Writing Session 6-20-11

Here's first footage of one of Kevin and I's writing sessions.

This was a really fun song with all the different grooves we experimented with. This video only gives a taste of the song but it has some really interesting parts to it. We even threw in some time changes to really mix it up. I'll keep you updated as the song nears completion :)

Theres Nothing Like A Hammond

So one day I was with a friend of mine at his shop. His father has collected numerous items over many years and stored them in my friends shop. As we're walking through looking at all this stuff, I notice this organ sitting all by itself in a corner. After closer inspection I find out its a Hammond L-111 organ. It had been stored there for five years. I couldn't believe it! Even though I knew I couldn't even play it, for some reason I had to have it.

So I asked if they would be willing to sell it and what do you know they made me a deal I couldn't refuse. I get the organ home, plug it up, and this thing plays like brand new! All the tubes were glowing, speakers worked great, and all keys, levers, and switches work. The one and only thing I found wrong was the volume pedal. It's got some dirt in it so its "scratchy" when you operate it, but nothing that can't be fixed. I've cleaned off the five years of dust, dirt, and whatnot, and it looks brand spanking new.

So to keep it running good I'll get it oiled up and clean some more parts to it. I've also decided to get some wire covering and cover all the wires for more protection. Now the only thing left to do is learn to play it!

                                                       BEFORE CLEANING

                                                            AFTER

Zildjian A Custom

I just recently purchased a set of Zildjian A Custom cymbals. I'll have to say this purchase was well worth the money spent. I bought them from Musicians Friend which made me a little nervous considering most drummers like to "test" out the cymbals before they buy them. The whole set of these cymbals sound amazing coming right out of the box and are beautiful ( I almost didn't want to hit them). The 14" hi-hats have a nice "chic" sound to them and ring nicely when opened. The 20" ride has got a great bell on it that cuts through everything, and the cymbal itself has a tone that could be used with any genre of music. Along with the package came two crash cymbals, 16" and 18", that are loud! Just huge crash sounds! They also have good soft tones when playing softer music. This whole set of cymbals just makes my kit sound like I wanted it to. I couldn't be happier with the cymbals. So if your in the market for some cymbals, check out the A Customs.