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June 29, 2005
D, G, A7 (I still haven't found what I'm looking for)
My first song on the guitar. I know three chords and sometimes I can play them one right after the other. My left hand fingers are sore, I feel like a toddler clumsily learing to write my name, and I'm loving playing the guitar. "Etta's" been a big help too. I don't think I'd be doing as well on my old Hohner.
Posted by mermu at 03:16 PM | Comments (0)
June 28, 2005
SAVE THE DATE: September 13 at White Rabbit in NYC
It's official. September Project benefitting the NY Coalition for the Homeless will host an event on September 13, 2005 in conjunction with an Ebay auction. All proceeds will benefit the Coalition for the Homeless.
Here's to doing some good; and having a good time doing it!
Stay tuned for more information about tickets, participants and sponsors.
Posted by mermu at 02:26 PM | Comments (0)
June 24, 2005
Guitars are like puppies
I had my first guitar lesson last night.
I have had a new year's resolution to learn guitar for more than a few years in my life including this one. I tried to teach myself before but I found that to be a really frustrating process and my student had no confidence in my ability. So I gave it up.
This year is bound to be different I've sworn to myself. This year I have a niece who soon will be old enough to impress with my musician-ship and should at some point be an accomplished pianist. I also have a sister who just got a gorgeous new electronic piano on which she has also resolved to learn to play. My brother plays guitar. My uncle plays piano and my cousin and her husband play a couple of instruments each. When it's time for the family jam, I want to be able to step up. So this year, I've opted to get a teacher who actually knows how to play. The NYC Guitar School has promised to make, at the very least, a rudimentary guitar player out of me in 10 easy lessons and a little practice a few times a week. After my first lesson, I went home and looked at my sad, forlorn little Hohner Guitar and got a little depressed. Maybe if I change the strings? I bought it used from a friend in South Carolina and I'm pretty sure I paid too much even though I really didn't pay much at all. I certainly shouldn't go out and buy a guitar right now. I should learn how to play the one I have, right?
Fast forward to my lunch break this afternoon. I have to buy an electronic tuner and a dozen picks (Fender, medium) for my next class. It wouldn't hurt to just look at the acoustics. If I do learn to play I will definitely give myself permission to buy one in the fall and I want to be an informed buyer. Today's expedition will be about reconaissance. Information only. I go to 48th Street which is considered "musician's row" to discover it's become a sort of Sam Ash strip mall. Practically every store is Sam Ash. I walk across the street to Manny's Music shop and, after loitering around the acoustics for far too long (I couldn't get arrested by the salespeople who I swear must have seen right through me) I finally recruit a really nice guy to tell me a little bit about them. He gave me a little history and recommended a good guitar that's good enough to be inviting to play and inexpensive enough to not feel like a major commitment. He sells me my picks and a tuner and tells me the sordid truth that Manny's is indeed a part of Sam Ash. I leave the store not the least bit tempted to buy a guitar.
Across the street, I pop into Sam Ash Guitars (Next to Sam Ash Percussion which is also next to Sam Ash Orchestral Instruments) to check the prices of my tuner, picks, and the guitar that Manny's recommended. They had some nice stuff, and the prices looked to be a little bit cheaper. The only thing I was even remotely curious to buy was a cute little light pink guitar with a heart-shaped hole made for kids. Magda would look so cute with it! But the girl on the box looked at least 10 and I'm not so besotted to buy a girl a toy she can't use for 10 years. Hell, her parents would probably lose it by the time she's ready to play with it. I walk out of Sam Ash with my assets unscathed and feel pretty good about my steel will. Then I see Rudy's.
Oh Rudy...I finally figure out how to get to the second floor where the acoustics are and the sales guy is very friendly and helpful. I tell him I'm a beginner, that I'm looking for something easy to play so I can see progress, but nice enough that I'll be able to enjoy it once I've passed my beginning stage. We decide to look at nylon string guitars. He shows me the bottom of the line. A nice guitar at about $150. He tunes it and lets me play with. I like it; it's pretty and sounds nice but I'm still not even tempted. I'm feeling pretty great about the ability to "just say no". I'm more than anything frustrated that making a D chord is so difficult. I ask him to show me the next level up...just for recon remember. And my will is strong. No guitar will sway me.
He shows me Etta, the La Patrie Etude made by Canadian guitar company Godin. She's beautiful. But lots of guitars are beautiful. He tunes her up; tells me a little bit about her and then hands her over. As soon as I hold her in my arms I know. The sound she gave out, the way the strings felt on my fingers. This guitar, not just the La Patrie Etude line of guitars but this very guitar, was meant for me. And then I learned a very valuable lesson on my quest towards musicianship; Guitars are like puppies. You can walk into a million pet stores, find dozens of strays, or you can just find one. The moment you look in the eyes of The One, or pet him, or see him look at you with an eerie combination of love, acceptance and recognition you know without a doubt this puppy belongs to you and you belong to him. Even before you ever make the decision that you might even want a dog. It's a truth between you; it was meant to be.
It's the same way with guitars. I felt that way with Cosmo, I felt that way with Sheeba and I feel that way about my little La Patrie. I could not abandon her, so I'm taking her home.
And I'm certainly going to think twice before I step into another pet store.
Posted by mermu at 02:09 PM | Comments (0)
June 22, 2005
Her Name is Sheeba Ma'am
Another crucial difference between Texas and New York City lies in the way we address each other with formal or informal titles. A person is much more likely to address a stranger with the respected title of "sir" or "ma'am" in the South. Up North, some women are mightily offended at being referred to as ma'am. Hard to believe something so genteel could be so insulting but I've seen it happen. Though, I've always known that "sir" or "ma'am" is proper, I believe that I solidified my belief in using these polite titles when I'd lived in the North. With so many people (including myself) whose first reaction at being spoken to a stranger is wariness, using "sir" or "ma'am" here and there seems to do a little to dispel such wariness. What a great opportunity to show respect for all people; bus driver, waitress, millionaire entreprenuer. It's a small thing that displays belief that all people have worth no matter what they are "worth".
I find that I use the titles without even thinking these days. When I'm walking my dog, I frequently call her "ma'am" when I'm telling her no. On one such occasion when Sheeba was attempting to go in the street without permission, I cautioned her, "No, ma'am. Don't you go in that street." A friendly and inquisitive passer-by stopped to ask about her and perhaps pet her a little. When talking to her, he assumed her name was Ma'am and proceeded to coo at her. "Good Ma'am. Hello Ma'am" etc.
I'm almost positive that a person in the South would know that wasn't her name. I didn't have the energy to correct him as I was sure it would confuse him and who wants a stranger to know your dog's name anyway. It is bemusing though.
Posted by mermu at 03:44 PM | Comments (0)
June 15, 2005
All That JazzFest (Sunday)
Sunday in New Orleans arrives, and my New York pals are going home. I have one more day of the fest and then off for an evening in Houston to see my niece before I head back to the big city. Unlike most people I know, I am really looking forward to being on vacation all by myself. One day at JazzFest just for me.
Most people might think my desire to be without companionship a little odd. What can I say? I really like taking it all in on my own terms... Without the pressures of compromise and coexistence. I need at least a bit of the adventure alone, so that I can really hear and understand what I think of such-and-such or whoze-it. The only kind of pioneering available to most people these days, is the journey in one's soul. I covet those opportunities and I'm loathe to give them up when they arise. I blame my father,really. He has the same wanderlust.
So goodbye to my "expat buddies" and on to JazzFest solo. Some of the best music I heard at JazzFest was on this day. Despite my glee at taking my independent adventure, I did feel sorry for my friends that didn't get to experience this day, sunny and with air sweetened by music.
I heard Aaron Neville in the Gospel Tent. The tent was filled to bursting. I never thought myself a huge fan of the Nevilles, especially Aaron. I've always thought his vibrato disturbing. If a little odd, his voice is still lovely and it's perfectly suited to Gospel music. I do like a Gospel revival now and again. It was a little bizarre that he sang karoake-style- that is, with cd accompaniment (There was no screen with a dot bouncing over the words I assure you.) I got to the tent midway through the set so I don't know if the canned music was planned or a MacGyver-type solution to a mix up. In any event, I left the tent with a new appreciation for Aaron Neville and a resolve to listen to more Gospel.
My first band of the day though was at the Acura Stage. Karl Denson's Tiny Universe was arguably the best set of my JazzFest experience. He was funky and soulful and a really good time. The sun was out and soon I had the certain knowledge that I would be killing skin cells if I didn't do something. Many thanks to the guy who took pity on my reddening shoulders and shared his sunscreen. I took my big camera on this day and entertained myself with taking pictures of Karl and the Universe, while dancing in the sun and soaking up the sound. There's a live cd of this set that I am looking forward to adding to my IPOD. Karl Denson and his Tiny Universe are the epitome of GROOVY.
I spent a few moments listening to Steel Pulse at the Congo Tent. Again, I just didn't get into the groove at this tent. Steel Pulse seemed a little formulaic and repititious and uninteresting. Maybe it was the acoustics or something. I left the Congo Tent and caught the last half of Jamil Sharif in the Economy Tent. This guy was great! A really good trumpeter with a lush, playful voice. He played one of my favorite old jazz songs, "Caldonia". I later learned he was the musical coordinator for the movie, Ray, and also played a bit part as one of the musicians Ray played with in his early career. True to form in this Economy Tent, he and the rest of band led a procession of dancing umbrellas through and around the tent.
My final stop, only because Jamil Sharif was finished and I just couldn't make myself leave yet was in the Jazz tent to catch a few minutes of Terence Blanchard. Some more great improvisational Jazz followed. I found a seat and relished my exhaustion while listening to the upright bass and piano tell me secrets. All too soon, I had to leave and make my way towards the airport.
So that was my first JazzFest. It was most certainly not my last...(well, not if I have anything to say about it.)
I spent an overnight in Houston since I couldn't get an affordable direct flight home. (It was JazzFest after all.) This turned out to be a blessing as Jen agreed to take Magda to Houston for the weekend so she could re-learn her Tia's face. Lord, I do love that girl. I know motherhood is a different animal all together. I don't want to be her mother. It's a gorgeous thing to be her Tia. I sort of feel guilty that Jen doesn't yet have that opportunity; to be someone's Tia. But it's not just my fault; Danny need's to get on the ball too! Jenny and Magda's weekend turned out really well I am told. She was pampered, and revered...not Magda, but Jenny. It's always nice to hear people coo over your baby but it's also nice to have people look after you when you are wrecked from late nights and the new responsibilities of raising a daughter. My understanding is that Jenny left we the firm resolve to spend more weekends in Houston. She may eventually have to have more babies to maintain the level of doting on this particular visit so I'm not complaining. Besides, I owe our family a debt of gratitude myself. Thanks to all who helped me get to Kathleen's from the airport. That was cool.
My favorite Magda moment of this weekend happened shortly after I arrived. Magda was on the floor showing me how she could sit up while I was in the recliner. Suddenly, I was moved to sing her a tune. I started out with Rosemary Clooney's "Hey There". Magda got the brightest smile the moment I opened my mouth and proceeded to giggle throughout my entire makeshift lullaby. It's such a joy to illicit such a response from her. And a relief to know she has such a good ear for talent. ;-)
Posted by mermu at 04:27 PM | Comments (0)
June 11, 2005
Project Boyfriends
I also spent a late night with Pru last week. We were talking about relationships and men. She told me about a recent interest who, at first sight, was really attractive. He was cute and artistic and interesting. She was really "in to him" until she happened to spend three full days with him. When they met out and about, he was sweet, responsive and attentive. In a pseudo-cohabitative state, Mr. Not-Quite-Right was needy, demanding, and in want of the kind of attention best gotten from one's mother. As Pru continued to describe this diamond-in-the-rough, he sounded more and more familiar. Rhett, Gentleman Caller, that Republican photographer...I had dated more than one of this guy's philosophical brethren and it suddenly dawned on me. These guys were Project Boyfriends. Like an old mansion, these guys have character, unique corners, and great molding. They also require expensive and extensive renovations before they're the least bit livable. And I've discovered it takes an experienced eye to know that there are some foundations that just can't be fixed, no matter how hard you try.
Don't get me wrong. I think every girl should have one Project Boyfriend in her lifetime. (I had three.) But there comes a time when a girl should cut her losses if the house isn't shaping up the way it should.
As for me, I'm through with Project Boyfriends. I've done my time, made my investments and still don't have a decent house in which to live. (Although my UK Boyfriend has done much to restore my faith in the housing market in general.)
How about you? Have you had a Project Boyfriend? How did it work out?
Posted by mermu at 11:45 AM | Comments (3)
Jeremy Mix
Last night I went to see my friend Jeremy Mix play a quick set at Pianos in NYC. Ladies and Gents, get the good seats while you still can; I am convinced this guy's going to make it big one day. He's got a great sound, both vocally and on guitar and he writes his own stuff. (A personal favorite is a sultry and somewhat whimsical tune called "Who's Your Baby?". )
He's also sexy as hell.
Posted by mermu at 10:47 AM | Comments (1)
June 10, 2005
All That JazzFest (Saturday)
I awoke on Saturday morning to dark skies and sombre weather. Though I didn't get to sleep until 4am, I managed to wake up around 10. I was unnerved by rain, thunder and lightning as I dressed for my first day at JazzFest. I had determined that I would plow on despite the weather as long as JazzFest would still open. The three girls with whom I shared a room were fast asleep as I made my way to the lobby to meet my UK boyfriend and some of our guy-friends that had also come on the trip. We went for a bit of lunch and then finally...off to JazzFest.
The music was fantastic! The weather began to clear as we walked through the fest trying to get our bearings amidst the many booths of food, drink, and collectibles and hearing echoes of music from the various tents throughout the fest.
Our first stop was the Economy Tent to hear Topsy Chapman and Solid Harmony.. They played some good old fashioned Lousiana Jazz. The Harmonies were fantastic. I even managed, with much prodding to get a dance out of my UK Man on the little dance floor at the side of the tent. At the end of the set, the trombone and trumpeter led a Jazz Parade with people from the audience dancing under colorful umbrellas behind them throughout the tent. Ahh. It's good to be in the South again....
We also saw Astral Project in the Jazz Tent (some great authentic improvisational Jazz), and The Dirty Dozen Brass Band at the Congo Tent (I didn't like them much but they weren't "The Original Dirty Dozen Brass Band" which was to play somewhere else later. Perhaps they were better. In general I didn't like anything I heard at the Congo Tent.)
One of my favorite sets of the day was Walter Wolfman Washington and the Roadmasters at the Blues Tent. At this point it was good just to have a seat under a tent, close your eyes and feel the blues. We'd been at the Fest for a few hours and the music, like a good massage, was slowly kneading our tension and troubles away. By Walter Wolfman and the Roadmasters' set, my skin had been moisterized, my muscles had been tenderized and my whole body seemed ready to soak up every bit of every musical note and moment. I was free of my world and in that place of What If's and Maybe's and Dreaming that the artists in me crave.
During this band's set, the girls I shared a room with finally made it out to catch the last few hours of JazzFest. I don't really get that. Maybe it's a sign of age, but I think I felt the same way when I was younger. I can get ass-faced drunk in my own city but I would have been sorely disappointed to have gone all that way and only made 2.5 hours of JazzFest. I think they had a great time in New Orleans even without the full day. It's a great gift to be able to travel with people and still go down your own road when it's necessary. This way both I and the girls managed to have a pretty good trip. We all got what we wanted...well, mostly but that's another story.
For the last set, we listened to the beginning of Dave Matthews' at Acura Stage. I have to say I was a little disappointed. To this day Dave Matthews gave one of my favorite concerts ever. I was in South Carolina and his performance was riveting. Just him and the band and some kick ass lights. The entire coliseum could have stayed for hours. At JazzFest I felt there was something a little lackluster in the performance, a little "phoned-in". It made me wonder if Dave Matthew's has become "one of them". When I saw him in Columbia, SC, he was a young musician on his rise to fame. At JazzFest he was THE Dave Matthew's playing another gig. It may not seem like much but it is a big difference. Perhaps he was having an off night. I hope he was just having an off night.
After a few songs of Dave Matthews' we decided to make our way over to the other mainstage to check that act. The absolute highlight of the day, and perhaps the highlight of the whole festival, was this artist that I'm quite surprised I enjoyed as much as I did. Elvis Costello at the Sprint Stage was so good it hurt. That man is a true showman. He never let the audience get bored or tired or care about fat raindrops foretelling a watery end to the day's festivity. His energy was constant; his skills consummate. And I left inspired to get every CD he's done. (Even the ones that don't have "Every Day I Write the Book" on them.) I'd see Elvis Costello again, anytime.
After JazzFest, we went to the hotel. Most everyone went to their rooms to clean up and rest up before the evening. I somehow convinced UK Man to come with me to see one more show. This one was across the street from our hotel at the Harrah's. We went to see the late night showing of Earl Turner. Earl Turner's show was a favorite nighttime excursion with my family when I was a teenager in Texas. We'd dress up and go down to the Holiday Inn in Dallas where he had a nightly performance. He had such energy and charisma and the music was so good it was sure bet that we'd be out of our seats and gettin' down before the night was over. But we hadn't seen Earl Turner in years. There were rumors he was making it big in Vegas; but as far as we knew they were just rumors. A few months ago I had heard he was playing in New Orleans and in fact the rumors were true; he had made it big in Vegas. Harrah's had built the New Orleans theatre specifically for his show.
While the theatre was a little odd, the show was fantastic. I so enjoyed hearing him sing and remembering a different time. I don't think I can really be a fair critic. UK Man wasn't that impressed. He felt the show was a little contrived and lacked any spontaneity. I tried to disagree but I did see his point and I know that Earl will always be a sentimental favorite for me; no matter the contrition and spontaneity.
After Earl Turner we met up with the rest of the gang and went to dinner at The Pelican Club. I thoroughly enjoyed this restaurant. The food was great and the ambience was interesting. I highly recommend this little diversion from the main street if you are in need of a good meal in New Orleans.
After our meal and a strong cup of coffee it was off to Bourbon Street again. Not much to say about Bourbon Street that hasn't already been said somewhere. Suffice it to say, I did see tits, I did see ass, dueling pianos, hurricanes, and my favorite Jazz place in Nola that I'm keeping secret because it's small and I don't want it to get too crowded. (If you want to know where it is, just take me to New Orleans and I'll show you.) I drank a shot from some girl's chest, and watched a half-naked woman on a balcony screw around with a shudder, some ice cubes, and a rather bored-looking older man whilst a crowd gathered on the street below. woohoo. party.The next day, I will say goodbye to my pals and spend one day of JazzFest solo. I'm really looking forward to this......
Posted by mermu at 03:41 PM | Comments (0)
June 07, 2005
All That JazzFest
The first of May I finally made it to the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival. JazzFest has been something I've wanted to do for a really long time. I love outdoor music festivals in general but there's something about New Orleans' JazzFest that seems like the perfect blend of old and young. The music, the people, the food, the Heat; it was a little blend of what the Doctor might order for a Texas girl who'd just spent a long, cold winter in the bright lights of New York City. I had a fabulous time. Here's a re-cap...
For the purposes of organization and to keep the reader from going cross-eyed over such a lengthy entry, Saturday and Sunday will be in separate entries.
FRIDAY
The Swamp Tour: I arrived mid-day and parked my stuff at the W Hotel near the quarter where I was sharing a room with 3 other ladies to arrive later in the day. I made a mad dash through the Quarter to make the Swamp Tour. Now, I have to say I was sceptical at first. I mean, really. You're sitting in a boat while alligator's swim by. How much fun can that be?
It was RIVETING! Our tour guide was a genuine cajun who lived up the river. Hearing his lilty-soft French-Southern accent was almost worth the price of admission itself, but he managed to locate and entice a 14 foot alligator to swim around our boat. Apparently, alligators are fond of marshmallows and raw chicken wings. We had a lovely day on the water which proved to be the perfect detox. I also got to hold a baby alligator at the launch site. We got some great pictures(I'll try to post pictures soon.)
Delmonico
I had high hopes for this icon of New Orleans' eateries. Opened in 1895, it was closed in 1997 and re-opened as part of the Emeril LaGasse empire. My UK Boyfriend and I chose the tasting menu. Some of the food was great, most of it was just good, but the service was really subpar. We had to wait 2 hours for a table we reserved and service at the table wasn't fantastic either. While the food was good, I didn't think it was as good as it should have been. I enjoyed the restaurant on Saturday night much better.
Friday night we went to The Quarter. I have to say it was the worst part of my trip. I just don't get much of a kick out of seeing random people get ass-faced drunk anymore. My friends were all about staying out until 4am so I did my level best to stay awake and tried not to obsess about being too tired to get to Jazz Fest.
Posted by mermu at 03:50 PM | Comments (2)
City Mice
A few weeks ago I participated as a judge in the Annual Texas Exes/A&M Alumni Chili Cook-off. All of the proceeds go towards providing a scholarship to a student in the New York Metro area pursuing an education at UT and A&M. I had a fantastic time and a proper chili won (that is WITH beans, my friends). Because I was a judge, beer and chili was free and before I knew it I was settling into my drawl and reveling in this Texas-style inebriation.
The other judges were great fun and we all had a good time telling stories and laughing at the idiosyncracies of Now-Brethren Yankee friends. Two of them had moved from Texas at least two decades ago. One of them was My Pal Pru's Aunt Maple. She has a child in his early teens; a Texan child not born in Texas. Aunt Maple told me a story about her son's first visit to Texas when he was 5 or 6.
Upon arrival, obviously they took the little boy and Maple for a tour of the house. When the little one saw the backyard he looked outside at the house on the right and then at the house on the left. Wide-eyed and awe-struck he turned to his mom and said, "Mom, everybody here has a park at their house."
Posted by mermu at 03:40 PM | Comments (0)
June 06, 2005
Speak!
So I've finally put together my marketing package for voiceover work. I've already booked and voiced a rather lucrative gig and am excited about the prospects of more of them. (Here's hoping...) In the meantime, I've reworked that page of my website. Here it is...Let me know what you think.
Posted by mermu at 12:29 PM | Comments (1)
June 03, 2005
September Project 2005/ Coaltion for the Homeless
Celebrate NYC has morphed into The September Project, whose mission is to encourage and provide support to citizens who BEAUTIFY. EDUCATE. IMPROVE. their local communities. I'm working on putting together a 501(c)3 organization for The September Project.
In the meantime, this year's event is dedicated to The New York Coalition for the Homeless. I first learned of this worthy charity through LeftHanded Films' documentary for PBS City of Rich and Poor: Jack Newfield on New York. The face of homelessness isn't always what one might expect. In addition to addressing the immediate needs of the Homeless, the Coalition devotes part of their energy towards Advocacy Campaigns in State and local goverment. I am so pleased to be a part of the work they do by creating this year's event.
The September Project isn't fully realized yet. We still have a Board of Directors to cultivate, a website to build, and a host of other tasks before we are truly on our way. But I am committed to the cause, and would welcome the time and energy others are willing to contribute. There are so many ways to generate awareness and funding to fight the cause. If you would like to help a worthy cause in your area, I'd be happy to offer ideas, support and guidance. Come on! Be a "part of the answer". You know you want to...
Be sure to stay tuned for more information and updates on September Project 2005.
Posted by mermu at 01:16 PM | Comments (0)
It's Official
I'm entered in the Danskin!
I'm getting nervous already!
I've also signed up for Team Danskin Training which should start in mid-July. I'm a little concerned that the Danskin is so close to the September Project event, but what the hell.
On another note, I've also enrolled in Guitar School. So my New Year's resolution is well on it's way to fulfillment. Jenny how goes the piano lessons?
Posted by mermu at 12:43 PM | Comments (0)