Author Archives: curtsheller

The Three Words

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This is from Chuck Anderson (www.howtolearnjazzguitar.com)

The Three Words:There are three words commonly used in music that should be avoided – or at least redefined.

These words are Practice, Play and Rules.

Practice – This implies boring repetition. It’s uncreative and unproductive.

Play – This connotes casual fun – a frivolous, optional activity.

Rules -These are a rigid set of “laws” which must be followed.

I would suggest that the word Practice be replaced with the word Explore.

I would suggest that the word Play be replaced with the word Work.

I would suggest that the word Rules be replaced with the word Principles. Why?

When you explore music, it becomes fun and exciting. To explore is to discover!

Work in the music business is not like work in any other field. Most musicians feel blessed to make music their career. So work in this context is joyful not tedious.

The Principles of music hold the key to the development of your potential. Within these principles, there is unlimited opportunity to expand your creativity.

 

(Via ChuckAndersonGuitar.)

 

Solo Uke, Lake Michigan Sessions by Gerald Ross

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Very cool idea. Check ‘em out. Gerald is a great player and has an very eclectic taste of songs he records. Although getting up a 7am on vacation is a little strange.

From Gerald Ross

Solo Uke, Lake Michigan Sessions by Gerald Ross

www.geraldross.com/lakemichigan.htm

In August of 2009, my family rented a beach house for a week on the eastern shore of Lake Michigan at Sturgeon Bay. I packed my Talsma tenor ukulele and my portable Zoom digital recorder.
My plan was to record solo ukulele songs using traditional 1920-1950′s recording techniques. I’ve always admired the musicians of that era and their ability to go into the studio and play a song from start to finish flawlessly, starting over if they made a mistake. Here’s what I did…

My “studio” was an upstairs bedroom with a panoramic view of Lake Michigan – not bad, eh? At 7am, Monday – Friday. I recorded the following twelve songs in sequence. I recorded each song once (and only once) during that day’s session. If wasn’t happy with my performance or made a mistake during the cut, I would not record a retake until the next day’s session.