Wednesday, August 27, 2008
August 27, 08
Friday is Raza Memorial Day. La Raza Unida will be showing Unnatural Causes at 6pm on Friday as a commemoration. We usually work really hard on Dia de Los Muertos to recognize those who have passed before us, but we do little work on slowing down the trip to the other side.
It is at 929 Park SW. FREE!!!
It is at 929 Park SW. FREE!!!
Labels: Movimiento Chicano
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
August 26, 08
On the 10th there was a tribute for Esteban Jordan. He is overcoming a bout of liver cancer. If someone knows how to get his interview on Latino USA into a file, it would be great to get it.
I'm getting better and practicing more. My daughter challenged me to learn this song. The recording is a little different, but essentially the same, I got the A part down, and will work on the B part today. I think there are four parts on the recording.
Keep Lefting!!!
I'm getting better and practicing more. My daughter challenged me to learn this song. The recording is a little different, but essentially the same, I got the A part down, and will work on the B part today. I think there are four parts on the recording.
Keep Lefting!!!
Labels: Musica y Musicos
Monday, August 25, 2008
Orale!
I needed something like this to start the day. Just having fun dealing with work and scheduling issues! Music is going well, wish things were smoother for my kids, but they are not in terrible places just not smooth...
This "NM Music" thing is different for me, but the band dynamic is different and it fills in space where the other music/band doesn't. It is great to accept that not one person, or one group, can fill ALL of your needs. A good lesson.
Anyway, this video rocks!!! I also see that Esteban doesn't play "like the record" on his own songs - listed in the "related videos" on the side.
This "NM Music" thing is different for me, but the band dynamic is different and it fills in space where the other music/band doesn't. It is great to accept that not one person, or one group, can fill ALL of your needs. A good lesson.
Anyway, this video rocks!!! I also see that Esteban doesn't play "like the record" on his own songs - listed in the "related videos" on the side.
Labels: Musica y Musicos
Thursday, August 21, 2008
Republicrats!?!?!?
McCain doesn't know!!!!
I'm sure almost everyone who reads this blog knows how many houses they own. But not McCain! Good thing he's a "regular" guy and not an elitist like that other guy. But really, McCain is an idiot!!!
This morning is busy, maybe a good rant this afternoon.
Keep Lefting
This morning is busy, maybe a good rant this afternoon.
Keep Lefting
Labels: Hell In Handbasket
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
Aug., 19, 08
Things are generally good. Trying to figure out scheduling two bands now.
And I was called for an extra in a TV show, but got too much work that day. Oh, well. They wanted me to play a dead guy. I'm sure someone can do that as well as me!!!
And I was called for an extra in a TV show, but got too much work that day. Oh, well. They wanted me to play a dead guy. I'm sure someone can do that as well as me!!!
Friday, August 15, 2008
Letter to Legislators
Here's something I wrote to some legislators - I know it is hard taking this position, but we need money for services.
"I think another important item to bring to the attention of the Legislature is this proposed tax break. How can government operate if it keeps giving away its revenue? Taxes are the dues we pay for roads, schools, and public health. What if everyone's check went into public health? If politicians really want to help working families, they could raise the minimum wage by a dollar which would give some families about $4,000 a year increase and increase tax revenue.
The extra tax revenue and spending from working families would create jobs. Now is the time to be innovative with work hours, work weeks, living wage, and universal health care, universal child care/kindergarten, and public transportation. This is a time for bravery and creativity. Our economy has been mismanaged for too long by skewing policy towards the rich. Give some real breaks to the working people - it can't be worse than corporate tax giveaways have been."
"I think another important item to bring to the attention of the Legislature is this proposed tax break. How can government operate if it keeps giving away its revenue? Taxes are the dues we pay for roads, schools, and public health. What if everyone's check went into public health? If politicians really want to help working families, they could raise the minimum wage by a dollar which would give some families about $4,000 a year increase and increase tax revenue.
The extra tax revenue and spending from working families would create jobs. Now is the time to be innovative with work hours, work weeks, living wage, and universal health care, universal child care/kindergarten, and public transportation. This is a time for bravery and creativity. Our economy has been mismanaged for too long by skewing policy towards the rich. Give some real breaks to the working people - it can't be worse than corporate tax giveaways have been."
Labels: Chicana and Chicano Votes, Hell In Handbasket
FRIDAY the 15th
Well, it's Friday. My leg pain is slowly - s l o w l y - subsiding, but it is subsiding!!!
I got lots of writing and stuff to do. I'm starting to figure out Albert Zamora parts for "Prieta Linda" and have pretty much figured out "Cruz de Madera" by Michael Salgado. I have a good handle on "No Me Conozes Aun" by Palomo - that was a song the kids said, that when I learned it I was officially "BAD"!
Here's a song I like, but don't know if I'll ever be in a band that plays it!!!
I got lots of writing and stuff to do. I'm starting to figure out Albert Zamora parts for "Prieta Linda" and have pretty much figured out "Cruz de Madera" by Michael Salgado. I have a good handle on "No Me Conozes Aun" by Palomo - that was a song the kids said, that when I learned it I was officially "BAD"!
Here's a song I like, but don't know if I'll ever be in a band that plays it!!!
Labels: Musica y Musicos
Thursday, August 14, 2008
Today is a good day
I haven't crossed anything off of my list today, but it still seems like a great day!
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
Driving Down, ACT Up
So US driving continues to decrease! Wouldn't be able to tell from my kids, but at least it is down. Unfortunately not because we got suddenly really smart or suddenly had great public transportation!
Apparently national ACT scores are down. But the new APS superintendant says Albuquerque scores up! At least APS has something to celebrate.
Keep Lefting!!!
Apparently national ACT scores are down. But the new APS superintendant says Albuquerque scores up! At least APS has something to celebrate.
Keep Lefting!!!
August 13, 08
Politics is strange at times...
First we have the NM Gov. trying to give away revenue. What kind of business practice is that? Instead of giving me a check for $300, invest that into public transportation, or health care, or schools! Something that will have a good pay back. Even if it went into the Fairgrounds it would be helpful.
I think I'll have to write my elected officials.
Then there is McCain and Hilton going at it.
Hopefully we start talking about how to help working people soon!
Too bad about Edwards, he and Kucinich are still the best idea guys in the Dem party!
First we have the NM Gov. trying to give away revenue. What kind of business practice is that? Instead of giving me a check for $300, invest that into public transportation, or health care, or schools! Something that will have a good pay back. Even if it went into the Fairgrounds it would be helpful.
I think I'll have to write my elected officials.
Then there is McCain and Hilton going at it.
Hopefully we start talking about how to help working people soon!
Too bad about Edwards, he and Kucinich are still the best idea guys in the Dem party!
Labels: Hell In Handbasket
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
Tuesday, August 12 Some Johnny Cash
Monday, August 11, 2008
August 11, 08
I think the physical therapy is helping some.
Also did well with the Paul Pino and the Tone Daddies! It will be a side job for awhile. I will be playing at a wedding - for CHEAP - on the 23rd.
Still learning some good stuff. I went to a jam last night and shared some stuff with Debo from Alphablue... It's kind of nice to fairly good at this and just go with it.
Paul was asking me if I knew this really great requinto player - I said, Mauricio! And he said ya!
Also did well with the Paul Pino and the Tone Daddies! It will be a side job for awhile. I will be playing at a wedding - for CHEAP - on the 23rd.
Still learning some good stuff. I went to a jam last night and shared some stuff with Debo from Alphablue... It's kind of nice to fairly good at this and just go with it.
Paul was asking me if I knew this really great requinto player - I said, Mauricio! And he said ya!
Labels: Musica y Musicos
Friday, August 08, 2008
8/8/08
Well, physical therapy was interesting. I was asked background history - so apparently being in lots of car accidents, fights, and falling off things are not good! Go figure.
Basically, I'm mis-aligned. It was really uncomfortable getting into alignment too. It gave me a headache which made rehearsal fun. But going to jam night made it worth while! It was fun, got to play with Little Bo, and give him my pesame for the passing of Bo Diddly.
Then I got to sit in with another group, and this one drummer asked for my number while I was going up, so I told him to get it from my wife. He called today and wants me to play with someone named Paul Pino. Hopefully that goes well. I figure it is worth a shot.
No weight lifting until the therapist says so...
Bueno, Keep Lefting!!!
Labels: Musica y Musicos
Thursday, August 07, 2008
The MRI came back with my ankle and knee being "normal"!!! At least no surgery.
I hope physical therapy works!!!
Below is a great song! The Ramon Ayala version on youtube skipped.
I hope physical therapy works!!!
Below is a great song! The Ramon Ayala version on youtube skipped.
Labels: Musica y Musicos
Wednesday, August 06, 2008
Aug. 6, 08
Movie about Spain and relationships. This was forwarded to me. Looks interesting for a Woody Allen movie.
Besides being rained on last night, nothing much exciting. Just working on what I want to work on for my xmas/new year's goals on the acordeon. I think learning a bunch of Michael Salgado and then transferring it across different keys, then going through my other list as mentioned yesterday.
Keep Lefting!!!
Besides being rained on last night, nothing much exciting. Just working on what I want to work on for my xmas/new year's goals on the acordeon. I think learning a bunch of Michael Salgado and then transferring it across different keys, then going through my other list as mentioned yesterday.
Keep Lefting!!!
Tuesday, August 05, 2008
Alegres y Pinguinos
Yesterday my bro was telling me that if could just get a tololotche and bajo sexto, I'd be in heaven...
This is some of what I remember as a kid. Even in California. Mostly because my granparents were Tejanos...
This is some of what I remember as a kid. Even in California. Mostly because my granparents were Tejanos...
Labels: Musica y Musicos
August 5, 08
Well Bush causes the water cannons to go off! Isn't "promoting democracy" great!?!?!
# # #
We were temporarily locked out of the neighborhood last night. Someone robbed a convenience store and then ran down my street. We got in around 11pm and we don't know if they caught anyone.
More fun and excitement!!!
###
Practicing is going OK. Figuring out that I want to have a list of about 8 songs to work on before xmas. And when I learn one, I'll move on to another. This will keep my musical ADD from kicking in, and keep me from losing it while learning stuff for the band.
Getting different fingerings from YouTube has been fun. So what would I be working on? No Me Conoces Aun from Palomo, La Palomita from los Cadetes de Linares, Cruz de Madera by Michael Salgado, Cobardemente by Los Relampagos, etc...
I'm hoping that this will feed me musically while I figure out if I'm ready to start a group next year, or even later. I've been putting that off for awhile already. We'll see. Worse case is that I'll get a lot better. I've already improved some in my sense of chords and pasaditas flowing better. I'm also able to catch things I couldn't last year. Hopefully I'll be at the next notch by new years!
KEEP LEFTING!!!
# # #
We were temporarily locked out of the neighborhood last night. Someone robbed a convenience store and then ran down my street. We got in around 11pm and we don't know if they caught anyone.
More fun and excitement!!!
###
Practicing is going OK. Figuring out that I want to have a list of about 8 songs to work on before xmas. And when I learn one, I'll move on to another. This will keep my musical ADD from kicking in, and keep me from losing it while learning stuff for the band.
Getting different fingerings from YouTube has been fun. So what would I be working on? No Me Conoces Aun from Palomo, La Palomita from los Cadetes de Linares, Cruz de Madera by Michael Salgado, Cobardemente by Los Relampagos, etc...
I'm hoping that this will feed me musically while I figure out if I'm ready to start a group next year, or even later. I've been putting that off for awhile already. We'll see. Worse case is that I'll get a lot better. I've already improved some in my sense of chords and pasaditas flowing better. I'm also able to catch things I couldn't last year. Hopefully I'll be at the next notch by new years!
KEEP LEFTING!!!
Labels: Musica y Musicos
Monday, August 04, 2008
Que bonito!
This is one of the first songs I learned to play on the acordeon with my jefito... I never found a recording of it. But this is the same song.
The group I'm with now is starting to play more cumbias. We're kind of heading toward a more pop kind of group with the idea being that we will be playing in casinos. I haven't seen the "practice at home" concept used well with our group, so hopefully they are serious. I'm starting to feel like I should start my own group, but maybe it's just the frustration of being semi-mobile. The problem with your own group is getting people on board and then finding gigs.
People who are from the US and end up listening to Mexicano music don't understand Chicano acordeon, and then there is the deal between more traditional conjunto and modern. Lots of fun.
I'll hang out with this group for awhile and see how it goes.
Keep Lefting!!!!
The group I'm with now is starting to play more cumbias. We're kind of heading toward a more pop kind of group with the idea being that we will be playing in casinos. I haven't seen the "practice at home" concept used well with our group, so hopefully they are serious. I'm starting to feel like I should start my own group, but maybe it's just the frustration of being semi-mobile. The problem with your own group is getting people on board and then finding gigs.
People who are from the US and end up listening to Mexicano music don't understand Chicano acordeon, and then there is the deal between more traditional conjunto and modern. Lots of fun.
I'll hang out with this group for awhile and see how it goes.
Keep Lefting!!!!
Labels: Musica y Musicos
