The Little Things

I have such a story to tell. It started many years ago, at Sam's Burger Joint here in SA, and has done nothing but snowball on me.

I heard Del Castillo for the first time.

I was blown away, and remember racing up to the two guitar players, gushing something inane like "I've not heard playing like that since DiMeola, McLaughlin and De Lucia!" We, they and I have gone thru massive changes in our lives since then, many happy, many not so happy, and I have grown to love those guys, and their hardworking crew like few others I have ever known in the music business. I have given them my loyalty and effort, because I believe in what I hear in that music. If you would know who they each are, listen to what they play.

I could take the reader on a LONG, long trip thru the last several years, but it wouldn't mean much if one was not there. I have recorded the stories here to the best of my ability, finding it difficult in the best of times to warp the words into describing what they mean to my heart, because of the nature of what they are. It is, as I said, in their music.

No fan can ever truly know what affect he/she has on any band, because as they climb the ladder to success, musicians sometimes move away from where they once were, as more and more people come thru their lives. The slurry of faces and names thrown at them has got to be mind boggling. I still see this group of guys take the time to talk to most anyone who approaches them, and the number of people they seem to remember astounds me. At the same time, I have watched them become more noticed by the world, and once or twice have felt I might lose them to the world some day. And I still might.....but they are forever in this heart, for reasons that words fail to tell.

Last night, on the eve of my 49th birthday, the boys played their last gig of 2007, a very eventful year for them. It was at Sam's again, and the place was crammed. The energy was tremendous, though of a different nature. A tragedy had struck not two weeks ago, and while I have been hesitant to write about it, I knew it was tainting the whole event. I was surprised the gigs this weekend even happened really. It would have been justified to cancel, but there they were, pulling from deep inside to make the dark light again.

I was so happy just to have so many of my DC friends in the audience with me, it would've have been a terrific birthday present by itself. My boys, and one particularly sweet son of one them, made it more. After the main bulk of the show, Bert came out on with a birthday cake in hand , the rest of the guys following him out, and on stage, presented it to me, and sang to me. It was not in me to cry about it, but I can tell you right now, I had a smile on my face all night, and still get silly no matter what I am doing, just from the memory.

Bert and his son Dylan plotted the whole thing, and while I am not a very outgoing sort, I cannot say I didn't get a kick out of it. I'd be lying if I said his lovely words about my utter dedication to this band were unfelt. And to have my absolutely favourite rhythm section all around me singing Happy Birthday....well, let's just say- favourite b-day so far, and a hard one to top for this music nut.

I have so much going thru my head today, and a ton of beautiful pictures to mull over...pardon if I keep this short and sweet. I cannot thank all the DC familia that was there enough (the group picture came out REALLY well!)and as for my Boys, and Dave and the crew.....I think I am getting misty now.

Bert- you raised a great son. Dylan- you have your father's heart. DC...well, you know already. You showed me that last night.
I love you.

A Couple of Special Birthdays to Remember

I put these on myspace, and then realized THIS is where they belong. These two guys, and the band they helped start, put on the map and make into an international phenomenon, mean a lot to me. And we share a birth month, which makesit even more special.



RAY THOMAS





MIKE PINDER





THE MOODY BLUES, CIRCA 1965




and another, a bit early.......





Ray Thomas, another of the founding members of the Moody Blues has a birthday on the 29th. Ray retired from the music biz a couple of years ago, feeling he had done his bit. Now was time to play with the grandkids and fish to his contentment. Ian Anderson once called Ray the master flautist of rock-n-roll, no small compliment. He also possesses a beautiful Welsh voice. Who can forget that lovely warble of "Timothy Leary's Dead......no,no,no, he's outside, looking in."

and just for good measure:



One of my favourite 45 covers from the 1963-65 version of the band. I have no idea what Denny Laine is up to these days, but Graeme Edge is still playing drums. To paraphrase the Grateful Dead, what a lovely, long, strange trip it's been.

Many happy returns of the day, Ray. I hope with all my heart that you are happy, healthy, and smilin' on your birthday. You too are sorely missed.


Happy Birthday


Mike Pinder, one of the founders of my dear Moody Blues. I still miss your voice out there, buddy. It's been too many years.




Currently listening :
Among the Stars
By Mike Pinder
Release date: 21 February, 1995

Jazz suffers another blow

Okay,not me personally, but the music form that gave me the name.
*****************************************************************
Rest in Peace, great man. We will remember you.



Jazz Great Oscar Peterson Dies at 82
Dec. 24, 2007, 2:34 PM EST
Oscar Peterson, whose early talent and speedy fingers made him one of the world's best known jazz pianists, died at age 82.

His death was confirmed by Hazel McCallion, mayor of Mississauga, Ontario, the Toronto suburb where Peterson lived. McCallion told The Associated Press that he died of kidney failure but that she did not know when. The hospital and police refused to comment.

"He's been going downhill in the last few months, slowing up," McCallion said, calling Peterson a "very close friend."

During an illustrious career spanning seven decades, Peterson played with some of the biggest names in jazz, including Ella Fitzgerald, Count Basie and Dizzy Gillespie. He is also remembered for touring in a trio with Ray Brown on bass and Herb Ellis on guitar in the 1950s.

Peterson's impressive collection of awards include all of Canada's highest honors, such as the Order of Canada, as well as a Lifetime Grammy (1997) and a spot in the International Jazz Hall of Fame.

His growing stature was reflected in the admiration of his peers. Duke Ellington referred to him as "Maharajah of the keyboard," while Count Basie once said "Oscar Peterson plays the best ivory box I've ever heard."

"The world has lost an important jazz player," said McCallion. "It isn't just a loss for Canada, he was world famous."

Born on Aug. 15, 1925, in a poor neighborhood southwest of Montreal, Peterson obtained a passion for music from his father. Daniel Peterson, a railway porter and self-taught musician, bestowed his love of music to his five children, offering them a means to escape from poverty.

Oscar Peterson learned to play trumpet and piano at a young age, but after a bout with tuberculosis had to concentrate on the latter.

He became a teen sensation in his native Canada, playing in dance bands and recording in the late 1930s and early 1940s. But he got his real break as a surprise guest at Carnegie Hall in 1949, after which he began touring the United States and Europe.

He quickly made a name for himself as a jazz virtuoso, often compared to piano great Art Tatum, his childhood idol, for his speed and technical skill.

He was also influenced by Nat King Cole, whose Nat King Cole Trio album he considered "a complete musical thesaurus for any aspiring Jazz pianist."

Peterson never stopped calling Canada home despite his growing international reputation. But at times he felt slighted here, where he was occasionally mistaken for a football player, standing at 6 foot 3 and more than 250 pounds.

In 2005 he became the first living person other than a reigning monarch to obtain a commemorative stamp in Canada, where he is jazz royalty, with streets, squares, concert halls and schools named after him.

Peterson suffered a stroke in 1993 that weakened his left hand, but not his passion or drive for music. Within a year he was back on tour, recording "Side By Side" with Itzhak Perlman.

As he grew older, Peterson kept playing and touring, despite worsening arthritis and difficulties walking.

"A jazz player is an instant composer," Peterson once said in a Canadian Broadcasting Corp. interview, while conceding jazz did not have the mass appeal of other musical genres. "You have to think about it, it's an intellectual form," he said.

———

A Little Bit of Silence, A Moment of Prayer

My gods.

This season always seems to bring tragedy to light more distinctly than others. I guess it is the move toward empathy being made for once in the year. It often doesn't survive the present wrappings being dumped in the trash.

December 17th saw two deaths in my world- Dan Fogelberg, after fighting cancer for two years, and Manford Del Castillo, one of Rick and Mark's older brothers.

People at work today could actually see the pain on my face, though I spoke to none about it. I know my brothers in DC are all hurting- they grew up pretty much together in Brownsville, so this hits more than just the brothers in the group. It is quite a blow, and at a really bad time. Not that there could ever have been a good one.

Manny was in a wreck with an 18 wheeler. I don't know all the details. The truck driver was hospitalized. Manny was DOA. He left behind a wife and a couple of sons.
and several grieving siblings, cousins, parents and countless friends.

***************************************************
Six months later, I go ahead and publish this. Manny would be so very proud of his brothers, esp the confirmed bachelor who isn't anymore. The band is tighter and busier than ever, and they carry Manny's love for the band with them all the time.

Watch over them, Manny.

Catch-up

Wow.

Two months without looking at this site. One would think I hadn't been up to much- not true! Traveled to see my Del Castillo buds, first to Corpus, then to Austin. Caught several Buttercup gigs, though I have yet to make it to one of their Austin Tuesday Grackles. Weeknights are just tough to do, ya know? I payed for going to austin to see DC.

Got some WONDERFUL news the other day! My step brother's band Machine Head has been nominated for a Grammy! I am so happy for them! Dave's been in the band for 12 years, and all but one of their six albums, and it is about damn time the Industry in this country recognised them for the talent they are. I was so pissed at Roadrunner US when they fired MH! Roadrunner UK had its head on though, and after the album Through the Ashes of Empires took Europe by storm, RR here wised the hell up! I was livid about the treatment the guys got, and wasn't happy when they re-signed with them, but I know they didn't go with any half-assed contract. And the new union has paid off mightily for both sides now!
I will actually watch that damned award show ( I hate that junk....what a waste of time!) Just to see Dave and the guys in the audience. Maybe I will get a friend to TIVO it, so's I can skip over all but the important parts. Who knows- maybe they will ask Machine Head to PLAY the awards! That would SO rock!

Haven't been out to see much local talent lately. Just cannot seem to motivate myself into smoky, noisy bars. The occassional coffee house will have something that interests me, but on the whole, this city is once again lacking a place for true alternative musical approaches to be heard. There was many a night where I wanted to be elsewhere, but I really do miss the Red Room. We gave the unique a place to be, and while the audiences weren't always there, the artists loved it. Doors opened as a result, but not enough, and I think I am feeling the withdrawl. Need a dose of Billy Harvey, or Matt the Electrician, or a thousand others that passed thru our doors. Sigh.

Maybe it is the season that is making me sentimental.

And yesterday was the anniversary of that bad,bad day in 1980. I wrote about it in detail last year, so won't this time. Instead,a link: www.imaginepeace.com

This is a site run by Yoko, for the same cause she and John spoke out about for years.
Go visit, send a message to the peace memorial, and remember the positive that John Ono Lennon brought to, and left with this world. We still miss you, bro.

namaste.

Imagine

Is there a definitive image of John Ono Lennon that the world will remember him by? I doubt it. He is destined to become a legend, a fallen hero relegated to history books which don't catch half the poignancy of his life. It is the way of things.

I remember the Beatles on the Ed Sullivan Show when I was about 5. I remember the covers of magazines that both blasted and embraced the guys of that band. Mostly, I remember the music, which played in the house until my siblings all left for college or other stuff. It rang in my ears so much, I bought myself copies of the LPs, to fill the gaps my sibs had left.

I remember the break-up. It stunned the world, because none of us were really paying attention. Hindsight is 20/20, and now we see that business was tearing the music to shreds. If they could've given over the business and been able to trust someone to let them be the artists they were and are, who knows? The Beatles, like the Rolling Stones, might still be out there.

And I remember one really bad day.

I don't want to write about it here. I want to remember what was positive about John, how he had finally some to love his life, and make music that showed his soul was at peace. That's why the picture of his boys. He left us a good legacy in them.

So here's to you, Johnny. You might not have realised it then, but you and your friends changed the world, quite literally. I will always wonder what might have been, but I too will celebrate what was, and is. After all, all you need is love.

"all we are saying is give peace a chance."

good times.....

Ah, I remember the Police. I was in university up in Austin when Roxanne came out. I am a huge Golden Earring fan, and was miffed for awhile, because their new album had a song by the same name on it. The Police rubbed off on me though, with time. I was, after all, a punk. One cannot ignore the truly different, and well, frankly, they were tremendous musicians, in a time when half the bands could barely play their instruments. My ears are discerning, even if the heart may want to get out there and slam dance sometimes (for you youngsters, that was what we did LONG before mosh pits existed.)

Ironically, I didn't see the Police in concert til much later in their career, before the break-up. They played the Frank Erwin Centre in Austin sometime in the early '80's, and while it was a good gig, I don't really like those big gigs. Might as well rent a video and be comfortable at home. Herein is my dilemma. They're back. And I would love to say I am going, but I haven't made up my mind. Luckily, I have awhile- tickets don't go on sale til next weekend. The problem is that I know where they are going to play and the place is a freakin' echo pit! I would challenge the best soundman out there to dampen the sound in the place enough to make it worth my money and while to go! Back in '98, I went to see Plant & Page at the Alamo Dome (also referred to in this city as the Ugly Dome and the dead Armadillo.) The place can hold 50 to 75,000 people, they used only half of it and the reverberation was atrocious. The overwhelming sound and heat (the AC died shortly before the first band hit the stage!) didn't dampen my experience, but I have heard them in better places.
The Police are scheduled to play the AT&T Centre, and I have been in this room. Extremely high ceilings, with nothing to absorb sound, and a centralized stage with hanging speakers pretty much spell noisy to me. I don't think I could find a sweet spot in the room if you gave me five days! That's a soundman's term for the point where all the elements of the sound blend perfectly, and I have a soundman's ear. I have been one for a long time.

*sigh* It's no fun being a music fan and having to deal with mediocre venues. That's one of the reasons I stuck it out at the Red Room. We had some amazing nights there, with music played at reasonable volumes, so it could actually be HEARD. For that reason alone, I am sorry San Antonio never caught on to listening, really hearing music.

Still, to watch Sterwart Copeland on drums....Andy summers on guitar.....Sting on bass. They've all done nothing but grow as musicians in the years since the Police.


Guess I am going to be spending some serious time weighing the pros and cons. And looking for my binoculars.....

Del Castillo Goes Batty!

South Texas is home to the largest concentration of bats in the world (at least according to National Geographic),about 40 million mexican freetails and about 5 other varieties. Only Austin,however,could find a way to celebrate the urbanization of their bats- holding a festival right over the place where the bats roost. Of course, it is one of the busiest bridges in the whole city, with cars, buses and such going overhead and, bikers, hikers and canoe- ers underneath. If the bats don't mind that, they shouldn't have too much trouble with some music, hm?

I was surprised really- even though I got there late-ish in the afternoon, I doubt the bats were any more roused than usual. Folks who have lived in Austin for years, many of whom had never seen this daily....err....nightly...event were congragating to watch the little mammals come out from under the bridge about 9 PM. I was astounded at how little people seemed to know about bats. Without them here in such numbers, the mass of south central Texas would be unlivable- the insects would overwhelm humans and crops. So be nice to the little fuzzy flying mice. They are not vermin, they do not suck blood, or automatically carry rabies. They ARE however a vital part of the local ecosystem,each eating nearly its weight in insects every night. It's natural pest control- appraciate it!

www.batcon.org

Okay- Del Castillo and the bands before them could've used some light-loving bats last night! Just about the time the little furry dudes were heading out, I looked over and saw the stage just swarming with insects. I started taking bets among the Posse how long it would take Alex to inadvertantly swallow a bug! He never did to my knowledge, but the little critters certainly did make themselves at home during the set. It remains to be seen if I caught the cricket sitting on Mark's knee during one of his solos, just paying complete attention to the guitar. See guys!? It's even intra-Species now!

We lucked out at this gig- it could've been a scorcher- but the weather gods let things cool down for us, and other than humidity, it was a good night. The Boys seemed to be happy to be home, and the despite some sound problems, it was a wonderful gig, Couple of new tunes, including one called Everlasting (possibly a partial title- got that from the set list) that has an absolutely BLISTERING bit of drumming from our Mike Zeoli! I love the DC Trio- Bert, Mike, and Carmelo, but this drum line stopped me in my tracks. I've seen Mikey play metal, and he showed some of that off in this number. Wow.

I am headed for Corpus Christi in a few hours and have some loose endss to tie up here before the drive. I will write more later. Ya know....I miss the Red Room sometimes. I found a lot of good new music there. But I am so glad to be able to go see Del Castillo again. There just isn't anything quite like them.

www.delcastillomusic.com

The things I do for music......

I am sunburned.

I am dehydrated.

I am soooo tired.....!

And I had a blast making my way to Austin to hang out at Waterloo Park and watch a lot of people become potential new Buttercup fans.

It was so blessed hot and humid, it took awhile for folks to decide to come out of the shade for a song or two, but the boys kept it popping and rocking enough, I think they made some new friends, for when they play INDOORS next up there!

It was the Austin Hot Sauce Festival, and the salsas had trouble conpeting with 95 degree weather and 75% humidity. Chips were gettin' soggy just sitting there! My fellow Del Castillo nut Angie had entered a chocolate-piqian (lil tiny super demon hot chilis) salsa, which she promised to make for one of her get-togethers sometime. Lines to taste the non-pro stuff were long, so we opted out to head to the Texas Chili Parlor for some grub and cool down time.
Man, to think I am doing it again next weekend, willingly, at the Bat Fest for DC....I think the Tejas sun musta fried my mind! At least the Boys are playing after the sun goes down. I may have to sacrifice my front of stage spot, but I might be up to traveling to Corpus the next day, per current plans. They play indoors there!

ah. Must go feed the body some more, and do some chores, then sit and chill before
bed. Been a long weekend. Zee was down here last night with Gypsy Soul, and next Friday is Joe and Hilary, then Saturday in Austin, Sunday in Corpus...good lord, I am tired already! Whew. I thought when the Red Room ended that my life would get simplier. Pphht! Not a chance! ;)

The Moon and The Nightspirit

One of the few things about MySpace that has kept me there is the music I have been able to find. I love a band from Finland called Gjallerhorn, and thru them, I found a Russian group called Moon Far Away, and from them, I found the Moon and The Nightspirit. I have become obsessed by the music of this last band. They are fellow Wiccan (that is a PLURAL term, for those not in the know......see my rant elsewhere about that.) and the music is exactly the kind of stuff I would want playing in Circle with friends gathered for a seasonal dance. It is beyond difficult to describe, so I leave you with a couple of links and hope some will check out this wonderful band from Hungary. Makes my gypsy feet want to roam again- Give me my wagon, and a couple of stout draft horses, enough food for the day and rain for the flowers, and I will be content.
namsste all!

www.myspace.com/themoonandthenightspirit
http://www.themoon.equilibriummusic.com/

Remember the Greatest- RIP, Max Roach

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eHSBNv-IFrA


That link should take to a version of Max Roach at YouTube playing "The Drum Also Waltzes." He was an extraodinary musician. Now he's in the Summerlands, and I just get a thrill thinking of him and Jaco Pastorius ripping it up.

Makes me miss both of them even more.

Goddess protect you Max. You changed the world for a lot of us.

Nothing given away......

This has no real place in any of my blogs, but Severus Snape shares a birthday with Mr James Patrick Page.

It has come about that the fictional character of Severus Snape has been given a birth date. Turns out he was born either right after or right before me......1958 or 59. Some say '60. Who the hell cares?! And on January 9th......birthday of Jimmy Page, and my grandson Marco.


Truly, I am a big fan of the Harry Potter books. They are well written, and enthralling and have brought younger people back to the joy of reading. If you have only seen the movies , do yourself a favour and go read book one. do them in order- it DOES make a difference. I can forgive the movies for not being able to cover so much detail, but the books are ten times the movies.

And I am an equally big fan of actour Alan Rickman, who has brought a permanent face to Snape. I don't think anyone could have done this character as much justice- good choice!
I have seen much of Alan's work, and think the world of him. They could not have done better giving him this incredible anti-hero to him to mold.

Anyway, no, I am not saying anything about the newest, and last book, in the series. Except that I have already read it twice and browse through certain parts almost daily. I am sorry to see the series end, but will enjoy these books for the rest of my life. I just would like to know what they will do with the movies to do justice to the tremendous expectation built up in the fan world. They better get it right.......

More than 70,000

well... when I started posting my photos online, I would never have believed that so many people would want to look at what I do. Three and a half years, thirty five hundred photos, and over 70,000 hits to that site later, I guess I am wrong. Gives me a warm feeling, though for all this time, I haven't had a single comment posted on that site- only at DC's or myspace. I think it is something to do with having to join Webshots. Dunno. Doesn't matter. Every Friday, when I get the e-mail about that week's stats, I sit there with this silly grin on my face, looking at who has been looked at, and often wondering exactly who is flipping into my site, and why. In my mind, I often accuse the artists themselves of vanity, but have been surprised at how rarely they seem to have seen any of the pictures I have done. I think sometimes it must be new fans, coming onto some bands site, seeing either my comments or a link to my site, and checking it out.
I love taking live concerts shots, but think I may start using an inexpensive digital camera (I am purely analog, i.e.'film', right now) to get some creative work done. Seems it runs in the family too- my dad, my oldest brother, his youngest son, me.....there is definitely an artist's eye running in the genes of this family. If he gives me permission, I will be putting a link to my nephew's flickr site, where he has put up some old slides my dad took around 1964. It will be in my travel blog....seeing that stuff again brought back a lot of memories, even as small as I was then. ( about 5- it was just after the Beatles hit the US shores....)

Pictures....they may not capture the exact moment perfectly, but they can sure trigger memory. I can't look at any of the DC concerts without having a stream of thoughts about each different gig go through my head. Not right now, as it is very late, but sometime soon, I will have to reminisce about some of those trips......different sort of life...I wouldn't trade what I have lived through due to Del Castillo for anything.

namaste y'all.

For the Earth, Or Something Else?

At this very moment, there is a huge international concert going on. It is supposed to be about " a climate in crisis", but I am afraid I have to raise a few points here. In the noblest of gestures, the stages are all supposed to be run completely off alternative power sources. HOWEVER- how many people had to travel to get TO these gigs? What mode of transport did they use? One hundred percent chance that it was something based on the use of petroleum products, one of the worst problems we have created as a species. and of those of us that might have any interest what so ever and no ability to travel, how many are watching it on TV to PC or whatever? Having friends over, BBQing, running the AC more because of more bodies.......the list could go on all day. Fact is, this bloody concert may in fact be generating far more damage than it is being done to bring awareness about. I really don't think all those well-meaning businesses and bands bothered thinking about the domino affect, or worse- chaos theory.

This concert isn't going to do anymore than Live Aid, Farm Aid or Feed The World did. I was a staunch supporter of that last one especially, selling over 1000 singles and 500-600 albums specifically for that cause in my one music store alone. what happened? Government. The bloody government wouldn't let the food and other supplies through into Ethiopia. All that work ended up hitting the wall.

Want to make a difference? Turn off any lights you don't really need. Recycle everything you can. Unplug all appliances you aren't using- you'd be surprised how much power they draw when not in use. Compost if you have a yard, and find someone else who can for you if you don't. Stop buying throw-away stuff, just because it's convenient. Stop driving around for no reason, and learn to use a bike, moped or your feet for the shorter trips.

Every little thing ends up making a difference.

The big things, like this ridiculous gig, really don't. The larger message gets lost in the shuffle. all the mailto:f&$&*@ing media isn't going to change anything. It will have be down here, among the people. And it better start soon

Musicians mean well, and often don't know how to add their two cents in. THIS wasn't the right way. Do you think any of them will change how they tour permanently? No. Do you think for a minute that alternate power sources will become the standard at the majour arenas aound the world? No. Do you think that the majourity of the thousands at the gigs will pick up one piece of trash as they are leaving and put it in the recycle bins? No.

Let's start changing things at home, in our own neighbourhoods, and stop trying to impress the world. Recycle. Re-use. Renew. Cut down on consumption. Give back just a little more than you take. THAT is what will change this planet's direction, and possibly our species.

Oh? Did you think that world was dying? Nah.
She's been through far more than we can do to Her, and she has survived. We are killing ourselves off by ruining all the natural resources provided for us, from sheer greed and gluttony.
We alone will pay the price. Or we can atone, and maybe be forgiven. It truly is up to the individual to make a difference.

Not For the Average Ear

I don 't consider myself a prejudiced person- I can take music from most sources (disco in any form and opera being the exceptions) and find something valuable about it. First glances do not always let one appreciate what a band can truly do. There are exceptions to that too though.....

A friend in Austin talked to me very enthusiastically about a band called Estradasphere, said I should come up to see them. I listened to some of their stuff on myspace, and was impressed enough to make the trip. The club they were in has several sections to it and they were obviously not the big draw of the night ( I don't know what band was, but it obviously appealed to the pre-university crowd.)
Now, when someone gushes about a band, it tends to make me a bit suspious. Were it not that my friend Alex and I have a lot in common musically speaking, I might have sat back and done the Austin "prove it to me" bit, but I managed to hear these fellows during sound check and figured I needed the best possible vantage point...not an easy thing to find in this particular club. This is one of those places in Austin that has tried to jump on the live music wagon by throwing up a stage wherever it will fit, rather than building the room around the stage for a proper presentation of the music. During the opening act, the Invincible Czars, I spent a lot of time testing listening areas around the room.
Oh yeah- the Czars: Austin based band that could scare Mr Bungle! Seriously, some tremendous musicians on that stage, with the funky John Zorn edge- they fly between overt classical that has been sped up so much many wouldn't recognise it to jolts of metal and smoothed over jazz lines. It is definitely not for the average listener. It requires a certain ability to seperate the various instruments into their corners, then blend them back together for come up with the final formula these guys are aimming at. I was tickled to hear from one member that they are thinking of doing Stravinsky's The Rites of Spring, possibly, or maybe the Firebird. I heard destinct Stravinsky influence in a couple of the pieces, and considering that he's one of my biggest musical influences, i was drawn in. (Yes, I am not kidding about that. I could conduct the Firebird from memory. I have heard that piece of music since quite probably before I was born. Blame - or thank- my dad.)
And to prove to me all that I had heard was true, the czars go and finish the set with Mr Bungle's "Love Is A Fist!" Should've known.


now...Estradasphere.......
They have been given so many labels, I hesitate to add to that list! Imagine a metal band, a classical quartet, and a variety of musicians from different cultures all slammed together in the same room, given way too much espresso, and a shot of whatever drug could speed one up but still leave one completely clear-headed. (Contrary to popular mis-understanding, it is NOT possible to be high on anything save adrenalin and give a GOOD musical performance.)

To play the way these fellows do, with such precision and yet such speed, is unto itself reason to give the accolades! That they can sustain this through more than two hours, night after night, well , defies the imagination, frankly. From what I experienced in that club, I would say this much- the CDs may be good, but to see it done LIVE makes a lot of difference. The right set of synthesizers and a good producer could make the albums sound like that- it's been done for years. YET- these fellows can do it live, and in perfect time. Even when it isn't perfection, they have such a great time playing off one another that it is downright infectious.

There is not a member among these bandmates I could not call a consumate musician. And their interaction is obviously the result of intense practice that has left them so in tune with one another that the music just flows. Why the hell someone hasn't picked them up to do a soundtrack for a movie, I dunno! (Yo- Rodriguez! You listening?)

I spent most of the gig being further and further awed by what was going on in front of me, and details started to blur. I just know that when they get back this way, I will be working to get them a gig in San Antonio. I have got to believe that at least as many as came out in Austin will find out here. I find myself in a limited amount of company when it comes to listening to music, but I think there are enough flexible ears out there that SA would prove a worthwhile gig. Quiet? Relaxing? Something you can CHAT over? Hell no! Something you will never forget, that will haunt your bones for days? Very much.

www.estradasphere.com

www.invincibleczars.com

Verdict is in

i wanted to come online this AM to RAVE about Zeegrass, but as I was checking out at Taco Garage with some food, I saw a headline: Taco Land Murderer Given Death.

I then wanted to title the new piece swimming around in my head "Ram Has Been Vindicated."

then I read the article, and was reminded that, while the guys who killed Ram and Doug deserve the sentence, it was no easy desicion, and never a clear end to the situation. It is tough for someone who is devotedly pacifist to also believe in "eye for an eye".........there is a conflict there that requires thought. And I cannot personally gloat over the verdict, knowing that still another life will end due to this tragedy. Where does the violence of one human against another end, and how do we draw the line?

I do not have any answer for that.

For those who don't know, Ram Ayala was the owner of Tacoland, one of the most reknowned places in SA to give new and different music a chance. He helped nuture an awful lot of what is still growing in this city, and his presence, and always willing hand, are sorely missed. It will be two years soon, since he and Gypsy Doug were murdered in cold blood over less that $100, and another employee left fighting for her life. Tacoland, once a haven for music here, and friend to all who just wanted to play, has been silent and empty ever since. Everyone who knew it has been changed forever.

And I do not think this verdict will change how we feel about our loss. Justice served? Maybe.
But it cannot bring back what we all know can never be replaced.

I personally think we need to pray for all of us, that we as a species can grow up, and stop killing each other, and our only home- this planet- before any of us will find true peace.

It is a bittersweet ending. Everything changed, and yet nothing really changes. Rest in Peace,Ram, Doug, and know you are still so very missed.

Greed

Avarice.
Pride.
Envy.
Lust.
Gluttony.
Wrath.
Sloth.

The Seven Deadly Sins...........I am no Catholic, but I know these things well, and they are ALL the hallmark of this society. Big business wants nothing more than to keep getting bigger, until it BIGs itself right out of existance. This is truly Rome, and Rome is burning. There is no place for the little coffee house-just Starbuck's. And yet....the little coffee houses, locally owed and run, are finding a place again, despite being out priced and shoved out of the primest spots. Personal care, and local accessability do make a difference over fast food attitude.

I am pissed off because something of an equally large nature out there in the music world has tried to stomp on something small and new and local, out of pure pig-headed greed. It is obvious that the mega-monster that happens in Austin once a year has forgotten completely its roots. It now only cares about big fat dollar signs and celebrity. MUSIC no longer is the centre of its world.

The Red Room, and that crazy person Delphine, lit a fire about doing our own sort of music festival here, in a couple of venues, for all the wonderful indie music we have come across in the last year. Response has been tremendous, and frankly astounding. It is already a success based solely on all the outpouring of help that has come from more corners than I can name.

Perhaps, in the rush of things, the name was chosen for reasons less than honourable- who's to say now? That was weeks ago when this San Antonio event was barely in its infancy! Due to snobby, insecure, petty, greedy vindictiveness, the name has been changed. No skin off our nose really. Quite possibly it is for the better, because it served to remind US, all those involved in this brand new thing, that it is NOT related to Austin, save for the Austin acts coming to play here who can't get a fair shake in their own town. WE love you! WE hear your talent! and WE celebrate your coming. I personally am really looking forward to the line-ups the girls have put together for the Red Room. It's gonna be a nutty week, and I may have to hospitalized a couple of people after its done (!) but it is also going to seriously raise San Antonio's attention to what can go on here. And I already know this is just the beginning. Larger things, beyond this one, are already in the planning. and as big as the event up there may be, San Antonio is literally bigger.
There is so much room to grow down here, and not a whole lot more up there. I kow. I've been watching since the beginning.


we are now SA INDIE FEST.


Is that a great name or what? Simple, to the point, and all San Antonio.

This is the home of Augie Meyers, Doug Sahm and the Sir Douglas Quintet, Freddie Fender, Flaco Jiminez, Pat Green, the Texas Tornadoes, Lara & Reyes, Shawn Sahm, Selena, Pitbull Daycare, the Union Underground, and more Tex-Mex, conjunto, flamenco, mariachi and Tejano bands than I can possibly ever list! Our musical heritage is huge and WONDERFULLY diversified. We are home to indie music, hip-hop, pop, rock, metal, country, not to speak of our magnificent orchestra!
We do not appreciate the variety of sounds coming from any street corner, any given day of the week, due to some silly belief that Austin has something more. Sure, there's live music there everyday, but most of those same people have to get up the next day to go to "real" jobs.
Meanwhile, the Jim Cullum Dixie Jazz Band wows our multitude of tourists and locals down on the Riverwalk! And they do it because they love to play. Too many live in Austin thinking they can become the "next big thing" by staying in a specific place long enough. then reality sets in, along with all its bills, and everything changes.

Okay, I am getting off the subject a bit, but damn it, San Antonio is NOT a truly lame place to be, and we are out to prove it. I hope everyone will consider giving us a chance, and come check out what Delphine and her insanity crew are trying to do. BIG isn't always better. The smaller morsel, served up with eloquence, can make for the more memorable meal.

and no, we aren't doing anything with the movie industry. We just really don't care that much. Music, from the heart and soul, is far more important.

Hello

I haven't had much interest in writing lately. It's not for a lack of things to report, but probably some seasonally induced malaise. It was broken a bit last evening by a fellow from Austin called John Pointer. John is one of those genius types in music that make you wonder if everyone in the world actually gets equal shares of talent. A multi-instrumentalist who started showing signs of music ability before he could walk, He's one of the people who doesn't just PLAY music- he paints with it. I used the exact same description about Brady Muckelroy awhile back, and I would LOVE to hear these two jam. It is one thing to pick up a guitar and play it as the instructor has taught one to. It is another entirely to become one with the instrument, and make it an extension of your soul. There is something about John's connection to his music, and music in general,that goes beyond ordinary. It is one of those ineffiable qualities that draw me to music.
I have always loved the scene in Amadeus where Mozart is hunched over a pool table, rolling a ball in a repeating pattern around the walls of the table, while he scribbled furiously line after line of music that was obviously running through his head. I get that way with poetry, and I know the mania that accompanys it. If one does not get it out, it can drive one insane. I have long felt that was the reason we lose so many of the best artists so young. It isn;t burning the candle at both ends- it is burning up inside and not knowing how to douse the fire that consumes.

alright.....perhaps a bit dramatic, but I tell you, it is the point between genius and insanity. A curse of our higher brain power, I guess.

Back to John- he's definitely of this ilk, and I encourage you to find him, and go see him. Oddly enough, you may have and not have known it. He was the beatbox guy on one Chili's ad, which you can see at his website. i do not watch enough TV to be certain, but I vaguely remember it. The beat box he did at the Red Room last night was mesmerizing, and his version of Stairway To Heaven just astounding. He's a oneman band for sure! I seriously look forward to his return.

I owe manymany peoples write ups, and hope that this may mean a return to my self. It has just been a strange month or so for me. Oh! and thanks to anyone who may have tried to help DC out with their equipment problems! I haven't heard much since then, but figure the insurance company covered a lot of it. What was Sentimental may not be replacable, sadly.
I have a gig at the RR tonight, and ne for my son-in-law's band Brotherhood, and I need to get on horse. Tomorrow is quiet. who knows? Maybe I will finally get back on the horse!

ciao

www.johnpointer.com

Call to Arms, and damn it! this SUCKS!

http://www.news8austin.com/content/top_stories/default.asp?ArID=177446

Get aload of this above article. Someone, or probably oneS, stole Del Castillo's tour trailer. DAMN it! Not that anyone who has busted tail to build up equipment deserves such things, but these guys are just great people, and this really SUCKS.

Pardon. I have been raving for two days now. On top of being ill, which hasn't helped my mood a wit! I have finally started getting the urge to write back and then this. And yes, I DO take it personally. These guys are my friends, and my most beloved band. This will put a serious kink in what they might be able to accomplish this year. They have been going full out since the last CD was released.
I only hope that everyone grows stronger for the experience, though I pray not paranoid.

There have been some great gigs at he RR lately, and I was all set when I started being able to take a deep breath without coughing up a lung to write all about them!
At least I have been getting the pictures up. I am afraid my time will be spent for awhile looking up things on line, and talking to all sorts of music folk to try to help DC.
Send them some good vibes, and bear with me. I will write about Buttercup's fantastic two-nighter at the RR, and then Matt the Electrician, ethan Azarian and Marcus Rubio at the RR as soon as I can.