Rev Groove

February Update

2012-02-12T14:59:00.000-08:00

Yikes, more than 6 weeks since the last post!

Did a gig with @DavidJuliet this past Friday at the RockPile, it was pretty hype! Being first is no fun though...hoping to go back, be a little later in the night and have a bigger crowd! Danial Cowans was on Keys and Brooke Nicholls sat on on BGV, it was good!

Looking forward to working with Honee Haye and other Voices Ent. artists...if you have Shaw, check her out on Urban Star...I'll post the link to the website later.

Always hunting gigs, students, and opportunities to make an earning from music...so hit me up!

Blog soon...blessings!

The Bishop of Bass- Rev. AJ Groove!

Looking Forward; Christmas Greetings!

2011-12-24T19:29:00.000-08:00

Well, it's been a minute or two since I last wrote. Unfortunately, the day after my last post, my dad passed away.

He was a good man, lived a full life, and while we mourn our own personal loss, we CELEBRATE his life!

He was an author, and I have his unfinished work to edit and complete. In addition, we'd talked about putting some of his poetry to my music; we'll hopefully have some stuff on both those fronts to share in 2012.

In the meantime, working on the new project (see Dec. 3rd 2012 post) and updating some stuff on my Numubu profile. Every working musician should consider one...if you need or want an invite, holler at me!

As usual, looking for opportunities to gig, teach, etc. so hit me up...MERRY CHRISTMAS!!

The Bishop Rev. AJ Groove

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Now playing: Sarah Story - The Advent Song
via FoxyTunes

Finally, RevGroove has come BACK to Blogspot!

2011-12-03T19:25:00.001-08:00

What's up fam? Been a minute...like more than 9 months, eh? Well, it's my b-day on Monday, and I've decided not to wait until Dec. 31st...my New Year's starts NOW!

So I'm going to blog more often, but in smaller posts...quick, in and out, done (no "that's what she said" or "sounds like my first time" jokes please!)

Just working on my Numubu profile http://www.numubu.com/profile.php?id=96333

Looking for new gigs, new opportunities...still working on some current projects (in one way or another), but it's time to stir the pot!

Also, I'm putting together an outfit for corporate events to back any/all of the various artists I work/have worked with, if you're interested in rates and availability for your event, contact me! It's all about musicianship yo!

Need a bass player? Look no further...call me. Text me. Tweet me . Facebook me...MySpace me...nah, it's played out, I've stopped using it, to be honest...but the deal is, I'm ready, willing, and able to back up artists and/or fill in on a sub basis (R&B, Funk, Hip Hop, Gospel, Motown, Top 40)

Looking forward to this new year...it's only going to get better!

BE BLESSED!

Rev AJ Groove
];o)

10 Apps Every Gigging Urban Musician should have! PT.2

2011-02-16T21:18:00.001-08:00

Whew! Been awhile! Hope everyone had great Holidays, Happy New Year, and alla dat!

Okay, time to finish off the 10 'Apps...I'm probably going to go more bass centric here, but bear with me as I'm sure there's equivalents for other instruments.

Okay, so in PT. 1, we discussed getting the gig, getting the gig organised, getting to the gig, and communicating.

So, once you get to the gig, you set up and you need to tune. I use a Petersen StrobFlip Tuner on my pedal board, but for the smaller gigs where I don't bring it, I'll bring along my iRig interface and plug into my iPhone to access iStrobosoft:

Super accurate, quick, gets it right every time, just as good as one of the hardware options IME! Definitely a must have. I'd also recommend T.C. Electronics' PolyTune App; you can strum all the bass strings at once and it will tell you which one(s) needs to be adjusted...okay, here's a screen shot:

I try to warm up my hands a bit with some exercises before gigs (not as often as I should, granted); I have a few metronomes on my iPhone to help with that (I'm from the school where timing is an important part of practicing...unless it's free jazz, natch! Discussion for another blog...) So again, using the iRig and some in-ear head phones, I'll do some scales and warm ups using "Metronome Reloaded":

I have two others that I won't name that I'm going to delete because I don't use them...if you have any other suggestions, throw them my way please!

If you're on a gig and you get thrown an odd ball song you maybe have to figure out chords on the fly...someone might say "after the head hit a Db Min...open tuning..." and the guitarist may say "huh?" Whip out Planet Waves' Chordmaster LE App and you can show them how it's done!

(Note: this is just an example, not a knock on guitar players or an alleged lack of theoretical knowledge on their part...again, perhaps a blog for another time? To be fair, there's a keyboard version as well, Chord Board:

Before the gig, during breaks, I usually chill with the band, if I'm the MD I may be checking with the client or the manager of the venue...otherwise, I may want to play a game or something to pass the time if it's an especially long break...so I mess around with something productive to keep my mind in the game so to speak. Sight Reading Trainer Bass App helps me improve on my reading skills (which is admittedly the weakest area of my skill set, but improving greatly!)

Great way to pass the time and sharpen up, killing two birds with one stone!

Actually, a good "all in one" trainer is the Gibson L&M (Learn and Master) Guitar App. It has a tuner, a metronome, chord trainer, and links to guitar lesson videos...supper cool!

With the exception of the tuners, all of these apps are for the low low price of...FREE! So check em out, see what you think and make a comment! Any suggestions for useful apps for the gigging musician, please share!

As I come closer to the completion of my bass pedal effects board (just waiting on the MXR Bass Compressor to hit the production line) I'll begin a series of blogs giving my take on each of the individual pedals, ending with my take on the whole ensemble. Sound cool?

Until next time...keep it low and phat, eh? Peace!

The RevGroove

P.S. I need to upgrade my iPhone 3G...love it, but too slow, especially compared to 3GS and 4G models...and then 5G is rumoured to be coming out this summer? So the thought is to pick up a used 3GS (or an NOS one that I can sell) and then upgrade when the new model comes out...if you have any ideas where I can pick one of these up at a decent (read: inexpensive) price, please comment and let me know, peace!

10 Apps Every Gigging Urban Musician should have! PT.1

2010-10-31T22:11:00.000-07:00

So, having an iPhone, and grabbing apps, I've found a few useful ones that I want to pass along...

I'm all about networking, I'm really excited about "Just Gig It":

Everyone who's a musician and wants to get gigs or needs to hire players should have this app! For example, I need a keyboard player to cover a gig in a couple of weeks, I load the deets into Just Gig It (venue, artist, pay rate, date and time) I click send, and all the keyboard players in my address book get a text message asking if they're available to take the gig, I'll get some text messages back, and the gig is booked! Works for one spot, or to hire an entire band for a show!

Next up is Trapster:

You're late for the gig, you want to avoid those speed traps, red light cameras, etc...this is the app for you. It works best when there are others in the area using it and feeding info to the system.

You can also use it to get directions to your gig, and it will also show you how busy traffic is (red is heavy traffic, green traffic is moving well...)

This is NOT an encouragement to drive like an idiot...this is an app to be used wisely, not to speed excessively and avoid getting caught breaking the law. Use with care!

Another "community" based app like it is Zero Fine:

Living in Burlington ON, my experience with Parking By-Law enforcement has been less than positive (that's a whole other blog post) Zero Fine lets you keep track of Parking Enforcement, so you can move before your time is up, run out and put more cash in the meter, and take other actions to avoid running out of time and getting a fine, or worse having your car towed and being stranded at the gig!

HeyTell is like the "Mike" network, only for iPhone:

Texting while driving is illegal where I live (Ontario, Canada), and I must say rightly so...using your cell is illegal at all unless it's a totally handsfree operation, so use this at your own risk while driving...but IMO/IME, a quick way to get in touch once you familiarize yourself with the app...

...I include this on my list because instead of texting, I can push and hold one "button" and send a voice message to band members rather than texting or dialling numbers...and getting stopped for a ticket...again, making me late for the gig!

We'll round off part one with TimmyMe:

Several times, I've gone to the venue and loaded in, set up, sound check, and then have an hour or two to kill before people arrive and/or we start the first set...always good to know where the local Tim's is to grab a quick coffee or snack...if I'm not familiar with the neighbourhood, I can always ask...but I value my independence, and we (KeysNKrates) did almost drive off the end of an unfinished road due to local directions in Quebec (see previous blog post from 2009), so this is an app I use hard when I'm jonesing for a coffee before go time!

Stay tuned for Part II, where I'll concentrate on Apps (and an iPhone accessory or two that you can use either preparing for a gig, or actually you could USE on a gig!

Until next time, peace!

Rev. Groove

Support YFC/Youth Unlimited in Waterdown

2010-10-11T16:42:00.000-07:00

Hey guys, from time to time I'm going to devote this space to a good cause. This time out it's YFC/Youth Unlimited, an organisation that works with students in the local high school (in this case Waterdown District High School and the Waterodown community). I've known Marcel for almost ten years; he's a great friend, and a wicked drummer (and everyone knows I'm super picky about drummers!)

A big part of of his outreach is the music studio run out of the basement at his home which also doubles as the Ministry Centre for YFC...until the Waterdown Youth Centre is built. This grant would go a long way to helping establish this centre.

Please register, and vote once a day...and otherwise, please consider donating to the cause, thanks!

Hello all,

Waterdown YFC Youth Unlimited has just submitted an application to the Aviva Community Fund, a competition that makes funds available of up to $1,000,000 to create positive change in communities across Canada. If our application receives enough votes, it could share in that prize as much as $100,000 which we could use toward the ministry Youth Centre. We would really appreciate your vote.

1. Each person is allowed 10 votes per round

2. You can only vote once per day per idea submitted (please start today).

3. you will need to register your name and email address the first time only.

4. please click on the link below and vote each day to show your support of upto $100,000 being given to the Waterdown YFC Youth Centre.

5. Please pass this to all your friends and have them vote for us, the most votes wins.

Please vote for my idea at http://www.avivacommunityfund.org/ideas/acf6501?sms_ss=email&at_xt=4caca7e018496e4b,0

Share this email with your friends or anyone else you know who might want to help bring my idea to life.

Thanks in advance,

Arlene Reemeyer-Nagy

Waterdown YFC/Youth Unlimited

Satellite Director

www.yfcwaterdown.com

Marcel Knot

Campus Life Director

YFC/Youth Unlimited - Waterdown

Phone:289-439-3411

www.yfcwaterdown.com

we see the hope and potential in every young person

"We see the hope and potential in every young person"

Peace.

I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don't be troubled or afraid. —John 14:27 NLT

Brooke Nicholls and da Boyz at the Rivoli this Saturday night!

2010-09-02T09:57:00.000-07:00

Hey, check it out:

We're probably going to be going on about 8:30ish, and there's some other cool bands on the bill...look forward to seeing you there!

What's new...

2010-08-15T21:38:00.000-07:00

Man, I need to start blogging more than once a month! @jomarbassman is cranking them out once almost every other day it seems, and it's all ways fresh! Follow his Twitter and check his blog, it's good stuff!

On the music front: Brooke Nicholls' Set at The Opera House August 7th was off the hook...so much that they asked us to come back Sept. 3rd (all ages, $15 in advance, $20 at the door)) and Sept. 4th at the Rivoli (+19, no advance sales, $10 at the door) We're working on an arrangement where you may be able to purchase one ticket for both shows, more on that later!

Really having a fun time with this band BTW...great bunch of guys (and gal!), and we're having a great time putting together the live show and playing off each other's strengths...that aforementioned Aug. 7 show won us some free recording at Chalet Studio (a division of Chalet Communications); looking forward to spending some time there banging out Brooke's next hit tune!

Checked in with my old pal Matisse this past week (on Facebook, natch); he's a busy guy, not only working on new solo material but simultaneously working on a new mixtape with Keys N Krates; hoping to get a chance to work with either or both acts sometime again, those were good days that I hope will come around again!

Still no luck on locating my missing ZX, or the other three instruments and the pedals that went with it...I've taken up the Electric Upright Bass (EUB) to "comfort" myself in my time of loss...did I say comfort? Let's correct that with CHALLENGE myself! It's a different mindset and a totally different set of finger muscles that are used. I've messed around with EUBs and 3/4 acoustic uprights at the store, but not over any length of time, like now. So glad I started using the SIMANDL method of fingering (1-2-4) over OFPF (one finger per fret) on electric bass awhile back, it's made the transition a LOT easier than what I hear it would have been...however, it's a great stretch (no pun intended, though the term is quite accurate), and I'm looking forward to adding that skill-set to my palette...gotta get a bow and start working on that too!

Capstone Recording Studios is up and running (please note that while it housed in the same building, it is a separate entity of Capstone Lesson Studios, so no worries/concerns about conflict with my day gig, okay?) Contact me at 905-320-3593 or by e-mail for rates and availability, I think you'll be happy with what we can accomplish there!

Continuing to work on stuff for the fall with 24/7...the summer rock series is going really well, come out this Sunday Aug. 22nd, the cover tune is "My Generation" by The Who; immediately after the service, we're going to have a coffee house in the Upper Room Cafe with Bianca Bernardi of Burlington, ON bring us an acoustic set! Don't miss it, this young lady is awesome and you want to say twenty years from now that you were there!

More stuff coming this fall, including a project that I'll give more details on next time around...really excited!!!...until next time, hopefully it won't be too long this time!!!

Long overdue update...

2010-07-13T22:06:00.000-07:00

Wow, it's been a minute, eh? Okay by the numbers...

...got the Wyres Strings on my MTD Kingston Z5...went with an uncoated set for the first time since I switched from SloWounds about 4 years ago (still don't get why D'Addario stopped making them, it sez right here that D'Addarios are NOT the same!); so far, so good! Like the feel of them, they sound solid...longevity will be the next test! I've been charting for some sessions, I have a rehearsal and show Thursday and Friday respectively (see below) and possibly a session on Saturday, I'll post an update after playing in a real life situation!

Did a session with Vic Crowl at Smile Studios in downtown Toronto and almost got stuck in the G20 madness...despite that, it was a great experience, looking forward to working with Vic and his clients again soon!

Friday night (July 16th), doing a set with Brooke Nicholls at the Hollywood in Toronto (1184 The Queensway between Kipling and Islington), event is by Steve Denyer's North Shore Entertainment Group . Tix are $10 at the door. We're on at 9 PM sharp, there's other great acts on the bill including Adam Cooke, Mark Cowie, Modify, The Waxmen, and Alright Alright...c'mon on down and check it out!

Then Sunday night (July 18), we're going acoustic with Brooke Nicholls in the URC (Upper Room Cafe) in the former Kingdom/NRG venue, now 24/7 Church, set time at 8PM. Cafe (non-profit) will be open, proceeds go towards supporting a mission in Membres, Mexico. We have a team down there right now helping with flood relief, come and enjoy some great music and support the cause! I'll be rockin' Breen's fretless Dean 6 for this show, looking forward to it!

(BTW, I'm now in charge of booking/renting 24/7 for events, if you want to hold a concert or show in Burlington's best live venue, give me a holler at 905-320-3593 and I'll hook you up!)

Next month, I'm playing with Brooke again Aug. 7th at the Opera House for another label showcase, details to follow! Sid's expanded his script, we're pulling the band back together to work on the musical! And Katelyn Dawn's eponymous EP is available for purchase and download, the lead single "Rescue Me" is already starting to get radio play!

Now a bit of sad news: some of you may have heard by now that one of my MTD ZXs, MTD Kingston ZX Ltd. Edition #31/30 (Trans black with a rosewood fretboard) was stolen from Capstone Music in Burlington during a smash and grab June 28th. I'd appreciate all eyes out for this one. This is not only part of a limited run, but a bit of an oddity due to the way the numbering went down. I have to two other MTDs, but it's still a loss, I'd love to get her back! The invitation is open to just bring it into L&M at 3180 Mainway Drive in Burlington, leave it on the front counter, and walk away. In fact, you can probably do that at any L&M in the GTA, they'll run the serial number and get it back to me...also stolen at the same time were a 4 string Ernie Ball MM Sub4 bass guitar in black finish (missing the preamp, no less,) also in Black Finish, a Stagg LP in Black Finish, and a Stagg Strat in Black Finish (see the theme here?) Thanks!

So, looking for students, gigs, session work, charting and arranging gigs...that number again is 905-320-3593! I'll keep you all posted, peace!

Rev. Groove

Wyre's Strings, Katelyn Dawn EP, Auditions...

2010-03-31T20:59:00.000-07:00

Quick update:

-I've just joined the Wyres Strings family as an endorsing artist. Thanks to Nick and the rest of the Wyres team! I did a set up using their strings on one of my student's instruments, played them, fell in love with the sound and feel of them! Started asking questions, sent some e-mails back and forth, and the rest is history...in progress! Looking forward to working with them and playing their strings on my MTD Kingston Basses, as soon as my tech is free and my shipment arrives, they're going on and tracking on my solo EP will commence!

Speaking of solo EP's Katelyn Dawn's project is either about to go to final mix and master or possibly that's being done as I type this. I heard the second set of mixes and I'm pretty impressed at what's coming your way soon! Very excited to start playing some live shows! Also, Katelyn taped a segment for a show with The Discovery Channel this past fall, so be sure to watch the Discovery Channel on April 17^th at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT on Discovery HD.

I'll write more on this next week, but I'm auditioning for a pretty kicking GTA Corporate band next week. Hopefully I won't overbook myself this summer (potentially two bands, possibly more...recording studio project...EP...booking/managing...and most importantly my wife and four kids)...you know how they say "it's feast or famine?" I have a feeling the drought is over...let the feasting begin!

G.A.S. has reared it's ugly head...

2010-03-17T21:27:00.000-07:00

So, as I sit down to write this, it's with a belly full of cake from my youngest's 3rd Birthday...Happy Birthday Riley! You're an awesome little kid! Daddy loves you!

Yeh, so I did a session week before last with Katelyn Dawn for her new E.P. ...pretty cool tunes, be sure to check it when it comes out! A couple of tunes needed something a little...different...so my good buddy Free from Forevertree lent me one of his axes, a Dean 6 string fretless with a an EMG45HZ in the neck spot, and a Seymour Duncan "Basslines" pickup at the bridge. I think the song and a half I used it on (one song has it all the way through, the other I played the chorus and bridge with my MTD Kingston Z5, the verses and the intro and outro were fretless...)

It really made a difference, thanks Free (AKA Geoff Breen!) I had a fretless previously, but I sold it along with some other axes to make room for my MTD Kingstons, of which i now have three...the pre-production rehearsals (glad we did those) and the session (nailed everything first take, just had to do some punchins on the fretless parts) made me realize it may be a good idea to have a fretless about on the regular...while I appreciate the 6 and I'll play it as long as I'm allowed, my fingers ain't long enough to really do it justice...reading up on Andrew Gouche's philosophy I flirted with the idea of a fretted six for a bit...but it just isn't ergonomically feasible (besides, you've probably heard the old saw: "what do you call a 6 string bass player? You don't...well, I guess you do if it's Gouche!!!)

So, I'm in the market for a 5 string fretless. The buyer of my old fretless bass, which indeed is a fine bass and modded with active electronics, has offerred to sell it back to me...however, I find that I'm spoiled by the assymetrical necks on my 'Kingstons(the ergonomic thing again! ). So I've politely declined and started looking about...it'll be awhile before I actually pull the trigger, but I figure I should do the research now rather than last minute!

So I was looking at a fretless MTD Kingston Z5 in Natural Finish at The Perfect Bass (was gonna post the pic, I'm sure James would be cool with it, but thought I better hold off on that for now...if he's cool with it, I'll edit it in later!)

Then though, I heard about the MTD Kingston Saratoga coming out of NAMM...I was super stoked...I had wanted to get one of the MTD J5s (Norm Stockton has number two, the model was later changed to Saratoga 5), but the price would have had me sleeping on the couch or in the car per Ms. Groove! So, here was a chance to get a Saratoga, and (hopefully!) still get tosleep in my nice, warm, quilt top mattressed bed!

The only things that gave me pause was the 34" scale. and the passive electronics...I haven't played a passive axe in over 20 years! Also, I'm pretty used to the 35" scale on my three current basses...going back and forth may not be so cool, y'know?

So I contacted the man himself to see what he thought...in his usual fashion, Mike Tobias was only too gracious and kind enough to take the time to respond to my question: Can you give me an idea of what I could expect tonally from the basswood used in the Saratoga vs. the mahogany/burled maple top in the Z5?

His reply: "The basswood will have a warmer smoother bottom end. The mahogany will have more mid range and a bit more focus on the bottom end."

Thanks Mike!

Still not quite sure...the Saratoga will be at a better price point (which Ms. Groove will appreciate!), but is it the right axe for me? No, don't suggest it...I did consider getting both, but I don't do enough fretless work to justify it...though if that changes, well, yeh sure I will! The goal is to pick the right axe to compliment my two ZXs and my Z5...

...aesthetically, the natural gloss Z5 will be a reverse mirror image of my ZX #26; an translucent black 'Saratoga would be a dark fraternal twin to ZX #31...but the sounds...and Long & McQuade doesn't carry MTDs currently, so I can't try before I buy...I gotta pick right and then live with it...

...so...what do YOU think? Aesthetics? Sound? Pricing? Give me your thoughts on Facebook, MySpace, Twitter, or respond here in the comments section, or send me an e-mail...even if you're not a musician, give me your opinion please!

Rev. Groove

(P.S.)Working on a new long term business venture...details to follow soon!

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Now playing: Jarvis Church - Who Will Be Your Man
via FoxyTunes

Just a quick update...

2010-02-12T09:15:00.000-08:00

Okay, by the numbers...

...working on pre-production for Katelyn Dawn's next EP, it's going to be pretty cool! Lot's of great players on this one, John House (percussion) and Adam Mainse (keys/piano) from the Heaven's Rehearsal Band, Josh Harris (drums) from the Trevor Howard Band (and tons of other great projects!), as well as Katelyn on acoustic guitar and vocals, and "Deadly" Tom Hamilton on lead guitar. I'm just playing bass on this one, it's being recorded and engineered at Brilliant Red Studios by Colin Lindgren and Rob Weaver, should be awesome! Contact Katelyn at katelyndawn@gmail.com (check out her YouTube channel as well!

Our MLM system, is growing steadily still...I'm now helping out with Communications and Public Relations so Ms. Groove can concentrate more on systems and generating more revenue streams. It's never too late to sign up, check it!

Working on set lists for different artists for live shows. Send me your set list, I'll learn it, and be ready to sub in on a gig or play that last minute show! Subbing in for regular bass players in their band is now by bread and butter as far as gigs go, so the increased time I have from not doing a steady gig is going into working on Norm Stockton's "Grooving for Heaven" DVD series (still dreaming of Berkleemusiconline.com's Bass Professional Certificate Program) and learning (quite literally!) HUNDREDS of songs! Thankfully, there's some overlap! So if you need a sub, call me! Also, if you're looking for a band to do a show or play an event, I can hook that up, so reach out and hit the digits! (905-320-3593)

Last note...I'm working on a recording studio venture with a very good...I'd say possibly my best/like a brother...friend...details to come in the coming weeks as we firm up the details, but I'm very excited about doing this! I'll definitely keep you posted on that, but expect killer gear, killer production values, and awesome rates!

Okay, back to learning tunes...peace!

The Rev

It's been a minute...

2009-12-22T23:44:00.000-08:00

...just got over a sinus thing, though my head is still woozy...to be quite honest, I'm only going in to the office because it's the week before Christmas...don't want people to think I'm malingering for extra time off and all...

...so, I've been seeing a lot of get rich quick, home business type e-mails, posts, etc. Facebook, Twitter, MLMs...hard to tell which ones are real, and which aren't, which are scams, which are the real deal...if any.

One of my Facebook friends even got hacked and someone sent wall posts on his behalf to all of his friends...my advice to anyone would be to check out ANY "get rich" scheme thoroughly before you sign up...you get nothing for free, natch, so there's money they're asking for right? Make sure you're going to get something from your investment. Truth or Fiction and Snopes are two sites that I regularly use to see if something has been reported as a fraud or hoax (I wish everyone would use them before forwarding e-mails, and/or use the BCC field, but that's another post)

Ms. Groove found one (Global Domains International) after searching for months (years?) and is now a team leader and system builder. PowerpathGDI is growing in leaps and bounds (Ms. Groove actually developed the "Powerpath" team concept and the rotator that helps members build their teams) ...yes there is an investment each month, but we are seeing increasing payouts each month. It's not a get rich scheme, and it takes patience and hard work. The extra income is helping to pay down some bills and help us get ahead a bit, and the payout is increasing each month slowly but surely!

I got two more opportunities forwarded to me through Twitter this afternoon (which in part inspired this post.) Sure, I'll check them out...

(Bass news: MTD ZX Ltd. #31 of 30 is mine...I have fraternal twins and their tanned older brother!)

Getting back into the groove...

2009-10-22T09:14:00.000-07:00

(So, I'm listening to the new Seth Horan CD, Clang & Chime (as part of his team of producers, I got four copies...if you're nice, I may share!) Kickin' tunes, excellent vocals and bass chops!

Still hoping to do Berklee Online at some point in the next 18 months...may have to fix my daughter's teeth first though...in the meantime, the pursuit of musical excellence continues!

Getting back into the groove, students are back, and this year they're all doing really well for the most part. So the question is, how do I keep MYSELF excited and into the groove? Without a steady gig/creative outlet, what to do?

Well teaching guitar and bass in itself helps. As a mostly self taught musician, going through the theory and practical aspects, disciplining myself to teach proper techniques is good in and of itself. Plus, gotta keep ahead of them! So I'm throwing myself into Norm Stockton's Grooving for Heaven Video series, it's great material...learning not only theoretical and practical techniques, but also healthier, ergonomic ways to play.

Also, going back to the other instruments I've learned, and looking at picking up new ones! I pulled out the acoustic and played and sang before a student arrived earlier this week, and something just clicked. Later that night, I pulled the keyboard out (I'd put it away after the reno thinking it takes up a bit of space and I don't use it that much, so I'd just pull it out and use it as needed) and set that back up, played some gospel tunes on that...love the slash chords and shots...and yeh, that's going to improve my skills not only as a bass player, but as a musician, composer, arranger, and producer as well...

...anddddd....we're back! Had to run my daughter to the E.R., bruised bone in her foot, no fracture thank goodness...so I'm picking up my train of thought roughly 4 hours after I started this...

...and so yeh, feeling a little more inspired! Listening to lots of stuff...jamming with lotsa folks when the opportunity for rise (again, no steady gig right now, so I'm available for hire yo!)...just soaking up as much as I can musically and having as much fun in life as better...all about getting into the groove...and getting to the point where I'm the best musician I can be! Word!

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Now playing: Seth Horan - So Sorry
via FoxyTunes

Has it really been that long???

2009-10-05T22:42:00.000-07:00

Wow, it has been a minute, eh? No posts at all in September...what's been happening?

Well, the Groovin' for Heaven Bass Clinic at L&M was a success, despite the storm and tornado warnings that evening. Next night I got to see Norm play with Lincoln Brewster at a concert in Barrie, great show, plus I learned a lot just hanging out with the band and watching the show. They're all a great bunch of guys, look forward to hanging with them again sometime in the future (ambitious project, but on my list of things to work on next year is bringing Linc, Norm, and the boys to the SWO area for a worship conference/clinic...may take a couple of years to make it actually happen, but I'm going to get started!)

Did an old school private engagement with Matisse and the Playground last month as well. Great to play some of that old school classic funk, R&B, and dance tunes, it's been a while. Great also to hang out with my boys Maurice and Tune, hadn't seen them since June...and hadn't seen 88 Keys and Shezelle since the Valentine's Day gig! But it was like old times, we had the joint hopping like we do, and heard we may have a few more before the year's end, looking forward to that!

Also had the privilege of playing for my "baby" cousin Erica's wedding to Orville Smith two weekends ago (note: like my mother, Erica is also a Richardson who married a Smith)...it has been a LONG while since I played straight gospel chops, but again, like coming home. Interesting in that there was very little rehearsal (the rehearsal I showed up at I actually played keys for the two main vocalists to work on their parts and not bass!) but it came off great! The MC they hired for the reception was off the hook, I have his card somewhere and will post his information, but he was just hilarious: the letter from "Cousin Blacka Smith" was worthy of being on Comedy Central's Comedy Special, no doubt!

And, played in Barrie this past weekend with the Collective at the Barrie Connexus, and will be heading to Orillia this Sunday again. Those are always learning experiences, both from a playing perspective (no rehearsal, learn the tune cold on your own and just do it with the band) and also from a fellowship perspective. We (the band) have some pretty cool conversations, some serious, some not, some spiritual ("Jesus was not thinking about you when He was on the Cross"...seriously, think about it...)...yeh, just realised how much I missed doing the Connexus services with the guys, looking forward to doing more of those...

Picked up 3 new students (actually, 1 of them is a returning student after a 3 year break) so I now have 5 students total, with room for one or two more (call me!) Did a "barter" deal (exchange of lessons for services) and ended up with a.) a beautiful new floor to replace the carpet I threw down in the studio and b.) a heating duct run out to the studio; no more electric heater and astronomical Hydro Bill to go along with it. I'm checking into this concept of barter replacing cash...I can dig it...just gotta make sure all parties are aware of what is actually being bartered (a small hiccup that's in the process of being resolved...lesson learned!)

Gear stuff: Still alternating between the Traynor DB300T and the Gallien Krueger NEO1001/212 combo...both are Yorkville distributed, though Traynor is made by Yorkville...the DB300T is perfect for smaller gigs, and for gigs where I need a stage monitor and have limited cargo space (i.e. Connexus gigs) and it's great as a head in a situation where there's a cab in house (i.e. 24/7 Church)...however, I really love the sound/idea of 2x12 cabs, and the weight, preamp, and built in wheels and handles (read: easy to transport) make it ideal for club/corporate shows. So I'm just enjoying the best of both worlds (BTW, YSL stuff is available for interest free financing this month, so if you're looking for an amp...)

Still rocking (and loving) my MTD Kingston Z5 and ZX basses. Saddened that we're not currently carrying them in stock, but hoping that will change soon...want to get a fretless and a 6 string fretted at some point!

Okay, that's enough of an update...I'll try to holler at y'all again before not too long. Blessings and groove be with you, shalom!

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Now playing: J Moss - Operator
via FoxyTunes

Norm Stockton Bass Clinic Aug 20th 2009

2009-08-10T22:20:00.001-07:00

Yeh, so I noticed my good friend Norm Stockton was going to be in Barrie doing a concert with Lincoln Brewster August 21st, so I dropped him an e-mail to see if we could get another Groovin' Clinic happen at Long & McQuade Burlington...he was into it, so it's going to happen! Norm is a clinician endorsed by Gallien Kruger amps and MTD Bass Guitars, author of the "Grooving for Heaven" DVD/Video Bass Instruction series, and as mentioned, bassist for Lincoln Brewster and others, in addition to being a solo bassist.

Clinic Info

Norm Stockton

Norm's Facebook Fan Page

This is a FREE Clinic, just register by e-mailing me at ajacksonsmith@long-mcquade.com or call me at the store (905-319-3330 x.43) so we know how many seats to put out.

Looking forward to seeing you 8/20, peace!

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Now playing: Norm Stockton - Pondering The Sushi
via FoxyTunes

Quick iPhone Update

2009-08-10T22:15:00.000-07:00

Well, so far, so good. Got a call from the office of Rogers Wireless's president, within a few days I got an iPhone...not the 16GB that I'd requested, it seems they're out of those and who knows when (or if?) they'll get anymore. So I got an iPhone 3G 8GB at a fair price. There's some billing adjustments that need to take place, but so far, so good.

Special thanks to John and Rob who're helping right the ship as it were...I'll blog more about that once everything is finalized!

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Now playing: Kanye West - Good Life (ft. T-Pain) CLEAN
via FoxyTunes

I Hate Rogers!

2009-07-21T17:01:00.001-07:00

As of Friday PM, they're still back ordered on the iPhone. So Maura gets a manager on the phone, told him straight up I shouldn't have to be calling them everyday, the onus should be on them to get me the phone, ship it direct from Apple (which Ray thought was a great idea, I think he's going to steal it...)

So he promises me he's going to take care of this...his colleague Gerard is going to call me Monday morning since he's going on vacation and he'll look in on this when he gets back. However...a friend who works at Rogers but can't get involved due to conflict of interest assures me that they received stock on Friday as Max had indicated. I'm thinking GREAT!

Well, naturally, no phone call, so I call Rogers and speak with Joe...and he sez none available. I almost CHOKE! I think "maybe it's just not showing yet...and call back after work that evening and speak with Dianne...she also sez not available...I told her straight up I was told by someone who would know that they have them available and I'm told sale staff have them but customer service doesn't????

Now, logically I would suggest that they get one from the sales staff...right???

So she's promised to get back to me by 5 PM on Friday...or she will have the system e-mail me when my order has been placed (which is what should have happened in the first place!)

At this point, my opinion of Rogers has gone 180 degrees the other way. I have no faith in them to restore my warm fuzzy feelings I used to have for them. So I'm formulating plan B for Blackberry...second choice, but it's a phone with browsing capability. It's a dang shame that only Rogers has the iPhone in Canada, otherwise I would have went to a competitor two weeks ago! I can understand conversation with them, but their customer service turns out to be just as lousy as Bell...and I think that makes me MORE frustrated!

So, if they can't get my iPhone in my hands by next Tuesday, my daughter gets her wish for a cell phone, she can have my number and the crappiest phone that she's able to afford (mine's toast, which is what started this whole thing...) Then I will approach Bell and Telus and see who will give me the best deal on a Blackberry and data plan and suck their crap for the contract term...

...cell phones really suck...if I win the Lottery I'm going to start a wireless service provider that cares about their customers and doesn't screw them over!

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Now playing: Snoop Doggy Dogg - It Aint No Fun
via FoxyTunes

Wow...still without an iPhone

2009-07-15T19:19:00.000-07:00

...so, first off let me start off by again saying that up to now, I've been completely happy with Rogers. Their customer service reps have been courteous, they speak proper English (as in they're Canadians, not working outsourced to some third world company) and up until now have been able to meet my needs. After a series of bad experiences with Bell Canada, Bell Mobility, and Bell Sympatico, we decided...well, I decided...that we would not do any further business with Bell. Home and mobile phones are with Rogers, Digital Cable and internet are with Cogeco (who I keep hearing rumours are partially or wholly owned by Rogers anyways...) However, recent events have conspired to make me take a serious look at my relationship with Rogers Wireless. The story's getting longer, so I thought I'd put part of it up while it's fresh in my mind...I've been taking notes recently, but some of the early stuff is getting kind of hazy.

Our tale begins on Father's Day, Sunday June 21st. I'm flipping burgers for the big BBQ, our friends the Walls are over with their 4 kids playing with our 4, and I get a call from Rogers CS, nice young lady by the name of Kristi. She reviews the upgrade options in regards to going from our Nokias to iPhones and what not, and then we decide that she'd give us a call back in a week for a decision.

Sunday June 28th roll around, we decide on the plan and a 3G 16GB Black for myself and an 8GB model for Mrs. Groove. Mrs Groove's phone arrives two days later on our 8th anniversary...she claims it's the best anniversary gift I've ever gotten for her? Umm...okay honey, you're welcome! My phone does not yet arrive...

...so on Monday July 6th, I contact CS to find out what's going on. Keith (I think, not taking notes at this point) looks it up on the system and tells me my phone was shipped that day, should arrive next day. Yay!

Not yay! The phone arrives, I go into my office to crack the box and charge it up...uh oh...it's the wrong model, only an 8GB...so I call CS and speak with Juliette (I'm starting to get that feeling, so I'm taking note of names at this point...). She was absolutely no. help. whatsoever. She basically said there's nothing she could do! So I hung up frustrated...

...I stewed for a bit...then called back again...this time I got Adam (1.0) He was EXTREMELY helpful, he was able to look on the system and tell me that there were 16GB phones available. But they wanted me to send them the phone first before they ordered me the next one. We discussed the option of me keeping the 8GB, but I wanted to be sure I wasn't billed for the 16GB incorrectly, so he forwarded me to "Track and Trace" (aka Resolve?) Now that lady talked too fast for me to catch her name, but the basic synopsis of that conversation was:

1. First have to send the 8GB back for the 16GB
2. The billing for the 8GB if I kept it would not be at the same price as the first 8GB...it would be for another $50 more than what I'd agreed to pay for the 16GB phone!!! ($120 more than the first 8GB!!!)

I got referred back to Adam (2.0., a different, useless Adam) who was no help and throroughly unsympathetic to my situation. So I decided to ship the phone back and see what happened when they got the form I'd filled out.

Anyway, it turns out that you can't upgrade two phones at the same time...I contacted Chris on Thursday the 9th, and he was very helpful. He agreed that if I'd agreed to a certain price for a certain product, then that's what I should pay for that product! He issued me a claim number, and told me that a manager would be in contact with me within 48 hours (my account apparently had to be reset or over ridden by a manager.)

So, 48 hours roll by, no phone call. My buddy Geoff tells me I should wait 48 business hours...sure, no problemo...so after work on Monday night, I contact Rogers CS yet again and speak with Devine...he can look at my file, but can't get a manager, no manager works there after 5PM??? So I asked when I could talk to a manager...and he sez he can put me back in the que and maybe someone in Ontario will pick up...um, turns out he's in Quebec???

So, back on hold I go and back to Toronto to speak with Augusta who got her supervisor Bonnie on the phone...Bonnie was extremely sympathetic to the situation, apologized that Chris's manager hadn't gotten back to me, and told me that he was the one who had to reset my account...so she updated the notes on my account and went the extra step of finding out what was the best way for this manager (Darryl) to get in touch with me...and said he should be in touch with me tomorrow (Tuesday...)

...so, all day yesterday, no phone call...a guy that works in our P.A. department had a number that I could contact Rogers Wireless directly and avoid Silicone Sally and the voice prompts, so I called that today after work and got through to Candace...she looks up my file...and puts me on hold...and 20 minutes later, after listening to their horrible hold music, I'm DISCONNECTED!!! Wow!!!

So I call back, and speak with Max. Another sympathetic person, apologetic...looks up my file, it turns out that my account has been reset, but that my order can't be placed...because they ran out of stock...last weekend.

AGGHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!

If only Darryl had contacted me within the 48 hours!!!

So, because they can't just order out of the blue, I have to call them back daily to see if they have any in stock and place the order (they hope to have them back in stock by Friday). Frustrated? You betcha!

It has however taught me an invaluable lesson in the Golden Rule...as an Account Services Manager for L&M, I need to make sure I don't make people feel how I've been made to feel in this process.

Again, I love the Rogers service (not the franchises. Got sold a phone that was represented as new, the text messages on there almost got me divorced. Got advised by corporate off the record to deal only with Rogers and not the franchisees...) They've for the most part been great! And I'll be extremely careful when making arrangements in the future. We just gotta get through this tough time in our relationship...and then everything will be "just, fiiiinnne!"

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Now playing: Warren G Ft. Nate Dogg - Regulators
via FoxyTunes

iCovetousness

2009-07-08T21:56:00.000-07:00

If you've been following my Twitter and my Facebook lately, you'll know that I'm having some issues regarding resolution of my iPhone order from my wireless provider...well, there's only one WSP that works with an iPhone in Canada, so I may as well go ahead and say it's Rogers...and I still think they're the best WSP in Canada, and we will get past this issue and go on to have a great relationship again...

...it doesn't help that Mrs. Groove has had her phone for over a week and is thoroughly loving it...calls it at first the best anniversary present I ever got her, and then the best present I've EVER gotten her! She's constantly showing me the new discoveries she's making with her phone...which irks me even more as I await resolution regarding mine! This has prompted feelings of what my friend Geoff has termed iJealousy...

...aka iEnvy and iCovetousness...jealousy is one of the 7 deadly sins, so you could come up with the 7 Deadly iSins:

iExtravegance
iLust
iGluttony
iGreed
iSloth (laziness for you non english lit nerds)
iWrath
iPride

I was trying to come up with 10 i-Commandments, but it after no i-Dolls, it seemed pretty sacrilious to this boy who's a Holiness PK (sort of). I mean 6 through 10 are pretty easy though

Thou shalt not iKill
Thou shalt not iFornicate
Thou shalt not iSteal
Thou shalt not iLie
Thou shalt not iCovet

I suppose I'm also guilty of iWrath, or iAnger...I'm definitely not happy so far that there doesn't seem to be a resolution in site...wrong phone was returned (just checked the UPS tracker, it was picked up and is on it's way, whew!) I decided not to make any more calls today, getting some good advice from people, both customers that have had not so great experiences as well as others in the customer service industry...we'll see what happens next, I may call again tmo...or not...but I needed to just chill for a bit, and was joking around with some friends tonite, and came up with the above...

...so, I will pray for forgiveness of my iSins, and that my iEnvy and iWrath be turned to iJoy (or some semblence thereof, an iPhone can't really bring true joy despite Mrs. Groove's and other's protestations to the contrary) when the right phone arrives...at the right price...watch for a full blog with the entire experience soon, I'm taking detailed notes now...

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Now playing: Michael Jackson - Don't Stop Till You Get Enough
via FoxyTunes

It's going to be a boring and interesting summer

2009-06-26T21:16:00.000-07:00

So...still no gigs booked yet for the summer months. Schedule wise, it just didn't work out for some stuff, so I'm sitting around twiddling my thumbs...the idea then with the down time is to work on boning up on theory so I'm not completely lost when I start the Bass Specialist program next spring through Berkleeonline.com.

Yeh...let me tell you, I'm REGRETTING skipping out on some grade 11 and 12 music classes, and on not retaining what Dave taught me when I took guitar at The 12th Fret on Danforth in TO. Theory is HARD! And it'd harder when you get older, almost like learning a language...so much easier when you're younger, can't quite get it the older you get...(note to self, get the kids into formal music training NOW!). It is mind numbing. Using the Hal Leonard Bass Theory supplement to start, and it warns you in the intro..."you may close this book in frustation..." or words to that effect...you ain't kidding! How encouraging Scott! Thanks, thanks so much...but it's one of my goals, I want to do it, so I have to suck it up, take three hours three days a week, and just DO IT!

And of course, G.A.S. has reared it's ugly head. There's an MTD ZX, the numbering on that one is also screwed up (#31 of 30, what???), that would be a perfect addition to my stable. But I have no gigs, and students taking the summer months off, so that equals no cashola to cover it...PLUS there's a Roland Keyboard I've been hunting for for a couple of years...discontinued, over priced new, but at less than half the original retail is a bargain...MUST have it, will give up my Alesis QS 8 for it, even though I'll take a bath on that...but again, the difference...agghhhh!!! Have to maintain my rentals and the last bit of my account as well...so it's going to be tough...but again, if you want something...

...but let me tell you though, about the adventures of the van, or, how to write off a van without a collision?

So, out with my friend Hank last Saturday morning, and the subframe on the front end of our 2001 Ford Windstar just SNAPS! Passenger side wheel pops off the transmission as well...NO COLLISION! It'll cost $1600 to fix...and book value is $189-$1100...so, unless I can get Ford to step up, and all indications are that they won't, the van is a write off...so we're back to the 5 seater Grand Am for a family of 6 for the summer, maybe longer...whoa, is that MORE financial strain I'm feeling?

But hey, not as bad as last year...last year, I ended up with two mortgages and a condo fee...now THAT'S financial strain! Here's a hint folks...sell before you buy! God is good, and we got through it, but I wouldn't wish THAT stress on ANYONE!

So, theory...creeping for new gigs, new students...trying to work out the vehicle situation...like the title sez, a boring and interesting summer! I'll keep you posted!

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

I was saddened to hear of the losses of Farrah Fawcett and Michael Jackson yesterday. Farrah, while not an influence was definitely admired by myself and my classmates as a youngster back in the late 70's/early 80's...she was not only a beautiful woman but a great actress and will be greatly missed.

Michael Jackson, no matter what, was a great influence on me musically, and his contributions to the industry are undeniable. It irks me that people are using his passing as an excuse to bring up his personal tragedies an problems. This is a time to celebrate the positive aspects of Michael Jackson's life, not dwell on the negative! The music biz is a sadder, smaller place for his passing, and our thoughts and sympathies are with his family during this time...he also will be greatly missed.

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Now playing: Kirk Franklin - Blessing In The Storm
via FoxyTunes

New gear, new philosophy, summer stuff...

2009-06-09T18:21:00.000-07:00

So, I FINALLY got that M-288 Bass Octave Deluxe pedal I blogged about say, 8 weeks ago now? It rocks. Really rocks! Get a great Moogerfooger like sound when using it with my MXR M-188 Bass Auto Q Pedal. Gonna be killer on funk gigs and stuff where I need to cover synth parts. I believe my pedal board is pretty much complete...

...but I'm probably going to be leaving it at home more often. WHAT???

...on some gigs, I use it like crazy. On the rock gigs though, I pretty much only use the overdrive and distortion pedals, and I can approximate that sound with my amp...and on gigs like Keys N Krates, on some of the small stages I play with them, it takes up way too much real estate. So, depending on the gig, you may not be able to hear the M-288...but...

...I am planning to (finally!) track some of my original ideas over the summer, in between the few gigs I have currently scheduled and prepping to get into Berklee (Online) for the winter or spring semester 2010. Some of the stuff will be full band, other stuff will be solo pieces, so you should hear it being (hopefully) tastefully used here and there!

Look out for GTA artist Danian , looks like I'll be doing a few shows with her over the next few months; details once the dates and bands are confirmed, but check out her tunes, and contact her for bookings. Great vocals, she's going places in my opinion!

Again, still looking for more gigs, still looking for students, so send 'em my way! Good Night!

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Now playing: Brandy - Almost Doesn't Count
via FoxyTunes

Sacrebleu!

2009-05-26T16:59:00.000-07:00

Wow, what a weekend! An outing with Keys N Krates is never without adventure, and this past weekend did not disappoint!

I left Burlington to pick up the boys at Sole Power around 11:30 last Wednesday...the thought was that rather than driving all day and doing sound check and set up on arrival (being all worn out from driving), we would drive through the night, check into the hotel, and relax for the day. Well, I lasted behind the wheel until about 2:30 and then Flo took over, and I crashed. Next think I know, it's daylight and we're stopping at McDonalds somewhere around Montreal for breakfast...then Tune got behind the wheel (we don't let Matisse drive...long story...) and headed for beautiful Lac-Beauport and the Manoir Sainte Castin Hotel...oh, it's just gorgeous up there, I wouldn't mind heading back up there for business or pleasure at all! Nice clean atmosphere, and one of the best hotels I've ever had the pleasure of staying in!

The staff at the Archibald Microbrassarie was great, great sound, we had a killer party going on...the place was packed out, I heard it was one of the largest they've had at that venue, around 550 or so rocking out to the remix by Keys N Krates! Sounds like they'll be heading back for more, and hopefully yours truly will be along for the ride!

So, after we dragged ourselves out of bed the next morning (the only negative at 'Castin was that there's no late check out, so we had to boogie by 11) to head for the next gig in Montreal. So after tracking down Matisse's jacket at some studio in the industrial area (still not sure of how that story came about...) we arrived at the venue, Tabu Lounge for set up. We had a nice little crowd for a more intimate performance, once again wowing the crowd...BTW, if you're still not hip to what reinventing the remix is all about, head over to http://www.keysnkrates.com and check out what the show's all about...and then make it a point to get out to the next show that's in a venue close to you...or even far!

Where was I? Oh yeh, so we hooked up with Flo's boy Kevin and headed back to the Prisonlodge...oh yeh, let's talk about that for a minute...

...as nice as the Manoir Sainte Castin was, the Travel Lodge on Rene Levesque in Montreal is it's polar opposite in my experience and opinion. The room was maybe 100 sq. ft, with bunk beds...the bunks were bolted to the wall above the regular bed...the picture didn't get saved unfortunately, but wow, we all felt it was like a prison, for real! They ran out of underground parking, so we had to unload all the gear into storage overnite and park on the street...yeh, hopefully we'll get the Delta next time again!

So yeh, we unloaded, chilled for a quick bit...then decided to go get some chinese food. I was going to stay in and catch up on sleep, but I'm a total mark for chinese, so off we went. Kevin is from Montreal, going to school with Flo in New York...so he knew of this place that had pretty good deals...and what a deal it was...a HUGE (think two medium-full size) plate of spicy pork chops, with fried rice, leeks, and a fried egg (on top of the rice...)...um, WOW! Greasy, Chinese goodness, I couldn't finish my 6-7 good sized pork chops, so I had to get a doggy bag...finished them for "breakfast", and they were just as good then! Big thanks to Kev for taking us there!

So, the return trip was largely uneventful, we took turns driving and snoozing. The guys are heading to Germany next month, I'll have to decline that as there's a work conflict with my day job, but if you're in Europe, check the Keys N Krates website for the venues and try to make it out! There's a West Coast tour towards the end of June that Matt (West Coast bass guy) will most likely be handling unless things change, Van, Calgary, Winnipeg, check it!

So, unless things change, I have no gigs outside of church schedded for the next little bit...yikes! I really want to try doing Berklee Online this fall or Winter semester to get their Bass Specialist Certificate, so help a brother out: if you know or hear of someone who needs a bass player, HAVE THEM CALL ME! Check out my website or contact me at andrew.jacksonsmith@gmail.com for contact info and creds. I'm a quick learner, and work really well with people and different genres, you won't be sorry!

(Oh, just a plug for Mrs. Groove's new blog, "Dancing on Jupiter" , she talks about some of the family stuff going on, check it out!)

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Now playing: dc Talk - Dive
via FoxyTunes

Mid Mayish Update

2009-05-18T23:04:00.000-07:00

Just a quick hit to update y'all on some stuff...London Tap House show with Keys N Krates was off the hook! Made some new friends (hi Michelle, Laura, and Sarah!) and we had a blast! Taha was a great promoter to work with, looking forward to doing some more shows with him in the future!

There are a couple more Keys N Krates shows I'll be playing this month:

MAY 21ST, 2009
ARCHIBALD MICROBRASSERIE
QUEBEC CITY, QUEBEC

MAY 22ND, 2009
TUBA ULTRA LOUNGE
MONTREAL, QUEBEC

MAY 23RD, 2009
RITUAL NIGHTCLUB
OTTAWA, ONTARIO

My friends in those cities (and you know who you are!), hope to see you out there...and if you're not and feel to take a road trip this weekend...bring it!

Hoping to work things out to get to go to Germany for a few days next month, but more on that later...cheers!

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Now playing: Justin Timberlake - Love Stoned (I Think She Knows)
via FoxyTunes

May Update

2009-04-29T19:34:00.000-07:00

Just a quick update, but first, I neglected to post a gig report on the Keys N Krates gig at the Supermarket April 10th...great venue, the place was packed out! Free the Robots started the night off with a killer set, and then the KnK Krew killed it like usual! Great night all around!

Next show is London 17th at the Tap House in London, this is THE May 2-4 bash to be at (okay, this year V-Day is not on the 24th, but that's what we've been calling it since way back in the day!) Definitely worth the trip details here .

Before that though, I'm doing a worship gig this Sunday morning with the Weber's at the Joshua Centre in Hamilton, it's been awhile since I've played with them as we got the fam settled into our new church 24/7 , it'll be nice to play with them again. But if you're in Burlington on a Sunday AM or PM, swing by the old NRG/Kingdom Nightclub...it's in a club, but the church is NOT a club...unlike anything you've seen, totally change your paradigm of church!

So, those are the only two shows on the horizon...but I have a summer gig coming up that I'm really excited about! I won't say anything yet as the rest of the band needs to be finalized, but Tune and I are going to be really busy this summer!

Still working on simplifying the rig. As much as I love Traynor gear, I needed something powerful yet portable, so for now the amp is a GK 2x12 combo (Neo 1001/212), I didn't used to really like GK amps, but Norm Stockton showed me that not only are they great sounding amps, they sound great with MTD Basses! Seth Horan, another killer solo bass player, has recently signed on as a GK endorsee as well.

The bi-amping capablities and the ability to cut those high frequencies that I don't like sold me...plus it's distributed in Canada by Yorkville Sound, so it's still in the family! I still use a Traynor DB300T with a custom 2x12 cab as a house rig at church though, and will pull the combo for smaller gigs.

The rack has been gone for awhile now. Too heavy, and the extra noise added to my signal resulting in arguments with sound guys just got to be too much of a hassle. So I've been looking to add to my pedal board the one effect that left my rack that I feel needed replacing. The dbx 120a Subharmonic Synth was great, but the rack had to go...after some research, I decided on an MXR M-288. There's a wicked player Uriah Duffy that has demo'd it, check out his Youtube clips.

Here's the frustrating thing...they're for sale all over the place. You can get them on E-Bay, theperfectbass.com has them available, different stores in the states...but they're still on backorder here in Canada it seems! What gives??? I'm using an Octaver from a different manufacturer that will remain nameless, it was (a distant) second choice based on my research and sound clips I'd heard...but it really doesn't track well down low...it sounded great when a colleague played a Strat through it, but I wouldn't reccommend it for bass. So, I wait in frustration...no love for the Canadian bass playing consumer, argghhh!!!

Hoping it comes in this week...then I'll be pretty satisfied with the set up...and be looking to a.) do Berklee online sometime next year and get my Bass Specialist Certificate and b.) get that MTD Saratoga 5 string...though if I can find a Czech NOS version I may go for that...

...until next time...

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Now playing: Michael Jackson - Don't Stop Till You Get Enough
via FoxyTunes

Ce qui se produit dans Sainte Adele, reste dans Sainte Adele

2009-04-07T20:15:00.000-07:00

Yeh...so last Saturday, I drove out to meet my boys from Keys N Krates out in Montreal to go and play the Shakedown After Party at the Bourbon Street venue in St. Adele, about an hour north of Montreal.

The guys flew in from Vancouver to M-Town earlier that day, so I had a long 6 hour drive to think about stuff...like getting the music thing back on track. I really need to start buckling down and work on original projects (...and then I returned to find an e-mail from my old man, somebody else is also trying to put my dad's poetry to song...after I finish working on another one for him and one that's long overdue for my Uncle Merv....so I have some stuff on tap to keep me busy for the next little bit...but I'm looking for more students and gigs as well...it's all about generating the income, dig?)

But I digress...now it's time to rant a bit...maps.google.ca SUX!!! Sent me in circles for half an hour when I got to Montreal trying to find the Delta Hotel where we were staying (nice digs btw!), and then when we left Montreal to go "nord", to St. Adele, the directions were screwed up again!

And when we stopped to ask for directions...another round of mess up the English speaking dudes! Tune know's French, he got directions from a gas station/convenience store to the spot...and then we almost ended up driving straight off a cliff that had no warning or barrier at the end of the road! Totally ambiguous directions! Grrr....

...so we finally made it to the spot, and got our gear in, sound checked up...and then got to the shared Green Room...which also happened to be doubling as the dressing room for 8 lovely Coors Light Girls (Coors Light was one of the event sponsors.) Um...yeh...and only two of them spoke any passable English...very interesting situation! Translate the title of this blog post to English Boys and Girls...but never fear, even in that situation, Rev Groove only had thoughts for Ms. Groove, it's all good! We tried to get one of the girls to do an on camera interview, but she declined...I think she felt a little weird, at that point, it was me, the KnK boys, and DJ Truespin in the room with just her, the rest of the girls were out working the crowd, she was finishing her hair and makeup...I think the language barrier got in the way...

...so after the Troublemakers got the crowd hot and jumping, Keys N Krates went up and showed them how they re-invented the re-mix...once again, a killer show! Then Truespin got up and kept the party going...we chilled for a bit, but Flo had an early flight, so we booked back to Montreal...and got lost AGAIN!!! I think we got back to the hotel...and then Flo basically just packed and took off for Mirabel...we got about 4 hours sleep before we had to take off to head back to TO...

...and my reward for partying with Coors Light girls and leaving Ms. Groove at home with sick kids??? Rushing home to a house that should be quarantined...there'd been a couple of kids sick when I left the day before, the whole house was ill when I got back...and now, I too am begining to suffer the same symptoms....dragged myself into work the last few days, hopefully I'll be able to get through tomorrow, rest up on Thursday and Friday during the day, and get ready for the Keys N Krates gig at the Supermarket on Friday evening. Should be another killer show, some new tracks to be dropped, as Flo sez, if you're lucky enough to live in T.O., be there Friday night!

That's all for now...I have a messy toddler's diaper to go change...lovely...

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Now playing: Bell Biv Devoe - Poison
via FoxyTunes

Carjacked? NOT!

2009-03-17T21:36:00.000-07:00

So, last Thursday's CMW show at the Wrongbar was off the hook! In the face of not having backline as promised, several bands came together in a spirit of community and put on a killer show. Great sets by Plushgun, The Framework, APlotAgainstMe, KeysNKrates (natch), The Wongboys, and Team Canada DJs made for an awesome night!

After a night off on Friday, we spent the day driving to Montreal for another show at the Academy...despite a language barrier with the sound guy, the team brought it again and entertained our Montreal Fans, along with Plushgun and The WongBoys. I was pretty wiped, and this old man fell asleep at the back of the club for a bit...but we still had a good time, all in all!

Now, to the subject of this post...Carjacked...not fun, not a good look, as they say...but as we were trying to find our hotel after the gig, a black SUV pulled up behind us, asked flashed it's lights, and used their speaker system to ask us to pull over. While there were no police markings, the it was consistent with a SWAT/SRU type truck that is commonly used...so after a brief discussion, we pulled over.

Next we were asked to exit the van, lie face down on the pavement, and put our hands behind our head...

...now, debate has occurred as to what would have happened yet. Maybe it was some jokers, just looking to pull a "harmless" prank...or maybe, it was something a bit more nefarious:

"Friday, January 30, 2009 at 11:37 a.m.

A 19-year-old man is wanted for impersonating a San Juan police officer.

Roel Garcia is accused of stopping a couple on Minnesota Road by using an unmarked car with flashing red and blue emergency lights.

Garcia was in plain clothes and allegedly told the victims he was an undercover investigator with the San Juan Police Department.

The 19-year-old man told the couple that he was on the lookout for a car full of cash.

Rolando Garcia with the San Jan Police Department said it became it obvious he was not really a police officer.

"When they said, 'We only have 10 dollars,' he grabbed it," the police spokesman said. "The victims made a comment like, 'You're a dirty officer and the suspect allegedly replied, yeah i'm a dirty officer so what!"

Police said only uniformed officers make traffic stops.

Action 4 News learned that red and blue emergency lights are actually easy to come by.

But Eddie Guerra with Communications Etc. in McAllen said he makes sure they don't end up in the wrong hands.

Guerra said he verifies that he's selling the public safety equiopment to legitimate police and firemen.

But he admits would-be criminals often offer him a pretty penny for the lights.

"I've been offered almost four to five times more than the light is worth just to purchase the lights, so they can go out in the streets and cause harm," Guerra said.

And then:

"Feb. 4 - The man who has been posing as a fake police officer may be using a police scanner to listen in on the real cops trying to catch him.

The Escambia County Sheriff's Office says the fake cop tried to stop a woman early Wednesday morning. The woman was traveling on North Palafox Street near Nine Mile Road when a white Ford Crown Victoria with blue lights got behind her, said Sheriff's Public Information Officer, Sgt. Ted Roy.

The woman called 911 to check to see if a real officer was trying to pull her over, says Roy. The woman stayed on the line with dispatchers and was told a real officer was not trying to pull her over and to keep driving.

"I told my husband I wasn't going to stop unless I called and made sure somebody was stopping me," the caller told emergency dispatchers.

It's a call that deputies say may have saved this woman's life and they're advising anyone else who encounters the "fake cop" to make the same call.

Deputies were about to initiate pursuit when the fake officer must have listened in on scanner traffic and turned around, Sgt. Roy said."

(Both stories found using Google.com search function)

So, keeping these things in mind, the final consensus was NOT to exit the van. At this point, I was pretty pissed...tired, cranky, alla dat. What we should have done, was called 911 to confirm whether or not it was a legitimate traffic stop.

Instead, I stick my head out the window and yell "let's see a badge first"...and was lucky I wasn't pelted with BBs or something more lethal....the SUV pulls up beside us, the passenger yells "F*ck off", and off they drove...

...they did circle around behind us and hit the siren again, but they grew tired of that game and took off shortly after...

...so, we lucked out...but I was pretty irked...and heard of the two stories posted above as well as some others, for pete's sake, is it really that easy to purchase that kind of equipment and not be involved in law enforcement, at least bonded??? There's other stories of worse occurences, people getting seriously hurt...something needs to be done about this...seriously...or as the Al Gore sez on South Park: "Serially!"

On the way back to TO, Matisse turned me on to this really cool project the Duke's of Daville , check it out sometime, I'm spinning the Millenium Music The Prequel CD, Steady's my fav track right now. Peace!

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Now playing: Dukes of Daville - Steady (Mesh Up Mix)

via FoxyTunes

Rev Groove Update

2009-03-07T22:43:00.000-08:00

Just a quick update on what I'll be doing this month (so far):

Playing bass with Keys N Krates next Thursday Mar. 12 at The Wrongbar.

TEAM CANADA \| KEYS N KRATES \| WONG BOYS \| EH TEAM DJS @ WRONGBAR LAST GANG \| TREMENDOUS RECORDS \| IDEAL FRIENDS \| CMW EXTENDED LAST CALL 4AM
Hosted by:	WRONGBAR
Type:	Party - Club Party
Where:	Wrongbar
When:	Thursday, March 12 from 9:00 pm to 4:00 am

If you're in TO on Thursday night, make this the CMW Event to attend. Keys N Krates IS re-inventing, and REINVIGORATING the re-mix. Check out the Keysnkrates.com for more details, videos, booking, and downloads. Love working with these guys...

Then on Saturday, it's off to Montreal for another Keys N Krates Gig at the Academy:

FUEGO! ☼ KEYS N' KRATES + GUESTS @ ACADEMY MAR14 "We Re-Invented the Remix"
Hosted by:	LOOKOUT
Type:	Music/Arts - Jam Session
Where:	Academy Club
When:	Saturday, March 14 from 9:00 pm to 3:00 am

Then at the end of the month, I'll be the guest clinician for the Halton Board of Educations's Band Extravaganza, shaking the Burlington Music Centre with 10-15 bass playing students...one of the tunes they're doing this year is the Transformers Theme, I'm pretty excited about it. That's March 26-27th...not open to the general public though. If you would like me to roll by and do a clinic for you, drop a comment and I'll be in touch!

Things are starting to calm down from the family's health issues, so I'm hoping to get back to finishing the track I'm working on for my uncle's poem and laying the tracks for my dad's stuff. Hopefully we'll have that posted for you guys in the next week or so...that's all for now, back to the poke war with my west coast buddy Marianne...

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Now playing: Diana King - Shy Guy
via FoxyTunes

Dealin' with the in-laws

2009-02-18T22:44:00.000-08:00

So it's been a busy week, haven't had a chance to update the ole blog...first off, my oldest daughter hasn't been able to keep food down for over two weeks. Been to the doctor with her twice in that time, second time she was sent to the ER...STILL no results, we're supposed to go back on Friday for a follow up with the pediatrician...

...but this blog is about the in-laws. Now, I couldn't ask for in-laws that were better than what I have. Love them as if they were my own parents, and they've done a lot for us. My studio in the garage? Courtesy of my father-in-law. Stepping in to help out with childcare two days a week when our other arrangements fell through? There's Nana to save the day (and she makes a killer sandwich when I'm running late too!)

So, she's juggling a lot. Aside from helping us with our kids (ADHD daughter and son, toddler daughter, and the middle daughter trying to keep up and carve her niche and get her share of attention), she is the full time caregiver for HER own mother. Now, she's a piece of work. She plays the helpless victim, so dependent, everyone has to pay attention to her...if she isn't the centre of attention, she runs downstairs to her granny suite to sulk...

...so last week especially, she's been a big pain in the...you know...Mom is so stressed out from dealing with that, and with everything else going on, she ends up in the hospital with a heart attack, and several minor attacks since then. She'll have to have an angioplasty, and a bit of time to recover.

So the wife and I, we're looking for alternative childcare, but that's the least of our worries...but feel free to click on some links on the right hand side folks! Our main concern is how to create and maintain a stress free environment for Mom when she gets home.

Grandma is NOT co-operating. I tell you the truth readers, while Mom lies in bed, Grandma continues to stress her out. She has the nerve to complain that she doesn't know what's going on (not true, it's been explained to her MANY times), but she's upset that mom has "left her alone."

Umm...not by choice Grandma!

I'm extremely p.o.'d...if it was up to me, I'd go pack her things and deliver her tale to the retirement home IMMEDIATELY...while that is the best course of action (admittedly in my opinion), the general consensus is that it either needs to be Mom's idea, or the systems (Grandma has a nurse come by a couple of times a week, they can determine to move her if it's in her best interests.)

So, I invite you to engage in healthy CONSTRUCTIVE dialogue via the posting of your comments. When is the right time to make that difficult decision? It's hard, I know, and I'm not related to Grandma by blood, so maybe I'm a little detached...but I love my mother-in-law, and I'm tired of her being manipulated by my wretched grandmother in law, who is not as dotish as she would have people believe her to be...I mean, she's been dressing herself for the past 5 days, she "couldn't" when mom was home! Nuff said!

Now, I'm sure someone is going to say "When do you want your kids to pack you off to a retirement home?", to which I respond "NEVER!" I'll have a plan in place and a doctor I trust to let us know when it's time for me to have part and/or full time care.

So yeh, please share your thoughts! Am I off base? A cold, unfeeling rat? Let me know what you think, no worries!

Music content: I think my writer's block is starting to lift, I have some life experience to put to music...well, once I have time, after cooking, cleaning, and watching the kids while the better half is helping with her mom...which I don't begrudge...so I'll hopefully be finishing the demo for "The Breakdown", which was sent to a drummer buddy of mine to lay the good drum track, after which I'll re-track the bass and then lay an organ pad, and we'll post it here sometime soon!

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Now playing: Orin Isaacs - Rock The Bass
via FoxyTunes

Writer's Block

2009-02-10T22:37:00.000-08:00

Yup, the big WB. I'm supposed to be composing tunes for my debut music project, and I've got two ideas in mind, possibly a third....tracked one of them for a Leland Sklar tribute that isn't going to be used (I'm not bitter or upset about that, it's not right for the project...) and was supposed to track a second for another shot at it, but I have no desire suddenly to create.

Stress at work I think has something to do with it. It's the end of our year and I need to shave $2k more from overdue accounts...kids are sick...gotta take my oldest to the doctor's first thing in the morning...

...now, see, I should be able to take that stuff, and generate a GREAT album! Lots of material for some bluesy, soulful angst driven tracks! But I'm tired of that. I don't want to write anymore love songs...even though I'm married to the love of my life, it's no reflection on her...I'm just feeling "meh" about everything.

Decided too, not to buy or rent (unless it's specifically needed for a one-off gig) any new (or used/new to me) gear for at least this year, with the exception of rental buyouts...partially a financial thing, partially to discipline myself to learn chops rather than gear. The thing is...I LOVE gadgets, and the thought of not giving into G.A.S. (see previous blog) is kind of depressing...no G.A.S for a year? Hopefully there's some prototypes coming down the pipleline from Traynor to try out...

Heck, even this blog is a result of the 'block, I couldn't come up with anything to write, so I'm writing about that!

So, I have a bar mitzvah gig this weekend, first one in awhile. Haven't played the Playground material in some time, so when I'm done this, I'm going to familiarize myself with some of the more difficult tracks, though all of our stuff is jammed out. The Playground is my favourite gig, I'm hoping this weekend will spark some creative juices flowing.

Also, I need to see if I can put together a jam band for a local establishment on a weekly basis. Used to show up there and actually sat in as part of the houseband a couple of times before the gig got shut down. The owner is looking for another band a different night of the week...if I can find the right guys...well, the right front person to build a band around...then a great drummer to hook up with to get a tight rhythm section...a sick guitarist, who's capable of leavng his ego at the door...and hot damn, we have a jam band!

So yeh, I'll sign off before I start writing nonsense. It's 2 PM, I need to flip the laundry and run some tunes...love that the studio is semi-detached from the house...hopefully I'll have something more interesting to write next week, peace!

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Now playing: All-Star Tribute - What's Going On
via FoxyTunes

Get Rich, quick!

2009-02-01T12:14:00.000-08:00

Yeh, right! Pay $X, get some friends to sign up, and get them to sign up friends, and watch the profits roll in...

...well, the problem is, all the people who get in on the ground floor so to speak, make all the dough. The people who come afterwards, well, the market's saturated by all the "grounders" who recruited you along with others that you could have recruited or recruited the person who recruited you; they make their money off the people who come after them...so if you don't get in early, and/or get seriously industrious in recruiting in untapped markets, you're outta luck!

Now, I'm not necessarily a fan of these schemes, pretty much they all come off as a pyramid arrangement (See above paragraph, the top of the pyramid makes dough based on the next level, and so on down the line...) But if there's an opportunity to get in on something when it starts, why not?

So, I have a Facebook account (which is how some of you may have stumbled on this blog.) My wife in her neverending quest to help me get nice bass and studio gear without impacting family finances, signed me up for a brand new Facebook App called "ChattoText." My own main reason for signing up for it is that if someone needs to get in touch with me right away for a gig or something and they don't have a cell phone to text me but they have access to the net (yeh, how likely is THAT to happen...) then they can send me an SMS message through my Facebook page using this application...so it's useful, for $6/month, nothing huge, and I'll write it off at tax time anyways and get some back.

The interesting thing though, is that for each person you recruit, they'll give you some cash back right away. This little video promo they showed gave a figure of over $7K/month...sheyaa right!

Still...this is a brand new thing...and as I said before, if you get in on the ground floor...so who knows? So I invited 5 friends (current max/day) who I think may find it useful, and who I also think wouldn't mind making a few extra bucks...tomorrow I may invite five more...I truly don't expect this to make me a millionaire, but hey! Maybe in three months I'll be sitting on my very own island in the South Pacific drinking a cooler and typing this blog using a satellite uplink...

(...knowing Ms. Groove, she'll have the referrall link up within the next day or so, check it out and leave a comment to let me know what YOU think!)

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Now playing: J Moss ft. Anthony Hamilton - I'm Not Perfect
via FoxyTunes

G.A.S. vs. S.A.F.

2009-01-25T20:24:00.000-08:00

Well, there's different meanings for "gas". Gas makes your car go. Gas comes out of your...you know...

...but the G.A.S I'm referring to, stands for "Gear Acquisition Syndrome." You see, as musicians, we're always looking for the perfect set up, that one piece of gear, the Holy Grail if you will that would fix our tone and make us the next super star.

The simple truth is, there's no quick cure for G.A.S. Well, I guess that's not true. The surest fix for it is what was formerly referred to as W.A.F. Wife Approval Factor was harder to gain depending on A.) when you last acquired something for your wife and/or the household b.) when you last gave in to a bout of G.A.S. yourself and most importantly C.) the cost of the cure to your current G.A.S.

W.A.F however was deemed to be politically incorrect...there are a lot of excellent, skilled bass players out there of the female type including but not limited to Lizzy Damont, Amanda Ruzza, Esperanza Spalding, Tal Wilkenfield, Jennifer Arroyo, Melissa Auf der Maur and others (google them if you don't know who they are!) So W.A.F. became S.A.F...same thing, just using Spouse instead of Wife in recoginition of a HUSBAND'S possible objection to G.A.S.

So what is the best way to control your G.A.S.? Other then quitting music that is. Well, get a job at a top music chain...well, scratch that, that just gives me MORE gas. The staff discount does help with the pocketbook, however. Well, I do advise working within the S.A.F. It's personally stopped me from giving in to G.A.S. and regretting it later...yes giving in to G.A.S. can cause you to have regret!!!

Like the time I HAD to have that certain effects pedal. When I figured out that it wasn't the right one, I ended up losing money on it, money I could have spent on the RIGHT pedal! G.A.S. has ruined the finances of many...in my job, I've seen it happen to many a good musician who just couldn't control their G.A.S.

So step one, is to calmly do your product research. Find out what the gear is supposed to do, and be absolutely certain that it's the right product for your needs. As part of your research, there's a mantra we use at talkbass.com that sez "try before you buy!" Wise words. If possible/feasible, try the gear with your own equipment, or with as close to your rig as you're able to before committing to a purchase or trade in order to satisfy your lust (which is what G.A.S. really is when you get right down to it...lust for gear...maybe we should change it to LFG...)

Then, once you're sure, gauge the S.A.F. Be it from the girlfriend or the spouse...a GF's opinion will likely be less important than a spouse's, but you should still check in nonetheless. If you're single...and you have the disposeable income...then get it while you're still single!

Okay, if the S.A.F. is good and you get the green light, and you can manage to pay for that Holy Grail of equipment...go for it!

Just remember...the grass is always greener...G.A.S. is usually cured only temporarily, and then the next piece of gear comes along! But with the help of my lovely wife (the S.A.F. in my house hold), my personal G.A.S. is held at bay for long, long periods of time!

Any other tips on controlling G.A.S.? Feel free to post comments

P.S. to help fund my now (IMO) infrequent bouts of G.A.S. my wife has taken over marketing of the revgroove brand, and has started a some online ventures. Please feel free to click on the links to the right, cheers!

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Now playing: Janet Jackson - Go Deep
via FoxyTunes

Gig Report

2009-01-17T21:30:00.000-08:00

Just got in, literally, from a gig in Montreal with Keys N Krates (http://www.keysnkrates.com/), man, I haven't been to Mo-Town north since I was 11...that's way too long ago...and woosh, it was off the hook. Eli and Jesse at the Academy were awesome, and as per usual, KnK (Flo, Tune, and Matisse) put on a great show. The after party was ridiculous (in the good sense) and we made some new friends to boot that we'll look forward to hooking up with again at future shows.

I was going to put up a video blog last night, but we didn't roll into our hotel room until 6:18 this morning. The Delta Montreal is a class joint, I think it's the nicest hotel I've stayed in, on a par with Adams Mark hotels in the states. We were SUPPOSED to leave around 11:00 this morning, but after a roll in at that time, fuggedd aboud it! Flo flew from MO straight back to NY, and so it was just Matisse, Tune and I on the way back for some spirited discussion on the lovely women in our lives (or the lack thereof in one particular case), music, production, and future goals we each have as far as our musical endeavors.

It was indeed a late arrival, all my kids except for the baby were up to greet me...sounds like she's about to get up though. Some stuff happened today before I got home that I won't get into, so daddy coming home to slay the bad guy is an especially big thing this time around!

We'll get back to a bass-centric or musical blog post in the next several days. If you have any ideas on specific topics you'd like to hear my take on, post a comment!

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Now playing: Rev. Groove - The Breakdown
via FoxyTunes

Until next time: The Rev. AJ Groove

The First "Sermon": An Introduction

2009-01-11T21:00:00.000-08:00

And so it begins. The new blog. I haven't really blogged in over two years. My son was sick in the fall of '07, and I posted some nasty notes on Facebook about this nurse who tried to deny him health care, but we won't count that.

So, what's the purpose of my blog? Well, my wife thought it would be a good idea...seriously, I need another creative outlet, and I used to be a fairly decent writer, so voila, here we are with Rev. Groove's blog!

Okay, so first of all, I'm NOT an ordained minister. I did have a local minister's license when I thought it was my path to follow and be a full time youth pastor, but it wasn't to be, and I moved on. There's the whole concept, philsophy or theology of all believers being priests jointly, but I want to make it absolutely clear that I'm not a minister or pastor in the common place use of the term, right?

The "RevGroove" handle comes from what I do on the bass; groove. I love playing the bass...I don't get time outside of gigs and church to play nearly enough. THAT'S going to change this week...but that's a different blog. My main joy in playing bass is when I'm with a good drummer and/or rhythm section, just laying it down in the pocket. I don't play a lot of flashy arpeggios, I'm not a virtuoso, I just like to groove. Those are skills that I aspire to, but the most important thing to me, playing the bass guitar, is the groove...

...I'm reading "The Music Lesson: A Spiritual Search For Growth Through Music" by Vic Wooten, one of the great virtuosos on bass. It's really re-inforcing the importance of the groove. When I'm finished, I'll devote a whole blog to a review most likely.

So, I'm going to log off for now...I have a lot to do. Starting the scratch tracks for my demo (the aforementioned source material for a future blog), PLUS I need to lay tracks for a project my brother-in-law is working on (much fun!) and prepare to leave for a gig in Montreal on Friday sometime.

But no worries...I'll be back soon...

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Now playing: J Moss - Operator (Album Version)
via FoxyTunes