Great rehearsal with Daryl and Scott today in the music room of coziness. "Landscape" continues to be a killer song to play around with; today we added "Specific Gravity" to the set list and a challenging Guitar Craft inspired piece I wrote in 1992 (which has never been named); Scott, Daryl and I discussed ideas, Gavin Harrison exercises for shifting time, and boo bams (too expensive). We also played around with a new vocal tune idea reminiscent of Gary Davenport and discussed some Stick-duet possibilities (per Will Willard's suggestion). Exciting times indeed! I think it is safe to say we all got a work-out today. GIG is six weeks away...

G.I.G.

Working through many ideas for the gig; tunes like "Wonk", "Specific Gravity", and some of the craftier songs are finding a resonance, but I am also feeling like writing some pretty ballads, so there is a mix of ideas to play with. Presently my rehearsal space (studio) is calling to me to be re-organised with an emphasis on opening up the space as a welcoming room within which one can stretch out and try ideas. This is an ongoing work.

Contemplating Somethingness

My book of "zen" poetry featured in the new lulu Publications Spotlight

http://www.lulu.com/spotlight/johnmarcell

Practice began in earnest Thursday evening on the new set-list for the G.I.G show in September; the entire "Johnny Love set-list has been put aside for this performance in the "listening room", where only original tunes are allowed. Playing in NST tuning and Daryl is focusing on the Stick. Excited and upbeat and happy to be really working with the left hand, right hand and posture. "Landscape" was a sheer joy to play while trying to keep attention on the craft and my "self"; locked-in and  was really in the moment. "Darkening Skies" is more problematic and may be cut. Bottom line, may be faster and easier if we write totally new tunes instead of trying approximate Gilliam Section songs. Nevertheless, an admirable start.This is the moment I've been awaiting for. My attitude of approach has really improved as I made the conscious decision to "hold on lightly" and seek a certain quality in the material

More later

ATX performed by The Johnny Love Band

The Johnny Love Band perform Yoshi Hampl's "ATX" (thanks to Shelly Van Dyke for recording and editing this video!)

Johnny Love Live! - Heart of Tao

The Johnny Love Band perform "Heart of Tao" (thanks to Alan Van Dyke for recording the video!)

Johnny Love Live! - Mysterious

The Johnny Love Band perform "Mysterious" (thanks to Alan Van Dyke for recording the video!)

Darkening Skies

Working out the NST guitar/stick parts...(early rehearsal for new material)

Luna's Jacal

Daryl working out the Chapman Stick part for "Luna's Jacal"

Luna's Jacal Part II