01.01.10
2010 New Years Blue Moon in Arizona
I awakened thinking that somebody was shining a search light outside. It was just the moonset over Arizona!
08.29.09
Visiting with the Inland Empire Flute Circle
It was a hot summer day in the desert east of Los Angeles. The dry heat in Cherry Valley held at about 106F, and made the flutes hot to the touch. This is a passionate group of Native American flute enthusiasts, who are planning their 2nd Annual get-together on Oct 3, 2009.
Chuck Flanagan heads up the Inland Empire Flute Circle (IEFC).
Chuck Flanagan
He generously opens up his house to the circle. I was lucky to “yes” when my friend, recording artist Scott August invited me to tag along with him to the IEFC meeting. I enjoyed the afternoon of friendship and flute talk, and look forward to the gathering in October.
Scott took out a Peruvian Quena that he had aquired on a recent trip to Peru and improvised for the group. Then came the zamponia and a host of exotic instruments for which I do not pretend to remember the names.
Scott August
Scott plays the Quena (above) as Jonette and Marvin Yazzie (hidden) approvingly look on.
08.27.09
Under the Influence of Peruvian Sound-Healer, Tito LaRosa
I continue to find myself re-living the intimate talk made by Tito LaRosa, gifted Peruvian sound-healer in Malibu, CA in June of this year (2009). Tito reminded his audience that what he was about to do was by no means a performance, but instead a shared and personal experience.
The indigenous instruments, which he had categorized for himself by the four cardinal directions and the alchemical elements (air, fire, earth and water) were to speak to each individual in accordance to what he or she ‘needed.’
I am experimenting some indigenous sounds – in this case, the Peruvian pan flute, and a Native American style flute made by J.P. Gomez of Sedona, AZ.
This is how it comes across in a yet unnamed melody:
For Native American Flute aficionados, the flute by J.P. is a G minor pentatonic, made in the grandfather tradition from blue denim ponderosa pine with an ambrosia maple block, which I used on the Accept Me Home track of the “Seeking Balance” album.
08.19.09
Using the Bansuri (Indian Bamboo Flute)
I have decided to reclaim my embouchure (the facial muscles required to play a wind instrument) which I have let go since playing the trumpet in grade school. The resurrection will be accomplished with an Indian Bansuri, a marvelous instrument so simple in its appearance but I suspect a lifetime in perfecting the performance.
Well, I certainly won’t let that stop me.
Here is a smattering of the Bansuri in a yet-to-be-named track:
08.05.09
Recording the Surf at Pfeiffer Beach, Big Sur CA
The surf at Pfeiffer Beach
I took the digital recorder down to Pfeiffer Beach to record the surf. The sounds are different here than at Paradise Cove in Malibu. In Malibu, the surf is distinct and crashes generally from right to left. Here at Pfeiffer, the surf is more of a drone-like roar, with the occasional sea gull crying from its nest in the rocks.
08.02.09
Back to Pfeiffer State Beach
Pfeiffer State Beach
My previous post regarding Pfeiffer State Beach in Big Sur, CA (31Jul09) shows it I believe on a typical day. This morning however, was somehow special. The absense of the morning fog and the stillness of the air are two things I have never seen there (not that I am a local expert). Also the tide was as low as I have seen it – making wading out to the windows in the rocks a delightful experience. But seeing the outlet of a river with no wind ripples was almost more than I could bear.
I asked Giorgia, a gifted healer, educator and intuitive to go over to the far side of the pond; i would follow shortly. The image above was exactly what I was hoping to capture: the complex sky, the color and contrast of the rocks in the background, the beautiful line of the surf, and of course a woman in reflection. I love this shot. For those who love photoshop, you will be disappoint to know that his image is right out of the camera.
08.01.09
More Craniosacral Work in Big Sur
An ideal location to do advanced studies in craniosacral work. Here in Big Sur, the work is profound. We endeavor to reach the healing abilities that we all share.
I find that this work has a direct effect on the musical projects, as I learn to just get out of my own way and let the flute play itself.
07.31.09
Pfeiffer State Beach, Big Sur CA
A well-concealed location in Big Sur California has magic. Look for the stand of mailboxes about a mile north of the Big Sur Post Office and turn west. Drive about 2 miles and you could be rewarded by walking hear. The water color is jewel-like. I am told this was the shooting location of the feature fim The Piper, which starred Elizabeth Taylor and the Richard Burton.
07.30.09
Captain, There Be Healers Here!
Beautiful, subtle yet profound and life-changing are terms that can be applied to craniosacral work. This unique form of energy work is practiced worldwide by people who have dedicated all or part of their lives to helping other who have suffered from trauma or drama.
I was honored to sit here with these generous people.
07.26.09
Working with the Native American Style Flute and the Electric Guitar
I got out the old Fender Stratocaster today to see if I could still get a sound out of the old friend. It has been several years since I have played guitar; the Native American style flute has captured most of my attention.
Anyway, while working on a melody with the orchestrated with the sounds of a Roland Juno keyboard and a Stephen DeRuby ‘Deep Blue C’ Native American style flute, I decided to incorporate some guitar. So I grabbed the Strat and went for it.
I used a setting reminiscent of Jesus Christ Superstar as well as a Christopher Cross ‘clean’ setting with a touch of phase-shifting.
The result was more dramatic than I had anticipated … the longing sounds of a Piano and harp are replaced with a ‘wall of sound’ with guitars flaring and then fading into longing once again.
Here is a clip of one of the preliminary mixes of an unnamed melody: