Circle Diary - Claypool

Again, with The Airport...

2008-09-15T23:14:00.002-05:00

I spent a very intense practice session this evening focused on The Airport Exercise at various tempos. The piece needs work but is flowing nicely. The right and left hands are showing signs of life.

The right hand

2008-09-14T14:29:00.002-05:00

This afternoon I practiced with a focus on the right hand. The bulk of the session was spent on The Airport Exercise; improvement is evidence as I continue to spend time with the piece. In the near future I will watch the youtube video with pencil in hand and note the number of repetitions and exact placement of each pattern. I also revisited Eye of the Needle and Asturias, two pieces that require right hand precision. The rest of the session was spent working with a chord passage that, although in NST, is decidedly not in the spirit of GC right hand work, but rather inspired by Nigel Gavin's latest release Visitation.

More TAE work

2008-09-11T23:51:00.001-05:00

This evening, after another long, long work day, I worked on the The Airport Exercise for another hour. Between my ears, a sketch of tab by Mr. Ball for part of the piece, and Steve's youtube video, I have cracked the code of the song. Not that there isn't a tremendous amount of work to do on execution, but I have the piece conceptualized now. I do believe a person could spend the rest of their life working on The Airport Exercise! From a Guitar Craft calisthenics perspective, it's got it all. And, as I've stated before, it's a lovely piece of music.

The Airport Exercise

2008-09-11T00:16:00.001-05:00

Traveling, traveling. I'm in Chicago on business for the rest of the week, but I brought my handy dandy Traveler Escape in NST. This evening I spent an hour working on Steve Ball's Airport Exercise. In addition to the tab that Steve has available on his site, I played along with the youtube video Steve has posted. It is a trance-inducing piece of music for the ears, a finger stretching piece of music for the hands, and a thought provoking piece of music for the brain.

A first step

2008-08-24T16:12:00.003-05:00

Tuesday August 26th is the official release date of my new CD One Feather Shy. A couple of the tracks are available for a listen at my pages on MySpace, Facebook, and iLike. If you like what you hear you can purchase the CD at the Clayphonic Records^TM online music store.

That project has commanded 100% of my musical energy since my last post on this blog. It's been a lot of fun and a ton of work. The work, of course, isn't done yet, but it is changing form. The time has come to return my attention to playing guitar! One area of focus is, of course, my work with Guitar Craft.

Today I took a first step toward that work. I focused on the Claypool 2nd Primary Regimen and Day One of the Geballe 1st Primary Regimen at 60 bpm - nice and slow. At that same tempo I played Asturias and Eye of the Needle, two great songs for working the right hand. To finish I spent an extended period working on Steve Ball's beautiful Airport Exercise. The concept is understood and the song is getting way under my skin.

The right hand

2008-05-15T22:55:00.003-05:00

I took another step toward returning to my rehearsal discipline this evening with a focus on the 2nd Primary at 50 bpm. After several minutes of working in the standard four pattern, I extended the exercise to fives, sixes, and finally threes. My aim was on executing each pick stroke with intention and focus. Much work to be done, but a good exercise.

My head hurts

2008-05-10T19:06:00.004-05:00

Today the Circle met for rehearsal with a focus on learning new original material. After an opening circulation and passes at Eye of the Needle and The Third Relation we got down to it.

First up was Road Trip, v2 with the circulation-like runs. We spent a lot of time working through the piece until the form sank in and the song took shape. Colchester Turning, a considerably easier song, was next. The song needs work but the form is set. After a break, and some lovely English-provided cookies, we began work on the intro to Get The Big Picture. Like Fight or Flight this song will take a lot of work. It is, though, a stunning piece of music. We also reviewed One More Memory and the form is absorbed. After passing on Fight or Flight we wrapped up our work on original material with a couple of runs of Grossderschau. Good progress on a bunch of new and original material.

We wrapped with Sun Music, a few different circulation forms, and Asturias. I've probably left something out; by the end of rehearsal my brain was toast. Today my fingers outlasted my sleep deprived mind.

Back in the GC groove

2008-05-09T00:11:00.002-05:00

For those not following my blog over at lorenclaypool.com I have completed recording for One Feather Shy. Much work remains to be done, but having the recording finished is a major milestone. Among other things I can begin to return some attention to my GC work. And so it begins, again.

Tonight I worked through my parts for One More Memory, Road Trip, Fight or Flight, and Colchester Turning. I need to put some attention to Grossderschau and Get The Big Picture. Rehearsal is Saturday, I'll do what I can.

I also began my first attempt at learning Steve Ball's Airport Exercise; good progress on the basic right hand pattern and the basic feel but the concept is still a little fuzzy around the edges.

I also did a little Circle administrivia, updating our parts log and shipping it out to the team.

Tomorrow is a big day for the CD project. I'll be going through each of the 18 pieces and preparing them for the mixing / mastering engineer. I'll bounce a rough mix in the process to begin work on the sequence. Good stuff.

And now for something completely different

2008-04-12T19:46:00.003-05:00

We had a good rehearsal today, brief but good, and scrubbed off a little rust. In addition to running through several pieces of repertoire and reinserting Grossderschau into the playlist, we spent quite a bit of time on circulations. Good work.

The highlight of the day, though, was a pre-wedding performance by the team at a small chapel in Chicagoland. It was a lively crowd who were appreciative of our presence. We played quite well in a very different type of setting. Interestingly enough, from this guitarist's stool anyway, it was a lot of fun to be present and add joy to a happy ceremony. Not that I'm looking to get on the wedding circuit!

We discussed several things of the planning variety today; adding new original pieces to the repertoire, the possibility of hosting Robert Jurjendal on a trip to this side of the pond, and participation at the Guitar Circle Weekend in June. In checking my calendar, unfortunately, the GC course won't work for me. I look forward to working on new original pieces, we have six or so ready to go.

Performance Eve

2008-04-11T23:24:00.002-05:00

This evening I changed strings on the black Ovation, packed up the accoutrement, and ran through a few of the pieces I expect we'll be playing tomorrow. I look forward to seeing the team and performing for a private event.

He shoots, he scores

2008-03-16T17:57:00.003-05:00

My Circle work for this weekend was around creating and finalizing tab for four pieces of my music suitable for use with the Circle. I created final versions of Road Trip and Fight or Flight, a quintet arrangement of Colchester Turning, and a quintet arrangment of One More Memory. PDFs are created and emailed to the team for their review.

The next couple of weeks will be focused on rehearsing Road Trip, Fight or Flight, and the full arrangement of One More Memory in preparation for the upcoming recording sessions for the album. Es muy bien.

Easing back in

2008-03-11T22:11:00.003-05:00

I've been extremely busy since the team's last performance working on the new CD . My recording attention is turning to three NST quartets; One More Memory, Road Trip, and Fight or Flight. I began rehearsing for those sessions this evening. Following a Claypool 2nd Primary Regimen warmup at 66 bpm, I worked through all four parts of Road Trip. Alas, much work is needed. That's the focus, though, for the next little bit. My posts here will be brief during this period with more detail over at lorenclaypool.com.

A new round of energy appears to be spinning up with the team. Some things are premature to speak of yet. Looks like, though, we'll have a more regular performance schedule and a focus on original material. Very exciting.

Shimmies & Strings III

2008-02-17T20:08:00.002-06:00

If it was nothing else, last night's Shimmies & Strings III was fun for the audience and the performers. For those not familiar, Shimmies & Strings is a split performance of the music of Guitar Circle of Chicago and belly dancing. The format is a 1/2 hour set of music, 1/2 hour set of dance, short intermission, 1/2 hour set of music, and 1/2 hour set of dance. It's an unusual ticket, to the say the least, and each of the now three performances has been warmly received.

After a solid rehearsal and sound check, GC of C grabbed a bite to eat, changed into our performance attire, tuned, and entered the performance space to a warm welcome. We plugged in and launched into our first piece, Sun Music, only to find there was no sound - someone had messed with our volume setting post-sound check. Aaargh! Well, no point in pretending it not to be real, we simply stopped, adjusted, and restarted. The audience appeared to be engaged from the first number and was with us, and the dancers, throughout the show.

It was a strange performance by the team; some good playing, several mistakes and challenges, no train wrecks, very well received, and full of energy. If we can maintain that energy level and clean up the shortcomings we'd be a force to be reckoned with! My favorite moment of the night was our use of the opening theme of Tubular Bells during the Clouds of Unknowing improv in Trapiche.

I had several friends in the audience. It's always fun to play for folks you know and last night was no exception. Thanks to everyone who came out to see us and support what we do. Much appreciated.

Day 52 of 54

2008-02-14T20:29:00.002-06:00

Strings strung, stretched, tuned, and played in.

Day 51 of 54

2008-02-13T20:54:00.002-06:00

This evening I revisited the set list for this weekend's performance, working my way through each of the pieces and getting the fingers moving. The soreness in my left hand has faded with a couple of days rest and my right has returned to form. I'll change strings tomorrow evening and revisit the music once again.

Day 49 of 54

2008-02-11T23:46:00.000-06:00

After a long weekend of recording it was back onto the practice stool this evening. I skipped the Primary work and went straight to the repertoire, working my way straight through the set list, sans Thrak. I know the material and, at this point, I certainly should.

The rehearsal was a little rough because my left hand and its fingers are sore from yesterday's work. Plus my right hand was sloppy from decidedly non-GC style picking over the weekend. On Saturday I recorded the fretless guitar for several hours with right hand muting, a fingers open approach, and a dig-into-it picking style. On Sunday the right hand technique was the same, but the left hand was the victim of the day's work. The piece I was working on has significant half- and whole-step bends, both up and down, and a plethora of up and down slides. It is a physically aggressive part and I felt it during today's work.

Tomorrow evening I have a business dinner that will keep me out late so I'll be back at it on Wednesday, beginning with a fresh set of strings on the Ovation.

Day 45 of 54

2008-02-07T20:49:00.000-06:00

Time keeps on slipping, slipping, slipping... The countdown to Shimmies & Strings III continues. Tonight I began my work with Day Four of the Geballe 1st Primary Regimen and the Claypool 2nd Primary Regimen at 72 bpm. For repertoire I focused on set two of the upcoming performance; Growing Circle, The Third Relation, Circulation in Dm -> Asturias, Intergalactic Boogie Express, One of a Thousand Regrets, Tight Muscle Party, Blockhead, and Circulation in E Phrygian -> Trapiche. I need to spend more time on Boogie in the next couple of days, struggling a bit with a couple of the transitions. Otherwise, it was a good rehearsal.

Day 44 of 54

2008-02-06T20:13:00.000-06:00

After a hellish Wisconsin Winter Wonderland storm Warning Whiteout commute, I hit the studio for some work on the CD. My GC rehearsal was brief this evening, with a focus on Day Three of the Geballe 1st Primary Regimen and the Claypool 2nd Primary Regimen at 72 bpm. I also ran through Tight Muscle Party At Love Beach. I'll have a normal rehearsal tomorrow.

A phone call with Ade and emails amongst the team are adding shape to the upcoming performance. It's coming together for what promises to be a good show.

Day 43 of 54

2008-02-05T21:24:00.000-06:00

I have transitioned my practice regimen for the next two weeks into Primaries each session plus alternating the first and second set lists for the upcoming Chicago performance. Tonight I began with Day Two of the Geballe 1st Primary Regimen and the Claypool 2nd Primary Regimen at 72 bpm. I continue to progress on both Primaries.

Repertoire work consisted of Sun Music, Eye of the Needle, Circulation in G Major -> Hope, Askesis, Wireless, Flying Home, and Thrak. I ran through the pieces in sequence and revisited some spots that are challenging to me. Good progress.

Day 42 of 54

2008-02-04T23:16:00.000-06:00

I climbed back onto the practice stool late this evening and kicked off my work with Day One of the Geballe 1st Primary Regimen and the Claypool 2nd Primary Regimen with the tempo slightly increased to 72 bpm. The adjustments in tempo are working well, although I'm beginning to notice the "flying little finger syndrome" one some of the fingering combinations as the speed increases; I'll have to break things down to train the little guy to stay down at higher tempos, no need to waste the motion and energy. The right hand seems to be doing good.

Repertoire work consisted of Eye of the Needle, Flying Home, Askesis, Intergalactic Boogie Express, and Blockhead with attention paid to the more challenging, to me anyway, passages. Progress continues.

Plans for "Strings and Shimmies III" are shaping up with good team communication taking place. I've floated out draft one of the set lists, we'll see how they morph over the next couple of days.

I checked Pollstar, our next date is listed! As Mr. English would say, "woot!"

Day 38 of 54

2008-01-31T19:42:00.000-06:00

And more of the same. I kicked off with Day Six of the Geballe 1st Primary Regimen and the Claypool 2nd Primary Regimen at 70 bpm. Repertoire focus was Eye of the Needle, The Third Relation, Askesis, Flying Home, Trapiche, and Tight Muscle Party At Love Beach.

I am contemplating some changes for the GCoC site, a tightening more in line with what I'm doing over at lorenclaypool.com. I'll need a block of time to make it happen, a block that isn't readily apparent in the moment! I'll find it though.

Of more immediate importance is working with the team on logistics for the February 16th performance. The email train will be leaving the station soon.

Day 37 of 54

2008-01-30T22:34:00.000-06:00

Following a long workday and bitter sub-zero winter weather north of the Cheddar Curtain, I picked up world traveler and number one son Stefan from the airport this evening. He'll be with us for a week before heading back to Vermont for the spring term at Middlebury.

I had a short and focused rehearsal this evening. The Primaries focus was Day Five of the Geballe 1st Primary Regimen and the Claypool 2nd Primary Regimen at 70 bpm. The odd number days of the Geballe 1st Primary Regimen at the pay back days with long sequential runs, the even days are the work days! Repertoire work consisted of Sun Music, Flying Home, Askesis, and Blockhead.

For today's exciting news, Guitar Circle of Chicago is now listed on Pollstar! Kind of feel like Navin Johnson.

Day 36 of 54

2008-01-29T22:15:00.000-06:00

The evening's work began with Day Four of the Geballe 1st Primary Regimen and the Claypool 2nd Primary Regimen at 70 bpm. Repertoire focus was Flying Home, Askesis, Growing Circle, Wireless, Tight Muscle Party At Love Beach, and Intergalactic Boogie Express. More of the same over the next several days.

Day 35 of 54

2008-01-28T20:55:00.000-06:00

I climbed back on to the practice stool this evening to begin the final push to "Shimmies & Strings III". I began my work with a return to the Primaries, Day Three of the Geballe 1st Primary Regimen and the Claypool 2nd Primary Regimen at 70 bpm.

I also worked on repertoire, of course, with a focus on Flying Home, Askesis, Eye of the Needle, and Tight Muscle Party At Love Beach. I'll continue to cycle through the set list over the next several days.

Day 33 of 54

2008-01-26T20:45:00.001-06:00

This evening Guitar Circle of Chicago performed in Angola, IN to a wonderfully receptive audience. Our set consisted of Sun Music, Eye of the Needle, Circulation in G Major, Hope, Growing Circle, Flying Home, Wireless, The Third Relation, One of a Thousand Regrets, Tight Muscle Party At Love Beach, Blockhead, Trapiche, Thrak, Soundscape / Circulation in Dm, and Asturias. There were a few mistakes, but no train wrecks, and the energy was good throughout the performance. From this guitarist's stool, tonight was our best performance as a team to date.

Miss Hollis took several pictures and some video. Scott, of course, recorded the audio directly from the mixing board. We'll sort through all of that in the next few days and post what is appropriate.

Soon to bed and up early for the drive home tomorrow.