April 20, 2009
April is kicking March's ass.
I'm listening to THE Jazz Show hosted by Gavin Walker at this moment. It's an episode from a while back, featuring the album Sonny Side Up by Dizzy, Sonny Rollins, and Sonny Stitt. It's nice to listen to jazz after a couple weeks of ignoring it. It's like getting a serious dose of reality!
But the reality I've been living in is pretty boss, too. Utopian, really. On April 1, I got a very unpleasant fine on the skytrain, and had to find myself some way of paying it. So I immediately began experimenting with busking. I actually paid the fine within about ten days. And now I can basically say I have a part-time job where I set my own hours, I work outside in the gorgeous weather, and I get paid way above minimum wage in cash. An ideal job.
And outside of that brilliance, Veronica played a gig with Thee AHs at the Cultch on the 11th. Two five-song sets. She played a bit of sax, but is mostly on bass duties now, which she likes more anyway. Here they are playing my personal favourite song of theirs, Strange Little Scene:
They're going to be playing a gob-smacking set of hits tomorrow at Heritage Hall at 7:00, and again at Lugz cafe (main and broadway) on friday at 9:00.
Furthermore, I went and saw Spirited Away and Princess Mononoke at the Rio with Fab a while back. They were absolutely stunning, and went well with the cherry blossoms lining the streets.
But the reality I've been living in is pretty boss, too. Utopian, really. On April 1, I got a very unpleasant fine on the skytrain, and had to find myself some way of paying it. So I immediately began experimenting with busking. I actually paid the fine within about ten days. And now I can basically say I have a part-time job where I set my own hours, I work outside in the gorgeous weather, and I get paid way above minimum wage in cash. An ideal job.
And outside of that brilliance, Veronica played a gig with Thee AHs at the Cultch on the 11th. Two five-song sets. She played a bit of sax, but is mostly on bass duties now, which she likes more anyway. Here they are playing my personal favourite song of theirs, Strange Little Scene:
They're going to be playing a gob-smacking set of hits tomorrow at Heritage Hall at 7:00, and again at Lugz cafe (main and broadway) on friday at 9:00.
Furthermore, I went and saw Spirited Away and Princess Mononoke at the Rio with Fab a while back. They were absolutely stunning, and went well with the cherry blossoms lining the streets.
March 18, 2009
The middle of a wednesday
Yesterday, after two weeks of half-hearted looking, I finally found my olive-green notebook from 2006. It contains Occupant lyrics, other lyrics, lists of my favourite albums (which haven't changed too much, which is either good or totally embarrassing), guitar riffs, band names (some of which I still think are really great), and notes on a board game that Stella and I were developing. It's quite the thing to find.
But today, I'm actually in a state that I very seldom fall into. It's a state that can really only be brought on by one's own laziness, or in this case, being blase about all the things that are available to me in my abode. That state is the mental poison known as boredom. I tried figuring out the chords to The Best of Jill Hives by GBV, but I was highly ineffective. I kept thinking, "there are probably only about 4 chords in this song, all of them barre chords, but I just can't get them!" Eventually I cracked and looked it up on the internet. I soon found a tab that sounds really quite accurate, and was astonished to see chords like Amaj7 and E/D# smattered in there! So that's what I get for underestimating rock music...
I also called a few people, but none of them answered their damn telephones! I guess they have call display, eh?
Well, here are Thee Ahs featuring that divilishly attractive Veronica girl:
But today, I'm actually in a state that I very seldom fall into. It's a state that can really only be brought on by one's own laziness, or in this case, being blase about all the things that are available to me in my abode. That state is the mental poison known as boredom. I tried figuring out the chords to The Best of Jill Hives by GBV, but I was highly ineffective. I kept thinking, "there are probably only about 4 chords in this song, all of them barre chords, but I just can't get them!" Eventually I cracked and looked it up on the internet. I soon found a tab that sounds really quite accurate, and was astonished to see chords like Amaj7 and E/D# smattered in there! So that's what I get for underestimating rock music...
I also called a few people, but none of them answered their damn telephones! I guess they have call display, eh?
Well, here are Thee Ahs featuring that divilishly attractive Veronica girl:
March 14, 2009
Instead of doing the work, I shall complain about it
I was just thinking about where I can register general complaints. I figure this is the place to do it!
I'm on spring 'break' now, but it seems I have the equivalent of three weeks worth of homework to do. I have to do some kind of project on human rights (obviously a relaxation-inducing topic), write as much poetry as possible, and do some journals. I ran out of journal topics before the end of grade ten - need to wade 300 words into a bunch of random topics, which is too much for an irrelevant topic, and far too little for anything that's actually worth thinking about. I also need to think about a model of the universe (this will probably wind up being an enlarged photo of my face in the end).
I also need to figure out the chords to The Best Of Jill Hives!
I'm on spring 'break' now, but it seems I have the equivalent of three weeks worth of homework to do. I have to do some kind of project on human rights (obviously a relaxation-inducing topic), write as much poetry as possible, and do some journals. I ran out of journal topics before the end of grade ten - need to wade 300 words into a bunch of random topics, which is too much for an irrelevant topic, and far too little for anything that's actually worth thinking about. I also need to think about a model of the universe (this will probably wind up being an enlarged photo of my face in the end).
I also need to figure out the chords to The Best Of Jill Hives!
February 27, 2009
On the Roof
Hello there children,
Back in merry old August, Fab and I played a couple of tunes out at UBC. I thought I ought to post a tune from this landmark performance. It's a tune I wrote called On the Roof, and as you will hear...well, it's pretty sick.
Back in merry old August, Fab and I played a couple of tunes out at UBC. I thought I ought to post a tune from this landmark performance. It's a tune I wrote called On the Roof, and as you will hear...well, it's pretty sick.
Click here!
You can't really hear my spoken invocation at the beginning; basically, I'm just saying, "Close your eyes and picture rain as you hear this."
February 21, 2009
Hey guys!
I know, I know. You're all pretty mad at me. I was in charge of your sole source of entertainment, this blog, and I neglected it. But I'm certain you'll forgive me when you see what I'm posting for your benefit!
Scoping around craigslist, I found a local band called Thee Ahs looking for someone to open for them. So I checked out their myspace, and lo, I had a new favourite band. To imagine how a band can be this good - well, it's a waste of time. Obviously, bands like this just blink into existence. Argal, I give you:
Of course, I couldn't respond to the ad, as the night they were playing happened to be the night of the City School cabaret. Plus, I didn't have a band that could open for anything until the day before said cababret. And that still needs some hammering out, you understand.
Scoping around craigslist, I found a local band called Thee Ahs looking for someone to open for them. So I checked out their myspace, and lo, I had a new favourite band. To imagine how a band can be this good - well, it's a waste of time. Obviously, bands like this just blink into existence. Argal, I give you:
Enjoy!
Of course, I couldn't respond to the ad, as the night they were playing happened to be the night of the City School cabaret. Plus, I didn't have a band that could open for anything until the day before said cababret. And that still needs some hammering out, you understand.
August 10, 2008
Another large day
Today, we moved a PA system from O'brien's abode to Liza's with the help of The Fab. O'brien scooped this item from the tai chi garage sale yesterday. 2 monitor speakers, 2 mics, 2 mic stands, and a mixer. Liza and I had to rearrange the better part of the abode to accommodate the system, and our livingroom-studio now looks much larger. Last week, we also received a pair of congas from the Nils abode. They were taking up space in storage. So now we have percussion, which will sound even better with the reverb supplied by the new mixer. (I guess it could sound good 'clean', but we'll leave that for people who can actually play the congas.)
Did I mention jazz is back? It's at the Libra room from 5 til 7:30 on sundays. Of course, I couldn't go today, because we were working with the PA until a few minutes ago, and also no one is around to go with me. Jason is in Japan until around the 21st, and without him there, it's a bit difficult, especially since there's a much different group of musicians there now.
Fab and I have been practicing the tune I wrote a while back, On the roof. The form is AAB. The A sections have a quiet, rain-like quality, and the B section is loud and mostly just one chord. (That's not to say it's exactly like a Nirvana song...) The focus of the band is on providing tension and release using elements other than harmony. I got this idea when I was reading a Jamey Aebersold book, and there was a table listing different things that provide tension and release. On the tension side, there were things like playing loud, ascending lines, faster notes, and dissonant harmony. On the release side, there were things like playing soft, descending lines, longer notes, and consonant harmony. So I thought, why not write a tune based mostly on dynamics? A good thing about this format is that it forces me and Fab to listen to each other.
Anyhow, we have to have it down by next sunday - we have a half-hour performance at IDEC that we're preparing for. I am also preparing for the finest concert ever conceived, which will occur on friday. The Liars opening for Radiohead....wow.
Did I mention jazz is back? It's at the Libra room from 5 til 7:30 on sundays. Of course, I couldn't go today, because we were working with the PA until a few minutes ago, and also no one is around to go with me. Jason is in Japan until around the 21st, and without him there, it's a bit difficult, especially since there's a much different group of musicians there now.
Fab and I have been practicing the tune I wrote a while back, On the roof. The form is AAB. The A sections have a quiet, rain-like quality, and the B section is loud and mostly just one chord. (That's not to say it's exactly like a Nirvana song...) The focus of the band is on providing tension and release using elements other than harmony. I got this idea when I was reading a Jamey Aebersold book, and there was a table listing different things that provide tension and release. On the tension side, there were things like playing loud, ascending lines, faster notes, and dissonant harmony. On the release side, there were things like playing soft, descending lines, longer notes, and consonant harmony. So I thought, why not write a tune based mostly on dynamics? A good thing about this format is that it forces me and Fab to listen to each other.
Anyhow, we have to have it down by next sunday - we have a half-hour performance at IDEC that we're preparing for. I am also preparing for the finest concert ever conceived, which will occur on friday. The Liars opening for Radiohead....wow.
August 1, 2008
String trio
This is a string trio I wrote in about 3 hours a few days ago. The title of it is 'Snap' - an homage to a particular video game....Fab knows. I hope you enjoy the talent of the 1-mm high musicians who live in my computer!
July 28, 2008
At least I got the tip jar once.
I had the teeth removed on wednesday with Matty, Ilsa and Kler in attendance in the waiting room. I felt nothing, and there was some bizarre fashion show on the TV in the ceiling, so I felt no desire to pay attention to the proceedings. My face was totally frozen on one side on the way home, but I was almost fully recovered within a few hours. I recuperated for the next day or so, but was awake enough on friday to see Paprika at the ahht gallery with Kler.
Sax playing was out the window for a few days, but I've been taking stabs at it yesterday and today. It does cause me pain, though, so I was forced to spread my attention equally between all of my instruments. I've been working on learning tunes off the record, which can be fun, but it can be quite frustrating. For instance, Eric Dolphy's Serene has only a bass outlining the chords, and it's not always audible, so figuring out dem changes is a colossal struggle!
A while ago, I borrowed a piano book called Blues Hannon from Marg. I was looking at it today. I figure if I can learn some basic blues piano starting now, and practice a lot, I'll be able to play things like Equinox or K.C. Blues within 6 months....school permitting. I'm not looking forward to that.
Guitar-wise, I've been working on pinch harmonics. I used to screw around with those all the time, but only on the high frets, and I didn't even know what note was gonna come out. And finally, bass-wise, I am the best bassist in the world, as usual.
I got an e-mail from Yiorgos today saying:
The band:
Jason, Joel, Jon, Jim, Jim, Jeff, Ian, Steve, Alexei, Nathan, Aleisha, Mike, Graham, Gerry, Yiorgos, The Fab (and his friend whose name Ian can never remember), Andrew, Caralyn, Catherine, Pete, Peter, The Girl with the Vibes, Eric (the one time he was there, he was great), and everyone else.
Sax playing was out the window for a few days, but I've been taking stabs at it yesterday and today. It does cause me pain, though, so I was forced to spread my attention equally between all of my instruments. I've been working on learning tunes off the record, which can be fun, but it can be quite frustrating. For instance, Eric Dolphy's Serene has only a bass outlining the chords, and it's not always audible, so figuring out dem changes is a colossal struggle!
A while ago, I borrowed a piano book called Blues Hannon from Marg. I was looking at it today. I figure if I can learn some basic blues piano starting now, and practice a lot, I'll be able to play things like Equinox or K.C. Blues within 6 months....school permitting. I'm not looking forward to that.
Guitar-wise, I've been working on pinch harmonics. I used to screw around with those all the time, but only on the high frets, and I didn't even know what note was gonna come out. And finally, bass-wise, I am the best bassist in the world, as usual.
I got an e-mail from Yiorgos today saying:
"Well, the rumours were true and The End Cafe has been sold. It is officially changing hands on Wednesday and will be closed down for a week for renovations. It looks unlikely that the Sunday jam will be continuing there...."So that's that! Of course, the End gets the prize for being the first business to survive for more than two weeks in that location. So, thanks to the whole band for making it happen, and to Kler, Tamlyn, Sarah, Nello, Kim and her friend, Melissa, Kian, SAMMEH, Liam, Adrian, Watson, Jacob, Luc, Luan, Logan, Pixie, Anne, Peter, Ernie, Margie, Liz, Victor, Cole, Gary, and Ilsa and O'Brien for coming out to support us.
The band:
Jason, Joel, Jon, Jim, Jim, Jeff, Ian, Steve, Alexei, Nathan, Aleisha, Mike, Graham, Gerry, Yiorgos, The Fab (and his friend whose name Ian can never remember), Andrew, Caralyn, Catherine, Pete, Peter, The Girl with the Vibes, Eric (the one time he was there, he was great), and everyone else.
July 22, 2008
Specks
Yesterday Kler, Ilsa and I went to Loan and Persuade to purchase a Saxophone, who we've named Dot. We then proceeded to the Krazy! show at the VAG, where we perused some Manga and watched part of an Anime movie in a room that, contrary to what the VAG seems to stand for, was very comfortable. Then we went to the gallery cafe to sharply inhale some sustenance.
Today, we threw a frizbee around during our Cookie-walk, then Ilsa went to teach the girls in west Van. In the afternoon, I sat down at the paezano for a couple of hours and wrote a tune employing mostly Lydian (super-happy) chords. It's the first jazz tune I've ever completed! It even has a title - On the roof. Fab was over and I gave him the lead sheet to take home. We're also working on a song that will include elements from jazz, funk (ya right), metal, prog rock, and the blues.
I wrote a wicked bassline for a guitar riff of his, too.
Tomorrow, I am for sure getting my wisdom teeth out at 3 o'clock. I'll be wise no more!
Today, we threw a frizbee around during our Cookie-walk, then Ilsa went to teach the girls in west Van. In the afternoon, I sat down at the paezano for a couple of hours and wrote a tune employing mostly Lydian (super-happy) chords. It's the first jazz tune I've ever completed! It even has a title - On the roof. Fab was over and I gave him the lead sheet to take home. We're also working on a song that will include elements from jazz, funk (ya right), metal, prog rock, and the blues.
I wrote a wicked bassline for a guitar riff of his, too.
Tomorrow, I am for sure getting my wisdom teeth out at 3 o'clock. I'll be wise no more!
July 3, 2008
The Yanks did'n invade....
I was supposed to get my wisdom teeth out today, but it turned out the dentist didn't even know if it was necessary! So I have to consult my ortho tomorrow.
In cooler news, I had a two-hour sax lesson with Jason the other day. We went over phrasing, breathing, articulation, and other important things. I've practiced a lot in the two days since, and it's hard work! I don't get bored, but I get overheated (sax playing is not particularly cooling) and tired. I have a lot of things to think about, and a lot of tunes I want to learn. I was thinking of learining Segment by Charlie Porker, and I worked with it a lot, but those quick ii-V7-i's get me! I can already play the melody for Autumn Leaves, and I pretty much have the changes memorized, so I'll work on solidifying that tune tomorrow. I also need to work on Cousin Mary, cauz it's a fave, but I still don't have it down.
In cooler news, I had a two-hour sax lesson with Jason the other day. We went over phrasing, breathing, articulation, and other important things. I've practiced a lot in the two days since, and it's hard work! I don't get bored, but I get overheated (sax playing is not particularly cooling) and tired. I have a lot of things to think about, and a lot of tunes I want to learn. I was thinking of learining Segment by Charlie Porker, and I worked with it a lot, but those quick ii-V7-i's get me! I can already play the melody for Autumn Leaves, and I pretty much have the changes memorized, so I'll work on solidifying that tune tomorrow. I also need to work on Cousin Mary, cauz it's a fave, but I still don't have it down.
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