So, I've been working quite a bit on the "Contrarian" CD and things are progressing. Last week, I was having trouble with my computer. I'd get half way through recording a track and it would suddenly stop. Very frustrating. It would say I didn't have sufficient CPU power. Finally, I checked CPU usage and saw that my Dropbox app was taking up to 50% + of my CPU. I quit Dropbox and it's working much better. The learning curve alone keeps me slow. I don't need this. But it's all part of the process. One song, one part, at a time. Currently working on a tune called "Angel In Black". Got the guitars all done. Yay!
Reply
Its almost midnight. Just got home from Key West about 1/2 an hour ago. Love KW but it's always nice to get back home. Had a really good 5-day run at Willie T's. I love that place!
BTW: Willie's has a great stage webcam on their web site with really good audio. Go to www.williets.com.
The town was busy and the crowds were unusually good for this time of year. Normally, things slow down some after the holidays. The Ragnar Relay Race is new for Key West and it brought in a sizable group for a few days. You can Google it if your really curious.
Margi and I discovered a great new (for us) place to eat tapas, appetizers and finger-food kinda stuff. Next time you're in KW checkout Santiago's Bodega on Petronia St. In Bahama Village. Very funky, great eclectic music mix in the background you're gonna love it.
Of course, we played The Bull on Friday & Saturday nights. Terry Wetmore covered for Randy on drums. I always enjoy having Terry because he brings along a great singing voice and with Bubba singing too, we get some great 3-part harmonies.
You were missed if you weren't there and I hope to see next time around.
All the best to you,
FJ
Reply
I need your help to win a huge international Christmas song songwriting contest. My tune, "Christ Was Born Today" is already a finalist, 1 of 40 selected from thousands of entries.
Go to http://www.indiereviewer.com/17/category/fremont%20john/1.html
then, click LIKE next to my tune. Even better, share it on Twitter. Either move counts as a vote. But if you share it, I will get votes from your network, too. Please be sure to leave a comment, too. I am anxious to hear your thoughts.
"Christ Was Born Today" is a Christmas/Gospel/Blues tune that is sort of a protest song. The protest is that includes the words "Christ" and "Jesus". That seems to be a big no-no these days so, I just had to do it. You're gonna love the cool Blues shuffle beat. With a little imagination, you can hear a church choir singing the vocal call-backs of each line the way they do in upbeat Gospel music.
Please copy & paste this URL into our browser and vote for my song.
http://www.indiereviewer.com/17/category/fremont%20john/1.html
Thanks so much and Merry Christmas to you and yours,
FJ
Reply
Fremont John- GUITAR SONGS: Some absolutely superb string work from Fremont John & friends... 10 great tracks featuring his guitar and keyboard work. If it's laid-back with a truly "continental" vibe you're lookin' for, try out "Europa"... a bit longer than many at 7:36, but it's a genuinely vibrant tune that displays a love for life & the living of it! For those listeners who want nothin' but instrumental bliss, this is absolutely the ticket. Many of the tunes take me back to an earlier & gentler time in our history, when many of us wanted to do little but sit 'round & make music... nothing like the hectic pace of life today, and John's talent shines through in his ability to inspire you to kick back with him & the other players joining him on the CD. My favorite piece was "Slippery When Wet", probably 'coz of th' bluesy ride to oblivion it takes you on... a truly "sweet" tune! I give this one a MOST HIGHLY RECOMMENDED for listeners across all spectrums, with an "EQ" (energy quotient) rating of 4.97. Get more information at www.fremontjohn.com Rotcod Zzaj
Reply
CD REVIEWS
By Dominic MaCrone
Released in late 2009, “Guitar Songs” is the fourth CD by Fremont John Ashton (fifth if you count his “Demo” CD, which is no longer available). John is based in Sarasota but is perhaps better known for his time in Key West where he was a fixture on the local music scene prior to coming to our part of
the state. “Guitar Songs” was recorded in response to the request that John gets from listeners who want to hear more guitar (and, really - can you ever get enough guitar?). He recorded the CD in his home studio and was engineer and producer of the disc. The CD mastering and packaging was done by Disc Makers and this is up to their usual high standards.
On his new CD, John is accompanied by Michael Carden (percussion) and Fernando Saunders (bass). In a twist from the usual guitar trio set up, John plays only acoustic, there is no drum set used and there are no vocals either. The CD has 10 tracks, 9 written by John and one cover song; Santana’s “Europa”. John’s sound is clean and his acoustic lead tone is wonderful; clear and crisp but also warm. He can shred a bit, but thankfully
sticks to tasteful melodic lead playing over top his balanced rhythm guitar parts. John plays two Taylors on this recording and is effects free (more folks should follow his example here). And, most importantly, he resisted the urge to over compress the recording. Can we all please lighten up on the
compression?
John is an accomplished player with lots of gigs under his belt and it shows in his tasteful playing and tight but fluid arrangements. Fernando (bass) is an accomplished musician in his own right, who has played with many signed acts and is a good complement to John’s guitar playing. While I appreciate the decision not to use a drum kit on the recording, I have to admit I would have liked to hear more drive out of the rhythm section in spots.... But we have John’s other CDs for that! If you like the
“Sounds of Wood and Steel” series, you will enjoy this CD. If you haven’t heard of “Sounds”, start with Volume 1 (Vol. 2 is pretty great, but Vol. 3 was a let down).
John’s music is available at his web site (www.fremontjohn.com) as well as CD Baby, Reverb Nation, and at one of his many gigs. He is working on his next CD, “Contrarian” and is looking for street team members (I know you are out there - you can sign up at www.reverbnation.com/fremontjohn). If you
enjoy melodic acoustic guitar, buy this disc and support local music.
Published March 1, 2010 in TheBayBuzz.org
To subscribe to The BayBuzz go to www.thebaybuzz.org
The Bay Buzz - NEWS FOR THE LOCAL MUSICIANS IN TAMPA BAY
Reply
Hey, I'm not sure why this is important but apparently, ReverNation believes it is. Of course, I understand that it's important for an artist to stay in touch with fans but, I'm not sure anyone reads all this stuff. I have a blog at MySpace too and I don't see it getting a lot of action. Besides, isn't Twitter a way to stay in touch in a more abbreviated way?
I'm sitting here watching Game 5 of NHL playoff finals. Rooting of course, for the Redwings. They're down 1 right now. I'm thinking it's time to go back into the studio and do some more editing on my instrumental tune "Open Up".
Had a great 4 day weekend in Key West. The Shrimp Shack double-booked and so we didn't play. Can't say I was disappointed, once I saw the set-up for the bands. They have you in full sun with no protection. In Key West, in June, that's just asking for someone to get heat-stroke. I had fun hanging out at the Hogfish and sitting in with Larry Baeder and Dora.
There, that's my blog entry for today. Have a great day!
FJ
Reply
Fremont John / Blog
Recording Update
So, I've been working quite a bit on the "Contrarian" CD and things are progressing. Last week, I was having trouble with my computer. I'd get half way through recording a track and it would suddenly stop. Very frustrating. It would say I didn't have sufficient CPU power. Finally, I checked CPU usage and saw that my Dropbox app was taking up to 50% + of my CPU. I quit Dropbox and it's working much better. The learning curve alone keeps me slow. I don't need this. But it's all part of the process. One song, one part, at a time. Currently working on a tune called "Angel In Black". Got the guitars all done. Yay!
Reply
Just back from Key West.
Its almost midnight. Just got home from Key West about 1/2 an hour ago. Love KW but it's always nice to get back home. Had a really good 5-day run at Willie T's. I love that place!
BTW: Willie's has a great stage webcam on their web site with really good audio. Go to www.williets.com.
The town was busy and the crowds were unusually good for this time of year. Normally, things slow down some after the holidays. The Ragnar Relay Race is new for Key West and it brought in a sizable group for a few days. You can Google it if your really curious.
Margi and I discovered a great new (for us) place to eat tapas, appetizers and finger-food kinda stuff. Next time you're in KW checkout Santiago's Bodega on Petronia St. In Bahama Village. Very funky, great eclectic music mix in the background you're gonna love it.
Of course, we played The Bull on Friday & Saturday nights. Terry Wetmore covered for Randy on drums. I always enjoy having Terry because he brings along a great singing voice and with Bubba singing too, we get some great 3-part harmonies.
You were missed if you weren't there and I hope to see next time around.
All the best to you,
FJ
Reply
I'm a finalist! Help me win int'l songwriting competition
I need your help to win a huge international Christmas song songwriting contest. My tune, "Christ Was Born Today" is already a finalist, 1 of 40 selected from thousands of entries.
Go to http://www.indiereviewer.com/17/category/fremont%20john/1.html
then, click LIKE next to my tune. Even better, share it on Twitter. Either move counts as a vote. But if you share it, I will get votes from your network, too. Please be sure to leave a comment, too. I am anxious to hear your thoughts.
"Christ Was Born Today" is a Christmas/Gospel/Blues tune that is sort of a protest song. The protest is that includes the words "Christ" and "Jesus". That seems to be a big no-no these days so, I just had to do it. You're gonna love the cool Blues shuffle beat. With a little imagination, you can hear a church choir singing the vocal call-backs of each line the way they do in upbeat Gospel music.
Please copy & paste this URL into our browser and vote for my song.
http://www.indiereviewer.com/17/category/fremont%20john/1.html
Thanks so much and Merry Christmas to you and yours,
FJ
Reply
Zzaj "ImproviJazzation" Reviews "Guitar Songs" by Fremont John
Fremont John- GUITAR SONGS: Some absolutely superb string work from Fremont John & friends... 10 great tracks featuring his guitar and keyboard work. If it's laid-back with a truly "continental" vibe you're lookin' for, try out "Europa"... a bit longer than many at 7:36, but it's a genuinely vibrant tune that displays a love for life & the living of it! For those listeners who want nothin' but instrumental bliss, this is absolutely the ticket. Many of the tunes take me back to an earlier & gentler time in our history, when many of us wanted to do little but sit 'round & make music... nothing like the hectic pace of life today, and John's talent shines through in his ability to inspire you to kick back with him & the other players joining him on the CD. My favorite piece was "Slippery When Wet", probably 'coz of th' bluesy ride to oblivion it takes you on... a truly "sweet" tune! I give this one a MOST HIGHLY RECOMMENDED for listeners across all spectrums, with an "EQ" (energy quotient) rating of 4.97. Get more information at www.fremontjohn.com Rotcod Zzaj
Reply
THE BAY BUZZ REVIEWS "GUITAR SONGS" CD
CD REVIEWS By Dominic MaCrone
Released in late 2009, “Guitar Songs” is the fourth CD by Fremont John Ashton (fifth if you count his “Demo” CD, which is no longer available). John is based in Sarasota but is perhaps better known for his time in Key West where he was a fixture on the local music scene prior to coming to our part of the state. “Guitar Songs” was recorded in response to the request that John gets from listeners who want to hear more guitar (and, really - can you ever get enough guitar?). He recorded the CD in his home studio and was engineer and producer of the disc. The CD mastering and packaging was done by Disc Makers and this is up to their usual high standards.
On his new CD, John is accompanied by Michael Carden (percussion) and Fernando Saunders (bass). In a twist from the usual guitar trio set up, John plays only acoustic, there is no drum set used and there are no vocals either. The CD has 10 tracks, 9 written by John and one cover song; Santana’s “Europa”. John’s sound is clean and his acoustic lead tone is wonderful; clear and crisp but also warm. He can shred a bit, but thankfully sticks to tasteful melodic lead playing over top his balanced rhythm guitar parts. John plays two Taylors on this recording and is effects free (more folks should follow his example here). And, most importantly, he resisted the urge to over compress the recording. Can we all please lighten up on the compression?
John is an accomplished player with lots of gigs under his belt and it shows in his tasteful playing and tight but fluid arrangements. Fernando (bass) is an accomplished musician in his own right, who has played with many signed acts and is a good complement to John’s guitar playing. While I appreciate the decision not to use a drum kit on the recording, I have to admit I would have liked to hear more drive out of the rhythm section in spots.... But we have John’s other CDs for that! If you like the “Sounds of Wood and Steel” series, you will enjoy this CD. If you haven’t heard of “Sounds”, start with Volume 1 (Vol. 2 is pretty great, but Vol. 3 was a let down).
John’s music is available at his web site (www.fremontjohn.com) as well as CD Baby, Reverb Nation, and at one of his many gigs. He is working on his next CD, “Contrarian” and is looking for street team members (I know you are out there - you can sign up at www.reverbnation.com/fremontjohn). If you enjoy melodic acoustic guitar, buy this disc and support local music.
Published March 1, 2010 in TheBayBuzz.org
To subscribe to The BayBuzz go to www.thebaybuzz.org
The Bay Buzz - NEWS FOR THE LOCAL MUSICIANS IN TAMPA BAY
Reply
New Blog here.
Hey, I'm not sure why this is important but apparently, ReverNation believes it is. Of course, I understand that it's important for an artist to stay in touch with fans but, I'm not sure anyone reads all this stuff. I have a blog at MySpace too and I don't see it getting a lot of action. Besides, isn't Twitter a way to stay in touch in a more abbreviated way?
I'm sitting here watching Game 5 of NHL playoff finals. Rooting of course, for the Redwings. They're down 1 right now. I'm thinking it's time to go back into the studio and do some more editing on my instrumental tune "Open Up".
Had a great 4 day weekend in Key West. The Shrimp Shack double-booked and so we didn't play. Can't say I was disappointed, once I saw the set-up for the bands. They have you in full sun with no protection. In Key West, in June, that's just asking for someone to get heat-stroke. I had fun hanging out at the Hogfish and sitting in with Larry Baeder and Dora.
There, that's my blog entry for today. Have a great day!
FJ
Reply