It might have been for the best you didn't make that show... I was told by the promoter we'd be going on second. My drummer was told we'd be going on first. We get there and the staff tells us we're going on fourth. We ended up going on third! Ha! But it was probably around 11:15 by that point.
I don't wanna jinx it, but we may have picked up a semi-regular gig at 3 Kings as a result of playing that night. Time will tell, though... I'll work on getting a weekend gig for ya, though!
Bear...thanks a bunch dude. All of the tracks are done by me...including bass. The lead track is me and my Highway 1 Strat. The bass is a cheapo Walmart First Act bass. I played the CBG box like a drum for the percussion track. The other two tracks are me playing slide on the CBG.
The track name comes from the Boss BR-600 recorder when it mixes down the 8 tracks to stereo...it's the name of the destination...third virtual track of slider 7/8 on the mixing board.
Mr. Bear, I saw your 50s era image on another persons page and had to check you out. Wonderful songs on your music page. I see you have a CD and man, I bet it's good. Your 50s era photo looks a bit like me as a kid. Saddly, I did not learn to play until I was nearly 50 and 'discovered' cbgs last year at 60+. Beautiful cbg photos here too. Good on ya.
Your CD is fantastic. Thanks so much for giving it to me. Cool, pro looking cover art and even labeling on the disc. I sat down to 'sample' it and I'm listening to the whole thing. Great songs, most of which you have written. Wonderful musicianship.
Not too long songs, I like em' short. Funny though, Back Yard Waltz, the longest at 3:10 is my current favorite. Southbound is close.
I do not tolerate much Scruggs style banjo, but your style (frailing?) and the guitar backing is just the ticket for me. Sounds like lots of hammers and minor chords. You are good enough to be star. Kind of humbles a hack player like me, but I am gonna keep on playing.
Good going from you, a former Iowan, who now has a Rocky Mountain sound.
Thank you, and more videos with some of these songs, please!
Man, I can't thank you enough for coming out to the show! It really means A LOT to me. Glad to hear you enjoyed it, too :-) I was pretty surprised by how big a crowd was there, honestly. And I was beyond stoked to get some of them women dancing!
I'm not planning on being out of Denver for very long... I have the feeling that once the summer starts to wind down, my job won't have many hours for me, which will leave with me approximately zero reasons NOT to get my ass back to Denver!
I dunno if you saw, but Hymn for Her is playing the Lion's Lair on June 19th. I'm gonna try to get myself on that bill, too.
And that flyer, man... it came together pretty easily. I did a little bit of design in school (as it related to magazines, newspapers, mass comm, etc), and just kept tinkering with photoshop ever since.
Hey Todd! How ya been buddy? Things are pretty decent up here in the mountains... this rain has been really motivating for me to get in the workshop (I'm working out of a greenhouse, so your typical hot days end up just making me lazy!). Got a few really killer looking CBGs going, and I'm hoping to start up an electric CBBanjo soon. I might hit up Marvin to let me borrow that one of yours for inspiration!
Bear, Thanks for your comments. I come to your page and hear your music and want to play your cd again. I had it in the car for the KC fest and listened on the way home.
I came to your page on Uncle Johns recommendation....I very glad I did! I love your music and I aspire to be a small fraction as good as you sound. Fantastic....... Thanks for sharing your talents.
Bear, your music is amazing. I just listened to the 14 songs you have here and loved them all. Great Job! And your instruments are mighty fine looking also.
Well, this "subject" thinks your stuff is better, so there!
The pie pans make great banjo like reso instruments...just hunt the local resale shops. I like to use an 8" pan for the top and a 9" pan for the back that way they have a open edge like a resonator banjo. Let me know if you need any pointers.
There are a lot of kits for amps out there, but if you want to build one from scratch, the Ruby (from runoffgroove.com) is a great simple amp that is prefect as a practice amp. Again, I'd be glad to help, just ask.
Yep Pub. I think one of it's previous incarnation was a tavern. Wolf Tongue Tavern? Like most places, in a small town, the name gets shortened. 1st St.
About one Saturday a month Blue Owl Books has a Tacos & Tunes night. Local acoustic talent. Worth checking out if you're in the are.
Hey Todd: Just sitting here in my office listening to your music. It's Christmas eve day and your mother found the photo of you and Santa Claus - It seems that you are looking like Santa now - but I like it. Hope you an Katy have a great Christmas.
I just heard your "Sunday drive with Katy" on Silent Jim's page. Man, here is what I wrote when I thought it was his song...
I came here to respond to your comment on my wall with thanks etc, etc, but I was completely distracted by your most charming song "Sunday drive with Katy". I mean it is lovely, delightful, like a mature deep love. Consider me moved.
That is so cool! I knew because I feel music. And you accurately portrayed that feeling! You apparently feel music too! I can't read a lick. I'm 100% self taught. I am music. Your song truly moves me. Happy anniversary lovebirds! :)
Thank's Bear, and for the heads up about this place too. It looks like the farm may be within one to two hundred miles of Ted Crocker, with all the music going on up in north Florida I'm sure the opportunity will present itself.
I'll get those pictures up, as well as sound files and videos.
With all the metal working tools, the forge and anvil and the foundry we are planning on building I hope to be able to come up with some unique parts in the next year or so. 93 days to go "o)
No I don't know Ted but the farm is close to Tallahassee, I'll look him up at some time.
As far as the foundry goes I get my biggest kicks out of having more control over the project's process. You know like making my own sweaters and hats from my own sheep or making my own instruments with trees that fell in my backyard. I've learned that there is some pretty good clay on the farm, it's iron rich so I'll have clay for my potters wheel and iron for making knives, this is the kind of goofy stuff I live for. It's possible I may never get all the thing done that I hope to but the potential will keep be going for a few more years "o)
I was wondering, did you use steel strings or nylon on that banjo with the wooden tuning pegs. I was thinking of using zither pins for the tuners, but wasnt sure if the tension would be too great on the wood pegs or zithers.
Great guitars , great music!! You have golden hands, sir!
Thanks for you comments.
About blues community in Russia: it is very smile community - 15-20 musicians olnly. It`s not popular music in Russia, but I`m play the blues over 20 years. And 1 year ago I learned about a cigar box guitars - it`s very interested subject for me and for my funs.
I`m makin little busines - makin and bayin` CBG :)
I love american music culture, i know american history, i`m like american people. our cultures are very similar , because USA - it`s immigrants country. But ... I never was in America :)
Thanks for the comments Bear. My daughter's coming back to the states in June now I need a vid of her singing with CB backup. The cookie tin uke and most CB instruments I treat like my banjo builds with a dowel running thru the body just like what I see on the photos of your banjos. As to skin heads, it's always a struggle to keep good tension in changing temp and humidity. Oh and your music that I'm hearing as I write is GREAT! I'll try to post some photos of an internal tensioning system that I devised (stolen from looking at some bodhrans) that I use on some of my skin head instruments.
Oh yeah, that one held Christmas pretzels and came with the see thru plastic top. I wasn't sure if it was strong enough to carry the bridge so I wouldn't sell it till I'd played it for a year and it held. Been looking but haven't been able to find anymore like it. It probably helped that I made it a uke which has a lot less tension than other instruments. The lady who bought it ($75 I think) hasn't reported any problems. Gotta find more of those pretzels!
I was just curious. You talked about the words "No text, how are you" in Broken Bird. Yes, that is correct. I was actually trying to make it current to today when i wrote that. I was thinking more of a modern bluesy country song, and did it on purpose. You did make me ponder, whether I should just change that line to "no sweet, how are you". Thanks for taking all the time to help analyze them too.
Bear! I got the chance to listen to all your music while I was writing this. Your music is amazing, I don't even know how to tell you how much I love it.. I don't mean just 1 or 2. ALL OF THEM. Such a pleasure to be able to listen and thanks again.
Thanks for your compliments...no, I don't play left handed, did I turn one of the videos around?? lol. I have to tell you though, when I listen to your music, it is like magic and touches my heart. You are an amazing writer and musician, and I believe that you will be found someday...
Hey Bear, This is Walt The CBUkulele builder, I like you video music and impressed with your unique designs. Sounds great! Glad to be a part of this website.Working on another Uke of course cannot stop this feverish hobby, Ha. Will post pics later on, when I finish my 40 on record. Your added friend, Walt CBU Builder [:-)]===I=I
Nathan King
Hey Bear,
It might have been for the best you didn't make that show... I was told by the promoter we'd be going on second. My drummer was told we'd be going on first. We get there and the staff tells us we're going on fourth. We ended up going on third! Ha! But it was probably around 11:15 by that point.
I don't wanna jinx it, but we may have picked up a semi-regular gig at 3 Kings as a result of playing that night. Time will tell, though... I'll work on getting a weekend gig for ya, though!
Apr 7, 2011
Bill Harbour
Re: tr0708_3...
Bear...thanks a bunch dude. All of the tracks are done by me...including bass. The lead track is me and my Highway 1 Strat. The bass is a cheapo Walmart First Act bass. I played the CBG box like a drum for the percussion track. The other two tracks are me playing slide on the CBG.
The track name comes from the Boss BR-600 recorder when it mixes down the 8 tracks to stereo...it's the name of the destination...third virtual track of slider 7/8 on the mixing board.
May 10, 2011
Bill Harbour
May 10, 2011
Bill Harbour
May 10, 2011
Bill Harbour
May 11, 2011
Hoov
I just listened to my new CD of your music. OUTSTANDING!!!!!
Thanks a bunch!
I plan to wear it out.
Also a question, Where do you get your adjustable bridges shown on some of your pictures? Do you make them?
May 13, 2011
Uncle John
Jun 1, 2011
Uncle John
Todd,
Your CD is fantastic. Thanks so much for giving it to me. Cool, pro looking cover art and even labeling on the disc. I sat down to 'sample' it and I'm listening to the whole thing. Great songs, most of which you have written. Wonderful musicianship.
Not too long songs, I like em' short. Funny though, Back Yard Waltz, the longest at 3:10 is my current favorite. Southbound is close.
I do not tolerate much Scruggs style banjo, but your style (frailing?) and the guitar backing is just the ticket for me. Sounds like lots of hammers and minor chords. You are good enough to be star. Kind of humbles a hack player like me, but I am gonna keep on playing.
Good going from you, a former Iowan, who now has a Rocky Mountain sound.
Thank you, and more videos with some of these songs, please!
John
Jun 4, 2011
Nathan King
Man, I can't thank you enough for coming out to the show! It really means A LOT to me. Glad to hear you enjoyed it, too :-) I was pretty surprised by how big a crowd was there, honestly. And I was beyond stoked to get some of them women dancing!
I'm not planning on being out of Denver for very long... I have the feeling that once the summer starts to wind down, my job won't have many hours for me, which will leave with me approximately zero reasons NOT to get my ass back to Denver!
I dunno if you saw, but Hymn for Her is playing the Lion's Lair on June 19th. I'm gonna try to get myself on that bill, too.
And that flyer, man... it came together pretty easily. I did a little bit of design in school (as it related to magazines, newspapers, mass comm, etc), and just kept tinkering with photoshop ever since.
Jun 5, 2011
Nathan King
Jul 13, 2011
Uncle John
Aug 5, 2011
JP Swenson
Aug 5, 2011
Mark Lillo
Aug 5, 2011
JP Swenson
Aug 6, 2011
Chester Winowiecki
Wow! Love your stuff, Todd! Thanks for the compliment on my work: it means a lot more when it comes from someone who's better than you are!
Chester
Aug 25, 2011
Chester Winowiecki
Todd,
Well, this "subject" thinks your stuff is better, so there!
The pie pans make great banjo like reso instruments...just hunt the local resale shops. I like to use an 8" pan for the top and a 9" pan for the back that way they have a open edge like a resonator banjo. Let me know if you need any pointers.
There are a lot of kits for amps out there, but if you want to build one from scratch, the Ruby (from runoffgroove.com) is a great simple amp that is prefect as a practice amp. Again, I'd be glad to help, just ask.
Chester
Aug 26, 2011
Retro Grouch
Thanks Bear! No snow yet but fall is making itself known. I didn't know there was a CO board until last night. How could I resist? :)
RG
Sep 16, 2011
Retro Grouch
Go figure. I thought I was getting into something a little unique in these parts.
The PI just got some new owners who are into music in a big way. I'd check the FB page of website. Personally, I'm a 1st St Tavern fan.
Sep 16, 2011
Retro Grouch
Yep Pub. I think one of it's previous incarnation was a tavern. Wolf Tongue Tavern? Like most places, in a small town, the name gets shortened. 1st St.
About one Saturday a month Blue Owl Books has a Tacos & Tunes night. Local acoustic talent. Worth checking out if you're in the are.
Sep 16, 2011
Jez Longshanks Walker
Oct 17, 2011
Jez Longshanks Walker
Oct 17, 2011
Uncle John
Hi Todd,
Listened to your cd again. Wonderful stuff. I see that you are also a Night Owl fan, as am I. Happy holidays.
John
Nov 22, 2011
darren brown
thanks for the comment on mogans vid .
Dec 1, 2011
Loco
love your music Bear...your a great composer
Dec 17, 2011
Cecil Treadway
Hey Todd: Just sitting here in my office listening to your music. It's Christmas eve day and your mother found the photo of you and Santa Claus - It seems that you are looking like Santa now - but I like it. Hope you an Katy have a great Christmas.
Dad
Dec 24, 2011
neanderpaul
I just heard your "Sunday drive with Katy" on Silent Jim's page. Man, here is what I wrote when I thought it was his song...
I came here to respond to your comment on my wall with thanks etc, etc, but I was completely distracted by your most charming song "Sunday drive with Katy". I mean it is lovely, delightful, like a mature deep love. Consider me moved.
Feb 6, 2012
neanderpaul
I will be back for more!
Feb 6, 2012
neanderpaul
Feb 6, 2012
Michael P Barclay
Hey buddy, looks like I've been assimilated "o) Came across Mike Lowe and Ted Crocker and have been inspired, even bought a few cool parts.
Mike aka hushnel
Mar 27, 2012
Michael P Barclay
I'll get those pictures up, as well as sound files and videos.
With all the metal working tools, the forge and anvil and the foundry we are planning on building I hope to be able to come up with some unique parts in the next year or so. 93 days to go "o)
Mar 27, 2012
Michael P Barclay
As far as the foundry goes I get my biggest kicks out of having more control over the project's process. You know like making my own sweaters and hats from my own sheep or making my own instruments with trees that fell in my backyard. I've learned that there is some pretty good clay on the farm, it's iron rich so I'll have clay for my potters wheel and iron for making knives, this is the kind of goofy stuff I live for. It's possible I may never get all the thing done that I hope to but the potential will keep be going for a few more years "o)
Mar 29, 2012
Wade
Hey Bear,
I was wondering, did you use steel strings or nylon on that banjo with the wooden tuning pegs. I was thinking of using zither pins for the tuners, but wasnt sure if the tension would be too great on the wood pegs or zithers.
Thanks,
Wade
Apr 9, 2012
Wade
Wow your not only a good builder - great composer and picker, too!
Apr 9, 2012
Cpt. Nemoff
Great guitars , great music!! You have golden hands, sir!
Thanks for you comments.
About blues community in Russia: it is very smile community - 15-20 musicians olnly. It`s not popular music in Russia, but I`m play the blues over 20 years. And 1 year ago I learned about a cigar box guitars - it`s very interested subject for me and for my funs.
I`m makin little busines - makin and bayin` CBG :)
I love american music culture, i know american history, i`m like american people. our cultures are very similar , because USA - it`s immigrants country. But ... I never was in America :)
Apr 19, 2012
Jim Morris
Thanks for the comments Bear. My daughter's coming back to the states in June now I need a vid of her singing with CB backup. The cookie tin uke and most CB instruments I treat like my banjo builds with a dowel running thru the body just like what I see on the photos of your banjos. As to skin heads, it's always a struggle to keep good tension in changing temp and humidity. Oh and your music that I'm hearing as I write is GREAT! I'll try to post some photos of an internal tensioning system that I devised (stolen from looking at some bodhrans) that I use on some of my skin head instruments.
Apr 23, 2012
Jim Morris
Yes sir, got some photos posted of internal tensioning for skin head instruments if you're interested.
Apr 23, 2012
Jim Morris
Oh yeah, that one held Christmas pretzels and came with the see thru plastic top. I wasn't sure if it was strong enough to carry the bridge so I wouldn't sell it till I'd played it for a year and it held. Been looking but haven't been able to find anymore like it. It probably helped that I made it a uke which has a lot less tension than other instruments. The lady who bought it ($75 I think) hasn't reported any problems. Gotta find more of those pretzels!
Apr 23, 2012
Carlton F
nice work bear ,tunes are sweet.
Apr 29, 2012
James
Paradox Mine beautiful song !!!
Jun 1, 2012
Jamie MacBlues
Nice tunes, ma man :)
Jun 7, 2012
Letha Allen
Bear, I am in awe of your talent for building, writing, and playing. I am so happy to meet you and thank you for sharing.
Jun 27, 2012
Crimson Toad
Found your song "Puesta del sol"..very enjoyable...think i'll listen to the rest...
Jul 4, 2012
Crimson Toad
WoW !!! Super nice acoustic catalog of tunes Bear...Beautiful stuff !!
Jul 4, 2012
Letha Allen
Hi Bear,
Thanks so much for taking the time to help. I will put your vote for cool cool water and Broken bird second...
Thanks again!
Jul 7, 2012
Letha Allen
Bear,
I was just curious. You talked about the words "No text, how are you" in Broken Bird. Yes, that is correct. I was actually trying to make it current to today when i wrote that. I was thinking more of a modern bluesy country song, and did it on purpose. You did make me ponder, whether I should just change that line to "no sweet, how are you". Thanks for taking all the time to help analyze them too.
Bear! I got the chance to listen to all your music while I was writing this. Your music is amazing, I don't even know how to tell you how much I love it.. I don't mean just 1 or 2. ALL OF THEM. Such a pleasure to be able to listen and thanks again.
Letha
Jul 7, 2012
Letha Allen
Todd,
Thanks for your compliments...no, I don't play left handed, did I turn one of the videos around?? lol. I have to tell you though, when I listen to your music, it is like magic and touches my heart. You are an amazing writer and musician, and I believe that you will be found someday...
Aug 21, 2012
BUGGY (C)
Thanks Bear real nice builds and playing really like the CBG banjo idea
Aug 30, 2012
Cigar Box Gus
Thanks for the request and the kind words. I've been listening to your CBBanjo record, and it's just great music all around. Nice recording, too.
Sep 25, 2012
Walter Wynarczuk
Hey Bear, This is Walt The CBUkulele builder, I like you video music and impressed with your unique designs. Sounds great! Glad to be a part of this website.Working on another Uke of course cannot stop this feverish hobby, Ha. Will post pics later on, when I finish my 40 on record. Your added friend, Walt CBU Builder [:-)]===I=I
Sep 25, 2012
neanderpaul
Jan 10, 2013