March 4th, 2009 by Tom Volhein
Last week UPS brought some new gear for the studio – packages containing two Grace m101 mic preamps, an ART Pro VLA II tube compressor and a Shure SM7 (to match the SM7 already in the studio). Over the weekend and on Monday, I installed and tested the gear on my own. Then yesterday, a friend came into the studio and laid down some guitar and vocal tracks.
February 15th, 2009 by Tom Volhein
Last night, a select group of us enjoyed a house concert given by Kerry Grombacher. Touted as a modern-day troubadour, his songs reflect the depth of his knowledge about the geography and the history that are part of his many journeys. His dedication to traveling, listening, learning and writing about his experiences impressed us all.
Kerry’s concert was an adventure, both musical and educational. All of us enjoyed his songs, his stories and his company.
peace,
t
For more about Kerry, click on “Continue Reading “ below
February 12th, 2009 by Tom Volhein
I spend a lot of time worrying about being 61, what it means to me and what it means for my future – more to the point, the lack of future. Too often, the more excited I get about the things that I am doing and the things that I want to do, the more scared I get over my age and getting old, frail, and finally dead.
Continue Reading »
January 5th, 2009 by Tom Volhein
Well, I am back from a trip to Gardnerville, NV. Linda and I went with Lori and the boys. I had a really good time. I was nervous about being away from home/work and the structure and safety that provides. But I had fun. I skied, hiked and played cards with family. Very nice.
Since back I have worked in the studio and on the web site. I am about to finish a rough out of a new song – a cover of Jeffrey Foucault’s – “Northbound.” I will have it posted here in the next few days. In fact I think that I will put all my work here – good or not, just to get it “out there.”
I received an imperative while away. Studio work. I am going to spend the winter in the studio.
Beyond that, in February, I am doing a house concert featuring Kerry Grombacher. That is taking some time, but I want to experience hosting house concerts. I am pondering doing house concerts for regional and local musicians. This one will be an experiment to see how it works.
Mostly, I just wanted to check in here.
peace,
t
November 20th, 2008 by Tom Volhein
Major Acoustic Upgrade to the Recording Studio
For the last couple of years, since I set up my studio, I have known that I desperately needed to treat what I call Studio A and the Control Room. These are two rooms in the back of my residence that were once bedrooms, that I have converted into a recording studio. For the past six months I have focused on designing and planning the treatment. I started the project the weekend of October 25, 2008, by cleaning out my garage and setting up a temporary shop. What follows are:
- acknowledgments
- process
- materials
For a complete set of photos, visit the slide show HERE
November 5th, 2008 by Tom Volhein
Ron,
I am spending the morning on line watching all the news channel videos, and reading all the reports, reliving the whole amazing thing. I am in tears most of the time. I can’t believe the affect this is having on me. What I am remembering is when Bobby Kennedy was killed. [I got the news over the phone from my sister. The call woke me up] He was my last great hope. As you know, I am cynical anyway. But since Bobby was killed, I had given up completely. Somehow this wraps it all up, and brings back feelings, and lets loose anger and sadness that I have had for a long time. Plus, I have been so stressed recently about this, and am feeling a great relief. It’s like a death and a birth all at once.
I have one black spot. Last night I made the commitment to myself that I would watch every state fall until Obama won. But between the last two poll closings, Linda and I were brain dead from the pundit chatter, and were watching a taped version of Stewart and Colbert’s Indecision 2008. Luckily we flipped back to CNN just as McCain was starting his concession speech, and the bottom of the screen was flashing the projection of the Obama victory. But, I missed the actual announcement. This morning I am watching the CNN announcement over and over to get the sense of it. It is easing the guilt. I can always find something to feel ashamed of. But the shame is easing and I am letting go of lots of emotions and getting into a celebratory mood.
I am going to spend the day watching the news and listening to NPR. I have lots of great work to do on the studio, but I find myself chained to the event. It somehow makes it all worth it. Linda slept in this morning and is writing in her journal about this, as I write to you.
We lived to see it. We grew up watching blacks (Negroes at the time) being beaten and hosed in the streets of the cities of the south, watching as black leaders were murdered, watching as the streets of all major cities (including our’s) became a place of snipers, rioters and tanks. These are things that our children and younger folks will never have witnessed in person. We did. And now we get to see the first African American family move into the white house.
I think that I want to use this moment, this event, as a stepping off point for my cynicism. Regardless of the success of the Obama administration, I would like to feel that there is a lot more possibility out there for this country full of people of color and differing beliefs and cultures. And that there is room in me to be less negative, more forgiving and more peaceful.
Perhaps I am romanticizing this moment, in fact I know I am. But I still want to enjoy it, bathe in it.
Love,
Tom
September 8th, 2008 by Tom Volhein
I miss my guitar and my own music. My guitar sits on its stand, lonely and sad. Each time I walk past, I feel lonely and sad too. I want to pick her up, hold her and play some tunes. But I have been too busy.
July 5th, 2008 by Tom Volhein
A couple of weeks ago, I was having a father’s day lunch with my son. I got a call from Linda. Oscar, our doxy, was in pain and favoring his right leg. I went right home and when I got there, indeed Oscar was hurting. He was in Linda’s arms, crying, panting and his tongue hanging out.
June 14th, 2008 by Tom Volhein
I went to a John Gorka concert last night. Linda and I drove over to San Diego on Thursday and set up shop for a few days off, highlighted by the Gorka Concert. John played in the United Methodist Church, as part of an Acoustic Music San Diego package deal that included dinner at DiMille’s Italian Restaurant, then the concert. A great deal.
May 29th, 2008 by Tom Volhein
Tonight I went to an Eliza Gilkyson concert at the Rhythm Room, a local club here in Phoenix. I wasn’t going to go, too much trouble to get the tickets or even show up, even though it is right down the street. Then a musician friend of mine called me and wanted to meet me there, so I caved. Wow, am I glad I did.