I went to see Bela Fleck (again) last night at Bushnell's Belding Theater with Janis and Dave. This time it was Bela acoustic and Edgar Meyer on upright Bass and Grand Piano. Totally different from a Flecktones show! These guys just blew me away! Bela's playing always does!
The tunes strayed from Flecktones material and played mainly classical pieces and some Jazz, along with Fleck-Meyer originals. Bela and Edgar had a great rapport with the audience, and showed a great sense of humor. The crowd was polite and listened, holding their applause to between numbers, and giving 2 standing ovations. (Not like the guy in the upper Mezzanine at the Tones' show at Jorgenson in April)
They announced that they were recording the shows, and were going to showcase some of their new tunes on an upcoming CD in April. I had noticed there were audience mics on either side of the stage when I made my way to my seat.
All in all, It was a great show, and a great night!
Tuesday, September 16, 2003
I've been busy again, so not much time to blog lately. I've got lots to update so here we go!!!!!
On Monday, I was invited to participate in a drum circle with Arthur Hull. Arthur is creditied with bringing the drum circle to the mainstream. Monday's event was an interview with Arthur conducted by Ron Knight of Sirius Satellite radio at their studios in midtown Manhattan. Talk about excitement! John and Craig got together a bunch of us to represent the Central Connecticut Contingent (or CCC) The CCC included me, John, Craig, Pat from Blessed Beat, "Pete the didg guy" and Virginia. Many of the drummers there have been playing A LOT longer than I have, and it was quite an honor to be invited to join them!
So, we packed up our drums and headed down to the city for the day. I had figured that we'd get some strange looks walking down the street in Manhattan carrying drums, but I forgot something- this is freaking New York! After parking and checking into the building (security is still a bit tight after 9/11- they even ran the drums through an XRAY machine!) we were on our way up to the 36th floor to the Sirius studios.
Man, what a facility! I've been involved in broadcasting and worked in the business, but I've never seen anything quite like this (well, ESPN a few times, but....)! Just a really awesome big-time studio and master control facility. But I digress, I think I was really there for the drumming! A bunch of us were milling about with drums, so I figured we were all there for this event. All in all there were about 30 of us.
So we get set up in the studio, and Arthur comes in, fresh from a trip to the Sam Ash store down the street with some new percussion toys! Arthur seems to be a rather unassuming guy at first sight, but I figured it was him by all the hugs and greetings everyone was giving him. But once we got in the circle and he started giving instructions, he was amazing. I just can't figure out how they can put so much energy into one person! He was jumping around in the middle "like an elf" (someone elses's description).
The format of the afternoon was the taping of an interview with Arthur, with four segments of drumming throughout the program. Arthur spent some time discussing the drum circle movement, his friendship with the late Babatunde Olatunji and his involvement with Mickey Hart (yes, the Mickey Hart). The interview was interesting, but I was really there for thr drumming. I mean, "It's all about the drums!"
We got some great jams during the time we were there, I think it was one of the best circles that I have ever participated in. I totally get off when the energy connects, and you're surrounded by such great drummers! I was still buzzing from it the next morning!
On Monday, I was invited to participate in a drum circle with Arthur Hull. Arthur is creditied with bringing the drum circle to the mainstream. Monday's event was an interview with Arthur conducted by Ron Knight of Sirius Satellite radio at their studios in midtown Manhattan. Talk about excitement! John and Craig got together a bunch of us to represent the Central Connecticut Contingent (or CCC) The CCC included me, John, Craig, Pat from Blessed Beat, "Pete the didg guy" and Virginia. Many of the drummers there have been playing A LOT longer than I have, and it was quite an honor to be invited to join them!
So, we packed up our drums and headed down to the city for the day. I had figured that we'd get some strange looks walking down the street in Manhattan carrying drums, but I forgot something- this is freaking New York! After parking and checking into the building (security is still a bit tight after 9/11- they even ran the drums through an XRAY machine!) we were on our way up to the 36th floor to the Sirius studios.
Man, what a facility! I've been involved in broadcasting and worked in the business, but I've never seen anything quite like this (well, ESPN a few times, but....)! Just a really awesome big-time studio and master control facility. But I digress, I think I was really there for the drumming! A bunch of us were milling about with drums, so I figured we were all there for this event. All in all there were about 30 of us.
So we get set up in the studio, and Arthur comes in, fresh from a trip to the Sam Ash store down the street with some new percussion toys! Arthur seems to be a rather unassuming guy at first sight, but I figured it was him by all the hugs and greetings everyone was giving him. But once we got in the circle and he started giving instructions, he was amazing. I just can't figure out how they can put so much energy into one person! He was jumping around in the middle "like an elf" (someone elses's description).
The format of the afternoon was the taping of an interview with Arthur, with four segments of drumming throughout the program. Arthur spent some time discussing the drum circle movement, his friendship with the late Babatunde Olatunji and his involvement with Mickey Hart (yes, the Mickey Hart). The interview was interesting, but I was really there for thr drumming. I mean, "It's all about the drums!"
We got some great jams during the time we were there, I think it was one of the best circles that I have ever participated in. I totally get off when the energy connects, and you're surrounded by such great drummers! I was still buzzing from it the next morning!
Sunday, September 07, 2003
Oh, I went to Old Glory yesterday and bought a new baseball hat to replace the WWUH one that I lost recently. For some reason I can't seem to be able to keep the damn things! Anyways, I picked up a Sublime (the band) hat, and Janis and Sue pointed out today that the hat had a picture of a bong on the back of it! I hadn't even realized it when I bought it :)
"What are you...a pothead fokker??"
"What are you...a pothead fokker??"
I went to a great drum circle last night with the gang in Naugatuck. The monthly circles as of late have been more partying and less drumming. Well, we all got back our focus on drumming, and we really had a great jam last night. I met some new people, and got to hang with old friends, and we had a great time.
There's nothing like the feeling when the drumming just comes together and the rhythym just connects. It's kinda like magic or something. It's really a spontaneous thing!
Today I went to the fair with Janis and her friend Sue (who Janis is trying to set me up with). We had a great time, it was kinda casual, and I was just able to be myself. Sue and I talked on the phone for like 3 hours yesterday, we seem to have alot in common. I'm gonna have to wait and see how this goes....I'm sure I'll find out in a couple of days.
I did a little shopping at the fair, I bought a great Sun and Moon mirror, and got a Dreamcatcher (I've been looking for one for a while). I've still got to find a Green Man for the apartment though, I'll have to check for one when I go to the Renaissance Faire. Hopefully I'll get to one of those before they close up for the season.
There's nothing like the feeling when the drumming just comes together and the rhythym just connects. It's kinda like magic or something. It's really a spontaneous thing!
Today I went to the fair with Janis and her friend Sue (who Janis is trying to set me up with). We had a great time, it was kinda casual, and I was just able to be myself. Sue and I talked on the phone for like 3 hours yesterday, we seem to have alot in common. I'm gonna have to wait and see how this goes....I'm sure I'll find out in a couple of days.
I did a little shopping at the fair, I bought a great Sun and Moon mirror, and got a Dreamcatcher (I've been looking for one for a while). I've still got to find a Green Man for the apartment though, I'll have to check for one when I go to the Renaissance Faire. Hopefully I'll get to one of those before they close up for the season.
Wednesday, September 03, 2003
I happened to be listening to a bit of Howard Stern yesterday, and he mentioned that he listens to WEHM- a freaking great station on Long Island. You'll see that it's listed as one of my favorite stations. And they don't even carry Stern!
Holiday Week is over :(
Well, it's been back to work for the last couple of days, so my blogs have more infrequent. I had a great ending to my week of vacation. Monday, Mike's band, alternately known as CU Next Tuesday or The Gatekeepers, were to be playing at the New Haven Road Race. Mike asked if I wanted to go along, so I said yes, though it meant getting up at 6 freaking 30 AM, but I pulled it off. I had to get into the work schedule again anyways....
So, I meet Mike (gtr), Bryan (the drummer) and Colin (on Bass) in Middletown and we carpool down in 2 vehicles (we got the drum set, bass amp, guitar amp and instruments with us). About halfway down to New Haven, it starts raining. So, now Bryan pipes up from his half-asleep grumpiness to state "I ain't playin in the fucking rain".
So we get down to Long Wharf to meet JD (Lead vox and gtr) and Matt (gtr) and it's still raining. It's not looking so well, as none of us have any tarps or anything we could make a shelter out of. We're hoping that the location we're going to be playing at has at least some kind of overhang or something to protect us from the rain- it dosen't.
So the band decided that they weren't going to risk electrocution and play electrified instruments in the rain. We all stood around and watched the race go by, occasionally cherring on the racers. Well- the cute ones- hell, we're a bunch of guys, damnit! Man, it was freaking hysterical. I had brought along my camera to get some pics of the historic gig that ended up being "The Gig that Wasn't". Maybe some of the pics will show up on their web site.
Well, after the race, we were all getting pretty hungry, so we headed to Westville and hit up the diner for breakfast. It was pretty funny how we immediately found the "Breakfast Cocktails" section of the menu. I think we all had one, except for Colin. I got some great pictures of the band under the neon lights of the diner. I wish I had a digital camera to post them right now, but we will have to wait till the film comes back.
After breakfast, JD called The Gatekeeper and asked if they could play a set there for a couple of hours. Funny, the Information Operator tells JD to "say hi to Peter for me" (the Gate's owner) when he called to ask for the number!!!! Most of the guys were itching to at least play something that day. So, we trucked back up to Middletown, and set up shop at The Gatekeeper till like 2:30. They were smokin' by the time they called it quits, and I got some good pics of the band playing. I guess I became the band's unofficial photographer that day.
After we loaded up from the Gatekeeper, Mike, Bryan and I went to Vecchitto's Lemon Ice on DeKoven Drive for a treat. I had been working and living in the Middletown area for many years, and I only found out about that place last Summer. Thanks to Mike and Spot Spot!
And that's how I spent my holiday, I hope yours was as fun as mine was!
Friday, August 29, 2003
A while ago, Tom asked me if I knew anything that I could do to help him and his situation. His condo had been broken into, presumably by an upsatirs neighbor, a couple of times this spring. He'd also been having trouble with that particualr neighbor (noise complaints, littering etc..) in the past. He had asked me about a spiritual cleansing of his living space. He wanted to disperse the negative energy that had accumulated there.
Now, I did some research online, and came up with several alternatives for this, most drown from Native American rituals. Tom wasn't too keen about me doing a Wiccan ritual at his place, so we decided on just smudging and chanting a bit. We will see if it worked for him, I got a real positive feeling from it last night.
Now, I did some research online, and came up with several alternatives for this, most drown from Native American rituals. Tom wasn't too keen about me doing a Wiccan ritual at his place, so we decided on just smudging and chanting a bit. We will see if it worked for him, I got a real positive feeling from it last night.
I think this may be the latest that I've ever blogged!
Tonight, I finally did it.....I actually got a hold of a turntable! (Thanks Tom!). I got home and immediately set it up, I mean my records had been moved from storage way back in like June or July, and all I've been able to do until tonight was look at the artwork.
It was like a transport back into time, just the sound of the old record crackle, and the needle drop were just awesome. And some of the music that I havent been able to listen to, or haven't heard for years. It's been since 1999 that my record collection was available in one place, with something to listen to it on.
I started pulling out vinyl that I hadn't heard in a while, and got on the phone with Mike, one of the people I know in Middletown with an enormously huge vinyl collection. I convinced him to come on over for a vintage vinyl listening experince :) Mind you, this was almost 11:30 PM! I'm glad that my neighbors weren't home!
Now, for the real kicker....I pulled out a vinyl copy of "Dark Side of the Moon", I've always had the CD version, I acquired an old vinyl copy a couple of years ago, and have not played it until tonight. This definately takes me back to around 1976 or so.....the day that I discovered stereophonic sound....
"Now, Let's go back in time a little....."
I was about 9 or so, and my neighbor Eric from across the street comes over- "Paul, you've got to hear this...." So Eric and I go into his house and sneak into his brother's room (strictly off limits, I tell you) and he pulls out this record. The cover is all black, except for this prism and rainbow on the front gatefold.
Now, until this time, about all I've been subjected to is the AM Radio of the day (remember top 40 radio?), and have never even heard of this group that I found out was called Pink Floyd. So he puts the record on side 2, turns up the amp a little and puts the needle down at the beginning. As the stereophonic cash registers start up, I'm just sitting there in complete astonishment.
Eric's pointing at the speakers as the sound alternates from one to the other. "You hear that?" I heard it all right, music was never the same after that day for me.
On the turntable today:
King Crimson- The Young Person's guide to King Crimson
Elton John- Captian Fantastic
801- Listen Now
Joe Jackson- Night and Day
David Bowie- Station to Station
Pink Floyd- Dark side of the Moon
Tonight, I finally did it.....I actually got a hold of a turntable! (Thanks Tom!). I got home and immediately set it up, I mean my records had been moved from storage way back in like June or July, and all I've been able to do until tonight was look at the artwork.
It was like a transport back into time, just the sound of the old record crackle, and the needle drop were just awesome. And some of the music that I havent been able to listen to, or haven't heard for years. It's been since 1999 that my record collection was available in one place, with something to listen to it on.
I started pulling out vinyl that I hadn't heard in a while, and got on the phone with Mike, one of the people I know in Middletown with an enormously huge vinyl collection. I convinced him to come on over for a vintage vinyl listening experince :) Mind you, this was almost 11:30 PM! I'm glad that my neighbors weren't home!
Now, for the real kicker....I pulled out a vinyl copy of "Dark Side of the Moon", I've always had the CD version, I acquired an old vinyl copy a couple of years ago, and have not played it until tonight. This definately takes me back to around 1976 or so.....the day that I discovered stereophonic sound....
"Now, Let's go back in time a little....."
I was about 9 or so, and my neighbor Eric from across the street comes over- "Paul, you've got to hear this...." So Eric and I go into his house and sneak into his brother's room (strictly off limits, I tell you) and he pulls out this record. The cover is all black, except for this prism and rainbow on the front gatefold.
Now, until this time, about all I've been subjected to is the AM Radio of the day (remember top 40 radio?), and have never even heard of this group that I found out was called Pink Floyd. So he puts the record on side 2, turns up the amp a little and puts the needle down at the beginning. As the stereophonic cash registers start up, I'm just sitting there in complete astonishment.
Eric's pointing at the speakers as the sound alternates from one to the other. "You hear that?" I heard it all right, music was never the same after that day for me.
On the turntable today:
King Crimson- The Young Person's guide to King Crimson
Elton John- Captian Fantastic
801- Listen Now
Joe Jackson- Night and Day
David Bowie- Station to Station
Pink Floyd- Dark side of the Moon
Wednesday, August 27, 2003
It's a beautiful day, and yet, here I sit....in front of the freaking computer. I gotta get myself outside.....I think I'll visit a couple of my favorite Middletown places today, and swing by Klekolo World Coffee and Knight People...I try to support the local businesses as much as possible. I went to Mamoun's last night for dinner too...man, I love that place. I think I gotta put a "Local Spots" links list on the side of the page..Good idea!
Well, it's off to enjoy the day....have a great one, won't ya!
Be Well,
-P
Well, it's off to enjoy the day....have a great one, won't ya!
Be Well,
-P
Tuesday, August 26, 2003
I've had the opportunity to spend a little more time than usual with Deiliah this week, as I'm on vacation. This is Del's last week of summer before she goes to Kindergarten. Yes, that's right.....Kindergarten..the first step of my little angel growing up! Anyways, she starts school on Thursday, and I'm spending the first couple of days of the week with her.
Sunday, we went to Drums Around the World in Norwalk. Drums is a yearly worldwide drumming event. This year we drummed together in 20something states and many countries worldwide. Delilah had a great time, as did I. She and Sarah had their picture taken for the paper, I don't know which paper, or if the picture that was taken even ran. The photographer was going to send me a copy of the picture, when I get it, I'll post it. Darcy also said she had some pics of Delilah that she'll email me, as well as Steve (Storm) and Darlene from Blessed Beat.
Yesterday, I introduced Delilah to a new friend, Christina, who is a daughter of one of my friends. We went to the beach at Branford Point along with several other Moms and daughters (funny, I was the ONLY guy there!) After the beach, we had a cookout and the kids played some more. Delilah had a great time.....
Sunday, we went to Drums Around the World in Norwalk. Drums is a yearly worldwide drumming event. This year we drummed together in 20something states and many countries worldwide. Delilah had a great time, as did I. She and Sarah had their picture taken for the paper, I don't know which paper, or if the picture that was taken even ran. The photographer was going to send me a copy of the picture, when I get it, I'll post it. Darcy also said she had some pics of Delilah that she'll email me, as well as Steve (Storm) and Darlene from Blessed Beat.
Yesterday, I introduced Delilah to a new friend, Christina, who is a daughter of one of my friends. We went to the beach at Branford Point along with several other Moms and daughters (funny, I was the ONLY guy there!) After the beach, we had a cookout and the kids played some more. Delilah had a great time.....
Wednesday, August 20, 2003
I'm still feeling in a sort of funk. I had to cancel my camping trip for next week. Found out that the week with Delilah was gonna be short, cause her first day of kindergarten is Thursday, so we would have had to cut the trip by Wed at the latest.
So, at least I have the day off to see her on her first day of school! I'll snap a couple of pics and post em :) But the rest of the week is me, just doing me stuff. Maybe it will get me out of this mood I've been in. Or give me an opportunity to drink more!!! HaHa
Anyways, I'm sure it will improve. I just gotta give it time :)
So, at least I have the day off to see her on her first day of school! I'll snap a couple of pics and post em :) But the rest of the week is me, just doing me stuff. Maybe it will get me out of this mood I've been in. Or give me an opportunity to drink more!!! HaHa
Anyways, I'm sure it will improve. I just gotta give it time :)
Tuesday, August 19, 2003
Monday, August 18, 2003
It sucked going back to work today. Really. I had taken Friday off because Kim was going to be coming down Thursday night, but she didnt come down till Friday because the power surges of Thursday afternoon took the radio station out, and I ended up being there for most of the evening.
Friday afternoon and Saturday Kim and I spent some time just doing some tag sailing and getting lunch at a little place down in Higganum before going and checking out the boats at the marina on the River. I was hoping that she'd go to the birthday bash with me, but she decided to go home and I went over to Naugatuck myself later that evening.
I tell you, I've got some CRAZY friends (yes, you know who you are...no, NOT you!!). Saturday night was insane at some parts, and I've been told that Saturday was pretty subdued. But I had a great time, I got to spend the evening among friends, and it just rocked!
Michelle and Roger gave me the most absolutely coolest gift, thanks guys!. To tell you the truth it caught me totally off guard! You guys rock!!! Thanks for making my birthday extra special this year!
Sunday I spent the day with my bud Mike, and we visited a musician friend of his, and I got to plunk on a Bass for a while. Cool! Now I really want to learn to play that instrument! After that we took a trip down to the shore and went to the Clam Castle (yes, that's the name of the place) on Rt. 1.
I had a great day, but later that night, I was feeling a little down, and I had a hell of a time getting to sleep last night. Well, I've gotta finish watching American Chopper (yes, I do watch that show) and finish up the day.
-P
P.S. Whatever you do....DON'T lock the bathroom door!!! :)
Friday afternoon and Saturday Kim and I spent some time just doing some tag sailing and getting lunch at a little place down in Higganum before going and checking out the boats at the marina on the River. I was hoping that she'd go to the birthday bash with me, but she decided to go home and I went over to Naugatuck myself later that evening.
I tell you, I've got some CRAZY friends (yes, you know who you are...no, NOT you!!). Saturday night was insane at some parts, and I've been told that Saturday was pretty subdued. But I had a great time, I got to spend the evening among friends, and it just rocked!
Michelle and Roger gave me the most absolutely coolest gift, thanks guys!. To tell you the truth it caught me totally off guard! You guys rock!!! Thanks for making my birthday extra special this year!
Sunday I spent the day with my bud Mike, and we visited a musician friend of his, and I got to plunk on a Bass for a while. Cool! Now I really want to learn to play that instrument! After that we took a trip down to the shore and went to the Clam Castle (yes, that's the name of the place) on Rt. 1.
I had a great day, but later that night, I was feeling a little down, and I had a hell of a time getting to sleep last night. Well, I've gotta finish watching American Chopper (yes, I do watch that show) and finish up the day.
-P
P.S. Whatever you do....DON'T lock the bathroom door!!! :)
Friday, August 08, 2003
Paul's Post-Birthday Rant
Seems that this year's birthday was even more downplayed than ever! Even my own parent's forgot my birthday! Oh well, I've been saying that I didn't want to make a big deal about it, though I did make sure that I was included in the monthly birthday bash that's being thrown next weekend :) Now that should be FUN!
For those of you who did remember my birthday, a big THANKS go out to you! You know who you are (as Peter Gabriel Plays Live goes on in the background!)
Well, I've been feeling rather happy lately, just trying to keep things in my life chugging along! I've been just content spending time doing the things that I want to do, and not worrying about whether there's someone else in my life right now. Everyone keeps saying that I should be happy with myself, and then the rest of the things in my life will come together as well.
I kind of feel like I did when I first started this blog, I'm just concentrating on being morew in touch with me, and my surroundings and the greater forces that surround us. There, is that deep enough for us all?? LOL.
Another year goes by, and I am taking a little time to think about the things I've learned this year......WOW! what a trip this has been. It took me 36 freaking years to come to some of the simplest conclusions about how I live my life, and that I kept making the same mistakes again and again. But I really do feel enlightened, and that's all good!
So, here's to another year!
-be well,
Paul
Tuesday, July 15, 2003
Seems that Blogspot was having some difficulties, so this page was off for a while. I was able to get it to come up today. Hopefully it's all fixed.
Anyways, Sunday night after I dropped off Delilah, I got home (I had to skip the full moon circle cause I would have made it to Naugatuck waaaay too late) and noticed the full moon rising over the pond. So, I sat on Jen's (next door neighbor) picnic table and meditated. I got some of the most amazing energy! It felt so powerful that my hand just started shaking!. Pretty intense! Maybe I connected with everyone else out there in the cosmos who was in the same mindset I was!
I took Delilah to Roger's drum circle Saturday night, and there were some moments where she's totally getting it!!! She was playing around on the claves and was right there! Way to go kiddo! I think I have a future drummer girl! :)
Anyways, Sunday night after I dropped off Delilah, I got home (I had to skip the full moon circle cause I would have made it to Naugatuck waaaay too late) and noticed the full moon rising over the pond. So, I sat on Jen's (next door neighbor) picnic table and meditated. I got some of the most amazing energy! It felt so powerful that my hand just started shaking!. Pretty intense! Maybe I connected with everyone else out there in the cosmos who was in the same mindset I was!
I took Delilah to Roger's drum circle Saturday night, and there were some moments where she's totally getting it!!! She was playing around on the claves and was right there! Way to go kiddo! I think I have a future drummer girl! :)
Tuesday, July 08, 2003
Saturday, July 05, 2003
Tuesday, June 10, 2003
Where the Hell Have I been?
I havent had the time recently to Blog from work, and the thunderstorm the other night took out my modem on the PC at home. Damnit, another piece of hardware bites the dust!
Anyways, things have been busy, but in all reality not much happening around here. Just spending time with Delilah and work, and we're trying to get stuff together for Midsummer. We've decided to reprise the Ritual from Rites at Midsummer, so we get to do it all over again. I was talking to Roger about it and I hope the we (the drummers) can get together and center ourselves before we do it this time. I found my head wasnt in the right space until almost the end of it last time. I thoink I would have personally found it more amazing if I had my head in the right space when we started.
Anyway, this weekend had it's high spots and it's low spots. Friday night, Me, Craig, John, Adam, and Seth (and others) did a sunset drum circle up on Meriden Mountain. One of the best circles that I have participated in, and the weather was awesome (for a change). Got a chance to play and to just sit there and think for a while. That was the high point of my weekend. The rest was rather dull and uneventful.