Just got an alto sax and I'm 55 years old. Always loved the sax and decided to give it a shot. My third lesson is tomorrow.
Ken Neill
June 25, 2011
Hey Sweet Sue;
It was a great pleasure meeting and playing with you at the Gala. I'm sorry that I lost your card and was not able to email you about the gig but our web site is www.bluestragglersband.com
It may take a few minutes for the tunes to load but give it a shot. I'll let you know when we're playing again.
Now it's off to Internal Gardens to play more Taiji
Ken Neill
Robert Milici
June 5, 2011
Hi Sue, Thanks for sending me the video in response to osama's death. I remember how happy he was when hearing about the death and destruction that he helped plan and his fanatics committed while crashing those 2 passenger planes , loaded with innocent victims, into the twin towers of the world trade center. The other 2 planes he and his fanatics were responsible for crashing were the one that hit the Pentagon and the other crashing into a field. I was in Manhattan that morning at the Union Square 14th st subway station. It was 08:33 hrs when the train got to the station. The 1st plane hit about o8:45. When the train crossed the Brooklyn Bridge the 1st plane had already hit and some people on the train were looking out the windows at the smoke coming from one of the world trade center towers. I found out what happened when I got off the train. I think that it is unfortunate that bin laden escaped the pain and suffering that he brought upon so many . I feel a sense of relief at his departure and I think that this sense of relief is expressed in your saxophone solo video also, which was done in your usual professional gifted manner. Thank you for thinking of me . PS Of course these views are all my own and I do not intend to speak for anyone else.
Tim Smith
May 21, 2011
Thanks for your music. You really bring joy with it!
Will Z.
May 9, 2011
Re: Osama is Dead clip -- I don't think anyone's said it better!!!
"When you care enough to say it with sax."
~~ Will
Ginger Lang
May 6, 2011
Thanks for including me in the listening audience for the OID improv.
So sad that his life works did not/could not merit a tribute for a life lived with compassion (com-passion) for all rather than for a slanted set of principles that did not include equality for all humankind and for women, including the one who was his human shield. Thanks, Sue, for your inspired piece.
Luiz Simas
May 6, 2011
Great "Osama is Dead" sax improv!!! Great idea too. It's really amazing how an improv can contain a whole mix of emotions and thoughts, and it's all really up to the listener (wow, great, but-can-we-rejoice-about-a-human-being's-death, 9/11, his photo should be released, his photo should not be released, Al Qaeda is finished, Al Qaeda is not finished, Al Qaeda is (or is not) irrelevant, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Whereintheheckstan)
john Georgette
May 6, 2011
I've been writing poetry influenced by events and saxophones since 1966. This poem was inspired by Sweet Sue Terry playing OSAMA IS DEAD.
OSAMA IS DEAD POEM VIA SWEET SUE TERRY:
I listened to the music without watching,
just remembering.
For some:
-it could have been about
spring bursting
with blossoms on a warm spring day,
-it could have been about
frost melting
on tenement windows in a sad-bricked building
after a frosted night,
it could have been
sadness freeing its melodrama
in expression, or in a smile, or in a long run of a
long sax rift of trapped madness,
-it could have been
the drama of the cat in the yard tree
going up, and up, up, up,
-it could have been
500 new weddings
2,000 new birthdays,
10,000 new marchers in a happy parade,
-it could have been,
but. . .
Marisa Coluccio
May 6, 2011
Loved it. Absolutely wonderful.
Arzy Fogartaigh
May 5, 2011
Excellent,Sue.
You are a creative genius!
Arzy.
Manuel
May 2, 2011
Sweet Sue thank you for sharing what you have ... thank you thank you
creative blessings to you
janice friedman
April 25, 2011
I enjoyed your video and music Sue.
Hope all is well
J
Doug Maine
April 18, 2011
Beautiful video of Montesueños.
Robert Milici
April 16, 2011
Dear Sue, Thank you for the eight minutes at Montesuenos and the beautifully played backround music. It is a place of serene beauty totally unspoiled ,a place that exists more commonly in dreams. Thank you for sharing it with me.
Jett
April 15, 2011
Just viewed photo's and excellent music from Montesuenos - Vilcabamba, Ecuador. said to myself "WOW" very enjoyable can't wait to see you again in Brooklyn NY.
Peace.
Ashley Seward
April 14, 2011
Excellent Film and Music- My wife agreed-Can see why you are in love with location!!! I am going to tell Maria Schnieder to use your solo as the theme and write a Double CD concerto!! Later
Dean Bailin
April 14, 2011
Gorgeous video you've posted of Montesuenos. The landscape is so beautiful, and the clarity and color of the pictures is breathtaking.
The sound of your sax adds even more to the color. Sounds terrific!!
Linda G.
April 13, 2011
Loved your newest piece on Montesuenos. I'll be back often when I need a little eye candy and peace. Those mountains are incredible and the background music perfect. Keep on creating! You're a gift!
Skip Drake
April 13, 2011
This Is Montesueños...Delightful, meditative, so special. Thank you for sharing, I'm honored.
Judith Z. Miller
April 13, 2011
What a beautiful, magical place your slide show documents - wow! And of course your music adds to the serene and magestic quality of the landscape. Now I'm itching to go to Ecuador!
I just spent a month in Thailand and have some good shots that you might enjoying seeing on Facebook at the following link. I have lots more there in several albums marked "Thailand" as well.
Hi Sue-
The Montesuenos Video is a scrumptious feast for the eyes and ears. I see why you LOVE it so much. Thanks for sharing and allowing me to live vicariously through you :-)
Rick Palley
March 16, 2011
Nice piece, Sue. I would imagine that it must have been on your to-do list for a long time. It really is amazing that it is still an issue. I guess these prejudices, or whatever you want to call them, often run on a subconscious reflex level, and like the color line need to be changed demonstrably to have a more global effect.
Dottie Longo
March 16, 2011
Thanks for sharing the Women in Jazz article - very interesting! We have a way to go, but have made great progress. I can think of one woman jazz musician whom I won't name here, but is well known and still living, who basically chose NOT to go on the road because she didn't want to sleep with the whole band and didn't want to always have to take a stand in that regard, and as a result, deprived herself of musical growth and experience. She has done quite well for herself, but still it was a sacrifice. And then there was Billy Tipton who pretended to be a man so she could play jazz.
Onward and upward!
Chris Burnett
March 16, 2011
Well, Sweet Sue - I hope the day comes when a musician is just a musician. The last paragraph of the piece is a good sentiment in my opinion as well. I would like to see males and females integrated within ensembles, much like the two genders inherently co-exist as beings sharing the planet. I think that such ensembles would also provide the most realistic and relevant music. A few artists today come to mind, Erica Lindsay's groups, Jeff "Siege" Siegel's quartet, Lee Shaw's trio, Sumi Tonooka's groups, and of course, your own ensembles - these are the types of groups that we should see working as much as the "all" this or that groups...
Bob Bernotas
March 16, 2011
Excellent article on Women in Jazz, Sue -- I just wish you had more space to really stretch out on the issue.
The "Jackie Robinson" analogy is so apt. And it made me think about Mary Lou Williams. I mean, dig: even before Teddy and Hamp joined Goodman's aggregation (playing only with BG's small groups, not the big band), not only did Mary Lou play with one of the finest big bands of the day, but as the primary arranger-composer for Andy Kirk and His Clouds of Joy she created the band's musical identity. Like, wow! But she was the only female musician to play with a male band, so far as I know, until Margie Hyams replaced Red Norvo with Woody, and Melba Liston played with Gerald Wilson in the late 1940s. If you know of any prior to that, pull my coat.
Keith Ridenhour
February 19, 2011
Sue you sound great. I've been taking lessons from Tim P for a few months and he's done a great job on skype. But I'm sure you do just as well. Keep the faith. Ksaxman.com
Pat Dorian
November 19, 2010
Sue:
My gosh, I lost my place 4 times during your choruses last night at the Sherman Theater, you were SO on it!! I was totally distracted by your soul!
PD
Rona Payne
November 12, 2010
Hi Sue:
Thanks for your insightful installments of information. I enjoyed reading them.
We are going to check out the musical instrument exhibit that recently reopened at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. It is a special collection. You may be interested in seeing it too.
Good luck with Hartford concert.
All the best!
Keep swinging,
Rona & Don
Roslyn Gamiel
November 12, 2010
Because you write for yourself, and not for an audience, it rings true for your readers. Your amazing ability to be a witness to your thoughts, which are our thoughts, sustains us and convinces us that we are all members of one human race.
Robert Milici
November 12, 2010
I am sorry that this is your last E-SUETERRY-C article. It is not often that one gets the oportunity to have it told like it is on the workings of the recording industry from a active, knowledgable, and successful musician as yourself. All the help that you give others wishing to learn about playing a musical instrument or answering questions related to music,have been appreciated by myself and many others.You discussed many varried and very interesting topics. I am among the many thousands of your readers and fans that are going to miss your articles.
Thank You for all your time and hard work for the benefit of all us interested in music and its related fields
All The Best,
Robert Milici
John Boiano
November 11, 2010
Wow - it's been a year? I don't think I missed an issue! Every time I read it, I said to myself - holy cow, where does she come up with this stuff? It's fantastic perspectives and was/is inspiring to me.
Wanda
November 11, 2010
I will miss your words!
Has it been a year already? Thank you so much, you are an inspiration.
Wanda
John Georgette
November 11, 2010
Hi Sue ... An anthology would be a great idea!
I will miss the newsletter a lot.
I can't believe a year has already gone by since you started. The introspection, diversity of topics, easy going reads all made it one of the most enjoyable newsletters on the internet. Good luck with everything.
Maybe I'll see you at the Hartford show this weekend. Take care, JG.
Ginger Lang
November 10, 2010
Have so enjoyed sharing in your commentaries following our meeting on the plane from Ecuador. Your piece on art took me back to Quito to the Oswaldo Guayasamin Museum. His work is profound, depicting suffering across cultures and time. Wish you the best in your next adventure. Keep me posted on life in Ecuador. I do want to return.
Michael Psutka
November 10, 2010
Sue,
Thank you for your unique, entertaining and spiritually uplifting blog. You are an inspiration to all who hear your music or read your words.
Peace & Love,
Michael Psutka (Polish Sax Guy)
Robin
November 10, 2010
My Dear Sue, I am so proud of you and the accomplishment of this e-zine run. I must admit my disappointment at learning of its end. This will give me motivation to read past issues that I have missed this past year. There are not many though. I have truly enjoyed riding the waves of your brain through your weekly missives. Especially this week's Art commentary. I am going to print it and put it up on the wall of my shop.
George
November 9, 2010
Hi Sue,
Am sorry to hear your blog is drawing to a close. I shall much miss it.
Sure would be great if you and Gil were
at Pam's monthly Thursday gathering.....? I am
attending since returning from France.
We have a new puppy (5 months old), a Shepherd,
and an absolute mischievous brat. Sweet and lick-yer-face lovable though.
Love to you and Mr. Gil
George
Jim
November 3, 2010
Hey Sue, I'm going to miss your blog, but then I suppose you've heard that elsewhere.
Just wanted to pull your coat to Ray Bradbury, still alive, who wrote a lot of my favorite books (as an adolescent and still today). His works from the late '40's/early '50's tend to be about rocket travel, planetary settlement, the 'bomb' (ie. 'the war'), much of what seems dated, albeit quaint andstill significant today. But if you surf to his site (http://www.raybradbury.com/images/video/about_freeDOM.html) you'll see a video in which he talks about censorship and his seminal work "Fahrenheit 451"; he says it was less about the burning of books than about the influence of big media, big screens--SPIN! Still works today!
Karl Finger
October 30, 2010
Re: Chaos article. Very well done, Sue. I've long pondered, and believed, exactly that. (My very own "butterfly theory", I guess). I really do like your mind- - - and your way of displaying it.
Thanks,
- Karl
Dave Robertson
October 10, 2010
Sue, You never cease to amaze me with not only your terrific writing ability but also the ways you continue to expand my resources. I will be buying this series of books. I will also be stealing that line in the article "On the mountain there is only one peak. The roads to get there are many" I love that!!!
With Love,
Dave
Julia
October 5, 2010
So glad to know that you did indeed remember AND get to read these books. I found that throughout them I experienced many, "huh, that's what I always figured" kind-of-moments within the diverse topics that were discussed. Yet, there were also other concepts I'd never heard of before (yet which also resonated within), so that I just kept on reading. The only one I haven't been able to get yet is #7. I hope I'll be able to read this one soon, as it's title is probably the most enticing to me of all. I would love to see the shared Vedruss ideas kindled throughout the world, until we are all a'blaze with them. So, thanks for writing about the series and spreading the fire!
Hugh Sinclair
October 1, 2010
Thanks for your latest offering, Sue. You're like a one-woman Whole Earth Review; there's always something I want to follow up on. Keep them coming!
Pat Bruder
September 29, 2010
Really liked this article, especially since I had the privilege of tasting these delicious muffins. Sent a fax of the article to Edie, who will enjoy reading this as well, I'm sure.
Thanks, Sue.
Garry Orriss
September 27, 2010
Hi Sue,
I found your website very interesting and spent quite some time looking around on it. I especially adore your Photos section and your Bio. If you would like to see something a bit different go to my website GOART.COM All the best from your new fan in Berlin, Germany
Bill Easley
September 1, 2010
I do wear a wristwatch and a pretty fancy one at that. It measures my time and my time is my most important possession. The watch is just a symbol.
Bought my Father a very expensive watch back in the 70s to show my appreciation. My mother warned me not to do it since my Father was a bit careless and would probably lose it. Sure enough he lost the $500 watch that I bought him and when he died he had a $10 Timex. Mother gave me that watch and months later it was still keeping time. It eventually wore out and I promised myself then that I would eventually buy myself a watch that would be later considered a family heirloom.
Got my first one at 50 and another at 60. The first one is in storage now without the battery. There is much more to this story that I will tell you when I see you. Plan on getting another one at 70. Ten year increments are significant.
Linda G
September 1, 2010
I gave up a watch years ago and I was more than 25 at the time - a business consultanct with a schedule but give it up I must. It was interesting how there were clocks everywhere and even with an occassional challenge, the feeling was one of immense freedom. Mind you this was also the woman that gave up carrying a "purse" years before. As I think of it, I've been lightening my load for a long time. I do have to disagree with that 2nd law of Thermodynamics. I don't think energy ever looses it's power. I think it just is in a state of recombining that may be slower or bigger than our perspecitve is patient enough or broad enough to perceive. Just my hunch and I'm not wasting any time proving anything to anyone.
Thanks for lending me the Ringing Cedars books and the CD. The school cd was such an incredible gift to watch Monday. I had the whole day to myself and that was one of the gifts of the day.
Hope you connected with Blanca and wish you a wonderful trip. Thanks so much for writting these wonderful newsletters. You are indeed artful. Please just make it easier to look at the notes/web inserts and get back to your page.
Thanks again - you are indeed sweet.
Linda
Jim
August 31, 2010
Check out "Time Wars" by Jeremy Rifkin, it covers all these points...
Robin
August 18, 2010
Hello Love,
Silence... in ceremony it is the time I do my deepest work. When I am not climbing into the songs for the magic or needing grounding when I am too high in the ethers of the medicina, I prefer quiet.
Silence... where I am within myself, not a room filled with other journey takers singing to beat the band. Where I am not destracted by my own voice reverberating through my skull. Where I am not concerned with my pronunciation of Spanish and Quechua.
Silence... also means a lack of singers of medicine songs. In ceremony last week I was deep in my journey when a young native american man started singing an apache medicine song. So powerful was this song that all.. and I mean all.. of the silenced medicine song singers of the native tribes of the world came to me. They came to me to beseech me to sing. To learn more medicine songs and keep singing. Not to silence myself with self judgement or doubt. So many silenced singers, Sue. I greived long and hard for all the lost songs and ask all to learn the songs of different tribes and share them so they will not be lost. To make new medicine songs to share with our new world.
I was at the Rocky Mountain Folks Festival this weekend and realized they were singing American medicine songs...when we sing the oldies we are perpetuating our medicine songs. Just a thought.
Hope you are well dear one. Blessings and light, Robin
Jim Hartog
August 18, 2010
Of course, hope you've had a great summer. Over here, it's over, school's begun and we had only 5 weeks (between the 2 kids' schools) of vacation. Holland is a screwy country, and while they have normally only 6 weeks of summer break for kids--being a kind of govenment-supported day care--the kids don't DO anything at school for the last few and first few weeks anyway. So in the summer they never have that opportunity to unwind totally, go fishing, grab an ice-cream sandwich from the Good Humor man, do NOTHING! It's just too short, so summer vacations have to be planned, organized, filled with daily activities. I guess it's part of the Calvinist ethic here: very hypocritical!
Anyway, I've been telling my son that the process is S.O.T.A., or inversely, before Action comes Thought, which is preceded by Observation, before which must be SILENCE! I thought about Stillness, but I liked the idea of silence more, because being still is kind of passive, but being silent (or even experiencing silence) is a bit more active and may even demand effort. I've probably written this to you before, in which case, apologies! it's a case of encroaching senility.
Keep on bloggin'!
Michael Redmond
July 25, 2010
They pay no taxes in Christiania? Therefore they sponge off their fellow Copenhageners for fire, police, schools, other social services of the city-nation-state? Sounds familiar. It seems that everybody wants Big Bad Government to go away, but nobody wants to pay the freight. Reminds me of the U.S. Southwest, "land of the free, home of the brave," strong libertarian streak, etc., whose lifestyle is basically made possible by the federal taxes of the people- and industry-dense Northeast. A fascinating study, state by state: How much does your state get back from the feds for every dollar it sends to Washington? New Jersey gets back the least of all 50, something like 41 cents ... Fact is, the blue states underwrite the red ... Anyway, I think it's obvious we will never have "sustainable communities" without sustainable economies, and we'll never have sustainable economies as long as the corporatocracy endures ...
Ken
July 14, 2010
Thanks for throwing in the other side of the Global Warming issue. That was great. I have a son in the Coast Guard who just got stationed in Alaska. He'll be there for 3 years. So that's made us tune in a bit more to what's going on there. Sounds like a beautiful and exciting place.
Being I'm from Long Island something inside me wants to respond to your comment on where Long Island came from with the following: Fuggedaboutit!
Hey, did you get to see that eclipse while you were there?
BOB HARRIGAN
July 14, 2010
Sue, Enjoy your posts very much,I said to my wife Rita,I think I have a crush on Sue Terry...She said,thats fine,make sure you tell her you're harmless,HA!
Robin
July 14, 2010
Dearest Sue,
I do so love to read your magazine. Your adventures and insights are a highlight to my week. Thanks for making the effort to do this. I would love to share some of my adventures in a blog but am a less than stellar writer. My life in media format would suit a reality tv show...."Here we are folks at the base of the Sangre de Cristos (pan mtns)in Crestone, CO climbing into an army tent with 30 other people (everybody wave)to have a mind blowing spritual experience(clip with Ayahuasca history)! stay tuned for live puking and music to transport you to your inner psyche(fade out)!" That was this last weekend. Have been doing medicina every month or two, moved in with David in a commited relationship, daughters lving with us for the summer, working part time doing interesting things and making some of the best art of my life.All is well in my world.
Sending you blessings and gratitude my lovely and bright sister.
Love love love
Robin
Garth Woods
June 17, 2010
Hi Sue,
I built a theremin, which I still have, after learning about Leon and Clara.
As for Moog, while Wendy Carlos may have garnered the initial public notoriety, one important and seldom acknowledged figure is Chris Swansen. Chris worked with Bob Moog very early on. I was told he was the first, but who knows... I do remember his visit to our house in Le Vesinet, France, in 1968 or 1969. He was on tour with his Moog synthesizer, playing the "new electronic music". During his visit he let me play the fascinating instrument. Chris was an accomplished jazz composer, arranger and performer, and recorded electronic records on his own and with my father ("Piper at the Gates of Dawn" and "Crazy Horse")
Ah yes... Anyone who grew up with the OUTER LIMITS has many fond memories of that wonderful whining electronic droning... sort of like a Bagpipe wired up to 480 volts. Love it...thanks Sue.
Oh by the way...I have become a big fan of the Ringing Cedar series.
Peter
June 7, 2010
So glad you found Petra, you appreciate the prodigals even more when they return. Our beloved Siamese, Maddie, once disappeared for four days. We made up a 'lost' notice with a photo and did letter-box drops around the neighborhood. Eventually a neighbor came and said they were adding a new loft to their house and had heard a cat in the ceiling.
I just managed to pluck Maddie out of a narrow gap in the nearly completed loft floor. She had become completely disoriented, and was living in the space between new floor and old ceiling. I could feel the relief and relaxation flood through her body when I brought her back up the street and she recognised her home.
janet
June 1, 2010
You and linda and your families are fortunate indeed. Having lost dogs and cats over the years (I too live in the woods) some to be found, some to keep searching for (still hope to find Sofia, gone now 3 years, hopefully to another home but probably gotten by a coyote or fisher. Only cat of ours that was microchipped). Nowadays, we only let our two remaining cats out when we know we will be home, and not too early in the AM or too late in the PM. So glad yours are back with you.
Jim Leporati
June 1, 2010
Hi Su,
Just read the latest edition. Thank God Petra has returned! As I read, I feared the worst. As I just had a long conversation earlier today about cats: their illnesses and disappearances with Tommy, it was eerie. Glad everything's okay now though. Needless to say I miss you very much. Congrats on your nomination for Internal Competitor of the Year! Bout time if you ask me.
Jimi
janice
June 1, 2010
Hey Sue....
I enjoy your stories every time I make my way over. I'm glad Petra and Schwartz are OK.
L,
J
Ken
May 25, 2010
I liked your comment on the need to pull back and go into seclusion from time to time. I had just being reading earlier in the day about the "Slow Movement" that deals with living more meaningful lives and restoring balance in our lives by pulling away from the fast-paced way we live nowadays.
Dave robertson
May 25, 2010
Hi Sue!
I miss you lots1 would like to hang out on the steps together again!!! I really like the way you wrote this letter. music is really so much more than it sounds...isn't it? i actually pumped out a song last week for the first time in a loooong time. Hopefully it will mean there are more coming.
love you lots!
Dave
Todd Isler
May 24, 2010
Sweet Sue,
I just read your open letter to Greyson Chance. I have not heard him, but I'll take it from you (and millions of others) that he is gifted. I thought what you had to say was meaningful, not just for him but for all of us. It would be real nice if your letter made its way to him. Even better if he took it to heart.
michael stephans
May 18, 2010
sue,
thanks for the piece on chess (no pun intended). i am hoping to learn how to play this summer, after a long flirtation with the possibility of me in front (or is that behind?) a chess board.
gratitude also for coming out to hear spatial edition last friday eve. i'm so glad you enjoyed the music.
namaste'
michael
Derek Loosvelt
May 18, 2010
nice one, sue! very interesting. i am with you on thinking about the amazing game. love the end of this piece about the near infinite number of moves. wow.
the newsletter reminded me right away of this great scene from the amazing hbo series "the wire." uses chess to explain the inner city drug trade:
Madame Terry. Watching your video on the importance of music made me feel still and relaxed. As if a weight was lifted from my shoulder and that what i was doing(practicing,composing,etc) made sense after all. The article that you wrote on fear, is so unique and a-propos in this very macho world of jazz sax. I will keep reading your word of wisdom.
Cornelius
April 28, 2010
Sue, I absolutely love this! Very good observation and healthy comprehension of what is. I was having the same exact thought yesterday. What if artists actually charged
say $25 to $50 for a CD and the whole kit and kaboodle, maintaining their ground? Prince did it and still does it.
In other words, the artist MUST ascend, hence the respect shall be given. Excellent!
Skip Drake
April 27, 2010
Well Sue, I am now closer to you than ever, so be it in a techy sort of way, and oh, I must admit...I drank the hemlock. It's just that I have a penchant for bitter brews.
Love your sharing...thanks!
Lee Trapp
April 22, 2010
Hi Sue
I enjoy your essays very much, and always look for them first for my readings. Your comments about loud music are right on!
Here in St. Louis we have a jazz club I support that is a LISTENING ROOM. No talking while artists are performing. The room is intimate, small, and some of the artists that performed here say it is a favorite venue for them to perform.
Keep up the good work.
Bob Bernotas
April 21, 2010
Sue -- You might find this quote pertinent to some of the points you raised in your most recent newsletter ("They Lied to Us -- part II") -- Bob
Entertainment is a word with many meanings. In its truest sense, it means great art. The greatest art is the most entertaining. It gives an audience the unforgettable excitement of unfolding a new idea and experience, a fresh revelation of a human personality. Such entertainment is possible, however, only when an audience, itself, knows something of creation, or is willing to use its mind, to think, to enter in active collaboration with the artist.
– Sidney Finkelstein, cultural critic
jim
April 20, 2010
Go see any movie, especially a glitz 3-D jobby in an iMax theater, and get your eardrums waxed! My own opinion is that most sound 'engineers', which is to say the guys handling the sound in a venue of any size, are situationally deaf. They've been listening to 'music' at such a volume that they can't hear the upper partials and need to compensate by CRANKING IT UP! So as artists we are beholden to people who have lost whatever competency they might once have had!
Anne Phillips
April 16, 2010
Sue ... I just got this ... put in my junk ??? why? It is great! A perfect description of where the business has gone .. esp Grammys .. i was a National Trustee and began to see where things were heading even before digital, downloads etc. Keep on talking .. Someday i'll have to let you read the article I wrote circa 1979 "Why Isn't my business fun anymore? Anne
ashley seward
April 13, 2010
When I wonder why "No recent record by _______ i go and see if they have a website and contact them directly- I am often pleasantly surprised but a hard way to find who is doing what!! I just bought some 1960 Downbeat magazines- They were thin then but had the news (You have heard the news and now "HERES HUEY"
Jim Eigo
April 13, 2010
You hit most of the nails on the head Sweet Sue.
There’s advantages and disadvantages to self-producing. The big advantage
is you call all the shots. No one’s looking over your shoulder to tell you what music to record, album art, band personnel, liner notes, etc. The disadvantage is the buck stops with you. For the past 30 years+ going back to my daze at NMDS (New Music Distribution Service) I’ve been advising independent artists about distribution, promotion and marketing. For the past 10 years I’ve been doing just that with my Jazz promo Services company.
I am also a NARAS Voting member and agree with you that it’s a daunting task trying to sift through all the submissions although last year NARAS did provide links to most, but not all of the music (oddly some jazz categories refused permission for select artists) (if you know Neil Tesser he can fill you in on this. Neil’s on the NARAS jazz committee).
Love your writing and insights into the music and the business.
Keep em coming.
Regards,
Jim Eigo
Jazz Promo Services
E-Mail: jazzpromo@earthlink.net
Web Site: www.jazzpromoservices.com/
"Specializing in Media Campaigns for the music community, artists, labels,
venues and events.”
Jeff Davis
April 13, 2010
Hey Sue, I read the article and you are so right. I am one of those indy artist since my cd was done and it is a new experience for me. The key points are marketing and distribution. I'm trying to at least get my cd in Barnes & Noble as well as some of the small christian book stores. I was interviewed on the air at a small radio station in the Bronx 105.5 FM and they are going help get my cd distributed. Anyway I hope all is well with you as with me God Bless.
Jeff
John Georgette
April 8, 2010
Hi SUE...
I had the opportunity to interview Sun Ra for my radio show back in the late 70's or early 80's. It was at a club called TOAD'S PLACE in New Haven. I asked him what kind of memories he had of Saturn.... needless to say the show had to start, so it interrupted our discussion which was way into an hour....
But he liked it so much, he invited me back after the show, and for two hours, Sun Ra and I kicked back, and talked space travel, harmonic chords from outer space and inventions he had in his head. The band members were the kindest, most enjoyable people I've ever met on the road. They patiently waited on the bus waiting to go back to Philly. AND THOSE DANCERS!!! ROBES GALORE, some of them looked like they were made of pure gold. There wasn't enough room on stage, so they danced on the dance floor. . . . Take care, JOHN
Tony Burrell, II
April 7, 2010
Hey Sue, not to worry! I have always liked some of Chicago's stuff too - right from the beginning of Volume 1 - I am that old happily:-)
Now if I could only train my ear to recognize pitches properly! To tell the difference of a "C" from "C#"
Gary Soucie
April 6, 2010
Hi, Sue! Good piece on Sun Ra. Here's a gee-whizzer* for you: One of the original members of the Arkestra was the father of Deval Patrick, currently governor of Massachusetts.
Love ya. Gary
*Too many people write "factoid," which is not a little piece of information but something that seems like a fact but is not true.
Norm Harris
March 31, 2010
Hey Sue,
Good reading as always. You must be a prolific reader with a very eclectic taste.Did I say that before? If so please forgive my redundancy. Thanks for making reference to the article on the 'Shrinking Universe'(right up my alley) in your discussion on musical instruments and equal temperment. By the way would you include the iconoclastic Yusef Lateef in the same category as Lamonte Young and Harry Partch? By the way that was a very interestingly eye catching and titillating title for this months newsletter! When are you going to put all this academic/interpretive but interesting (to me) stuff into book, or have you done so already?
Look forward to the next installment in my music learning curve.
Best regards,
Norm
Jim
March 30, 2010
Interesting about the tempered scale. The late George Russell had a few things to say about that, as of course does Ornette (and Karl Berger). The real problem, it seems to me, has to do with the literate/intellectual tradition of Europe that sees the need to define and quantify. We divide the day into 24 hours, the scale into 12 tones, note lengths into halfs, quarters, eighths, etc. So the only place for composers to delve beyond that is into microtones, which are designated (usually) into quarter tones or sometimes third tones. Accordingly, one could ask was Billie Holiday a microtonal singer? I think not. As we all know, the saxophone is far from a perfectly tempered (i.e. 'in tune') instrument.
It raises the issue of technology in the pursuit of music. Do we want perfection? And isn't the idea of relative tuning more in accord with live performance anyway?
Taylor
March 10, 2010
Hi! I am in 5th grade ,and i have decided to do a essay on you! First off i LOVE your music! And i am currently learning more skills on Alto saxophone. You are a really amazing saxophone player! I only wish i could learn to play like you! If you could email me that would be great!I need more facts about you! God Bless - TAYLOR
Derwyn Holder
March 10, 2010
Sue,
You wrote in your "REALITY" blog;"The Kabbalistic writings say that the magnificence and the vastness of God is so powerful that we humans aren't capable of taking it all in---that it would destroy us." The sign i wrote on my back door says; "If we knew how precious this moment is, it would kill us"(does our stupidity keep us alive?)I think that reality is better than imagination because you can actually fix it. If you know what it is.
Cornelius
March 9, 2010
Interesting that you would write about the Seth books and "The Secret". Actually "the Secret" was built on the work of Jerry and Esther Hicks and the teachings of Abraham. Jerry and Esther witnessed Seth first. I'm very much there with you.
Frank McGowan
March 9, 2010
I'm sure you're aware of Luigi Pirandello, who had his own ideas on this topic, expressed in such works as Sei Personaggi in Cerca d'Autore (Six Characters in Search of an Author) and Cosi E` Se Vi Pare (So It Is If You Think So). How can anyone ever know? Fascinating topic.
John Boiano
March 9, 2010
Hey Sue,
Always very thoughtful and thought provoking newsletters. I recently came up with this memory of doing acid back in the early 80's when one time I caught myself in the mirror and stayed there starring for a really long time. Friends were over and we were sharing experiences. Reading your blurb on Ground Hog day reminds me of what I said during the discussion.... What if at this very moment, I have still not turned away from, or am still glued to the mirror?
Miss ya Sue!
Peace & love, John B
Jana Byrdd
March 9, 2010
Wow, Sue, great stuff, as always.
Thanks for sharing.
Jana
Shirley
March 6, 2010
Hey Sue...Your honest and creative perspective on "Fear" touched a note in my mind. Being a painter, the "Fear of the Canvas" is one that I have to conquer from time to time. As an encouragement, I keep a quote taped to my refrigerator where I can see it every morning. Here it is:
"Do one thing every day that scares you."
(Eleanor Roosevelt)
Looking forward to seeing/hearing you at the Deer Head on the 13th!
We are celebrating WOMEN'S MONTH (MARCH)
TGJN WOMEN IN THE GROOVE!
Celebrating Women who Create JAZZ & BLUES
We think you should be one of the celebrated.
Plus it's not a mistake to be in more places than one! So connect and reconnect worldwide!
Building Bridges 4 Jazz!
Tamm E Hunt
robin
March 2, 2010
My dear...As I work late into the night finishing new paintings for a One Night Only art show here in Carbondale on Friday(Goddess I need the money bad!!), I am facing a few fears and truly appreciate your insights and well written perspective about Fear.
Will anyone oome? Is my art any "good"? Will I sell anything? Could I really sell in galleries or shows in big cities? If I only...
Jumped off the goll danged cliff and got it over with!
I think I have missed one of those windows in the past concerning my very real passion to make art but fear to get it out there for folks to engage with it on a large scale.
Gimme Mama Aya anyday, selling your heart on a canvas is another matter...or not!
Love and light to you my inspiring tribal sister, Robin Alexandra : Artist Extraordinaire
Philip Henn
March 2, 2010
Hey Sue.....I love this whole issue on "fear". I agree with you on many levels of this issue and got a kick out of many of your experiences you shared. I am in Cabo San Lucas with Lauren and return late Friday night. If you need to reach me before then please email me...thanks in advance.
Philip
Dana Leong
February 24, 2010
Hi Sue,
Wow, I don't know how you have time to write such substantial content each week. Thanks so much for the mentions and sharing in our musical journeys.
Wishing you well,
Dana Leong
Jim Hartog
February 23, 2010
Just read your blog about classical vs. jazz, written vs. improvised, composed vs. improvised. Here in Europe there's this idea that jazz players just 'make it up', which is to say there's both admiration and a subtle disdain. It's not racism, it's cultural snobbery, arrogance, imperialism, founded on an overwhelming insecurity--because from beginners on, people are unable to IMAGINE music if it's not written on paper.
So I'm sending you a copy of my thesis on 'chamber' jazz, which is a way of trying to bridge the two cultures, or not....
In any case, a lot of nice thoughts on your blog page, especially Joe Lee Wilson's advice about being a 'composer'. RIGHT! And I keep on doing music, not because it's paying all the bills, but because I'm addicted, and I'm also an acolyte in the service of music. I can't give it up, partly because it's been kind of a saving grace in my life, and nothing will ever replace that.
Rona Payne
February 22, 2010
Hi Sue:
When I saw Joe Lee Wilson's name I was intrigued. About 1976 I first heard Joe Lee Wilson and the recently departed Monty Waters at the Ladies Fort on Bond Street. They were the first two musicians I met that turned me onto to "my jazz life". I love the way Joe Lee sings. There is no one like him. He has such a range and quite a personality. Glad to read your comments on being a "composer"
He is still one of my all time favorite jazz singers and it's been over 30 + years that I've known him.
His health has not been the greatest the last few times I've seen him in NY, so I hope he is doing better.
Thanks for all your interesting stories!
Rona
norm harris
February 9, 2010
Yes, your online newsletter with all of its colorful images, logistics, student accolades and information does seem to draw one in to see and read what's going on in an almost subliminally addictive fashion. Jung's foray into alchemy sounds intriguing, hence I'm wondering what Sir Isaac Newton would have thought about Jung's writings in light of his (Newton's) own personal obsession with alchemy as an aspect of his little known secretive quest for the spiritual connection to the mechanistic universe?
So much to read and so little time to do it. Where does one begin?
Pat Bruder
February 9, 2010
I share your fascination with C.G. Jung and enjoyed reading your story about THE RED BOOK. We are friends of Derwyn and Lia and have been to the Deerhead Inn to see you several times. Love your music! Best regards, Pat
Ashley Seward
February 9, 2010
I was listening to an old Roberta Piket CD last week and forgot on one number with Rich Perry on Tenor- SHE SINGS- I could not believe how much she sounded like a Lady Alto Player I know Sings!! Speaking of Alto-Listening to another old "33" last nite-Arnie Lawrence and the "Renewal" album- Arnie-the late (But great sound) Happy Valentines Day
John Georgette aka johnnie cruz, john jett . . .
February 9, 2010
Hey Sweet Sue,
I just got back from Ybor City, Tampa from doing a photo shoot of the old Cuban buildings. You can still feel the Havana music in the old part of the city.
Anyway, Sunday at the Mattatuck Museum, in an art lecture about an artist from Uruguay, it was mentioned that a woman artist from Connecticut, went to Europe, and fell in love with JUNG. Unfortunately, she gave up her art career but was responsible for Jung's work being translated into English! Her last name was FOOT [maybe it has an 'e' at the end, not sure, I only heard her name spoken]
Just thought you'd like to know. Also, every first Thursday of the month they have a great jazz program [and it even pays]. It would be realy easy to get to from the city. . . oh yeah, Hartt connection for you... as I was saying, easy to get to, Check out the Museum. Mattatuck Museum, Waterbury, CT. Former brass capital of the world.
You can write to Catherine Roisch, and use my name, and say I thought she would like your band a lot!
Originally I saw you in Brooklyn years ago and then again recently in Middletown with Joe Fonda.
Stay warm,
John Georgette
richard Greeman
February 7, 2010
Dear Sue,
I'm a slow reader so I just got through Peru with you. Eliane says hello. Just wanted you to know I'm out here and part of the tribe. Will write more later. Hugs, Richard
PS Will be in NY March 16-30 hope to see you all.
albert
February 5, 2010
Sue, great article, you are an awesome writer, I enjoyed it very much so please keep up the good work.
Thank you
Albert
Bill Boothby
February 3, 2010
That was a very sweet note you wrote about my daughter Deb Schaarschmidt. Thank you.