Don Schiff

Yesterdays News 1l25/12

2012-01-24T21:53:00.001-08:00

"On The Road Dating"

"Now we were on tour and flew in to Detroit to stay for a couple days. At the end of those couple days we're informed we have a 4 1/2 hour drive to get us to Torch Lake. We (the band "Stacia") figure we'll leave in the late morning and get there just in time before daylight ends. A good call, considering none of us has ever seen this place, plus snow and the possible "getting lost" factor - it just made good sense to get an early start...

We all had a nice "partying evening" when I decided to turn in for the night and get a good rest for the long "sit" in the car the next morning. Nice car mind you... "FULLY loaded, leather seats, Cadillac jeep of some sort... comfy but nonetheless, a long time to just "sit."

SOOoooooOOoooo long about 5 AM, I notice as I'm awoken, that I have a "Date" in bed with me..."Ahhhhhhhhhh" and "Oh no!" I say to myself... I've somehow gotten in bed with and dated one of the "Rhea" sisters. Now this isn't good...I've got a LONG drive ahead and here I am in bed with one of the Rhea sisters. As I know it, there are three sisters, we've all dated one of them at some point in our lives...as they're affectionately known as Dia, Pia and Gona...my date that evening was Dia....yes, Diarrhea.

OY VAY!!!!! She was ready to rock as I hurried to the bathroom... For the first round I just "hung on to the seat rim" and blasted away for a good ten minutes. Whew, she was talkative, "Okay, back to bed for a little rest, with luck she's happy and tired too." So I pull the covers over, get comfy and put my head down... When....I got that feelin'....Ahhh! She wants to dance....hurry and scurry to the bathroom I murmur, "C'mon" be gentle I've got a five hour drive I don't have time to play...."

Well, I wish the toilet seat had a seat belt...Whoa can she dance! I'm weak, tired and concerned now about the "Fully loaded car with leather seats under my fully loaded butt!" what a time for us to not have the tour bus. Well, we danced the Twist, the Watusi and Cha-cha-cha until she decided she had had a nice enough time as she faded from the evening. I thanked her for her consideration for my plight of a long drive and bid her a "Farewell" as I headed for a nice hot shower and a breakfast of "Kaopectate." The car ride was "Cautious" but "uneventful."

Kapopectate, I salute you!"

Came up with and developed a new technique for the NS/Stick whereas I can thumb pop/snap the bass line and at the sametime strum chords. I have been working on it for a few months and now it has become a functional technique. It's one thing to do something cool and as an added bonus to have it develop into a functional form of expression that is easily accessable. I'll put a youtube together for it. I have some deluxe grooves written and will make a nice 'thing' out of it.

Called a good buddy of mine "Greg Ellis" (Vas) and other Narada label projects. Just to say hi and now that I think about it he would be great to join me on this one.

He had a 'not so great experience' happen on tour. The kind that you know will make a good story if you get out of it alive. He lands in Dubai, a quick stop over. He gets off the plan to look around, stretch his legs and unknowingly wanders out into a restricted area. Dubai Police come... arrest him, take him out of the airport, into a car then. put in a jail cell. No one speaks English and no one tells him why or what is going on. Later moved to another cell where there are other inmates, one who speaks a little English. He finds out that they suspect him of being a terroist.

Then gets driven in an umarked car to another building and cell. Told him they now suspect him of terroizm. Still no phone call for him. Long story short after much anquish, he is released and told never to come back.

(Greg Ellis)

So lucky for him, his family and me, he returns to us in one piece, with all his limbs and a darn fine story.

All for now, rest time.

Don

To see yesterdays news click the 'coffee' cup.

Yesterdays News 1l25/12

2012-01-24T21:53:00.000-08:00

Grazie per la visita, 訪問していただきありがとうございます, תודה על הביקור , Thank you for visiting.

I thought I'd add a story to this one: I called this one "Hot Date"
It's an "oldy but goody" story I found in the archives going some years back, 12/2/02 to be exact. It was entitled
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

"On The Road Dating"

"Now we were on tour and flew in to Detroit to stay for a couple days. At the end of those couple days we're informed we have a 4 1/2 hour drive to get us to Torch Lake. We (the band "Stacia") figure we'll leave in the late morning and get there just in time before daylight ends. A good call, considering none of us has ever seen this place, plus snow and the possible "getting lost" factor - it just made good sense to get an early start...
We all had a nice "partying evening" when I decided to turn in for the night and get a good rest for the long "sit" in the car the next morning. Nice car mind you... "FULLY loaded, leather seats, Cadillac jeep of some sort... comfy but nonetheless, a long time to just "sit."

SOOoooooOOoooo long about 5 AM, I notice as I'm awoken, that I have a "Date" in bed with me..."Ahhhhhhhhhh" and "Oh no!" I say to myself... I've somehow gotten in bed with and dated one of the "Rhea" sisters. Now this isn't good...I've got a LONG drive ahead and here I am in bed with one of the Rhea sisters. As I know it, there are three sisters, we've all dated one of them at some point in our lives...as they're affectionately known as Dia, Pia and Gona...my date that evening was Dia....yes, Diarrhea.

OY VAY!!!!! She was ready to rock as I hurried to the bathroom... For the first round I just "hung on to the seat rim" and blasted away for a good ten minutes. Whew, she was talkative, "Okay, back to bed for a little rest, with luck she's happy and tired too." So I pull the covers over, get comfy and put my head down... When....I got that feelin'....Ahhh! She wants to dance....hurry and scurry to the bathroom I murmur, "C'mon" be gentle I've got a five hour drive I don't have time to play...."

Well, I wish the toilet seat had a seat belt...Whoa can she dance! I'm weak, tired and concerned now about the "Fully loaded car with leather seats under my fully loaded butt!" what a time for us to not have the tour bus. Well, we danced the Twist, the Watusi and Cha-cha-cha until she decided she had had a nice enough time as she faded from the evening. I thanked her for her consideration for my plight of a long drive and bid her a "Farewell" as I headed for a nice hot shower and a breakfast of "Kaopectate." The car ride was "Cautious" but "uneventful."

Kapopectate, I salute you!"

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Came up with and developed a new technique for the NS/Stick whereas I can thumb pop/snap the bass line and at the sametime strum chords. I have been working on it for a few months and now it has become a functional technique. It's one thing to do something cool and as an added bonus to have it develop into a functional form of expression that is easily accessable. I'll put a youtube together for it. I have some deluxe grooves written and will make a nice 'thing' out of it.

Called a good buddy of mine "Greg Ellis" (Vas) and other Narada label projects. Just to say hi and now that I think about it he would be great to join me on this one.
He had a 'not so great experience' happen on tour. The kind that you know will make a good story if you get out of it alive. He lands in Dubai, a quick stop over. He gets off the plan to look around, stretch his legs and unknowingly wanders out into a restricted area. Dubai Police come... arrest him, take him out of the airport, into a car then. put in a jail cell. No one speaks English and no one tells him why or what is going on. Later moved to another cell where there are other inmates, one who speaks a little English. He finds out that they suspect him of being a terroist.

Then gets driven in an umarked car to another building and cell. Told him they now suspect him of terroizm. Still no phone call for him. Long story short after much anquish, he is released and told never to come back.
(Greg Ellis)

So lucky for him, his family and me, he returns to us in one piece, with all his limbs and a darn fine story.

All for now, rest time.
Don

To see yesterdays news click the 'coffee' cup.

Yesterdays News 1/21/2012

2012-01-21T21:56:00.000-08:00

Had a wonderful time at NAMM 2012, met friends, saw gear and as usual walked away with "I gotta have it! I neeeeed it!" The 'new' Apollo by Universal Audio was fabulous. High end interface for computer recording. Comes with dual and Quad. The plug ins sounded 'the best' and zero latency when you record and play in real time. Features DUO processing and Quad.

Click the image to go to more info.

Then I went over to OZONE 5(IZotope booth). I'm not much on reading manuals anymore so I thought I'd visit and get a one on one demonstration and have questions answered. My big one was, "Can I have a stereo mastered recording that I like (example favorite produced tune) and have the sonic perameters copied, then applied to my mix? answer "Yes". Then I was shown how. Great product.

Ate at a nice burger place 4 blocks from the convention center, tastey (and I was hungry and new I'd be walkin' all day). Got a late start so all the 'close' convention parking was full however!!! Not to far away on "Garden walk way or ave." I always have gotten a space in there parking structure... healthy walking distance, not terrible.

Well that's the news.. sure if I thought about it I should have taken pictures but got to wrapped up in going from booth to booth to booth for MILES. Some I never found like Moog at booth 5000 hall C. Found 4999 and 5200 but 5000 was invisible I guess. Oh well, I'll write them and let them now I looked.

Have great weekend!

Don

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Yesterdays News 1/19/12

2012-01-20T20:16:00.000-08:00

**NAMM Show visit! I'll see so many friends, visit lots of gear and say Hi to a lot of people whose equipment I endorse and use. Make new friends and find 'new' gear to use. Particularly in the recording studio department. I will stop by TogaMan Guitar Viol,

http://www.togamanguitars.com/ This instrument is a guitar whose bridge is set up so that each string can be bowed. I love to use this instrument in a section with my cello and upgrright bass. It makes a very dynamic string section.

NS/Stick

I'm sure to see Ned Steinberger as well. That company is the co-inventer of the NS/Stick from Stick Enterprises. Another great invention that I find more new ways to play as time goes by. Incredible instrument.

AccuGroove cabinets are simply incredible. They deliver such pure tone, large, clean and powerful.

Well that's all for now and I'll take pictures and give a nice report this weekend

Enjoy!!!

Don

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Yesterdays News 1-18-2012

2012-01-19T23:37:00.000-08:00

** NEWS FLASH -- This Just In!! I just added some information about Lana Lane's new CD. CLick "Record STore" page or (go directly to that link without selecting an album in the dropdown). There is another 'free' listening song called "In Exile" from her album "El Dorado Hotel" for you . Go have a look and a listen....

Well lets see... Looking forward to going to the NAMM (National Association of Musical Manufacturers ) convention this Friday. I'll just go the one day. I'm really interested in looking at the new software for recording studios. I purchased the 'big sales' for software for my studio from 'black Friday'. Now to see the "New" stuff that will come out. Prior to last year, I hadn't been to the show for about 5 years. It was a nice break. However being away that long left a funny gap. I felt like I went to the "Jetson's" age Namm show. So much new stuff, new technology. Less and less horns, more and more electronic instruments and even more computers and software booths. Loomingly large with constant shows and exhibitions going on.

Speaking yesterday about my "Kustom" tuck and roll amp, I'll see if they are still in business while I'm there. Back in the late 60's when those amps first rolled out, (and I had them) the next generation was called "Kasino" and I had that version then too. "Featured" a nice purple psychedelic 'on' light but No tuck n roll though. I look back now and think "Whats the point" that was "The Look!"

Anyway I get all nostalgic and think, "I'll get another Kustom Cabinet and amp and have two to go out and play in stereo... Yay, that'll be great. THEN it hits me... WHY. All my peddles emulate amps so I don't have to carry them anymore. The amps will just take up space in my studio. I already have two leslie cabinets, hammond organ, synths, Kustom amp. Upright bass, electric bass, guitars hanging from the walls, two Sticks.... barely room for me and a chair. AND besides that, I had to schlep my own gear on yesterdays gig. Fun when I was in my teens, no so fun at 56. I sound like I'm complaining, ('cause I am...) but my arms are sore, legs ache a little and worst of all... I hurt my 'finger'. I've got to remember 'Don't lift with my fingers, use the whole hand!" Along with ,,... don't lift with your back use your legs.... Okay now I'm back, I'll go look at all the pretty amps. and think, "Ahhh it's great I don't need to carry them around anymore."

Favorite moments... "When I would tour and there was a road crew to carry. I bought a lot of nice gear without having to worry how heavy it all was. Gig ended... truck brought the gear to my house and I lifted and rolled the road cases and the gear into my garage for storage.... Yikes! that was heavy and then turned around and sold it. Maybe this year at Namm they will have 'robot gear' that walks itself onto the stage, sits and waits for you to plug into it. "I'd like that!"

Don

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Yesterdays News 1/17/2012

2012-01-18T00:45:00.000-08:00

Had a very nice gig at the Marymount college. Played with some fine musicians and friends, Ray Kehenetsky on piano, Frank Avalon Jr. on drums, myself on bass and NS/Stick backing two wonderful singers. Had a nice solo spot on NS and invited Frank to play along, he did just great. Figuring he had no idea what I was going to play, for that matter I didn't have it all mapped out either which made it all the more exciting as well. It went over just greatl.

I used my old "Kustom". For those of you familiar with this amp. they have a 'great look'

This is what mine looks like. Nice to sit on too! It gets one and only one good sound. Saves me from having to turn knobs to dial anything in, it just does the "one" great sound lol. I replaced the original speaker with a high end 15" but the amp. section is all original. I like playing the NS (something so new) thru something this old. It was given to me from a dear friend (Pat Duncan - wrote the great movie Mr. Hollands Opus). After me telling him about this great looking amp I used to have in the 70's he found a collecton of them ... 40 of 'em and bought them all, and had them shipped from back east. kept only the red ones and let me pick one I wanted so I took a blue one. Fun amp.

Have a great day all.

Don

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Yesterdays News

2012-01-17T00:29:00.000-08:00

Excellent! Another great day. Will be going to the NAMM show this Friday. It is so large there now that if I planned to meet any of your there I would never find you HOWEVER, when you just 'go'...you end up bumping into everyone anyway just as long as you don't plan it! Go figure. I usually run into Mark McCrite, Erik Norlander, Neil Citron, , Neil Bettencourt and sometimes Steve Adelson . This year I'm mainly interested in software plugins for my studio. I'm not playing there this year but and representing a product called "The Freddy". (High end piece of gear that allow you to midi in to any high end synths, plugins and control them all via footpedles). Last year I played at the booth, this year they aren't setting up, just showing up. Soooo I get to be a "free range" kind of guy and Roam around for hours aimlessly taking it all in. AND they even have the NAMM app for your phone. Really!!! I downloaded it last year. It tells you what booth all the products are at and about that particual product. Makes walking aimlessly a little more productive.

This Monday I have solo spot in a show that I'm backing a singer in down in the Hermosa Beach area. It will be a fun concert. The singer sings a Pop style like "Dean Martin" actually. Very fun. He asked if I'd back him up with the Stick and play just he and I on the tune "Send in the Clowns". Then asked if I would do a few solo tunes just myself. "OF course, a moment to just be me! C'mon easiest thing I do.

Then the busy weeks of music start. Lots of writing and recording. I was asked to play at Lisa LaRue and John Bakers wedding. I was honored. John Payne (of Asia) is going to sing as well. Should be a lovely event. Perhaps I'll write something for the occaision. I've got time, its a few months away.

Early day tomorrow, Everyone "Go to bed" its' 2 am.

Don

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Yesterdays news

2012-01-14T00:41:00.000-08:00

Okay I'm liking this "Radio Announcement" photo,

Nice news today, Ty Stevens will be producing the next Lance Mattew CD. Great artist matched with a great producer, go look, nice website. http://www.tystevens.net/. As I visited hit produced artists page I noticed Laura Satterfield . I worked and wrote with her Many years ago. Great voice and writer. Her aunt is Rita Coolidge. Anyway Ty will be a great match for Lance, I have an album of Lances in the "Record STore" (While the Giant Sleeps). That is where I first met Lance, hired to play on the album then we became the best of friends. I'm excited, it has been to long in between albums for him "Carousel" was the last and that was... I don't even remember, I just remember touring through Sweden with him promoting the CD.

I'd get up early to have the 'free' breakfast from where we were staying. He always slept in. As I went outside (FREEZING with lots of snow on the ground) I'd make a snow ball and throw it at his rooms window as I passed by. Lance being stronger/faster than I... I always kept a reserve bundle of snowballs at the side in case he ran out of his room ready to throw some snow back.... I'd wait, nothing, then I'd go have breakfast.

After 3 days of this, I said "Don't you hear the "Thwap" of the snow ball hitting your window each morning!?!?!". He laughed and said , "Your throwing them at the wrong window, my rooms over there.!!!!

Excellent!

Don

2012-01-11T12:21:00.000-08:00

I look like I'm ready to make a radio announcement. "School will be closed today due to snow LOL" Ahhhh living in California I don't have to shovel anymore or wear my heavy coat. I do appreciate that every-time I think of going back east around this time of year. Also it seams 'web Tv shows" will become a new standard and eventually a large source for our viewing entertainment". This is my prediction (Picture me with ear to the railroad tracks --- then picture me leaping out of the way of the oncoming train).

Being part of "The Guild" web-series composing music I have watched the tiny industry grow. It is becoming quite explosive in growth. The advent of "Laptop or Cellphone" connections to large HD flat-screen tv's and cable companies tying in Internet to Tv it is a matter of time when 'Internet or Regular tv shows' is just an option switch from your remote control. Heck instead of the way to many selection of 400 cable channels (and I still at times can't find anything worth watching - thank goodness for cartoon network) their will then be "MILLIONS" of shows and I'll probably be thankful for "WebCartoonNetwork" then lol.

I look forward to this as I have a 'toe' in the industry door and it opens more oppertunity to for more new shows and a larger variety. Ohhh it's gonna be great!

Okay, coffee in hand and OFF to the day!/Don

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Yesterdays News 1/9/12

2012-01-10T11:01:00.000-08:00

This Just In!!!

New Lana Lane album!. I mentions this because She is a great artist and I had the previlige to play on 3 tunes off the album. You can have a sample listen at http://www.thetank.com/lledh.htm

There are two tunes to preview. I'm on the first one "Dream Full Of Fire". I'm very proud to have been a part of it. Had to keep quiet about it as it doesn't release until 1/25/12 however the announcements are now out and a a place to go to listen to two cuts. This album is incredibly produced, fantastic vocals, fantastic musicianship....go listen already.

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2012-01-09T12:04:00.000-08:00

This all happend a few years ago and I call this one "The Emperors New Clothes" or "Year of the Sgt. Pepper"! Either way upon reflection... not as fun a look as I thought it was when I thought, "This will look GREAT!. The situation was a new band formed and I was hired (paid good and well funded. So much so, management took the band to "Melrose Ave" to shop for band clothes.... "Yep.... That's what I came up with!" Wore it once on stage, Sunset Strip, Viper Room. Great band however, a lot of fun stories came out that project and it was filmed as a reality show too, just never got picked up........, did I mention it paid really well. Your thinkin' "It'd have to to look like that".

/Don

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Yesterdays News 1/7/12

2012-01-08T18:04:00.000-08:00

Lexi who I had done an arrangement for about 8 months ago has gotten some nice attention from the Disney Radio program. She'll be coming into Los Angeles to record a 5 song EP to help sell her as an artist. "Yay Lexi". The Winfield/Schiff writing team will compose a nice tune with her and I'm sure will lend a helping hand wherever possible. She is so very sweet and and a pleasure to see grow as an artist. Follow along and watch her career begin. http://lexiulmer.com/

I have a gig next week backing up a solo singer with the Stick, he'll sing "Send in the Clowns' . It will be wonderful. (Once I get around to learning the song and creating an arrangement) I look forward to hearing it myself.lol..

Busy weekend, we (Winflied/Schiff) will continue our sessions for Tully's publishing deal. Beautiful tunes, so well tracked and recorded. Thoroughly enjoying this. We will produce some great works and I'll put them up at the 'Record STore" when finished. And at the same time various artists, Tv shows and movies will have a chance to see if they work for them as well. (Beauty of the Publishing deal, you don't have to shop tunes yourself and they have 'the In".)

New Tunes going to the "Record STore" have a look. Fresh batch of tunes should be up Sunday Morning at the latest.

Thank you all so much,

Don

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Daily News

2012-01-07T22:10:00.000-08:00

I added two more tunes in the "Singles 45's " section of "Record STore" please drop by and check them out. Two selections in the 'smooth jazz' -esk genre. The Tune 'Groovin' features Bruce Kurnow on Harmonica. Wonderful to hear Harmonica and Stick together. I had a lot of fun on those sessions.. So many tunes and only so much time to put them up. Eventually I'll catch up.

I got asked to back up a wonderful singer and play "Send in the Clowns" just vocals and Stick. Then I'll do a few tunes of my own as a feature in the show. The program is about 45 minutes. It's 1/16/2012 (wow sounds so futuristic) and I'll get times and location for those in the area that would like to attend. I beilieve it will be in a nice sit down theater, which I like. I'll stand, you sit and relax. Okay go listen to some music and have a nice day./Don

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2012-01-05T00:14:00.001-08:00

Today I was at Ontic studios. (www.TheOntic.com - click the "Listen to music" fun page and the 'faders' work, play with them its fun) have a look, impressive place, We have Rye Randa egineering Tully and my tracks for her publishing deal. Very exciting music LOTS of vocal harmonies and wonderful full arrangement. Here we see Rye in the studio working hard while I bother him in the background taking pictures... not to disctacting! We had background singers in last week (in the vocal room to the left of Rye). We overdubbed them all a few times to a "Large" full choir sound. Just lovely. Prior to that we went to a studio that specializes on drum tracking and had Randy Cook (Ringo Starr, Kelly Clarkson, Hilary Duff, Smash Mouth) play on 3 tunes. After all this is done, we head over to Woodcliff studio for final mixing/mastering. I'm tired just thinking about the process but delighted I don't have to mix a 35 track song. Heck I get confused after 3 tracks.., Lol..

Singles 45's

2012-01-02T17:48:00.000-08:00

I put a new link at www.donschiff.com under "Record STore" called 'Singles 45's'. No I'm not refering to a dating service for 45 yr olds and older... not that I don't fit that catagory BUT for those old enough to remember 33rpm albums and 45's records you'll recognize it. I put a nice listening length to each piece so we can just sit and relax there as the new music gets added. If ya find a piece you like, please purchase, we'll make more.

I appreciate your patronage, friendship and just for stoppin' in from time to time.

Thank you,

Don

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Happy New Year! 2012

2012-01-01T21:58:00.001-08:00

Today Happy New Year! 2012

It sounds so Futuristic "TWENTY _ TWELVE!!!!! flying cars, colonizing Mars, and somehow finding yourself along the path in life. We're doin' good! Fresh canvas of "This Year In Life"... I'm ready, you're ready LETS GO!!!!

Happy New Year My Friends!

Don

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12/30/11

2012-01-01T00:43:00.000-08:00

Today 12/30/11

Incredible....almost New Years Eve. Wow did that year zip by. A good one non the less. So I'll spend the tonight and tomorrow recapping the year in music and life. Met a lot of wonderful musicians and artists this past year, formualted wonderful bonds for creating incredible music this upcoming year as well as surprise projects. Such a surprise I don't even know what they are. Gonna be great though I'll tell ya that. One I do know of though is my writing partner of Many years Tully Winfiled. We have been writing and recording for the past 5 months for various projects. As we finish them, I'll put the music in the "Record STore". A definite treat, she not only is an incredible A list singer/artist but the smarter brighter half of this writing team.

As Is listed on the "Record STore" page the video clip promoting Tim Lynks new CD due out in 2012. We can also look forward to some new Lisa LaRue 2KX project with guest apperances from John Payne (Asia featuring John Payne), Micheal Saddler (Saga). Heck a movie or two may make its way. Gonna be a smashing year.

Okay, all thats fit to print for the moment,

Ohhhh and I found an Old video I did so long ago, I could be my own dad. I'll get that together for us soon, it will be in the listening room (Record STore page). I love that 'Record and Needle" Gif there.

Lance Matthew "While The Giant Sleeps" is a just put up album to listen and purchase if you like. Classic Rock, great band I was proud to be a part of. This was the early 90's. GO listen, read the liner notes for interesting bits about each tune.

Have a great day, see you tomorrow.

Don

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What's New

2011-12-30T23:14:00.000-08:00

Today 12/29/11 I was in the studio with Tully Winfield and Rye Randa. Both great writers, singers as we are coming up with some new tunes for a publishing deal Tully has. We need to write and submit for Twightlight Dawn Breaking movie. Wish us luck, a foot in the door to place a song maybe more. However it all starts with sitting in the studio, writing and arranging.

Lovely studio off the 101 and Riverside. I'm near the 118 and Reseda. Very California to mention freeways and how long it takes to get somewhere. Everythings a half hour away. Now it may take me a few hours to finally get out of my house but... once in the car, 1/2 hour I'm there. Got a new coffee maker soooo that should help get me out of the house sooner/faster and caffine charged.

Tomorrow we (Tully and I) will write from my home studio. (Lovely studio off the 118 and Reseda if I didn't mention that already). We have a few projects to write for. Complete 3 songs fully recorded for the publisher, (12 in total but I like to break it down into smaller groups and smaller time frame). A new young singer I met who had a good "Disney Radio" audition for "The Next Big Thing" program they have. I thought we could help her (Lexi) by writing a song and give it a 'full' disney-esk production. A lot of work but I enjoy it. I enjoy it especially now that I'm at a point in my life where I know a lot of incredibly talented people to do what they do best. Different from the days where you had to do everything yourself, record, clean the studio, produce, play all the instruments, clean the studio, write the lyric, arrange the music, write out charts if need be, clean the studio, learn the new recording gear and buy the latest plugins.... now it is a lot easier, I just clean the studio! Lol of to bed early day tomorrow 10am writing session.

"Jackie at the Drive-In"

2010-08-26T10:09:00.000-07:00

Yay, number #5 is up! "Jackie at the Drive-In". Enjoy!

"Jackie Visits the Studio!"

2010-07-23T06:37:00.000-07:00

It's here! A new BlogoVision. Enjoy!
Don

BlogoVision Show #3 "Big Bear" adventure

2010-06-22T23:30:00.000-07:00

Great news, another BlogoVision. This will be a two part series as big bear was so adventurous we got to shoot a lot of footage and music. Some very funny stuff too. Have a look enjoy.

"Pole Epilogue"

2010-05-21T10:55:00.000-07:00

This is a follow up to the previous post of the "Pole Dance" club gig. We sent our roving reporter "Jackie Chin" to shoot some video of occasion. Have a look and a laugh.

I played a club gig that featured my songs and NS/Stick with 'vertical pole' dancers. Kind a "Cirque du Soleil" meets pole dancing. It was a blast. A 15ft pole and these lovely, limber , gymnastic (in hot looking clothing) ladies do some wonderful dancing. Once you get over the hot looking clothing ya get pretty impressed with the choreography and maneuvers. Sure it took me a moment to put my eyes back in my head when they first came out, and the 4 minute tunes managed to become 8 minutes as I ambled on playing and watching. I figured "Oh the songs about to end and she's still 15 feet up that pole upside down. I guess it would nice of me to keep some music going until she decides to come back down 'so's not to leave here literally HANGIN'! ......Funny stuff rolls through your head in those situations as you have to think on your feet while playing..... And heck! I've been in tougher spots before. (Wavy screen dream sequence coming)

REMINDS ME OF THE TIME.....LONG AGO!
"I was playing this Las Vegas revue. And during the rehearsal of the show there was this part where this incredibly beautiful woman comes out and sings a number that starts with me playing a walking bass line.... So she walks to the edge of the stage, looks down at me in the pit..."snaps her fingers four times" and thats my cue to begin. Great I got it, I can count to four. Flawless, she walks out to the edge of the stage, looks down in the pit where I am, gives me the snap, snap, snap, snap, cue and boom I'm in and everyones happy, rehearsal moves on.

Showtime! That evening the show starts and is going great. It comes to this rehearsed part and I'm all ready, Lights dim to silence. A follow spot light appears and out this beautiful woman comes from the shadows to the edge of the stage, she looks down, I look up.......... to see the biggest set of naked knockers I'd ever seen in my young life!!...... snap, snap, snap, snap....., snap, snap!.SNAP!! SNAPPPPP!!!!!(with a horrific scowl nowl!!!) SNAPSNAPSNAPSNAP

"I didn't know it was a topless revue show!", she was fully clothed in rehearsal! I was caught by total surprise - needless to say she never spoke to me.
Don

Pole Position

2010-05-01T01:04:00.000-07:00

I'll be playing some new music and trying out some new sounds at:
Club GOOD HURT MONDAY MAY 3RD 9pm Don Schiff $10.00
12249 Venice Blvd, West Los Angeles, 90066
"I'm not quite sure what to expect at this club as they feature
Cirque du Soleil style Pole Dancers.
Should prove interesting and I'll do my best to pole dance, sing and play."

Satellite Sessions

2010-03-07T21:23:00.000-08:00

Hi Everyone,

I did a 'Satellite session' as I call them. It is when you get called to do a recording but you 'stay home'. You get sent the tracks, you load them into your studio, record your tracks then send them back to where the session originated.

I love it, comfort of your own home, donuts within reach and coffee in hand. You run the tracks, feel the peace, the notes, you take in the spaces between the rests and really "Feeeeel' the music... THen, Okay while your in your musical ZEN zone you hear the wife yell "WHY HAVEN'T you taken out the TRASH yet!!" but ya know, it's all balance. Heck I didn't have to load any gear and drive anywhere!

Anyway, this session originated from Canada for "Carrie Graham". Lovely artist, singer/writer. I first met her when she was Kerri Anderson signed with a major Impact Records. Great album and with that album - she was nominated for a Juno award that year back in the day. I was hired to play bass and of course ended up playing Stick as well on the album. This video link I'll give you was made for the tune "Ghost"
http://video.yahoo.com/watch/2012530/v2138872 I"m guessin' this was around 1993.

So now we're gettin' closer to my point that is somewhere near, I'll find it. Ah yes, so now she is Carrie Graham... Why?!?!? you ask, I'm not sure, but what I know of the story is very intriguing and mysterious... so I say to myself, "Why not ask her for more details and find out!" Well, I then must admit the other side of my brain says, "Nah! enjoy the mystery. The answer may not be as good an ending as what you think! (Maybe she just got Married!) And so....."Heck, I don't really know why the name change really. Both names are lovely and fortunately the artist is the same.

Oh yes, so did I mention I played on a cut of her new album. Sure they don't print 'em out any more, ya go to a site and download it, but you can also just listen at:
http://carriegraham.ca/track/mirrors

It has a real nice 'India ethno' (for lack of a better description) lick I put on the NS/Stick bass line prior to settin' the groove. Her style of music is I would say, Folk, New age, World. What a blend, but wonderful writing, I had a blast, have a listen. We did the NS loud 'n Proud! Yay Emmett, Ned, SE and all of us in this wonderful Stick community.
Don

PS. I got credited as playing "Chapman Stick" however to clarify - it was the NS/Stick - the part would have worked on either. Both instruments were next to each other, I just picked up the NS. I don't think they realized since they didn't see me play anything that there was any difference between the instruments and thought "Tomato - Tamahtoe"

"Wait a minute! There's 10 seconds of Acting"

2010-01-17T09:04:00.000-08:00

I had blast being a part of this film. It was the first film I ever scored and the first film I ever 'acted' in. THough we can hardly call it 'acting' I have done several "10 seconds of acting" spots throughout my career. I must put all of them together one day and then have a 'Blogovision' show called "Wait a minute - I'm acting!"

Joanna Cassidy said to me, "Your a very good actor", well I've carried that moment around for a long time. Looking back on that day I have to say to myself! - "Wait a minute (or 10 seconds) she was in the van the whole time, she didn't see anything - OR was it the magic of Television and she shot her scene later and maybe did see my "charge" at the van. Anyway, she was a pleasure to meet and so very kind to at least say 'anything' nice about my seconds on film.

Pat Duncan who is a dear friend thought it would be fun to throw me in a scene as you'll see later as the "10 seconds of acting" BlogoVision episodes unfold. I'm in 3 of the movies he's made. It was nice to be on the set to get of feel for what is going on while waiting for the 'shooting to 'wrap' - (Listing to me with my 'cool' talkin' ). Once production is done shooting and the editing is finished, you are then able to 'score' the music to the film. SOOO meanwhile "I chased a cars like a dog', ate all I could on the set and had fun while waiting for the editing to complete so I could write the music".

Enjoy!

Don

RainFall - short Video

2010-01-05T13:03:00.000-08:00

Here's a lovely (short) video of me singing and playing the NS/Stick. The tune is "Rainfall" (d.schiff, t.winfield). Have a listen, later this year I'll have a full version of this tune out, it is one of my favorites...

Enjoy,

Don

Pat Benatar

2009-12-30T23:57:00.000-08:00

Oh back sometime ago I co-wrote a song called "Cerebral Man" with my writing partner Tully Winfield. Pat Benatar recorded it and the album "Wide Awake In Dreamland" went Gold. I have a nice Gold Album in my studio from this. I found this on YouTube and brought it on over, if you haven't heard it before, "Give it a Spin" as we used to say back in the day of "records" that you put on a turn table that 'spun!". This was the last year that albums were made with CD's that later took over.

Okay then, I have a few days comin' up in the studio to get ahead on a few projects, that's gonna be nice. You all have a nice weekend coming up, be safe and we'll have a re-cap of the year soon. We swung at some nice projects this past year, we'll take a look!

Good nite,

Don

DrummerBoy 09 video

2009-12-24T12:41:00.001-08:00

This music is a solo piece I performed at a gig and decided to learn to use my HD camera and import audio and video for our future "BLOGOVISION" shows. Yes, I made up a new word 'blogovision' to describe my usual 'blog' that we will now "See and Hear". It will be the "Show n' Tell" of blogs.

Okay enough talk, go watch, I hope you all enjoy this as much as I did making it. Hit "pause to let it load" so it doesn't stop to "buffer" while watching.

"Merry Christmas" everyone!

Don

"Love this Season"

2009-12-19T02:46:00.000-08:00

Happy Holidays Everyone!

It's "Streamy Awards" voting time, cast your vote for "The Guild" as Best Comedy Web Series.

You'll need the address to the series, (www.watchtheguild)

AND... While you are there "Cast your vote for" Best Original Music in a Web Series"

and that would be where you put my name in. Excellent.

The show was nominated last year and won several categories. I had a road gig at the same time so I didn't get to attend. This year, the road calendar is clear then so "I'm ready to put my fancy clothes on and take the wife out for "free" dinner and drinks, maybe pick up an award too!

I love this time of year. I had a nice Christmas gig and played had a Stick Solo feature. It went great, so great in fact I'm recording and adding video to it. It will be my first "Video Blog" or (Vlog). Neil (Neil Bettencourt) is workin' on the drum tracks now so I can start the video. We're movn' along - working on it, it's a race to get it done before Christmas... this Christmas!

"Mike P" the Hells Angel rapper I had in the studio the other day got a gig opening for "Bone Thugs-n-Harmony ". I got a photo of Mike finally and some video footage I will add when I "Vlog" about his session (upcoming show).

Here's a Picture of "Mike P". He's such a nice young . He'll be back in the studio in January to lay down some more tracks.

Well it's gettin' late, full day tomorrow so I'll say good-nite and see ya soon!
Don

"A Very Progressive Christmas"

2009-12-05T19:45:00.000-08:00

"A Very Progressive Christmas"

A Lovely Compilation of Christmas music done in a "Progressive Rock Style".

It is now up and looking lovely. Click the title (in green and red letters) and you will be taken to the site to Peruse/listen/purchase.

My contribution is called "Christmas Time Is Here".

This was a lot of fun to write and record. I had never thought to do such a project but when the opportunity came up it seemed like a wonderful idea. Create a Holiday feeling song with musical inflections of Progressive Rock music.

I have Neil Bettencourt playing drums on it supplying phenomenal drive and groove. The NS/Stick is used mostly for the instruments and just because we can, it is a vocal piece as well sung by myself. Wonderful project, I wish them the best with this one.

This being Vo. 1 "I'm guessin' next year.... they'll be another".

Hey maybe continuing the theme their should be a "New Years" CD. The Catch is you have to record and finish by 12:am Dec 31st - Fully hammered on your favorite beverage! (That would be "Egg Nog" for me,) but hey I'm in.

All right, on to the next project, crankin' 'em out now.

What is that next project? Well one of them is to accompany "Lance" as he sings " America The Beautiful" for the opening of a "Los Angeles Kings" hockey game. I'll let us know when the time comes which game it will be should some of you like to "Come on out and Cheer"... Or do like my son will and come to watch to see if Pappy slips on the ice while walking out. He would love that and "LAUGH!"

Once while touring through Detroit in winter (Ice and Snow everywhere). I was getting on the nice tour bus and the person in front of me on the first step - Reaches down and grabs the front of my coat and pulls me up and in the bus. Very 'impressive' yank and Very kind of "HER", LOL, she just thought, "You just look like your gonna fall". Young adults today! You get past 30 and they think your gonna break your 'hip' just gettin' outta bed!

Alright the tree is up, lights are blinking "Christmas Time Is Here" - go give it a listen.

Don

"Ridin' the Wave" of good new news.

2009-12-01T19:33:00.000-08:00

So "Mike P" (Hells Angel member) came back into my studio and we finished his song "One Percent". Lovely tune dispite all the 'cussing' (I'm numb by now after having to hear it so many times while arranging and recording the music) He is now off having pictures taken for some lovely opportunities that have come his way. The song is being listened to for possible selection for the "Sons of Anarchy" Tv Show.

Then he is being shopped to the head of Columbia Records next month. He has some wonderful connections going for him. I love to see that happen for nice people.

********************************************

A new CD called: "a very progressive christmas - various artist"

It is a download album, I will be contributing an original Christmas song track.

"I'm almost done!" Then it will be added to the download album. I have the great "NEIL BETTENCOURT" playing drums. He is really bringing it 'home' with his excellent drumming and production studio. "Yay Neil".

I'll keep us posted when it will be available.

*******************************

Hey the update on the "Don Tv show" (for lack of a better name). I'm lining up "special guests" OH it's getting FUN now!

AND if that's all not news enough! My Pal Lance will be speaking with Jerry Bruckheimer next week regarding using our music catalogue for future TV shows he produces, that would be wonderful. We have quite the catalogue.

ALL for now, you have a wonderful evening/day depending on your side of the world. And a lovely world it is.

Don

"Happy Thanksgiving!"

2009-11-26T13:51:00.000-08:00

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

"I am thankful (very thankful) for you being here and reading this. I wish you and your family a 'wonderful, beautiful' meal with loved ones around."

Personally I will do the same and eat pumpkin pie before and after our meal. I ate a pumpkin pie last week as well... to prepare!?!?

"To eat the next one this week!" lol.

I like to put a slice of pumpkin pie in the freezer! Then later I can hold it and eat it like a "PieSicle!" Ohhhhh it's GooOooOooOOoD!

Enjoy,

Don

(I think this guy in the bottom right corner feels he knows us - he keeps staring).

"Don't Touch That Dial"

2009-11-17T18:41:00.000-08:00

So I'm getting a HD camera to start a show featuring stories, sessions and tours I take. It will be a lot of fun. Kind of like reading this - except we'll watch, we'll laugh, we'll be entertained!

Suggestions are welcome while I'm brainstorming for things I'd like to show and play.

Hey while on tour I'll duck tape the camera to my head, I don't jump around to much or do flips on stage...(okay not at all) so it would be a pretty steady cam. Lol.

I've got stories to tell old and new. It'll be fun.

Heres something new from old. I just 'youtubed' Cliff Morrisson". He is said to be the son of Jim Morrison (looks and sounds like his dad). I played on his first "Lizard Sun Band" CD. Interesting young man at that time livin' out his father's reputation of "wild drug" behavior. A loose cannon to say the least at that time. He went to prison within a year of releasing that album. I thought he went away for life BUT no, he's out with "The Lizard Sun" band II.

I watched the video on YouTube and it's nice to see him more relaxed and focused.

Currently I'm working on 4 sessions out of my home studio. I then send my tracks over to the 'main' remote studios via internet (anywhere in the world) and the tune or project gets completed there. I finished two sessions that exported to Canada last week. Very nice songs and session. I played NS/Stick and Bowed guitar. I look forward to 'showing' that in our "Tv show" when the camera gets set up. Ohhhh We're gonna have FUN! Kind of our own musical "Soupy Sales Show" I hope.

One particular session I'm trying to finish today is for a young Rap artist "Mike P". He has a clever tune/rap about his life as a "Hells Angel Biker", of which he is. If I get the 'camera' set up in time before these sessions end for him, he'll be on one of the first "Tv" shows we can watch. Maybe we can a shot of him "Roaring" into the studio! That would be fun, 'noisy' but fun.

I had a picture of "Mike P" in full "Hells Angels" jacket and such but I can't find it. So we'll save it for our Tv show.

Okay lets get this 'posting' out so I don't have to feel so guilty that the last one was "Halloween", yikes time flies.

Hey once I get the "Tv show" running I can say things like "Don't Touch That Dial" and "As seen on TV" and

"We now return you to your regularly scheduled - life"

Excellent!

Don

"Happy HALLOWEEN!"

2009-10-31T21:59:00.000-07:00

‘The Guild’ Halloween Special"

is now available on MSN, Xbox and Zune Marketplace.

In a few weeks if you wait, it will show up on www.watchtheguild.com for your dining a viewing pleasure. That show just keep on going, it's a good one.

So this Halloween was much like last years, my neighborhood is very quiet and not to many kids come around but the ones that do come out decked out in inventive and cute outfits. It's nice to, to see the kids so polite. I seem so generous as I give out fist fulls of candy. It's "1 part generosity and 2 parts "Oh my we don't want that much candy laying around the house!".

I like the Reeses peanut butter cups and Milky Way bars! I put fist fulls in the 'freezer' (I'm the only one that likes frozen candy!!! (ALLLLL MINE!). My motto as a kid, 'Like what others hate and you'll always have plenty of it layin' around!"

I remember as a kid watchin' "The Ghost and Mr. Chicken" with Don Knots. Loved it, so lets throw in a picture here. It seems fitting. Eat lots of candy so your sick of it for another year... or at least until 'dare I say it' "Valentines Day" NOW THAT's a Scary Day!! On false move and....

"Click!!"... you stepped on an emotional land mine...... BOOM.... banned to life on the couch.

That 'look' on "Don Knots" face is the same one I get after the "CLICK"!!

My Couch is pretty comfy,

Apparently I haven't learned "so I've adapted" LOL.

Well you all have a most "HAPPY HALLOWEEN"

Don

"One Good Gig Away From...."

2009-10-24T11:05:00.000-07:00

Hi "All".

Well C'mon lets tell stories. I've had a big one for awhile. You know the kind, so "Nice" you want to see how it turns out before you "talk to much about it"... You say your prayers just the right way, hope just the right way and like when you were a little kid promise to be a good boy for at least a couple months in hopes it turns out great... Well! Yep that kind of story.

I get a call to co-write a theme for a network television talk show. Sure I'm excited but first you have to write it, then you have to record it (no demo - real deal finished product) - I call them "air time ready". THEN: after all the WORK is done they still have to like it before it actually gets used and you get paid for it.

You think about who it's for and the instrumentation.
We decide medium sized horn section like 3 saxes 3 brass, Hammond organ, guitars, drums and of course NS/Stick. "What the heck" because we can and it sounds great! You should of heard the two handed tapping part I had flying that the was going to get buried beneath the sea of horns and hammond. No matter - in the session hearing that was going to be the case I laid down the 'unburiable' NS/Bass' line that the arrangement could ride on top of. Still 'deluxe' just not as visually cool as 'two hands flyin' like 'windmills in a storm! (Good visual huh!?!?).

Heck I went all out, hiring the horn section, booking the bigger studio, writing out charts, . Yes charts! my old "paper with black dot' friends that I rarely see in the studio anymore. I rarely write out horn charts... okay I've never written them out so I called my brother back east to check my transpositions and ranges. I didn't want to embarrass myself with a silly chart in front of my peers so I prepared and still sheepishly handed them out apologetically. No need, they told me to keep quite, "They'd take it from here" and go back into the control room and relax. So I did and ate a donut.

On a side note: (Yes, I brought donuts, it being a session I booked, I felt 'compelled')

The Horns where blasting away beautifully, topped with wonderful Trumpet and Sax ad-libs throughout. Swirling hammond organ and crunchy guitars. Solid drums and a most solid NS/Stick bass tone to shore it all up and hold it together. I was pleased. In a deluxe studio, we recorded a super talk show theme. Everyone loved it! Even the seasoned pro's! (which can be a very tough crowd indeed).

The "George Lopez Talk Show" airs in about three weeks and I co- wrote this theme with Lance Matthew... AND George Lopez and business partner LOVED it... However the Executive producer wants to use "Low Rider" by War just like they use in George's sitcom show. So for the past month we have been waiting an talking. Folks... I don't think we got it, I think they will go with "Low Rider".

Tough break as they say. So close. I always tell my wife, "We're one good gig away from...", fixing the fence, putting a solar heater up on the roof for the pool, (The list then unfurls and drops to the floor, then rolls 10 more feet... as my wife adds her list of items!

So I'll put another pole up against my leaning fence, tell my wife "you'll love it -The water is brisk and invigorating - " and we'll knock the next ball we swing at 'outta the park!'

"Hey, I'm one good gig away from having a story with a better ending!!!!"
Don

George Lopez show airs November 9th.

"Moments in Time"

2009-10-16T18:43:00.000-07:00

"Once Upon A Stick bass-line"

2009-10-09T20:08:00.000-07:00

Hi all,

Yes folks! We go way back for this one, about 15 years back. I was called in to play electric bass for an album session, so of course I took the Stick. Not the NS/Stick as it wasn't invented yet, but the Stick. Sure it went over great. I did my usual, "Pull it out as if it were a bass, use it on the session, then let them know what it was". Kind of "Do it first, ask if they want it later".

At myspace.com/donschiff1 I put an Mp3 up of the song "Shades of Gray" from that album of that session many years ago. What I found striking about the Stick bass line was that it started out as a two handed tapping bass line that then goes right into a 'fourths' like 'feel' bass-line. Upon reflection while listening I remembered developing the style to make the "fifths" tuned bass lines sound and lay like a bass tuned in fourths, however then be able to flip to a "Fifths" styled bass-line. (LOL yes, apparently my arms are limber enough to pat my self on the back while I congratulate me).

It is a nice style, if you didn't know it was a Stick (aside from the intro) you would think, nice electric bass. That was the magic, the Stick didn't have to be this "NEW" never heard before "style and sound" unless you wanted to "unleash" that. Though this recording is about 15 years old, it held up nicely. Great players on that session. If I recall correctly players were from the "Eddie Money" band and a band called "The Busboys".

I just found that cd on Ebay for $40.00. Lance Matthew - "While The Giant Sleeps". It must have become some sort of collectors item. Who knew, you never really know what becomes of recordings you are on, over the years they pop up all over. When I get my royalty statements for albums I've played on or songs and theme music I wrote (which comes to hundreds if not thousands of pennies) It lists all the countries that the music has played in. I think "Wow, this music goes on better vacations than I ever dreamed of!"... I wanna go!

Well, have a listen wherever you are, in whatever country and I'll imagine this 15 year old Stick bass-line having the vacation of its life.

Excellent!
Don

Lot of Music - the way I like it!

2009-08-15T12:39:00.000-07:00

It has been a Very busy week. The three Indian gaming casino gigs were a blast. The shows went over incredibly well, standing ovations on all. Great venues especially the Valley Center casino, the stage was out doors and part of the area was cut into the mountain side. Just lovely.

The stage was about 7 feet high and allowed the ground crew to work from underneath. It was funny to look underneath as it was obvious the stage crew makes themselves at home. "Hammocks were hung, laptops and coolers resting near by with little christmas tree lights strung all around" . It looked like an underworld tent city.

The real excitement for me of any tour of this nature... "Hotel/Gambling casino's" is that in being part of the act you get to eat for free. Soooo these tours become the "Whose got the best Buffet" tour! "AND the winner is!!" The "Valley Casino" with the "All You Can Eat Lobster" buffet. Apparently I can eat a lot of Lobster, crab legs and shell fish... I had a wonderful meal, It took me about an hour and I topped it all off with a scoop of vanilla ice cream that I put in my coffee... Ahhhh very nice day.

After that string of tour dates I returned home and needed to finish some horn arrangements for the TV show theme I co-wrote with Lance. Great theme (in our opinion Lol). The session went fantastic and the Theme came out even better than I imagined. My worry was that I don't write horn charts that often, the session horn players hired are top notch session players and I didn't want to show up with something 'poorly written' out.

One tip to good writing is considering the nature of the instrument you are writing for... for instance... I play a stringed instrument, I don't blow into my instrument, so I can 'eat' donuts and drink coffee before I play an not worry about blowing "bits of food and drink" down my horn!! or more on topic... Horns run out of air when holding out notes, not a pretty sight to watch 'em run low, even less pretty - is the look you'll get for writing out notes that long!

I will confess I pushed it, effective to the tune - but non the less a bit long... any less of a horn section would have collapsed. "Great job Guys!" and sorry. (They were kind - no glares just pro playing). Tomorrow the 'suits, executives, decision makers, those that write the checks" come into the studio to listen. Keep your figures crossed for us. This would be a nice gig.

After tomorrow, I will go back to writing/recording for the Smooth Jazz CD. It is coming along just great. I'm very happy with it, great players and the studio we have to mix and master in will just give it that 'high end' pro sheen it will need to fit that style of music.

My next Progressive Rock solo CD needs is coming along as well. I'm halfway through writing it and a lot of that has been recorded all ready.

Speaking of PROG ROCK, the "3 Rivers Progressive Rock Festival DVD" is out. THis was a great concert feature 10 Prog Bands:

"Rocket Scientists (yay us) , Flower Kings, Spock's Beard, Neal Morse, California Guitar Trio, Gongzilla, IZZ, Mandrake Project, Manifesto and Kalon." (A lot to see and hear to be sure!)

I was sent my 'promo' copy and enjoyed it a lot. The camera angles (multi camera shoot) and editing are very nice. The sound is "BIG". Impressive package. I recommend it.

Very nice 'still' picture section to the DVD of each band. "Deluxe picture of me on one of the DVD pages. Ya gotta love that, nice surprise.

Okay, long day time to relaxe.

Have a great weekend everyone and I'll do the same!

Don

Golden Boys/gig in San Diego area

2009-08-07T17:17:00.000-07:00

I had taken down the "Golden Boys" gig at Valley View Casino (through a mix up) that gig fell through for me.... however I just got the call . I'm on it. See you all there if you are planning on attending. It is a very nice show and a lot of fun to see. Great memories if you are familiar with these 50's icons of early rock.

Deluxe, Cool, Super, "See your there!"

Don

Long Day but a Good Day!

2009-07-27T00:24:00.000-07:00

I had a double session today starting at 10:AM. That was fun, long day but a great day. The first session was for a young band (Average age 17), great writing and playing. I brought my NS/Stick but they opted for the standard Fender Jazz. Thought they might select that as it has a less intense low end. They had several basses to choose from as well as the NS. I played each with pick and fingers for them to decide.

The compression used was the Tube Tech CL 1B (Out board gear - not a plug in). I really like the response and umph it adds to low end. I've wanted one for my own rig back in the day when I rolled around with a 15 space rack. I never splurged for the price is high and the studios always had one or something comparable. I guess I figured, (Okay I was being cheap) and thought "Why buy the cow when you get the milk free" or something silly like that.

The hardest part of the session for me was the simplicity. No flash, no flare just play under the guitar chords like an extension of the lowest note of the chord. I'm always 'seeking the creative line' to link the chords, rhythm and harmonies together, the last thing I would think to do was just play roots.

After hearing me warm up the producers first words - in a sincere and apologetic tone, where, "I'm so sorry we are not going to be using all your talents today, you'll just play "beyond simple bass lines"... . And so I did just that. My ' internal reward to myself' after the session was just knowing they got exactly what they were after and were very happy with it. The band will have great success, there is a lot of talent, excellent production team and connections behind them. I'm sure they will have a YouTube video up of the song and I'll hear my bass part... but see a teenager with tatoo's rockin' my part.
Ya gotta love it.

The next session (2:PM) was a two song session as well but for two different projects. I played both projects with the NS/Stick "with the intensely fierce low end". This producer uses the Pultec Eq and Fairchild plug ins for the NS. 'That' sound really works for me. Huge clear intense low end - with sub low end punch.

This project I got to stretch out on, be creative and throw a few gymnastic NS bass parts in. Just enough to let the Producer/engineer know, 'hey there's a player on board here!" without 'taking over' the tune. (There's kind of an art form to that... you always want to address a song with 'your style' but not get in the way, as you want to 'enhance' what the writer envisioned - not cloud it.

The second tune was a theme for an upcoming TV show. Very exciting tune that was the kind of a production tune that had rock and swing elements in it. In this kind of session I feel so glad I have a lot of experience in many styles of music. You can just 'grab on" to the elements that make 'swing' swing and Rock 'Rock' with authority and intensity and drive the track where it needs to be. In the end when you accomplish that, you have Happy writers and producers and that makes for a happy session.

Hopefully lots more where all that came from as it was a wonderful musical day.
Have one for yourselves!
Don

"Alas poor Urich, I knew him well!"

2009-07-07T18:51:00.000-07:00

I went to the taping of season 3 of "The Guild". I was BLOWN away. The shoot was taking place at my friend Pat Duncan's house.( great writer/director- Pat wrote one of my favorite movies Mr. Hollands Opus).

When I drove up I saw Pat's house with a moving van out front. The Van was full (now empty) of Movie making equipment, everything you need to make "Lights, Camera and ACTION!!!".

Each room in his house was a 'set' to look like each characters house in the show. Movie Stuff EVERYWHERE, even the Kitchen. People everywhere from wardrobe to make-up to grips.

I said, Wow you no longer live in a house you live in a movie set!

Pat was at a meeting so while waiting for him it was fun to stroll through the house and watch all the action. My son Aaron was with me so while we were there, we set him up to be an 'Extra" in the show. He loves the show, so now he'll have the added bonus of 'while watching it' he can 'watch himself' while watching tv.

Pat came in, saw there was barely room to move - and since we came to go have lunch anyway.... that was a good time to do so.

So Pat, Aaron and I went to "Campanile's" Restaurant. A bit of a historic place and speaking of movies and sets... It was Charlie Chaplin's office building and it also had apartments that he used for guests as well to live in. Classic look and now an elegant restaurant.

Pat is immediately recognized by the staff as we walk in and we are shown to a wonderful table. The food was "GREAT" real class, with there 'special' chef creations that even make everyday items taste fantastic. I usually don't over eat... but I did. Stuffed and it's two days later, I'm still full.

So now we go back to Pats, production is still in full swing - it's 3:pm and they started at 6:am. It reminded me of how glad I was not to pursue acting, I'm not a morning person unless I've been up all night giving me a "running start into the next morning".

Aaron heads over to the 'shoot' tomorrow morning "8:am" start... again "Glad I didn't pursue an acting career". Go super Aaron! Call me when your done... "Give 'em you best Hamlet quotes!"

Excellent!

Don

"Certified!"

2009-07-01T00:34:00.000-07:00

Strange but true story for me... and a first.

I'm driving home this evening and stop at the traffic light, the girl driving in the car to my left is mouthing words... so I roll down my window to hear what she is saying.

She says, "Dude, you are soooo cool!"

Stunned I said, 'Thanks that's so kind of you to say!" and drive on.

Coincidentally my cell phone was ringing right afterwards and it was my wife, I was so excited to tell her, I said, "Hey, apparently I'm certifiably cool because an unknown third party has just verified this!" She laughed! As I'm still stunned.

She's such a good sport, it reminds me of the time this band I was in would announce our hotel room numbers on stage. Everyone gave wrong numbers but me cause I was always curious who would show up! Apparently no one as months went on like this.

One day going back to my room two lovely ladies are heading in the right direction. I follow thinking, Nah... never happen. Well now there they are knocking on my room door. I'm stunned! Extra stunned because on that tour I also had my wife an young son with me on the road. I watch the drama unfold as my wife answered.... Look the girls over and said, " C'mon on it he'll be here soon he's always wondered if anyone would ever show up!"

Thats' my girl. Married 33 years... and she never ceases to amaze me.

Well, lots of cool stuff comin' up next week, I'll write more then. Perhaps I'll have an "I'm certifiably cool" T-shirt made up by then!"

Excellent!

Don

"The Headless Stickman"

2009-05-18T21:18:00.000-07:00

Hi Steve and everyone,

(Steve writes in regaring the "Rocket Scientists/Nasa" video about how it looks like I'm headless 5:17 into the video)

> ...guitar solo. And your headless musician representation at
5:17 is killer.<

LOL!! Ya gotta love that... And ya know... come next Halloween I'll be dressed up as the "Headless Stickman!"

I was also trying to really embrace Ned Steinbergers 'headless' guitar designs!!
So I yelled out "We salute you Ned... and then I took my head off.

"Okay, I'm done..."

It was a fun gig. Behind us they even had a 'space suite' "As seen on TV!"... and the moon". It's amazing they ever walked on the moon! So many little switches that beg curious fingers... "What's this one do!!!." 'click - and then poof! he'd probably expand like gas balloon. Not the gig for me...

Sometimes you go out on stage and feel like your walkin' on the moon,.. people staring at you wondering what's gonna happen, will a malfunction happen, will they witness a musical Hindenburg!

I've taken part in a few musical Hindenburgs in my time, they can be quite funny and disastrous at the same time. I brought a whole musical production number and a 30 piece orchestra to a 'grinding halt' once. LOVED every moment of it until I found out it was my fault. "AHHHHH dag nabbit".

Their were 8 dancers jumpin' high into the air, singin' (unbeknowst to the audience to a click track cause you can't jump and sing at the same time)... "So I missed a few clicks at the top of the tune...what's the big deal" (Thinkin' about what I'm gonna eat after the show probably)...

So now the Dancers are jumpin' and twirlin' and their lips are movin' BUT... no vocals until they land - and aren't supposed to be singing! Then the vocals kick in again!!! They all get so confused... some trying to match the dance steps to the vocals, others trying to match the vocals to their steps... Their lost, loosing their places on stage tryin' not to bump into each other and the scenery.... Dancers ALL OVER the place... hoppin' up an down - flopping all over the place like fish outta water while movin' their lips.... "IT WAS GREAT!!!" like I said,... right up to the point of finding out.... "OOOOOPS, did I do that!?

Oh well, hey it makes a great story.........

Very funny stuff, Okay everyone go out and have fun, I will too.
Don

"One Small Step..."

2009-05-18T02:33:00.000-07:00

Hellooooooo Everyone!

So awhile ago like the end of March Rocket Scientists did a concert at "The Winchester" in conjunction with "NASA", and I found it on YouTube...

below is the YouTube video blurb:

Rocket Scientists performance of the Erik Norlander song, "Sky Full of Stars", live at The Winchester in Lakewood, Ohio on March 28, 2009. The song was performed in honor of the 40th Anniversary of the Apollo 11 moon mission with video footage provided by NASA and the Glenn Research Center in Cleveland, Ohio. Musicians: Erik Norlander (keyboards), Don Schiff (NS/Stick), Mark McCrite (rhythm guitar), Jim Williams (lead guitar) and Chris Quirarte (drums).

We got to touch a bit of history. Watching the movie play behind us I remembered actually seeing that footage when it aired the first time.

In the video you get to see the concert, then in the background on a big screen you see the lunar landing... The fun part (at least for my wacked sense of humor) is that I'm stage front and center... and the lunar module kinda takes off near my head...then it looks like they are tryin' to land on my head! I love it.

Anyway it's a Progressive Rock song, In other words REAL LONG! So I'll cut to the chase for us. I played NS/Stick and at 5:22 into the video (feel free to zip ahead - Shhhh I did too). I have a 'slide NS/Stick" solo, you can see the technique pretty well. The 'carabiner' and 'tapping' together.
(Have a look)

Hey, someone found 'part 2'... excellent, (The credits at the end are nice stick around for those as well).

The beauty is how you can go from playing bass to the slide stuff then back to bass again. I used the Podx3 pro pedal which is two "Line 6" pods stuffed into one pedal board. I really enjoy the separate amps/effects/ that get created for each side individually. It is really a wonderful piece of gear for the Sticks. On this video You can hear both sides pretty well.

As for the lunar module landing on my head, well, I enjoyed that too.

Ya know.... the song is so long it wouldn't fit on YouTube (you only get 10 min. per piece) so it is actually in two parts. I haven't found the second part yet! (It's probably the part where they leave the space capsule and plant the flag on my head.) I'm sure it will turn up eventually.

Ya know!!! Speaking of different techniques, if you are thinking of going to the Santa Cruz Stick seminar the amazing Bob Culbertson and myself will be teaching along with Neil Bettencourt. I may wear the lunar module on my head and share the techniques I used with you. We'd like to get a head count so please let's us know if you'd like to attend.

You can write Neil:
drums@neilbettencourt.com
OR CALL 831-458-2870.

Last year was a lot of fun, I think I ate my weight in donuts, and still found time to teach... Oh yes... I practice that sort of stuff.

Okay, it's late... more recording to do.
Good nite everyone.
Don

Just a "Ramblin' Man!

2009-05-01T00:04:00.000-07:00

This is from a Rocket Scientist tour this year (2009). Very nice show, "Loud 'n Proud" as I like to put it. Sometimes it takes a while for my ears to stop ringing... 'so loudly'. I like to think of the 'constant quieter' ringing I have as friendly crickets in my head. That makes it actually nice and calm to have. If your gonna have 'ringing' in your ears you might as well like the noise.

I also hear music pretty much all the time too. My wife says, "Why do you always turn the radio off when we're in the car!" I try to explain that in my head there is always music going on either consciously or subconsciously, to have the radio going on is like having 'two' different stations on at the sametime." I think midway in that explanation she mentally turns my volume down as she then turns the radio back up!

I've been working on this jazz album project and it's coming together extremely well. I'm learning a lot. Different styles of music make you stretch in different areas. I used to play in a band with a great tenor player named "James Moody". He used to tell me, practice without any amplifier and learn the scales up and down the instrument.... Well with the Stick instruments that's an awful lot of "scalin' about 5 octaves (5 plus 3 semi tones to be exact) and in two separate tunings. Great advice though and after all these years, I'm still workin' on it.

I'm ramblin' here (I just figured that out) perhaps you noticed it earlier. It must be the 'crickets' in my head. When I was younger I could hear 'frogs croaking"... oh, wait they are still there. Very busy in my head. I grew up on a lake in the summer. That was the sound I heard "ALL" summer and loved it. I guess it stuck!

Here's yet another unrelated story! When I lived in Las Vegas I had this dog Pete... Here I'll get a picture:

Cutest little fella. I took him everywhere. He was quite a charactor. We were at the park on day and I saw this cicada bug (like a stubby fat Locust). Pete saw it, chased it and started to eat it... I wrestled it out of his mouth because I felt bad for it and wanted to save its little bug life. Pete let go and it wasn't hurt... just wet. I was happy and released it as it flew high into the air "FREEEEEE!" When outta of nowhere a bird swooped down and ate it right outta the sky! Ya know, "There's a lesson there somewhere."

Ya know, sign of the times for us musicians looking at that pedal board. There are some "classic' pedals there, very vintage. Boss Chorus, Electric Mistress flanger, Small Stone phaser, Mxr distortion, Memory Man delay... yikes, super cool pedals. Now days they exist as 'plug ins' in your computer! They look cute as colorful little icons that you now click on and get 'that' sound. Pete would be proud, I think he actually peed on that pedal board now that I think about it. Like I said, quite a character that little fella was.

I once peed on an electric fence! And I was an adult too! (Physically perhaps not mentally) Here's my advice "DON'T PEE ON AN ELECTRIC FENCE!" Wow, I felt that all the way to the CORE!" My nuts too a week to drop back town to safety!

Okay with that, it's late, I'll leave you to a nice quiet evening, or in my case - "Croaking frogs and crickets sounds in my head".

Don

"On the Cover!" who knew?

2009-04-12T00:43:00.000-07:00

Hey look at that! I got front cover credit. Wow, I didn't expect that. That was very nice of the artists.

This is a wonderful CD called "Libretto" .

I played NS/Stick and Bowed guitar on two tunes,

track 08 "Danse d'Andaluce" and track 10 "Elegie". It is original music in a style of classical guitar or "Alternative" as it is classified at the music stores.

I had a blast playing on these tracks, what's even more amazing in this day and age is that not only have I never met any of these artists, they don't even live remotely close to me. Then are from Germany (I'm here in good all Los Angeles, USA).

We contacted each other online (over a year ago I don't remember how). We each did our tracks in our own studios and sent them back and fourth over the Internet. Incredible technology. I sure would have rather gone to Germany to record and visit however it would have been cost prohibitive that way... so we do it this way. No Knackwurst for me this time.

Give a listen it is a lovely album extremely well written and produced. I'll post an mp3 sample as well on my 'donschiff1 myspace page.

Excellent, it's late. I just got the drum tracks to the next tune for a new CD I'm working on for an 2009 release. They come to us from Neil Bettencourt up there in Northern California. Ohhh this Internet recording just puts the world in your backyard studio. "You did a great job NEIL!!"

Good nite all.

Don

"Taxing Thoughts"

2009-04-06T03:11:00.000-07:00

So I was thinking the other day, (my wife said, "Did it hurt?") oh she's a witty one I tell ya! As we were watchin' "MONK" on TV oddly enough Felicia Day was on this episode. (Felicia writes and stars in the online tv show "The Guild"). I said to my wife, "How many people get to watch tv and see there friends.

I even stayed up watching TV real late one night (these days that's just past 10pm) and had one of those music stations on. I thought, "Wow that harp sounds familiar, and then it hit me... Oh that's my friend Michelle and I was on that recording... hey I even wrote the song... well I'll be.." I thought to myself.

We even see our friends kids on TV. I was watchin' and episode of JAG once and there was Steven McQeen (Grandson of Steve McQueen). I've known him since he was 13 or 14, now he's gotta be close to 20. Oh he did a fine job too.

It's nice when friends see your work on TV too. It being tax time and all, it reminds me of the time I went to the accountant that does my taxes every year. We yak for hours, then the last ten minutes talk about my taxes, anyway... he was saying, "Hey I saw this movie on TV the other night" And... right after he told me the the name of it I blurted out excitedly, "I did the music for it!!!" and at the same time he said, "Worst music ever!!" The look on our faces must have been priceless. Awkward silence... than laughter. It's okay, I don't always like his accounting, every year I tell him, "I can't pay that much in taxes, do the numbers again"... and then I leave.

Maybe this year he'll of watched something I did he liked and maybe I won't owe any taxes.

WE can Hope!

Take care,

Don

"Rockets To The Moon!"

2009-04-06T01:22:00.000-07:00

Ah HAA! Rocket Scientists band with the NASA Rocket Scientists!

Yes it was a 40th anniversary of the Lunar Landing. Nasa had Rockets Scientists (the band) help them celebrate the occasion with their Rocket Scientists. Who knew they liked Progressive Rock.

It was a lot of fun checkin' out the space suit. Lots of switches on the front, "Hey, whats this button do!?!?!" I guess not so funny if you're the one in the suit.

left - Chris Quirarte, Mark McCrite, Space man, Erik Norlander and myself.

It was an exceptionally fun gig, loud too... I'm sure they heard us on the moon as well. Lots of camera footage so I'm sure a DVD will come out at some point. I'll keep us posted. (I'd like to see it as well).

Streamy Awards for The Guild

2009-04-01T01:01:00.000-07:00

The first annual " Streamy Awards"

Excellent The Guild won in three categories:

1. Best Comedy Web Series

2. Best Ensemble Cast in a Web Series
3. Best Female Actor in a Comedy Web Series - Felicia Day

Though we were nominated for "Best Original music score" alas I did not win it. My congratulations to the winner. Yay.

So "The Guild" will go into it's 3 season this year. Filming has already begun. I'll get that "Streamy" next year!

For more about "The Guild" at the "Streamy Awards" (video, pictures and stories Oh My!) go to www.watchtheguild.com

After Tour to Cleveland update

2009-04-01T00:37:00.000-07:00

I just love this picture! In case you don't recognize the 'Muppet' in the tux, it's "ME!" Yes I was younger once. And there I am with my pals Kermit the Frog, Floyd the bass playing Muppet, Jim Henson and Frank Oz.

IT's a CLASSIC!

Well the Rocket Scientists tour went extremely well... I just got back (yesterday actually but mentally today). John Payne (of Asia) sung with us and "what a guy, whatta singer!" He is incredible, if you get a chance to see him with Asia or better yet, us in Rocket Scientists, 'do it!'. Great singer great entertainer.

Okay some NS/Stick 'tech talk' here. Bear with me, I'll try and make it interesting for those of us that:

1. Don't care about the 'tech' stuff ...lol or

2. Don't play the NS but like the stories.

I followed through using the HEAVY gauge NS/Stick gauge. "SURE, I wanted to change back to the lighter gauge by the third rehearsal... but I vowed to play the gig with it to give it the 'proper' testing grounds.

The heavy (and I to mean HEAVY) sounds wonderful. It did exactly what I wanted it to. The 'string tension' per string is far greater giving it a more electric bass set up feel. The bass to melody strings glided nicely continuing the 8 string bass feel.

In this show I have a 'solo'. It's actually more a "So Loud" than a "So Low" BRUMP BUMP! Sorry folks, (you can take the man outta Las Vegas but ya can't take Las Vegas outta the man.)

Okay, so in this solo there is the "Plethora" of techniques involved, (C'mon... how often do ya get to use that word!! Ya gotta do it when ya can).

Plucking, tapping, strumming even the slide gets used. So the 'new gauge' got the FULL work out. It works brilliantly. Let me list the gauge here:

NS Heavy gauge set:
1-Bb-13
2-F-20
3-C-30
4-G-44
5-D-65
6-A-87
7-E-106
8-B-128

You definitely feel the tension difference in both hands whether tapping or plucking. When using the slide I needed to be a little more careful as the tension is greater on the melody strings. I broke string two at rehearsal when soloing. Hitting the metal slide against the higher tensioned string snapped it against the "fret like a cleaver".
(I digress here for a moment "I guess I could have called that moment the "Leave it to Cleaver" moment!)
(Okay we'll continue now... I heard the groans and moans lol).

Let's get right to my preference and why and what I've learned.
I have switched back to the regular gauge with the exception of .009 on my first string. I bend the 'heck' outta the melody strings and any gauge above that, the string will snap after the third bend. (It's a real mood killer when that happens).

I bend the bass strings a lot just for vibrato mainly and occasionally a whole step as well. The heavy gauge can do it... the lighter gauge I feel I have more finesse in doing it. and there is the ease of execution.

Throughout the neck and especially 'high on the neck' when tapping, thicker gauges will give you a 'thicker, huskier tone', the lighter gauge provides a 'singing, ringing tone'.

The heavier gauge to my ears sounded a little darker in tone on the melody side, the lighter treble-ier. Down low on the (frets 1-7 especially) the lighter strings need to be plucked with a lighter touch or it will 'thwack' and you get the "I overplayed the string" tone (not always desirable - though desirable is a 'subjective tone.

I've done a session where the producer said, "Give me a new and different tone!" So I said "Hand me that metal ruler over there, I'll give you different."... as I proceeded to smack the the strings with the metal ruler while playing!!" the result, "I love it" the producer said.... Like I said, desirable tone is subjective.

"EXCELLENT" (This was a donut light tour - none to be found- so I compensated with "Rice Pudding!").
Don

PS
Hi To George and Tim who I saw on tour SUPER WONDERFUL to see you all.

2009-03-26T12:32:00.000-07:00

Whew, L-O-N-G week of rehearsals with a busy schedule. I'm tired but a happy tired. A lot got accomplished. We (Rocket Scientists) head out to Cleveland tomorrow (3-27/09) on a quick tour. I'll be back Sunday... actually Monday morning by the time I walk in the door to my home. I doubt even the dogs will be up to greet me!

I hope to see you at the venue: The WINCHESTER

"ROCKET SCIENTISTS"
with special guest vocal appearances by Lana Lane and John Payne (Asia feat. John Payne)
Saturday, March 28, 2009

Located at:
12112 Madison Ave
Cleveland, Ohio 44107
216-226-5681
http://www.thewinchester.net

It will be a fun show, "C'mon up and introduce yourself if we haven't met already." We'll have a blast, see you soon.

Don

I'm on DVD and TV

2009-03-14T20:26:00.000-07:00

"Hey look, I found this (image above) on the internet. If you click on it you can see when I'm on TV or when a DVD I composed music for or acted in is available.

Looks like this movie' is currently available. I did more acting than music in that one as the film featured 'artists music' from the late 1960's.

You can see me in the first 15 minutes of the film 'painting rocks white' in full army clothes. I don't appear in the rest of the film... no I didn't get killed or hatch any diabolical plots.... I just didn't have any more scenes! Worse I guess lol.

Excellent, take care,

Don

2009-03-14T13:59:00.000-07:00

The Official Streamy Awards Nominees

"The following are the official nominees for the 1st Annual Streamy Awards, honoring the best in web television from 2008, announced on March 14, 2009. This is the single authoritative list of Official Nominees. The live Awards Ceremony will be live broadcast online on March 28, 2009 at 7:30 PM. Head to www.streamys.org to watch."

I just love the way all that sounds, in short "The Guild" is up for more awards. "Best writing, acting, directing AND...... "Best Original Music in a Web Series".

In case you are new to reading my posts, I wrote the Theme music to this show. I've done several Television Movies and Theater Movies and you are always hoping the next project you are doing gets the attention you wish for.

Like the "Regis and Kelly" musical theme I submitted a few months back, well it got attention alright.... however not for the music I wrote. Another composers music was selected. (All my best wishes to him).

Maybe this is the time my music will be selected for the award, and that's "Show Business!" If you do it for the love of your art you'll be fine. If you do it for the "Hope of big bucks, fame and fortune" you may become disillusioned and unhappy. "Fame and Fortune" are by products for me, not my passion for doing it.

I have a meeting coming up next week for another "Web Television Series" that is going into production. This new medium is starting to take off. The productions on these shows is still quite involved and can get expensive as you see on the credits they run at the end with 'a list of names' just like network television. The same amount of production goes into them, they are just geared for 'internet television' which means they aren't 30 minute shows, usually each show runs 3-6 minutes. That's without commercial interruption, so that is equivalent to about 15 minutes of a network show.

Anyway, this is a new medium, a wide open new territory equivalent to when radio shows became television shows...and "we're" on the ground floor and rising! Very exciting I think.

I believe, Internet and Television will merge and you'll just select from your television what show you want to watch, either a Movie or network TV show or the Internet TV show. It will all take place on your high definition Tv in your living room. And God willing, my music will appear on many of the shows.

Hey, well all for now, I've got to get learning the songs for the upcoming "Rocket Scientists" tour. Lot's of music, lots of fun.

Be well and stay there!

Don

"Strings and Things"

2009-03-13T01:53:00.000-07:00

Hi Everyone!!! (and especially 'you') See it's a personal posting just for you.

I've had a few gigs come up where I was thinkin' "Ya know.... if I had a thicker string gauge on the NS melody side I could..." (insert picture of me staring into space on a gig thinking this while counting bars so I don't miss the next entrance... (suddenly I see theres a 6 bar drum solo...I think to myself, " why not just take 8 bars so I don't have to count... I can feel 8 - I'll have to count 6". --- Oh well, I'm a pro, I guess I can count to 6, let's see thats one hand and one finger... Alright! Got it - hopefully the drummers counting too!)

Oh yeah, I had an idea going. It goes like this. At times I like to play 'across' the neck because of the "tones on that area of the neck". Especially say the "Eb" on the open "D" string and of course the "Ab" on the open "G" string. (first fret on those strings for us 'tab' readers).

SUre, if it were just a matter of 'string thickness' I could always play those notes higher up on the previous strings... however the tone is different on that part of the neck (even though it's the same pitch).

I love the regular NS/Stick gauge but the melody strings are to light to pluck "bass player style" on those open strings and lower frets. You get the 'thwack' sound if you dig in.

-----------------
NS medium/regular

1-Bb-11
2-F-14
3-C-20
4-G-30
5-D-44
6-A-65
7-E-87
8-B-128

(I substitute a .09 for the thinnest string that normally is an .11).

"WHY?? the .09" I hear you ask.

Because you can use the old .09's to slice cheese and donuts!! "Really... no." BUT you can "Bend" the heck out of it and it won't break!

ON the light gauge a technique I sometimes use is to pluck the bass strings (like a bassist) with my RH - first and second fingers. Then for the other half of the rif switch my hand shape to pluck the melody strings with my thumb, 1st, 2nd and 3rd fingers. Very 'guitar-esk'.

I do that to 'capture' the feel. I want my bass notes to sings like a bass player and my melody strings to sing like a guitar player.

(Tip 'o the day: Just playing the right notes isn't good enough - Music is about 'feeling'. If you don't capture that, then you've only told half the story.... leaving out passion and interest).

I visited Stick Enterprises and Emmett had already thought this through and had the thicker gauge set all mapped out and ready for us to try. All I thought about was, "Gee I hope the "G" string is around a .40 cause that's what I like my Fender to be around. And of course, as serendippity would have it, he was right in there. Emmett you are "incredible".

So, now I've got my 'new' gauges to try out.

NS Heavy gauge set:

1-Bb-13
2-F-20
3-C-30
4-G-44
5-D-65
6-A-87
7-E-106
8-B-128

Of course it's 'different' so my first reaction is... "I can't bend the strings like I used to - WHAT HAVE I DONE!." However this thicker gauge makes plucking bass notes into the melody strings feel good and it is easier to hold the tone without the 'thwack' sound of "over powering" the string.

Yes, learning to pluck across 8 strings and navigating to the correct ones at times feels like jumping the Grand Canyon on a tri-cycle... however once you get it!... Ohhhhhh, ahhhhh, the wind in face, your feet pedaling like crazy, then the lift off!!! ahhh very nice. A great technique, worthy of this new gauge.

So off I go out from SE with my 'new' gauge intact to the first session. That's the only way I know is to just "take it in the field' for the ultimate test.

Session #1: Singer/songwriter session. Great tune by the way and very picky producer/engineer. Really liked the tone and I liked the extra melody tension and tone their as well. A success for the new gauge.

Session #2. High end studio, I saw this band play live at the Whisky on Sunset. Great presence, tunes, playing and Ohhh darn fine look too. A couple days later I got a call from their producer and engineer to do their CD. Here's the fun part. Average age of the band SEVENTEEN!!! Kids today I tell ya. Fortunately no mirrors were in the studio so I wasn't able to see me lookin' like eveyone's dad! LOL.

The producer and engineer where seasoned music veteran and had there minds set on using an old vintage Fender Jazz bass. I brought the NS. I played both. Both sounded great, I would have prefered the NS but... because I think they had mentally decided on the Fender, "And that's what NIRVANA used" that tipped the scale for them. They then marked future songs for the NS. So we'll get there on the next session.

Well, let me still experiment. Quick synopsis: As I still 'miss' the regular gauge, as I love to finesse the strings with vibrato, bends and such. Yet, the heavier gauges gives us a deluxe relaxing bass feel and allows ease of 'tone' on the first few frets plucking the melody strings ('bass player') style.

"Rocket Scientist" quick tour coming up. C'mon down, I'll shovel the snow outta the way for ya.

ROCKET SCIENTISTS
with special guest vocal appearances by Lana Lane and John Payne of (Asia feat. John Payne)
Saturday, March 28, 2009
The Winchester
12112 Madison Ave
Cleveland, Ohio 44107
216-226-5681
http://www.thewinchester.ne

I'll try the new gauge on that gig and I'll have more to say about it then. It's an ongoing experiment and I'll keep us posted.
"Be well, play Loud 'N Proud"
Don

In Session

2009-02-23T01:28:00.000-08:00

Hi all! and as always "you too'...(just in case you thought I didn't see you lookin' at the screen)

I had a session the other day worth a mention as it required being able to give options to the music that the writer didn't realize where there. It happens every so often when you are called into a recording as a 'session guy' and there is already a bass line down. Right there, the writer already has that line embedded in his mind but the engineer felt there needed to be more.

Usually you would be called in to do the whole album but they are on a tight budget and could only afford this for one song, so they pick the one they feel is there better tune and go full bore on fixes.

The call went like this; Hey Don can you come into the studio tomorrow we need this tune to be bumped up a few notches. I said, "Well, let see that would be Valentines day, my wife's birthday is also the day after that. If I screw up Valentines day by taking a session and not bein' around, that 'mishap' will spill over into the next days birthday, puttin' the pressure on and if I mess that up (like I did Christmas already) it's gonna be a L-O-N-G year gettin' the "Happy" back in 2009. Soooo I'm gonna have to say, "Let's pick another day! After 34 years of marriage let me get one year right. (and so we scheduled it for later in the week).

And now back to the studio...

I brought my NS/Stick, the engineer said they had a lovely studio Fender Bass that sounds great if we needed it, (we both new the NS would most likely end up on the track and it did.)

I heard the track and the original bass line was nice, did the job but didn't move with the drummer, they weren't in groove sync and it left the track feeling like it was harmonically correct but without 'that spark'.

All the players were wonderfully recorded and fine players. The background vocals were incredible and the tune well crafted. When the writer showed up (I'm 99% of the time 1/2 hour early) usually whoever the session is for is late... and so they were fashionably late as I had started getting familiar with the tune already (no chart was written, not even a chord chart). No worries, I like to 'punch and play'. A lot of the sessions I never hear what I played on the tune top to bottom until the album releases. I record all the verses, chorus's then bridge... grab the last donut then leave lol..... This was a well run session where the writer and producer knew what they wanted once they heard it, and so you're out the door in no time. I like that.

Anyway when the writer came in I said, "I need you to listen to the options, the bass line you have is a "D" note held through 3 different chords. It sounds wonderful however the melody to me suggest different notes and the drums suggest a pocketed rhythm. (in other words, the feel and harmonic tonality is going to be altered changing what you had, a lot! - hang on to your hats kids.)

The chorus has such beautiful moving vocal harmonies that, that held bass note masked their movement. Once I moved along with it, it opened it wide open and let the harmonies breathe.

This is my favorite part (aside from playing), when you see the "Light" go on in someones eyes that says, Wow! That's what I want, that makes a huge difference. (then my mind says, good now find the rest of the budget money to hire me for the rest of the tunes!!)

Anyway, we left a nice impression and off we go. That engineer coined a funny saying that has stuck in my mind for years. Many years ago... we did an Eddie Money album together and yikes was there budget tight, SONY records was squeezing each dollar. There were all sorts of problems and finally they shell out $20,000 dollars to fix things. This engineer shakes his head and says, "There's never enough money to do it right the first time but plenty of money to fix things!" Great saying.

I'm thinking of changing string gauges on the NS for this upcoming Rocket Scientists tour. I'm thinking of bass gauges throughout all 8. I'll grab a dozen of the donut shops finest and head over to SE this week and see what Emmett thinks would work best. Emmett is the greatest thinker, I love to ask him question while I eat a donut and he thinks. Sometimes I get through 2 maybe three donuts if it's a good enough question. I may need a few jelly filled for this one.

(PS, on a side note: On the BBC.com news I heard Tim Horton donut shop stocks went up! On my last visit to Canada "I did my part!" Maybe I'll get a 'royalty' donut in the mail!

Excellent,
Don

"Good Lunch and meeting"

2009-02-16T12:56:00.000-08:00

(I turned the music off as it keeps playing through the other posts - 3/14/09)"Hit the PAUSE button!value="sameDomain">I just noticed the 'music' comes on "Right away"! "Hey whats all that racket going on up there!!"I wasn't sure if I could get this player to show up on this blog... turns out "It works!" It's amazing, I have no idea what I'm doing... and yet, (a lot of the times) stuff works!

Buy mp3 At GreatIndieMusic.com
Here (as you heard) are little snippets of tunes from the "Peering Over Clouds" cd. Sure it's been a while since I put a new cd out... hence I'm working on 4 albums at the moment. Each will be a different style of music, Progressive rock, Smooth Jazz, Meditation and my version of Rock.
Other music coming up will include the Movie theme I'm working on with Lance Matthew which will include a sound track of the music from the film we're scoring. He will also have a new CD release not tied to the movie release, we're almost finished with that.
A new Internet Tv show is going to start production soon and is very funny. They will have me write a theme for that, I don't know how much interior music there will be, but if there's the need... I know lots of notes I could use.
I had a meeting in "Westwood" about it last week with the production company, same restaurant as before (previous blog rant) BUT this time I valet parked... only $5.00 (with tip)... last time I paid $25.00 (with no tip) at the facility across the street and vowed!! "You won't get me next time!" (as I was gonna be late for the meeting if I spent the time looking for parking soooo I bit the bullet and... it bit back).
After this meeting I learned there's FREE parking one block north. (Oh and lunch was VERY good... I had Turkey, mashed potatoes and cranberries... kinda like thanksgiving actually but in February - with fresh berries for dessert). That's good "Listening food". If I don't have to talk a lot, I get stuff that you can shovel in your mouth and chew whilst ya listen! Good meeting, half a season is already written, most of the casting is done. Next, get a 'line producer' to hire the rest of the production people (gaffers, lighting, locations etc...) then shooting will start, the lead is already cast (can't mention him yet) then I'll start writing the theme as the director will start to compile thoughts as to what they would like it to 'sound and feel' like. That's what I'll go by, as I begin composing.
The Guild" which is another TV show I do for the internet (and now signed a nice deal for a third season) is going strong. Click >>> "The Guild" for more news of that show.

All for now, I got sent a session I need to complete, then 'send it back' to Canada. I was asked to solo on a tune... 'and so I did' I hope they like it. We'll now I have to finish it, so they can like it!
Take care, it's rainy here in Southern California, It rarely rains so it's a treat. For those of you in Oregon, it would just be another day. To our back east friends, (My Mom's on the east coast) "Stay warm" and June will one day, come again.Don
"

A quick Vote

2009-01-19T19:43:00.000-08:00

The Guild Season 1 is now available on DVD!

The online TV show "The Guild" that I wrote the theme is up for some 'new' and 'improved' catagories.

"Best Original Score" being one of them. "

And that's where I come in!" So... if you would cast a vote at:

http://Streamys.org/nominate.shtml

and scroll down to:

"Best Original Music" then 'click those words'
Put "Don Schiff" in "composers name box" (I voted for him too!)
Series name is : The Guild
site: http://www.watchtheguild.com

For "Best Original Comedy" of course vote "The Guild"

....And there ya have it! Thanks in advance.

The show is an exclusive on Xbox. You can download each episode (Season 2 is now available) onto your Xbox or see them online, 4 weeks after Xbox gets them.... yup! I see them 4 weeks later Lol, I don't have an Xbox.

Well I just got back from Las Vegas and I'll post some pictures from the gig, I'll be getting them within the next week. It was fun. The son of "Don Everly" (of the Everly Brothers) joined the Frankie Avalon show and sings his dads hits with Frankie. It was fun and I'll talk more about that later when I have some pictures from backstage.

Excellent! See you real Soon!

Don

"Score one for "Good job!"

2009-01-11T23:21:00.000-08:00

So I was sent this job from my agent Renee at "Eight Of Hearts Entertainment". She said the Regis and Kelly show were looking for a new theme. I thought I'd show you the video with the theme music I wrote for it.
"darn fine job if I say so myself".

Though they didn't chose my theme, regardless, it sure looks and sounds great. I thought I'd share it with you - being that you put a lot of work into writing/recording/contracting players - "and that it won't see the light of day on TV" ... it can live here for the moment. My thanks to Renee and all that were involved.

(Tech talk for those that care: I played the NS/Stick for the guitar and bass parts, added 9 tracks of trumpets, Flugelhorns and drums).

Enjoy
Don

"Happy New Year" 2009

2008-12-31T22:49:00.000-08:00

Happy 2009 Everyone! IT's gonna be a great one. I'm out celebrating and will write..... later tomorrow!

"ENJOY! Yay, Whahoo0O0oo! Oh yay!

Don

"Merry Christmas Everyone!"

2008-12-24T18:56:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas Everyone!

So nice to have another season with you all. I appreciate you visiting as you do, as we catch up on all the doin's.

I'm at my wifes folks house here in Northern Ca. "Cold" (actually freezing by my standards). And my standards have changed from since I was a kid. I grew up back east. (US expression meaning the east coast New York or Philadelphia area). I knew cold, shoveled my share of sidewalks and driveways. Got so casual about the cold that I'd walk through the snow with sneakers on! The trick was to stay on top of the snow and not let your feet "crunch" through the top layer of the frozen surface. Very cold once the snow went in the shoe! "Now that was cold"

My new standard of cold is, (now that I've lived more that half my life now on the west coast) "Yikes, I better put on a long sleeve shirt today, it's freezin' out here in Sunny California!" Yep, pretty pathetic by East Coast standards... But hey, I'm cold!! So cold in fact, for Christmas I bought my mother a portable heater! (I guess I figure if I'm cold, everyones cold - She lives back east, I'm sure she's cold!).

I'll be in Las Vegas in a couple weeks (Frankie Avalon show - Orleans Hotel and Casino, C'mon by say hello) and guess what? "It snowed there last week, 3.5 inches! AHHHHHH it's everywhere. It did that once before in 1979, (I remember places I've been cold in).

Why once I was doin' a gig in Minneapolis. Woke in my Howard Johnson's Hotel room, with a mound of 'snow' leaning against the sliding glass door to the outside balcony..... "From the inside of my room!!!" 6 degrees below zero! I was afraid to look under my bed, I figured there'd be a 'Frozen Woolly Mammoth" under there. How the snow got inside, is a mystery to me the slider was closed. Jack Frost must of had a key.

Why once when I was on tour in Stockholm in the winter (I'm cold just thinkin' about that one). I was bundled up, scarf, big winter coat that was long past my knees. And yet I was still 'cold'. How cold? Well as embarrassing as it is to say.... I was outside, it was FREEZIN', I was bundled up real tight, and while standing there, I had to Fart! Well I tell you, "I welcomed the added heat under that coat and kept it in there as long as I could!!! I was only sorry I hadn't eatin' beans as I would have kept that up all day LONG!!

Yep, I guess I tend to remember where I've been cold before.

With thoughts of a "Warm Fire" MERRY CHRISTMAS to you all.
Don

News in Flashes

2008-12-18T23:58:00.001-08:00

So... what have I been doin'? It's been awhile. "Yes, I know. I mean to be more diligent but a lot goes on and I get side tracked."

I've been scoring music for TV and Film. Sounds great.. "YAY"

1. However, I'm one of a few composers that submitted their work. The TV show (extremely popular daytime talk show) needs to choose my music for the theme first before I can fully jump up and down.

2. The film I'm working on is in the beginning of production. That's a long way from you and I eatin' popcorn and going to watch it in the movie theaters.

Non the less I'm very excited to be doing the work. I love to 'score music' to picture, you get to pick out moments of importance and highlight it with 'feeling and excitement'.

After I know I 'did on didn't' get the TV show theme, I'll let us all in on what the name of the show is. I just don't like to talk or think about it much in the mean time.

I had a blast recording it, I had a great trumpet/flugelhorn player John Papenbrook come over to my studio and lay about 11 horn tracks down for the theme. Whew... is he good. I would really enjoy writing an album for him, he's such an exciting player. You can hear him on the "Bonnie Hunt show", "South Park", "Family Guy".... he gets around alright.

Another project I'm busy with is a 'light Jazz" album I'll do this year on Stick and NS/Stick. I'll have horns on that project as well and will have John over again as well as my brother Dave (Who you have heard him play sax and flute on a few of the Erik Norlander and Lana Lane CD's. It is about half written and coming along nicely.

Also another Progressive Rock album to follow up my "Peering Over Clouds" cd is in the works.

Lance Matthew and I have been writting and recording together for YEARS. We will have two Cd's come out in 2009.

"Rocket Scientists" will have some new releases in '09 as well but I can't mention them yet. Record companies don't like it when you mention release stuff before they do. However I can mention we will be on tour in March 28th and starting in the Detroit area. I'll post more about that as we get closer.

I can mention I'll be in Las Vegas with the Frankie Avalon show at the Orleans Hotel and casino Jan. 15-18. It will be a blast as always, I haven't seen them in a while so it will be extra fun.

"The Guild" (online TV show I write music for) is in full swing of "Season Two". They struck a deal with Xbox to have the shows exclusively downloadable to that system. My son has the xbox and suddenly, "I was popular in his eyes again". I love when that happens. Been doing that show for years, he never saw it... Suddenly it's in his game box... and "Wow, that pappy is good!" You can also go online and see it www.watchtheguild.com

In the 'realm of mystical stuff I can't figure out'.... There was an 'incredible' drummer I was lucky enough to be in a band with named "Bob Doo" (nick name of course). He and I played great together. He was 20 years younger than me, and had such a funny sense of humor, slightly warped but funny.

One day we were meeting at a restaurant after rehearsal with a group of people and as I enter the restaurant and look around for everyone I hear him yell out, "Hey liver spot, over here!" As horrible as that may sound to you, I laugh again as I write this. It was his wacked sense of humor that let me know he loved me dearly as well. And I was just telling my wife the other day that I miss him and how great we played together..

Anyway, he died some years ago (God rest his soul). So a few days ago I had this gig in a very nice church doing an extravaganza of a Christmas concert, playing bass and also doing a solo spot on NS/Stick. I keep my phone on vibrate and felt it go off. I didn't have to play at that particular moment - so I pull it out of my pocket to see who it is.... the name comes up "Bob Doo"!! The kicker is, though I left his name in my phone (I just couldn't delete it), I did erase the number, and yes it was still erased. I talked out loud to him on the way home, it felt good and thanked him for the call.

I had a great lunch meeting with a director and we talked about doing an online series. (Online series's are getting quite popular). He wrote "Mr. Hollands Opus" and I've scored some films for him before. It would be a "fun" show, a mystery with 50's style detective music. Lol! Lot's of fun. We ate at a great restaurant in West Wood here in Los Angeles... which is about a half hour from my house. I paid $22.00 for parking!!! "I'm walkin' next time!"

I've got the 'Christmas Tree" up. It is COLD here in Los Angeles this week. I don't remember it ever being this cold before. That's why I like it here... "Sunny California" ya know! I don't mind visiting the cold like when I visit my Mom back east, but yikes I don't like when the 'cold' visits me here. I've been throwing wood in our fireplace like I'm feeding the furnace of a Steam Engine train.

As a matter of fact, my hands are cold typing! I'm gonna go 'warm up' by the fireplace, you all have a wonderful evening and we'll meet back here real soon!

Good Nite!

Don

"On tour, bottom of the Nineth"

2008-11-20T21:49:00.000-08:00

Well I'm in Miami and I'm having a great time. The concerts are well received and a lot of fun. I'm playing with John Snider, a dear friend and drummer who used to live in Los Angeles and toured with Eddie Money for many years, we've done many albums together, three of them with Eddie Money.

While I'm here John has a busy student schedule as well. So, just because we can, I've been going to his drum classes in the day, "Some of which are at the young students houses!" I break out the NS/Stick and John brings a conga drum. I dive into a Groove in their living room, John guides the drum student (some of them 10 years old) as to what to play on drums... them mom and dad come out to see what all the ruckus is, and find their son rockin' out with two guys that sound like a full rock band!! They are sooo proud of their little child "rockin" loud and proud, and the kid is just beaming with pride.

Very fun and deluxe as some of these students homes are right on the canal and have beautiful homes with deluxe views over the water. I get to relax, jam a little with a great view, John gets to sit back relax and teach while the student gets overwhelmed with, "Oh my goodness, what do I do now - that wacky man is playing bass and guitar parts at the same time and is now telling me to take a solo!!!! ahhhhhhhhhh" (Priceless look on their faces... only out done by the joyous yelps of their mom and dad, brothers and sisters who see their child in a whole new light... "Look at that, the boy can play!!!"

Not only is John a fantastic drummer and percussionist but equal in task to teaching.

We have one more concert tomorrow afternoon, then I fly home that evening. Ya know, I love flying. I get tired after a few days of playing and constantly getting from one place to another and so I look at flying as having 'my own in flight 'napping' chair!" It's kinda like nap time in Kindergarten where you had your own blanket and laid on the floor with the other kids. Well this is the 'adult' version where you get your own reclining chair.

And so you take off, have a hour or two nap, wake up, ring the bell to get your juice, maybe a cookie, chips or crackers... then nod off for a few more hours, wake up... watch a little in flight TV.... C'mon... what's not to like!" If you do that at home on the couch the wife calls ya 'lazy'... do it on a plane... and suddenly now 'your workin' nobody says nothin'... "Whats not to like!"

Got a call for the end of December to go to Lake Tahoe for a gig with Frankie Avalon. I haven't been to Tahoe in like 15 years. That would be a great time of year to go. I'll post the event when I get more details next week.

I'll be booking more and more solo shows as I've been working on new material and singing a lot. Rocket Scientists have a tour coming up in March... so everyone seems to be starting up again slowly, but everyone's 'slowly' is adding up to me getting busy touring. I have a 'lot' of recording to do over the next two months so... perhaps I'll try something new to me.. "planning" .
As I'll need to use my time more efficiently.

"Lana Lane" (Think Tank Media release) released a 'best of' CD. This is only available in Japan. Different bands and artists get popular in certain areas and "Lana's " is in Japan. I was sent a copy and it looks beautiful (like all Think Tank releases, they have the High Pro- no expense spared look to them). This is no exception. Of course I played on a lot of the tunes but also got one that I co-wrote on the album "Hands To Heal". Writing as you know, is the way to make money in music so, it was nice to find out I have cut on the CD.

I went to two little leauge baseball games while I was here. John's young son was playing (5 yrs old). It was fun to see them play, he swung hard... however - he never got close to hitting the ball - but with hotdogs and hamburgs stuffed in our mouths we cheered him on ....Last game of the season so we say, "You'll hit it outta the park next year".

A GREAT trip, I'm tired and am starting to look forward to my "napping chair".

We'll talk soon!
Don

2008-11-08T09:13:00.000-08:00

Hi all,

I'll be performing as you'll read the flyer below. It will be a fantastic evening of Stickist and me being one of them.

I intend to get out and perform my music more that I've written over the years and yikes as I get older "Over the Years" becomes larger and larger. Technology changes however the songs remain the same. A good tune, is a good tune.

Speaking of getting older, yep, my birthday is Sunday, thank you all for the birthday wishes. I joke and say, "I'm gonna have lots of cake if I can find my way to it through all the candles!" Next year I'm gonna need a bigger cake!

Gigs comin' up aside from the below show. I'll be in San Diego next Friday with Bobby Rydell and Lou Christy. It will be a fun show.

See you soon somewhere! EXCELLENT,

Don

STICK NIGHT
@ Paladino's in Tarzana
Sunday, November 16th

#Variety#Virtuosity#Veracity#

An evening of round-robin performances by six
exceptional artists/stylists on The Chapman
Stick® in solo and various duo combinations,
including some vocals and drums.

As dedicated Stick musicians we also enjoy each
other's performances on this innovative
instrument. A typical "Stick Night", wherever
it's held in the world, is a total variety show
of genres and styles, all tapped out with both
hands on the blank slate of the Stick fretboard.
It's like a family gathering of those with a
common goal expressed in diverse styles and
techniques. We think you'll be as surprised and
entertained as we ourselves, as we trade the
limelight from song to song, each artist
inspiring the next to greater efforts.

FEATURING
- Don Schiff on NS/Stick, of Rocket Scientist,
song writer/vocalist, with dynamic drummer
Neil Bettencourt.

http://www.donschiff.com/

- Larry Tuttle on 12-string Grand Stick with
his wife Novi on her magic red viola, both of
"StringPlanet". http://www.stringplanet.com/
- Ben Weber on 10-string Stick, the youngest guy,
with a very original solo musical concept.
http://www.youtube.com/oceansinspace

- Kevin Keith on 10-string Stick,
song writer/vocalist and innovative
studio recording artist.
http://www.kevinkeith.com/
- Gary Jibilian on NS/Stick, in a very tight duo
with Jay Setar, his innovative drummer, both of
Jibilian/Setar.
http://www.garyjibilian.com/

- Emmett Chapman on 10-string Stick, the oldest
guy, playing through nothing but the house system.
http://www.stick.com/and http://www.emmettchapman.net/

Drummers Neil Bettencourt and Jay Setar will each
in turn accompany various Stickists on some selected songs.

MC for the evening will be Diana Lang, yoga and meditation teacher,
lecturer and author.

Paladino's nightclub is located at
6101 Reseda Blvd. in Tarzana,
a block and a half south of Victory Blvd. on the west side.
The nightclub telephone number is 818-342-1563.

Cover charge is $10. at the door. Show starts at
9 PM and continues non-stop until 1 AM.

The event will be announced on Paladino's Website
at: http://www.paladinosclub.com

Reminiscing

2008-10-28T00:28:00.000-07:00

Ya know over time ya just gotta stop and reflect. Goals you've wanted to achieve, goals you have achieved etc,... I look around my studio, I have a Gold Album on the wall. Oh yea for reals. Why back in the day if you were a part of an album that sold over 500,000 copies... "You" got to join the club of Gold Album honorees. So, there I am (I co-wrote a song for Pat Benatar) and got a nifty Gold Album. Ya can't do that now... Why? Cause they have CD's now, you get a gold CD now days I guess. So, I'll look forward to one of those.

I have a Hammond Organ in my studio.. Always wanted one of those. I have the rotating Leslie speakers too.The top is cut off so the rotating speaker is exposed, (louder that way). Fun to watch the top rotor speaker spin. I don't have much office space so 'things' collect on top of that cabinet. Fun to 'fire up' the 'ol Hammond and watch as the speaker spins, stuff just goes "Flyin' everywhere as that baby whirls like a helicopter takin' off.

My old Rickenbacker bass hangs on the wall with other assorted instruments, even gotta "accordian". Why!?!? I don't know, something I always wanted... however I never figured out why.

The Middle of Nov. a new DVD will come out of Rocket Scientists live at the 3 Rivers Festival. It should be a great DVD, I recall the concert and venue being superb. Think Tank Media always does a top notch job with production and sound. I'm excited as the 'big' solo piece of mine is part of the show. "Ya know, you never think of it this way but... I never get to see it". I'm always on the other side of my eyes. Hopefully I'll be as happy when I watch it as I was when I was performing it - from my side of the mirror.

A solo I'd like to see of mine... but alas never did, was a solo spot I had many years ago in front of a 4,000 seat arena and televised to boot. It was a bass solo. I thought I'd make a 'grand' entrance from the band by jumping off the piano players bench to the front of the stage. Well I jumped to hurriedly, and the bench teetered (even with the piano player still on it), I recovered my balance and landed okay, thinking to myself (ohhhh close one, but now let's play).

I was so pumped up from nearly falling over I started 'slappin' the bass strings but not realizing how 'hard' I was doing it. Suddenly when the notes weren't sounding right, I looked over and noticed... I hit the strings so hard they all bounced off the neck and all the strings where now in the same 'string slot' as the first string!!!! The only thing I could think of to do was to make it a 'bongo' solo... so I kept slapping and banging on the bass like they were bongos!!!

Oh well, maybe that solo is one, best remember from my side the eyes.... and ears. It was in Korea so... maybe fortunately it never made it to the US.

Ya know... another thing I think is funny as I notice you get more famous, (I'm not a house hold word by any means but in my small circle - slightly larger than my wife, son and mom) I get recognized occasionally and ya begin to think about stuff differently.

Like say, your playin' in a club, and before you go on, the dinner you ate 45 min. ago starts backin' up on ya. You think to yourself - 'should I use the restroom in the club!' Because when I get done... the next person's that open that door are gonna have the 'smell shock' of their lives... "Then there gonna see it was me!" Then the show will start - and I'm thinking "No matter how well I play,... there gonna be tellin' all their friends, "ya know, that guy really stinks! really!"

Sooo ya end up holdin' it... that can't be to healthy either.

Okay, I'm off on a silly tangent here. You all have a good night!
Don

"Together again for the first Time"

2008-10-08T13:51:00.002-07:00

Hi All and everyone,

Oh about a year ago, (whew time fly's by) I did a recording for a German artist "Valenteano" (sounds Italian to me but hey, I just play the notes). Wonderful writer and in this case a more 'classical' vein. I thought I was playing on a "Bon Jovi" type ablum when first contacted and when I got the tracks, it was classical acoustic guitar... "SURPRISE".

Well, needles to say I dove in and had a blast. The CD releases next month called "VALENTEANOacoustics". I played NS/Stick bass side doin's only, but I got in a few high slides. I went for a fretless feel.

Then for the adventurous of ear! Listen for the 'cello' like part. OH YES indeedy! It's me again, bouncin' back big 'n loud with the Bowed Guitar! The manufacturer calls it the GuitarViol(www.togamanguitars.com). Either way, it's a guitar set up with a curved bridge so you can bow each string. Lovely sound, (Emmett was so gracious to set it up for me so I could "YES, you guessed it!" what else would I want to do but "Tap and Bow" together!!! OF course I would, however this tune shows no example of that! Lol, Just bowing, Give a listen.

Acoustic Guitar, NS/Stick and GuitarViol. Together again for the first time

Go to:
http://www.myspace.com/valenteanoacoustics
Scroll down to song number 6 "ELEGIE"

Take care, off to the Santa Cruz seminar... See you there, Donut in hand.
Don

The "Skypes" the limit!

2008-09-26T00:41:00.000-07:00

How fun is that!?! We have been having a blast. Yes lesson from Irag to England to Kansas and all points in between. A most enjoyable time is had by all. Thank you all, and I welcome everyone else that would like to 'join the fun!'.

I'm pretty entertaining... "Just ask me!" and so unfortunately the hour slips by so fast... and we hang out longer anyway, just because it is so astonishing to be giving lessons halfway round the world and yet, it's like we're all in the same neighborhood.

I used to teach in a music school when I had more time... it was as entertaining (I tell ya, the older I get, the funnier younger people are). I remember being the "youngster" with my long hair, rebel ways (okay, you know me... I was very POLITE about my rebelness) but I recall the 'headshaking" of that older generation. Now "I see" what was so funny. Being young, is just funny.

Anyway, I tour to much to keep a regular schedule but scheduling Skype lessons solved that, so I'd like to try opening up lessons for 'music' in general. Heck, if you'd like to see if I could help you get 'kick started' in your Stick, NS/Stick, guitar, bass, song writing, lyric writing... heck, Skype or email me (donschiff@sbcglobal.net put -look@melook@u- in the subject) ... Have I gotta lesson for you, we'll talk about it, happy to help if I can.

Okay, gotta gig coming up in October. A seminar and concert. Neil Bettencourt has joined me on drums/percussion and stuff ya hit. We have been rehearsing and I couldn't be happier. After this seminar and concert, I'll start booking festivals and put a tour together for my solo shows with Neil. I'm really enjoying the unique style we've found. I'd tell ya more, but how 'bout I play a place near you, and you come on out and see us. We'll have a blast.

I had the "Supreme" compliment the other day. It's nice when people ask for your autograph and are so polite saying, "I don't wish to disturb you but could I...." Let me tell ya, I waited a

l-o-n-g time for someone to want my autograph... "Heck I'll chase ya down if I think you want one!"

Anyway I got an email requesting an Autograph picture as a gift for someone. (I tried giving my wife one for Christmas, but "somehow" the 'charm' was lost on her and I had to go buy something else). Oh well, I'm on this one though, got a nice picture all picked out for them.

Then Speaking of fun stuff like that, ... this took me by surprise. I got stopped the other day as someone had a big "Don Schiff wall Clock!" with them, complete with my picture with hour, minute and second hands on it... and they wanted it autographed! (I don't even have a "don schiff clock!" (But I think I'll get one for my wife for Christmas, I'll try again!) So I signed it, "Nice Spending Time With You!" ...... C'mon, that was a good one!

Maybe I'll sign my wife's, "Could ya stand me one more minute!" (I joke, we've been at each other... I mean together 30 some years now). I love it.

Alright, gotta run now and so I'll close with.. "I'll keep practicing, you keep listening"

Take care,

Don

Look at me lookin' at you! lol

2008-09-13T22:57:00.000-07:00

This is working out great, lots of requests for the online lessons Tvshow of shows. Wonderful to hear from all of you we are gonna hit the computer airwaves hard. Perfect! and we'll have a blast too.

This concept is new to all of us so if you'd like 'jump in the deep end' with me and try it out!, ... 'You can stare at me, staring at you', we can set up a time to try Skype out, you'll see me, I'll see you, we'll LAUGH!!!! You'll know it works and then we can set a lesson up if you'd like. Hey, the call doesn't even cost a 'dime'. And how many of us remember a call costing a dime. Heck I don't recall seeing phone booths anymore for that matter! Ahhhhhh, the worlds changing.... "and I'm diggin' it!' (showin' my age with that 'hip' lingo of long ago).

My skype name is very tricky.. Took me many man and woman hours to come up with it, "donschiff'. Whew, who'd of thought.

email me at donschiff@sbcglobal.net to schedule a "look at me, lookin' at you" laugh fest. Put "Look@meLookin@you" in the subject heading please.

"Don't delay call today!" okay okay, "Don't delay, email today!"

I'm from the East Coast originally, whew did they have the 'sales' slogans down to an art form, even the phone numbers were interesting to remember, They had names like:

"Cherryhill 9" or "Sycamore 8"... Ahhh memory lane. Nice place to visit.

Don

Skype, lesson, humor, tv show coStarring You!

2008-09-10T18:44:00.000-07:00

Ya know it's a new cyber world out their and to add to that, I have "Skype". I talk to my friend Al through the computer in Australia, And sure I wake him up half the time but..... it's a free call, and if he had a camera I'd see him too. Perhaps at that late of an hour, that's why he never got a camera!

I'm thinkin', I could give lessons if someone would want one, this Stick and NS/Stick instruments I play aren't exactly 'household music' store or lesson items. So here it is, if you'd like a Stick, NS/Stick or Bass Lesson, contact me... here's the email donschiff@sbcglobal.net. We'll talk, set a time, ... (if you're in Australia 'set that alarm clock!') and we'll put a Skype lesson together.

With Skype, you are able to see and hear me on your computer screen as well as I can see and hear you on mine. No glitches in sound or jerky pictures either! It's free to download too www.skype.com

It'll be great, part lesson, humor and TV show Starring you and me! . I'm lookin' forward to it.

Take care, "See ya on TV!"

Don

"A nice surprise call"

2008-09-06T23:00:00.000-07:00

I got a surprise call this morning. The Dave Mason band is on tour and their bassist went to the hospital (we wish you a speedy recovery). So when that happens you need to cover the dates coming up... so I got a call this morning to see about my availability. I suggested if it looks like they'll need me to send me mp3's of the set, I'll arrive off the jet ready to go.

Regardless of whether they will need me this time, it's nice knowing someone was kind enough to think of you. "Thanks Guys!"

For those Dave Mason Fans you already know that at 19 he wrote the classic "Feelin' Alright". A great song and even more so when you get to play it with the original artist!

How many times have you played "Johnny B. Goode" - to many we'd say, however I had the honor to play it with Chuck Berry and I tell ya, It took on a whole new level and meaning. It was great as the original 'spark' was there. Not just three chords and a rif but the original spark of 'why the tune works'. A great moment.

Another deluxe moment was the time I was doing a TV show and got to play one of my all time favorite songs, "Let's Stay Together". You guessed it, with Al Greene (and a reverend at that

time too). A kind and humble man, it was truly a great experience performing with him and meeting him.

You all have a great day, 'who knows what calls we'll get and who we'll hear from tomorrow!"

Don

"A good time was had by all"

2008-08-31T00:21:00.000-07:00

The gig went great in Pittsburgh. Rocket Scientists played the" 3 Rivers Progressive Rock Festival" August 23rd or around there. Excellent theater and shows. California Guitar Trio was excellent I caught there show, Spock's Beard and the Flower Kings as well. A great time was had by all. A super festival of Progressive bands.

Erik Norlander -Keyboards/Mark McCrite guitar-vocals/Jim Williams-Electric Guitar/Chris Quirarte-drums/Lana Lane-vocals/Don Schiff (that's me) NS/Stick

The food was wonderful, after sound check I went to the dressing room trailer and watched the closing ceremonies of he olympics while the kitchen staff cooked 'delicious' ribs and chicken. "Ohhh I ate goood!" No pictures of that... C'mon I was eatin'!

Look Ma! I got an award.

2008-08-14T16:27:00.000-07:00

This is Heidi, she and I wrote a song together last year. She was very diligent in entering it in contests and such, turns out we got and award from Billboard . How nice, EXCELLENT persistance Heidi, thank you.

Heidi resides in NY, and we haven't met yet,... the magic of the internet, sending tracks and words via cyber space. "One day we'll have lunch Heidi!" and give congratulatory hugs.

Here's a picture of the award.

Always nice to have your music and songs appreciated and noticed. I consider it an honor even to be considered. It's nice to have this song of ours make the 'radar'.

/Don

2008-08-11T23:22:00.000-07:00

Click the picture and you'll be taken to the 'radio promo spot' for the upcoming Buffalo, New York gig. One of the better 'radio spots' I've heard. Of course it's nicer when it's the band your in.

It starts out with me on Stick, that's a nice touch. Well this gig is gonna be recorded so that's gonna be a blast of a gig.

C'mon down, join the fun, it's gonna be great!

Don

Concert Photo's

2008-07-27T10:54:00.000-07:00

These photo's were of the Bay Area Rock Festival in San Francisco 5/18/2008.
We had a blast, behind the venue they had a LARGE cookout for all the bands that evening. It was like a giant 'band backyard bar-b-que'. Huge grill cooking burgers, hotdogs, steaks, pork, spicey sausage, and lots of beer... and soda's for people like me who 'fall down fast' after drinking the neck of a beer. I'm known for that 'funny limit' and the quite the guy to hang around in the bar with if you like beer with just the 'neck' drunk down... "Practically a full beer"... two sips, I'm done - anything past that and I get a bit wobbly... however, Donuts I can devour.

For us Stick enthusiast's notice the positioning of the NS/Stick neck angle compared to the guitarists. I'm at about a 2 O'clock position while the guitars hang about 3 O'clock. I use that same angle for tapping, slide style playing and plucking. Just an observation that I got from looking at these pictures. For those that play, interesting information. In that first 'solo' picture of me, look close at my right hand, you can see the metal slide gripped between my 1st and 2nd finger.

Well, I'm here in San Francisco area at the moment attending a wedding as my brother-in-law just got married, it was a lovely wedding ceremony on the beach at "Baker Beach" below Golden Gate bridge and down the beach a bit. Just lovely and a perfect day for it. No one got around to getting a 'permit' to have the ceremony on the beach so it had a nice element of excitement looking over our shoulders to see if the beach patrol was comin' around to scoop us up. Alas, a perfect day! The Wedding ended at the beach instead of the downtown police station. It's an incredibly LARGE and funny family I married into and 'believe it or not' the wedding would have worked well eitherway.

Take care,

Don

Mysterious Me

2008-07-25T19:49:00.000-07:00

So yea, that's my cousin in one of my childhood 'favorite' movies - "Mysterious Island". His name is Michael Callan and was also the charactor 'Riff' in the Broadway hit West Side Story. Ohhhh he's good.

Anyway, July 21st at 12:30 pm on TCM channel this movie will air. Your gonna love it, check it out., Giant Crabs, Captain Nemo, Monsterous Octopus and yes... Pirates! Ohhh it's a good one. And he gets the girl too, Yay cousin.

Hey, I was in a few movies... no crabs, octopus and I didn't even see a girl on the set however if you rent 84 CHARLIE MOPIC... I'm in the first 10 minutes of the film painting rocks white. Speaking of not getting the girl, how's this. There is the video I have out of the tune "Wait By The River" (check youtube you'll find it - or.. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qXHDvmBvXFA go their.

Anyway, I shoot my part and the director says "Yea and this girl will dance around and such.." I think, hey, wow, this is gonna be great! My video, I'm in it... Great looking girl!" We shoot the music portion first of me playing and singing and then I'm told we'll add the dancer. I get a call two days later... "Videos done, she was great!" WHAT!!!!! My own video I don't to even 'imagine in my head that I could 'get' the girl (married 32 years.. was never gonna happen in reality) BUT Ya Know It Would Have Made A Great Story In My Head!!! But no.... Never even saw her til the video. Ahhh Hollywood! Ah well, my cousin did just fine at least.

Excellent!

Don

Sour Braten

2008-07-19T23:32:00.000-07:00

Ah a lovely dish and delicious as well. It's a German dish called and spelled correctly sauerbraten. I bring this little story up as I hear Rocket Scientists are headlining a festival in Germany this upcoming November. Sure, I'll get times and dates but, really, this early I just think, Oh what shall I eat while I'm over there.

Well this is one of my favorite dishes. It also reminds me of the time my wife and I used to go to this lovely German restaurant in Las Vegas (When we were just kids in love). We'd order this dish all the time and kind of giggled at the name... one day I had bad breath, and to this day our 'code' name for 'bad breath' is "Honey, SauerBraten breath, have a mint!" Of course if it's my breath, it's "Oh my word!! Your breath is 6 feet long! do something about that!" Like, stand in then next room and call me on the cell phone. Yikes, whatta ya eatin' out garbage cans!

Ah, the gentler days of dating, no one farted, burped loud and Sauerbraten was just a food.

Don

Guild Season 1 and "Walkin' the Dog again.

2008-07-13T23:57:00.000-07:00

Aha! The Guild Season 1 DVD. Who knew it would be so popular! The next season already has sponsorship and will begin shooting August/September. I think I'll get in a few scenes next season that would be fun.

Well if you'd like to find out more and pre-order your copy go to www.watchtheguild.com and have a look around. Lots of good information their.

The "Guild Theme" ring-tone will also be available in a few weeks. Currently you can buy the theme on itunes as well as the "Christmas Special" we did last...."Christmas!". I'm sure that will be popular again in....oh say in about 4-5 months.

Okay, quick "Walkin' the Dog" story. Last time I told a dog story it was the one where I forgot to bring a Poop bag but had a small kleenex. So I balance the Large TURD in the small kleenex, Cell phone rang, I grabbed it out of my pocket, dogs lurched, Poops got unbalanced while teetering in the kleenex... Poop hit the phone just as I put it to my ear, ...... Smooosh!

The dog (Lovely Shepard mix) just love those walks and seems to relish a nice place to poop (has all day to do it at home) but would rather me carry it around the block instead. Walk the dog up, walk the dog and poop back. I have a technique where I put the plastic bag inside out on my hand, capture the poop, pull the plastic bag 'right side out' and the Hand comes out clean and Poop safely captured in the bag.... "To bad this bag had a hole in the bottom". Finger stayed inside the bag!" I must say, she's a warm dog inside... Quite the steamy turd! (I think I saw her laughing! with her funny dog smile with tongue hangin' out!"

Excellent!

Don

Excellent Tour

2008-07-11T23:22:00.000-07:00

Well, it's been awhile since I last wrote, sorry.. whew between tired and busy, it just didn't happen. The San Francisco "Bay Area Rock" festival was grand! I took my wife up to San Francisco (we live in S. California). She has retired soooo now she has more time to "hit the road" with me. It was very cute as she got the nice VIP treatment at the club as she got to sit in the upstairs lounge area behind thick glass and comfy seats to watch the show down below.

I didn't even know they had such a thing at this club and as it was a rather large club I couldn't see her from the stage. My phone range, and since we hadn't started yet, I answered. She said, "I'm upstairs!". I said, "I didn't know they had one". As I looked up, there I saw a phone waiving back and forth. Ohhhhhh, there you are. Very nice, "Thanks, bye, gotta play now."

Oh yes, back to the 'cute' part. So mid show I have a rather large 'solo' spot. Well it goes over very nicely and the crowed just loved it. lots of applause and cheers. Well over ALL that yellin' I hear my wife's "Super Sonic" (thumb and finger to lips) pearcing whistle cutting through from the back of the upstairs - behind the class VIP room. I looked up ...smiled and laughed, "That's my girl!"

Then onto upstate NY. Another great gig and fun time on the road. From their I went to Philadelphia to see my family. It was a blast as always. I did bring Tasty Cakes home. I like the Butter Scotch Crimpets. We go back in late August. I'll get more, these didn't last two days.

The next tour is around August 24th, Chicago, Pittsburgh and upstate New York. The promoters said they would take us to Niagra Falls and for a boat ride behind the falls. I've never been so it'll be GREAT!

You all take care, I'll write again soon.

Don

Home Movies

2008-06-21T00:31:00.000-07:00

Ahhh home movies, well almost. We feel at home in this studio. I've been recording there since ohhhhh Way back! I think Lincoln was president. I even may have met Erik in that studio. Back in the 80's, maybe my first deluxe studios I did sessions in. Back in the day when their was a huge Studer 24 track tape deck.

I get asked a lot what's it like in the studio. Here's a cool look. This video was shot at "Woodcliff Studio" in Sherman Oaks, California. As you'll see in this 'movie above' it is a rather complex tune and we've got our heads (okay, my head) buried in the music. LOTS of head nodding to cue each other "Heads Up odd bar and lick alert!!!"

It also has me playing unique instruments aside from my already unique Stick instruments. You've seen me with the NS/Stick and the Grand Stick but this video also includes the "Bowed Guitar". It is a guitar that has a cello like bridge so you can bow each string individually or together. Check it out. I thought you might get a kick out of it.

In the full length DVD this footage is from, the next scene has me in front of the 'donuts' of course.
Don

Luck Man

2008-06-21T00:13:00.001-07:00

Just released, a portion of the "LOOKING BACKWARD DVD from the Rocket Scientist box set. This is some footage of Emmett Chapman (Stick inventor and genius) and myself. Go visit http://www.youtube.com/user/RocketScientists and you'll find some other 'super cool' video and music as well. How fun is this, to be video-ed with some one you admire so much and respect. I'm a lucky man I tell ya!

My Goodness, picture technology today.

2008-06-19T23:01:00.000-07:00

Wow Time

2008-06-19T14:12:00.000-07:00

Well the GUILD has done it again, WOW (and not World of Warcraft) they are a busy bunch. Here is a blurb direct from the site www.watchtheguild.com

"We are very excited to announce that cast members of The Guild will be appearing at ComiCon in San Diego, July 24-27th! We will be staging out of the California Browncoats booth, tables A7/A8. The far right of the convention center, near the back wall, next to a lounge area!"

So from what I read last year 125,000 people attended... Ohhh darn nice convention! This will be wonderful as they will make available for sale "SEASON 1" DVD of the show. After that, it will be available for purchase elsewhere. Yay TEAM! Mind you I'm excited because I wrote and scored the theme and interior music. Though my work gets heard every show at least twice... it appears I'm VERY busy with the show, "You really record it once, and it gets place in the show". However I feel busy everytime I watch the show! ......

Maybe Season two, I'll ask for a walk on part, that would be fun. I do that every once in a while. You can rent a movie called " '84 Charlie Mopic". Yay, true enough I'm in it! For REAL! Early on in the show you see me painting Rocks White. Yea, it's a big part alright, it's in there with my other big part I had in a movie called "Live From Death Row" with Bruce Davidson and Joanna Cassidy. In that big Block Buster of a TV movie I run up to a moving van (nearly got run over) and yell, "lana I love you, I love you!"... Now here's where my 'smart thinkin' comes into play!" The line originally was, "Lana I love you!" Ya see what I did there?... I doubled the line,.... Ohhhh on camera instead of 2 seconds.... now a feature length 4 seconds. Oh yes, another 2 seconds I might a been notice by the academy... Navel academy! Brump bump!

Okay, I gotta session, we'll talk more later.

Don

Gettin' ready to hit the road

2008-06-18T12:14:00.000-07:00

Well, Rocket Scientists is getting ready to 'hit the road' again. On our way to San Francisco then Clinton, NY. I've noticed a lot of pictures of me alone, and "Ya know"... I'm a small part of a large band. So here's Mark McCrite (what I call 'visiting') me on stage. Visiting is fun in this band. A great bunch to tour with. We will have a 'guest' drummer on this tour as Chris Quirarte had prior committments and can't make these couple dates. We will have Jay Schellen from "ASIA - featuring John Payne" with us for this tour. Welcome aboard as we'll "Visit" onstage and have a blast.

As we are at least on the "Tour a month club" as I call it, the shows are getting easier. This is Progressive Rock so I tend to 'pay attention' to how the rather lengthy songs go. Add to that the numerous time changes and you could find yourself looking for a 'slide ruler' to navigate your way back into the song!

Now, we've got a few tours and rehearsals under our belt so the playing is fun and easy. All the time changes feel like 4/4 even when they are 14/8. It's a lot of fun that way, you feel like, "Oh this feels great, what a nice song, I think I'll go visits Mark, or Jim, Chris... "Oh look Eriks got a fortress of keyboards around him" (and that wall of lights behind him is also part of his keyboard rig!), I'll go knock on his door for a visit.

And so with eyes closed, I salute you all and envision seeing you all at the next gig! EXCELLENT!

Don

"The DonSchiff store" Who Knew?

2008-06-03T08:17:00.000-07:00

Ahhhh here we are accepting the Classic Rock Society award from our Rotherham, England show. Yep, still don't remember what the award was for BUT, we sure look happy and are very appreciative. With luck, We'll do it again next year.

Come visit my store on CafePress!

click the above words!
Sure, buy a mug (it's got my 'mug' plastered all over' it". Need a coaster!? Want a Pillow, Hey how 'bout a clock!? Time to look and see what they've got. I went a little crazy when I saw all the stuff you could put a picture on.

Alright, next tour is coming up. San Francisco, Clinton, New York

"ALL ABOOOOAARRD!" It's gonna be a fun trip. I'm going to make a side trip to Philadelphia then Wilmington, Delaware to see my family. These Rocket Scientists tours are travelin' all over now so it's nice I'll get to visit so many more friends and family.

On the last tour to Vancouver a wonderful woman "Donna" approached me and asked if I would take a picture with this 'doll' she makes. She then sells the pictures of the doll with the artist and the money goes to charity. Who could resist such a nice thing. (and my mind wonders, with me in it, "Who would buy such a picture!?" .) but regardless I did it in hopes that it helps out.(http://www.myspace.com/donna_m) to view the cause.

So now I have a nice doll, (you get to keep it after the photo) thank you so much Donna. I'm thinkin' I'm going to take this doll on tour and make it like "The Traveling Gnome" that gets it's picture taken all over the world. That'll be fun. "I'll send you pictures Donna!" I need a name for the doll.

A tour of last 3 tours

2008-05-27T23:48:00.000-07:00

Yay! Rocket Scientists got another award, this one was for the participation in the Baja Prog festival. We did get another award at the Rotherham, England Progressive Rock festival. I don't recall what it was for however until I find pictures of us accepting it.... 'trust me, it looked a lot like this .... lol.

After that we went back east to Lakewood, Ohio and played the Winchester Theater. A Very nice time was had. I recall the meal before this gig being EXCELLENT... hence while I am pictured here playing a solo... I'm thinkin' "Wow, that was a great meal! I'm stuffed!"

Then on to Rotherham, England. Now that was a trip. I loved the plan ride. Sure ya think, "C'mon 9 hours in a plan!!! That's gotta be rough.

BUT! here's how I look at it. "Where else can ya sit in a nice reclined chair, not be bothered, watch movies and TV all day while someone brings you food and stuff to drink! and not be called a 'Lazy Bum!" I'd never get away with that at home! Hence, same situation but on a plan... and suddenly 'your working', part of the job, poor guy - has to travel all day. Well truth be known I really like it. I catch up on all the movies I haven't seen, all the "Family Guy" episodes I've missed and some darn fine documentaries I wouldn't bother watching at home. It's all good at 30,000 feet up.

Well then... on to Vancouver, I just got back. I did some solo shows and taught a lovely Stick seminar with Steve Adelson. Great wonderful group of participants.

Here is a few of us, (Jim and Louis) moments before I downed "A LOT" of (Canada's own) "Tim Horton donuts"... Ohhhh they were gooood.., Reeaaal Goood!

And.. here's the rest of the group.

Vancouver is Gorgeous!

Hey we even went "5 pin bowling". It was great fun, I've never done that before... and was about as bad as I am at 10 pin. But we had the best time! "Hi everyone!" (if you're lookin' in on my blog!) Thanks for such a GREAT time

Nathen, Louis, John, Scott, Noel, Katy, Grant, Augy, Jim, Glen, bottom row -

Neil, Mike, Griffin, Steve, Diane and myself.

On my way - to UK!

2008-05-15T12:35:00.000-07:00

Hi EveryOne!!! (and you too!)

Yes, arms are in 'flap ready position' as I take off for Rotherham, England. "WHY!" you may ask. Well it's not exaclty for the lushes Blood Pudding or Krumpets BUT that is a bonus. The main reason is "Rocket Scientist" (Progressive Rock Band) is playing the:

"Classic Rock Festival" SATURDAY (at the Montgomery Hall, Wath-upon-Dearne) in Rotherham, England.

" Wish Bone Ash and Rocket Scientists" Ohhh it's gonna be fun. http://www.classicrocksociety.net/
Click - ROTHERHAM ROCKS 2008 - to the right of that page.

We will be shouting out! and spreading the news of all Stick Enterprises wonders as well as I'll be playing the NS/Stick and... I'll be jumpin' up and down playin' a darn fine feature NS/Stick Solo moment too! Okay maybe I won't be jumpin' up and down and we'll hope for a 'darn fine solo'..

Alright then, I've got my leather flyin' hat and goggles in place... turbo charged beanie cap ready to spin and arms startin' to flap!!!!!

See ya there!!
Don

Pete the dog!

2008-05-07T09:17:00.001-07:00

Ah yes, A man, a Stick and his dog.

This was me and our dog "Pete" back in the mid 70's. We posed for this picture for a book about playing the Stick instrument. "Pete" used to tour with me. Not because I thought it was a great idea but because 'he' and my wife did!

Yes, I was against having pets (for the past 32 years - and now having 2 dogs and 3 cats living with us)... but because I figured when I'd start touring there would be no one to watch the pets.

I then started to tour to some great places and thought, "Hey I'll take the wife!" and she thought "Hey, I'll go pack Pete!"... "and soooo it began."

Mind you hotels don't allow pets, especially the very nice hotels that we were staying at. Well, I had to figure a way to sneak him in and of course it was left up to me.

I had a nice tour jacket at the time and putting Pete in it worked very well as we'd quickly go to the elevator, then on up to the room. In fact, over time it worked to well... Pete became so adept to this, the sight of the jacket would spring him into this routine. 1. I'd hold the jacket up and show Pete and 2. say, "Pete, we're gonna sneak!" He would look down and scrunch his little body into a crouching position.. (sooo cute). I'd put the jacket on top of him - scoop him up in it and carry him like a football - just 'holding my jacket under my arm, while wheeling my luggage with the other hand.

This all worked great but unbeknownst to me... he loved this so much and was SoooOooOo happy to sneak, his little tail would pop out the back end of the jacket behind me - wagging away in the wind. AND that's how we finally got caught.

PLAN B: "So whatta ya say when you get caught!?" I was traveling with the Ann-Margret show at the time when hotel security said, "You can't have dog's in this hotel" and so, thinkin' on my feet I said, "Oh I know but this is Ann-Margret's dog"... he said, "How come he doesn't have a diamond studded collar!? I said, "Because then people like you - would then 'know' it's Ann-Margret's dog and try and steal him." He said, "Oh okay, good point." From then on we didn't have to sneak him. BUT that left me with a problem - what if hotel security ran into Ann-Margret and said, "Oh I saw your dog, he's so cute!"

Plan C: I took "Pete" to rehearsal one day and showed him to Ann-Margret and said, "This is Pete! He's on tour." Now if security said anything about a dog, she'd just say something polite, kinda knowing what he was talking about and it would end there.

The Beauty of this tale, is later that year, Ann-Margret started touring with her little dog! And when we'd have after show parties in her suite (Large two floor - 8 bedroom suite atop Caesar's Palace) her little dog was there except her pooch had a darn fine collar. Ha! Come to think of it maybe security now thought.... "Oh I get it, the dog with the nice collar is the decoy dog and the scruffy lookin' Benji type dog is the 'real' pet.

At any rate, that's Pete, God rest your little dog soul, you were fun.

Don

So close and yet!

2008-05-01T18:50:00.000-07:00

So I stayed at the Las Vegas Hilton last week. It was wonderful. I have SooOoOOooo many great memories there from when I was the 'house bassist' for the showroom. That's where I got to play the Elvis show. Yes, it was incredible.

Some of my favorite Las Vegas adventure stories get to be quite long so I'll direct you to an E-zine that published a few of them in an interview... There are even has some spiffy pictures as well.

------------............Las Vegas Stories.......---------

However I'll tell a brief Elvis story here and tie it into this picture of me and the statue of Elvis.

First a little about this Statue, as it commemorates 8 YEARS of sold out shows. I was able to be apart of his last Hilton appearance as he died shortly after that gig in 1977. Whoa already in my head as I start the story, I can see how long it can get, there are actually two cool stories, I'll chop the first one down to size and tell the other one another time. Sooooo there I am playin' the Elvis show, the legend that ya just couldn't take you eyes off of. I've seen his movies since I was 10 and NOW here he is right in front of me! It was great, however.... he was 'very' well insulated. Body Guards (very large ones) never let him out of arms reach except to go out on stage.

It was grand, the 2001 one music theme would start and he curtain was closed. It looked like a 'football' huddle and Elvis was in the middle of a circle of 'large' personal bodyguards. When the curtain opened, so would the huddle and out he'd go to a screaming, frantic, excited audience. You could "feel the rush". Okay, so the show ends and the 'huddle' awaits him and off he goes to his private elevator (backstage) on up to his suites.

Tony Decaprio (house guitarist) and myself get invited to his private party after the show, sounds simple enough however there were many stages of bodyguards to go through who didn't know us... fortunately at every 'way station' an 'inside' person was there that could vouch for us.

We get up to the "Elvis Suite" and right before we go in, two security guards spot 'movement' behind these giant potted plants. They RUSH over and haul out to woman hiding in them and drag them to the exits. A bit scary and intimidating I must say. AND so we then go in. I must add here that the 'high alert' was justified as at that time Elvis was getting a death threat that they hadn't been able to resolve as to who it is. Very nerve racking I'm sure as 'each' performance left him vulnerable the moment he left the huddle.

So, now I'm in the suite with a small group of people, most of whom I didn't know and we're waiting for Elvis. I'm thinkin' "Wow, what am I gonna talk to him about!?" Hmmm what could I possible say that he hasn't heard a million times already?" Well, I labored over that thought a good twenty minutes when all of a sudden... the entry double doors open up --- we look up excited when...... "A large necked bodyguard pops through and says, "Elvis doesn't feel like havin' a fuckin' party, everybody get out!"

Eh... so you see the picture picture of me with the statue, well, oddly enough is some ways, that's about as close as I ever got to him. I had planned on such great conversations, but saddly his untimely death. "God rest your soul Elvis!"

Epilogue: My impressions of who he was in no way reflect the bodyguards actions. I saw him as very generous, kind, someone that strived to be a great role model. In many ways he succeeded, the other stuff I cannot judge. How would all that fame, money and pressure have shaped my personality? I don't know, however.... I'm up for finding out!!! LOl!

Remind me when you see me to tell the other Elvis story, "It'll be the 'icebreaker' when we meet on the road. Mention "Doctor TCB".

Be well, and hold fast!

Don

Point (17 year) Break

2008-04-20T23:46:00.000-07:00

I was talking to a producer (Gary Bromham) who I have not seen in YEARS. We met at Woodcliff Studio here in Sherman Oaks, California. I have done so many recordings there and since he was visiting from England on vacation and both love that studio and it's owner Frank, (Whew... long sentance) we ended up there. Of course I brought donuts, (after all Don is short for Donuts). Brump bump - but seriously folks.

Anyway, last I saw Gary he had hired me to play on some tracks he was producing for Sheryl Crow. This was the early 90's I think, and soI asked "Gary, what ever happened to those songs?". I was curious as I recall playing Stick on them. As it turns out he said, "Oh, one of the tunes "Hundreds of Tears" went into the movie "Point Break" with Patrick Swayze and Keanu Reeves" (1991).

Well there ya have it. I never knew. I tend to do a session and leave, not keeping track of what happens after. In his case something delightful. As I recall, it was a rather fun easy going session. Both Gary and Sheryl knew what they wanted and also let me be free to do what I do.

Well that's the story. I'll be in Gary's neck of the woods next month as we (Rocket Scientists band) go to England for the Rotherham Progressive Rock Festival. We'll be sharing the stage with "Wishbone Ash". So Gary and I will meet up again, this time without 17 years going in between. I don't think England has donuts like we do... maybe he'll show up with 'blood pudding'... Yikes sound awful, "But secretly --- I like it". I'll tell ya though, before I ate it I had to repeat the name so many times so that it didn't have meaning to me anymore, just a blurb of vowels and consonants. Once I got past that, it didn't look like it says. After eating it, I kind of compare it to our "Denny's Restaurant" sausage patties!

For some of you that probably doesn't say much for the sausage patty, but.... whatta ya gonna do.

MTV

2008-04-14T21:33:00.000-07:00

So this is fun, about a minute into this is the MTV show, the song "Neurosaur" by Erik Norlander starts. Big gothic choir sounds then keyboards drums and bass. It's off his solo CD. I remember playing on it some years back and now it shows up in a P Diddy MTV fashion show special. How fun... Yay Erik! Good job TEAM!

Hells Angels

2008-04-05T23:26:00.000-07:00

With the roar of his motorcycle - Hells Angles member and rapper "Mike P" with handsome smile came over to start tracking in my studio.

He and partner Richy Valley will begin putting there 'clean' tracks together. They have the opportunity to have their songs placed on TV, the only problem was... the lyrics.

So they will be doing a few 'clean' versions "No GD cussing" as one of my cousin in-laws would say.

I never knew anyone in a bike club before, heard of the club, never knew anyone personally. This is gonna be fun.

Jet Set

2008-04-05T00:24:00.000-07:00

Well, I'll be a travelin' man these next few months.

This is the restaurant at the

'Los Angeles international airport. I ate up there once. It was very nice. It's 1960's future theme is like eating with the Jetson's. Very 'kooky space age" and lots of fun. If you get the chance, do go.

Here's a quick run down of my schedule:

April 11-13 - with the "Frankie Avalon show" The Schiff Brothers in Las Vegas

April 24-28 - with "My wife Cynthia, she is showing her art- the Las Vegas Convention Center

May 15-18 - I fly to England with "Rocket Scientists" for the

Rotherham Progressive Rock Festival with "Wishbone Ash"

May 22-25 - I'm doing a Stick seminar and "Don Schiff Show" appearing

in concert at the "Jazz Cellar" in Vancouver, Canada

June 28-30 - I'll be with "Rocket Scientists" in Clinton, NY

Aug. 23-25 - Everybodies favorite town Pittsburgh, PA "Rocket Scientists"

at the 3 Rivers Progressive Rock Festival.

More dates to be added, I put this up so we can all meet somewhere, as well as a reminder for myself.

For those that I met in Las Vegas, Baja, Mexico and then in Cleveland, thank you so much for coming out and introducing yourselves to me. I had a funny moment when someone came up to me apologetically saying, "I don't mean to bother you but I've seen your videos and heard your music- I feel like I know you yet I know you don't know me." C'mon... don't let that stop ya, step up and say hi, I'm tryin' to meet eveyone, if you don't catch me off stage to talk then it will take me twice as long to find you in the audience. If ya need an ice breaker just mention "Donuts" and I'll start talkin'.

Ouzo and Cannoli's

2008-04-01T11:30:00.000-07:00

Hi Tim! and everyone too.

"My pleasure meeting you Tim, we'll do it again."

(Tim, A fellow Stick player came to the concert and we

hung out afterwards.)

So glad you enjoyed the show, it was a darn fine one
if I say so myself. Baja Progressive Rock Festival was
a blast as well, I'll write more later as I've hardly
been home.

----Tim wrote into the "Stickwire news group and penned:----
> Don graciously spent time talking with me after the
> show, in between posing
> for photos and packing up.
---------------------

And the beauty of that is it never interferes with my
Donut eating. As a matter of fact, the promoter of the
event, well she was of Greek decent baked a BOAT LOAD
of pastries for us. I had them before I left the
hotel, in the limo and shortly after the gig... AND
there was a party in her hotel room after the gig and
yet MORE pastries! So many cannoli's and pastries with
names I never hear of.... This time with Wine and
Ouzo!

Apparantly Pastries and Ouzo don't mix. This gentleman
at the party next to me asked, "Well Don, how do you
like Cleveland?". And so I said, "Ya know, I really
love it except for the cold (Lake Erie looked 80%
covered in Ice from my hotel room view).

And so a minute later he turns to me and says, "Well
Don, how do you like Cleveland?" I figure the Ouzo had
kicked in... and being quite satisfied with the way I
answered it the first time, I thought, heck he doesn't
remember I'll just say it again.... maybe gesture more
as not to be to redundant. He seemed quite
satisfied... and then keeled over into the wall, table
and glasses. Very smooth, to bad I wasn't fast enough
to catch him.

I did however pick him up, dust 'em off a little and
suggest that "When the hotel spins that fast ya gotta
sit in a chair and HANG ON!' Then found him a good
solid chair with solid arm rests to steady himself in.

So I left him there and went to the other side of the
room where a very talented artist who was at our show
as well, and a new fan, showed up at the party and
sketched people. He sketched the band as we played and
was now sketching people as they partied. It reminded
me of the 60's where eclectic people would gather
and.... be eclectic and in this case with lots of Wine
and Ouzo.

All that wine and ouzo worked in my favor as it kept
them away from the Pastries where I stood guard
mostly... (I didn't want anyone 'keeling' over on the
pastry cart if ya know what I mean).

As I turned around my new buddy who moments ago was
gripping the chair got up and moseyed over to the
bathroom... Suddenly a very loud THUD was heard.
Well... I had to look, and sure enough he 'keeled
over' into the bath tub. I got him a pillow and put it
in the tub figuring "It's the safest place for him
since he's lying down now anyway... he can't fall any
further..." and promised not to run the water.
However, he explained how embarrassed he was and
insisted on standing. I explained "That's the problem,
the hotel hasn't landed yet... still spinning as we
speak."

And so... we made him a "Crash Pad" in front of the
door, and he landed there and stayed.

I didn't see him (or hear any falling noises) for the
next couple hours and had a blast socializing and
eating some Baklava... oh Very good stuff (If only it
was in a circle shape).

The artist was doing a great job of Sketching Lana
Lane and Michelle Moog, music was playing, lot's of
great conversations to join in on and listen to... But
it was getting late, like 4:am late. (I like to be in
my room before the Sun comes up... just a personal
goal).

Since I hardly drink, I watch the pastries mostly and
a dent was made in them (I do my best)... and upon
thanking the hostess for a lovely party... (She had
taken her lovely Italian leather boots off in the
corner hours ago) - we again notice these lovely
Italian boots in the corner.. as someone had gotten
sick all over them.
"Hey, where did that guy go?..." Ah, he apparently
didn't feel well and was now in the bathroom again....
( He should of just stayed in the tub).

I told the hostess, look on the bright side, he
obviously liked your 'cannoli's' (and obviously got by
me unnoticed and ate some) there's bits all over your
shoes.. So, lesson learned, Cannoli's and Ouzo don't
mix.

And so, long way of sayin' "Tim, that's why I didn't
hear the alarm go off or answer the phone in the
morning. (We we're all going to meet for breakfast in the
lobby but.... I slept right through the alarm clock and call), but thank you
for meeting up for Brunch later, I'm usually not such a pastry party animal.

----Stick Tech Stuff--------
The backline I used were Ampeg amps. The Ampeg 3000
series was VERY nice. In Baja I had the 8x10 cabinet
and in Ohio I used the 4x10 with a tweeter in the
center.

The Line 6 Pod X3 live worked just great for both sides. On
the top side I added a Hughes Kettner Tube Factor
pedal. The X3 is like having a bass pod and guitar pod in
one floor board. After eq-ing each side the way I want
it, add different compressions and such... I then pan
it straight up and send it out in Mono. I call this
"Elaborite mono". You treat each side like a stereo
set up but send it mono... (The house engineer will have a perfect top and bottom side Stick mix balance that way).

Take care, more news later, Next week I go to Las
Vegas.
Be well and stay there.
Don

Cross Country

2008-03-25T23:38:00.000-07:00

Okay, well it sounds bigger than it actually is. I'm headin' out to Mexico tomorrow for a concert with "Rocket Scientists" at the Baja Progressive Rock Festival. It always sounds good to say you're going to another country, but from where I am in Los Angeles,... it's not so far.

We are crossing the border at Mexicali and meeting up at the "Jack-in-the-Box" across the border, where there will be festival personnel meeting us to take us in to the festival... and hopefully into "Jack-in-the-Box" too, I'll be hungry by then. Alright maybe a different restaurant, I can get Jack in the Box anywhere - obviously.

Like the time I went to France and Africa only to find many Mc Donalds, or Japan were Kentucky Fried Chicken was big. They even had a nice statue of Coronel Sanders in front of the KFC. I took a picture,... hey speaking of which, once at the "Ronald Mc Donald House", I met Ronald Mc Donald. Yeah, the orange headed clown. It was nice, I got his autograph. He wrote, "Your Pal Ronald" on a paper cup. Nice.

Okay, then onto Lakewood, Ohio (near Cleveland) where Rocket Scientists is performing in concert at the Winchester club... You see - sayin' I'm flying across county to Ohio isn't nearly as exciting a story as "crossing into another country".

I'm tryin' to entertain here, tell a good story, keep us goin'.

Well, early day tomorrow, I'll be back Sunday, with a story from 'another country' and Ohio too.

EXCELLENT!

Don

Oh hey, I forgot to mention, "Ya know,... I have rather spiffy NS/Stick solo piece in this concert. If ya miss the concert no worries, it's being video-ed for future dvd's. Sure ya may have to wait 10 years for the 'next' box set, but hey... the notes will still be good... donuts on the other hand... not so good after 10 years. "Twinkies" however, I don't think they ever go bad, nor do I think they are an actual food. What is that filling they have in there. Lol, Okay, they taste good, what the heck.

YaY! The Guild Won!

2008-03-11T23:20:00.000-07:00

Well, extra Congratulations to us all again -- This is the update -

--------------3/22/07------------

"The Guild" has now won the

"Yahoo 2007 Best Web Series Award"

and the

"YouTube Best Series Award for 2007"

----------Many Thanks to you all----------------------------

Congratulations to all. We won best online TV show by the South by Southwest Film Festival, It takes a full circle of people to make that work, including the people that watch the programs. So... "I salute the full circle" and thank you very much.

The prize is $10,000 to make more episodes and so we shall.

This Friday if you are not doing anything and would like to be an extra go to www.watchtheguild.com it will tell you where and when in Los Angeles we are filming. C'mon down!

Today we also found out we are one of the five finalist for the Yahoo series award.

We could use your vote please. "The Guild"

Just wonderful news.

Happy Saint Patrick's Day! cartoon.

2008-03-05T13:02:00.000-08:00

My niece looked so cute in this, I thought I'd pass it along to you with a "Happy Saint Patrick's Day" wish to all of us.

Don't send a lame St. Patrick's Day eCard. Try JibJab Sendables!

"Ramblin' On"

2008-02-27T12:49:00.000-08:00

Hey here's some more fun TV/Movie news!!!

“The Guild” is a finalist for the SXSW/On Network Greenlight Series Award!"

--- Here's a little blurb as to what that means ------

"We are excited to announce that our little indie series, The Guild, is one of 5 finalists for the series prize for the Greenlight Awards, sponsored by SXSW and On Networks! We are eligible for a $10,000 dollar prize to shoot more episodes with, and the contest will be judged by lots of fancy people, including Rick Linklater! The winner will be announced March 9th at the SXSW Interactive festival."

----------------------

Well their we have it... we're movin' up the success ladder with this one. Still a ways to go before the big buck Kaching! However the artistry, efforts, talents and persistence are top notch. Those are the real lasting rewards... and yes, we all like to eat so the kaching would be a welcoming factor.. lol.

I've got some tours comin' up. The one most recent 'past' was a quick Frankie Avalon gig in the Palm Springs area. Very nice, good weather, nice place, exceptional band! The sax player on this particular gig used to be with Barry Manilow - sure the name Barry Manilow doesn't evoke sax excitement unless you've seen the show. He had a huge solo spot featuring him on that tour - and well deserved --- and a darn fine nice guy too (George Shelby)...

I guess if forced to complain about the gig I'd have to say the food wasn't so swell. A small complaint but ya gotta eat sooo though I "fully appreciate" the effort it takes to assemble, coordinate and please everyone's tastes - the added bonus is that the food taste good. It's rare that it happens but sometimes it does. I'm one to match a complaint with a positive... the cookies and Chinese chicken salad were slammin'. There ya go.

Next tour up looks like the Progressive Rock band "Rocket Scientists". We'll go to Mexico and Ohio for the the progressive rock festivals... later in May we'll go to England for another festival. I got my setlist and CD in the mail today. This helps me 'remember' what the heck I did on the RS tour last time out. It's a lot of music to remember however when the tours are closer together a lot of the notes stick in my mind. It's the 'first' one from the 'time away' that ya need the biggest memory jog.

Hey, there's a deluxe rumor I heard about the Frankie Avalon and Bobby Rydell show. There's talk that they may go into the Venetian Hotel in Las Vegas for a month. Ohhhhh imagine sittin' in that lovely hotel for that long. I'd enjoy that. Last gig in Las Vegas a few months ago... I visited the Venetian Hotel and yes, took pictures with the family on the Gondola ride, ate in the theme restaurant and walked around and around. Hey with a month of time on my hands I'd probably get around to 'scuba divin' " in the canal!!! Actually I bet there's two ways to accomplish that!
1. Rent scuba gear and dive in!
2. Don't pay your gamblin' debt - they won't rent you gear, just heavy shoes - and they throw you in!!! (brump bump - but seriously folks!)

Hmmm I need a picture for this blog... I like to see pictures... alright, I got it. Let me see if I can 'scan' the "Schiff Family Gondola" ride and put it here:

Awww there ya have it. My sweety!

(The one on my left! - Yikes don't wanna get in trouble here).

"Oh, new Video!"

2008-01-31T00:49:00.000-08:00

"RAINFALL" video <click

This is a nice video of me playing and singing "RainFall". It's well shot and sounds good too.

Excellent job 'Chapdoc' films.

Enjoy, Speaking of videos... The DVD of the "Rocket Scientists band" I'm a part of and touring with in March has some of the DVD footage from the "Looking Backward" box set up on Myspace. click

We'll be going to Mexico (Baja Prog Fest) then to Ohio!! I love that, what a trip and then... over to England. "Sounds like the tour was planned by a 'map on a dart board!' Lol.

Don

Episode "6" Is it a network show yet!?

2008-01-29T15:31:00.000-08:00

Well this is exciting,. Episode number #6 is up and within 2 and a half days has gotten 352,000 hits. Ohhh it's gettin' popular. It also became a feature on YouTube. For those that don't know, I score the music for this webisode. Granted, there generally isn't a lot of interior music, the occasional gamer music which is fun and of course the theme. This show has it's own 'agent' at ICM trying to get the show syndication... imagine that, it has an agent but I don't. Well really, I've got a 'secret agent' .... I don't know him, he don't know me.... brump bump!"

I like this episode a lot. I'm not a gamer so the episodes with a lot of gamer lingo loose me in the translation, this one's got 'general funny' in it. The ending got a big laugh outta me.

You may recognize the lead charactor "Felicia Day" as she's on the "Cheeto's" commercial you've been seein'.

Enjoy,

Don

"Between Laverne and Shirley"

2008-01-22T08:45:00.000-08:00

I'm guessin' he had more fun standing between Laverne and Shirley than Dave and I. You remember him as "The Big Ragu!" (actor Eddie Mekka) in the old TV show "Laverne and Shirley"

Well Dave (my brother) and I ran into him backstage while we were playin' the Frankie Avalon/Bobby Rydell show in Las Vegas.

He was a lot of fun to meet and hang with in the Green Room. Those era of shows just seem to bring the 'nice' out in everyone - like Peanut butter 'n Jelly. It's just good stuff.

The shows went over real well and without a hitch.

No one fell off the stage or anything..... Like last year when "Fabian" nose dived off the front of the stage. Ohhh it was hard to watch - but I had to. The 'back story" is that the day before the gig he gets into a car crash that flips his car 3 times. He and the other two passengers go to the hospital. The next night Fabian just leaves the hospital because he's got a gig. He shows up looking 'terrible' however feeling great. On 'his' side of it... he's feeling no pain, whatever they gave him was WORKIN' just great. However his body, though not feelin' it... was lookin' it.

Anyway Frankie tells him "Go back to the hospital, you need to recover". Well Fabian says, "Hey I'm here already!, I'm okay, I'll go on" and so he does. He tells the audience he's sorry he's still in street clothes, but his Tux was in the trunk of the car and the car was all smashed together and he couldn't get anything out of it. The audience cheers and is just happy he's okay and showed up.

He then goes to sing, walks to the edge of the stage (about 5 feet up) and .... thinks theirs more stage than there is... and over he goes. Face first on to the metal barrier that keeps the audience back. Ya hear an awful 'clunk' as his face and mic hit!!!!

Oh I tell ya, my face hurt just hearing it. I ran to the edge to see him. He was on his back lookin' up with the mic in his hand, looking like he was thinkin' "Am I still singing or did I just fall off the stage"... I tell ya that pain medication he was on was still working a 110%. Thank God no serious damage was done... and in true performer fashion as they lifted him up to the stretcher he insisted on standing first to 'wave' to the audience that he was okay.

Instant "standing ovation"... all in all, it made a great start to the show.

I later emailed him and he wrote back he was doin' just fine. I saw him later and.... he's good as new as well as the others in the car with him. Ah I love a happy ending.

Don

"Hot Date"

2008-01-15T22:39:00.000-08:00

Here's an "oldy but goody" story I found in the archives going some years back, 12/2/02 to be exact. It was entitled "On The Road Dating!"

The band was "Stacia" and we were touring in support of the CD

called "Hush" -

.... I figure I'll be travelin' to Las Vegas while you're readin' this so you can pretend your in the back seat as I go into my "Story Tellin' Mode" (my son always loved that). When we were lookin' at colleges for him we drove to Humbolt county (6 hours from where we were stayin'). I didn't figure it out 'til later but he kept sayin' "Hey Don, there's another drive thru Starbucks, get yourself somethin' " and I would.

Well that was all just his secret plan to load me up on caffiene and keep me tellin' story after story'. If you ask my wife she'll roll her eyes and tell ya', "Yea, he Yaked the WHOLE 6 HOURS!"

And so sit back - relaxe- we just pulled out of Starbucks and I'm chuggin' my "Vanilla Soy Latte" my lips are flappin' as I take ya back back 6 years to another 'time, place and tour' to bring you;

"On The Road Dating"

Now we were on tour and flew in to Detroit to stay for a couple days. At the end of those couple days we're informed we have a 4 1/2 hour drive to get us to Torch Lake. We (the band "Stacia") figure we'll leave in the late morning and get there just in time before daylight ends. A good call, considering none of us has ever seen this place, plus snow and the possible "getting lost" factor - it just made good sense to get an early start...

We all had a nice "partying evening" when I decided to turn in for the night and get a good rest for the long "sit" in the car the next morning. Nice car mind you... "FULLY loaded, leather seats, Cadillac jeep of some sort... comfy but nonetheless, a long time to just "sit."

SOOoooooOOoooo long about 5 AM, I notice as I'm awoken, that I have a "Date" in bed with me..."Ahhhhhhhhhh" and "Oh no!" I say to myself... I've somehow gotten in bed with and dated one of the "Rhea" sisters. Now this isn't good...I've got a LONG drive ahead and here I am in bed with one of the Rhea sisters. As I know it, there are three sisters, we've all dated one of them at some point in our lives...as they're affectionately known as Dia, Pia and Gona...my date that evening was Dia....yes, Diarrhea.

OY VAY!!!!! She was ready to rock as I hurried to the bathroom... For the first round I just "hung on to the seat rim" and blasted away for a good ten minutes. Whew, she was talkative, "Okay, back to bed for a little rest, with luck she's happy and tired too." So I pull the covers over, get comfy and put my head down... When....I got that feelin'....Ahhh! She wants to dance....hurry and scurry to the bathroom I murmur, "C'mon" be gentle I've got a five hour drive I don't have time to play...."

Well, I wish the toilet seat had a seat belt...Whoa can she dance! I'm weak, tired and concerned now about the "Fully loaded car with leather seats under my fully loaded butt!" what a time for us to not have the tour bus. Well, we danced the Twist, the Watusi and Cha-cha-cha until she decided she had had a nice enough time as she faded from the evening. I thanked her for her consideration for my plight of a long drive and bid her a "Farewell" as I headed for a nice hot shower and a breakfast of "Kaopectate." The car ride was "Cautious" but "uneventful."

Kapopectate, I salute you!