Getting chilly outside here…..

in Japan, but the local hot springs are one of the nicest features of any stop so far on this tour. Also the people here have been so friendly and helpful. I had a broken latch on my accordion case that the hotel recommended a local man to repair and he did a wonderful job for a minimal fee with no waiting. The shows have been going well, Eddie even seems happy although he’s a bit under the weather (spelled Saki) today. But that’s okay cause we don’t ship out till Friday (for S. America) , and I have an alternate media choice for this weeks music pick. My oldest son Ian has just made available on-line to view, a copy of his student film “Collywobbles” from 2006. I contribute the musical selections for this film which I think you’ll find amusing. Be forewarned this short film features puppet on puppet violence. You can view it at the link listed below. Hope all you folks are having a safe and happy holiday season so far, my best to all of you and thanks again for checking in on me. Thanks to the boys at twistedpapers.com for the travel images. More soon…..

http://fusedmuse.com/?page_id=21

 

When or where in Greece am I ?

I can’t really say and now I’m getting ready to leave. The food has been wonderful and the people even more so. The rest of the band is in no hurry to move on, but Eddie says there are gigs to do elsewhere, so onward we go. I’m caught up on postcards to back home and my laundry so I’m hoping to get some sightseeing done. Meanwhile Eddie informs me that this week’s recording of note is the 1982 release “Counting The Beat” by Swingers a trio headed up by Phil Judd (ex-Split Enz) on Mushroom records. This disc yielded 2 numbers that charted down under and was the only release for this band. They can be seen in the film musical “Starstruck”to which they also contributed some of the soundtrack material. The album is slightly bent pop of the first order with the horn duties falling to the fabulous Brecker Brothers with excellent results. My favorite tracks are “More” and “True or False” which starts off with a lilting mandolin chorus only to resolve into a variation on the melody to “Staying Alive” as the tune finishes up. Overall a very solid effort you should hear. I think we’re looking to pick up a couple of dates on the way to our next confirmed booking, but I’ll post you folks as soon as we get where we’re headed. Have a good day and take care. Image courtesy of twistedpapers.com

 

Episode 09 of At-The-Helm is now available..

and obviously not a moment too soon for the likes of me. This show is the first in the series to feature music used for media purposes. Tracks for computer animation and film are featured and include:

1- The Digital Sea

2- Beat The Heat

3-Images

4-Elbows 2

5- Elbows Outro

This is another all solo outing featuring me on synthesizer, drum machine, guitar and effects. The recordings date from 1984-1989. I’ll try to locate some active links that feature some of these works for viewing online. Meanwhile thanks for your patience and I hope you enjoy this new program of material.  Here is another alpine outing photo for your amusement and be advised the Dozey Lumps are on their way in Show #10…..scheduled for recording this weekend so please stay tuned….more soon. 

 

Hoping for Autumn………

but it still feels like summer. My apologies for the non appearance of Episode #9  of At-The-Helm last month, please rest assured it is coming very soon, along with some other good stuff I’ve been working on. Also working on the closing theme to Ian’s new short film “Omegastop” which he’s editing again now. So lots more soon.  in the meantime a photo from last Friday’s outing to the antique farm equipment show. Have a good holiday folks!

 

A couple of very windy days

After a morning of surveying the debris field left from the strong winds of the past two days I’m happy to report no damage to any structures on properties I do landscaping work for. Any flimsy tree limbs are however now down for the count and headed for a roundup by the likes of me.

On the music front work continues on the score for Ian’s newest short film, final editing begins soon I’m told. As to the At-The-Helm podcast series, hopefully you’ve had a chance to listen in on show#5. Looking to post #6 midmonth here, which is where we’ll begin a look at a nine year period of work in southern California from 1986-1995. Solo, duet and trio configurations will be heard with acoustic and electric instruments and a growing amount of looping used amongst it all. We may also speak with old musical friends in lands far away about those days of yore in shows to come , so do please give it a listen and as always I welcome your comments. Have a good day!  

 

Work continues on all fronts

Greetings. Over the weekend managed to re-record Episode #4 and also put #5 in the can.

Should be set for the next few weeks, thanks again to Glenn.

Also continuing to assemble material for the film score I’m working on, a lot left to do there still.

Looking to put Episode #4 up a week from tomorrow, please stay tuned.