07.18.08
What’s the difference between 4th and 5th?
Pretty intense video…
07.12.08
RIP Esbjorn Svennson
I just found out that Swedish pianist Esbjorn Svennson passed away on June 14th in a diving accident. His playing was beautiful and melodic… It had an interesting blend of classical, jazz and rock styles. His trio had been playing together since 1993. He was the first European jazz musician to grace the cover of Downbeat.
Check out this video of his trio performing his song Viaticum.
And of course, check out my musical tribute to him… Estimated Sonic Transfer,
from my album TWO.
David
07.09.08
Eve’s Organic Granola
For the last couple of years, I have been making homemade granola. I highly recommend it! It is a healthy and tasty breakfast or snack. If you can, use all organic ingredients. People keep asking me for the recipe once they try it, so here it is. I got the recipe from my sister Eve (Certified Aston-Patterning® Practioner, ACE Certified Personal Trainer, massage therapist, Yoga instructor, and a great cook) …
Enjoy,
David
Eve’s Organic Granola
In a large bowl, mix together:
3 cups rolled oats
3 cups rolled kamut
3 cups rolled rye
½ cup sunflower seeds
1 cup slivered almonds
½ cup pumpkin seeds
½ cup shredded unsweetened coconut
½ cup coconut flakes
Add:
½ to ¾ cup canola oil
¾ to 1 cup maple syrup
1 or 2 tbsp vanilla or almond extract
Stir until evenly blended.
Place mixture in 1 or more casserole dishes. Bake in the oven at 325 degrees for 40 to 45 minutes, or until golden. (more time may be needed in glass pans vs. metal) Stir every 10 to 15 minutes while baking for even browning.
Let cool mixture.
Add:
1 ½ cups raisins or cranberries
Store in refrigerator for a few weeks. Glass jars are best but plastic containers will do.
Serve with milk, fruit and yogurt, or sprinkled on apple sauce.
Tips:
° All quantities can be adjusted according to taste.
° Other nuts or seeds can be used besides the ones listed: sesame seeds, pecans, hazelnuts, cashews, brazil nuts…
° Other dried fruits can be used along with or instead of raisins: apple, dates, currants…
° Spices can be added before baking for taste variations, such as cinnamon or garam masala…
07.08.08
10 Things You Can Like About $4 Gas
There was a great article in TIME magazine this week called “10 Things You Can Like About $4 Gas” that I recommend. I especially like #2, Sprawl Stalls. Maybe my dream not that long ago of suburbs turning into post-apocalyptic wastelands with empty superhighways connecting them isn’t so far off. It’s nice to see that people are finally looking for the positive in this situation. Don’t get me wrong, I am definitely feeling squeezed by gas prices and rising food costs… Plus, I am sick of those forwarded emails telling me which gas stations to boycott so prices will lower. Read the article (especially if you are concerned about gas costs) and let me know what you think…
David
07.01.08
Always check your music…
In the first song of the Charlie Parker Omnibook**, “Confirmation“, I found:
5 wrong notes
2 missing turns
3 notes that they added which didn’t exist
1 missing note
3 wrong rhythms
And that’s just the first song!
I recommend checking with the recording before you assume any transcriptions are correct. Why don’t they hire me to re-edit and re-release it? Anyway, it keeps you on your toes when you learn those solos. Happy practicing…
David
**The Charlie Parker Omnibook is a book of transcribed Charlie Parker solos.
Hang it up
Hang up your clothes to dry. With global warming, it hardly takes any time at all to dry your clothes on a clothesline! It is a lot cheaper than a dryer, doesn’t use electricity (save even more money!) and your clothes last longer because there is less wear and tear on them. Why not? If you have a dryer and don’t want crunchy clothes, you can always throw in the clothes for a couple of minutes once they are done to fluff them up! If you are concerned about lint, then throw them in before hanging them up for a few minutes with the lowest possible heat setting, to save a little extra. If the neighbors don’t like it, I think it is time for them to reevaluate their priorities. Plus, being green is trendy… Also, use a retractable clothesline, so you don’t have it out all of the time. Finally, don’t leave out your clothes over-night if you can, so that animals don’t decide to hang out there…
David