The Q-tenanny was graced with a brief appearance by Terry Adams, who sat in for part of "Rain at the Drive In," playing John Reilly's keyboard. A thrilling moment, needless to say! P.J. O'Connell also joined in later on, singing "The Dough Got Low." The rest of the jam was fun as well.
All in all, Saturday's musical events were very satisfying, with a great afternoon set by the Chandler Travis Philharmonic, and repeat performances by everyone who played on Friday night, capped by a marathon three-and-a-quarter hour set by the TARRQ.
Sunday, April 26, 2009
Saturday, April 25, 2009
First Evening's Music
Last night's show started off nicely with a set by P.J. O'Connell, whose three-piece backing band included a bespectacled Tommy Ardolino on drums. Terry Adams guested on piano for two songs; if I remember correctly, these were "Mrs. Jerk" and "Happy Go Lucky."
Then came the cowboy-hatted husband/wife team of Chris Ligon and Heather McAdams. Aside from having previously heard one of Chris's songs on WFMU radio, this was my first exposure to his unique music. He was assisted on a few songs by his brother Scott and a woman whose name I believe was Sharon (sorry I've forgotten her last name). Chris's set was bookended by 16mm films shown by his wife; these were compilation reels of vintage TV commercials, movie trailers, and compelling music videos from the '50s and '60s.
Terry and his band, abetted by the Whole Wheat Horns (Donn Adams and Klem Klimek), performed a long set that included material from Terry's last two albums, NRBQ favorites, and a few songs that were unfamilar to me. Scott Ligon handled a large portion of the lead vocals. At one point, Terry announced that he was "tired of other people singing about [his] girlfriend" before taking the lead vocal on "My Girlfriend's Pretty." Klem and Donn also sang one song each. Chie Kodama from the Hot Shots appeared to perform three songs with the band. Tommy Ardolino joined the band to drum alongside Conrad Choucroun on several songs in the middle and at the end of the set.
During periods when music wasn't being played, I had the pleasure of chatting with Jeff and Lisa Forhan, Fred Stockwell, and Steve and Rina Kleege.
There has been a lot of fine music by the performers so far, and much yet to come, including, of course, the Q-tenanny this afternoon!
Then came the cowboy-hatted husband/wife team of Chris Ligon and Heather McAdams. Aside from having previously heard one of Chris's songs on WFMU radio, this was my first exposure to his unique music. He was assisted on a few songs by his brother Scott and a woman whose name I believe was Sharon (sorry I've forgotten her last name). Chris's set was bookended by 16mm films shown by his wife; these were compilation reels of vintage TV commercials, movie trailers, and compelling music videos from the '50s and '60s.
Terry and his band, abetted by the Whole Wheat Horns (Donn Adams and Klem Klimek), performed a long set that included material from Terry's last two albums, NRBQ favorites, and a few songs that were unfamilar to me. Scott Ligon handled a large portion of the lead vocals. At one point, Terry announced that he was "tired of other people singing about [his] girlfriend" before taking the lead vocal on "My Girlfriend's Pretty." Klem and Donn also sang one song each. Chie Kodama from the Hot Shots appeared to perform three songs with the band. Tommy Ardolino joined the band to drum alongside Conrad Choucroun on several songs in the middle and at the end of the set.
During periods when music wasn't being played, I had the pleasure of chatting with Jeff and Lisa Forhan, Fred Stockwell, and Steve and Rina Kleege.
There has been a lot of fine music by the performers so far, and much yet to come, including, of course, the Q-tenanny this afternoon!
Friday, April 24, 2009
Happy Hour
I went to the Happy Hour, and touched base so far with Stacey (from whom I got my "goody bag"), Jim Crisci, David Poggioli, John Krucke, and Michael Bonner. Michael has revealed to me his choice for the first song to be played at the Q-tenanny, but I'll let it be a surprise!
Gotta run; doors open soon for the first night of music...
Gotta run; doors open soon for the first night of music...
Monday, April 20, 2009
Four Days to Go!
Hello everyone! I just returned yesterday from my Caribbean cruise ship contract. As I predicted, I wasn't able to post here very much while "on the road." Internet service on the ship was rather slow (and costly; I was disappointed but not too surprised to find that the cruise line did not provide free Internet access for crew members), and even on occasions when I was able to find a fairly fast Wi-Fi connection in a port of call, I usually had too many other tasks to complete in a limited amount of time to post anything meaningful here.
But now I'm home again, and am posting here just to touch base before the event. I've been looking forward to the Clang! Thang, and specifically the Q-tenanny portion, for months, and I'm excited that it's almost here! I was a bit bummed to find, upon returning home late last night, that the guitar I had intended to use for the jam has suffered severe damage, due to a flaw in the product I purchased to keep my acoustic instruments humidified in my absence. However, even this little hiccup hasn't dimmed my enthusiasm! Anyway, I have a spare guitar; it too was damaged by this same product, but to a lesser degree. Fortunately, it's still playable.
The eagerness expressed by various posters on the NRBQ Mailing List suggests that this event is going to be great fun! Just to reiterate a request I made on the list, I'd like to ask that all participants please download the songbook (using the link in my previous post), print a copy, and bring it to the Clarion. If you can possibly even go a bit further and print one or two extra copies for anyone at the jam who might not have one, that would be a generous gesture that would be greatly appreciated. I am going to try to bring a limited number of extra copies myself, but unfortunately...well, I'm unemployed now, and just can't afford to print songbooks for everyone. Thanks in advance for your cooperation!
Also, I'd recommend that instrumentalists bring a music stand, if possible.
See you soon...
But now I'm home again, and am posting here just to touch base before the event. I've been looking forward to the Clang! Thang, and specifically the Q-tenanny portion, for months, and I'm excited that it's almost here! I was a bit bummed to find, upon returning home late last night, that the guitar I had intended to use for the jam has suffered severe damage, due to a flaw in the product I purchased to keep my acoustic instruments humidified in my absence. However, even this little hiccup hasn't dimmed my enthusiasm! Anyway, I have a spare guitar; it too was damaged by this same product, but to a lesser degree. Fortunately, it's still playable.
The eagerness expressed by various posters on the NRBQ Mailing List suggests that this event is going to be great fun! Just to reiterate a request I made on the list, I'd like to ask that all participants please download the songbook (using the link in my previous post), print a copy, and bring it to the Clarion. If you can possibly even go a bit further and print one or two extra copies for anyone at the jam who might not have one, that would be a generous gesture that would be greatly appreciated. I am going to try to bring a limited number of extra copies myself, but unfortunately...well, I'm unemployed now, and just can't afford to print songbooks for everyone. Thanks in advance for your cooperation!
Also, I'd recommend that instrumentalists bring a music stand, if possible.
See you soon...
Thursday, March 12, 2009
Sunday, February 1, 2009
Greetings from the Caribbean!
I recently made an impulsive decision to leave my corporate job (which was somewhat less than satisfying) and accept a contract to play guitar in a show band on a Caribbean cruise ship. I've worked as a musician on ships before, although I haven't done so for several years. It's an adjustment in many ways (not the least of which is that I'm taking a substantial cut in pay!), but I must say that, all in all, I'm feeling a lot less stress than I did in my previous role. It's a nice feeling to be able not only to run away from a bad job, but also to escape the worst part of the winter!
My contract ends about five days before the Clang! Thang, and I'm very much looking forward to it. In the meantime, I might not be able to post as frequently to this blog (or to the Q-list), but I'm still hard at work on the Q-tenanny songbook. By the way, Fred has finished the songbook cover, and it looks fantastic!
One of the enhancements I had intended to add to the songbook was to include composer credits for each song, as well as who first recorded it (in the case of cover songs that were part of NRBQ's repertoire). Unfortunately, although I loaded my portable MP3 player with 'Q music prior to leaving for this job, I forgot to take all the composer information with me as well. Therefore, only some of the songs in the book will have credits. I want to be able to get the book posted online in plenty of time for you all to have a look at it before the Q-tenanny, so unfortunately that will mean that the songwriter credits will necessarily be incomplete. I'll try to fix this in time for the next Q-tenanny!
My contract ends about five days before the Clang! Thang, and I'm very much looking forward to it. In the meantime, I might not be able to post as frequently to this blog (or to the Q-list), but I'm still hard at work on the Q-tenanny songbook. By the way, Fred has finished the songbook cover, and it looks fantastic!
One of the enhancements I had intended to add to the songbook was to include composer credits for each song, as well as who first recorded it (in the case of cover songs that were part of NRBQ's repertoire). Unfortunately, although I loaded my portable MP3 player with 'Q music prior to leaving for this job, I forgot to take all the composer information with me as well. Therefore, only some of the songs in the book will have credits. I want to be able to get the book posted online in plenty of time for you all to have a look at it before the Q-tenanny, so unfortunately that will mean that the songwriter credits will necessarily be incomplete. I'll try to fix this in time for the next Q-tenanny!
Sunday, January 18, 2009
Suggestion for Drummers
This is just a suggestion for anyone who's planning to bring drums to the Q-tenanny: In lieu of sticks, I'd recommend playing with brushes, or something like Pro-Mark Hot Rods, just to help match the volume of the drums to that of the voices and the other instruments. Thanks!
Saturday, January 17, 2009
Fred Stockwell to Do Songbook Cover
Here's another morsel of news about the songbook: The very talented Fred Stockwell, known to list members as "Silver Fred," has agreed to design the cover!
I was recently recalling an excellent drawing Fred created a few years ago of Terry Adams and Steve Ferguson, to promote a performance by the two of them in Albany. Knowing Fred's enthusiasm for the Q-tenanny concept (remember, it was he who coined the name "Q-tenanny" in the first place, as well as masterminding the Magic Box portion of the '07 event), I asked him if he'd be interested in crafting a cover design for this year's book. To my delight, he agreed! I'm looking forward to seeing Fred's design.
I was recently recalling an excellent drawing Fred created a few years ago of Terry Adams and Steve Ferguson, to promote a performance by the two of them in Albany. Knowing Fred's enthusiasm for the Q-tenanny concept (remember, it was he who coined the name "Q-tenanny" in the first place, as well as masterminding the Magic Box portion of the '07 event), I asked him if he'd be interested in crafting a cover design for this year's book. To my delight, he agreed! I'm looking forward to seeing Fred's design.
Songbook Sample - "Me and the Boys"
Here's a little sample of the forthcoming new, improved Q-tenanny songbook: Me and the Boys. This will give you an idea of the increased level of detail that will be provided for some of the songs. (Most of the songs won't be quite this detailed; rather, they will be in the same old "lyrics and chord symbols" format as the previous book.)
Have no fear: You won't need to know how to read music in order to use this book! The extra musical detail is for those who do read music. In the case of Me and the Boys, I remember having problems with this song when we played it in 2007. Specifically, I didn't know how long each of the drum fills was supposed to be! Having it written out will help eliminate potential uncertainty. Also, the song's unusual instrumental introduction is included.
However, I've been trying to avoid over-arranging the songs. I know that most of you know this material very well. You were able to do quite nicely with the rudimentary charts I provided in '07. I've been trying to fill in just a bit more musical information than last time (mainly intros and endings), while still leaving enough margin for individual interpretation, so that the songs can "breathe."
Have no fear: You won't need to know how to read music in order to use this book! The extra musical detail is for those who do read music. In the case of Me and the Boys, I remember having problems with this song when we played it in 2007. Specifically, I didn't know how long each of the drum fills was supposed to be! Having it written out will help eliminate potential uncertainty. Also, the song's unusual instrumental introduction is included.
However, I've been trying to avoid over-arranging the songs. I know that most of you know this material very well. You were able to do quite nicely with the rudimentary charts I provided in '07. I've been trying to fill in just a bit more musical information than last time (mainly intros and endings), while still leaving enough margin for individual interpretation, so that the songs can "breathe."
Friday, January 16, 2009
The Clang! Thang Web Site, and the Songbook
Stacey has put up a Web site where you can read about the Clang! Thang and buy tickets. I've bought my ticket already! Have you bought yours?...
For various reasons, my progress on the songbook has slowed recently. However, I intend to pick up the pace, and promise to get the books to you in plenty of time before the event.
So far I've completed 40 songs. Last time I put the book together pretty quickly, and came up with a lot of the chords from memory, whereas this time I'm reviewing recordings of every single song (sometimes multiple versions!) just to make sure my changes are as accurate as possible. Another aspect in which this book will be an improvement over the '07 version: All the chord names will be typed in, not hand-written, making for easier reading!
For various reasons, my progress on the songbook has slowed recently. However, I intend to pick up the pace, and promise to get the books to you in plenty of time before the event.
So far I've completed 40 songs. Last time I put the book together pretty quickly, and came up with a lot of the chords from memory, whereas this time I'm reviewing recordings of every single song (sometimes multiple versions!) just to make sure my changes are as accurate as possible. Another aspect in which this book will be an improvement over the '07 version: All the chord names will be typed in, not hand-written, making for easier reading!
Saturday, January 10, 2009
The Clang! Thang Facebook Group
Stacey has created a Facebook group for the event. Your humble Blogmeister is not a Facebook user, but I figured I'd pass this information along for the benefit of those of you who are.
Event Information
Here's the latest information about the event, posted to the NRBQ Internet mailing list on Saturday, January 10 by Stacey Sandler.
Hey Everyone-
We wanted to let you know the rooms for the Clang! Thang are on sale. Additionally, while we can't definitively price tickets just yet, we think we've got it worked out to around $165 per person for all the weekend's festivities if you purchase by March 1st. We're waiting for the final budget for the sound/stage/lighting from the techies. As soon as we have that, tickets will go on sale. That said, we can tell you what's in store and give you some more info on the hotel.
The hotel is the Clarion Inn & Suites in E. Windsor, CT. Their telephone # is 860-623-9411. I am being honest when I tell you, I believe we will sell the place out so c'mon, if you're comin'! There are 110 rooms, including 10 suites. 5 of the suites were gone off the bat. Close to 35 of the rooms are gone for Sat. and about 27 for Friday (those are all ours so far, including the suites). The hotel is charging $75/double, $85/triple & $95/quad. . . . The suites are $95. Each room is furnished with either 2 Queen beds or 1 King. All of the mattresses and linens are brand new as part of the $2 million renovation. Book your rooms when you can BUT in the event that our hotel sells out, there are plenty of options within a few miles, so fear not!! OK, now on to the "event"
• Friday night ticket includes: pre-music Happy Hour, including hors d'oeuvres, as well as the evening's music: PJ O'Connell and the Lords of Eastham, Chris Ligon & Heather McAdams and featuring The Terry Adams Rock & Roll Quartet & The Whole Wheat Horns.
• Saturday afternoon's ticket includes a complete luncheon, afternoon music event with The Chandler Travis Philharmonic & Special Guests, and the Q-tenanny from 4 pm - ? in the hotel pub. The musicians who are performing will be invited to sit in, as well.
• Saturday night ticket includes the evening's music: PJ O'Connell and the Lords of Eastham, Chris Ligon & Heather McAdams and featuring The Terry Adams Rock & Roll Quartet Horns and Special Guests.
• Hotel guests receive a welcome goody bag assortment filled with cool swag & complimentary extended Continental Breakfast each morning.
• Parking is free for everyone and there is plenty of on-site parking.
Hope this helps to brighten your day! Next stop: Ticket Sales!!
-xo and keep warm!!
Stacey & Donna
Hey Everyone-
We wanted to let you know the rooms for the Clang! Thang are on sale. Additionally, while we can't definitively price tickets just yet, we think we've got it worked out to around $165 per person for all the weekend's festivities if you purchase by March 1st. We're waiting for the final budget for the sound/stage/lighting from the techies. As soon as we have that, tickets will go on sale. That said, we can tell you what's in store and give you some more info on the hotel.
The hotel is the Clarion Inn & Suites in E. Windsor, CT. Their telephone # is 860-623-9411. I am being honest when I tell you, I believe we will sell the place out so c'mon, if you're comin'! There are 110 rooms, including 10 suites. 5 of the suites were gone off the bat. Close to 35 of the rooms are gone for Sat. and about 27 for Friday (those are all ours so far, including the suites). The hotel is charging $75/double, $85/triple & $95/quad. . . . The suites are $95. Each room is furnished with either 2 Queen beds or 1 King. All of the mattresses and linens are brand new as part of the $2 million renovation. Book your rooms when you can BUT in the event that our hotel sells out, there are plenty of options within a few miles, so fear not!! OK, now on to the "event"
• Friday night ticket includes: pre-music Happy Hour, including hors d'oeuvres, as well as the evening's music: PJ O'Connell and the Lords of Eastham, Chris Ligon & Heather McAdams and featuring The Terry Adams Rock & Roll Quartet & The Whole Wheat Horns.
• Saturday afternoon's ticket includes a complete luncheon, afternoon music event with The Chandler Travis Philharmonic & Special Guests, and the Q-tenanny from 4 pm - ? in the hotel pub. The musicians who are performing will be invited to sit in, as well.
• Saturday night ticket includes the evening's music: PJ O'Connell and the Lords of Eastham, Chris Ligon & Heather McAdams and featuring The Terry Adams Rock & Roll Quartet Horns and Special Guests.
• Hotel guests receive a welcome goody bag assortment filled with cool swag & complimentary extended Continental Breakfast each morning.
• Parking is free for everyone and there is plenty of on-site parking.
Hope this helps to brighten your day! Next stop: Ticket Sales!!
-xo and keep warm!!
Stacey & Donna
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