2,751

(6 replies, posted in Poems)

Thanks for your kind words, Phill ...

I can never seem to imagine a tune to go with any poetry I write ... don't know why. I suppose I think of something like "Morning Has Broken" or perhaps "Scarborough Fair" has being the right musical mood for this one.

2,752

(6 replies, posted in Poems)

I was sitting on this deck at first light this morning, enjoying my coffee as per usual habit. It just started raining lightly at first, but the softness and stillness of it all was engulfing in a way I can't fully describe. I've tried to with this poem:

MID SUMMER RAIN

That wonderful smell …
Cloaking the waking hours with unique bouquet
Relieved senses know that rainclouds are now set
It's been so dry, farmers are concerned and fret
Apples, plums, corn, and grain grow yet
Encouraged by that wonderful smell.

CHORUS:    A mist with a twist of a gist of the rain,
        A drip-drop, pitter-patter again and again
        Eyes closed, senses full, smiling,
        In this morning's mid summer rain.

That wonderful sound …
Tap, tap, tap from a drip, my leaf-clogged downspout
Gentle, so soft, soothing release within and without
Song birds listen in reverence, nothing moves about
A slurp at my coffee cup sounds like a shout
Interrupting that wonderful sound.

CHORUS:    A mist with a twist of a gist of the rain,
        A drip-drop, pitter-patter again and again
        Eyes closed, senses full, smiling,
        In this morning's mid summer's rain.

That wonderful sight …
Riverlets etch shadowy small streams on my canopy
Small runoffs move effortlessly, purpose-fully, randomly
Blades of grass dance upon impact, joyfully, happily
I can't strum a note that could compare to this symphony
Life all around is a wonderful sight.

CHORUS:    A mist with a twist of a gist of the rain,
        A drip-drop, pitter-patter again and again
        Eyes open, senses full, smiling,
        In this morning's mid summer's rain.

This wonderful warmth …
This is a welcome rain to our farming neighbors nearby
They've had it tough, some have said good bye
To the land, to the tractor, to generations gone by
Worked so hard, paid so little, for them I'm happy
It's a wonderful warmth.

CHORUS:    A mist with a twist of a gist of the rain,
        A drip-drop, pitter-patter again and again
        Eyes open, senses full, smiling,
        In this morning's mid summer's rain.

I've never heard music as beautiful as this was this morning!

2,753

(8 replies, posted in Chordie's Chat Corner)

Well, hello, Mrs. Strummergirl ...

Thanks for stooping by to say hello, and we're all relieved that you're home and recovering. Your dear husband has been an avid & appreciated contributor on the Chordie forums, and a true gentleman always. You folks are good people, and good people deserve every little kindness that can be shown.\

Get well soon!

2,754

(6 replies, posted in Electric)

I think I'm going to burst my spleen from laughing! A friend just sent me this video clip, spoofing how an electric guitar being played affects "white people" like myself. This is hilarious!

https://vimeo.com/96159821

2,755

(31 replies, posted in Chordie's Chat Corner)

Strummerboy Bill wrote:

Wingway Momstein make your list, TF?

There's no denying Yngwie Malmsteen's talent, but to me it's just speed for speed's sake ... no real musicality or creativity. Herman Li is another guy in this category. I couldn't hold a candle to any of them for sure, but that style simply doesn't interest me.

2,756

(580 replies, posted in Bands and artists)

Mostly Autumn    "The Night Sky"    London, 2004

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RwO7fQe7uDQ

In their earlier days, Mostly Autumn did a fair of of Pink Floyd tribute work. It didn't take long for them stand on their own two feet, and they now have a sizable body of their own work. This track is from their DVD "The V Shows", which was compiled from several 2004 concerts in London, Wolverhampton, and Newcastle. Something's a bit screwball with this YouTube release, as the actual song is only 8:45 long. For some reason, there's a silent video-only repeat in this video. I'm sure you'll agree that "The Night Sky" is a haunting and creative piece of music, with a unique mix of harmonies and instrumentation. I love the added texture of the Uilleann Pipes (played here by guest Troy Donockley), as well as The Regent String Quartet.

For whatever reason, there aren't many female vocalists in the Prog Rock genre. While Mostly Autumn's Heather Findlay doesn't have the power of a Tracey Hitchings (Landmarq), Christina Booth (Magenta) or Durga McBroom (Pink Floyd), her voice blends well with guitarist Bryan Josh's. Heather left Mostly Autumn in 2010, and vocalist Olivia Sparnenn-Josh (Bryan's wife) stepped to the microphone in her place. Olivia has much more projection as a singer, which is needed in this genre with so many instruments often sharing the mix.

http://www.progarchives.com/progressive_rock_discography_covers/251/cover_38171923102010.jpg

2,757

(31 replies, posted in Chordie's Chat Corner)

As a lover of prog rock and classical music, I guess a bias towards instrumental music is rightly assumed. Watching Doug's last piece (Ocean) in his post is especially intriguing, because playing a 12-string finger-style has a whole set of unique challenges with it. There are some very amazing finger-style guitarists out there, who blow me away with both their amazing technique and musicality. Artists like Don Ross, Michael Chapdelaine, Adrian Legg, and Benjamin Woods are just a few that make my jaw drop every time I hear them.

Most of this talent will never be mainstream, because the majority of humans don't play musical instruments. Like a tourist struggling with the language of a foreign land, it's tough for a non-musician to truly understand and appreciate instrumental music of any kind. This isn't a criticism in any way, shape, or form ... but an understandable limitation.

Strummerboy Bill wrote:

Well, I guess he could have mine. It's the only one of my appendages I can't get arthritis in. wink

Bill

big_smile big_smile big_smile big_smile big_smile At this stage of life, Bill, whatever doesn't hurt, doesn't work.

Bill, you've asked a question I've often wondered about.

His follow-up album (The Rhythym of the Saints) was a further attempt to capitalize on his use of another culture's musical stylings, but the song writing itself wasn't (IMHO) nearly as good. Tracks like "African Skies" and "The Boy in the Bubble" are simply iconic, and it would be hard to imagine Mr. Simon doing anything to top them. If he was to make another attempt, I'd like to hear him try something with ancient Celtic elements.

2,760

(17 replies, posted in Songwriting)

Russell_Harding wrote:

Good one Phill sort of reminded me of sir Elton a bit or is that Lady Elton not sure nice vocals and guitar work smile

LOLOL!

2,761

(10 replies, posted in Songwriting)

TIGLJK wrote:

http://share.pho.to/9aIFd

I agree with Beestie - WTF  were we thinking ?  No wonder some one came up with LSD ! smile

I just read the "pitch" for the one-piece suit you posted, and I don't think I've seen anything more revolting ... way too much imagery!

2,762

(580 replies, posted in Bands and artists)

One thing that both Don Cherry's have in common, is that neither one is shy about blowing their own horn. wink

2,763

(4 replies, posted in Songwriting)

A compelling story, and well-told in your song. Nice work, Beestie!

2,764

(580 replies, posted in Bands and artists)

Just goes to show that there's always more to discover. I too was surprised to have never heard of Hillage, after seeing how well connected he's been. When you mention the name Don Cherry, I automatically think of Canada's flamboyant hockey commentator of the same name:

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/BeT-3ZLIcAAflIT.jpg

2,765

(580 replies, posted in Bands and artists)

Very good stuff!

I've been an ardent fan of the whole 70's Canterbury scene, but Hillage is someone I can't recall ever hearing about. I see online that he played with "Gong" for a while. He's got great technique, and that opening sequence and the solo is very well done.

Good find, Graham!

2,766

(58 replies, posted in Chordie's Chat Corner)

You've been in a l-o-n-g battle, my friend. We sincerely hope the worst is pass, and that you can now make steadily-paced progress towards recovery.

2,767

(13 replies, posted in Songwriting)

keepitreal wrote:

Sliat pu taht gniraelc rof sknaht

Sounds like Gaelic when read aloud ... very funny.

2,768

(11 replies, posted in Acoustic)

As an update on the K&K pickup system, I'd been using my volume pedal to regulate the output ... not always convenient. I wondered if there was a cord that would have something like this built in ... lo and behold, there is!

http://www.rapcohorizon.com/images/product/medium/345_2_.png

The Rapco V-Cable has this very simple Volume knob at the end where it it jacks into the guitar, and now a person can have an on-board volume control for K&K's, or any similar design pups. This may be old hat to some of you, but I was glad to discover it and have ordered one.

http://www.rapcohorizon.com/p-345-v-cab … cable.aspx

2,769

(17 replies, posted in Chordie's Chat Corner)

I really like the way your practice amp is cleverly disguised as a bread machine ... genius!

2,770

(10 replies, posted in Songwriting)

I know, "Yuck!" right?

During the 70's many perfromers thought that dressing in tight, white satin pants was fashionable. The BeeGees did it, and many others. For whatever reason, it prompted these revised lyrics to the tune of "Knights in White Satin" by the Moody Blues.

DUDES in WHITE SATIN

Dudes in white satin, a seventies trend,
Eyes are averted, from buddy's rear end.

Why would they do that? What purposed was served?
The sight was revolting, and had me unnerved.

CHORUS:    Say it can't be …
        Oh-oh-oh say it can't be.

Too tight for comfort, too much to behold,
Too little unseen, too gross to be told.

Those days are over, don't see it no more,
Couldn't be happier, it's finally o'er.

CHORUS:    Say it can't be …
        Oh-oh-oh say it can't be.

I had originally titled this "Dudes in White Wedgies" but that's just too disgusting.

2,771

(2 replies, posted in Chordie's Chat Corner)

Great news!

When I first saw his name on the Chordie home page I thought, "Oh no, Gilmour has died!" I'll never get to see him again living here in the sticks, but I am very glad he's still alive & pickin'. His concert at the Gdansk Shipyard (Poland) in 2006 is one of the best on YouTube.

2,772

(67 replies, posted in Chordie's Chat Corner)

Thanks soooooooooo much for keeping us updated, Bill. Our thoughts and prayers continue to be with you and your beloved wife.

2,773

(17 replies, posted in Chordie's Chat Corner)

That's a heap o' guitars, JJJ! Will your floor joists require reinforcing?

2,774

(6 replies, posted in Poems)

Wow ... amazing description of most humans, with their head-in-the-sand mindset. I think most artists (music, painting, film, sculpture, etc.) do get it and need to express their thoughts through creative sources, to keep from going nuts with despair. Nicely done, Phill.

2,775

(1,560 replies, posted in Bands and artists)

Great selection Badeye (as always). These guys made a lot of great music together. Good luck with the sale of your home ... the Valley market isn't real buoyant right now, as you know.