tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-73557332666744106952024-03-13T03:45:52.923-07:00Theo TalkNews and views about music, spirituality and the world as seen through the eyes of a life long musician.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12551858334178495511noreply@blogger.comBlogger23125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7355733266674410695.post-91839122565808889672015-06-13T10:15:00.000-07:002015-06-13T10:15:17.835-07:00Hanging out with Nick Gilder and Sweeney Todd, Upcoming summer shows<div dir="ltr" id="docs-internal-guid-cf060133-edae-3096-b21a-e46b48773fdb" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">It’s <b>been awhile</b> since I’ve posted a blog and I thought it was about time to put fingers to work on the keyboard. In this case, the computer keyboard instead of a synthesizer. A lot of my past few months have been consumed by domestic circumstances. Of course I have still been playing music, but haven’t pushing the BoodAbooM band much as I should. I am still stumbling through the process of changing distributors which doesn’t help. The gigging in the past couple of months has been mostly working with a dance / cover band adding harmonica, guitar, harmony vocals, as well as singing a dozen or so rock cover tunes. It’s been fun and profitable, but I really need to concentrate on other things, like my own music.</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DZfzsGEVqOw/VXxiZox-6JI/AAAAAAAAAvY/OC___tLB2mE/s1600/Nick%2Band%2BTheo%2Btiny.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DZfzsGEVqOw/VXxiZox-6JI/AAAAAAAAAvY/OC___tLB2mE/s320/Nick%2Band%2BTheo%2Btiny.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nick Gilder and I before the show.</td></tr>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-A0-dVXoZaQk/VXxhf7y1ZwI/AAAAAAAAAvA/lVrDmXsiavY/s1600/Nick%2Band%2BSweeney%2Bsmall.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="195" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-A0-dVXoZaQk/VXxhf7y1ZwI/AAAAAAAAAvA/lVrDmXsiavY/s320/Nick%2Band%2BSweeney%2Bsmall.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"> I have also been <b>playing a few solo shows</b> lately including <b>opening</b> for <a href="http://www.nickgilder.com/" target="_blank">Nick Gilder and Sweeney Todd</a> at a pair of concerts here on Vancouver Island. Opening up a rock show armed with only my guitar and my voice was a little unnerving at first thought. I called the promoter back to be sure he realized who and what he was bringing to the stage. <b>I had been recommended</b> to Brandon of <a href="http://www.nightlifeentertainment.ca/" target="_blank">Nightlife Entertainment</a>, so he was glad to have me on board for the shows. It was super cool to throw myself <b>out there in “Billy Bragg” style</b>. The first show at the Tidemark Theatre was huge fun! After introductions from Nanaimo Hip-Hop Artist “<a href="https://www.facebook.com/SirRealMusic" target="_blank">SirReal</a>”, I opened with the song “<a href="https://soundcloud.com/theo-massop/track-6-the-answer" target="_blank">The Answer</a>” from my <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/ca/album/the-answer/id663836968" target="_blank">BoodAbooM album</a> and dove straight into “<a href="https://soundcloud.com/theo-massop/01-the-light-within" target="_blank">The Light Within</a>” off the <a href="http://phobos.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewAlbum?playListId=192634932" target="_blank">“Choices” album</a>. I kicked out my best, had a <b>great time</b> with the audience, <b>a lot of laughs and a few tears</b> on the sadder songs. I leaned heavily into my <b>up tempo folk-rock / alternative songs</b> from previous releases and a couple of new songs.<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CFq9qHjkzpU/VXxh082ozQI/AAAAAAAAAvI/ajO6ykjYC7A/s1600/Tidemark%2Bsmall.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CFq9qHjkzpU/VXxh082ozQI/AAAAAAAAAvI/ajO6ykjYC7A/s200/Tidemark%2Bsmall.jpg" width="110" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tidemark Theatre</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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The audience rewarded me with warmth, many applause and cheers. If you’d like to see <b>half an hour or so of the concert</b> <a href="https://youtu.be/v2CKqiD3d7Y" target="_blank">click here</a>. If you’d like to see a quick clip from that show, <a href="https://youtu.be/hdL-zIxEPEY" target="_blank">click here</a> to watch “<b>Canada `52</b>” being performed. It was also awesome to hang around with a <b>master entertainer</b> like <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nick_Gilder" target="_blank">Nick Gilder</a> for a couple of days. He and the boys put on a <b>fantastic genuine rock show</b>. Nick draws the audience in, shares his music and by the time the night is over folks are dancing in front of the stage like it’s party time plus! At the Saturday show I watched him wander through the crowd of dancers, remote mic in hand singing his heart out. All the while trying to accommodate those trying to get “selfies”. </span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bGKxgoWBNx0/VXxiN6_qEOI/AAAAAAAAAvQ/wdbomqNuzZA/s1600/Parksville%2Bb4%2Bshow.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bGKxgoWBNx0/VXxiN6_qEOI/AAAAAAAAAvQ/wdbomqNuzZA/s200/Parksville%2Bb4%2Bshow.jpg" width="140" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Before the show in Parksville</td></tr>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><b>Nick’s band</b> was nothing short of amazing. They were energetic and <b>played with razor sharp precision</b>. Longtime stage mate Mark Kenny on bass, former Trooper alumni Lance Chalmers on drums, another longtime stage mate Mike Russell on guitars and keyboards, along with the amazing guitarist Joe Wowk. That band absolutely floored me with their musical prowess. Mike Russell has cloned the Jon Lorde organ sounds and plays like a maestro. At this point I have to say that Joe Wowk left me slack jawed with his guitar work. I’m pretty sure I heard him do things with a guitar that I’ve never heard before. By the way, groove master Mark Kenny took the picture of me and Nick, that’s no selfie. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">I’m doing some <b>solo shows this summer</b> starting with one of my faves, the <a href="http://lantzvillefarmersmarket.com/" target="_blank">Lantzville Farmers Market</a>. The farmers market shows are cool because not only are you paid to perform, but it’s friendly and laidback. ( Welcome to the west coast folks ) There is no clock or particular set times to complete. Stop when folks want to chat, sell your merchandise, take requests and gratuities if you can do the song, notes for next time if you can’t. <b>I love these kind of shows</b> and the bonus is you get to go home with some great local grown produce and products in your goodie bag. June 21st I will be starting at 1:30 in Lantzville. Check the<a href="http://boodaboom.com/?page_id=9" target="_blank"> BoodAbooM </a>website to <b>find out where and when</b> I’m playing after that. Ok, I admit it. Sometimes I’m a little laxed in getting the postings up. For current information it’s best to follow my<a href="https://www.facebook.com/theos.trio" target="_blank"> “Theo’s Trio” facebook page</a>. I will also be performing as part of the “<a href="http://donnyboyd.com/" target="_blank">Donny Boyd and Fine Company</a>” at the Vancouver Island Exhibition held in Nanaimo this August and a few other select concerts.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Before I “write off into the sunset” for this blog, let me toss out a little bit of <b>reality check</b>. We’ve all heard the joke about musicians, “$5000 worth of gear into a $500 vehicle willing to drive 500 miles to a gig for $50”. It’s not a joke, for the right gig it’s true. Having been on both sides of the fence I will assure you that to hire a high profile musical act is not cheap. Here is a <a href="http://montrealmusicscene.com/main/how-much-would-it-cost-to-book-your-favourite-mainstream-band/" target="_blank">link</a> to what some of <b>today’s big stars are asking</b> for when they perform. Here’s what the performers got paid to appear at the famous <a href="http://dangerousminds.net/comments/performer_at_woodstock_was_paid" target="_blank">Woodstock Festival</a>. Santana did the gig for $750. And <b>another income story</b> of interest is the grammy award winning music writer who revealed his<a href="http://www.digitalmusicnews.com/permalink/2014/04/03/streamingstatements" target="_blank"> royalty statement</a> and talks about the <b>low compensation for online music streaming</b>. Morale of the story is, if you’re going to choose music as your livelihood <b>do it as a labour of love</b>. Don’t take up music thinking you’re going to get rich. If that happens, nice. Just don’t make that your motivating factor, rather submit to the muse and let the music take you to where you need to go.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">All that withstanding, I have posted a link on my <a href="http://boodaboom.com/?page_id=113" target="_blank">BoodAbooM website</a> for you to <b>stream and listen</b> to the songs from my two most recent albums free of charge. The link will take you to my <a href="http://music.cbc.ca/#!/artists/Theo-Massop" target="_blank">CBC based website</a>.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Remember as you wind your way through the path of life that we are all connected, everything changes and you have to pay attention. Wake up, be aware folks, accept the reality of your situation and do what needs to be done.<b> Treat each other with love, kindness, respect and truth</b>. Things will get better that way.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Namaste, Brother T</span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12551858334178495511noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7355733266674410695.post-74375075348121662752015-02-10T19:08:00.000-08:002015-02-10T19:08:19.081-08:00Introspective views, self definition and understanding, the song “You’re So Afraid”<div dir="ltr" id="docs-internal-guid-72e89d54-767b-8f18-448b-77a3e4e9a96b" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-W9UoKJNjWrQ/VNrAniZyhbI/AAAAAAAAAsY/dY8-t7eTiT8/s1600/DW%2Bat%2BLB%2Btiny.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-W9UoKJNjWrQ/VNrAniZyhbI/AAAAAAAAAsY/dY8-t7eTiT8/s1600/DW%2Bat%2BLB%2Btiny.JPG" height="212" width="320" /></a><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">We are the composite of our own personal experiences, circumstance, situations and background. Nothing in the universe is static, so what we are will evolve into what will become. Many people define themselves as being this or that. I for example, when asked about myself will usually reply, “I’m a musician”. But of course <b>we are all more than just one thing</b> or the other. A father, a brother, a friend, a husband, and a multitude of other attributes, functions and skills. In the stream of life as we flow along, the achievements, interactions, possessions, accumulate to form our history, but underneath this <b>we are humans and all basically the same</b>.<b> </b>As such we should strive to treat each other with benevolence and respect, loving kindness, forgiveness and due regard for the sanctity of life. Each and everyone of us is <b>trying to be happy</b>. We are all acting and reacting in a manner that we think is best, at that moment, in any given situation. This can be hard to remember when faced with someone who is angry, not willing to listen to reason and no longer is seeking the reality or truth, but rather some form of vindication. If you can remember that we are all the same, you may be able to remember frustrations in your own life and relate in a more forgiving humane manner. Again seeking what is best.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">The point of the song “<a href="http://youtu.be/ECTqTymEpCw" target="_blank">You’re So Afraid</a>” is to remember to not box yourself in. As life progresses, the repertoire of what composes who you are changes. Also, to remember that <b>everything is connected</b> and we are all basically the same. We each want love, comfort, food and shelter. We are <b>bound together</b> with all that is through water, air and this planet earth. We are bound together with the plants and every other living creature.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Tesla said that we are energy and frequency. Einstein concurred saying this was <b>a matter of physics, not philosophy</b>. As a musician I understand that frequency vibrates, it resonates and emulates. This relates to the inner self as your feelings emulate an energy wave. This is how animals discern how to react to you. How it is that you can “feel” if someone else is angry, sad or exuberant, when they walk into a room in a heightened state of emotion. The feelings, the frequency, the energy, the life force within you is <b>the mortar that binds us</b> to the mind, our consciousness, our perception of life and our biomass, our animal nature. Not any of these elements on their own, but rather a balance or blend of these characteristics. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Lets strive to treat each other with <b>truth, love and respect</b>. We can change the world one step at a time.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Until next time, Brother T</span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12551858334178495511noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7355733266674410695.post-54133741201064864562015-01-26T12:54:00.001-08:002015-01-26T12:56:53.136-08:00Jams, open mics and the ever changing music biz...<div dir="ltr" id="docs-internal-guid-e09dbb11-27ec-4fe9-2463-7699acc234f1" style="line-height: 1.15; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">During the 90’s I ran a band called <a href="http://livevictoria.com/gypsyheart" target="_blank">Gypsy Heart</a>. We were a country-rock quartet playing primarily top forty “new” country. It was a good time for a hard working band. The Gypsy Heart Band had two collapsed recording deals, <b>played every area festival, bar, dance hall</b> and had a decent fan following. After 6 years as a country rock band and 3 years of playing whatever we wanted, the group disbanded. Click <a href="http://youtu.be/DITOeFBsQtA" target="_blank">here</a> to see an old video of the band.<br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bilQ3FRIpf0/VMajWTGaZ8I/AAAAAAAAArk/wIEpfIGTQo4/s1600/GHB%2B%231%2Bscaled.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bilQ3FRIpf0/VMajWTGaZ8I/AAAAAAAAArk/wIEpfIGTQo4/s1600/GHB%2B%231%2Bscaled.jpg" height="189" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Gypsy Heart Band early 90' and my son. </td></tr>
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Many of our engagements would call for 5 consecutive shows or more plus a Saturday and Sunday “jam” at the same venue. Nothing ever stays the same including the music business. As I once heard the manager of D.O.A. say at a seminar, “you have to <b>be like a cat</b> and always try to land on your feet”, it also really helps if you have nine lives!</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Over the years and as <b>things evolve</b>, the jams also started to include the “open mic” where basically you can come in and strut you stuff with or without a backup band. Nice concept and a lot of fun for those trying to get their feet wet on a professional stage. From a band’s standpoint, landing a steady jam at a venue is a sweet deal. A regular gig of any kind is always welcome for a musician. Plus it is cool to be able to <b>socialize, mix and mingle</b> with other musicians.</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FW9yK-KooLc/VMal2hl0FdI/AAAAAAAAArw/HFY7sD4I7G8/s1600/_DSC1881%2Btiny.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FW9yK-KooLc/VMal2hl0FdI/AAAAAAAAArw/HFY7sD4I7G8/s1600/_DSC1881%2Btiny.jpg" height="188" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Shelly Dubois Band at a jam in 2009</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Venues are really keen on the open mic / jam concept because every jammer, every open mic participant brings along several friends to listen and share their moment in the spotlight. All their friends buy drinks or meals boosting the proprietors revenues. Plus the venues have an opportunity to listen to new bands or entertainers that might be a good fit for their venue. Really <b>a “win win” situation</b> when handled in an honourable way.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">That being said, I do take issue with venues that don’t pay or grossly underpay a host or a house band to conduct these events. Most often these are the same venues that never have other musical events, concert shows or dances. At that point one begins to suspect that the motive is to put bodies in seats without having to pay much for the entertainment. Oh sure you have the promise of a free beer for the entertainers or you didn’t have to pay the door charge because you are singing (not always the case), but the six friends you dragged along paid the cover charge and bought a beer each easily paying for yours plus a profit. Lately, I’ve seen several incidents of popular bands building a large regular attendance for “jams”, only to have the venues slash the pay rate, handing it off to those who would work for less. A race to the bottom for working musicians. Trouble is, there is always someone willing to play for less. In <b>a world of fewer and fewer gigs</b> you can’t blame the musicians, although I find the trend disturbing.</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-E54ww_b9iMg/VMao4fHuzjI/AAAAAAAAAr8/3fyaliGE6kk/s1600/_DSC2277%2Btiny.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-E54ww_b9iMg/VMao4fHuzjI/AAAAAAAAAr8/3fyaliGE6kk/s1600/_DSC2277%2Btiny.jpg" height="139" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Myself and Glen Foster with Donny Ginter Band.</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Open mics, jams, open stages, by all means lets support and attend these gatherings. Be sure to also support and attend other music events as well. Dances, coffee houses, house concerts, restaurants with live music and of course nightclub / pub dances need people to show up to keep them viable. It’s easy to confine yourself to a glowing screen and correspondence with friends through the ticky tacky of your laptop or smartphone, but that won’t let you be immersed in the great feeling and vibration of live music. <b>Celebrate life with your friends</b> and others by <b>attending a local musical event</b>. A little research on the web will quickly let you know what’s happening musically in your neighbourhood.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Until next time, Brother T</span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12551858334178495511noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7355733266674410695.post-59246873446063863842014-11-02T20:29:00.000-08:002014-11-02T20:29:15.836-08:00What a great summer it was!<div dir="ltr" id="docs-internal-guid-d6c594eb-73cf-61a2-8830-070be8ae7f15" style="line-height: 1.15; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Not as much blogging as I had hoped to do this year, but that’s because I have been a very busy musician. Not sure where I left off in the stream of things. Still trying to iron out some of my distribution woes on the <b>BoodAbooM album</b> “<a href="https://soundcloud.com/theo-massop/track-6-the-answer" target="_blank">The Answer</a>”. I’m hoping that will finally be resolved before 2015 arrives. Thankfully the album has been well received and is <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/ca/album/the-answer/id663836968" target="_blank">selling at iTunes</a>, as is my previous album “<a href="http://phobos.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewAlbum?playListId=192634932" target="_blank">Choices</a>”. </span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-v7u2zQRrq3Y/VFcCxNLUq3I/AAAAAAAAAqY/ugrBkMrQTNg/s1600/BoodAbooM%2BDuo%2B2014%2Breduced.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-v7u2zQRrq3Y/VFcCxNLUq3I/AAAAAAAAAqY/ugrBkMrQTNg/s1600/BoodAbooM%2BDuo%2B2014%2Breduced.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">BoodAbooM duo - photo by Ian Johnstone</td></tr>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">I <b>gigged my butt off</b> throughout the summer with solo shows, duo and trio <a href="http://boodaboom.com/" target="_blank">BoodAbooM</a> shows, as well as with the band Hygrade playing the <b>manic rock harmonica</b>. Mid way through August saw me playing with the BoodAbooM trio at the <b>Vancouver Island Exhibition</b> and with another band called <a href="http://donnyboyd.com/" target="_blank">Donny Boyd and Fine Company</a> during the same event. Wow, what a great day that was. The bands that followed our performances included some of <b>BC’s rock royalty</b> in the form of Chilliwack, Prism and The Grapes of Wrath. It’s hard to believe that one can be so busy in what is considered by many to be the greatest slump in the past hundred years of the music industry. I suppose it’s because while I do expect to be paid for my musical services, money is not my main motivator. The muse of music itself is what drives me deeper and deeper into my <b>relationship with music</b>. <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mwrLUPmzYjY/VFcDWULK_hI/AAAAAAAAAqg/vd36EAfqBVQ/s1600/BAM%2BVIEX%2B2014%2Breduced.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mwrLUPmzYjY/VFcDWULK_hI/AAAAAAAAAqg/vd36EAfqBVQ/s1600/BAM%2BVIEX%2B2014%2Breduced.jpg" height="177" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">BoodAbooM Trio - photo by Paul Jay</td></tr>
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And yes, I said relationship because music is a <b>reciprocal affair</b>, you give and it gives back. A very “Karma” like circumstance between performer and audience exists, as well as being a spiritual / emotional experience at times.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">One of the big projects for me last summer was to be <b>the producer for a 12 song album</b> recorded by Donny Boyd and Fine Company. What exactly is the producer’s role in the studio will be subject for a later blog. Suffice it to say that a multi-faceted job of being the liaison between the artist, the studio and the musicians. A thorough understanding of musical theory, songwriting, engineering, arrangement, as well as the ability to source the appropriate musicians for the appropriate tracks all comes into play. Budget and time constraints are always major concerns, coordinating recording sessions and keeping things on track are also of major importance. Beyond all of this the producer should be able to <b>draw out the best of performances</b> from each of the musicians involved. A tall order to say the least, but tons of fun for me. We recorded the project at <a href="http://www.wayonsound.com/" target="_blank">Wayon Sound</a> with engineer <b>Wayne Veillet</b>. <b>Rick Salt </b>of <a href="http://loislanestudios.weebly.com/" target="_blank">Lois Lane Studio</a> handled the mastering process. Having played guitar, harmonica, keyboards and background vocals on the album, I earned a spot in the Donny Boyd and Fine Company musician line up. The album “<a href="http://www.cdbaby.com/Artist/DonnyBoydFineCompany" target="_blank">Watch The Pretty Flowers</a>” was released at the 2014 VIEX show. More sessions are lined up for other projects as well, but strictly as a musician for those gigs.</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nYeiw0xYUBY/VFcDtSrHEVI/AAAAAAAAAqo/ZR8EOAJSiqk/s1600/BAM%2Bat%2BPat%2B2014%2Breduced.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nYeiw0xYUBY/VFcDtSrHEVI/AAAAAAAAAqo/ZR8EOAJSiqk/s1600/BAM%2Bat%2BPat%2B2014%2Breduced.jpg" height="256" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">BoodAbooM Trio - photo by Ian Johnstone</td></tr>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">The next couple of months will see fewer performances for BoodAbooM while I work on some administrative duties. We are scheduled for a <b>couple of mid-island shows</b>. One on <b>November 22nd</b> at the <a href="http://www.creekhouseresort.com/" target="_blank">French Creek Marine Resort</a> in Parksville and another on <b>December 6th</b> at the <a href="http://shadyrest.ca/" target="_blank">Shady Rest</a> in Qualicum Bay. Both of these show will be with <a href="http://www.marisha.ca/" target="_blank">Marisha Devion</a> on bass and Rich Bazille on drums. <b>New songs </b>destine for the next album are part of the mix of tunes we’re kicking out at these shows amongst my usual mix of unusual songs and rocking faves. For those who can, I hope you can come to the Mid-Island shows this fall. Details are on the <a href="http://boodaboom.com/" target="_blank">website</a> under “shows”.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">One of the tasks at hand this fall is to<b> sort through a lot of video</b> from last summers performances to see if there is anything to be posted. A few videos of live performance have been posted on my <a href="ttp://www.youtube.com/theomassop/" target="_blank">YouTube</a> channel. <a href="http://youtu.be/YdAAfJebdsk" target="_blank">Happy Man</a> and <a href="http://youtu.be/VxgchjBe2sY" target="_blank">Rebellious Fool</a> have been posted from the VIEX show with Wayne Veillet on bass and Billy Hicks on drums.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">For those who may be interested, here is an article regarding the “real life” <a href="http://arts.nationalpost.com/2013/03/05/the-average-canadian-indie-artist-earns-a-whopping-7228-a-year-playing-music-plus-some-other-industry-stats/" target="_blank">income of musicians</a>. After that you’ll understand why it has to be a <b>labour of love</b>, something you are called or driven to do.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">So likely this is the last blog until early in the new year. Remember, <b>love</b>,<b> kindness</b>, understanding and forgiveness is the best approach to all situations. Be good to each other.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Brother T</span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12551858334178495511noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7355733266674410695.post-90451244869454519482014-04-24T19:54:00.000-07:002014-04-24T19:54:36.626-07:00A few thoughts and observations from a life long musician<div dir="ltr" id="docs-internal-guid-5dfc4d7c-96c4-20de-f5ca-7fdb0b0b7156" style="line-height: 1.15; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Nothing good in this life comes easy and if it did for you, be damn thankful. I have, during the past several months, been running a variety of shows which included featuring other musical artist. It’s a great way to keep things interesting for the audience that come out to my shows locally and a great way to expose the <b>amazing talent</b> that resides here in the central Vancouver Island region. One of the things that has amazed me is the number of performers that are not very astute when it comes to self promotion. In today’s entertainment business you have to constantly strive to keep up with technology and trends. <b>Learn your craft</b>. That means more than just wood-shedding guitar chops or honing the craft of songwriting. It means <b>learning about all of the aspects</b> of your endeavour. How to maximize on social media, press releases, networking, socialize at jams and open mics, find out what’s going on in your area. I have been amazed that many musicians don’t even know the ropes of facebook! </span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--6vJbGKXGsk/U1nMuAik9HI/AAAAAAAAAmo/zXp4PtGH2E4/s1600/John+T+the+Drifter.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--6vJbGKXGsk/U1nMuAik9HI/AAAAAAAAAmo/zXp4PtGH2E4/s1600/John+T+the+Drifter.jpg" height="320" width="228" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">John T the Drifter AKA John Massop</td></tr>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">My two oldest brothers helped me along in the early part of my musicianship, <b>my apprenticeship</b> if you will. Brother John showed me the <b>street level skills</b> required to find gigs, work a stage and an audience. He showed me a lot of things our parents wished he wouldn’t have being 18 years senior to me and being quite the “rounder”. Brother Gerry, my eldest brother, started to give my musical endeavors a guiding hand when I was about 24. I had over 10 years of performing under my belt at that point and showing no signs of slowing down. Gerry saw that and taught me about the “pro” side of music. He was a well respected musical journalist who had lots of savvy and always drove home how important <b>understanding the business side of music</b> was. “When you look at the words ‘music business’ you’ll notice that the word business is nearly twice as big as the word music. Treat your career the same way, you need more than just talent to survive” he would say. <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2m2xy9GLrG0/U1nNE9FMMMI/AAAAAAAAAmw/WlgvldRWVDI/s1600/Gerry+jammin.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2m2xy9GLrG0/U1nNE9FMMMI/AAAAAAAAAmw/WlgvldRWVDI/s1600/Gerry+jammin.jpg" height="320" width="302" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">JR and brother Gerry jamming with Chico</td></tr>
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Gerry also told me often to think globally and act locally which has proven to be valuable advice over the years. International radio airplay and sales wouldn’t have happened for me without thinking globally.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">These days the music industry is <b>changing more rapidly than ever</b>. It can make your head spin trying to keep up with emerging technologies and trends. As a modern musician you have to constantly be searching out not only new venues to perform at, but also keeping your ear to the ground in an effort to understand trends and what’s coming. Yes, maintaining web sites, facebook, twitter, blogs and all may cut into a little practise time. Still, you have to <b>find a way to balance</b> all these elements in today’s music world in order to survive and thrive. The music is the muse and sharing the music is why we all get into this. It is easy to get hooked on that stage time adrenalin, so you have to have a good musical foundation. Without that element, you’ve got nothing. In reality it’s not all that you need. Raw talent on it’s own does nothing to help you through the maze of today’s industry. Everywhere you turn companies stand with their hand out offering to help you for a fee. It seems to be a trend many are using for survival, so <b>be cautious</b>. Talk to others who have used these services before signing up to anything that puts it’s hand in your wallet. Some companies are reputable and will deliver as expected, others are less scrupulous and once they have your money can be difficult to deal with. While <b>no one is an army by themselves</b> and your career will be helped along with the right people assisting you, <b>choose carefully and wisely</b> who you tie yourself up with. Un-doing those ties can be costly and difficult. As my life long friend and ex-bandmate <b>Dennis Olsen</b> use to say, “love many, trust few and always paddle your own canoe”.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Until next time, happy gig hunting and trail blazing through the mind boggling maze of the music biz. Brother T.</span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12551858334178495511noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7355733266674410695.post-57720472671801836932014-03-04T17:27:00.000-08:002014-03-04T17:32:03.934-08:00Music on Vancouver Island, gigging and busy boy...<div dir="ltr" id="docs-internal-guid-6176256d-8fc8-0b38-4176-be8e0d905d8d" style="line-height: 1.15; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">The previous blog I posted was in January. I can’t believe how time goes flying by. Here we are in March and I’m finally getting a chance to get back to the blog. The first quarter of the year has been a busy one with the “<b>Acoustic Monday</b>” shows at the <a href="http://www.thequeens.ca/" target="_blank">Queen’s Hotel</a> in Nanaimo and the Hygrade party rock cover band picking up pace as well. <a href="http://www.reverbnation.com/hygrade4/" target="_blank">Hygrade</a> has done a series of shows at different venues in the Nanaimo area, as well as <b>up and down the island</b>. The repertoire of well known dance and sing-a-long rock tunes played with a <b>wailing harmonica</b> in the mix seems to be going over very well and gaining popularity. Hygrade has shows coming up at the Timberland Pub in Cassidy, the French Creek Marine pub in Parksville and the Cranberry in Cedar over the next couple of months. Dates can be found on my <a href="http://www.boodaboom.com/" target="_blank">BoodAbooM</a> website. Beyond some recording projects and working on new videos, the “Acoustic Monday” shows have been great fun working them as the BoodAbooM Duo with my friend, bassist Marisha Devoin. </span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ndtZjjAsJv0/UxZ65FxSqhI/AAAAAAAAAl0/bdDfQlmk4Hg/s1600/boodaboom_theanswer+small+for+blog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ndtZjjAsJv0/UxZ65FxSqhI/AAAAAAAAAl0/bdDfQlmk4Hg/s1600/boodaboom_theanswer+small+for+blog.jpg" height="318" width="320" /></a></div>
Click<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lSm94AeTpKU&feature=share&list=UUuRNW8Tm4gtO6ULns9yT1jA&index=1" target="_blank"> here</a> for a <b>video clip</b> from one of the shows. The Next Queen’s Acoustic Monday show is on <b>St. Paddy’s day March 17th starting at 7 PM</b>. Elf Song is on the line up with their penny whistles and Celtic flavour to honour the day. 4 acts for a low $5 cover charge and there is a great chinese food kitchen associated with the venue. Dinner followed by a great music show. <br />
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">This week I am the <a href="http://www.theindependentmusicshow.com/page11.html" target="_blank">featured artist</a> on Tom Lambert’s syndicated <a href="http://theindependentmusicshow.podomatic.com/entry/2014-03-02T07_23_41-08_00" target="_blank">show</a></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"> from Ireland which rebroadcasts on over 200 internet and other radio stations. This of course brought a huge smile to my face as it <b>helps the music and the message</b> reach out across the world. What message? That love is “<a href="https://soundcloud.com/theo-massop/track-6-the-answer" target="_blank">The Answer</a>”. As well, I was asked to write a blog /<b> article </b>for <a href="http://www.canadianmusicians.com/" target="_blank">Canadian Musicians</a>. So, remember to be kind to each other and here’s what I wrote about being a musician on Vancouver Island.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><b>Vancouver Island</b> is one of the most beautiful places in Canada to live. Most times the winters are mild, spring and fall are wet but it give folks more reason to go to the night clubs. Summer time on Vancouver Island is <a href="http://www.timescolonist.com/seventeen-vancouver-island-festivals-you-don-t-want-to-miss-1.323182" target="_blank">festival season</a>, time for the outdoor art shows which often feature music performances as well. In the early Fall the community fairs and <a href="http://viex.ca/" target="_blank">exhibitions</a> offer places for island musicians to perform and for others to listen to the <b>abundant musical talent</b> living on Vancouver Island.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Let me enlighten you as to why I think Vancouver Island is <b>a great place for musicians</b>. First off the climate means very little travelling in sub zero weather. Although we do get our occasional big dump of snow, the norm around here is decent travelling weather and reputed to have the mildest climate in Canada. <b>Having literally performed from one tip to the other of this paradise island</b>, I speak from experience when I say the next gig up the street is not really that far away. The entire island is 460 Km long and 80 Km wide at it’s widest point. Vancouver island is</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #f9cb9c; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"> </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">covered with vast uninhabited areas which are mostly forest, mountains and valleys. With a decent industrial base, folks do have money for entertainment of one form or the other which always helps the musicians cause. The bulk of Vancouver Island’s 760,000 people live in the greater Victoria area on the southern tip of the island consisting of about 360,000 folks, about 98,000 in the mid island Nanaimo region. Duncan, Courtney, Campbell River, Parksville / Oceanside and a host of other small communities comprise the rest. Obviously gigs are more plentiful in more populated areas, although for myself being based out of Nanaimo there isn’t a single music venue anywhere on the island that isn’t within a days drive. Vancouver, being a North American major music center is only a ferry ride away.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">We have a <b>thriving music scene</b> with each major community having a host of coffee house venues, pubs, nightclubs and bistros with live music. Rock, reggae, folk, celtic, bluegrass, country, jazz, childrens music, metal and funk, you name it and it can be found on the island. There are more recording artists living on Vancouver Island than I can mention in this blog. Nearly all the larger population centres have <b>first rate recording studios</b>, many of which are so busy they do little if any advertising. We even have our own “<a href="http://islandmusicawards.wordpress.com/" target="_blank">Vancouver Island Music Awards</a>” which is a well attended annual event hosted by <b>James Kasper</b> honouring the best of the previous year’s V.I. artist releases. Musical gatherings are happening up and down the island on virtually a daily basis. There are several songwriter circle gatherings, <a href="http://www.cowichanfolkguild.ca/" target="_blank">folk guilds</a>, open mics, showcases and jams in nearly every community. A little networking, attending a few open stages and it doesn’t take long for the musical world of V.I. to open up for you. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">We’ve had <b>quite a few award winning musicians</b> come from Vancouver Island from Carly Rae Jepson to David Foster, Diana Krall, Nelly Furtado, Christine and Ingrid Jensen, David Gogo, Randy Bachman, Valdy and the list goes on. Many more musical artists of notoriety have migrated to Vancouver Island as a place of refuge and inspiration. Places like Cathedral Grove and Long Beach Tofino are the kinds of locations that are steeped in spirit and offer the sort of environment songwriters thrive on. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">There are many relatively unknown stellar musicians on this<b> magnificent island</b> and with a little ingenuity, effort, networking and diligence, everything a musician could want is here. From the weekend rock shows to the bars, night clubs, bistros, coffee houses, restaurants and lounges, there are plenty of places to catch some live music and obviously just as many places to perform. Small, medium and larger concert halls in most communities host music acts from classical to jazz, rock, blues and children's music. During the summer months<b> Vancouver Island blossoms</b> with farmer’s markets, free outdoor shows in community amphitheatres, all of which provide platforms for potential performances as well as entertainment. Come on out to the west coast and join the fun on Vancouver Island. It’s a different pace in a different place, you may never want to leave.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Until later, Brother T</span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12551858334178495511noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7355733266674410695.post-69324375644475397642014-01-07T21:48:00.000-08:002014-01-07T21:48:15.231-08:00Wishing you an amazing 2014<div dir="ltr" id="docs-internal-guid-2f2d8c7e-7038-cd26-142a-43b6ebc76a86" style="line-height: 1.15; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Once again, this is my third attempt at getting back to the blog. <b>2013 has finished it’s run and it’s on to 2014</b>. What’s coming down the pipe for 2014? Who knows which way the wind blows? Tomorrow is after all, just another day albeit January 1st or the 31st. Not that <b>new beginnings</b> aren’t special, I do my best to keep aware that every moment is a new beginning. I have my moments of frustration, times when my annoyance with situations seems to out weigh my ability to stay balanced. When I find myself feeling that way, I try to remind myself that everything changes. One of the basic truths taught by the Buddha is that of impermanence. <b>Permanence is the grand illusion</b>. Hence, the good times never last and the bad times never last. Reminding oneself to stay aware is a little like trying to see the forest when you’re surrounded by trees. Perspective is required from time to time. All in all I am very <b>blessed to be able to do what I love to do in sharing music and ideas</b> with so many people. Consequently, I look forward to whatever 2014 brings. One needs to stay focused on savouring every moment this life has to offer.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><b>2013 was quite a year</b> starting with great shows like the Red Willow Coffee House, a myriad of private shows, farmer’s markets, dinner shows and pub gigs. The Release of The <a href="http://www.boodaboom.com/" target="_blank">BoodAbooM </a>album "<a href="https://itunes.apple.com/ca/album/the-answer/id663836968" target="_blank">The Answer - Songs of Theo Massop</a>" complete with <b>video releases</b> for the songs "Run" and "Not for me" and more. "<a href="http://youtu.be/C608QwHfo3M" target="_blank">Run</a>" was big fun with the <b>zombie apocalypse theme</b> brought to the table by my daughter Angela and video director Marius Tecumseh von Lohmann. "<a href="http://youtu.be/PcLNhtuMHR0" target="_blank">Not For Me</a>" featured "Pepper the feathered philosopher" giving us the Ok to be different set to a rocking <b>harmonica track</b>. Live performances, other bands and interviews cans be found on my <a href="http://www.youtube.com/theomassop/" target="_blank">YouTube</a> channel if you are interested. <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OvNeQ_L-gg0/UszdPtaze7I/AAAAAAAAAlE/r1jrFjJEw5I/s1600/Theo+RWCH+2013+02+08+tiny.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OvNeQ_L-gg0/UszdPtaze7I/AAAAAAAAAlE/r1jrFjJEw5I/s1600/Theo+RWCH+2013+02+08+tiny.jpg" height="320" width="278" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Red Willow Coffee House - Photo by Paul Jay</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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Solo, duo, trio and quartet in the band “<a href="http://www.reverbnation.com/hygrade4" target="_blank">Hygrade</a>”. The Hygrade band had a busy fall season as we shifted gears and picked up the pace. In the Hygrade band I play mostly harmonica to favourite <a href="http://youtu.be/OVGj_v8J5Xk" target="_blank">party rock songs</a>. Classics to current tunes including songs from the Black Keys and White Stripes which don’t have harmonica in the arrangement. <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-o03G3E4B7PQ/UszjEDNtBnI/AAAAAAAAAlU/LPpQgsh8d9A/s1600/_DSC4268+tiny.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-o03G3E4B7PQ/UszjEDNtBnI/AAAAAAAAAlU/LPpQgsh8d9A/s1600/_DSC4268+tiny.jpg" height="200" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hygrade in action - Photo by Paul Jay</td></tr>
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Big fun and a musical challenge for me. My fall season was made extra busy with a <b>weekly dinner show</b> in Nanaimo. I brought in guests for the first 12 weeks and closed the series off by performing the last few shows myself followed by an open mic till closing time. I compiled a video of some of the highlights of my fall dinner show series which covers <b>19 artist in 6 ½ Minutes</b>. Click <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4hxk9VdZFeU&feature=share&list=UUuRNW8Tm4gtO6ULns9yT1jA" target="_blank">here</a> to check it out. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">So far<b> 2014 is shaping up to be an interesting year</b>. The Hygrade band has plans to complete a recording project and shoot a video. Tentative shows for Hygrade are in the wind although details need to be confirmed. Gigs will be posted on the BoodAbooM web site along with my other solo and upcoming BoodAbooM shows. <b>January 20th</b> will be my first show of 2014 at the <a href="http://thequeens.ca/" target="_blank">Queens Hotel</a> in Nanaimo. <b>Acoustic Monday’s</b> are proving to be popular amongst Nanaimo-ites. I will be sharing the stage with <a href="http://www.reverbnation.com/jeffreyrandle" target="_blank">Jeffrey Randle</a>, <a href="http://www.glenfoster.ca/" target="_blank">Glen Foster</a> and <a href="http://www.reverbnation.com/shaunamcallister" target="_blank">Jupiter Jill</a>. Each of us will make a 45 minute musical offering. Tickets are $5 and will be available at the door as well as in <b>advance</b> at <a href="https://plus.google.com/106028517310362153923/about?gl=ca&hl=en" target="_blank">Fascinating Rhythms</a> and at the Queen's Hotel. All proceeds are going directly to the artist involved and each artist will have CD’s for sale as well. I hope you can come out and support this event.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Here’s hoping for a great year in 2014. Remember that radical changes never stick, so while the world needs some fixing, let’s nudge toward a better future one step at a time. I’m still a big believer in the idea that if we all<b> strive to be loving, kind, forgiving, truthful and respectful</b>, the world will become a better place. Wouldn’t it be great if we (humankind) could become the first species to evolve by <b>collaboration rather than domination and elimination</b>. Come out to one of my shows this year and let’s share the joy of music. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Namaste, Brother T </span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12551858334178495511noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7355733266674410695.post-11236485038685211212013-09-30T11:40:00.000-07:002013-09-30T11:40:28.911-07:00Busy times and crazy days<div dir="ltr" id="docs-internal-guid-529e417d-6feb-c051-e0f4-239988eafb60" style="line-height: 1.15; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Sad to see the <b>warmth of summer coming to an end</b>. The heavy rains are beginning to come here on Vancouver Island and they are wet indeed. <b>Mother nature’s way of reminding us</b> human beings that we live in a rain forest here on the island and we are no match for her power. <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PonlU2yUjZo/Ukm4rFNjRSI/AAAAAAAAAjk/zofFwttEFP8/s1600/Rain+Tiny.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PonlU2yUjZo/Ukm4rFNjRSI/AAAAAAAAAjk/zofFwttEFP8/s1600/Rain+Tiny.JPG" height="180" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Welcome to the "wet" coast.</td></tr>
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It’s all <b>cycles </b>though, so I really don’t mind too much. I’m simply not as charmed with winter as I am with the easy feeling of west coast summers.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">So I’ve been one busy little guitar strummer lately and that always makes me happy. Happy to be have been blessed with <b>the gift of music</b> in my life and the ability to share that joy with others. The <a href="http://www.harbourliving.ca/event/songwriter-showcase-at-the-corner-bistro/" target="_blank">Songwriter Showcase </a>dinner shows at the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/cornerbistronanaimo?fref=ts" target="_blank">Corner Bistro</a> have been great fun. Our first show was with outstanding local musician <b>Glen Foster</b>. I manage to capture a little of Glen’s performance on video and you can check that out at <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6YvqNEfp_1k&feature=share&list=UUuRNW8Tm4gtO6ULns9yT1jA" target="_blank">this link</a>. In week two, <b>Jeffrey Randle</b> and his bassist Nathan took the stage after my opening set. Again a great show, but this time I didn’t have my video camera, so no video folks. I had my camera with me for <b>Brian Hazelbower’s show</b> the following week, but pretty much every clip had someone speaking to me so there isn’t much that we’ll be able to post. Brian brought along his musical friend and co-writing partner Dave Studer, so the two of them gave us a fine performance. Fortunately for me I get to close out the evening for the audience after the feature has finished. A big house with a warmed up audience, what more could a <b>musical madman</b> like me ask for? So it’s been an absolute blast for me. Beside that I get a dinner to go at the end of the night and yum, yum.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Next week I am thrilled to have <b>Ira Pelltier</b> as my featured songwriter. Ira has a real bluegrass feel to his excellent tunesmith skills. A superb guitarist and mandolin player, he’s sure to give us a <b>spellbinding performance</b>. <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-F3REH2Xw0DQ/Ukm4YGs7AII/AAAAAAAAAjc/l3ISC_2L0F8/s1600/tiny+ira.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-F3REH2Xw0DQ/Ukm4YGs7AII/AAAAAAAAAjc/l3ISC_2L0F8/s1600/tiny+ira.jpg" height="320" width="238" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ira Pelletier</td></tr>
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The continuing Songwriter Showcase series is going to be bringing in some of our amazing local talent with the likes of Eliza Gardiner, Dave Kilbank, Henry Locke, Bobbi Schram, Birgit Kuit, Mark Crissinger and more. Every Wednesday evening I start the night off a little after 6 and bring on our featured songwriter for a hour long performance around 7PM. No cover charge for these dinner shows and the food is outstanding. <b>I hope you can take in some these presentations. </b>The Corner Bistro is located at #1-75 Front St. in Nanaimo.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">On the <a href="http://theomassop.com/boodaboom/" target="_blank">BoodAbooM</a> front, I have been exploring the possibility of engaging a management firm. I feel that it is in the best interest of all to be speaking to only one firm at a time. This does tend to slow the process, which in my case was further <b>impeded by our trusty snail mail</b>. One of my critical promo packages never made it to the destination and took 8 weeks to come back to me. Oh well, at least I was able to figure out the delay in getting a response from the entertainment firm I am dealing with. The next package went out with a tracking number so I know what’s going on.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">I have recently added a playlist to my <a href="http://www.youtube.com/theomassop/" target="_blank">YouTube</a> channel called “<b>Raw and organic</b>”. These are<b> videos </b>that have little or <b>no editing</b> and the soundtracks are absolutely live untouched recordings. Check out the live recording of the song “<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HlHi9Ch2Y6w&feature=share&list=UUuRNW8Tm4gtO6ULns9yT1jA" target="_blank">Be Still</a>”. This was taken during the summer of 2012 at an outdoor event. </span></div>
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As well you can now<b> listen to a few of the songs</b> from "The Answer" by BoodAbooM on <a href="https://soundcloud.com/theo-massop" target="_blank">Soundcloud</a>. If you wish to download either "<a href="https://itunes.apple.com/ca/album/the-answer/id663836968" target="_blank">The Answer</a>" or my previous album "<a href="https://itunes.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewAlbum?playListId=192634932" target="_blank">Choices</a>" they are available through links from my <a href="http://theomassop.com/boodaboom/" target="_blank">website</a> or at iTunes. (links on the album titles above) Links to on line <b>purchasing</b> of CD's are on my <a href="http://theomassop.com/boodaboom/" target="_blank">web page</a> as well.<br /><br />
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><b>Amongst the other shows I am playing</b>, I have also been booked for some private performances and will be returning to play at the<a href="https://www.facebook.com/lantzvillefarmersmarketsociety?fref=ts" target="_blank"> Lantzville Farmer’s Market </a>October 13th. I love the farmer’s market shows because they are so relaxed with a great bunch of people and it ends up more <b>like hanging out in someone’s kitchen</b> than a concert performance. It’s cool to be able to stop and chat with folks one on one. Last time I play the Lantzville Farmer’s Market, they sent me home with a bunch of yummy food and locally made products. Much appreciated.</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-spRBWulfl3Y/Ukm44qsrgSI/AAAAAAAAAjs/UMJeSC2OSUE/s1600/Hygrade+pst+2013+08+15++tiny.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-spRBWulfl3Y/Ukm44qsrgSI/AAAAAAAAAjs/UMJeSC2OSUE/s1600/Hygrade+pst+2013+08+15++tiny.JPG" height="320" width="194" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hygrade - Party Rock</td></tr>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">The <a href="http://www.reverbnation.com/hygrade4" target="_blank">Hygrade</a> band rocked the Ladysmith “Sporty” pub last month as well as kicking it out further north up the island at the Northgate pub. Both shows were well attended and huge fun for me as <b>I get to play harmonica to songs that don’t normally have harp in them</b>. Challenging for me as a harmonica player and I am glad to have a chance to exercise my harp skills. The Northgate has booked us back for October 26th and November 23rd with the promise of more to come. Hygrade will also be returning to the Sportsman Hotel in Ladysmith and I will be posting the date upon confirmation. Here’s a video of one of the first jam sessions I attended with this line up. “<a href="http://youtu.be/OVGj_v8J5Xk" target="_blank">New Orleans is Sinking</a>” from the Tragically Hip <b>done with a harmonica twist!</b></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">My friends from the <b>Nederlands jazz band</b> <a href="http://www.kogging.com/" target="_blank">Kogging </a>are returning to Canada for a fall tour and if you are a jazz fan do your best to attend one of their shows. A video sample of their last visit to Vancouver Island can be seen at <a href="http://youtu.be/u7MMiIUj9-s" target="_blank">this link</a>. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">So, what’s been <b>crawling under my skin</b>? This month I will shine this little light of mine on the invasion of private lives by internet snoopers and far too many prying eyes. In <b>2009</b> I took a job working for a company that contracted to a major cell phone provider. Yes, I have had to do more than just music from time to time in my life. A word to all young musicians, don’t be afraid of taking a job to make ends meet or find a way to pay for the next recording session. At that time I was <b>astonished to learn during the course of my training that all cell phone calls made in the USA boundaries were being recorded and stored in a massive database</b>. I didn’t think it could ever happen in Canada, but 4 years later the same scenario is big news on an international scale. Obama said, “<a href="http://www.theglobeandmail.com/commentary/washington-knows-what-you-do-online-and-canadians-arent-above-it/article12407753/" target="_blank">if you want security, you don’t get privacy</a>”. That somehow <b>seems imbalanced to me</b>. Between facial recognition software, massive unwarranted surveillance, facebook and gmail, the normal person doesn’t stand a chance should the powers of the day decide to make you look evil. Here is a link to an interesting article on the subject <a href="http://www.thestar.com/opinion/commentary/2013/09/23/can_citizens_roll_back_silent_army_of_watchers.html" target="_blank">from a Canadian viewpoint</a>. Also if you’d like to sign a petition against this kind of invasion,<a href="https://openmedia.ca/secretspying" target="_blank"> click here</a>.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">On a lighter note I would like to say <b>thanks to my international readers</b>. According to my ‘stats’ program this blog has been read in <b>27 different countries</b>. Pretty cool I’d say! Stay in touch with my musical endeavours by checking the <a href="http://theomassop.com/boodaboom/" target="_blank">BoodAbooM web site</a> and for the party rock cover band Hygrade you can also check the <a href="http://www.reverbnation.com/hygrade4" target="_blank">Hygrade web site</a>.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Remember that we all do well to <b>try and be loving, kind and forgiving with each other</b>. It’s one approach that can bring healing and change.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Brother T</span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12551858334178495511noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7355733266674410695.post-45254261835772458652013-08-30T14:45:00.000-07:002013-08-30T14:45:09.999-07:00M.I.A.? Nope, just gone video crazy!!<div dir="ltr" id="docs-internal-guid-2d425bf2-d0cd-1e95-a266-6de56b905884" style="line-height: 1.15; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Crazy days of summer are winding down as we can feel the autumn coming on. Maple trees are beginning to turn colour and the air is far more humid than it has been for the past three months. Speaking of which it’s been <b>nearly three months since I sat down to blog</b>. I have actually started a blog several times throughout the summer, but got swept away in the <b>tides of life</b>. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Normally I tend to spout off about what I find disturbing in the world with links to things that the mainstream media doesn’t want you to know about. For this blog I will dispense with the rantings and stick to the music. I do try to bring into the light only that which is <b>founded in truth</b>. That is why I always try to back up things with links to the source. It’s not that <a href="http://www.straight.com/blogra/402951/watch-anti-harper-ad-cbc-refuses-air" target="_blank">Steve’s</a> antics or his cousin puppet <a href="http://www.theglobeandmail.com/commentary/washington-knows-what-you-do-online-and-canadians-arent-above-it/article12407753/" target="_blank">Obama</a> haven’t stirred my ire, but so much has gone on in my <b>musical world</b> and that’s ‘mostly’ what this blog is focused on. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">So here’s my best attempt at a <b>recap of the last three months</b>. A lot of attention was paid to getting things ironed out with my new distributor. Thanks to the people at Indie Pool, the <a href="http://www.boodaboom.com/" target="_blank">BoodAbooM</a> album “The Answer” is available through a <a href="http://www.indie-pool.com/order/cart.asp?showCompany=1&winsize=" target="_blank">secure purchasing</a> portal and of course where would we be without <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/ca/album/the-answer/id663836968" target="_blank">iTunes</a>. There are still some things that are being worked out over at Indie Pool and it would have likely been easier to stick with CD Baby as I did for the “<a href="http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/theomassop" target="_blank">Choices</a>” album. Both companies have their advantages and disadvantages, the problem is disadvantages are not usually discovered until after the deal is done. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">There has been a <b>whole lot of video</b> getting done since my last blog entry. The video for the song “<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C608QwHfo3M&feature=share&list=UUuRNW8Tm4gtO6ULns9yT1jA" target="_blank">Run</a>” was done back in June. Shot in the <b>backwoods of Vancouver Island</b> we choose a remote location since there was to be <b>shot guns</b> fired off, <b>flash bombs</b> and a lot of zombie characters running around. For most of the videos I’ve done there is usually only a handful of people. In this case we had a lot of bodies running around and doing things. Jeffrey Randle joined me in the shooting of the “Run” video for the musical portion and director Marius Von Lohmann did the headless chicken routine directing the actors, setting up scenes and zipping around with the camera. Also, this is the first time I've let anyone else take control of the script for my videos. Check it out and tell me what you think. We felt a little <b>tongue in cheek</b> approach offset the more serious subject matter of the song. <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Q53ZrHWvm9o/UiEPgR2NM_I/AAAAAAAAAik/rhUnCWa6e2g/s1600/934712_10201393517539470_495325015_n(1)+tiny.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Q53ZrHWvm9o/UiEPgR2NM_I/AAAAAAAAAik/rhUnCWa6e2g/s1600/934712_10201393517539470_495325015_n(1)+tiny.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Shooting Zombie video for "Run"</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">I went a little video crazy after that and produced another video on my own. I had been pondering on how to present the song “<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PcLNhtuMHR0&feature=share&list=UUuRNW8Tm4gtO6ULns9yT1jA" target="_blank">Not For Me</a>” in it’s video form when a little experimenting lead me to featuring “<b>Pepper the feathered philosopher</b>”, along with some video taken in the studio during the recording of the <b>BoodAbooM</b> album. Again a bit of a humourous tact and a lot of fun. I must admit that lip sync is much harder with someone who has no lips! </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">The <b>video madness</b> didn’t stop there as I rediscovered some clips from previous concerts and shows I’ve performed at and began a series on my <a href="http://www.youtube.com/theomassop" target="_blank">YouTube channel</a> called “<b>Raw and Organic</b>”. I’ve posted a video clip on myself and <a href="http://www.marisha.ca/index.html" target="_blank">Marisha Devoin</a> playing the song “<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OyHDo_GzgqQ&feature=share&list=UUuRNW8Tm4gtO6ULns9yT1jA" target="_blank">Living Peacefully</a>” from my BoodAbooM album “<a href="https://itunes.apple.com/ca/album/the-answer/id663836968" target="_blank">The Answer</a>”. Just the upright bass, guitar and voices in this stripped down version. No editing, no digital wizardry, just <b>straight from the heart</b> raw and organic performances. Check back on my YouTube channel as there are more of these “live” videos coming soon. To hear the studio version of “<b>Living Peacefully</b>”, check the sample tracks on my <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/ca/album/the-answer/id663836968" target="_blank">iTunes</a> site. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">During the <b>summer of 1988</b> I was fortunate enough to have one of my songs reach the #1 position for Canadians on the RPM Weekly Adult Contemporary charts. “The Voyager” was the title song from my album which had already seen action with the songs “Lot On My Mind” and “Mephisto Waltz” from that collection. At the same time as “The Voyager” was playing in every major market in Canada, my distributor of the time lost every piece of inventory they had at the warehouse. So while the title track was receiving great reviews and radio support, I had nothing on the shelves to sell. A year later my vinyl and cassettes were discovered during an inventory. They had the wrong numbers on the outside of the boxes and hence were continually overlooked. A year after the album had run it’s course, the inventory represented far less value.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Still I am <b>grateful for the radio exposure and the chart numbers</b>. Digging through the archives I decided to compile a video for this song as well. So check out this very “late 80’s” sounding rendition of “<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jnRCfu67xyM&feature=share&list=UUuRNW8Tm4gtO6ULns9yT1jA" target="_blank">The Voyager</a>”, my A/C hit from 1988.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Beyond the world of video, I have been performing throughout the summer at various gigs and open mic nites. I like the open mics because not only is it an “audience building” experience, but the social aspect of hanging with your musical peers and meeting music enthusiasts is fantastic. The people you meet and the sharing of ideas is amazing. <b>Jeffrey Randle joined me for a few shows</b> including a private hall “pub night” and the “<a href="http://www.nanoosebayartinthegarden.com/" target="_blank">Nanoose Art in the Garden</a>” festival which was also a fundraiser for the local food bank. Just prior to the “Arts Festival” show, Jeffrey also joined me in support for an interview / performance video segment we did with <b>Shaw Cable TV</b>. Kait Burgan conducted the interview which can be seen here at this<a href="http://youtu.be/t6nlyscXBJA" target="_blank"> link</a>. <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZRMhVNQALOU/UiERWHaSUVI/AAAAAAAAAi4/OoJ6NU9VncA/s1600/Jeffrey+Randle+tiny.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZRMhVNQALOU/UiERWHaSUVI/AAAAAAAAAi4/OoJ6NU9VncA/s1600/Jeffrey+Randle+tiny.JPG" height="320" width="256" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jeffrey Randle</td></tr>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">I’ve done a couple of shows at the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/cornerbistronanaimo?fref=ts" target="_blank">Corner Bistro</a> which is a new establishment in a renovated familiar location. Phil from the Corner Lounge has taken on 75 Front Street in Nanaimo and turned it into a <b>top rate Bistro</b> with incredible cuisine, roomy surroundings, great service and a focus on live entertainment. Being a bistro also means that minors are welcome, as long as they don’t indulge in alcohol libations available from the full service bar. It has been <b>mostly music shows</b> so far, although I know that Phil is planning to host a <b>comedy night as well</b>. Who couldn't use a good laugh every now and then!</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">As for me, plans are to be hosting a series of “<b>Singer / Songwriter Showcase</b>” nights starting on September 11th at the <b>Corner Bistro</b>. Starting a little after 6, I will open an evening of music after which I will bring on an <b>invited guest for an hour concert</b> of songs and stories from their respective albums. All of the invited guests are <b>recording artists</b> with CD releases starting with <a href="http://www.reverbnation.com/glenfosterfalcon" target="_blank">Glen Foster</a> on the 11th, <a href="http://www.reverbnation.com/jeffreyrandle" target="_blank">Jeffrey Randle</a> on the 18th, <a href="http://www.reverbnation.com/brianhazelbower" target="_blank">Brian Hazelbower</a> on the 25th and <a href="https://myspace.com/irapelletier" target="_blank">Ira Pelletier</a> on October 2nd. After their concert I will close the night out. It should prove to be a great dining and musical experience for the patrons and audience in attendance. <b>September 20th</b> I will be taking the stage with a <b>party rock cover band</b> that I joined called <b>Hygrade</b>. We are working on getting our ‘web presence’ in order, but these things do take time. The <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/382866975173008/" target="_blank">Hygrade</a> band is a four piece ensemble, but we are all busy campers managing other careers and endeavours. <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-N7J3S5toDHU/UiEP-u3DP1I/AAAAAAAAAis/HnfMOyHZHb8/s1600/Hygrade+pst+2013+08+15++tiny.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-N7J3S5toDHU/UiEP-u3DP1I/AAAAAAAAAis/HnfMOyHZHb8/s1600/Hygrade+pst+2013+08+15++tiny.JPG" height="320" width="194" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me and the boys in the band</td></tr>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">The show takes place at the <b>Sportsman Hotel in Ladysmith</b>. The twist with this band is that I sing only a few songs while drummer Dean Doyle ( part of the BoodAbooM family ) takes the lion’s share of the lead vocals. We play all the party time <b>rock favourites with a twist, tons of harmonica</b> on songs that don’t usually have harp on them. Here’s a “raw and organic” video of an early jam we had on the Tragically Hip tune “<a href="http://youtu.be/OVGj_v8J5Xk" target="_blank">New Orleans is Sinking</a>” to give you an idea. Come on out and see what else we have in store for you. I am belting out a few songs a night which is fun for me as I don’t always include songs from “The Black Keys” in my solo / duo shows. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Ok, I’m over shooting my word count so let me leave you with these links to ponder. Sad to hear that <a href="http://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/singer-songwriter-jj-cale-dead-at-74-20130727" target="_blank">J.J. Cale passed</a>, Greta (my sweetie) and I saw him perform many years ago in Victoria. A treasured memory. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">A statistic most aren’t aware of, in 2009 over <a href="http://www.ufcw.ca/index.php?option=com_multicategories&view=article&id=2433%3Aby-the-numbers-income-distribution-and-the-poverty-line&Itemid=98%E2%8C%A9=en" target="_blank">50% of Canadians</a> were living on or below the “<b>low income cut off</b>”. That’s the more semantically soft version of “the poverty line”. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><b>Not sure if Canadians realize</b> that the <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B999I4Hl15E" target="_blank">Snowden / NSA</a> fiasco is not just a USA modus operandi. In Canada we have our own snoopers at the <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.ca/desmog-canada/modern-surveillance-in-canada_b_3713975.html" target="_blank">CESA</a>. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">A 2 minute <b>brilliant discourse</b> from author Robert Anton Wilson on <a href="http://youtu.be/_OvUJpm6L9o" target="_blank">belief systems</a>, even your own. Check what he says about everyone’s B.S.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">And finally, I’m not sure if I’ve ever heard a better <b>social commentary</b> than this on “<a href="http://youtu.be/UKUZ42T9diU" target="_blank">Why everything sucks</a>”. <b>Craig Ferguson</b> is a very funny man, but in this 3 minute clip he delivers a very brilliant observation on today’s world in his own hilarious way.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Let me end as always with a reminder to be mindful of others. Do your best and strive to approach every situation from the standpoint of loving kindness and forgiveness. Conquer hate with love, evil with good, falsehood with truth. Let’s <b>bring the humane back into the human</b> being.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Until next time, Brother T</span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12551858334178495511noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7355733266674410695.post-16886145831740920782013-06-09T17:06:00.000-07:002013-06-09T17:06:21.025-07:00The bee apocalypse, zombies, new video, songwriters circle, The Answer, perception & deception<div dir="ltr" id="docs-internal-guid-41d9850e-29d8-858e-aeeb-ec96255a556e" style="line-height: 1.15; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Wow,<b>
time flies</b> and stuff happens. Not sure where I left off in the
continuing saga of Theo Massop and the <a href="http://www.boodaboom.com/" target="_blank">BoodAbooM</a> project, but here I am
back at the blog. That as well as the long list of injustices, political
mismanagement, strange events, stupidity and other things that my
vision has scanned over morning coffee at my laptop has <b>inspired</b> me to
put fingers on keyboard again.</span></div>
<br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"></span><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.15; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">I’ll leave the annoyances of the world at large till the later part of my blog and concentrate of the music for now. </span></div>
<br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"></span><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.15; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Somehow
in my <b>wild and crazy</b> brain, I thought it would take about three weeks
from the beginning of May to have everything in place and have the discs
/ downloads readily available. Well, I’m nearly there. Four weeks have
past since that brave and foolish announcement with loose ends still
needing to be tidied up. My friend <a href="http://www.reverbnation.com/brianhazelbower" target="_blank">Brian Hazelbower</a> had a good laugh
about that last night as I was waving one of my newly manufactured discs
“The Answer” by BoodAbooM in the air at the Nanaimo <b>Songwriters Circle</b>.
This gathering comes around once a month and is held in a very informal
manner at the Oak St. Manor in Nanaimo. A <b>friendly gathering</b> of
musicians of all skill levels to sing our new songs, tell stories and
share music. The only criteria is that you perform your own
compositions. Although my schedule rarely allows time to attend, I still
get there when I can. Great people, great fun. A similar event is also
held in the <a href="http://www.cvsongcircle.ca/" target="_blank">Comox Valley</a> where <a href="http://www.helenaustin.com/" target="_blank">Helen Austin</a> is the host.</span></div>
<br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sufsl7ni1Jk/UYqMelHi_SI/AAAAAAAAAgE/tiXrvA0R8DE/s1600/boodaboom_theanswer+small+for+blog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sufsl7ni1Jk/UYqMelHi_SI/AAAAAAAAAgE/tiXrvA0R8DE/s1600/boodaboom_theanswer+small+for+blog.jpg" height="318" width="320" /></a></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.15; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">CD’s of "<b>The Answer</b>" have been manufactured with some in the Toronto warehouse and some
discs on the west coast. I will let everyone know once all the links to
purchase sites, streaming and downloads have been properly established.
CD’s of “The Answer” by <b>BoodAbooM</b> will also be available at HMV stores
across Canada. If you’re interested in a BoodAbooM <b>tee shirt</b> (see
previous blog), they are $20.00 Canadian plus shipping. Send me an email
at <a href="mailto:boodaboomband@gmail.com">boodaboomband@gmail.com</a> and we’ll make the arrangements to get you
one or more. </span></div>
<br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"></span><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.15; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">In
amongst the pandemonium of life, sorting out distribution details,
planning promotional campaigns and mowing the grass (not exciting, but
it needs to get done), we’ve managed to squeeze in a video shoot. The
<b>first video</b> for a tune from “The Answer” by BoodAbooM was “<a href="http://youtu.be/cdS-BUn8a8U" target="_blank">Another Sunny Day</a>”. This coming video is for the song “Run” and was directed by
video-tographer, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/marius.vonlohmann" target="_blank">Marius TV Lohmann</a>. It was an exchange or bartering of
<b>intellectual skills</b>. I wrote a song for a series being created by Marius
and his colleagues call “<a href="http://youtu.be/BJK0USncg78" target="_blank">Project Paintball</a>” . He wanted a theme song
with <b>particular parameters</b> and I was able to write, record and deliver
it for him. In exchange Marius offered to shoot a video for one of the
songs from my upcoming album. To my fellow musicians in this area I will
mention, Marius is available for hire if you like what you see in my
new video. <b>We chose the song “Run”</b>, a relationship song reflecting the
“<b>fight or flight</b>” response born into all of us. This tune also features
the voice of <a href="http://tinajonesmusic.com/" target="_blank">Tina Jones</a> singing a duet harmony with me. Marius, along
with my daughter Angela, came up with a storyline that elicited the
response “really???” from me. <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HIGEga4xjCM/UbTDCbofcsI/AAAAAAAAAgw/lmYSvuWF5qA/s1600/Zomibes+eat+grains.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HIGEga4xjCM/UbTDCbofcsI/AAAAAAAAAgw/lmYSvuWF5qA/s1600/Zomibes+eat+grains.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I was safe, no brains. Jeffery couldn't resist the cookies .</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Once I understood my role in the story, I
was greatly relieved that I wouldn’t have to undergo major makeup. It
makes me snicker a little everytime I discuss the video or think about
it, because in my personal life I never watch movies about zombies,
werewolves, vampires or anything like that. It’s fine and I understand
that it is “just entertainment”, but not usually something I indulge in.
That being said, no one except perhaps Canadian politician <a href="http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/politics/canada-is-zombie-free-conservatives-assure-ndp/article8616302/" target="_blank">John Baird</a>,
really believes we are going to have a “<b>zombie apocalypse</b>”. Yes folks,
the next video for the BoodAbooM album is themed around a “zombie
apocalypse”. It is all tongue in cheek as they say and it was huge fun
putting it together. All of the <b>actors and actresses were fantastic</b>. The
makeup was amazing as we had some master zombie creators and makeup
artists working with us. Marius managed to find the right people to fill
the roles of the militia protecting the remaining humans. Thanks to all
for their outstanding portrayal of their assigned characters. <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sK5s2tBOCZk/UbUXEytwqAI/AAAAAAAAAhA/X17fVaCqDA4/s1600/Wingnut+scaled.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sK5s2tBOCZk/UbUXEytwqAI/AAAAAAAAAhA/X17fVaCqDA4/s1600/Wingnut+scaled.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Travis "Wingnut" English, one of the actors</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<a href="http://www.reverbnation.com/jeffreyrandle" target="_blank">Jeffery Randle</a> joined me in the scenes where I am singing the human
encampment, banging on the djembe while we’re hanging around the militia
guys waiting for supplies. <b>Flash bombs, zombies, military types, rifles
and 4x4’s</b>, all cool stuff that makes for a fun video. That’s as much as
I will reveal for now and the next blog will include links to our mini
movie.</span></div>
<br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"></span><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.15; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">I’m
pushing the 700 word mark so let me try to round this up as quickly as
possible. First, a big thanks to all those who help get “The Answer” by
BoodAbooM it’s <b>first chart action</b> hitting #1 for the week of <a href="http://chly.ca/top-30-albums-for-the-week-ending-may14-2013/" target="_blank">May 14th</a>,
sustaining at #3 week of <a href="http://chly.ca/top-30-for-the-week-ending-june-4-2013/" target="_blank">June 4th</a> at <a href="http://chly.ca/" target="_blank">CHLY</a> in Nanaimo. Next I would like
to say that I have a lot of readers from <b>Russia, the USA and all around
the world</b> as well as Canada, also a big thanks to you. So with due
respect, please understand that the next set of issues and links are
merely me shining a <b>spotlight</b> of some of the things that have crossed my
path. People are people, we are all basically the same. Politicians
also seem to vary little from country to country. To me they look like a
<b>bunch of bungling bozos</b> with their hands in the pockets of the working
class, while big business pulls the puppet strings and dictates the
politicians actions. Just my humble opinion of course. </span></div>
<br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"></span><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.15; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Here’s
some of the things that make me feel that way. <a href="http://www.eutimes.net/2013/05/russia-warns-obama-global-war-over-bee-apocalypse-coming-soon/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+TheEuropeanUnionTimes+%28The+European+Union+Times%29&utm_content=Yahoo!+Mail" target="_blank">Russia is mad</a> at the USA
because of Omaha’s continued protection of biogenetic / chemical
giants, companies like Sygenta, Monsanto, Bayer, Dow and Dupont. Russia
is gravely concerned over the coming “<b>bee apocalypse</b>”. This one’s real,
unlike my coming zombie video. </span></div>
<br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"></span><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.15; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">A<a href="http://www.commondreams.org/view/2013/05/15-7" target="_blank"> report </a>I read recently talked about a <b>82 year old</b> Catholic nun who
along with a 57 and 63 year old pacifist broke into a nuclear weapons
manufacturing facility in Tennessee in order to protest war and
violence. It was a <b>passive protest</b> where they actually waited to be
arrested for their deed. The charges should have amounted to a
misdemeanor fetching up to a year in prison and a $100,000 dollar fine.
In five months the charges were ramped up to terrorism and all three are
facing up to 35 years in prison. At 82 it pretty much guarantees <b>the
nun will die imprisoned</b>. This while <a href="http://www.cbc.ca/news/world/story/2013/05/01/f-q-a-trevor-aaronson.html?cmp=rss" target="_blank">another report</a> from Canada's CBC claims that the <b>FBI
fabricates</b> and perpetuates more <b>terrorist acts</b> than any other
organization. </span></div>
<br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"></span><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.15; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Meanwhile
in Canada, <b>corporate puppet Stephen Harper</b> gets away with <a href="http://niagaraatlarge.com/2012/04/02/canadas-electoral-fraud-scandal-should-make-watergate-pale-by-comparison/" target="_blank">election fraud</a> while feeding his big business buddies <a href="http://www.cbc.ca/news/business/story/2012/04/30/bank-bailout-ccpa.html" target="_blank">114 billion dollars</a> of
<b>taxpayers money</b> in 2009. After all, it was a rough year. It works out to about $3400 for every Canadian citizen. That’s ok
though, because Stevie is pushing hard for the success of the Alberta
(his home province)<b> tar sands oil</b>. This despite the <a href="http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2013/may/08/academics-canada-tar-sands-production?CMP=twt_gu" target="_blank">academics warning</a> us
about the <b>catastrophic</b> climate change that this practise could create. </span></div>
<br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"></span><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.15; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">In
Rome, <b>the Pope</b> is <a href="http://m.smh.com.au/world/pope-blames-tyranny-of-capitalism-for-making-people-miserable-20130517-2jru9.html" target="_blank">blaming</a> <b>human misery and suffering</b> on the world
capitalist focus. Interesting considering my brother <b>Joe Massop</b> a
<b>Baptist minister</b>, recently <b>visited the Vatican</b> where he was appalled by
the incredible poverty which exists outside the city walls paradoxically
set against the opulence and decadence on display inside. Joe was<b> asked
to leave</b> when questioning one of the priests why more resources were
not directed to immediate help for the poor and hungry, rather than
keeping the money in gold and jeweled trinkets for tourist to come see. </span></div>
<br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"></span><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.15; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Something
a little more cheery was a <a href="http://www.wakingtimes.com/2012/05/02/how-trees-communicate-video/" target="_blank">video</a> I came across in which a <b>University of
British Columbia</b> forestry researcher talks about her <b>discovery</b> of <b>
communication between trees</b> in the forest. Apparently the trees help
each other by communicating through roots systems with the help of
certain types of fungus. It <b>lends credence to the idea that everything
is connected</b> and we have so much yet to learn when it comes to the
mysteries of life. </span></div>
<br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"></span><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.15; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Despite
the many injustices and problems in the world today, as individuals we
can start to effect change by approaching everything from <b>the standpoint
of loving kindness</b> even when dealing with adversity. Not easy to do,
but possible with practise. <b>Be good to each other</b> as much as possible.
That’s how we begin to make the world a better place.</span></div>
<br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"></span><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.15; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Brother T</span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12551858334178495511noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7355733266674410695.post-42023313310544362232013-05-08T11:36:00.000-07:002013-05-08T11:36:03.656-07:00The BoodAbooM album, video, tee shirts, Juno Awards, change and the erosion of free speech<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sufsl7ni1Jk/UYqMelHi_SI/AAAAAAAAAgE/tiXrvA0R8DE/s1600/boodaboom_theanswer+small+for+blog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sufsl7ni1Jk/UYqMelHi_SI/AAAAAAAAAgE/tiXrvA0R8DE/s1600/boodaboom_theanswer+small+for+blog.jpg" height="318" width="320" /></a></div>
<div dir="ltr" id="docs-internal-guid-7ed0bcf9-84f9-c212-4bb5-68fdc1a6758f" style="line-height: 1.15; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">As
May begins and the <b>spring brings new growth</b>, things are still bubbling
along on the BoodAbooM front. Distribution and who to go with for
manufacturing has been a process to be reckoned with. There are a lot of
considerations and while “<a href="http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/theomassop" target="_blank">Choices</a>” will remain with CD Baby for
distribution at least for now, “The Answer” by BoodAbooM will be handled
by Indiepool. One of the big reasons is because Indiepool is a Canadian
company offering the same services as what are otherwise American
firms. So as this blog is being written, <b>the wheels are in motion</b> to
have CD’s available in about three weeks.</span></div>
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"></span><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.15; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">The
BoodAbooM tee shirts have been manufactured and look great! It was a
push to get them in time for the show in Port Alberni April 19th and I
was happy to find an accommodating company to do the deed. <a href="http://www.marisha.ca/" target="_blank">Marisha Devion</a> joined me for this performance playing her upright acoustic bass.
It was a real treat for me as Marisha has a great ability to fill out
the sound of a duo with sweet harmonies and a nice percussive approach
when needed with her <b>massive upright bass</b>. I hope to do more shows with
Marisha in the future. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zlLoHm7f8QU/UYqMM_qedMI/AAAAAAAAAf4/zLqHI2B27u0/s1600/Tee+Shirt+pic+tiny.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zlLoHm7f8QU/UYqMM_qedMI/AAAAAAAAAf4/zLqHI2B27u0/s1600/Tee+Shirt+pic+tiny.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
If anyone is interested in buying a <b>BoodAbooM tee
shirt</b>, send me an email and I will personally contact you to work out
the details. For that matter you can also send me any comments regarding
this blog or whatever at boodaboomband@gmail.com <br />
<br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"></span><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.15; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">The<b>
first video</b> from “The Answer” has been posted on my <a href="http://www.youtube.com/theomassop/" target="_blank">Youtube</a> site. The
song “<a href="http://youtu.be/cdS-BUn8a8U" target="_blank">Another Sunny Day</a>”, our inaugural visual offering, reflects on the
cycles of life and this world. A funny little side note is that
“Another Sunny Day” was actually written on a rainy summer day knowing
that the sunshine was right around the corner. The road of life, the
cycle of seasons, the day, the night and that ever forward driving
motion of striving for a better tomorrow. Check out the video and let me
know what you think.</span></div>
<br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"></span><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.15; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">As
much as I regard award shows in the entertainment business with some
disdain, I found this year’s <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.ca/2013/04/21/juno-awards-backstage-win_n_3129417.html?utm_hp_ref=canada-music&ncid=edlinkusaolp00000008" target="_blank">Juno Awards</a> quite entertaining. The old
joke is they are called the Juno Awards because people watching the show
say, “who’s that? Juno who that is? I dunno?”. Not quite that way
anymore with the likes of <b>Carly Rae Jepsen</b> on the younger side and <b>KD
Lang</b> on the established side represented at the awards show. Artist like
those along with <b>Justin Bieber</b>, <b>Diana Krall</b>, <b>Rush</b> and <b>The Tragically
Hip</b> to mention a few have certainly heightened the profile of Canadian
artist internationally. <b>Michael Buble</b> was a fine host with some funny
antics and of course his golden voice. <b>Serena Ryder</b> was pretty good with
her anticipated “Stompa” and I thought it was cool when Serena
accompanied <b>Billy Talent </b>for a tune. I enjoyed watching KD Lang get her
“hall of famer” status and again, the presentation from <b>Anne Murray</b> was
excellent. I expected the absence of <b>Stompin’ Tom</b> references as he was
<a href="http://www.cbc.ca/news/arts/story/2013/04/17/junos-stompin-tom.html" target="_blank">not a supporter</a> of the Juno awards, the academy in general or how the
music industry conducts itself. He was truly a rebel and a Canadian icon
that will be missed. My eldest brother Gerry was a music journalist who
interviewed Stompin’ Tom and considered that amongst his most treasured
moments in the journalistic field. One thing that did surprise me was
that there wasn’t a greater tribute to our other great loss in Canadian
music, <b>Rita MacNeil</b>. I believe there was a mention, but I expected more
given the stature of this amazing talent. Rita was another who typified
Canadiana. <a href="http://globalnews.ca/news/500177/rita-macneils-last-wish-to-rest-in-a-teapot/" target="_blank">Rita</a> and <a href="http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/story/2013/03/13/stompin-tom-memorial.html" target="_blank">Tom</a> will both leave a great void in the Canadian
musical landscape. </span></div>
<br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"></span><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.15; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Not
a part of the Canadian music scene, but a <b>great loss to the world of
music</b> is the passing of <a href="http://www.guardian.co.uk/music/2013/apr/23/richie-havens" target="_blank">Richie Havens</a>. At the cusp of my adolescent
years, I remember being blown away by his spirited performance of
“<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W5aPBU34Fyk" target="_blank">Motherless Child</a>” in the Woodstock movie. Imitating his style, I would
wail away like a wounded puppy in my mother’s basement pounding the poop
out of my brother’s acoustic guitar. Richie showed me how to just let
it flow. Brother Bert taught me that pick marks on his Gibson was not
cool.</span></div>
<b><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"></span></b><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.15; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><b>Beyond
the music</b> there have been a lot of things in this world <b>rattling the
chains</b> of my being. The <b>tightening control</b> on the last vestige of <a href="http://worldtruth.tv/government-orders-youtube-to-censor-protest-videos/" target="_blank">free speech</a> and dissemination of truthful information without the risk of
that information being filtered by the powers in control. What does that
mean? The Internet is constantly under attack, either directly or
indirectly. <b>Freedom of speech</b> is <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.ca/adam-kingsmith/the-slow-and-painful-deat_b_2946418.html" target="_blank">being eroded</a>. The recent attacks at the
<b>Boston Marathon</b> have come <a href="http://www.storyleak.com/boston-marathon-eyewitness-confirms-drill/" target="_blank">under</a> <a href="http://www.hlntv.com/video/2012/11/29/battleground-training-amputee-actors" target="_blank">suspicion</a> in true <a href="http://www.fromthetrenchesworldreport.com/are-you-just-a-believer-or-do-you-think/41807" target="_blank">9-11 fashion</a> while
the mainstream internet feeds and the <b>evening news</b> spin and <a href="http://blog.al.com/live/2013/04/boston_marathon_explosion_univ.html" target="_blank">entirely different picture</a>. Our controlling political party, <b>Stephen Harper</b> and
his Torie buddies miss placing <a href="http://news.nationalpost.com/2013/04/30/government-cant-account-for-3-1b-allocated-to-public-safety-and-anti-terrorism-auditor-generals-reports-says/" target="_blank">3.1 billion dollars</a> and having a hard
time figuring out where it went. I had heard yesterday that Stevie baby
has said it’s all a misunderstanding. So much for transparent politics
and honest government.</span></div>
<br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"></span><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.15; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">I
have often alluded to how <b>radical change</b> has less of a chance becoming
the standard than does <b>incremental change</b>. One thing is blatantly
obvious and that is that <b>the world needs change</b>. Feed the rich and
forget the poor is not working folks. <b>Change is inevitable </b>and sooner would be better than later
because things appear to be falling apart. I’ve started reading a book
about and called “<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peace_Pilgrim" target="_blank">Peace Pilgrim</a>, her life and work in her own words”.
Her message was simple, if we wish to achieve world peace we have to
start with finding inner peace. A good place to start the change I’d
say. So I leave behind the thoughts of bungling bozos in politics,
eroding freedoms, and flying falsehoods, having shined the light of
blogging on the issues. Now I will return to <b>seeking inner peace</b> and
striving for the ability to approach the world from a standpoint of
<b>loving kindness</b>.</span></div>
<br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"></span><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.15; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Nudging my way to a better day.</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.15; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Brother T</span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12551858334178495511noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7355733266674410695.post-17280330043669831462013-04-12T17:28:00.000-07:002013-04-12T18:14:34.095-07:00Party at the pub, the next concert, big banks and bully politics<div dir="ltr" id="internal-source-marker_0.01089988817423082" style="line-height: 1.15; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Dean
Doyle and I had big fun playing the <a href="http://www.landlubberpub.ca/" target="_blank">Landlubber pub</a> on March 30th. We
have worked together in various line ups in the past including
performing as a duo, but this was the first time we took it to the pub
for a <b>party night</b> of favourites and cover tunes. As anyone who’s ever
been to my performances would know, I always play some of my own tunes
so the night was “mostly” cover songs. We even threw in a Black Keys
cover and witnessed one of the patrons doing the “lonely boy” dance.
Playing the pub was very different from the duo gigs we’ve done in the
past. It was really cool for me because in the musical sense it is
pretty raw and naked. A circumstance like this dictates that the
musicians be extremely in tune with each other in terms of <b>syncopation
and groove</b>. Listening to your partner becomes critical and mistakes
become glaring so there is very little wiggle room. I couldn’t help but
recall my previous guitar / drums duo with Peter Scheibel, my spiritual
brother and fellow musician. We played a bunch of gigs under the
monicker of the “Tea Pad Revue”, including “Bathtub Weekend” in Nanaimo
during the 80’s when the bathtub race was quite the big deal.
Admittingly the room was on the shadier side of town, but we really
loved it down there and the nights were rocking. I’m usually not one to
reminisce, although I will admit that Peter who also sang harmony on the
“Choices” album passed in 2007 and rarely does a day go by where he
doesn’t cross my mind. Again, the only thing constant is change.
Permanence is <b>the grand illusion</b>. The pub night was a huge success and
you never know, we may even do it again sometime.<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Fh8pW9MUdGI/UWif15MD6OI/AAAAAAAAAfk/3IN-KesJEik/s1600/Dean+and+Theo+Tiny+at+LLP+2013+03+30.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Fh8pW9MUdGI/UWif15MD6OI/AAAAAAAAAfk/3IN-KesJEik/s1600/Dean+and+Theo+Tiny+at+LLP+2013+03+30.jpg" height="202" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dean and I at the Landlubber Pub Photo by Paul Jay</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</span></div>
<br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"></span><br />
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.15; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">April
19th will see myself and <a href="http://www.marisha.ca/" target="_blank">Marisha Devoin</a> performing under the <a href="http://www.boodaboom.com/" target="_blank">BoodAbooM</a>
banner for the first official concert featuring all 12 of the songs from
“The Answer”, my <b>recently completed album</b>. As of the writing of this
blog I am still frantically trying to get Cd’s and tee shirts
manufactured in time for the performance. It looks good to get them in
time right now, although I don’t want to count chickens until the eggs
have hatched. Still ironing out details surrounding distribution and
available services for the promotion of BoodAbooM’s first album, “<b>The
Answer</b>” which is my personal third collection of songs to be released as an album. <a href="http://www.charslanding.com/" target="_blank">Char’s landing</a> where we will be performing is a really sweet venue up in
Port Alberni. The building is a converted church that is now an arts
centre for the community. From painters to poets, dance to touring
musical acts, Char’s is proving to be a <b>cultural gold mine</b> for Port
Alberni. This will be Marisha’s inaugural BoodAbooM performance and
hopefully the first of many to come. Marisha is an internationally
travelled musician who is one of the finest bassist in our area. Here is
a <a href="http://youtu.be/KnNm0teXqZw" target="_blank">video link</a> to her jamming with the great <b>Victor Wooten</b> at a recent
Gabriola Island performance. She and I started working together a few
years back under the “Theo Massop Trio” moniker, but Marisha left to
tour with “Kings Without”. Her incredible talents have taken her through
a myriad of styles and stages, cruise ships and concerts. I am so
pleased to be sharing the stage with her for the upcoming show.<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4RqsvGN7Moc/UWifhdvcIeI/AAAAAAAAAfc/3q5blla-l9w/s1600/561310_10151599167696103_68294837_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4RqsvGN7Moc/UWifhdvcIeI/AAAAAAAAAfc/3q5blla-l9w/s1600/561310_10151599167696103_68294837_n.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Checking things out at Char's Landing </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</span></div>
<br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">I
had convinced myself that this new blog would be void of<b> political
rantings and raving</b> about things that seem misguided to me. Things that
make me want to say, “that’s just not right!”. It’s hard not to do that
and I now understand why my eldest brother Gerry took to writing as an
advocate for the challenged in his later years of journalism. Sometimes
things crawl under your skin and you simply have to<b> raise your voice</b> in
hopes of being heard. </span></div>
<br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"></span><br />
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.15; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">I
hate to keep hammering on the<b> Harper hijinx</b>, but Stevie baby seems to
continually be crapping on Canadians. Under the leadership (if you can
call it that) of this Prime Minister, the international respect Canada
once held is being <a href="http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/opinion/westview/harperites-undermine-democracy-201575301.html" target="_blank">completely eroded</a>. We are looking bad on global
<a href="http://www.theglobeandmail.com/commentary/its-not-just-the-drought-treaty-in-international-law-canada-has-withered/article10549743/" target="_blank">environmental efforts</a> and Mr. Harper is being accused of making a
<b>mockery of democracy</b>. It’s no wonder Stephen Harper is being criticized
when you look at his treatment of his own people, yes we the Canadians.
He <a href="http://metronews.ca/news/canada/626108/federal-government-admits-it-approved-request-for-foreign-workers-to-replace-rbc-employees/" target="_blank">signs off</a> on giving away Canadians jobs, as in the <a href="http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/story/2013/04/05/bc-rbc-foreign-workers.html?cmp=rss" target="_blank">RBC case</a>, to
foreign workers while sending our own qualified people to the
unemployment lines. This in the name of <b>greater profitability</b>. The big
banks are already <a href="http://business.financialpost.com/2013/02/04/rbc-boosts-ceos-pay-25-to-12-6-million/" target="_blank">making billions </a>annually, but it’s not enough. <b>They
want more</b>. I quite liked the<a href="http://niagaraatlarge.com/2013/04/08/the-royal-bank-of-canada-with-more-than-a-little-help-from-the-harper-government-kills-jobs-for-canadians-and-gives-new-meaning-to-the-words-piggy-bank/" target="_blank"> article </a>I read referring to the RBC case
as “a new meaning to the words ‘<b>piggy bank</b>’.” Since Stephen Harper can
create laws and put them into effect at will, he’s decided to put in
<a href="http://theeconomiccollapseblog.com/archives/cyprus-style-bank-account-confiscation-is-in-the-new-canadian-government-budget" target="_blank">Cyprus style banking laws</a> <b>allowing the banks to</b> <a href="http://www.worldviewweekend.com/news/article/what-it-feels-have-your-life-savings-confiscated-global-elite" target="_blank">confiscate your money</a> if
they get into trouble. All this while the Canadian people are either
slumbering or being silenced by his regime. Imbalanced mandatory
imprisonment laws, long term murky trade deals with China, deregulation of thousands of protected waterways, when is enough going
to be enough? I just caught myself letting out a great sigh of
frustration, so it’s time to switch subjects. I’m sure Harper thinks
he’s doing the right things for the country, but most Canadians<a href="http://news.nationalpost.com/2013/04/07/half-of-canadians-think-stephen-harper-has-a-hidden-agenda-poll/" target="_blank"> no longer agree</a>. </span></div>
<br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"></span><br />
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.15; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Back to the music before I cross my 1200 word limit. </span></div>
<br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"></span><br />
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.15; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">I
was recently asked by Marius TV Lohmann to write and record a short
<b>theme song</b> for a video project he has been working on. Project Paintball
is a potential series currently available on YouTube surrounding, you
guessed it, the <b>sport of paintball</b>. He came to me with specific ideas of
the type of song and sound he was looking for. Marius was pleased with
what I had conjured in my own tea pad studio, Theo’s temple of tunes,
and decided to use my offering. Regardless of my super cheesy theme
song, Marius proves himself to be an awesome videographer, editor and
production manager. The show is <b>excellent quality</b> and even if you’ve
never paint balled, <b>quite riveting!</b> Check it out at this <a href="http://youtu.be/BJK0USncg78" target="_blank">link</a> and
subscribe, there seems to be more to come. Very entertaining. Be sure
and tell any of your paintball friends to check it out as well.
Incidentally “TV” is Marius’s actual middle initials.</span></div>
<br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"></span><br />
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.15; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">For
this blog I would like to leave you with a thought, a quote from <b>the
late great John Lennon</b>, “It doesn’t matter who you love, where you love,
why you love, when you love, how you love,<b> it only matters that you
love</b>.” Yes my friends, I think John was right. Love is “The Answer”.</span></div>
<br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"></span><br />
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.15; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Let’s
strive to be as <b>loving and kind</b> to each other as we possibly can. Love,
kindness, forgiveness, ahhhh... the words just feel good don’t they?</span></div>
<br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"></span><br />
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.15; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Until later, Brother T</span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12551858334178495511noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7355733266674410695.post-90804699310010130262013-03-26T11:03:00.000-07:002013-03-26T11:03:16.450-07:00New shows, cool shows and crazy politics<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lI1GrCl2r_k/UVHc2P460RI/AAAAAAAAAfQ/WrK3jV3fzSU/s1600/Diggin%2527+Roots+Tiny.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lI1GrCl2r_k/UVHc2P460RI/AAAAAAAAAfQ/WrK3jV3fzSU/s1600/Diggin%2527+Roots+Tiny.jpg" height="320" width="257" /></a></div>
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</div>
<div dir="ltr" id="internal-source-marker_0.7572558732781893" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">So
I’m kind of a <b>crazy busy</b> guy. I’ve had this urge to blog often over the
past few weeks. Either it was some move on the part of Stephen Harper,
our own Nanaimo City council, cool shows I’ve gone to see or cool stuff
to talk about, the urge to write has been large!! Unfortunately in
trying to keep balance in my life, <b>everything seems to take a little
longer than I expected</b> including getting back to the blog. Let’s start
with some music before I rant on about local, provincial and federal
politics. Something I said I would avoid in the new blog, but sometimes
you just have to raise your voice in case someone is listening or at
least get it off your chest.</span></div>
<br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"></span><div dir="ltr" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">As
to the music, I have been quite occupied with several projects at once!
One of the projects has been to expand my rehearsal space from a modest
150 square feet to about the 260 / 270 square feet. That included fresh
flooring, carpet and laminate, as well as a double, double window and a
door to the shop / storage area. I have been rehearsing a with a few
different line ups including a four piece rock cover band where my main
duty is to play harmonica. Big fun for me as I don’t get to do much of
that in the BoodAbooM band. The way things were, I had to either take
out the back wall or <b>blow out the front window with sound pressure</b>. A
little engineering to supply bearing supports and we got it done.
Smacked my Canadian salute fingertip with a hammer which made practising
tough for a while. It was also hard to show anyone <b>my injury</b> without
looking like I was flipping them the bird. <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xNWZ3Ym30-g/UVHcaB_sWPI/AAAAAAAAAfE/6WqcBoj9VA0/s1600/421813_10200136703153473_1536356346_n+reduced.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xNWZ3Ym30-g/UVHcaB_sWPI/AAAAAAAAAfE/6WqcBoj9VA0/s1600/421813_10200136703153473_1536356346_n+reduced.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Expanded music room, note the modern hillbilly motif.</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</span></div>
<br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"></span><div dir="ltr" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Progress
on <b>the BoodAbooM album</b> / project is moving along. The protective
digital fingerprint is in place, the distribution selection is narrowing
down and a release is not far off. Work on the art, images and layout
for the CD are now in progress. The <b>first official BoodAbooM performance</b>
will take place in Port Alberni on <b>April 19th</b> at <a href="http://www.charslanding.com/" target="_blank">Char’s Landing</a>, a super cool all
ages venue where the first show is an acoustic duo. <a href="http://www.myspace.com/marishadevoin" target="_blank">Marisha Devion</a> is
back on Canadian soil and as much as she is a sought after bassist,
Marisha will be joining me for this and coming BoodAbooM performances.
Since returning to Canada after performing internationally, she has been
adding her talents to the theatre performance “Patsy Cline’s a closer
walk”, as well as several other well known acts and recording
engagements. I’m looking forward to sharing music with folks from <b>my old
hometown</b> and the opportunity to perform with Marisha. </span></div>
<br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"></span><div dir="ltr" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Before
that happens, <b>March 30th</b> will see myself and Dean Doyle banging out a
<b>night of party tunes</b> and covers at the <a href="http://www.landlubberpub.ca/" target="_blank">Landlubber Pub</a> in Nanaimo. Dean
and I have performed at a variety of shows together from the theatre
performance “A luncheon of Leonard” which was a Leonard Cohen tribute
performance, to concerts, private functions and various fundraisers.
This will be our first “pub” performance as a duo. In this case the duo
consists of myself and Dean on drums, <b>kind of like the Black Keys or
White Stripes</b>. I will play a few of the original tunes for those who are
fans of my music, but the focus will be on a rockier selection of
favourite covers. We will be playing tunes from Leonard Cohen, Tom Petty,
Bob Marley to current stuff like yes, The Black Keys. No cover charge
and great deals on meals, so be sure to mark your calendar for a fun
night and join us.</span></div>
<br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"></span><div dir="ltr" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Managed
to take in a couple of cool musical shows, “<a href="http://www.diggingrootsmusic.com/" target="_blank">Diggin’ Roots</a>”. I went to
“<a href="http://youtu.be/wAR70fiuQBg" target="_blank">Diggin’ Roots</a>” show with my buddy the mountain man, Paul Jay. “Diggin’
Roots” is a Juno Award winning musical act centered around <b>Raven
Kanantakta</b> and his wife <b>Shoshona Kish</b>. The couple hail from northern
Quebec and lay down a funky mix of styles on a blues rock foundation.
Very entertaining indeed. My friend Paul had to leave his camera at home
for this one, so no images. On the subject of Paul Jay, A.K.A. “The
Mountain Man”, he is responsible for most of the images captured and
displayed on my web sites. I also attended a show my friend <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Fiona-n-di-boyz/233769636681481" target="_blank">Fiona Stuart </a>did where she was joined by bassist / instrumentalist Kenny Brault
(Sgt. Helmet Fender), Jeffery Randle on percussion and Maxime Alarie on
didgeridoo. I always enjoy Fiona’s performances. She has interesting
renditions of covers like the classic “Killing Me Softly”, great
original songs and also performs traditional Yiddish songs. Very cool
and an<b> entertaining </b>show. This beautiful young jewish woman knows how to
command a stage and engage her audience. </span></div>
<br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"></span><div dir="ltr" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">I
was please to see that the little island I call home yielded <a href="http://victoriamusicscene.com/2013/02/19/ctv-news-video-victoria-vancouver-island-junos-nominees/" target="_blank">9 Juno nominations</a> for 2013, Diana Krall, Helen Austin, Carly Rae Jepsen, Alex
Cuba, Hey Ocean, Nelly Furtado, The Tenors, Japandroids and Ian McDougal
all have Vancouver Island connections and roots. Not bad for an island
of fewer than 900,000 people.</span></div>
<br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"></span><div dir="ltr" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Ok,
what’s been <b>crawling under my skin</b>? Well, let’s start local and work
our way up to the federal. The Nanaimo Port Authority has decided to
<b>hand over our boat basin</b> to Pacific Northwest Marina Group, an American
firm with a <a href="http://midislandnews.com/nanaimo-boat-basin-and-the-washington-hood-canal-bridge" target="_blank">questionable reputation</a>. The <b>crazy part</b> of this deal is that
the NPA is willing to hand over the taxpayer owned working harbour, on a
<b>30 year lease with only 5 year projections</b> / commitments in return.
Furthermore the American company plans to <a href="http://midislandnews.com/campaign-to-save-namaimo-boat-basin" target="_blank">change the boat basin</a> from a
working harbour where private and commercial vessels share the facility
into a high end yacht only marine destination. <b>This is not what the
people of Nanaimo and area want</b>. Most enjoy the boat basin work what it
is. Sure there is room for improvements, but we all love buying fresh
fish directly from the fishing boats. Sitting with a hot espresso and a
good friend along the existing venues watching the boats is a wonderful
experience. You can watch this <a href="http://youtu.be/sV--e1IlP2c" target="_blank">short video</a> to understand and see it for
yourself. The folks living on <a href="http://www.nanaimobulletin.com/news/167182065.html" target="_blank">Protection Island</a> which is part of our
inner harbour would see their access to downtown Nanaimo cut off which
will affect their property values and life stlye. Nanaimo city
councilman <b>Fred Pattje asked the city to stand by it’s citizens</b> with this
issue, <b>but mayor John Ruttan</b> said there was<a href="http://www2.canada.com/nanaimodailynews/news/story.html?id=fbf38050-cfd5-4e27-b511-5132389d0bd3" target="_blank"> little he could do</a>. <b>Former
mayor Gary Korpan</b> disagrees and <a href="http://www.nanaimobulletin.com/opinion/letters/179726061.html" target="_blank">publicly criticized</a> mayor Ruttan’s
position.</span></div>
<br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"></span><div dir="ltr" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Provincially, <b>Christy Clark and her crew</b> crawled under my skin with a story about the
Liberal party spending<a href="http://www.vancouversun.com/business/Christy+Clark+pumped+advertising+machine/7613938/story.html" target="_blank"> 64 million dollars</a> on an advertising campaign
that more or less says, “look how well we manage your money”. Ah, I find
that rather paradoxical. </span></div>
<br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"></span><div dir="ltr" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">On
the Federal level we have <b>Stephen Harper</b>. Some of these links are to
stories about how he is <a href="http://www.montrealgazette.com/news/national/Muzzling+federal+scientists+called+threat+democracy/7990412/story.html?fb_action_ids=10152561076265258&fb_action_types=og.recommends&fb_source=other_multiline&action_object_map={%2210152561076265258%22%3A451779071557236}&action_type_map={%2210152561076265258%22%3A%22og.recommends%22}&action_ref_map=[]" target="_blank">muzzling scientist</a> who are bringing forth
information that <a href="http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/national/groups-seek-formal-probe-into-ottawas-muzzling-of-scientists/article8878547/" target="_blank">he doesn’t want made public</a>. I once heard a group of
political analyst on CBC call Harper “<b>an affront to democracy</b>”. These links add
<a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.ca/2013/03/19/experimental-lakes-area-tories-scientists_n_2910022.html" target="_blank">testimony</a> to their view. If I got into all the details, I’d be here a
long time before the blog would be posted. Beside that, when it comes to
the matter of how Stephen is running Canada, <b>I could write a book</b>.</span></div>
<br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"></span><div dir="ltr" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Well
I’m jumping over my 1200 word limit, so there is <b>no time to talk about </b>the 105
year old <a href="http://dangerousminds.net/comments/when_gurus_go_wild_leonard_cohens_zen_teacher_wants_to_see_your_tits" target="_blank">Zen teacher</a> who likes boobies, facebook’s<a href="http://www.infoworld.com/t/cringely/facebook-reveals-its-evil-plans-203126" target="_blank"> evil plan</a> for world
domination or the whole <a href="http://theoatmeal.com/comics/tesla" target="_blank">Tesla vs Edison</a> thingy. If you’re interested,
check out the links above. </span></div>
<br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"></span><div dir="ltr" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Until next time, remember that it serves us well to be <b>kind and loving</b> to other. Do your best to be <b>aware and mindful</b>. </span></div>
<br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"></span><div dir="ltr" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Brother T</span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12551858334178495511noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7355733266674410695.post-17962069930918958372013-02-15T21:43:00.000-08:002013-02-15T21:43:40.536-08:00Mid month blog, Performances and BoodAbooM progress.... <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tWk2AOSBHaY/UR8U55efnXI/AAAAAAAAAeg/wENmNlOddio/s1600/Fiona+Stuart+2013+02+08+tiny.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tWk2AOSBHaY/UR8U55efnXI/AAAAAAAAAeg/wENmNlOddio/s1600/Fiona+Stuart+2013+02+08+tiny.jpg" height="246" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fiona Stuart</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-utsKOqcNrRQ/UR8VQpaFbOI/AAAAAAAAAeo/XMnCty_FWTY/s1600/Jeffery+Randle+2013+02+08+tiny.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-utsKOqcNrRQ/UR8VQpaFbOI/AAAAAAAAAeo/XMnCty_FWTY/s1600/Jeffery+Randle+2013+02+08+tiny.jpg" height="241" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jeffery Randle</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hywYuJCyeME/UR8Vin31kwI/AAAAAAAAAew/0-07_KJr1yw/s1600/Theo+RWCH+2013+02+08+tiny.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hywYuJCyeME/UR8Vin31kwI/AAAAAAAAAew/0-07_KJr1yw/s1600/Theo+RWCH+2013+02+08+tiny.jpg" height="320" width="277" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Giving it at the Red Willow Coffee House</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span id="internal-source-marker_0.5808867557795595" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">I
spent a bit of time at <a href="http://chly.ca/" target="_blank">CHLY</a> this month promoting the coffee house show
with<b> Dave Kilbank</b> of the <b>Songwriters Circle show</b> February 3rd. We spent
nearly an hour chatting about the process of recording for broadcast and
played a half dozen songs from the new album. I sang “Choices” from my
previous album live and encouraged people to come out to the <b>Red Willow
Coffee House</b>. February 5th I went back and spent the afternoon doing
pretty much the same thing with <b>Pam Edgar</b> who was filling in for Big “G”
on a show he calls “The big G spot”. It was great fun to hang out, chat
about songwriting and spin a few more tunes from the soon to be
released BoodAbooM album. Pam and I discussed how the<a href="http://www.boodaboom.com/" target="_blank"> BoodAbooM </a>project
was a concept project featuring music I’ve written that reflects the
rudimentary teaching of the Buddha against life in modern times. </span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"></span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">We
had a great night with a <b>full house</b> and a long open mic at the Red
Willow Coffee House February 8th. The performers are far too many to
list here, but some of the real standouts for me were <a href="http://www.reverbnation.com/brianhazelbower" target="_blank">Brian Hazelbower</a>,
<b>Paul Bezooyan</b> and <a href="http://www.davekilbank.com/Site/Welcome.html" target="_blank">Dave Kilbank</a> (Nanaimo’s Simon and Garfunkel), and the
lovely <b>Fiona Stuart </b>who performed with bass wizard <b>Kenny Brault</b> and
<b>Jeffery Randle</b> on Cajon. Jeffery also put in a performance of his own on
guitar with a couple of his tunes. Consequently I didn’t take the stage
until much later than expected, but fortunately most stuck around after
break time and took in my presentation.</span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"></span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">I
felt truly blessed with a warm and loving audience. The musical focus
for the night was songs from the upcoming BoodAbooM album and a bit of
conversation about the concept behind the project. I opened with a tune
called “The Answer” that basically points out that “love” is the answer.
Try to <b>approach everything from a standpoint of loving kindness</b>, it
seems to work well. After a few songs from the BoodAbooM album, I wanted
to pay tribute to three song writers that I have great respect for and I
feel have influenced my own song writing. I sang Leonard Cohen’s
“Anthem”, got everyone to sing along in the last chorus of “I shot the
Sheriff” and rounded out my trinity of songs with Steve Earle’s “I ain’t
ever satisfied”. Great fun to be sure. After that I performed a couple
of songs from my previous album “<a href="http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/theomassop" target="_blank">Choices</a>” and then finished the evening
off with more songs from the BoodAbooM project. </span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"></span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">The
BoodAbooM album project is pretty much completed with all of the
recordings being in place. As of the writing of this blog I am in the
process of finalizing the mixes with producer / engineer Rick Salt of <a href="http://loislanestudios.weebly.com/" target="_blank">Lois Lane Studios</a>. After that, the mastering and we are off to the next
step. Physical CD’s to sell will be a little ways off and once that has
been completed, I do hope to be able to assemble the band for a <b>full
album release party</b>. The details of that will be announced once we get
closer to that becoming a reality. There will be a period of taking the
project to a variety of music professionals for a variety of reasons,
mostly to get feed back. What happens next is really quite unpredictable
in the <b>ever changing vortex</b> we know as the world of music. </span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"></span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">My
next performance in the Nanaimo area will be “<b>party time</b>” at the <a href="http://www.landlubberpub.ca/" target="_blank">Landlubber Pub</a> on March 30th with my friend Dean Doyle from the Hygrade
band on drums and harmonies. We are going to be playing a lot of old
favourites as this gig is just about having HUGE fun. New owners Andrew
and Jenny have been unwavering in their dedication to bring and keep
music in the pub. The kitchen is turning out great food and the
atmosphere is awesome. They have brought a wonderful friendly vibe, so
Dean and I are looking forward to a night of “given’ er” and playing a
bunch of our <b>favourite songs</b>. Music from the Tom Petty to Tom Waits,
Leonard Cohen to Steve Earle, Bruce Springsteen to The Violent Femmes.
It’s going to be <b>a fun night</b>!! Come on out, enjoy a great deal on steaks
(for you carnivore types) or any of their menu selections, as well as
an evening of sing along and jump around dancing.</span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"></span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">As
mentioned earlier there will be more BoodAbooM shows coming up, but
details will be released closer to the show dates. Check back here or go
to </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">the <a href="http://www.boodaboom.com/" target="_blank">BoodAbooM</a> web site for <b>continuing updates</b>.</span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"></span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">I
would suspect somewhere into early March is when the next blog can be expect. It's good to check back though because if the desire or a reason hits to blog, I will blog.
Between now and then <b>be good to each other</b>. Remember to try and approach
everything from a standpoint of loving kindness. It really helps make
the world an easier place to live.</span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"></span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Brother T</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12551858334178495511noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7355733266674410695.post-87756009886786236192013-01-31T14:22:00.000-08:002013-01-31T15:43:10.722-08:00Upcoming show, the BoodAbooM project, songs, about words and permanence <span id="internal-source-marker_0.16253519447793185" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">My
first blog of 2013! Let me start by <b>wishing all</b> of you readers <b>peace
and blessings</b> in this coming year. The Christmas season was great with
family and friends sharing a meal at our home. I was a little worried as
we did have snow on the 25th and although many are delighted with a
white Christmas, I am not a fan of snow. So I cleared the stairs and did
the best I could with the driveway. As it turned out the snow, while
annoying, didn’t stop anyone from coming over and sharing a great
evening.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"></span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">On
the <b>BoodAbooM</b> project since my last blog entry, <b>Tina Jones</b> of the
<a href="http://thekerplunks.com/" target="_blank">Kerplunks</a> and <a href="http://www.wunderbread.ca/" target="_blank">Wunderbread</a> came in and added her voice to the upcoming
album. She did a fantastic job and I am thrilled to include her energy
to this collection of songs. I am anxious to have these recordings heard
and exposed for all to hear. The <b>hardest part</b> of recording a new
collection of songs is to wait until the process is complete. After all
the musical nuances have been mused over and the last guitar strum has
been recorded, the task of mixing and mastering is next. As of tomorrow I
believe the last thing to be recorded will be done. Plans are to add a
<b>harmonica</b> part in the song “I’m Worried”. I wrote the song after a trip
to L.A. in 2001 which was one of the more bizarre journeys I’ve made. I
came home with a feeling that everything we encounter that comes from
<b>Hollywood</b> has to be put into question, including the influence it has on
our society. If all goes really well and there are no stumbling blocks
the songs should be ready for the next step by mid month.</span><br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9szKYXswuLA/UQrlbvq8LwI/AAAAAAAAAeQ/b0lmcf7CMXA/s1600/dock++theo+tiny.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9szKYXswuLA/UQrlbvq8LwI/AAAAAAAAAeQ/b0lmcf7CMXA/s1600/dock++theo+tiny.jpg" height="320" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo by Jan Stephens</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">When
I started this blog I told myself not to get too <b>controversial </b>or
political. There are so many stories to be shared and things going on in
this country, the continent, this world! It’s hard to know where to
start or what to focus on. So please, excuse me while I side step music
for a moment. </span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"></span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">I
read an incredibly good blog on what happened with the “<b>Occupy
Movement</b>”. It hasn’t died, but it has seen much change. This article
gives an interesting insight. Click <a href="http://undustrialism.com/2013/01/07/what-really-happened-to-the-occupy-movement/" target="_blank">here</a> to read. Next was finding a
video from “<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i9OP6WmRLgY" target="_blank">Anonymous</a>” warning Canadians about the Harper regime that
boiled the blood while sending chills up the spine. No wonder they are
trying to warn us, between Bill <a href="http://www.psac-afpc.com/news/2012/issues/20121030-e.shtml" target="_blank">C-45</a> gutting our environmental laws and
more, the Canada / <a href="http://www.thestar.com/news/canada/politics/article/1310238--first-nations-seek-to-hold-up-ratification-of-canada-china-foreign-investment-treaty" target="_blank">China trade deal</a> the Harper cooked up, Mr Harper’s
<a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.ca/hon-carolyn-bennett/attawapiskat-court-ruling_b_1732146.html" target="_blank">smear campaign</a> against those who would oppose him, accusations of big
<a href="http://www.greenpeace.org/canada/en/Blog/what-the-oil-industry-wants-the-harper-govern/blog/43617/" target="_blank">oil companies guiding Harper</a>’s decisions, the words “</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><b>When injustice becomes law, resistance becomes duty</b>” </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">take
on a sense of urgency. One can quickly understand why the “<a href="http://www.nowtoronto.com/news/story.cfm?content=190705" target="_blank">Idle No More</a>” movement has sprung into action and why it is important to all of
us Canadians. I don’t want to form your opinions for you, read the
article links and <b>decide for yourself</b> a course of action.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"></span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">I
try to be <b>careful with words</b> because while that is what we have to
communicate with, words are incredibly powerful and at the same time
horribly ineffective. You must chose your words wisely as is pointed out
in the third step of the noble eight fold path and the third of the
five precepts that the Buddha taught. I think we are well advised to <b>
learn to listen</b> before jumping to conclusions as well. That allows for a
clearer perspective without preconceived notions or judgement. Not
always easy to do, but it does seem like the most advantageous choice.
It is good to <b>strive</b> for these things, even if we find ourselves falling
short of the mark. After all, we are all just humans trying to find our
way through the maze of life.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"></span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Back
to the <b>world of music</b>, I was invited to perform a song live on air and
be interviewed on CHLY’s “<b>Songwriters Circle</b>” show Dec. 30th. Nice way
to end the year! Host Dave Kilbank and co-host Pam Edgar chatted with me
about the upcoming BoodAbooM album. The interview was captured on video
for those who may be interested. Click <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W3q_gGbXNS8&feature=share&list=UUuRNW8Tm4gtO6ULns9yT1jA" target="_blank">here</a> to see the interview. I
love doing “live on air” radio because it heightens the sense of being
“<b>in the moment</b>” and it is always a lot of fun going down to the station.
I will be there for <b>February 3rd</b> for another chat around <b>11 AM</b> to talk
about the upcoming album and my next Nanaimo performance. Tune in or
listen on line at <a href="http://chly.ca/the-program-schedule/sunday-2/songwriter-circle/" target="_blank">CHLY</a>.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"></span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><b>February
8th</b> is going to be my first <b>performance</b> for 2013, being the featured
act for the <a href="http://www.harbourliving.ca/event/red-willow-coffee-house-presents-theo-massop/" target="_blank">Red Willow Coffee House</a>. I played this coffee house
gathering a couple of years back and had a wonderful night. The
<b>acoustics are superb</b>, the hosts gracious and of course this is also a
night to pitch in for the local “Loaves and Fishes” food bank. Everyone
is asked to <b>bring a nonperishable food donation </b>to help out those who
need. I am looking forward to presenting songs from the BoodAbooM album
in an up close and personal form, voice and guitar. The lyrics and
stories stand out beyond any audio dressings to be offered and examined
by all in attendance. If you the reader are in the mid Vancouver Island
area, please <b>come and share some music</b> with me. Admission by donation,
open mic performers are free. </span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"></span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">I
also recently <b>posted the song</b> “<a href="http://www.reverbnation.com/theomassop/song/15943300-the-light-within" target="_blank">The Light Within</a>” from my “<a href="http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/theomassop" target="_blank">Choices</a>” CD
on my <a href="http://www.reverbnation.com/theomassop" target="_blank">Reverbnation</a> site for anyone to listen to. Eventually songs from
the “BoodAbooM” will also be posted for listening purposes. Links to
where the songs will be able to be downloaded will be posted as soon as
things are ready.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"></span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">The
next Nanaimo show will be announced with the next blog, until then the
venue and date will stay undisclosed. The one of the <b>dates has been
booked</b>, but a lot of details still need to be worked out. There are
irons in the fire for more live performing now that the BoodAbooM album
is nearing completion and my focus is changing, so check back and see
what’s up at the <a href="http://www.boodaboom.com/" target="_blank">BoodAbooM</a> web site or check back here at the blog.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"></span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">I
will leave you with these thoughts. Permanence is the <b>grand illusion</b>,
nothing stays the same. Everything that comes into being eventually
changes or goes away. Every <b>choice</b> you make alters the path of your life
and obscures the path of the other choice. Enjoy life for what it is
and as it unfolds itself before you. This journey of <b>this life is the gift</b> we
need to pay attention to. Please have a listen to the title song from
my previous album “Choices” at this<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E0qcOGTgWOQ&feature=share&list=PLB7CC64D34C9BC508" target="_blank"> link</a>, then go hug someone that you
love.<b> Love is the answer</b>.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"></span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Until later, Brother T</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12551858334178495511noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7355733266674410695.post-54688029688573038012012-11-30T13:56:00.000-08:002012-11-30T13:56:02.067-08:00Acts of kindness, BoodAbooM and new videos<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-laQwxW15HnM/ULkp60MbXuI/AAAAAAAAAdg/3-q-LVWmljk/s1600/Theo+at+Red+Willow+Coffee+House+tiny.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-laQwxW15HnM/ULkp60MbXuI/AAAAAAAAAdg/3-q-LVWmljk/s1600/Theo+at+Red+Willow+Coffee+House+tiny.jpg" height="320" width="306" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">2010 at the Red Willow Coffee House</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VjGxb5oMtc8/ULkqu-tRXlI/AAAAAAAAAdw/Q-lxvu7gozg/s1600/board+and+lyrics.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VjGxb5oMtc8/ULkqu-tRXlI/AAAAAAAAAdw/Q-lxvu7gozg/s1600/board+and+lyrics.JPG" height="180" width="320" /></a><span id="internal-source-marker_0.2084532465325699" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">November
2012 is in it’s last days as I write this and December is closing in
quickly. The recording of the <a href="http://www.boodaboom.com/" target="_blank">BoodAbooM</a> collection of songs is moving
along slowly, but as my brother Gerry use to say, “<b>slow movement is
better</b> than no movement at all”. Mixing and listening, deciding what
stays and what goes, what sequence of songs tells the best story, this
has been the focus. Music always evolves in the studio, a certain
metamorphosis take place as the songs begin to have a life of their own.
It is interesting to observe from<b> the songwriter standpoint</b>, a little
like watching children grow and flourish into adulthood. Just like the
rest of life one never really knows what is coming around the corner and
all we know for certain is that changes are coming. I, along with
countless songwriters, have alluded to the feeling of being a conduit
for the music that comes forth rather than the genius expressionary
artist who is the creator. Although the ideas have filtered down through
my experiences, my consciousness, my mind and hands playing the
instrument as the songs come into being, <b>all things are connected</b> and
have lead us to this moment. So I feel I am not alone in the creation of
this music that springs from my soul. </span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"></span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">It
looks like it will be in the early part of 2013 before the BoodAbooM
project will be ready for release. I have a <b>show</b> booked for the Red
Willow Coffee house on February 8th of 2013 in Nanaimo and hopefully the CD’s,
download cards and a few other items will be ready for public
consumption. Still undecided as to if the show will be solo or duo. If
you think the February show might be something you’ll attend, send me an
email as to your preference, a solo performance or duo? Maybe I’ll go
crazy and show up with a trio! <b>Send your suggestions</b> to boodaboomband@gmail.com </span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"></span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">I
should mention that I am absolutely <b>thrilled with the results</b> coming
from our recording sessions. It’s been “<b>goosebump city</b>” with my arm hair
standing on end, so am very excited about presenting this collection of
songs and following up with string of performances ranging from solo to
the full band. I’m hoping to do some video shoots as well so be sure to
check out <a href="http://www.youtube.com/theomassop" target="_blank">my YouTube channel</a> from time to time.</span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"></span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Speaking
of my videos, I have recently compiled, edited and posted a few new
ones. “<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8f4r-LI47CA&feature=share&list=PLB7CC64D34C9BC508" target="_blank">Start a Revolution</a>” has a video that includes a little live
footage of a concert performance, but mostly images of the “<b>Occupy
Movement Canada</b>”. I got the images from Occupy Canada and permission to
assemble this. I’m proud to have done this as I am a believer in the
power of peaceful resistance. It is time to reevaluate the way things
are done and perhaps level the playing field. Another recent add to the
YouTube channel is a video set to the title song from my previous album
“<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E0qcOGTgWOQ&feature=share&list=PLB7CC64D34C9BC508" target="_blank">Choices</a>”. In this video I used images that have been collected over the
past few years (mostly) of people I have share <b>the joy of music</b> with
and places I have been. Not all of the folks and not all of the places,
it was intended to be a video not a feature length movie.</span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"></span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">I’d
like to close out with a couple of wonderful examples of "<b>random acts of kindness</b>” that thanks to the Internet I found out about. I love
the way that some stories rise to the surface on their own in this day
and age of digital image capturing and Internet. These two stories
surfaced on the same day for me and I found them very inspiring. One
takes place <a href="http://www.thestar.com/news/world/article/1294856--officer-gives-boots-to-homeless-man-kindness-sparks-online-sensation" target="_blank">in New York</a> where a police officer was seen giving a pair of
all weather boots and socks to a barefoot homeless man in the middle of
a cold spell. The officer felt compelled to reach out and help someone
less fortunate and was unaware that he was being observed. Nearly the
same thing happen north of the border here in Canada when a bus driver <a href="http://www.thestar.com/news/canada/article/1259513--winnipeg-bus-driver-gives-shoes-to-barefoot-man-on-the-street" target="_blank">in Winnipeg </a>stopped his bus, took off his shoes and handed them to a
less fortunate young man who was in tattered clothes and walking in bare
feet. <b>Inspiring stories</b> partly because they were on the spot decisions
made to reach out to someone who is obviously having a harder time than
they themselves were. My hat goes off to those of that mindset of <b>loving
kindness</b>. </span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"></span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">As
Christmas draws near many think about the less fortunate and while I
agree that it should be thought about throughout the year, if it takes a
certain season to make us aware of our personal blessing, so be it.
Better than not stopping to<b> be thankful</b> for what and where life has
brought us. No matter where you are in the scheme of things there is
always someone who is better off than you and always someone who is
facing greater hardships than you. Be thankful for what you’ve got and
<b>give to those with less</b>.</span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"></span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">This
will likely be the last blog for this year, how west coast of me.
I will post a new blog with updates as to the BoodabooM project and any
<b>new shows</b> that are booked in January. That is if the Mayan’s merely got
tired of carving the stone calendar and said “that’s enough”. Only
later thanks to the Internet did anybody say.... “It’s a sign of the
end!!!!”. Exactly right! The end of the documented calendar they
created. Bouncing Buddha! They had to stop somewhere.</span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"></span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Wishing you all peace and blessing through this season and all seasons.</span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Brother T </span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12551858334178495511noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7355733266674410695.post-65348491905871281682012-10-28T21:51:00.000-07:002012-10-28T22:01:47.164-07:00A new Nanaimo music venue & this Friday's show<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FCUuIYxhIF4/UI4KFvau_aI/AAAAAAAAAdQ/uHzSOr5p-w4/s1600/Screen-Shot+eric+harper+smaller.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="215" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FCUuIYxhIF4/UI4KFvau_aI/AAAAAAAAAdQ/uHzSOr5p-w4/s1600/Screen-Shot+eric+harper+smaller.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Eric Harper</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zgIQgqw_tR8/UI4KCDdK0OI/AAAAAAAAAdI/iScrA6adG8U/s1600/alexcuba-3f14cc8ffc64582b57520cc4dd9c1362a0fea6dd+smaller.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zgIQgqw_tR8/UI4KCDdK0OI/AAAAAAAAAdI/iScrA6adG8U/s1600/alexcuba-3f14cc8ffc64582b57520cc4dd9c1362a0fea6dd+smaller.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Alex Cuba</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span id="internal-source-marker_0.604414026030407" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">On
October 24th I went to the <b>opening</b> of the <a href="http://www.nanaimoentertainment.com/nec.html" target="_blank">Nanaimo Entertainment Centre</a>
with my good friend Paul Jay. (A.K.A. the Mountain Man) The <b>inaugural
offering</b> was flamenco/pop guitarist <a href="http://www.ericharpermusic.com/wp/" target="_blank">Eric Harper</a> opening for the <b>Grammy
award winning</b> <a href="http://www.alexcuba.com/" target="_blank">Alex Cuba</a>. The Nanaimo Entertainment Centre is a project
undertaken by local business entrepreneur Paul Manhas with Joel
Spillette as manager for the facility. A great deal of money was spent
renovating the <b>former “Caprice” </b>movie theatre into a contemporary
convention style centre complete with a catering service and a 375 to
400 seat facility and a second somewhat smaller room as well. This of
course fills a void in the Nanaimo market for a venue of this size. </span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"></span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">The
entry area was familiar from when the facility was a movie house except
that a licensed bar has replaced the concession stand offering a more
<b>adult oriented selection of treats</b>. Everything changes once you pass
through the double doors into the theatre area. The twin theatres are
opened up to one large room with a level floor, fresh paint and decor.
Attention has been paid to the sonic quality of the room with acoustic
conditioning installed to guarantee<b> great sound</b>. The seating was
comfortable and we had no complaints.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"></span><b><br /></b><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><b>Eric
Harper</b> did a wonderful job of warming up the audience with his <b>flamenco
style</b> guitar playing, interesting stories and great songs. He drew the
audience in with his tales of being a youth in Portugal after leaving
the USA in his teens. Academic music training and discipline are evident
in his performance along with his obvious talent.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"></span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">The
star of the night was <b>Alex Cuba and his trio</b>. Albeit that I found his
english a little hard to understand, his music transcended any language
barrier. His music was uplifting and performed impeccably on his black Gibson guitar. (looked like a ES335 from our seats) Almost immediately
some of the folks had rise out of their seats and into the aisle to <b>move
their bodies to the beat</b>. I think it was impossible to sit still with
the <b>infectious beats</b> emulating from the stage. He was quite funny at
times including getting the entire band (drummer included while keeping
beat with a shaker) laying on the floor playing the song while wiggling
their feet in the air. That after having his band, including the sound
engineer do a little dance for the audience. Great entertainment. One of
my favourite moments of the night was when Alex Cuba performed a cover
of the Blue Rodeo song “Bad Timing” in Spanish. It was <b>the most moving
rendition</b> of the song I’ve ever heard. The music is a Latin influenced
pop/funk/soul mixture delivered with style and grace. I was immediately
struck by his unusual right hand technique as his approach is generally
reserved for bass players. During the course of the show he explained
that he had been a bassist who had switched to guitar, but retained his
right hand technique.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"></span><b><br /></b><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><b>This
Friday</b> the <a href="http://www.boodaboom.com/" target="_blank">BoodAbooM</a> acoustic duo is <b>opening for</b> <a href="http://www.staceyandmark.com/" target="_blank">Stacey Earle and Mark Stuart</a> at Nanaimo’s “<a href="http://www.headliners.ca/" target="_blank">Headliners</a>”. Headliners is near Mrs. Ritchie’s
Restaurant in the center of Nanaimo and serves the community as both a
live music venue and a performance arts school. Stacey and Mark were
both part of Stacey’s brother Steve Earle’s band during the early parts
of Steve’s career. After getting married Stacey and Mark left “The
Dukes” and began their own musical journey. Several albums and <b>years of
international touring</b> have solidified this Nashville couple as an
Americana/roots/folk music act not to be missed. Blaise and I are
looking forward to <a href="http://www.harbourliving.ca/event/stacey-earle-mark-stuart-w-special-guests-boodaboom/" target="_blank">opening the show for Stacey and Mark</a>. Tickets are $20
advance and $25 at the door. We hope to see you there.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"></span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Remember
as you face life’s challenges and rewards,<b> love is the answer</b>. Trying
to approach everything from a standpoint of love, patience and kindness
go a long way cultivating a life of much less stress.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"></span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Until next time, Brother T</span><br />
<br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Comments can be sent to boodaboomband@gmail.com </span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12551858334178495511noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7355733266674410695.post-23580786096929425952012-10-17T17:17:00.000-07:002012-10-17T17:21:21.996-07:00Getting closer to complete<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5okW1poGjP4/UH9H73N2jpI/AAAAAAAAAco/zDKNP6RGG8c/s1600/joel+and+rick+small.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="220" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5okW1poGjP4/UH9H73N2jpI/AAAAAAAAAco/zDKNP6RGG8c/s1600/joel+and+rick+small.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rick Salt and Joel Spillette</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-N6o_-LQyztU/UH9IcVOVsfI/AAAAAAAAAc4/gouAMQyNvHY/s1600/blaise+tiny.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-N6o_-LQyztU/UH9IcVOVsfI/AAAAAAAAAc4/gouAMQyNvHY/s1600/blaise+tiny.JPG" width="250" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Blaise Zhiam</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-S8p3UBJiZeo/UH9II8yJDPI/AAAAAAAAAcw/PKIkWU7eKmE/s1600/_DSC5716+crop+tiny.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="198" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-S8p3UBJiZeo/UH9II8yJDPI/AAAAAAAAAcw/PKIkWU7eKmE/s1600/_DSC5716+crop+tiny.JPG" width="320" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-S8p3UBJiZeo/UH9II8yJDPI/AAAAAAAAAcw/PKIkWU7eKmE/s1600/_DSC5716+crop+tiny.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><span id="internal-source-marker_0.6760070351343491" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">The
upcoming <a href="http://www.boodaboom.com/" target="_blank">BoodAbooM</a> album is <b>still in production</b> down at Lois Lane
Studio. The bulk of the recording has been done, bed tracks, the
majority of the guitar tracks, keyboards and lead vocals have been laid
down. We are still adding the harmony vocals and a few other odds and
sods before sitting back in “digesting mode”. That’s when it’s time for
<b>critical listening</b>, as well as deciding any final judgement calls on the
mix. We were moving along quite well and should be finished within the
next couple of months. A few schedule set backs happened as we allowed
for other acts to bump in when needed, but that was taken into
consideration some time ago. </span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"></span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">The
songs are feeling great with wonderful performances from the same crew
that put together the “Choices” album. Blaise is of course on bass as an
integral element in the BoodAbooM sound, joined by Billy Hicks on
drums, Joel Spillette on keyboards, myself on the majority of guitars
with Rick Salt lending his magic guitar licks to a few of the songs as
well. The songs are ranging from lay back ballads to full out rockers,
toe tappers, foot stompers and a reggae tune in the middle to round
things out. Twelve songs strung together around a theme of <b>mindful
awareness</b>, appreciation and consideration for all things.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"></span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">A
couple of gigs have come and gone since my last entry, a rare BoodAbooM
duo show in a local pub and a fund raiser for the local food bank. <b>Pub
gigs</b> <b>are fun</b>, but many of our fans who had hoped to enjoy the usual
engaged performance were faced with a packed pub which is considerably
noisier than our concert / coffee house shows. The place was hopping and
stayed that way all night. The opportunity did give Blaise and myself a
chance to lean into the <b>party time tunes</b> which is always a blast. Tunes
from “Toots and the Maytals” to “Ben Harper” mixed in with “Leonard
Cohen” and “Bruce Springsteen” were served up ala BoodAbooM style. The <b>
food bank fund raiser</b> was a concert environment held at Headliners in
Nanaimo. The talent was quite amazing and included <a href="http://www.jaydenholman.com/" target="_blank">Jayden Holman</a>,
<a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Mikaila-Tombe-Music/210234644709" target="_blank">Mikaila Tombe</a>, and young guitar prodigy <a href="http://www.ianperrytunes.com/" target="_blank">Ian Perry</a>. <a href="http://www.reverbnation.com/terrazetto" target="_blank">Terrazetto</a> also
deserves an honourable mention for their great performance. Ken and Len
put on one helluva show.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"></span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Recently
I compiled and posted a <b>video</b> for the song “<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eFQtyePkz3c&feature=share&list=PLB7CC64D34C9BC508" target="_blank">Hummingbird</a>” from my
“<a href="http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/theomassop" target="_blank">Choices</a>” album on YouTube. I love those little birds and was happy to
realize they are in abundance around our new home. Our previous home was
also a haven for hummingbirds which was the inspiration for the song.
Please have a look and <b>share a link with your friends</b> who might enjoy.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"></span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">The
<b>next show for BoodAbooM will be November 2nd</b> when Blaise and I will be
opening the show for <a href="http://www.staceyandmark.com/" target="_blank">Stacey Earle and Mark Stuart</a> who are performing at <a href="http://www.headliners.ca/" target="_blank">Headliners</a> in downtown <b>Nanaimo</b>. Stacey and her husband Mark are song
writers who have toured internationally with their Americana Roots music
style. Stacey is Steve Earle’s sister and both she as well as husband
Mark toured with “The Dukes” in the early stages of Steve’s career
before branching out on their own. I’m sure it will be a great show.
Tickets are available by contacting <b>Headliners</b>, <a href="http://www.arbutusmusic.com/" target="_blank">Arbutus Music</a> or at
<a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Fascinating-Rhythm/195192907175352" target="_blank">Fascinating Rhythms</a> in Nanaimo.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"></span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Beyond
all of this I have had some correspondence with the folks on the <b>Occupy
Canada</b> facebook page. With their permission, I will be compiling images
taken during last year’s Occupy movement efforts and posting them in
video form with the song “Start A Revolution” from my Choices album. It
seems fitting, since I am a supporter of <b>passive resistance</b> as a means
to edge toward change. Everyone knows, the world needs change. “Choices”
which includes both of the mentioned songs is available for download
from <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/artist/theo-massop/id192634962" target="_blank">iTunes</a> and at <a href="http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/theomassop" target="_blank">CD Baby</a>. </span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"></span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Stay
tuned to this blog for news about <b>upcoming shows</b>, videos, progress of
the BoodAbooM album, as well as where and when we are having our <b>CD
release parties</b>. Yes, there is likely going to be more than one!</span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"></span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Fall
is arriving out here on the west coast and it’s been a <b>beautiful
transition</b> from one season to the next. Although it’s been dry gentle
weather out here, soon it will be colder yet. As with all things, that
too will pass. <b>Everything changes</b>, nothing stays the same, before you
know it, summer comes around again. </span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"></span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Remember, treating everyone and everything with <b>loving kindness brings the love back to you</b>. Be kind to each other.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Brother T</span><br />
<br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Comments can be sent to boodaboomband@gmail.com </span><br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12551858334178495511noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7355733266674410695.post-1142177235180906352012-08-22T19:11:00.000-07:002012-08-25T13:52:41.621-07:00BoodAbooM recording project progress report<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-r-zdKyi8nrY/UDWOgoqEm_I/AAAAAAAAAbo/HHHYfEUFnwY/s1600/DSC02184+crop+tiny.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-r-zdKyi8nrY/UDWOgoqEm_I/AAAAAAAAAbo/HHHYfEUFnwY/s320/DSC02184+crop+tiny.jpg" width="229" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Blaise Zhiam</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eYagjQi98Zk/UDWOxpff9SI/AAAAAAAAAbw/Qr5AMnxwtcA/s1600/DSC02275+crop+tiny.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="294" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eYagjQi98Zk/UDWOxpff9SI/AAAAAAAAAbw/Qr5AMnxwtcA/s320/DSC02275+crop+tiny.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bill Hicks</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uHfYzvK6eec/UDWPdh5tEVI/AAAAAAAAAb4/DCnpzznLl_0/s1600/DSC02315+crop+tiny.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uHfYzvK6eec/UDWPdh5tEVI/AAAAAAAAAb4/DCnpzznLl_0/s320/DSC02315+crop+tiny.jpg" width="290" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Myself, (Theo) on harmonica</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span id="internal-source-marker_0.40089617332606586" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Progress
on the first <a href="http://www.theomassop.com/boodaboom/" target="_blank">BoodAbooM</a> album has been an <b>exhilarating experience</b>. The
first day in the studio is always a day that vibrates with <b>anticipation</b>.
As things have come to be it looks as if the <b>same band</b> that recorded
the “<a href="http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/theomassop" target="_blank">Choices</a>” CD is recording the BoodAbooM collection with the
exception of the bass of course. We still have to confirm the keyboard
player, but Billy Hicks is back on drums, <b>Blaise</b> is on bass (my musical
brother), Rick Salt will add some of that killer slide guitar and yours
truly will be playing a lot more harmonica on this collection of songs.
John Forrest who was the bassist on my “Choices” album passed roughly a
year ago. R.I.P. Blackey, you were one helluva bass player and a
character loved by many. </span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"></span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">There
is a lot of <b>preparation</b> prior to the actual recording session and I was
pleased to be able to help Rick with that part of the process. The
first day of laying it down with Blaise on bass, Bill at the drum set,
myself on guitar and singing, was huge fun for a recording maniac like
me. We put in a <b>marathon session</b> recording 12 songs in 10 hours with
little or no breaks. It was exhausting, but once we were on a roll it
was going fantastic so no one yelled “uncle” till the final hurdle had
been leaped over. Good friend Paul Jay was privy to the inside skinny as
he hung around for the session capturing digital images of the day’s
activity. Click here to see some of those images.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"></span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">The
following few days were spent re-recording the guitar tracks. The
original tracks are never destroyed, but usually re-recorded in order to
be able to focus on and capture the most pristine performances
possible. Rick is a <b>master of guitar tone</b> and beyond being a friend for
long enough to begin counting in decades, he is a musical craftsman and
an articulate audioscaper. I have asked Rick to help me produce the
BoodAbooM album as well as engineer the recording. His ideas and input
are greatly valued.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"></span><b><br /></b><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><b>Lois
Lane Studios</b> is a busy place so next week is fully booked with other
recording artist. <a href="http://youtu.be/xFBmdPvoSAw" target="_blank">BoodAbooM</a> will resume with the keyboard tracks the
following week. We will be recording keyboard tracks in the main part of
the studio as a band of notoriety will be rehearsing in another part of
the studio. I am hoping for a <b>guest appearance</b> on one of the BoodAbooM
tracks by a member of that band but no promises, we’ll have to wait and
see.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"></span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">It’s
a long row to hoe before we will be close to posting anything from the
new album. As it stands though, we are flying forward full steam ahead
and will complete as soon as possible. Discussion about graphics and
merchandise continue, as well as a lot of thought about where to solicit
some industry help. In <b>today’s world of Internet</b>, there are a lot of
companies making money off of those wishing to impact the music world.
Lots of promises, each one with a corresponding fee and no guaranteed
results. The<b> sharks </b>still swim these waters. The truth is that no one
can do this music thing alone, even if you are a dedicated soloist
without management you still need your friends, fans, venues, followers
and those interested in what you are doing to make it all work. We
create the<b> art without expectation</b>, without pretence and bring it to our
friends, fans and the world hoping enough of you <b>support</b> this through
buying some merchandise and coming out to the shows. Blaise and I thank
you for that.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"></span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Speaking
of shows, BoodAbooM will be doing a <b>duo show</b> at the Quarterway Pub <b>in
Nanaimo</b> on <b>September 8th</b>. Mark it on your calendar and come on down if
you get a chance. Subscribe to this blog to follow along with the
progress of the upcoming BoodAbooM recordings.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Please send your comments to boodaboomband@gmail.com where they will be screened and posted if appropriate. </span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"></span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Until next time remember, a little <b>kindness</b> goes a long way.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Respectfully, Brother T </span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"></span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Many thanks to <a href="http://kahunajay.zenfolio.com/p73985615" target="_blank">Paul Jay</a> for the photos. Used by permission.</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12551858334178495511noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7355733266674410695.post-86837609842564029322012-08-13T16:08:00.000-07:002012-08-14T10:18:39.031-07:00The only thing constant is change<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<br />
<span id="internal-source-marker_0.8373410288142562" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">First
off I would like to say a big hello and <b>thank you to the readers</b> from
far away places. The new blog site has already been getting readers from
not only Canada and the United States, but also a decent readership
from Russia, South Korea, the Netherlands (gotta love Holland!), and </span><br />
<br />
<span id="internal-source-marker_0.8373410288142562" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Germany. I am so appreciative of being able to share some thoughts and
life moments with you.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"></span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Albert
Einstein said it, the Buddha said it before him, <b>the only thing
constant is change</b>. I think the sooner one accepts that change is an
inevitability, the sooner one starts to become comfortable with what you
are not going to be able to stop anyway. The Buddha taught that much of
our suffering comes from our constant wanting. Craving for this,
wanting that, our clinging to the way things are and grasping for the
way we wish things were, are all human traits that we simply need to be
aware of. <b>Awareness</b> is the first step toward understanding the
difference between what we really need and what we simply want or would
like to have. It is also the first step toward happiness or balance if
you will.</span><br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KNJkOtFVVwQ/UCmEkH6H2hI/AAAAAAAAAbY/236PAoOsjYc/s1600/tiny+party+pic.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="202" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KNJkOtFVVwQ/UCmEkH6H2hI/AAAAAAAAAbY/236PAoOsjYc/s320/tiny+party+pic.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">BoodAbooM at a recent performance. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">That
being said, Blaise Zhiam and I are faced with a slight change. Warren
DuMailo who teamed up with us for the “<a href="http://www.theomassop.com/boodaboom/" target="_blank">BoodAbooM</a>” project has decided to
focus on a different band that he is involved with. We had a great show
together on August the 4th, but distance and details are prohibiting
much more involvement with Warren. <b>We wish him well</b> in his new
endeavours and perhaps we’ll team up again somewhere down the road. </span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"></span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">This
week Blaise and I are headed to “Lois Lane Studios” <b>to begin recording</b>
our first album under the new band name “BoodAbooM”. Twelve songs have
been selected for this collection and <b>session drummer Billy Hicks</b> will
be joining us on the drums. Bill is one of my all time favourite
drummers. He has an impressive history and is sought after for his
studio chops and live performance. Bill was also the drummer for <b>my
previous album</b> “Choices” ( click <a href="http://www.cdbaby.com/theomassop/" target="_blank">here</a> to listen / buy ) and I am
thankful he has made time for this project. </span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"></span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><a href="http://youtu.be/xFBmdPvoSAw" target="_blank">BoodAbooM</a>
will focus on <b>danceable music</b> that for the most part reflects the
teaching of Siddharha Gautama, better known as the Buddha. Not so much
from a religious point of view, but more so from a point of methodology.
I am not a Buddhist and not a participant of any form of religion. What
I do find is balance and wisdom in the bare bones Buddha dharma or
teachings. The music itself for BoodAbooM is <b>an upbeat mix</b> of rock,
North American roots music, and a dash of reggae. The first offering
from our band is largely penned by myself, although our live
performances and the next album will include collaborations between
Blaise and myself. The music we are presenting is our art form, our
expression of how we see things in this moment. If you like what we are
doing with the BoodAbooM band, <b>please follow along</b> through this web site
and <b>tell others</b> what you find interesting here. Please share our web
links with others and send me an <a href="mailto:boodaboomband@gmail.com" target="_blank">email</a> with your comments, enquiries or
suggestions. </span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"></span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">I’ve
also come to see that nothing is certain, there are no assurances,
there are no guarantees that anything will turn out as you expect. In
fact if things do go as you planned, they will be slightly different
than you had expected once you get there. Regardless,<b> life itself is the
gift</b>. The experience of consciousness with all its trials,
tribulations, joys and successes, that is where we need to focus and
what we need to savour right here, right now. </span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"></span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Until next time, do your best to live and exhibit <b>loving kindness</b> to all and in every situation.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Brother T</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12551858334178495511noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7355733266674410695.post-67888918210517167482012-07-22T19:54:00.000-07:002012-07-22T19:54:10.779-07:00A little kindness<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GfpjrlOvtgU/UAy6Vn7qZ6I/AAAAAAAAAbI/qRtqxQ8_nSs/s1600/smaller+Cathy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="278" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GfpjrlOvtgU/UAy6Vn7qZ6I/AAAAAAAAAbI/qRtqxQ8_nSs/s320/smaller+Cathy.JPG" width="320" /></a><span id="internal-source-marker_0.810186746983411" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">So
it looks like I’ll probably be blogging about <b>once a month</b>. A little
easier to handle than my old blog of once a week. Believe me, it’s not
that I don’t have a lot to say or that I am out of touch with what goes
on in our region or around the world. The biggest reason for the fewer
blogs is time. With the bigger readership I had before there was a lot
of good comments and conversations that came out of the subjects I
covered, but it seriously got to be a time eater. Even so, I <b>greatly
appreciated and enjoyed</b> expressing myself, as well as the dialogue and
feedback from others. Now my focus is on the music and it’s vehicle,
<a href="http://www.theomassop.com/boodaboom/" target="_blank">BoodAbooM</a>.</span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"></span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Blaise
and I have been busy boys both preparing for the upcoming recording
sessions and taking advantage of opportunity to reach out to friends via
a <b>video webcast</b>. Meagan Duvauld conducted the interview which included
videos, live performances as well as interactive discussion with friends
and fans. It was fun and we thank Allen Felker of <a href="http://www.loudandalivetv.com/" target="_blank">Loud and Alive TV</a>
here on Vancouver Island.</span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"></span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">I
put in a short performance at a <b>benefit</b> for <a href="http://www.bluegambit.com/" target="_blank">Cathy Davis</a> a local
musician and friend of mine. Her <b>daughter had taken gravely ill </b>and the
burden of expense for Cathy was more than she could handle financially.
Our local Nanaimo community of musicians and merchants got together and
raised money by means of auctioning off goods and services. There were
some terrific performances by bands such as Terrazetto amongst others.
Jan Stephens, Sharon Franzen and Upright Earl deserve <b>big kudos</b> for
their efforts at this event. It’s good to give back and musicians have a
platform to that from. As it stands Cathy’s daughter has improved of
late and the help Cathy received from our community has been a huge
help. To read it from Cathy’s own hand <a href="http://www.canada.com/news/postmedia/Nanaimo+community+that+full+good+folk/6921010/story.html" target="_blank">click here</a>.</span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"></span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">We
are continuing to rehearse and <b>get ready for studio time</b> as well as a
few upcoming shows. Sorry folks, these are private engagements. As to
the studio time, we are scheduled to start in mid August. Warren,
Blaise and I are primed, charged and ready to rock!! Recording engineer
and producer <b>Rick Salt </b>who helped me with the “Choices” CD is once again
the guiding hand on this project. We are excited about Rick's involvement as a previously <b>Juno nominated</b> engineer and look forward to
this next step in the “<a href="http://www.theomassop.com/boodaboom/" target="_blank">BoodAbooM</a>” project.</span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"></span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Until next time, remember that <b>a little kindness goes a long way</b>.</span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Brother T</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12551858334178495511noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7355733266674410695.post-48002907675602146962012-06-13T08:43:00.001-07:002012-06-13T08:43:45.517-07:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mcOZp-kr5ZE/T9izRwNnlBI/AAAAAAAAAaI/7JajOYPQ2Lo/s1600/BoodAbooM+small.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mcOZp-kr5ZE/T9izRwNnlBI/AAAAAAAAAaI/7JajOYPQ2Lo/s320/BoodAbooM+small.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<span id="internal-source-marker_0.5929456663908951" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"> Last
year my daughter purchased me a copy of one of my favourite books,
“<a href="http://www.google.com/products/catalog?oe=utf-8&client=ubuntu&channel=fs&q=buddhism+plain+and+simple&um=1&ie=UTF-8&tbm=shop&cid=17585482267134848870&sa=X&ei=d6_YT_fUDMfe2AXXr5G9Dw&ved=0CGwQ8wIwAg" target="_blank">Buddhism plain and simple</a>” by Steve Hagen. The book is available at our
local library and I have read it several times. In this book Steve
Hagen attempts to strip away all the man made notions surrounding the
Buddha’s teachings and reveal the essence of the what <a href="http://webspace.ship.edu/cgboer/siddhartha.html" target="_blank">Siddhartha Gautama</a>
was telling us. Forget about the different branches of <b>Buddhism</b>, the
robes, singing bowls, or any other human contrived add ons. A little
history and a very clearly written dialogue regarding the four basic truths and the noble eight fold path.</span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"></span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">I
don’t consider myself a Buddhist in the conventional sense, but do feel
I have woken up in regard to the Buddha Dharma. The Buddha’s teachings
have practical application in the here and now, they help you see
reality. My eldest brother tried to make me aware of the wisdom to be
found in exploring ancient writings. As a young man I took some
interest in Taoism although my personal awakening really took hold when I
grasped the basic Buddha Dharma. The <b>teachings are about living this
life</b>, not so much about what happens after we die. How to create the
least amount of suffering for yourself, others and this world around us.
After all, we are all connected and at some level, all aware of that.</span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"></span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">The<b>
reason I am speaking about this in my blog</b> is because what rolls around
inside a <b>songwriters </b>head eventually makes its way through their heart,
hands, voice and into their songs. Much of the music I’ve written in
the past couple of years has reflected the teachings I have come to
embrace in songs about life, suffering, joy, awareness and mindfulness. </span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"></span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">I
was looking for a way to better represent the collaborative effort that
has come from a few years of stage time with bassist Blaise Zhiam utilising a name for the act rather than continuing under the “Theo
Massop” moniker. With a <b>new album</b> of my songs on the horizon and
seeking input from my band mates we have taken the name “<a href="http://www.theomassop.com/boodaboom" target="_blank">BoodAbooM</a>”.
Phonetically it pays homage to the Buddha’s teaching relevant in my
songs and our drummer Warren duMailo likes the way it sounds like drums
being played. </span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"></span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">This
isn’t to say the songs are solemn and subdued. On the contrary, the<b>
music</b> is rootsy, <b>rocking</b>, grooving with some reggae and yes, a few
mellower musings for the mind. It’s fun to feel that you are building
something with a team, three guys with a similar point of view working
together toward a unified goal. Good music. </span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"></span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">No
pretensions, we’re not trying to change the world, we’re <b>just making
good music</b> with some <b>meaningful lyrics</b> that might connect with some
people. Check back occasionally to see what’s up with “BoodAbooM”, as
well as my personal rants and raves.</span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"></span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Until next time, Brother T</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12551858334178495511noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7355733266674410695.post-84948328555859744842012-06-11T11:30:00.000-07:002012-06-11T11:30:23.429-07:00Well, well, here we go again. The last go around at blogging it was a weekly affair that took many hours and grew a decent readership. I managed to gain about 5000 hits a week before change came crashing down and it was all gone.<br />
<br />
This will be my new attempt at blogging although I can guarantee that it won't be weekly! Too much work for a busy guy like me.<br />
<br />
Much of what will be posted will have to do with the band "BoodAbooM" which I feel honoured to be a part of.<br />
<br />
Let's See how she goes.<br />
<br />
Peace and blessings,<br />
Brother TAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12551858334178495511noreply@blogger.com0