Just a quick plug... The first ever official Dan Glover Band? single is now available to buy!! £1 on bandcamp now, or iTunes/Amazon usual pricing in a couple of weeks.
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Posts
5 days ago
Monday, 12 October 2009
Wednesday, 30 September 2009
Oooooh Vienna....
Good evening all...
A very different, but equally incredible record which I recently bought (on a great tip from this fellow blogger) is Sufjan Stevens' 2005 album Illinoise.
Part of his ambitious (and as yet uncompleted) 50 states album project, this is an incredible work which, as with a lot of his material, manages to relate poetic writing about geographic locations with deep, spiritual insights into life, death, love and emotions.
However, the sheer breadth of musicality in his composition is incredible- mixing elements of acoustic, folk, indie, showtunes and orchestral music into an incredible finished product. I think notorious reviewer Robert Christgau puts it perfectly when he says "...this album radiates positive energy, and in today's alt, that's a precious thing."
Well, here I am, blogging from the other side of Europe. Lovely place, but I can't lie- struggling with the language/finding things to fill my life is. I miss all the friends and music at home. Having said that, being less busy has given me an opportunity to work on my own stuff, the end result of which will be RELEASED (like, a real single!!) in the next few weeks. Stay tuned!!
So, with little else to talk about, I think it's time to catch up on my favourite records of recent weeks...
Hugely overblown artwork? Lyrics concerning superpowers, "Eurasia" and the oddest conspiracy theories you've ever heard? A three-part symphony called "Exogenesis"? Yep, it could only be the noe-alt-prog-classic-rock extravaganza that is the new album The Resistance by Muse.
There are basically only two bands in the world that can make this level of OTT work, and the other are in the process of touring the world in a giant claw. But, as well as just being MASSIVE, this album has some genuinely beautiful, even heartbreaking moments. The (fully orchestrated, of course) "Symphony" is definitely the highlight, but the rest of the album is still way up there with the best of the year, if not the decade.
- Key tracks: "Resistance," "Undisclosed Desires" (LIVE VIDEO: slap bass, keytar and questionable lyric-remembering included!), "I Belong To You / Mon Cœur S'ouvre À Ta Voix"
- Best moment: Hmm, hard to decide. If I'm pushed, I have to be biased- the drum fill at 3:57 of "Exogenesis: Symphony Part 1 (Overture)"
A very different, but equally incredible record which I recently bought (on a great tip from this fellow blogger) is Sufjan Stevens' 2005 album Illinoise.
Part of his ambitious (and as yet uncompleted) 50 states album project, this is an incredible work which, as with a lot of his material, manages to relate poetic writing about geographic locations with deep, spiritual insights into life, death, love and emotions.However, the sheer breadth of musicality in his composition is incredible- mixing elements of acoustic, folk, indie, showtunes and orchestral music into an incredible finished product. I think notorious reviewer Robert Christgau puts it perfectly when he says "...this album radiates positive energy, and in today's alt, that's a precious thing."
- Key tracks: Personally, the opener "Concerning the UFO Sighting Near Highland, Illinois" is a favourite, along with "The Predatory Wasp of the Palisades Is Out to Get Us!" and "Come On! Feel The Illinoise!"
- Best moment: The beautiful counterpoint vocals in the gorgeous, cinematic bridge of "The Predatory Wasp."
Wednesday, 17 June 2009
About the hiatus...
So, just got back from Germany concert tour yesterday, and wasn't able to blog while I was there. Before I went there were a few gigs that I didn't mention as well, but luckily for you I promise not to blog on absolutely everything...
So, in a nutshell, sorry for the delay and expect a few new posts, but I promise not to bore you with every detail of every moment of every concert.
That's what twitter is for... http://twitter.com/dandanglover
Friday, 29 May 2009
Persilands '09
Well, as promised, here is my version of Persilands '09. Do enjoy...
This year, I was lucky enough to play the gig with two fantastic amateur bands- the Carlops Jazz Band (playing keys) and the Biggar Big Band (drums). Logistically, this was all a bit of a challenge for the Carlops band, considering how much gear we actually own, plus the fact that EUan had been nominated as "drumkit bitch" for the gig. (Apologies, couldn't think of a better term. Any ideas, please let me know...) This meant that his whole kit had to be brought along. Plus my snare and cymbals (obeying drummer etiquette). Plus lots of other things. Have a look...
Yep, that's the back seat. Anyway, so that happened, we were running late of course, but eventually we got there.
After a huge and unhelpful amount of faffing around (not that it was entirely unexpected...) and a late tenor player, we did manage to get a soundcheck. But then, the foldback didn't work, we started late, and ended up having to cut some numbers with the Carlopettes (our esteemed backing singers). No-one was really happy with this, which was unfortunate because it really somewhat spoilt what was actually a very good set. Nevermind, though... I think general consensus (read: my opinion) was that there was nothing we could've really done to avoid it.
So, that was that. Next up, Kings Of Cheeze. I know I've mentioned them many times before, but these guys really are something to watch. Absolutely off-the-wall, incredibly engaging and probably slightly demented. What more could you want? (B
y the way, apologies for the poor picture quality. T-Mobile G1 camera really not very good.)
I don't really have the space to talk about all the acts here, plus I didn't take that many photos, but it was great to have a bit of a mix. Floozie Soo played a great set, special kudos to the multi-talented Dave Ford on saxes, trumpet, bass and bassax (that's sax and bass at the same time. That means simultaneously. No joke.) Singer/songwriter Adam Holmes also played a more chilled-out, folksy set, which was a great contrast to the Biggar Big Band who followed him.
"Oh wait, that means me on the drums. Man, should probably set up the kit. Aah, where is my music? Aah, where is my stool? Seriously, guys, I need a drum stool!! Crap, that tom won't fit there. Better move it. Dammit, dropped the music again." Etc...
Anyway, so that was how it went. Eventually I did set up the kit, and we played the set. Nothing too remarkable, seemed to go really well. Couple of dodgy endings- it's actually very difficult to tackle pauses, rubato and slow-downs without an official "conductor." But all in all, very very good fun. Personal favourite is an arrangement of "Just A Gigolo/I Ain't Got Nobody" which has the most awesome drum set-ups ever. Completely predictable to anyone familiar with the genre, but still extremely effective. And fun to play.
So Persilands '09 was indeed a success. Musically, fantastic, but the best thing for me was being able to leave with a renewed passion for local music. There is so much going on. But possibly even better than that was the sense of community that gets built up around local musicians. There is something special about music- it really does bring people together. So many times on Sunday, I was struck by the sheer randomness of some of the people I was talking to. What I mean is that, if it weren't for the local music scene, there would be absolutely no way of me being able to get to know these awesome people- people from incredibly different walks of life, all interacting to put on a great gig.
The day finished with lots of driving to and from the venue, and meeting up (and not managing to meet up...) with musicians in pubs. I got home, brain mushed up through a combination of beer and tiredness, at about 11.30- exactly 12 hours after getting there. There's nothing like the feeling when you get into bed after a day like that- a mixture of satisfaction, excitement over future plans, exhiliration, sadness that it's over, and extreme, all-consuming tired-out-ness.
Awesome.
Anyway, I do realise that I write far too much, so I was extra-careful to take a few more photos this time. Enjoy...
Our lovely venue, before the horde.
John embracing his young, feminine and very slightly drunken sides simultaneously.
This year, I was lucky enough to play the gig with two fantastic amateur bands- the Carlops Jazz Band (playing keys) and the Biggar Big Band (drums). Logistically, this was all a bit of a challenge for the Carlops band, considering how much gear we actually own, plus the fact that EUan had been nominated as "drumkit bitch" for the gig. (Apologies, couldn't think of a better term. Any ideas, please let me know...) This meant that his whole kit had to be brought along. Plus my snare and cymbals (obeying drummer etiquette). Plus lots of other things. Have a look...
Yep, that's the back seat. Anyway, so that happened, we were running late of course, but eventually we got there.After a huge and unhelpful amount of faffing around (not that it was entirely unexpected...) and a late tenor player, we did manage to get a soundcheck. But then, the foldback didn't work, we started late, and ended up having to cut some numbers with the Carlopettes (our esteemed backing singers). No-one was really happy with this, which was unfortunate because it really somewhat spoilt what was actually a very good set. Nevermind, though... I think general consensus (read: my opinion) was that there was nothing we could've really done to avoid it.
So, that was that. Next up, Kings Of Cheeze. I know I've mentioned them many times before, but these guys really are something to watch. Absolutely off-the-wall, incredibly engaging and probably slightly demented. What more could you want? (B
y the way, apologies for the poor picture quality. T-Mobile G1 camera really not very good.)I don't really have the space to talk about all the acts here, plus I didn't take that many photos, but it was great to have a bit of a mix. Floozie Soo played a great set, special kudos to the multi-talented Dave Ford on saxes, trumpet, bass and bassax (that's sax and bass at the same time. That means simultaneously. No joke.) Singer/songwriter Adam Holmes also played a more chilled-out, folksy set, which was a great contrast to the Biggar Big Band who followed him.
"Oh wait, that means me on the drums. Man, should probably set up the kit. Aah, where is my music? Aah, where is my stool? Seriously, guys, I need a drum stool!! Crap, that tom won't fit there. Better move it. Dammit, dropped the music again." Etc...
Anyway, so that was how it went. Eventually I did set up the kit, and we played the set. Nothing too remarkable, seemed to go really well. Couple of dodgy endings- it's actually very difficult to tackle pauses, rubato and slow-downs without an official "conductor." But all in all, very very good fun. Personal favourite is an arrangement of "Just A Gigolo/I Ain't Got Nobody" which has the most awesome drum set-ups ever. Completely predictable to anyone familiar with the genre, but still extremely effective. And fun to play.
So Persilands '09 was indeed a success. Musically, fantastic, but the best thing for me was being able to leave with a renewed passion for local music. There is so much going on. But possibly even better than that was the sense of community that gets built up around local musicians. There is something special about music- it really does bring people together. So many times on Sunday, I was struck by the sheer randomness of some of the people I was talking to. What I mean is that, if it weren't for the local music scene, there would be absolutely no way of me being able to get to know these awesome people- people from incredibly different walks of life, all interacting to put on a great gig.
The day finished with lots of driving to and from the venue, and meeting up (and not managing to meet up...) with musicians in pubs. I got home, brain mushed up through a combination of beer and tiredness, at about 11.30- exactly 12 hours after getting there. There's nothing like the feeling when you get into bed after a day like that- a mixture of satisfaction, excitement over future plans, exhiliration, sadness that it's over, and extreme, all-consuming tired-out-ness.
Awesome.
Anyway, I do realise that I write far too much, so I was extra-careful to take a few more photos this time. Enjoy...
Our lovely venue, before the horde.
John embracing his young, feminine and very slightly drunken sides simultaneously.
Euan embracing a plastic cow.
Sunday, 24 May 2009
The beat goes round and round...
I'm writing this in bed today. Sums it all up, really!
On Thursday I had a maths exam and then Carlops Jazz Band rehearsal in the evening, followed by a visit to the pub in honour of our singer's return from Arran. On Friday I was back to school, finishing some Music Technology coursework and being treated to Frank Zappa live in Barcelona. I was skeptical, but actually really enjoyed it- his band are uber-tight, phenomenally musical and supremely well-trained. Plus, Zappa's compositions and lyrics are like no other- hilarious, worrying and thought-provoking all in one. [So thanks, James!]
Then last night I went to see the Alyn Cosker Trio plus special guest Tommy Smith at The Lot in Edinburgh. Incidentally, this is the same venue where I saw the awesome calamateur only a few weeks ago. It's rapidly turning in to a favourite, actually- it's very intimate yet somehow still manages not to feel claustrophobic. But more importantly, the performance by the band was incredible... The energy was unbelievable, and watching Alyn Cosker behind the kit is something else- he plays his particular brand of raucous, guitar-based jazz-rock fusion with a raw energy and determination that just isn't often found in the jazz scene. If you ever get the chance, I would highly recommend this band.
This morning it was almost business as usual, forcing my wild music taste and shabby technique upon poor, innocent children. That is, teaching drums at home. Though in actual fact, only three of the usual eight turned up, but considering how mad the rest of the day was going to be, this was probably no bad thing.
Hasty lunch and off to rehearsal number one- Carlops Jazz Band. A miscommunication and general bad luck meant that I had no piano- just the Yamaha DX7. I feel very privileged to be a
ble to play one of these awesome instruments, but it definitely works better on top of a standard elect
ric piano as opposed to being the only comping
instrument. This, coupled with the unfamiliar venue, extra backing singers, hastily organised sound system (read: couldn't hear myself...) and general weekend madness meant that I definitely wasn't up to scratch. However, the set list for tomorrow's gig is pretty well known anyway, so it should be alright...
Anyway, 2 chaotic hours later me and Colin made a dash back to my house to pick up the drums before heading over to Broughton for a Biggar Big Band rehearsal. Being about three times the size of the Carlops band, the arrangements are more complex, but lack improvisation. About 30 seconds into the first number (Glenn Miller's Little Brown Jug), I realised how out of practise I was. Though I recovered, and seemed to get back into the swing of things (no pun intended), only to be caught off guard by the crazy Latin number Donut King [sweet, SWEET communal percussion solo in this one].
Then back home for an equally hasty dinner, teaching one more lesson, then settling down for an hour or so to practise all that BBB stuff I had forgotten how to play...
I also got a chance to play with some new live looping software today - AmbiLoop. Hopefully I will eventually post about this in more detail, and I'm hoping to use it in some solo gigs soon as well. So, all you techy types, keep 'em peeled!
Anyway, all in all, a good, music-filled day. It was great to play with the Biggar guys again, and I had forgotten how fun some of the rep was (Nou's Blue, Just A Gigolo, Donut King are my personal favourites). I would love to post links to videos and recordings of both CJB and BBB, but the sad fact of the matter is that there aren't any!! Maybe this needs sorting out.
But on the plus side, it gives me a good opportunity to plug some gigs:
May 24th (TOMORROW!) - Biggar Little Festival, Persilands
Carlops Jazz Band opening at 2.00pm, Biggar Big Band on later, Kings of Cheeze, Floozie Soo also playing.
Outdoor, barbecue, bar etc. Tickets £10 for the whole afternoon, kids free. Weather should be good!
Persilands farm outside Biggar. Map here.
May 30th, 7.30pm - 'The Amazing Carlops Jazz Band'
Our one and only 'residency,' this is usually the one gig where we sound good...
Tickets £5, kids free, from Rumbling Tams in West Linton.
Carlops Village Hall.
June 20th - 'Carlops Big Party'
Carlops Jazz Band, Dan Glover Band, Kings of Cheeze, Murray Campbell Xplosion, many, many more...
Free entry
Starting at 12.00pm in the Village Hall, then later moving down the road to the pub, for DGB, Bill Lumsden and others, then possibly back up to the hall for a Ceilidh. Should be a day of generally mad, musical, Carlops-style fun, possibly ending up with a bit of a jam session at the end. I know I can't wait! Also the first "official" performance by the Dan Glover Band. Like I haven't already told you this...
Anyway, sorry for the large amounts of "me" in this post, but hey, maybe someone will find it interesting. And what can I say - it makes me happy!
Farewell...
Wednesday, 20 May 2009
I Told You So...
Ha. Just came across the perfect example of how music reviews can be so, well, different. http://tinyurl.com/ow72wn (don't ask how I came to be looking at this page, just read the blog...)
And then Q Magazine, about 6 or 7 lines down: "So is it White Ladder II? In a word, "yes.""
Just goes to show how music can be so many things to different people. And that you should never pay attention to critics. Ever.
Saturday, 16 May 2009
A quick, dirty, shameless plug.
So the new project/band/thing has a myspace: www.myspace.com/dangloverband and a youtube: www.youtube.com/dangloverband there is also one solo video up- me singing a new song, though it isn't quite the same without the rest of the band!
Note that I'm still not convinced about the name. Does it sound very egocentric or is it OK? Thought, please!!
Dan
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