Practice Pad
Technology, Programming, Music, Percussion, Drums and Stuff

Lost approximately 4 pounds this week. This is good. I was expecting the first 5-8 pounds to come off quickly, and I’m shooting for an AVERAGE of 2 pounds over 20 weeks. I need to see if I can get a quick fat-axe before shot… Actually, I ought to take one weekly so that I can run them together as an animation. Now THERE’s a creepy idea!

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That’s the new goal. Currently, I’m operating purely in the realm of diet changes. I’ve cut out alcohol altogether, and also fried, greasy foods. No more cheeseburgers.

Yesterday was Week 1, Day 1. Week 1 Weight: 213.

Target weight: 173.

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Last night I was lucky enough to attend the Return To Forever concert at Kingsbury Hall. Simply amazing. These 4 dudes, who were on the forefront of the invention of jazz-fusion 25 years ago, walked in, sat down and played some of the hottest, groovingest music I’ve ever heard. The same material from a quarter of a century ago, and it still sounds fresh and hipper than almost anything else out there at the moment. I was almost able to arrange a lesson with the drummer, too.

Chick played in his customary style. Lots of crazy, processed synth. Chick’s technique and soloistic approach are distinctive, and he certainly didn’t disappoint. Stanley Clarke was the other real standout of the show, in my opinion. They played a set with him on upright bass, and he took an extended solo… during which, frankly, I’m not sure WHAT happened. I’ve never seen anybody play the instrument like that. I was sincerely afraid he was going to break it. Apparently there are examples of similar stuff from him on youtube. I’ll check that out and post it.

Anybody who’s going to be in position to see this tour who likes music AT ALL owes it to themselves to go see these masters do the funky fusion.

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