Something nice if you like "smug drumless ballads..." which you do!

Someone wrote something nice about us on a blog called Dance Hall Hips.

Recording and Conrad Paumann

I posted some of this up on myspace, but I thought I'd add it here too.

We record using an Apple iBook G4, through the Garage Band program, only using the built-in microphone. That's right, we just set the computer a few feet away from the piano and guitar amps and we record it. Since we don't own a grand piano, we record in a local university's piano practice rooms, they are none the wiser (so far). After that, I do most of the vocals at home. We like how it sounds, but we'd also like to kick it up a notch.

And in other general news... I am working on a new song tentatively titled "Conrad Paumann". Here's a line:

"Conrad Paumann (another blind musician of uncommon talent)."



I am reading a book by Stuart Isacoff called Temperment. It stirs the imagination.

I am hitting the needle on the head and it hurts - because it is a NEEDLE!

Well, after I sat and thought about it for 5 seconds, I realized that there isn't really an argument to be had about the swearing bit. I suppose I just know a bunch of people who feel like it gets in the way of the music. But what they mean is that it keeps them, as individuals with a personal gauge on what they do and don't like to hear, from enjoying particular songs. Most importantly, what they don't mean is that the meaning(s) of the song, are impeded by certain words. Certainly, I would argue against anyone who tried that one. "Shit" is exactly what I mean and what I am trying to bring to the listener - that's right! I'm trying to bring you SHIT (and it costs more to get speedy delivery, otherwise, it will take 14-43 business days).

I feel like an idiot for bringing it up. This isn't a good example of what Zach was telling me to include in this blog, or what I wanted to. It is a reflection of how the people I know bug the crap out of me about my music. I no longer hear them...

CURSING, SWEARING, BLEEPING not so much for emphasis... but for TRUTH ???

This is for me, not for you. A little encouragement to post on a topic I consider whenever I drop the bomb around people, especially small nephews and "churchies".

This song is truly titled "(The shit) And the Gold". I will write about it soon. Here are the lyrics for now, and and checkout the link to the Oh Voices myspace page where you can find this song to listen to. And check out the unrelated beer ad I found in Scotland at the bottom.

And the Gold

When I found out that you were doing drugs
I wasn't upset. I thought, "I know what you mean, man."
I know what you mean.

Well, I'm diamond toothed and ready to go.
I am in the thin place, and the shit stands alone.
It's not either/or - it's the shit and the gold.
It's not either/or - the timing is the war.

This song I sing, you know it is the truth (like the sky is blue).
I might be fucked up, but you know I can sing.
I might be fucked up, but you know I can sing.
I might be, but you know I can sing.

Cover Similarities

Van Dyke Parks' debut album Song Cycle (1968) begins with a Randy Newman number.
Randy Newman's debut album Randy Newman (Creates Something New Under the Sun) (1968) was co-produced by Van Dyke Parks.

And look at the mugs on these guys!

Oh Voices is... RAFFI !!!

I got this email today from my sister-in-law. My wife and I recently introduced our nephew to Raffi - the kid song guy. "Baby Beluga", "Banana phone" and all the rest. We danced with the little guy. He's also seen me perform with Oh Voices a few times. Its all very confusing.

Email:

Hey Andrew,

Just thought I would let you know that your cute nephew is a little confused, he thinks that you are Raffi, and in between each song he says, "more Anu"

Enjoy your day,

Renata

R. Crumb's Jelly Roll Morton

There are some really astounding murder ballads Jelly played for the Library of Congress, he drops the F-Bomb in there. Pretty gritty blues. Check those out. Also, I know of at least one recording of Jelly with a band he directed, hence the picture. I have an album of his band work entitled Jelly Roll Morton - that might not be much help. I don't have the original cd anymore so I couldn't say who put the album out. Anyway, he is an amazing Jazz pianist and orchestrator, who lived quite a life (see previous entry).

Calendar

For Christmas, I received a calendar with drawings by R. Crumb starring his Hero's of Blues, Jazz, and Country Music. My wife's blessed sister Anna gave it to me. With it came some postcards including The Carter Family and Duke Ellington. Pretty great. I found it hard to find an image of the Carter Family postcard, though. Check out the Carter Family, try "Black Jack David" or "Can the Circle Be Unbroken".

Time (the Revelator)

Gillian Welch - I say her name, and I warm up a bit. My life and music are significantly connected to her music and what it implies. Two guitars, two vocals, and perfection. Here's some personal data for you (for me).
When I was 21 and living in Chattanooga, TN, I was introduced to Gillian's music, being told, "'GILL' not 'JILL'". I was doing a lot of driving around at the time for work, and I was up at all hours doing it, so I had a lot of time to listen. Previously, I hadn't listened to much folk or country music. It was around that time that I first got into some blues, namely, Robert Johnson. (I recall going into this hippie/spiritual/record/book/art store next to the Mudpie Restaurant I worked at, and picking up Robert - Oh the intrigue! Oh the amazing singing and playing!) Well, my girlfriend had seen her play several times, and I was driving around all night singing and emoting over her songs - listening to the possibilities, so we bought tickets to her show at Chattanooga's Rhythm and Brews. A lovely small venue. They brought the brews and grub right to our folding chair seats in the third or fourth row. She could have spit in our food.
I'll take a larger aside here to be funny. You know those adds for movies and books saying, "BREATHTAKING!" or "RIVETING!" or even "SENSUAL to the CORE!" Well, my favorite one is

"SPELLBINDING!"

And that's what Gillian and David Rawlings (her amazing guitar wizard) were that night. Ever since, I have enriched myself with countless hours listening to her ideas, expression, and notable guitar tone. There have been months where I only listen to Time (the Revelator) or Revival over and over. She is definately the one for me. The one I go to. I do have musical and emotional needs, and Time (the Revelator) is the teat that feeds me when I am hungry.
So, a few bits of information about this Gillian and this album before I quit....
1. Her whole discography is excellent and shows a definite musical progression. Check it out.
2. You know her music from "O Brother, Where Art Thou?"
3. Bright Eyes, Emmylou Harris, Willie Nelson, Old Crow Medicine Show, and T-Bone Burnett among many others love her music, play with her, or have her make guest appearances. Ryan Adams too (not that I like his catalog - I am judgemental).
Tracks to check out on Time (the Revelator):
Track 1. Listen to that guitar tone.
Track 2. The banjo really grew on me, so loud and strong. Try listening to it and ignoring the vocals, just to hear the great instrumentation. Also, on the Revelator dvd, which I recommend you watch, and possibly on YouTube, there is a great in-studio version of this song - "My First Lover".
Track 3. Even if you don't want to love Gillian Welch you will love this song. Floating guitars and vocals.
Tracks 5 & 8 use interesting historical references to "Ruination Day" which is April 14. It is the day that the great dust storm happened in the dust bowl, President Lincoln was shot, and the Titanic sank.
Track 9. Everybody loves it everyone covers it and it might be about the music industry and people acquiring music for free.
Track 10. Don't get me wrong, I listen to it all the way through, its just time for lunch... This song is 14 minutes long, beautiful, sad and amazing.

Listen to Gillian Welch.