A little of this
and a little of that
To continue with talking about the weather, fifteen degrees cooler. That is all. But it’s a big difference, especially for the plants that are beginning to recover.
The studio is looking more like a building, with first floor framing nearly complete, we begin to have a sense of the space.
After completion and release of the first album, Mala Nota follows the well-traveled path of change that seems a natural evolution of the creative process. I attribute the shifts to creative differences, but also personal and professional growth. The band is in rehearsal with a new singer, a new drummer, and one less guitarist. Roles are shifting in perceptable and imperceptable ways, and the music will do as music does: evolve and grow as the living thing it is. Live shows are expected to commence in December, with a busy 2024 ahead.
Stream Mala Nota on Apple Music
Sara and I were in Marfa last weekend for Ballroom Marfa’s 20th Anniversary and Chinati Weekend. Sunday evening there happened to be a performance by pianist/vocalist Bill Benton and drummer Fran Christina, playing mainly from the Cole Porter songbook. Bill reminisced about the speakeasy at the Carlyle Hotel in New York City, as well as playing jazz in the 1950s and 60s. It was unexpected and wonderful, and I mention it here to encourage you to hang out and enjoy such small, local opportunities when you look up and see what’s what.
Id in tuem articulum pone (roughly, Stick it in your ear)
Continuum:
A few months ago I suggested giving the Jonathan Scales Fourchestra a listen, and a new album—RE-POTTED—was recently released. Treat yourself. And double treat yourself if you can see the band on tour.
Addendum:
I want to direct you to another artist with a new album, Caroline Davis. The album, Alula: Captivity, is out tomorrow (October 13, 2023). A portion of the proceeds will benefit Critical Resistance. Caroline writes:
This is the first time that I've dedicated an entire album to a sociopolitical issue - prison abolition. It has been a personal journey, as I have an uncle who was incarcerated for a long time. I saw how the system affected him and our family, and offered no hope for forgiveness. What are the alternatives that offer hope, support, and love? This album is for him, and others who kept their hearts wide open throughout their incarceration and who continue to keep hope a mainstay around the system of mass incarceration.
Both of the above albums are linked to their Bandcamp pages, and the next Bandcamp Friday, when all proceeds go to the artists, is November 3.
Some old news:
Prior to and during the (ongoing?) pandemic, friends at Elusive Moose Studios produced a cover of “Can’t You See” (with another tune along for the ride). This is part of a project known as Friend of a Friend. There are about a half-dozen songs available, explorations in raising the bar for producing covers.
On “Can’t You See,” I contribute fretless bass, but what I really want to share is the vocal performance of Eloise Carter Walne (some of you know her as my daughter-figure). Happy listening.
Thanks again for reading. Feel free to send questions or topics you might like to hear about from me.
Peace, Love, and Art,
Ralph
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Ralph Manak
Raking Light Studio
Austin TX
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