DAY NINE
On tour! The possibilities of collaborations are ENDLESS! Today is a special posting. While we were in New Jersey, we played in a little bar upstairs at about one in the morning. We made it to Jocelyn’s (Pearl and the Beard songstress!) parent’s house at about four in the morning where we were to be staying that night. (Only after a stop at Scotchhills Diner at 3 am. There are more diners in New Jersey than in the rest of the world combined.)
Jocelyn’s father, Richie, is a multi-instrumentalist, and I knew this was the perfect opportunity to record a collaboration with him. He agreed to improvise with me. (Unfortunately, though he has a bunch of projects going, he didn’t give me a link to his stuff even when I requested one, so he’ll remain Richie for the moment.) I have taken a special picture for you today. Full of every kind of toy I would only dream of owning, his music room is awesome. He was very quick with his electric guitar and small multi-colored boxes to find an interesting combination of sounds. I have mixed it and have put the entire improvisation up for you to hear. May you see as many things as you’d like while you are listening.
The Richie Arlington Cove of Creation and Fortress of Solitude. (Dad, see? You're not alone!)
I love improvisation like this: it’s very freeing and comfortable for me. I have received two pieces of advice for improvisation: Just start playing and There is no such thing as a mistake. Any choice you make is good. I learned the former piece of goodwill during my undergrad when I took a year of jazz improvisation. I learned the latter at a fantastic summer festival a few years ago. I had the incredible opportunity to not only attend the New Directions Cello Festival, but teach at it as well. If you are a cellist or even a wanna-be cellist wanting to experiment with all kinds of music outside the classical space: this is the place for you. It’s one of the more affordable festivals out there, the people are supportive, kind, you don’t have to be any thing like Yo-Yo Ma to go, and the guest lecturers they invite are always very inspiring.
This was recorded yet again with my trustworthy stereo mic and garageband. Richie played his electric guitar through his amp, and I was acoustic on cello. I cut up the original track a little and layered the take on itself, which is why you’re hearing two cellos at one time. Recorded in about 5 minutes. It took absolutely no prep. I asked, Richie said yes, we went upstairs, he lit his boxes up, and I pushed record. And that was it. I had Sam McCormally of Ugly Purple Sweater help out on engineering, making sure there was no clipping.
Title: Came from an event which included a car ride with Jocelyn, Richie, a huge bird in the middle of the road and a heavy New Jersey accent.
Boo-ya.
“Hey Douche Bag, You Got Wings”
instrumentation: cello, electric guitar, and RICHIE ARLINGTON
