One thing, anyhow, and that is the fact that I am starting to be able to record myself on various instruments and do some multi-tracking of my songs. It's SUCH A TRIP! And I'm just beginning to dip into some of what is possible with this technology. Today felt like some kind of breakthrough as I began a version of Same Same that used a pretty cool drum track (I didn't edit it a bit as it's not the focus of the project). I added bass, electric rhythm guitar, a Carlos Santana type solo (I wish) on a lead track, a lead vocal and a harmony vocal. I'm still quite slow with navigating around the computer, but I'm beginning to get more of the hang of it. And if that learning curve allows me to spend creative time producing music, well hell yes!. And I get the sense that there is nothing in this world that would be better for me than to learn how to do this thing. Feels important on the self fulfillment level.
The song is far from done. It's more like a working sketch, but at the same time that I'm 'sketching', I'm kinda learning about the pencil that I'm using. It's not a done deal, but what a canvas! Holy mackerel. There is one feature of the Garageband 11 technology that allows me to plug in my electric guitar, the one that I've hardly used. The reason I haven't used it much is that for one, I'm not really a lead guitar player, so acoustic tends to work better for me. Secondly, I don't have a fancy set of pedals and effects which is what can really spice up one's playing. That stuff is expensive and it's just not what I do. But now here's Garageband, and I can plug in my guitar to the 2 channel interface that I bought, which goes directly into the USB port of the laptop. And with a simple click or two, it becomes any kind of great guitar sound for recording. I can play with delay, with chorus and reverb and overdrive and get stupendous sounds which I can record. Magic.... but you still have to play the notes and produce the feeling.... (actually you don't because Garage band lets 'non-musicians' create as well). I don't care about the prefab stuff, although it's interesting to listen to some of the grooves or riffs... quite a little learning tool in that regard.
So today, in the three or four hours I was working on the computer, I played as good a bass as I can play, ditto electric guitar, ditto solo guitar, it gives me a format to do my best work. I can't really ask for more than that, and on some level, I have the old man's urge to make sure that the work I've done in this lifetime gets 'saved' and shared, so there's that too. Added to that is the fact of getting over myself and my 'helplessness' around certain areas, and just trying something new. I had a clear feeling when I was in Chiang Mai that this is the way for me to survive and thrive in the US during this period, and I trust that feeling. The big basketball games came and went without me as I was at my desk with headphones and reading glasses on my head, an instrument in my hand and a groove on the machine... I like it... (I need it)
Tonight was quite a night for my friend Diane, as she received a surprise honor at the annual 'Jello Art Show'. Diane is quite the artist and for some reason, jello is the medium that brings out her most unique and 'artistic' self. She spends many hours inventing new ways to use the material, she writes a blog about it, she creates these amazing pieces year after year, and on top of that, she designs and prints tee shirts every year that she sells and gives away. (I've got a drawer full of them, each one different). Anyhow, after last year's show, I had the stoned flash that we should honor her the following year with some kind of surprise recognition. I mentioned it to my friend Joanie and she shared a thought that there should be a 'Queen for a Day' part of the show. And in that moment the idea was born that there would be a 'Jello Queen for a Day' chosen and in a surprise twist, the winner would be Diane from out in the audience. It just seemed like a great idea.... (and it was, as it turns out)
It was slightly complicated by the fact that she had an accident a month ago in which she broke her heel, so she's in a cast and needs her foot elevated at all times, so there was some question as to whether we'd be able to get her up the three steps and onto the stage.... otherwise she couldn't be seen. But it went off very smoothly and it was probably one of the most amazing nights in Diane's life... she said as much. And my take away was in feeling so great about doing something for someone else. I got to have a genuine experience of the old adage that 'it's better to give than to receive'. (You know, the wording of that is very dorky and uninviting, which is perhaps why I never quite embraced the concept as closely as I might have). It could use a rewrite and it could use a tune and a story, because it's a real good lesson to practice and to share.... with kids too. So what's a better way to express that particular idea?
It feels good to do for others. (That's not quite it, but it sure beats 'it is better to give than to receive' too pedantic sounding)
I'm up late, I ought to try and get some sleep so I'll be ready for a morning of dance church at the Wow Hall. Need to move, missed dance this morning, didn't dance tonight... but it does feel good to do for others... Happy tonight....
