Chrismas shtik from MJ

Chrismas shtik
Originally uploaded by mj*laflaca.

Thats great MJ! haha, That's about right too...

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.

Friday

Ah yes, my day started out with Cosmo the cat knocking the Christmas tree over at 6am. Remind me to tell you about it later, going to hit the town tonight.

SD

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!

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.

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.

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

Oud cappuccino - for Stephen Duros

Oud cappuccino - for Stephen Duros
Originally uploaded by aGudRun.

Just came across this on Flickr.

Thanks GudRun

Grammy Nomination for Ottmar's "One Guitar" album

Congratulations Ottmar!

Here is a link to the album.

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.