LOOSE-LEAF LIVING New DEMO website!
Happy Hatchday Chewbacca!
Yes, Chewy was born — I mean hatched — on February 23 back in 1998. So about this time every year Chewy parties like it was 1998!
Chewy's full name is Chewbacca. Mrs. Muddle came up with Chewy's name, because Chewy chews on everything in sight.
Chewy is a male Senegal parrot.
Chewy is nine years old today. (I don't know how many years that computes out to be in dog years.)
Barring some misfortune, Chewy could live into his thirties.
Good Works by Befuddled Universe Member:
Tori Sparks
Befuddled Universe Members tend to be all around nice folk with really big hearts. I guess that's way many of them are involved in charity work of one kind or another.
Today I want to showcase one of the charity projects of Tori Sparks. (Tori became a member of this befuddled universe on 16 December 2005.)
Tori Sparks has found a unique way to raise money for Oxfam America <http://www.oxfamamerica.org/>. Oxfam America is an organization dedicated to ``creating lasting solutions to global poverty, hunger, and social injustice''. Oxfam America is affiliated with the One Campaign.
In addition to being a dedicated musician, singer, songwriter—and all the other good stuff befuddled universe members are noted for—Tori is an artist and crafter. She took what she termed a ``common dreadnaught guitar'' and turned it into a majestic work of art. (See the photo on the right; click to enlarge ).
Tori has titled her work the ``Feed Your Soul Guitar'' and she has put the guitar up for auction. Now here's the extra, special wonderful part: 100% of the money raised by the auction will be donated to Oxfam America to help them in their efforts to end global poverty, hunger, and social injustice.
Tori will be promoting the auction while she tours.
I asked Tori how this befuddled universe could best help her get the word out. We decided the best way would be to publish the press release that thoroughly explains the charities and the auction. The press release follows below.
After you read the press release, I hope you will feel motivated to make a bid on the ``Feed Your Soul Guitar''. (Hey, get some friends together, and pool your bucks. That way you could make a really big bid, and make a really big difference in the world.)
Tori Sparks with the Feed Your Soul Guitar; click on photo to enlarge.
One Love: Eclectic Recording Artist Tori
Sparks
to Auction Folk Art Guitar
Visionary
young musician-artist embarks on 26-city U.S. tour. She will donate her talents
as well as Feed Your Soul Guitar auction proceeds to Oxfam America and to raise
awareness of the One Campaign.
NEW YORK CITY (MAY 8, 2006) – Can art or music save the world? If indie folk-rocker turned
folk-artist TORI SPARKS has anything to say about it, they can definitely help. TORI has employed everything but the
kitchen sink to turn a common dreadnaught guitar into a dazzling work of folk
art, titled The Feed Your Soul Guitar. The diverse young artist is going
to be exhibiting this one-of-a-kind work while on her 26 city Feed Your
Ears, Feed Your Soul: The Rivers + Roads Less Traveled Tour. Bids for the Guitar will be
accepted through secure online auction from May 21 through the end of the tour.
The high bidder will be announced on June 26. 100% of proceeds from the auction
will be donated to Oxfam America and the work they are doing in
association with the One Campaign and its affiliates. A direct link to
the auction will be placed on TORI’S website (www.ToriSparks.com),
as are the dates of the tour. The Feed Your Soul Guitar is signed by the
artist, and comes with a signed and dedicated photo of TORI SPARKS playing the Guitar and
sporting a white One wristband. Though primarily meant to be put on
display, the Feed Your Soul Guitar is fully playable. The art piece will
also be available for public viewing from May 9 through May 23 in
the ASCAP headquarters building in Nashville, Tenn.
Following in the footsteps of other
musician-artists such as Joni Mitchell and Rich Robinson of the Black Crowes,
SPARKS seems to need
more than one outlet to contain the overflow of her creativity. The Feed
Your Soul Guitar is a mesmerizing piece that involved 100+ hours of
intensive labor. Every image and article incorporated into the Guitar
contributes to an overarching theme of our search for love, hope, faith, and
security in an increasingly plastic and media-driven world. Nature and the
human psyche clash with elements representing our ever-increasing dependence on
technology. In TORI’S words: “The Feed Your Soul Guitar
is like a protest song in three dimensions. A recent overdose of NPR and CNN
inspired me to dig up a bunch of folk and rock music that came out of the
conflicts of the Vietnam era, and it’s eerie how so many of today’s critical
issues are similar to those that scared everyone back then. These days
that fear is compounded by our
amazing and frightening access to technology. The peace I’m talking about is as
much a peace of mind as a political coexistence.”
Everything from a motherboard spewing glistening wires, to
spacemen venturing forth under the banner “Believe Again” grace the front of
this museum-worthy artifact. The back of the Guitar has been transformed into a
“cityscape of soul.” It pays tribute to some of the acts that shaped rock ‘n’
roll history (David Bowie, U2, The Clash, Bob Marley, more), as well as to one
of the cradles of American music, professing the faith that New Orleans will
rise again. A closer look reveals
themes as diverse as dealing with infidelity, to a crisis arising of
spirituality contradicted by science. Tiny points of brilliant color swirl over the neck of the Guitar,
surrounding the word “ONE” in honor of TORI’S support of the One Campaign
and its affiliated non-profit organizations. This section gives a nod to SPARKS’ ongoing fascination with Australian
aboriginal painting and other forms of folk art.
TORI SPARKS comes from an artistic background, having been born in
Chicago and raised in the arts-friendly community of Sarasota, Fla. While TORI’S music career has been flourishing in
the past three years – her upcoming tour will take her to the
world-famous Bitter End in New York City -- her visual art creations have
previously been reserved as gifts for family and friends. However, the goals of
Oxfam America and its partner, the One Campaign, sufficiently
inspired the artist to want to contribute to their cause in her own way. Some people are able to give by donating their money or time
– art and music are what TORI SPARKS have to give. She hopes that the proceeds from the
auction will contribute towards furthering Oxfam’s efforts to build hope
and security in impoverished communities at home and abroad, and to raise
awareness on behalf of One’s advocacy programs. TORI is also playing a benefit concert
for One in Washington DC on June 16th.
Songs from TORI SPARKS’ debut album Rivers + Roads can be heard on radio stations in
Canada, Australia, Ireland, Belgium, Japan, as well as the U.S. Called “a
winner of an album” by the All Music Guide and “a talent unheard of in a long time” by Music
News Nashville, Rivers
+ Roads is
continuing to dent the charts in other regions as word-of-mouth spreads. A fearless performer, she is known for
her combination of emotion and quirky wit – deeply personal insights are
fused with an off-the-cuff, almost stand-up routine.
One by one, we make a difference. TORI
SPARKS just happens
to make hers out of paint, glass, glue, and guitars. Make yours. To read more
about the Feed Your Ears, Feed Your Soul: The Rivers + Roads Less Traveled
Tour, and to view
photos of or place a bid for the Feed Your Soul Guitar, please see www.ToriSparks.com. To learn more about the One
Campaign and Oxfam America, please see www.One.org and www.OxfamAmerica.org. Nashville residents and visitors can
view the Guitar in the ASCAP lobby at 2 Music Square West,
Nashville Tenn., 37203.
ABOUT OXFAM
AMERICA: Oxfam
America is part of an international non-profit organization that works to
end global poverty through saving lives, strengthening communities, and campaigning
for change. They address social injustice through advocacy, public education,
and emergency assistance programs. Please see www.OxfamAmerica.org.
ABOUT THE ONE CAMPAIGN: Co-founded and popularized by Bono of U2, The One Campaign is a non-profit advocacy group that aims to raise awareness of the emergency of AIDS and extreme poverty, so that decision makers will do more to save millions of lives in the poorest countries. Please see www.One.org for more information.
Seductive Music and Food
You know more about jazz than I do. I'll give you that much credit right at the outset.
But can you say you saw The Art Ensemble of Chicago perform twice in 1970? Didn't think so!
I saw The Art Ensemble perform live once in Chicago and once in East Lansing, Michigan. And, for a short while, Roscoe Mitchell even knew Mrs. Muddle by her first name; that is, until he saw grumpy me walk up with my shinny white shirt and narrow black tie.
The blame for all this culture in my life lies with Mrs. Muddle.
The first several decades of our marriage, Mrs. Muddle held out hope I might one day be fit for public viewing. During this misbegotten period, Mrs. Muddle took me far and wide, hither and yon, and thoroughly coached me on where I should, and should not, put my fingers. But, alas, it was to no useful avail. I remain a graceless klutz to this day.
That's why, when I suggested that we go to a nice restaurant, and listen to a jazz band, I was surprised Mrs. Muddle didn't object. She didn't agree, but she didn't object. Then last Wednesday night, totally out of the blue, Mrs. Muddle asked, ``Don't we have somewhere to go tomorrow night?''
I hurried, and made a reservation using OpenTable.
Lincoln Adler, the Times 4 sax player, had suggested that I get reservations, if I came for dinner (none needed for the bar).
I told Lincoln I'd be willing to do both a music and food review, but I'd expect twice the fee. He laughed, so I guess he didn't buy the idea.
The layout of the restaurant was like a big ``L'' with the band playing at the top of the ``L.'' I never ventured to the bottom of the ``L,'' but that appeared to be a fairly large dining area. In the ``upright'' part of the ``L'' you had two parallel areas of bar and dining.
Mrs. Muddle and I requested dining seats where we could see the band, but because there was standing room only at the front of the restaurant, and in the bar, there weren't any seats where diners could see the band. But that was OK, we mainly wanted a good time. This was meant to be one of those occasions where business was pleasure.
The dinning rooms were filled, that was a good reflection on the restaurant. The bar and stage area of the restaurant were standing room only, that was a good reflection on the band.
This isn't a ``rated'' review, but if it were, both Times 4 and the restaurant would receive high ratings. Everything was nearly perfect.
I have only one trifle. The standing room only crowd changed the acoustics of the room, and, as a result, most of the evening Mrs. Muddle and I had a hard time hearing the saxophone (and sometimes the bass). When the crowd at the back of the room cleared a little towards the end, the ``mix'' was perfect. But heck, great music, good food, who's complaining...just us professional bellyachers.
The Times 4 literature said that they integrate ``groove-based funk/hip-hop beats, modern harmony and jazz improvisation.'' I don't know about that, I just know it sounds sweet. If you like jazz, I'd bet real money that you'll like Times 4. Heck, my Senegal parrot clucks along with their music, and he's a bird with discerning tastes! In fact, Chewie has a favorite Times 4 tune, ``Uncle Funker.''
I'll tell you my favorite Times 4 song when I do my official review on 21 April 2006.
In the meantime you can check out their website, check out their videos, buy their CD, and enjoy their music.
While you do that, I'll do my homework. Lincoln Adler has given me a long list of books to read, so I won't be no jazz ignoramus no more. Darn, I'll probably need a new library card. I think I folded up my old one, and stuffed it under a table leg somewhere. I may be able to find it, if I can locate a table that doesn't wiggle.
While I'm checking my tables for wiggles, you will have time to check out Times 4.
Oh, I do have one more trifle, curry makes me pee.
***
Click on the MP3 player below to hear the Times 4 song Blue 5. (Macromedia Flash plug-in required).
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Photo Credit: Tim Null Times 4: Lincoln Adler - tenor saxophone Greg Sankovich - keyboards Kevin Lofton - bass Maurice Miles - drums (Click to enlarge.) |
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John Mellencamp said, ``That's when a sport was a sport. And groovin' was groovin'' (1987, ``Cherry Bomb" ).
Well, ladies and gentlemen, it was also when a babe was a babe, and those are four seriously cute babes pictured above.
Collectively these four babes are called Blame Sally. (They're currently on my FaV5 list.)
They're going to perform this Sunday in Berkeley, CA at the Caffe Trieste.
Listening to Blame Sally music is a bit like eating at a Greek Festival. The food at every booth is similar, yet somehow unique, and always incredibly delicious!
If you're in the vicinity of Berkeley, CA this Sunday, you should make every effort to see Blame Sally.
Now, who's giving me a ride?!?
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Tina Schlieske (well known to the people of Minneapolis, MN, and the readers of this blog) is holding her Slow Burn CD Release Show, Saturday, 12 November 2005 at FIRST AVENUE. (Doors open at 6pm CT, and you must be at least 21.)
The opening act will be provided by Garrison Starr.
Tina Schlieske's band members for the show include:
Patrik Tanner, Guitar & Back Up Vocals
Jon James, Bass
Andrew Pierzina, (AP) Guitar
Billy Thommes, Drums
Peter Sands, B3/Keys
Brian Z, Keys
Laura Schlieske, Backup vocals
Ken Chastain, Percussion. 15 Nov 2005 Update: Ken Chastain was a ``no show."
Matt Darling, Horns section w/2 others
Joe Savage, Pedal Steel
Gospel singers
If you can make it to the show, you can share in the love. But if you can't make it to the show (like poor me), you'll have to find love on your own. If that's your predicament, then I suggest you put on Tina's song ``Love Everlasting." The song sounds like a classic soul song. Listen to the song, and see if you agree.
If you're in love, the song just might renew your love. If love is what you need, then the song just might fill you with the conviction that there is love waiting for you just behind that next smile.
It's time we all had love everlasting.
Tina's ``Love Everlasting" is on her new Slow Burn CD.
Learn more about Tina here, here, and here.
Usually the best place to start looking for Tina's music is at her website, because she has a large back catalog that you will want to browse.
Please play our series theme song in the background, while you read this posting. ThkQ!
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Ali Gray is the first subject in the Turn It On! series introducing new indie music acts. Ali is from Minneapolis, MN.
If your only experience with Minneapolis is a drab airport and an airline with cramped, hard@$$ seats, then you're in for a pleasant surprise on your next business trip to Minnesota. The Twin Cities (Minneapolis, St. Paul) have a very active music scene (performers include Tina Schlieske, The Faraway Men, Martin Zellar, Jon James, Johnny Clueless, and many others). In fact, a great many bands and singers have come from Minneapolis. You will , of course, remember The Great Purple One! (What is his name now?)
Ali Gray has worked her way up through the ranks, and paid some dues. Now she is ready to step into the spotlight. (In a later posting in this series, I will write more about Ali's personal and professional background.)
Whenever I told someone I was going to be working with Ali Gray, they invariably said, ``You'll love her. She's a sweetheart!" Now that I've had the chance to work with Ali awhile, I have to admit that she is, in fact, a sweetheart.
The first thing I want to tell you about Ali is that you will love her. She is a sweetheart. The second thing is that Ali Gray has just released her debut CD, and it is a very impressive first effort in every respect.
As I've suggested elsewhere, indie music is a difficult business. Even new indie acts need a personal website and an initial CD that shouts, ``Hey, buster! Here I am! I refuse to be ignored."
I know I'm not doing a formal review here, but let me say that I am absolutely and totally knocked-out by the graphic design and layout of Ali's website, her CD label, and her CD inserts. Good design sells. Sex feels good. Some things are just facts of life. Good work Ali!
If you are in Minneapolis on Thursday, 17 November 2005, please make an effort to attend Ali Gray's CD release party concert. I know you will have a great time. Her band is outstanding.
Thursday, November 17th - CD RELEASE PARTY!
Ali Gray with her full band
Varsity Theater - Minneapolis, MN - Doors Open at 9:00 PM
Ali's PR flier describes her music as a ``flavorsome recipe of rock, soul, and country." Ali writes catchy crossover tunes, and she has a great band. Her voice is deep and rich!
The next posting about Ali Gray will include an interview. Among other things, I'll ask her how she managed to get such a great band. I'll also ask her about my favorite Ali Gray song, ``Picture of You." This song includes lyrics about all sorts of nefarious activities that seem out of character for someone who is everyone's sweetheart (activities such as sneaking up back stairways, taking care not to shake the bed during lovemaking, driving all night in stolen cars).
I'd say Ali Gray has got some explaining to do!
She will have an opportunity to explain the story behind the song, when she and I have a recorded telephone conversation later this week. I will convert the recorded interview into an MP3 file, and it will be included in the next posting about Ali Gray. Be sure to watch for:
Turn It On with Ali Gray: Q&A
Until then, check out these photos of Ali and her acoustic band.
Technorati Tags: music, people, photo, befuddled photo
Photo Credit: James Gross
Stop! I can't breathe!
Serenity earns my highest rating of Stop! I can't breathe!
I saw Serenity opening night. I apologize for taking so long to post comments. My comments today will be very brief. I have decided to wait until the DVDs come out to post my extended review.
We're all sad to see Wash and the Preacher Shepard [10 OCT 2005: Oops, that was a bad mistake.] pass on, but this isn't Star Trek where only the new guy on the bridge dies. And this isn't Star Wars, where there's plenty of time to take a nap or two without missing anything important.
But enough about what I think.
Serenity fans should enjoy the posting I noticed over at My Yahoo! about Serenity and the difference between sci-fi fan behavior at the movies vs. your run-of-the-mill movie-goer behavior. Read the posting by Whitney Matheson here (Matheson is a columnist for USAToday.com).
Technorati Tags: film
Tick:
05 OCT 2005 Reuters (Los Angeles) reported:
The record industry may next aim its legal guns at satellite radio over a dispute involving new portable players that let listeners record and store songs, an analyst and industry sources said Wednesday.
...
Illegal song trading has been blamed by the record industry for declines in sales, and labels have become increasingly aggressive in their legal battles to defend their product. Now that focus includes portable players.
Are the major labels (e.g., Vivendi, Warner, EMI, & Sony) beginning to realize they may fade into oblivion, when music is no longer distributed on CDs?
Katie Holmes pregnant? Oh, my! Premarital sex is a risky business!
