Svens at Bombs Away - Jan 30 2010
Monday, January 18, 2010
Monday, January 11, 2010
New Year Musical Reflections - Business as Usual
Happy new year everyone! I realize we're deep into the new year already, but as I'm just getting re-acclimated from the holidays, it sort of feels like the start of the new year is just now happening. I've been away from blogging, tweeting and facebook for so long that I almost feel I'm living in the 90's again
Musically, last year was quite mixed bag - however, even with the economy tanking, nothing really changed for me or my peers when it came to playing gigs, writing, and exploring various forms of musical expression - none of us got paid much at all. Some venues cut back or closed completely - others opened their doors. So in other words, business as usual!
Last July I decided to create my own economic stimulus package in the form of my "Sweet Surrender" CD which featured me and more of me. So if you like "me" (and hey, I like "me"), you're going to love Sweet Surrender as it's chock full of me. Meanwhile, my plans for the next CD are forming and will likely be a return to more of my vocal and lyrical offerings, with a heavy dose of horns and such. Maybe I can enlist the help of some friends in The Blowholes to break some new ground - or maybe another ensemble will come of it...not sure. Yep, business as usual.
In the Spring of 2009 I wrote a symphonic work entitled "A New Day" - it featured the Max Planck Big Band from Germany - it was a thrill to get back to some orchestral writing.
My live performances were split between my Sideways Portal collaborations (Flugelhorn and Percussion) and playing in The Svens (Tenor Sax). These groups are worlds apart in many ways, but in my mind there's a common thread that is hard to explain. Anyway, the guys in both groups are amazing and such dear friends - and it's just so dang fun. So look for more business as usual this year in those departments.
I'm in my 7th season of directing the Early Bird Jazz Band at Linus Pauling Middle School. Although Jazz and 7:45am are not exactly ideal, the kids are amazing and I'm so proud of the work we're doing. I've seen a very high percentage of my "Early Birders" (at least 90% I'd guess) continue on as successful high school players (and some even in college now as music majors!) so to be a small part of their musical journey and to perhaps have a part in their outlook on music and how it can enhance our lives and the world we live it, well, that pretty much tops all.
In 2009 I did a fair number of "virtual" horn man gigs - that's where other bands or artists find me on the internet and say, "wow, this guy is pretty good - and he's obviously cheap" and so they hire me to lay down horn parts for their own golden parachute productions. I actually enjoy this process - I can work in my underwear and since I'm a swimmer, that's pretty much the way I like to work anyway. I get to do my thing (hey, they hired "me" - what else can I do?) and hopefully I can add a bit of edge to their tune. A notable few of my clients this year included Neal Gladstone, Natasha Urale Baker, Alex Sheridan, and others, including work for various small media productions who need custom horn sounds; mainly things that sound comical and/or fart-like. Hey, it's what I do. Business as usual.
As for writing, if I were going to set some goals (and I'd rather remain flexible) I would lean towards integrating more vocals into the ditties I'm writing and balancing those with horn lines and improvisations. For me personally, I enjoy a story - it can be anything really, but music has to tell a bit of a story, even if it's only embedded in the cryptic title. But better yet if there's some meat in there - something I can react to (laugh, cry, hurl, whatever). So I'll be exploring that territory a bit more - nothing new. BAU.
I also have at least one offer to write something for an orchestra again and suppose I'll just go ahead and pursue that since, you know, I'll want to be done with it before the stream of other offers blasts my way.
Yes, it's business as usual at BirdwellMusic.com!
All the best to you and yours - and here's to a musical, happy, healthy and fun new year!
Rob Birdwell
Musically, last year was quite mixed bag - however, even with the economy tanking, nothing really changed for me or my peers when it came to playing gigs, writing, and exploring various forms of musical expression - none of us got paid much at all. Some venues cut back or closed completely - others opened their doors. So in other words, business as usual!
Last July I decided to create my own economic stimulus package in the form of my "Sweet Surrender" CD which featured me and more of me. So if you like "me" (and hey, I like "me"), you're going to love Sweet Surrender as it's chock full of me. Meanwhile, my plans for the next CD are forming and will likely be a return to more of my vocal and lyrical offerings, with a heavy dose of horns and such. Maybe I can enlist the help of some friends in The Blowholes to break some new ground - or maybe another ensemble will come of it...not sure. Yep, business as usual.
In the Spring of 2009 I wrote a symphonic work entitled "A New Day" - it featured the Max Planck Big Band from Germany - it was a thrill to get back to some orchestral writing.
My live performances were split between my Sideways Portal collaborations (Flugelhorn and Percussion) and playing in The Svens (Tenor Sax). These groups are worlds apart in many ways, but in my mind there's a common thread that is hard to explain. Anyway, the guys in both groups are amazing and such dear friends - and it's just so dang fun. So look for more business as usual this year in those departments.
I'm in my 7th season of directing the Early Bird Jazz Band at Linus Pauling Middle School. Although Jazz and 7:45am are not exactly ideal, the kids are amazing and I'm so proud of the work we're doing. I've seen a very high percentage of my "Early Birders" (at least 90% I'd guess) continue on as successful high school players (and some even in college now as music majors!) so to be a small part of their musical journey and to perhaps have a part in their outlook on music and how it can enhance our lives and the world we live it, well, that pretty much tops all.
In 2009 I did a fair number of "virtual" horn man gigs - that's where other bands or artists find me on the internet and say, "wow, this guy is pretty good - and he's obviously cheap" and so they hire me to lay down horn parts for their own golden parachute productions. I actually enjoy this process - I can work in my underwear and since I'm a swimmer, that's pretty much the way I like to work anyway. I get to do my thing (hey, they hired "me" - what else can I do?) and hopefully I can add a bit of edge to their tune. A notable few of my clients this year included Neal Gladstone, Natasha Urale Baker, Alex Sheridan, and others, including work for various small media productions who need custom horn sounds; mainly things that sound comical and/or fart-like. Hey, it's what I do. Business as usual.
As for writing, if I were going to set some goals (and I'd rather remain flexible) I would lean towards integrating more vocals into the ditties I'm writing and balancing those with horn lines and improvisations. For me personally, I enjoy a story - it can be anything really, but music has to tell a bit of a story, even if it's only embedded in the cryptic title. But better yet if there's some meat in there - something I can react to (laugh, cry, hurl, whatever). So I'll be exploring that territory a bit more - nothing new. BAU.
I also have at least one offer to write something for an orchestra again and suppose I'll just go ahead and pursue that since, you know, I'll want to be done with it before the stream of other offers blasts my way.
Yes, it's business as usual at BirdwellMusic.com!
All the best to you and yours - and here's to a musical, happy, healthy and fun new year!
Rob Birdwell
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
Titanium Man
Happy to say my Dad is doing well after his heart surgery where they replaced his aortic valve with a titanium version. He had a good night and we're all very happy and relieved. A great surgical team and nursing staff. Everyone has been very nice. Thanks to all for their good thoughts and prayers.
Rob
Rob
Saturday, November 21, 2009
Sweet Surrender CD - Buy While Downtown Corvallis
Thanks to these local Corvallis retailers for carrying my latest CD, Sweet Surrender:
So...when you're out and about in downtown Corvallis, perhaps looking for some music, stop by and do some shopping...hint, hint!
Rob
Labels: sweet surrender
Monday, November 16, 2009
Graters of the Lost Carp - Movie Debut
Friday, November 13, 2009
All This Stuff - multi-mix demo using Silverlight
Cut to the chase - click this link to view the working version first pass of my 8-track mixer.
Now read on and you'll know what I'm talking about...
I have a bunch of tunes from the last year or so that I'll probably mix down soon and just be done with them. Using sophisticated mixers like SONAR and notation tools like Finale, and distilling it all down to a somewhat static "stereo" mix can be a bit of a let down (to me at least). Why are we trapped in the world of stereo? (And I'm not talking 5.1 Dolby stuff here, but rather the general status quo of the consumer stereo mix for the last 50 years or so.)
What if music listeners could do more than turn up their volume - what if they could mute the lead vocal? What if they could listen in on all the background vocals and/or horn lines? I know, there are ramifications to this. But consider live performances - what if our portable music players could tap into the main mixing console (broadcasting openly to those interested "listeners") and interact with live performances with our own portable mixers? Raising the level of the guitar, focusing in on the horn section....what if?
Well, here's my first experiment with multi-track playback...using Silverlight.
The tune is mine and called "All This Stuff" - but rather than a stereo mix, you can play around with any of the 8 channels of this mix.
I plan on adding more features to the 8 track mixer console. And 8 probably is enough, at least for me. Audio levels, panning, muting - not a bad start. Soloing and being able to save a mix would be nice features and they will come.
If you click the "red" button (looks like a record button) you'll see a window listing the details of the track data. You can even modify it. In theory, a collaborative group of musicians could pop their mp3 links into the editor and it would stream in.
Naturally, a way to do this sans little or no effort is the goal. Again, what if...
Now read on and you'll know what I'm talking about...
What if music listeners could do more than turn up their volume - what if they could mute the lead vocal? What if they could listen in on all the background vocals and/or horn lines? I know, there are ramifications to this. But consider live performances - what if our portable music players could tap into the main mixing console (broadcasting openly to those interested "listeners") and interact with live performances with our own portable mixers? Raising the level of the guitar, focusing in on the horn section....what if?
Well, here's my first experiment with multi-track playback...using Silverlight.
The tune is mine and called "All This Stuff" - but rather than a stereo mix, you can play around with any of the 8 channels of this mix.
I plan on adding more features to the 8 track mixer console. And 8 probably is enough, at least for me. Audio levels, panning, muting - not a bad start. Soloing and being able to save a mix would be nice features and they will come.
If you click the "red" button (looks like a record button) you'll see a window listing the details of the track data. You can even modify it. In theory, a collaborative group of musicians could pop their mp3 links into the editor and it would stream in.
Naturally, a way to do this sans little or no effort is the goal. Again, what if...
Thursday, September 24, 2009
The Svens at Bombs Away - Friday 9/25/2009 8pm
CORVALLIS - Come experience The Svens at Bombs Away Cafe, Friday, September 25, 2009. The show starts at 8pm. The title of this show is "California Fever" - you'll hear a great story accompanied by some terrific tunes. Hope to see you there. CDs will be available too.Labels: Svens
