Most folks don't know that name. I do . He was a founding member of the Moody Blues, one of the most important bands in my life. He was born in 1941, in Birmingham England, and has lived in the US for much of the last three decades. I miss his wonderful deep voice, and his deeply spiritual point of view. I think the Moodies went lacking after he decided to go do his own thing.
And I have yet to forget him. Well, when someone touches your life as much as those guys did mine, it would be tough to forget. They quite probably are why I am alive today. It sounds a little dramatic, but it is true. They gave a desperate person something to hold onto.
A belated happy birthday to his one time band mate, Ray Thomas, too. Ray was another of the founding members, flute player and extraordinary Welsh voice in the band. Ray decided to retire from music a few years back, figuring I suppose that four decades was quite enough. Now hw spends time fishing and playing with any grandchildren, I am sure.
I've always been tickled that I shared something with two members of that band: my birthday in right after Mike's. I'll have to remember to have a bite of cake for each of these fellows, when I do so for myself.
Many more guys! You are very loved.
Thursday, December 29, 2005
Sunday, December 18, 2005
Silent Night
Now, I have heard the above song done in Spanish for years, living here in San Antonio, but I don't think I have heard it quite so pretty or passionately, until last night. Yup. Del Castillo covered Silent Night.
It wasn't quite as moving as Perdename, but it was so sweet....I wish I could've captured it on tape, video, audio, whatever, to share with everyone who couldn't make it to the gig. It is a good thing to find reasons to truly be uplifted in this season, which ends up being so full of tension and bad manners because people are putting themselves in debt.
My drive to Houston was tension ridden because I was running late. I got there JUST before Los Super Vatos got on, but I did get there, and I think I got some good shots.
I delivered the cupcakes to Rev for his birthday (we are a little less than a year apart in age, so I make a point of this one!) and the holiday cards for all in the band and crew, threw myself in front of the stage and waited with baited breath! (Okay, I'll downsize the drama...)
I remembered quickly why I usually stand closer to center stage; I love watching the brothers play, but, ya know, it's possible to be too close to somebody during a performance! For the second time in nearly three years, I could have tied Rick's shoes laces together! I love these guys, but that will be the last time for that for awhile! And I missed the interplay with all the guys. I did have a number of friends around me which made the placement special, but the whole band means a lot to me, and I felt kind of separated. Good pictures are tough at that angle too, though I think I got some spectacular ones of Mark and Rick playing. We'll see.
The guys are starting to feel the effects of the road. They are pulling out old tunes I haven't heard in nearly two years, including one that would've convinced many of you you were listening to a 60's acid band. They did Luz A Me Paso, something I haven't heard live in at least two years! What wonderful harmonies.
And generally they pulled out the stops because it was the Last Show of the Year, and the Last Year of the Show, whatever the hey that means! They were a little goofy and a little relieved to be getting some time off. It was a great night all the way round.
**************************************************************88
due to upper respriratory trouble, I am running late on this, so it goes to press now with more commentary to follow. I have a couple of long weekends coming up, and hope to catch up on a lot of people's performances.
Blessed holidays to all. May peace between humans become a reality in our lifetime.
namaste
It wasn't quite as moving as Perdename, but it was so sweet....I wish I could've captured it on tape, video, audio, whatever, to share with everyone who couldn't make it to the gig. It is a good thing to find reasons to truly be uplifted in this season, which ends up being so full of tension and bad manners because people are putting themselves in debt.
My drive to Houston was tension ridden because I was running late. I got there JUST before Los Super Vatos got on, but I did get there, and I think I got some good shots.
I delivered the cupcakes to Rev for his birthday (we are a little less than a year apart in age, so I make a point of this one!) and the holiday cards for all in the band and crew, threw myself in front of the stage and waited with baited breath! (Okay, I'll downsize the drama...)
I remembered quickly why I usually stand closer to center stage; I love watching the brothers play, but, ya know, it's possible to be too close to somebody during a performance! For the second time in nearly three years, I could have tied Rick's shoes laces together! I love these guys, but that will be the last time for that for awhile! And I missed the interplay with all the guys. I did have a number of friends around me which made the placement special, but the whole band means a lot to me, and I felt kind of separated. Good pictures are tough at that angle too, though I think I got some spectacular ones of Mark and Rick playing. We'll see.
The guys are starting to feel the effects of the road. They are pulling out old tunes I haven't heard in nearly two years, including one that would've convinced many of you you were listening to a 60's acid band. They did Luz A Me Paso, something I haven't heard live in at least two years! What wonderful harmonies.
And generally they pulled out the stops because it was the Last Show of the Year, and the Last Year of the Show, whatever the hey that means! They were a little goofy and a little relieved to be getting some time off. It was a great night all the way round.
**************************************************************88
due to upper respriratory trouble, I am running late on this, so it goes to press now with more commentary to follow. I have a couple of long weekends coming up, and hope to catch up on a lot of people's performances.
Blessed holidays to all. May peace between humans become a reality in our lifetime.
namaste
Seasonal Greetings
taken from my MySpace blog:
Sad Songs
A friend on myspace sent out a list " songs that make you cry", and ironically she had listed the first song that comes to mind for me: Perdename, by my beloved Del Castillo.
DC is one of many unsigned bands I am into, but by far the most important to me. I have been a fan from the first time I heard those amazing flying fingers of the DC brothers. They are both world class guitars and absolutely astounding to listen to and watch. The other guys are just as important; Del Castillo would not be what it is without any of them- they are a family - but the first impression most people have is of those astounding guitars.
Perdename means forgive me. This particular song is about remembering to forgive one's self; it is in the spiritual way to learn forgiveness, but mush of the time we forget that we too are deserving of our own forgiveness. We make mistakes, we hurt others and many times without meaning to. To hold a grudge aganst one's self for being as human as any other limits one, keeps the possiblity of growth down.
Whatever your faith, in this holiday season that has lost so much of its meaning to crass commercialism, I wish you the little step inside yourselves that might open the door. I hope you can forgive yourself- and be free.
namaste
Sad Songs
A friend on myspace sent out a list " songs that make you cry", and ironically she had listed the first song that comes to mind for me: Perdename, by my beloved Del Castillo.
DC is one of many unsigned bands I am into, but by far the most important to me. I have been a fan from the first time I heard those amazing flying fingers of the DC brothers. They are both world class guitars and absolutely astounding to listen to and watch. The other guys are just as important; Del Castillo would not be what it is without any of them- they are a family - but the first impression most people have is of those astounding guitars.
Perdename means forgive me. This particular song is about remembering to forgive one's self; it is in the spiritual way to learn forgiveness, but mush of the time we forget that we too are deserving of our own forgiveness. We make mistakes, we hurt others and many times without meaning to. To hold a grudge aganst one's self for being as human as any other limits one, keeps the possiblity of growth down.
Whatever your faith, in this holiday season that has lost so much of its meaning to crass commercialism, I wish you the little step inside yourselves that might open the door. I hope you can forgive yourself- and be free.
namaste
Sunday, December 11, 2005
Pardon me if I whisper....
I have lost my voice.
It got left somewhere in Antone's last evening after I spent way too much time yelling at bands and trying to sing along over 120 decibels of DC playing.
You'd think I'd learn.
It has been a really busy weekend! I missed the first of DC's double-header at Antone's to be here in SA for Billy Harvey and his band. They played a wicked set at the Broadway Bar, and as I predicted to the nervous Billy, made some fans along the way. No, it ain't like playing at Flips or Bend Studio, where you have a fairly rapt and involved audience, but hey, if you wanna get heard, you gotta get out there.
I know Del Castillo has had their share of playing to small and even indifferent audiences. Hell, last night, during my dear Perdename, I could hear a roar of conversation in the back of the room. Ticked me off, but what can you do? Some people show up at places to be seen, not to see.
I know the power of music though, and there will always be a few who will listen, hear and return again. The best of the best don't make it to the "Top" through gimmicks and flash. They make it through the music, pure and simple. (I keep telling Billy he needs to get out into the rest of the world, take the guitar and play wherever he can. I don't think he gets it yet.)
Now the Antone's gig was exhausting. I had seen the same series of groups here in Helotes, and I don't know what the diff really was, but I nearly didn't have any reserve for my Boys! I love Los Super Vatos! They are so much fun, and they love to play. Period. I think a lot of the newbies around me were skeptical at first, but they warmed up to them by set's end. Del Sol should thank them, 'cos everyone was in a good mood for the next band. These guys had sounded too loud and not well mixed in Helotes. I don't put in my earplugs much, but I had that might. Also -couldn't hear the singing at all, over the sheer volume. At Antone's, the mix was much better, thus so was the set. I could get into what they did...well, until the guy with the camera turned up. I understand, but it wasn't well done on his part. They were videotaping the set, which is cool, but interfering with new fans while they are trying to listen to the band, well,....unprofessional. Luckily, the same thing didn't happen during DC's set. I would've been unhappy.
Don't really know why, but DC did tape part or all of both nights. I am afraid I may end up on the damn thing too, which I am not fond of, but it is the price one has to pay sometimes for being an insane fan. I must state though that there are reasons I am BEHIND the camera, not in front of it. I mean, how many pictures of ME are there on my Webshots site?! Max of six I think, and all with DC band members. Only reason I would allow it.
Oh well.
I will have to write a review of they Boys' performance on the computer and post it later. I am tired right now, and am going to mention only today's event, then go get some rest.
Austin musicians Slim Ritchie and Francie Mojo lost their house to fire the other night, and out at Alice's today there was a benefit to raise money to help them out. My friend Casey and I went out to add our support, and I was quite moved at the number of people who turned out. I have never seen Alice's that busy, or full of love. Kat's Meow played a terrific and fun set. Jelly Jar played with an absolutely packed stage! and a couple more groups came up after them, but I was too pooped o stick it out any longer.
A great weekend, with lots of great people. Whenever I start getting bitchy or whiny about how life sucks, I just have to re-read entries like these. I am surrounded by so many neat people, musicians, fans and else, I have to count my blessings.
I got more than way too many folks.
Thanks.
It got left somewhere in Antone's last evening after I spent way too much time yelling at bands and trying to sing along over 120 decibels of DC playing.
You'd think I'd learn.
It has been a really busy weekend! I missed the first of DC's double-header at Antone's to be here in SA for Billy Harvey and his band. They played a wicked set at the Broadway Bar, and as I predicted to the nervous Billy, made some fans along the way. No, it ain't like playing at Flips or Bend Studio, where you have a fairly rapt and involved audience, but hey, if you wanna get heard, you gotta get out there.
I know Del Castillo has had their share of playing to small and even indifferent audiences. Hell, last night, during my dear Perdename, I could hear a roar of conversation in the back of the room. Ticked me off, but what can you do? Some people show up at places to be seen, not to see.
I know the power of music though, and there will always be a few who will listen, hear and return again. The best of the best don't make it to the "Top" through gimmicks and flash. They make it through the music, pure and simple. (I keep telling Billy he needs to get out into the rest of the world, take the guitar and play wherever he can. I don't think he gets it yet.)
Now the Antone's gig was exhausting. I had seen the same series of groups here in Helotes, and I don't know what the diff really was, but I nearly didn't have any reserve for my Boys! I love Los Super Vatos! They are so much fun, and they love to play. Period. I think a lot of the newbies around me were skeptical at first, but they warmed up to them by set's end. Del Sol should thank them, 'cos everyone was in a good mood for the next band. These guys had sounded too loud and not well mixed in Helotes. I don't put in my earplugs much, but I had that might. Also -couldn't hear the singing at all, over the sheer volume. At Antone's, the mix was much better, thus so was the set. I could get into what they did...well, until the guy with the camera turned up. I understand, but it wasn't well done on his part. They were videotaping the set, which is cool, but interfering with new fans while they are trying to listen to the band, well,....unprofessional. Luckily, the same thing didn't happen during DC's set. I would've been unhappy.
Don't really know why, but DC did tape part or all of both nights. I am afraid I may end up on the damn thing too, which I am not fond of, but it is the price one has to pay sometimes for being an insane fan. I must state though that there are reasons I am BEHIND the camera, not in front of it. I mean, how many pictures of ME are there on my Webshots site?! Max of six I think, and all with DC band members. Only reason I would allow it.
Oh well.
I will have to write a review of they Boys' performance on the computer and post it later. I am tired right now, and am going to mention only today's event, then go get some rest.
Austin musicians Slim Ritchie and Francie Mojo lost their house to fire the other night, and out at Alice's today there was a benefit to raise money to help them out. My friend Casey and I went out to add our support, and I was quite moved at the number of people who turned out. I have never seen Alice's that busy, or full of love. Kat's Meow played a terrific and fun set. Jelly Jar played with an absolutely packed stage! and a couple more groups came up after them, but I was too pooped o stick it out any longer.
A great weekend, with lots of great people. Whenever I start getting bitchy or whiny about how life sucks, I just have to re-read entries like these. I am surrounded by so many neat people, musicians, fans and else, I have to count my blessings.
I got more than way too many folks.
Thanks.
Sunday, December 04, 2005
Casual Encounters Don't Come With a Warning
Wow
hadn't realized how very long it has been since I have sat down and written at my journals! My apologies to any band out there feelinga tad neglected. I have been spreading myself too thin of late.
The above title is snitched from one of my more recent discoveries: Lanky. Out of New Jersey, by way of Houston currently, he was the host for a Songwriter's Round in Houston the first time I saw him. Billy was one of the guests that night, which is the main reason I went. Came away with much more than I started with! I went to Lanky's myspace site, and then his own site, and was blown away by the strength of his words. Just yesterday I also realized listening to one of the CDs in the car that he writes happy music. No matter the subject of the lyrics, the music is up and dancable much of the time. He is quite a wordsmith, something yours truly can definitely relate to, and the two forces put together are downright infectious. I cannot figure out why the record companies out there cannot see/hear what I am finding out here. But then again, i hate the music industry for what it does to artists usually, so it would be a very double edged sword to lose any of my current music focuses to a megacompany.
I have covered so much turf in the last couple of weeks I don't know quite where to begin. I am going to make myself a list here and try to get back in later to write a squib or two about everybody. And yet, I am supposed to be driving to Austin yet again tonight! I am kinda hoping for a peaceful time in the week or two around the holidays, but we'll see!
Anyway, peace for now, and hopefully some words soon about these events:
Jelly Jar, at Jovita's and Alice's, with some really special guest appearances.
Billy, at Grackle Mundy, and at Stubb's, and of course, Bend Studio.
Lanky, again at Rudyard's but with a band! and then at Flipnotics
Del Castillo, finally home. Waco, and then San Antonio, soon Austin, and then Houston my god I am tired already!
Buttercup, Grackle Mundy (with corporate sponsorship too!) and at Austin's Ruta Maya.
Brotherhood, at the Backroom in Austin, and The Sanctuary in SA.
......I don't think I forgot anyone.......
now to a coffee house for a breather and a little writing time.
sweet dreams all, and support live music! I can't do this all by myself! ;)
hadn't realized how very long it has been since I have sat down and written at my journals! My apologies to any band out there feelinga tad neglected. I have been spreading myself too thin of late.
The above title is snitched from one of my more recent discoveries: Lanky. Out of New Jersey, by way of Houston currently, he was the host for a Songwriter's Round in Houston the first time I saw him. Billy was one of the guests that night, which is the main reason I went. Came away with much more than I started with! I went to Lanky's myspace site, and then his own site, and was blown away by the strength of his words. Just yesterday I also realized listening to one of the CDs in the car that he writes happy music. No matter the subject of the lyrics, the music is up and dancable much of the time. He is quite a wordsmith, something yours truly can definitely relate to, and the two forces put together are downright infectious. I cannot figure out why the record companies out there cannot see/hear what I am finding out here. But then again, i hate the music industry for what it does to artists usually, so it would be a very double edged sword to lose any of my current music focuses to a megacompany.
I have covered so much turf in the last couple of weeks I don't know quite where to begin. I am going to make myself a list here and try to get back in later to write a squib or two about everybody. And yet, I am supposed to be driving to Austin yet again tonight! I am kinda hoping for a peaceful time in the week or two around the holidays, but we'll see!
Anyway, peace for now, and hopefully some words soon about these events:
Jelly Jar, at Jovita's and Alice's, with some really special guest appearances.
Billy, at Grackle Mundy, and at Stubb's, and of course, Bend Studio.
Lanky, again at Rudyard's but with a band! and then at Flipnotics
Del Castillo, finally home. Waco, and then San Antonio, soon Austin, and then Houston my god I am tired already!
Buttercup, Grackle Mundy (with corporate sponsorship too!) and at Austin's Ruta Maya.
Brotherhood, at the Backroom in Austin, and The Sanctuary in SA.
......I don't think I forgot anyone.......
now to a coffee house for a breather and a little writing time.
sweet dreams all, and support live music! I can't do this all by myself! ;)
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