1.28.08: Atlanta, GA: Phillips Arena & "Chaos" Bass Lesson

Yesterday, I spent all day working on a new track in a hotel room overlooking downtown Atlanta. It was a lonely day, but one well spent. I don't have much to write about, but I will leave you with two videos:

Here's a bass lesson of "Chaos" - I had fun making this.



And, here's a short clip of the Tampa show -

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1.26.08: Tampa, FL: St. Pete Times Forum

Yesterday, I met a security guard outside our dressing room. He was just sitting there, calm and meditative. He was an old man with dark, spotted skin and thin gray hair; he was wearing a red Hard Rock jacket, and looking down at a book from time to time after gazing into an empty hall. His book was on Rafael Alberti (a Spanish poet of the "generation of '27.") Next to his book was a pamphlet on the rosary, and next to that, a picture of Fidel Castro.

I approached him and asked how he was. He was soft spoken and kind. In no time, we were talking about his homeland of Spain, the greatness of Rafael Alberti, Castro and Cubans, the poor and illiterate, socialism, and high taxes in Florida. Wow! what a change from the usual mindless security guards in clubs, but then, again, this wasn't a club venue, and Reynaldo wasn't your average security guard. Thankfully.

After the show (which went relatively well considering we started at 6:30pm and a lot of people hadn't yet arrived), we were able to talk a bit with Rob Thomas, Paul Doucette, Ryan MacMilliam (the new drummer), Matt Beck (hired extra aux player), Cedric (Alanis' bassist), and various others whose names I haven't quite mastered yet. The point being that we were able to meet a lot of great people, all very nice and complimentary, and it's confirmed to me that this tour will continue to be amazing.

Apart from the show, we've brought a mini-studio on the road and have been continuing to write and develop the songs for the new record. This I am most excited about, and can't wait to play these new ideas live. Hopefully, I'll get some time to take some pictures and videos soon.

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1.25.08: Ft. Lauderdale, FL: Hard Rock Casino

First of all, let me say a big thank you to all who complimented my last blog lesson of "Control." I'm glad you dug it. I will post another of "Chaos" very soon, but first there are some questions posted by Jess and Kev that I'd like to quickly answer:

1. Does Mute Math play with a Click track for the whole show?
Yes, except for "Peculiar People."

2. On Reset, during the drum / sampler break right after you hit that delayed out note, is there some sort of count?
Yes, there is always a count going on; however, that part gets a little tricky. DK cues Greg to start a sample with a "one, two" but after a while we just feel it.

3. How does everyone stay locked in through that part? ...???
Practice.

4. When you joined mutemath did you change this bass part up at all, or is this the same part we'll find on the ep?
Yes. Paul is a great writer of bass parts, as is DK ("Reset"), and I've learned a lot from the two of them. Over time, I change the part a bit to be more my thing which was recorded for the debut album; it was changes mainly of transitional fills and inflections.

On with the tour notes: The Matchbox guys have been extremely nice . . . let me repeat that: extremely nice. Last night, MB20 played a sort of rehearsal concert for friends and family, and Rob Thomas said some incredible things from stage, like how stoked they were to watch us night after night. We are really humbled to be here and happy to get the opportunity to play to a lot of new people. I think this is going to be an amazing tour for us, and I'm looking forward to every minute of it.

This morning, we went out to West Palm Beach to play a short acoustic set for 103.1 The Buzz, and it went well. It was a bit of a revamp of the acoustic thing, where Greg is playing mandolin, Paul and I play acoustic guitar, and DK plays a cajón, which is a percussion box used a lot in flamenco music. I must admit, it makes me proud that he is playing un cajón, just so I can have an excuse to practice saying another Spanish word through out the day. The whole trip to the station was a bit rushed because we had to split to get back to the venue, which by the way, is really cool, but it was well worth it.

Anyway, I plan to post some more things later after the show. Thanks for reading.

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Just in case you're going to my hometown area . . .

Security Information from the Police Department regarding the events occurred at Rio Bravo and Reynosa during this week where the Police and the Mexican Army have been confronting a Criminal group. There have been several shootouts around the city and some people have been killed and several of them were arrested. Based on the police reports and the media this kind of events could continue happening in Reynosa and Rio Bravo as the criminal groups continue fighting against the Federal Police in several places around the city. It is important to clarify that the Civil population is NOT the target of these armed groups during shootouts.

In case you are stopped by the Police (AFI, PFP) or the Army in a check point please act as follows:

1. Slow down your vehicle speed.

2. Turn your vehicle flash lights on to let them know that you are obeying the order to stop.

3. At night turn your vehicle interior lights on and put your hands on the steering wheel.

4. Do not carry unnecessary stuff in your car to speed up the inspection.

5. Please be collaborative at any moment and remain calm.

6. Avoid driving at high speed if Police or the Army are close to you.

7. Always have an ID with you.

8. Avoid driving on the main streets during the worst traffic hours.

In case you are close to a shootout....

- Lay on the ground and cover your head with both hands.

- If you are in a car, stay there....lay on the ground and protect children if you are traveling with them. DO NOT go out of the vehicle and run, you could be considered a criminal that is running away.

- Avoid any potential risk and if is possible do not go out at night.

- We hope this situation will be resolved soon but in the meantime be alert and informed at any time.

- Please share this information as appropriate.

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1.13.08: Where am I?

Wow, where am I? I'm in one place, a place called "love-being-home-ville," la ciudad de paz, la zona de amor, c'est fantastique! Forgive me for checking out of bloggerville for about a month. Did you miss me? I needed a break, but I have been keeping a diary, which I will share some of it with you.

The public world of Mute Math, which is mostly all of that world, has cracked open again: one, with a call for people to be involved in the shooting our new video for "Control;" two, the new tour with Matchbox 20 and Alanis Morissette will soon get underway; and three, the many new ideas for songs and the process of compiling and editing all this ideas into one solid, cohesive collection has begun. I have some video of the session which I will soon share, but I need to edit it.

Thanks for your patience in all of this.

Now, concerning the bass lessons. I just didn't have enough time this season of home dwelling: let's see-new Mute Math album or bass lesson videos? I had to opt for the first. However, please do not give up hope! I'm positive that these things will sprout along the way of convenience.

Gracias@home.com . . . happy new year.com

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