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
Friday, February 12, 2010
Tuesday, December 22, 2009
It's been a minute...
...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!)
Thursday, October 22, 2009
Getting back into the groove...
(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!
----------------
Now playing: Seth Horan - So Sorry
via FoxyTunes
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!
----------------
Now playing: Seth Horan - So Sorry
via FoxyTunes
Monday, October 5, 2009
Has it really been that long???
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!
----------------
Now playing: J Moss - Operator
via FoxyTunes
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!
----------------
Now playing: J Moss - Operator
via FoxyTunes
Monday, August 10, 2009
Norm Stockton Bass Clinic Aug 20th 2009
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!
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!
----------------
Now playing: Norm Stockton - Pondering The Sushi
via FoxyTunes
Quick iPhone Update
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!
----------------
Now playing: Kanye West - Good Life (ft. T-Pain) CLEAN
via FoxyTunes
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!
----------------
Now playing: Kanye West - Good Life (ft. T-Pain) CLEAN
via FoxyTunes
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
I Hate Rogers!
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!
----------------
Now playing: Snoop Doggy Dogg - It Aint No Fun
via FoxyTunes
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!
----------------
Now playing: Snoop Doggy Dogg - It Aint No Fun
via FoxyTunes
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