Musicians Blog | The Musicians blog

10 Commandments of Jam…

Jamming in a band takes on a whole new set of rules and dynamics. When we as musicians blend our abilities, it takes some additional attention to details to create the best jam possible. In this article you might find interest in Derek Trucks’ insightful take on the 10 Commandments of Jam.
Jam On!
-Ron

In 2004, Alan Paul interviewed Derek and wrote up his 10 Commandments of Jam for Guitar World… Pretty right on and deep thinking, as per usual for DT…

Read the complete ’10’ list here:
https://alanpaul.net/2015/04/derek-trucks-10-commandments-of-jam/

The Day The Music Died Is Being Resurrected…

It appears that they just can’t keep this rock ‘n roll airplane crash story grounded. When Buddy Holly, The Big Bopper and Ritchie Valens fell from the sky in 1959, it was termed… “the day the music died.” After closing and re-opening the examination of this unfortunate event many times, it looks as though the governmental arm, National Transportation Safety Board, is about to once again investigate the surroundings that contributed to this case.
This article describes the circumstances regarding such.
Jam On!
-Ron

(by Elaine Kauh for AvWeb.com)

The case of the storied 1959 Beech Bonanza crash that killed Buddy Holly, two fellow singers and the pilot could reopen at the request of a New England man who has his own theories about what happened on that February night. L. J. Coon, who describes himself as a retired pilot and aircraft dispatcher, has petitioned the NTSB to reopen the case based on his research indicating that something other than pilot inexperience and disorientation in IMC caused the crash…

“Vinyl Camp” will focus on the art of creating great vinyl records…

Hey, I’m sure you know that Vinyl is back and growing. Now, some genius folks that operate a studio in Nashville are offering a way for musicians (or production types) to be a part of mastering live studio cuts right to platter… Vinyl platter that is. The art of cutting tracks takes a literal turn @ Vinyl Camp arriving in late May 2015. If you’re into music nostalgia, you might find this of interest…
Jam On!
-Ron

(by: MixOnline.com)

Welcome to 1979, an all-analog recording studio in Nashville, will host a vinyl workshop on Saturday, May 30, through Sunday, May 31, 2015. “Vinyl Camp” will focus on the art of creating great vinyl records— with an in-depth look at lacquer cutting and record pressing; a live studio session, recorded direct to disc; and a complimentary copy of the session on vinyl. – See more at:

https://mixonline.com/news/news-articles/welcome-1979-host-vinyl-camp-may-30-31-2015/423770

Symphony Orchestras Find New Ways to Stay Afloat…

There was a time when the classic and staunch Orchestra crowd wouldn’t dare mess with the delivery of its musical history, as it was played many many decades ago. Keeping the original masterworks of classical music is important, however, making enough money to stay afloat has been the Achilles heel of many Symphony Orchestras. It appears that (at least) a couple have taken to step outside of the proverbial historic scene, to explore new territories to keep their organizations alive.
In this article you’ll learn what the Colorado Symphony Orchestra, which rose from the ashes of the Denver Symphony when it closed in 1989 did, to make a comeback from bankruptcy for others to emulate.
Jam On!
-Ron

(By Candace Horgan / Photos by Mike Pappas – via MixOnline.com)

In a challenging cultural landscape in which some symphonies have closed their doors and others have had to file for bankruptcy protection, the Colorado Symphony Orchestra, which rose from the ashes of the Denver Symphony when it closed in 1989, might point a way forward for others to emulate.

See more at:
https://www.mixonline.com/news/profiles/beethoven-s-ninth-51/423597

Latest Airline Musical Instrument Carry On Rules…

Since many of us fly with our instruments, it’s important to know how the airlines treat our equipment. Good news!… As of the first of the 2014 year the Department of Transportation (DOT) has developed a couple of new carry-on rules for flying with your musical instrument. This recent press release will bring you up-to-date on these important flying updates.
Jam On!
-Ron

(by: Bart Jansen, USA TODAY )

Airlines are ringing in the new year with a rule that standardizes how musical instruments are handled on flights. Once (for example) a guitar is in the overhead bin, its owner doesn’t have to move it for anyone else…

Read More About New Carry-on Rules Here…
https://www.usatoday.com/story/todayinthesky/2015/01/01/dot-musical-instruments-airlines/21148791/

#guitartabs

Tips on Earning Money in the Music Industry…

As a musician, you’ve no doubt given the thought that one day you can take your playing, singing and/or songwriting skills and make-it in the music biz, while earning a decent living doing so. Any insights along this path can be helpful and you’ll discover in this article a nice checklist of items to incorporate into your music career resolve.
Jam On!
-Ron

(By Bobby Borg on Sonicbids Blog – also shared on hypebot.com)

There are literally hundreds of tips on making it in the music business, and we all know how overwhelming that can be. If you’re wondering which ones you should try to integrate into your daily life starting today, these 15 basic guidelines…

Grammy Award Winner Stevie Wonder…

25-time Grammy award winner, Stevie Wonder is scheduled to air on Feb 16, 2015. Whether you’re a Stevie fan or not, you’d have to consider the millage that he has retained over the many years of making music. The Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) states that the show will feature some of the biggest names in the music industry. Might be worth the viewing when released…
Jam On!
-Ron

Remember back then?…

( by Dale Davidson via-guardian living voice)

The organizers of the show to be held following the Grammy awards celebration, where Stevie Wonder is honored with an all-star tribute, continues in the same vein as last year’s show, which was held to honor the Beatles. The concerts may become an annual event, as the Beatles: The Night That Changed America , celebrated the 50th anniversary of the appearance of the Beatles on the Ed Sullivan show…Read more at…
https://guardianlv.com/2014/12/stevie-wonder-honored-with-tribute-after-grammy-awards-show/#Cgi044GCkROzumxM.99

NY Subway Musicians Play Together via the Internet…

We’re getting closer (it depends on location these days) as musicians at being able to co-collaborate via the Internet and jam live together. The idea kinda emerged many years ago when lead guitarist, Jeff Skunk” Baxter with Steely Dan, created one of the first ways to gig with other musicians in different locations, all at once.

In this article…
An online video by director Chris Shimojima and producer Anita Anthonj set each performer up with a computer that connected them to the composer Ljova, who directed them from Bryant Park. Though there were many connection issues, the musicians were able to work through it and perform an original piece together from the different locations.

Jam On!
-Ron

As one of the NY street artist mentioned…
“I could see the composer was not matching up with music in my headphones,” she said. “I decided to go by ear and not the visual.”

Learn (w/video) more about this interesting experiment here:
https://www.nydailynews.com/new-york/nyc-musicians-collaborate-subway-stations-article-1.1996403

Spotify Messin’ with Musicians?…

OK, Spotify has reached a decent plateau in music streaming for its listeners… however how do you, the musician, appreciate and gain from its blasting of your writings and tunes? Here’s an interesting article, whereby a heavy-weight in the music industry ‘weighs-in’ on this issue (it gets personal, funny and sad)…
Jam On!
-Ron

Added by Charice Long on Oct 20, 2014

Jimmy Buffett asked Spotify’s C.E.O. whether artists should expect a raise directly from Ek’s booming company in the future or continue “through the bullshit” that labels subject them to. Empathizing with young artists in particular, Buffett says he hopes the music service groups are considering the struggles greenhorn musicians face obtaining revenue and music rights…Read more at…
https://guardianlv.com/2014/10/spotify-charms-customers-and-frustrates-musicians/

Music Streams Reducing Downloads…

So, how are you selling your music these days? It appears that certain streaming medias are in Vogue today and may be gone tomorrow. Question is… how do you monetize the best for your music? This article presents many aspects to consider regarding streaming media. You may also want to review an/my earlier blog post that talks about a service (Patreon) that gives you another source option for your income consideration.
Jam On!
-Ron

(by Stuart Dredge via:theguardian.com, Friday 29 August 2014 08.55 EDT)

“Every new generation of music service steals from the last generation’s customers. Apple stole Amazon’s best CD buyers, and Spotify has now stolen those same customers from Apple – or at least the same sorts of people.”…
… discover more on this subject here:
https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2014/aug/29/music-streams-downloads-mark-mulligan