Friday, December 6, 2002

        It's been a while, what's going on?  Post your feedback and comments in my guest book.

        November went by so fast, it is all a blur.  Here is what I remember:  First, John Mazz and the FLO played 3 gigs--two at Woody's and one at Sweet Dreams.  Second, there was an incredible marathon rehearsal with T amidst all the FLO gigging.  We caught that on CD, so we'll be able to go back and pull apart what we did.  Third, I bought an E-mu Workstation!  What is an E-mu?  Well, it's this incredible little sequencer/sampler that allows you to sequence up to 16 tracks at a time.  I have already written a few songs/various drum beat and rhythm tracks, etc.  It's amazing how quickly the ideas start flowing with this machine.  The E-mu will be an incredible asset to not just my solo bass recordings, but everyone I work with from now on.  It will undoubtedly appear on John Mazz's album--he and I have already spoken about using it for some of his songs.  Fourth, I neglected to post anything other than show times on my website!

        The rest of December is going to be utter chaos as I try and fit in two more gigs, another marathon T practice, and all my Christmas shopping while having to work 50+ hours a week in retail!  Then, before I can blink, it will all be over.  And once it's over, it will be time to start recording John's CD!  I must be destined never to sleep!  (haha)

        I don't know if I will be able to post another entry this month.  If not, have a safe and happy holiday.  Thanks for visiting the site and checking up on me.  Merry Christmas!

Jim

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

Sunday, September 29, 2002

        If you thought that last update covered a lot of what I've been up to, I have yet another something to mention.  Back in August when Michael and I rehearsed with T, we had intended to get back together in September after everyone was done vacationing.  Well, after nearly two months that day has arrived!  Tomorrow we'll be going holding another jam/practice session at my place.  We're all real excited to finally be doing this.  That first jam we had was a total inspiration!  Remembering back, I believe we captured about 15 songs on tape that just rocked!  Tomorrow shouldn't yield any less productive of a jam.

Monday, September 23, 2002

        Okay!  It's been a while since my last update, so brace yourself, there's been tons happening!  First, in addition to the incredible, on-the-spot ambient track that Michael and I captured earlier this month, we also recorded a hand drums version of Cloud 10.

        Cloud 10 is a song that Michael and I have been working on for the last 2 months.  I really can't explain what inspired it except for the fact that I wanted to write something with a legato bass line.  Voila!  Cloud 10.  Though, you really have to hear it to understand what I'm talking about,  this magnificent piece of music captures some great dynamic playing with an amazing mixture of progressive, folk, and tribal/world influences.

        We will be using these latest two recordings for a demo CD to promote local gigs where Michael and I will perform as a duo.  More information on that will inevitably pop up somewhere on the site.  We are still in the process of putting together a bio/CD package.

        In other music-related news, FLO performed on September 21, 2002 at Sweet Dreams Cafe.  It was our first gig since July amidst all kinds of distractions including John Mazz's getting married, Michael and my respective vacations and a whole lot of down time.  Needless to say, I wasn't as on par with the material as I should have been.  But like I mentioned on the news page, all sour notes aside, we had a nice turnout and good reaction from the crowd.  I even got praise from the neighboring pizza store owner.

        Last, Michael has introduced me to the music of Frank Dalto, a singer/guitarist, that we'll be working with over the next few months.  The catch--Mr. guitarist lives in Florida.  So what we'll be working with is a CD that was recorded by Frank and mailed to us with copies of all his songs.  We'll then arrange for a week of kamikaze rehearsal/recording sessions where we're going to record the best live tracks as possible.

Saturday, September 7, 2002

        Something I neglected to mention during my last update is an incredible ambient track that Michael and I recorded last Thursday.  We had been focusing so much on bands and arranging songs with a drum set that we pretty much forgot about playing with hand drums.  Speaking of which, I purchased my first hand drum!

Tuesday, September 3, 2002

        Okay, make that a MONTHLY update schedule.  When I first began really sinking my teeth into the design of this website, I managed to post almost daily.  Now that work, practice, gigs and life are keeping me so tied up.  I'm lucky if I have enough time to catch a few Z's!  hah!  But I love what I am doing and look forward to each and every action packed rehearsal.

        Speaking of which, how about an update on what I've been doing this past month.  Sometime in early August, Michael invited his friend T over for a little jam.  Well, little turned into an astonishing 15 songs, all original and all caught on digital media!  So we have 2 CD's that are packed with footage from this totally inspiring jam session in my basement.  The greatest thing about the whole jam was the fact that we all complimented each other so well.  T really enjoyed the solo bass and drum songs I have been working on with Michael and I thoroughly enjoyed all of T's songs.  In fact, I enjoyed them so much, I went to great lengths to learn as many as I could before the jam.  But as it turned out, I ended up learning another 5 or 6 tunes on-the-spot anyway.

        After the jam with T, both Michael and I took vacations to Niagara Falls.  That set us back another 2 weeks.  John Mazz got married around that same time of the month, so he was off on his honeymoon.  T went on vacation for the last 2 weeks in August.  So, that left just Michael and myself.  We took advantage of that time and recorded some more material.  Michael's been working with Pro Tools so that he can get his studio up and running.

        August turned out to be a pretty productive month.  Not just because we all took vacations, but because we got a lot of necessary stuff out of the way.  This paves us a nice smooth road to more good times writing new music, great times recording in the studio and awesome times when we're performing for all of you.  I am really looking forward to the next coming months.  It won't be long before we are all gigging on a regular basis.

Oh, and for next time, I promise I'll try and update a little sooner!  Thanks for checking in!

peace,

Jim

Friday, August 2, 2002

        It looks like I'm on a weekly update schedule.  This will have to do since there is so much happening at once.  First of all, I spent a lot of time compiling Real Videos of the FLO show at Sweet Dreams.  You can find a video of a solo piece that Michael and I played on the Music page.  Additionally, there is a video of FLO's "Better Than Lorraine" on the FLO Details page.  I made other videos that are in the process of being put up on Michael and John's respective websites.  Links to each of their pages may be found throughout my site.

        Moving right along, Michael mentioned getting together with a couple of other musicians in the near future.  Both are singer/guitarists like John Mazz, but completely different styles of music.  He is going to introduce me to a blues/soul player with a ton of original material as well as an experimental/progressive player with an equal or better amount of original material.  It a matter of only time before we all start collaborating on ideas and recording them using Pro Tools.

        The beauty of all three of these collaborators, John, the blues player and the progressive player, is that all of them have Pro Tools.  This will allow for a ton of productivity as we make copies of ideas and send them to one another to work on within the comfort of our homes.  It's always nice to record at your own pace without trying to cram everything into a time slot at some studio.

Saturday, July 27, 2002

        Time sure does fly!  It's amazing how fast the days go by when you keep them as busy as I do.  First off, practice with Michael went well this Monday.  We spent the majority of our time working on quiet songs and minor details of "Two Elements Collide".  Afterward, we sat and watched the video I took of our first gig at Sweet Dreams Cafe.  We are still floored by the reaction we got from the crowd after playing the "Techno Song"!  The people in the audience went from engaging conversation at their tables, to complete silence as they sat and watched what Michael and I were doing.  <gulp>  Wow!  I am so thankful that John had asked us play something of our own.

        Speaking of John, The Future Love Orchestra is not on hiatus just yet!  We are getting together, full steam ahead, on Monday to complete a couple more original songs for the next show.  Now that the ice has been broken and we have the first gig under our belts, I am more than enthused about sinking my teeth into more of John's material.

        Speaking of teeth, I have a dentist appointment for three fillings on Monday!  <insert words/phrases of panic here!!!>  There is a cavity in my back tooth that is big enough to support Lake Ontario!  The good thing is, the dentist shouldn't have to drill much for that sucker.

On that note, I bid you good evening,

Jim

Sunday, July 21, 2002

        The Future Love Orchestra's gig at Sweet Dreams Cafe in Madison, NJ was quite a success!  I would like to personally thank everyone who came out to support us: Layla, Chris, Elizabeth, Jen, Beth and Ruth.  It was my first live performance in well over a year as well as my first live performance with Michael since he and I started working together.  We played through two sets of top-40 songs spiced up with FLO's original, rocking tunes.  In and around that material, Michael and I fit in two of our own compositions that went over pretty well.

        For the next month, FLO will be on temporary hiatus while members of the band tie knots with their respective, significant others.  In the meantime, Michael and I will be convening for our regular jams during the week.  We will also be starting to record a new demo for FLO, completed Bass & Drum compositions and many more projects soon to come.  More on all that in good time.

Monday, July 15, 2002

        The first gig date is quickly approaching!  FLO will be putting in one last practice tomorrow night before the show on Saturday.  Michael and I will be getting together again on Thursday to brush up on some final details and work on our own material.  All in all, things have progressed nicely.  I have learned almost 30 songs in less than 30 days, a lot of which are originals.

        From Michael's perspective, a large cloud has been uplifted from the group.  With our more adventurous rhythm section playing, all of the songs we are playing have taken on a life of their own.  There is more room for improvisation, interesting little bass licks and a few handfuls of drum spice!  (speaking modestly)  My premier gig with FLO is going to be one to remember and really enjoy!  Don't miss it!

Thursday, July 4, 2002

        I took my amp back to Sam Ash yesterday.  I called up the corporate office to complain and they put me on with the President of the company.  This was very unexpected, but I kept my cool and explained the situation.  He made some calls and a manager from Sam Ash called me to arrange the drop off.  They are going to put a priority on the repair.  I probably won't have it in time for my gig on the 20th, but I decided to buy a 4-space rack just in case.  The sales associate cut me a break on the rack and a couple of other accessories.  I figured I could use this incident as leverage for a deal on gear.  You won't believe that on a $12 cable, he took off $7!  And that was still above cost.  Beware the markup on cables and accessories!

Wednesday, July 3, 2002

The Tale of The Customer With a Broken Ampeg B4

        So, you ask about the amp, aye?  Well, maybe not, but I tell you about the amp anyway.  I called Scam Cash on Monday for about the 10th time to check on the status of my extended service contracted amp repair.  After waiting on hold for more than 15 minutes, someone picks up and says, "I take it someone didn't call you?  Your amp is ready."  I made it my priority to pick up the amp after my Monday practice with Michael.  (Which went extremely well, mind you.)

        I spent the remainder of the evening in my car (driving to and fro) and talking with Brian Williams, a cool bass cat who was busting out Victor Wooten grooves on a Peavey 5-string while the stock boy was hunting around for my amp.  After I finally completed all the necessary paperwork and the store managers had made their last snide announcement for customers to "get the hell out, we're closed," I gathered my belongings and started back home.  The amp was remounted back into its rightful spot in the rack and jamming commenced for short while.  When all was satisfactory and I had set up the EQ and other various tone adjustments, I declared the amp ready for Tuesday's practice.

        While jamming with John and Michael, I strapped on my Funk Fingers and the 6-string.  We came up with one of the most excellent grooves that didn't make it onto tape!  But I shit you not, it was excellent.  About half way through the practice, I noticed a bit of crackling coming from the amp.  As we continued, the crackling continued.  It was obvious that my amp had not been repaired properly.

        Back to Scam Cash once again where I may donate my amp for the duration of the summer so they can send it to some half-assed, wife-beater t-shirt wearing, plumber's smiling, crack head amp repair shop.  Maybe I'm being too hard on them.  Then again, they didn't test the amp the same way I play it--I use the 5-way binding posts to bridge the amp into 1000 watts, mono, running in full range.  When I got it back, I saw that they switched the full range button to high pass/low pass, stereo--which is a completely different set of connections.

        But hey, I'm no expert, I'm just the ignorant end user.  I even provided them with a detailed letter describing the problem and how I run the amp.  I'm in the process of speaking with the President of the Sam Ash about this issue.  At least he didn't have me on endless hold!

Monday, July 1, 2002

        I decided not to go to Ocean City with the family and instead, chill out around the peaceful house.  I really need to just chill out and relax without the constant interruptions I normally deal with around here.  Besides, my staying home allowed me to hold my usual practice with Michael, which is far more enjoyable than getting sun burnt on the beach.

        The practice went extremely well!  We added some nice dynamics to "Elements" and thought out an arrangement for our techno song.  I was also very excited to show Michael what I had come up with my newly crafted pair of Funk Fingers!  The night before, I was just getting used to the new feel of the Funk Fingers and decided to try it with a different effects patch.  I added delay, reverb and a phazer to boot!  The end result sounded so fascinating to him that he exclaimed, "it sounds like the future!"  So, we are calling the new piece "The Future".  Rightfully so, considering the vast number of possibilities this new-to-me invention will open up for both of us.

Sunday, June 30, 2002

Funk Finger Madness!

        Ladies and Gentlemen, I am proud to announce that I have just crafted my very own pair of Funk Fingers!  After a year of procrastination, I finally got off my ass and did it.  For those of you who aren't familiar, Funk Fingers were invented so that part of the bass line in Peter Gabriel's song "Big Time" could be played live.  During the recording of the song, bassist Tony Levin came up with the idea to have Jerry Marotta (drummer) drum on his bass strings while Tony played the left-hand fingering.  While that was all well and good in the studio, it was hard to reproduce live with the drummer busy playing the drums.  So, Tony and his bass tech developed a pair of chopped off drum sticks with elastic bandages to attach one to each finger.  And lo, the birth of Funk Fingers!

        My design was simple and required a minimal supply list: a 3' wooden dowel, rubberizing tool handle grip and Velcro.  There was a slight problem in apprehending the dowel material--Home Depot was out!  So, I settled for 1/2" PVC tubing with push-on rubber ends.  It turned out that the PVC was a waste of time and money (a whopping $3 or so).  The material was entirely too dense and extremely heavy.  I had to use 2 strips of Velcro to hold each one on!

        Last year, I had acquired a pair of drum sticks from one of the drummers that came over to jam.  He left them in my basement, so I threw them in my gig bag with intent of making them into Funk Fingers at a later date.  Since my creative juices were already flowing, out they came to be sawed in half and dipped into the toxic rubber solution.  After dipping the tips a couple times, they required 4 hours to dry.

        Velcro was attached half way around the base of each stick.  That way, my fingers would rest atop the smooth wooden surface instead of coarse Velcro.  I wrapped a piece of fuzzy Velcro around both my finger and the stick.  And then, came the moment of truth.

Tuesday, June 25, 2002