So a couple weeks ago I'm driving home from Denver, passing through New Castle, CO when suddenly a bright ball of fire with a very prominent green tail falls from the sky. The tail stretched and lingered across the horizon of the western sky from ground level to above the top of my windshield. Very impressive!
Also potentially kind of cosmic, considering a couple of factors involving my current state of affairs. After 17 years of teaching, I just started a new teaching position in 2 schools in New Castle. And now, after 10 years living in Rifle, we are moving to New Castle within the month.
Was this a sign? Or merely coincidence? Whatever way it is taken, it was the most remarkable meteor I have ever seen. As one who frequently takes a walk late at night, I have seen my fair share.
Tonight, I made a point to watch the presidential debate, as many people did. Supposedly, this year's theme seems to be all about 'change' with both major party candidates. I question that when they both come from inside the beltway, but I digress...
I seem to be doing my part this year in working with that theme. Enough so that as I was reflecting during my walk tonight, I began to wonder if I should maybe seek counseling to maintain some sort of sanity through all this 'change' currently taking place in my own life.?.. nah!
The year 2008 seemed to start normal enough. Aside from being voted to serve a second term as a district rep to the music educators state assembly, nothing out of the ordinary... until April.
Exactly 2 weeks after a visit with my parents in Iowa, my father's soul left his broken body from complications related to cancer. He was only 70 years old. Previously that evening, my mother & I were discussing the options she was going to have to pursue that next day as he had reached the point where extra care was becoming necessary.
During my last visit, I helped drive him to Des Moines for his daily radiation treatments for a few days. Not fully grasping that these drives would be our final moments together, I now feel blessed that we did get to spend some time alone together to visit and share. It is quite overwhelming to reflect on that time at this point and realize the life closure that was taking place over those three days we spent together in the car. Things that were both said and left unsaid keep passing through my mind, as I'm sure will continue to happen for awhile until perspective can eventually clarify as it often does once enough time & distance have taken their course.
Continuing with the 'change' theme for this year, I accepted an aforementioned job offer. Conditions beyond my control forced me to either bite the bullet financially or seek alternative avenues. Aside from a few bumps in the road, this particular change has been a very positive one for me and my family.
The next change to take place was my finally completing the masters degree program of study. The last year was devoted to preparing my thesis project and lecture demonstration recital. The process was a great learning experience, but one I don't care to repeat any time soon. The upside was my getting to spend some time with my mother as I was wrapping up the project for six weeks this summer. I think that was good for both of us, after losing Dad two months earlier. Coffee-time with Dad's friends was also therapeutic in it's own way.
Earlier in the year during a research phase of my masters project, I spent some extended time with my cousin due to his proximity to University of Colorado. As an aside, he has been experiencing his own version of change this year in the form of divorce proceedings, and is now a new Colorado resident in addition to that fracture. Back to the topic at hand, my graduation felt like a great release and I was greatly relieved to be finished! Another positive change.
At about the same time as graduation took place, we closed on an upgraded summer home in Lake Geneva, WI. During my summertime studies in Chicago the last few years, my family has resided in Lake Geneva where they could be near and with family along with a beautiful lake and upscale community. Our new place will make future stays a bit more comfortable. Again, change that is positive.
Finally, 2008 is closing with our family preparing to move after 10 years in our current residence. We have found a house that is bigger, newer and in a nicer neighborhood. It will be walking distance for my commute to work. I look forward to completing this change and am anticipating another positive.
As you can see, much significant change. Much of it positive. Losing a parent is a tough one to swallow and I only wish Dad could have stuck around long enough to see some of the other changes that we experienced. He would have appreciated many of them.
I worry about what type of 'change' our two candidates are really thinking of despite whatever it is they are saying they mean. Much seems to have gone wrong lately, but we also have a lot to be thankful for. I just hope whatever 'change' these guys are envisioning is not detrimental to our quality of life we all take for granted.
The falling star I saw on that drive home just happened to take place as I was passing through the community where my new job is and new home will be. I have made many mis-steps throughout my life, some which I have never forgiven myself for. I can only hope that this was possibly a sign being sent to me that the recent changes I've been in the midst of on a personal level are indeed positive for the long run. Time will tell, I guess. As for that counseling idea mentioned above.?.. Get real! =)
The JavaMusiK BloG: Wayward ramblings and the occasional random musing,
sometimes actually related to JavaMusiK, from the alpine road.
Wednesday, October 08, 2008
Saturday, September 20, 2008
BloG #27: Route 451 on YouTube
We're finally in the YouTube age here at JavaMusiK. Route 451 is posted here if the video doesn't play from this page.
Monday, August 11, 2008
Blog #26: My Personal Educational Mission is Complete!
July 26, 2008 - I walked across the stage and was officially awarded my Masters of Music Education degree from VanderCook College of Music in Chicago at Orchestra Hall, home of The Chicago Symphony.
After 3 intense summers of study and time secluded away from family, the moment & feeling of finally being finished and receiving the diploma was literally indescribable. The only thing that could have made the day any better would have been to have my father there.
Unfortunately that was not to be, due to his passing April 11 - 15 weeks prior. I know he was there in spirit. Dad left a huge footprint in the field of instrumental music education. He achieved his masters degree at a much earlier point in his life than I. His success and impact upon others as a music educator now serves as a burning inspiration for me to strive for more excellence in my efforts. I can honestly say I haven't always been able to offer such a perspective. He set a great example.
Thankfully, I was honored to have the 4 most important people in my life present on that day. My mother, wife and daughters were all there to celebrate that day with me.
I have learned that they don't just give these things away. The saying goes, "If they did give them away, everyone would have one." As much as I cursed the process nearly every step of the way, I truly feel like something got accomplished here in the end. Now, I guess I need to see if I can put it to any use. lol!
Meanwhile, July 26, 2008 was truly a day I will never forget!!!
After 3 intense summers of study and time secluded away from family, the moment & feeling of finally being finished and receiving the diploma was literally indescribable. The only thing that could have made the day any better would have been to have my father there.
Unfortunately that was not to be, due to his passing April 11 - 15 weeks prior. I know he was there in spirit. Dad left a huge footprint in the field of instrumental music education. He achieved his masters degree at a much earlier point in his life than I. His success and impact upon others as a music educator now serves as a burning inspiration for me to strive for more excellence in my efforts. I can honestly say I haven't always been able to offer such a perspective. He set a great example.
Thankfully, I was honored to have the 4 most important people in my life present on that day. My mother, wife and daughters were all there to celebrate that day with me.
I have learned that they don't just give these things away. The saying goes, "If they did give them away, everyone would have one." As much as I cursed the process nearly every step of the way, I truly feel like something got accomplished here in the end. Now, I guess I need to see if I can put it to any use. lol!
Meanwhile, July 26, 2008 was truly a day I will never forget!!!
Wednesday, October 10, 2007
Blog #25: Ten Years?..!!
10 Year Approach . . . (January 2008 will be the official anniversary)
Where does the time go??? Nearly 10 years have passed and what a ride it has been!
To celebrate our upcoming anniversary, JavaMusiK will share some stories of historical significance, over the course of the next few months, about the formation, struggles and successes along the way. (The first such story is shared below.)
As these stories are compiled, they will be added to the www.JavaMusiK.com archives here on our own JavaBlog. If you read this and have something to add or share, please e-mail us at javamusik@gmail.com . We'll make sure to include your perspective in the next issue of this newsletter! (If you haven't subscribed to The JavaMusiK Newsletter, get on it! Sign up in the following box. We have no access to your e-mail addresses since subscriptions are moderated by a third party - CafePress.com .)
Be sure to scroll down to see what special offer is being included to help celebrate 10 years of JavaMusiK.
Link: http://javamusik.com
Thus began the venture.. or adventure....
Ascend was recorded over the course of several Sundays between January and March 1998 in a small studio above a boutique in Minnesota Lake, MN.
Release date was July 10, 1998. The first promotional concert was held at the Methodist Church in Swea City, IA. That show also served as a farewell to the community, since Jeff was preparing to move to Colorado within a month's time. Many more shows followed throughout the summer and fall seasons with varied successes, including a well-received homecoming showcase in Oskaloosa, IA.
Each show was a new and exciting experience for audience and performer alike. The first couple shows featured a warm and much appreciated introduction by Jeff's father, William Van Devender. The build-up from that intro was incomparable and helped get Jeff and the audiences psyched for the show.
Upon moving to Colorado, full page articles in Vail, Aspen and Glenwood Springs newspapers helped attract a sizeable audience to a series of shows featuring Van Devender throughout the fall season of 1998.
Spring 1999 saw Jeff head up an effort to host a charitable concert for Kosovo featuring musicians from up and down the Roaring Fork Valley. It was hugely successful and foreshadowed another charitable cause down the road....
More JavaMusiK perspectives can be found here throughout The JavaMusiK Blog. Feel free to peruse...
Link: http://javamusik.blogspot.com/2004/06/index-of-javamusik-blog.html
Several years ago, JavaMusiK used to offer a Friends and Family discount every Fall season. This sale will be similar, but we're adding a twist. Here is how it works:
If you order something through http://cafepress.com/javamusik - $15 minimum order - we will ship you a JavaMusiK cd of your choice (Ascend, Bending Chords or Highlights). You will need to e-mail your shipping address to us at javamusik@gmail.com .
In addition, we are bringing back the 5 dollar sale for any cd with free shipping in the continental US. Order as many as you need (& more!!). Payment (credit card, etc.) can be handled through PayPal. E-mail us & we will guide you through it or use the PayPal Donate link at http://javamusik.com .
*Give us the code "JavaMusiK RoX" to get a free JavaMusiK button or bumper sticker with your order.
This promotion will be valid through January 31, 2008.
Link: http://javamusik.com
Where does the time go??? Nearly 10 years have passed and what a ride it has been!
To celebrate our upcoming anniversary, JavaMusiK will share some stories of historical significance, over the course of the next few months, about the formation, struggles and successes along the way. (The first such story is shared below.)
As these stories are compiled, they will be added to the www.JavaMusiK.com archives here on our own JavaBlog. If you read this and have something to add or share, please e-mail us at javamusik@gmail.com . We'll make sure to include your perspective in the next issue of this newsletter! (If you haven't subscribed to The JavaMusiK Newsletter, get on it! Sign up in the following box. We have no access to your e-mail addresses since subscriptions are moderated by a third party - CafePress.com .)
Sign up to receive the JavaMusiK Newsletter! |
Be sure to scroll down to see what special offer is being included to help celebrate 10 years of JavaMusiK.
Link: http://javamusik.com
The First Days . . .
January 4, 1998 - Jeff Van Devender loaded his gear and headed for a studio in Minnesota 50 miles from his residence on a cold winter Sunday. Enroute on his first trip, his car overheated and broke down half way to the studio, forcing Jeff to place a call from a country farmhouse for the studio owner to come pick him and his equipment up so the first session could begin.Thus began the venture.. or adventure....
Ascend was recorded over the course of several Sundays between January and March 1998 in a small studio above a boutique in Minnesota Lake, MN.
Release date was July 10, 1998. The first promotional concert was held at the Methodist Church in Swea City, IA. That show also served as a farewell to the community, since Jeff was preparing to move to Colorado within a month's time. Many more shows followed throughout the summer and fall seasons with varied successes, including a well-received homecoming showcase in Oskaloosa, IA.
Each show was a new and exciting experience for audience and performer alike. The first couple shows featured a warm and much appreciated introduction by Jeff's father, William Van Devender. The build-up from that intro was incomparable and helped get Jeff and the audiences psyched for the show.
Upon moving to Colorado, full page articles in Vail, Aspen and Glenwood Springs newspapers helped attract a sizeable audience to a series of shows featuring Van Devender throughout the fall season of 1998.
Spring 1999 saw Jeff head up an effort to host a charitable concert for Kosovo featuring musicians from up and down the Roaring Fork Valley. It was hugely successful and foreshadowed another charitable cause down the road....
More JavaMusiK perspectives can be found here throughout The JavaMusiK Blog. Feel free to peruse...
Link: http://javamusik.blogspot.com/2004/06/index-of-javamusik-blog.html
In Celebration of 10 Years . . .
Here's where you can find our deal celebrating the upcoming 10 year anniversary of JavaMusiK:Several years ago, JavaMusiK used to offer a Friends and Family discount every Fall season. This sale will be similar, but we're adding a twist. Here is how it works:
If you order something through http://cafepress.com/javamusik - $15 minimum order - we will ship you a JavaMusiK cd of your choice (Ascend, Bending Chords or Highlights). You will need to e-mail your shipping address to us at javamusik@gmail.com .
In addition, we are bringing back the 5 dollar sale for any cd with free shipping in the continental US. Order as many as you need (& more!!). Payment (credit card, etc.) can be handled through PayPal. E-mail us & we will guide you through it or use the PayPal Donate link at http://javamusik.com .
*Give us the code "JavaMusiK RoX" to get a free JavaMusiK button or bumper sticker with your order.
This promotion will be valid through January 31, 2008.
Link: http://javamusik.com
Wednesday, March 14, 2007
Blog #24: A Post I made at IndieHangout.com
The following is a post I feel strongly about concerning the slow & sad death of a forum many indie musicians used to thrive at. We shared many an idea & conversation there, but many
factors have forced the site into near-cyber-oblivian. I post this here as a back-up, in case the posting gets deleted by moderators.
Jeff
Here is the posting, titled "errrrrrr!!!! (he said with a high screeching voice)":
The IH forums are moving about as fast as me getting a new cd out! ba-dum-bump
The IH forums are nearly as entertaining as an Al Gore choreographed dance routine. ba-dum-bump
The IH forums make recent Van Halen reunion attempts look promising. ba-dum-bump
The IH forums have made even yet another Rocky Balboa comeback seem possible. ba-dum-bump
The IH forums have put on brakes Midas would be proud of! ba-dum-bump
The IH forums need some new life breathed into it's lungs. C'mon people!
This is going to sound like I'm baiting you & maybe I am, but I visited F**EnD*R recently for giggles & noticed they are still thriving over there, with even a few IH'ers contributing. Meanwhile, IH is looking more & more like a dead dog on the side of the road with no-one seeming to give a rat's behind. The old excuse that the days of forums are over is a lame excuse at best.
Why has this place been allowed to dive this way? Everyone seemed so passionate a couple years back. Especially in being so anti F3R. Was that the only thing that drove everyone here? Is that all she wrote? Are you all done? Just give up the ship & disband?
Seems the only time anyone has anything to say is if Mike M. makes another mind-bending contribution. Even the most recent Damien Project yogurt tosses have raised barely an eyebrow here.
IT'S TIME FOR A GUT-CHECK HERE FOLKS!
Why not re-kindle some friendships & bring in some new artists to share the love & regenerate a good idea, otherwise just admit this was a failed experiment & say so at the top of the page. Post a bold statement that the dream is over inder the IH banner. I would find that sad, but at least it would offer some closure, which seems to be needed, sort of.
I believed in you guys. Closed up my Premium F3R account.
So sad, she wrote. So sad.
Sincerely,
Jeff
factors have forced the site into near-cyber-oblivian. I post this here as a back-up, in case the posting gets deleted by moderators.
Jeff
Here is the posting, titled "errrrrrr!!!! (he said with a high screeching voice)":
The IH forums are moving about as fast as me getting a new cd out! ba-dum-bump
The IH forums are nearly as entertaining as an Al Gore choreographed dance routine. ba-dum-bump
The IH forums make recent Van Halen reunion attempts look promising. ba-dum-bump
The IH forums have made even yet another Rocky Balboa comeback seem possible. ba-dum-bump
The IH forums have put on brakes Midas would be proud of! ba-dum-bump
The IH forums need some new life breathed into it's lungs. C'mon people!
This is going to sound like I'm baiting you & maybe I am, but I visited F**EnD*R recently for giggles & noticed they are still thriving over there, with even a few IH'ers contributing. Meanwhile, IH is looking more & more like a dead dog on the side of the road with no-one seeming to give a rat's behind. The old excuse that the days of forums are over is a lame excuse at best.
Why has this place been allowed to dive this way? Everyone seemed so passionate a couple years back. Especially in being so anti F3R. Was that the only thing that drove everyone here? Is that all she wrote? Are you all done? Just give up the ship & disband?
Seems the only time anyone has anything to say is if Mike M. makes another mind-bending contribution. Even the most recent Damien Project yogurt tosses have raised barely an eyebrow here.
IT'S TIME FOR A GUT-CHECK HERE FOLKS!
Why not re-kindle some friendships & bring in some new artists to share the love & regenerate a good idea, otherwise just admit this was a failed experiment & say so at the top of the page. Post a bold statement that the dream is over inder the IH banner. I would find that sad, but at least it would offer some closure, which seems to be needed, sort of.
I believed in you guys. Closed up my Premium F3R account.
So sad, she wrote. So sad.
Sincerely,
Jeff
Friday, October 07, 2005
Blog #23: Life Can Serve Some Tough Lessons
Editor's note: I wrote this particular post 2 years ago, after coming home from another funeral of a student. I decided to not immediately post it for several reasons. It was just too close. Now, with some time & distance behind me, I feel more comfortable sharing...
This week has driven home for me, and people I work with, a renewed sense of mortality which cannot be overstated.
I am not going to go into details of this particular lesson which was driven home, other than to say I have lost 4 students & former students in tragic circumstances this year. The death of a child is a tough lesson to accept. How can a parent possibly be expected to cope with such a lesson? To see innocence robbed from a very young soul, whether it be from a life cut short, or another tragic condition requires answers which may not seem possible in this life form to retrieve.
As a Christian, I have faith that young souls which leave before their time will 'go home' to our Heavenly Father. I have been taught this and find it comforting to believe. Still, a parent with such a loss is expected to cope with many hopes and dreams ultimately left in the dust. How do they regain that composure?
I do not have answers for these questions today. I am simply acknowledging a prominent sensation which has currently overtaken and shaken my senses. Maybe it is because I am a parent and cannot imagine how I would react.
The immediate lesson I take from this is to cherish every moment you have with those you love, because you never know what tomorrow brings.
JavaMusiK - Piano-Based Instrumentals from Western Slope, CO
This week has driven home for me, and people I work with, a renewed sense of mortality which cannot be overstated.
I am not going to go into details of this particular lesson which was driven home, other than to say I have lost 4 students & former students in tragic circumstances this year. The death of a child is a tough lesson to accept. How can a parent possibly be expected to cope with such a lesson? To see innocence robbed from a very young soul, whether it be from a life cut short, or another tragic condition requires answers which may not seem possible in this life form to retrieve.
As a Christian, I have faith that young souls which leave before their time will 'go home' to our Heavenly Father. I have been taught this and find it comforting to believe. Still, a parent with such a loss is expected to cope with many hopes and dreams ultimately left in the dust. How do they regain that composure?
I do not have answers for these questions today. I am simply acknowledging a prominent sensation which has currently overtaken and shaken my senses. Maybe it is because I am a parent and cannot imagine how I would react.
The immediate lesson I take from this is to cherish every moment you have with those you love, because you never know what tomorrow brings.
JavaMusiK - Piano-Based Instrumentals from Western Slope, CO
Friday, November 19, 2004
BloG #22: On Inspiration...
noun -a product of your creative thinking and work; "he had little respect for the inspirations of other artists"; "after years of work his brainchild was a tangible reality"
noun -arousal of the mind to special unusual activity or creativity
www.hyperdictionary.com
This seems to be a touchy and highly personal concept.
What inspires one person will invariably turn another individual completely off.
That said, what can inspire one person one day can completely shut them down the following day.
While not diving too deep into semantics, this sketch will attempt to analyze on a surface level without anyone getting hurt.
Bear in mind this is all purely theoretical speculation and cannot be verified as fact by any means whatsoever!
When considering inspiration, we must consider two components.
First, the source of inspiration. What element caused the sudden reactionary impulse leading to a desire for action?
Second, the particular resulting action caused by the inspiration. What was the impulsive action generated and what was it's connection to the source of inspiration?
Let's start with the first listed component - source:
The source of inspiration can depend on a wide range of factors, the state of mind of the receiver at that given moment being chief among them. Receptiveness of one's mind varies on a multitude of levels, causing the receiver to necessitate a diverse assortment of external and internal influences to trigger an aroused inner response.
The source must trigger at least one, if not a blending of senses in a positive manner, causing the brain to desire emulation. It is this desire to emulate which becomes the synthesis leading to action caused by said inspiration.
A particular sight, scent, sound, touch or combination of these elements will ultimately trigger inspiration, be it simple or more grandiose, happy or sad, love or hatefilled, excitement or rage.
This leaves us with the other component - particular resulting action:
Somehow, a connection is created in the receiver's mind from the trigger, leading to a desired result only experienced by that particular individual. Someone else experiencing the same stimulation at the same moment, time and place will undoubtedly not experience that same devine intervention. Why is that? The answer may partially lie in the frame of reference of both individuals. Quite possibly the stimualtion touched off a previous recollection which instantaneously demanded action to satisfy it's intensley insatiable craving now created. Meanwhile, the other individual has no previous experience to 'hang his hat on,' thereby not being intensley inspired by that particular stimulation.
JavaMusiK - Piano-Based Instrumentals from Western Slope, CO
Mark Skipper's daughter Tori, was diagnosed with Juvenile Diabetes when she was 18 months old. She has already lived with Diabetes for more than half her life and she is only 4 years old. She has already had 3960 injections of insulin and has had over 6600 finger pricks to check her blood sugar, just to keep her alive. When this happened, it became Marks mission to help raise awareness about this disease through his music.
While I hardly know Mark, I have become familiar with several key factors concerning him. Mark would probably tell you that his most prominent passion is all things yogurt (such as how to correctly throw it), yet anyone who has dug deeper will immediately tell you he has a much more meaningful motive and resolve. The last 3 years have given Mark a new sole purpose in life through his daughter Tori. His quest for a cure for Tori's devastating illness all but consumes Mark in a tireless devotion through his music and efforts at raising awareness.
To write about Damien Project without mentioning the music would seemingly defeat our purpose, for this particular music holds up completely without the aid of such a worthy cause. While the cause is definitely the icing on Damien Project's yogurt flavored cake, the music featuring Mark's guitar prowess provides a skilled and appropriate sonic backdrop and soundtrack to accompany this cause.
The listener will find guitar-based instrumentals, punctuated by the occasional featured vocal track. There is just enough edge in the music to keep it intriguing, while maintaining a sonic sense of aural peace throughout. Mark's guitar gently weeps over Lana's rich orchestrations and Jill & Rachel's occasional vocals.
Congratulations Damien Project!
Thursday, September 30, 2004
BloG #21: This Is Just Sad
A gap or interruption in space, time, or continuity; a break: We are likely to be disconcerted by... hiatuses of thought (Edmund Wilson). Dictionary.com
From a mind which finds little in substantive issues to write about, a hiatus seems iminent. Therefore, without fanfare, that's exactly what took place. No formal announcement. No musical interlude or intro. No billboard, banner or behind to proclaim said hiatus. It just ...... was.
Oh, there's plenty to write about. I still have plenty to remember about the bike rides. The Indie Artist Reviews are a great feature which must continue, without question! World issues beg for commentary. Everywhere I turn, something Blogworthy is happening which could provide pages upon pages of written word.
So. Why the 'hiatus?' Why stop in the midst of the storm? The ball was rolling at breaknik speed. Words were flowing. The rhythm was right. People were reading. What went wrong?
Short answer? Nothing. I have no good short reply that can address these pending issues.
Since little to nothing of substance has been written here lately, we'll go ahead and venture lightly into the long answer.
First off, writing is not my profession. It is a new hobby. This hobby has involved a learning curve for me. A big part of that learning curve has been for me to find topics which interest me, yet may provide some sort of level of interest for the projected target audience. By the same token, I have chosen so far to refrain from offering opinions on more heated, controversial topics such as religion & politics. To offer up a stated opinion would paint me into a stated corner which I am not yet prepared to write myself into yet on this particular forum.
My initial premise upon starting this BloG series was that I have nothing of substance to offer up. No point whatsoever.... is the motto, plainly stated on The JavaMusiK BloG title. That said, I still choose to write in a manner which pleases me first. Whether it be music, words on a page or just plain conversation with someone who interests me, I am somewhat careful about what is being projected through my conversation per se.
Writing, for me, cannot be forced. My official music cd release schedule is holding roughly on a 4 year plan. The biggest reason for this falls on the writing aspect. I choose not to force my writing. When a theme comes, I will be thankful for it and work with it. Themes come, but always on their own timeline. I can connect dots between themes. I can physically play what is demanded of what I hear in my mind. I can organize and arrange a melody in a sensible manner to fit a format of a well constructed song. But, I cannot and will not force a theme until it chooses to present itself to me mentally.
This is the approach which seems to be the case concerning my writing here. Forcing myself to a schedule would drain the level of inspiration feeding my desire for release. Therefore, I wouldn't feel genuine in my writing, leading to a lack of pride/sense of accomplishment in what I lay out for others to peruse. (Not that any of this is perusal-worthy.)
So that's the jist of it. There will always be a slight level of forcing my writing to happen. Generally, it falls in the category of forcing myself to making time to sit down and let the thoughts flow, musically or whatever. But if they're not there, or even peaking around the corner, it's just not going to happen.
Obviously, at this stage, I would not make a good syndicated writer. Hopefully, I can begin to re-establish a rhythm again, so people can look forward to my drivel, or at least another Indie Artist Pick & what words of quasi-wisdom I can offer up on that front.
If you made it to this point (how did you do that?), thanks for reading and let's hope the wait isn't quite so long before the next BloG!
JavaMusiK - Piano-Based Instrumentals from Western Slope, CO
Mike Milillo writes and experiments with the element of free Jazz, Classical(film music),Political Humor, Comedy, Instrumental Rock, Jazz Fusion, Hip Hop...Oh yea, there's some stellar education as well!
"Originally a sax player in a fusion band, I later studied Bebop and performed in that realm for a bit. I decided that I wanted to write my own ideas which are based on my everyday experiences. I simply love to organize notes and that in itself intrigues me. I consider myself more of a note organizer than simply a composer. I find that I may usually get bored with simple motifs or thematics, so I found that incessant modulations made me really find what I love to do. I like to keep myself on the edge as well as any potential listener..."
The first word which comes to mind regarding Mike is passion. Whether it be creating new music, listening to music or discussing things close to Mike's heart, he enters the fray on a level which may not always be clear to the intended audience upon initial exposure. Mike's analytical depth presents a sometimes humorous, always intriguing, though often times challenging product for the intended party to discern.
While this may seem like a negative for the average person inflicted with such traits, quite the opposite is true when considering Mike. Discussions with Mike border on humorous and very thoughtful, yet you get the feeling that he is very committed to a highly elevated standard and belief structure. This concept becomes more apparent once you make the leap to venture into his aural playground.
Citing influences ranging from Frank Zappa to John Coltrane and Igor Stravinsky to John Cage with many stops in between, Mike's compositional stategies challenge the listener to make more than one pass at his offerings before a full awakening to what is happening can occur. However, with such a vast catalogue as Mike's, the listener has seemingly limitless choices of genres to choose from. One thing that can invariably be assured is, when listening to a Mike Milillo production, you are in for a genuine treat which will keep on giving with every consecutive listen.
Congratulations Mike!
Tuesday, August 10, 2004
BloG #20: Open Road - Part Deux II
Having not witnessed the terrible accident on the hill above a small town named Gays Mills, Wisconsin with my own eyes, I cannot comment firsthand about what took place. However, that evening, I saw a young girl in extreme pain get picked up & taken home from the trip by her parents and it made us all very sad. I wrote to her several weeks later & learned she slowly recovered from her awful wounds. Needless to say, we all had a new respect for the unknown road which lie ahead.
The over-riding theme to this trip seemed to be the rain. Looking back in my 25 year old memories, I keep visualizing wet pavement and rain ponchos everywhere.
We eventually crossed the Mississippi River and marvelled at the locks and barges on the river. Our next stay was in Lansing, Iowa. My most prominent memory of this town unfortunately revolves around the numerous attacking mosquitoes! There was no relief!!
Riding northward the next day, I gained my first exposure to a new song on the radio - 'My Sharona' by The Knack. A fellow rider kept singing the bass line over & over & over (DanananaNa Na Na Na Na Na naNanananana MY SharoNA!) when we were riding through Brownsville, Minnesota. I finally asked "what IS that you're singing?" His reply, "You've GOT to be kidding! You haven't heard My Sharona? Where've you been???" Of course, 10 minutes later, I could hear it blaring from the nearest radio!
We then crossed back over the Mississippi & got literally drenched coming into LaCrosse, Wisconsin. Fortunately, our itinerary included a stop at a Perkins where we could wring ourselves out.
The next highlight came with our trek down the Elroy-Sparta State Bike Trail. This was an experience like none other! The 32 mile trail on an old railroad bed took us through 3 tunnels, including one that is 3/4 of a mile long! Flashlights came in handy & walking was an highly desireable option here!
The Wisconsin Dells loomed large for everyone. We all hosed each other down in a serious water fight and then loaded up our bodies into the back of the U-Haul trailer for a ride out to The Tommy Bartlett Water Show for an evening of water-skiing and magical entertainment.
Riding on The Merrimac Ferry across the Wisconsin River between Sauk and Columbia counties was a special treat. This was, and I believe, still is Wisconsin's only FREE ferry service.
A revelation came to this 17 year old rider during one of the long days sitting on a bike saddle. My riding group included one African-American rider named Anthony. Anthony, who had a slight tendency to be humorous at times, started complaining about a sunburn. Well, this young white boy from Iowa moved forward with his base instinct and began to laugh. Having only met 3 African-Americans (Anthony being #3) up to this point, I had no idea whether this could be a reality. Guess what!.....
Finally, the end of the trip was near & one of my greatest physical achievements came into being.
To be continued...
JavaMusiK - Piano-Based Instrumentals from Western Slope, CO
Sit back and enjoy a great journey into the depths of emotion and passion with Lana's music. There are no limits, no barriers, and no apologies for the immense intensity you will encounter. Lana's music runs the gambit of ambient, smooth jazz, new age, and fusion.
Boy, was I in for a royal treat! The brilliance shone through from beginning to end. I could not step away through the whole session. I was afraid I might miss something! Rarely, do I feel the immediate satisfaction from having every emotion captured by an artist. Lana's music left no stone unturned. In conclusion, my personal note to Lana is: Consider me your newest fan!
Congratulations Lana!
Thursday, July 22, 2004
BloG #19: Open Road - Part Deux
My new (to me) bicycle this year was a 1976 Motobecane Grand Record with the classic red & black frame and Campy dropouts. This bike was fitted with many of the finest components of the time and had a feel which seemed to beg the rider to get it moving! It had been ridden on the Bikecentennial and it was ready for plenty more.
In addition to the new bicycle, I had subscribed to and inherited a couple years worth of Bicycling mags. I read each issue cover to cover. My bicycle had become not only my primary mode of transportation, but also in many ways, my confidant. I could trust it to take me wherever I needed to go, even if it just meant giving my mind some time to roam.
All of this lead to a heightened anticipation for the 1979 Open Road tour on my part. Upon arrival at the starting point in Round Lake, IL, a lot of time was spent catching up with old friends and acquaintances from the previous year and just enjoying each others' company once again.
The sticking point in my memory bank of this event was of a returning veteran rider named 'Joe.' Joe had gained noteriety on previous trips for his 'Piano Stories.' Each night the riders would be treated to an impromptu performance by Joe, who had no musical skills whatsoever, banging out the highlights of the day's ride on a piano. Each pause in his accompaniment would allow just a little more of his story to be told. Combined with Joe's au natural hair stylings and goofy smile, the story always entertained and never disappointed!
The first night, several of us hopped into the car with Joe for some reason. Joe took us on a rather memorable ride through downtown Round Lake that was unlike any car ride I have ever experienced before or since. The Star Wars headlight show, the singing and a few other unmentionables made for an amusing, sometimes scary, joyride.
This Open Road ride was going to lead us from northeastern Illinois into southcentral Wisconsin, where we stayed one night in Beloit, WI. From there, we headed north and westward through New Glarus, Mineral Point, Hollandale, Dodgeville... The Sugar River Bike Trail was a highlight of this portion of the ride. We even toured House On The Rock at Spring Green, WI. Next, came a winding ride through wonderful orchards.
Suddenly, fellow bikers appeared along the road warning us to approach the upcoming downhill ride with EXTREME caution. "Use your brakes and ride SLOWLY," they yelled. Half way down the very long hill, we instantly became aware of the dangers we were being cautioned about. What appeared to be a gentle turn on a steep hill, abruptly became a violent turn to the right behind a hidden mountainside corner. To the left, was a very steep dropoff. To add to the equation, bring on the wet roads from drizzly weather. Legend has it many truckers have met their Maker on this stretch.
The crux of the story lies in Alisha, a girl who was on her first Open Road trip. Unfortunately, Alisha was in one of the first groups to approach this hill. Needless to say, habit kicked in and everyone braced for an expeditious ride down the hill. The fun came to a hasty conclusion upon Alisha's horrifying misfortune with the pavement on the hill.
To be continued...
JavaMusiK - Piano-Based Instrumentals from Western Slope, CO
Light This Candle whispers, winks and wails, as it takes listeners on a musical journey, with a "space ballad" a la Bowie's Space Oddity... a Kashmir-esque Middle-Eastern epic...and pop at its catchiest. All are united by Project Mercury's signature hooks and intelligent, deeply felt lyrics.
Congratulations Project Mercury!
Tuesday, July 13, 2004
BloG #18: Open Road - Part 1
During the summers of 1978 - 1980 and 1982, I toured with a group of (primarily) Presbyterian and Methodist youth from around the southern suberbs of Chicago. At about that time, those tours became known as 'Open Road.' Average size of the tour was around 80 cyclists. We broke that number down to around 9 or 10 groups of 8 or 9 people each, spaced out several miles apart.
1978, my first big ride started in Wilmette, IL. (Our photo was taken by the Chicago Sun Times that first morning and the pic appeared on the front page!) After the first day, we crossed Lake Michigan on a ferry called 'The Badger.' The ferry ride started at 9 pm in Milwaukee, WI and arrived in Ludington, MI at around 3:30 am. We rode the eastern Michigan coastline north to Manistee, where the waves were chilly but fantastic! I seem to remember a number of our bikers cleaning sand out of their chains and gears after some time at the beach later that evening. hehe... We continued north the next day past a beautiful field of sunflowers and onward through Traverse City (I still remember a group of us getting kicked out of someone's backyard access to the lake in T.C.), Charlevoix, Petoskey, Harbor Springs and finally Mackinaw City. That night, we sat out on the beach and looked at the lit up Mackinaw Toll Bridge in all it's glory. It was beautiful.
At the crack of dawn, we crossed the 5 mile long bridge (world's longest suspension bridge, at the time) with a police escort. The sight of the sun rising over the island dotted horizon to the east was astounding. Once across to the other side, we then boarded a ferry to Mackinac Island. Eating at the Grand Hotel, I remember having my first chocolate mousse ever. Of course the fudge shops, a zither player on a shop's front porch and no cars anywhere on the island all left their impression on me enough to remember 26 years later.
We then made the return trip back to Illinois via the route we had just travelled. This time, the ferry trip across Lake Michigan was by day. I was struck by the fact you could see no land, once out in the middle of the lake.
Average riding distance for a day was typically 65 - 85 miles. We did have a day or two for an optional 'century ride' - a one hundred mile ride. The trip took 10 days and we covered roughly 800 miles.
My memories of meeting 80 new friends instantaneously, nightly back rubs, sleeping coed nightly in churches, riding through beautiful unfamiliar country, climbing steep hills & racing down the other side, cold dewey early mornings - followed by steamy hot afternoons and the saddle discomfort all remain quite vivid. I can still remember stopping in a northern Chicago suberb where there was a small driving range & one of our riders had to hit a bucket of balls. Not far from that, a sports car had passed us & the driver was watching us so much that his car hit the concrete median rather solidly & bounced about like a pinball!
The one memory which hit probably the hardest at the time was waking up the next morning after the trip was over, and just feeling so alone.... Most of those people I had just spent so much time & energy with, I would never see again - ever....
JavaMusiK - Piano-Based Instrumentals from Western Slope, CO
With online music distribution companies running rampant, KMP's affluent notoriety has him scaling a plethora of chart positions attaining irrefutable reviews from songwriters and fans alike. In such a competitive industry, KMP's stake at fame is void of ambiguity.
KMP can only be described as a melting pot of musical Genres. Harout Kalandjian is well known for mixing it up. He is not afraid to combine styles and present it the way he hears it in his mind...
First, there is the music. While Electronica and Ambient seem to be at the forefront of his stylings, we also notice traces of straight ahead Rock & Roll, Jazz, New Age & World Fusion woven throughout his vast repertoire. The inclusion of KMP's many different collaborations has indeed contributed to his expanded musical fashion.
KMP has also recently begun employing an increased implementation of visual awareness into his image. While the package doesn't submerge or completely embrace this perception, you can often feel evidence of a translucent obscurity moving stealthily throughout his aura. Upon second glance, however, you will receive a very uplifting motif throughout his message. This is where the ambiguity settles in as a portion of the image. We have yet to fully discern the meaning of the name KMP, however there seems to be some interesting speculation going around.
Congratulations KMP!
Saturday, July 10, 2004
BloG #17: Will It Work? Stay Tuned!
I keep hoping that one day I can begin to exist w/out having to punch in to a workplace. Financial independence - the holy grail of existence. I haven't figured out the route yet, but that is not to say I haven't taken baby steps to try to some day make it happen. My hope is that somehow a foundation is being laid which might eventually lead to something bigger, causing an avalanche of wealth. Will that come about from working for someone else? Not likely. Will it come about from conforming to standards of everyone else who is doing the same job as I? Doubtful. I don't have the answers. However, I feel it is imperative to continue a search for that avenue which may someday produce results beyond my wildest dreams, whether it be through a creation I developed, an investment I made, an idea I had or maybe some other completely unknown route to this holy grail.
The one thing I've been learning is that we all can increase our chances of success with a good model. Modeling - watch someone who has already achieved success in their goals. Choose your model carefully! Learn from them. How do we do that, especially if we don't personally know anyone with the type of success we are looking for? Read. Read as much as you can & read some more. Tap in to what their secrets were. What did they do differently?
I do believe that in order to be prepared for financial wealth, one's soul must be in line with one's self. It doesn't seem possible to be able to experience independent wealth & survive without first being in tune with one's inner self. This may indeed sound like quackery to some, but I think from the reading I have done so far, I am not too far off on this one.
Let's explore this a bit. If a person hasn't taken care of their own inner needs along the way, what is going to happen to them once they achieve their financial goal? It has often been said that money cannot buy happiness. Others argue that while that statement may be true, money can sure substitute for a lot of inequities &/or misgivings. That may be so... But, how long does it last?
To truly experience financial wealth, one must be able to sustain a level of inner wealth as well. Otherwise, a void will always eat at the inner self, causing a dangerous imbalance which will fester and eventually cause destructive behavior in that person. This may be through relationships with those closest to that person or maybe even business relationships. Or maybe they will have self-destructive tendencies that they will not be able to work their way out of. Indeed, these issues need to be taken care of before the distractions that come with financial wealth settle in.
So, as I look at my own situation, I find that my past has been a training ground for what is yet to become. Mistakes are being made to lay the groundwork for a better tomorrow. The key to all my mistakes is to be sure to try to learn a life's lesson from it. Try not to repeat the same mistake and use the said mistake as an opportunity to evaluate the current course of travel.
I once read that our subconscious minds are nearly incapable of distinguishing between what is reality and what is fantasy or a goal. This may explain the importance of focusing on the positive and not dwelling on the negative. Dream the dreams and try to be specific. Imagine you have achieved your goal already and keep focusing on that as if it is reality. Supposedly, the sub-conscious mind will figure out how to get you there. Prayers & God, anyone?
I'm prepared to test this principle & see if it works. Stay tuned!
JavaMusiK - Piano-Based Instrumentals from Western Slope, CO
Lisa is a singer and songwriter from the UK who leans towards the traditional songwriting approach of strong lyrical content and memorable melodies. She is becoming best known for her sultry vocal style and versatility with regard to genre, having written, recorded and collaborated in new age, pop, alternative, hard trance and classical improvisations among others. Lisa has achieved considerable chart success on Soundclick and Artist Launch with main genre #1's in Electronica, Acoustic and Alternative.
Musicians lucky enough to extract a collaboration featuring the steamy vocals of Lisa atop their instrumentation, suddenly gain attention like they have never experienced before. Lisa chooses her background music very carefully with an ear for ambience surrounding the framework of her canvas enveloping the portrait she chooses to reveal. There are times when her image may seem like a lost angel trying to rediscover her wings and halo in her body of illusion. To listen to Lisa is an experience and journey into a sensual, yet ethereal encounter like never before witnessed musically.
Congratulations Lisa!
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