tag:www.axisoffour.com,2005:/blogs/back-in-the-saddle?p=3Back in The Saddle2019-05-28T19:02:38-07:00axisoffour.comfalsetag:www.axisoffour.com,2005:Post/57717392019-05-28T19:02:38-07:002019-05-28T19:02:38-07:00Live Show Coming Up!<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/9785/8df7bdc8163687789196c5e779446c767278a78b/original/july-20.png/!!/b:W10=.png" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>axisoffour.comtag:www.axisoffour.com,2005:Post/54769692018-10-19T09:57:48-07:002018-10-19T09:57:48-07:00All_Ages Show @Bradley School of Music<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/9785/d117a53b099695223d1790ae01f166eae23479e0/original/oct20-handbill.png/!!/b:W10=.png" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><span class="font_large">Join the Band in Celebrating Independent Artists within the Bradley School Community! This will also be a "Farewell to Norman" party, thanking him for his contribution and affiliation with the AXIS of FOUR for the past two years.</span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">LI'l Ricky has assembled a collection of lyrics for this showcase, and will have merchandise at a special price!</span></p>
<p> </p>axisoffour.comtag:www.axisoffour.com,2005:Post/53168282018-06-25T15:13:36-07:002020-09-15T23:12:22-07:00Ratso Recording & Music with Tony Kroll Booking Present "Mid-Summer Rock Fest"<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/9785/8229711c48107d41b80274415edb699d77384413/original/072118-redhat-final.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>axisoffour.comtag:www.axisoffour.com,2005:Post/50997802018-02-26T11:01:25-08:002018-02-26T11:06:15-08:00New Show, New Album, New Direction<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/9785/322634db3f5c01d1bb15ca83a9171910e463e7e7/original/1940x1080-march-31-final.png" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p><span class="font_large">We are bringing a new show to our fave East Bay Night Club. Always searching for followers, join us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.</span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">The Axis Of Four returns to the studio to finish the first in a series of single releases. Come out and party with us and support local music.</span></p>axisoffour.comtag:www.axisoffour.com,2005:Post/49270582017-11-10T00:44:31-08:002017-11-10T00:44:31-08:00"JETTISONED" CD Release Party<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/9785/819f2caa399412c134152736ce6c078392d039d6/original/111117-redhat.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>axisoffour.comtag:www.axisoffour.com,2005:Post/49075542017-10-26T12:11:42-07:002020-01-29T21:29:06-08:00HISTORY OF THE WORLD SHOW @Kesler's<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/9785/21071693df925fbc82b2aa682714f5816a6f0907/original/102717-keslers.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>axisoffour.comtag:www.axisoffour.com,2005:Post/48754412017-10-03T11:11:18-07:002017-10-03T11:11:18-07:00RED HAT SATURDAY OCTOBER 7, New Single, New Album in the pipeline<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/9785/aa07f31ad5a0144a38050f134729e983f9beaeed/original/oct07-2-final.jpg?1507054256" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>axisoffour.comtag:www.axisoffour.com,2005:Post/48122172017-08-12T10:51:23-07:002022-05-18T07:20:00-07:00"History of The World" Saturday August 19<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/9785/c4401cf4a07e3ee385b325db4457e7263872d7a8/original/axis-of-four.jpg?1502559606" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><strong><span class="font_regular">Rick has put together a set list of songs that have influenced and inspired the band over the years. Starting with a varied selection of Blues, the show proceeds to classic tunes, then culminates with modern rock. This subjective view of musical history demonstrates how powerfully influential the blues have been on pop music. See you there!</span></strong></p>axisoffour.comtag:www.axisoffour.com,2005:Post/47226422017-05-25T17:35:59-07:002022-08-19T10:21:21-07:00Next Live Show Saturday July 1<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/9785/07789657f27e2ca8199d7aec25d8a3d7960b9c75/original/saturday-july-1-9pm-7.jpg?1495732870" class="size_l justify_center border_" />JOIN US FOR OUR NEXT SHOW TO CELEBRATE THE RELEASE OF "STEM THE TIDE" (AROUND JUNE 1)</p>
<p>JOIN OUR FANLIST TO GET A FREE DOWNLOAD</p>
<p>THANKS FORLISTENING</p>axisoffour.comtag:www.axisoffour.com,2005:Post/46949442017-05-03T08:36:41-07:002017-05-03T08:36:41-07:00Rick & Norman Perform AXIS OF FOUR Medley, FRIDAY MAY 5<img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/9785/7ae46d26fc2984eb2d817c9f2eddf821601191b2/medium/urban-grunge-1725345-a.jpg?1493768269" class="size_m justify_center border_" /><p>In honor of the anniversary of Alan Shepherd being launched into space atop a Mercury Redstone Rocket, Rick & Norman will perform a Medley of AXIS OF FOUR tunes that have been released, are in the pipeline for release, and are scheduled for release later this year.<br>The event is at <a contents="The Bradley Open Mic" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://www.bradleyschoolofmusic.com" target="_blank">The Bradley Open Mic</a>, 1042 Brown Avenue in Lafayette, at 7pm. Come join us to celebrate some good songwriting and great company!</p>axisoffour.comtag:www.axisoffour.com,2005:Post/46153732017-03-03T11:03:31-08:002017-03-03T11:03:31-08:00AXIS OF FOUR LIVE Sat. March 11<img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/9785/607413a3aea7591e2c997211499b007fd79c7d24/original/final.jpg?1486490356" class="size_l justify_center border_" />axisoffour.comtag:www.axisoffour.com,2005:Post/44617802016-11-10T23:19:49-08:002016-11-10T23:19:49-08:00AXIS OF FOUR RED HAT SAT DEC3<img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/9785/e0485cb70faeb18be38dc75e1c5f571813b23cc6/original/120316-bundesarchiv-bild-c.jpg?1478848770" class="size_l justify_center border_" />axisoffour.comtag:www.axisoffour.com,2005:Post/44433952016-10-29T11:40:12-07:002017-10-28T17:17:59-07:00AXIS OF FOUR as "Electric Aces"<p><font size="5"><span class="font_small">The Band draws from their extensive repertoire of Pop. Rock, Dance, and Blues for a night of Dancing & Partying at Vallejo's Latest Top Spot! Check it out</span><br> <a contents="keslerslounge.com" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://www.keslerslounge.com" target="_blank">keslerslounge.com</a> <a contents="Electric Aces" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://www.ratso.com/electric-aces" target="_blank">Electric Aces</a></font><br><span class="font_large"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/9785/833d497b16be37650735899111d599e073af669c/large/111116-2-website.jpg?1477766023" class="size_xl justify_center border_" /></span></p>axisoffour.comtag:www.axisoffour.com,2005:Post/44433942016-10-29T11:34:08-07:002017-01-15T13:12:40-08:00AXIS OF FOUR as "Electric Aces"<img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/9785/833d497b16be37650735899111d599e073af669c/original/111116-2-website.jpg?1477766023" class="size_l justify_center border_" />axisoffour.comtag:www.axisoffour.com,2005:Post/43989452016-09-30T18:38:42-07:002017-01-15T13:12:40-08:00Up CLose & Personal with Rick and The Axis Of Four<img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/9785/0e1da9cb10efdb2157deae4c1e67726a1e41ac2a/original/100116-bsm-orange.jpg?1475285908" class="size_l justify_center border_" />axisoffour.comtag:www.axisoffour.com,2005:Post/43339142016-08-19T21:45:03-07:002017-01-15T13:12:40-08:00SATURDAY AUGUST 27 @RED HAT<img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/9785/1e567c214c705e787e9ecbcf4120414077474576/original/redhat-flyer-2-082716.jpg?1471667921" class="size_l justify_center border_" />The AXIS OF FOUR is very excited to return to our favorite East Bay Showcase venue, The Red Hat Sports Bar. This show will feature SMASH (N. Villacorte)<br>playing more leads, and will also be the debut performance of "Through The Night", the newest song penned and arranged by Li'l Ricky.<br><br>Come on by and show your support for original bands and the venue that supports them!axisoffour.comtag:www.axisoffour.com,2005:Post/42371502016-06-18T13:24:17-07:002017-01-15T13:12:40-08:00Latest Show Coming Up!<img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/9785/091df373f97526f087781ff0c6589fcceac7cf21/original/7-9-16-axis-of-four-square.jpg?1466281020" class="size_l justify_center border_" />Introducing Norman Villacorte on guitar and vocals. Blue Sky Studio lost their lease, so Li'l Ricky will go to a different studio to finish the latest Axis Of Four recordings. He had a great time recording with maestro Orestes Vilato on congas and bongos on two songs he is producing from songwriter friend Jon Golden.<br><a contents="Like us on Facebook" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://www.facebook.com/axisoffour" target="_blank">Like us on Facebook</a><br><a contents="Advanced tix only $7" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.ticketfly.com/purchase/event/1219269?_ga=1.136349296.1563025543.1465618436&__utma=1.840508665.1465618436.1465618436.1466281282.2&__utmb=1.1.10.1466281282&__utmc=1&__utmx=-&__utmz=1.1465618436.1.1.utmcsr=google%7Cutmccn=(organic)%7Cutmcmd=organic%7Cutmctr=(not%20provided)&__utmv=-&__utmk=99011998" target="_blank">Advanced tix only $7</a>axisoffour.comtag:www.axisoffour.com,2005:Post/41058532016-03-25T15:16:01-07:002017-01-15T13:12:40-08:00Back in the studio!<img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/9785/c0fb73991b4bd58620600b935f77afead88493b7/medium/axis-group-1-bw-medium-text-small.jpg?0" class="size_m justify_center border_" />Thanks for coming out to the last show. We need more fans to come out to hear the band. Li'l Ricky was in Blue Sky Studios last week to lay down his guitar parts to "Amerika 2021" He and Nick got this crazy-good distortion sound from the Hot-Rod Deluxe by driving those output tubes. He also cut the vocals, and got very eexcited about the chorus - one of the best and most unique he has written.<br><br>Saturday the 26th, Li'l Ricky will be cutting basics for two songs he co-wrote with his long-time friend Jon Golden. "The Coast Is Clear", and "What Ya Gonna Do?"will also feature El Maestro Orestes Vilato on percussion to create a fusion sound of pop, funk, and latin music.axisoffour.comtag:www.axisoffour.com,2005:Post/40647752016-02-28T16:42:17-08:002017-01-15T13:12:40-08:00Neck of The Woods Friday March 4 - Celebrate with Us!<img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/9785/85ef26ebe2514dbe9168163ebbe6eafa87aacf68/original/3-4-16-axis-of-four-web.jpg?0" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 1.4em;">$10@door <a contents="Advanced Tix $7" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.ticketfly.com/purchase/event/1100741?_ga=1.258138250.1601710645.1456359417&__utma=1.1818110681.1456359417.1456359417.1456359417.1&__utmb=1.1.10.1456359417&__utmc=1&__utmx=-&__utmz=1.1456359417.1.1.utmcsr=google%7Cutmccn=(organic)%7Cutmcmd=organic%7Cutmctr=(not%20provided)&__utmv=-&__utmk=65928110" target="_blank">Advanced Tix $7</a> Doors Open 9PM</span></div>axisoffour.comtag:www.axisoffour.com,2005:Post/39913062016-01-15T14:56:19-08:002016-02-08T09:47:31-08:00Mardi Gras Update An old BB warrior from New Orleans works at WWOZ, and he asked Li'l Ricky for a copy of "C'mon and Makeit Funky", a song he produced for the 2008 Mardi Gras Invitational. He wanted to play the song over Lundi Gras and Mardi Gras as well. Check out <a contents="WWOZ.org" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://www.wwoz.org" target="_blank">WWOZ.org</a> to hear the sounds from The Big Easy<br><br>MARCH 4 @NECK OF THE WOODS<br>This is a great show with Ever End and Sketch Republic<br>More info to come, save the date!<br><br>"Full of Rock" almost done, still tweaking the final mix!<br>Sign up for our fanlist to get a free downloadaxisoffour.comtag:www.axisoffour.com,2005:Post/39063072015-10-30T14:28:41-07:002017-01-15T13:12:40-08:00October 30<img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/9785/bb06937c78c81c003dd24d29472c466ef33d029b/original/nov7-handbill.jpg?1446235613" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><br><br><br>We had two great shows over the past two weeks. Here's a pic from our show at the Hotel Utah. We are looking forward to playing Neck Of The Woods with Evolution Eden and Desert Island Friend on SAT NOV 7 @ 9PM<img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/9785/a2264795dcd823fe20f76e62a95ba8bf9bbd78f6/medium/1022152100-small.jpg?1446240408" class="size_m justify_left border_" />axisoffour.comtag:www.axisoffour.com,2005:Post/38808772015-10-02T21:40:31-07:002017-01-15T13:12:40-08:00Axis of Four in October<br>We have a couple of great shows coming up this month: Oct 17 at The Stork Club in Oakland and Oct 22 at The Hotel Utah in San Francisco. The band is gearing up and ready to introduce our newest tune, "HEY YOU". And Rick just cut the lead vocals to "STEM THE TIDE" the other day and that production is moving along.<img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/9785/d6496e38a1e12ce1cb658aa16af7ba99a4496925/medium/0001bk.jpg?1443846780" class="size_m justify_center border_none" alt="" /><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/9785/8a2de70cb05e0b414bedc858ebeab8446e584cfd/medium/0001m7.jpg?1443846815" class="size_m justify_center border_" />axisoffour.comtag:www.axisoffour.com,2005:Post/38808702015-10-02T21:21:45-07:002017-01-15T13:12:40-08:00September 11<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 17px;">SEPTEMBER 11<br><br><br>We are gearing up for three big shows in the next two months!<br>SAT OCT 17 @the Stork Club in Oakland<br>THUR OCT 22 @Hotel Utah in San Francisco<br>SAT NOV 7 @Neck Of The Woods in San Francisco<br><br>The band is still tracking the parts for our recordings of "Amerika 2021" and "Stem The Tide"<br>and Rick is putting the finishing touches on a surprise single release!<br><br>Check out the new video for AMERIKA 2021!<br>Thanks to our fans!<br><br><br>Advance Tickets at </span><a contents="Ticket Fly" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://www.neckofthewoodssf.com/event/871713-axis-four-san-francisco/" style="font-size: 17px;" target="_blank">Ticket Fly</a><span style="font-size: 17px;"> $7.00</span>
</div><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/9785/153553c5b2555bd8c52b38233185b38b9ca5b73c/small/june-18-handbill.jpg?1433146823" class="size_s justify_center border_" /><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/9785/6dd3ea38fc661e9e4f4341e790bdf5fc199a3bcf/small/6-18-15-axis-of-four-web.jpg?1433478040" class="size_s justify_center border_" /><div> </div>axisoffour.comtag:www.axisoffour.com,2005:Post/37234072015-06-01T02:12:53-07:002015-06-01T02:13:52-07:00Why Does The Cream Rise To The Top?Well, my teacher told me it was because the cream is less dense than the skim milk it floats upon. It seems we have an analogous situation with wealth in our society.<br>Like the cream in a milk bottle, so much of it has risen to the top, only the top in this case is the 1% who have accumulated vast amounts of wealth in the past seven years.. It's funny that Karl Marx predicted this back in 1848 when he lived in London and personally witnessed the social upheaval that was the industrial revolution.<br>I think of him as a dutch uncle, only he was German and edited a major newspaper when he was twenty-four years old.<br><br>The reactionary politics in Europe drove him to the haven of England where he saw the effects of rampant, unfettered capitalism. axisoffour.comtag:www.axisoffour.com,2005:Post/25037212014-01-31T22:51:54-08:002014-01-31T22:53:35-08:00Freedom, Music and Private PropertyA number of months ago, Chris Hansen and I attended a music business seminar sponsored by CLA. A big topic of discussion was piracy and unregulated file sharing, and the impact that technological development has on the music business. Over the past decade, world wide revenue in the music business has shrunk from $40 Billion to $17 Billion - a reduction of over 57% in the money that goes in the pocket of artists. It's no secret that the large internet companies fueled the demise of the music business - their increase in revenue over the past decade follows the decrease in revenue in the music business. (see "Freakonomics" by Steven D. Levitt and Stephen J. Dubner)<br><br>Now we all know the horse has left the barn - there is no going back to an era of less technology, unless the the Walkman has a retro-induced revival. The Millenial Generation has grown up with the expectation of having unlimited choice and access to information, especially to music. And this generation has unwittingly become a bunch of hipster theives, because everytime a person shares a music file in an unauthorized manner, that person is stealing a potential financial benefit to the artist who created the work. <br><br>I admit that previous paragraph is a bit harsh - that generation grew up with all that available to them, and had no prior experience of the business models that had existed before. They simply were not made aware that file sharing is stealing. And that is an inherent danger to the mindset of the Millenials - their lack of awareness of what is stealing implies a lack of understanding of private property. If you look at the economic history of successful nations versus failed nations (ex, Australia vs, Zimbabwe), the legal right and protection of private property is one of the most important factors for an inclusive altruistic political economic system that can benefit any citizen who participates in business. As East Bay Ray said at the CLA business seminar, "You can't have freedom without private property."<br><br>I think the Millenials need some kind of political radicalization to wake them up to the current trend of government centralization, the slow erosion of the respect and protection of private property, and the current trend of government seeking extra-constitutional powers that exceed legal boundries. Maybe some techie can create a game that takes a free citizen and slowly turns him into a vassel of the state by eroding rights, and by distracting attention with frivolous entertainment - like playing games.axisoffour.comtag:www.axisoffour.com,2005:Post/17381702013-09-29T10:59:49-07:002013-09-29T10:59:49-07:00Families Helping Families and Axis of FourWhen Miss Minxie first contacted Anheuser Busch about the First Friday event, I was curious about the charity that benefited from the show. I learned that <strong>Families Helping Families</strong> is a local, grass-roots organization that is greattly supported by the Anheuser Busch family in the Fairfield plant. Miss Minxie and I went to the show in September, and we were impressed by the volunteers who worked the event, and yes, the tasty brews that are part of the deal.<br><br><strong>Axis of Four</strong> will donate a portion of our merchandise sales to <strong>Families Helping Families</strong>. We are happy to be part of this community event, and encourage our fans to spread the word and come out and support Families Helping Families and <strong>Axis of Four on Friday, October 4 @7pm</strong>.<br><br>Here's a short story about Families Helping Families<br><br><em>In 1985 a man by the name of Bill Stewart got wind that his neighbor’s home had caught on fire. Wanting to help, he shared his neighbor’s story with his co-workers at the Fairfield Budweiser Brewery, and they pulled together to provide food and rebuild part of his home and thus Families Helping Families was born. Today Families Helping Families is a twenty-eight year old non-profit organization that is proud to have been created and still operated by Fairfield Brewery employees, retirees and their families. They are committed to helping local families throughout Solano County.</em>
<p> </p>
<p class="p1"><em>Some of their initiatives to help include the Annual Back Pack Drive, providing children with school supplies and the Thanksgiving Food Giveaway, which provides a full Thanksgiving meal and enough food for two weeks for a family of four. Through various fund raisers such as the Annual Bud Classic Car Show and First Friday Events, I am proud to stand before you and say that we have brought the number from 3 local families being served in 1985 to nearly 300 in 2011. This just goes to show that the incremental dollar amounts when put together can help make a monumental difference in our community.</em></p>axisoffour.comtag:www.axisoffour.com,2005:Post/14214662013-08-16T04:50:00-07:002013-08-16T04:50:00-07:007 Points To Playing, Part Two<div style="text-align: left; ">It's Not About You / Play To Your Strength <br><br>
Many young players achieve a fairly competent level of playing in a relatively short time. This can be a result of proper and effective guitar lessons, some native talent, and a fanatical work ethic. However, when playing in a group it is often difficult for many players to leave their ego behind and to focus on the overall dynamic of the group. These are the players who are always showing off and drawing attention to themselves at the expense of the performance of the band. <br><br>
They try too hard to impress the audience, and the result is often a disjointed and sloppy presentation. As a performer in a group it is imperative to play within your strengths when on stage. It is better to play a simple well-articulated solo than a sloppy mess of notes. The point is to make the band sound good regardless of the individual's level of ability. Players who always try to show the audience everything they know in every solo become boorish in a very short time.<br><br>
It's not about you - it's a band thang. <br><br>
The Drummer Is Always Right <br><br>
Sometimes when performing the drummer might inadvertently turn the beat around. It happens to best of players and it's important for the rest of the band to react and get with the time as soon as possible. The middle of a song is not the time to be hard-headed about being right. You've got to keep the audience dancing and grooving so just get with the drummer, finish the tune, and have a laugh on the break. <br><br>
As a professional music instructor, I feel very responsible to translate my stage experience into understandable bites in order to help my students be prepared for their performances. Both Chris and myself and our colleagues at <a href="http://www.bradleyschoolofmusic.com">The Bradley School of Music</a> are always talking of the ways and means for them to bring it to the stage and send it to the crowd..</div>axisoffour.comtag:www.axisoffour.com,2005:Post/13249922013-08-02T20:05:00-07:002013-08-02T20:05:00-07:007 Points To Playing: Introduction and Overview<br>
My role as leader of Axis of Four gives me many opportunities to observe what works for a band in performance before an audience. I believe that it is very important to have the right attitude combined with proper preparation in order to react to any situation which may happen during the course of a gig. And of course, we in the band always aim to please our clients and audience, no matter what happens!<br><br>
As a professional musical act, we are called upon to play in a wide range of venues for many different audiences. It's very important to us to play the right tunes for the people, so we can leave the crowd with a good impression of Axis of Four. It's also imperative to be ready for the unexpected, the sudden manifestation of Murphy's Law lurking 'round the corner or the next chorus.<br><br>
As a professional music instructor, I feel very responsible to translate my stage experience into understandable bites in order to help my students be prepared for their performances. During the music lessons, my students and I are always talking of the ways and means for them to bring it to the stage and send it to the crowd.<br><br>
I've put together seven small topics that address the right approach toward performing and entertaining an audience. These are the same topics that I discuss with my students in the private guitar lessons at the Bradley School of Music in Lafayette, CA. Here's the first two topics:<br><br><br>
Follow The Leader / See Each Other<br><br>
When performing on stage it can be very easy to fall into a case of "tunnel vision" where the inexperienced player stares straight ahead oblivious to the group he's playing with. I have seen that look on many faces, and when I do I know I'm in for a lot more work than I bargained for. The solution is very simple. Follow the leader on stage. Make sure you look at him or her, and make sure to look at the other band members when playing. This is a great way to telegraph the drama of your performance to the audience, as well as to create a sense of teamwork. It's actually great fun when you can get the bass player to crack up by sticking out your tongue in the middle of a hot solo.<br><br>
Smile At The People / Have Fun <br><br>
Yes, I know we are all very serious in the study of our musical craft, and for many the guitar is the one true path, the individual's holy grail. When playing for an audience, it's a hard fact to swallow that most people don't care how hard you have worked, or cannot appreciate the fluid execution of that mixolydian run. The fact is, people want to have fun, and they want to see the band have fun. Smile at the people and enjoy yourself, and you will surely entertain the audience.axisoffour.comtag:www.axisoffour.com,2005:Post/10354942013-06-28T07:10:00-07:002013-06-28T07:10:00-07:00In The Groove<div style="text-align: left; ">Back in the day of shark-fin Cadillacs and gasoline for twenty-eight cents a gallon, music was recorded on vinyl discs. A needle connected to a cartridge would follow the continuous groove of the record and reproduce the sound. Perhaps this might be the origin of the expression, “in the groove”.<br><br>
Whenever musicians use this term, it usually means the performance felt great. The rhythm was locked in and the melodies soared with passion. Being “in the groove” makes our favorite songs feel so good that we want to listen to them again and again.<br><br>
Axis of Four righteously grooves through the different styles of music in our repertoire. Be it instrumental jazz, dance pop, blues, or our original “old school meets new school” rock, as an experienced band we know how and what to play to make the music feel right. Although many say it’s magic when a band is playing powerfully well together, there is an element of musical mechanics that can be defined, practiced, developed, and effectively put to use to help a group play “in the groove”.<br><br>
Now, you may know that Chris and Rick are instructors with the Bradley School of Music in Lafayette. All of the instructors are dedicated to helping people learn to play and develop the skills to keep learning ad improving. This summer, the Bradley School of Music is offering three different ensemble classes starting the first week of July. The principle focus of these classes is to teach a group of musicians how to play together, how to be “in the groove”. This is a great opportunity for a couple of guitarists, a bass player, and a drummer to learn the “nuts and bolts” of playing in the pocket and sounding great together. And at the end of the instruction period, each group will perform at a special live showcase.<br><br>
For more information check out the Bradley School website, or email Rick directly, rick@axisoffour.com</div>axisoffour.comtag:www.axisoffour.com,2005:Post/6323602013-04-29T07:05:00-07:002015-12-07T05:41:31-08:00Challenges of Beginning Guitar & Bass, part 1<b><br></b> by Rick Cittar, Bradley School of Music<br><a target="_new" href="http://www.bradleyschoolofmusic.com">bradleyschoolofmusic.com</a><br><br>
Instrument Selection<br>
Strings<br>
Action<br>
Neck Contour<br>
Intonation<br><br><br>
Instrument Selection<br><br>
The beginning player stands at the starting line with excitement and anticipation. A critical component to successful study is the right instrument for the student. Many a guitar left in the closet for years has been passed down, only to be found so out of adjustment that it makes learning more difficult than it has to be.<br><br>
Today the market offers a great selection of student level instruments priced between $150 to $300. It's important that the guitar or bass can stay in tune, and that it is attractive to the player. The acoustic guitar comes in two basic models. The classical guitar with nylon strings is very traditional and a bit easier to play, and comes in different sizes to accommodate younger players. The plectrum guitar has steel strings and a bit more volume (loudness), and offers a great variety in styles. The acoustic bass is probably too expensive for a beginning player.<br><br>
The electric bass and guitar are probably the best fit for most beginning players. Acoustic/electric combination guitars are also a good option if you want to play live or do some basic recording. There are guitar/amp and bass/amp combination packages that offer great value and convenience. I recommend the Stratocaster style guitar for a great first instrument. The three pickup array gives you five different sounds, and the voice of that guitar has been in pop music since 1954. With a little effort and shopping, a student can be set up with an instrument that will serve well and sound good.<br><br><br>
Strings<br><br>
Many beginners simply don't realize that there is a range of adjustability on most guitars and basses. The first thing to consider is string gauge or thickness. Traditionally string gauges are expressed in thousandths of an inch. For example, the high E string in an electric light set typically measures .010" (ten thousandths of an inch), and is usually called "a ten". A set of electric light gauge strings is referred to as a "set of tens". The beginning electric guitarist, however, will probably want an extra-light gauge set, or a set of nines (high E string .009"). This will ease the early struggles of pressing the strings down to the frets. Most electric guitars are shipped with extra-light strings for just that reason.<br><br>
Acoustic guitar string sets are gauged a little thicker than electric sets, and many guitars come with strings that are too heavy for the beginning player. Look for a set of extra-light acoustic strings with the high E no heavier than an eleven (.011"). Classical guitars are equipped with nylon strings and are easier to press down to the frets. If the strings on the classical guitar seem too tight, try a set of light nylon strings.<br><br>
Bass guitar strings also come in different gauges, and today's student basses are usually equipped with light strings.<br><br>
One thing to remember is that as your hands become stronger and you begin to play with a lighter more expressive touch, you can go up to the next heavier gauge strings. This will give you more sound from the guitar, as the loudness of the tone is directly related to the mass or thickness of the strings.<br><br><br>
Action<br><br>
The next factor to consider is the height of the strings from the frets, or the action. I have seen too many beginning students try with all their might to play an improperly set up instrument with extremely high action and heavy-gauge strings. The resulting frustration usually kills the enthusiasm of the student, leaving the person with a sense of personal failure. That would be like competing in a Nascar race with a '76 Corolla, and then feeling dejected that you were lapped seventy-eight times in an hour.<br><br>
It is fairly easy to check the action of your instrument. Point the headstock at your nose and look down the side of the neck toward the bridge (the piece which holds the strings onto the body). You can see if the string height increases dramatically as you get away from the nut (the slotted piece behind the first fret which determines string spacing). If the action becomes increasingly higher as you proceed toward the bridge, the instrument will be fairly unplayable above the fifth fret.<br><br>
Beginning students usually prefer a low action so that it's fairly easy to press and hold the string to the fret. Electric guitars and basses have individual bridge saddles for each string, which allows a custom adjustment to the taste of the player. Acoustic and classical guitars, however, have a one-piece bridge saddle which must be shaped and sanded in order to lower the action. This offers the student a good opportunity to contact either a guitar technician or a luthier to make the adjustment. <br><br><br>
Neck Contour<br><br>
The contour of the neck is also a critical factor in the set-up. When a string vibrates, it moves in all planes, both up and down, side to side. If the neck is perfectly straight, the string will touch the top of the fret and "buzz". String buzz causes a loss of sound and clarity of tone. <br><br>
Ideally, you will want some "relief" (a slight concave contour) in the neck to allow the string to vibrate freely. For example, here are the Fender factory specs for relief on Miss Clarissa, my American Standard Stratocaster. Put a capo on the first fret and press the low E string down at the fifteenth fret. Standard relief is a gap of .010" between the top of the eighth fret and the bottom of the low E string.<br><br>
If the strings pull too tightly on the neck, a severe concavity, or "bow" will result, causing very high action in the middle of the neck. Conversely, if the tension of the strings is not high enough, a convex contour, or "hump" will result, causing buzzing and some dead notes on the upper frets.<br><br>
Most guitars and basses have a "truss rod" in the neck, which can be adjusted to get a balance between string tension and neck rigidity. A classical guitar will usually have no truss rod, and will rely on the thickness of the neck for stability. Turn the truss rod clockwise to tighten the neck and remove a "bow"; turn the truss rod counter-clockwise to loosen the neck and straighten out a "hump".<br><br><br>
Intonation<br><br>
Intonation is accuracy in pitch along the entire length and breadth of the neck. Electric guitars and basses have individual bridge saddles which can be adjusted to set the intonation, by equalizing the pitch of the fretted note on the twelfth fret to the pitch of the harmonic at the twelfth fret. Some acoustic and classical guitars come with a compensating bridge saddle, which can allow for more accurate intonation. A guitar with bad intonation will usually sound terrible, and serves no good purpose in the creation of beautiful music.<br><br>
We have looked at Instrument Selection, Strings, Action, Neck Contour, and Intonation as critical factors in helping a new student learn to play the guitar and bass. It's important to remember that all factors must be in balance and harmony for the private lessons to be most beneficial. A beginning student should consult with a good guitar tech or luthier for the initial adjustment and set up, which can cost up to $40 or $50 if the guitar needs a lot of work.<br><br>
Another thing to remember: you get what you pay for, especially with a musical instrument like the guitar or bass. A fairly inexpensive guitar will probably look good and have inferior quality hardware and electronics, and may actually sound fairly good. The higher quality instrument will respond to adjustment better, sound better (see "intonation"), stay in tune better, and play better in the long run. <br><br><br>axisoffour.comtag:www.axisoffour.com,2005:Post/5591652013-04-18T06:20:00-07:002013-04-18T06:20:00-07:00Working With Entertainment Talent<br>
Whenever you go out to see a band, a great part of the experience is the intimacy and rapport between the fans and the players. Imagine how memorable and exciting it would be to have that same experience at your next party or business function. Many people have never dealt with a band before, and might wonder how to take that first step. Let me share some tips with you that can make the whole thing easy.<br><br>
You will need the entertainment to suit the general taste of your guests. A death metal band that is perfect for a sweet sixteen party might cause a riot at an anniversary party. A variety dance band or blues band is a good fit for most functions because the repertoire is sure to include many familiar hit songs, and the guests can enjoy listening and dancing to the music.<br><br>
At your first contact with the talent, ask about their experience, the repertoire, and the availability of the date you have in mind. The act might also have a website that functions as an EPK (Electronic Press Kit). You usually can see a photo and listen to a few mp3's to get some idea of the group's sound. If you are referred by a friend, tell the contact person and ask if they have any special deals.<br><br>
When I speak with a client about a booking, I need to get a good idea about the logistics of producing the show. Be ready to describe the easiest way to load in and the area dedicated to the band setup. If you want your guests to dance, you might have to move some furniture around to create a dance floor. It's also a good idea to provide a power outlet that has nothing else connected.<br><br>
When you and the talent have agreed upon the date, venue, and price, it's time to get down to business. The standard arrangement is for the band to send you two copies of the written contract, one of which you will sign and return with a 50% non-refundable deposit. In my band, I will allow the deposit to be transferable one time, should the party be moved to a different date, same venue. Be prepared to pay the leader the balance upon the band's arrival.<br><br>
Now the day of the event has arrived! The band will set up, check the sound and levels, and be ready to go when the guests get there. Be ready to have big fun and a group of happy guests dancing to the music and having a great time. When the party is over, my greatest wish is to leave the client satisfied so that they will talk about the party for days to come, and inspire a friend or co-worker to consider hiring my group for their next party.<br>axisoffour.comtag:www.axisoffour.com,2005:Post/3159992013-02-18T02:50:00-08:002013-02-18T02:50:00-08:00Music and Freedom A few weeks ago Chris Hansen and I attended a music business seminar sponsored by CLA. A big topic of discussion was piracy and unregulated file sharing, and the impact that technological development has on the music business. Over the past decade, world wide revenue in the music business has shrunk from $40 Billion to $17 Billion - a reduction of over 57% in the money that goes in the pocket of artists. It's no secret that the large internet companies fueled the demise of the music business - their increase in revenue over the past decade follows the decrease in revenue in the music business. (see "Freakonomics" by Steven D. Levitt and Stephen J. Dubner)<br><br>
Now we all know the horse has left the barn - there is no going back to an era of less technology, unless the the Walkman has a retro-induced revival. The Millenial Generation has grown up with the expectation of having unlimited choice and access to information, especially to music. And this generation has unwittingly become a bunch of hipster theives, because everytime a person shares a music file in an unauthorized manner, that person is stealing a potential financial benefit to the artist who created the work. <br><br>
I admit that previous paragraph is a bit harsh - that generation grew up with all that available to them, and had no prior experience of the business models that had existed before. They simply were not made aware that file sharing is stealing. And that is an inherent danger to the mindset of the Millenials - their lack of awareness of what is stealing implies a lack of understanding of private property. If you look at the economic history of successful nations versus failed nations (ex, Australia vs, Zimbabwe), the legal right and protection of private property is one of the most important factors for an inclusive altruistic political economic system that can benefit any citizen who participates in business. As East Bay Ray said at the CLA business seminar, "You can't have freedom without private property."<br><br>
I think the Millenials need some kind of political radicalization to wake them up to the current trend of government centralization, the slow erosion of the respect and protection of private property, and the current trend of government seeking extra-constitutional powers that exceed legal boundries. Maybe some techie can create a game that takes a free citizen and slowly turns him into a vassel of the state by eroding rights, and by distracting attention with frivolous entertainment - like playing games.<br><br type="_moz">axisoffour.comtag:www.axisoffour.com,2005:Post/2947072013-01-31T05:20:00-08:002013-01-31T05:20:00-08:00Pure Tone!<div style="text-align: justify; ">So, I'm taking a break from the crazy activities of music life, and kicking back with a brew and the cable remote. What do I find but a cheeseball movie from 1967 called "Blast-Off Girls", a funky story about a corrupt music manager and the bands that he exploits. Lot of 60's pop tunes and that's what got my attention. These goofy bands are playing pre-CBS Fender Telecasters and Jaguars, mid-60's Rickenbackers and I think an ES-335 through these classic Fender tube amps.<br><br>
Now the songs may be hokey, but they are catchy, and the guitar tones are beautiful - pure tone of a great guitar through a classic tube amp.! Remember, great tone is the starting point of expressive playing. Many times on stage, one gets to the point of "playing the tone", where you just play without thinking. <br><br>
That reminds me of a Hendrix bootleg where Jimi says he's playing the radio....just playing with sound and rhythm to create beautiful music for all the beautiful people in the world. As artists, what more can we aspire to?<br><br>
Peace</div>axisoffour.comtag:www.axisoffour.com,2005:Post/2679682012-12-17T15:30:00-08:002012-12-17T15:30:00-08:00Back in the Saddle Again<div style="text-align: justify; ">AXIS OF FOUR is the new name for our band. Li'l RIcky Blues started "From the Blues and Beyond...", and after four years of development we have evolved into a music-making machine that plays instrumental standards, pop, rock, and blues, as well as our original rock tunes. AXIS OF FOUR better represents who we are and what we play for you today. We are re-branding all of our promotional material and recovering our strength to return to the studio, while we have worked on adding some three hours of instrumental standards and easy listening tunes to our four-hour plus repertoire of blues and rock. So, Axis of Four is revving up the engine again after both Li'l Ricky and The Lovely Miss Minxie were put on injured reserve to recover from some medical fixes. Li'l Ricky finally got his frontal lobe in sync with the lizard brain.<br><br>
Look for Ol' Red '49 and Falling in Love With You Again..... Check out the Sneak Peek on this page<br><br>
Hey ! Don't forget to Join Our Fanlist and get a free download of Gojira! Thanks for listening!</div>axisoffour.com