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Post by Sir Lorry Load on Mar 29, 2014 8:53:09 GMT -5
It is my honor and pleasure to begin this "Happy Birthday" thread to one of our great 'artists-in-residence' here at Majicat, our treasured Monika. Wishing you an enjoyable celebration of your special day, Monika, and a year ahead that holds all of the very best in the matters of good health and great happiness. Thank you for your countless contributions to our beloved Majicat: your magnificent artistic talents (and timely Yusuf-related fact-gathering!) are appreciated by all. All happy returns! -Bud
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Post by Sir Lorry Load on Mar 19, 2014 12:17:05 GMT -5
I thought I'd create a new thread where I'll post my future covers instead of creating one everytime something's been uploaded. Well someone wanted to see me play piano, another wanted me to actually sing this song. Well here it is. You've been warned, take cover! Pun intended! Anyway, it's a hard one to play just as an instrumental. Humbly presenting, Sweet Scarlet, piano and voice cover: www.youtube.com/watch?v=OjFqqqu3o_gMore "terrificness" (if I may coin a new word), Charles! So exquisitely sung and played... Thank you for sharing 'you' (and your great talent) with 'us'. -Bud
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Post by Sir Lorry Load on Mar 19, 2014 12:12:08 GMT -5
Enjoyed this article and its accompanying photos so much, Hy... Thank you! -Bud
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Post by Sir Lorry Load on Mar 19, 2014 12:04:30 GMT -5
Ok .... time to get some rest .. my Mother's been in Clevland Clinic for some time .. please say a prayer for her .. she might come home tomorrow . then I will leave for New York end of week xoxoxxoHere's hoping that your Mom was released to return home on-time, and that she is feeling much better, Christina. -Bud
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Post by Sir Lorry Load on Mar 19, 2014 11:58:02 GMT -5
Many artists produced their own recording sessions. One such is Cat Stevens, who has complete control of all his recording activities. Here the engineer's job goes beyond the normal routine. Cat will want to know for example whether his last take was good enough or whether he should record another before coming into the control room to listen. The engineer then finds himself making decisions based on musical judgment. In this role he can be very helpful to the artist, saving much studio time and avoiding unnecessary playbacks.A Cat Stevens session can be extremely long and arduos because of his fanatical attention to detail and quest for absolute perfection. Each separate performance is recorded many times over until a flawless rendering is captured. Cat Stevens is an artist who makes full use of multi-track recording, more so than any other I have been associated with. For the same tune he will record his voice separately on perhaps six different tracks. Then he will listen to each track separately, marking on a song sheet the best lines from each, and we will track bounce; all the best lines from tracks 1 to 6 will be 'bounced' over to say, track 10, and the resulting performance will be faultless. This method of recording can also be used for guitar, keyboard and so on. Cat, moreover is unique in that he will not wipe any of his performances, but keeps everything for possible scrutinity later. Even after achieving the perfect take, he may return the next night and assemble another.When every tracks is recorded, final mixing too can continue for days, each mix of the same tune sounding that bit different from the previous one. The difference, as I hinted above, may be undetectable to the average record buyer while enormous to Cat Stevens. One must remember here that he has probably rewritten the song several times before hearing it another thousand times in the studio, so that he is now at the point where it no longer excites him. Any change, no matter how small, will renew his interest. This of course applies to many other artists and producers too. Many of Cat Stevens albums have won production and engineering awards on both sides of the Atlantic, and one has to admire his true professionalism. I very much enjoyed reading this excerpt from "The Recording Engineer" that you thoughfully shared with us, coolcat, and "welcome" to Majicat! This passage from the book only further confirms Yusuf's long-known affinity for being quite the painstaking perfectionist with his craft. I'll never forget how longingly we fans waited for his albums to be released during the 1970's... as we presently do, too, for that matter! Many of those release dates slipped 'past-due', and I would bet that this was the result of his perfectionism. We, of course, are the ultimate beneficiaries of this 'habit', as the wait never fails to be proven worthwhile. -Bud
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Post by Sir Lorry Load on Mar 19, 2014 11:48:01 GMT -5
New to this interesting Yusuf/Cat community, but not new to many of the members from Yusuf/Cat FB Page. Look forward to chatting with you all again. Peace & Love. It's great to see you here on Majicat, Stefani... "Welcome". Love your salutation of "Fellow Cat-Heads"! -Bud
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Post by Sir Lorry Load on Mar 13, 2014 13:14:23 GMT -5
I came across this book not long ago written by Road manager Mark "Hoss" Amans. The book is called "Where The Action Was - On the inside of the evolution of Rock'n Roll" and was published in 2011. It is mainly about the author Mark Amans putting on paper what he experienced as a Rock'n Roll Road manager in the 60s and 70s. Acts he worked with included Paul Revere and the Raiders, The Viceroys, The Who, Herman's Hermits, and Cat Stevens. It seems he was hired for the North American 1972 Tour (known as the Moonshadow Tour) but refered in the book as the "Catch Bull At Four" tour. He was to be Road Manager and bodyguard, he would also set up the drums for each concert. The chapter on Cat Stevens is not very long, he mentions the first thing he noticed about the audience at most of the concerts was how quiet and calm it was compare to other bands/acts. There is a story about about Amans being a bodyguard to Cat one night at a local club in Denver where Miles Davis was playing. He does mention a few cities from the tour: Tempe AZ, Denver CO, Miami FL, New York City, Detroit MI. It would have been nice if he had included the complete calendar from that tour. In any case, some interesting tidbits (no sleaze) about touring with the Cat. I must say though that this book won't win any literary prizes. Even for me (whose mother tongue isn't English) it is quite obvious that the language here is pretty plain and simple. The other thing I find odd is the numerous mispelling of words and names. He always refer to Cat as Cat, not Steve (but then again they worked together for only a month). Jean Roussel becomes Gene Russell in the book, stuff like that. Even "Catch Bull at Four" is referred to "Cat Bullet Four" at one point!! It is as if some of the book was written phonetically. What's even more bizarre is one of the copyright notice stating that it is a work of fiction! Which doesn't make any sense at all. I'm not doubting the authenticity of what is said in the book but still the whole presentation is weird. Anybody here knows about the author Mark "Hoss" Amans, anybody heard his name before? That was pretty much before my time but somebody who followed Rock'n Roll more closely in these days might have heard of this guy, or maybe not. The book is available through Amazon among others outlets. Thanks for reading and thanks for showing mercy on my English, it's not always at par!! Wow, Charles, what an amazing, if somewhat bizarre, book! It does sound like a fascinating read and with a name like "Hoss", one can safely assume that the author was one rather tough 'roadie-dude'. May I say that your english is absolutely excellent! While it may be technically true that this is not your "mother tongue", it must be the next closest relative! Seriously, Charles, if you had not stated this, I would never know that english was your 'second language'... you are entirely fluent. Thanks for this interesting and cool review! -Bud
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Post by Sir Lorry Load on Mar 11, 2014 12:02:54 GMT -5
Wow, thank you all for the ego boost! Ha! Seriously, I really appreciate all of your comments and good words. It was fun recording it and experimenting with different layers of instruments. I really like that little program Audacity, I run it on my laptop along with the Yeti microphone which is neat because it gives me freedom of movement. I really wanted to give it a "Tillerman feel". You'll notice that mainly in the slightly overload bass which is typical of Tillerman. Then again, adding instruments like synthesized flute gives it a "James Last and his Orchestra plays Cat Stevens" feeling, ha! All blended to perfection, Charles! -Bud
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Post by Sir Lorry Load on Mar 11, 2014 12:00:41 GMT -5
A short note to our visiting friends from Yusuf's Facebook page. You are more than welcomed to join this great forum and share and discuss your passion for the man himself and his music. Enjoy your visit! "Hear, hear", Charles! All are most welcome to this very special corner of the 'net. -Bud
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Post by Sir Lorry Load on Mar 11, 2014 11:58:06 GMT -5
It really does my heart good to see Cat FINALLY nominated for the hall of fame. We, as Cat fans have tried for YEARS! Peace,Vivian And it does _my_ heart good to see you here, Viv! I know that famous "Tick-Tock Ticking Clock" of yours is going full-bore as Yusuf's big Hall-of-Fame moment approaches. And we shall all celebrate his big night with boxes and boxes of your delicious donuts! -Bud
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Post by Sir Lorry Load on Mar 6, 2014 14:19:38 GMT -5
And the third member of that group has to be Alun Davies! There you have it - the perfect recipe for the best music ever! Best to all, Chris "Hear, hear", Chris, so very true! -Bud
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Post by Sir Lorry Load on Mar 6, 2014 14:15:37 GMT -5
Well.... next time I won't wait three years in between covers! How time flies. Here's my version of "Into White", recorded this past weekend. Since it's more studio work than something just off the couch (!), you won't see me on the video. Audio track mainly, no visual distractions. Well, just a bit. Hope you like it! Acoustic guitar: Yamaha FG 420 Synthesized Bass, flute and strings: Yamaha Arius digital piano YDP-V240 All live sound to Yeti blue microphone Mixed in Audacity We at Majicat are more than blessed to count as a fellow 'Catter one who is as superb and accomplished a musician/artist as he is a fellow and friend. Charles, your rendition of "Into White" is exquisite! Boy, is this is a treat for one's ear(s). -Bud
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Post by Sir Lorry Load on Mar 6, 2014 14:09:37 GMT -5
Great news!! The new album is finished!!Posted today on Yusuf's Facebook: "Happy to have just finished mixing the new album in Belgium! Thanks John and all at ICP Recording Studios" Wow! This _is_ great news, Uruguayo, thank you so much for sharing! We've waited for five, (very) long years for a new release but, when it comes to Yusuf's works, any length of waiting is always well-worth it (why, even that 'brief' 28-year-long segue between 1978 and 2006!). -Bud
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Post by Sir Lorry Load on Feb 28, 2014 14:05:49 GMT -5
Is there any news about Yusuf's upcoming, new music? Well according to Facebook, Paul Samwell-Smith is involved in the project, something that's always been "beneficial" during Steve's career, to say the least. I couldn't agree more with you, Charles. To my way of thinking, the team of Paul Samwell-Smith and Yusuf proved supreme. There is obviously a great brand of chemistry that has always been shared by these two artists. Thank you for sharing this news. It is very exciting, indeed! -Bud
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Post by Sir Lorry Load on Feb 28, 2014 13:57:51 GMT -5
It's been a looong while and wait for it. I'm prego again this time with a Boy! Due July 5th. Layla is now 2 and the happiest little girl ever and Grayson 7 is a wonderful big brother. I still keep up with things in Yusuf/Cat FB. Visiting my Mom for a while in VA and headed back to Indy shortly in March. Hmm I wonder what kind of Cat Stevens treasures I can find while I'm here at Mom's. Hope all is well with everyone! It's a wonderful treat to welcome you back to Majicat, Colette! I'd like to congratulate you, too, on the forthcoming birth of your baby boy. I must say that as a "Painton" (my last name), I really love your choice of the name "Peyton" for your little guy. All best wishes! -Bud
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Post by Sir Lorry Load on Feb 24, 2014 12:31:17 GMT -5
Is there any news about Yusuf's upcoming, new music?
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Post by Sir Lorry Load on Feb 24, 2014 12:30:10 GMT -5
... and we Majicatters paying taxes: When Yusuf's new album is released this wonderful joint's gonna really be jumpin'! Not to mention, a'rockin' an' a'rollin'! And I can hardly wait!* -Bud (*For the Spring _and_ the album)
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Post by Sir Lorry Load on Feb 20, 2014 14:54:24 GMT -5
I LOVED all the videos....thanks tons for the find!! I second (and third!) what Richina and all have expressed about these terrific videos. Yusuf is truly looking and sounding in tip-top form. Thank you so much for providing us with these gems, Monika. -Bud
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Post by Sir Lorry Load on Feb 7, 2014 13:57:07 GMT -5
Wishing you a (somewhat belated) "Happy Birthday", Christina! I hope that your birthday celebration went splendidly. That's such a great photo of Central Park, NYC! (P.S. -- Your conceptual and personalized birthday greeting to Christina is wonderful, Monika -- as are your artistic images, Richina, Affy, and bloss!) -Bud
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Post by Sir Lorry Load on Feb 1, 2014 10:24:20 GMT -5
And thank you, too, Charles! (Say, I really like that "Sir Bud" salutation.) Hmmm... now why can't I muster that sort of respect outside of Majicat's doors?!? -Bud Hello My Friends! I wish to congratulate Charles (glaucus) upon his taking on the mantle of Majicat moderator. How well it suits him and what a grand job he will do! Thank you sir Bud, nice to see you back here. I'm sure everyone would agree that you are a great asset to this group. You are truly appreciated by everyone here! Rock on!
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Post by Sir Lorry Load on Feb 1, 2014 10:19:39 GMT -5
Thank you so much, Bloss. It's a joy to be back with great folks like you! -Bud You are continuing to do a fantastic job with nurturing the site, Chris, as are our other dedicated moderators. Thank you for this! Echoing Sir Lorry Load Great to see you around Sir..!
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Post by Sir Lorry Load on Feb 1, 2014 10:16:06 GMT -5
Many thanks for posting the pics, Dalva. What fun! I'm also glad to know that you aren't 13 years old. As you can see from my Avatar, I'm only 6 years old, so now I can maintain my position as the youngest fan on Majicat!
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Post by Sir Lorry Load on Feb 1, 2014 10:11:37 GMT -5
Bloss, you have expressed this so beautifully... and perfectly, too! -Bud thanks so much...you are amazing people Well we are not really just that we all have an amazing artist in common .....for some of us he has been with us since our teens and has through his music ,had an influence on our spiritual journeys, for others the influence has been less 'beyond', more just the amazing music..but here we know and understand loyal fanship, whatever flavour and colour...our hearts are linked in some way, through the music....thank you for sharing your wonderful memories...what an amazingly moving concert and moment for you....x
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Post by Sir Lorry Load on Feb 1, 2014 10:07:51 GMT -5
Wowsa-ree, am I ever tardy with _this_ reply! But please let me express how much your kind and thoughtful (and colorful!)"Happy Birthday" wishes have warmed my heart. Thank you, Monika, for beginning this thread in my honor, and thank you for the marvelous e-card. Jo and Bloss, I thank you for your wonderful sentiments, as well. And one additional "thank you" goes to my "mystery guest" greeter -- Hmmm... I wonder who he or she is... in any case, thanks so much! -Bud
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Post by Sir Lorry Load on Jan 17, 2014 14:04:26 GMT -5
Bidding you a "Warm Welcome" to Majicat, dalvarj! You're going to love it here, and we are so happy that you have decided to join us. Your english is, indeed, excellent! I shall be reading your posts with great interest. -Bud
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Post by Sir Lorry Load on Jan 17, 2014 13:52:03 GMT -5
Thank you so much, Chris! And, yes, it is nice to be back in the Majicat 'fold', although I have always held to the belief (and creed) that 'once a Majicatter, always a Majicatter', and that those 'catters who are away are only temporarily absent and destined to return. You are continuing to do a fantastic job with nurturing the site, Chris, as are our other dedicated moderators. Thank you for this! I couldn't agree more: There will be many happenings and happy moments for fans and admirers of our newly-minted Rock 'n' Roll Hall-of-Famer, what with Yusuf's upcoming induction into the hall and the greatly anticipated release of his new album (if I might use that rather old-school term!). Again, my thoughtful friend: Many thanks! -Bud
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Post by Sir Lorry Load on Jan 14, 2014 14:05:30 GMT -5
Hello My Friends! Yes, matters certainly _are_ looking mighty fine here at Majicat. I have been absent from the site for far too long, and I greatly appreciate the fact that a particular friend of your's and mine took notice and dropped me a thoughtful line. I expect and hope that I will be returning much more often, as this wonderful 'home away from home' of ours definitely plays a role in nuturing all of our souls (not to mention, our hearts and minds, as well). I wish to congratulate Charles (glaucus) upon his taking on the mantle of Majicat moderator. How well it suits him and what a grand job he will do! Love you all... love it here! Will be (gratefully) back very soon. -Bud
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Post by Sir Lorry Load on Aug 13, 2013 12:15:31 GMT -5
Thank you very much for your kind words, Aurarisma. I'm deeply sorry to say that Don passed away a fortnight ago. There were over 200 people at his funeral! He was dear to so many people and we all miss him a lot. He'll be sorting out all the computers and websites in heaven now, I'm sure. Very best regards and thanks again, Chris I am extremely sorry to learn of Don's passing, Chris. As a matter of fact, it was not until this very day that I spotted this thread, and I apologize for not having taken note of it, sooner. Knowing the quality of person that you are, I am sure that Don considered himself blessed to count you as a friend, and I am sure that this blessing was returned by Don in kind. What a great comfort you must have been during his final days. Your magnificent maintenance of Majicat is as fine a tribute to Don's memory as anyone could ever imagine. In closing, please accept my heartfelt condolences for your loss, and my gratitude for so handsomely keeping our beloved Majicat up and running. -Bud
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Post by Sir Lorry Load on Jul 22, 2013 10:55:09 GMT -5
I agree with your sentiments Sir,...and its nice to see you about... You are so kind, blossom -- Thank you! It's so grand to be among old friends (and new)... -Bud
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Post by Sir Lorry Load on Jul 22, 2013 10:50:53 GMT -5
Wishing you a most "Happy Birthday", dear Yusuf! You once (rather modestly) wrote and sang that your aim was to "... ring a small bell in (our) heart(s)..." May I tell you that more (much, much more) than that, you have brought into each of your admirers' and listeners' hearts helpings of joy and pleasure that can not be simply measured, their volume so immense... cherished, treasured gifts that you continue to deliver to us to this very day. And your birthday is a perfect time to tell you this. Thanks and blessings to you, kind Yusuf. -Bud
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