I used “the folk process” to liberate this tune from a fantastic record by John Hartford and Jim Wood. It’s called The Bullies Have All Gone To Rest and I would highly recommend it. For the recording, I’m using a new toy called the MicPort Pro. Sounds pretty good… as does the Shure KSM32.
Okay, I had to run over to DHL to pick it up before they closed and therefore sat on their dock until tuesday… but my new Duff is here! I’m off to give it a spin but I threw a quick video together to share with my mando brethren. More to come…
Pumpskully was perhaps the greatest band in the known universe that you’ve not heard of. Case in point, their version of the Beatles “I Dig a Pony” (a personal fave) recorded during a soundcheck at Nashville’s Exit In. Using this and footage from the Beatles’s rooftop performance of the same song, Steven “Big Toe” B has created a lovely montage during his, obviously, ample freetime. The results are absolutely fabulous… keep in mind however, that this version does not include Charles Hawtrey and the Deaf Aids.
The shootings at Virginia Tech were a horrible tragedy. Heinous events such as this typically beget a media-induced public outcry… public outcries, especially those induced by the media, then demand the placement of blame… once blame (or possibly before) is established (or at least inferred) we’ll get a bunch of jackasses pushing their ridiculous ideas for preventing the tragedy in the future. Here are examples of what two such jackasses might offer up (and yes, these two are real!):
The eldest of the Brothers Ray has just recently turned 40. In addition to the obligatory ribbing for being old and at least relatively feeble, the whole family got together to celebrate the milestone in grand fashion. All the usual characters were there and in especially rare form.
As a special surprise, some friends from days long (really, really long) past were in attendance with their respective families in tow. It was quite interesting to watch the 15+ year absence almost immediately dissipate and vanish. Granny Ray, the clan elder at a spry 94 (and at least an inch shorter than last time), made an appearance and was seen eating an impressive amount of food, though she mentioned multiple times that she was full and couldn't eat a thing. This would be the first time in many many years that the whole family was together under a single roof. Quite remarkable really... and an extremely fine time was had by all.
During the festivities, Sean and I picked a few songs for the crowd... another first in many many years. This was partially caught on tape by the infamous Milwaukee Mike (aka Mikey "Tie, hold the die").
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Wilbur "Willie" Hall was a writer, performer and multi-instrumentalist of stage and screen for over 50 years. Unfortunately, the web has little to offer about the man save for this short movie clip of one of his acts. It really speaks for itself...
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I've been playing lately with a band called Rosebud Blue. It's been quite fun and they've been nice enough to put up with my shenanigans... Here's some video from a show we played a few weeks back in lovely Morgan Hill, CA.
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Forwarders... We all know at least one forwarder... or maybe you yourself are a forwarder. Forwarders are folks who like to forward emails with little jokes or what-have-yous attached to them. That's all fine and dandy unless... the shit they send ain't funny. This is almost always the case with frequent forwarders.
My Father is a forwarder.
Being the geek that I am, I can't sit idly by and let people I like break simple netiquettes... so if you forward me one too many non-funny emails, I will ask you to stop. Which, a while back, is exactly what I did to my Father. I explained that yes, I understand and appreciate that this is just a way of keeping in touch and saying hi. I then explained that these kind of emails, to me, are like getting spam and that I'd much prefer to get an email that just says "hi" or the like.
Well, since then, I've gotten very few forwards and more basically "hi" emails and phone calls (thanks Pops) . Perfect. Then today, he got brave... he sent me a movie that he thought for sure even I would like. Well, as it turns out, he was correct. I found it very funny... so congratulations Pops, you've made the blog! Your mother will be so proud. Which reminds me, I still have to cash those last two $10 Christmas checks from Granny... maybe I'll wait till next X-mas... you know... get the hat-trick!
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Well, I've been working on a few new mando tunes... here's one that was a lot tougher than I expected. It's still not right but there is progress being made. Many thanks to a certain bald headed, 50 year old in overalls for the continued support. It is much appreciated. Eventually, even the most stubborn digits must comply...
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This morning, I suggested a friend perform a little photojournalism. Since I'm an equal opportunist, I decided to photograph my usual walk to the store. Now I've walked this path hundreds of times but this time taught me something interesting... It's damn peculiar what will present itself when you cary a camera.
Long ago, my friend Dara showed me her series of pictures of single (not pairs mind you) abandoned shoes. I always liked those photos and since seeing them, I've discovered that single abandoned shoes are not as uncommon as one might think. It makes me wonder if I'll ever have a repeat of today's find... and yes, that is actual poop.
This will only be funny to my immediate family... Now THAT'S an "Oooh Babe".
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