One of my twitter friends jazz singer Lola Haig from Ojai, CA (@ojailola) asked me what's my favorite song to solo over. My answer was "Autumn Leaves" based on the fine Cannonball Adderley/Miles Davis version on the famous jazz record "Somethin' Else". I love playing the tune. The changes pretty much play themselves. The trio I play in performs it every time we play.
Cannonball took the solo on the Somethin Else record in directions that are just awe-inspiring. I don't think I will ever get tired of listening to what he did. It has got to be one of the most melodic, creative, and musical improvised solos in the history of jazz recording! Yeah, I like it that much!!
One of these days, I intend to sit down and transcribe Cannonball's solo because, in my opinion, that's the equivalent of a 3 credit college course in improv.
Anyway, here is a video of yours truly playing "Autumn Leaves".
Thursday, July 28, 2011
Monday, July 25, 2011
It's Never Too Late
I was driving some of the backroads of Bucks County over the weekend, listening to The Sinatra channel on xm when on came this swingin' vocal version of "You'd Be So Nice To Come home To". I glanced down at the radio display and saw that it was Hal Linden...yes, THE Hal Lnden of Barney Miller fame. I knew he played clarinet but had no idea he was a jazz singer. He's not a crooner, he's a bona fide jazz singer in my mind. The solo section of the tune features Linden's clarinet...and he comps the clarinet solo with scat! Very hip, very cool.
So, today, I wanted to share that with my guitarist. We're riding in his car in NYC, I buy the track on itunes, I connect my iphone to the ipod cable his car is equipped with, and there we were listening to Hal Linden swingin'. Awesome. iTechnology at its best. As I write this I'm listening to the track on the train.
Linden has been around. He's 80 and has had a great career on Broadway, movies and television. I can't remember when i heard him play clarinet but I'm sure it was in a one-off feature sort of thing. The record that has this tune on it is his first and was released this year! And the title? "It's Never Too Late". What a perfect title! He's 80 and cranks out a swingin record and says "It's Never Too Late"!!
What an inspiration! It's never too late to spread your creative wings! It's never too late to try something new! It's never too late to explore new opportunities! Also, it's never too late to share a side of you that not many have seen, your passion, your artistry, ... your music.
Thanks Mr. Linden! You have given me (and countless others I'm sure) yet another answer to the question of "why do I play music?". Because it's never too late!
So, today, I wanted to share that with my guitarist. We're riding in his car in NYC, I buy the track on itunes, I connect my iphone to the ipod cable his car is equipped with, and there we were listening to Hal Linden swingin'. Awesome. iTechnology at its best. As I write this I'm listening to the track on the train.
Linden has been around. He's 80 and has had a great career on Broadway, movies and television. I can't remember when i heard him play clarinet but I'm sure it was in a one-off feature sort of thing. The record that has this tune on it is his first and was released this year! And the title? "It's Never Too Late". What a perfect title! He's 80 and cranks out a swingin record and says "It's Never Too Late"!!
What an inspiration! It's never too late to spread your creative wings! It's never too late to try something new! It's never too late to explore new opportunities! Also, it's never too late to share a side of you that not many have seen, your passion, your artistry, ... your music.
Thanks Mr. Linden! You have given me (and countless others I'm sure) yet another answer to the question of "why do I play music?". Because it's never too late!
Thursday, July 21, 2011
Another reason to enjoy making music
My friend John Mooney from The Villages in Florida sent me a link to a magazine article entitled "Music Makes A Brain Happy- And Hungry For More Music". (read the full article here).
Basically, the study speaks of how the "feel good neurotransmitter dopamine" is released to parts of the brain that affect anticipation...causing the listener to "crave the next note".
My permanent psychologist (my daughter Erica) has told me in the past that there is a field of study that studies music as a means of psychotherapy. She has also pointed me to the Oliver Sacks book "Musicophilia" ... that I must admit I haven't had the chance to read, but does study the psychological affects of music. By the way, Eric is an outstanding musician and singer! Check her out here
As a musician, I have to say that this info gives me yet another answer in my search for "why am I a musician?". I listen to music like you do, and I am fortunate to be able to make music like some of you. It's often said that performing is like a drug. I would have to agree. Why else do famous performers never seem to retire? There is nothing like when a musician and audience connect. The performance becomes a unique event at that very place and time that will be memorable.
So, us musicians get the feel-good rush when we listen and when we perform! What is it Elvis is believed to have said when asked why he never did encores..."Leave them wanting more!". He might have been on to something!! Either way, knowing that there is a scientific reason to strive to make the best music I can is pretty inspiring!
I was once asked to record a harmonica solo on a reggae record...yep, reggae! When the guy contacted me, he said (in his island-ese accent), "Yaah maan, I want some of your harmonica lovin on my CD maan!". I laughed, but now we know that there is much more to music than the ntes, much more than the technical proficiency on the instrument...it's about the soul in the music that connects with the listener...and leaves them wanting more. Its the dopamine that leaves them craving more.
I love being a musician!
Basically, the study speaks of how the "feel good neurotransmitter dopamine" is released to parts of the brain that affect anticipation...causing the listener to "crave the next note".
My permanent psychologist (my daughter Erica) has told me in the past that there is a field of study that studies music as a means of psychotherapy. She has also pointed me to the Oliver Sacks book "Musicophilia" ... that I must admit I haven't had the chance to read, but does study the psychological affects of music. By the way, Eric is an outstanding musician and singer! Check her out here
As a musician, I have to say that this info gives me yet another answer in my search for "why am I a musician?". I listen to music like you do, and I am fortunate to be able to make music like some of you. It's often said that performing is like a drug. I would have to agree. Why else do famous performers never seem to retire? There is nothing like when a musician and audience connect. The performance becomes a unique event at that very place and time that will be memorable.
So, us musicians get the feel-good rush when we listen and when we perform! What is it Elvis is believed to have said when asked why he never did encores..."Leave them wanting more!". He might have been on to something!! Either way, knowing that there is a scientific reason to strive to make the best music I can is pretty inspiring!
I was once asked to record a harmonica solo on a reggae record...yep, reggae! When the guy contacted me, he said (in his island-ese accent), "Yaah maan, I want some of your harmonica lovin on my CD maan!". I laughed, but now we know that there is much more to music than the ntes, much more than the technical proficiency on the instrument...it's about the soul in the music that connects with the listener...and leaves them wanting more. Its the dopamine that leaves them craving more.
I love being a musician!
Friday, July 15, 2011
This Web 2.0 technology stuff is very cool!
So, my 9-5 work is in engineering. I have a degree in electrical engineering and have been a "techie" all my life since before HS. I went to a vocational HS, have had a ham license for 35 years, and have made a living in engineering. I have to say I never lose the thrill when something "works".
Enter the age of Web 2.0 where the likes of Facebook, Twitter, and every other social interaction site lives. Add to that ReverbNation, a wonderful site for independent musicians to keep in touch with our fans, share our music, and look for new venues to perform in. RN provides "widgets" that can be placed all around the internet...on websites, blogs, etc. With those widgets, I can simply update my appearances calendar on RN and it automatically gets updated wherever widgets are placed.
My latest "ah-ha" or "that's really cool" moment just happened! I am NO software or programming expert by any stretch of the imagination (even though I have sat thru 4 courses in various languages thru the years...and "aced" them I might add). But when I navigate thru the lingo and TLA's (three-letter-acronyms) of the new generation of techies, and try something out, it's very cool when it works. This week (yes this took a couple of days) I discovered it's possible to take this very blog, create a "feed", and post have it automatically post on my website http://www.chrisbauermusic.com/ And...it worked!!
Now some of you are sitting there thinking...so what? But to my tech-head whose interest in technology began when we still had vacuum tube Heathkit ham transceivers and TV shows were advertised as being "In Color", I am amazed that this stuff actually works.
Once again....very cool.
Enter the age of Web 2.0 where the likes of Facebook, Twitter, and every other social interaction site lives. Add to that ReverbNation, a wonderful site for independent musicians to keep in touch with our fans, share our music, and look for new venues to perform in. RN provides "widgets" that can be placed all around the internet...on websites, blogs, etc. With those widgets, I can simply update my appearances calendar on RN and it automatically gets updated wherever widgets are placed.
My latest "ah-ha" or "that's really cool" moment just happened! I am NO software or programming expert by any stretch of the imagination (even though I have sat thru 4 courses in various languages thru the years...and "aced" them I might add). But when I navigate thru the lingo and TLA's (three-letter-acronyms) of the new generation of techies, and try something out, it's very cool when it works. This week (yes this took a couple of days) I discovered it's possible to take this very blog, create a "feed", and post have it automatically post on my website http://www.chrisbauermusic.com/ And...it worked!!
Now some of you are sitting there thinking...so what? But to my tech-head whose interest in technology began when we still had vacuum tube Heathkit ham transceivers and TV shows were advertised as being "In Color", I am amazed that this stuff actually works.
Once again....very cool.
Tuesday, July 12, 2011
Whatever happened to harmonica groups?
I came to know the harmonica through my Dad's harmonica trio "The Harmonikings". They were three men who were passionate about the harmonica. The trio was comprised of Hank Graham (Uncle Harry to me as a kid), Gene Broglie (Uncle Gene to me) on chromatic harmonica, and my Dad Bob on the chord. They rehearsed every Friday night fro. as long as I could remember. They would practice the tunes they already knew, learn new ones, try different mics, sounds, etc. They performed many gigs, recorded two albums, appeared on TV, and even got into a commercial.
In those days (late 60s/early 70s) they weren't alone. There were other trios in the metro NY area. "The Domino Trio", "The Melody Men", and "The Budd Lake Four" come to mind. Later on, "The Electra Three" and "The Society Boys" came on the scene. Add to this other groups beyond New York and the list grows exponentially. The Sgro Brothers from Elmira NY (still at it to this day), The Ericksons from Madison, The Harmonica Hi-Hats, The Smith Family, etc etc. And there were national acts like Jerry Murads Harmonicats and The Harmonica Rascals.
All of these groups were busy performing club dates, festivals, and many events.
What happened to them? Aside from the obviouos that quite a few of them passed away, why are the acts gone? The music was unique, has a tremendous acoustic sound, and was very entertaining. When I played with The 'Kings, we did tunes like "Galloping Comedians", "Sabre Dance", and medleys of music from "West Side Story". People would marvel at what we could play on harmonicas.
So why are there so few harmonica groups today that are never heard of? There are a couple like The HarpBeats and The Sgro Brothers, but thats really it. If you attend a SPAH convention (Society for the Preservation and Advancement of the Harmonica) or one of the other harmonica festivals around the country, you might catch an ad hoc trio or quartet.
I'm not saying the harmonica group is dead. There are plenty in Europe, Japan, and China. Why there and no longer in the US? One reason is that the harmonica is taught in school. There are outstanding harmonica trios made up of high school kids playing some serious classical music. Check out the Fresco harmonica trio!
So, can the harmonica group make a come back in the states? Will contemporary music directors embrace the harmonica as an instrument? Are there enough players that can also teach students how to play the harmonica? Until these questions are answered, I fear the sound of the harmonica group will not be heard by many...
What do you think?
In those days (late 60s/early 70s) they weren't alone. There were other trios in the metro NY area. "The Domino Trio", "The Melody Men", and "The Budd Lake Four" come to mind. Later on, "The Electra Three" and "The Society Boys" came on the scene. Add to this other groups beyond New York and the list grows exponentially. The Sgro Brothers from Elmira NY (still at it to this day), The Ericksons from Madison, The Harmonica Hi-Hats, The Smith Family, etc etc. And there were national acts like Jerry Murads Harmonicats and The Harmonica Rascals.
All of these groups were busy performing club dates, festivals, and many events.
What happened to them? Aside from the obviouos that quite a few of them passed away, why are the acts gone? The music was unique, has a tremendous acoustic sound, and was very entertaining. When I played with The 'Kings, we did tunes like "Galloping Comedians", "Sabre Dance", and medleys of music from "West Side Story". People would marvel at what we could play on harmonicas.
So why are there so few harmonica groups today that are never heard of? There are a couple like The HarpBeats and The Sgro Brothers, but thats really it. If you attend a SPAH convention (Society for the Preservation and Advancement of the Harmonica) or one of the other harmonica festivals around the country, you might catch an ad hoc trio or quartet.
I'm not saying the harmonica group is dead. There are plenty in Europe, Japan, and China. Why there and no longer in the US? One reason is that the harmonica is taught in school. There are outstanding harmonica trios made up of high school kids playing some serious classical music. Check out the Fresco harmonica trio!
So, can the harmonica group make a come back in the states? Will contemporary music directors embrace the harmonica as an instrument? Are there enough players that can also teach students how to play the harmonica? Until these questions are answered, I fear the sound of the harmonica group will not be heard by many...
What do you think?
Friday, July 8, 2011
"Who do you sound like?"
Every musician has been asked this question at some point in their musical careers. A manager at a club will ask that to see if you're the right fit for their crowd. Another musician may ask you that question to get to know you better.
It is probably one of the most difficult questions to answer! As a harmonica player, I wrestled with this question many times. Do I dare say "I sound like Toots."? ...or Stevie, or Jerry Murad of Harmonicats fame, or ... Out of sheer respect for the aforementioned musicians, I try to avoid saying I sound like any of them.
How about other jazz musicians? Well, I listen to Miles, Trane, Art Pepper, Brubeck, Desmond, ... Do I "sound" like any of them?? Again, out of respect and homage, I try not to say I sound like any of them.
It hit me today that maybe I don't need to say who I sound like, but rather who or what I am most influenced by. All of the jazz artists I mentioned before are from the West Coast cool era and I fins that I listen to that school of jazz the most. Add to that list Chet Baker, Stan Getz, Bud Shank, and others and you'll get the idea.
So, if you read this, you may have heard me at one point or another. If not, you can certainly hit my website and hear soe of my music. What do you think I sound like? Does the West Coast cool era influence come thru? There's no right or wrong answer...
I'd love to hear what you think!!
...til next time.
It is probably one of the most difficult questions to answer! As a harmonica player, I wrestled with this question many times. Do I dare say "I sound like Toots."? ...or Stevie, or Jerry Murad of Harmonicats fame, or ... Out of sheer respect for the aforementioned musicians, I try to avoid saying I sound like any of them.
How about other jazz musicians? Well, I listen to Miles, Trane, Art Pepper, Brubeck, Desmond, ... Do I "sound" like any of them?? Again, out of respect and homage, I try not to say I sound like any of them.
It hit me today that maybe I don't need to say who I sound like, but rather who or what I am most influenced by. All of the jazz artists I mentioned before are from the West Coast cool era and I fins that I listen to that school of jazz the most. Add to that list Chet Baker, Stan Getz, Bud Shank, and others and you'll get the idea.
So, if you read this, you may have heard me at one point or another. If not, you can certainly hit my website and hear soe of my music. What do you think I sound like? Does the West Coast cool era influence come thru? There's no right or wrong answer...
I'd love to hear what you think!!
...til next time.
Tuesday, July 5, 2011
World of Harmonica Blog
Some of you may know Shaun Monument-May from his efforts on Facebook. Shaun has also assembled a very impressive blog that features an awesome array of harmonica talent that spans all genres.
I'm new to blogging and when I see something out there that folks that follow me might be interested in, I'll share it. World of Harmonica is one of those gems on the web.
So, here's the link. Go have a look!
http://worldofharmonica.blogspot.com/
..til next time...
I'm new to blogging and when I see something out there that folks that follow me might be interested in, I'll share it. World of Harmonica is one of those gems on the web.
So, here's the link. Go have a look!
http://worldofharmonica.blogspot.com/
..til next time...
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