Nudging the World

Nudging the World

It’s been said that words written in the right order can nudge the world. I believe that. Sorry I don’t know who the author is but the words ring home for me. The endeavor I’m working on with many talented souls is the Tribulation Rock “Operalet”. It’s my way of trying to nudge the world to do good in any way possible, regardless of heritage, religion, culture or country. It’s a simple principle but hard to adhere to on a daily basis. I believe music is a universal language and so is doing good.

This blog post is not just to talk about my endeavor; it’s to encourage you to create your own way to nudge the world. We all have special talents and a purpose for our life. My path is music and composition. Do you know yours? The world is in upheaval and needs every positive and enlightened soul to pitch in. So, I hope you think about your purpose.   

Think of the great heroes of the world, the innovators and the good people. Inspirational! I’m watching the Bruce Lee story as I write this and he came from humble beginnings and changed the martial arts world and so much more. He paved the way and didn’t let any traditional thinking shut him down or limit his creativity. He found a new way. He had many traditional thinkers trying to have him conform to what is. Don’t conform, blaze a new trail. Nothing is created new by copying what has already been. Some thinker said that before.

Who’s your hero? Who’s your inspiration? Deception in the world is huge now but true principles don’t change and the truth is strength. So, find your Rock Operalet and go for it (I think that’s from one of the Rocky films).  And Believe. That was the inspiration and title/chorus of Track #2 on the Tribulation CD.  The message is:

“Believe and it shall be, Believe you can change this place, oh Believe in what can be and everything will turn out right!”  

Now go do something good!

Inspiration in Creating a Rock “Operalet”

Let me start by explaining what a Rock “Operalet” is. It’s a phrase, to the best of my knowledge; I coined to describe a Rock Opera and Ballet. However, it’s more of a modern description of a Rock Opera/Rock concert and interpretive dance/video (You Tube) style dance and performance.  Something between a Rock Concert and Broadway play. Picture Emerson, Lake & Palmer or a ProgRock band with the staging and dance of a Tina Turner or Michael Jackson performance.

But, there is more to it than that. What inspired my ‘Tribulation’ Rock Operalet? Well it starts as a kid, like most innovations, with something that is a passion. In my case, its music and spirituality which you will find in my music and is the premise of these blog posts. So, this was my inspiration but the purpose of this post is to possibly spark your passion and purpose as well.

Everything that touches you has an impact on your fiber, creative capacity and where you are going. So, I came from a musical family and had a strong connection to spirituality. As they say, practice, practice, and practice. I never needed my parents to tell me to practice the piano, I could play for hours. I still practice my finger exercises for years.     

Then I met Hilda Charlton (an enlightened person) and my upbringing solidified the spiritual component. Then it was piecing it together. It wasn’t forced it was a natural fit and was what I thought I should do. I had a purpose. In fact, doing other musical projects never was as fulfilling. And due to a great upbringing and encouragement, I wasn’t afraid to just go for it. That is a message everyone needs to hear and I hope you take away from this post.  So, when I was doing ‘The Battle of Armageddon’ in my Rock “Operalet”, which is like a complex piano concerto…. I just did it. I didn’t study orchestration. But you just do it.

I remember going to a seminar and hearing that the universe feeds back. All my life the universe was telling me to do this project, The Tribulation Rock Operalet. You can hear the full length of the nine songs at www.facebook.com/desbeemusic  and I hope you will share it with your friends. So, what’s your passion? What’s your purpose? Who is holding you back?  And, what are you doing about it? You can do it. Best of luck!   

Stories of Playing Music on the Road

Well with so much negativity on the planet, bombings, threats, etc. I want to take some time to recall some fine memories playing music on the road. Everyone has great memories in their life that they cherish but mine were a little distorted being it was ROCKIN’ on the road. Most people who I tell these stories to say I should write a book…I’d rather be playing piano. But here are some glimpses for now and if I ever write a book with the details, I’ll let you know. Tell me what you think.

It started back in NY, Long Island to be exact and the Tri-State area. The band was Spartacus back then and playing was great. We ended up playing the same circuit with Cyndi Lauper, Twisted Sister, Zebra and other upcoming bands. Tiny, our bass player (who was one of the major vocalists) died in a car crash coming home from a gig, so we fell apart but there are still some very fond memories and some funny stories.

For example; we had a food fight with Cyndi Lauper in the dressing room. What you see on stage about her is what you get off the stage. With her reality show now, you can see that. Back then, she was with Blue Angel (if I recall correctly) and we did a New Year’s Eve gig together and her bass player was drinking booze out of an enema bag. That’s bold and creative!!!! Back then nothing was sacred or off limits. We also stayed in the same hotels as Twisted Sister and some other rockers back then and they usually looked crazier than us but I think we were a bit more nuts after the gig. We were banned from staying at every hotel in the Hamptons. I’m not proud of that now but I must admit I was back then. Stuff was always hitting the fan. If it wasn’t the hotels it was club owners. Once we had a conflict with Twisted Sister over the stages but we both agreed it was a dishonorable club owner. So, we parted friends. Dee is a great front man and JJ French a true gentleman.

Back then, Eddie was the bass player with Foreigner and used to come see us.  Even some of the people constructing Beatle Mania (The Broadway Show) came to see us to see what Beatle songs local bands could pull off live. Sounds impressive but to us, we were playing, partying and having fun. NOW, they are great memories, but back then it was just part of it all. We played some of the same clubs that the Police, Pretenders, and others were playing as they were coming thru. We’d play one week they would come in another. Great Times…Great music!

Then, to focus on originals, the band lived in the Birds Eye estate out in Orient point (the other leg on Long Island from the Hamptons). We kept it secret at first from our fans because we would have never got anything done. However, when we were moving out, we had a week long party. Nothing else needs to be said.

Then Joe Greco & I hit the road to keep playing and ran into ‘U2’. They are truly great guys and real gentleman. We were doing the song “We are the World” on stage and Bono came up to sing it with us. If you recall, he did a similar song in England “Do they know it’s Christmas” and so he related and was inspired. It was a great, great moment. I got to hang with Bono and his wife on the beach which was great. There is a certain kindred spirit and connection amongst musicians. That was great! We also ran into Richie Blackmore from ‘Deep Purple’, when he broke up with his girlfriend and so we shared some heavy thoughts and a drink. We also met Matt Frenette, the drummer from ‘Loverboy’, a real party animal! Fun, fun, fun!!!!

Well there is a small glimpse of Rockin’ on the road. I met some great people on the road including my wife Bebe, who is a professional singer and is the featured voice as the Nereida character in ‘The Tribulation’ Rock “Operalet”. I must admit, I’m always way more comfortable around musicians and “”bar people” then Corporate America…go figure. These are truly great memories. So, please comment on this and tell me some of you fond memories…. but keep it clean!

Boston Marathon????

 We are all in horror and praying for the victims and families of the Marathon bombing. No words are sufficient. It touches everyone, which is what the terrorist were hoping for. Yes, I said terrorist. Bringing terror to humankind or any living & breathing entity, is in my book…terrorism. So why does the main stream or LS media and politicians have such a problem with that? Are they really looking out for us?

We all know the obvious story but there are many other underlying lessons to be learned. The thing that hit me in the face and of course many commentators commented on, was why we were focused on skin color? Why was the mainstream media rooting for a white person to have committed the crime? Has the media lost its soul? I believe it has. I’ve been involved with media and it’s not what it used to be. Can anyone trust the media? What about their inaccurate info, agenda driven stories just about fringing on propaganda? It’s sad to watch this unraveling of what the US Constitution felt necessary to protect…THE PRESS!

It’s insane that anyone is rooting for a group, skin color or culture to have planted the bombs so that it advances an agenda. Think about that, it’s sad. Is that where society is at this point? We are better than this. So let’s focus on the heroes that comforted the victims, the professionals who are working on a resolution. But we know government cannot protect us completely all the time and everywhere. The proof is that the FBI is asking for help from the public. That’s how it should be. Freedom and strength from the INDIVIDUAL!

One of my favorite keyboard heroes (Keith Emerson from ELP) tweeted some kind words about the Boston Marathon bombing and sent his wishes. He is a marathon runner and could obviously relate to the situation. But, I venture to say he could relate regardless because he is a class act and could feel the pain. He’s in the UK and felt compelled to reach out. I responded to him and he was kind enough to re-tweet my message which was nice. If he’s willing to reach out in support, how in the hell can we be focused on skin color of the perpetrators and/or an agenda? America, we are losing our soul…don’t let it happen. The planet needs us.

If you found your way to this website and blog you know my music adventure is focused on spreading the word about helping humankind in any way you can. This is a powerful start. Pray for the victims, protect yourself and neighbors, wish they capture the evil doers and don’t ever, ever wish for someone or group to have done evil to promote your agenda. That is definitely not helping the planet. There is no way you can feel good about doing evil unless you are dead inside. There are still more good people then bad which some people have pointed out. As I always say in my music…go do something good!        

 

Was I on to something with ‘The Tribulation’

If you look around with the tension in Korea, the possible nukes in Iran (and other countries), the financial problems worldwide, the riots, the religious conflicts…..was I on to something with ‘The Tribulation’ Rock “Operalet” and my vision of where we’re possibly headed? I think more people than are willing to admit are becoming afraid. Where do you put your money? Will I have the chance to go to a good school? Will my children have a better life than me? What agendas am I unknowingly being fed via media, education, etc.? What am I doing about it? What are you doing about it?

As you may know from my website and/or other channels, I was inspired to write a story and music for the possible vision of the future of humankind. It came to me in many ways over the years and haunted me till it was completed (well at least the music part) with the release of the music CD at the end of last year. As grim as the title sounds, it ends well in my story but it’s a bumpy road. It is not much different than writings and/or predictions from many other writers, cultures, religions, etc. However, I felt my purpose was to help encourage better behavior and helping the planet in any way we can, regardless of where you live, what you believe or whatever. Of course, for me, it was best delivered through music.

So, where did it start for me and I’m sure for many of you. I was introduced as a child to the teachings of the Bible.  Of course, there were good and bad times in man’s journey and I enjoyed the Parables. The recent Bible TV movie was a great compact rendition. Obviously, the Tribulation is in the Bible.

I then went to philosophy classes with Hilda Charlton who touched on the Bible as well as many other topics. She would bring in different speakers from all walks of life to talk about pursuing heaven and happiness. There is much out there that talks about getting prepared and/or visions of the future.  There are the books by Hilda Charlton, Maurice Cooke’s Hilarion Series, Edgar Cayce, Nostradamus…..I’m sure you have heard of many others. Today there are even people like Glenn Beck and countless commercials for gold, food and so on. So, was I on to something with ‘The Tribulation’ Rock “Operalet”

So, it’s not far-fetched that I would be inspired to write about this subject. I always felt a strong connection to spirituality and music. To me they go hand and hand. I believe the creative process is giving you a taste of heaven on earth.  

So, I’m interested in your comments of what you believe is happening on the planet. Who are some of your guides? What are you doing to make it better? There are so many people in the world and we each have unique skills and abilities. I’m curious what people are doing at the grass roots. Now go do something good!

Is the world that different NOW?

I just watched the conclusion of The Bible on the History channel. I watched every episode each week with the conclusion on Easter Sunday. It is a fantastic production of the Bible Old & New Testament. There was one scene tonight that really struck home. The people chose Barabbas to go free (murderer, etc.) over someone who committed no crime, Jesus. It’s hard to believe but true. As I say in the title…”Is the world that different NOW?”

Take a look around today, we reward and glorify bad behavior all the time and condemn everyday/average people, especially if they are successful. Has it never crossed your mind watching current events that someone got away with this or why the public is defending that? How bad actions have no consequences if you are cool, a celebrity or supporting the trendy cause. Have you noticed that we’re pitting one group against the other and this seems to be by politicians and elites of all stripes and colors, worldwide? It seems sometimes that everything is upside down.

So let me ask you….would you pick the bad or good person if you had to choose who gets crucified? You think you would do the right thing but look at our society today. I’m not so sure we would make the right choice. I believe we would do what the mob did back then if we don’t wake up. They were coaxed by the elites and power of the government (Rome). I’m asking you to not only wake up but to STAND up for what is right. You know deep down what is right, so don’t let hype succeed in making you think otherwise.

As the disciples said in the movie and I’m sure believed back then, “we have a lot of work to do”. I’ve had that same haunting feeling since I can remember. I’m currently trying to get this message out in what I know best…MUSIC. In my latest work ‘The Tribulation’ Rock “Operalet” I make this message and wake-up call real simple. Regardless of your faith (or lack of it), your culture, your religion, etc. just do what you can that is GOOD and help humankind progress. That vibration is what is Godly and will help our planet and society. So let me ask you this…..what are you doing today that’s GOOD?

Let me know at www.desbeemusic , Facebook.com/desbeemusic or Twitter/desbeemusic. It would be great if people were inspired to head in this direction and focus on the seriousness of our society. And you can express it by way of the talents that you are blessed with. That’s what I’m trying to do in my music. So, wish me and all of us luck and come join the party. Amen!      

How to Simulate a Digital Orchestra

Before I begin explaining some techniques for improving your digital orchestration in a mix, let me say that the real thing is heavenly and I have a very high respect for a real orchestra. I studied piano with a world class violinist and have come to appreciate that dynamic. You will never get every nuance of a real organic instrument’s variations and musician’s performance, but this blog is focused more on putting it into your music that incorporates a band and the orchestration is an enhancement to the song.

Most artists, especially Indie artists, have to find ways to enhance their music and this instrumentation can really add to your song production. Here are some tidbits to consider when assembling your digital orchestra and placement in your song and mix:

•       Pick your sounds (sampled violins, cellos, etc.) from different sound sources whenever possible. For example; the first violin from one module, the second violin form another and so on. Each sound module or keyboard had to sample a different instrument, giving you different timbre, technique, tone, etc. So, that is more realistic to the differences in real players and instruments from varied manufacturers.

•       You have to think, play and arrange one instrument at a time. For example; don’t play a chord with one hand to get a three part harmony string part. Play each note separately and preferably from three different sound sources. And picture how that would actually be played as opposed to a keyboard player.

•       If you play each instrument and note separately, it will also help you to think three melodies as opposed to a chord mindset. This will enhance the arrangement and naturally incorporate counterpoint into the melodies.

•       Try to find an orchestra chart that shows you the musical range of each instrument so that it is realistic and can be reproduced by a real player need be.

•       In you mix (talking stereo in this blog but could apply somewhat to surround sound) the sounds have to be hitting your ears like they would in a real concert hall with a real orchestra. For example; the 1^st violin in your left ear, then start around 10 o’clock for 2^nd violin etc. More reverb on the horns in the back because they will reach you ears a little later then the strings would in a real hall. You can find a seating arrangement chart of how a real orchestra is situated.

 

You can check a clip of my ‘Battle of Armageddon’ Piano Concerto #1 or ‘With You’ at www.desbeemusic.com or www.facebook.com/desbeemusic . That will give you an idea of these techniques in action, from two different perspectives and types of songs.

Happy Music Making!