Planet Drum
This November is International Drum Month so pick up your Tabla’s, sticks and even your pots and pans. Drumming is the most basic and primitive music form that reverberates through every living creature and element. Although my parents continually chewed me out for beating on the kitchen table and kicking bass lines into its wooden legs I have continued to make drumming a part of my life and you should do the same whether you are a novice or a seasoned professional.
There are many celebrations taking place this month in a city near you so be on the look-out for your local drumming event or be radically driven and get a drum circle together. More details on International Drumming Month can be found HERE.
‘Everyone is a Drummer’, is the theme of this month’s celebration and no statement about music could be more true. I had the opportunity to interview one of the finest drummers alive today, who has performed with Herbie Hancock and the Trey Anastasio Band, Cyro Baptista. If you want to hear the insights of one of the finest and humble musicians around and get a down to earth perspective on drumming and the common man then pop over to PhreshWater.com and check out the interview HERE.
Is percussion alive? Absolutely! Drumming happens when you least expect it: notice the rhythms of the subway on your next ride or the sound of leaves falling onto your street this fall. Percussion happens everywhere, all the time, and even with the beat of your own heart. Drumming crosses all barriers of gender, age, musical genre, race, and religion: it’s yet another common thread that exists in this wonderful and elusive universe.
Pick it up, hit it, and enjoy International Drum Month…….
S. Remington – Editor
PhreshWater.com
Submit Editorials, Questions,
or Comments to : editor@phreshwater.com
10.30.2003
10.26.2003
Hippie Evolution?
Last week I had the pleasure of attending the Widespread Panic concert in Asheville NC where the Disco Biscuits opened. My tickets said that the Civic Center doors would open at 6:30 pm so I planned on getting into the downtown area by 6:15 to assure some decent parking and get in a much needed beer before the kick-off. Throngs of fans were outside the Civic Center doing their ‘Shakedown’ thing with falafel wraps, beer for sale by the can, goo-balls, and other party favors but I slipped by all the kind madness and headed indoors and out of the Northeast wind gusts.
Once inside, which literally took seconds since everyone else was in the parking lot, I found my treasure trove: The beer stand serving extremely cold Highland Gaelic Ale on tap with no one in line. As soon as my clear plastic cup felt the first splash of brew my spine rattled with a rhythmic hammering of bass guitar and drums followed by the unmistakable sounds of the Disco Biscuits. I looked down at my watch which said 6:36 and I just couldn’t believe they were going on stage so early. I think I was just as excited to see Bisco as Widespread this evening since this was my first live exposure to them and I made my way to a stage right seat over the stage.
Before I go any further let me forewarn you that I’m about to step on some toes here. The Disco Biscuits are an amazing band as they proved right before my eyes. What brought shock to me though was the 100 kids down in front of the stage and the thousands of empty seats and open floor space devoid of other music fans. I swear that the crowd level stayed near this level through the entire Bisco performance and I wondered why the Spreadheads weren’t honoring this amazing double-bill tonight?
Another element of weirdness that made me chuckle all night long was the wandering gaggle of ‘Hippies’ with cell phones glued to their heads. I thought I’d never see the day where you couldn’t get away from the damn telephone long enough to enjoy your favorite band. What in the world were they doing: Aping those sappy television commercials where dad is holding up the cell phone at his son’s piano recital so mom can tearfully listen in from the crowded city bus? Jesus, I can just imagine a bunch of kids who couldn’t make the show crammed into a college dorm room passing around a cell phone and a bong sharing the experience…..Give me a break.
I can’t believe that I go into forums and chat rooms, which I will not name here, and witness people slamming bands and gathering factions of others around them to slander other hard working musicians simply because their music doesn’t appeal to them. I’ve been in the scene for a long time and I’ve never seen ‘Hippie’ types like we are seeing now. I shouldn’t even use the word ‘Hippy’ in the same sentence when I’m describing these idiots. I also find it funny that half of these dim-wits probably couldn’t muster up enough energy or brain power to even play an instrument or do it night after night to near perfection.
Is this the new Hippie Evolution? Please say it isn’t so!
S. Remington – Editor
PhreshWater.com
Submit Editorials, Questions,
or Comments to : editor@phreshwater.com
Last week I had the pleasure of attending the Widespread Panic concert in Asheville NC where the Disco Biscuits opened. My tickets said that the Civic Center doors would open at 6:30 pm so I planned on getting into the downtown area by 6:15 to assure some decent parking and get in a much needed beer before the kick-off. Throngs of fans were outside the Civic Center doing their ‘Shakedown’ thing with falafel wraps, beer for sale by the can, goo-balls, and other party favors but I slipped by all the kind madness and headed indoors and out of the Northeast wind gusts.
Once inside, which literally took seconds since everyone else was in the parking lot, I found my treasure trove: The beer stand serving extremely cold Highland Gaelic Ale on tap with no one in line. As soon as my clear plastic cup felt the first splash of brew my spine rattled with a rhythmic hammering of bass guitar and drums followed by the unmistakable sounds of the Disco Biscuits. I looked down at my watch which said 6:36 and I just couldn’t believe they were going on stage so early. I think I was just as excited to see Bisco as Widespread this evening since this was my first live exposure to them and I made my way to a stage right seat over the stage.
Before I go any further let me forewarn you that I’m about to step on some toes here. The Disco Biscuits are an amazing band as they proved right before my eyes. What brought shock to me though was the 100 kids down in front of the stage and the thousands of empty seats and open floor space devoid of other music fans. I swear that the crowd level stayed near this level through the entire Bisco performance and I wondered why the Spreadheads weren’t honoring this amazing double-bill tonight?
Another element of weirdness that made me chuckle all night long was the wandering gaggle of ‘Hippies’ with cell phones glued to their heads. I thought I’d never see the day where you couldn’t get away from the damn telephone long enough to enjoy your favorite band. What in the world were they doing: Aping those sappy television commercials where dad is holding up the cell phone at his son’s piano recital so mom can tearfully listen in from the crowded city bus? Jesus, I can just imagine a bunch of kids who couldn’t make the show crammed into a college dorm room passing around a cell phone and a bong sharing the experience…..Give me a break.
I can’t believe that I go into forums and chat rooms, which I will not name here, and witness people slamming bands and gathering factions of others around them to slander other hard working musicians simply because their music doesn’t appeal to them. I’ve been in the scene for a long time and I’ve never seen ‘Hippie’ types like we are seeing now. I shouldn’t even use the word ‘Hippy’ in the same sentence when I’m describing these idiots. I also find it funny that half of these dim-wits probably couldn’t muster up enough energy or brain power to even play an instrument or do it night after night to near perfection.
Is this the new Hippie Evolution? Please say it isn’t so!
S. Remington – Editor
PhreshWater.com
Submit Editorials, Questions,
or Comments to : editor@phreshwater.com
10.21.2003
RIAA’s Download Spiral
Ok. It wasn’t good enough that the RIAA started dragging in 12 year old schoolgirls and 70 year old grandfathers into court in order to gouge their wallets for downloading Britney Spears and Lawrence Welk tunes. In a paltry attempt to show a beaming halo around their heads and a an attempt to gain a sympathetic shoulder to sniffle upon with the American youth and public the RIAA, like a wolf in sheep’s clothing, has added another notch of absurdity onto its belt.
RIAA officials have recently decided that instead of bulldozing American citizens into court, most of which who saw the illegal P2P networks as legitimate, they are going to give you the option of ‘Settling Up’ before they dutifully chop your head off and potentially send you into financial ruin. Doesn’t that make you want to invite the RIAA over for dinner now? Oh, wait! I forgot to tell you the best part, the part that makes me giddy all over like a punch drunk sorority girl: They will gladly give you 10 days to pay your fine! How can the RIAA be more generous? Is there a Nobel Prize for utter stupidity? Read the full story HERE
What simpleton in the RIAA comes up with these tactics? Aren’t my tax dollars and yours paying for these fools to waste our money playing Gestapo and being blatantly unfair with their cruel and unusual methods of settling the issues of copyright infringement? What ever happened to educating Americans on the long-term dangers and the decline of our musical culture by robbing those who entertain us?
I guess going after the super-power P2P networks (Kazaa, Napster, and Morpheus) hasn’t been able to draw enough blood and gore for the RIAA’s feverish crusades. They build these networks for one purpose alone: Make the sharing of these music files seem like the norm and safe, take in millions in advertising, and then point the finger back at the public who they have swindled. Who is the real villain here? Are these networks able to buy themselves out of peril and due punishment? Obviously so and who is going to stop them?
S. Remington – Editor
PhreshWater.com
Submit Editorials, Questions,
or Comments to : editor@phreshwater.com
Ok. It wasn’t good enough that the RIAA started dragging in 12 year old schoolgirls and 70 year old grandfathers into court in order to gouge their wallets for downloading Britney Spears and Lawrence Welk tunes. In a paltry attempt to show a beaming halo around their heads and a an attempt to gain a sympathetic shoulder to sniffle upon with the American youth and public the RIAA, like a wolf in sheep’s clothing, has added another notch of absurdity onto its belt.
RIAA officials have recently decided that instead of bulldozing American citizens into court, most of which who saw the illegal P2P networks as legitimate, they are going to give you the option of ‘Settling Up’ before they dutifully chop your head off and potentially send you into financial ruin. Doesn’t that make you want to invite the RIAA over for dinner now? Oh, wait! I forgot to tell you the best part, the part that makes me giddy all over like a punch drunk sorority girl: They will gladly give you 10 days to pay your fine! How can the RIAA be more generous? Is there a Nobel Prize for utter stupidity? Read the full story HERE
What simpleton in the RIAA comes up with these tactics? Aren’t my tax dollars and yours paying for these fools to waste our money playing Gestapo and being blatantly unfair with their cruel and unusual methods of settling the issues of copyright infringement? What ever happened to educating Americans on the long-term dangers and the decline of our musical culture by robbing those who entertain us?
I guess going after the super-power P2P networks (Kazaa, Napster, and Morpheus) hasn’t been able to draw enough blood and gore for the RIAA’s feverish crusades. They build these networks for one purpose alone: Make the sharing of these music files seem like the norm and safe, take in millions in advertising, and then point the finger back at the public who they have swindled. Who is the real villain here? Are these networks able to buy themselves out of peril and due punishment? Obviously so and who is going to stop them?
S. Remington – Editor
PhreshWater.com
Submit Editorials, Questions,
or Comments to : editor@phreshwater.com
10.17.2003
Fresh Cream
Jack Bruce, bass player for the 60's guitar power-trio Cream, is on the mend after the liver transplant he received this summer was being rejected by his body. His family says that he is now on the mend and on the way back to recovery. Read the full story HERE.
Cream, featuring Jack Bruce, Eric Clapton and Ginger Baker were one of the most successful bands in the 1960's selling more than 35 million albums and dazzling audiences worldwide with their powerful blend of rock and electric blues.
S. Remington – Editor
PhreshWater.com
Submit Editorials, Questions,
or Comments to : editor@phreshwater.com
Jack Bruce, bass player for the 60's guitar power-trio Cream, is on the mend after the liver transplant he received this summer was being rejected by his body. His family says that he is now on the mend and on the way back to recovery. Read the full story HERE.
Cream, featuring Jack Bruce, Eric Clapton and Ginger Baker were one of the most successful bands in the 1960's selling more than 35 million albums and dazzling audiences worldwide with their powerful blend of rock and electric blues.
S. Remington – Editor
PhreshWater.com
Submit Editorials, Questions,
or Comments to : editor@phreshwater.com
10.15.2003
Satchmo's in the House
The Queens, NY home where jazz giant Louis Armstrong and wife Lucille once lived will now be open to the public starting Thursday October 16, 2003. After Louis death in 1971 and Lucille’s in 1983 the house was given to the city to be administered by Queens College.
Inside the home you will find the conditions as it was being lived in by the Armstrong’s. Lucille had an eye for redecoration and the home still displays the blue tones of the kitchen, sub-zero refrigerator, and the silver paper lining the master bedroom. Louis den was left in tact including the reel-to-reel recorder where he taped hundreds of hours of conversations between himself and band members spinning tales of the road and many jokes. Read the full story HERE.
S. Remington – Editor
PhreshWater.com
Submit Editorials, Questions,
or Comments to : editor@phreshwater.com
The Queens, NY home where jazz giant Louis Armstrong and wife Lucille once lived will now be open to the public starting Thursday October 16, 2003. After Louis death in 1971 and Lucille’s in 1983 the house was given to the city to be administered by Queens College.
Inside the home you will find the conditions as it was being lived in by the Armstrong’s. Lucille had an eye for redecoration and the home still displays the blue tones of the kitchen, sub-zero refrigerator, and the silver paper lining the master bedroom. Louis den was left in tact including the reel-to-reel recorder where he taped hundreds of hours of conversations between himself and band members spinning tales of the road and many jokes. Read the full story HERE.
S. Remington – Editor
PhreshWater.com
Submit Editorials, Questions,
or Comments to : editor@phreshwater.com
10.08.2003
Child Proof?
John Halderman, a Princeton University researcher, has recently released a paper that completely blows the lid off of MediaMax CD copyright protection that is being executed on several upcoming releases. In this paper he proceeds to purchase a copyright protected CD and within a few keystrokes gains access to the music files, completely bypassing the anti-copy software, and can go about burning copies or ripping the media to his hard drive. Please examine the paper in it's entirety HERE
Again, and let me make this clear, I do not support illegal copying of digital media and certainly want every artist to gain from their own work without being short changed. I am simply in the same boat as Mr. Halderman and many others who see these anti-copy tactics as a futile attempt at preventing piracy and will only escalate the problem to greater proportions. To quote Halderman from his own paper:
“...the industry has the best chance of accomplishing its goals by giving customers more for their money and making it easier for them to buy music. I believe anti-copy CD technologies will prove unfruitful, and will therefore eventually be abandoned by record companies. Their firms may take a cue from the movie industry and increase the value of CDs by bundling interesting bonus features rather than restrictive copy-control software. It seems likely that they will also capitalize on the popularity of digital distribution by aggressively supporting online services like Apple's successful iTunes Music Store. These strategies likely will pave the way to reduced infringement by enticing more listeners to pay for recordings.”
Attempting the Orwellian approach by causing digital prohibition is not the solution and I will firmly stand by my own words and Mr. Halderman's. My job as the editor of PhreshWater.com also includes my own personal commitment to encouraging the proper growth and support of the music industry, whether independent or corporate structured, and to slit my own throat by supporting illegal peer-to-peer networks and piracy would be the highest dishonor to my own lifeblood which is music itself. But, these types of anti-copy deterrents are going to backfire and make an already bad situation far worse than imagined.
S. Remington – Editor
PhreshWater.com
Submit Editorials, Questions,
or Comments to : editor@phreshwater.com
John Halderman, a Princeton University researcher, has recently released a paper that completely blows the lid off of MediaMax CD copyright protection that is being executed on several upcoming releases. In this paper he proceeds to purchase a copyright protected CD and within a few keystrokes gains access to the music files, completely bypassing the anti-copy software, and can go about burning copies or ripping the media to his hard drive. Please examine the paper in it's entirety HERE
Again, and let me make this clear, I do not support illegal copying of digital media and certainly want every artist to gain from their own work without being short changed. I am simply in the same boat as Mr. Halderman and many others who see these anti-copy tactics as a futile attempt at preventing piracy and will only escalate the problem to greater proportions. To quote Halderman from his own paper:
“...the industry has the best chance of accomplishing its goals by giving customers more for their money and making it easier for them to buy music. I believe anti-copy CD technologies will prove unfruitful, and will therefore eventually be abandoned by record companies. Their firms may take a cue from the movie industry and increase the value of CDs by bundling interesting bonus features rather than restrictive copy-control software. It seems likely that they will also capitalize on the popularity of digital distribution by aggressively supporting online services like Apple's successful iTunes Music Store. These strategies likely will pave the way to reduced infringement by enticing more listeners to pay for recordings.”
Attempting the Orwellian approach by causing digital prohibition is not the solution and I will firmly stand by my own words and Mr. Halderman's. My job as the editor of PhreshWater.com also includes my own personal commitment to encouraging the proper growth and support of the music industry, whether independent or corporate structured, and to slit my own throat by supporting illegal peer-to-peer networks and piracy would be the highest dishonor to my own lifeblood which is music itself. But, these types of anti-copy deterrents are going to backfire and make an already bad situation far worse than imagined.
S. Remington – Editor
PhreshWater.com
Submit Editorials, Questions,
or Comments to : editor@phreshwater.com
10.07.2003
Sympathy for the Devil?
In a move that is sure to knock the wind out of independent and smaller music retailers, The Rolling Stones have agreed to make Best Buy the exclusive dealer for their upcoming DVD release 'Four Flicks' for the first four months on the market. In a music economy that is already hurting from the long lasting effects of online piracy these types of exclusive deals are sure to hurt many retailers and with more deals like this likely to happen it could stomp the local music store into extinction.
Not only do these types of exclusive business deals begin to degrade the business ethics of the music industry it also cuts off many consumers from being exposed to different music other than what is continually pumped like ground beef from the machines of pop culture. When all paths lead to Wal-Mart and similar corporate mega-chains the level of cultural sterility heightens and who will save our country and minds from this black vortex? G.W. Gump? Don't bank on it.
According to Reuters, full story HERE, one retailer has decided to mark up all Rolling Stones products by a few dollars in order to send a message to The Stones that making a profit won't be so easy when you exclude the rest of the market.
I never would have thought that the Stones could be so greedy. In fact, I had eyeballed the 'Hot Rocks' CD set the other day to replace the one I had lost in college. I think that I'll do a little at home, personal, boycott of my own and not purchase any Rolling Stones merchandise during the entire holiday season. I bet if a few thousand more joined in they might get the message that their own fans are a bit upset for selling out to the ones they have spoke out against throughout their careers. C'mon Mick! You're the one in charge, do something about it!
S. Remington – Editor
PhreshWater.com
Submit Editorials, Questions,
or Comments to : editor@phreshwater.com
In a move that is sure to knock the wind out of independent and smaller music retailers, The Rolling Stones have agreed to make Best Buy the exclusive dealer for their upcoming DVD release 'Four Flicks' for the first four months on the market. In a music economy that is already hurting from the long lasting effects of online piracy these types of exclusive deals are sure to hurt many retailers and with more deals like this likely to happen it could stomp the local music store into extinction.
Not only do these types of exclusive business deals begin to degrade the business ethics of the music industry it also cuts off many consumers from being exposed to different music other than what is continually pumped like ground beef from the machines of pop culture. When all paths lead to Wal-Mart and similar corporate mega-chains the level of cultural sterility heightens and who will save our country and minds from this black vortex? G.W. Gump? Don't bank on it.
According to Reuters, full story HERE, one retailer has decided to mark up all Rolling Stones products by a few dollars in order to send a message to The Stones that making a profit won't be so easy when you exclude the rest of the market.
I never would have thought that the Stones could be so greedy. In fact, I had eyeballed the 'Hot Rocks' CD set the other day to replace the one I had lost in college. I think that I'll do a little at home, personal, boycott of my own and not purchase any Rolling Stones merchandise during the entire holiday season. I bet if a few thousand more joined in they might get the message that their own fans are a bit upset for selling out to the ones they have spoke out against throughout their careers. C'mon Mick! You're the one in charge, do something about it!
S. Remington – Editor
PhreshWater.com
Submit Editorials, Questions,
or Comments to : editor@phreshwater.com
10.04.2003
Immortal Guitar
Robert Johnson, one of the most influential blues artist of all time who passed away in 1938 at the young age of 27 will be remembered yet again. Gibson Montana, the acoustic division of Gibson Guitar, is introducing the Robert Johnson L-1 model based on the specifications of his legendary guitar. This master crafted instrument was designed to capture the haunting, timeless sounds of Robert Johnson's music.
The Robert Johnson L-1 will sell at a MSRP of $2,919. Now there's a great reason to save your allowance kids!
Full story and Robert Johnson L-1 guitar specifications HERE
S. Remington – Editor
PhreshWater.com
Submit Editorials, Questions,
Or Comments to: editor@phreshwater.com
Robert Johnson, one of the most influential blues artist of all time who passed away in 1938 at the young age of 27 will be remembered yet again. Gibson Montana, the acoustic division of Gibson Guitar, is introducing the Robert Johnson L-1 model based on the specifications of his legendary guitar. This master crafted instrument was designed to capture the haunting, timeless sounds of Robert Johnson's music.
The Robert Johnson L-1 will sell at a MSRP of $2,919. Now there's a great reason to save your allowance kids!
Full story and Robert Johnson L-1 guitar specifications HERE
S. Remington – Editor
PhreshWater.com
Submit Editorials, Questions,
Or Comments to: editor@phreshwater.com
10.02.2003
Final Wish III
A reader has sent in the following comments:
I have to say that I agree with your idea that legally, the band should be allowed to allow someone to carry out their wishes.
Let's talk about the MORAL part of this. Let's consider the possible negative consequences. We don't know how this person is planning on taking their life, but, if it's going to be immediate, it will probably be violent somehow or really gross. (Even a "non violent" method could be very intense. Imagine a poisoned person writhing and in convulsions while he vomits blood before a large audience.)
Witnessing such a thing can be extremely traumatic for people. There are many psychological disorders and disturbances which can result in those who witness this (such as post traumatic stress disorder). Any audience member who feels they are ready for this may be in for a surprise.
We also have to consider the possibility of something going wrong. It doesn't occur often but even people have tried such extreme suicide methods as shooting themselves in the head sometimes survive. What if the suicidal party somehow survives their attempt?
In my opinion, this suicidal party and the band are being very selfish. They are only thinking of their own publicity and are not considering that the audience may be biting off more than they can handle psychologically and nobody can foretell the extent of the consequences of this event.
- Tara B
Tara,
You have really hit on a key note here and I’m glad to receive your response. I have to agree with you on the possibilities of things going wrong and making an already macabre situation go the wrong way, which in reality could happen easily. Perhaps Hell on Earth needs to perform with this patient in an arena that is more intimate and NOT up on the stage, in front of a paying audience, where others stand the chance of psychological disturbance…
S. Remington – Editor
PhreshWater.com
Submit Editorials, Questions,
Or Comments to: editor@phreshwater.com
A reader has sent in the following comments:
I have to say that I agree with your idea that legally, the band should be allowed to allow someone to carry out their wishes.
Let's talk about the MORAL part of this. Let's consider the possible negative consequences. We don't know how this person is planning on taking their life, but, if it's going to be immediate, it will probably be violent somehow or really gross. (Even a "non violent" method could be very intense. Imagine a poisoned person writhing and in convulsions while he vomits blood before a large audience.)
Witnessing such a thing can be extremely traumatic for people. There are many psychological disorders and disturbances which can result in those who witness this (such as post traumatic stress disorder). Any audience member who feels they are ready for this may be in for a surprise.
We also have to consider the possibility of something going wrong. It doesn't occur often but even people have tried such extreme suicide methods as shooting themselves in the head sometimes survive. What if the suicidal party somehow survives their attempt?
In my opinion, this suicidal party and the band are being very selfish. They are only thinking of their own publicity and are not considering that the audience may be biting off more than they can handle psychologically and nobody can foretell the extent of the consequences of this event.
- Tara B
Tara,
You have really hit on a key note here and I’m glad to receive your response. I have to agree with you on the possibilities of things going wrong and making an already macabre situation go the wrong way, which in reality could happen easily. Perhaps Hell on Earth needs to perform with this patient in an arena that is more intimate and NOT up on the stage, in front of a paying audience, where others stand the chance of psychological disturbance…
S. Remington – Editor
PhreshWater.com
Submit Editorials, Questions,
Or Comments to: editor@phreshwater.com
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