Map to Party... Dec 30th... At Legion at End of Greenhead Road

Click on pic to make it Bigger

Dec 30th Party is going to a BLAST, But the 31st GIG (aka New Years Eve at TBR) was cancelled.

Well.. its all green lights and Full speed ahead for the Super Jam Party on the 30th at the legion in Lakeside.. but I just got the call that the Timberlea Beverage room cancelled on us for the 31st..

Can't say I'm impressed...

We gave them a cut rate for a new years eve party, and he said, assume its a go, and they (TBR) were spose to get back to me on MONDAY a week ago to confirm 100%..

Since then I've called, dropped in.. Scot even made up posters in good faith that we'd have a paycheck to cover printing cost off the top... and NO one from TBR had the Gumption to tell us until today..

Shit happens, and its no big deal,its not like this is our livelihood, but we work hard and do take it seriously... and I do feel somewhat "takent for granted" that they left it till the last minute to let us know... Doesn't leave me with a "Warm and fuzzy Feeling"

Anyway... No worries.. We'll have an Awesome time on the 30th at the Legion, and will be able to go Full TILT, hold nothing back!!!! and then have new years eve to recover...

We've lost two Godfathers and Ambasadors of Soul and Blues.... .

I had the privilage of Catching his concert last year in Halifax, and was Blown away with the Sound and Energy...

Sadly, James Brown died Xmas morning... and Dutch Mason died Xmas Eve..
I've not been watching any TV, nor listening to any radio, and I had no idea till dad called me last night and told me...

I have to admit, that outside of enjoying their Music, I really don't know much about them outside of that... So, respectfully, I wont try...
But I Cut and pasted these next two articles, word for word, from their respective online papers as my little tribute to them both


12/25/06, 3:15 pm EST

James Brown, 1933 - 2006

Fifty years after recording his first hit song, the Hardest Working Man in Show Business has played his final encore. James Brown, the Godfather of Soul, died early Christmas morning after a brief bout with pneumonia in an Atlanta hospital. By his count, he was seventy-three years old.

One of the most influential performers of the 20th century, Brown’s hard-charging, hypnotically rhythmic signature sound inspired peers and successors from doo-wop to hip hop. Among his many chart successes – more than forty Top Forty hits and dozens more on the R&B charts — were the timeless classics “Papa’s Got a Brand New Bag” and “I Got You (I Feel Good)” and civil rights anthems such as “Say It Loud – I’m Black and I’m Proud.” His best-known album, 1962’s “Live at the Apollo,” is often cited as the most exciting live album of all time. One of the original inductees into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1986, Brown received a Lifetime Achievement Grammy Award in 1992.

Brown, as some of his elaborate nicknames (“The Minister of the New New Super Heavy Funk”) imply, was best known for his indefatigable showmanship. His revue-style shows were designed to take his audience to ever-higher levels of delirium, and he was famous for “fainting” near the end of the evening, only to be revived by his band mates.

“He was dramatic to the end – dying on Christmas day,” the Rev. Jesse Jackson told the Associated Press.

His private life was nearly as eventful as his stage act. Born in Barnwell, South Carolina, in 1933 (some sources give 1928 as the year of his birth), Brown was serving jail time by the age of 16. He spent more than two years in prison after a drug-fueled interstate car chase in 1988, and he periodically made news for other incidents involving drinking, drugs, women and firearms.

Onstage, however, Brown considered himself a healer. “I always said I was seventy-five percent minister and twenty-five percent artist,” he once told this writer.

“I went to see the pope, and the pope told me that I should never come to church, because I can do more out there (on the street)… Music is the soul of the people. That’s why I’m the Godfather of Soul. I wouldn’t want to be anything else — wouldn’t want to be a king, or an emperor. I just want to be with the people.”

-- James Sullivan, www.rollingstone.com

original alrticel: http://www.rollingstone.com/rockdaily/index.php/2006/12/25/james-brown-1933-2006
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Nova Scotia's Own Dutch Mason also passed away....


Blues artist Dutch Mason dead at age 68
Nova Scotia musician known as ‘Prime Minister of the Blues’

By Melanie Patte
the Canadian Press

HALIFAX — Norman (Dutch) Mason, the legendary Nova Scotia musician heralded by friends and fans alike as the Prime Minister of the Blues, has died at the age of 68.

Mason died Saturday at his home in Truro, N.S., after suffering from a number of ailments, including diabetes and severe arthritis, said his live-in caretaker Wade Brown.

The Lunenburg, N.S., native made his name in the late 60s and 70s while touring Canada with the Dutch Mason Trio, along with bassist Ronnie Miller and drummer Ken Clattenburg.

Mason’s talents even caught the attention of blues icon B.B. King, who dubbed Mason the King of the Blues. But a band member — thinking it would sound more Canadian — soon changed the moniker to the Prime Minister of the Blues.

He was nominated for Best Blues Album at the 1994 Juno Awards, and in 2005 was inducted into the Order of Canada for his achievements in music.

“He was just the real thing,” Matt Minglewood, a Nova Scotia rock-blues musician, said Saturday from Glace Bay. “There was nothing fake or phoney about Dutch and the blues. He lived it like he sang it.”

Minglewood is among a generation of musicians influenced by Mason’s style. Mason’s son, Garrett, picked up a 2005 Juno for his debut blues album.

But during a career spanning more than 50 years, Mason was known as much for his colourful personality as his guitar skills and distinctive voice.

“I’ve seen him come on stage practically naked, with just a towel around him,” said a chuckling Minglewood.

“On a whim, he would do that.He was just very funny.”

Minglewood said Mason retained his sense of humour and passion for music even as his health deteriorated.

Brown, who played guitar alongside Mason in addition to serving as his caretaker, said arthritis crippled Mason’s fingers more than 15 years ago and prevented him from playing guitar.

In recent years, Mason used a wheelchair and singing performances became scarce.

In 2005, the annual Dutch Mason Blues Festival was launched. Mason — who spent most of his time in bed — was too ill to attend this year’s event, held in Dartmouth, N.S.


Read this article in its original format at: http://www.capebretonpost.com/index.cfm?sid=1318&sc=4
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Musicians and Fans will miss them both...
My condolences to their families...

Luckier then Prince Charlie! (the back story about the bass/ and keyboard)

Ok.... Here's a little story about why Trena is just the coolest...

Back in 2002... I was struggling with the notion of leaving my old job, and making some changes.. In the midst of that, I'd just started to get back into music...

I'd been out of the loop a LONG LONG time... but was eager to get back into again... I'd missed it alot....

I'd heard Mike Cowie and the Funky People play at some business event, and was totaly blown away...

I told Trena I'd be playing on stage with that guy inside of year... ....I think she thought I was crazy, as I sat there and wrote down their set list... But I think it took 3 months before I was on stage with them...

Now, I have to conceed.... Mike plays with the best of the best... And I'm ok, I mean I can hold my own.. but they are on a level of skill that is significantly ahead of me, hell.. I could practic for a Lifetime and still not catch up.. But that's a good thing...as not unlike any other pursuit... Be-it Golf, tenis, whatever, if you play with people who are better then you, you will learn more... And these guys were freking Amazing... It was a work out for me just to keep up.... I don't have any formal training, nor can I read sheet music.. . But I learned more from those guys over 4 or 5 gigs, then I'd learned int he last 4 or 5 years combined....

Anyway, My old Keyboard was heavy, and hard to Carry around... and it took up a lot of room in some of the small bars I was giging at... (plus the fact I couldn't lift the damn thing by myself) So I'd started saving up for a new one..

I had just under a year in with my new job and was gettign close to enough savings to get it..

Then, I got laid off... Sux, but it happens..

Now I can't say anything about about the firm, In light of recruiting me from a decent gig, and then downsizing or whatever you want to call it... they were very reasonable with Severance... But I was still to nervous to blow it.. I had a Mortgage to pay, and all that jazz....

flash forward a bit... I'd had a job offer as a commissioned sales guy with s good local firm which i'd turned down... (I'd been down the 100% Commission and "Draw account" road before, got the T-Shirt.. and no thanks, not again..) So I counter offered to take it... with a Salary... anyway.. they dude wanted to hire me, but we had to sell it to his boss first..

So Trena and I made a deal... if I got the job, I'd get the Keyboard..
And without discounting her faith in me... there was a huge gap between their first offer, and my counter... and she wasn't totally convinced I'd get it... But I did (theres another cool story about the interview (loud part quiet/quiet part loud) but ask me that one over a beer)

Well, that said.... didn't I get the F-ing Job so I stopped at Trena's office to tell her the great news... (it was on the way to the Music Store)

She was very happy for me, but asked that I hold off on getting the keyboard until I had a few paychecks under my belt... Anyway.. a little 'debate' started, and was ended when Trena admitted, in frustration, that She'd already had the Damn thing on layaway for me, with intent to give it to me for my birthday.... job, or no job... She didnt know if/how we could pay for it.... but she wanted me to have it... (See sideways pic below)

Now.. You want to see a grown man cry... I'd been out of work for 5 months... And I'm not gonna lie, it was not an easy/stressfree 5 months... I'd had interview after interview,and was taking any odd job or under table labor gig I could get, ranging from Building Decks, helping to install duct-work, sanding Concrete overflow tanks with a brick on a stick, to delivering Pizza to keep some cash coming in, and we were nervous... but she stood by me, always encouraging, and she got me the F__king keyboard anyway...

Anyway... flash forward a few years, I've since traded that board for the newer version And Its been Freaking Incredible.. I've Still only scratched the surface of what its capable of..
And its served as Full to the Fire, so to speak, for the music addiction... (to which Trena's jokes that maybe a drug habit might be cheaper)

I've since bought a couple guitars, beefed up my computer, gotten a bunch of StudioGear and 'Doo-Hickeys' and its just been a wild ride... I've jamed with a bunch of different bands since, BluesSmith(aka Horsepower Blues band), Dave Goyetch, Bi-Polar, Sound Dawgs, Shane C, Full Circle, StilBite, Jon Matheson, Fuller Terrace, SuperStack, and the list goes on... and I'm adicted...

Now... Most, (if not all) musicians dream of having their own bar, where there freinds can come hang out and jam... Now, I'm not that crazy... But I do have a dream about a killer garage... I even blogged briefly about it back in June nothing too elaborate... but maybe 24 by 26 or 30... and enuf room for a little bar, couch, FULL band's worth of gear, including Drums, PA and Board, where it could just stay there... and we can jam, detached from the house.. so we can crank it... It'd be a gret place to reherse, jam, party, write, record, or just hang out and watch concert DVD's..

I also have a "master" list of gear I'd like to get someday... Its evolving, and some of the items change and/or be replaced with different versions, models, etc, and some things arn't hear because I either have them already, or are way to far down the road... And its not like its the Only thing that drives me... I mean, realistically speaking, I could be another 15 or 20 years building towards this. (especially if ya factor in the garage) but everyone needs a dream.. and mine is to have stuff like this, and to be able to have the time to enjoy it...

anyway.... that may be too much info, (talk about making a short story long) but anyway... one of the items I've always wanted was a 5 String Fretless bass....

I've a picture of one on that Dreams Pic I'd created on photoshop one night a year or so ago, but its just a generic import version... Which I would have been quite content to have... but a month or so ago, Wayne's helping me take some stuff to the Storage place... and we swing by Gig Street on our way home... (Wayne wanted to check out amps) So we walk in, and there it is...

Not just "a" bass.. but thee BASS...

5 String, Frettless, Made in USA by the company Leo FENDER started when he quit the Company that Still bears his name to build "Better" quality guitars on his own..

These Puppies go for 2K US or there abouts... And this one was on for 1,500 (with a case) and later got it down to 1,300...

Anyway.. as I mentioned before.. its been a good year with Concerts, Recording gear... I've had MORE then my share this year... and Fair is fair..

I'd mentioned it in passing when we got home, but had accepted that the timing was just not right, and I had resolved that it wasn't meant to be... my bass would come later.....

then... about 2 weeks ago.. Trena (Scheming Ka-Niving little Shit disturber that she can be) tells me she called Gig Stret and offered them 1,000 for it.. and they passed.... Of course the passed.. its a steel at 1,300, to take 1,000 is just insane.. hell, 1,300 is insane... but then, knowing that 300 bucks was all that was keeping me from this drove me INSANE!!!!

So I hatched a plan... Seems brilliant at the time... and had I put some extra thought into the little details, it might have worked... but I messed up, and, it was just a bad idea to start with... Trena's far too sharp and I suck at Lying... But I called they guys at the store and asked Mike if he could call Trena, say the dude droped his price (it was there on consignment) and that he'd take the 1k... I'd promised Mike that I'd get him the other 300 myself, but it might take a few months (I'd cut out my lunches, coffee, pop, etc until I'd got it paid down) Anyway... they know me there... I've sent some decent business their way, and they said they'd play ball and give it a try....... But... Joke was on me..

here's what I "thought" happened..

I thought Trena caught on IMMEDIATLY.. I spent a few days (or more) in the dawg-house over it (she said she didn't know if she should laugh her ass off or be upset, I think she tried both out) But needless to say.. my "plan" bombed, and if I had any chance of getting it in the near future.. I'd just blown it...

Now, you may be thinking... "that rotten bastard" and ok... well earned... but.. even if I'd managed to pull it off... I eventually would have come clean.. I'm just not that good at that stuff... And not that its any defence, but my dad, and most other married musicians would have tried or at least thought about trying the same thing...

Anyway.. bottom line.. there would be NO bass...

I still dreamed about it.. But I was ok with it... I'd accepted it just wasn't meant to be...

Now, the coolest part... is by the time I'd hatched my plan... Trena already had the Damn thing paid for.. And the whole time.. Bruce and Mike at Gig-street, Wayne, and a lot of other people close to us Knew it, except me...

I totally was not expecting it.. and that was cool.. Like I said.. its been a good run lately.. So needless to say, I was Floored when she gave me a card, telling me to go look in the closet.. and there it was... Wrapped... and once I saw it.. there was no mistaking what it was..

Now.. I got some cool stuff for Trena, but she was very Clear that I was not to get her a Camera, as it was something she wanted to pick out her self... And in as much as that made sense to me, I really wanted to her to have it under the tree... But.. I held back, and I didnt get it.. I'd gotten her some other cool stuff, and the plan was that we'd scope them out during boxing week sales, and pick something out together for her as a late Xmas / early Birthday gift...

Truth be told, while all that "logic" was not entirely untrue, the actual biggest reason she didnt want me to get her a camera.... was that she was worried if I used the same credit card she'd put the Bass on, we might max out and she'd be busted for-sure!!!!

Anyway, I'm still in shock and awe.. and I got a permanent smile going around my face like the cool-aid-man right-clean-around the bowl......

Between Trena, Sarah, and everything else..I do doubt I could ask for anything more...
to quote my dad "I'm feeling Luckier then Prince Charlie!!!"

Now, theres another long story about that quote... but that I'll save for another day..

Cheers for now.. Happy Holidays...

RC

My Wife is TOTALLY AWESOME

Well, I'd plugged in my Mic's.. Put the traditional Star Trek Ornaments on the tree, (yes, I'm a Treky... but thats yet another long story and while of great personal interest, likely not interesting enuf to blog about.. lol) and I was enjoying watching Sarah open and play with all her presents... Did good in picking Trena out some good stuff, the in-laws were there to enjoy it with us, and I was thinking "it just doesnt get any better then this" When my wife, once again, proved me wrong... (she does that a lot more then I'd like to admit, lol)

There's a whole story behind it.. which I'll maybe come back and share with ya a little later.. but the short version is..... My wife totally surprised me, and got me the Dream bass I'd mentioned earlier...

Never in a Million years did I expect it... I WANTED it... Oh how I wanted it... but had resolved that It's been too good a year already,(insofar as it relates to Music toys, concerts, etc..) and I had said my good-byes the the notion.. and resolved to seek one out in a year or two.....



(Its the 5 String G&L Frettless in the Front here)

Anyway... When I opened it, I didnt know whether to shit, cry, or blow bubbles, as they say...

Between this and the Keyboard a few years ago (another AWESOME story) I'll have to work pretty hard to top these.... and with any luck.. someday I'll find the perfect surprise gift for her... I'll have to start saving now!!!

More stories later... I got some Xmas festivities to Enjoy!!!!

All Ready for Santa!

This will be Sarah's 2nd Christmas, but it will be her first as an active participant..So were all really excited to see her excited... Its funny.... Trena and I used to be big into Xmas, trying to surprise each other... But after 10 plus years together... We finish each others thoughts, let alone sentances.. lol.. Ok, thats an exageration.. but the point is, its really hard to surprise each other... but a lot of that maybe because our focus is primarily on Sarah, and making this special for her...

I was gonna get Trena an SLR digital camera, but its kind of something she needs to pick out herself, so we resolved to check out the boxing week sales for that and maybe get her an Uber version as a combo Xmas/Birthday..

This will also be our 1st Xmas without Riley As much as life must go on, its difficult to put in words what a loss that was for us... But I'm pleased to say that Abby's doing very well, although a little heavier with no buddy to wrestle with.. But I've resolved to walk her more, and with my IPOD, walks do seem more enjoyable.. I've lost a considerable amount of weight this year, some on purpose, some by accident.. but I think I'd like to continue the trend and generally get healthier.... If not for me, so I can stick around for Sarah's sake... Maybe get to spoil her kids rotten someday....

Anyway.. My big gift is a set of Condenser Mic's and a nice jacket... I think I have some good stuff for Trena too.. but in case she reads this, no spoilers.... But I think we may be spoiling Sarah... its hard not to.... But i dont think we went to overboard..

Trena's parents are coming up.. I think next year I'll try to get my mom or dad to come up... We hope to have a bigger place by then so maybe we can have the whole famn-damily or something...

Anyway... Got some errands to run.. nothing to serious. then its time for home made chinese food and some hard core drinking... I painted last night, and am do for some relaxing!!!!

Paully... was tunning my guitar and thought of you man... Im sure your having a great Xmas down there in Florida, but we all miss you up here... maybe some day we'll all live in same town... and none of this get together twice a year nonsense....

say what you want about small town living, or for PortAuxBasques for that matter... but theres something to be said about the sense of comunity, being able to go to ANY of your buddies houses, get drunk, and walk home in no more then an hours walk or grab a cab for 5 dollar flat rate, and of course... Tips Eve at the Port Club...

Hmm... Halifax is good.. but Im starting to think I'm a small town boy at heart.. or maybe Im just a little homesick today.... or maybe both..

Merry Christmas!!!

Snake finally arrived...... But damged...

What else can I say... I'm heart broken...

I think this was one of those "Murphies Law" deals where what could have went wrong did...


First, It took almost 2 months to get here... UPS apparantly sent it the wrong direction, or something..

then, I get the call from our sitter that a parcel arrived, was really heavy, and that the side was blown out of the box on two sides....

well, I rush out of work, like a kid at xmas, Hopeful it was just a stupid box that was damage, and that the snake was ok...

I Rip it open... and it seemed, at first glance, to be fine... but the sitter had to leave, I was home alone with our daughter... so I'd have to wait to test it..... I did, however, notice it wasn't exactly what I'd ordered...

if you recal from my early post when I ordered this (for the odd few that actualy ready this) , it was suppose to be 100 ft, 24 send 8 return, and the 8 returns had thise cool XLR or 1/4 connections... ya pay a little extra, but comes in handy...

Well, what I got was 8 XLR returns...




then, after I got Sarah to bed...I got to play with it...
I noticed a dent in the side of the casing, but was still hopefull it was ok... I'd have accepted the dent, as logicaly, I'd likely contribute my own dents over time anyway... but then I tested it...

all channels work.. but i happended to touch a cable during the test... Static... and lots of it... Must be a dud, or bad ground, or something, but no matter where I touch the cable, I get static on EVERY channel.... ARRRRGGGG...

Anyway.. THANK GOD the dude from ebay has been good about it... he seems as upset about it as I am... I'm sure they feel bad about it... from their perspective, shit happens sometimes that's beyond their control, and its just as easily the smacking around UPS might have given it that caused the damage.... In any event, I'm confident (while keeping fingers crossed) that I'll be able to get a full refund and send this one back.. .. In the meantime, however, I'm still without a snake... But thank god again for friends in low places.. lol.. (did i just quote Garth Brooks) I got a lead on a used snake, and can try it before I buy it... So if all goes well, I'll get my cash back on this one, and will pick up a used one... it has some miles, but I'll save a few bucks I guess... Oh well... Could be a lot worst things to happen...

Anyway... I got a bit of work to do tomorrow... few meetings, clear out my office so i can move locatiosn when i come back in January... then its HELLO Xmas VACATION..

I hope to spend as much of it as possible under the influence of Appleton Reserve...
its been a good year in most ways, but a Phucking hard one, with lots of stress in many others ways... .. So While I'm not gonna complain about the back pain, the house not finished, or the work stress stuff, or any of that B.S., ... I will say that I will be celebrating the end of 2006 and welcoming 2007 very enthusiastically (yes.. i can't spell)

In other news, I dropped by Gig Street today to say hello to my old buddy Bruce, and to say good-bye to my dream bass.....

yep... a beautiful 5 string frettles, G&L (the company Leo fender started when he quit Fender and went out on his own)

I made a play to get it (long story that I wont put on the blog,its too embarassing, but its a funny story, so just ask me in person, I'll tell ya... for now, just know that I'm still in the dog house at home about it.. lol) but at the end of the day.. its not gonna happen....

Im not complaining mind ya..... I've had a good run this year, what with the Studio gear, the concerts, and stuff.... ok... yes.... Im gonna complain anyway.. lol... but practicaly speaking... fair is fair... ya can't have it all.... the bass will have to wait for another day....

Fun nite at Jon Matheson's Home Studio....

We just did two tracks... and for my part, just some basic Piano/Organ, but that's all the songs called for.
and while the intent is to come back and have another go at it later on, for the first crack at it, I think it came out pretty good...

to describe Jon's sound, for those who havent heard it, I'd have to say Jon's like a cross between John Mellancamp, Gin Blossoms, and Bon Jovi..... Great Songwriter, guitarist and Singer... His songs are un-cluttered and simple enough to to get inside your head very quickly, but very tasteful and impressively orginal Chord progressions...

His first album was very good... I highly recomend you check it out...
I wasn't on it,I met Jon after it had been completed, but i did play live for the CD release party few years back... and as good as that album was as a finished product, my only critism I could make, if I had to, was that it didn't completely and acurately capture what I would describe as the true 'intent" and Energy of the songs.... But I should Clarify.... When you listen to the album, you'd likely say "wow, great tunes" the albums good stuff... Certainly superior to anything I've produced to date.. When I first heard it as a DEMO is was SUPER excieted to be invited to play for the release party..... but (and this is a god thing) in hearing Jon perform it live I'd have to say that While the CD is Definately well worth the cost of purchase and then some, I would also have to say that the Live versions, and subsequent re-takes I've heard from Jon just sound better and more energetic..... which is a good thing, as far too many artist sound great in studio, but see them live and the dissappoint you... That is not the case here at all... the Album, and Live performances are sure to impress...


that being said, it's been a few years since that first album.... Since then Jon's been busy writting some new tunes, and learning more about the production/recording end of things.... i have to go on record as saying that while still a fan of his older stuff, His new songs are Just F__king Awesome.. He has built one hell of a home studio...

Now, when most people say "i built a studio" they generaly mean the bought some stuff and put it in a room... Jon, and his brothers, on the other hand... are quite savy on the technical side... They've literaly re-engineered, and/or rebuilt... Built their own Pre-amps from scratch using schematics and base parts... plus an eclectic but well researched combination of Purchased gear, interfaces, effects, software, etc. The cumulalitive result is a studio that is capable of 24 bit, 96khz recordings with Microphones and acoustic's that would Rival the potential of any FULL production studio...

As much as I had fun and learned some stuff, it was also inspiring to see the potential that this new digital recording technolgy really has..... We finished realatively early, but killed a few extra hours just talking about music, our favorite bands/songs, what we would do if we ever "made it" in music.. what our definition of "made it" is...... all the stuff we musicians talk about when you get us in the same room together.....

Anyway... keep your ears open for the CD once its done.. I'll be sure to mention it here anyway... but definatly worth purchasing and adding to your collection...

Tired now... Must sleep...working at this music stuff just gives me soo much energy... But I have a busy day tomorrow at the day job... so I'd better get to sleep soon...


cheers for now..


Rob

Can you really have Too much of a good thing??? pre-Xmas update..

well.. I can't complain.. but I do..

I went from no music projects to too many...
but thankfully, I can relax now... and focus on work, family, and Xmas


-i was doing bass and keys for a girl at work who is doing a Xmas CD, but they realized its a little too late in the game to get it all done in time so instead of me pulling an all nighter and doing a half-assed job, i get to tke my time and do a good job.. and she's goinf to set it aside for next xmas

-Wayne and I were hoping to enter 3 songs into the Q104 contest, but with Xmas, life, and, well.. just not having our shit together soon enough, we scrapped the idea for this year... Were gonna relax, approach them one song at a time... good a GOOD job of each, and send it in next year...

-still haven't finised "Da-Rock" files... But there is no deadline there.. just when I can get to it.. so I've resolved to crack a 26'r of Appleton reserve during the Xmas break and do it then.. It wont be difficult, just time consuming.. Consuming rum at the same time makes it more fun!!!

-the Fuller Terrace project is done (as per previous post) and now its on to Jon Matheson.. Im gonna to keys on 2 songs for him tuesday night. and the rest later... for his new CD coming out soon....

-Still not ready for Xmas.. i got my shopping done, we did our Xmas Cards last night, but the house is a disaster... Hope to get er clean soon...

-the Xmas party on the 30th is going to be WILD. and I just got confirmation that i have a set of drums coming, with a back up plan if that falls through....

-Special thanks to Steve and Amanda for taking our pics for XMAS!!!




-My cable snake still hasn't arrived... Everytime I get a parcel card in my mail box i run to see if its it... but just Xmas Presents... Did i just say that? oh my god, I am a music geek!!!! oh well.....

got an early copy of the new FULLER TERRACE cd..

its the one I was doing keyboards for a few weeks back.. they got the final mix done, now its down to artwork, and all that jazz...

Bernie, the songwriter/singer, was nice enough to personally deliver a copy to me today!! Im really gald to ahve been a part of it! Roger Howse is playing guitar on it!!!

Look for it in Stores Soon!!!

BUGS IS COMING TO THE PARTY!!!

Fellow Newfoundlander, long time friend of my dad, and mine, and Multi-talented Musician BUGS GREENE is coming to the Jam party!!!



Trust me... YOU GOT TO HEAR THIS GUY...

If its got Strings, he can make it talk, swing, whistle, sing, you name it!!!

Im not a huge fan of Roy Clarkes Music, but I am a fan of Roy Clarkes talent.. you musicians out there will know what I mean... Anyway... Bugs is Newfoundlands answer to Roy Clarke...

While Bugs Specialty is the Newfie Music (Mandolin, Fiddle, Accordian) he can rip into a heavy lead on the Strat if he wants to as well....


This is gonna be one helluva party....



Anyway... we got a few heavy hitters coming now... and I can hardly Wait...

Full Circle (with me on bass) will be there...



















Jon Matheson is coming










So is "FULLER TERRACE" who is just finishing up their new CD at Denmark Studios



I think DA ROCK is coming as Well...















and Larry Rose, and Donnie Lajoies new band is coming out also (I uese to be in a band with them few years back.. AWESOME players)
So thats a few Great bands, to name just a Few!!!! not to mention the random Jamming that will be happening!!!


And I think our old "almost was a band"


aka "Stillbite" might make an appearace fpr a few tunes...

More news to follow as i get it... click on embedded links for more info as well!!!

Cheers for now!


Rob

Party should be a Barn Burner...

well were all set for the Holiday bash on the 30th...

we used to have killer parties here at the house (see some of the pics below)
Full PA, band, drums... etc... Awesome music..
but they got to be a little too big...
I guess having kids... and a small house like this makes a party with this kind of momemtum a little difficult to contain as a house party.....

(SOME PICS OF PAST PARTIES ARE INCLUDED HERE)




But we still LOVE to have fun with our friends.. and listen to and PLAY good music...
So this year we rented the Legion in Timberlea...
We got a FULL PA... and all our rowding friends are coming to tear the roof of (figuratively speaking of course)













































































So if you enjoy live music, relatively unrehearsed... as a player, or listener... grab your guitar and come on out...

DEC 30th!!!


email me for details.. woudl love to see ya!!!

Norwalk Sucks!!!

Well, its been all over the news, and its pretty much knocked the crap out of this house.... Pun - Intended...

Luckily, Sarah and Trena both had the Flu shot and they say that lessens the effect.... ah.... but not for me....

Sarah caught it first, and we didn't think it was Norwalk at the time... but then I caught it, and found out that it was pretty much going through the whole nehbourhood...and that it was indeed, the dreeded Norwalk....

I'll spare ya the gorey particulars, and just say that it took me about year to drop from 192lbs to 173 and just 3+ days on the "Norwalk diet" to drop to 163.... Pleased to say im back up a bet now, and feeling much better, but now Trena's got it.

Anyway... some other good news... I think I may have kicked my Cola Addiction...

For as long as I can remember, Coke&Pepsi have been like mothers milk to me.... A year ago, I was drinking about 2 litres a day... easy... and pretty much that pace as long as I can remember... Last year I cut that back to less then half. (which is essentially how I droped the weight) Well.. my doc suggested drinking Gatoraid to help replenish the effects of Norwalk.... and either I'm just turned off of the all the stuff that went the wrong direction this weekend, or I got a new Fix.... Cause Tonight, after all the days labour was done... With a house full of Cola, Dr. Peper, & even Root beer, all I was craving was Gatoraid...

Not sure if its any healthyer... but at least I cen full myself into thinking is...

Sigh.......Ignorance is Bliss....

Why a Good Quality Sounding I-Pod is technicly impossible.. at least for now....

Someone just asked me to suggest a good set of high end head phones to use wth their I-pod... and I had to hold back the sarcasm... ok.. thats a lie.. i didnt hold back...

to pay any more then 20-25 bucks on headphones for an I-Pod is kind of like getting some Chrome Rims and tinted Window on a K-Car...... its still just a f__king K-Car...

you see, a CD you buy at a store, or even better... the DVD, is getting as quality as possible with the given technology.... You can even Copy an original CD to your PC as a WAV file, without necessarily loosing any quality... But the conversion process from Audio format to MP3 actually "Compresseses the song.... or as folks back home might say..... "10 Pounds of Shit in a 5 pound bucket" it just won't fit... and you inevitably loose some shit...

The Compression process, in short, makes things in the mix sound loud that were intitially quiet, and vice versa... It can actually change the artists intent of the mix.... so, funamentally.. I have an issue with that...

That being said, my hypocracy knows no limits..

yes, I have about 9,000 MP3s on my computer... but i also own hundreds of CD's, DVD's, Cassettes, and vinyl...

I also have an I-pod, and I love it... I use it for walking the dog, or making a mix for a road trip... for the car, or a walk.. what do I care.... But I got a Cheapy 'shuffle' and opted to not get the Uber versions...

Also yes... I've downloaded tunes for free from those clandestine servers such as limewire... BUT, when i really like something.. I do buy the album...
Recent examples include: SuperStack, David Gilmore, Brad Paisley, Jack Johnson, The Trews, Greenday and the Dixie Chicks..... and for a true, "listening experience" there is nothing better then the Eagles Hell Freezes over DVD on a good Surround System, or a good highend set of senhizer headphones (yes, Im a shitty spelly, but I dont get paid for this so you spell check it for me-HA) but for me.. My I-pod and for that matter, my entire MP3 collection, is about background....... not quality... or, I listen to them when im working, or when i want to learn the tune.. or preserve my vinyl... etc... When I want quality.. I resort to the Original, and some better gear...

What annoys me most is that the bigger, 2 and 4 gig versions of IPODS have the space available to store a decent # of real wav files, but the I-pod wont play them...

So Steve Jobs, if you read this... Make an uber I-pod that can play .wav files, and I'll buy it!!!!

untill then, i guess the short answer, until they are capable of playing wav files, ... 19.99 for Sony earbuds at RadioShack (opps, circuit city) is about as much as I'd pay for IPOD headphones... anything more.. is just pointless...


Hows that for controversy Mike???

yeah. .. I know.... Not even close.. lol

too Much happening, too little time

well, sometimes theres just no news to report... and then theres times thers too much news, and no time to sit here and type....

Anyway... I still don't have enough time to type.. so in point form...

-Almost finished mixing down "Da Rock" recording... although Im just rushing it to get a board mix for them... I'm also giving them the raw tracks so they can make their own mix... but I need to get it done soon to free up hard drive space (see next point)

-Going to Windsor to Record Jon Matheson on the 15th.... I'm gonna try it at 48khz/24 bit to see how it comes out... Never gonna learn the board if I don't get out and shake the dust off of it!!! Plus, selfishly... I'll have a working copy of Jon's tunes, the way they play them.. So I can learn bass & keys should he ever need a fill in on occassion...

-Chris didn't make it home for his Pre-Xmas Visit. He caught a wicked case of Strip throat, in hospital and everything... We'll miss him... but maybe he can get home in new year...

-I miss Bedford! Well, i moved my office from bedford to downtown.. and got Stuck in that insane traffic jam yesterday.. it took me about 3.5 hours to drive 16 kms... i could blog about how fustrating it was, but likely many of the few people who read this were stuck in it also.. so kind of pointless... Anyway... those who know me.. know that although I quit smoking in 1996, I still have the occasional one when I got a rum going, or if I'm out Jamming... Well, stuck in that traffic yesterday.. I really could have used a pack... Luckily for me, some good samaritan passed me one from the next lane... God Bless Nova Scotian friendliness...

-had to take a POD day, our Sarah was up all night sick... She was still sick this am... so we decided that one of us shouls stay home to look after her.. Anyway.... Trena just started a brand new job.. so I opted to stay home.... I think I'm looking forward to work to get a break... I've cooked 3 meals, done all the dishes, 5 loads of laundry, bathed sarah (haven't gotten a shower yet myself, and Yes, I smell like baby puke) vacuumed, read 4 stories, played little people, hide and seek, watched Dora and rollie pollie ollie, and had a game of little people... and thats just the tip of iceburb!!! But.. best news, is I "think" she's feeling a little better.. her last "Linda Blair" event was about 10:30 am, so I hope she's ok now... (its about 2pm) just got her down for a nap, and trying to get some stuff done...

thats it for now.. I'm leaving stuff out.. but who really needs to know that much detail about us anyway?? I don't even think my mom reads this... oh well.. is good stress relief, even if I'm just typing for myself...

off to the shower now..

later

Helping Dad with the decorations