Thank you all for checking in from time to time to see what's new over the last year. Stay tuned in the new year for more pictures, recording updates, random stories that make absolutely no sense, crazy cat adventures, mid night snack recipes, Guitar lessons of the day, Toto renderings and more! or less!
I'm also going to experiment with uploading video clips in the next year. Who knows where that will go. Maybe possible tour and sound check clips, life on the road stuff. Maybe "the guitar lesson of the day" or something. Still throwing ideas together. I'm sure I'll come up with more entertaining things as well, nothing too serious though I promise!
I'm looking forward to getting into the new year. Lot's of work planned for '08. I'll have my hands full touring with Ottmar and Toto, recording and playing around town, trying to put my own band together and a few other projects. I'm also going to be checking my self into physical therapy for my neck and back. Over the years of constant traveling on tour, doing lighting, playing guitar and sitting in one position in a chair practicing for hours on end, my body has taken the toll. I've had problems with my back over the years and now this week my neck has been in a lot of pain for the last 4 days and getting a bit of tingling in my fingers from time to time. This has been a big wake up call for me. Interesting why we wait till the last min. on things isn't it? So my new years resolution will be to get my self back in good shape.
Best wishes to all and to have a wonderful new year!
SD
Dec 31, 2007
Dec 22, 2007
Dec 21, 2007
Recording
Working on an electric solo for one of Ottmar's new songs at the moment. I was up till 3am last night coming up with ideas and trying different tones. It's a joy playing the LUKE MusicMan guitar for this. The guitar just sings, I highly recommend it if you're in the market for a new electric guitar. This morning I listened to what I played last night and seem happy with it so far. Added a few extra things and now I'm listening to it on a loop while I wrap a few presents to see how it sits with me.
SD
SD
Dec 18, 2007
Christmas Shopping Today
Maybe I should say "Holiday shopping" instead? I get confused which terms to use these days. Anyway, it was crazy out as always during this time of year and I spent half the day dodging traffic. I wasn't sure if driving defensively or offensively would be better, I did a bit of both actually. After I stopped at a few places I went over to Target to pick up a few last minute gifts. I found most of the things I wanted then decided to browse around the store for a bit.
So, for those of you who know me, you probably know that I might not be the most graceful person on the planet. This is probably why I took up music and not ballet, Ok, moving right along here. When walking through the store, I accidentally knocked over a pile of twisters. You know, the game twister? Anyway, I stopped and started picking the games up and stacking them back on top of each other. At that point, some lady came over to me and asked if I worked there. I was speechless at first, I guess I was kinda caught off guard. I said, "no I don't, sorry." Then I started to kick my self thinking, man, I could have said something like,
"yes Ma'am, the item you need is on aisle 4!" ha
but it was too late. She then looked as if she didn't believe me and said sorry and started to walk away. She must have had second thoughts because she walked back, looked at me and said, "you know, I only asked because you just really look like you work here". She was looking at me and studied my expressions to see if I would smirk or something and say "ok, you got me, I work here" but I just felt puzzled. She then looked at me for another few seconds with a frustrated look on her face as if I was lying through my teeth and then said, "ok, sorry, I just thought you worked here because you look like you do" and officially walked away. I then looked down to see if I was wearing a red shirt with a name tag and tan pants like all the other employees wore. But much to my surprise I wasn't.
I then checked out, got in my vehicle and drove home. There are many other stories I could tell about that adventure but I'll leave you with this for now.
SD
So, for those of you who know me, you probably know that I might not be the most graceful person on the planet. This is probably why I took up music and not ballet, Ok, moving right along here. When walking through the store, I accidentally knocked over a pile of twisters. You know, the game twister? Anyway, I stopped and started picking the games up and stacking them back on top of each other. At that point, some lady came over to me and asked if I worked there. I was speechless at first, I guess I was kinda caught off guard. I said, "no I don't, sorry." Then I started to kick my self thinking, man, I could have said something like,
"yes Ma'am, the item you need is on aisle 4!" ha
but it was too late. She then looked as if she didn't believe me and said sorry and started to walk away. She must have had second thoughts because she walked back, looked at me and said, "you know, I only asked because you just really look like you work here". She was looking at me and studied my expressions to see if I would smirk or something and say "ok, you got me, I work here" but I just felt puzzled. She then looked at me for another few seconds with a frustrated look on her face as if I was lying through my teeth and then said, "ok, sorry, I just thought you worked here because you look like you do" and officially walked away. I then looked down to see if I was wearing a red shirt with a name tag and tan pants like all the other employees wore. But much to my surprise I wasn't.
I then checked out, got in my vehicle and drove home. There are many other stories I could tell about that adventure but I'll leave you with this for now.
SD
THE LUKE X-MAS TREE
LUKE X-MAS TREE.jpg
Originally uploaded by stromo.
I'm sure all of you know and love Steve "Luke" Lukather from the band Toto. This is my version of a "Luke X-mas tree". I also posted more cartoons I draw for the band TOTO on my flickr site.
Some of them are kinda rated - R, so view at your own risk
More to be posted soon
Enjoy!
Speaking of Luke, his new solo album "Ever Changing Times" comes out in Feb 08. We listening to it together on tour and it's fantastic.
Dec 15, 2007
Hand over the guitar strings!
Hand over the guitar strings!
Originally uploaded by stromo.
Well, it has been a while since I've restrung a guitar. Actually, I wasn't planning on restringing however, the strings were getting really old so I thought I should probably put some new ones on. I thought, I'll turn the tv on and see whats on the news while I change strings. I looked around, no cats in sight. And usually, they take their cat nap around this time so I felt safe.
Next thing I knew, both cats (that's a new one) jumped up in front of me looking at the strings AND at me as if I were dinner! They both meant business this time as if they had a cat meeting before hand, so much for their nap. I didn't really know what they were going to do, although I was guarding the strings with my life. So, as one distracted me, the other ran off with some strings...
With minor cuts to my hands I was able to get the strings back and finish up.
Later in the day I had plans to play with a very talented violinist. We had a great time playing together and made plans for playing more in the future and possibly recording together.
Dec 14, 2007
Dec 12, 2007
THE 126th POST!
WELCOME TO THE 126th POST!
Yes, I know it's exciting isn't it. I just noticed that I was up to 125 posts and I had no idea how many posts I've done till now. However! It got me thinking a bit. It seems that people like to celebrate things with numbers like 10, 50 or 100 etc... For example, it's our 100th episode! or, our 10 year anniversary! Or, our 50th year reunion! So I thought, why not be different and celebrate with a random number. So here it is folks! the 126th post on this blog! ENJOY!
Yes, I know it's exciting isn't it. I just noticed that I was up to 125 posts and I had no idea how many posts I've done till now. However! It got me thinking a bit. It seems that people like to celebrate things with numbers like 10, 50 or 100 etc... For example, it's our 100th episode! or, our 10 year anniversary! Or, our 50th year reunion! So I thought, why not be different and celebrate with a random number. So here it is folks! the 126th post on this blog! ENJOY!
Dec 11, 2007
Atlas
The binding on my travel Atlas has just fallen apart. Bummer, it's the one book I take with me on all my travels. Over the years while touring I've learned so much about the geography of the world. When flying, I like to sit in the window seat, have I mentioned that I like window seats? Anyway, listen to music and look through the atlas to see where I'm going. I also like to study all the countries, capitols and the lay out of where all the continents are. For example: one might think that South America is directly beneath North America, but the west coast of South America lines up with the east coast of North America. It's those kind of details I like to look at. It's a world of fun! What can I say, the jokes are free.
Dec 7, 2007
Picado
Everyone wants to play fast. But speed sounds rubbish if the pulsation of the music is not there. Playing fast might impress those who do not know, but if you wish to play flamenco, forget speed. Concentrate instead on control and accuracy.
While I've been practicing this morning I came across THIS on the web and I would agree with what is said above. I would rather hear something that was slower but IN time then something that was fast and sloppy.
I would like to add - You can concentrate on control and accuracy as the techniques to build up speed and this doesn't just apply to Flamenco. Nothing wrong with having total control over your instrument. However, just because you can play fast doesn't mean you have to. I think fast guitar runs in music can get redundant very quickly if over used. Personally, I'd rather hear a pretty melody and an occasional fast guitar run here or there to get from point A to point B. Other wise fast guitar runs over and over and over in one piece just isn't special to me anymore. Of course, this is just my humble opinion, It really all comes down to personal taste.
above - Also has some nice guitar exercises, check it out.
While I've been practicing this morning I came across THIS on the web and I would agree with what is said above. I would rather hear something that was slower but IN time then something that was fast and sloppy.
I would like to add - You can concentrate on control and accuracy as the techniques to build up speed and this doesn't just apply to Flamenco. Nothing wrong with having total control over your instrument. However, just because you can play fast doesn't mean you have to. I think fast guitar runs in music can get redundant very quickly if over used. Personally, I'd rather hear a pretty melody and an occasional fast guitar run here or there to get from point A to point B. Other wise fast guitar runs over and over and over in one piece just isn't special to me anymore. Of course, this is just my humble opinion, It really all comes down to personal taste.
above - Also has some nice guitar exercises, check it out.
Dec 6, 2007
Music for the soul...
Music for the soul...
Browsing through the 'Blogs of note' today, I chanced upon Stephen Duros' music. I haven't been too much into guitar music till now, but this particular genre changes that. Been playing Thira in loop since morning. Just don't know what it is about the music but... it certainly strikes a chord deep inside.
Just came across this post - Thanks for listening and for the nice comments.
-S
Browsing through the 'Blogs of note' today, I chanced upon Stephen Duros' music. I haven't been too much into guitar music till now, but this particular genre changes that. Been playing Thira in loop since morning. Just don't know what it is about the music but... it certainly strikes a chord deep inside.
Just came across this post - Thanks for listening and for the nice comments.
-S
Oud cappuccino - for Stephen Duros
Oud cappuccino - for Stephen Duros
Originally uploaded by aGudRun.
Just came across this on Flickr.
Thanks GudRun
Dec 4, 2007
Tuesday
Received Protools 7.4 in the mail today. Installed it and I seem to be up and running. Could it be this easy? No problems? I don't understand, what's wrong with this picture? Usually when it comes to me and computers, I'll have to re-install the software several times, swipe an ATM card, confirm government security codes, "alpha, bravo, tango.." and call tech support like 3 times to get something to work. But this is great, I'm very happy that it's working. Knock on wood right? Well, too late, I suppose the good must come with the bad. Now my external HD isn't showing up on the screen so I'll have to call tech support after all. I'll keep you posted.
Had a great conversation today with an old friend from school. We were taking about how certain music can take you back and remind you of a time in your life. I could probably name a handful of albums or songs that remind me of specific time and I'm sure you could too. Amazing how music can do that and I think that's why a certain song can be so special to someone.
Had a great conversation today with an old friend from school. We were taking about how certain music can take you back and remind you of a time in your life. I could probably name a handful of albums or songs that remind me of specific time and I'm sure you could too. Amazing how music can do that and I think that's why a certain song can be so special to someone.
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