Canadian Musician articles from July 2004

Canadian Musician archives from July 2004

Every coin has two sides.(Feedback)(Letter to the Editor)
July 1, 2004... Dear CM, In response to Ian Graham letter: A few things come to mind when I read this letter, Jealous of Nickelback? Probably somewhat jealous, but I also get the feeling this letter is a selling tool--a way to get people to his Web site...

Congratulations.(Feedback)(Letter to the Editor)
July 1, 2004... Dear CM, This is a letter to congratulate you on the success of your first 25 years of publishing Canadian Musician. As we both know, such an achievement is no small thing in the world of Canadian music and the fact that you have...

Guitar anti-hero.(Feedback)(Letter to the Editor)
July 1, 2004... Dear CM, I recently read your article "Guitar 2004" in the May/June 2004 issue of Canadian Musician. Many of the contributors, such as Rik Emmett, provided some very useful and interesting information. However, I am confused as to why Ron...

Complete control.(Indie Insider)
July 1, 2004... If you've followed along in recent issues, CM has discussed touring and methods of cheap promotion and getting the most for your money while you're duplicating CDs after the recording process. Well, you've got your CDs--in fact some are sitting...

Ridley Bent, Boy sign to MapleMusic.(Changes)(Brief Article)
July 1, 2004... MapleMusic Recordings is proud to announce that it has added two new songwriters, Ridley Bent and Boy, to its roster. Like all army brats, Ridley Bent spent his life moving from town to town and it wasn't until he landed on the slopes of...

The Freewheelin' Jeremy Fisher signs to Sony.(Changes)(Sony Music Canada appoints Jeremy Fisher)(Brief Article)
July 1, 2004... Sony Music Canada recently announced the signing of a unique touring troubadour in the form of Jeremy Fisher. Fisher is a Vancouver Island-based singer-songwriter that totes his guitar as well as all the rest of his belongings on his bicycle as...

HMS 8 update.(Changes)(Hamilton Music Awards)
July 1, 2004... Hamilton Music Scene launches its eighth annual program with the announcement of a music industry awards show featuring music awards focusing on Hamilton's music makers, movers, and shakers. The addition of the show will add to an exciting...

Music publishers hire Executive Director.(Changes)(Canadian Music Publishers Association hires Peter James)(Brief Article)
July 1, 2004... The Canadian Music Publisher's Association (CMPA) recently announced its appointment of Peter James as the Association's full-time Executive Director. "We are excited to have Peter join the CMPA at such a promising yet challenging time for...

Howie Beck finds True North.(Changes)(Brief Article)
July 1, 2004... After four years of silence, Howie Beck has finally returned with a new record and a new label. True North Records has managed to pin down the elusive songwriter and will be releasing his new, self-titled album this coming July. Since the...

Hawksley and CARAS give $10,000 grant.(Changes)(Hawksley Workman and the Canadian Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences)(Brief Article)
July 1, 2004... The Canadian Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences and Juno Award winner Hawksley Workman recently presented $10,000 worth of new musical instruments to H.J. Alexander Community School. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] "The school, whose music...

Sextant and Bachman stare at the sun.(Changes)(Tal Bachman and Sextant Records)(Brief Article)
July 1, 2004... Sextant Records is proud to bring two-time Juno winner Tal Bachman into its family of releases scheduled for 2004. Bachman's new album, Staring At The Sun, is scheduled for release on July 20th and will include the national Top 20 hit single...

Alma signs deal with universal.(Changes)(Alma Records and Universal Music Canada)(Brief Article)
July 1, 2004... Peter Cardinali, President of Alma Records, is happy to announce that he and Universal Music Canada have formed a relationship to distribute the label's diverse roster. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Peter Cardinali, with a background of being...

Events.(Calendar)
July 1, 2004... National Association of Pastoral Musicians Convention Philadelphia, PA July 6-9, 2004 npmsing@npm.org, www.npm.org 27th Annual Vancouver Folk Music Festival Vancouver, BC July 16-18, 2004 (800) 985-8363, FAX...

Protecting your personal information online.(Music Online)
July 1, 2004... Every time you are online you could be sharing personal information about yourself with others and not even know it. Protecting your information while online is very important. Thousands of people online have been victims of online fraud; their...

Burns Steer guitar.(Road Test)
July 1, 2004... Is it an electric? An acoustic? An electric-acoustic? The Burns Steer is quite a unique animal. I was given this guitar to review on a Thursday evening. I finally put it down sometime on Friday! This truly is a unique guitar. It looks like it...

Simon & Patrick SC RW guitar.(Road Test)(Product/Service Evaluation)
July 1, 2004... The Simon & Patrick SC RW acoustic guitar is an instrument that intrigued me before I first opened the box. This is a full-bodied acoustic guitar and it definitely looks like one. It is handmade in La Patrie and Princeville, PQ, Canada. Now, I...

Sennheiser e935 microphone.(Road Test)
July 1, 2004... In the world of microphones, Sennheiser is a company that does not tend to reinvent the wheel every few years in order to capture dealer attention with radical new products and technology. Rather they continually develop new items through the...

Arpeggios--repetitive patterns.(Guitar)
July 1, 2004... An arpeggio is the notes of a chord played one after the other. Many great guitarists use arpeggios while improvising to create interesting melodic lines. Keep in mind that although arpeggios have the same chord formulas as the chords on which...

Warm ups and Chord Toners.(Keyboards)(Brief Article)
July 1, 2004... This exercise has 7th chords built on each note of the E[??] major scale. These are called the diatonic 7th chords. Diatonic means "of the key." We sometimes refer to this as a harmonized scale. Take a look at the first chord and you may notice...

The rhythm section marriage.(Fitting In)
July 1, 2004... To anybody other than a bass player a bass solo is a self indulgent waste of time. I say this because just thinking about soloing makes me break out in a flop-sweat. So naturally I love drummers, good ones with rock solid time and a big fat...

Less is more, more or less ...(Fitting In)(Brief Article)
July 1, 2004... Playing in bands with larger formats such as more musicians/sequencing etc. has presented challenges to me. Usually, I like to find a groove that has a warm roundness to it in terms of tone and feel. A strong bottom end foundation allows the...

It's about time.(Percussion)
July 1, 2004... Part 3 THE LEAD SINGER is the answer to last issue's question. If you don't know what I am talking about, here is that question. "When performing with a group consisting of a drummer (of course), bass player, singer, guitar player,...

Purchasing a saxophone.(Woodwinds)
July 1, 2004... Whether it's the time of year or the fact that everyone is taking lessons, I seem to have been inundated with questions about buying a horn. Since my expertise is saxophone, I'll be answering the question "What you should be aware of when...

I can't hear me.(Brass)
July 1, 2004... It is a drag to play when you can't hear yourself. For brass players, the problem is compounded by the fact that the response of our chops is heavily dependant on the way we hear the sound of the horn. Even on a jazz gig, it can be hard to hear...

Building a digital studio on a budget.(Digital Music)
July 1, 2004... I have discovered that there are some Canadian musicians who will read through just about anything to find a gem in the rough. As a thank you to those who wrote me with questions and glowing praise I am going to pass along the most...

A vocation of vocals.(Vocals)(Interview)
July 1, 2004... If the name Colm Wilkinson eludes recognition, one mention of The Phantom of the Opera will bring his voice to mind. The Dublin, Ireland-born singer is best known for his role as the Phantom and Jean Valjean in Les Miserables, but there has...

Alanis Morissette.(Interview)(Cover Story)
July 1, 2004... Alanis Morissette has grown into quite a dynamo. Just turned 30, she has handled her wealth and fame in a dignified, generous manner. She also, much like Madonna, the woman whose label, Maverick, signed her and released 1995's staggering...

Pilate: at the helm of their own career.
July 1, 2004... "I always knew in the back of my mind that I was going to do music in some capacity. And going along with that; my dad always knew," Todd Clark says with meaning, "That I was going to go to university." Although Todd studied Classical...

Faster, better, more powerful recording software.
July 1, 2004... "Everything that can be invented has been invented." Charles H. Duell, US Commissioner of Patents, 1899. Actually, as it turns out, this is a misquote written by James Wright, the inventor of silly putty, who went on to become a famous...

Are you killing your career? A musician's guide to good health.(Musician's Health)
July 1, 2004... The way I look at it there are two types of musicians reading this piece: A) You're already experiencing some difficulty health-wise and hoping to gain some insight or B) educating yourself and by doing so may never have to join the "A" group....

Finding truth in a quiet mind.(Writing)(tips for songwriters)
July 1, 2004... Much can be said of writing a song. Some say it is from the heart, some say it is simply arithmetic--I say it was always there, that one just needs to listen. Now, I am in no way stating that you must listen to others or copy others to write. I...

Vocal equalization.(Recording)
July 1, 2004... This article is part two in a three-part series. The last article [March/April 2004 Canadian Musician] touched on setting up to record vocals. This article will help you process your mix. Better engineers prefer microphone choice and...

Meters first, headphones second.(Live Sound)
July 1, 2004... One thing that can happen as we get into a daily routine on the road is that our safety awareness tends to diminish as each day passes without an injury. It's easy to blast our ears with too much level, either through the main speakers or our...

Session and guest musicians.(Business)
July 1, 2004... The views and opinions expressed in this article are not meant to substitute for legal advice which should be sought in each particular instance. Introduction Whether you are a major label recording artist or an independent musician...

RKS Guitars and basses.(Hot Gear)(Brief Article)
July 1, 2004... After three years of development, RKS Guitars has recently released the Open-Architecture line of electric guitars and basses, designed to appeal to the music devotee and professional musician alike. RKS Guitars, along with Rock and Roll Hall...

Fender Standard Tension Strings.(Hot Gear)(www.fender.com)(guitar accessories)(Brief Article)
July 1, 2004... Fender's Strings, Picks and Accessories Division recently introduced the Standard Tension Strings and Standard Tension Bullets. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Fender feels that musicians who like hardtail guitars will find the new Standard...

Carl Fischer quarter releases for brass and woodwinds.(Carl Fischer Music)(www.carlfischer.com)(Brief Article)
July 1, 2004... Carl Mischer Music recently released its fourth quarter new issues for brass and woodwinds. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Brass -- Richard Shuebruk's books on tongue training and lip training, originally published in the roaring '20s, have...

Puresound Percussion bass drum patch.(P-BDP)(www.daddariocanada.com)(Brief Article)
July 1, 2004... Puresound Percussion recently introduced a bass drum patch, model P-BDP. The material and size of the adhesive-backed 2.5" Kevlar impact pad has been designed to aid in defending and increasing the durability of bass drum heads. The square...

Pro-Mark Lombardo, Upchurch and Stinger models.(Hot Gear)(www.efkaymusic.com)(Brief Article)
July 1, 2004... Pro-Mark recently introduced three new drumstick models to their line of drumsticks including the Dave Lombardo Autograph Model, the Greg Upchurch Autograph Model and the TX710W Stinger Model. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The Dave Lombardo...

Audio-Technica's Midnight Blues microphones.(Hot Gear)(www.audio-technica.com)(Brief Article)
July 1, 2004... Audio-Technica recently released its second generation of Midnight Blues microphones, based on the original series. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Four new mics have been designed, featuring a high-output design with low handling noise due to...

Meinl Soundcaster Cymbals.(Hot Gear)(www.efkaymusic.com)(Brief Article)
July 1, 2004... Meinl recently introduced Soundcaster Cymbals, using a B12 cymbal bronze alloy. Meinl uses five different alloys for crafting cymbals--B20, B12, B8, FX9 and MS63 brass. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Meinl feels that the Soundcaster Cymbals...

Yamaha Xeno trombone.(Hot Gear)(www.yamaha.ca)(Brief Article)
July 1, 2004... Yamaha's Band & Orchestral Division recently released the YSL-881 and YSL-8820 Xeno trombones. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The trombones offer what Yamaha feels is a "rich, projecting sound, with a solid core and a sound that features a...

Roland EXR-7 Interactive Arranger.(Hot Gear)(www.roland.ca)(Brief Article)
July 1, 2004... Roland recently introduced the latest addition to its EXR series of keyboards, the EXR-7 Interactive Arranger. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The EXR-7 is equipped with a 76-note touch-sensitive keyboard, new high-quality sounds, Flash memory...

Saga Gitane DG-255 jazz guitar.(Hot Gear)(www.sagamusic.com)(Brief Article)
July 1, 2004... Saga Musical Instruments recently introduced another Selmer-style guitar to the renowned line of Gitane jazz guitars--the DG-255. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The DG-255 possesses a common slotted peghead design familiar to jazz guitarists,...

Stanton FinalScratch v1.5 for Mac and PC.(Hot Gear)(digital music files)(www.eriksonaudio.com)(Brief Article)
July 1, 2004... Stanton recently released the FinalScratch v1.5 for Mac and PC users allowing them to play digital music files from analog turntables or CD players. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] FinalScratch v1.5 is the first version to run natively on...

Wizetech Music Express 4.0.(Hot Gear)(www.wizetech.com)(Brief Article)
July 1, 2004... Wizetech Software recently released the newest version of their flagship product for Windows--Music Express 4.0. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] A fast application for organizing and managing large collections of Audio CDs and music downloaded...

Story & Clark Imperial Grand.(Hot Gear)(Story & Clark Piano Co.)(Brief Article)
July 1, 2004... Story & Clark recently released the Imperial Grand. The Imperial Grand's design is based on Story & Clark's renowned Designer Baby Grand, but with a distinctive European twist. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] With a bevelled lid and a natural...

Fishman Aura.(Hot Gear)(acoustic guitars)(Akai Musical Instruments Corp. in partnership with Fishman Transducers Inc.)(Brief Article)
July 1, 2004... Fishman, in a partnership with Akai Professional, recently introduced the Fishman Aura, charting a new direction in product development for acoustic guitarists. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Fishman describes the Aura as an "Acoustic Imaging...

Behringer B-Control Audio BCA2000.(Hot Gear)(Samson Technologies Inc.)(Brief Article)
July 1, 2004... Behringer recently released the B-Control Audio BCA2000--a high-speed USB 2.0 multi-channel audio/MIDI control interface with ADAT support, and extensive monitor control section and surround outputs. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The...

Ludwig Amber Vista-Lite.(Hot Gear)(drum kit)(www.connselmer.com)(Brief Article)
July 1, 2004... Ludwig recently introduced the Amber Vista-Lite drums, styled similarly to the Ludwig outfit played by John Bonham from rock legend Led Zeppelin back in the early '70s. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The Ludwig Amber Vista-Lite "Zep" Set Drums...

Vestax Handytrax turntable.(Hot Gear)(www.eriksonaudio.com)(Brief Article)
July 1, 2004... Vestax recently introduced the Handytrax turntable, portable with integral case and carrying handle. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The Handytrax turntable, which can be battery-powered or run on a 12V adaptor which is included, features a...

Godlyke Jacques Stompboxes.(Hot Gear)(www.molmarketing.net)(Brief Article)
July 1, 2004... Godlyke Inc. recently released the Jacques Stompboxes line of compressed analog effect units for the electric guitar. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Each of the Jacques production models feature an "extremely rugged, compact chassis," along...

Shure SM86 Wireless.(Hot Gear)(Shure SM86 Wireless Series)(www.sfm.ca)(Brief Article)
July 1, 2004... Shure recently introduced their SM86 Wireless Series, combining the studio quality sound of a Shure condenser and the ruggedness of Shure's live performance microphones. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The Wireless SM86 capsules possess a...

Kevin Fox.(ShowCase)("Come Alive")(Brief Article)(Sound Recording Review)
July 1, 2004... Who: Kevin Fox Where: Toronto, ON What: dulcet pop Contact: kevin@kevinfox.ca.www.kevinfox.ca Good (albums) come to those who wait. Singer-songwriter Kevin Fox began working on his solo debut, Come Alive, well over five years...

Starvin Hungry.(ShowCase)("Damnesty")(www.grenadinerecords.com)(Brief Article)(Sound Recording Review)
July 1, 2004... Who: Starvin Hungry Where: Montreal, PQ What: gutter rock Contact: Grenadine Records, PO Box 42050, Montreal, PQ H4A 313 (514) 481 9578, FAX (419) 793 1222, info@grenadinerecords.com, www.grenadinerecords.com. [ILLUSTRATION...

Closet Monster.(ShowCase)(http://jam.canoe.ca/famColumnBliss/home.html)(Brief Article)(Sound Recording Review)
July 1, 2004... Who: Closet Monster Where: Ajax, ON What: revolutionist punk Contact: Underground Operations, PO Box 13, Ajax, ON, L1S 3C2 cm@undergroundoperations.com, www.undergroundoperations.com. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] We Built This...