I would like to give a special thanks for all the support, kind emails and blog comments I've received this year. May all of you have a wonderful and safe New Year.
Happy New Year
SD
Dec 31, 2008
Dec 24, 2008
Happy Holidays
I was planning on posting a picture of a Christmas tree or something but I dropped my camera and need to get it fixed. So just imagine a picture of a tree is here while you read this post!
Happy Holidays
Happy Holidays
Dec 15, 2008
Thursday’s Rio Rancho show
Unfortunately the show was canceled, I was really looking forward to it. Click here for details
Dec 11, 2008
Recording may be delayed a bit
Unfortunately one of the weighted keys broke on my Roland while tracking this morning. In it's defense the keyboard is 15 years old. I won't have time to get it fixed till after the holidays if I find it's even worth fixing. First my computer now my keyboard. I'm hoping this wont be a reoccurring event while making this album. I guess time will tell. However in the mean time, I can edit and cut some guitar tracks.
Dec 10, 2008
Amazon.com
Miranda is now available at Amazon.com
And of course it's available at the one and only Listening Lounge but you already knew that!
Dec 5, 2008
Friday
Woke up early, saw another nice sun rise. A beautiful clear morning and could see part of the bay through the trees.
Had coffee and then got ready to play at a private event with my friend Jason McGuire. I picked him up around 9:45 and had some good conversations on the way. Actually, I was so involved in the conversations that I had to make 3 different u-turns on the way there. No worries though, I always leave early to allow those kinda things. I really enjoyed our performance, it's great to play with him. We worked on a nice arrangement of my tune "Miranda" the other day and decided to give it a whirl. I think it sounds great with just the two guitars. After the gig they provided us lunch. I had the salmon and a side salad, very tasty. A great way to top of a nice performance.
Had coffee and then got ready to play at a private event with my friend Jason McGuire. I picked him up around 9:45 and had some good conversations on the way. Actually, I was so involved in the conversations that I had to make 3 different u-turns on the way there. No worries though, I always leave early to allow those kinda things. I really enjoyed our performance, it's great to play with him. We worked on a nice arrangement of my tune "Miranda" the other day and decided to give it a whirl. I think it sounds great with just the two guitars. After the gig they provided us lunch. I had the salmon and a side salad, very tasty. A great way to top of a nice performance.
Winter
Since it's winter and I'll be heading to Santa Fe next week, it's about that time that I pull out my warm SSRI winter hat.
Dec 3, 2008
THE SCENT OF LIGHT
Ottmar's new album "The Scent of Light" receives a Grammy nomination
Congratulations Ottmar!
GRAMMY.com
The Scent Of Light
Ottmar Liebert & Luna Negra
[SSRI]
Congratulations Ottmar!
GRAMMY.com
The Scent Of Light
Ottmar Liebert & Luna Negra
[SSRI]
Nov 29, 2008
Miranda Album review by Lawrence Russell
A wonderful album review HERE by Lawrence Russell at Culture Court.
Thanks Lawrence!
culturecourt.com
Thanks Lawrence!
culturecourt.com
MIRANDA
For those of you who have questions about how to get a "CD" copy of the re-release of the Miranda album, I have good news. In the near future, Amazon.com will be offering to burn a "CD" copy of download albums incase you don't know how or have trouble downloading. Miranda will be available at Amazon soon and this may be a good option for you.
Nov 25, 2008
Recording
Took this photo last week. Maybe the caption should say "that middle section is not working out" Actually, I wouldn't be surprised if she tried to take over. In a way she already does by stepping on the buttons as she walks over the recording console. I don't approve of that but sometimes it just happens when I least expect it. I can't tell you how many times a track gets muted or the solo button is on. I came up with a brilliant idea though! You know the changing guitar string stories right? Well, now I have a nylon string set aside for Cosmo. When I'm working, I toss it on the ground and she runs after it and play with the string for hours. The best cat toy ever! Why didn't I think of this sooner?
Nov 23, 2008
Saturday - Meeting Lester DeVoe
I drove down from the Bay Area to visit Lester DeVoe's shop. It was great to meet him. He's so nice and it was great to see his shop first hand where he makes his beautiful guitars. I was so impressed with his attention to detail and impeccable craftsmanship, not to mention how clean the shop was. I really enjoyed learning about the different woods and information about the guitars. I played 4 different guitars, all of them fantastic. I can understand why there is over a 3 year waiting list for his guitars.
We talked about what kind of guitar would be good for my needs. Little things here and there that I've been interested in having on a guitar. He also brought out an unfinished guitar and strung it up and let me play it. It was an experiment guitar that he had been working on and wanted to see what I thought of it. It was really interesting playing an unfinished guitar, I've never done that before. I was trying to be super careful not to breathe on it, I'd feel terrible if it made a nick or anything. I played it very carefully and it was beautiful. Wow, what an experiment, awesome guitar. By the end of my visit, I made my decision on the guitar that would be best for me and put my order in.
I've been playing the same guitar for the past 11 years and it's done a wonderful service for me. It is the first real flamenco guitar I ever had. I've recorded 2 albums and toured with it, not to mention countless hours of practicing. It's been a great work horse for me. For a while now I've been looking for something new and different that will suit all my needs of touring and recording. After visiting Lester and playing his guitars, I know I've chosen wisely.
We talked about what kind of guitar would be good for my needs. Little things here and there that I've been interested in having on a guitar. He also brought out an unfinished guitar and strung it up and let me play it. It was an experiment guitar that he had been working on and wanted to see what I thought of it. It was really interesting playing an unfinished guitar, I've never done that before. I was trying to be super careful not to breathe on it, I'd feel terrible if it made a nick or anything. I played it very carefully and it was beautiful. Wow, what an experiment, awesome guitar. By the end of my visit, I made my decision on the guitar that would be best for me and put my order in.
I've been playing the same guitar for the past 11 years and it's done a wonderful service for me. It is the first real flamenco guitar I ever had. I've recorded 2 albums and toured with it, not to mention countless hours of practicing. It's been a great work horse for me. For a while now I've been looking for something new and different that will suit all my needs of touring and recording. After visiting Lester and playing his guitars, I know I've chosen wisely.
I've received a few emails asking if I respond to twitter messages. I didn't even realize anyone was twitting at me. I'll do my best to respond when I can. Otherwise, please feel free to comment here on this blog if you like, I do check that often.
SD
SD
Recording album III
Started recording the 3rd album on Wednesday. As always, Cosmo is very involved, lots of lap time ahead as I'll be doing a ton of sitting at the computer. And what to expect with the next album? Jumping clowns, a dragon, perhaps a free set of steak knives and that's not all! Actually, I don't know at the moment, I'll just have to find out as I go. Ah! "Bullfighter's Dream" just came up on my iTunes at random. Brings back good memories of playing that tune with Ottmar last summer.
Nov 13, 2008
MIRANDA re-mastered
My first album "Miranda" has been re-mastered by Jon Gagan and is now available to download at the Listening Lounge. Jon has done a wonderful job and it sounds fantastic!
The re-mastered version includes the music from my first album, 2 previously unreleased tracks along with the original version of "Cirrus" recorded from that time. The songs are also in a new sequence. I feel the music flows very well in this new order. A new PDF file is available to download along with the album which includes the new album cover, a few pictures, album information and some links.
01 Miranda
02 West Coast Sun
03 November
04 Sleepwalk
05 Tonight
06 Embrace
07 Cirrus
08 Avalon
09 Candelaria
10 Goodbye-Will I See You Again
11 A Moment Alone
12 Kallistos
"Miranda" is available now at the LISTENING LOUNGE and will be available at other digital download retailers in the near future. There are no plans to manufacture CD's.
I hope you enjoy it!
My little toublesome best friend
Well, it never fails. I'm having internet problems tonight and I need to find the cable that goes to my Airport express. So I get under the desk and of all places Cosmo is sitting on the internet cable!
So I try to get to the cable and she starts hissing and clawing at my hands! What have I done to deserve this? Of ALL the places for Cosmo to be right now and I need to write an important post about the Miranda Album. Anyway, I was finally able to get to the cable and get things working again although, now as I look down shes doing something with it so I need to get going... I'll report back later...
So I try to get to the cable and she starts hissing and clawing at my hands! What have I done to deserve this? Of ALL the places for Cosmo to be right now and I need to write an important post about the Miranda Album. Anyway, I was finally able to get to the cable and get things working again although, now as I look down shes doing something with it so I need to get going... I'll report back later...
Nov 12, 2008
OL's website
So, as I'm sitting her having my coffee, I loaded up Ottmar's new website because I wanted to check a few things out on there. I clicked the link to his site and went on with checking mail and a few other things. After I finished, I was closing the tabs and thought, oh I forgot to go to OL's site. So I cliked on the open tab and started to laugh because it had clearly been sitting there for awhile. All the over grown weeds and vines took over the page. I had to laugh because I totally forgot it did that and it sent a clear message to me that it had been sitting there for a while. Very cool!
Nov 7, 2008
This morning
Having coffee and working on my website - Great weather today.
Oh, and don't panic about the changing of the title section up above. I know it's boring compared to what it used to be but I'm changing things around a bit to fit this blog into my website for your viewing pleasure.
Have a nice day
Oh, and don't panic about the changing of the title section up above. I know it's boring compared to what it used to be but I'm changing things around a bit to fit this blog into my website for your viewing pleasure.
Have a nice day
Oct 31, 2008
HAPPY HALLOWEEN
Carved pumpkins last night, I haven't done that in years. I'm taking Halloween very seriously this year since I haven't been around the last few times for it. I have the horror movies lined up and lots of candy to give out. Although, I started eating all the candy and don't have much left. Might have to go out and get more for later.
Oct 22, 2008
Lunch
Surfing around net while taking a quick break for lunch (fixed my self a burrito, it turned out not too bad) I saw that Gerardo Nunez has a website, maybe it's new because I haven't come across it before. Then again, it's been a minute since I've checked in to see what he has been up to. Interesting, when you move the mouse over the guitar strings on the home page it makes string noises. Not sure, but it sounds like they need to tune those strings up a bit.
Oct 19, 2008
Sunday morning
Got up, made coffee (that's a given) and have been enjoying practicing the guitar this morning. I had to put ice on my hand yesterday after practicing but my fingers seem to be doing just fine today. I'm noticing improvements in my playing from where I was 6 months ago. It's a works in progress and it seems to be a bit like aging, you don't notice it day to day but over a period of time. However, being patient over that period of time is a different story.
My good friend Jason Shapiro is visiting later today from LA. (He played percussion on my first album). It will be great to see him. I'm hoping he'll play on my next album, although it will be difficult because we live in different cities. I'm sure we'll work something out. Speaking of, I'm back up and running by the way, no more computer problems. Also upgraded to the new 7.4.2 Protools. I was able to get a free download from them since I purchased the 7.4 last year.
My good friend Jason Shapiro is visiting later today from LA. (He played percussion on my first album). It will be great to see him. I'm hoping he'll play on my next album, although it will be difficult because we live in different cities. I'm sure we'll work something out. Speaking of, I'm back up and running by the way, no more computer problems. Also upgraded to the new 7.4.2 Protools. I was able to get a free download from them since I purchased the 7.4 last year.
Oct 15, 2008
Oct 8, 2008
Starring Stevo
Thanks OL!
(pictures on the post below) The funny thing is, this happened sometime before that show
(pictures on the post below) The funny thing is, this happened sometime before that show
Sep 29, 2008
Tonight
Spending some time working on my new website tonight. I like working on it late in the evening when it's quiet. It's coming along nicely so far. Picking out different colors and working a bit on the layout. It will probably be a few months till I'm finished because I'm just spending a few evenings a week doing little things here and there. I should stop now and take a PS3 break to get my mind off of it. Otherwise I won't be able to sleep and will just lay in bed thinking "maybe I should do this here", "or change the color there" etc..
Thursday - September 25th
Had a gig playing at the Byington winery on Thursday. Beautiful location and the wine is great (I'm actually having some as I type this. Well, I mean in-between typing... you know what I mean). Anyway, they have a wine & picnic evening on Thursdays throughout the summer and it was nice of them to invite me down to play while people drink wine, eat and enjoy their evening. I really enjoyed playing and setting the mood for the occasion. It's great because I get to play, improv, maybe experiment a bit and not to mention, have a glass of wine and enjoy the evening.
On the way there I pulled over and had a sandwich while enjoying the view. I like to leave a bit early so I can have a bite to eat. There's something to be said about not having to rush, it just makes all the difference in the world when you can take your time, enjoy the view and not get super road rage in the car because you're late. Ofcourse, I'm a very calm person so I don't have to worry about any of that.
Arrived early at the winery with more then enough time to set up. (picture) Flowers and vines as you pull in the driveway.
It's good I had more then enough time to set up because it takes at least 4 hours to set this sound system up! Well, all kidding aside, the little Roland amp is set up in minutes. I think it sounds great for my needs. I'm a "plug-in and play" kinda guy, not really into arriving with 4 trucks worth of effects and gear. Plug me in, give me some reverb and let my playing do the rest.
A nice evening over all and I had nice conversation with some of the folks afterwords.
On the way there I pulled over and had a sandwich while enjoying the view. I like to leave a bit early so I can have a bite to eat. There's something to be said about not having to rush, it just makes all the difference in the world when you can take your time, enjoy the view and not get super road rage in the car because you're late. Ofcourse, I'm a very calm person so I don't have to worry about any of that.
Arrived early at the winery with more then enough time to set up. (picture) Flowers and vines as you pull in the driveway.
It's good I had more then enough time to set up because it takes at least 4 hours to set this sound system up! Well, all kidding aside, the little Roland amp is set up in minutes. I think it sounds great for my needs. I'm a "plug-in and play" kinda guy, not really into arriving with 4 trucks worth of effects and gear. Plug me in, give me some reverb and let my playing do the rest.
A nice evening over all and I had nice conversation with some of the folks afterwords.
Sep 27, 2008
September 12 - 14th. Travel day and the weekend shows with Ottmar
Here are some pictures from a few weeks back -
(picture below) Standing on the people mover heading towards the gate, no rush this morning. Back to the airport yet again, a place I feel so familiar with. I have been enjoying getting there early, taking my time checking in, stopping for coffee and sitting for a bit.
Great view of San Francisco after taking off out of Oakland.
Arrived in Orange County and went to the hotel. Great flight in the morning, no one sitting next to me. Only about an hour and 20min in the air. Then met up with Jon and Robbie in the terminal and went to the hotel. After checking in we went for lunch at a Mexican restaurant. Some good conversation and laughs. After lunch I walked over to the beach and spent a good part of the afternoon sitting and enjoying the beautiful weather. Can't complain about this day. I love a good travel day like this, you just never know where you'll end up and this is a good place to end up.
At the Coach House. (Pictures taken at sound check)
(Below) Ottmar trying not to be noticed while I was taking pictures. Somehow I found him! (It may have been the guitar that gave it way)
(picture below) Standing on the people mover heading towards the gate, no rush this morning. Back to the airport yet again, a place I feel so familiar with. I have been enjoying getting there early, taking my time checking in, stopping for coffee and sitting for a bit.
Great view of San Francisco after taking off out of Oakland.
Arrived in Orange County and went to the hotel. Great flight in the morning, no one sitting next to me. Only about an hour and 20min in the air. Then met up with Jon and Robbie in the terminal and went to the hotel. After checking in we went for lunch at a Mexican restaurant. Some good conversation and laughs. After lunch I walked over to the beach and spent a good part of the afternoon sitting and enjoying the beautiful weather. Can't complain about this day. I love a good travel day like this, you just never know where you'll end up and this is a good place to end up.
At the Coach House. (Pictures taken at sound check)
(Below) Ottmar trying not to be noticed while I was taking pictures. Somehow I found him! (It may have been the guitar that gave it way)
Sep 24, 2008
Today
I cleaned up the room my music workstation is in today. Feels good to have everything organized and picked up. I've never been much of a neat freak but I can't stand working & creating in a messy environment. Maybe I'm turning into one? I guess it wouldn't be a bad thing. Now that I think about it, lately I've been making the bed every morning! I have no idea what is happening to me, let's change the subject. Sure was damp out today wasn't it?
Listening to SEAL on iTunes
Listening to SEAL on iTunes
Sep 23, 2008
pre-production & recording postponed
Computer is down due to a power serge. Just got back from the genius bar at the Apple store. What a great service, very helpful. Unfortunately it looks like my computer will need major repair. Researching all options.
Sep 11, 2008
This morning
Got up around 7:15am. One of my cats seems to be my alarm clock lately, we'll get into that another time. Anyway, fixing coffee now, all packed for the upcoming shows this weekend. I fly out around noon today.
Ottmar Liebert + Luna Negra
Sept 12 San Juan Capistrano CA – The Coach House
Sept 13 Agoura Hills CA – Canyon Club
Sept 14 Temecula CA – Thornton Winery
Ottmar Liebert + Luna Negra
Sept 12 San Juan Capistrano CA – The Coach House
Sept 13 Agoura Hills CA – Canyon Club
Sept 14 Temecula CA – Thornton Winery
Aug 31, 2008
This weekend
Took this picture during the flight home from Denver yesterday morning. Had a whole row to myself, it's been a while since that has happened. It was nice to stretch out a bit. It's surprising how fast a flight can seem when you're comfortable and not so crammed in with people all around you.
I enjoyed the show Friday evening and it was great to play with Souhail Kaspar. I'm looking forward to playing with him more in the future.
From Ottmar's Diary -
Now I am excited to let you know that we will come to California for three shows in September with a new quintet: OL, Jon Gagan, Stephen Duros plus Souhail Kaspar and Robby Rothschild on percussion.
Aug 20, 2008
Thoughts
Writing more music this week on the guitar. Really liking the new ideas and I'm looking forward to cutting some new tracks this fall. I've also been wanting to have more control over my website. Not much going on there besides my blog and it would be nice to have the option to add content at any time to keep things updated.
People of the "Green Sahara" Found
Lost Tribes of the Green Sahara
"How a dinosaur hunter uncovered the Sahara's strangest
Stone Age graveyard"
Despite current conditions, the region of the Sahara was once a lush paradise for Stone Age humans. Now Explorer-in-Residence Paul Sereno reveals the largest burial site of these people ever discovered
ngm.com
"How a dinosaur hunter uncovered the Sahara's strangest
Stone Age graveyard"
Despite current conditions, the region of the Sahara was once a lush paradise for Stone Age humans. Now Explorer-in-Residence Paul Sereno reveals the largest burial site of these people ever discovered
ngm.com
Jul 28, 2008
Home
Opening up a bottle of merlot and enjoying some homemade garlic bread. It's great to be home.
Stepping out of the office, taking a little time off from the blog. Please check back in a few weeks for more new exciting and life changing posts. In the mean time, it might not be a bad time to give the archives a once over.
SD
P.S. (Below) Here is a post from one of last years archives - November '07
After I got home from South America, I've been sick. I was thinking about the time I saw something about animals in hospitals and how an animal can comfort you and help you heal. So I thought, since I'm not feeling good, I'll call Cosmo Kitty over to cuddle and comfort me so I can heal. I called her and she came trotting over. As I picked her up I said "Cosmo, my favorite kitty cat!" trying to gain some points. Apparently she sensed that I was sick and completely attacked me. Hissing, clawing and ran off. I thought right then and there, Cosmo might not be a good animal for healing people in hospitals.
Stepping out of the office, taking a little time off from the blog. Please check back in a few weeks for more new exciting and life changing posts. In the mean time, it might not be a bad time to give the archives a once over.
SD
P.S. (Below) Here is a post from one of last years archives - November '07
After I got home from South America, I've been sick. I was thinking about the time I saw something about animals in hospitals and how an animal can comfort you and help you heal. So I thought, since I'm not feeling good, I'll call Cosmo Kitty over to cuddle and comfort me so I can heal. I called her and she came trotting over. As I picked her up I said "Cosmo, my favorite kitty cat!" trying to gain some points. Apparently she sensed that I was sick and completely attacked me. Hissing, clawing and ran off. I thought right then and there, Cosmo might not be a good animal for healing people in hospitals.
Echo Location: Ottmar Liebert’s The Scent of Light-Echoes August CD of the Month
Nouveau Flamenco creator goes wide-screen on The Scent of Light
Ottmar Liebert is calling The Scent of Light his best album ever. I’ll need more time for that kind of assessment, but it’s certainly one of his best. It’s our Echoes CD of the Month for August...
Very nice!
Ottmar Liebert is calling The Scent of Light his best album ever. I’ll need more time for that kind of assessment, but it’s certainly one of his best. It’s our Echoes CD of the Month for August...
Very nice!
July 26th - Travel day home
After a canceled flight and being delayed a few hours, I finally got on my way home. It was great to play for all the different audiences throughout the summer tour. See you all next time!
SD
July 15th - Last night of the tour - Austin, TX
Two shows tonight in Austin, TX at the One World Theater. Can't believe how fast the last 5 weeks have gone. I enjoyed both shows tonight and it felt good to end the last show on a good note. Everyone is taking the bus back to Santa Fe except for me. I am flying home from Austin in the morning.
Jul 25, 2008
July 24th - Houston
Woke up early, dark and raining out. The Bus was parked by a shopping center so there was something for us to do in the morning. Got my rain coat out (no, it's not one of those yellow ones). It was really warm out so I wore shorts and flip flops along with my rain coat. Not a problem walking through puddles on the way to the mall.
Touring can be a trip. You go to places that you wouldn't normally ever go to. We are here one day and gone the next. Today I was walking around a mall that I'll probably never set foot in again. The bus feels like a time machine of some sorts, I guess It's a travel machine really. You never know what you're going to see when you wake up. It could be a brick wall or the Bay Bridge. You loose track of time, days, even weeks. Days don't really matter. Tues? Sat? Who cares! The bus is taking me to where I need to go and if it stops somewhere along the way, you get off and explore a bit and get back on when it's leaving.
After the band gear was loaded in, the rain started to down poor, It didn't stop for quite a while, amazing amount of rain left over from the hurricane that was in the area.
Tonight we played at a yoga center. A different experience then the House of Blues last night which I enjoyed very much(great crowd by the way). A very intimate setting tonight. People sat on blankets and pillows on the floor while we played.
Tomorrow will be the last show of the tour.
THURSDAY IN HOUSTON - From Ottmar's diary.
Touring can be a trip. You go to places that you wouldn't normally ever go to. We are here one day and gone the next. Today I was walking around a mall that I'll probably never set foot in again. The bus feels like a time machine of some sorts, I guess It's a travel machine really. You never know what you're going to see when you wake up. It could be a brick wall or the Bay Bridge. You loose track of time, days, even weeks. Days don't really matter. Tues? Sat? Who cares! The bus is taking me to where I need to go and if it stops somewhere along the way, you get off and explore a bit and get back on when it's leaving.
After the band gear was loaded in, the rain started to down poor, It didn't stop for quite a while, amazing amount of rain left over from the hurricane that was in the area.
Tonight we played at a yoga center. A different experience then the House of Blues last night which I enjoyed very much(great crowd by the way). A very intimate setting tonight. People sat on blankets and pillows on the floor while we played.
Tomorrow will be the last show of the tour.
THURSDAY IN HOUSTON - From Ottmar's diary.
Jul 23, 2008
Jul 22, 2008
Jul 21, 2008
Aspen, Colorado
Walked around a bit this morning, my first time to Aspen. Had lunch with Ottmar and Jon then came back to the bus to upload some photos to my flickr site. Playing at Belly Up this evening.
Jul 20, 2008
Jul 17, 2008
Jul 14, 2008
After Show - July 13th
Bus is ready to depart. It was great to play at the Mystic Theatre again. The audience was wonderful, thanks to everyone who came down to see us tonight!
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