Recording Report Last Night

Last week I wrote a bit about Caroling at St. Joseph's hospital. I met there a good guy who was looking for a bass player. Well, last night I helped him out and recorded a song that he had written. We, along with a few of his other friends, learned his song and laid down his tracks. I think I may have suprised a few people on how big my double bass was, but more shocking, how it could be easily squeezed into a tiny recording studio. All in all, everything went great and my new-found-friend was greatly pleased. The people that I worked with last night are great people and are great at their craft; I hope to work with them again in the near future.

Caroling @ St Joseph's

I'm glad this tradition has lasted 11 years.

Caroling at St. Joseph's hospital every Christmas has always been a fun time. Every year always brings out new people and creates a new choral sound. This time around for its 11th year stint we coincidently had 11 singers. The important thing is that we made a couple of people smile a little during this season. That, plus we had a good time singing, even if we only meet once a year.

Folk Choir Rehearsal

It's always good to take a look at something that you haven't worked on in a while just so that it gets the memory juices flowing. Last night was another Folk Choir Rehearsal before Christmas and it went very well. We took a look at one of the songs that we had worked on endlessly earlier this past spring. I find it funny how muscle memory works. We seemed to remember everything about the song and we stumbled through some of the stuff that we had difficulty with when we were learning the song. I found that when we were a little bit more relaxed, there were no problems; when people would tense up with the difficult parts, we would not hit those trouble notes. It is almost as if some of us built some mental walls and have unconsiously psyched themselves out with their abilites. We worked hard on this song for a long time but it seems we also worked hard at making the hard parts harder. Anyway, it sounded good, but it is always different when singing in front of people. Just relax and enjoy it.

Practice w/ NYCO

Wednesday night, I think I received one of the nicest complements in a while. During this last NYCO practice, we had the pleasure of playing with the lead double-bassist. On top of that, we had a small section session for the first part of the practice; double basses only. We got to pick apart some of our problem spots and worked through them. Most importantly, we learned how to better our technique; something that I can use a lot of work on. The sound that the lead-bassist could produce was hauntingly beautiful. It was so clean and clear and had such a rich attack that i could stop a charging rhino. Anyway, playing with him was a great experience. It wasn't until the end of practice as we were leaving that he asked me some questions about my playing. To is shock, he had discovered that I was basically self-taught. He continued to encourage all that I was doing and if I needed any help, that I could go and see him. To close, he said that, from what had heard, it sounded good. For me, hearing that I wasn't all that bad helped boost my confidence and I can't wait for another session. I could use the practice.

Folk Choir Practice Rehearsal

Last night, we had another Folk Choir Practice. This went really well. We went over an arrangement that I had been working on for a while and I must say that it is coming along nicely. It's always nice to see something like that and watch it come together so nicely. Anyway, there's still a lot of work to do before Christmas so I just hope people continue to practice. Also, at the end of practice, we tried to get through a very difficult song by memory. In all honesty, it moved very well. A couple of rough spots here and there but overall, not bad. I've been a strong advocate of trying to memorize music because I think once it is stored in your head, somehow, it can be recalled at will. Anyway, keep practicing.

Gig Recap

Yesterday afternoon, I had a small jazz gig in Scarborough. Lucky for me it was only 15 minutes from my pad. Anyway, it went well and everyone had a good time. I haven't played with Glen in a while so it was great that we got to play together again. That afternoon, I had the pleasure of playing with the first time, a new vocalist, Jennifer. I first met her at a wedding last year in Toronto and it just so happens she is married to a person I met a couple of years ago while I was working as an Assistant at Villagers. Anyway, she's a great person and a pleasure to work with.

It is always funny when playing with a new person. You always have to be on your toes listening for cues and such. Moreover, you have to really know your stuff and focused when the keys are changed around on different songs.

Wibijazz'n Saturday Night @ YorkU

NOTICE:
SATURDAY SATURDAY SATURDAY
The annual Super Special Winter Concert is coming up soon.
December 3rd @ 7:30
Check out their GIG section for more info.

Also, the 2005/2006 group pictures have finally been posted. Check them out under the SEE US menu.

Lastly Guys and Gals,
They have posted a brand new track in their HEAR US section of the website. It's a sneak peak at what to find on the upcoming album in January 2006.

OR
Visit www.wibijazzn.com

Rehearsal Synopsis

I Had my second rehearsal with the NYCO. Once again, I had a good time. I'm starting to feel a little more comfortable and I'm finding I am learning a lot, but there is still plenty to learn. The first half of the rehearsal was with the entire orchestra, which, in my opinion. Of course, my opinion is jaded because my instrument gets drowned out by every one else. After the break, the rehearsal was held in sections. This was a chance where the orchestra could fine tune everything in smaller groups. This was also a chance for me to feel more exposed and vulnerable as a double bassist. I felt timid and small but I learned where all my weaknesses and problems lay with what we were learning. It was a good practice and I just need to build my confidence. "Strong and wrong" as the saying goes.

Visit:
www.nyco.on.ca