The media excerpt link is apparently courtesy of Brett Meisner from this discussion. Here's another possible link.
Dang! The one Saturday night I didn't record SNL and this classic moment happens! I've commented about the so-called "live" stuff on this blog before. Sure, stuff happens; things get mucked up on stage. But ya gotta go with it, right? But to walk out on the band? That was probably not a good thing.
Ashlee Simpson's band deserves lots of credit (rather than the blame she publicly lumped on them) for hammering it out and hanging in there...when performing live there's no such thing as "the wrong song" - once that train is in motion, that's the one going down the tracks.
Given that things can and will go wrong on stage, it pays to be able to "wing it" just a little bit. A pathetic little "hoe-down" dance for 15 seconds and then escaping from the stage is far from sufficient.
The reality is that a great opportunity was lost because of lack of preparation on Ahslee's part. And I'm not talking about the preparation for a "computer glitch" but rather the preparation of just being well-rounded entertainer - the preparation of being able to take the blame instead of passing it to "the band"- the preparation of being able to be in the moment, keep a cool head, and get through the tune, however poorly it comes off.
It's interesting when a singer/musician forgets a lyric, comes in wrong or just botches it big time - hey that happens; everyone is human. But the stuff that separates the hacks from the pros is what they're able to do next.
If you put entertainers from another era in the same situation, I wonder what Judy Garland would have done? How about Tony Orlando? Bobby Darrin? My guess is these seasoned entertainers (whom I'm sure experienced their share of "situations") would probably have turned the event to their advantage and at least gotten a laugh out of it.
And if this fiasco happened to a Jazz musician? Forget it! If a Jazz musician falls on stage and there's no one there to hear them, then that's called a typical night at the club! (I just made that up - and that's winging it!)
The SNL audience (both TV and in-house) was prepared to listen to some mediocre corporate manufactured pop music, but instead were subjected to Ashlee Simpson's great escape. And when reviewed that way, maybe Ashlee did us all a favor!
Monday, October 25, 2004
Saturday, October 23, 2004
Cakewalk's SONAR: Gradual Audio Lag - MIDI to Audio Conversion
Here's a reprint of a post I made this morning to Cakewalk's site - I'd been having some issues with audio latency in converting MIDI to audio. Maybe this will save others the two hours of experimentation, trial, error and ultimately success, that I went through to find this:
Thanks to everyone for the posts on gradual audio lag...this particular solution worked for me:
I'm currently using SONAR 3.1.1 (might apply to SONAR 4 or later too?) and was having audio latency issues when converting my MIDI tracks from external modules to audio tracks. After trying many other things, the solution that conclusively worked for me was to set this as follows in the Cakewalk AUD.INI file:
KsUseInputEvent=1
I don't know why it works, but it works. Probably something to do with my system's USB audio latency and/or SONAR's ability to adjust or force the syncronization via this configuration setting.
It was getting very frustrating to have my basic MIDI tracks play back in perfect sync with my audio tracks, only to hear after the MIDI tracks were recorded to audo from the external keyboards that there was a definite lag behind the original MIDI track...not right away (a gradual audio lag) - usually becoming painfully obvious around 2 to three minutes into the tune - the latency (lag time) was undeniable and the MIDI to audio mixes could not be used. (I'd even resorted to dumping quick demo mixes directly to my iRiver MP3 recorder without even trying to get audio mixes of the MIDI - but that solution is not unacceptable for mixes that need to be more polished).
Without this KsUseInputEvent option, there were only a couple other options that I could come up with, none of which were particularly appealing:
1. Record the MIDI tracks to audio in smaller sections (e.g., 32 measures at a time rather than the entire track) - but the down side to this is that it's a major time drain and hassle when dealing with lots of MIDI tracks.
2. Record the MIDI to audio, and end up splitting the tracks and adjusting the start time of the lagging audio by various milliseconds (usually to start playing about 10 to 30 ms later to catch up with the other audio). I actually have to do this sometimes anyway (for performance reasons!) but having to do it with music that sometimes comes from a Finale or MIDI source, re-sync with the vocals or horns...arg...that would be a pain for all MIDI to audio conversions.
My sound card is a Roland UA-30 USB and I use a Yamaha UX256 USB MIDI thru box.
In summary, if you find your MIDI track, when converted to audio, lags behind your original MIDI (test this by soloing the two together) then, for me at least, setting KsUseInputEvent=1 in the Cakewalk AUD.INI worked.
Rob Birdwell
Thanks to everyone for the posts on gradual audio lag...this particular solution worked for me:
I'm currently using SONAR 3.1.1 (might apply to SONAR 4 or later too?) and was having audio latency issues when converting my MIDI tracks from external modules to audio tracks. After trying many other things, the solution that conclusively worked for me was to set this as follows in the Cakewalk AUD.INI file:
KsUseInputEvent=1
I don't know why it works, but it works. Probably something to do with my system's USB audio latency and/or SONAR's ability to adjust or force the syncronization via this configuration setting.
It was getting very frustrating to have my basic MIDI tracks play back in perfect sync with my audio tracks, only to hear after the MIDI tracks were recorded to audo from the external keyboards that there was a definite lag behind the original MIDI track...not right away (a gradual audio lag) - usually becoming painfully obvious around 2 to three minutes into the tune - the latency (lag time) was undeniable and the MIDI to audio mixes could not be used. (I'd even resorted to dumping quick demo mixes directly to my iRiver MP3 recorder without even trying to get audio mixes of the MIDI - but that solution is not unacceptable for mixes that need to be more polished).
Without this KsUseInputEvent option, there were only a couple other options that I could come up with, none of which were particularly appealing:
1. Record the MIDI tracks to audio in smaller sections (e.g., 32 measures at a time rather than the entire track) - but the down side to this is that it's a major time drain and hassle when dealing with lots of MIDI tracks.
2. Record the MIDI to audio, and end up splitting the tracks and adjusting the start time of the lagging audio by various milliseconds (usually to start playing about 10 to 30 ms later to catch up with the other audio). I actually have to do this sometimes anyway (for performance reasons!) but having to do it with music that sometimes comes from a Finale or MIDI source, re-sync with the vocals or horns...arg...that would be a pain for all MIDI to audio conversions.
My sound card is a Roland UA-30 USB and I use a Yamaha UX256 USB MIDI thru box.
In summary, if you find your MIDI track, when converted to audio, lags behind your original MIDI (test this by soloing the two together) then, for me at least, setting KsUseInputEvent=1 in the Cakewalk AUD.INI worked.
Rob Birdwell
Thursday, October 14, 2004
BirdwellMusic.com Virtual Studio
I'll be posting the basic play along track soon so we can all begin - the tune, written within the last few weeks, is called "Jenny's Web Cam." Yes, we've all seen her site, either by happenstance, mistaken-email-topic-quick-click (right), or through extensive research. I did happen to get an email invitation to visit Jenny's web cam - hence the birth of a new song. No it's not a porno song - it's a "serious" commentary on the state of free enterprise...(ha!)
Anyway, "Jenny" should serve as a nice vehicle for this type of musical collaboration and will, I hope, be fun to record in this manner.
The "Jenny" track will feature vocals, guitar, synths, strings and horn parts (I have a sketch that includes written parts for all instruments but specifically for Violin, Cello, Trumpet, Tenor Sax, Alto Sax, Trombone - we'll see if that's possible in this "virtual" environment), drums, percussion, background vocals. Plenty of room for lots of folks to add their unique style to the mix.
Eventually, my basic tracks might simply disappear! After listening to the basic track (suspend belief, it will be very bare bones...intentionally), if you can imagine yourself contributing in some musical way (and have the ability to record yourself at home using your own computer/software) then, by golly do it!
[Detailed instructions to follow: Musicians can download the basic track along with the lead sheet of the tune and lay down their part...soon. The file exchange will either be email (MP3 files only) or the BirdwellMusic.com Virtual Studio group that I set up.]
Say tuned for more on the BirdwellMusic.com Virtual Studio!
Anyway, "Jenny" should serve as a nice vehicle for this type of musical collaboration and will, I hope, be fun to record in this manner.
The "Jenny" track will feature vocals, guitar, synths, strings and horn parts (I have a sketch that includes written parts for all instruments but specifically for Violin, Cello, Trumpet, Tenor Sax, Alto Sax, Trombone - we'll see if that's possible in this "virtual" environment), drums, percussion, background vocals. Plenty of room for lots of folks to add their unique style to the mix.
Eventually, my basic tracks might simply disappear! After listening to the basic track (suspend belief, it will be very bare bones...intentionally), if you can imagine yourself contributing in some musical way (and have the ability to record yourself at home using your own computer/software) then, by golly do it!
[Detailed instructions to follow: Musicians can download the basic track along with the lead sheet of the tune and lay down their part...soon. The file exchange will either be email (MP3 files only) or the BirdwellMusic.com Virtual Studio group that I set up.]
Say tuned for more on the BirdwellMusic.com Virtual Studio!
Tuesday, October 12, 2004
All Things Beautiful (Free MP3 download) by Rob Birdwell
All Things Beautiful words and music (c) 2004 Rob Birdwell
I have many tunes queued up and ready to produce, yet there's just never enough time. Seems like the only ones I get to record are the tunes that carry a deep emotional meaning for me - and this one is particularly special! All Things Beautiful was written for my mom, Christine Birdwell, in honor of her birthday. Background vocals feature Linnea Birdwell, Maja Birdwell and Frey Birdwell. Rob Birdwell produced, sang and played Flugelhorn, Bass and Piano. Enjoy!
Other Music and Links from Rob in 2004
The Stranger By The Bay (new film music by Rob Birdwell)
The film will debut at the Majestic Theatre on February 20, 2004 - two showings: 7:00 pm and 9:30 pm. There will be wine and food too. Should be a nice time to celebrate all those who contributed their time and talents to this show. Here's a link to the content of the "official" press release from the producers.
As you may have guessed, I wrote the music for this film. Although there were over 30 different musical cues, I'm featuring two that I'm especially proud of:
Nice & Easy In Seattle - featuring the Hill Top Big Band
There Is No Getting Over You - featuring Susie Blair (vocals), Jim Guynn (saxes), Jed Irvine (drums), Linnea Birdwell (background vocals), Maja Birdwell (background vocals), Rob Birdwell (piano, bass, flugelhorn, background vocals, writer)
Live Tracks
Long Lonely Road To Chicago (Live) - a vocal tribute to Clifford Brown, featuring Susan Peck on Piano and Vocals
Bebop For Clifford (Live) - a bebop tribute the great Clifford Brown
Big Girl (Live) - featuring Rob Birdwell on the Vocals, Jim Guynn on Tenor Sax.
Little Man (Live) - featuring Rob Birdwell on the Vocals. Jim Guynn's lovely Soprano Sax is sweet n'est pas?
The Easy One - a straight ahead jazz chart.
Soundscapes From A Haunted City - Part I - Featuring the combined Right Relation Quintet and the Valley Brass Quintet. This music was written for an edited cut of the new movie "The Stranger By The Bay" written by Andy Foster.
Works In Progress
Beautiful Moments - shorting after finishing the song, I laid down a live piano/vocal rendition. Far from perfect yet captures the basic sense of the tune.
Stranger By The Bay and Other Music from Rob in 2004
The following is an archive of recent BirdwellMusic front page stuff - it's still relevant, but it's going to the archives!
The Stranger By The Bay - soon to be showing at a film festival near you!
The following tracks are from the forthcoming indie movie, "The Stranger By The Bay," written by Andy Foster, directed by Mary Jeanne Reynales, filmed/edited by David Grucza, music composed, arranged, produced and conducted by Rob Birdwell.
Nice & Easy In Seattle - featuring the Hill Top Big Band
There Is No Getting Over You - featuring Susie Blair (vocals), Jim Guynn (saxes), Jed Irvine (drums), Linnea Birdwell (background vocals), Maja Birdwell (background vocals), Rob Birdwell (piano, bass, flugelhorn, background vocals, writer)
The following are some live tracks, composed and arranged by Rob Birdwell featuring the Right Relation Quintet and Valley Brass Quintet:
Long Lonely Road To Chicago (Live) - a vocal tribute to Clifford Brown, featuring Susan Peck on Piano and Vocals
Bebop For Clifford (Live) - a bebop tribute the great Clifford Brown
Big Girl (Live) - featuring Rob Birdwell on the Vocals
Little Man (Live) - featuring Rob Birdwell on the Vocals
The Easy One - a straight ahead jazz chart
Soundscapes From A Haunted City - Part I - Featuring the combined Right Relation Quintet and the Valley Brass Quintet. This music was written for an edited cut of the new movie "The Stranger By The Bay" written by Andy Foster.
All selections composed and arranged by Rob Birdwell. Lyrics to Big Girl, Little Man and Long Lonely Road To Chicago are Copyright (c) Rob Birdwell.
Soft14.com - A great site for Music Software, Featuring Real Trumpet and Virtual Trumpet
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Check it out!
Rob Birdwell
Check it out!
Rob Birdwell
Monday, October 04, 2004
Draft Legislation in USA - HR 163
Bill Summary & Status - just a reminder that your vote counts (well, except if you voted in 2000 - if you lived in Florida at the time, that one probably didn't).
I oppose a mandatory draft - if there is a cause worth fighting for, then we do not need our government to force young men and women into harms way (possibly against their will), particularly for causes that are suspect or not what they appear to be.
I am going to vote for the candidate I believe will work to promote peace at home and throughout the world: John Kerry.
Okay, this is a musical blog - why the politics? Well, the stakes are high. Clearly there are important issues on the table: health care, security, the environment... and I firmly believe that a Kerry administration will clearly be the better alternative to the legacy Bush has left us with and seems intent on providing more of, if given the chance. And, of course, far, far down on the list are those policies that deal either directly or indirectly with art and music...yes, I believe a Kerry administration might have the foresight to put plans into place that encourage art/music programs, assist educators, and work with individuals/groups to encourage new amateur and professional opportunities in these fields. No, I'm not talking "entitlements" or government hand-outs for artists/musicians! What I'm referring to is more abstract. I'm referring specifically to an administration that recognizes the vast diversity of ways of expression and communication; an administration that values freedom of speech and enforces our constitutional rights rather than diminish them.
It's not too late to change the current course (war, fear, corruption: Bush). John Kerry is the better person for the job and will (I sure hope) bring sanity, logic, representative governing, and reason back to the role of President of the United States.
We all have a choice - this republic and our democracy will fail if we do not use our voices and exercise our rights: Vote.
Rob Birdwell
Other references and links:
Here's a Washington Time article where John Kerry stated he would not reinstate the draft.
I oppose a mandatory draft - if there is a cause worth fighting for, then we do not need our government to force young men and women into harms way (possibly against their will), particularly for causes that are suspect or not what they appear to be.
I am going to vote for the candidate I believe will work to promote peace at home and throughout the world: John Kerry.
Okay, this is a musical blog - why the politics? Well, the stakes are high. Clearly there are important issues on the table: health care, security, the environment... and I firmly believe that a Kerry administration will clearly be the better alternative to the legacy Bush has left us with and seems intent on providing more of, if given the chance. And, of course, far, far down on the list are those policies that deal either directly or indirectly with art and music...yes, I believe a Kerry administration might have the foresight to put plans into place that encourage art/music programs, assist educators, and work with individuals/groups to encourage new amateur and professional opportunities in these fields. No, I'm not talking "entitlements" or government hand-outs for artists/musicians! What I'm referring to is more abstract. I'm referring specifically to an administration that recognizes the vast diversity of ways of expression and communication; an administration that values freedom of speech and enforces our constitutional rights rather than diminish them.
It's not too late to change the current course (war, fear, corruption: Bush). John Kerry is the better person for the job and will (I sure hope) bring sanity, logic, representative governing, and reason back to the role of President of the United States.
We all have a choice - this republic and our democracy will fail if we do not use our voices and exercise our rights: Vote.
Rob Birdwell
Other references and links:
Here's a Washington Time article where John Kerry stated he would not reinstate the draft.
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