Three days back now, I received a phone call from a friend of mine. A kid I went to college with, he had moved to California not too long ago. I was glad to hear from him. He said, "have you received a call from a number that you don't recognize?" I said, "Yeah, but I didn't pick it up". I'm not in the habit of answering calls from people I don't know. It's because my cell phone minutes are precious to me, and I won't waste it talking to a telemarketer or something.
"Did the number begin with 2**?" asked my friend.
"Yup".
"Pick that up next time. It's my brother". Said my friend.
"Your brother? Why is he trying to get a hold of me?" I asked.
"He's written some songs and he wants to gig. He called me the other day and asked, 'who do you know that plays guitar better than me and has a lot of free time?' I told him to call you".
"Me? Why me?"
"Because, you are better than him at guitar, and besides from writing your book, you're not doing anything."
"I don't know if I'm better than your brother at the guitar. I haven't played in a while. It's more like a hobby nowadays, you know?"
"Just answer the phone when he calls, will ya? Do me this as a favor."
"Alright. At the very least, I'll talk to him."
Later that day, I get a call from that same number. I pick it up, and it's my friend's older brother. He pretty much says the same thing my friend had said to me. That he had written a few songs, and he was looking for a guitarist. He really didn't get into the specifics. He just wanted to meet, so that he could show me his songs to see if it was something I might like to get involved in. I said, "Sure. Come by tomorrow. We can talk about it."
Now at this point, mind you, I have no idea what he's talking about. I don't know if he's looking for a studio musician for the recordings, or an addition to his bands for gigs, or what. I didn't know what to expect. My friend, though he's a super-nice guy, he's kind of a myopic navel-gazer, self absorbed and spoiled. Very much a man-child, so I didn't really have that high of expectations for his brother, either. **Now don't get me wrong. He's a close friend and he's a great guy. So generous to those around and close to him, so easygoing and a kind soul.
Two days ago, he came by with a CD of the songs he had written. He also brought his bass and a mini-amp. The CD had four tracks he had written on it. He showed me the rest of the songs he had written on the base. All told, there were about ten songs. He taught them to me(I'm a pretty quick learner) and we went through them. Me on the guitar, and he on the bass. I must admit, I was pleasantly surprised and somewhat impressed. The songs he had written were quite good! I had always found songwriting to be difficult. It wasn't something that came to me easy. So when I saw these songs, that were pretty good, I was more than impressed. Especially because I didn't know what to expect. I told him as much. He said, "I'm glad you liked them. I want us to get together with the drummer to see what happens next."
"What is that, exactly. Next?" I asked him. He said, "I want to start playing gigs as soon as possible. I want us to start playing by the beginning of May, if that's okay. Are you in?"
I told him I'll decide after meeting with the drummer.
That happened last night. We met at this coffeshop, and we played together for about two hours, going over some of the song the bassist had written. Considering the fact that I learned those songs yesterday, and it was our first time playing, it went pretty well. After the practice, we all stepped out for a cigarette. The drummer and the bassist talked amongst themselves, came back to me and asked, "So? What do you think?"
I said, "I'm in. I'm all in." We shook on it. I suggested that we meet at the basement of the coffee shop to rehearse at the minimum of twice a week, no matter what's going on. Throw in a half a dozen cover tunes, plus the ten original materials, we got ourselves a set.
There you have it, folks. Your humble narrator is now also a rock star! :D
Well, stardom hasn't quite hit yet, but now I'm a budding author and a budding rock musician. I've always said, "I don't want to be a rock star, I just want to live that kind of a lifestyle". Well, here I go, i guess.
I figured it'd be something fun to do during the summer. Since the bassist wrote the songs, he can sing them. I have no problem letting him be the front man for the band. It is his project, after all. I told him he can put me down as guitar/back-up vocals. We'll take it from there. I'll teach them a couple of easy cover tunes, and hopefully we'll start playing gigs by the end of next month.
Chicago has so many venues, it's like an indy rock band's heaven. It'll be fun to do for the summer, at least. Don't you think?
Wish me luck! By the time we start playing gigs, maybe I'll record a few shows and put them up on Youtube. Then you'll finally get to see what I look like. :)
Thanks for stopping in...
Grape.
GrapeKoolaid posted on Mar 15, 2008
| views: 757
Comments
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pickersplock said on Mar 15, 2008....
That sounds like a lot of fun!And I do wish you luck!What's the name of the band? -
GrapeKoolaid said on Mar 15, 2008....
Thanks pickers. We haven't gotten that far yet. After all, last night was the meet & greet, and the first practice, so we still have a long way to go.
It's open for suggestions and debate at this point. :) -
Jenna said on Mar 15, 2008....
I wish you luck my friend....and just wondering ...do soulcast friends get front row tickets to your gigs?
Seriously...good luck Grape...sounds like fun and perhaps a great opportunity!
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Lucytorial said on Mar 15, 2008....
OMG Can I be your first groupie??? please??? I can scream really loud, throw my nickers at you and be basically a pest!
Groovy Grape Kool person... wow... I'm impressed!!!!!!!
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fearing said on Mar 15, 2008....
That will be so cool Grapey! I'm joining Lucytorial as a groupie.
(Theme music provided for the occasion)
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gingersoul said on Mar 15, 2008....
Grapey.....will you guys put something on Youtube for us to listen? I would love to hear some of these songs...
What kind of music? Rock, alternative, newrock, indie?
I perfectly picture you on stage, Grapey, with the guitar and shaking your black, spikey hair......and some hot groupie will steal your heart...lol...
I am impressed...this sounds so much fun...:-)
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destinydiva said on Mar 15, 2008....
wow!! thats really cool! :-) you said should you being doing it at you age...is it rude to ask a man his age? I had you in my head at about 30? I look forward to your you tube posts....and hearing you in the charts :-) xx -
secretlife said on Mar 15, 2008....
hey Grape this sounds like a really fun way to spend your summer!congratulations mr rock star!!!! -
destinydiva said on Mar 15, 2008....
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MissMimi said on Mar 15, 2008....
I'll be in the front row, waving my knickers around. Awesome, GrapeApe. I'll be able to say I knew you when! :D -
fearing said on Mar 15, 2008....
Destiny is cheating. Nickelback is mine. Chad K. wants to marry me didn't you know that? He doesn't know it yet but he will one day...... Tell Destiny to stop cheating.
Okay, MissM is a Keith fanatic and I have a thing for Chad's voice. Shocking isn't it? I was hooked from the Spiderman song.
Sorry Grapey. I still want to be in your fan club and one of your groupies. Will you love me any less? Are you still going to mention me in your acceptance speeches? Will you still take out restraining orders on me? You know, this could all be solved if you can sing too. Can you sing?
;-)
Okay, I'm scaring myself now. It's getting late and I'm a little sleep deprived. I'll come to my senses in the morning. I promise.
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Scottish_GRRL said on Mar 15, 2008....
dear Grape,Welcome the middle-aged Rock stars club! I, too after years of wishing started singing in a rock band at 43. If anything, paid or not, the experience will give you something to look forward to! Post your YouTube links so that those of us unable to see you live can see the video! break a leg, Brother! Cheers, SG -
moonriver said on Mar 15, 2008....
hey dude, i wish you the best with your summer gigs. :-)
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CreativeWoman said on Mar 15, 2008....
That sounds really exciting, Grape. I hope to turns out to be a blast for you. :-)
CW
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Fallyn said on Mar 15, 2008....
that is very cool. and sounds like a LOT of fun! -
purposeful said on Mar 16, 2008....
I think so too! -
GrapeKoolaid said on Mar 16, 2008....
**I added this little bit on the post: "**Now don't get me wrong. He's a close friend and he's a great guy. So generous to those around and close to him, so easygoing and a kind soul".
It seemed important. I didn't want you to think that I didn't like him or thought much of him, or anything. I actually think quite highly of him. I wouldn't be friends with him if I didn't think he had redeemable qualities. The things I said about him, I've said to his face before, during many earnest discussions. That's how close we are.
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Jenna: Absolutely. All SoulCasters get the VIP treatment. Front row seats, backstage passes, signed 8x12's, t-shirts, after party... You name it! :)
Thanks. I am pretty enthusiastic about it. I am dreadfully out of practice and rusty, so I'll have to practice a lot, get my fingertips calloused over again soon.
Lucy: LOL. Sure. You can be a groupie, if you want to. I've never had a groupie before, so this will be a new thing. :) What's so impressive? I'm just trying to fill the void with some noise. :)
fearing: Thanks for the vid! Wouldn't that be awesome! Seriously, though. It's just something to do for fun, and if I can make some money doing it, all the better! :)
ginger: I'll put up a video on Youtube once we start doing gigs.
I think we have a unique sound, for a Beer-hall Polka band. :D
No... I kid. Seriously, though. I don't know what kind of music you'd consider us. We're a trio so far. Just a guitarist, a bassist and a drummer. The bassist is going to sing, as he wrote the songs, and I'll sing back up. Perhaps I'll sing a cover tune or two.
I'm afraid my heart is kept in a place where it can't be stolen, but I'm open to the idea of groupies. :)
Once again, what's so impressive? Like I said, it's just something to fill the void, and have a little fun in the process. :)
deedee: Give or take a few years... :)
Thanks for your well wishes. Mostly, I just want to play music with other people. If people want to hear it and pay us money, that's just an added bonus. I already have a few places we can play at to start with, and hope to get a paying gig soon.
Though it may not be much, it's enough for me. :)
secret: Thanks! You gotta start somewhere, right?
Chicago Indie scene, here I come! :D
Mimi: LOL. Thanks Mimi.
Perhaps you can publish a "Tell-all" book. You could title it something like...."The pouch and the powder: The rise and fall of grapekoolaid". :D
fearing: To answer your question, yes, I can sing. Very well, in fact. You're looking at a former three time All-State Honors choir boy here. :D
Chad K. croaks like a toad compared to me. >:P
I'm telling you, once you hear me croon, you'll forget all about what's his face... :D
ScottyG: Many thanks!
I used to be in a band a long time ago, and I'm looking forward to getting back into it. As I recall it, performing in front of people used to give me quite a rush. :D
Will you put up a performance of your band someday? I'd love to see it.
moonie: Thanks! Anything to keep myself from doing "real" work. :)
CeeDub: I'm looking forward to it. Thanks.
I mean, I enjoy playing music, so why no do it in front of people and get paid for it, right? I know a couple of bar owners that'll let us play, so that's a start.
Optimally, I'd like to play 3-4 nights a week. That'd be ideal.
Fallyn & Purpose: Thanks! I think so, too. It's going to take a lot of dedication and practice, but I do have some free time right now, so I might as well utilize it, right? -
RollingC said on Mar 16, 2008....
Way to go Grape..... wishing you the best of luck and can I have a signed album from you and the band? ( when you get one out of course )
: ^)
Rc
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GrapeKoolaid said on Mar 16, 2008....
RC: You bet. :) -
Alyss said on Mar 16, 2008....
This sounds like it could become something big GK and I'm happy for you. :-)
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GrapeKoolaid said on Mar 16, 2008....
Alyss: Thank you, sweet Alyss... If it turns out to be something big... Well... I'll cross that bridge when I get to it. :) -
silverwhisper said on Mar 16, 2008....
dude, i gotta get my ass out there--and the rest of me!
are you gonna release any of the covers electronically? i can understand not wanting to release the original material. b/c if so, i'd sure like to hear it. :>
ed -
fearing said on Mar 16, 2008....
{swoon} -
GrapeKoolaid said on Mar 16, 2008....
ed: You play, too? What instrument? [Thinks about SC House Band]
Well... Last night was the first night meeting the band, so we haven't quite figured out what covers we're planning on doing... I've got a few candidates, though. As soon as we start gellin' together as a group, I'll put few songs up somewhere. :)
fearing: I catch you... ;)
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silverwhisper said on Mar 16, 2008....
nah, no instruments over here--not really. but i can sing backup! :>
ed -
GrapeKoolaid said on Mar 16, 2008....
ed: LOL. If there's going to be a SC House Band, you'll have to be the front man! Who better? Lead vocals for you. Step up to the mic! Currently, I am guitar/backup vocals in my band, so I can fill that role nicely for the SC House Band, too. :)
Although, I'm much more comfortable as rhythm guitar than lead. We'll have to find a lead guitarist, a drummer, and a bassist. Know anyone on SC? Perhaps we can have a cattle call type audition a la "American Idol". :D
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Me-Myself&I said on Mar 16, 2008....
The evening of MissMimi's potluck....you sung and played your guitar for us, well, i knew you were a star then. *smile* your love and taste for music is proof of that.
I wish you success, happiness, and a grand summer filled with song and dance! :~)
You are never to old to make music. Even at your age! ;~o
Have a good day, take care of yourself. ~see ya
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GrapeKoolaid said on Mar 16, 2008....
MM&I: That was very nice of you to say. Thank you so much... You just made my morning! [blush] :) -
silverwhisper said on Mar 16, 2008....
dude, i hate the spotlight!
ed -
RollingC said on Mar 16, 2008....
Well hey....I can do a deep voice. Now all I got to do is learn how to sing....you got room for one more ?
Rc
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GrapeKoolaid said on Mar 16, 2008....
ed: Simple solution: Shades. :D
RC: Cool! A baritone! Just what we're lookin' for! You're hired! :D
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dailyachesandpains said on Mar 16, 2008....
YAY Grape!
That is a great story to tell when you guys are on VH1's "Behind the Music!" LOL!
What cover's do you think you'll be doing? I LOVE music! Now if only I could figure out that damn iPod! LOL!
Daily
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silverwhisper said on Mar 16, 2008....
grape: but they don't make trout-sized shades! :D
ed -
GrapeKoolaid said on Mar 16, 2008....
daily: Well... I have a few suggestions, but I don't know how receptive the band will be, seeing as how I only met the drummer once, and I barely know the bassist(my friend's older brother). My suggestions so far are a couple of songs by Dire Straits(Walk of Life and/or Romeo and Juliet), The Talking Heads(Life During Wartime), Radiohead(Creep), Flaming Lips(Fight Test and/or Yoshimi Battles the Pink Robots), The Pixies(Here Comes Your Man), Weezer(Island in the Sun) to start with. Anything easy enough for me to learn real quick, or that I already know.
ed: Sure they do. We'll even get a trout-shaped mic so you can rock it and wield it at the same time. :)
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pickersplock said on Mar 16, 2008....
Mr. P and I saw the Pixies a few years back in Amherst!The guy from Dinosaur Jr. was in the audience near us; Jay Mascis! -
gingersoul said on Mar 16, 2008....
Grapey......oh, definetely Talking Heads and Dire Straits...
But what about Blue October then?
"Calling you" (video below) is a great song with catchy lyrics and just perfect for the audience to sing screaming after the band........but i love anything from them so..... "Into the ocean" and 'Hate me" are my othe two favorites.....just pick one...;-)
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GrapeKoolaid said on Mar 16, 2008....
pickers: I love the pixies!!! They are a great band... Maybe some Jimmy Cliff?
ginger: Hmm... Never heard of this song, or Blue October before. Interesting song. It was pretty good. If I listen to it a few times, I'm sure I can figure out how to play it. It usually takes me a couple of listens, then I'll get it.
Two of the songs I mentioned (Flaming Lips: Fight Test, The Pixies: Here Comes Your man) are on your music blog. Tell me how you like 'em, please. :)
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pickersplock said on Mar 16, 2008....
You can sing this one........haha! -
pickersplock said on Mar 16, 2008....
Or this one! LOLOLOLOL -
evil_twin said on Mar 16, 2008....
That's pretty cool! It sounds like a lot of fun. I used to be in a band when I was in college. We pretty much sucked though. I played bass. I felt really super cool, even if we sounded terrible. Drunk people liked us. We rocked many parties where everyone was too loaded to realize how bad we sounded.....
I wish you luck! I'm looking forward to hearing your stuff if you do decide to post something.
-evil_twin LA
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gingersoul said on Mar 16, 2008....
Grapey....i love them! Specially the Flaming Lips....the lyrics are very. very good....
I am surprised you don't know BO.....Kyle here loves them too....and Calling you is pretty easy to learn...
I was thinking that you should also venture in some old good stuff like The Mavericks (Things that never change) or Bread (Baby, i am a want you) or anything from Train (especially Tears of Jupiter....i really love this song....) or anything from The Smiths ......
Hey, i used to play the tambourine and i can sing pretty good too....interested?....LOL....
Wait...even Mamie and Jenna are killer tambourine players....so you have to take all of us or nothing......;-)
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GrapeKoolaid said on Mar 16, 2008....
pickers: Already know how to play "Here comes your man"(My theme song!) :D
It'll only take me a moment learn Marley(your theme song?) :D
e_t: Thanks. I figured, it's something to do, you know? I always say, "with enough distortion, you can play as sloppy as you want. No one will know the difference. Especially at a bar". :D
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pickersplock said on Mar 16, 2008....
I'm going out to wax the driveway now! -
GrapeKoolaid said on Mar 16, 2008....
ginger: we must have been typing over one another... ed and I were talking about starting an SoulCast House Band. Now that I know Kyle plays the bass, we're one step closer! ed's the front man, I'll play guitar/backup vocals, Kyle can play the bass and you, Mamie and Jenna can all add beautiful harmonies together. All we need now is a drummer... Anyone in here play the drums?
pickers: [slips and falls on the shiny floor] Ow! My neck! My back! My neck and my back!!!!
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gingersoul said on Mar 16, 2008....
Picker..what's wrong with you?? Are you doing Spring cleaning already???
You make me dizzy....stop it....lol...
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CayenneMan said on Mar 16, 2008....
Good luck GrapeKoolaid, I wish you alot of luck oh and by the way I mixed cherry juice with milk and a dash of peanut butter. It did'nt work out to well . . . too lumpy. -
GrapeKoolaid said on Mar 16, 2008....
Cayenne: LOL. Thanks for your well wishes. If you want the consistency of your drink to get smoother, you have to heat the peanut butter(ew). :D
pickers: My place could use a bit of cleaning.... Will you come over? :D
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pickersplock said on Mar 16, 2008....
I uh,........................need a sedative!
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TaintedAtBirth said on Mar 16, 2008....
Great fun!
Without reading the prior replies, I would say "Go for it"!
Even if you aren't in for the grueling schedule that kind of business entails, perhaps you could collaborate and write all the guitar parts and play as long as you are comfortable with.
Good luck either way!
TAB
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GrapeKoolaid said on Mar 16, 2008....
TAB: Thanks for your well wishes! It's all just starting, so right now, there's nothing but possibilities! I'm sure as things settle, expectations and limitations will surface, and hopefully we'll solidify into something tangible. Thanks for your thoughts as well. :) -
TaintedAtBirth said on Mar 16, 2008....
I only say that because I know it's not for everyone (Me included!)
But writing and playing in studio is always a satisfying experience and the "touring"
doesn't even play in to it!
As I said before, good luck and keep us updated on the progress!
TAB
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Mamie said on Mar 16, 2008....
Oh LORDY! This is the best news ever...I just want to remind you (winking) ASK and it is GIVEN....I betcha if you play back the tape from this past year, there was a moment when you said to yourself...when I ge toutta here...I am gonna have me a rock band!! Good luck and I am joining the rest of the Banger Sisters in the front row...."go grape!! Its your birthday!! go grape!"
have a blast and a half!! best, mamie
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GrapeKoolaid said on Mar 16, 2008....
TAB: Will do. Thanks! Can't wait.... :)
Mamie: Thanks. Some time ago, when I was in the hospital, I do remember saying something about not wasting time anymore and being happy to be alive... I guess making music would be a great embodiment of that... Thanks mamie! Got a front row seat and a backstage pass set aside just for you... :)
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FutureGoddess said on Mar 16, 2008....
Hey Grape! you're livin the dream! Go for it.
PS if you need a singer - give me a yell - the cover band I used to sing with broke up so if you need someone who can sing anything from Journey to Janis Joplin, Led Zepplin to Patti Smith, and almost all rock in between you know where to find me :D
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GrapeKoolaid said on Mar 16, 2008....
FG: Hmm... I may require your skills for a duet or two, if you're game. :) -
Lucytorial said on Mar 16, 2008....
This is so cool, a soulcast rocker in our midst! I always wanted to get into playing rock on my violin but it never seemed to happen, just the old ho hum classical stuff oh and I do a great danny boy! -
soleme said on Mar 16, 2008....
Best Wishes!!!!!!!!! HAVE FUN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Can't wait to hear you play!
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GrapeKoolaid said on Mar 16, 2008....
Lucy: Now isn't that funny? I've been trying to play classical music on my electric guitar. :) I can play the bouree by Bach on it, though.
soleme: I'll put up a link to something as soon as I can. Probably not for about a month or so, though. I'll keep everyone updated, of course. :)
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Lucytorial said on Mar 16, 2008....
well done! I've been trying to master pacabels cannon for years now... damn that piece!
I have a dream of one day affording a harp, thats what I'd really like to play.
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Ombrelle said on Mar 16, 2008....
That is awesome Grape! I wish you and your band the best of luck with your start. May it lead to stardom and the kind of life you want to lead. Have fun too though! -
queenparanoia said on Mar 17, 2008....
ohmygod that's so cool!!!!! =) good luck!!!! =) -
FutureGoddess said on Mar 17, 2008....
Duets? very cool - what are we going to sing? Paradise by the Dashboard Light? You're the one that I want? Islands in the Stream? :) you pick. -
wombat said on Mar 17, 2008....
I'm too late to say anything except that is too cool, and good luck. But I mean it! -
GrapeKoolaid said on Mar 17, 2008....
Lucy: Pachelbel's real easy(on a guitar, anyways). It's in the key of D. I can see it being quite difficult on the viol, though. Lots of fast notes. And btw, the chord progression on that piece has been ripped off by many a rock bands including, but not limited to, Aerosmith, the Beatles, and Green Day.
Tha harp is an awesome instrument... A girl I know, her mom has a few of them. They're fun to play, too. :)
Ombrelle: Thank you. It'd be nice to make something happen. We'll see, though... :)
qp: Thanks!
FG: Perhaps something like this?
wombie: Thanks! Once we put something together, I'll put it up somewhere so it can be seen(or at least heard). :)
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Lucytorial said on Mar 18, 2008....
I desperately want one, but the $$ well I can wait.
The rift on p's canon is well used, and on the violin its deadly hard because of the not only the note changes but it depends on which part of the orchestra you are playing, are you with the cello section? the solo section? are you the standard?? I'm trying the solo section and even thats practically impossible for me... I have a constantly bruised left collar bone.
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GrapeKoolaid said on Mar 18, 2008....
Lucy: Colour coded strings... That's the trick to playing the harp. Depending on what key it's tuned to, the tonic and the dominant strings are certain colour(green and red, if I'm not mistaken). I only played around with it a few times, but they're neat instruments. Awful heavy, though. I don't know how angels can fly around and carry them things. :)
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wakingharmony said on Mar 19, 2008....
You GO ROck Their Socks oFF!!!!! Woo Hooo -
GrapeKoolaid said on Mar 19, 2008....
waking: Will do! :D -
FutureGoddess said on Mar 21, 2008....
GK - you gonna be Gwyneth or am I ? LOLOL -
GrapeKoolaid said on Mar 21, 2008....
FG: Whichever you prefer. I'm a pretty versatile singer. :D -
cotteralladams3 said on Mar 22, 2008....
I'd rather be a member of the Smiths or the Mamas and the Papas. If I did rock it would have to be the Doors.
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