RobiNZ Personal Blog

New Zealand Symphony Orchestra Flash mob in Wellington

Members of The New Zealand Symphony Orchestra with guitarist Justin Firefly Clarke performing the track 'The Ride' from the Good for Nothing feature film soundtrack. Composed by John Psathas. Video by Bryson Rooney.

 http://www.goodfornothingmovie.com/           http://www.nzso.co.nz/

Me, the Fairlight CMI, Thomas Dolby and back to the Murrumbidgee River?

(Way) Back in the 80s I used to buy an Aussie technology magazine “Omni”, correction it was “Omega Science Digest”!. One issue had a card you could send off (with a few au$) to get the demo cassette for a remarkable new electronic instrument. Yes, that there was an analogue demo cassette for a digital instrument gives an idea of how long ago that was!

It had a bunch of different tracks, samples etc. all created with the Fairlight Computer Musical Instrument but one (complete unlike the others) was the most memorable. I found Claude Larson’s Murrumbidgee River on YouTube (below) but sadly it appears you can no longer buy it, or the album “Rivers” (via iTunes or Amazon at least).

I probably still have that cassette somewhere… (see UPDATE 2012-02-22 below) and wanted to hear it again after listening to an ABC Radio Podcast interview — Big Ideas - Blinded by Science — with Fairlight Inventor Peter Vogel and Thomas Dolby. It covers all sorts of aspects from the evolution of digital musical technology, its impact on music and composition, the inventive process and the business of creating/marketing new ideas. There is even the tale of the (not so ubiquitous as once was) default Nokia ringtone and mention of the Fairlight iPhone/iPad app (why Dolby was in Aus.) which runs on a device vastly more powerful than the original $100,000+ Fairlight CMI!

I never did get a CMI as $100k seemed a bit much for someone who never progressed much past Grade 1 Piano before discovering sailing seemed more fun in the weekends! Maybe if I get the iOS app that cassette will have justified its demo label!

 

Title	Big Ideas - Blinded by Science - 54 min - 24.97 mb http://www.abc.net.au/radionational/programs/bigideas/blinded-by-science/3839938
	In 1979 two young men in Sydney invented a digital sampling synthesizer that sparked a worldwide musical revolution. It was called the Fairlight and for the first time musicians could play the sound of any instrument on a keyboard. It also allowed them to compose and perform compositions that would otherwise require a band or an orchestra to play. Those two men were 21 and their names were Kim Ryrie and Peter Vogel. Without the Fairlight you might not have the same sounds out of Thomas Dolby; who shot to prominence in this country with his 80s hit ‘She blinded me with Science’. Dolby had a boyhood obsession with music and technology and some two decades later his innovative computer music has greatly impacted on today’s popular music, games and mobile phones. Tonight they talk about music and technology then, now and in the future.
Published	February 20, 2012 10:05 PM
Copyright	Copyright 2012, Australian Broadcasting Corporation. All Rights Reserved.

* UPDATE 2012-02-22: The Just Fairlight Cassette Online

Peter found this post (which amazed me!) and commented that the cassette tracks are available on-line. Look for “Just Fairlight 3 A & 3 B” on his site: http://anerd.com/fairlight/audioarchives/index.htm

First Circle, my second Metheny masterpiece

I mustn't have told Amazon I own this as today it was first on the “recommendations for you”. Its not the first Pat Metheny Group recording I heard, As Falls Wichita... has that honour, but is the first I owned. A CD when they were still new and represented a hefty chunk of my weekly, first job, income.

Some old albums don’t stand up when revisited but First Circle isn’t one. From Forward March — a favourite with dissonant, out-of-tune chords and notes to confound those who don’t know Metheny — to “Praise” it still shines and I listen to it regularly. Not bad twenty seven years after it was first released.

“Comfortably Numb”, cycling and @noozeeland

A tweet from @noozeeland today inspired this post. He shared a phrase which commanded only one response. I know the lyrics to Comfortably Numb quite well as I love the song itself, but also for another rather odd reason.

When I’m cycling and feeling really tired it’s one song that often gets stuck in my mental playlist. “Comfortably Numb” is an admirable compromise to aim for when all sorts of bits ache but you still haven’t finished the ride!

I change the lyrics a bit to so here is my “PsychPod” version, adjusted for cycling, presented with due apologies to Mr Waters & Gilmore…

Hello, hello, hello Is there anybody in there? Just nod if you can hear me. Is there anyone at home?

Come on, come on down, I hear you’re feeling down. Well I can ease your pain, Get you on your feet the go again.

Relax, relax, relax I need some information first. Just the basic facts. Can you show me where it hurts?

There is no pain, you are receding. A distant ship's smoke distant hill slopes on to the horizon. You are only The pain is coming through in waves. Your lips move My thighs ache, but I can’t won’t hear what you’re they’re saying..

When I was a child, I had a fever three wheeler. My hands feet felt flayed like two balloons a buffoon’s. Now I’ve got that feeling once again. I can’t explain, you would not understand. This is not how I am.

I have will become comfortably numb. [mental guitar solo] I have will become comfortably numb.

OK, OK, OK Just a little pin prick bottle sip. There’ll be no more, aaaaaaaaaaaahhhhhhhhh, But you may feel a little sick.

Can you stand up, stand up, stand up on the pedals. I do believe it's working good. That’ll keep you going for the show up the road. Come on, it’s time to go.

There is no pain, you are receding. A distant ship's smoke distant hill slopes on to the horizon. You are only The pain is coming through in waves. Your lips move My thighs ache, but I can’t won’t hear what you’re they’re saying..

When I was a child, I caught a fleeting glimpse Out of the corner of my eye. I turned to look, but it the hill was is gone. I cannot put my finger on it now. The child has grown, the dream pain is gone.

IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII have become comfortably numb.

Songwriters: Roger Waters;David Jon Gilmour Song wrecker: Robin

Greg Johnson’s Secret Weapon

I’ve never been credited on an Album before but it is not the only reason I like this one! Greg part financed it’s production with pre-sales and a small investment was recognised in the liner notes. It’s a good listen, my favourite being the skeptical love song “The Way I Feel”:

SECRET WEAPON HAS LAUNCHED!
It's been a long time comin as the man said, but I'm delighted to say that the new album Secret Weapon is released ! It's been an amazing journey so far, but I hope this is just the beginning!
The album is available in all good music stores and of course online. You can buy the CD HERE or download the album HERE, we also have some brilliant new Secret Weapon T shirts available HERE.
Now that the album is released, why not let us know your thoughts in the forum HERE

http://gregjohnsonmusic.com/

SONGS FOR CHRISTCHURCH
Greg has donated a new mix of The Little Things to Songs For Christchurch, a download only collection of music to raise money for the NZ Red Cross. A minimum donation of $5.00 gets you hours of music and helps those who need it most. Go HERE to help out.

Far above the clouds, faith or evidence?

During an idle moment, waiting for something, a noise drew my gaze toward the sky. It came through the solid cloud cover and I strained to identify the source. I had a good idea but wondered how you’d explain it to someone who didn’t, who knew nothing of our modern world?

Of these alternatives I doubt they would pick the correct one:

1. Angry Sky Gods?
2. Thunder, from lightening I couldn’t see?
3. Several hundred people (and hundreds of tonnes of metal, fuel, luggage) high above the cloud watching movies and, possibly, about to tuck into a late lunch while doing about 900 km/h as they head to the over side of the world.
4. The man with his bag of secrets far above the clouds

I can’t prove it wasn’t 1, it is perhaps the simplest answer and some might say with faith it is all you need. 2 makes noise in the sky but this was different, longer lasting and far less dramatic.

If you didn’t know about modern aviation then 3 would be absurd. However visit to an airport would provide enough evidence to suggest it was not only possible, but also the most likely.

4: Far Above the Clouds

It also reminded me of this:

And the man in the rain picked up his bag of secrets, and journeyed up the mountainside, far above the clouds, and nothing was ever heard from him again, except for the sound of Tubular Bells

It was an aircraft up where the sun or moon always shine. I never saw it but from the engine noise I suspect a 747-400 as was louder than I’d expect an A380 to be. The simplest solution is not always the correct one, faith is not the answer but evidence provides one.

Pat Metheny on Tour with the Bose L1 System

Pat seems thrilled with his Bose L1 speakers, just need him to bring this tour to New Zealand so I can hear it!

Via http://twitter.com/PatMethenyNews

Pat Metheny creates a “live” solo “group” - ORCHESTRION

Ever thought a Solo performer, with a bit of automaton help, could sound this great? Pat Metheny’s latest project merges his performance with automated instruments to create a live solo live jazz group.

Can’t wait to hear the CD, wish the concert was coming a bit closer. Pat is touring ORCHESTRION through Europe in Feb/March, US/Canada starting in April but the closest he’ll get to NZ (so far) is L.A. or San Francisco. What about a Aussie/New Zealand leg Pat!?

Pat Metheny - ORCHESTRION

This project represents a conceptual direction that merges an idea from the late 19th and early 20th centuries with the technologies of today to create a new, open-ended platform for musical composition, improvisation and performance.

Preview Orchestration

An intro to Orchestration

FAQ, WHERE DID THE IDEA FOR THE ORCHESTRION PROJECT COME FROM?

FAQ: WHAT IS AN ORCHESTRION?

Pat Metheny Group – Forward March Live

This, the first track from First Circle, is one of my Favourite Pat Metheny Group tracks. It’s also a brilliant way to disrupt the demo of any new AV technology. I haven’t seen it performed live, even though I own every Pat Metheny Group DVD but think it’s a brilliant entrance. When I saw Pat perform in Wellington he mentioned possibly returning to New Zealand with the group. I hope one day they Forward March here.

2001 A Space Oddity?

Via 2001 Titles: The school orchestra version

David Byrne on the Internet Antichrist

Click through for an awesome post from David Byrne about the work of C. R. Licklider.

David Byrne Journal: 10.24.09: Internet Antichrist

“The Internet, the World Wide Web, as much of a boon as it has been, has left an awful lot of wreckage in its wake, beyond just the elimination of those formats we thought of as eternal and the industries that produced and delivered them. Interconnectivity has facilitated the loss of privacy of many of the world’s citizens. We’ve been liberated and captured at the same time.”

“All of which led me back to wondering — how did this get started?”

Greg Johnson to play at San Juan Capistrano Arts Series

My fave Kiwi artist:

Greg Johnson & Band
San Juan Capistrano Arts Series, Sat June 6
Details at www.musicatthelibrary.com

Is it 2008 or 1980?

"New" releases from Marbecks, is it 2008 or 1980?

• Kylie Minogue (KylieX2008)
• The Who (At Kilburn, 1977)
• The Police (Certifiable)
• The Rolling Stones (Shine a Light)

Upojenie: Pat Metheny & Anna Maria Jopek - in the USA

Pat Metheny Group have an updated website and it's come with a bonus for US readers. The wonderful Upojenie which combines Polish singer Anna Maria Jopek's vocals with Pat Metheny Group tunes is now available in the US. Previously it was an import only title, which is how I got it way back in 2005 after 'Bugman' Rudd Kleinpaste played it. 

You can hear previews on the site but to be honest the short clips don't do the long format building themes of Pat Metheny's material much favour.

It's in Polish but don't let that put you off. Even though I don't understand them Anna's vocals just add another texture and work wonderfully with the tunes. Recommended.

 

Tags: Rudd+Kleinpaste, Pat+Metheny+Group, Anna+Maria+Jopek

The classic song, the Reality TV Singer and The Warehouse Ad

It's a concern when you really like a song, then a company uses it in an advertisement. The Warehouse (my employer) have just started using one could have been so bad, but I think it's pretty good. Although I had seen the ad I don't watch Reality TV so had no idea who was singing. Then this post showed up in a Google Blog Search feed and I learnt it's Stars in Their Eyes competitor Tami Neilson's singing Nina Simone's "Feeling Good":

Just to show this isn't a company sponsored post, here is a great ad from our opposition Mitre 10 (it's NZ's take on Home Depot)

Via New Zealand Reality TV: Tami Neilson Sings Warehouse Ad

Greg Johnson on iTunes & YouTube!

I just discovered Greg Johnson, my favourite Kiwi artist, has a few "official" videos on YouTube. It includes a "bootleg" video from his brilliant performance with the APO which I saw back in 2005. It's a pity this fusion of rock & orchestra wasn't recorded officially as the performance was awesome;

Greg has a new album; "Seven Day Cure" is modestly tag-lined;

"Greg Johnson's bestest ever album ever in the whole World ever including the Spacestation"

Get it at iTunes, or on one of those old fashioned silver discs that won't disappear when your computer/iPod crashes...

Sony dumps ATRAC, Connect and SonicStage?

Have Sony have finally given up with SonicStage?

UPDATE 03–09–2007: Yep, SonicStage is history! See this press release from Sony NZ

I hope so as their music hardware is great but SonicStage, the software that connected it, was awful. Read their advice to “Connect” on-line store users on how save their content:

“Sony advises all its customers to burn purchased music to CD and re-rip them into MP3s to remove the DRM and enable long term future use.”

Yet another reason to not trust DRM controlled content.

TrustedReviews - Sony Dumps ATRAC & Connect, Adds WMA Walkmans
Sony Dumps ATRAC & Connect, Adds WMA Walkmans

Wired – Sony to Unplug Connect Music Service
Acknowledging its proprietary audio technology was a marketplace flop, Sony Corp. is shuttering its Connect digital music store and will open its portable media players to other formats

Tags: SonicStage, Sony

Raising money for the Big Bang?

My interest in cosmology and music meant this headline from a New Zealand Symphony Orchestra newsletter appealed.

Raising money for the Big Bang - nzso.co.nz
NZSO players and their friends put their shoulders to the wheel in a Wellington concert that will raise money for some new percussion instruments. There should be something for everyone in this eclectic concert spanning music from the Baroque to the present…

Tags: New+Zealand+Symphony+Orchestra, NZSO, Cosmology

David Byrne on cycling

I wonder how much of his music was inspired by cycling… 

David Byrne Journal: 6.18.07: Bicycles in NYC
I have been riding a bicycle in New York City for almost 30 years! For transport, not for sport. At first there were only a few of us. Loners, losers, maniacs and nerds…

Tags: David+Byrne

A band called DRM?

Musicians either love or hate Digital Rights Management, but this Japanese band are DRM!

DRM [CD+DVD] - www.cdjapan.co.jp
Dream returns under their new name DRM with a brand new six-song mini-album! This version includes bonus DVD with music video for the main track and live footage (subject to change). *Unless otherwise indicated, DVDs are region-2 encoded (Japan, Europe, and Middle East), and carry no subtitles.

"Marbecks" no longer Marbecks, sign of the times?

In a world of iThis & Download that it seems strange that a “Record Shop” can be part of your life…

The news that the Marbeck family have sold their “Record Store” (first opened in 1934) made me think about how it, and media, have evolved in a relatively short time.

I remember in the days before interweb shopping and download, when many NZ records were stamped locally, if you couldn’t get something the standard response was “try Marbecks!”. They were legendary for stocking, importing if they didn’t, virtually any title you’d want. The business has evolved changed premises, expanded and contracted, even embraced the Internet. They always led in promoting new media & technology; especially in the early days of CD when they were the place to go. Venturing into that store in downtown Auckland was certain to result in another title, at least, being added to my collection.

I work for The Warehouse (TWL), who have claimed a huge portion of retail music sales, but am still a customer at Marbecks. Large chains cater to mass markets and my, I’ll admit strange, musical tastes are not often satisfied by their range. That means turning to specialists like Marbecks, or nowadays on-line, to find titles that will never be seen in NZ. However I always check Marbecks, and other local sites, before ordering overseas as they generally offer better prices if they have the title (freight is a killer to NZ).

Although TWL have made life hard for retailers all struggle to compete with downloads. That has been hampered by the pain that is Digital Rights but the end of that means the real competition is just starting.

Still nothing on-line compares to the experience of wandering thru a big store browsing and discovering new titles/artists you’ve never heard of before. It appears the new owners are going to stick to the Marbecks formula: 

"They have kept something special in music retailing and we want to continue with that," said Roger Harper, managing director of [new owners] The CD and DVD Store, which has 30 outlets.

That’s good to hear and also that Roger is still in the music business, as owner of Ode Records who have a catalogue of New Zealand, Pacific, World, Classics and Jazz recordings.

Change of tune but Marbecks name stays - 11 Apr 2007 - NZ Herald: New Zealand Business and Personal Finance News
The departure of the Marbeck family from Queen St marks the end of an era for Auckland retailing.
But the new owners of Marbecks Record Shop, The CD and DVD Store, say they will keep the family brand name that has been a part of what was called "The Golden Mile" for more than seven decades…

Tags: marbecks

"The Way Up - Live" DVD hits New Zealand

I should be saying buy it at Amazon so I get some commission or at The Warehouse so helps my salary but if you’re in NZ you can click below to get the local Region 4 DVD version of  "The Way Up - Live".

I’ve been watching an imported disc for months, which cost way up more than the local version, and it’s brilliant. If you like Pat Metheny Group you’ll love it!

Pat Metheny Group – The Way Up – Live - Marbecks DVD
Release Date: Monday, 12 February, 2007
Pre-order your copy NOW

Pat Metheny is one of the most original and distinctive guitarists of modern times. Together with long-time collaborator and keyboards player, Lyle Mays, he founded the Pat Metheny Group in 1978. Instantly successful, they have established themselves at the forefront of jazz-rock fusion with a succession of best-selling albums and sell-out world tours. This show, filmed in late 2005, features the full concert version of his album 'The Way Up', which earned Pat Metheny Group their 10th Grammy Award and Metheny personally his 17th.

Tags: The+Way+Up+-+Live

5 things that people don’t know about me?

Hobie tagged me to blog 5 things that people don’t know about me, Hmmm….

1. My musical career did not progress beyond Grade 1 Piano. I now only play the CD’s…
2. As a kid I did, and liked, small boat sailing. I still like it but not enough to bother having a boat.
3. My dad is a talented mechanical engineer & machinist/toolmaker. I did not inherit this skill at all.
4. I’ve been to Las Vegas twice and never gambled. Not because of any anti-gambling conviction, just not interested. It’s actually possible to like visiting Vegas without gambling!
5. I like cycling but haven’t touched either of my bikes since getting home from a cycling holiday in APRIL   It’s now December and I have to change that as have another trip booked for next March.
6. I hate, and bin, chain letters and chain emails but don’t mind these blog tag things. Perhaps it’s because there is no claim it will result in illness, tragedy, riches, poverty if you do/don’t participate…
7. I can’t count!

The Mindjet Blog » Tony Tagged Me

Tony Goodson just tagged me and four other people to blog 5 things that people don’t know about me. Thanks, Tony.

And I tag Marc Orchant (oops, someone already tagged him!…nearly a year ago. Hmmm, I guess this is a bit of an old meme. Who cares, it’s a cool one!
OK, I will tag Nick Duffill (who, by the way, will hate being tagged. Sorry, Nick! ), Jamie Nast, Robin Capper, Jason Dorko and Chuck Frey.

Tags: 5+things, Five+things

I Missed The Way Up!

This arrived today but nobody was home

So it sits in the courier depot overnight  

It’s a long weekend 

The weather forecast isn’t great

Perfect DVD watching weather…

Saturday delivery is a wonderful thing!

Tags: The+Way+Up, Pat+Metheny+Group

Pat Metheny's Flash New Home Page

Pat Metheny Group have a new home page and it’s great. Loads of content but by far the best feature: 

Pat Metheny Radio – All Pat Metheny music, Streaming all day!

Pat Metheny: Home Page - www.patmetheny.com

Tags: Pat+Metheny+Group

J.B. Spins "The Way Up Live" DVD - Pat Metheny Group

Back in February 2005 I seriously considered flying to Tokyo, Seoul or San Diego just to see a concert. At that stage I hadn’t seen Pat Metheny perform other than on DVD. Pat Metheny Group’s “The Way Up” tour was getting rave reviews and that was the nearest it would get to New Zealand.

Since then I’ve seen Pat Metheny (Trio) perform in New Zealand and also, unexpectedly, have visited Seoul but not to see PMG. The Seoul performance I would have seen, funds allowing, has just been released on DVD. J.B. has a great review which is some comfort while I wait for the courier to deliver my copy. It’s been on pre-order from the day I found out about the release & it’s not far away…

J.B. Spins: The Way Up Live
One reason The Way Up was such an important recording when it was released, is that it seemed to synthesize everything the guitarist has previously explored, into a coherent, album-length statement. It was also great music, so The Way Up Live, featuring the Pat Metheny Group performing this extended piece in Seoul, is a welcome DVD arrival.

The Simpsons meets Star Trek

This is so cool, a mix of The Simpsons & Star Trek themes performed on a Rhodes piano, Theremin and Funnel!

The Simpsons vs Star Trek - www.youtube.com

Update 01–09–2006; Fixed the link

Pat Metheny Group "The Way Up" Live DVD due in October

I found the following item at CDJapan and thought you might be interested in it… 

IT’S THE DVD OF THE CONCERT OF THE BEST PAT METHENY GROUP RECORDING EVER RELEASED* 

c h a n d r a s u t r a: Pat Metheny Group The Way Up Tour Review
“Even James Joyce, music lover that he was, couldn't help me come up with the adjectives to describe the experience of seeing Pat Metheny Group, on tour”

Pat Metheny Group – "The Way Up" Live DVD
Release Date:2006/10/18
http://www.cdjapan.co.jp/detailview.html?KEY=VABG-1216

Running Time: 90mins, NTSC Format, Layers: single-sided/dual-layered,

Aspect Ratio(s): 16:9LB, Regional Encoding: 2, Color, Encoding: MPEG-2, Subtitles: Japanese ,

Audio Track : DTS 5.1ch &  Dolby Digital 5.1ch

 

* Until the next one

 

Track & more details at the Pat Metheny Group MySpace Blog

Pat Metheny - Are You Going With Me

Another Pat Metheny masterpiece, thanks to jazzmannl for sharing these. Compare this, more faithful to the original on the album Offramp, with Anna Maria Jopek's impressive vocal version.

Pat Metheny - Minuano with the Metropole Orchestra

Pat Metheny - Minuano - with the Metropole Orchestra (Live from North Sea Jazz 2003) is just awesome. It’s one of Pat’s best tracks and works nicely with the orchestra. Can you buy this on DVD somewhere????

For comparison, there is a clip of the original Minuano (Six Eight) from the album Still Life (Talking) at Amazon.

42 strings, not an orchestra, just a guitar

Over on “A Welsh View” Robert Gale asks “Think you can play this?” (42 string guitar).

Well, no, but I’ve seen someone who can!  One the highlights of Pat Metheny’s recent New Zealand concert was a solo on the 42 String Pikasso Guitar. You can see a brief clip of it in action, not sure where it was filmed, below…

The joys of SonicStage - there are none, it sucks

A tale of a Sony Player and Sonicstage. No matter how sexy the hardware, and it is, Sony still screw it all up with crap software. I posted about this way back in 2004 and still they persist. It appears Apple aren’t any better.

Carito's Pics ;-p: Don't buy Sony music players !
What I didn’t know at the time, and they didn’t tell me either, is that you needed a software to start your "Sony experience".

As somebody said, Sony: Please feed better the monkeys that code your software.

Vivaldi, the rocker?

Far from the conventional arrangement, by Jean Michel Jarre, but it works!

Hello? It's for me

It’s here so this classic is only a click away…

At the end of any war... Why not at the beginning?

I was reading Jack Yan’s attempt to make sense of the Middle East conflict(s) but I think it’s a futile task. When I see or read war coverage the all I hear is the wise words of a WW1 Veteran:

“At the end of any war, everyone sits around a table and comes to some agreement.
Why dont' they do that before the war instead?”
Alf Razzell, Royal Fusiliers, WWI

Who's right, who's wrong... that quote sums up the futility of war for me.

I first heard Alf’s voice in “The Ballard of Bill Hubbard” (link to Lyric); the first track on Roger Waters album Amused To Death. The vocal is an extract from a BBC documentary interview which, by chance, I have also seen. It was a moving collection of interviews with the last of the WW1 veterans, all in their late 80’s/90’s, still coping with the emotional and psychological effects decades later. His was just one of many heartbreaking stories.

www.rogerwatersonline.com/amused/

The Ballad of Bill Hubbard, features the genuine voice of Alf Razzell as he describes his failings in saving a colleague Private William Hubbard, from death and possibly never being found in the trenches of the First World War. The album carries the poignant dedication, Dedicated to Private William Hubbard (1888-1917), Eighth Battalion of the Royal Fusiliers, City Of London Regiment.

A Tribute to RAZ and Bill - www.rogerwaters.org

Say hello to "Anyone Can Say Goodbye" - Greg Johnson

Ask me to name my favourite kiwi artists and Greg Johnson tops the list. I haven’t heard the full CD yet but the samples on his site indicate his latest, "Anyone Can Say Goodbye", is the usual high standard.

It’s out today, so I’ll be stopping off to the Red Shed to get a copy, after all I have 12 hours free to listen to it!

Greg Johnson - Anyone Can Say Goodbye
Anyone Can Say Goodbye has all the hallmarks of what we have come to know as Greg Johnson's quintessential sound. A master of soulful tunes, a witty raconteur, Greg is ready to beguile and seduce us with his latest work. Anyone Can Say Goodbye is full of songs that are waiting to bewitch you. Laden with delicate pop craftsmanship and superb vocals, the record is full of tales of love gone wrong, love gone right, and all the feelings in between.

Anna Maria Jopek & Pat Metheny

The beautiful Anna Maria Jopek with Pat Metheny  -  Are You Going With Me?

Quote from Anna Maria Jopek interview by Marco Losavio  about making UPOJENIE

“This was the most rewarding and beautiful time in our lives, yet at the same time the most exhausting, we hardly survived the tension and the suspense. When Pat eventually arrived in Warsaw for a week in October 2002 it all vanished – and the purest joy of making music with your greatest hero of all time remained. How he works is another story. It would be wise to publish a book on that one day. It's unlikely we will ever meet someone like him again. He's from another world.”

Greg Johnson: Anyone Can Say Goodbye : Coming soon

First sign, for me, of Greg’s new album was a listing at Marbecks.

Greg Johnson :– Anyone Can Say Goodbye - Marbecks

Greg Johnson Official Website

Greg Johnson - My Space Page (with audio)

Lyle Mays – Lyle Mays

Not sure what prompted Marty to do this review of Lyle Mays solo album “Lyle Mays” now, it was released back in 1998, but it’s a nice summary of a great disc. The opening track is a favourite but by far the most memorable is “Track 7 – Alaskan Suite: Ascent”.

Lyle Mays – Lyle Mays - Marbecks - More Detail

Pat Metheny Group Podcast

Seems like today is podcast discovery day as discovered the Pat Metheny Group podcast. The first discusses the re-mastered SONG X and there are iTunes and RSS subscriptions for future editions.

I have to admit I tried to like SONG X when it was released but never really got it. Perhaps it’s time for another attempt.

Pat Metheny Group Listener Network - Podcasts
Celebrating the Twentieth Anniversary of the historic recording SONG X featuring Pat Metheny, Ornette Coleman, Charlie Haden, Jack DeJohnette & Denardo Coleman

Greg Johnson has a blog

My favourite Kiwi musician, Greg Johnson, has a new My Space music page/blog with a few sample tracks from his latest CD “Here comes the Caviar”. He’s now resident in Santa Monica, a move to find the fame, fortune and caviar he deserves, but returns home to perform occasionally.

Keep an eye on the page for details of Greg’s upcoming performances: Boston.. Wilmington.. St Louis.. NYC.... all coming up soon.

http://www.myspace.com/gregjohnsonmusic

Pat Metheny Trio rocks in Wellington

This isn’t a comprehensive review, I was far to busy enjoying the performance to remember all the detail required to document a stunning event but here goes with a few memories…

Pat Metheny walked onto the stage of the Michael Fowler Centre and began his first ever New Zealand performance with a baritone guitar solo. I didn’t recognise the tune at first, he later said was an improvisation, but it evolved into a variation of Last Train Home that set the scene for an awesome evening. I was sitting close enough to see the delicate finger-work & complex techniques that result in that unique Metheny sound. As much as I enjoy the DVD’s it was wonderful to finally see Pat perform without a director intruding!

From intimate solo’s, including one on the 42 String Pikasso Guitar, to powerful electro-acoustic tours, accompanied by the excellent Antonio Sanchez (Drums) and Christian McBride (Acoustic Bass), every aspect of this Trio’s combined talents were revealed. The performance ranged from some of Pat’s earliest works, Bright Size Life, to “group tracks” like So May It Secretly Begin, from Still Life (Talking), artfully rearranged for the Trio.  I was rapt when they played Always and Forever, a favourite of mine from Secret Story. Pat mentioned a new track, as yet unnamed other than “No 13”, was written for the Trio & maybe a new CD “if they get time in the studio”. I hope they do.

I was expecting a more “traditional jazz trio” sound, which was there at times, but this combination also rocked with sound levels that threatened to blast open the theatre doors! A standing ovation led to a blues’ey encore, with Christian on electric bass for the first time, followed by another standing ovation as a happy looking Trio left the stage. It appeared they had a good time, it was apparent the audience certainly did.

I chose to drive down to Wellington for the weekend. Monday was a stunning day and the nine hour drive home, with a Metheny soundtrack all the way (Travels, One Quiet Night, The Way Up, First Circle and more), was a memorable end to a wonderful weekend (just look at Mt Ruapehu right).

Live, the Pat Metheny Trio was electrifying, just as the festival promotion promised – now we have to lure him back to New Zealand with the group!

Related Links:

NZ Performance discussion, and “kiwihead”s posting of Tyler Hersey’s much more comprehensive review, at the Pat Metheny Group Listener Network.

Pat Metheny Trio Bio

Finally, Pat Metheny Live in New Zealand!

First there was a circle….

About 20 years ago I picked up a CD in the library. CD’s were still fairly new, & expensive in New Zealand, so it was a good way to audition before buying. I’d never heard of the artist but liked the design of the cover. It’s not the best way to choose music but a brief audition showed Pat Metheny was no ordinary musician and there began a lifetime of pleasure.

Not, it must be said, always instant pleasure as Pat’s music can be “challenging” at times. However, some tracks I’ve not liked at first later became long term favourites. I now own most of his catalog, CD and DVD, and listen to them all, often.

Pat Metheny Group has won an unprecedented 10 Grammys beginning in 1982 for the record, OFFRAMP, to last years release “The Way Up”. Pat, himself, has won 17 Grammy awards in 10 different categories ranging from Best Instrumental Composition to Best Rock Performance.

This weekend I’m heading to Wellington to hear the Pat Metheny perform, for the first time ever, in New Zealand!

Pat Metheny Trio - NZ International Arts Festival 2006
Pat Metheny with Christian McBride and Antonio Sanchez
12 Mar, 8:00pm, Michael Fowler Centre, Wellington

http://www.patmethenygroup.com/ (official Website)

Which MP3 Player?

I’m thinking of getting a MP3 Player to replace my Minidisc Player but cant find one that:

• Has enough capacity to take a reasonable amount of stuff – 1 or 2 gb is fine
• Stores any kind of files – drag n drop – USB connection
• Has a long battery life – 30 hours –  or runs from replaceable batteries.
• Is rechargable independently – not carrying a computer to recharge a USB mp3 player!
• Has a radio tuner – when travelling I like listening to local radio
• Can record would be nice, not essential

I don’t care if it isn’t an iPod. The whole “iPod” thing is a bit lost on me, I don’t want to carry a trillion CD’s on a fragile hard-drive that I know I’ll drop.

So far the best bet is the Sony NWA608S MP3 Walkman (2GB with FM tuner) + some sort of recharger as it’s USB only. Have also thought of a combo mobile phone/player but my contract has a year to go and my provider doesn’t offer the Sony ones that look like the best bet here.

Any recommendations?

Pat Metheny Group wins a Grammy for "The Way Up"

My favourite Pat Metheny Group album wins a Grammy!

The Way Up wins Best Contemporary Jazz Album. That’s the 17th Grammy for Pat, 11th for the group!

Can’t wait to see Pat in his first ever New Zealand performance next month!

Best Contemporary Jazz Album ~ www.grammy.com

Pat Metheny Group Listener Network.

Root out the Rootkit - SonyBMG DRM Customer Survival Kit

Freedom to Tinker have posted a SonyBMG DRM Customer Survival Kit.

Freedom to Tinker » Blog Archive » SonyBMG DRM Customer Survival Kit

SonicStage 3.3 - An improvement, at least it installs and works!

Given the enormous trouble I’ve had upgrading Sony’s SonicStage in the past I was rather nervous when an email arrived suggesting an upgrade to SonicStage 3.3.

Given all the justifiably bad press Sony have had recently with the whole rootkit thing I wondered what sort of havoc SonicStage would cause this time. It took a week to recover from last attempt to upgrade and trashed my SonicStage music database. From the traffic and response to that blog post I was not alone.

The dilemma is that I need SonicStage to use my Net-MD player…

So, after a careful review of the install instructions and backup of the old database I started the upgrade. After a very slow download, despite a broadband connection it arrived at dialup speed, removal of the previous version and installation worked perfectly finishing with a request to reboot. On restarting the old database was upgraded and I now have a seemingly happy SonicStage 3.3 installation. I’ve added a CD and transferred some tracks to/from a Mini disc with no problems at all. That might not seem startling but in comparison with the pain of the other upgrades it’s a miracle.

I don’t have a download link as SonicStage is localised, visit www.Sony.com to find the correct version for your combination of hardware/location.

From Sony;

SonicStage Version 3.3 is now available for consumers with compatible Sony Hi-MD Walkman, Net MD Walkman, Network Walkman, ATRAC CD Walkman, CD/Radio Cassette Players.

SonicStage 3.3 includes a number of step-up features…

Pat Metheny Trio - NZ International Arts Festival 2006

Pat Metheny, in New Zealand!

Nothing more to say other than see you in Wellington!

Pat Metheny Trio - NZ International Arts Festival 2006
Pat Metheny with Christian McBride and Antonio Sanchez, United States
12 Mar, 8:00pm, Michael Fowler Centre, Wellington

Van Morrison's Contractual Obligation Album

This is great…

WFMU's Beware of the Blog: Van Morrison's Contractual Obligation Album

In order to fulfill his obligation to his early solo label Bang Records,Van Morrison sat down in 1967 or so and cranked out 31 songs on the spot, on topics ranging from ringworm to wanting a danish…

Sony SonicStage dies?

Are Sony are finally getting serious about the attack of the iPod? Probably too little too late but their latest line of Hard-drive/Network Walkman look nice.

I went to a “My Sony” preview hosted by Sony New Zealand last month. A, previously dealer only, product preview was opened to customers registered through the My Sony site. The focus was a new LCD TV range but the full product range, including Walkman, was on display. I was impressed with the 1 Gb solid-state Network Walkman and asked if they still used SonicStage to manage content.

I was disappointed to find they do as have found SonicStage an awful application to use, maintain and upgrade. “SonicStage Horrors” is one of my most visited posts found by people searching for help with corrupted data, upgrades gone bad and other problems. I will never purchase DRM content on-line and trust it to SonicStage, or other similar software, after seeing a simple software upgrade corrupt an entire content database. All I lost was time as the content was all from CD’s I own but imagine the pain, and cost, if it had meant losing downloaded content.

There was some hope in the response as was told “there are some big changes coming for SonicStage”. If the report on Engadget is correct it appears that SonicStage may die . I hope so as Sony make great audio hardware then ruin it with awful software.

The latest chapter in Sony’s sea change — SonicStage dies - Engadget