tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-194938872024-03-13T07:53:11.858-04:00A Musical LifeWherein a musician grapples with his life-forceEric Wallackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08971335522492437575noreply@blogger.comBlogger87125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19493887.post-72495151024978137952013-04-28T14:17:00.002-04:002013-04-28T14:17:41.918-04:00Anybody Home?I realize it's been a swallow's life since I've posted anything here. Gotta get with the times so I baked me up a Tumblr to post new music, etc.<br />
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You can find me over <a href="http://bhagiti.tumblr.com/" rel="nofollow">HERE</a> and I'll be trying to do a better job of keeping it watered and fed<br />
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Bhag ManEric Wallackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08971335522492437575noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19493887.post-34556953306867635132010-12-18T09:28:00.001-05:002010-12-18T09:30:15.108-05:00R.I.P. Don Van Vliet (The Good Captain Beefheart)<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_jSWr2aOiO-0/TQzFYWqtR1I/AAAAAAAAADs/pKyGd_LH3NE/s1600/main.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 306px; height: 306px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_jSWr2aOiO-0/TQzFYWqtR1I/AAAAAAAAADs/pKyGd_LH3NE/s320/main.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5552029462833219410" /></a>No Words...Eric Wallackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08971335522492437575noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19493887.post-6032316669755427802010-09-25T12:55:00.010-04:002010-09-25T15:30:48.107-04:00Twelve For Nothing (Minus Six)<img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 314px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_jSWr2aOiO-0/TJ4wMc2gJWI/AAAAAAAAADk/UZmcxSNEKrU/s320/sept+cover.gif" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5520903183664162146" />My <a href="http://ericwallack.com/">second year of living musically</a> has reached its equinox. My sun faces its equator head-on and the nights are growing long. The recordings drop now like leaves; some catching a draft, lifted upward, others falling like pebbles dropped to the sea by errant fish-eagles. Each time part of me dies. Part of me grows. I gave <a href="http://www.mediafire.com/?9428a3128w775jw">August</a> its eulogy and embraced <a href="http://www.mediafire.com/?lq5f6ahs8kk2sdl">September</a> with open-arms, slinging a banjo.<br /><div><div><br /></div><div>Earlier this month, still in the lingering too-hot-for-September throes of summer, I provided bass clef support to an album laid down by <i>batterista extrodinaire</i> Pete Zolli before I handed it off to musical tinder-sticks <a href="http://hartsongs.tripod.com/bret_hart_page1.htm">Bret Hart</a>. We've been here <a href="http://www.aural-innovations.com/issues/issue35/exodust1.html">before</a> and Bret has a mind to have the mighty <a href="http://doncampau.com/">Don Campau</a> shingle the the roof (so to speak).</div><div><div><br /></div><div><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_jSWr2aOiO-0/TJ4s663a1XI/AAAAAAAAADc/rvUA6hjMhXs/s320/and_august_slowly_dies.gif" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5520899583948543346" /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div></div></div>Eric Wallackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08971335522492437575noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19493887.post-11089800234862742282010-06-28T12:48:00.009-04:002010-06-28T13:16:48.493-04:0012 For Nothing (12-4-0)<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_jSWr2aOiO-0/TCjWpu3fdnI/AAAAAAAAAC8/qJWRJEDXOU8/s1600/Desert+Songs+Cover.gif"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_jSWr2aOiO-0/TCjWpu3fdnI/AAAAAAAAAC8/qJWRJEDXOU8/s320/Desert+Songs+Cover.gif" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5487872158394709618" /></a>Well the <a href="http://www.ericwallack.com/">Twelve For Nothing</a> (12-4-0) project is moving along. June's record was a bit of a gamble as I had recorded over 2-3 weeks but on Saturday the 26th decided I didn't like any of it. I scrapped it and began an entirely new record that was finished yesterday and uploaded today. You can download <i>Desert Songs</i> (zipped MP3's) <a href="http://www.mediafire.com/?yidjzlndl43">HERE</a> and follow the whole series at www.ericwallack.com.<div><br /></div><div>In related news the amazing <a href="http://www.doncampau.com/">Don Campau</a> has graciously decided to add me to the <a href="http://www.doncampau.com/lw2010.htm">Lonely Whistle Music</a> record label. As well as being one of the most prolific and creative music makers I know, Don's one of the world-wide impresarios for underground and home-recorded music. His No Pigeonholes radio show's European equivalent (<a href="http://www.radiomarabu.de/">Radio Marabu</a>) will feature a few of the tunes from the series in July. You can listen to the podcast <a href="http://doncampau.podOmatic.com/player/web/2010-06-23T16_53_06-07_00">HERE</a>.</div><div><br /></div><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_jSWr2aOiO-0/TCjXAXyckZI/AAAAAAAAADE/9CYENrOj9lw/s320/Stella+Says.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5487872547336524178" />In addition, <a href="http://delta-slider.blogspot.com/">Delta-Slider</a>, one of my favorite music blogs devoted to <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/American_Primitivism">American Primitive</a> and related styles of guitar has posted a lovely review and download for <a href="http://www.mediafire.com/?zjyxwnoyoyw"><i>Stella Says</i></a>. I'm truly honored to be added to a blog that includes incandescent luminaries like like John Fahey, Jack Rose, Mary Flower, Ragtime Ralph, etc. Many thanks 'Slider!!Eric Wallackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08971335522492437575noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19493887.post-83131920953727778622010-04-01T18:58:00.007-04:002010-04-02T07:23:46.382-04:00Is This Thing On?It has been a while since I posted anything because the musical activity since the end of the <a href="http://songjournal.podomatic.com/">365</a><a href="http://songjournal2.podomatic.com/"> Project</a> slowed to a trickle or has just not gotten me interested enough to blog about it. Sadly, due to a few life changes over the past couple of years I dropped off the map from some really good friends and musicians - people who've inspired me greatly - and I promise to tend to those and build them back up (I sincerely hope)<div><br /></div><div>Ok, A year ago I did write and record an album for "<a href="http://fawm.org/">February Is Album Writing Month</a>". You can listen to or download all the tracks for free <a href="http://www.last.fm/music/Eric+Wallack+%28aka+Bhagiti%29/Greetings+From+Ohio">HERE</a>. If you'd like a copy in a handmade, custom cover sent to you for free just request one in the comments section below.<div><br /></div><div>So anyway, it's the 3-year anniversary of the start the 365 Project and seeing how my creative output has dropped faster than <a href="http://finance.yahoo.com/q?s=tm">Toyota stocks</a> (I do own a Corolla) I've decided that beginning this month once again I will commit to a year-long experiment in creative self-discipline. I'll write, record and upload a record album a month for a year. 12 months, twelve albums.</div><div><br /></div><div>Ground Rules (self-imposed)</div><div><br /></div><div>1. A "record album" is defined as a collection of not fewer than 8 and not more than 14 songs intended to be perceived as a whole. In the event longer form pieces are required an "album" shall be no less that 36 minutes (the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Creed_Taylor">Creed Taylor</a> rule) and no more than 60.</div><div><br /></div><div>2. Instrumental and/or vocal material is acceptable</div><div><br /></div><div>3. The work must must my own (but)</div><div><br /></div><div>4. Collaboration with others is acceptable and desirable as long as the work is motivated by and inclusive of my creative impulse. I must be present in each and every song (and)</div><div><br /></div><div>5. If desired, I may remake any of my previously recorded songs as long as the piece fits the vibe of the "album" and is limited to no more than one per "album"</div><div><br /></div><div>6. All albums will contain original, cover art, printed lyrics (where applicable), liner notes and be available for free download at <a href="http://www.ericwallack.com/">www.ericwallack.com</a>. Each album will be available in its entirety by the last day of each month beginning April 2010 and ending March 2011.</div><div><br /></div><div>Ok, here goes nothing...</div></div>Eric Wallackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08971335522492437575noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19493887.post-65339919500614133692009-11-05T07:37:00.002-05:002009-11-05T07:39:24.722-05:00The Return of The Stick!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.stick.com/articles/birth/stickoverla.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 446px; height: 226px;" src="http://www.stick.com/articles/birth/stickoverla.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>Eric Wallackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08971335522492437575noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19493887.post-47840745327088731092009-03-20T09:03:00.005-04:002009-03-20T09:08:13.472-04:00DIY Love #2<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_jSWr2aOiO-0/ScOVJ1RjM-I/AAAAAAAAAC0/u7fWQemGqZo/s1600-h/WBG+3.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 213px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_jSWr2aOiO-0/ScOVJ1RjM-I/AAAAAAAAAC0/u7fWQemGqZo/s320/WBG+3.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5315255981379367906" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_jSWr2aOiO-0/ScOVEbkRPNI/AAAAAAAAACs/42Ra3RpUemY/s1600-h/WBG+2.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 191px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_jSWr2aOiO-0/ScOVEbkRPNI/AAAAAAAAACs/42Ra3RpUemY/s320/WBG+2.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5315255888579214546" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_jSWr2aOiO-0/ScOU9ZcAvQI/AAAAAAAAACk/LazS7eIlzPA/s1600-h/WBG+1.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 107px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_jSWr2aOiO-0/ScOU9ZcAvQI/AAAAAAAAACk/LazS7eIlzPA/s320/WBG+1.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5315255767748623618" /></a><br />My latest abomination - a wine box guitar I made totally out of recycled parts. The neck and bridge (I think from a Harmony Sovereign) came from a snag on "big trash pick up day" and the box came from a thrift store in Oberlin, OH. Total investment (counting strings), $8.75. Plays and sounds great!<div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Eric Wallackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08971335522492437575noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19493887.post-84498078228802342612009-03-20T08:33:00.004-04:002009-03-20T08:47:13.197-04:00DIY Love<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_jSWr2aOiO-0/ScOP-CSAZkI/AAAAAAAAACc/05HqVSw1NJ0/s1600-h/il_fullxfull.59821928.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_jSWr2aOiO-0/ScOP-CSAZkI/AAAAAAAAACc/05HqVSw1NJ0/s320/il_fullxfull.59821928.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5315250281154373186" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_jSWr2aOiO-0/ScON2SLW9LI/AAAAAAAAACU/A5JZHX9r5Z0/s1600-h/Picture.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 245px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_jSWr2aOiO-0/ScON2SLW9LI/AAAAAAAAACU/A5JZHX9r5Z0/s320/Picture.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5315247948959249586" /></a><br />Take a look-see at this awesome retro/cowboy themed guitar case made for me by sophiaworksf8! She custom made it for my wacky <a href="http://www.gretschguitars.com/americana/">Gretsch Americana "Way Out West"</a> guitar with funky vintage styled ranch/rodeo fabric. Her etsy.com site is <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5821374">HERE</a> so stop by and check out her coolness!<div><br /></div>Eric Wallackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08971335522492437575noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19493887.post-51886462719671346112009-02-05T10:50:00.001-05:002009-02-05T10:51:31.213-05:00Lux Interior 1949-2009<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_jSWr2aOiO-0/SYsKwXJW-iI/AAAAAAAAAB4/NCHA6FH0GJo/s1600-h/lux.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 170px; height: 205px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_jSWr2aOiO-0/SYsKwXJW-iI/AAAAAAAAAB4/NCHA6FH0GJo/s320/lux.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5299341212494789154" border="0" /></a>Eric Wallackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08971335522492437575noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19493887.post-75699820383813197482009-01-24T14:42:00.003-05:002009-01-24T15:01:36.757-05:00Best of 2008I just found out I made radio station KKUP's <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">No Pigeonholes</span> "Best of 2008". I'm certain I don't belong in a list of such amazing & fearless independent artists but there I am. My deepest thanks to <a href="http://www.doncampau.com/">Don Campau</a> for his tireless championing and support for independent music.<div><br /></div><div>Truly worthy is my friend <a href="http://www.myspace.com/sidvadmusic">Sid Vad</a> whose record and series of improvised acapella vocals entitled <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">Impression Sunrise </span>is probably one of the most moving and intense listening experiences I've ever had<br /><div><br /></div><div><div>KKUP is 91.5 FM out of Cupertino, CA<br /><div><br /></div><div>You can check out the list <a href="http://www.doncampau.com/bestof2008.htm">HERE</a> and listen to an archived broadcast of the show (in 2 parts) <a href="http://doncampau.podomatic.com/">HERE</a></div></div></div></div>Eric Wallackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08971335522492437575noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19493887.post-45151861437181143922009-01-18T20:29:00.003-05:002009-01-18T20:30:37.231-05:00Space Bass<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_jSWr2aOiO-0/SXPXuC1fZ7I/AAAAAAAAABw/bgEJNIAaU4c/s1600-h/bootsy-collins.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 224px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_jSWr2aOiO-0/SXPXuC1fZ7I/AAAAAAAAABw/bgEJNIAaU4c/s320/bootsy-collins.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5292811173125646258" /></a>Eric Wallackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08971335522492437575noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19493887.post-32578964120611995282009-01-05T08:49:00.004-05:002009-01-05T08:55:17.885-05:00Monk's AdviceThelonious <a href="http://thebadplus.typepad.com/dothemath/2008/12/steve-lacy-on-monk.html">Monk's advice to Steve Lacy</a>:<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_jSWr2aOiO-0/SWIQJSVJoYI/AAAAAAAAABI/Fg_D2_lGYME/s1600-h/monk1.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 235px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_jSWr2aOiO-0/SWIQJSVJoYI/AAAAAAAAABI/Fg_D2_lGYME/s320/monk1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5287806664211800450" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><br /><br />Thanks to Len for sending this to me!</span>Eric Wallackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08971335522492437575noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19493887.post-15146952371227020272009-01-01T09:51:00.000-05:002009-01-01T09:52:19.390-05:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_jSWr2aOiO-0/SVzYlTm8p2I/AAAAAAAAABA/CUAJRt7shek/s1600-h/wtf.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 256px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_jSWr2aOiO-0/SVzYlTm8p2I/AAAAAAAAABA/CUAJRt7shek/s320/wtf.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5286338198056511330" /></a>Eric Wallackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08971335522492437575noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19493887.post-4010512272477448452008-11-20T10:54:00.000-05:002008-11-20T10:55:40.884-05:00New Byrne & Eno!<object type="application/x-shockwave-flash" height="400" width="400" id="TSBundleWidget" data="http://bits-0.topspin.net/u/byrne/TSBundleWidget.swf?rootPath=https://app.topspin.net&showTrace=false&campaign_id=6001"><param value="always" name="allowScriptAccess"><param name="allowfullscreen" value="true"><param name="movie" value="http://bits-0.topspin.net/u/byrne/TSBundleWidget.swf?rootPath=https://app.topspin.net&showTrace=false&campaign_id=6001"><param name="quality" value="high"><param name="flashvars" value="campaign_id=6001&baseurl=http://app.topspin.net&width=400&height=400&configurl=http://bits-0.topspin.net/u/byrne/album_config_6001.xml&autoplay=false"></object>Eric Wallackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08971335522492437575noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19493887.post-28322496786153806762008-11-17T09:49:00.002-05:002008-11-17T09:50:59.575-05:00Songwriters' Workshop 11.6.08<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_jSWr2aOiO-0/SSGEy8nN1wI/AAAAAAAAAA0/tCsBijPCE0g/s1600-h/playin+%26+singin.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 292px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_jSWr2aOiO-0/SSGEy8nN1wI/AAAAAAAAAA0/tCsBijPCE0g/s320/playin+%26+singin.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5269639049799128834" border="0" /></a>Eric Wallackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08971335522492437575noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19493887.post-39903824048469382852008-10-27T09:29:00.014-04:002008-10-27T10:24:00.993-04:00Jack, Jack & MeSomeone hit this wall in West Toledo with a Kerouac stencil<div><br /><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 270px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_jSWr2aOiO-0/SQXDQIWNqqI/AAAAAAAAAAk/NdFhERU3PnU/s320/jack,+jack+%26+me.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5261826421538269858" /><div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />so<br />this is what it all comes down to<br /><br />jack<br />all robes and no monk<br />pouring out<br />and pouring in<br />like some cheap sutra<br />in booze and tears<br /><br />an unresolved riddle<br />haiku<br />or koan<br />is all that remains<br /><br />and of course none of it matters<br /><br />but i can’t stop<br />filling it all up<br />with nothingness<br /><br />since after all<br />nothing is empty<br />everything is full<br />of some stupid desire<br />to bring it all on<br /><br />or throw it all<br />away</div></div>Eric Wallackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08971335522492437575noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19493887.post-78279162076957989232008-07-29T07:55:00.005-04:002008-08-04T16:29:05.551-04:00Urequited Bewilderment<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp3.blogger.com/_jSWr2aOiO-0/SI8JEIDugcI/AAAAAAAAAAc/YoF0HLa1ZBQ/s1600-h/unrequited+bewilderment.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="http://bp3.blogger.com/_jSWr2aOiO-0/SI8JEIDugcI/AAAAAAAAAAc/YoF0HLa1ZBQ/s320/unrequited+bewilderment.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5228407658887676354" border="0" /></a><br />"Explain it Away", from <a href="http://songjournal.podomatic.com/">The 365 Project</a>, got airplay on <a href="http://www.doncampau.com/">Don Campau</a>'s mighty No Pigeonholes radio show on <a href="http://www.kkup.com/">KKUP 91.5 fm</a> in San Cupertino, CA over the weekend. You can listen to the podcast <a href="http://doncampau.podomatic.com/entry/2008-07-28T16_37_39-07_00">HERE</a>.<br /><br />As Don reveals in the program, I compiled 20 songs from The 365 Project at his request to be released on his <a href="http://www.doncampau.com/lw2007.htm">Lonely Whistle Records</a> label. Should be ready to ship by next week and you can contact Don through the Lonely Whistle Records website <a href="http://www.doncampau.com/lw2007order.htm">if you'd like a copy</a>. The songjournal finally rests.<br /><br />Don's huge presence on the indie scene - through his own music, the radio show and a vast, international network of close music connections - is beyond staggering. I hosted a podcast interview with Don where he discussed and shared some of his long history of independent music making. You can check it out and listen <a href="http://bhagiti.podomatic.com/entry/eg/2006-01-08T08_23_20-08_00">HERE</a>.<br /><br />Cheers to Don Campau!!Eric Wallackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08971335522492437575noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19493887.post-42330488650010495642008-07-09T10:27:00.001-04:002008-07-09T10:29:23.712-04:00Trout Mask Zen<div id="maincontent"> <h1>Captain Beefheart's 10 Commandments of Guitar Playing</h1> <p>(From the <a href="http://www.beefheart.com/">Captain Beefheart Radar Station</a>)<br /></p> <p>1.<strong> Listen to the birds</strong>.<br /> <br /> That's where all the music comes from. Birds know everything about how it should sound and where that sound should come from. And watch hummingbirds. They fly really fast, but a lot of times they aren't going anywhere. </p><p>2. <strong>Your guitar is not really a guitar Your guitar is a divining rod</strong>.<br /> <br /> Use it to find spirits in the other world and bring them over. A guitar is also a fishing rod. If you're good, you'll land a big one. </p><p>3. <strong>Practice in front of a bush</strong><br /> <br /> Wait until the moon is out, then go outside, eat a multi-grained bread and play your guitar to a bush. If the bush dosen't shake, eat another piece of bread. </p><p>4. <strong>Walk with the devil </strong><br /> <br /> Old Delta blues players referred to guitar amplifiers as the "devil box." And they were right. You have to be an equal opportunity employerin terms of who you're brining over from the other side. Electricity attracts devils and demons. Other instruments attract other spirits. An acoustic guitar attracts Casper. A mandolin attracts Wendy. But an electric guitar attracts Beelzebub. </p><p>5. <strong>If you're guilty of thinking, you're out</strong> <br /> <br /> If your brain is part of the process, you're missing it. You should play like a drowning man, struggling to reach shore. If you can trap that feeling, then you have something that is fur bearing. </p><p>6. <strong>Never point your guitar at anyone</strong><br /> <br /> Your instrument has more clout than lightning. Just hit a big chord then run outside to hear it. But make sure you are not standing in an open field. </p><p>7. <strong>Always carry a church key</strong><br /> <br /> That's your key-man clause. Like One String Sam. He's one. He was a Detroit street musician who played in the fifties on a homemade instrument. His song "I Need a Hundered Dollars" is warm pie. Another key to the church is Hubert Sumlin, Howlin' Wolf's guitar player. He just stands there like the Statue of Liberty-making you want to look up her dress the whole time to see how he's doing it. </p><p>8. <strong>Don't wipe the sweat off your instrument</strong> <br /> <br /> You need that stink on there. Then you have to get that stink onto your music. </p><p>9. <strong>Keep your guitar in a dark place<br /> <br /> </strong> When you're not playin your guitar, cover it and keep it in a dark place. If you don't play your guitar for more than a day, be sure you put a saucer of water in with it. </p><p>10. <strong>You gotta have a hood for your engine</strong><br /> <br /> Keep that hat on. A hat is a pressure cooker. If you have a roof on your house, the hot air can't escape. Even a lima bean has to have a piece of wet paper around it to make it grow.</p> </div>Eric Wallackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08971335522492437575noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19493887.post-74921041712321069162008-06-30T08:01:00.005-04:002008-06-30T10:22:53.676-04:00Some KarmaBasement + guitar + Ohio rain + power outage = ruined guitar<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_jSWr2aOiO-0/SGjsM-49ffI/AAAAAAAAAAU/vaMVWCgvrpE/s1600-h/Guitar2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_jSWr2aOiO-0/SGjsM-49ffI/AAAAAAAAAAU/vaMVWCgvrpE/s320/Guitar2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5217679876093214194" border="0" /></a>Eric Wallackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08971335522492437575noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19493887.post-29103115337829684512008-06-17T15:00:00.007-04:002008-06-17T16:37:19.896-04:00What Is The Matter With MeI admit it (the first step is admitting you have a problem); I've had a secret love affair with (and undying passion for) tragically sentimental (but genius) pop music created by <span style="font-style: italic;">almostwere's</span> and <span style="font-style: italic;">nevertobe's</span>, bands like <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_La%27s">The La's</a>. I need a 12-step program and a weekly meeting.<br /><br />"Hello, my name is Eric and listen to janglepop when nobody's looking."<br /><br /><object height="344" width="425"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/Bhgw0ZOBg3A&hl=en"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/Bhgw0ZOBg3A&hl=en" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" height="344" width="425"></embed></object>Eric Wallackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08971335522492437575noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19493887.post-47833456615800069592008-06-04T08:19:00.003-04:002008-06-04T08:36:35.761-04:00700 HobosThis is the real deal and ends up a sort of sublime, epic poem of the old weird America.<br /><br />Listen to the reading of 700 Hobo names (to the accompaniment of a folk guitar and ghostly radio signal) <a href="http://ia300126.us.archive.org/2/items/700HoboNames/Hobo_Names.mp3">HERE</a>. All 700 Hobos illustrated (a gargantuan project) over <a href="http://e-hobo.com/">HERE</a>.<br /><br />I can't explain why, but this is one of the most powerful things I've come across in a long time.<br /><br />#153 Slo-Mo Deuteronomy:<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://e-hobo.com/images/hoboes/255161938.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 190px; height: 302px;" src="http://e-hobo.com/images/hoboes/255161938.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>Eric Wallackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08971335522492437575noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19493887.post-27880695641686270342008-05-07T08:43:00.004-04:002008-05-07T12:59:14.491-04:00Over and OnwardIt's been a few weeks since the last chord rang out on the <a href="http://songjournal2.podomatic.com/">song journal</a>. People have asked what I'm going to do with it (would I make a compilation disc, publish the lyrics, etc) and I just don't know. My gut feeling is to leave it as-is and move on.<br /><br />I've finished my interpretation of page 65 of Cornelius Cardew's <span style="font-style: italic;">Treatise</span> and sent it to <a href="http://antocularismagazine.blogspot.com/2006/06/doctrines-of-tom-furgas.html"><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Tom Furgas</span></a> who's in charge of the project. Should be released in early summer.Eric Wallackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08971335522492437575noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19493887.post-81018498022419134502008-04-15T15:05:00.010-04:002008-04-15T16:23:38.669-04:00All Things Are Empty<span style="font-family: verdana;font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;" >With a couple of days to go in the <a href="http://songjournal2.podomatic.com/">songjournal</a> I'm faced with the dilemma I worried about months ago - the last song. There's the part of me that wants it to be the best one, whatever that means. There's also the part of me that hopes it goes out understated and small; a bow to the zen master upon realizing I haven't learned or accomplished anything. Well, of course I don't know what it will be. I won't until sometime on Saturday.<br /><br />I don't think any of it has been about "best" (or product) at all. It's been about process, perseverance, keeping creativity alive, self discovery and loss.<br /><br />Loss. That's going to be the most difficult. I've become very attached to the thing (eliminating any possibility for zen mastery here) and to stop dead in my tracks on Saturday (which, coincidentally, is also the 1st day of Passover) is going to be hard. This quote (which I cannot attribute to any reliable source) pretty much nails it, </span><span style="font-family: verdana;font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;" >“It's weird...you know the end of something great is coming, but you want to hold on, just for one more second...just so it can hurt a little more.”</span>Eric Wallackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08971335522492437575noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19493887.post-77537616203311943112008-04-14T08:56:00.006-04:002008-04-15T16:22:49.591-04:00The Hive Itself a TeacupA whirlwind of activity as I near the end (five days left) of the <a href="http://songjournal2.podomatic.com/">songjournal</a>.<br /><br />The EP I did for<a href="http://alajazzrecords.blogspot.com/">.ala jazz records</a> is now available for free download <a href="http://alajazzrecords.blogspot.com/2008/04/alafree01.html">HERE</a>. <span style="font-style: italic;">The Hive Itself a Teacup</span> is a suite of five solo free-improvisations on several acoustic stringed instruments. My deepest thanks to Omar at .ala jazz records for the label invite. I also really, really like the <a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_dU_0wKHDqsA/SAHKC0uW01I/AAAAAAAAAUA/GhZzkDQ1IZg/s1600-h/The_Hive_Itself_A_Teacup.jpg">cover art</a> "Oink! Oink!" made for the release. In addition, I'm almost done with a limited edition, cassette-only release (working title: <span style="font-style: italic;">Know Your Lake Monsters</span>) for his Goat Folk label.<br /><br />Also, almost done with my realization for part of <a href="http://www.composer.co.uk/composers/cardew.html">Cornelius Cardew</a>'s <span style="font-style: italic;"><a href="http://www.blockmuseum.northwestern.edu/picturesofmusic/pages/anim.html">Treatise</a> </span>to be released by Tom Furgas later this summer.<br /><br />It's good to be busy again!Eric Wallackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08971335522492437575noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19493887.post-83466684106618499612008-01-22T16:37:00.000-05:002008-01-22T17:02:36.472-05:00Those Who've Gone Before, Those to ComeOut of the blue I got a really nice note and some encouragement from a musician named Tim Walker who did his own 365-songs-in-a-year project. <a href="http://www.trymungous.com/timwalker365songs.html">HERE</a> is the link to his year of songs (scroll down). I'm blown away by the amount time he spent on arrangements and the care he took with each of his recordings. I'm a slacker in comparison.<br /><br />I want to get in touch with other musicians, writers, poets, artists, etc who've made a commitment to a piece-a-day for 365 days. I wonder how many of us had the same motivations and expectations. I wonder how we would agree or disagree regarding the personal struggles and outcomes.<br /><br />As I've said here before, David Andrew Strackany (aka <a href="http://www.paleo.ws/">PALEO</a>) was my inspiration and he's still going strong a year after completing 365 consecutive songs. He now continues to write and record a weekly "sunday prayer" until the day he dies (I'm not kidding and I believe he'll do it). I wonder if he knows about the rest of us. He tours relentlessly and I'm going to try to get to a show to meet and thank him. <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Suzan-Lori_Parks">Suzan-Lori Parks</a> wrote a play a day for 365 days.<br /><br />So what are you waiting for? Make the commitment to being creative every day for just one year - make it public or keep it private but do it (and stick with it). I guarantee nothing. Or everything.Eric Wallackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08971335522492437575noreply@blogger.com1