I re-read one of the first entries in this journal and have to tell a little story to give it some more credence.
I went to the Dallas gig last weekend, and ended up standing directly in front of Mark and Rick ( a situation I will re-think in the future. It is possible to be too close!)
A couple next to me had brought with them a newbie, and I made my own testimonial to the gent about the Boys. DC came on and tore into the first song, giving it their normal state of excellence. When they had finished, in the short moment between songs, I turned to the new guy and asked," Sold yet?"
His response of "Hell yeah!" kept me smiling for the rest of the set. This happens around me everytime I see this band live. Someone new joins the Family.
And that, folks, is the Del Castillo experience in a nutshell!
Wednesday, June 23, 2004
Monday, June 21, 2004
El otro Hermano
Rick.
Ricky, as some have called him.
Boom Boom, according to Beto.
This is the very definite leader of this band, and the current heartthrob of way too many women, especially considering these guys haven't played outside Texas much yet. The man gets mobbed nearly every night they play. I wonder what any girlfriend he's got must think of it. I would have trouble I suspect.
But this isn't about me. It is about an extremely charismatic little fellow who belies his height through his music. If there was ever any concern in his head about what others think of him because he is only about 5'6", he needs to forget about it. He is in many ways larger than life. Bert once described Rick as having two tons of soul, and I know he's right. There is something different in him that one only finds in the most unique musicians. Luckily, this one seems to have his head on pretty straight and we do not seem likely to lose him to drugs or suicide.
I have yet to have been able to discuss anything of a spiritual nature with him. My times with the band have for the most part been short and sweet, but I am still just a fan and some things for me are kept at an arm's length. I may wish to see it change, but I also understand. They have their group of friends and about a hundred thousand others who might, for wrong reasons, want to infiltrate that. I am one of those for now, and may be for a long time. I appreciate all they have done and offered me in the way of friendship. I only hope that time and fame do not alter it. I am like a moth to the flame, I know, but the moth does it out of being dazzled, not a desire to possess.
Ricky, as some have called him.
Boom Boom, according to Beto.
This is the very definite leader of this band, and the current heartthrob of way too many women, especially considering these guys haven't played outside Texas much yet. The man gets mobbed nearly every night they play. I wonder what any girlfriend he's got must think of it. I would have trouble I suspect.
But this isn't about me. It is about an extremely charismatic little fellow who belies his height through his music. If there was ever any concern in his head about what others think of him because he is only about 5'6", he needs to forget about it. He is in many ways larger than life. Bert once described Rick as having two tons of soul, and I know he's right. There is something different in him that one only finds in the most unique musicians. Luckily, this one seems to have his head on pretty straight and we do not seem likely to lose him to drugs or suicide.
I have yet to have been able to discuss anything of a spiritual nature with him. My times with the band have for the most part been short and sweet, but I am still just a fan and some things for me are kept at an arm's length. I may wish to see it change, but I also understand. They have their group of friends and about a hundred thousand others who might, for wrong reasons, want to infiltrate that. I am one of those for now, and may be for a long time. I appreciate all they have done and offered me in the way of friendship. I only hope that time and fame do not alter it. I am like a moth to the flame, I know, but the moth does it out of being dazzled, not a desire to possess.
Sunday, June 20, 2004
Los Hermanos del Castillo
(and look ma, no Spanish-English dictionary!)
( I was figuring on editing this, because I felt like I was picking on Mark, but there is a pattern of realization in this bit for even myself. Bear with it. I think it ends up being very positive.)
I am a bit intoxicated at the moment, so I am not inhibiting my words. Last night brought home much of what this band ends up being about. While the duo who fronts the music of this band are absolutely amazing, this band is more than just a front for a couple of guitar players. I would describe the two guys up front though to the best of an observer's ability.
They are of similar expertise on guitar, but both guys are stunning in their own right. I will start with the younger, Mark. He is trained very technically in music all the way around. He went to university for that, and it shows to anyone who knows something about music education on a higher scale. It is one thing to take lessons at any point in one's life from a teacher. It is another to immerse oneself in the science of music.
The mathematics involved alone are stifling to most of us. To able to apply them to playing and writing and performing takes an unusual soul most times. The discipline of learning it in university makes for a very different approach than someone who plays by the seat of his/her pants, as it were.
The first thing I noticed about Mark was the length of his fingers-always a sign of an artist, whatever medium he ends up choosing. His hands look like spiders moving over the strings, and I tell you what, those spiders seem to be on something! I am not certain what drives guitar players in particular to learn to play with speed; Count Basie could make a single note on the piano mean so very much, he never worried about speed. I watched Mark and Rick's hands both pretty closely last night, and I am still not quite sure how they do what they do without tying their fingers in knots.
I believe Mark plays a standard Spanish guitar, while Rick plays a classical acoustic. Both have been modified, so I am left making some educated guesses here. Mark's has a slightly wide neck and his series of pedals is different from Rick's. Not often one sees a wah pedal used with an acoustic....
Not meaning to set anyone off, I have noted a different approach to playing in each of these guys. I can tell you who is playing by sound alone. Mark seems to be far more technical, I suspect due to the schooling. It is perhaps unfair wording and I will look for better, but Mark's playing seems stiffer (?). No, that isn't it. And it isn't that he doesn't have soul pouring into everything he plays. There is just a looseness, a "where can I take it this time" to Rick's playing that sometimes doesn't come through in Mark.
Damn. That sounds awful. I will have to work at that, because I have seen Mark give it up many a time and get lost in the playing.
Wait...I think that's it. If one gets too caught up in the technicalities, the spontaneity fails to surface, and really the best musical experiences for both artist and listener usually come from those moments when all else falls away and it is just the human heart and the music.
Hmmm......I may have just managed to touch on their specialness. The whole band that is. When things are totally right with them, and the flow between each other and the audience is in synch, their performances can soar. I have seen what seemed to be a strained and difficult night turn itself around because that flow was so strong. I have also seen nights where they couldn't seem to tap into the audience end up being little more than rote playing of the set. THAT is very rare, but it has happened. Every artist has the right to have off nights. I think one of things that has always amazed me about these fellows is the repeated intensity of the shows. I do not get tired of hearing them, or their music. As many times as I have listened to the CDs or gone to see them live, as well as I know the lyrics and the ways they will approach most of the tunes, I never walk away without being moved and invigorated to the point of being unable to sleep or calm down for hours.
(They all thought I was nuts for driving home after a Dallas gig. I live 5 hours away, but I would have sat in any hotel room staring at the ceiling for the same amount of time it took me to get back to San Antonio. I knew that from experience, so I just used the time to do what I had to do anyway.)
Wow. Now, you see, that's what writing does for me. I just came to understand something that has been bouncing around in my psyche for months by trying to put it into words for others to read. I truly wish there was a way to put the live experience of Del Castillo to words, but try as I may, I just can't seem to paint the right picture through words. It goes beyond that which can be spoken, at least by anything other than the human heart and soul. They never fail to touch someone new everytime they play. All we veterans feel compelled to bring newbies with us, to bring more people into the family circle of the Castle. It is a mighty fortess, but very expandable and very gentle and welcoming to all those who come to find solace in its walls. May it stand for many years to come.
and now to bed to let the strains of "Rios Mysticos" invade my dream yet another night.
Namaste.
( I was figuring on editing this, because I felt like I was picking on Mark, but there is a pattern of realization in this bit for even myself. Bear with it. I think it ends up being very positive.)
I am a bit intoxicated at the moment, so I am not inhibiting my words. Last night brought home much of what this band ends up being about. While the duo who fronts the music of this band are absolutely amazing, this band is more than just a front for a couple of guitar players. I would describe the two guys up front though to the best of an observer's ability.
They are of similar expertise on guitar, but both guys are stunning in their own right. I will start with the younger, Mark. He is trained very technically in music all the way around. He went to university for that, and it shows to anyone who knows something about music education on a higher scale. It is one thing to take lessons at any point in one's life from a teacher. It is another to immerse oneself in the science of music.
The mathematics involved alone are stifling to most of us. To able to apply them to playing and writing and performing takes an unusual soul most times. The discipline of learning it in university makes for a very different approach than someone who plays by the seat of his/her pants, as it were.
The first thing I noticed about Mark was the length of his fingers-always a sign of an artist, whatever medium he ends up choosing. His hands look like spiders moving over the strings, and I tell you what, those spiders seem to be on something! I am not certain what drives guitar players in particular to learn to play with speed; Count Basie could make a single note on the piano mean so very much, he never worried about speed. I watched Mark and Rick's hands both pretty closely last night, and I am still not quite sure how they do what they do without tying their fingers in knots.
I believe Mark plays a standard Spanish guitar, while Rick plays a classical acoustic. Both have been modified, so I am left making some educated guesses here. Mark's has a slightly wide neck and his series of pedals is different from Rick's. Not often one sees a wah pedal used with an acoustic....
Not meaning to set anyone off, I have noted a different approach to playing in each of these guys. I can tell you who is playing by sound alone. Mark seems to be far more technical, I suspect due to the schooling. It is perhaps unfair wording and I will look for better, but Mark's playing seems stiffer (?). No, that isn't it. And it isn't that he doesn't have soul pouring into everything he plays. There is just a looseness, a "where can I take it this time" to Rick's playing that sometimes doesn't come through in Mark.
Damn. That sounds awful. I will have to work at that, because I have seen Mark give it up many a time and get lost in the playing.
Wait...I think that's it. If one gets too caught up in the technicalities, the spontaneity fails to surface, and really the best musical experiences for both artist and listener usually come from those moments when all else falls away and it is just the human heart and the music.
Hmmm......I may have just managed to touch on their specialness. The whole band that is. When things are totally right with them, and the flow between each other and the audience is in synch, their performances can soar. I have seen what seemed to be a strained and difficult night turn itself around because that flow was so strong. I have also seen nights where they couldn't seem to tap into the audience end up being little more than rote playing of the set. THAT is very rare, but it has happened. Every artist has the right to have off nights. I think one of things that has always amazed me about these fellows is the repeated intensity of the shows. I do not get tired of hearing them, or their music. As many times as I have listened to the CDs or gone to see them live, as well as I know the lyrics and the ways they will approach most of the tunes, I never walk away without being moved and invigorated to the point of being unable to sleep or calm down for hours.
(They all thought I was nuts for driving home after a Dallas gig. I live 5 hours away, but I would have sat in any hotel room staring at the ceiling for the same amount of time it took me to get back to San Antonio. I knew that from experience, so I just used the time to do what I had to do anyway.)
Wow. Now, you see, that's what writing does for me. I just came to understand something that has been bouncing around in my psyche for months by trying to put it into words for others to read. I truly wish there was a way to put the live experience of Del Castillo to words, but try as I may, I just can't seem to paint the right picture through words. It goes beyond that which can be spoken, at least by anything other than the human heart and soul. They never fail to touch someone new everytime they play. All we veterans feel compelled to bring newbies with us, to bring more people into the family circle of the Castle. It is a mighty fortess, but very expandable and very gentle and welcoming to all those who come to find solace in its walls. May it stand for many years to come.
and now to bed to let the strains of "Rios Mysticos" invade my dream yet another night.
Namaste.
Saturday, June 19, 2004
Oh yeah!
And way to go Toumai!
Another homegrown Austin band opened for DC last night and they were just tremendous! They have taken some spiritual lessons from their mentors Del Castillo, and put their own twist on it. Do not miss these guys, should you get the chance.
More on them later too!
Another homegrown Austin band opened for DC last night and they were just tremendous! They have taken some spiritual lessons from their mentors Del Castillo, and put their own twist on it. Do not miss these guys, should you get the chance.
More on them later too!
Quick update
I have so much to do today including another long drive, I will be keeping this one short. Del Castillo announced their first tour last night, to both my joy and chagrin. I know the world needs to hear them, but that addiction of mine is not looking forward to doing without so that the Light might be spread.
Lobo read a lettre written by a woman in Ontario last night that says much about the band. In essence, her son, a talented man, had fallen in with bad times and drugs and she thought she had lost him. Del Castillo's music touched him, changed him, and helped him find his way back from the void. Because of this group and the music they make together, someone's life has been changed for the better, and a mother got her son back. This is not the first such story I have been told, nor will it be the last to surface. I may have to start collecting them for a future bio. But that will be far in the future. They have far to go, and many more lives to touch.
If after reading this, you feel you have a similar story to relate, plese put it in the comments, and sign it. I leave the comments sections open for all to read. There should be no secrecy about this. Del Castillo is for all.
Despite the fact I, like many I have met, feel very possessive of them.
More after this weekend has wound down.
Namaste.
Lobo read a lettre written by a woman in Ontario last night that says much about the band. In essence, her son, a talented man, had fallen in with bad times and drugs and she thought she had lost him. Del Castillo's music touched him, changed him, and helped him find his way back from the void. Because of this group and the music they make together, someone's life has been changed for the better, and a mother got her son back. This is not the first such story I have been told, nor will it be the last to surface. I may have to start collecting them for a future bio. But that will be far in the future. They have far to go, and many more lives to touch.
If after reading this, you feel you have a similar story to relate, plese put it in the comments, and sign it. I leave the comments sections open for all to read. There should be no secrecy about this. Del Castillo is for all.
Despite the fact I, like many I have met, feel very possessive of them.
More after this weekend has wound down.
Namaste.
Friday, June 18, 2004
Here goes nothing
Okay, influences from the earliest recollection:
Igor Stravinsky. Leopold Stokowski. Louis Armstrong. The Beatles. Joan Baez, Bob Dylan,
Peter,Paul, and Mary, my sister's piano practice.
THE MOODY BLUES. Since 1968 no less.
The Irish Rovers (no I am not kidding.)
The Everly Brothers (had such a crush on Phil.....)
Almost any rock music that came out between 1965 and 1972. Way too many to list and many of them long gone. And I am talking ROCK, not that bubblegum BS or nauseating pop crap.
(God I hated Bobby Sherman and that damned Partridge family!)
Weather Report and especially Jaco Pastorius. That man single-handedly changed how I listen to music. Well, okay, he probably used both hands, but you get my drift.
Focus, Golden Earring, PFM, and a number of other European bands that couldn't get an even break in the US. Subsequently, Jan Akkerman, Thijs van Leer, Cesar Zuiderwijk,
Barry Hay, George Kooymans, Rinus Gerritsen, Pierre Van Der Linden....well, the list goes on.
Tangerine Dream, Vangelis, Tomita, Jean Michel Jarre, the Cocteau Twins, Brian Eno,...
Dave Brubeck, Count Basie ( damn that man could ROCK!), Duke Ellington, Benny Goodman,...
Mozart, Bach, Tchaikovsky, Julian Bream, the Baroque period, (I loathe opera though...)
Itscak Perlman, and I cannot stand Bela Bartok!
Very little country music, but I like Dwight Yoakum, Asleep at the Wheel, and a few others. Closest I got to hearing country was the folk period: Simon and Garfunkle, Donovan, that sort.
My tastes have leaned toward what is called world music for many years. I find that music truly is a eraser of differences. We may have trouble as species communicating with each other, but let a couple of people start playing guitars or drums and the lines of seperation that we have set upon ourselves start to fade. I have traveled much of the world, and music is the one constant among humans.
Oh yeah -and the music of the Spheres. Literally. I love recordings done by NASA's two Voyager satellites. As they passed through our solar system on their way out of the Sol system, they used a very sophisticated bit of technology to record the sounds of the solar wind tearing over the magnetic fields of most of the planets and some of the moons.
The resulting cds are the most amazing stuff. Some of them sound like masses of voices in harmony, some like singing bowls, even the song of whales. It is very comforting and familiar. There are times when I wonder if this is where we get music from- that we unconciously hear these sounds filtering through our atmosphere.
You can find copies of these at the Centre for Neuroacoustic Research online.
How's that for a list of favs?
**************************************************************************
you know, it is amazing what one can forget in too long a moment...
This list above barely scrapes the surface. I even forgot my two most influential singers: Robert Plant and Roger Daltrey. I love to sing, though I usually do not subject anyone to it. I believe in exercising the throat chakra, and can actually sing better than too many of those out there with recording contracts(!), but it is a personal thing for me.
I have no desire to be on a stage.
I am not going to try to go any further with this list; it's pointless. If it had/has musical talent of a notable form, I probably paid attention for a little while at least. And incidently, just because someone can play an instrument or open his/her mouth does NOT mean that person has talent. Looking at the Billboard 100 much of the time, one also must realise that in the world of pop culture, true talent is no longer an issue......more is the pity.
Igor Stravinsky. Leopold Stokowski. Louis Armstrong. The Beatles. Joan Baez, Bob Dylan,
Peter,Paul, and Mary, my sister's piano practice.
THE MOODY BLUES. Since 1968 no less.
The Irish Rovers (no I am not kidding.)
The Everly Brothers (had such a crush on Phil.....)
Almost any rock music that came out between 1965 and 1972. Way too many to list and many of them long gone. And I am talking ROCK, not that bubblegum BS or nauseating pop crap.
(God I hated Bobby Sherman and that damned Partridge family!)
Weather Report and especially Jaco Pastorius. That man single-handedly changed how I listen to music. Well, okay, he probably used both hands, but you get my drift.
Focus, Golden Earring, PFM, and a number of other European bands that couldn't get an even break in the US. Subsequently, Jan Akkerman, Thijs van Leer, Cesar Zuiderwijk,
Barry Hay, George Kooymans, Rinus Gerritsen, Pierre Van Der Linden....well, the list goes on.
Tangerine Dream, Vangelis, Tomita, Jean Michel Jarre, the Cocteau Twins, Brian Eno,...
Dave Brubeck, Count Basie ( damn that man could ROCK!), Duke Ellington, Benny Goodman,...
Mozart, Bach, Tchaikovsky, Julian Bream, the Baroque period, (I loathe opera though...)
Itscak Perlman, and I cannot stand Bela Bartok!
Very little country music, but I like Dwight Yoakum, Asleep at the Wheel, and a few others. Closest I got to hearing country was the folk period: Simon and Garfunkle, Donovan, that sort.
My tastes have leaned toward what is called world music for many years. I find that music truly is a eraser of differences. We may have trouble as species communicating with each other, but let a couple of people start playing guitars or drums and the lines of seperation that we have set upon ourselves start to fade. I have traveled much of the world, and music is the one constant among humans.
Oh yeah -and the music of the Spheres. Literally. I love recordings done by NASA's two Voyager satellites. As they passed through our solar system on their way out of the Sol system, they used a very sophisticated bit of technology to record the sounds of the solar wind tearing over the magnetic fields of most of the planets and some of the moons.
The resulting cds are the most amazing stuff. Some of them sound like masses of voices in harmony, some like singing bowls, even the song of whales. It is very comforting and familiar. There are times when I wonder if this is where we get music from- that we unconciously hear these sounds filtering through our atmosphere.
You can find copies of these at the Centre for Neuroacoustic Research online.
How's that for a list of favs?
**************************************************************************
you know, it is amazing what one can forget in too long a moment...
This list above barely scrapes the surface. I even forgot my two most influential singers: Robert Plant and Roger Daltrey. I love to sing, though I usually do not subject anyone to it. I believe in exercising the throat chakra, and can actually sing better than too many of those out there with recording contracts(!), but it is a personal thing for me.
I have no desire to be on a stage.
I am not going to try to go any further with this list; it's pointless. If it had/has musical talent of a notable form, I probably paid attention for a little while at least. And incidently, just because someone can play an instrument or open his/her mouth does NOT mean that person has talent. Looking at the Billboard 100 much of the time, one also must realise that in the world of pop culture, true talent is no longer an issue......more is the pity.
Thursday, June 17, 2004
Again with the Austin Guys
Well,let's get back on horse here. To continue about DC.
I am going through a weird form of withdrawl right now. It has been nearly three weeks since I got to see them last and they are truly addictive. I tried to convince myself it was just me building up memories for when they are gone on to bigger things than the venues I have seen them in, but no more. I am an addict in the worst possible sense. At least this is a good addiction.
Let me complete my observations of the rhythm section. The Rev: I haven't spoken with him as much as some of the others, but he strikes me as a devoted man- family, music, faith, and the guys in this band. He isn't the only one by any means. He just isn't afraid to let the world know through action as much as word. He is really sweet and has always made time for me when I have asked for it. And he poses really well ;)
Someday I will figure out how to put photos on this thing and share some of the ones I took a month ago. I got a bit crazy and ran off four rolls!
Surprised myself with them actually. I haven't done concert photography for years, except my son-in-law's band. I managed to get some pretty good shots.
Okay.
As drummers go, Mike Zeoli is pretty standard: insane. He is a tremendous drummer and I am pretty picky. I study the rhythm section before all else, because that is what holds up the sound. If that falls through, the rest will start to collapse too. Guitar players just work by a different rhythm, something I only within the last few years started to understand.
I judge almost all I know of Mike on his playing because we have only talked briefly in passing. He seems to be a very intense guy too, staying to himself a lot. He is a consumate musician, and I do enjoy watching him, again when I can see him. If I had my way, most stages they play on would be like the one up at the Oasis in Austin. It is a two level stage, which is Hades on the roadies, but neat for those of us who like to see ALL the action up there.
Both of these men choose to let their music speak for itself, so listen well. I suspect you cannot get much closer to their real personalities.
I am going through a weird form of withdrawl right now. It has been nearly three weeks since I got to see them last and they are truly addictive. I tried to convince myself it was just me building up memories for when they are gone on to bigger things than the venues I have seen them in, but no more. I am an addict in the worst possible sense. At least this is a good addiction.
Let me complete my observations of the rhythm section. The Rev: I haven't spoken with him as much as some of the others, but he strikes me as a devoted man- family, music, faith, and the guys in this band. He isn't the only one by any means. He just isn't afraid to let the world know through action as much as word. He is really sweet and has always made time for me when I have asked for it. And he poses really well ;)
Someday I will figure out how to put photos on this thing and share some of the ones I took a month ago. I got a bit crazy and ran off four rolls!
Surprised myself with them actually. I haven't done concert photography for years, except my son-in-law's band. I managed to get some pretty good shots.
Okay.
As drummers go, Mike Zeoli is pretty standard: insane. He is a tremendous drummer and I am pretty picky. I study the rhythm section before all else, because that is what holds up the sound. If that falls through, the rest will start to collapse too. Guitar players just work by a different rhythm, something I only within the last few years started to understand.
I judge almost all I know of Mike on his playing because we have only talked briefly in passing. He seems to be a very intense guy too, staying to himself a lot. He is a consumate musician, and I do enjoy watching him, again when I can see him. If I had my way, most stages they play on would be like the one up at the Oasis in Austin. It is a two level stage, which is Hades on the roadies, but neat for those of us who like to see ALL the action up there.
Both of these men choose to let their music speak for itself, so listen well. I suspect you cannot get much closer to their real personalities.
Wednesday, June 16, 2004
A small plug
This site is for all the music in my life and must take a moment to talk about my dear friend Patrick Moraz.
Pat played with Yes for 3-4 years, the Moody Blues for over a dozen and countless others. He is reknowned in Europe, has made a number of soundtrack albums and done all sorts of sessions from jazz to blues to classical. That's where he is right now. Years ago I told him I felt his forte was the piano, and though I doubt I had much to do with it, he has gone back to his roots. His latest CD is called ESP (Etudes, Sonatas,Preludes) and if you are a music nut like myself, it is well worth checking out. Try www.patrickmoraz.com to hear some of his works sampled. A fair warning though: Pat has always been one for pushing parametres, so do not be startled if you find things of his that are a little "out there." He absolutely hates it when I say this of him, but he is a genius, and those types do what we mere mortals do not -they explore what most would say is pointless or unexplorable.
The music on ESP is classical, but completely original and (I love bragging about this) done in one take. No overdubs for this guy. He will practice the piece til his fingers bleed, record it a dozen times, but he will not overdub. What you hear is exactly as it was played in the studio,beginning to end. Should he ever tour again, he is well worth seeing live. Those hands are amazing.
I had to relate this to the world somehow, because too few of those who are around me would appreciate this man. He will be put next to Mozart someday. I would wish it to be while he is alive.
Pat played with Yes for 3-4 years, the Moody Blues for over a dozen and countless others. He is reknowned in Europe, has made a number of soundtrack albums and done all sorts of sessions from jazz to blues to classical. That's where he is right now. Years ago I told him I felt his forte was the piano, and though I doubt I had much to do with it, he has gone back to his roots. His latest CD is called ESP (Etudes, Sonatas,Preludes) and if you are a music nut like myself, it is well worth checking out. Try www.patrickmoraz.com to hear some of his works sampled. A fair warning though: Pat has always been one for pushing parametres, so do not be startled if you find things of his that are a little "out there." He absolutely hates it when I say this of him, but he is a genius, and those types do what we mere mortals do not -they explore what most would say is pointless or unexplorable.
The music on ESP is classical, but completely original and (I love bragging about this) done in one take. No overdubs for this guy. He will practice the piece til his fingers bleed, record it a dozen times, but he will not overdub. What you hear is exactly as it was played in the studio,beginning to end. Should he ever tour again, he is well worth seeing live. Those hands are amazing.
I had to relate this to the world somehow, because too few of those who are around me would appreciate this man. He will be put next to Mozart someday. I would wish it to be while he is alive.
I'm back.
From a week long hiatus to marry off a nephew that is.
I had made plans to do something at this wedding back in January. I bought 8 Del Castillo CDs, 4 of each album, and gave them randomly to
my family. The nephew who got married is the asst. editor for Billboard.com, so he definitely got one, and musical talent and love for same runs throughout my family. Everyone plays some sort of instrument.
It was so fun! The next morning several of them came up to me just rev-ed about DC. The cousins from Houston, who I tried to get to come to the IFest down there with me, are SOLD. The cousin from Florida, the brother from Colorado and the nephew from Milwaukee are on the band wagon too.
Now the catch is to get the band out on the road to these places, so that others can learn about them too!
One step at a time, and my first one is to go unpack the car, cook me some normal food, and do the laundry. More later!
I had made plans to do something at this wedding back in January. I bought 8 Del Castillo CDs, 4 of each album, and gave them randomly to
my family. The nephew who got married is the asst. editor for Billboard.com, so he definitely got one, and musical talent and love for same runs throughout my family. Everyone plays some sort of instrument.
It was so fun! The next morning several of them came up to me just rev-ed about DC. The cousins from Houston, who I tried to get to come to the IFest down there with me, are SOLD. The cousin from Florida, the brother from Colorado and the nephew from Milwaukee are on the band wagon too.
Now the catch is to get the band out on the road to these places, so that others can learn about them too!
One step at a time, and my first one is to go unpack the car, cook me some normal food, and do the laundry. More later!
Tuesday, June 08, 2004
(I am going to whisper this one...)
(I tried three times to put this bit in the blogger last night. Something just really didn't like me telling the world that a crop glyph formed while Del Castillo was on stage on the 29/30 of May...)
(apparently, those guys in black are working overtime.)
(anyway, go check out this beautiful piece at www.cropcircleconnector.com
It is the last one in May. A huge triskleon.)
(Incidently, the connection is that crop glyphs are mathematically perfect in a geometric way, and that geometry relates exactly to the diatonic scale -the ratios used in MUSIC. Somebody's singing to us, and I think they might like Del Castillo.)
(But, ssshhh! don't tell anyone what you saw here. Lord knows we want to avoid those 188 ft diametre pieces of someone's imaginaton....)
Bye!
(apparently, those guys in black are working overtime.)
(anyway, go check out this beautiful piece at www.cropcircleconnector.com
It is the last one in May. A huge triskleon.)
(Incidently, the connection is that crop glyphs are mathematically perfect in a geometric way, and that geometry relates exactly to the diatonic scale -the ratios used in MUSIC. Somebody's singing to us, and I think they might like Del Castillo.)
(But, ssshhh! don't tell anyone what you saw here. Lord knows we want to avoid those 188 ft diametre pieces of someone's imaginaton....)
Bye!
a break in the action
Have to take a brief respite, though this has been fun, and good for me.
A nephew is getting married up in Indiana. Another story for my other blog!
More of my perspective when I can get tme on a PC here or on the road
Peace.
A nephew is getting married up in Indiana. Another story for my other blog!
More of my perspective when I can get tme on a PC here or on the road
Peace.
Sunday, June 06, 2004
OOOit is driving me crazy!
I want to know how it went up in Dallas yesterday. It is just killing me that I couldn't be there, though I loathe crowds and can guarantee there as a huge one. I just hope DC did exactly what I would expect and blew the crowd away.
Of course, then I turn around and get sad, becauseI know success up there measn they are one step closer to being out the door to fame. I hate being torn like this. I really want to see them succeed in this nasty, vicious business of the music industry. Hell, I'd like to see them change the precedence about what makes for a success out there.
But part of me really hates the idea that soon I may have to rely on the DVD and the CDs because they won't be home for long periods of time.
And in the meantime, I am driving my son-in-law to a family thing in south Austin and will go pick up copies of both CDs to ship overseas.
What a series of incongruities I am.......
Of course, then I turn around and get sad, becauseI know success up there measn they are one step closer to being out the door to fame. I hate being torn like this. I really want to see them succeed in this nasty, vicious business of the music industry. Hell, I'd like to see them change the precedence about what makes for a success out there.
But part of me really hates the idea that soon I may have to rely on the DVD and the CDs because they won't be home for long periods of time.
And in the meantime, I am driving my son-in-law to a family thing in south Austin and will go pick up copies of both CDs to ship overseas.
What a series of incongruities I am.......
Saturday, June 05, 2004
Beto!
I sit at home wondering how that guitar fest thingee went for the guys.
I wonder to myself how many more times I will get to spend a little time talking with each of them after gigs. And I remember the first one who made the time to really talk to me.
Albert El Beto Besteiro. The comedian onstage. The laid back bassist who is actually holding much together over there in the shadows. The guy whose library (at least I think it's his.) intrigues me to no end. During his interview section on the DVD, he's sitting in front of an impressive array of books. I never remember to talk to him about them! I get the impression there's much more to this one than just being a musician. I also get the impression from him that whatever he does for a living would be given up in a heartbeat to play in a national act.
Beto has a son, Dylan, who on occasion has worked for the band as a roadie. I haven't seen the kiddo playing an instrument, but things like that tend to run in families. It is obvious that the two of them are pretty close. All the parental units in the band are really very dedicated
daddies. Again, it's part of that spiritual thing. We are not what we have done, but rather the effect we leave behind, and nowhere moreso than our children. One more endearing quality to add to the list on these guys.
I have a strong memory of watching Dylan watching the band from over their heads at the Cedar St gig. He seemed very intent on what his dad was doing. There is talk of a Del Castillo II, with all the band kids taking over later in life... Dylan gonna be the bass player?
From a brief conversation, I know that Rick and Bert have known each other since they were twelve. I found that one amusing, 'cos that's the age my best friend and I were when we met! We are older than those two, but I am not allowed by any of the men in that list (my best friend is a guy) to say a word about what that might mean for any of them in the way of age! Men. Oh, like women don't age! ;)
They joke around like they have known each other long enough that each knows how the other will respond. Casey and I are the same way, which makes it easier to see. I think I also know why they can play together so well. Everyone in this band is part of the team, that's obvious, but some of the relationships are stronger. Long friendship is probably why.
If you don't know, several of them grew up in the same area. They only got to know each other as a group when all of them ended up moving to Austin, to which none are natives. Bert and Rick however go back a long way and it shows.
I love Beto more than anything because he always seems happy to see me.
It isn't that the others aren't happy to see the ridiculously dedicated fans too. Beto just makes me feel different, probably 'cos he did it first. And he gives great hugs. Always have to clean my glasses afterwards.
An odd realization for me: I love this band to no end, but I have also come to love each of these fellows, and their roadies, and their families
individually too. The capacity of the human heart does astound me sometimes.
Thanks guys.
I wonder to myself how many more times I will get to spend a little time talking with each of them after gigs. And I remember the first one who made the time to really talk to me.
Albert El Beto Besteiro. The comedian onstage. The laid back bassist who is actually holding much together over there in the shadows. The guy whose library (at least I think it's his.) intrigues me to no end. During his interview section on the DVD, he's sitting in front of an impressive array of books. I never remember to talk to him about them! I get the impression there's much more to this one than just being a musician. I also get the impression from him that whatever he does for a living would be given up in a heartbeat to play in a national act.
Beto has a son, Dylan, who on occasion has worked for the band as a roadie. I haven't seen the kiddo playing an instrument, but things like that tend to run in families. It is obvious that the two of them are pretty close. All the parental units in the band are really very dedicated
daddies. Again, it's part of that spiritual thing. We are not what we have done, but rather the effect we leave behind, and nowhere moreso than our children. One more endearing quality to add to the list on these guys.
I have a strong memory of watching Dylan watching the band from over their heads at the Cedar St gig. He seemed very intent on what his dad was doing. There is talk of a Del Castillo II, with all the band kids taking over later in life... Dylan gonna be the bass player?
From a brief conversation, I know that Rick and Bert have known each other since they were twelve. I found that one amusing, 'cos that's the age my best friend and I were when we met! We are older than those two, but I am not allowed by any of the men in that list (my best friend is a guy) to say a word about what that might mean for any of them in the way of age! Men. Oh, like women don't age! ;)
They joke around like they have known each other long enough that each knows how the other will respond. Casey and I are the same way, which makes it easier to see. I think I also know why they can play together so well. Everyone in this band is part of the team, that's obvious, but some of the relationships are stronger. Long friendship is probably why.
If you don't know, several of them grew up in the same area. They only got to know each other as a group when all of them ended up moving to Austin, to which none are natives. Bert and Rick however go back a long way and it shows.
I love Beto more than anything because he always seems happy to see me.
It isn't that the others aren't happy to see the ridiculously dedicated fans too. Beto just makes me feel different, probably 'cos he did it first. And he gives great hugs. Always have to clean my glasses afterwards.
An odd realization for me: I love this band to no end, but I have also come to love each of these fellows, and their roadies, and their families
individually too. The capacity of the human heart does astound me sometimes.
Thanks guys.
Friday, June 04, 2004
You see, this is what...
I was talking about.
A number of folk have e-mailed me about this blog already. This is what DC are about. This is what they do for each other, and for those of us who go see them. This is what they do to a group of strangers from different walks of life: give us common ground, and the knowledge that it doesn't all just suck. There is beauty in this world and in each human. We have only to connect with each other to find it. Del Castillo is that catalyst.
And frankly, it is something to be experinced live. The albums are wonderful, the DVD very good, but there are few musical experiences like seeing Del Castillo live. The words I am trying to put here will be but a hollow echo of what they can be up there. I will give it a poet's try though, for those who may have to wait awhile yet.
Namaste.
A number of folk have e-mailed me about this blog already. This is what DC are about. This is what they do for each other, and for those of us who go see them. This is what they do to a group of strangers from different walks of life: give us common ground, and the knowledge that it doesn't all just suck. There is beauty in this world and in each human. We have only to connect with each other to find it. Del Castillo is that catalyst.
And frankly, it is something to be experinced live. The albums are wonderful, the DVD very good, but there are few musical experiences like seeing Del Castillo live. The words I am trying to put here will be but a hollow echo of what they can be up there. I will give it a poet's try though, for those who may have to wait awhile yet.
Namaste.
That was months ago
This weekend, DC is playing at the Eric Clapton event in Dallas, Crossroads Guitar festival. I didn't act fast enough and couldn't get a ticket to the day they will be there. Such is life. I would love to see the reaction to them up there, especially if the right ears hear what these guys are capable of. You will pardon me if I go off and mope a bit too, because when fame comes to these gentlemen, it means they will not be here as much as they have been. I rue the day and am so very enthused for them, because I know the world should hear them. I myself am aiding that, despite not liking the potential consequences of my actions. Ever had something go on in your life that was so big and special and important to you that you wanted the world to share in it? Something that made you want to burst due to happiness, even ecstasy? One that could make you smile in the middle of the worst day at work for reasons that no one else could possibly understand?
Yep. It sounds awfully high school, I know, but Del Castillo does that for me. Maybe it is time to let you hear them. Their web site is www.delcastillomusic.com. There is both music and streaming video there so you, out there, can get a glimpse of what I write of. I think you will be as amazed and moved as I am every time I see them.
Yep. It sounds awfully high school, I know, but Del Castillo does that for me. Maybe it is time to let you hear them. Their web site is www.delcastillomusic.com. There is both music and streaming video there so you, out there, can get a glimpse of what I write of. I think you will be as amazed and moved as I am every time I see them.
Thursday, June 03, 2004
A starting point
Okay, a little history on my knowledge of this band:
About 10 months ago, a friend got me to go out to a local venue called Sam's Burger Joint to see her friend Patricia Vonne perform. Patricia (sweet person incidentally-more on her later)was opening for another band. It was del Castillo. Now, when my friend Stacy said they played Spanish styled music, I remember saying to her "If there is one accordion on that stage, I am outta there!" I learned to loathe accordions of any type while in college in Austin: not one but TWO in my apartment complex, and they both wanted to play at the same time, but different things! Yikes. And for some reason it was always at 10 AM on Sunday morning. Any college student worth his salt should know better than that! Saturday nights don't end til noon Sunday.
Anyway, when I saw the stage (no apparent accordions), I decided to give these guys a chance. I am so glad I did and sorry I didn't do it before. They blew me out of my chair.
I didn't know who to watch first. The guitarists were nearly setting the instruments on fire, the drummer was, in fact, doing that, the bass player and percussionist were backing all the insanity up, and on top of it all was The Voice.
He sang almost everything in Spanish, but though my understanding of Spanish is minimal, I didn't care. Translation could come later. Whatever he was singing was so passionate the words didn't matter. I was hooked.
The lead singer, Alejandro "El Lobo" Ruiz, was a bit odd on first take but, damn, what a voice. He has a stage appearance of something between Steve Tyler and Little Steven ( a member of Bruce Springsteen's band who had a brief solo career.) I have come to know Lobo, and it isn't just appearance. He is a very honest sort of fella and what you see up there is him. The heart is definitely that of a poet; the soul, well, I haven't figured all of that out yet, but I know it is deep.
The one emphasis I must make about these guys is the level of spirituality. Though they are not necessarily all of the same faith (Christian, pagan, Hindu, etc.,)they are all deeply spiritual. It is one of the things that has drawn me to them. It is blatant in their playing that God pays a roll in their lives. I appreciate that. Too many people in this world find themselves lacking something, a sense of belonging perhaps. One thing that draws people to this band is this sense of spirit belonging. And unlike too many sources of such out there, this one is completely real.
About 10 months ago, a friend got me to go out to a local venue called Sam's Burger Joint to see her friend Patricia Vonne perform. Patricia (sweet person incidentally-more on her later)was opening for another band. It was del Castillo. Now, when my friend Stacy said they played Spanish styled music, I remember saying to her "If there is one accordion on that stage, I am outta there!" I learned to loathe accordions of any type while in college in Austin: not one but TWO in my apartment complex, and they both wanted to play at the same time, but different things! Yikes. And for some reason it was always at 10 AM on Sunday morning. Any college student worth his salt should know better than that! Saturday nights don't end til noon Sunday.
Anyway, when I saw the stage (no apparent accordions), I decided to give these guys a chance. I am so glad I did and sorry I didn't do it before. They blew me out of my chair.
I didn't know who to watch first. The guitarists were nearly setting the instruments on fire, the drummer was, in fact, doing that, the bass player and percussionist were backing all the insanity up, and on top of it all was The Voice.
He sang almost everything in Spanish, but though my understanding of Spanish is minimal, I didn't care. Translation could come later. Whatever he was singing was so passionate the words didn't matter. I was hooked.
The lead singer, Alejandro "El Lobo" Ruiz, was a bit odd on first take but, damn, what a voice. He has a stage appearance of something between Steve Tyler and Little Steven ( a member of Bruce Springsteen's band who had a brief solo career.) I have come to know Lobo, and it isn't just appearance. He is a very honest sort of fella and what you see up there is him. The heart is definitely that of a poet; the soul, well, I haven't figured all of that out yet, but I know it is deep.
The one emphasis I must make about these guys is the level of spirituality. Though they are not necessarily all of the same faith (Christian, pagan, Hindu, etc.,)they are all deeply spiritual. It is one of the things that has drawn me to them. It is blatant in their playing that God pays a roll in their lives. I appreciate that. Too many people in this world find themselves lacking something, a sense of belonging perhaps. One thing that draws people to this band is this sense of spirit belonging. And unlike too many sources of such out there, this one is completely real.
and to all agood night...
Interesting. This may be fun for me in the end. I tend to get verbose now and then though, so bear with me. I will try to stay on subject, but my passions run deep sometimes. More later.
opening thoughts
Hello world.
I am a music fanatic. Not someone who goes for the latest look or craze,
but rather one who wants the best possible aureal experience life can offer. Type of music varies, jazz being my number one. And I really want to tell you, in time, about a new band I truly believe will someday be a household name: Del Castillo.
They are a six piece band out of Austin, Texas,by way of Brownsville and some other places. They play neuvo flamenco: their own mix of latin rhythms, Spanish guitar, blues-rock-jazz, and whatever feels right at the time. Sounds sloppy doesn't it? Anything but my friends. The two brothers Rick and Mark del Castillo are the most amazing acoustic players I have heard in many a year. And the rest of the band keeps up in their own way.
They are by far one of the most invigorating, enlivening, intense bands
I have ever watched. They take my breath away every time. It is so much fun to watch the newbies around me become equally enthralled little by little. It is a rare thing for someone to walk away from a Del Castillo
concert unmoved.
I will gather my thoughts, and bring you into their world if I can.
I would offer you more access to mine, but maybe you need to know me before we get that friendly.....
I am a music fanatic. Not someone who goes for the latest look or craze,
but rather one who wants the best possible aureal experience life can offer. Type of music varies, jazz being my number one. And I really want to tell you, in time, about a new band I truly believe will someday be a household name: Del Castillo.
They are a six piece band out of Austin, Texas,by way of Brownsville and some other places. They play neuvo flamenco: their own mix of latin rhythms, Spanish guitar, blues-rock-jazz, and whatever feels right at the time. Sounds sloppy doesn't it? Anything but my friends. The two brothers Rick and Mark del Castillo are the most amazing acoustic players I have heard in many a year. And the rest of the band keeps up in their own way.
They are by far one of the most invigorating, enlivening, intense bands
I have ever watched. They take my breath away every time. It is so much fun to watch the newbies around me become equally enthralled little by little. It is a rare thing for someone to walk away from a Del Castillo
concert unmoved.
I will gather my thoughts, and bring you into their world if I can.
I would offer you more access to mine, but maybe you need to know me before we get that friendly.....
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