02006-04-24 | Uncategorized
~C4Chaos: Red ~C Diary: Super Colossal is Super Coolossal!
If Ottmar Liebert strips his guitar playing into the basics, Joe Satriani takes guitar playing into the godly worlds of imagination. Ottmar’s approach is like Zen. He paints his music with flawless strokes like a master Zen calligrapher would write on a biodegradable scroll. Joe Satriani is like a mad painter from outer space. He uses forty buckets of different paint colors, splash them on a gigantic wall, and create a massive painting that even Picasso and Monet would envy.
Flawless strokes on a biodegradable scroll? You are a damn poet! And who can play in the grand canyon without having to carry a generator?
02006-04-24 | Uncategorized
Crocs
I know I am late to the party, but I just discovered these because I need something very light to take trekking in Tibet this Fall – for the days that we are not hiking. Now I have a couple of pairs already and the Cayman model will probably be on my feet for most of the summer!
02006-04-22 | Uncategorized
~C4Chaos: Ottmar Plays Then Talks About Cool Stuff
As usual Ottmar played excellent (nouveau)Flamenco rhythm and lead while barefoot. This time he played solo (sans Luna Negra). And yes, he gave a talk while on stage. First let me say that Ottmar has the gift of eloquence and storytelling. Good thing he decided not to keep it to himself in the backstage. He’s a natural comedian too. But what I really admired during his talk was that he managed to squeeze in fluffy things (even dropped the f@%k-bomb) without being preachy. That sneaky dude even sneaked in some Big Mind during his talk without mentioning Buddhism, Zen, or even Big Mind. That sneaky devil! Now that is skillful means!
To read more just click on the title-link. I am sitting in a nice little cafe in Seattle, checking Google Maps for directions from Oakland to Redwood City tomorrow, when I run across Rommel’s kind words. I had a great time last night. From the dressing room it sounded as if the club was rather loud, but the audience was fanastic! They listened when I played and made me feel welcome. Suddenly I checked the hidden clock stage right and noticed I had been on stage for an hour and a half. I know very well that the audience is an essential contributor to any performance and I am very grateful for last night! Thank you all. And Rommel, how come you didn’t say hey! afterwards? I didn’t know which evening you would come.
02006-04-21 | Uncategorized
Got up at 5:30AM on Thursday and left for ABQ before 7AM. Even though I arrived at the airport two hours before departure, I was in boarding group “B” for my Southwest Airlines flight to Seattle. Since Southwest does not assign seats, Boarding group A generally means no problem with the guitar case, group B means a 50:50 chance and group C spells trouble. Thanks to the pilot who turned me on to the Accord Guitar Case last year! It’s expensive, but so small and light that I have had no problem flying with it. Knock on wood!
The hotel charges $16 for 24 hours of internet access and I refuse to pay that kind of money for something that should be free. Instead I am in a Juan Valdez cafe with free access… Juan – you rock.
I have no idea whether my talking tonight will be interesting… the themes will be: Hybrid vs Tradition, which will also go into a little bit of Flamenco history, Flow: Gazing vs Staring, and lastly Playing vs Editing. I have also decided to try what will challenge me the most – to play a couple of songs, then talk for a little bit, then play another two pieces, talk a little more etc.
We will all know more tomorrow…
02006-04-19 | Uncategorized
Guitarist’s Guide to Fingernails
The Guitarist’s Guide to Fingernails by Rico Stover $9.95
Presented in this informative text is a concise, clear picture of the fingernail, its anatomy, what affects its health, how to combat weak nail problems, how to obtain strong, healthy nails and what products to buy. Included is an analysis of all currently available artificial nail systems (acrylics, wraps, gels and glue on tips) with a discussion of the potential health risks involved.
I ordered the book and will let you know what I find.
