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In response to some of your comments, we've addressed two big sonic issues:
To improve keyboard monitoring in Studio 2 (where the keyboard player is typically close to and way off axis from the nearest speaker) we're now running the keyboards into BOTH a small keyboard amp AND directly into the PA. This will eliminate the need to move the keyboards to a more advantageous position.
And after taking apart and re-assembling the very "ringy" Traps kick drum in Studio 3 for the fourth time, we finally got it just right. Some extra internal dampening finally did the trick, eliminating those pesky overtones as well as reducing sustain - which in a room as "live" as Studio 3 is a good thing. |
Language
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Woo Woo Girl: Noun, applying to those ladies of all ages ( Woo Woo Woman is too much of a tongue-twister) who boldly take to the stage to provide the appropriate backing vocals ("woo woo") and visual flair during the Rolling Bones' rendition of "SympathyFor The Devil". |
Weather
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Monday (6/18): Newbie Jam w/ Patty Murray from 6:00 to 8:30 pm at The Jam.
Join us for a professionally-facilitated open jam session specifically
geared toward newcomers - but where all are welcome. $10 for members,
$15 for non-members.
Friday (6/15): Open Blues & Rock Jam from 6 to 10 pm at The Jam (701 7th Ave., 7W). $15 for Jam members, $25 for everyone else, all gear included.
Saturday (6/23): Open Rock Jam from 4 to 8 pm at The Jam (701 7th Ave., 7W). $15 for Jam members, $25 for everyone else, all gear included.
Also Saturday (6/23):
The Human Karaoke Experience
rocks the Borough of Queens with an appearance at Woodhaven House, 10:30 pm to 2:00
am.
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People
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I'm not just the Jam President, I'm also a Member. Here's my musical CV:
Philosophy: I prefer to play music that's original, or at least originally arranged. Otherwise, you're just a jukebox. Similarly, I don't like playing tunes you've heard thousands of times - I'd rather introduce you to great songs you don't know. Genre-wise, the borders between Rock, Folk, and Country are some of my favorite places to visit.
Advice:
As simple elements can combine into something special, so too can
musicians of modest talent assemble into an entertaining group. All it takes
is self-awareness (of your best and worst attributes), diligent
preparation, and an understanding of what pleases a crowd (playing,
pacing, presentation, personality). A seriously and honest re-examination of these things after each performance is the key to growth.
Jam Bands: Huge (Dylan/Dead), Nine Volt Love (re-imagined classics), Love Amy (semi-original, Lit Pop), itsnotyouitsme (semi-original, Heavy Folk), Reacharound (AlternaPop), The Gsus4 (eclectic acoustic), Shoebucket (Mike Doughty tribute), Thumper/Stone Soup/The Orchid Thieves (Americana), Both Hands (Ani DiFranco tribute).
Influences: My rhythm playing is the result of years of African hand drumming, and my guitar technique (if you want to call it that) is borrowed from Bob Mould (Husker Du) who frequently holds down the two highest strings at the third fret to provide a steady chime while cycling through the somewhat unusual voicings (in G) of Em7, Fsus2sus4add6, A7sus4, Cadd2, Dsus4, et al.
Gear: Gibson SJ-150, PRS
SE Soapbar II (until my Gibson Custom Shop '59 Les Paul
Special arrives). Planet Waves NS Capo. Any small tube amp will do. No effects.
Motto: Play to your strengths, but keep working on your weaknesses.
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| Technology |
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Over the coming month or so, we'll be implementing a new interactive integrated website/database that will allow users to maintain and update their own profiles (talents, interests, web links, etc.) and search for like-minded musicians. This won't replace good old-fashioned personal matchmaking, but it will give members (and potential members) more tools to help find ideal playing situations. In the past, I've been somewhat ambivalent about the fairness of offering networking services to non-members, but I've come to believe that while it may attract some freeloaders, it ultimately enlarges our community. And that's good for all of us.
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Postscript
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Happiness is watching your seven year-old cousin belting out "I wanna rock and roll all night - and party every day." Kid's onto something.
The Dalai Jama
a/k/a Gregg Raybin
Matthew and Marty. | |
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