New Career Path?

With my most recent post on the Smashing Pumpkin concert review, I have received some very positive comments. One commenter even asked if I got paid to write that review. Ha. I wish. While I think that my writings leave much to be desired, I suppose it's something I could consider if my gig as a flight controller doesn't pan out. I'm not sure how lucrative of a business it is, but it might be fun.

To whet your appetite, the next few posts will be some previous concert reviews that I have written. Although, I'd say the Smashing Pumpkins review was my best work thus far. This first one is a review I did for the Blue Man Group.

Something Blue

Blue Man Group Review -- August 17, 2003, Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion: We’re here to see the famed Blue Man Group. The night is very hot and humid…the kind of night where sweat seeps from your skin while you are sitting doing nothing. The only relief is a breeze from an approaching storm. We’re in the uncovered reserve section, so we hope that the rains don’t come, although that would be a welcomed relief. The rains never come…but the light show makes its presence known. And the show has begun…

First up are Tracy Bonham and her band. They played some new tunes from her upcoming album. Not too bad. I’m not a big Tracy Bonham fan, but her work is recognizable. Tracy also does some vocals with the Blue Man Group. I will say she has a really soothing voice with quite a bit of range.

Next up are Venus Hum. This trio has that ravey, electronica pop thing going for them. It actually wasn’t too bad. From what I could tell, Venus Hum ran everything (or almost everything) through their laptops. They also used a few keyboards, random electronica gear and a Fender Jazzmaster—I didn’t hear the wonderful tones from this lovely guitar for they had been altered, but how cool is it that a Jazzmaster is in an electronica band. But for the most part everything was computer generated, and with today’s technology, it sounded really good. You can get more info from their website: http://www.venushum.com

As stage crews cleared the stage for the Blue Man Group, tickertape type electronic signs generated scrolling messages to keep the audience entertained; one sign on the left side of the stage and one on the right side. And each sign had it’s own personality. One sign spewed random internet facts, and the other commanded the audience to do and say things. Then, one sign claimed to be better than the other and the other got offended and “left”, when I say left I mean turned off.

And now, for the big show…the Blue Man Group is unleashed. A giant curtain hides our view from the stage…backlighting gives way to hairless figures rhythmically beating on some fabricated contraption. The tempo ascends and wham, Blue Man Group and band slap you in the face with and explosion of sound and a mind numbing sequence of lights. I like loud guitars and mind hollowing drums…and this was all that and more.

The stage production was outstanding, and it should be. Marc Brickman, best known for his work with Pink Floyd and Nine Inch Nails, collaborated with BMG for this Rock Tour. The visual was just as appeasing as the audio, a pleasant display of carefully orchestrated lights and video footage make for an active show. Having listened to the Complex album several times, I already knew what I was in store for from the sonic realm. Not one sound was made from these funny little blue men, but the humor was loud enough for all to enjoy. Little stage antics made it comical; it brought the audience closer. But don’t let the blue voodoo catch you off guard…these are skilled musicians.

One of the most impressive parts of the show was when all three blue men participated in a tag team style rhythm showoff. Blue Man number 1 starts a good beat the tubulum (see the website), and a seconds later, Blue Man number 2 takes his place without missing a note. Blue Man number 3 replaces Blue Man number 2 and the pattern goes on…all in time, all in rhythm, all in synch. Very impressive.

The rest of the band performed brilliantly. They were definitely a part of the show, and not some backing band. They interacted with the blue men in a comical fashion. If you like drums/percussion, this is a show for you. Watching the guys in the back, all moving in time, with the same rhythm was mesmerizing. It was as if they were connected to each other somehow. I’ve never had much rhythm, if any at all, but just watching those guys go, was a show in itself. The guitarists were definitely an added plus. Naturally, me being a guitar guy, watched these guys quite often…powerful riffs and licks that stuck in your head…great stuff.

I’ve never seen the theatrical blue man shows, but from what I’m told there are no lyrics, just instrumental. That’s okay by me, but there were some talented vocalists that help make the complex tour a true rock tour. Of course, Tracy Bonham and her smooth voice were nice. Venus Hum helped out on a tune with one of the coolest dresses (worn by Venus Hum’s Annette), I’ve ever seen. Different colored lighted bands from shoulders to knees made up this dress. Each band flashed in time and flowed rhythmically to the sounds. It’s hard to explain, so I say, see it for yourself. And Peter Moore did an excellent job on the vocals. I like his version of Sing Along better than Dave Matthews (then again, I’m NOT a fan of DM—I’m surprised he even got mentioned in my article). I even liked Peter Moore’s version of The Current. Gavin Rossdale did a great job and his voice fits the song better (but then again, I’m biased), but Peter Moore did an excellent job.

And the show is nearing an end. Rock Concert Movement # 456, fire copious amounts of graffiti and streamers into the audience. Ok, so this is not a rock concert standard, but it’s a Blue Man Group standard. I enjoyed the show; it made me laugh, pump my fist, bob my head, stomp my foot, and it made me forget about the heat! This show is highly recommended, see it if you can. For more Blue Man Group information visit their site: http://www.blueman.com

Fans of Broken Glass

After approximately 16 years in the making, I have finally seen a live performance of the Smashing Pumpkins. I became a fan of the Pumpkins late in high school, somewhere around '93 or '94. I never had the money or the right timing to see a show live. After the breakup of the band in 2000, I never thought I'd get a chance to see them.

This incarnation of the Pumpkins only retains Billy from the original mold. The other members are returning guitarist Jeff Schroeder (from the Zeitgeist album), bassist Nicole Fiorentino (formerly of Veruca Salt), and drummer Mike Byrne. Unlike the Zeitgeist tour, this short 15 city tour is comprised of just the four members.

Let's start with Jeff. He's a talented musician who is very "quiet" musician on stage. Not much movement but he is into the moment, very much like I was when I was on stage...just not as stoic or statuesque as i was.

Mike Byrne. Perhaps one of the luckiest cats in the music business. This kid is just that, a kid. When Jimmy Chamberlin left the band after the Zeitgeist tour, auditions were held for his replacement. This then 19 year old kid got the gig, who worked at McDonald's prior to joining the Pumpkins. And the kid is like a freak behind the kit. From the angle I was at it was hard to see him due to all the crash hardware, but he was definitely laying down some body shakin' thumps. Jimmy Chamberlin is still a better drummer, but the kid is young.

I think I fell in love when Nicole Fiorentino first walked on stage. Long legs, beautiful hair and an assertive, but very feminine walk to her spot on stage. I was further blown away by her stage presence. A very sexy, nay, sensual playing style. She reminds me very much of Melissa Auf der Mar (formerly of Hole and the Smashing Pumpkins), who I also find very attractive. In fact, I would say that Nicole was influenced by Melissa. Her moves include what I call the Melissa Auf der Mar backwards lean and leg step. To me, it is a very sensual rock move. Love it! Not sure if Melissa penned that move, but she is the first one I've seen do that move. And it didn't hurt that Nicole always seemed to have that sexy-come-hither-i-want-you look upon her face. Adorable. I swear she looked my way...more than once!

And front-man Billy, who seems really happy with this incarnation. Multiple times throughout the show, Billy was seen smiling and telling stories and jokes. Yet, Billy is very serious about his art and wants it to be the best rock show he's ever played, every time. There were a few technical issues, but the band played right through them and Billy was able to orchestrate his crew on to the solution. Billy is still an amazing artist and musician.

The stage. For a small to medium venue, there isn't much stage space for a big time act such as the Smashing Pumpkins. Lining the back of the stage was a series of scaffolding and rigging that contained banks of lights. These lights would later be used as an assault on human function. These lights contained blinding power, as well as, a way to impeded human thoughts and functions as the brain seizes from the high frequency strobe effect. For the weak minded, this could be nauseating. Add in color and there is a wide spectrum of feelings and emotions. Book-ending the wall of lights were two identical towers, each containing a large 6 bladed windmills of broken mirrors, fans of broken glass, to help construct the kaleidoscopic effect. These blades would spin with the intensity of the emotion of the song. A battery of directional lights would fire their beams of energy towards the mosaical mirrors and in turn bathe the reflections upon the eager and energetic crowd. The stage setup was simple but effective.

I despise general admission shows, as you are herded amongst the masses to gain the best viewing position possible. Most people are not respectful of your personal space and don't mind pushing into you to gain the advantage of a better, closer glimpse of the artists at work. I will say that this crowd was not that bad, at least from my vantage point. There were only a few instances where my personal space was violated, mainly by a woman that did not know the extent of her girth, or she just didn't care. Once she moved a little to the left, she was out of my airspace and I didn't feel as confined anymore. As with any show, there are the inebriated and the stoned, or the individuals are in some phase of getting to that end item. About 10 feet from me was an individual that ended up puking due to his inability to monitor is alcoholic intake. Luckily, I did not have to suffer the unpleasantness that comes with someone purging their evening meal. And of course, there are several that enjoy partaking in a strong herbal element. Unfortunately, some of those were in very close proximity to me. I'm pretty sure I had a contact high. I was a little hungry following the show. At one point during the show, Billy exclaimed, "It smells like puke and weed in here...it's a strange combination..." I'm guessing this is not his first experience...

Another reason I dislike general admission shows is the tendency for moshing and/or crowd surfing. Since I'm usually a non-violent person, I tend to shy away from events with tendencies for stupidity. This show was void of moshing, but there were a few individuals that felt the need to do some crowd surfing. One guy was even in his business suit. As the individuals reached the front the bouncers quickly snatched them from the crowd and shuffled them out of sight. And these burly guys weren't nice about it...they seriously yanked them from the crowd as if they were nothing more than a light weight bean bag. You could tell that Billy was quiet aggravated with the whole scene. He has been known to stop a show until the crowd surfing stopped. As Billy continued to sing and play the current song, his eyes followed the business man from surfing to his exit. Sure enough, as the conclusion of the song, he made a few remarks in a non-rude manner to stop the crowd surfing. I remember the time at a Finding Reason show where 3 individuals, you know who you are, tried to do the 3 man crowd surf. It was pretty funny.

On to the show itself. There were no fancy entrances. I like the simpleness of it all. Although, I do like intricate and elaborate entrances. The lights went dim and the directional spots illuminated the stage in a calming bluish hue. And the Pumpkins took the stage, and I let out a muffled, "Wow!". Well, it was a lot louder in my head, but that's when I saw Nicole stride across the stage. Yeah, I was stunned. Billy walked from one side of the stage to the other acknowledging the eruption from the crowd. He waved his hellos and thanked the crowd for their undying support. Once everyone took their places with their instruments of tonal bliss and aural destruction, the show began.

"The Fellowship" was the opening song. This is off the new and upcoming album,Teargarden by Kaleidyscope. Teargarden will be an epic multi-disc album spanning approximately 44 songs. Songs are currently being released one at a time and once the project is complete one should be able to experience a story of sorts. Almost immediately the seizure inducing flashes began to attack the central nervous systems of those taking in the spectacle.

"Bullet with Butterfly Wings" off of Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness was next on the list. I immediately knew the tune as this was one of the covers that I did with Finding Reason. This version had a little more rock to it. It didn't transition from quiet to loud as much as the studio version. I think that is what attracts me to the Smashing Pumpkins. I enjoy the transitions from quiet to loud and then back to quiet, only then to be hit in the chest with a powerful thrust of distorted guitar and bone crushing low end. The anticipation of the climax, the rise and fall, the quickened pulse...that's the taste of good rock 'n roll. Still the light show persisted as if being abducted by the aliens of rock, only to be brought back to the land of normalcy in the quiet, darkened night...

Reaching from the return album, "Tarantula" from Zeitgeist was next to feed our never ending hunger.

"Eye" from the movie Lost Highway was transformed from the original electronica version to rock version without the synths. I almost didn't recognize it at first, but then it all came back to me.

Billy paused to tell a quick story about the next song. He told of a romantic encounter he had with a woman from Houston who first informed him of Lithium. This song was dedicated to her. And perhaps one of the most recognizable intros in all of the Pumpkins catalog began to dance upon our eardrums. The sweet sounds of "Today" from Siamese Dream filled the venue. Perhaps one of the quintessential rock anthems of the '90s. I pulled out my cell phone and began recording video of this piece. Unfortunately (or fortunately) the video doesn't have audio. Probably for the better since it wouldn't have sounded like anything but a garbled mess.

"Ava Adore" from the Adore album and "Drown" from the Singles soundtrack rounded out the next two songs.

We were then treated to another aural drop of fuzzy distortion with "Freak" from Teargarden. "Life is not a dream..."

The heavy weapons of mass distortion and searing solos were traded for a softer sonic pleasing sound...the acoustic guitars. Billy and Jeff picked up the acoustic guitars for Fleetwood Mac's "Landslide". The cover is off of the Pisces Iscariot album. We were afforded a reprieve from the onslaught of visual stimulation as well.

Going back to the Mellon Collie album, "Tonight, Tonight" rang in the air. Next in line was a less ballad-y and more amped up version of "Stand Inside Your Love" from Adore.

Rounding out the set was Siamese Dream's "Cherub Rock" and Mellon Collie's "Zero". Both rocked in expected fashion.

The band left the stage and we were left wanting more. The cheering continued and the chants began. After a short break, the band returned to the stage. "Astral Planes" off of Teargarden was the first encore song. The light storm was in full effect and the windmills of shattered dreams spun with a dazzling effect. And the final song of the evening was "Heavy Metal Machine" from the Machina/Machines of God album. I will say that I was a little let down by the final encore song. I had hoped for something a little more prolific and intense. However, it was a show that ended much too early. I wasn't ready to go home. I wanted more.

Billy carefully set down his guitar which was still grinding away on the last chord struck. He waved his goodbyes and allowed his fans to pay homage to his work. We fans kept cheering and giving him, and the rest of his band, the acknowledgment they deserved. Billy threw the remaining guitar picks into the audience who ferociously fought for the right to be the new owner of said picks. As I was close enough to be a recipient, one did not come nearly close enough. Mike, the former McDonald's employee turned rock star, walked over to my side of the stage and flung several of his drum sticks into the eager masses. Again, the prizes fell close...but not close enough.

The house lights began to burn and the peasants of the rock gods began the journey home to dream of what was and what could have been. The adrenaline coursed through my veins for much of the night, making sleep a near impossibility. It made me miss the stage and guys I once shared it with. Maybe one day I will return to the stage. And I'd be content with a fraction of the success that the Smashing Pumpkins have earned through time.

I wasn't able to get an actual copy of the set list, like I have done on occasion. Usually the beautiful girl I'm with has what it takes to get the set list. I, alone, do not have those qualifications. Perhaps the next show.

Here is the set list from the December 5, 2010, Smashing Pumpkins show in Houston, TX:
1. The Fellowship
2. Bullet with Butterfly Wings
3. Tarantula
4. Eye
5. Today
6. Ava Adore
7. Drown
8. Freak
9. Landslide (Fleetwood Mac cover)
10. Tonight, Tonight
11. Stand Inside Your Love
12. Cherub Rock
13. Zero

Encore:
14. Astral Planes
15. Heavy Metal Machine

I found this nifty website that has the studio versions of the songs. Check it out if you have the time.

Below is a picture I took with my cell phone. Had I known cameras were allowed, I may have brought a better camera. I'm sure there are better photos out there, so I'll link to them if I can find them. For now, enjoy my crappy photo.




My first Smashing Pumpkins experience was great. I should've never waited 16 years to see them. As far as concerts go, this one makes my top 3 list, with David Bowie still taking the top spot. I still haven't decided if S.P. will be number 2 or number 3, but it was a great show.

UPDATE: Here is an article with better pictures from the show.

Finally!!

A moment at least 15 years (perhaps more) in the making is building in my head. It will be hard to contain my excitement as the date approaches. I will be beyond giddy.

I will be seeing the the Smashing Pumpkins play live at the beginning of December. Well, the current incarnation of the Smashing Pumpkins anyway. I never did get to see the original incarnation...the power house band that was relentless in the 90s. I can't quite recall when I became a fan, but it was in the early 90s. I never have seen them live before. This will be an epic moment. I know i'm making way too much of it. Some would just say that it's just a concert. Get over it. Yeah, perhaps. Music is what gives me the feeling of life. And the Pumpkins are a major part of that for me.

Now several years ago I did see a different incarnation of the Smashing Pumpkins...when they were called Zwan. That was a good show. I expect this show to be even better than that! The only thing that could make this even more special is if I were to get the privilege to meet the band. OR better yet, give them a tour of the place i work...that would be awesome. I suppose being an opening band for them would be awesome too. Since i'm not currently involved with that, that will have to wait...

Now...to start thinking about how to plan that evening so that my guest will enjoy more than the show...

Horelica House of Music -- Edition 28

Ok...I know, I know, you've been waiting for this for a while now. I've been pretty busy and haven't had much time to commit to this little project.

But without further ado, here is the latest installment of HHoM. I thought this band was so good that they got their own edition here.

Silversun Pickups is the band. Swoon and Carnavas are the two albums featured today.
Silversun Pickups are an alternative rock band from the city of angels. Melodic drum beats and distorted guitars and a chick bass player...it's all good! They came on the scene back in 2005, but recently became more mainstream. How did I not know about these guys for 5 years? Well, I am very impressed with this band. I just wish I could clear my schedule to go see them play next week when they are in town!

Take a listen and enjoy...

The Show

Here is our first piece of propaganda! We are scheduled to go on second...somewhere around 7:45pm.
Rock on...

Soon

Soon, some of you will received an invite to JenFest2009. Since most of my friends come in couples, only one in the couple will get the invite. Just know that your spouse is invited as well. And perhaps not all readers of this blog will get an invite. Sorry. I didn't hear from you. Since JenFest is still on private property we had to limit the invites. Once we get some established gigs, global invites will go out and all will be invited. For those of you that were lucky enough to get an invite, i won't be offended if you can't make it. So, feel no obligation.

Check back here for the latest JenFest updates.

Guest List

I'm starting to put together a guest list for JenFest 2009!

If you would like to attend JenFest, shoot me an email and i'll put you on the list.

The Event

The Cause. Animals. Kids. Rock & Roll.

It's coming. Get ready. Donate. Have a good time. Smile.

JENFEST 2009

Visit frequently for updates.

It's Coming...

JenFest 2009!!!

For those of you that missed it last year (on account that there were limited invitations), this is your year! This year's JenFest will be at a different venue that can support a few more people. The date is May 30.

Keep up on the latest here: www.jenfest.org

Finding Reason will be making an appearance!

If you would like to donate or help out this cause, let me know and i'll put you in contact with the right people.

For those about to rock...

Horelica House of Music -- Edition 27

I just happen to be flippin' through the channels and i came across a special on Weezer on the MHD channel. Of course, i immediately thought of HHoM and wondered if i had ever highlighted this group. Turns out that i hadn't...so without further ado, here is a nifty little album from the guys of Weezer.



And while wondering what other band that i may have not highlighted before, i realized that i hadn't done this band either. Wow...how did i miss this one? This band was my closest brush with rockstardom. Many years ago, while waiting in line to see these guys i started a conversation with the couple behind me...or in front of me...i don't quite remember. Anyway...turns out that this couple was relatives of one of the guitarists (who is no longer with the band). Post show, we were invited by the couple to go backstage. That was pretty cool. Talked with the guitarist for about 45 minutes and briefly chatted with other members of the band. That was my one and only visit backstage to a professional show. I've been "backstage" at Finding Reason shows...and Less Than Serious Shows...

Horelica House of Music -- DVD Edition

I trust all of you are settled in to the new year...ready for new adventure, ready to clean old habits, and ready to live.

This edition of HHoM is what i call the DVD edition. The following two artists have made the HHoM list before. One of them is making their 4th appearance. The other is making his second appearance.




Oh yes, the Smashing Pumpkins. It's no secret by now that i'm quite a fan. This particular DVD recounts the reforming of the band. There is a documentary DVD and then a performance DVD. I'm particularly blown away by the 34 minute epic song, Gossamer. This monster of a song is flavored with a good portion of Pink Floyd. With the heavy Pumpkins sound...some unbelievable solos...and a catchy bass line, it's hard not to like. The Pumpkins make me happy.



Mr. David Bowie, making his second trip to HHoM, is still rockin'. I was privileged enough to see this tour live and seeing the DVD brings me back to that performance. Perhaps the best performance i've ever seen. Great stuff.

I'm always so motivated to try to get in the studio to make my own music, but other things seem to get in the way after watching these DVDs.

And such is life, i must now get ready for work.

Rock on...

The Great Gig in the Sky

Farewell Mr. Richard Wright! You will be missed. I know, you are wondering who this cat is?
Mr. Wright was a founding member of Pink Floyd. I consider Pink Floyd to be one of my musical influences. Amazingly weird stuff...
Here is the CNN article.

Now it is off to The Great Gig in the Sky.

Horelica House of Music -- Edition 24

Wow...it's been ages since the last installment of Horelica House of Music hasn't it? I apologize for the delay. I have been having a wonderful time over the last few months. In fact, the first band listed on this post is a part of my wonderful time. As mentioned in previous posts, Al, a friend of Carla and me is in this band.



Clandestine is their name, celtic music is their game. Carla and I have seen Clandestine twice now, and hope to see them in Austin at the end of next month. If you get a chance, go see these guys, you won't be sorry. Being somewhat of a musician, i'm absolutely mesmerized with the percussion...and the bag pipes. At the last show, i bought their latest CD -- ReD. I have a feeling i'll be getting the previous CDs at the next show or two.

And on to a completely different band...



Ok, only the knowledgable would know this band based on the above graphic. I won't keep you guessing. Tool is the band, and Undertow is the album. Tool is making their second appearance on HHoM. In fact, Tool started off HHoM. I chose this one because a song off of this album is one of the next covers that Finding Reason is working on. I get to carry the guitar work on that song so i'm a little excited and a lot nervous. So far personal practice has been going well on that song, but i still have a ways to go.

At any rate, as with all the editions of Horelica House of Music, i recommend you listen to these bands. Some will like em, and some will not. Which one are you?

Horelica House of Music Edition 23

Ok...i know i promised you a post about the new girl, her name, and driving impressions. It'll be here soon. I'm actually waiting on the registration sticker to come in so that i can put the license plates on her. I will reveal her name to you when she gets her plates. That should be soon...as my paper plates expire on saturday. If i don't have the sticker in by tomorrow, i'll have to make a trip to the infiniti dealer to get my paper plates extended.

In the mean time...

Here is the latest edition of the Horelica House of Music.
I know you missed it.



A friend of mine produced this little piece. You can read more about it here.

And to keep in spirit with the seemingly religious theme here is...



I know, Godsmack isn't religious at all...but it seem to fit. Ben always says he wish he could find a vocalist like Sully for the Finding Reason sound. Somehow, i don't think Sully is going to leave Godsmack for Finding Reason. hehe.

I've been extremely busy as of late. Off playing football or getting awards or celebrating the end of a mission. Tonight was the first night that i actually spent at home. This was also my first time in the studio in quite some time. I'm happy to report that i haven't atrophied everything. In fact, i think i did a little better tonight than my last session in here. I think May is going to be the month. I hope May will be the month! Stay tuned...

Quick Rehearsal

Yesterday evening Ben and I had a quick rehearsal. We missed our Sunday morning rehearsal...so we tried for Sunday evening. Greg was...um...i dunno where he was. At any rate, we ran through the songs...and for the most part we got through them without too many complications. It's a bit difficult to keep time when there isn't a rhythm section. We did the best we could...it was still good practice though.

Tonight i went into the studio for some additional work. I have put the small guitar down for a while. I need to concentrate on the big boy stuff. There are talks of adding another cover song...we'll see. You can bet that i'll be putting in some quality studio time to make sure i'm ready...or as ready as i can get.

We're not quite ready, but we're getting close. I can't wait. I'm getting anxious...

Busy with da Muse sick

I've been in a music kinda mood lately. I've been trying to get Ghost of Man down. I have most of it down, but there are some parts which i haven't quite mastered. I think it's a timing thing that i'm having issues with (no surprise there). we all know that i have the worst issues with timing.

Work gets in the way of fun...

At any rate, i've been working my guitars a lot lately. I think i need another one (or two)? ;)

I've got some other writing to do so i'll wrap up this post...
Good night!

Not Horrible, But Not Great

I finally got into the studio today to get some music work done. After having not played for more than two weeks, my performance was mediocre with a side of not-too-shabby. (meaning i was a bit rusty) I still have much work to do before we'll be ready for that first public performance. I think we'll be playing a party in the near future. Our goal is to do a public performance in May (or earlier...depending on DC3's schedule.)

This weekend, i'll head over to groovy B studios to work on my live patches through the PA system. Unfortunately, the effects have to be tweaked for the medium in which they're played through. Time consuming and necessary. But once they are dialed in, there shouldn't be too much more tweaking.

Tomorrow, i will continue my studio sessions. I do need a little more motivation though. I find my self easily distracted...

I got that needed haircut today too. The plan was to get a haircut before Moscow, but that just didn't work out...but it feels so much better now.

Horelica House of Music -- Edition 22

This is the Finding Reason cover edition. These two bands are the choice bands for Finding Reason's first two covers.



The Smashing Pumpkins are making their third appearance here on Horelica House of Music. No secret here that i'm a crazed Pumpkins fan. So, i was pretty excited when Ben mentioned he wanted to do a song off of this album. I've given you enough hints on what song we're doing in previous posts. If you didn't get it, then you'll just have to see it live...



Alice in Chains make their second appearance here on Horelica House of Music. When Ben, Greg, and I got together we cited Alice in Chains as one of our influences. I think it says so on our garageband website. Wow...i haven't been to this website in a while...perhaps we should update it.
I've also left a hint lying around about which song we're doing from this album.

Tonight i had dinner with Josh and Lisa. While waiting for our table, i ran into my hair stylist, Ashley and her boyfriend. I think that was the first time i've seen her outside of the mall. I'll be seeing her in the next week or so.

After dinner it was time to hit the studio. I ran through the 6 songs and i'm getting more and more comfortable with each. I hope i don't lose the touch when i go off to Moscow again.

Tomorrow morning is another round of soggy football. I'm sure there will be some more studio work...since there is another Finding Reason practice on Sunday morning, followed by a short visit by the parents...

Have a good weekend.

Needs the Polish

After an early morning grocery shopping spree, i did a little house cleaning. But the majority of the day was set aside to work in the studio. Accomplishments were made. All i need to do is apply a little polish on the songs and i'm ready to go. I learned the chorus for the second cover and that song is done. Just some repetition with the guys and we should have 6 songs in rotation. Three times the amount we had last year at this time. Ugh...it's almost been a year since the show. I'm sorry.

As the music becomes ingrained in my mind and muscle memory, i can go back to experimenting with new music. I've been concentrating on learning new music lately and so the experimentation has been kept to a minimum.

This musical journey has been fun and it's getting better. There are still some discouraging times, but must keep pressing forward. The next level almost seems within reach now. I'm getting excited.

Wax on...Wax off...

Random

Yes, we played football this morning. Yes, it was cold...at first. I think the temperature was around 45 degrees F this morning...but the wind, the wind is what sucked. It was incredibly cold with the wind. But once we all got moving around it wasn't so bad. Two hours later we were done for the day.

Following football some of us headed over to Buffalo Wild Wings for lunch. I have never had good service at that establishment...and i'm not the only one that has had that experience. It's a shame too, cause the food is pretty good. Well, i don't visit that establishment that much so i guess i can put up with horrible service for the good food.

Didn't work a whole lot on music today. I know...i was bad. I did put in half an hour's worth of music though. Tomorrow morning, too early for me on a Sunday (8:30am), Finding Reason will have a weekly jam session. We'll work on our our material as well as our cover material. i think i may have stumbled across some new music in my 15 minutes of work. But i didn't plug in the electric to see how it sounds...i'll try it out tomorrow.

Hope you had a good Saturday. Stay warm...