November 2003

November 20, 2003 10:17

Loosing a close friend is never easy, you know who you are if you are reading this. Sometimes you have to do what you have to do and go seperate ways but the memories will remain. That is all I can say right now.

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November 14, 2003 09:39

I just got news that Connie is ok and is taking it easy at home. I feel like I can finally breathe again and that my prayers have been answered. I can not begin to explain what a relief it is to know she is ok but Im still deeply concerned and I still pray for her every day, I can't begin to imagine what its like to have MS.

Last week I started working a second job like I said I would. Of course that means I dont have as much time to practice but Im in good spirits because its good to get out of the house and Ill have extra money plus Im making new friends and Im still making progress anyways, Im doing this violin thing for me.

I now have half of the first page of The (immortal) Bach Chaconne memorized. Progress has been very slow but I feel like Im making headway and I think that once you get through the beginning it gets alot easier so I am pleased with my progress even though I have been progressing slowly. Its really starting to sound good too but its also really hard to make it sound smooth and natural, over time and much practice Im sure it will sound even better, the hard part is figuring out how to play it and once I know that practice becomes fun. Reading music is such a chore for me and I have to read something three times before Im ready to start playing: partially because of my dyslexia and also partly because Im a little obsessive compulsive by nature.

I have also been playing alot of guitar lately, tons of Bach mostly from the lute suites. Maybe one say Ill record some of them with guitar and violin as per my own transcriptions. I also have been working on learning some new jazz tunes like "Misty" and "There Will Never Be Another You". I also want to learn "Close to You" by The Carpenters for nostalgic purposes, it was one of those records mom had when I was growing up and I just love the song. I think about Karen Carpenter and what an angel of a voice she had and of how she died. I also remember seeing a documantary on tv that revealed a troubled married life and varous divorces, she must have been a truly tortured artist. Yes it seems when a person's art affetcts me deeply I want to know about their life and I want to get to know them better. There is also some stuff I want to learn by John McLaughlin, Ralph Towner, Bill Connors, Al Dimeola, Bill Evans, John Coltrane, and that wonderful ballad by Liz Story called "My Heart, Your Heart" oh that song just kills me. Beleieve it or not theres this speed metal tune Id love to learn on violin that would be a blast to play. Yes, it seems I like all styles of music indeed.

It is starting to get cold here and I found out While watching the news that the tires on your car loose between 10 and 20 psi of air when it gets cold outside. Then it suddenly occured to me that it is not a good idea to drive 90mph on the highway with dangerously low tires, someone upstairs must be watching out for me and I sense that it is for a reason (babies maybe?)

Guess Ill talk to you folks soon, same bat time, same bat channel, and practise as much as you can without straining your hand...

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November 7, 2003 12:44

I just found out my good friend Connie Sunday had a stroke last week. If youre out there and reading this know that you are missed and are in my thoughts and prayers always.

This really breaks my heart.

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November 5, 2003 11:50

I just watched another great video lesson regarding smooth bow changes from my friend Stephen Redrobe's webite.

He studied with Shumsky and is the assistant of Erick Friedman (who is well known as the best pupil of Heifetz). I encourage all to chek out his video lessons, sheet music and all the rare mp3 files he put up including Oistrakh, Kogan, Grumiaux, and many more.

Remember you have to ask Steve for permission to access the files.

http://www.stephenredrobe.com/music

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November 4, 2003 07:26

The Chaconne is going slowly, Im still not ready for page 2 yet but Im getting closer. Saturday I played another recital at the billiard shop and played not too badly but what I noticied the most was a nice tone which seems to vary in terms of quality every time I play it. It seems I will also be the internet marketing consultant for bbilliards.com soon so if anyone is interested in buying a pool table, send me a note.

After that I met some musicians who want me to audition for some band at a really nice italian restaurant, the food was great and I think I will be playing bass with them every saturday starting in a few weeks, should be some fun. Maybe Ill even make a little money, we will see.

...living on dreams and spagetti-o's, I never thought I would be inspired by Martina McBride lyrics but there is something beautiful about the struggle of the working class and working hard to make your own way in this world; people who are down to earth and hard working seem to appeal to me the most.

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