#513735 - 04/16/02 02:18 PM
Taking a Break, Reinventing yourself (long post)
|
Sylver
MP Hall of Fame Member
Registered: 05/05/01
Posts: 4672
|
Offline
|
|
So, last year around this time, I together a little DAW, and finally managed to start getting some music recorded. The results can be found at ww.mp3.com/jack_mathers. I was working steadily in my rare free time, and was getting results that I was pretty happy with, despit my meager guitar and recording skills, and a profound dislike for the sound of my own voice.
But then a funny thing happened. I got together with a friend that I used to be in a band with. He played keys at the time(I was the bass player), but has since been doing the one man show thang, singing and playing guitar. So of course, his playing was light years beyond mine when we jammed, both of us playing guitar. I was embaressed. It kicked my ass, and inspired the hell outta me to get more serious about the guitar.
That was in November.
I haven't written a complete song since then, but I've been working my ass off on guitar. But it's not really a "dry spell", I haven't been writing because I've been putting all of my energy into being a better guitar player, and not much else.
The problem is that now I'm really confused.
My style before was closer to funky, heavier rock. But now I don't know what to think. All this practicing, and what happened? I think I've turned into a blues player. I mean, I'm infected with the blues, addicted even. I try to play and sing my own songs and they feel alien and unnatural. I feel like I want to write blues songs now. But I still have this other material that I like, so I'm feeling like I want to rework it to more blues-rock, and I'm not sure if that will work, given the material.
Another thing is, I always held the blues in high esteem, almost with reverence. Like it was ok to be influenced by the blues, but like it was hypocritical for some white guy from the burbs of Philly to play the blues. But it keeps calling me. It won't let go. All of my musical ideas now sound like the blues. And I feel myself embracing it.
I mean this is scary. It's like a whole different sport.
Well, anyway, I'm still practicing, and I'm trying not to force myself into any particular style for now. I'm almost afraid to write though, until it seems that I'm settled. Or more settled.
I dunno what my point is.
I'd really like to hear your take on this guys and gals.
Thanks,
Jack
_________________________
I really don't know what to put here.
|
|
Top
|
|
|
|
|
#513736 - 04/16/02 04:34 PM
Re: Taking a Break, Reinventing yourself (long post)
|
Dak Lander
MP Hall of Fame Member
Registered: 01/10/02
Posts: 7728
Loc: Temecula, LoCal, USA
|
|
Offline
|
|
Let 'er go & write & play what you feel. I'll be better 'cause it's from the heart.
|
|
Top
|
|
|
|
|
#513737 - 04/16/02 11:29 PM
Re: Taking a Break, Reinventing yourself (long post)
|
Slowly
MP Hall of Fame Member
Registered: 01/31/01
Posts: 2806
Loc: Burien, Washington. U.S.A.
|
|
Offline
|
|
Originally posted by Sylver:
So, last year around this time, I together a little DAW, and finally managed to start getting some music recorded. The results can be found at ww.mp3.com/jack_mathers. I was working steadily in my rare free time, and was getting results that I was pretty happy with, despit my meager guitar and recording skills, and a profound dislike for the sound of my own voice.
But then a funny thing happened. I got together with a friend that I used to be in a band with. He played keys at the time(I was the bass player), but has since been doing the one man show thang, singing and playing guitar. So of course, his playing was light years beyond mine when we jammed, both of us playing guitar. I was embaressed. It kicked my ass, and inspired the hell outta me to get more serious about the guitar.
That was in November.
I haven't written a complete song since then, but I've been working my ass off on guitar. But it's not really a "dry spell", I haven't been writing because I've been putting all of my energy into being a better guitar player, and not much else.
The problem is that now I'm really confused.
My style before was closer to funky, heavier rock. But now I don't know what to think. All this practicing, and what happened? I think I've turned into a blues player. I mean, I'm infected with the blues, addicted even. I try to play and sing my own songs and they feel alien and unnatural. I feel like I want to write blues songs now. But I still have this other material that I like, so I'm feeling like I want to rework it to more blues-rock, and I'm not sure if that will work, given the material.
Another thing is, I always held the blues in high esteem, almost with reverence. Like it was ok to be influenced by the blues, but like it was hypocritical for some white guy from the burbs of Philly to play the blues. But it keeps calling me. It won't let go. All of my musical ideas now sound like the blues. And I feel myself embracing it.
I mean this is scary. It's like a whole different sport.
Well, anyway, I'm still practicing, and I'm trying not to force myself into any particular style for now. I'm almost afraid to write though, until it seems that I'm settled. Or more settled.
I dunno what my point is.
I'd really like to hear your take on this guys and gals.
Thanks,
Jack
_________________________
All the time and money I spent on you. I want my time back!
|
|
Top
|
|
|
|
|
#513738 - 04/17/02 11:39 AM
Re: Taking a Break, Reinventing yourself (long post)
|
Sylver
MP Hall of Fame Member
Registered: 05/05/01
Posts: 4672
|
|
Offline
|
|
Originally posted by Kcbass:
[QBTruth is, da blues wuz in ya all the time, ya wuz jus` scared ta lat it out. Kcbass[/QB]
_________________________
I really don't know what to put here.
|
|
Top
|
|
|
|
|
#513739 - 04/17/02 03:24 PM
Re: Taking a Break, Reinventing yourself (long post)
|
desoto
Senior Member
Registered: 04/03/02
Posts: 56
|
|
Offline
|
|
The first thing you should do is shed your proconceived concerns about who can play the blues. I had to get over that pretty quick when I lived in Arkansas. Fortunately, the blues is an extremely versatile form...there's some happy middle ground where your-style meets blues-style that you'll eventually find as you keep working with it and start writing with it. Next, go check out Stan Hirsch at http://www.StanHirsch.com. New Mexican. White guy. Solo blues player but with his own unique sound and approach. He's doing his own way what you're aiming to do in your own way. And that's all the proof you need.
Go get'm, tiger! 
Amanda
|
|
Top
|
|
|
|
|
#513740 - 04/23/02 11:22 AM
Re: Taking a Break, Reinventing yourself (long post)
|
strat0124
MP Hall of Fame Member
Registered: 04/03/01
Posts: 5056
Loc: ,VA,UNITED STATES
|
|
Offline
|
|
Well one of the things I'm proud of with my own guitar playing is having a style that can cross alot of genres, and my songwriting reflects that. One song might be a powerpop thang, whereas the next is straight ahead cosmic cowboy, and the next Delta Blues. I've got jazz stuff, Neil Young style angry rock, folk, celtic, ect. Can you imagine trying to sequence songs with this soup? My current project is my very first solo, using guest musicians/singers on every cut, and talking about reinventing! I like continuity, but continuity sorta like Ry Cooder does, where no matter what genre he's playing, it sounds like him regardless. That to me is too cool.
_________________________
Down like a dollar comin up against a yen, doin pretty good for the shape I'm in
|
|
Top
|
|
|
|
|
#513741 - 05/09/02 01:07 AM
Re: Taking a Break, Reinventing yourself (long post)
|
Salty Tonk
Senior Member
Registered: 03/21/02
Posts: 321
Loc: Texas
|
|
Offline
|
|
I started playing guitar in 83 . I was into metal at the time. Then came the southern rock around 86, then the blues around 88, then the grunge thing in the early 90's .Mid 90's came and I began playing in a country band(because it payed well... I live in Texas.)But looking back my style hasn't really changed by leaps and bounds.If I listen to old tapes of my old bands,it still sounds like me.But it has been a wonderful ride.Play whats "real" to you and continue to evolve if for no other reason to become a more well rounded musician.Keep jammin and keep it real. Catch ya later, James
_________________________
jgc2002 is not responsible for damages ,injuries and or death as result of above post.Side effects include nasuea,dizziness,dry mouth,vomiting,blurred vision,nervousness,loss of memory and in extreme cases sexual side effects. http://www.mp3.com/salt_creek
|
|
Top
|
|
|
|
|
#513742 - 05/09/02 06:08 AM
Re: Taking a Break, Reinventing yourself (long post)
|
Dan South
10k Club
Registered: 01/04/02
Posts: 12993
Loc: Metuchen,NJ,UNITED STATES
|
|
Offline
|
|
Two points.
First, you have to shift focus periodically to stay fresh. You'll get back to songwriting when the time is right. For now, just enjoy what you're doing.
Second, what's wrong with the blues? Some of the greatest guitarists ever were primarily blues men - Hendrix, Clapton, SRV, Robert Johnson, Johnny Winters.
_________________________
Thanks to all for sharing your wisdom, warmth, and humor. Our time together means a lot, and I should express that more often. I'm sorry that I never got a chance to say these words to DafDuc.
|
|
Top
|
|
|
|
|
#513743 - 05/09/02 11:50 AM
Re: Taking a Break, Reinventing yourself (long post)
|
Sylver
MP Hall of Fame Member
Registered: 05/05/01
Posts: 4672
|
|
Offline
|
|
Originally posted by Dan South:
Two points.
First, you have to shift focus periodically to stay fresh. You'll get back to songwriting when the time is right. For now, just enjoy what you're doing.
Originally posted by Dan South:
Second, what's wrong with the blues? Some of the greatest guitarists ever were primarily blues men - Hendrix, Clapton, SRV, Robert Johnson, Johnny Winters.
_________________________
I really don't know what to put here.
|
|
Top
|
|
|
|
|
#513744 - 05/09/02 12:10 PM
Re: Taking a Break, Reinventing yourself (long post)
|
Tusker
MP Hall of Fame Member
Registered: 08/02/00
Posts: 4174
Loc: Saddle Ridge
|
|
Offline
|
|
I think you are fortunate.
Lots people shouldn't be allowed to play blues or jazz, but they do. They just don't have it. There are others who should be playing blues or jazz but don't think they have the right. And they do.
Friend of mine grew up in the hair band era. Released a few albums. Now sells his prog rock overseas mostly in Asia. I didn't realise his strength until one day when his band was inadequately rehearsed on the complex stuff, he laid aside the 7 beat rhythms and the fast notes and started a slow blues jam on guitar. I told him afterwards he had a voice for blues, and he confessed he never felt validated to do it, while with the other styles it didn't matter if he was "real" or not.
The more you change, the larger you get. It's still you. I'd go for it.
All the best,
Jerry 
|
|
Top
|
|
|
|
|
#513745 - 05/09/02 11:27 PM
Re: Taking a Break, Reinventing yourself (long post)
|
Sylver
MP Hall of Fame Member
Registered: 05/05/01
Posts: 4672
|
|
Offline
|
|
Originally posted by Tusker:
I think you are fortunate.
Lots people shouldn't be allowed to play blues or jazz, but they do. They just don't have it. There are others who should be playing blues or jazz but don't think they have the right. And they do.
_________________________
I really don't know what to put here.
|
|
Top
|
|
|
|
|
#513746 - 05/15/02 11:28 AM
Re: Taking a Break, Reinventing yourself (long post)
|
ernest828
Gold Member
Registered: 10/31/00
Posts: 728
Loc: Brooklyn,NY,UNITED STATES
|
|
Offline
|
|
For some odd reason (tribal consciousness) people have these crazy assumptions that you have to be a certain color to play certain types of music. Everyone has feelings and emotions. To say that you have to be African American to play the blues is racist and narrow minded. There are no labels in music. Just listen to all of the great composers from the past. One came from Vienna, another from Germany, one from Italy, Poland, etc... my point is that labelling music is a new phenomenon (100 years old) and its all jibberish.
Get on with the blues if thats what you feel like playing. Stevie Ray Vaughan is the most black I have ever heard a white man play.
Peace,
Ernest 
|
|
Top
|
|
|
|
|
#513747 - 05/15/02 05:44 PM
Re: Taking a Break, Reinventing yourself (long post)
|
Sylver
MP Hall of Fame Member
Registered: 05/05/01
Posts: 4672
|
|
Offline
|
|
Originally posted by ernest828@aol.com:
To say that you have to be African American to play the blues is racist and narrow minded.
_________________________
I really don't know what to put here.
|
|
Top
|
|
|
|
|
#513748 - 06/14/02 01:40 PM
Re: Taking a Break, Reinventing yourself (long post)
|
Anifa
MP Hall of Fame Member
Registered: 03/26/02
Posts: 3572
Loc: Kansas City, Mo
|
|
Offline
|
|
A perfect example of the rebirth of "Rock" gone "Blues" was when Eric Clapton rerecorded "After Midnight" in it's later version performed with a heavy blues edge. Prior to that release, which was a part of his 2 Record set of greatest hits, I had never liked the song. He worked wonders with it.
I think that too many people misconceive what Blues is all about; same difference with Jazz. There is a big difference between Jazz improvisation and Louie Armstrong type Jazz. Blues, as a genre, does not mean you have to be singing the blues.
|
|
Top
|
|
|
|
|
#513749 - 06/14/02 06:04 PM
Re: Taking a Break, Reinventing yourself (long post)
|
nteleky
Member
Registered: 06/07/02
Posts: 19
Loc: UNITED STATES
|
|
Offline
|
|
I've been playing the guitar for about 14 years. Only recently, in the past 2 months, did I start taking lessons and seriously practice, instead of just mess around and play whatever I felt like playing.
I've noticed the serious practive sharpens your listening skills, especially with your own playing and how you feel about it.
As George Clinton puts it: "Listen to your inner voice, A higher wisdom is at work for you."
_________________________
«········»
Pursue the pursuit regardless.
|
|
Top
|
|
|
|
|
#513751 - 06/14/02 07:55 PM
Re: Taking a Break, Reinventing yourself (long post)
|
nteleky
Member
Registered: 06/07/02
Posts: 19
Loc: UNITED STATES
|
|
Offline
|
|
"good thoughts produce good fruit,
bullshit thoughts rot your meat."
George broke it down.
_________________________
«········»
Pursue the pursuit regardless.
|
|
Top
|
|
|
|
Moderator: nursers
|
|
|
