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The New Atavachron Digest 10/96
Date: Thu, 3 Oct 1996 13:15:09 -0400
From: owner-atavachron@jabular.webster.com
Apparently-To: atavachron-outgoing@jabular.webster.com
To: JEFF@ADDIMENSION.COM
The New Atavachron Digest 96/10/03
Sender: owner-atavachron@webster.com
Precedence: bulk
Reply-To: Jeff Preston
----------
Date: Mon, 30 Sep 1996 17:45:07 -0800
From: edju@scf-fs.usc.edu (Edward Ju)
Subject: NTS: nowhere in sight?
I thought None Too Soon was supposed to be released last Tuesday, but
I can't find it anywhere - Best Buy, Virgin Megastore (Hollywood), and Tower
Records (Sunset strip). What gives???
Eddie
edju@scf.usc.edu (good until Oct 1, 1996)
http://www-scf.usc.edu/~edju/index.html
*** I am MOVING! Please check my homepage for latest news on where I'll ***
*** end up! My new e-mail address at Pepperdine is: etju@pepperdine.edu ***
----------
Date: Tue, 1 Oct 1996 10:07:01 -0400 (EDT)
From: kwillcox@shore.net (Keating Willcox)
Subject: Re:
>(Personally, I was relieved half way through my first hearing, as after
>hearing all
>the hype about this album representing the jazzier side of things, I had an
>irrational fear that a jangly George Benson or at the best, a Metheny guitar
>tone
>would pervade.)
So, who is Pat Metheny, chopped liver? :) When I heard Pat in concert he had
a guitar attached to a stand, so that it could not move. He is a true
talent, and had a tremendous ability with that setup.
So my question....does Allen ever use a guitar on a fixed stand? And why are
there so many guitar models out there? and why do most guys still use Jimi
Hendrix Telecaster? And what does AH think of Jimi Hendrix anyway?
And since I manage a radio station and am always looking for PI advertising,
is there a PI ad for Alen's guitar course and how can I put the ad on the air?
----------
From: "Little, Thom/SFO"
Subject: Neverwas
Date: Tue, 1 Oct 1996 08:01:30 -0600
Chris Hoard you described in the last Atavachron Digest an album
Holdsworth is working on entitled Neverwas. Is Neverwas the title of
the upcoming UK release that was discussed sometime ago or is it a
Holdsworth solo album or none of the above? Will Neverwas be released
in the US? Under what label? Based solely on your brief, albeit
enthusiastic description, it sounds like this one rocks (progressively
speaking). Tell us everything.
There has been alot of discussion of Alan Holdsworth's instructional
video. What is the official title of the video? I would be interested
in purchasing this video foro my brother. He turned me onto AH back in
1972 or 73 and he still loves to learn passages from the AH albums.
What is the typical cost of the video (U.S. $$$)?
Still haven't found NTS yet. Anyone in the states found the NTS
release in the bins of their local Tower Records. Is this my problem?
Am I shopping in all the wrong places (no wise cracks here)??
----------
From: "Gordon Currie"
Subject: Re: Man, is it slow
Date: Tue, 1 Oct 1996 11:29:54 -0700
> From: Jeff Preston
> Subject: Man, is it slow
> Date: Mon, 30 Sep 1996 11:37:35 -0600
>
> (list traffic, that is... after _NTS_ hit the streets in
> the U.S., I thought we'd see more discussion, but don't
> everyone rush in at once, now)
>
In the Seattle area, there were only *3* copies available on the release
date.
It was my birthday, and my wife waited until the local Tower opened that
morning and got the *only* copy they had. (I owe her one.)
I called around a few days later and *no store* had any. This is in
Seattle-
a substantial metropolitan area.
I would guess that a lot of people are still trying to get their hands on a
copy.
-Gordon
...........................
Gordon Currie
Audio Designer/Composer
gordoncurrie@accessone.com
...........................
----------
From: MerdadP@aol.com
Date: Tue, 1 Oct 1996 20:35:04 -0400
Subject: Re: No Subject
I know, Jeff. I too was waiting with bated breath for NTS. Problem: No sign
of it yet at Blokcbuster OR Tower here in Denver. Seems that release dates
and arrival dates are slightly different: at least for AH, although I'm sure
the last John Cougar Mellenkamp CD arrived just on time!
----------
From: Jmurphtest@aol.com
Date: Mon, 30 Sep 1996 17:58:21 -0400
Subject: Re:Heavy Machinery
I just got off the phone with the president of my record company, Mike Varney
of Shrapnel Records, who just played me 20 minutes + of a CD called "Heavy
Machinery". My mind is blown! Having been waiting patiently for AH's "None
Too Soon" to become available here in the States, I was surprised and
thrilled to learn that NTS is not the only recording to feature AH this year
as main guitarist.
"Heavy Machinery" is a full length CD featuring the Johansenn brothers
(Jens-keys, Anders-drums) and Allan Holdsworth. The 20 minutes or so that I
heard of this over the phone has gotten me so excited that I threatened too
drive to Mike's house and take the CD (aparrently a european import and/or
advance copy) right out of his hands. Although phone connections are not
exactly ideal for transmission of music, the tone, fluidity, and complex
grace of the playing was unmistakable. I have'nt heard a note of NTS, but it
seems to me that we will be treated to at least two awesome Holdsworth
releases this year (hmm.....the "Neverwas" project; maybe three?).
Meanwhile my solo album "Convergence" on Shrapnel is out now and seems to be
doing nicely; it features my tribute to AH in the form of a cover version of
the 1975 Tony William's Lifetime track "Red Alert".
James Murphy
----------
From: Marzzz@aol.com
Date: Tue, 1 Oct 1996 12:52:50 -0400
Subject: Re: No Subject
>>Just to back up Allan's reply about his video: Absolutely! There is such a
great wealth of information here...it does require musicianship to decide
what to do with it and how to apply it. Allan's style is obviously so
distinctive that even if you were able to execute the transcriptions
perfectly, you'd be missing the point. It's how YOU process the material
that will make the difference and add dimension (no pun intended) to your
own playing that gives any 'study' it's value.<<
Beyond getting a better understanding of a different approach to playing the
guitar, I found that the video had the more significant added benefit of
helping me understand how AH approached music in general, and led me to a
better appreciation of his music. Sort of a "Young Person's guide to
Holdsworth."
As far as guitar playing, I think I need finger extensions to play some of
those transcribed chords......
----------
Date: Sun, 03 Oct 1999 03:33:17 -0300
From: Marcelo Assis
Subject: Instructional Videos
Well,
I'm quite new to this whole Holdsworth discussion list,
but I'm pretty
old concerning the master's sound. I've read the two latest lists and
I'd like to present some coments.
Yes, I've got the whole Holdsworth package: uncommon
book, REH video,
live Tokyo video, cd's, mags, assorted stuff (no bootlegs!!!
unfortunately...). Do I play jazz? Yep! Do I play like the Man??
Obviously!! Do I want to? well... errrr... uhhummm.....
So, what's the deal???
Well, I've read you guys talking about the video and
about it being
"hardly instructional", so, I'd the like to post a question: does
anybody out there ACTUALLY plays any song on the video, or on the
uncommon book, or any song by him?? I bet you do...
The point is: I think that everybody misses the point of
WHAT is the
target of the instruction on that video. I think everybody misses the
point about WHAT they should be learning from ANY instructional source,
not just a video!! Ok, everybody love his sound and his aproach and his
originality, BUT, we all love all this stuff because it's HIS stuff!!!
Its a very particular way and very PERSONAL aprouch to all that material
we all (should) know by heart, which is scales, chords, arpeggios,
songs, etc. What I'm trying to say is that if we buy or watch any
instructional video mainly because of the "how can I do it exactly like
he do it" syndrome, then, ANY instructional video is "hardly
instructional", simply because you learn NOTHING from it.
Ok, when you're young and you're listening to Yngwie and
you just
can't believe where all that stuff came from, you just wanna "drink"
from the same source and be able to do something "just like that". Is
this wrong? I really don't think so. But the problem is if you get stuck
on that step. You gotta move on. Why? Because that's exactly what Vai,
Yngwie, Holdsworth, Johnson, whomever did? NO!! Because it's called
"growing up", and its a natural thing in life.
I think Craig got a point there. Instructional videos
are really
missused. And they started to become "missmade" after a while. Hey, they
need to sell!!!
Ok, getting right down to it, what I'm trying to say is
that if you
get into ANY of Holdsworth instructional material because you wanna play
like him, you're loosing your time... First because it's impossible,
second because I bet he didn't do any of it with that in mind (so it
will never work again!), third because sooner or later you'll get older
and you'll ask yourself what the hell are you doing.
I agree with Paolo about not relearning all that stuff
on the video if
you already know it. We get down to 12 notes, and we can call a
combination of certain 7 notes a hundred different ways, so, I think
what Holdsworth shows us on the screen is a incredible way of aproaching
the same things we may or may not already know in a different way. If
you already know your scales, and are used to their sound, stick to it.
What you may get from him is exactly the "aproach", what Pat Metheny
would call a "conceptional, metaphysical issue".
Enough talking, I guess. I'd like to apologize for my
poor english and
welcome comments on my comments.
Don't play from the book, play from the heart.
Marcelo Assis
----------
Date: Thu, 03 Oct 1996 08:40:45 +0100
From: Edwin van der Hoeven
Subject: Carvin Guitar Comments
Hi there,
First of all, I'd like to say that I in no way doubt the integrity Allan
has towards his music and his fans. My doubt was fed by the, in my
opinion, lack of integrity Carvin had towards Allan. To give you guyes
an idea, I translated(the best I can) the part which refers to the
Carvin Guitar (Music Maker August '96)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
MM: Tell me something about your guitar-design you've made for Carvin.
AH: I've got a few prototypes over here, they're soon to be released.
They look a bit like the Telecaster, but they have no further relation
with it. I came with a guitar design myself, though Carvin didn't wanted
to use it. They'd rather kept the design more traditional.
It has an alder body, a maple neck with an ash finger board. They're
incredibly light because of the hollow body and they have lots of
sustain. Personally, I only use one pick-up at the brigde position.
Carvin makes the guitar with different p-u combinations to make it more
attractive for a broader public on the market.
The deal is that the guitars should be of the same quality. I wanna go
into a store and buy me the same guitar I normally use for myself. I
wanted to make an instrument which sounds good, would be affordable and
got some bit of my experience when it comes to the sound of the guitar.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
This is it, when I get more time, I'll try to translate more, there is
some really interesting stuff about the gear he uses..... And again, I
was by no means doubting Allan's integrity towards the instrument. I
think it is just the same development as with the Rocktron Juice
Extractor, it looks like nothing in comparison with the Harness...
Nevertheless, everybody is entitled to his own opinion.
Edwin van der Hoeven
ELAH.Septysed@caiw.nl
http://www.dra.nl/~zwetje
----------
End of Atavachron Digest
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Date: Tue, 8 Oct 1996 18:29:06 -0400
From: owner-atavachron@jabular.webster.com
Apparently-To: atavachron-outgoing@jabular.webster.com
To: JEFF@ADDIMENSION.COM
The New Atavachron Digest 96/10/08
Sender: owner-atavachron@webster.com
Precedence: bulk
Reply-To: Jeff Preston
----------
Date: Thu, 3 Oct 1996 16:11:54 -0700 (PDT)
From: Roger Billerey
Subject: NTS and other goodies
Hi everybody
I just bought NTS (the ONLY copy in Santa Barbara, CA) and I'd like to
know if some of you guys share my feelings about it. I'm a HUGE fan of
Allan's phrasing and tone and compositions, no question about that and I
won't tolerate any :)
The thing is, I don't really understand the point of putting out a
standards album if, as is the case with NTS:
a) the themes and chords progressions are not even stated in a
recognizable way ("Nuages" is a good example, even though Norwegian Wood
could be taken as a counter example, of course)
b) the songs are mere pretexts for playing exactly the same way as you
would on your own compositions, regardless of the mood or chord
progression of the song eing covered.
What do you think? I admit I was disappointed in this album, even though
Allan's playing is stellar as usual. And that may be the point, the "as
usual" part. Please shower me with hate mail and tell me what I missed.
Have to go listen to it again to try and figure that out by myself.
Rog the Frog
----------
Date: Thu, 3 Oct 96 23:29:06 UT
From: "Ashley Collins"
Subject: The Elusive NTS
To all who've had trouble finding NTS in the US, yeah it does seem that the
major chains have been having trouble caring about getting their hands on this
one; when I called Blockbuster, it wasn't even on their computers! I finally
found a small local record store who had gotten it in, and it sold out in a
day. I reserved a copy with them, and will be picking it up next week. Y'all
might want to do a little phone shopping around and then see if you can find
somewhere that'll hold a copy for you.
Ashley Collins
Frasier2@msn.com
----------
From: Lee Fisher
Subject: Re: your mail
Date: Thu, 3 Oct 1996 21:21:35 -0400 (EDT)
I managed to grab None Too Soon last week at the Tower Records in Cherry
Hill, NJ. It was not under the Holdsworth in the Jazz section, though, it
was in his bin in the rock/pop section. Why they have both and how they
choose which goes where I have no idea. I've even seen the same record
in both bins at different prices! Make sure you check both sections,
just in case. They had 3 copies, I think (and this was on Saturday...).
Also the 'sticky' label that goes around the edge of the CD says 'Noon
too soon' rather than None Too Soon.
As for a review, it is certainly one of the most amazing things I've ever
heard (although I don't have all the AH CD's yet... ;|) I haven't
listened to it enough yet to go into great depth, but it is one of the
most compelling AH CD's and goes through a number of different styles,
making it very listenable and enjoyable. The rest of the band is
amazing, too! Has anyone heard Willis' solo CD 'No Sweat'? Is it worth
getting? Thanks for any info...
[ Moderator's note: I can vouch for the Gary Willis CD; it's great.
As one might expect, you can tell that Gary was responsible for
writing a lot of the Tribal Tech tunes just from a cursory listen
to _No Sweat_, but there's something deeper going on here. This
CD has been spending a LOT of time in my player these past few
weeks. Check out the bottom of the digest to get the URL for
Alchemy Records' Web site, and order a copy today. And yes, I did
pay for my copy. :) --JP ]
--
Lee Fisher
Computer Science/Psychology
Drexel University
'And in the battle on the streets,
You fight computers and receipts...'
Pete Townshend, 1973
----------
Date: 03 Oct 96 21:52:21 EDT
From: "Mark D. Johnson" <103600.1063@CompuServe.COM>
Subject: Broadcasting AH
>Date: Tue, 1 Oct 1996 10:07:01 -0400 (EDT)
>From: kwillcox@shore.net (Keating Willcox)
>Subject: Re:
>And since I manage a radio station and am always looking for
>PI advertising, is there a PI ad for Alen's guitar course and
>how can I put the ad on the air.
A manager of a radio station? Hmmm... I trust you've aired AH's music. Yes?
What station?
----------
Date: Fri, 04 Oct 1996 10:27:39 -0300
From: kddelc01@homer.louisville.edu
Subject: Drumming
Hello all, this is my first submission.
I am a Grad student in Psych at the University of Louisville. I have a BA
in Music (Percussion) and Psychology from Florida State Univ. I have been
playing jazz for 13 years now.
I have purchased the new CD here in Louisville and have listened to it a
number of times. I love the bass playing, Allan's work, piano solos, etc.
I'm glad that Allan has finally jumped into the Jazz boat and I hope he's
not giving up playing Fusion. I've been listening to Allan for about 7
years now, and caught him at a performance in Orlando with Chad
Wackerman, and that-bass-player-with-the-difficult-name.
The only problem I have with the CD is the drumming. It seems as if Kirk
Covington felt the need to play as much as possible. His fills are
generally too much and are not musical. It really detracts from the music
alot, and he generally does not have a good jazz feel, especially behind
Gordon Beck's solo's. His cymbal work has that tinny-sound that might
lend itself towards Fusion but definitley not jazz (I wonder if he was
using plastic tips?). Compare Kirk's playing to Vinnie's? You'll notice
that Vinnie's playing is appropriate to the music, never detracts from
it, and adds another level to the multi-level complexity.
I hope Allan will try playing with more experienced jazz drummers in the
future. I'm sure he could play with some names if he wanted. Think what
Tony Williams would have done with these tunes?
If anyone would like me to go into explicit song-by-song detail, or even
just one song in detail, just ask!
Thanx! and applause to Jeff for all his work!
Kent D.
kddelc01@homer.louisville.edu
----------
Date: Fri, 04 Oct 1996 16:24:59 -0700
From: Pat Drews
Subject: Re: Availability of None Too Soon
Just read the latest Digest...I had trouble finding a copy of NTS at any
store in the
Baltimore area. Finally, I tracked one down (the only copy in stock) at a
Tower store
outside Washington, DC. Fortunately, it was only two hours round trip by
car. And well
worth every minute. This album proves Holdsworth's abilities as a jazz
musician, if
ever there was any doubt ("Jaaaazz?! Is that what you call that??").
Despite the fact
that many of the compsitions are older, more "traditional" jazz tunes (and
another
Beatles song), I don't think it sounds so radically different from his last
few albums,
save for the absence of a few industrial sound effects. Make no mistake: I
REALLY like
this record! As always, the rest of the band is Class-A. If you haven't
gotten it yet,
pester your favorite record store to stock it, or at least order you a copy.
By the way, what's up with Restless Records? As far as I could see, they
make no
mention of AH on their website at all! Maybe I just wasn't looking in the
right spot...
(PS: It's my first posting to the digest, so here goes... I'm Patrick Drews,
age 30, a
bass player with a day job. Thanks for your patience.)
----------
Date: Fri, 4 Oct 96 21:07:53 UT
From: "Timothy Messer"
Subject: NTS
I was surprised at the number of people unable to purchase NTS in the USA. I
bought a copy, shipped from the US, on Wednesday, 25 September in Melbourne,
Australia! The retailers need talking to.
As for NTS, I think it is superb. Great playing, strong tunes and an
excellent sound. I hope it is accorded the recognition it deserves by jazz
media and fans in the US.
Regards
Tim Messer
Messer_in_Law@msn.com
----------
From: frficca@ix.netcom.com (Frank R. Ficca)
Subject: Carvin guitar
Date: Sat, 05 Oct 1996 18:09:19 GMT
I've heard alot of speculation and opinion concerning the new
Holdswoth Carvin guitar. Does anyone have any FACT about it?
How it actually sounds? Allan is holding one on the inside jacket of
None Too Soon, does anyone know if he used any production Carvins on
the record? I was happy to see that the guitar is affordable and I
know Carvin makes a quality American Product. I'm thinking of buying
one just based on the fact that Allan had some input on this
instrument.
----------
From: frficca@ix.netcom.com (Frank R. Ficca)
Subject: NTS
Date: Mon, 07 Oct 1996 02:11:48 GMT
I have seen alot of discussion concerniong None Too Soon and where to
get it in the States. I preordered and recieved my copy on the day of
its US release, Sept 24! It was on my doorstep the same time record
stores(those that bothered to carry it) recieved theirs. I ordered it
online from CDNOW at cdnow.com. I know your probably thinking, credit
card over the net thats stupid, I agree. I called CDNOW directly and
gave them my CC# over the phone, as safe as using it at a store!
Anyway, they appear to offer MOST new releases in this preorder format
and I paid 13.95 for my copy, new releases at Tower Records in
Philadelphia are usually 17.95 or 18.95, and I never had to leave my
house!!!
----------
Date: Sun, 06 Oct 1996 11:57:43 -0500
From: bwwright@mindspring.com (Burley Wright)
Subject: None Too Soon
Jeff,
This is the first time I've written to you since subscribing. First, thanks
for the work you do in putting the information out, I always enjoy getting
it. I'm constantly CD shopping in Georgia and Alabama and I found None Too
Soon at Media Play in Macon. I think there were 2 copies. I was pleased and
had wondered if NTS would be distributed adequately, given its belated
stateside release.
I don't know if Media Play is a national chain, but there are several
locations in Atlanta, if folks who are having difficulty finding NTS want to
call them. I'm sure they would ship it to you. BTW, my copy
has a "Made in Canada" sticker on it. I think it was $13.99.
I first discovered Allan, I suspect like many people, when I got the first
U.K. album. Needless to say, I snapped up everything I could find by him,
including a still-mint copy of Velvet Darkness in the CTI fold-out jacket
(do you suppose the hand forming the shadow on the front is Allan's?). I
have to say that None Too Soon impresses me as one of Allan's very best for
three main reasons:
First, Allan's playing - his tone and technique (not to mention his
intelligence and soulfulness) keep growing in defiance of all reason (how
can a human do ANYTHING that well?) I hope that it will be possible for
Allan to continue to use the SynthAxe, the instrument merits existence even
if Allan's the only one who uses it.
Second, the band - this is one occasion (not the only one) where Allan is
joined by players of comparable strength - in other wortds, monsters. Gary
Willis is one of the very best bassists ever to walk the planet. Kirk
Covington has remarkable sensitivity along with his imaginitively solid drum
sound. Gordon Beck absolutely cooks on the digital piano. And the chemistry
between these fine players on this recording is extraordinary.
Third, the material. The blend of compositions from diverse sources makes
for a varied listening experience. I think when an artist interprets a song
that's already been written, it gives them a freedom somehow that allows
them to focus more completely on playing. At least that seems to be the case
here. But that's not to take anything away from the title cut, composed by Beck.
There are many places where this disc absolutely SWINGS with sheer joy -
these guys are obviously having a great time. This is electric jazz at its
finest. A couple of questions. Is the Brewery Allan's home studio? Also,
the notes say that Allan produced, recorded, and mixed the album. I don't
know what all that entails (don't tell me this guy can play like that AND
run a board at the same time!), but it certainly illustrates the breadth of
the man's talent. This is a great sounding CD, expertly mastered by Bernie
Grundman.
Thanks to Restless for making this available.
Peace,
Burl
----------
From: esills@finsun.mis.semi.harris.com (Eric Sills)
Subject: Videos
Date: Mon, 7 Oct 1996 07:51:34 -0400 (EDT)
Hello Atavachronists-
In reading the last issue of Atavachron, I noticed a reader's reference to
a "REH video", and a "Live Tokyo video". Being an enthusiastic collector of
any legit materials that AH has played on, I wondered how I missed these.
Does anyone know if these are legit videos, and if so, where one might go
about purchasing them?
[ Moderator's note: The Japanese video is not legit in any
sense of the word. On the other hand, the REH instructional
video *is*, and you can find out more about that by looking
at http://www.addimension.com/atav/docs/faq1.html . --JP ]
Also, I have had the Anders/Jens CD for several months now, and find it
rather an exhilerating listen. After a couple times through, I didn't even
miss the bass player any more.
Thanks and regards to all......
----------
From: MerdadP@aol.com
Date: Tue, 8 Oct 1996 00:43:11 -0400
Subject: Re: No Subject
I just picked up NTS (about time it showed up---only 2 copies at Tower).
This is an AMAZING album. Is it me or does he just keep getting better?
Despite all of the positive reviews on Atavachron, I thought I was getting a
biased view of the album (you know, this is sort of a fan club kinda thing),
but this is better that I had expected. My only wish is that the fade to
"Countdown" had been about 10 or 15 minutes longer. I think NTS is more
accessible to more traditional jazz audiences, and I hope it helps promote
him to a broader audience.
Well, back to the CD player....
----------
From: WDCKdarin@aol.com
Date: Mon, 7 Oct 1996 18:05:30 -0400
Subject: NTS, Carvin, etc...
October 5 and NTS is still nowhere in sight. One store had it in their
computer but said that it had not been released yet. I'm searching in great
anticipation.....
[ Moderator's note: Carvin (who is Atavachron's newest sponsor)
now has _None Too Soon_ in stock, so it can be ordered from them
at the number Darin mentions below. Also, Tammy Kizer at Restless
e-mailed me to say that anyone having trouble finding _NTS_ can
e-mail her (tammyk@restless.com), telling what city they're in, and
she will personally e-mail back with info about what stores in
your area have ordered it. --JP ]
According to the latest Carvin catalog, AH will be making 4 personal
appearances in the California area to demonstrate his new signature guitar.
All demonstrations times are 1-3 pm:
Sat, Oct.12:
Carvin Factory Store
12340 World Trade Dr.
San Diego, CA 92128
Sat, Oct.26:
Carvin W. Covina Store
2211 E. Garvey Ave.
W. Covina, CA 91791
Sat, Nov.9:
Carvin Santa Ana
1907 N Main St.
Santa Ana, CA 92706
Sat, Nov.23:
Carvin Hollywood Store
7414 Sunset Blvd.
Hollywood, CA 90046
Those of you lucky enough to live in that area, go check him out and write
back.
The Carvin catalog features a great picture of AH with the "Holdsworth" model
guitar on the cover. To get a free catalog (or to order the AH guitar), call
1-800-854-2235.
A few comments about the video... I think Marcelo Assis put it best when he
said "Don't play from the book, play from the heart." The video can only be a
guide to help you become a better guitarist, not to play like AH.
I was down in Richmond, VA over the labor day weekend where I had the great
fortune of seeing a trio with a hot guitarist, the Jonathan Kreisberg Trio.
The music struck me as being very holdsworth in style with a bit more of a
jazzy flavor. After the show I got to talking with the guitarist, Jonathan
Kreisberg, and turns out he's a great fan of our man AH (and he's only 23).
Well, to make a long story short, I plunked down 10 bucks for their cd and
took it home. After repeated listenings, I would have to highly recommend
them to any fan of AH music. Their style is very much AH influenced with some
Scofield/Metheny thrown in. But, he definitely has his own way of playing.
This guy is not a copycat. Anyway, if anyone is interested, check out their
web site at . I think there are some audio
clips in there you can check out. And for those of you in the south Florida
area, you can check them out live; see the web site for club dates. I was
really blown away by these guys. It's not everyday that you see young new
bands playing AH style music.
Bye for now.
DG
----------
End of Atavachron Digest
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Sponsored in part by Alchemy Records
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Date: Mon, 14 Oct 1996 21:29:12 -0400
From: owner-atavachron@jabular.webster.com
Apparently-To: atavachron-outgoing@jabular.webster.com
To: JEFF@ADDIMENSION.COM
The New Atavachron Digest 96/10/14
Sender: owner-atavachron@webster.com
Precedence: bulk
Reply-To: Jeff Preston
----------
From: "STUDER, Andrew"
Subject: NTS and the playing of standards
Date: Wed, 9 Oct 1996 09:32:46 +1000
Hi all. I was going to do a brief NTS review, but given Roger's comments
(and his interest
in responses) I'll frame it in terms of the points he makes.
>The thing is, I don't really understand the point of putting out a
>standards album if, as is the case with NTS:
>a) the themes and chords progressions are not even stated in a
>recognizable way ("Nuages" is a good example, even though Norwegian Wood
>could be taken as a counter example, of course)
But that's half the fun. A lot of great mainstream jazz players have
made a lot
of mileage out of contorting standards beyond their original boundaries.
The
Miles Davis Plugged Nickel set is an obvious recent example (well, the
release
was recent, even if it was performed in 1965).
The thing I like about this album is that it's a contrast to the last
couple of AH
albums. The Penguin Guide describes the AH solo batch as "samey in the
extreme", which is a bit harsh, but I can understand where they're
coming from.
This album is a pleasant change of pace, and if AH goes back to, say,
the HHA
lineup or something similar, maybe he'll feel refreshed as a player in
doing so. I know
that I'll be refreshed as listener.
Another point is this: Alan's compositions tend to be fairly intricate:
the time signatures
shift around, the harmonies are complex and the solos, of course, are
all over the place
(er... that was a compliment BTW). So, by going into a "standards"
context, aspects
of AH's playing are "isolated". Which brings me onto the next point...
>b) the songs are mere pretexts for playing exactly the same way as you
>would on your own compositions, regardless of the mood or chord
>progression of the song being covered.
And here I disagree. AH may use the same musical vocabulary, but in
this
context I think he's using it in a different way. The point is to build
a bridge
between the tune and the band: even if you use the chords only loosly
and the
mood is very different, you're using the tune as a resource to do
something new.
I think this disc is excellent: there is even the odd moment where I
think AH sounds
more than a little Schofieldesque! Not too much though. Given the
success of JS,
I find it ridiculous that the distributors aren't flooding the shelves
with the disc and
promoting it like crazy.
Verdict: equally as good as his other recent albums, and yet the best
thing he's done
in years.
_______________________________________________________________
Andrew Studer "I look around, I see teachers
driving Ferraris and research
Neutron Scattering scientists drinking champagne"
ANSTO PMB 1 Menai 2234 -Krusty the Clown
N.S.W. Australia
----------
Date: Tue, 8 Oct 1996 21:40:45 -0400
From: jmcgann@world.std.com (John McGann)
Subject: NTS
Just great to hear AH in a different environment. His affinity to Coltrane
is really evident, in the most musical way possible. A lovely project
altogether!
John McGann (jmcgann @ world.std.com)
Transcription/Technique Web Site http://world.std.com/~jmcgann
----------
Date: Tue, 8 Oct 1996 22:08:50 -0400
From: omar porto
Subject: jonathan kreisberg trio
well hello ata's
first posting since joining:
i just wanted to say to the person that posted on the
jonathan kriesberg trio that he is absolutely right they are great, i only
wish i could grasp AH'S playing and style in half the manner he's done
it..please check
for them as i think they'll be a hit soon.
i also want to say that NONE TOO SOON is a great album and i bought
my copy in a store in fort lauderdale called PEACHES made in canada,cost:
13.95.. so its avaliable on the imports section.
well does anyone know the name of the new GARY WILLIS CD
danks,& spidey luck
to you all
omar porto fort
lauderdale
----------
Date: Wed, 9 Oct 1996 00:06:34 -0400 (EDT)
From: kwillcox@shore.net (Keating Willcox)
Subject: Re:
>>From: kwillcox@shore.net (Keating Willcox)
>>Subject: Re:
>
>>And since I manage a radio station and am always looking for
>>PI advertising, is there a PI ad for Alen's guitar course and
>>how can I put the ad on the air.
>
>A manager of a radio station? Hmmm... I trust you've aired AH's music. Yes?
>What station?
1570 AM WNSH
A small radio station near Boston.
When I was just an announcer, we played AH constantly.
Now our station is all talk, but I'd still like to feature the AH tape. Lots
of per inquiry product is instructional, mega-memory, hooked on phonics,
etc. A music instruction video would sell fine.
By the way, is anyone excited about the return of John Serry, and is anyone
excited about the new Hendrix material. Hendrix' father had been screwed out
of 50 million dollars by corrupt estate handlers. Now, he is planning to
release a ton of new stuff, and the story ends happily.
AH still is number one, and we really like everything he does. I wish we
could survive with an all jazz or all fusion signal (sigh).
----------
Date: Wed, 9 Oct 1996 09:41:16 +0200
From: F.van.der.Leeuw@let.uva.nl
Subject: NTS availability
I'm a bit surprised about the many posts from people who have so many
difficulties finding NTS in the USA. As far as I know, every Internet
CD-store has it, I remember that one of them even had it for a discount
price.
Try out CDUniverse or CDWorld, for instance.
Frank van der Leeuw
Amsterdam
----------
Date: Wed, 9 Oct 1996 17:10:38 -0400
From: rbisson@courrier.usherb.ca ( =?iso-8859-1?Q?R=E9mi?= Bissonnette)
Subject: 'In the Dead of Night' cover
Hi everybody,
I've been around for a while, but this is my first posting. Here's
something that might interest you:
On Yngwie Malmsteen's new album (yes, THAT Yngwie), which is all covers, he
does a version of UK's 'In the Dead of Night'. I haven't heard it yet, but
knowing Yngwie's habits as far as playing other peoples songs, I doubt this
will be a very faithful interpretation. Whether that is good or bad
depends on your personnal tastes.
The CD came out in Japan on Sept. 21st and should come out everywhere else
on Oct. 14 or 21st. If anybody hears it, please post your comments on the
song.
Bruno Bissonnette
rbisson@courrier.usherb.ca
----------
Date: Wed, 09 Oct 1996 14:33:19 -0700
From: Tammy Kizer
Subject: Re: None Too Soon
Hi. Received your reply. Certainly, let everyone know our concerns,
as well. I've been going over the retailer's orders with a fine tooth
comb, and calling those who aren't on board.
Anyone going to the CARVIN demo in San Diego this weekend 1-3pm (do
you know about these... they'll be 4 total), can pick up a $1. off
coupon for any/all of Allan's Restless records, redeemable at the
Tower/La Jolla and Tower/Sports Arena stores. We will be handing out
coupons at all of the demos, and will be doing a CARVIN guitar
giveaway as well as a few signed full sized stand-ups through some of
our retail friends. KEEP ASKING FOR THE RECORD... IT IS AVAILABLE...
LOTS OF THEM AT MY WAREHOUSE!!! Thanks. -TK
----------
From: Andrew_Munro@HSVPO.CCMAIL.CompuServe.COM
Date: 09 Oct 96 19:57:09 EDT
Subject: Greetings from Australia
Hello there,
I've just finished reading the compile of messages.Very
informative indeed. I'm looking forward to the new album.The first
time I heard of Allan Holdsworth was beleive it or not on commercial
F.M radio when I.O.U was released.I bought this on vinyl with a green
cover and the C.D is red. Any clues?
I managed to see Allan in Melbourne, Australia in 1990. Great show,but
not the best venue.
That's all for now, I'll post my review of NTS when I hear it.
One more thing, I am unable to locate ROAD GAMES on C.D Any ideas?
Cheers,Andrew.
----------
Date: Thu, 10 Oct 1996 06:48:26 -0400
From: guillaume
Subject: Re:
>Date: Fri, 4 Oct 96 21:07:53 UT
>From: "Timothy Messer"
>Subject: NTS
>
>I was surprised at the number of people unable to purchase NTS in the USA. I
>bought a copy, shipped from the US, on Wednesday, 25 September in Melbourne,
>Australia! The retailers need talking to.
We can find NTS in France since 25 July. And now,with this record, what
about AH and swing :-) ???
----------
Date: Thu, 10 Oct 96 07:25:08 -0800
From: Paul_Mason@mindlink.bc.ca (Paul Mason)
Greetings,
I had to buy a copy of N.T.S. from a friend who didn't care for it so much
- his loss....
I loved it, flaws and all - a great piece of work all round. My only
grievance would be with the choice of drummer, and I do agree with that
chap from Florida with all the degrees; K.C. is a little too limited as a
player to make this kind of thing work. I'd much rather have heard Ralph
Penland, the other drummer with whom A.H. was jamming before this project
actually got recorded, do the tracks. Ralph is, for those of you who don't
know his playing, an incredibly fluid and inventive drummer with a
beautifully sensitive approach to the kit and the music he's involved with
( he's also a friend but that doesn't influence my opinion here ). I'm
afraid I think Covington sounds a bit too much like Wackerman on this
project.
Still, a disc I'm proud to own!!
Paul
----------
Date: Thu, 10 Oct 96 13:18:41 PST
From: "Hoard, Chris"
Subject: Neverwas project
>Chris Hoard you described in the last Atavachron Digest an album
>Holdsworth is working on entitled Neverwas... Tell us all...
The "Neverwas" project is a working title, and the final package may
be different in title/name. It has absolutely nothing to do with UK
other than AH being present as group member/guitarist and that most of
the musicians involved are big fans of the first incarnation of UK.
The personnel /writing/production team from the "Soma" project are all
involved in this album--although the outtakes I've heard (only
guitar/keys/drums) are very definitely "prog rock with a hard groove"
(my best attempt at a generic label description). Again, the line-up
as currently established is: Mark Gleed/keyboards/vocals, AH guitars,
Armand Rilles (drums), Victor Bailey (bass), with guest appearances
planned from Jerry Goodman (violin), and Art Porter (sax). Other
instrumental and guest vocalists are planned but unconfirmed at
present.
It may be another year before all the tracks are finished and mixed,
but AH's work thus far has been pivotal in the project, and he's much
more prominently featured throughout here as compared with the
original Soma record, both in terms of extended solos and
chordal/rhythm work. The producer/songwriter/keyboardist Mark Gleed
and I are in the process of organizing/obtaining funds for the
completion of the project (and I'm ecstatic about the results so
far--and that a full album of tracks featuring AH is for the most part
finished).
That's about all I'm at liberty to share on this at the moment--but I
hope potentially some time in the next few months to arrange some
audio previews with Jeff of some excerpts of the project (with the
artist's permission of course)... CH
----------
From: "Lindburg, Chad"
Subject: NTS Availabilty
Date: Thu, 10 Oct 1996 08:25:58 -0600
I too got NTS last week. I like it, and am going to do some comparison
listening with other versions of the songs. Perhaps I'll give some
opions then. But, I wanted to let people in the Denver area know that I
was able to wlak in and buy the cd at JB&H. It's a local store in
Lakewood on Alameda and Union. They had several copies in stock at an
average price.
----------
Date: Thu, 10 Oct 1996 17:51:42 -0400
From: DanielIvan@aol.com
Subject: Denver Outlets and Beer Festivals
Hello all,
FYI Denver crowd: Twist and Shout carried half a dozen copies of NTS the
first week of its release. Hats off to them for getting the jump on Media
Play, Tower, Best Buy, Blockbuster, and all the others. (BTW, They also
featured a FREE Suzanne Vega in-store concert the other week. Very nice.
Thanks Suzanne and Twist and Shout.)
Now, had I known that Allan haunts the Great American Beer Festival, I'd have
gone. With Willis down in the Springs, one would think we could get Mr.
Holdsworth to play here at least once a century. Someone let me know if he
tries to sneak into town again. Ok? (Great clinic this summer Mr. Willis.
THANKS.)
Cheers,
Daniel Ford
Denver, Colorado
----------
Date: 10 Oct 96 23:38:06 EDT
From: Kevin Barbour <75063.3312@CompuServe.COM>
Subject: Noon too soon,REH video,Carvin guitar and Batemans
Hi all,
I finally got my copy of Noon too soon a couple of days ago:-) .What a great CD
It seems to be a real loose and extremely swinging disc. As with all of Allan's
CD's it appears to get better the more you listen to it.It was also nice to hear
Allan paired up with Gordon Beck again these two guys seem to have developed an
affinity for each others playing style. One of my fave CD's is with a heart in
my song.
REH video
I have read with amazement and amusement the comments on the video ranging from
"hardly instructional " to "the greatest video on jazz improvisation ever made"
It definitely seems that the same material presented to players of different
skill levels form different opinions about the usefulness of the material.I
found it very cool to learn how Allan translated musical theory into a language
that only he understood and turned it into beautiful music.I know there is a
wealth of information here and If I may borrow some wisdom from guitar master
George Van Eps:Spending one second on each one of the possible combinations on
guitar
24 hours a day 7 days a week ,52 weeks a year to reach the end would take 11,036
years.So I think there are a lot of great things one could use this material
for,you could figure out all the chords arpeggios and triads and come up with
interesting
things on your own and for some get out the TAB and find some cool stuff that
Allan plays and play some of this great stuff.I think both approaches are valid.
Carvin Guitar
I too recieved the carvin catalog and the guitar sounds like a wonderful
idea.The only bad thing about carvin is you can't go play one anywhere.I thought
the best news was that Carvin is making AH pickups at I must say a much more
reasonable price than the Duncan AH model.I'd love to see Allan demo this
Guitar. Is Boston anywhere near West covina? :-(
Someone mentioned one of Allan's Steinbergers is for sale If Jeff or anyone out
there knows anything about this please drop me an E-mail
Thanks for listening,Batemans for everyone,
Kevin
----------
From: Malpaugh@aol.com
Date: Sun, 13 Oct 1996 18:21:00 -0400
Subject: Heavy Machinery
Hi All,
There were some inquiries about AH's paticipation in Jens Johansson's Heavy
Machinery. I've had this album for several months and to be quite honest,
it's a disappointment. I was thrilled at the prospect of AH working with
some different musicians and intrigued at what results this chemistry would
yeild. However, IMHO, Heavy Machinery fails on two levels. One: the songs
are bits of riffs, basslines, chord progressions or melody without a unifying
direction. In other words, there's some good ideas but, someone didn't
really take the care to write strong, well-constructed compositions. I mean,
I'm in favor of tunes with short, consise heads so that the players can get
on to the blowing. Proto-Cosmos and Non-Brewed Condiment are just two
examples that come to mind. But most of the Heavy Machinery tunes are little
better than riff-based grooves that lack any real compositional interest.
The other problem is that it really sounds like guitar solos overdubbed on
top of keyboard&drum grooves. Yes, I know that's what it is, but the trick
is to make it sound like a unified ensemble. The players are not really
reacting to one another as much as they're making situations for someone to
play in...and it sounds that way.
I'm not criticizing the musicians as players or their intentions. Jens is a
skilled, unique player with a personal sound. Anders Johansson is a
percussion powerhouse, pure and simple and AH contributes some brilliant
playing, despite the scarcity of a great tunes on which to build a solo.
But, unless you have to own Allan's entire discography, this doesn't rank
among some of his "must-haves" like, Tony Williams Lifetime, Enigmatic Ocean,
One of a Kind, Metal Fatigue, etc.(and IMHO, NTS doesn't make that list
either.)
Mark Alpaugh
----------
From: ToddM@LaserMaster.Com
Date: 14 Oct 1996 16:08:51CST6CDT
Subject: NTS
I managed to pick it up this weekend -
one word capsule review: fabulous.
And what tone!
Todd Madson
PressMate Product Specialist
LaserMaster Big Color Technical Support
Corporate Web Site: http://www.lasermaster.com/
LaserMaster BBS: (612) TEK-LINE
OTIS Faxback Service: (612) 943-3737
----------
End of Atavachron Digest
Send postings to: atavachron@webster.com
Send administrative requests to: atavachron-request@addimension.com
Web page: http://www.addimension.com/holdsworth/
Sponsored in part by Carvin
http://www.carvin.com/hldswrth.html
Date: Fri, 18 Oct 1996 00:17:43 -0400
From: owner-atavachron@jabular.webster.com
Apparently-To: atavachron-outgoing@jabular.webster.com
To: JEFF@ADDIMENSION.COM
The New Atavachron Digest 96/10/17
Sender: owner-atavachron@webster.com
Precedence: bulk
Reply-To: Jeff Preston
----------
From: Mr R Teh
Subject: Re: Availability of NTS, Heavy Machinery and Road Games
Date: Tue, 15 Oct 1996 14:39:40 +1000 (EST)
Yes, NTS is available on all online CD retail place.
I bought mine at cdconnection.com
As for availability in shops, here in Melbourne, I've
only seen a copy (it's still there) at Basement Disc in
the city.
Someone asked about Road Games. It's not available on CD
but I'm sure there are lots and lots of people who wanted
it on CD. I've read a lot of very positive comments on
Road Games but have never seen it available, does anyone
know or seen a used or new copy that they could get?
Finally, anyone know where I can get my hands on a copy of
Jen Johansen's Heavy Machinery?????? I've been hunting around
the CD shops of Melbourne, online CD shops (yes I know Audiophile
have them, but it's too expansive :( ) etc and could not
find a copy. Any info?
Shameless Plug:
OK, I maintain a web site called DrumNet, which houses
the drummers's discography page (which also contain
Chad Wackerman's discog (incomplete - help!!), Terry
Bozzio and others). Feel free to drop in. It's at
http://www.clearview.com.au/drumnet
BTW, I'll be giving away 3 CDs (yes!! 3 CDs) to a lucky
person visiting the site and leaving a comment etc. This
contest will begin on the 21st of Oct 1996 (ignore the
date on the web page :-) ).
Have Fun!!
Richie Teh
----------
From: KRosser414@aol.com
Date: Tue, 15 Oct 1996 01:29:41 -0400
Subject: Carvin AH Guitar
In a message dated 96-10-14 22:27:23 EDT, you write:
>Carvin Guitar
>I too recieved the carvin catalog and the guitar sounds like a wonderful
>idea.The only bad thing about carvin is you can't go play one anywhere.
Actually, you can - they have a few "showroom" sort of stores here in
Southern California. I played the guitar the other day - liked the weight of
the body, the sound in general, but hated the neck. I'm split 50/50 on the
success of the pickups. I was considering buying one until I tried it
because I find the really high frets to be awkward and uncomfortable, but as
they seem to be really popular, others out there may dig it. It's obviously
a very well made guitar but just doesn't work for me, subjectively and
stylistically. Trying to be fair here - I think I've seen Carvin folks pop
up here from time to time? - I think there are other Carvin models that
"feel" much better.
Ken R
----------
Date: Tue, 15 Oct 1996 09:18:15 GMT
From: "Bas van der Heijden"
Subject: RE: Heavy Machinery etc.
I bought my Heavy Machinery via Audiophile imp, a week ago. I was very curious
how AH would sound, as always. But to me it wasn't burning so much, with Chad
Allan was constantly on fire. Well, I should not talk so negative about it, we
must be glad that we have another AH recording.
I agree on some points Mark Alpaugh mentioned.
>From: Malpaugh@aol.com
>Date: Sun, 13 Oct 1996 18:21:00 -0400
>Subject: Heavy Machinery
....
>There were some inquiries about AH's participation in Jens Johansson's Heavy
>Machinery. I've had this album for several months and to be quite honest,
>it's a disappointment. I was thrilled at the prospect of AH working with
>some different musicians and intrigued at what results this chemistry would
>yeild. However, IMHO, Heavy Machinery fails on two levels. One: the songs
>are bits of riffs, basslines, chord progressions or melody without a unifying
>direction. In other words, there's some good ideas but, someone didn't
>really take the care to write strong, well-constructed compositions.
.......
>examples that come to mind. But most of the Heavy Machinery tunes are little
>better than riff-based grooves that lack any real compositional interest.
The compositions are not so strong I agree
For me the album starts at the 3rd tune (On the frozen lake), when you listen
carefully at the start of Allan's solo (3:45) it looks like he changed his mind
at (3:51) and dubbed another solo, or they turned the guitar up (I'm no
engineer). (By the way, the solo of 'In the mystery' from MF was that one
recorded in one session ? Towards the end of the solo there is a whammy bar
thing, AH sounds like a dragon spitting fire and at the same time he plays a
high note. I'm not a guitarist but to me it sounded impossible for a guitarist
to do this in one take.) This has nothing to do with the album.
The 4th tune (Mission impossible) is a blues, AH plays in his own sweet way. AH
is no real blues man, me neither, at the end of the AH solo the accompaniment
was faded out, while AH is still soloing on his own. I never heard him doing
so. . It reminded of the Coltrane solo of 'I want to talk about you' on the
Live at Birdland album (this is one of those great Coltrane albums). But alas
it was too short, the tune stops suddenly. Other tunes also stop suddenly.
Tune number 5 ('Good morning, Mr Coffee') IMO is the best tune (together with
the 6th tune;without AH however). There are a lot of tempo changes, and it
swings and burns. There is a dialogue solo of both Jens and Allan. Jens
resembles AH in phrasing and speed on this tune. On other tunes I hear some Jan
Hammer things.
'On the Fritz' the 6th tune Allan plays as usual (ice. great). The sound was a
combination AHs original solo, the sound of the guitar synth on the Gong
album (time = the key) and the distortion of the CW albums (AH was not so keen
on).
On 'Never mind our weather' (tune 9) AH is soloing differently, it seems like
he's doing a pastiche of another guitarist(s) a *bit* Sco and Stern comes to
mind.
Overall: the solos on this album are too short, in the sense that AH is telling
a 'story' in his solos (he always does I think), but on this album there's no
real plot, the solos stop when I think 'Go on , Go on'.
> But, unless you have to own Allan's entire discography, this doesn't rank
>among some of his "must-haves" like, Tony Williams Lifetime, Enigmatic Ocean,
>One of a Kind, Metal Fatigue, etc.(and IMHO, NTS doesn't make that list
>either.)
Without doubt they are great musicians the Johansson Brothers, and AH
fanatics/collectors should buy the album, and they will (?). I prefer NTS to
Heavy Machinery, although NTS is a different Holdsworth album it is definitely
an Holdsworth album. But comparing 'Sunbird' (Gordon Beck) with NTS,
'Sunbird' to me contains more jazz than NTS. NTS still has some fusion (no
fuzak!) feel, Aldo Romano (the drummer of Sunbird) and GB's acoustic piano
sound more acoustic jazzy. As a Holdsworth album I like it, but as a jazz album
I prefer Sunbird.
Last week I was in France and grabbed a copy of a French guitarist magazine
(Guitarist magazine , October issue) it features Allan in short (not in
shorts), in a series of guitarists with home studios (including Alex Lifeson,
JJ Cale, and van Halen et al.). More info about the magazine and the October
issue can be found at http://www.declic.com/guitarist (it is in French !, but
the pictures are in esperanto).
Maybe a French /Canadian subscriber can translate some of what was said (my
French/English is a disaster , sorry). But there is hardly any news in it.
Title : In the way of Allan Holdsworth Mr. handyman
The mythical figure of jazz-fusion AH is also a home-studio owner.
In short:
Q: What is the importance of your home-studio in your career ?
AH: Five years I'm recording all of my albums there, except the new on e 'None
too soon'. [oops this must be mistake!]
Q: You play the Synthaxe, do you take all profits of the digital recording
facilities as well.
AH: Certainly not. I always works with analogue.
For AH the main thing to own a home-studio is that he can do the things he
likes to do, and the fact it reduces costs.
Last sentence : BUY None too soon, and if you have money left and you still
don't own the complete discography of Allan BUY IOU, Road Games, Metal Fatigue
Atavachron, Sand, Secrets, Wardenclyffe Tower, Hard Hat Area (my favorite),
etc. and if you still have some money left buy Heavy Machinery.
Bas van der Heijden
----------
Date: Tue, 15 Oct 1996 05:49:57 -0400
From: guillaume
Subject: Re: To andrew :Andrew_Munro@HSVPO.CCMAIL.CompuServe.COM
>Subject: Greetings from Australia
>The first time I heard of Allan Holdsworth was beleive it or not >on
commercial F.M radio when I.O.U was released.I bought this on >vinyl with a
green cover and the C.D is red. Any clues?
I've a friend who says he saw this record (vinyl) with a black cover...
[ Moderator's note: Yes, that's what my copy is like -- the one
on "Luna Crack" Records (is that a inside joke, Allan?). :)
I'd never heard of the green cover before... anyone else? --JP ]
>I managed to see Allan in Melbourne, Australia in 1990. Great >show,but not
the best venue.
>That's all for now,
It's the same combat in Europe : i saw Allan three time. Each concert wasn't
during more than 90 minutes.
>One more thing, I am unable to locate ROAD GAMES on C.D Any ideas?
Never see it.
.....salut....a plus......Guillaume...........................
guillaume.paton@lcc.u-3mrs.fr
----------
From: gastarit@comm.net
Date: Tue, 15 Oct 96 06:26:19 -0600
Subject: Re: NTS
I've been on this list list for a few years but haven't posted in awhile. Just
want to convey my thoughts on NTS. I believe it's one of AH's best efforts in
years. I disagree with some of the recent negative comments about KC's
drumming.
Someone (on the list) mentioned that it is flawed. Am I missing something ?
Willis and Covington provide the "relaxed urgency" pulse and an extremely
tasteful job supporting the superhuman guitar heroics of AH. Yes ! AH has
proven
beyond a doubt that he can swing like the devil..! An extremely enjoyable and
moving experience. A true appreciation of some great standards with a modern
edge. ....Great Job !
glenn
----------
Date: Tue, 15 Oct 1996 12:02:23 -0700
From: Scott Steele
Jeff, thanks for the Carvin URL at the bottom of the last issue. It's nice that
you are getting some sponsorship from some Holdsworth-related businesses. There
are some nice pictures of the guitars at the site. They seem very attractive.
I wish there was a place to try one out in Oregon or Washington.
Tammy Kizer: On the availability of None Too Soon here in Portland OR USA, a
friend has a copy which he ordered from the unfortunately named Rip City Music.
I have given up on Tower Records and Music Millenium (my two favorite retailers
in the area) and my copy is back-ordered through Rip City Music. For $11.90 I
can't beat the price, and I expect that Tower and Millenium would be hard
pressed to beat it as well, but it is a shame to have to wait for so long after
the actual release date. You may want to make some calls and shake some people
up at Tower and Millenium at least. - S.
scottst@ohsu.edu
----------
Date: Wed, 16 Oct 1996 07:48:30 GMT
From: "Bas van der Heijden"
Subject: RE2: Heavy Machinery etc.
I have a correction to make :
The dragon fire spitting solo on MF is not on 'In the mystery' but on 'Panic
Station'.
Ciao Bas
----------
From: JoinSFO@aol.com
Date: Wed, 16 Oct 1996 13:48:42 -0400
Subject: Atavachron Digest
I have been a fan of Allan's for years. This is my first posting to the
Digest, and I thank Jeff for all of his hard work. Great job! I did finally
manage to snap up a copy of None Too Soon last week, after a friend called
and told me where I could find one. I am genuinely enjoying this album as
much as I have his previous releases. His choice of musicians is superb
(although I do miss the old gang of Skuli Sverissen, Steve Hunt and either
Chad or Gary), and, as usual, Allan's harmonies and chord structures are so
intricate they make one think about how far music can go, and how far it can
stretch the ear, the soul and the mind. The LA Times wrote in a review of one
of AH's North Hollywood shows, "This man writes the most complicated music
in the world." In light of the fact that Allan didn't write the tunes on
NTS, he certainly takes these songs to new heights; the balance between the
musical complexities and Allan's heartfelt playing is what makes his
interpretations so unique. I can't ignore the title's signifance either,
ironic as it is. Some fans were fortunate to be able to find NTS as an import
earlier this year. For the rest of us, this domestic release arrives none too
soon!
Johanna
----------
Date: Thu, 17 Oct 1996 01:32:17 -0400
From: chip@csra.net (Chip the Apparently Endlessly Single)
Subject: Is there anybody out there? No comments on N2S?
Hello? Is this mic on? Check, check......
How about that new tone - more mellow, almost sounds like he's
rolling back the volume, then juicing up the gain.
Anybody home?
]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]] Chip McDonald - chip@csra.net [[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[
]]]]]]]]] "Try to be reasonable whenever possible" [[[[[[[[[[[
]]I have a web page @: www.csra.net/chip/default.htm[[
]]]HoldsworthFloydKatek.d.SarahninEnyaQueenHendrixMcCartney[[[
]]MarshallIbanezRocktronADA|Atlanta Rhythm City tried to rip me off![[
NivenWGibsonChomskyLarsonRandPythonCleeseR.ScottKubrickGMarx
Hep hep! I'm in Purgatory! / Professional Single Guy
----------
From: dlanzi@BBN.COM (Daniel C. Lanzi)
Subject: NTS Spotted in NYC
Date: Thu, 17 Oct 1996 08:43:33 -0600
Just snagged my copy of None Too Soon at the HMV store on 5th Ave,
one of only two in the bin. The music ? AH swings ! My only gripe:
couldn't they find a real piano for Gordon Beck to play ? Judging
from the photos in the liner, I guess they couldn't squeeze one
into the studio.
- Dan
-----
Daniel C. Lanzi mailto: dlanzi@bbn.com
BBN Systems & Technologies http://www.ny.bbnplanet.com/dlanzi
New York, NY
----------
Date: Thu, 17 Oct 1996 18:12:11 -0700 (PDT)
From: jnapier@soemail.ucsd.edu (Jim Napier)
Subject: Allan at San Diego Carvin demo
I went to the demo of Allan's Carvin model at the SD showroom Oct. 12.
What follows is rather chatty summary of the event and some related
things. Any comments attributed to Allan are paraphrased by me and
should be considered in that regard-
Overview-
The demo was held in a special upstairs demo room, which was just large
enough for the 50-60 people on hand to sit comfortably. I have to
compliment Carvin on the way they put this on. The sound was excellent,
the room was comfortable although about 2/3 of us had to sit on the
floor, good viewing everywhere of Allan playing, and they provided
sodas for free. There was a small raised stage equipped will almost all
Carvin amplication stuff. There were several of the Holdsworth model
Carvin's onstage, but Allan played a natural finish unit just like the
one on the Carvin catalog cover through the entire demo. When Allan
came out he started off by playing 3 songs I didn't recognize (more on
that later). These were backed by pre-recorded live bass and drum
tracks. Allan mentioned later that the drummer on the recording was
Chad. A Carvin rep then came up and asked Allan a couple of
introductory questions about the development of the guitar. Then the
audience was allowed to ask some questions. Then Allan played about 3-4
more tunes and when it was over there was another audience question and
answer period. The musical part of the demo being over, they gave Allan
a 10-15 minute break after which he came down to the main Carvin
showroom and autographed pictures, CDs, and talked to the fans.
The demo-
Despite listening to Holdsworth on and off since the mid-70s, I'd never
seen him live before. That being the case, to see him for the first
time in a setting where I was only 25 feet from him and I could see
clearly much of subtlies of his technique was mind boggling. His style
is complete efficiency of effort; there is no wasted movement. And I've
never seen another guitarist who seems to able to incorporate the
entire neck into every song. Allan was fun to listen to both musically
and in between songs. Despite claiming to be a bit nervous because he
hadn't played in awhile and because he was not used to being onstage by
himself, he was entertaining. He made jokes (mostly at his own expense)
and in general seemed to be having a good time. I mentioned that all of
the songs he did were unknown to me. One guy asked what all the new
music was that he was playing and Allan said they were all new tracks
that he'd been working on since NTS was released. He said that finally
getting that CD out gave him the creative urge to write some new
material. He also said that he used the Carvin guitar on NTS.
After the demo-
I was lucky enough to be standing near the door when Allan entered the
showroom. I approached him and asked him to autograph my copy of NTS
which he did. I mentioned that I was pleased to see the Atavachron Web
page mentioned on the CD liner notes. He pointed out that it was all
due to Jeff's efforts and said that he was very impressed with it. Way
to go Jeff! Allan was extremely gracious and friendly to everyone who
talked to him the entire time. He spent whatever time people wanted
asking questions and was always grateful for the compliments people
gave him. It was a genuine pleasure meeting him; I got the feeling
he'd be perfectly happy to chat all afternoon (although he mentioned
more than once during the afternoon that he'd love to be having a
pint).
The Holdsworth model guitar-
Some of the posts in Atavachron showed people were somewhat underwhelmed
by the guitar design. I have to day that IMHO when you see it in person
it's quite a nice instrument. It's true that the Carvin catalog photos,
as well as they're done, don't quite bring out how appealing the
instrument looks in reality. I've never liked small or non-existent
headstocks, but this one suits the guitar's lines well and is
attractive. I like the large frets and the semi-hollow bodied design.
It has a nice tone even when not amplified. For a guitar starting at
around $800 this one is well worth it.
If you're in an area near one of the upcoming demos, be sure to
go to it. You won't be disappointed.
<-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-<*>-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=->
Jim Napier jnapier@soe.ucsd.edu
Systems Administration (619)534-5212
School of Engineering
UC San Diego
"Man is nature's way of demonstrating that a little knowledge can
be dangerous."
<-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-<*>-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=->
----------
From: Jeff Preston
Subject: T-shirts are now shipping!
Date: Thu, 17 Oct 1996 21:31:05 -0600
Yes, folks, we now have t-shirts for sale; the first
batch went out today, and more will be on the way to
those incredibly-patient pre-orderers shortly (or is
that "shirtly"... *groan*).
*** >>> PLEASE READ!!! <<< ***
*** >>> PLEASE READ!!! <<< ***
*** >>> PLEASE READ!!! <<< ***
*** Speaking of pre-orderers, ***
*** I need to hear from Bruno Sylvestre... are ***
*** you out there, Bruno? ***
*** I also need to hear from anyone in Italy ***
*** who ordered a shirt. If that's you, e-mail ***
*** me today! ***
In case you haven't seen the shirts, you can see Mark
Huesman's artwork at:
http://www.addimension.com/atav/docs/shirts.html
Basic black, 100% cotton t-shirts with white silkscreened
design, suitable for day or evening wear (although not
suggested if jogging near traffic, heh), and officially
sanctioned by Mr. Holdsworth. No more than 200 of these
shirts will be made, so order yours in size XL today, and
own a little piece of Internet history. ;)
Atavachron T-Shirt (XL only)
$15.00 + $3.00 s/h ($4.50 s/h outside U.S.)
ADdimension, Inc.
3743 Colonial Heritage Dr
Nashville TN 37217
Please allow 4-6 weeks for delivery.
That's all from the mall,
Jeff
----------
End of Atavachron Digest
Send postings to: atavachron@webster.com
Send administrative requests to: atavachron-request@addimension.com
Web page: http://www.addimension.com/holdsworth/
Sponsored in part by Riff Technology, Inc.
http://www.gbase.com/rifftech/
Date: Wed, 23 Oct 1996 21:09:17 -0400
From: owner-atavachron@jabular.webster.com
Apparently-To: atavachron-outgoing@jabular.webster.com
To: JEFF@ADDIMENSION.COM
The New Atavachron Digest 96/10/23
Sender: owner-atavachron@webster.com
Precedence: bulk
Reply-To: Jeff Preston
----------
From: "Ola Strandberg"
Subject: Thanks...
Date: Fri, 18 Oct 1996 09:14:17 +0100
After listening to NTS for a little over a week, I finally realize that
it's great. I wasn't too taken by it at first, but it grows on you!
I picked it up at Musik=F6rat, Uppsala, Sweden, who said that they had ha=
d it
even before it was released in the US...
[ Moderator's note: I'm sure they did; it came out on Cream in
Europe at least two months before the U.S. release on Restless
last month -- and Polydor KK released _NTS_ in Japan back in
March! --JP ]
Thanks Allan!
BTW Allan, even though Rackis has closed down, please come to Uppsala
again. You could always play at Cafe Katalin. I saw the last two gigs at
Rackis and they have been *the* guitar moments of my life!
/Ola Strandberg, fan
----------
From: Jmurphtest@aol.com
Date: Fri, 18 Oct 1996 06:08:49 -0400
Subject: Heavy Machinery
I simply can't believe some of the negative remarks in this digest regarding
the Heavy Machinery CD. This thing absolutely kills and lets us hear AH in a
completely diffrent context. It's very agressive compared to most of AH's
solo LPs and he gets to show a another dimension to his playing here. I, for
one, LOVE it!
James Murphy
----------
Date: Fri, 18 Oct 1996 07:11:15 -0700 (PDT)
From: jnapier@soemail.ucsd.edu (Jim Napier)
Subject: Holdsworth gig in San Diego
I forgot to mention that when I saw Allan at the Carvin demon on
the 12th, I asked him when he might play another show in San Diego.
He said that he was scheduled to appear at the Belly Up Tavern
in December.
Jim
----------
Date: Fri, 18 Oct 1996 07:39:08 -0700 (MST)
From: Bill Lantz
Subject: i.o.u.
Jeff wrote:
>[ Moderator's note: Yes, that's what my copy is like -- the one
> on "Luna Crack" Records (is that a inside joke, Allan?). :)
> I'd never heard of the green cover before... anyone else? --JP ]
Never heard of the green cover but my copy is also the black cover and I
can't find any mention of a record label anywhere. The record itself has a
beige label and the catalog number is AH-100. What have I got here? I've had
it a very long time. Where do you see "Luna Crack" Jeff?
Bill
[ Moderator's note: I haven't had a chance to check yet, Bill,
but I know it's on there somewhere... at least on MY copy. I
couldn't have made that up. :) --JP ]
----------
Date: Fri, 18 Oct 1996 10:25:53 -0700 (PDT)
From: Roger Billerey
Subject: Carvin guitar, Road games
Hi everybody
At last NTS is widely available in most stores in Santa Barbara, CA. One
thing that amazes me is that I have yet to see a cd available here on its
release date. They usually come in at least 1 week late. What is the
point of having a release date then? Especially since NTS was already
available in France in the new releases bin on June 17th.
About the Carvin guitar. I was fortunate to play one for about an hour at
the Carvin showroom in Hollywood. It's a green flame-maple top model with
2 pickups and stop tailpiece. The guitar is remarkably light, due to its
semi-hollow body. The most striking feature is the neck, which is quite
unexpectedly thick. I don't mind that but it really took me by surprise,
considering Allan's mostly legato playing, which in my mind would require
a thinner neck. The neck pickup sounded especially good with a clean
tone, quite warm and snappy at the same time. I had mixed feelings about
the bridge pickup. It sounded really good with a very overdriven tone
(right before distortion, similar to Allan's or Scott Henderson's tones)
but the guitar started feeding back very quicky even at very low volumes
(i.e the kind of volume level you play at in a tiny demo room). The use
of outright distortion was thus completely impossible and basic power
chords sounded really muddy. Then again, this is not the purpose of this
guitar which is primarily geared towards jazz and fusion players, not
metal heads; still, it lacks versatility in this respect and players
halfway between jazz and rock (like Brett Garsed for instance) who
occasionally resort to full-out rock rhythms could be frustrated (and I was).
The thickness of the neck was largely compensated for by Carvin's
customary hair-thin action (how do they do that???) and extra-light gauge
strings, and legato playing was a breeze even with the cleanest setting on
Carvin's extraordinary sounding Quad tube preamp (it sounds so good I
bought one on the spot for $400 - check the features on your catalog... I
am not compensated by Carvin in any way, I sincerely believe they make
outstanding instruments at unbelievable prices, plus the manager at the
Hollywood showroom is really nice and knowledgeable).
One word about Road games. I found a used copy of the original EP
(complete with fancy artwork) last year but I have never seen any other
copy of it, whether it be on vinyl or CD or cassette. That's a shame
because it's really great (Jeff Berlin just rips). IMHO it's a must have,
along with Atavachron and Metal Fatigue (while IMHO again NTS is not
essential).
Can't wait to see Allan at the Carvin showroom in November!!
See you guys
Rog the Frog
----------
From: WDCKdarin@aol.com
Date: Fri, 18 Oct 1996 15:59:03 -0400
Subject: NTS, Johansson
I finally purchased NTS from cdnow, but I really wanted to walk into a store,
pick it up and purchase it. It's just a different feeling seeing it in the
store, for me at least. I also purchased the Johansson/AH cd from cdnow for
16.99 (thats and import). Reviews will be forthcoming.
DG
----------
Date: 18 Oct 96 15:27:48 EDT
From: Tony Accurso <74654.3011@CompuServe.COM>
Subject: Re: Other Holdsworth Projects
Hi,
I got to say it's great to read about all the upcoming projects and past
projects Allan has appeared on.
A couple that never get mentioned from the recent past, but may be of interest
are: MVP's 'Truth in Shredding' project. It came out in '90 on Legato records
and features Allan and Franke Gambale on every track, and is quite the
shred-a-thon. Lots of long solos. (This came out around the same time MVP's
'Centrifugal Funk' cd w/Shawn Lane, Brett Garsed and Franke Gamble). Another
recording, Jeff Watson's 'Lone Ranger' cd from Shrapnel records. Allan plays on
a tune called Forest of Feelings. He trades leads with Jeff, this is not for the
faint of heart.
I think NTS is great and can't wait to see Allan next time he comes to the San
Francisco/Bay Area!
----------
Date: Sun, 20 Oct 1996 00:55:05 -0400
From: Malpaugh@aol.com
Subject: NTS vs. Sunbird
Bas van der Heijden writes:
>>But comparing 'Sunbird' (Gordon Beck) with NTS,'Sunbird' to me contains
more jazz than NTS. NTS still has some fusion (no fuzak!) feel, Aldo Romano
(the drummer of Sunbird) and GB's acoustic piano sound more acoustic jazzy.
As a Holdsworth album I like it, but as a jazz album I prefer Sunbird.<<
I have to agree. I won't regurgitate my prior appraisal of NTS from last
April, but having spent time with both NTS and Sunbird, I wish the best
qualities of both could've combined to produce the monster jazz album NTS
should've been. Sunbird strikes me as a jazz album whereas NTS sounds like
fusionesque interpretations of standards. On Sunbird Gordon Beck sounds
looser and more adventerous while AH, without his trademark tone, sounds like
a fish out of water. Conversely, on NTS, Allan has some fine work while GB
sounds rather uninspired and cliched. It makes me wonder what influence the
choice of tunes, the rhythm section, and the studio played in the final
production.
In the final analysis, both of these Holdsworth "jazz" albums have their
moments but, for me, miss the mark as true, accurate representations of
Allan's abilities in this genre.
Mark Alpaugh
----------
From: Jeff Preston
Subject: Jim's trip to the Carvin showroom / New AtavaWWW feature
Date: Sun, 20 Oct 1996 14:06:26 -0600
>Date: Thu, 17 Oct 1996 18:12:11 -0700 (PDT)
>From: jnapier@soemail.ucsd.edu (Jim Napier)
>Subject: Allan at San Diego Carvin demo
>I went to the demo of Allan's Carvin model at the SD showroom Oct. 12.
As a reminder, there are several more Carvin demo sessions
with Allan scheduled -- if you live anywhere near any of
the Carvin showrooms in Southern California, I urge you to
click on the Carvin ad banner on the Atavachron Web site
(or visit http://www.carvin.com/hldswrth.html) to check out
the schedule.
>When Allan
>came out he started off by playing 3 songs I didn't recognize (more on
>that later). These were backed by pre-recorded live bass and drum
>tracks. Allan mentioned later that the drummer on the recording was
>Chad.
This makes me wonder if this wasn't some of the material
that Allan wrote/recorded for use in the Roland demo in
Tokyo earlier this summer...
>Despite listening to Holdsworth on and off since the mid-70s, I'd never
>seen him live before. That being the case, to see him for the first
>time in a setting where I was only 25 feet from him and I could see
>clearly much of subtlies of his technique was mind boggling. His style
>is complete efficiency of effort; there is no wasted movement.
Yes, he certainly makes it look easy, eh? :)
>I was lucky enough to be standing near the door when Allan entered the
>showroom. I approached him and asked him to autograph my copy of NTS
>which he did. I mentioned that I was pleased to see the Atavachron Web
>page mentioned on the CD liner notes. He pointed out that it was all
>due to Jeff's efforts and said that he was very impressed with it. Way
>to go Jeff!
Thanks. The URL's inclusion came about as a result of my
contacting Tammy Kizer several months ago -- I was trying
to make sure we could license the use of the "Art Shoji logo"
(designed, oddly enough, by a former Restless employee, Art
Shoji), or use it without violating anyone's trademark rights.
She was curious about the Web site, and asked permission to
include the URL. I told her it was fine with me, but that she
should check with Allan first, since I knew there'd been some
problems with liner notes, etc., in the past. I don't know
if she actually got Allan to approve that, but hopefully he
doesn't mind. :)
>Some of the posts in Atavachron showed people were somewhat underwhelmed
>by the guitar design. I have to day that IMHO when you see it in person
>it's quite a nice instrument. It's true that the Carvin catalog photos,
>as well as they're done, don't quite bring out how appealing the
>instrument looks in reality. I've never liked small or non-existent
>headstocks, but this one suits the guitar's lines well and is
>attractive. I like the large frets and the semi-hollow bodied design.
>It has a nice tone even when not amplified. For a guitar starting at
>around $800 this one is well worth it.
I'm saving my pennies as we speak. :)
Jeff
P.S. New feature on the AtavaWWW! Yes, phase one of the first
sizeable change to the Web site in months is complete.
What's that? As I'd mentioned a few weeks ago, Steve Hunt
has kindly loaned us some photos, and I've managed to scan
all of them and jot down his comments on each, and the
result is "Steve Hunt's Road Frames"; the URL is:
http://www.addimension.com/atav/hunt/
There are now 20 new photos there, with about 40 more to
come as time allows. Bookmark the page and visit often!
----------
From: Andrew_Munro@HSVPO.CCMAIL.CompuServe.COM
Date: 21 Oct 96 09:31:05 EDT
Subject: I.O.U an apology regarding I.O.U
Well, I goofed!I stated that I had the AH album I.O.U with a GREEN
cover.It looked green to me mainly because I never bothered to remove
the shrink wrap plastic from the cover to reveal the BLACK cover.I
kept it on so I could leave the Eddie Van Halen testimonial sticker.I
think it gave it a dark greenish tinge.(I'm slightly colour blind
also).
Anyone have any info regarding the AH combo FALSE ALARM from the early
eighties?
Regards Andrew.
----------
From: Andrew_Munro@HSVPO.CCMAIL.CompuServe.COM
Date: 21 Oct 96 09:35:36 EDT
Subject: NTS available in Melbourne
Attention Mr.Teh and others. NTS is available at Gaslight records for
$33. Regards Andrew
----------
From: KingsleyD@aol.com
Date: Tue, 22 Oct 1996 08:53:04 -0400
Subject: Re: NTS, Willis & Covington
Hey, atavachronistas!
Spent an enjoyable evening in the company of messrs. Willis and Covington
last week, as they were in town with Tribal Tech. They had a few hours to
kill before the show, so we drove around Cleveland a bit. We stopped into my
favorite Borders for a double capp and a visit to the music section (which is
selling Gary's CD) and what should be blasting forth from the speakers but
NTS! Nice moment there... Anyhow, a couple of comments from the guys:
1: electric vs. digital piano... they said that Gordon appeared to be rather
uncomfortable with the digital, couldn't get his lh/rh balance right, and
wasn't happy with the sound. If they were to do it again (and AH told them
he'd like to) they were gonna campaign to do it in a studio with a 9 foot
bosendorfer. Right on...
2: KC: I relayed some of the negative comments about Kirk's playing, in
particular the one about his using "plastic tips", and that became the
night's in-joke. (BTW, KC *doesn't* use plastic tips!) He took it in
stride, and remarked that what counts is AH's opinion, and AH wants to work
with him again. IMHO, he did a nice job on NTS, although I agree the *sound*
could have been a little better. I'll tell you, in the TT show that night,
KC was *amazing*. He's a great listener - really gets involved with the
soloist and phrases interactively. That's the sort of thing AH really seems
to dig. Pretty decent blues singer too, even while playing none-too-simple
drums. Highly recommended show if they come by your neck of the woods.
Off to see G3 (+Legg) tonight - this must be national guitar month or
something. Wish to heck AH would hit the road...
Kingsley
----------
End of Atavachron Digest
Send postings to: atavachron@webster.com
Send administrative requests to: atavachron-request@addimension.com
Web page: http://www.addimension.com/holdsworth/
Sponsored in part by Alchemy Records
http://www.musicpro.com/alchemy/
Date: Thu, 31 Oct 1996 22:29:32 -0500
From: owner-atavachron@jabular.webster.com
Apparently-To: atavachron-outgoing@jabular.webster.com
To: JEFF@ADDIMENSION.COM
The New Atavachron Digest 96/10/31
Special Fifth Anniversary Collector's Edition :)
(yeah, can you believe it's been five years?!?)
Sender: owner-atavachron@webster.com
Precedence: bulk
Reply-To: Jeff Preston
----------
Date: Thu, 24 Oct 96 20:56:01 UT
From: "Ashley Collins"
Subject: Re: i.o.u.
Bill Lantz wrote:
>Never heard of the green cover but my copy is also the black cover and I
>can't find any mention of a record label anywhere. The record itself has a
>beige label and the catalog number is AH-100. What have I got here? I've had
>it a very long time. Where do you see "Luna Crack" Jeff?
>
>Bill
>
> [ Moderator's note: I haven't had a chance to check yet, Bill,
> but I know it's on there somewhere... at least on MY copy. I
> couldn't have made that up. :) --JP ]
Of course it is, Jeff! Probably written in black! :) Sorry, couldn't
resist!
[ Moderator's note: It's printed in gold ink at the bottom of the
back cover, and I have a scanner to prove it. So, *nyah*. :)
--JP ]
Ashley Collins
Frasier2@msn.com
----------
From: lednammurco@earthlink.net
Date: Thu, 24 Oct 1996 15:11:52 -0700
Subject: NTS
After all the None Too Soon "reviews" I guess I will throw in my 2
cents worth.
I was suprised, as it was better than I thought. I love Tribal Tech,
and think Kirk Covington is great for that band, but let's face it:
The guy can't swing.
I have heard him many times, and his groove is top notch, plus he has a lot
of fire, but when it comes to playing with a swing feel.....well it just
isn't in him. He did sound much better on NTS than I had expected.
The reality is that NTS is not a "jazz" record anyway. It is
Holdswoth's interpretation of these standards, which I think is great.
The thing is...no serious jazz player would consider it "Jazz', but who
cares about labels. Whatever style it may be, AH did a great job.
If he really wanted to do a jazz record IMHO he should of gotten a rhythm
section that is well versed in the jazz vocabulary.
Overall it was a worthwhile purchase. It was a major hassle to find it
though. I had to go to 6 stores and this is Los Angeles !!!!
MS
----------
Date: Thu, 24 Oct 1996 18:35:22 -0400 (EDT)
From: dainis s kaulenas
Subject: NTS
NTS is readily available in Boston, if anybody around here wants one. I
got mine at the Mass Ave Tower, which is right around the corner from
Berklee, so no surprise thet were stocked in depth.
I gotta tell ya, I loved the drumming myself, though the bass could've
been mixed higher. Anyone else notice AH's tone seems a little "cleaner"?
Lastly, what's with the fadeout at the end of _Countdown_? Argh!
Can't find the Brothers J album out here, though I must admit I haven't
been trying that hard due to a lack of funds. Sounds interesting though.
Anyone else have any experience with Carvin gear, particularly the amp
stuff, but also the AH sig guitar? Thanks! -D
Dainis Kaulenas
dainis@world.std.com
----------
Date: Fri, 25 Oct 1996 16:15:06 -0600
From: "Mark C. Wood"
Subject: I.O.U.
>Date: Fri, 18 Oct 1996 07:39:08 -0700 (MST)
>From: Bill Lantz
>Subject: i.o.u.
>Jeff wrote:
>[ Moderator's note: Yes, that's what my copy is like -- the one
> on "Luna Crack" Records (is that a inside joke, Allan?). :)
> I'd never heard of the green cover before... anyone else? --JP ]
>Never heard of the green cover but my copy is also the black cover and
>I can't find any mention of a record label anywhere. The record itself
>has a beige label and the catalog number is AH-100. What have I got
>here? I've had it a very long time. Where do you see "Luna Crack" Jeff?
I read somewhere that no record company was interested in I.O.U.(!), so
Holdsworth released it himself on an independent label. I believe that's
why it says 'AH-100' on the beige label. It was recorded two years
before is was released in 1982. I think all the original copies had black
covers. When Enigma picked it up in 1985, they made it a red cover and
put a picture on the back.
A while back, there was some talk of a re-release of I.O.U. with additional
tracks. Does anybody know when that's being released?
----------
Date: Sat, 26 Oct 1996 20:03:45 +0100
From: Wilko Ekelschot
Subject: Re:
>Hi,
NTS is here in Holland widely available (with a green cover), but
with the Johanson CD it's a different story.I can't find here in
Amsterdam. Any suggestions???
NTS by the way is smashing.Thx AH
--
Wilko Ekelschot & Bea Aubri
Homepage: http://xs4all.nl/~wilbe
Email : wilbe@xs4all.nl
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From: Allan Holdsworth (address withheld by request)
Date: Wed, 30 Oct 1996 14:14:23 -0500
Subject: Atavachron digest
In response to Ken Rosser: It is totally impossible to design a guitar to
suit all purposes and this was not in my mind for this guitar. It is simply
a guitar made for me, with all the things that I like - large, half a
baseball bat neck, and high frets. I dislike skinny little necks with low
frets. Plus it has also been my experience that the neck is very important
with regard to the sound of the guitar. When I was working and experimenting
with Grover Jackson at Charvel, it was determined that, in my opinion, the
same guitar with a large neck on it always sounded better.
In response to Roger Billerey: It is very interesting to me that people seem
to think that the way I play guitar is mostly legato playing. In actual
fact, it is impossible for me to play with my left hand only and I rely on a
combination of hammered notes and picked notes. The pick is absolutely
necessary for me because without it, it is impossible for me to shape the
notes and get the sound the way I want it. There are a gazillion guitars out
there suitable for metal playing. These guitars are usually completely
unsuitable for anything else, as I have owned a number of them in the past.
Just as it's hard for me to imagine designing a guitar that would suit Tal
Farlow and Yngwie Malmsteen, because I'm sure these two poles are too far
apart to be bridged by an instrument. As I mentioned before to Ken Rosser,
the Carvin guitar was designed with everything geared towards my own personal
preferences and it achieves this. It is also my opinion that this guitar is
in fact more versatile than the average metal machine. The guitar will
inherently have more dynamics and could be used by c+w guitar players through
to jazz players, even though the guitar was not designed specifically with
this in mind. The musician should be just looking for an instrument that
would suit and perhaps give them what they are looking for and not blame any
particular instrument for not conforming to their wishes as there are plenty
of choices out there.
By the way, I have managed to squeeze out a few power chords and played
pretty loud with this guitar, and not experienced any feedback problems, but
as you know, it would be unwise to stand in front of a Marshall stack with a
Gibson 175 with all the knobs on 11, with obvious consequences. When one
understands that the AH Carvin is hollow, and they wish to play metal, they
would be wise to look elsewhere for a guitar.
BTW, Carvin are making a prototype solid version of the same guitar which
would be less expensive and perhaps more suited to high volume playing.
Allan
----------
Date: Fri, 1 Nov 1996 01:32:46 +0100
From: henrik.lundberg@gnesta.mail.telia.com (Henrik Lundberg)
Subject: None too soon
Hello!
I'm new to this list and two weeks ago I recieved the "None too soon"-cd,
so i'm gonna make a review of it. First of all I really think the idea is
great. I have listen to Allans music for about six years (i am 23-year old
working guitarist/musician from Sweden (please, excuse my english)) and
I've always loved his music. I have always thought that he should do a
jazz-cd so the jazz-police-guys gets to notice him. I like the cd a lot,
but can't stop thinkin of how it should have sounded if he had more
cultivated jazzplayers on it. For example Roy Haynes/Dave Holland or Tony
Williams/Ron Carter or more modern style; Peter Erskine/Gary Willis or (the
new Ckick Corea-drummer, what's his name, he's so great?)/James Genius or
Gary Willis.
What I think is the biggest problem with this record is that it doesent
swings as it should do, and I think it's Kirk Covingtons problem. Gary
Willis is great, he swings a lot. But Covington doesn't have that real
feeling. Maybe it's in my head the problem is. I like kirk when he plays
power-jazz with Skott Hendersson, but Allan isn't Skott....
It works, but that's it! I don't get that special feeling I get when I hear
a hard-swingin-fuckin drummer. The drummer is so important to the sound.
Allan and Gordon Beck plays real great, but why must Allan play syntaxe, it
sounds like shit in this context. I can confess that I had very, very high
expectations on this record, i did not really got dissapointed, but i know
that it could have sounded much better. I hope Allan does another
"jazz"-record and that he choses other fokes to play on it. A impossible
wish would be that he worked with a producer, but i know that Allan doesent
like that very much. :-)
I am very hard in this review but i love Allan's playing so much so this
comes from the heart.
Maybe a mother gets the same feeling, when her son is out with the wrong gang...
Best regards!
- Henrik Lundberg
henrik.lundberg@gnesta.mail.telia.com
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