I saw this on youtube and I can't keep it to myself because I want you to laugh with me on this creepy day.
A cheesy Cumbia Colombiana to celebrate
Que viva Colombia!
Friday, October 31, 2008
Thursday, October 30, 2008
MUSIC UNDER NY
You better start turning your ipod off while you catch the train because there's a lot going on under New York.
Today I randomly took off on Atlantic Av train stop which transfers to Atlantic-Pacific in Brooklyn, and while I was walking I had the good fortune to hear the Alex LoDico ensemble. This trombonist leads different ensembles and today what really made me stop and listen was Kazuki Kitamori's alto saxophone solo. I've never seen a street musician playing the way he did. UNBELIAVABLE!!! and the band was just the Real thing. They where really swingin' 'till they drop. I guess they all follow their band leader's advice who said to NPR "You see the crowd...you get the beat right, you touch their heart. You try to put everything in that one note; the whole world in that one note."
I wish I had my camera but I din't. Good thing youtube exists so here's a video with Kazuki playing
For more info on Music on the MTA go to http://www.mta.info/mta/aft/muny/bios_samples.html?l=-2112758760
And if you want to know more about trombone player Alex Lodico here's his page
www.alexlodico.com
Today I randomly took off on Atlantic Av train stop which transfers to Atlantic-Pacific in Brooklyn, and while I was walking I had the good fortune to hear the Alex LoDico ensemble. This trombonist leads different ensembles and today what really made me stop and listen was Kazuki Kitamori's alto saxophone solo. I've never seen a street musician playing the way he did. UNBELIAVABLE!!! and the band was just the Real thing. They where really swingin' 'till they drop. I guess they all follow their band leader's advice who said to NPR "You see the crowd...you get the beat right, you touch their heart. You try to put everything in that one note; the whole world in that one note."
I wish I had my camera but I din't. Good thing youtube exists so here's a video with Kazuki playing
For more info on Music on the MTA go to http://www.mta.info/mta/aft/muny/bios_samples.html?l=-2112758760
And if you want to know more about trombone player Alex Lodico here's his page
www.alexlodico.com
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
CHINESE DEMOCRACY COMMING SOON
On November 25 Chinese Democracy will finally be released, Axl Rose anounced. This is not the first time this has been said, so we'll just have to cross our fingers and don't promise anything until it's true or we'll be in trouble just like Dr Pepper's representatives. 7 months ago Dr Pepper's representatives announced that they would give a free soda to everyone in the United States if the record came out...and now, things have changed. Anyway, everybody is saying that "Chinese Democracy is the most anticipated album in rock n' roll history" as Steve Baltin wrote for the Rolling Stone on January 17/08, but besides the fact that the last recording with original tracks released by Guns N' Roses was in 1991 "Use your Illusion I&II" (Which I LOVE) what's the fuss all about?
First of all, there are only two original gunners left in the band; Dizzy Reed (Keyboards) and Axl because in the 90's they got in a legal fight and Axl Rose got to keep the name of the band, so after some months besides the name and the beginning of the so called Chinese Democracy which has been in the studio for over 14 years there was nothing left of Guns N' Roses.
Axl dared to say that this album is going to be big and different and he said: "some of the arrangements are kind of like Queen", so we'll have to wait...just a little longer...
The truth is that without Slash with his guitar signature and the energy of Matt Sorum who hits the drums with his fists it's going to be very tough to feel the original energy of Guns N' Roses.
Saturday, October 25, 2008
THE SAME BOAT CROSSING THE SAME RIVER
On Saturday Oct 18th the Keith Jarrett trio played @ Carnegie hall. I went to see this legendary concert because when I first listened to jazz music I was into great pianists souch as Jarrett but the truth is my taste has changed and my perception of the trio was a shock to me.
The three musicians, Jarrett (piano), Jack DeJohnette (drums) and Gary Peacock (bass) are masters of their instruments and eventhough I'm sorry to admit it, I went to a very boaring concert. This was one of the concerts on my list of great music to see live, but after 5 songs and Keith's comments I had enough.
Beyond their skill on their instruments, which is close to perfection, and the fact that their dinamic range is infinite, the polifonic statemets, as well as their communication (which we should take for granted because they've been playing together for 25 years), there was nothing left for me in terms of expression and sensibility.
Sometimes perfect music doesn't touch you and that's exactly what happened to me last Saturday.
There was nothing new in terms of musical statements, I really felt as if I was watching a video taped 20 years ago. The only thing that made me feel something were the comments that Jarret did to the audience, and it wasn't a good feeling because this man believes that because he plays the piano in a perfect way he's a superior person...But Mr. Jarrett, let me tell you that life and music are not about that.
I'lljust quote his words so you can understand what I'm talking about:
"I just want to say I'm not going to say anything tonight" was his opening statement. As if we where there to hear him speak...And it would've been better if he had kept his mouth shut.
Later on he burped this: "don't listen to anybody tell you what energy source we need"
???? What???????
but then he ended his statements with this: "I'm sorry to be the one to say it but this is the world's best trio"
I'm surprised that there was space in the Carnegie Hall to fit Keith Jarrett's EGO and a bunch of people who admire his music mastery in terms of polifony, dinamics, technique, etc...but the truth is I had enough of this narcissistic pianist.
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
CAN WE GO BACK WHERE WE BEGAN?
CD RELEASE
Oct 23
Freddy's Backroom (485 Dean Street Brooklyn, NY 11215 That's the corner of Dean Street and 6th Avenue in Brooklyn.phone: 718.622.7035)
@ 9 p.m.
If someone asked me how to define The Karl Walters Jr Trio's music I'd say something like Motion-Static music. Sometimes when you listen to them you feel as if time didn't exist, but suddenly things will have a turning point where all the time that you didn't thought was there is catching up. That's the core of this Motion-Static merge that Matt Ferry on Drums, Westbrook Johnson on Trombone and Pedals, and Keegan Schelling Bass and Pedals added up. This moody trio explores different sonorities that encircle simple musical textures and aggresive New York behavior expresed by electric motionless sounds.
The intriguing part after listening to their music came when I read their notes:
"Can We Go Back Where We Began?" If so, could we keep all that we've learned in getting here? Would our new knowledge rebirth our old places? Or would we walk the same paths, take the same turns, and arrive again here?And if we could reach a new place from our old beginnings, would our present place become "where we began"? Upon arriving at this new place, would we only desire to return here, to where we began?
So, while you reflect on the idea you can listen to their music
Oct 23
Freddy's Backroom (485 Dean Street Brooklyn, NY 11215 That's the corner of Dean Street and 6th Avenue in Brooklyn.phone: 718.622.7035)
@ 9 p.m.
If someone asked me how to define The Karl Walters Jr Trio's music I'd say something like Motion-Static music. Sometimes when you listen to them you feel as if time didn't exist, but suddenly things will have a turning point where all the time that you didn't thought was there is catching up. That's the core of this Motion-Static merge that Matt Ferry on Drums, Westbrook Johnson on Trombone and Pedals, and Keegan Schelling Bass and Pedals added up. This moody trio explores different sonorities that encircle simple musical textures and aggresive New York behavior expresed by electric motionless sounds.
The intriguing part after listening to their music came when I read their notes:
"Can We Go Back Where We Began?" If so, could we keep all that we've learned in getting here? Would our new knowledge rebirth our old places? Or would we walk the same paths, take the same turns, and arrive again here?And if we could reach a new place from our old beginnings, would our present place become "where we began"? Upon arriving at this new place, would we only desire to return here, to where we began?
So, while you reflect on the idea you can listen to their music
Monday, October 20, 2008
BETTER LATE THAN NEVER
If you read my entry on The Cure's concert on July 20th you're aware that as usual I couldn't upload my video. The good thing's that life's always sending me unexpected things like the "Just like Heaven" video I shot that day. The thing is my friend Pedro, who I met at that concert, uploaded the video on youtube for my b-day so here's posted for all of you, a little late but it's still worth watching.
Saturday, October 18, 2008
QUESTION 5
Pop-quiz again. Now that I have b-days on my mind because I'm turning 28 today I want to ask you something:
What was the firs video screened on MTV?
Obviously!!
Video Killed the radio star by the Buggles
What was the firs video screened on MTV?
Obviously!!
Video Killed the radio star by the Buggles
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
MUSIC-POLITICS-MUSIC
These days there's a lot to say about music and politics. John McCain has been sued by the Foo Fighters for using their song "My Heroe" in rallies, and last month the band Heart demanded that the McCain campaign stop playing its song “Barracuda” in public appearances by Sarah Palin. At the same time musicians are gathering in NYC to found raise for Barak Obama's campaign. But to open the relationship between music and politics I was checking out DJ Olive's myspace because I love his music. I met him in SIM, the free music workshop I took in August and it turns out that all the music I love has a weird way of relating so he's playing a set next Friday Oct 17 at The Bunker. Anyway, I went to his myspace and this picture caught my eye
Woodie Guthrie
I went to his home page and this is the first quote you see
"A folk song is what's wrong and how to fix it or it could be
who's hungry and where their mouth is or
who's out of work and where the job is or
who's broke and where the money is or
who's carrying a gun and where the peace is.”
If you click on the title of this post you'll automatically go to his page. And if you want to check out DJ Olive go to http://www.myspace.com/theaudiojanitor
Woodie Guthrie
I went to his home page and this is the first quote you see
"A folk song is what's wrong and how to fix it or it could be
who's hungry and where their mouth is or
who's out of work and where the job is or
who's broke and where the money is or
who's carrying a gun and where the peace is.”
If you click on the title of this post you'll automatically go to his page. And if you want to check out DJ Olive go to http://www.myspace.com/theaudiojanitor
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
MUSIC MATH
All the 3.1416 (Pi...I guess my computer has that sign hidden so I wouldn't even think about using it), the Fibonacci series, and perfect proportion on music that's shown in master classical works was lost with some rock musicians that forgot how to count. I just want to see where you're standing so let's start with my math pop-quiz for today.
Multiply The Beatles' days in a week by the number of times The Doors want you to love them
yes, pretty simple uh?
8*2=16 ( I guess my comp's hidding my multiplication sign also)
Greetings,
The stupid Alien
Multiply The Beatles' days in a week by the number of times The Doors want you to love them
yes, pretty simple uh?
8*2=16 ( I guess my comp's hidding my multiplication sign also)
Greetings,
The stupid Alien
Monday, October 13, 2008
SANTA MARADONA: THE PASSION OF LIFE
I'm not a football fan, but last Saturday Colombia lost a match again. Nothing new for the last 5 years. My friends who are football freaks felt defeated and to feel better they played the classic 1994 match 5-0 Colombia-Argentina.
Afterwards they showed me a video that inspired me for this post.
Music's life, football's life, life is passion but LIFE IS LIFE!
Take a look to Diego Armando Maradona dancing to Life is Life during a warm up and you'll understand why they say, well, that music's life
Afterwards they showed me a video that inspired me for this post.
Music's life, football's life, life is passion but LIFE IS LIFE!
Take a look to Diego Armando Maradona dancing to Life is Life during a warm up and you'll understand why they say, well, that music's life
Thursday, October 9, 2008
YOU CAN'T FIND IT ANYWHERE...YET
Pianist, composer, singer and drummer Dave Treut just recorded with his band "Clarify"@58 North six media labs (58N6ML) over the last week. Last night they had a viedeo shoot while they played his songs @ 58N6ML and I enjoyed being there.
Lots of different sounds and infinite influences make Treut's music interesting because despite the fact of the unexpected mixture, his music is authentic, and I say it in a good way, because more authenticity doesn't necessarily means more brilliant. In Treut's case I enjoyed the blend of his grunge-alternative voice with his simple rhodes chords, his rage drumming, and his "nothing's nothing, everything's everything" lyrics. Besides Dave's music and stage jumping between the Rhodes and the drum set, I had a great time listening to his unbelievable band(2 guitars, bass, drums, trombone, trumpet, barit. sax and tenor sax).
You should listen to Dave Treut's new songs to understand better what I'm trying to say. Unfortunately, I had my small camera and the video has the worst sound... and image...hahaha, and I've been trying to upload the video for over 4 hours and nothin'..., so maybe next time.
You can check out David Treut's myspace: http://www.myspace.com/davetreut
Wednesday, October 8, 2008
QUESTION 4
I've had a lot of things during the week so for now, let's keep it up with my Pop-Quiz.
The first Lennon/McCartney song to enter the US charts was a cover. Which song and by whom?
Believe it or not: "From me to you" by Del Shannon
The first Lennon/McCartney song to enter the US charts was a cover. Which song and by whom?
Believe it or not: "From me to you" by Del Shannon
Thursday, October 2, 2008
POLITICS CAN ALWAYS USE SOME MUSIC
Artists reflect our society, they're the living (or dead) product of an enviroment, a society, and a historic period. I've always criticized artists, specially musicians, who are unaware of politics and current affairs, but last night I learned that great artists always know where they're standing.
Dee Dee Bridgewater, Dianne Reeves, Joe Lovano, Roy Haynes, Brad Mehldau, Roy Hargrove, Christian McBride, Stanley Jordan, Kurt Elling, Hank Jones, Charlie Hunter, Doug Wamble, Bilal/Robert Glasper, Stefon Harris, Jeff “Tain" Watts,and Roberta Gambarini performed last night @ the Kaufmann Concert Hall (Lexington Avenue at 92nd Street NYC) @ 7:30 p.m. They performed without charging for a cause in which they all believe: All proceeds benefit the Obama For America Presidential Campaign.
The concert was produced by Jazz for America's Future, a foundation that was created to support musicians and their art.
Last night was a long evening that showed passion, love and evoked hope. Listening to these amazing musicians play live made me believe there's still some people in the world who believe in change and above all in PEACE!.
Last night they collected more than 65.000 U.S dollars for Obama's presidential campaign, but beyond the political convictions there was a greater lesson:
tolerance and togeatherness is the way to find peace and tranquility.
These amazing artists set the example playing jazz together, and they did their best and set an admirable example for the world.
That's why I'd like to say: politics can always learn something from great music.
Just take a look @ the video.
As usual I couldn't upload the other videos so I'll upload them on my next entry.
I hope you enjoy!...and please reflect on PEACE, and afterwards, MAKING PEACE A REALITY. Please!
There will be another concert on Oct.7 @8:00 p.m. It'll be @ SOB (www.sobs.com) 212 243 49 40 @ 204 Varick St @ W. Houston.
The artist that'll be performing are:
Maiysha, Arturo O'Farril, Claudia Acuña, Alyson Williams and Geri Allen.
Donations start: $50
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