Game Day Commentary

Everywhere I turn I see duckfan. There is an orgy of green and yellow going on here in PDX. Ironic, since the team they follow eschews those colors of late. One radio station is playing the Oregon fight song over and over again. Every player that ever played or coached football for the U of O has been interviewed at least ten times. I must say I've had my fill. Bring on the game and get it over.

I'll get to watch the game at home on the big TV with my solidly Orange daughter. I've been invited to duckfan parties, but no thanks. If I went I know I'd have to excuse myself early.

If Oregon wins, I'll be happy for my many Duck friends, John Nilsen, Mark O'Doherty, the entire Frey family and my brother-in-law Wayne, whose kids, my nephews, have a new found enthusiastic allegiance to all that is U of O. I can't deny them their fun. Think how far the program has come to even be in this game. If they win, it will be bigger than Terry Baker or Steve Prefontaine in state of Oregon sports legend. A huge accomplishment, not likely to be repeated. I appreciate all the Pac-10 vs SEC arguments. I concur that it would be nice to see the whole country awaken to the idea that west coast football is now more than just USC. I even think that Oregon's success might force the Beavers to raise the bar in Corvallis. It has always seemed to do so in the past.

If Oregon loses, I will have a smile in my heart that will last for days. I can't explain it. I always get happy to hear that the Ducks lost a game. Does not matter which sport. A loss in this game would probably make me happier than most. My distaste for all that is Oregon was honed in the 1970's at Gill Coliseum and Mac Court. I have personally witnessed many Civil Wars. At times it seemed my own blood was spilled. Simply put, they are my school's arch rivals and hated enemy. Its like the Greeks and the Turks, ingrained in me. And all of their financial blessing from Phil Knight has me putting the Ducks in the same category I hold the New York Yankees. Over-privileged and spoiled. They did not earn this as much as they bought this. Don't get me wrong. I love Phil Knight. I think he is a treasure for the whole state. He sometimes gives money to OSU. Just not quite so much.

While I don't like Oregon, I sure as hell respect this football team. They have been amazing to watch. Their lightning strike offense can be jaw-dropping. Their kickoff and punt returns are incredible. Oregon is loaded with skilled athletes and speed. It's like Chip Kelly has invented a whole new way to play this game. I'm sure we will see many copycat coaches playing fast-tempo offense in the next few years. Oregon, along with Nike, has also invented a new sports fashion culture. It won't be long before we see many other teams featuring new uniforms, shoes and helmets for every game. I think Phil Knight might get his investment back on this deal.

And Auburn? They remind me of that Texas team a few years ago that beat USC carried by quarterback Vince Young's amazing all-around skills. He seemed to win that game all by himself. Can Cam Newton do the same tonight? I think he's every bit as talented as Vince Young and similar in so many ways. Won't he show up when the stage is the biggest of all? My guess is that he will. Can Oregon stop him? No one else has been able to.

I watch in peace and calm tonight. I expect a great game. I root for neither team. Whoever wins, there will be reasons to celebrate.

Grateful Dead - Althea 03-28-81

One of my favorites from the old days. I miss Jerry.

Neil Young's Twisted Road Tour – 7/19/10

I had seen Neil Young in concert four times before last night, but never as a solo act. The previous events always featured either Crosby, Stills and Nash, or the band Crazy Horse as his sidemen. The idea of seeing Neil and his Martin guitar alone on the stage of the Schnitzer Auditorium was a prospect I could not resist. So, I was first in line with a few thousand other people when the tickets went online a few weeks ago. I got good seats and knew I would be in for a special evening. That was unless the "other" Neil Young showed up... the Neil Young that produced awful recent recordings like "Fork In The Road" or "Are You Passionate?". Those of us who have followed Neil since the Sixties know that he is prone to go down such strange artistic paths from time-to-time. You never know for sure who'll you'll get next time. However, what transpired Monday night exceeded my expectations.

First off, it wasn't a solo acoustic show. It was a solo acoustic, electric, electronic effects, vocal effects, feedback, piano and organ show. Neil, always the tall dominant figure onstage with any band, somehow became even larger up there all by himself. Dressed as some funky country gentleman in white hat and long coat, Neil wordlessly took the stage, grabbed his Martin, sat down and launched into "Hey hey my my, rock and roll will never die, there's more to the picture than meets the eye..."

At 64 years, Neil is a grandfather in the music business. It might be tempting to cut him some slack and say, "You know, he still sounds pretty good for an old guy." Let me tell you something. In spite of a long career and near-death due to brain disease, Neil has lost nothing. His voice was pitch-perfect and sharp, still capable of hitting those high notes. His guitar playing has only gotten better, even now embracing new technologies of sound. And on this night, he reminded us that he is still one of the great songwriters of our age.



The New Stuff - Everyone goes to Neil Young shows to hear the old songs, right? There's an emotional connection and personal history connected to those songs. I hoped he'd play "Pardon My Heart" or "For The Turnstiles". Certainly many in the audience gave Neil suggestions as the night played on. But it was the new music that made the strongest impression on me. Evidently, Neil is working on a new record, to be produced by Daniel Lanois of U2, Peter Gabriel and Bob Dylan fame. If the recording emerges anywhere near what I heard this night, I'm pre-ordering. "You Never Call" was a passionate and funny conversation with someone on the other side... in heaven... that Neil is longing to hear from. "Peaceful Valley" was a long and slow story about pioneers and bison, prospectors and gold, greed and oil, and the deteriorating health of the planet. "Love And War" was the song in my head as I woke up the next morning, far more authentic and personal than any of the songs on Neil's "Living With War" album. In all, he played seven new songs. My favorite was the encore closer, "Walk With Me", that left the Schnitzer audience vibrating long after the soaring closing moments of pendulum-swinging feedback and echoing voice.

The Old Stuff - Yes, Neil delivered the beloved songs and reached way back into his early catalog in doing so. He played, "Tell Me Why", "I Believe In You" and "After The Gold Rush", all from his third solo album. He played an achingly beautiful and delay-accented version of "Helpless" that we all first heard on CSNY's "Deja Vu". He surprised us with an old song that we'd never heard before, "Hitchhiker". Written over 20 years ago but performed only a few times in 1992, Neil has resurrected this incredible song. It's not surprising he never released it, because it is an intensely personal journal of growing up in a world of his own progressive drug use, fear of fame, and crushing paranoia. I really hope it makes the new record.



In no real need of a backing band, he played impressive solo-electric versions of "Cinnamon Girl", "Down By The River", "Ohio" and "Cortez The Killer". And it seemed completely appropriate that his first encore was "Old Man" from "Harvest". The audience joined him in singing that one and I don't think he minded.

It might seem strange to some that Neil played his electric guitar songs without some band like Crazy Horse behind him. But the solo approach was magical. According to someone I know with inside information, Neil has specially wired some of his electronics so that the upper strings on his guitar sounded one way and the lower strings sounded another. I could swear there was a bass player up there, hiding behind the curtains, but it was all Neil. Since he had no rhythm section behind him, Neil couldn't afford to wander off into spacey lead solos. He had to carry the whole song, so he was more of a rhythm/lead player, and he was very good at it. Thinking back, I don't think I've ever seen Neil play electric guitar quite like that. As a guitar-player myself, it was impressive to witness. I also want to point out that Neil is a master at delivering and controlling feedback to the benefit of the song. At times, his electric guitar literally groans with emotion that is only matched by Neil's own voice. We got to hear his famous "Old Black" Les Paul and the equally historic White Falcon Gretsch that dates back to Neil's days in Buffalo Springfield. Dare I say, I first saw that guitar at the Memorial Coliseum in 1970 during the CSNY "Four Way Street" tour. Thanks to Bill Mosser for getting me to that show. I've been on board ever since.



They call it the Schnitzer Auditorium, but to me it will always be the Paramount Theatre. It's a great place to see live music... maybe the best place. The acoustics are excellent and its such a beautiful room. The air is filled with ghosts of legends long passed through. Appropriately, I got to watch this concert with John Nilsen, fellow musician and friend since childhood. We have seen many amazing concerts together over the years at the Paramount. We agreed afterwards that this Neil Young solo show belonged among the very best concerts that we ever saw in that hall. By the way, the Portland audience was exceptional this night. Very quiet during the quiet songs and very appreciative of all the new music. Neil was virtually silent, with almost no between-song dialogue, but I could sense that he liked the crowd and was happy to be up there playing for us.

A closing highlight for me is that my good friend, Jason Moore, used his well-earned connections to be able to get on Neil Young's beautiful tour bus after the show and actually sit with Neil to chat privately for twenty minutes while the artist ate his post-show meal of fish and wine. Jason described Neil as "very down-to-earth" and "just like you and me, only a superstar." I'm going to buy Jason a beer just so I can hear the WHOLE story for myself.

If you've got good speakers on your computer, turn this video clip up loud...

Up Close with Michelangelo

The last time I was in Rome, I went to the Vatican in hopes of seeing the Sistine Chapel for the second time. Perhaps the greatest single work of art in history, it is Michelangelo's masterpiece. Painted between 1508 and 1512, at the commission of Pope Julius II, it is one of the most renowned artworks of the High Renaissance. I had seen the chapel in 1976, and it had made a monumental impression upon me. That was also pre-restoration. Back then, the colors were dark and the paint had lost its lustre. The restoration of the 1990's had changed all that. The colors were apparently now revealed in their original glory. The paintings now glowed with their original energy. I could not wait to see it.

On arrival, I was informed that the chapel was closed as they were restoring certain parts of the artwork. There would be no entry for the entire duration of my stay in Rome. I had to settle for the post cards being sold just outside Saint Peter's Square. While I enjoyed my visit to the cathedral and the other parts of the Vatican, I was deeply disappointed.

Imagine my joy when I discovered this Sistine Chapel web site.

The Vatican has created an online virtual tour of the Sistine Chapel. It is fantastic in its quality. You can use your mouse to turn in any direction. You can look straight up to see the creation of Adam, or turn to your left to find Michelangelo's hidden self-portrait. You can even look down at the ancient tile floor. In the lower left corner is a zoom button, so you can take a closer look at any part of this massive creation. The interactive web environment puts you right in the Chapel, but without being surrounded by hordes of fellow tourists. You have the whole room to yourself as you listen to soft choral music that seems entirely appropriate. Needless to say, it would never be this good in real life.

My grateful thanks to the creators of this web site. While I would still relish another visit to this amazing room, I no longer feel like I missed something. Perhaps on my next trip to Italy I'll go to Venice instead. I've yet to visit Piazza San Marco.

Shearwater is an Art band.

I've been listening to Shearwater a lot lately. Looking forward to seeing them at the Doug Fir next week. The more I listen, the more I realize that there is no convenient niche to place them in. They are a jam band with an improvisational streak, so I hear the Grateful Dead. They are at-the-edge creative, so I hear Talking Heads. They are comfortably falsetto, so I hear Neil Young... or Joni Mitchell. They are instrumentally original, so I hear Pink Floyd... or Yes. They are authentically Southern, so I hear REM... or Creedance. And somewhere in there, I realize a strong undertow of Richard Thompson. And Peter Gabriel. Yes, they are one-of-a-kind.

I liked frontman Jonathan Meiberg the first time I heard him sing and play the guitar. His voice is urgent and powerful and gentle at the same time. Now I'm dazzled by his originality. Isn't it great to see a true musical artist come along here in 2010?

Shearwater is Meiburg's band. They do an awesome job as his companions. They blasted out of the pack at SXSW in Austin.

So if you can...

Tuesday, April 27, 8/9 pm
Doug Fir Lounge
PDX

Willy, Tom and I will be there. A small room with a band on the rise. Last I looked, $10 tickets were still available.

Tickets West / Shearwater

Keep an eye out in your town. Shearwater's web site.

Here's an excellent link to a live show this year in St. Malo, France

The Moment We Have Waited For

With their impressive 104 - 76 victory over the Denver Nuggets on Wednesday night behind them, the Portland Trail Blazers are headed to the NBA playoffs for the first time since 2003. True Blazer fans, like me, have been waiting for their team to arrive at this moment for much longer than that, however. 

The last time the team was truly competitive was in 2000, when the Scottie Pippen-led "Jailblazers" made it all the way to the Western Conference finals against the hated Los Angeles Lakers. It was game seven in LA where the Blazers blew a 15-point fourth quarter lead and lost the chance to return to the NBA Finals for the 4th time in franchise history. From there, it was downhill fast. They were already known as the "Jailblazers" due to their collection of low-life talent, but now they were also to be known as losers.

But this team is different. It sparkles with potential at every position. The talent level is matched by the remarkable high character of these young men. Not a whiff of scandal or misbehavior. These are guys we've come to admire even as they have been losing. Their youth may offer inexperience, but the upside is that you can actually see the players get better and better from game to game. 

The losing days appear to be behind them now. This past month in particular, the young Blazers have been playing as well as any team in the entire NBA. I've come to see a team that is energetic, loaded with talent and depth. The second unit may be the best in the league. They appear to be ready to take on the powerful Houston Rockets in the first round. It will take their finest effort to survive this series, but I expect them to do so. I imagine most other Blazer fans do as well.

The last time I felt this good about the Blazers was 17 years ago. 1992 was the moment the Clyde Drexler-led team got to the NBA Finals against the Chicago Bulls. They could not defeat Michael Jordan, but they were an excellent team and the city loved them. Those years of Drexler, Porter, Kersey, Williams and Duckworth were magical.

The other team that we all love and remember is the 1977 championship winners. Led by the mercurial redhead, Bill Walton, that very young team came out of nowhere to shock the world and win it all. Their first playoff appearance took them all the way to the title. They created the buzz that became known as Blazermania and they solidified Portland's identity as Rip City.

Why do I reminisce? Perhaps its that this team, Brandon Roy's Blazers, remind me of those two other great eras. I find myself wondering if this team can also shock the world and get all the way to the NBA Finals in their rookie appearance. I don't doubt their ability any more. I expect it to happen, if not this year, then next year or the one after that. They WILL get there, and the world knows it. The question is when. I'm thinking we might be surprised by this bunch with how much they can accomplish right now.

Go Brandon, LaMarcus, Steve, Nicolus, Joel, Greg, Travis, Rudy, Sergio, Channing, Jared, Shavlik and Michael. I'm with you all the way. I have been waiting... for 32 years, for 17 years, for 9 years. I have not lost hope. I still see the visions and dream the dreams. I can almost taste it... Blazers over Houston in 6, Blazers over Lakers in 7, Blazers over Denver in 6, Blazers over Cleveland... LeBron James???  Rip City is alive. History awaits. 

Album Of The Year - 2008

Willy Snook, my friend and esteemed musician joins me in offering our opinions on the best musical recordings of 2008. I gave serious thought to NOT awarding a 2008 winner, a protest move to bemoan the sorry state of the music industry. I couldn't find an album that floored me. Maybe I'd just award "best-songs-of-the-year" instead. Finally, I decided that was a cop-out. I looked around to see what other critics were lauding, and found their "winners" to be mediocre at best. Maybe my tastes are too far out of mainstream opinion at this point. I found the winning releases by Coldplay, TV On The Radio, Fleet Foxes, Bon Iver...etc., to be lacking. A good song here and there, but not a great album of songs in the bunch. The Grammy nominees? What a joke.

This award is about our opinions, right? To hell with the rest of those fools. Through our exhaustive search for the truth, we discovered a few great recordings, and a few surprises that we find worthy of mention. By the way, all of the album titles below are linked to iTunes. If you want to hear any of the music for yourself, just click on the titles.










DON'S ALBUM OF THE YEAR -

Shearwater ~ "Rook"

Until recently, I had never heard of them. This Austin-based band has emerged out of the SXSW festival scene to establish an identity that reaches beyond their Texas confines. They are being noticed, as they were booked to open the show on Coldplay's recent international tour. So this might be the beginning of something bigger for them. Singer and principal songwriter Jonathan Meiburg's voice is just one instrument among many that color these ten tracks. A stunningly expressive singer, Meiburg reminds me of Morrissey (The Smiths) and David Byrne (Talking Heads), but his range probably exceeds either of them. Harp, hammer dulcimer, and a host of other interesting instruments join brass, strings, and woodwinds to complement Shearwater’s already multifarious musical core. Each instrument’s voice is a character playing its role in this tale. Every lyric and vocalization is orchestrated not just for the meaning it expresses, but also for what the sound of it communicates. These are hardly song-sketches; all of them are careful compositions adding new instruments, moods, and sounds around the anchor of Meiburg's voice. The edges of these otherwise lulling, hypnotic songs hint at danger and chaos, but only the brief feedback excursion of "South Col" pokes a hole in the album's fabric and hints at what more avant-garde threads the band might be capable of following. As impressive and uniformly gorgeous a record as Rook is, the band's best work is likely still to come.

Honorable Mention -

R.E.M. ~ "Accelerate"

Not since 1994's "Monster" have we heard this R.E.M. They seem to have recovered, finally, from the loss of drummer Bill Berry and rediscovered their rock-based roots. This is the band I flipped over while listening to my college radio station in Spokane. Peter Buck's guitar ignites each song. Mike Mills is a very-present second vocalist. And Michael Stipe? He's got a lot to say. I suggest we all listen. This album, one of their very best, works from start to finish.

The Infamous Stringdusters ~ "The Infamous Stringdusters"

I don't listen to bluegrass often, but when I hear good bluegrass, it knocks my socks off. This band prefers to be known as a "newgrass/acoustic" group. Whatever they call it, this young band is loaded with talent. Great singing and instrumental performance that sounds more like a bunch of Nashville veterans. No classic "Orange Blossom Special" here however. These are all originals. If you liked Nickel Creek, I'll recommend this one and tell you that these are better musicians to boot. Not one bad song on this record.

The Stills ~ "Oceans Will Rise"

As you can see below, Willy and I agree on this one. And it is only appropriate that a Montreal band is recognized on this blog, as we all know that Canada provides most of the world's musical wealth. The Stills are a good rock band. On this album, they sound supremely confident. While their guitars are front-and-center, vocalists Tim Fletcher and Dave Hamelin deliver punchy melodies and tight harmonies. This one gets played regularly on all of our iPods and in each of our cars. You should ride with it too.

– Don Woodward


In considering the Album of the Year for 2008, I considered many things: innovation, strength of musicianship and vocals, intelligent songwriting, and finally how much do I really listen to it. With that in mind, my awards for 2008 are:





WILLY'S ALBUM OF THE YEAR -

Mudcrutch ~ "Mudcrutch"

What does a rock icon like Tom Petty do when he’s seemingly done it all? Return to his roots and reunite his first band 33 years later in an alchemistic blend of old Gainesville friends. No Rickenbacker for him this go ‘round, Tom mans the bass and lets Tom Leadon and Heartbreaker Mike Campbell do what they do best. These guys don’t sound just like a Petty band, they have their own sound, their own “spook.”

"You wouldn't exactly call it a career move, would you?" Petty says "What this is all about is the music. Being in this band is so much fun, there's something pure about it.”

Petty’s music is the cool side of the pillow, a comforting hand on your shoulder, a reminder of what’s good in the world. The music, inspired by their early influences with today’s coloring, is fabulous. Think early Birds, Fying Burrito Brothers, classic SoCal country-rock band. Ten days at Petty’s Malibu home studio did the trick, with simplicity ruling the day.

"There are no ornaments," Campbell says of the music. "We performed without headphones in the studio, all live takes, playing in a circle."

What becomes very clear during your first listen is that they are having a lot of fun and they are really good at their craft. The classic “Six Days On the Road” screams “fun” and just smokes! Take a drift on “Crystal River” for a psych-jam fest. Want classic Petty? Spin “Scare Easy” and you’re there. Guitar showmanship? Try the instrumental “June Apple” or “Bootleg Flyer.” Takes you back. “Lover of the Bayou” makes you want to play your guitar… loud.

As I said up top, my criteria was innovation, strength of musicianship and vocals, intelligent songwriting, and how much I really listen to it. This is the one.

Honorable Mentions -

Kings Of Leon ~ "Only By The Night"

These guys were completely off my radar. I’d read a Rolling Stone article about them and was curious. Bought this album, and have been wearing it out. Saw them live at the Schnitz… they were off the charts cool. And guess who opened for them?!

The Stills ~ "Oceans Will Rise"

Wood turned me on to this very happening Canadian jewel. Smart prog-rock, strong guitar band, with great melodic songs. I listen to them a lot. Yep, they opened for The Kings of Leon and smoked it!

Jackson Browne ~ Time The Conqueror"

An old friend, Jackson continues to inspire. Current and heartfelt, this record reminds me that it’s important to stay passionate about life. Great stuff from a master songwriter.



– Willy Snook

Lucky Me

Sometimes the stars align just right. Sometimes we find ourselves in just the right place at just the right time. Sometimes we just get lucky. Such was the case for me tonight, as I found myself sitting dead center in the fourth row of the Aladdin Theatre in Portland, Oregon, with my beautiful wife, Beth, and my great friends Willy and Kate at my side. At just past 8:00 pm, the stage was taken by three angels from heaven, otherwise known as The Wailin' Jennys, from Winnipeg, Manitoba. The next two hours were magical.

This, the last night of their American tour, found them pitch-perfect and razor-sharp. The full-house crowd, clearly big Jennys fans, were hugely supportive of every song. There was kinetic energy in the room, as the band picked up on the fact that this was destined to be a very special performance. Yet during the songs, you could hear a pin drop as we all hung on every word and perfect note. They invited us to sing along a few times, which we all did enthusiastically. The big smiles on their faces reflected their joy at hearing us sing back to them. The sound, the lights, the energy, the moment... everything was just right. And we all knew it.

Let me tell you something. This band is really really good. I can't say that I've ever heard better live-performance singing, anywhere. They keep their songs simple, rooted in folk and gospel traditions. I found myself dazzled by the clarity of their delivery. Within the context of their simplicity, they displayed true virtuosity. In addition to their vocal miracles, each woman is a solid instrumental performer as well... bass, drums, guitar, accordian, harmonica, hand drums, they played everything well. They spent extra time on tuning between songs and between sets. It was important to them that each note was dead-on perfect. Their sideman, Jeremy Penner ("the boy jenny") added a beautiful textural element to the songs with his violin.

Maybe its something about Canada, where Bruce Cockburn comes from. Or more specifically, something about the Canadian prairies, where Neil Young and Joni Mitchell began their musical journeys. Whatever it is, these ladies have some of the same mojo going for them. Remember these names. Nicky Mehta, Ruth Moody, and Heather Masse. Each is a strong performer in their own right, but the combination of the three is much greater than the sum of their parts. If you have not seen them, I highly recommend them to you, preferably at a small indoor venue so you can hear every perfect note. They announced that they will be playing at the Sisters Folk Festival in September, so you fellow Oregonians might want to consider making that trip. In the meantime, their most recent recording, "Firecracker", may be the best new recording I've heard since the turn of the new century. Give it a listen.

Album Of The Year - 2007

In what has become an annual tradition, I join with my friend, Willy Snook, in offering our opinions on the best musical recordings of 2007. Its not as easy as it used to be. The music industry is a mess. CD's are dying as a delivery format. Download services like iTunes are in a state of uncertain transition. Its harder for independent artists to achieve a wide audience as record companies and radio stations play it safe with Justin Timberlake, Beyonce, Jay-Z and the like. At the same time, if you're willing to hunt around a bit, there are relatively undiscovered gems out there, waiting to be unearthed on MySpace or streaming internet radio stations like Radio Paradise.

DON'S ALBUM OF THE YEAR -

Wilco ~ "Sky Blue Sky"

By a nose, my winner for 2007. I've been keeping my eye on this band for past decade or so. While I've usually liked what I heard from them, there was work to be done to achieve an elite review. In the past, I felt they were a bit too sloppy and quirky. This record, their sixth studio album, changes that. They deliver a California-smooth sound with beautiful melodies and interesting lyrics of both hope and desperation. A varied mix of acoustic and electric textures, Wilco recalls the influence of John Lennon, Jerry Garcia, Ray Davies and The Allman Brothers. Frontman Jeff Tweedy is in fine vocal and songwriting form, and new lead guitarist Nels Cline adds a valuable punch to the arrangements. These songs hooked me, and I found myself appreciating them more with each listen. I somewhat consider Wilco to be the American "Radiohead". They are one-of-a-kind, and this time, they deliver their best work to date.

Honorable Mention -

My runners-up are certainly well-worth your attention, as really, either of them could have been the winner for 2007. It sort of depended on which recording I had listened to most recently.

Iron & Wine ~ "The Shepherds Dog"

Samuel Beam delivers his third and best album yet. More produced than his earlier folky efforts, it has the sound of a talented musician and songwriter coming of age. You've heard Iron & Wine on movie and TV show soundtracks, but they deserve a closer listen.

Radiohead ~ "In Rainbows"

Radiohead receives brownie points for their novel "pay-what-you-want-to" approach on the album's release, but the music lives up to the hype. This band is arguably the leading alt/rock band around these days, and this recording serves to enhance that reputation. Creative with a capital "C"... in a good way.

– Don Woodward


WILLY'S ALBUM OF THE YEAR -

Bruce Springsteen ~ "Magic"

These are tumultuous times. Times for expressive, creative thinkers to focus. Magic, Bruce Springsteen's most recent release, masterfully shines a light that helps us all see a little more clearly. Victoria Segal of the Times Online reviewed it beautifully: "A new Bruce Springsteen album is always an event, and Magic, his first with the E Street Band since The Rising, is no exception. It’s not, of course, the kind of event that you would dress up for: best instead you pull on something checked and work-worn and listen to songs that ring with a hard-earned truth.

After We Shall Overcome: The Seeger Sessions and The Rising’s meditations on 9/11, if Springsteen was any more elder statesmanlike he would be off signing the Treaty of Versailles. Admittedly, Magic can be a little obvious: diner waitresses, long journeys home by the glow of the radio’s dial and men called Sal all appear. Yet there is a grandeur and intensity here that strikes home immediately, Springsteen’s lyrics carried along by the tidal instincts of musicians who have worked together for decades. Springsteen could make a drive to the dry cleaners sound like the Great American Road Trip. Sure enough, Magic begins with Radio Nowhere and a man lost in the dark of the “American night”. “Driving through the misty rain/ Searchin’ for a mystery train/ Tryin’ to make a connection to you,” he sings, and Magic is all about these missed connections and missed chances, the sense of dislocation that comes when love and morality spin out of control.

His manager, Jon Landau, has said that this is not a political record – aside from Devil’s Arcade, a lament from a soldier’s wife – but Springsteen is drawn to express the heart’s turmoil in terms of global chaos. Last to Die uses the fiery language of regime change to discuss domestic meltdown; Long Walk Home, fueled by Clarence Clemons’s saxophone, sounds like classic small-town angst, but there is an odd ambiguity to the courthouse flag and the neighbors on the street. Elsewhere, Girls in Their Summer Clothes is a masterpiece of regret, while I’ll Work For Your Love mixes the sacred and profane like a whiskey sour.

You could bite these songs as though you were testing a coin – not one feels counterfeit. As he sings on Radio Nowhere, he is “spinning round a dead dial, just searching for a world with some soul”. It is a lot to ask but once again, Springsteen does his best to fill that void."

It's my Album of the Year 2007. It's Boss.

Honorable Mentions -

Herbie Hancock ~ "River - The Joni Letters"

A very special, unique record in the contemporary jazz genre, this recording received the Grammy album of the year award. Deservedly so. If you enjoy this genre, and like me, you recognize the work of Joni Mitchell as genius, you will be challenged and moved by this collection. Check it out.

Original Soundtrack ~ "Once"

I went to see the movie. No clue about its storyline, just strong credible urgings from musical friends. At the movie's end, I was stunned, shaken, unprepared for the impact of the film "Once". A breath of fresh air in the world of predictable Hollywood crank-it-outs, "Once" is a fabulous movie. The heart of the film is the spare, earnest, original music. Glen Hansard, lead singer and writer for the Irish band The Frames, stars in the movie. Through his music, he lets us into his intimate, fragile world. Rent the movie, buy the soundtrack.

Eddie Vedder ~ Original Soundtrack ~ "Into The Wild"

Sean Penn asked Eddie Vedder to compose an original musical score to his film Into The Wild. Boy, did he. It is a very moving collection of acoustic songs together with a visually powerful film. Creative stuff from Eddie who played all of the many instruments on the project. Vedder gets bedder and bedder.

– Willy Snook

Waking The Blog... Again.

I don't know what it is. During the last two winters, my blogging activity has been zero. Its not that I can't think of anything to write about. I'm the Ideawave guy, right? I simply get busy with design projects, family activities and music, and the blog goes on the back burner. Well its time to end that now. This announcement will be followed by new blog posts. Its time to get back out there into literary cyberspace. Stay tuned...

The Right Answer Is... ODEN

Oden or Durant? The question has haunted me for the past few weeks, ever since the surprising draft lotterey where Portland learned that, against all odds, they were selected to land the first draft pick. That would be spectacular news any year, but this year's draft is not just any draft. This is the "Greg Oden Draft" that has been anticipated by pro basketball fans for the past few years. Oden has been annointed as the next great center in the NBA. The expectations are high that he will have a career marked by many championships and legendary accomplishments. This is probably all true, but the arrival of a "rival", in the form of Kevin Durant, caused many basketball experts to question whether or not Greg Oden should really be the first player picked.

Kevin Durant, in fact, may well be the next Michael Jordan. I expect him to match the level of LeBron James and Kobe Bryant as an agressive offensive force on the basketball court. He will be a great player, and I know that Durant and Oden will have many fierce battles in the years to come. Durant, wearing the jersey of the Seattle Supersonics, will rip my heart out on a regular basis. The Seattle-Portland rivalry, not much to see in recent years, just got a whole lot more interesting. I really like Durant, and I wish him the very best.

In the end, I'm very happy that Greg Oden is a Trailblazer. In addition to his athletic gifts, he seems to be a wonderful person. He's very easy-going and funny. He will entertain this town in many ways for the next decade at least. I believe the opportunities for championships will come in a few years. The Blazers have begun to build a foundation that is full of character and potential both. And I will be right there with them for the long, wonderful ride. RIP CITY!!!

Un-be-lievable!

You may or may not know this. I am an Oregon State Beaver. Yes I am. And today, my Oregon State Beavers baseball team have won their second consecutive national championship. Last year caught us all by surprise, but this year, in many ways, even more so. The Beavers did not have the remarkable follow-up regular season that many were expecting. In fact, they finished with a losing record in Pac-10 play and were the last team selected to participate in the post-season field of 64 participants. They lost their first tournament game to Virginia, and then, they never lost again. Ten consecutive victories over college baseball's cream-of-the-crop, including Virginia, Rutgers, Michigan, Cal State Fullerton, Arizona State, UC Irvine and finally, North Carolina. By the end, they were like a steamroller. They were barely challenged in their last four games leading to the title. Today's 9-3 win over UNC was a dominant display of confidence and skill, just like yesterday's 11-4 pounding. What a joy to watch the mighty North Carolina Tar Heels, standing on the top step of their dugout, watching the Beavers build a jubilant dogpile... just as they did one year ago.

The great thing is that this is a team of Oregon kids, local kids that played their little league and high school ball right here. Also, most of the team that won the title last year had graduated or moved on to pro ball, so with a small handful of returnees (only two starting fielders) they managed to climb to the very top again. I won't forget these guys... Mitch Canham, Darwin Barney, Joe Patterson, Mike Stutz, Joey Wong, Mike Lissman, Jorge Reyes, Daniel Turpen, Eddie Kunz and most importantly, Coach Pat Casey. I'm a little nervous that we might lose Coach Casey to the major leagues after this coaching performance. I think the Mariners could use him.

I'll be wearing my Orange and Black for the next few days and can't wait to get my own championship t-shirt. So anybody out there think that a three-peat is only wishful thinking? I didn't think so.

Speed, Power and Design

After waiting and waiting for just the right moment, I finally decided to get a new computer. The old Power Mac G4 seemed to be wheezing and coughing its way as I pushed it through sizeable uploads, downloads and video rendering. Every fast big new computer eventually becomes slow, small and old. So now I am the pilot of a Mac Pro with two 2.66GHz Dual-Core Intel processors, 2gb of RAM and a terrabyte of hard drive space. Huh? What that means, is that compared to what I had, its way better, faster and bigger. I also upgraded to an Apple 23" Cinema Display, which is about as big as I could stand to look at. It seems huge to me, and I can easily get a good look at a two-page spread in InDesign. So far everything is going great, but it really does take a long time to get it all set up just the way I like it. The speed is remarkable. Even my DSL connection seems faster. I can't wait to see where this new hardware can take me as a designer.

At the same time, I decided to go for a major software upgrade. Adobe now owns the world when it come to design software. They swallowed up Macromedia about a year ago, so we really have to worship at the altar of Adobe if we want to be digital designers. So, I purchased the Adobe Creative Suite Design Premium Edition. It gave me an upgrade for practically every program I use, and a few that I didn't. It has InDesign CS3, Photoshop CS3 Extended, Illustrator CS3, Flash CS3 Professional, Dreamweaver CS3 and Acrobat 8 Pro. I also picked up Adobe Lightroom, which is a photo editing and organizing tool which was recommended by my friend and photographer, Tom Hassler. The new version of Illustrator, means that I say goodbye to Macromedia's Freehand, a program that I have used since it was Aldus Freehand in about 1988. I've only just begun to familiarize myself with all of the new features of these software programs.

Finally, the next upgrade that is coming to my studio will be Fiber Optic cable, or FiOs (as Verizon has named it). They recently laid the cable in my neighborhood, and they're offering good rates to get us hooked up. My current DSL connection is OK, but the new FiOs connection will be 15-times faster than DSL. Combined with the new fast processor speed, the internet will be a whole new ballgame. Video will stream nearly instantly. That will be a huge boost to productivity... or a huge distraction... we'll see which. I'm excited about the new technology coming into the studio. It feels like I've just bought myself a Ferrari. Let's hope I don't hurt myself on a slippery turn.

Cinco de Mayo at Mississippi Studios

Please indulge me as I write this self-serving report. If Marty Hughley (Oregonian) or Ben Fong-Torres (Rolling Stone) won't do it, I guess I will. For those of you that don't know, I play in a band called John Nilsen and Swimfish. We performed two shows this past Saturday night at a wonderful Portland music club called Mississippi Studios. The first show was sold-out, the second not quite, but the audience was enthusiastic for both performances. I have been playing music on and off with John Nilsen since we were both about 13 years old, but that night was as fun as I've ever had playing in front of an audience with him. The band, featuring John (guitar, vocals), myself (guitar, mandolin, vocals) , Mike Snyder (drums, percussion) and Jamin Swenson (bass) ran through a variety of original songs ranging from quiet folk tunes to revved-up acoustic rock anthems. We were joined for part of the show by our great friend and musician, Willy Snook (guitar, vocal), whose addition allowed us all to reach our best form as singers and instrumentalists.
Nilsen was off-the-map with his amazing lead solos and proved once again that no one else around this town can top him as an acoustic lead player. I think all of our vocals blended really well, especially when we closed the show with CSN-style three-part harmonies during John's classic, quiet love song, "The Waves". Swenson and Snyder were solid, as usual, holding up the rhythm section, but its clear to me that they both keep getting better. If the reviews from the audience were any indicator, we played well and found a few new fans along the way. If you have not heard us play, I suggest that you go to magicwing.com to find out when and where we'll be playing next. If you'd like to hear some samples or buy the music, you can find us on iTunes by clicking right here. Whether playing under spotlights on stage or jamming in Willy's basement, this musical journey is a fun one, and I can't wait to see what happens next. I couldn't live any other way.

Where Ideas Come From - Part 1

When I was in art school, I wore out my copies of Communication Arts and Graphis magazines as I scoured the pages in search of inspiration for my next project. Imitation often passes for creativity, especially in art school. Following in the footsteps of the accomplished is not a bad place to start, but a true artist needs to discover an ability to develop their own original vision if they hope to succeed.

One of my graphic design professors in college, David Hardesty, insisted that the development of an idea was a process that could be learned and mastered. Over and over, he challenged us to find the nugget of potential in a rough idea, and then refine that idea step-by-step until it was strong and convincing. Over and over, he helped me discern the difference between a really good idea and a merely mediocre one. By the time I was a senior, I felt like I knew what I was doing. But my education had only just begun.

I once had the good fortune to have dinner with one of my design heros, the great illustrator, McRay Magleby. We got onto the subject about where ideas come from, and he told me that he actually goes hunting for ideas. For example, upon receiving an assignment to create a new poster for a client, he might leave the studio for a few hours, with the explicit goal of returning with the beginnings of his idea in mind. Sometimes he'd go to the grocery store. Sometimes he'd go for a bike ride. Sometimes he'd go for a walk downtown. Wherever he goes, he decides ahead of time that something he sees, or hears, or smells or touches will be the starting point for his design solution. And when you look at his work, you see that his wildly creative visual solutions really could have come from some outside-the-box inspiration.

As for me, I have learned a lot from both of these mentors. I rarely open the pages of CA anymore except to be entertained by the work of excellent artists and designers. Like Magleby, I prefer to go hunting for my ideas, often seeking influence from cultural or geographic sources. Like Hardesty, I like to take a raw unproven idea and polish it until it shines.

The fact is, we are surrounded by potential inspiration. It's everywhere. The scenery of everyday life holds the potential for creative genesis. There's only one small requirement. You've got to open your eyes and open your mind to the possibilities. In other words, you'll only discover inspiration if you are searching for it. You will find ideas... if you look for them.

Album Of The Year – 2006

The music business is changing quickly before our ears. CD sales in the USA are down 30% from a year ago. Local record stores are on the brink of closure. Increasingly, consumers (like me) are buying their music one song at a time on web stores like iTunes. So what is the future of the album, that thematic collection of songs and artwork that has dominated the music scene for decades? That question remains to be answered, but the prognosis looks dire. But for now, I resume my annual look back at the Album of the Year for 2006. Once again joined by my friend, Willy Snook, we weigh in with our opinion about the best that was.

"Firecracker"
- The Wailin' Jennys

My winner comes from Canada. No surprise really, as I've always had a thing for Canadian artists. The Wailin' Jennys simply blew me away last year with their stellar recording, Firecracker. These three female singers, with angelic voices, have a fresh new sound that puts them in a category by themselves. And the cast is new. The very talented Cara Luft left the group and was replaced by Annabelle Chvostek, who brought great songs with her and plays acoustic guitar, mandolin, and violin, and sings, well...sings as good as you'd have to sing to be in this group. Backed by a stellar band, they deliver song after song of beautiful harmonies and great songwriting. Producer David Travers-Smith does a brilliant job in every aspect, as well as playing trumpet, E Flat Peck Horn, Hammond M3, and percussion. Many of the fabulous players from their last record, 40 Days, again appear, notably Kevin Breit and Mike Hardwicke on guitars and dobros, the former additionally on National and mandolin. Christian Dugas is stellar on drums throughout, this time mostly with Joe Phillips on acoustic bass, though three other bassists cameo. In my opinion, every song is a winner. I've listened over and over and over and have yet to tire of this record. That's a pretty good sign that its a winner.

My runners-up, are -
"Life Short Call Now" -Bruce Cockburn
"Into The West" - Pilot Speed
"How We Operate" - Gomez

"Life Short Call Now"
- Bruce Cockburn

Willy Snook has selected this stellar recording, one of my runners-up, by another Canadian, Bruce Cockburn. Willy sends along these comments from the Rounder Records site...

Bruce Cockburn's first studio album in 3 years finds the acclaimed Canadian singer-songwriter at the top of his game. The 29th album in a career that's midway through its fourth decade, Life Short Call Now is wide-ranging, playful and adventurous, eager to take chances and happy to push limits. The songs run the gamut from the jangly first single, "Different When It Comes to You," to the classic folksong cadences of "Mystery," and from the vocal intricacies of Ani DiFranco's harmonies on "See You Tomorrow" to the deadpan modernism of the jazzy instrumental "Nude Descending a Staircase." Cockburn's insightful observations on life, love, politics, and the environment are as sharp as ever, and longtime fans and new fans alike are sure to be won over by this sterling album.

Willy's runners-up, in no particular order...

"The Raconteurs" ~ Broken Boy Soldiers
"Corrine Bailey Rae" ~ Corrine Baily Rae
"The Fray" ~ How To Save a Life

Willy also wants me to mention another new recording from 2006, "Love", by The Beatles. Its not new material, so I won't include it for legitimate album of the year consideration. It is, however, an exciting new re-mix of wonderful Beatles tunes done as the soundtrack of the new Cirque Du Soleil show, "Love". The audio quality reveals these old Beatles songs as you've never heard them before. And the re-mix, produced by George Martin and his son, Giles, is a masterwork in its own right. Combinations like, "Come Together", "Dear Prudence" and ,"Cry Baby Cry", into one sequencial song, knocked me out. And there are many others like it. If you love the Beatles, you'll want to hear this recording on a good stereo.

Waking The Blog

After an extended hiatus from blogging, I've decided that its time to wake up Ideapoint. I simply got distracted from blogging by work, music and other things, but I miss writing from time-to-time and people have been asking me what happened to my blog. So its back. At the same time, I'm going live very soon with a new version of my business web site - ideawave.com. If you have time, come over and check it out. As for this blog, I'll keep writing about music, sports, design and other things that catch my attention. I look forward to reading your posted comments.

The Blazers Make A Move

Don't know if you saw or heard anything about yesterday's NBA draft. The Blazers were by far the most active team in the market, making six trades and spending millions of dollars. In the end, we end up with Lamarcus Aldridge at #2 and Brandon Roy at #7. We also added veteran power forward Raef LaFrenz, Dan Dickau and Spanish guard Sergio Rodriguez. We gave up Sebastian Telfair, Theo Ratliff and Viktor Khyrapa. So much happened so quickly that it has taken awhile for me to absorb it all. All things considered, I think the Blazers had a great day that could literally transform the franchise. I'm impressed with interim GM Kevin Pritchard. Quick thoughts...

Telfair - He was good, but didn't have a great head for a point guard. And he's small. After Stoudemire, do we really need another small point? I'm happy to turn it over to Jarret Jack with Steve Blake as the backup.

Ratliff - Getting old and often injured, Theo's best days are over. Time to move forward.

Viktor - Sorry to see him go. He was a great scrapper off the bench.

Aldridge - He certainly has potential to be a Kevin Garnett-like power forward. Great speed and quickness to go with his size. Can shoot from inside and out. Runs the floor like a guard. Not all big guys turn out to be all-stars, but Aldridge has all the tools. A great character guy from all reports. Nate and Maurice Lucas will help him put on some muscle and turn him into a tough guy.

Roy - This may well be the pick that truly transforms this team. He's a Husky, so you may have seen him play. Many, many other teams wanted to get their hands on Roy yesterday and Portland pulled the strings to make it happen, even after having spent their own high pick on Aldridge. They literally stole Roy away from Houston who thought they had worked out a rock-solid deal with Minnesota to get him. Roy does just about everything well. Can play 3 positions. Won't surprise me to see him win R.O.Y. in 2007.

LaFrenz - He a solid, reliable back-up. He can score and defend.

Rodriguez - Don't know much about him. He's young... 19. Guess he's a ball-handling and passing wizard that has dazzled the scouts watching the Euro-leagues. Potentially a future Manu Genobilli??

Paul Allen - From all reports, PA was extremely involved in this draft and was very instrumental in making these deals happen. He attended all of the workouts of all of the Blazer's draft candidates. He opened his wallet in a big way (he literally bought the Sun's 27th pick for 3 million!!) He appeared on the radio during the draft and sounded very excited about all of it. Do you think this sounds like a man about to sell his ballclub? Me neither. Now that the ownership issues regarding the Rose Garden have been smoothed out, I expect PA will buy-back the arena and keep the team as his favorite (Seahawks are still #2 for Paul) plaything. Paul likes football, but he loves basketball.

What's Next - Blazers still have to find a way to re-sign free agent Joel Przybilla. And they simply have to get rid of Darius Miles. They may have to give up some money and a good young player like Travis Outlaw or Juan Dixon to get rid of Miles, but I think they'll do it.

Starters next year (unless more big trades are on the way)...

Point - JACK (Blake, Dickau backups)
2-guard - ROY (Dixon, Webster backups)
Small Forward - WEBSTER (Outlaw, Roy backups. Miles? He's gone.)
Power Forward - RANDOLPH (Aldridge, LaFrenz backups)
Center - PRZYBILLA (Aldridge, Ha backups)

In a couple of years our foundation will be Jack-Roy-Webster-Aldridge. Could be great!!