Wednesday, January 30, 2013
Monday, January 28, 2013
From the mailbag....
Benjamin Terrell writes: "If you are interested in checking out my music...We Have Been Waiting So Long by Benjamin Terrell on SoundCloud."
Suspended for Singing
The Forward's Sisterhood blog reports on a "Controversial Suspension For Contestant On Israel's 'The Voice'."
This is a must-see video. Watch it.
I disagree with Renee Ghert-Zand's spin on this. I think the school and the girl's family handled this correctly. I give Ophir and her family a lot of credit for being willing to do this. The school has rules and standards which students are expected to live up to, and while a parent may not agree with a specific rule, they do have to respect the schools policies and the effect public rule-breaking of this sort could have on the rest of the student body. Given this, a penalty that is "serious" enough to be pointed to as a deterrent is warranted. However, it does seem that the school and family negotiated a punishment that would both serve as a deterrent to others and would still allow for Ophir to compete on "The Voice" without expulsion from school, something that would be the expected response from a Chareidi school.
The challenge will be what/how to handle future televised appearances during the season. Hopefully, the school will subsume it into this penalty. Ophir made a tremendous Kiddush Hashem in her appearance, and has the potential to continue to do so.
Kol Isha is a complicated halachik issue. The only way it may change is from within, with examples like Ophir's, not with knee-jerk attacks from without.
This is a must-see video. Watch it.
I disagree with Renee Ghert-Zand's spin on this. I think the school and the girl's family handled this correctly. I give Ophir and her family a lot of credit for being willing to do this. The school has rules and standards which students are expected to live up to, and while a parent may not agree with a specific rule, they do have to respect the schools policies and the effect public rule-breaking of this sort could have on the rest of the student body. Given this, a penalty that is "serious" enough to be pointed to as a deterrent is warranted. However, it does seem that the school and family negotiated a punishment that would both serve as a deterrent to others and would still allow for Ophir to compete on "The Voice" without expulsion from school, something that would be the expected response from a Chareidi school.
The challenge will be what/how to handle future televised appearances during the season. Hopefully, the school will subsume it into this penalty. Ophir made a tremendous Kiddush Hashem in her appearance, and has the potential to continue to do so.
Kol Isha is a complicated halachik issue. The only way it may change is from within, with examples like Ophir's, not with knee-jerk attacks from without.
Sunday, January 27, 2013
Friday, January 25, 2013
BD'E - Shelly Gordon
I regret to inform all of you that the well-known trumpet player, Shelly Gordon, passed away yesterday, after many years of suffering with Parkinson's Disease.
The funeral will be held this Sunday at 2.30PM at Sinai Chapels located at 16205 Horace Harding Exp. in Flushing .
Shiva will take place from Sunday to Wednesday at 53-46 Francis Lewis Boulevard Queens from 2:00 to 7:00 PM
Baruch Dayan Emes!
Sunday, January 20, 2013
Saturday, January 19, 2013
Friday, January 18, 2013
Pop Mail
Jordan writes:
You forgot to add that every frum pop star has at least one MiVon Siach, preferably mispronounced MiBon Siach, one Mi Adir, and at least two fast wedding tunes.Indeed.
Thursday, January 17, 2013
Peep Mail
J. writes:
I'll call him a "Brasshole".
Met a peep I havent encountered in a while. The guy who thinks its funny to stick his hand in front of the bell of a playing brass musician, and then gets offended when you put down the horn and tell him to cut it out, with extreme prejudice. I call him an asshole, but if you can think of a more family friendly peep name, thats ok too.
I'll call him a "Brasshole".
So You Wanna Be A Successful Frum Pop Star?
Here are some tips on what you'll need to do.
1) If you can find a pasuk/liturgical text with your last name referenced in it, you must record a setting of it. If the text has no significance or meaning, that's irrelevant. It can even be a sentence fragment, if you like. The main thing is that you will get to sing your name and that if the song hits, others will too.
2) If you can't find a text with your last name, your first one will also do. Audiences love to scour lyrics for hidden allusions. Throw 'em a bone. Maybe some of them will get it.
3) Record a song with a title that can also be a good wish/conversation closer. Use it as your answering message, the tag line to every post you make on Facebook, add it to many of your Tweets. Remember, you can never use it too much. Sample Facebook post: "Happy birthday, friend! Remember, Efshar L'taken!"
4) Always insist on singing "your" song, even if you're a guest at a wedding or other event, where it might not be the best call. Your song is your brand. Plug it!
5) Email is good. Send out many emails to your entire list. Frequently. Remember, the less info in the post the better. Your fans don't need to know the exact event info. The main thing is to pique their interest. They will find a way to track down the missing info.
6) YouTube is your friend. Your fans want to see the footage of fun events like you driving to the gig. Really. More videos are better. The quantity is more important than the content. You get extra points if there's something else going on in the video while you're singing. Guitarists chewing gum, horn players texting, etc. are all huge attention getters. Bonus points if you get on the mic at someone else's gig, and then post the footage all over.
7) Facebook is good for sharing informative posts like "on the way to the wedding". Your fans want to know this. Otherwise, they wouldn't "friend" you, right? Remember to follow up the post with "wedding went well, B'H" later, so your fans aren't left wondering. Rinse and repeat. Remember to Tweet the same thing too.
8) Since I mentioned YouTube... hit counters are important. You'll want to pay for hits so that your video shows more views then there are frum Jews in the USA. It adds to your credibility.
I'm not going to give away all my secrets in one post, but these helpful tips should put get you on your way nicely.
1) If you can find a pasuk/liturgical text with your last name referenced in it, you must record a setting of it. If the text has no significance or meaning, that's irrelevant. It can even be a sentence fragment, if you like. The main thing is that you will get to sing your name and that if the song hits, others will too.
2) If you can't find a text with your last name, your first one will also do. Audiences love to scour lyrics for hidden allusions. Throw 'em a bone. Maybe some of them will get it.
3) Record a song with a title that can also be a good wish/conversation closer. Use it as your answering message, the tag line to every post you make on Facebook, add it to many of your Tweets. Remember, you can never use it too much. Sample Facebook post: "Happy birthday, friend! Remember, Efshar L'taken!"
4) Always insist on singing "your" song, even if you're a guest at a wedding or other event, where it might not be the best call. Your song is your brand. Plug it!
5) Email is good. Send out many emails to your entire list. Frequently. Remember, the less info in the post the better. Your fans don't need to know the exact event info. The main thing is to pique their interest. They will find a way to track down the missing info.
6) YouTube is your friend. Your fans want to see the footage of fun events like you driving to the gig. Really. More videos are better. The quantity is more important than the content. You get extra points if there's something else going on in the video while you're singing. Guitarists chewing gum, horn players texting, etc. are all huge attention getters. Bonus points if you get on the mic at someone else's gig, and then post the footage all over.
7) Facebook is good for sharing informative posts like "on the way to the wedding". Your fans want to know this. Otherwise, they wouldn't "friend" you, right? Remember to follow up the post with "wedding went well, B'H" later, so your fans aren't left wondering. Rinse and repeat. Remember to Tweet the same thing too.
8) Since I mentioned YouTube... hit counters are important. You'll want to pay for hits so that your video shows more views then there are frum Jews in the USA. It adds to your credibility.
I'm not going to give away all my secrets in one post, but these helpful tips should put get you on your way nicely.
Tuesday, January 15, 2013
Monday, January 14, 2013
Peep Time!
"Harmony Guy"
We run into this peep a lot. He's always singing harmony. Usually a third, but sometimes another interval. He generally harmonizes fairly nicely until the end of the phrase, where he typically goes off the rails. He never seems to notice, though.
"The Beat-boxer"
This peep will hang out near the band during soft instrumental music, providing the rhythm for those times when there either is no drummer, or the drummer isn't "pumping" enough for him.
We run into this peep a lot. He's always singing harmony. Usually a third, but sometimes another interval. He generally harmonizes fairly nicely until the end of the phrase, where he typically goes off the rails. He never seems to notice, though.
"The Beat-boxer"
This peep will hang out near the band during soft instrumental music, providing the rhythm for those times when there either is no drummer, or the drummer isn't "pumping" enough for him.
How Insensitive!
It's the closing minutes of a fundraising dinner. The guests are largely out of the ballroom, either at the Viennese table in the lobby, or else already on their way home. A handful of people sit chatting at two of the tables. I stop playing and grab a coffee.
That's when she approaches me. "Can you play some more music, please? I love to dance!" Dressed in a fancy party dress, she looks to be about six years old, and she's the youngest daughter of one of the honorees. I could tell her I'm done. Instead, we strike a deal. I'll finish my coffee and then play her one last song. She settles on a slow YBC number.
I get back on the bandstand and start playing as she loses herself in dance, pirouetting gracefully around in front of me, her dance steps becoming more and more elaborate as the music continues. The waitresses bussing the tables all smile as they pass by.
And then, the clod walks in. "There's nobody here! You're playing to nobody!", he declares. I nod my head at the dancer, her eyes closed as she moves to the music. Her face is shining! "She's listening", I say. Chastened, he quietly grabs the dinner journal he came in for and quickly leaves.
That's when she approaches me. "Can you play some more music, please? I love to dance!" Dressed in a fancy party dress, she looks to be about six years old, and she's the youngest daughter of one of the honorees. I could tell her I'm done. Instead, we strike a deal. I'll finish my coffee and then play her one last song. She settles on a slow YBC number.
I get back on the bandstand and start playing as she loses herself in dance, pirouetting gracefully around in front of me, her dance steps becoming more and more elaborate as the music continues. The waitresses bussing the tables all smile as they pass by.
And then, the clod walks in. "There's nobody here! You're playing to nobody!", he declares. I nod my head at the dancer, her eyes closed as she moves to the music. Her face is shining! "She's listening", I say. Chastened, he quietly grabs the dinner journal he came in for and quickly leaves.
Thursday, January 10, 2013
BD'E - Rabbi Shalom Levine of Megama Duo
Rabbi Shalom Levine, the surviving member of the influential Jewish music duo, "Megama Duo" has died. BD'E!
Here are a few clips of the Duo performing in concert.
Here are a few clips of the Duo performing in concert.
Tuesday, January 08, 2013
Sunday, January 06, 2013
Tuesday, January 01, 2013
Are Web Savvy JM Stars Ignorant?
Over at VosIsNeias: "Jewish Music Videos Among Those Booted By YouTube For Suspected Hit-Count Tampering."
Color me skeptical!
Color me skeptical!
Friday, December 28, 2012
Thursday, December 27, 2012
Wednesday, December 26, 2012
A Very Vishnitz Christmas!
The nuns at the Beit Jimal monastary in Israel sang R' Chaim Banet's "Avinu Av Harachaman" as part of their Christmas services.
Here's the video:
אבינו אב הרחמן של ר' חיים בנט במיסת חג המולד בבית גמאל from bhol on Vimeo.
More commentary on this at Life in Israel, where I found this.
Here's the video:
אבינו אב הרחמן של ר' חיים בנט במיסת חג המולד בבית גמאל from bhol on Vimeo.
More commentary on this at Life in Israel, where I found this.
Wednesday, December 19, 2012
8th Day - All You Got Video
This is well done. Love how these guys are blending chassidus w/contemporary music and a creative video concept.
Tuesday, December 18, 2012
Monday, December 17, 2012
Sunday, December 16, 2012
Saturday, December 15, 2012
A Khanike Gift from Dan Kahn
Download a track of his new album, "Bad Old Songs"... Love Lays Low by Daniel Kahn
Friday, December 14, 2012
Tuesday, December 11, 2012
Greatest Chanukah Song Ever! (better than Adam Sandler!)
At least, Jeffrey Paul Bobrick says it is...
Monday, December 10, 2012
Minhag Avoyseyni B'yudeyni - Chanukah Violin
The violin(ce) starts about 3 minutes in to this clip. There's an old Chassidish minhag for the rebbe to play violin while the candles are burning. Presumably, the first rebbe to do this could play one.
Sunday, December 09, 2012
Apparently, It's "Plug Your Friend's Video" Season
Motti Engel forwards a link to a video he shot of David Ross singing a Chanukah version of songs by Alicia Keys and Rihanna. (Does anyone know why so many frum guys feel compelled to cover black women singer material?)
Meanwhile, 'Sam Gel' writes: "Hi My friend is a Newcomer in the Chasidic World he sings Amazingly good please Upload this clip to your Website So others can see it & Advertise him. Thank You!"
Not my speed, but maybe you'll like 'em?
Meanwhile, 'Sam Gel' writes: "Hi My friend is a Newcomer in the Chasidic World he sings Amazingly good please Upload this clip to your Website So others can see it & Advertise him. Thank You!"
Not my speed, but maybe you'll like 'em?
Friday, December 07, 2012
It's Been A While Since We Had A Post About A Ban....
so here's one... just in time for Chanukah!
Failed Messiah posts "Williamsburg Hasidim Attack Cancer Charity, Causing Ban" about a controversy over a charity fundraiser event featuring live entertainment that was protested in Williamsburg. He calls it a ban in his translation of the text, which is not correct. The text asks people to call and protest to the organization, it does not ban the organization/event. At any rate, the organization wound up blocking the live stream of the event from IP blocks in Williamsburg (and perhaps other neighborhoods. Viewers who logged in from those areas were greeted with a message reading "OOPS! Sorry, due to rabbinical guidance, our video stream can not stream to the IP address of your neighborhood." See the FM link for a screen cap. Oy!
Failed Messiah posts "Williamsburg Hasidim Attack Cancer Charity, Causing Ban" about a controversy over a charity fundraiser event featuring live entertainment that was protested in Williamsburg. He calls it a ban in his translation of the text, which is not correct. The text asks people to call and protest to the organization, it does not ban the organization/event. At any rate, the organization wound up blocking the live stream of the event from IP blocks in Williamsburg (and perhaps other neighborhoods. Viewers who logged in from those areas were greeted with a message reading "OOPS! Sorry, due to rabbinical guidance, our video stream can not stream to the IP address of your neighborhood." See the FM link for a screen cap. Oy!
Thursday, December 06, 2012
Wednesday, December 05, 2012
Still More... Pella Hanukkah Mashup
Pella Productions just released their first coed video in partnership with StandWithUs.com. Check this Hanukkah mashup!
They are now offering co-ed acapella groups for events!
Just because Chanukah is coming...
doesn't mean we can't appreciate a lovely Yom Kippur song...
Check this!
Monday, December 03, 2012
Banjos and Guitar Lightning Deals at Amazon today
If you're on the market for a good banjo, or an electric guitar, Amazon has a bunch of Deering Banjos and Schechter guitars coming up on lightning deals today.
Watch this link, Amazon Lightning Deals
for the offers.
Some good deals to be had today!
for the offers.
Some good deals to be had today!
Sunday, December 02, 2012
Saturday, December 01, 2012
God Loves Bluegrass and Klezmer
Andy Statman is profiled in "On Religion - Andy Statman’s Search for God in Music".
Friday, November 30, 2012
More Chanukah Videos!
More Chanukah music.... Here's the latest iteration of Six13 with Haneirot Halalu.
Hat tip, E.
And, here's Naomi Less and Glenn Grossman with Eight Nights.
Hat tip, E.
And, here's Naomi Less and Glenn Grossman with Eight Nights.
Thursday, November 29, 2012
What is Heaven/Hell?
My 12th grade rebbe was fond of saying that heaven and hell were the exact same thing. A gemara with a shtender....
In a similar vein, I'd like to suggest it is a wedding at a low-rent hall with a super-loud one-man-band. If I'm correct, it's pretty clear where I'm going....
In a similar vein, I'd like to suggest it is a wedding at a low-rent hall with a super-loud one-man-band. If I'm correct, it's pretty clear where I'm going....
Tuesday, November 27, 2012
From the mailbag... (more Chanukah videos)
E. forwards a link to the "ex-Macs":
But he prefers this version:
We report, you decide!
But he prefers this version:
We report, you decide!
Monday, November 26, 2012
'Hasidic New Second Wave'
Over at Tablet, Jake Marmer writes about the upcoming Tzadik release of all of the Hasidic New Wave recordings as a boxed set. With some audio clips.
Friday, November 23, 2012
Thursday, November 22, 2012
Speaking of....
Speaking of Adrienne Cooper Z"L, you can find her last CD, Enchanted, as well as other albums of her work at Amazon... There's a direct link to Enchanted as well as Ghetto Tango here, (also some other recommended albums by other artists), but you can find her other albums on Amazon too.
Wednesday, November 21, 2012
Celebrating Adrienne Cooper Z"L
Celebrate the life of Adrienne Cooper, z"l at a big, gala concert in NYC on Dec 22, Kaye Playhouse, Hunter College, 8pm, in benefit to start new foundation to carry on her work. More info at her website.
The Facebook event is here: A Kholem / Dreaming in Yiddish: A Concert in Tribute to Adrienne Cooper
Sadly, I have to be playing elsewhere that night, but I'll be there in spirit. If you're in town and interested in getting a nice glimpse into the NYC klezmer community, and a sense of what Adrienne was about, this is a not-to-be missed chance to do just that. It's sure to be an inspirational evening!
Amazing musicians in musical tribute to a friend, colleague, and mentor. Don't miss this!
The Facebook event is here: A Kholem / Dreaming in Yiddish: A Concert in Tribute to Adrienne Cooper
Sadly, I have to be playing elsewhere that night, but I'll be there in spirit. If you're in town and interested in getting a nice glimpse into the NYC klezmer community, and a sense of what Adrienne was about, this is a not-to-be missed chance to do just that. It's sure to be an inspirational evening!
Amazing musicians in musical tribute to a friend, colleague, and mentor. Don't miss this!
Tuesday, November 20, 2012
Monday, November 19, 2012
Israeli Music Therapist Helps Kids Deal With Rocket Attacks
Simply heartbreaking! An amazing way of addressing this, but devastating that it is needed.
The Music of Israel's Enemies
The Chief Orthodox Rabbi of Nebraska writes about a Hamas music video.
Thursday, November 15, 2012
Free Random House Book Giveaway Reminder....
You still have a few days to win a feee copy of 'Light and Shade' - Jimmy Page's "Oral Autobiography".
Get those entries in!
Arrested Development
UOJ reports that the former director of the Toronto Pirchei Choir was arrested on child sex-abuse charges. Given the history of abuse allegations, and other negative outcomes, perhaps it's time to end the boys choir thing....
Beware of Paypal!
Just had a frustrating experience with eBay/Paypal. I'm sharing my experience so you can be aware of the situation and avoid the same issue...
Firstly, I should say that I have been an eBay user for many, many years, and have been very successful using eBay and Paypal. However, recent changes have made me uneasy about the site's security and their policies. (For those who don't know; eBay owns PayPal.) Until about three years ago, I was very satisfied with their service.
Since then, a number of incidents haschanged my impression of eBay and PayPal.
Some examples....
1) I auctioned off a large keyboard. In the auction, I stated I would only ship to the continental US. A lot of people were "watching" the auction, when an Australian bought it using "Buy It Now."
After canceling the bid, I was able to relist the auction, but when you "realist" an auction, there is no way to let the people who had been watching the auction know that the item is available again. You just have to hope they see it.
2) I listed an iPhone. There were a lot of watchers and bidders. At the last moment, the auction was "sniped" by a bidder with 0 feedback from Vietnam who bid a ridiculous price. It was obvious that the buyer wouldn't pay, yet eBay technically required me to wait a week before filing an unpaid bidder report. Again, I lost the watchers/bidders... and time.
I should note that in addition to losing the watchers/bidders, the auction restart affects the timing of your sale/cash flow. For example, I listed the keyboard so that the auction would end a few days before I left town. When the auction was cancelled, I was unable to relist the board for a few weeks, due to travel.
3) eBay/PayPal has made it very easy for buyers to make fake claims/freeze your funds. When I sold the iPhone, the buyer filed an "item not received" claim a month later. Since I had the tracking/delivery confirmation info, I was able to get it dismissed, but I had to spend an hour on the phone with them to do so. During that conversation, the rep told me that this buyer had pulled this quite often. Yet, eBay/PayPal was still allowing him to do it.
These are a few examples.... which leads me to my current situation.
Recently, I linked my eBay & PayPal accounts at eBay's prompting, allegedly for more efficient payment. Yesterday, I won an auction for an iPad with wireless and cell connectivity. My intention is to use it for music notation and synth playing at gigs. This was my first time using PayPal/eBay since linking the accounts. Usually, I am able to choose the funding source, whether my bank account or credit card, before completing the transaction. Generally, I choose credit card for significant purchases, to have an additional layer of buyer protection. This time, I wasn't given the choice, and the payment immediately went through using my bank account as the source. It shouldn't be a big deal, except for this.
A few minutes after the payment went through, I got a message from the seller telling me that the iPad did NOT have cell connectivity, only wifi, and offering a refund if this mattered to me. I accepted the refund, which should have been the end of the transaction. Except, that's not how PayPal treats situations like this. PayPal withdrew the money from my account, and will refund it in 3-5 business days. The refund will go to my PayPal account, and then it will be another 3-5 business days before it is returned to my bank account.
The PayPal rep I spoke to says that PayPal fronts the money to the seller "as a service to the buyer, so that the item will be shipped sooner". However, when the buyer refunds the money, Paypal will wait the 3-5 business days is allegedly takes for the bank to transfer the $ to PayPal, before crediting my PayPal account. Then, if I want the $ back in my bank account, it will take ANOTHER 3-5 days to make that transfer happen. I don't know, the funds disappeared from my bank account immediately. It seems to me that PayPal wants to sit on the $ for a bit, earning some interest on the funds.
This is simply unacceptable to me. PayPal has opted to provide poor customer service here. Even if their description of the timing is accurate (and I don't believe it is), they could still front me the refund just as easily as they fronted that very same $ to the seller. This poorly chosen policy will affect my use of PayPal and eBay. Caveat emptor!
Firstly, I should say that I have been an eBay user for many, many years, and have been very successful using eBay and Paypal. However, recent changes have made me uneasy about the site's security and their policies. (For those who don't know; eBay owns PayPal.) Until about three years ago, I was very satisfied with their service.
Since then, a number of incidents haschanged my impression of eBay and PayPal.
Some examples....
1) I auctioned off a large keyboard. In the auction, I stated I would only ship to the continental US. A lot of people were "watching" the auction, when an Australian bought it using "Buy It Now."
After canceling the bid, I was able to relist the auction, but when you "realist" an auction, there is no way to let the people who had been watching the auction know that the item is available again. You just have to hope they see it.
2) I listed an iPhone. There were a lot of watchers and bidders. At the last moment, the auction was "sniped" by a bidder with 0 feedback from Vietnam who bid a ridiculous price. It was obvious that the buyer wouldn't pay, yet eBay technically required me to wait a week before filing an unpaid bidder report. Again, I lost the watchers/bidders... and time.
I should note that in addition to losing the watchers/bidders, the auction restart affects the timing of your sale/cash flow. For example, I listed the keyboard so that the auction would end a few days before I left town. When the auction was cancelled, I was unable to relist the board for a few weeks, due to travel.
3) eBay/PayPal has made it very easy for buyers to make fake claims/freeze your funds. When I sold the iPhone, the buyer filed an "item not received" claim a month later. Since I had the tracking/delivery confirmation info, I was able to get it dismissed, but I had to spend an hour on the phone with them to do so. During that conversation, the rep told me that this buyer had pulled this quite often. Yet, eBay/PayPal was still allowing him to do it.
These are a few examples.... which leads me to my current situation.
Recently, I linked my eBay & PayPal accounts at eBay's prompting, allegedly for more efficient payment. Yesterday, I won an auction for an iPad with wireless and cell connectivity. My intention is to use it for music notation and synth playing at gigs. This was my first time using PayPal/eBay since linking the accounts. Usually, I am able to choose the funding source, whether my bank account or credit card, before completing the transaction. Generally, I choose credit card for significant purchases, to have an additional layer of buyer protection. This time, I wasn't given the choice, and the payment immediately went through using my bank account as the source. It shouldn't be a big deal, except for this.
A few minutes after the payment went through, I got a message from the seller telling me that the iPad did NOT have cell connectivity, only wifi, and offering a refund if this mattered to me. I accepted the refund, which should have been the end of the transaction. Except, that's not how PayPal treats situations like this. PayPal withdrew the money from my account, and will refund it in 3-5 business days. The refund will go to my PayPal account, and then it will be another 3-5 business days before it is returned to my bank account.
The PayPal rep I spoke to says that PayPal fronts the money to the seller "as a service to the buyer, so that the item will be shipped sooner". However, when the buyer refunds the money, Paypal will wait the 3-5 business days is allegedly takes for the bank to transfer the $ to PayPal, before crediting my PayPal account. Then, if I want the $ back in my bank account, it will take ANOTHER 3-5 days to make that transfer happen. I don't know, the funds disappeared from my bank account immediately. It seems to me that PayPal wants to sit on the $ for a bit, earning some interest on the funds.
This is simply unacceptable to me. PayPal has opted to provide poor customer service here. Even if their description of the timing is accurate (and I don't believe it is), they could still front me the refund just as easily as they fronted that very same $ to the seller. This poorly chosen policy will affect my use of PayPal and eBay. Caveat emptor!
Tuesday, November 13, 2012
Friday, November 09, 2012
Thursday, November 08, 2012
Review/Giveaway: "Light and Shade" - Jimmy Page's "Oral Autobiography
Random House has just published "Light and Shade: Conversations with Jimmy Page" by Brad Tolinski, and they were kind enough to send me a review copy as well as to give away a free copy to a reader. (See below for details on how you can win the free copy).
The book is an "aural autobiography" of Led Zeppelin guitarist Jimmy Page, as told to Guitar World editor Brad Tolinski over the course of multiple conversations. The book is especially notable because none of the band members has ever penned an autobiography, or cooperated with a biographer.
Tolinsky's easy interviewing style reflects a deep familarity with Page's work, and there are excellent questions and follow-ups throughout.
In addition to the author's conversations with Page, he has also included context-adding interviews with Jeff Beck, Chris Dreja (Yardbirds), John Paul Jones, Led Zep publicist Danny Goldberg, Paul Rogers (Bad Company, The Firm), Jack White, and fashion designer John Varvatos.
Topics discussed in the book include: the influence of the Blues on Page's music, his time as a session guitarist, his time with the Yardbirds, a whole lot of detail about the Led Zep recordings, Page's production concepts, the making of the Led Zep movie "The Song Remains The Same", drummer John Bonham's death, Page's controversial collaboration with Whitesnake's David Coverdale, and more!
"Light and Shade" also contains a neat chapter wherein guitarist Jimmy Brown -- who transcribed every note of Page's guitar on all of Led Zeppelin's studio releases -- highlight ten songs that he feels demonstrate the uniqueness of Page's playing.
I found the book to be a very pleasant and informative read about Jimmy Page and about Led Zep. I especially found the parts about Page and the band's creative process intriguing.
This book is essential reading for Led Zeppelin fans, and even non-fans will find Page's reflections and the insights into his creative process quite fascinating.
You can read an excerpt of the book here.
Amazon has the book here:
As I mentioned above, Random House is willing to give a free copy of the book to one lucky reader. Here's how you can win it. Simply send in your written description of your best "rock guitar" moment. My email address can be found in the sidebar. It can be a description of a show you attended or a recording you love. "Jewish" rock guitar (since this is a "Jewish music" blog) or secular rock guitar moments are both acceptable. It doesn't need to be long. One or two paragraphs is fine. I'll choose the piece I find most evocative, and Random House will send the winner a copy of the book. You've got two weeks! May the best writer win! G'luck!
The book is an "aural autobiography" of Led Zeppelin guitarist Jimmy Page, as told to Guitar World editor Brad Tolinski over the course of multiple conversations. The book is especially notable because none of the band members has ever penned an autobiography, or cooperated with a biographer.
Tolinsky's easy interviewing style reflects a deep familarity with Page's work, and there are excellent questions and follow-ups throughout.
In addition to the author's conversations with Page, he has also included context-adding interviews with Jeff Beck, Chris Dreja (Yardbirds), John Paul Jones, Led Zep publicist Danny Goldberg, Paul Rogers (Bad Company, The Firm), Jack White, and fashion designer John Varvatos.
Topics discussed in the book include: the influence of the Blues on Page's music, his time as a session guitarist, his time with the Yardbirds, a whole lot of detail about the Led Zep recordings, Page's production concepts, the making of the Led Zep movie "The Song Remains The Same", drummer John Bonham's death, Page's controversial collaboration with Whitesnake's David Coverdale, and more!
"Light and Shade" also contains a neat chapter wherein guitarist Jimmy Brown -- who transcribed every note of Page's guitar on all of Led Zeppelin's studio releases -- highlight ten songs that he feels demonstrate the uniqueness of Page's playing.
I found the book to be a very pleasant and informative read about Jimmy Page and about Led Zep. I especially found the parts about Page and the band's creative process intriguing.
This book is essential reading for Led Zeppelin fans, and even non-fans will find Page's reflections and the insights into his creative process quite fascinating.
You can read an excerpt of the book here.
Amazon has the book here:
As I mentioned above, Random House is willing to give a free copy of the book to one lucky reader. Here's how you can win it. Simply send in your written description of your best "rock guitar" moment. My email address can be found in the sidebar. It can be a description of a show you attended or a recording you love. "Jewish" rock guitar (since this is a "Jewish music" blog) or secular rock guitar moments are both acceptable. It doesn't need to be long. One or two paragraphs is fine. I'll choose the piece I find most evocative, and Random House will send the winner a copy of the book. You've got two weeks! May the best writer win! G'luck!
Wednesday, November 07, 2012
11/7/12 Link Dump
Over at Emes Ve-emunah, Harry posts about Amy Weinhouse Z"L's ex boyfriend in Who is Alex Clare? And Why Do I care?
At Cross-Currents, Rabbi Yitzchak Adlerstein has some thoughts on "The Rabbi’s Daughter" video I mentioned recently.
Following up on another story we'd posted... here's a Mindy Meyer update: "'Diva' Comes Up a Bit Short."
Finally, a bit late... but for posterity... here's Michelle Citrin's pro-Obama music video.
At Cross-Currents, Rabbi Yitzchak Adlerstein has some thoughts on "The Rabbi’s Daughter" video I mentioned recently.
Following up on another story we'd posted... here's a Mindy Meyer update: "'Diva' Comes Up a Bit Short."
Finally, a bit late... but for posterity... here's Michelle Citrin's pro-Obama music video.
Sunday, October 28, 2012
Friday, October 26, 2012
Thursday, October 25, 2012
Mali Bans Music
Mali: no rhythm or reason as militants declare war on music | World news | guardian.co.uk
Rumor is R' Ephraim Luft is on track to head the "Ministry of No Music!"
Rumor is R' Ephraim Luft is on track to head the "Ministry of No Music!"
Wednesday, October 24, 2012
Time For Another Asefa
Only in this case, it's not a ban, but a band. Asefa explores Sephardi piyutim as well as performs original compositions, blending Morrocan and jazz musical traditions with many other world music influences.
Check 'em out!
Check 'em out!
Bat HaRav
I just watched the film "The Rabbi's Daughter". It's a moving film about the daughter's of three well-known da'ati leumi rabbis who have chosen different paths than their families.
In particular, what stands out to me is the connection (or possible connection) between an artistic nature and conflict with religion, or at least Orthodoxy...
It's also moving to see the respect that secular Israeli's have for the rabbanim in the Da'ati Le'umi community.
Food for thought...
Tuesday, October 23, 2012
Saturday, October 13, 2012
Sunday, October 07, 2012
Converting Beats...
Over at Yated Ne'eman... "An Exclusive Interview with Veteran Musicians Shabsi Parnes and CM Schwarz."
Sunday, September 23, 2012
Can't Believe I Missed This One When It Was Released!
This is a bizarre clip! Chassidic singer Dov Shurin pays tribute to John Lennon. (Female backup singers!)
Hat tip, A.
Hat tip, A.
Saturday, September 15, 2012
Teaching Tolerance
Here's an interesting trend... promoting tolerance for other Jew not of your immediate community... yesh tikvah... despite the leadership in those communities...
Lipa Schmeltzer:
Yaakov Shwekey:
Lipa Schmeltzer:
Yaakov Shwekey:
Friday, September 14, 2012
K'ayal Ta'arog - Halev V'hama'ayan
A beautiful arrangement of this Lubavitch melody w/ guest vocalist Yonatan Razel.
Thursday, September 13, 2012
Wednesday, September 12, 2012
Amanda Palmer - Schnorrer
Amanda Palmer needs horn and string players to play her shows for free beer and hugs. There are a lot of annoyed musicians commenting on her scheme. She raised enough on Kickstarter to pay them. No class!
Matisyahu Show Meh!
Rabbi in the Middle of America has a nice writeup of an AKA Pella event. He also reports on reviews of Matisyahu's recent shows. Matches the clips I've seen, and other reviews I've read about Matisyahu's recent performances.
Tuesday, September 11, 2012
Monday, September 10, 2012
Carlebach Circus Selichos?
Here's some video footage of the Carlebach Shul's Selichos this past Motzoei Shabbos.
A couple of thoughts/comments.
1) It's Carlebach, not Carelbach. You'd think people in the music business would get it right.
2) Shlomo didn't do Selichos this way. (See here: http://youtu.be/6jamYFJkkfA)
3) This is clearly a huge fundraiser for the Carlebach Shul. I hope they took in a lot of $$$. The community at large should support the Carlebach Shul's work year-round. Since they don't, a few big events are needed to raise funds.
4) It's obvious, both from watching the video and speaking to people who have been, that there are a very large number of people who do not connect with traditional Selichos. My question is, is it better to create Selichos entertainment for them, as this is, or would it be better if they were to find something else to do Selichos night?
5) Looking at the video (and knowing some of the people there), one can see that there are some who are sincerely attempting to connect using this medium. Equally clearly, one can see that there are many more people simply there to party. Is that necessarily a bad thing? To the extent that the party atmosphere does not distract (or even enhances) those sincere seekers who connect this way, I'd say it might even be a good thing. On the plus side, it largely keeps some of them --the ones who wouldn't be comfortable just skipping the whole ritual -- out of other shuls, where they would no doubt be talking or otherwise disturbing anyway.
6) Personally, if one wants to hear inspirational musical Selichos and/or pre-Selichos, there are numerous options available in the NY area that I'd recommend over this event. YMMV.
A couple of thoughts/comments.
1) It's Carlebach, not Carelbach. You'd think people in the music business would get it right.
2) Shlomo didn't do Selichos this way. (See here: http://youtu.be/6jamYFJkkfA)
3) This is clearly a huge fundraiser for the Carlebach Shul. I hope they took in a lot of $$$. The community at large should support the Carlebach Shul's work year-round. Since they don't, a few big events are needed to raise funds.
4) It's obvious, both from watching the video and speaking to people who have been, that there are a very large number of people who do not connect with traditional Selichos. My question is, is it better to create Selichos entertainment for them, as this is, or would it be better if they were to find something else to do Selichos night?
5) Looking at the video (and knowing some of the people there), one can see that there are some who are sincerely attempting to connect using this medium. Equally clearly, one can see that there are many more people simply there to party. Is that necessarily a bad thing? To the extent that the party atmosphere does not distract (or even enhances) those sincere seekers who connect this way, I'd say it might even be a good thing. On the plus side, it largely keeps some of them --the ones who wouldn't be comfortable just skipping the whole ritual -- out of other shuls, where they would no doubt be talking or otherwise disturbing anyway.
6) Personally, if one wants to hear inspirational musical Selichos and/or pre-Selichos, there are numerous options available in the NY area that I'd recommend over this event. YMMV.
Saturday, September 01, 2012
Tuesday, August 28, 2012
Sunday, August 26, 2012
Jump, Baby!
Check it! Jump Babylon! Great line: “Lectured on justice, hey, we invented justice, putzes...”
Tuesday, August 21, 2012
Thursday, August 16, 2012
Mindy Meyer 4 Evr!
If you haven't seen the Meyer campaign website, check it out here before watching the above video.
Sunday, August 12, 2012
Saturday, August 11, 2012
Friday, August 10, 2012
New Band
Ok, so I'm starting a new band to provide sub-contracting for musicians who have a family/friend situation i.e. divorce, where one of the powers that be vetoes the use of their band for a family simcha. For a nominal fee, we'll staff the job with your regular musicians under our name, so everyone will be happy.
Introducing Klafte Orchestra: Because sometimes the mekhuteniste is a ?+#@!
Tuesday, August 07, 2012
Razel Releases 2nd Single: Nigun Belz
Yonatan Razel has a new album coming soon! Here's his cover of Nigun Belz.
Gibson Guitar Update
In response to government extortion, Gibson Guitar Settles Claim Over Imported Ebony. An outrageous example of government unfairly targeting business. This case should not have been brought.
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