Just turning 50? Ahhh, you kids and your toys!
Congrats Zurf!
DE
428 2015-09-12 11:18:40
Re: whatmakes a hit? (16 replies, posted in Chordie's Chat Corner)
Zurf wrote:
Dirty Ed has twenty songs, at least, better than any of the songs that get airplay on our local radio station. His first song, Bluestone, could have been his last and he'd still have written a better song.
I know a song writer locally who does nothing but goofy little ditties that he posts to the internet to build a following so that he can work in more serious stuff later. He's already got thousands of followers writing one dimensional songs, so the idea of having fans sure does work.
Thank you for the complements and kind words Zurf. Over the years I've found different songs "resonate" with different people. If I asked others who have heard me play my songs to make a list of 20 of their favorites, I'm sure the lists would be completely different. That's what so great about music - we all have our own tastes and favorite genres. Each genre having its own "style" which appeals to the listener.
Even if given a lot of air play, I doubt if a song that is not well-written will ever be a "hit". Fans of the singer/group that wrote it may listen to it, but they know its not the artist's best work. The performers that stay at the top of their profession utilize the works of other songwriters to provide the gems which keep their fans buying tickets and merchandise. So what constitutes a "hit" song?
In my opinion its "prosody" - all four parts of a song's architecture working together. The Rhythm (speed, 3/4 or 4/4 time, etc), Harmony (chord progression), Melody (what you would whistle after hearing the song) and Lyrics. If just one of these areas is weak, the song seems to lack something. But when all four parts are well done they complement each other and work to make the song more than the sum of its parts. I think striving to reach that goal is what keeps us constantly writing new songs and trying to improve. I admire those who seem to have the knack of cranking out great songs. The rest of us may not have that talent but just as writers/novelists have the need to write, we have the need to produce our own original music.
DE
429 2015-09-09 00:41:23
Re: Chordiestock IV - save the date! - 3/17/16 - 3/20/16 (48 replies, posted in Chordie's Chat Corner)
Sounds like another combo trip to visit my daughters in Florida and also spend time with my chordie family. Unless something comes up, I'm pretty sure I can make it again. I doubt if I can drag Jen away from our youngest grandson so I'll probably be by myself. I'd like to reserve a tent site in the back yard if there's room.
DE
430 2015-08-30 23:23:03
Re: For those who like camping!! (4 replies, posted in Chordie's Chat Corner)
I've camped in hammocks quite a bit. My Hennessy Expedition Asym only weighs 2 lb-12 oz but I usually leave the fly at home and use a 9'x9' nylon tarp instead so my rig weighs about 3-1/2 lbs. With the tarp I can keep my gear drier, cook under it, change clothes, etc. I also have 2 rope hammocks and 2 South American style hammocks which I use at various times.
Hammock camping is great in warmer weather but I much prefer a tent when it gets cold. Its a lot easier trying to arrange an insulated pad and bulkier cold weather bag in a tent than in a hammock.
I don't like hammocks with spreader bars, its not the weight but the bulk. May as well just carry a light-weight tent w/poles.
DE
431 2015-08-24 03:46:18
Re: Close call (15 replies, posted in Chordie's Chat Corner)
Wish we had visited the store while I was there at the gathering. I played a Guild f212xl for several years in the early '80s. Due to a shoulder injury that big-bodied sucker got tough to play so I sold it. I've regretted it ever since. There's just something about the sound of a Guild 12er.
DE
432 2015-08-23 12:00:09
Topic: Thank You Roger Guppy (8 replies, posted in Chordie's Chat Corner)
The Foothill Folk Society of Chillicothe, Ohio (FFS) would like to thank Roger Guppy for his generous donation.
FFS is a non-profit group of concerned musicians, artists and supporters who are dedicated to preserving Appalachian culture in our south-central Ohio area. We often have free live music performances in which we solicit donations for our local food bank and also have a program to provide free instruments and lessons to children who otherwise may never have a chance learn to play due to their family financial situation, etc.
During our recent chordie get-together at Amy and Jim's, Roger provided a generous donation for FFS. I was able to pass on his donation to the group during a singer-songwriter performance Friday evening. Roger received a shout-out over the PA and members were thrilled that someone as far away as Portugal had contributed to our group. There is also a thank you on the FFS Facebook page.
Again, thanks Roger.
DE
433 2015-08-23 02:56:55
Re: Martin Lifespan SP Strings (8 replies, posted in Acoustic)
Hmmmm..... I've used them for years with no problems.
434 2015-08-18 11:10:59
Re: And Now I am More Than A Little Tispy *hic* (7 replies, posted in Chordie's Chat Corner)
Hey!! Wadda ya mean 65 is "old"? I still canoe, kayak, hike, camp, peddle a bike and can sometimes remember where I left my car keys or cell phone.
A guy I used to fish with told me that God doesn't count days spent fishing and every day you fish means you'll get to stay on this old blue planet one day longer. I figure even if I never fish another day in my life I should still make it to be 100 due to all the time I've spent on the water.
DE
435 2015-08-18 10:58:08
Re: Backyard Gathering 2015 - Chordie Friends (117 replies, posted in Chordie's Chat Corner)
I put my gps away and decided to take a "scenic" route back home yesterday that was shown in my atlas. It took 10.5 hours to drive home but I enjoyed driving 2-lane roads through some small NY towns. Checked my odometer when I got home and found my drive to visit my chordie friends totaled a little over 1300 miles (including exploring the area around Amy and Jim's house). Not bad and a good little test to see how my new knee and old back stood up to a little road trip.
It was a memorable weekend of music, food, meeting new folks and enjoying the warmth and hospitality of the Wall family. Amy is such a sweetheart! I'd met Jim before and instantly liked him. My dad always said the measure of a man is his honesty, work ethic, and his love of family and friends. I'm sure dad would have used Jim as an example of what a man should be. Also, Jim is a lot of fun to sip whisky and swap yarns with ...... lol
Some of the memories from the weekend:
Amy's incredible voice
Conversations with and listening to Amy's dad play/sing
Hanging out with Jim
Getting the chance to talk to Amy and Jim's son Alex about music and playing guitar
Kate waking up Friday morning, walking past everyone else and snuggling up next to me on the couch
Having Stephanie as a tour guide at Fort Stanwix
Thursday and Friday evening's "pickin' sessions"
Jim's back-yard fire Saturday night
The big Sunday morning breakfast in the back yard
Dinner at Gary's (I'll let someone else provide details of that experience)
Roger's unending catalog of ballads and love songs which he sings so well
Thinking Roger's camera lens could be mistaken for a rocket launcher
Conversations with Joe about living a simple country life
Good weather
Pulled pork, venison goulash and sweet corn
Thanks to everyone that was there and made it such a pleasant and memorable xperience.
DE
436 2015-08-13 00:57:20
Re: Backyard Gathering 2015 - Chordie Friends (117 replies, posted in Chordie's Chat Corner)
unclejoesband wrote:
joeyjoeyjoey wrote:Wish I could. It is a bit too far to drive. Hope it goes well though.
311 from Boston.
307 miles from Harrisburg, Pa.
Nahhh. Not that far.
560 miles for me. Heading out about 5 am Friday. It'll be nice to see Jim, Amy and Roger again and get a chance to meet and do a little pickin' with Joe. My knee is doing well and I'm hoping my sciatica doesn't cause problems during the drive.
DE
437 2015-07-27 22:38:58
Re: Have You Ever Cried During Someone's Performance Of A Song? (14 replies, posted in Chordie's Chat Corner)
About a dozen years ago I was part of a winter gathering of about 30 fisherman on Dale Hollow Lake in Kentucky. One night we were gathered in a large party room at the lodge/cabins we were staying at, doing a lot of drinking,joking, telling tale tales and fish stories and having a great time. Later in the evening a few of us got out our guitars and started a jam session. There were a lot of requests for old bar room country songs, funny songs, etc. with the whole crew loudly singing along on most songs as only a bunch of drunks can do.
About 2 AM one of the guys (a really gifted musician/singer named Ron Sanders) started playing a song written by Robert Blinn/James Moore and recorded by Chet Adkins several years ago called " I Still Can't Say Goodbye". Before the first verse was finished, I looked around the room and saw all those drunken fishermen who had been raising hell only moments before now bawling like babies. I think my contacts must have been bothering me because I noticed a little moisture in my eyes too. That was the moment I realized just how powerful a well-written song can be.
https://search.yahoo.com/yhs/search?p=s … mp=yhs-003
DE
438 2015-07-16 10:28:49
Re: NGD - The "extra" guitar (21 replies, posted in Chordie's Chat Corner)
Cocktailsfor2 wrote:
Q
Dirty Ed wrote:"If Einstein hadn't discovered the theory of relativity someone else would have because its a basic science truth. Same for Watson-Crick and DNA. But if Beethoven hadn't written "Moonlight Sonata", no one else would have. If Van Gogh hadn't painted Starry Night, no one else would have."
Ed, I've been meaning to ask you for some time, but kept forgetting - who is the source of this wonderful quote?
.
Thanks for asking Cf2. The quote is from local musician Rick Barnes. I don't know if the ideas expressed are all his or he got it from someone else.
Last year I had the privilege of being one of three songwriters asked to participate in a "Sensory Serenade" - a live performance featuring music, poetry and art and the brain child of local musician Rick Barnes and artist John K. Victor. The audience listens to original music and poetry while watching artists create paintings live, taste various dishes, desserts and coffees as well as smell their aromas, and feel their warmth and textures. The idea is that all of the audience's senses are stimulated during the performance. John and Rick have been doing these for several years through the tri-state area (OH,KY,WV) and have sold out every performance.
At the beginning of the show Rick discusses the importance of art and music in our lives and how all of us have the ability to create something that is completely original - something that would never have been created by someone else. He encourages the audience members to find some creative media which they enjoy (painting, ceramics, sculpture, music, writing, woodworking, etc) and make their own original work. It may not be high quality but at least its theirs. He emphasizes that unlike discoveries in the sciences, famous works of art are unique and would not exist if the artist hadn't put forth the effort.
DE
439 2015-07-16 01:10:13
Re: NGD - The "extra" guitar (21 replies, posted in Chordie's Chat Corner)
Doug_Smith wrote:
Tenement Funster wrote:Here's another Epiphone endorsement. Their build quality is very good, and as long as person likes the way it plays and sounds, brand isn't an issue. I'm especially impressed with the ProBucker pickups in my EP Les Paul, which are built identically to Gibson 490's.
Me Too!!
Epiphone is owned by Gibson and both products come down the production line practically side-by-side..... same specs, same tools and often the same hands! A few changes in components and grading of the materials, but essentially the same in most respects (except price). At one time there was a rumour that Gibsons with minor "blems" were branded with the Epi label, and generally a good value for the $$$. I doubt that holds true, but if you are a "Lefty" and don't want to pay the Gibson "mutant tax", your only option is Epiphone IMO.
Good fit & finish, good tone, good Warranty, Great Customer Service! Nuff Said....
I've played several Epiphone acoustics and liked most of them. The sound and playability of the Epiphone "Masterbuilt" series acoustic electrics is top notch. A buddy had a Masterbuilt that was one of the best guitars I ever heard regardless of price - deep lows and ringing highs. I think that series was produced in Korea by Samick.
From what info I've found, Gibson stopped making Epiphones in the USA after 1969 and over the years have contracted then from several sources including Japan, Korea and since 2002 - China. In 1993-94 limited runs of the "Nashville USA" (archtops) and Anniversary series (acoustics) were made in the USA but I think those are the only USA-made ones since 1969. Please correct me if I'm mistaken.
Regardless, Epi's have always been good value for the money.
DE
440 2015-07-10 23:06:23
Re: NGD - The "extra" guitar (21 replies, posted in Chordie's Chat Corner)
Great looking guitar Amy. It looks like a kissing cousin to the LAG guitars from France. My LAG is cedar top/hog back & sides. The body shape, cutaway and shape of the headstock are all similar. Easy to play and very good tone. Perhaps LAG and Merida have their guitars made by the same Asian factory?
May I take a turn playing it in August?
DE
441 2015-07-02 22:07:44
Re: SCAM?? (16 replies, posted in Chordie's Chat Corner)
As I said earlier, I have no intentions of submitting any songs for their consideration. (In fact, even if I thought it was a legit enterprise I wouldn't submit any songs as I've never wanted to put up with the hassle involved dealing with a promotional company) What I'm curious about is if any other Chordians have ever been sent the same type email.
DE
442 2015-06-30 22:23:00
Re: SCAM?? (16 replies, posted in Chordie's Chat Corner)
Zurf wrote:
My opinion ... scam. Reason: Referring to you by your e-mail address rather than by your name or stage name.
- Zurf
The other thing that struck me was the signature was just a first name instead of a full name with contact info. Pretty poorly thought-out scam IMHO.
DE
443 2015-06-30 16:13:03
Topic: SCAM?? (16 replies, posted in Chordie's Chat Corner)
A couple days ago I got the email below. I've never posted any of my songs on the net and don't have a website for my music, although several of my songs have been recorded by others while playing at open mics, etc and ended up on youtube. So how did they find me? I'm sure you Chordians that put your music out on the web have probably run into this before. Is this deal legit or some sort of scam? I don't plan on submitting anything. I figure anyone that claims to represent "top emerging musicians around the world" wouldn't be sending emails to yokels like me, so what is the scam? Do they try to get you to pay for their "services" ?
DE
SRL Networks A&R Dept.
Jun 24 at 1:02 PM
To
williskh_2000@yahoo.com
Good day,
I found some of your music profiles online, and hope it's alright to contact you this way.
I'm an A&R representative at SRL Networks in London, an artist relations company representing top emerging musicians around the world. We are looking for new music for our radio network, music licensing catalog and artist promotion/development roster, and I was wondering if you would be interested in sending us some music for consideration.
Subject to a successful review, SRL Networks will get your music heard by entertainment industry professionals and fans all over the world, and help facilitate music licensing and distribution deals, live events bookings, record label/music publisher deals and more. You will receive a detailed agreement once your music is accepted.
You can find out more about us at Backstage.SkunkRadioLive.com
To submit music, send your best track in mp3 format, a professional photo and a link to your website to playlists@SkunkRadioLive.com. You can also include a short recorded message to introduce yourself to Skunk Radio Live's listeners. Alternatively, you can upload a video introducing yourself and performing your best track to YouTube and send us a link.
CONNECT with us on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube to keep up-to-date with what's hot on independent music scenes around the world.
--
Kind regards,
Steve
SRL Networks London Ltd | T: 020 3286 0210 | E: studio@srlnetworks.com
SRL. Facebook Twitter YouTube
444 2015-06-29 22:30:01
Re: Surgery tomorrow (58 replies, posted in Chordie's Chat Corner)
Hope all goes well for you NELA.
DE
445 2015-06-28 23:09:14
Re: "Ya Gotta Have A Woolly Word, Bill" (15 replies, posted in Chordie's Chat Corner)
Maybe its the meds, but I'm definitely in the "woolly thinking" corner on this one. 
Strange dream Bill. No need to to ask permission to "borrow" any words from me out of my sig line as I borrowed all of them myself. You take what you need to keep "the man in white" happy............. and let us know how the pickin' goes.
DE
446 2015-06-27 12:16:38
Re: Your Weather (281 replies, posted in Chordie's Chat Corner)
Hard to believe just 2 weeks ago I was complaining about the low-water records being set in our local streams. After 12 days of constant rain, we're now at the other extreme in our area. National weather service predicts daily storms for at least another week. When the grass finally dries out enough for Jen to mow, we're gonna have to rent a hay baler.
DE
447 2015-06-27 12:04:51
Re: D E hoping all goes good (10 replies, posted in Chordie's Chat Corner)
unclejoesband wrote:
Dirty Ed wrote:the docs won't clear me to drive for at least a month.
And the Doc usually knows what's best.
Let it heal. Work it back into shape. You'll be ready to drive to New York in August.
That's my plan ujb, and I want to be able to make it tp both NY and your get-together in PA. However I may have been a little too enthusiastic about doing the in-home PT yesterday. Knee pain returned last night and once again the knee looks like a sz 3 soccer ball.
TF, it was a total knee replacement. I'd injured my pcl, and mcl at various times, and had busted up cartilage removed. For the last 10 years it has been bone-on-bone but I've got strong bones so I put off a replacement. But lately it was just getting too aggravating to put up with. (ie: it was interfering with fishing and paddling)
Jim, if I make it your shindig in NY, I'll depend on you to provide weather updates.:)
Once again everyone, thanks for your concern.
DE
448 2015-06-26 16:12:08
Re: D E hoping all goes good (10 replies, posted in Chordie's Chat Corner)
Thanks for the kind sentiments everyone. The knee replacement surgery went fine. I've had several knee operations over the years but really wasn't prepared this time for the pain involved the first couple days after I returned home and the "feel good" injections at the hospital wore off. My right knee was twice the size of my left one for a few days but the swelling has decreased so it's only about 1-1/2 times bigger now. The pain has also decreased significantly and things are improving quickly. Had my first physical therapy yesterday since leaving the hospital - a little painful but productive.
Good news - due to the pain I don't feel like eating so I'm losing some of the weight I've been wanting to drop - every cloud has a silver lining I guess.
Bad news- since its my right knee, the docs won't clear me to drive for at least a month.
How long ago did you have your knee done Jim? My father-in-law had both of his knees replaced at the same time about 20 years ago. He was a tough old bird but I was shocked at the pain he went through. Hope yours wasn't as bad.
DE
449 2015-06-26 15:55:18
Re: Do I need another acoustic guitar? (15 replies, posted in Acoustic)
Would you play golf with only one club? Unlike electrics, acoustics can only produce one type of "sound" depending on the construction and types of woods used, so I think it is necessary to own several types of acoustic guitars depending on the type of music/song you're playing.
In my opinion (my wife doesn't agree) it would be ideal for an acoustic guitar player to own combos of rosewood/spruce, rosewood/cedar, mahogany/spruce, mahogany/cedar and all-mahogany guitars, with ovangkol , koa, etc also considered. Various shapes (jumbo, dreadnaught, auditorium, concert, etc will also produce different sounds/tones so there are a lot of combos to choose from. Then there are 12-strings, alternate tunings, Nashville high-tuning etc.
No way should one only own one acoustic guitar.
DE
450 2015-06-22 00:27:20
Re: Happy Father's Day (8 replies, posted in Chordie's Chat Corner)
Thanks Amy. I had to fast today in preparation for my knee surgery tomorrow morning so we had Father's day yesterday so I could enjoy the festivities and sample the good food and some of the bourbons I received as gifts. Did get calls today from my two daughters/families that live in Florida. Today was also my oldest son-in-law's birthday.
Best wishes to all the other dads and grand dads out there.
DE