Thursday, October 31, 2002

        Well, another month went by and once again, I neglected to update the journal.  It's okay, I have over a dozen excuses, so please allow me to explain.  First, on the 19th of this month, FLO performed the monthly Sweet Dreams gig.  The show was awesome!  Of course, there were 3 or 4 FLO rehearsals at my place before the 19th.

        Second, a regular practice schedule has been attained for what used to be Cyber Garden with T Fleisher and Michael.  We fit in 2 practices this month with another scheduled for next Wednesday.  What was Cyber Garden you ask?  About 6 years ago, both T and Michael were in a band; that band was Cyber Garden (believe me people, you know just as much as I do now).  So far we have worked through most of the songs on Firestar, the old Cyber Garden CD.  But the brunt of our  focus has been on new material in preparation for the recording of a new CD and some future gigs.  T has also added his influence on some of the Bass & Drums Duo material.  The versions of the songs with T playing guitar will be released as additional songs for the new "Fleisher/Raven/Smith" CD, or perhaps as supplemental "guest guitarist" versions on the Bass & Drums Duo CD.

        In other news, I happened to stop by Guitar Center in Oxford Valley, PA while they were having one of those weekend sales.  I don't want to go off on a rant, but what is it with music stores and sales?  It seems like every other day, I'm getting some stupid post card about a mega, blowout blitz sale that'll never happen in my lifetime again!  Give me a break, not a sale.  Anyway, there happened to be a used Peavey 4x10 cabinet FOR SALE in the bass department.  They had it out for $299 regularly, but knocked off $100.  I bought it.  So that takes care of that!  Finally, I own a portable, clear sounding cabinet.

        I'm not done yet. . . buying stuff, that is.  I have an E-Mu Workstation on order at Guitar Center as well.  This unit is a sequencer/sampler that practically makes breakfast.  It's awesome!  I will be able to program my own drum lines, add background and melody synth and tons more.  It'll all start happening next week.

        The beauty of all that's going on is the fact that all the groups cross pollinate.  When I become proficient with the E-Mu, it will be an invaluable tool for every project, especially my solo bass CD.  The 4x10 cabinet will be my travel rig.  The funny thing is, I'm going to be twice as busy once we start playing live.  I may have to switch to a bi-monthly update!  Thanks for stopping by to see what I've been up to.  Feel free to sign my guest book with comments or suggestions, groans or gripes.  Take care, and until next time, be well.

peace,
Jim