Author Topic: Introduction (Read 2217 times)

lowlife · « **Reply #45 on:** March 04, 2007, 02:22:36 PM »

If I never try, I'll never know. Kimberly, thanks for the butt-kick. Okay, if the truth be known, the curses I muttered cannot be posted hear as this is a respectable forum, but now at least I know how to tune harmonically. The beat interval (if that's what it's called) is much easier to hear with the harmonics. Ha ha, the old dog learned a new trick.

Now, I have to figure out how to apply this new trick to slapping. And now that my ears have become sensitive to these sounds, this may account for some of the ghost-notes that I hear when I'm listening to Bootsy Collins (as I'm doing right now); I'm hearing more than just a percussive non-note. Bootzilla rocks! Obviously, more to follow...

Ellery (Lowlife)

kimberly · « **Reply #46 on:** March 04, 2007, 03:56:47 PM »

Hey Ellery,

You're most welcome. Anytime you need a butt-kick, feel free to 'give a holler'.

I'm glad to hear you've made some progress and frankly, this makes me smile. How cool it is to teach an old dog

a new trick. Sweet.

For future reference, one of these days you might want to check out Steve Bailey. His harmonics 'style' is different, in as that he's fretting his harmonics compared to my 'open string' technique. Honestly, his technique is much more flexible, though much much more advanced. Could you apply it to something you do? Maybe, maybe not. Only you and the Shadow know for sure.

Best Regards,

Kimberly

PS. Truly, you've made my day. Thanks.

chuck · « **Reply #47 on:** March 05, 2007, 09:43:57 AM »

Loved the Geo. Benson number Kimberly.Your mastery of your instrument is exeptional, better than my spelling.
Chuck

lowlife · « **Reply #48 on:** March 05, 2007, 09:55:03 AM »

Hey Kimberly,

Apparently your cat likes the groove also. He/she got into it's bed at the very beginning, turned around to face the camera (smart cat) and then proceeded to chill. If only human audiences were as polite (LOL).

And the kitty's name is?

Ellery (Lowlife)

kimberly · « **Reply #49 on:** March 05, 2007, 10:36:49 AM »

Hey Everybody,

Hi Chuck,

I appreciate your compliment and am glad you enjoyed my material. It's nice to get the affirmation of 'doin' good'.

Hi Ellery,

Funny you should mention my cat, as he's a 'star' in not only my video, but also the newsletter I sent out yesterday.

Here's the extract.

Begin.

Hi Everybody.

The link for the alluded to Breezin' cover by yours truly,

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y8tTZt8djKw

After a restless night, I awoke in the early AM and knocked this out. Not too bad for the second take and no warmup. As well, let me draw your attention to a surprise visit from a very special guest 'Phred' seen making his entrance and making himself comfortable in the lower left of your screen. Phred's the one that curls up at my feet when I'm playing Rainbow. Though lacking in the olfactory arena, he obviously has a highly developed sense of very good taste.

Indisputably one of my greatest fans. What? Yes Phred, I'm going to give you the Pounce as promised and yes, it's double for doing such a fine job of looking so contented as I played. Sheesh, try to get decent help these days...

End extract.

Best Regards,

Kimberly

to_81_0190 · « **Reply #50 on:** March 09, 2007, 11:36:16 PM »

Hi Kimberly,

I enjoyed Breezin' not only your play but also a cat behind you. Cute!

Toshiaki

kimberly · « **Reply #51 on:** March 10, 2007, 01:20:26 AM »

Hi Toshiaki,

Thank you very much, I'm glad you enjoyed my playing and my cat Phred (pronounced Fred). He's really quite the character and truly a music lover. I remember listening to a YouTube video of Somewhere Over the Rainbow for inspiration and research purposes and him looking 'puzzled' as he looked at the speakers and then at me as if wondering how come 'my song' was playing and I wasn't. It's also interesting that before I started playing Rainbow, he seemed to be a pretty typical cat and rather indifferent to any music. Rainbow no doubt has 'struck a chord' with him. Soothing I'd say as he mellows out and makes himself comfortable, as you've noticed.

It's pretty neat to see the 'old expression' Music hath charms that sooth the savage beast in action.

By the way, 'beast' is misquote according to a google search I just made on the quote, but it works for me. Anyway, it just goes to show you can learn something new everday.

Brings to mind I'm working on 'Here, There and Everywhere' by the Beatles for my next song. I'm doing it in G to allow more harmonics to be used. I'll keep everyone posted, though it's getting pretty hectic with packing, finding a new place to live and getting ready for a three month road trip. Life is good though.

Thank you again Toshiaki.

Best Regards,

Kimberly

kimberly · « **Reply #52 on:** March 15, 2007, 08:26:52 AM »

Hi Everybody.

In my 'copious amounts of spare time', I've uploaded another video to YouTube. This one is entitled 'SaW' with a cryptic alluding to it's roots, but not it's real title. Only Alembic club members (and the rest of the world that may read this public domain message) have the clue that the title of 'SaW' is the initials of the original song title.

For your viewing and listening pleasure.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=95a1BxXWkUE

Departure time for my trip is now firmed up for the 19th, so I'm soon off for several months traveling 'round.

My intent is to capture as much video as possible, for not only my personal 'historical record' but with any luck (more likely a lot of luck) I'll be able to 'score'

some decent promo material from it. If not, it'll still be fun to have as if for nothing else I can have fun doing the, 'Hey you want to see my vacation videos?' to whomever may come visiting.

If I don't post between now and departure, best wishes to all.

Best Regards,

Kimberly

dadabass2001 · « **Reply #53 on:** March 15, 2007, 04:50:48 PM »

Have a safe and enjoyable road trip.
(I think the walrus would approve)
Mike

kimberly · « **Reply #54 on:** March 15, 2007, 08:25:17 PM »

Hi Mike.

Thank you very much.

Kimberly

paulman · « **Reply #55 on:** March 16, 2007, 10:09:06 AM »

Wow, very nice Kimberly! I'm missing part of my right middle finger, and I use the stump with nail still growing out of it for alternate picking with my regular guitar pick.

Dad is missing half his right thumb from a circular saw accident, but he still plays the banjo (he custom makes his own thumb picks).

Love what you're doing, and I agree doing your own stuff is way more rewarding than playing covers. Welcome (belatedly) to the club darlin'.

Oh and question, how do you like the Bass Synth pickup? I've been trying to convince my bass player to try it, but he's hesitant to 'cos of the tracking issue with the bass synth pickups of the past.

(Message edited by paulman on March 16, 2007)

chuck · « **Reply #56 on:** March 16, 2007, 01:19:56 PM »

With you on the road whatever will become of poor little Phread ?
Chuck.

P.O.W. Fight crime,Shoot back.

David Houck · « **Reply #57 on:** March 16, 2007, 07:27:34 PM »

The new tune is cool!

lowlife · « **Reply #58 on:** March 16, 2007, 07:43:01 PM »

I like the tune; funky. Where's Phred?

Ellery (Lowlife)

kimberly · « **Reply #59 on:** March 23, 2007, 07:16:39 AM »

Hi Everybody.

I 'got lucky' and found an RV park in Holbrook AZ, on day five and a half of my road trip to Louisiana. A lost day with electrical problems and a very well spent half day at Alembic, here I am 1800 miles and counting away from home.

Paul - Thank you for the welcome and as with I, it sounds like both you and your father have adapted quite well to our truncated digits 'condition'. Sweet

To answer your question about the midi PU. I've only the last 7-8 months of experience to draw upon and it's only with the Roland GK3B PU. I've 'heard' it's better than the previous ones, but have no details to 'wax poetic'. I've also heard that the way to go is with the saddle piezo types. This makes sense as it would seem to be more 'real time' with response. Regardless, the general consensus is that each new generation midi/PU is better than the previous one.

To me and anyone else that decides to go this route, there is a learning curve based upon modifying individual technique. Fingering both fretting and plucking require attention to make the notes 'sing'. Latency is a larger issue to me than tracking. The bottom line is, it can be done if one is willing to make the commitment of time and practice to learn their instrument, as truly that's what adding a synth is, a new instrument. I found out early on not only did I have to modify my technique, I had to 'learn' how to 'play' sax and trumpet, piano and organ, horn section, percussion etc. If you 'play bass', it just doesn't sound right. If he does go this route be forewarned it's tough initially but it does get better. It just takes time.

If it's purely for effects and sounds, I've 'heard' the Roland V-Bass, which has the midi PU system, is much more user friendly for tracking. A completely different 'critter'.

Hope this helps and best of luck.

Nice to meet you.

Chuck - Phred sends his regards.

He's quite happy exploring his new domain i.e. house we're moving into and as typical of a cat, can't be bothered with something as mundane as a three month road trip. Go figure.

Dave - Thank you very much. I guess you probably recognized it? I was reading your Gigs thread about Montfort Park and not only 'SaW' it mentioned, but heard it when I followed a link.

Ellery - Thank you very much. How's the harmonics coming?

Phred's just fine (see above to Chuck) and who knows, maybe next time he'll a come a travelin'.

Nuff for now. Apologies for typos and any scattered thoughts, but the road's a callin' and I heading off to points east.

Best Regards,

Kimberly