal, the Dixie Chicks certainly had a Great sound, and great show....

I don't know a lot about the bands history... but I think the two girls on each end are sisters? Regardless, very talented, multi-instrumentalists and singers... The lead singer.. well, what can I say, but man.. what a set of Pipes.. that girl can really belt it out. Great power, tone and sustain..

I'm not convinced that she was really playing the guitar on all of the songs.. I think some of them she was faking it... BUT in her defence, it was only a few songs where I would actually question it.. there were more where I am sure it was indeed really her... And either way... still a great show.. I'd go again..

I just heard they're tour is not doing so great in the U.S. Oh well, Halifax sure appreciated them.. I for one am gonna go out and buy a DVD and/or CD of them next payday.. Not that I need it (or don't already have my fav tunes downloaded) and not that my meger contribution will help, but actualy buying the CD is just my small way of supporting them now that they've won me over as a fan...

Compromise is Key

Well, we didn't get Gold Tickets to the Stones... but we did get 2 GA tickets...

I'm sold on the idea now that it will probably be more fun that way anyway.. especially after the Bon Jovi concert.... But equally important. were also going to Dixie Chicks and Dwight Yokam (Late Sept) so it all works out..

In the meantime... My "recording board fund" has about 60% of what I'll need now.. and gaining momentum.. I've been going without "extras" and lunches for a while to save up.. so the other upside in addition to the board it self, when I get it.. will be that I think I'm also loosing some weight in the process...

Also.. been practicing with some video editing/DVD making software... It takes a LOT of time, (especial when computer crashes) but I'm getting the hang of it slowly, and am gaining confidence in my ability to actually put a rough cut of this "Almost Famous" idea together.. Will keep ya posted as things progress.