June Postcard, 2008
Well, sitting here on a rainy Paris morning listening to Al DeLoner's first solo CD, the great “The Mess Age Is Joy” seems the perfect soundtrack to begin writing this latest postcard. We've yet to see summer here this late June date (although the rain is warmer), the French football team crashed and burned through their Euro-cup games like a Ford Pinto, the Chinese are getting ready to parade the Olympic torch through Llasa this coming Saturday, gasoline tops 1.60€ a liter (6.04€ a gallon. 6.04€=$8.94,Berlusconi-Putin-Mugabi-Bush/Cheney-Sarkozy handlers and slipper-licks smile and open back door for the till-robbers, the polar ice caps will be gone in 10 years, the Mississippi floods her banks & huge swaths of much needed food producing land rendered useless (Jr. will fly over today to show his support) AND the water has yet to reach New Orleans.
For the music: nothing-to-say folk-singers proliferating like cockroaches, SonicBids-the new monolith (and officially sanctioned way to rip musicians off) arrives, first there was karaoke and now it's the DJ subculture to emasculate the scene even more, MySpace (don't quite your day job amigo) clogs up my ‘pewter, reality TV shows (Star Academy etc.) are the most watched programs world-wide, cover (now called “tribute”) bands proliferate, more live venues close and (oh God) Alanis Morrisette is back.
Last week I bought a Roland SP-404 sampler.
Terry Lee Hale
Paris, France
June 19, 2008
PS- I'll post dates soon for late summer and the fall: Norway Spain, France, USA, Germany, Belgium, Slovenia, and Croatia. (still working on confirming everything though).
April News
Hi Everyone -
I've just returned from a week of touring Ireland and Northern Ireland after being away from there for more than 2 years. It was good to get back even if just for the 5 shows I did in Wexford, Belfast, Mullingar, Dublin and Lismore. (A big thanks to all those who helped organize and book the shows BTW!). Although it started very slow, the last 2 shows were pretty good. For Dublin, long time promoter, and booking agent Paul Lee has found and built up a very nice upstairs music room at the Cherrytree just on the outskirts of the city. You can see from the picture that's a cozy, low slung room and, when dimly lit, it's just the perfect vibe for the international and Irish music shows he hosts. It's a real listening venue with a great sound system (and operators!) and much appreciated by all those who visit and play there. (My middle set was between the duo of Tony McManus and Maeve Donnelly AND Clive Barnes!). My final (and best!) show of the tour though was in the little town of Lismore, located south of Dublin in Country Waterford. Once a month or so John Cullimore and friends host a concert in the back room at Rose's West End Bar. 50+ or so dedicated and wildly enthusiastic music lovers pile in and have given this artist a much-needed boost in a tough country to get a musical leg-up in.
If all my shows could be so fun and good… Thanks everyone!
Now I'm off to Germany at the end of this week. Some more dates but this time with band Fingerbones & Gatorbag (bass and drums) in tow. We've had only a couple gigs so far with our most recent being a long trip over to Quimbra, Portugal for one night, which we shared with The Legendary Tiger Man. I have heard a bootleg of our set that night it sounded pretty good. I'm confident these coming German dates will see the band in better form and if you get the chance to come out we'd of course love to see you. I know there are lots of bands out on the road this time of year but please come by our show if you can! I'll be playing a revved up acoustic 6 and 12-string guitar and there will be some new songs to share as well.
Flying Guitar Player Airline Blues -
Ok, maybe I shouldn't complain but I'm damn sure that I'm not the only musician singing these blues! Here's the deal: you know all the cheap-seat airfares right? I don't know about where YOU live but from here in Paris, I can fly pretty much anywhere in continental Europe for less then 150€ (and return) and often times much cheaper (i.e. Paris-Stuttgart is maybe 40€ return! Etc.). These are great deals for business people but I have to tell you - for guitar players anyway - there is a big and very expensive catch. It's the one piece of luggage allowed for check-in “rule”. Usually 15 kilos (33 lbs.) are allowed for one-piece checked luggage, plus you get one carry-on AND a purse/shoulder bag/computer etc. For that piece of extra checked luggage, or in my case one 10K guitar (my guitar inside a heavy Calton flight case) the charges can be more expensive then the ticket itself. For example (and this all just happened to me recently BTW!): TAP (national airline of Portugal) charges 65€ per 5K overage! So my guitar (remember it's 10K) costs 130€ each way! Air France charges 150€ flat fee each way(!)for that extra piece. Doesn't matter how much it weighs (less then 20K that is. So much for the cheap tickets right? What the hell is a guitar player supposed to do? The other part of this rant is that it's often difficult to figure out from the airline websites exactly what are the actual allowable luggage rules and regulation (although they are sure as hell clear about what you can or cannot carry on!). On the Air France site for example - if you get the site in English - they assume you're coming from America and they say you are allowed 2 pieces at 23K each. I was trying to figure out what was the baggage allowance from Paris to Dublin. I guess they figure that anyone who is flying inside continental Europe can all speak French and can find the information they need on the French language page. The things is, my wife who is French went on the their site and it was very, very vague about exactly what the limits were.
So, yes these are cheap flights that benefit the business classes but I do have to say that it us working musicians who are paying to help keep those seats cheap. Unfair and I protest. Try telling that to the check-in person! Grrrrrrrr…
The work-around of course is that, for the time being anyway, I must travel with just one guitar, which I put into a gig bag and carry onto the plane with me. My suitcase is checked through and, with a shoulder bag, I'm at my allowed luggage limit. It's a drag though… I'm carrying a very expensive guitar in a soft case and it's not really how it should be. Buy hey, I played the shows and made it home ok, both me AND my guitar. The other option of course is to buy an extra seat on the airline for your guitar. BUT you can't do that online either.
And another thing about airlines: For many airlines, before I am allowed to check my guitar through, I am requested (or told actually) to sign a disclaimer which states “said Airline Company is not responsible if they break or damage your instrument”. If you don't sign this little waiver then of course you are not allowed to check your instrument though. Nothing you can do. Of course I sign when I must but I always write “in protest”. Not that it does or would do me any good. And there are many, many horror stories out there about the abuse guitars suffer at the hands of baggage personal. It's not a wonder with this kind freedom from responsibility they have. To be clear though, my Froggy Bottom guitar travels in a Calton case AND I have full insurance on all of my instruments. Now if I could only afford 3 more Calton's for my other guitars! Then there is the issue of being able to afford to fly with them. Ouch!!!
I feel better now and thanks! Smooth sailing amigos!
Portugal Postcard
02/23/08 (Saturday)
Hey everyone. I'm sitting here in Porto, Portugal at a nice little beach side bar at the edge of the city, just putting the finishing touches on this postcard. I'm here this weekend to play as a solo act for the Festival Para Gente Sentada in Santa Maria de Feira, (appx. 30K outside Porto. I had my own 45 minutes there last night along with Nina Nastasia (USA), Sean Riley and the Slow Riders and tonight it was supposed to be Norberto Lobo (acoustic guitarist-P), Joe Henry + Band (USA) and Richard Hawley (England) but Mr. Henry had to cancel because of illness.
Nina Nastasia, friend Kennan & TLH
A medium size auditorium for a sit-down concert of dedicated listeners was a real treat (300-400 people?) and I played a pretty good set. The focus here is on songwriters and folks tell me that this kind of “festival” is not at all that common in Portugal. People come from all over Portugal to participate and it's a wonderful supportive and creative atmosphere for performer and audience alike. Past acts have included Davendra Banhart, Robert Fisher, Rosie Thomas, Woven Hand, Sparklehorse, Sufjan Stevens, Fink to name just a few.
Anyway, I had some time off today so I got a ride into Porto to check out this ancient port city. I played here once (at a jazz club) a few years back but I never had the time to do any sightseeing. Festival manager Jose Rodrigues kindly wrote up a short list of suggestions for me to do for the 6+ hours I'd have in the city before I had to catch a ride back to see tonight's show. I had a very nice time and it was great to be able to get the inside scoop. Highlights included:
Lunch at Mercearia Restaurant which was reached by taking the funicular (basically a street car that runs up and down the side of a steep mountain) down from the castle which overlooks the river which is where this restaurant was located.
View from my table
The place itself was in kind of a touristy area but it was cool too as it was right at the river. The day was kinda overcast so there were not a lot of people. I had an excellent lunch of Robalinno Ao Sal (white fish with sea salt and boiled baby potatoes) and an extra fine and perfectly chosen bottle of chilled Vinho Verde (a slightly dry ‘whitish' white wine) and a nice local pudding for desert.
After that a slow walk along the river and back up the mountain to take an old electric street car to a pretty square (Praga dos Ledes) where I had some more beer at a popular hangout Café Piolho. A 15-minute cab ride (6€!) took me out to the ocean to a popular restaurant and ocean side bar at Foz (Café Praia Da Luz) where I am now writing this postcard. One lone surfer riding the high storm tossed surf and there are a few of us in here sipping beers. A great way end to a long day of walking, picture taking, window shopping and sightseeing. Super friendly people, a pretty city along with good (and inexpensive, especially compared to France!) food and drink make this city a great visit for anyone.
Church done in tile02/24/07 (Sunday)- Now I'm just waiting for my ride back to the airport and the short 2 hour flight to Paris. Last nights show was a bit anti-climatic for me I guess. I was disappointed at not getting to see Joe Henry who is a writer I've long admired. Richard Hawley and his band were good as well as Norberto Lobo & JP Simons who preceeded him. Mostly though I just hung out in the foyer drinking beer and talking with folks. It was fun, loose and friendly.
Certainly I have to say one of the very best parts of my work is having the chance to visit such nice places as this. Thanks to everyone here who helped make my stay such a pleasure.
Muito obrigado
Best Of 2007:
(a note: outside of "In Rainbows", the list below is not in any particular order. I included the movie and live shows because they were indeed some of my favorite musical experiences of the past year).#1- Radiohead, "in Rainbows" - produced by Nigel Godrich and without a doubt my favorite. This record from beginning to end inspires, charges the batteries and gives hope for the future. Great songs, musicianship, and the production is superb!! Probably not for everyone's taste but a wonderful record nevertheless. (I also loved their courage in posting this music for
sale on their own site on a pay as you can/want basis).
Charlotte Gainsbourgh, "5.55" - produced by Nigel Godrich & Air. Lovely songs, production and quite addicting.
The Shins, "Wincing The Night Away". The best road music in the world last year. Fun rock and roll. Play Loud!!
Vic Chesnutt, "North Star Deserter" Vic has hit a home run with this CD.
Every song is spot on and he still can make you laugh! Another great collection of mix and match music from a master songster.
CirKus, "Laylow". Nenah Cherry and mixed cast of 3 other European hipsters make a totally cool and groovy record. Intelligent music with teeth! Our house favorite of the year!
Arcade Fire, "Neon Bible", This band just gets better and better. A careening explosion of darkness, defiance and optimism. A remarkable band!
"Once" written and directed by John Carney. Featuring Glen Hansard (The Frames) as a street busker in Dublin who meets fellow street person/musician Marketa Anglova. The movie is the short story of the guy and girl coming together and the making of a demo of Glens new songs. A totally cool and fun movie with an amazing singer that I knew nothing about before seeing this flick. Wonderful musical performances!
Any Chris and Carla live show (I saw 4 in Spain). Magical evenings of songs and music by 25 year musical partners. One electric and one acoustic guitar, 2 vocals and a set list of great songs performed with remarkable skill and grace!
(Song of The Year: Chris & Carla, "Twilights Last Gleaming" from '07 release of "Fly High Brave Dreamers")
Richard Shindell - a live concert I saw in October at the Pomme d'Eve - Paris, France. A wonderful and inspiring performance by a great songwriter and guitarist.
Holiday message December 2007
Hello everyone and happy we’re here to celebrate another!
It’s the Christmas holiday season again and the time to perhaps recap the past year, count our blessings and turn our attentions and energies towards the New Year. I know you all have your own stories - some good and some hard - so I can only hope you’re weathering your storms well and are surrounded with the love and support you need at all levels!
For me it’s been a roller coaster of a ride I must say. Maybe that’s the way it always is although this past years highs and lows have seemed to be more extreme. My marriage to long time girlfriend Katy (actually in December of 2006) was the biggest change as we just celebrated our one-year anniversary a few days ago! It was a great and auspicious way to begin 2007! The release of “Shotgun Pillowcase” on Borderdreams Records in February was the other major accomplishment. The record has been received with much praise and that has been gratifying. Sales have been lower then anyone wanted though but I guess that very same story has spread itself through all of music-land. It was a lot of work and I really felt lucky to have been able to get the record out into the world. There is a lot of music out here right now. Like white noise I think.
What else in ‘07? How about: meeting and touring with bassist Nicolas Chelly (Fingerbones), 3 trips to Spain (one time of which were shared gigs with Chris and Carla!), a long summer visit to Seattle and the gigs shared there with Carla Torgerson and Rusty Willoughby as well as 4 East coast shows and songs w/ Joseph Parsons and Todd Thibaud, meeting a brother I never knew I had, wonderful stand-up applause concerts in Germany and Holland, a quick visit (3 nights) to San Francisco in September, flying down to Bolzano, Italy to do one show and getting to hang out with friend Stefano for 24 hours and blasting down the highway listening to music and, finally of course the continued love and support of many dear and valued friends.And speaking of music: I think it’s been the best “new music year” I’ve seen in a long time don’t you? Some great concerts as well but I’ll post my “top 10” list here at the end of this month.
For 2008 we are adding a drummer to Fingerbones and we’re already looking at shows back in Germany for late April as well as shows elsewhere in Europe. This is not going to be a big-kit drummer but more like percussionist/drummer. I’m keeping the music on the acoustic side of the sonic scale. It’s going to be great though and I am very excited about this new addition. I’m also going to come back to America to play some solo dates but its such a big place where the hell does one start? I’m committed to doing this though so please stay tuned here for further details and dates.
Ok friends, old and new, young and old, man and woman. Whoever you are, wherever you are, please accept my best wishes for you and for yours in 2008 and beyond! An extra big thanks here to webmaster Stefano Dainese for his invaluable help in maintaining this very cool site and of course to my wonderful wife Katy for all her “everything’s”!! Happy New Year’s everybody!!
Your friend in music,
Terry Lee Hale
December 19th,
Paris, France
