Wednesday night I went to see Scratch at the Little. A very interesting flick. It’s a documentary about the use of turntables as an instrument. It covered a lot of bases, but mostly stayed in the Hip-Hop realm. While I’ve never been a big fan of rap or scratching (there are a few pieces I like), a lot of what I listen to has been either influenced by it or a direct descendant of it. Someone like Paul Oakenfold doesn’t sound very Hip-Hop, but his use of turntables to mix beats was pioneered by people like Grand Mixer DXT. His work on Herbie Hancock’s “Rockit” seemed to be what that just about everyone in the film mentioned as being the influence that started them off.

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Here’s a project I put together last Sunday, inspired by a conversation with Mike (and with lots of useful advice from him). Full-day’s labor; $125 for parts, using my old receiver for an amp. BOOM-BOOM! Yes, that’s my fireplace. It’s an old gas system, so I can’t use it unless I get an insert anyway. I’ll be using the subwoofer a lot more than a fire.

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My dear friend Jenn, who I met while playing Asheron’s Call (and is living in Norway) just sent me a most wonderful gift. Her husband took her to a Bel Canto concert last week as a surprise. They managed to get backstage and, thinking of her poor friend overseas, Jenn asked both Anneli and Jils to sign a personal note to me. How cool is that? (Very!) Their music is on my short list of what I would call my “soul” music (no, not that kind). And no, you can’t read it. It’s personal. Ok, so something tells me Anneli’s just teasing when she asks if I’m single…

And lest I forget, a big hearty “Tusen takk!” to Jenn. We swapped some CD’s that we each were having trouble finding in our respective countries (Norway for her). A few days ago I got my package with some Bel Canto and Anneli Drecker CD’s (”Rush”, 2CD “Retrospect”, and “Tundra”) in it. Hooah!

Ah! Where to start! OK, first off, I went to see Moxy Früvous with Mike and Kath at Darian Lake Saturday. We got down there early enough for Kath to go on a few rides, but I decided I’d better play it safe. It was cold and wet, and my legs ached most of Sunday, but I was none the worse for wear. Even giving the lousy conditions their full due, the concert was quite good. They included Disco Video Bargainville, Psycho Killer, and The Drinking Song in the set list, so I was happy! I was also among the first few dozen people (among us lay people) to own the new “C” album, which had just became available at the concert. I’m really glad I went, as I missed the past two times they were nearby.

I just got back from seeing my first full performance by F’loom at Writers and Books. Wow! What a blast! Check out their site. They should have the show available for viewing sometime in the near future.