A while a go I read an interesting book called “The Music Lesson: A Spiritual Search for Growth Through Music” from bass guitar virtuoso Victor L. Wooten. This book is not on how to play or master bass guitar but one that teaches and advocates the spiritual essence of music. I highly recommended this one, not only for musicians/hobbyists but for anyone who enjoys music (period). My latest endeavor is called “The God Delusion” by Richard Dawkins. Quite an interesting one to say the least! I am really enjoying this one and I can’t think of anything else to say then get yourself a copy and read it!

Page 5: “When one person suffers from a delusion, it is called insanity. When many people suffer from a delusion it is called religion.”

And sometimes images speak louder than words:
/sf

Lots to catch up, been very busy lately and feel like i’m in a desperate need of a vacation… more to come!
/sf

In no particular order the following are my favorites CDs from this past year (no reviews):

Palmystery – Victor Wooten (Jazz) iTunes

Not As Good As The Book – The Tangent (Symphonic Prog) iTunes

Blomljud – Moon Safari (Symphonic Prog) Amazon

Thunder – SMV: Stanley Clarke, Marcus Miller & Victor Wooten (Jazz) iTunes

Silence Followed By A Deafening Roar – Paul Gilbert (Instrumental/Hard Rock) iTunes

Watershed – Opeth (Tech/Extreme Prog Metal) iTunes

Ghost – NIN (Industrial Rock) NIN

Lifeline – Neal Morse (Symphonic Prog) iTunes

Live In Gdansk (Deluxe Version) – David Gilmour (Prog Related) iTunes

Sleeping In Traffic: Part Two – Beardfish (Eclectic Prog) iTunes

If I had to pick only one it would have to be Beardfish’s – Sleeping In Traffic: Part Two, an excellent prog band from Sweden with an old 70’s prog sound colored with depth and substance.
/sf

On December 2, 2008 my buddy Steve and I went to see Rock & Roll Hall of Famer: Neil Young. Did we ever enjoy the show, it was a true rock concert. The old man just turned 63 and that evening he played and sang like there was no tomorrow… playing and beating up his Gibson guitar with true passion. My favorite highlights of that evening were (of course) ‘Rockin’ in the Free World’, ‘Cortez the Killer’ (simply amazing) and a suprising rendition of ‘A Day in the Life’ from the Beatles as an encore.
/sf

An interesting article: How-to: building a random password generator for the iPhone on Ars Technica. A nice little app for those who are new or learning how to develop Apps for the iPhone. Source code is available at github and App is available on iTunes
/sf

Great song from Dutch progressive rock band Focus from one of the best top prog albums of all time: Hamburger Concerto
/sf

Release date: November 25, 2008. You can pre-order and see tracklisting @ Rush Backstage Club

/sf

Last week while I was away for business in Seattle, WA I took the opportunity to stay over for the weekend and go visit Mount Rainier National Park. It was such a breathtaking experience being surrounded by such natural beauty; waterfalls, alpine lakes, majestic peaks and glaciers. I highly recommend visiting to anyone. You won’t be disappointed.
/sf

…BTW I skipped reading the last one I previously mentioned: ‘Landscapes’ by Kevin J. Anderson… (maybe some other time) So moving on, I just finished reading Anthony Bourdain’s Kitchen Confidential – Adventures in the Culinary Underbelly and did I ever enjoy this one, highly entertaining (hilarious) and addicting! Bourdain’s account of a day in a life of a chef is quite a tour de force. I being often on the road and eating in lots of restaurants made me appreciate the informative explanation of what to look for when choosing a good place to eat (So much for the Sunday Brunch!). Alcohol, drugs, sex, and horrible stories all exposing the restaurant kitchen business the way he has lived it and seen it will keep you quite interested if you are into ‘cuisine’ or ‘culinary adventures’… Next in line, which I already started is The Music Lesson: A Spiritual Search for Growth Through Music from one of my favorites bassists: Victor Wooten. Seems that this is not a book about music theory or how to play the bass but wonderful and playful revelation about the relationship between Music and your life. Keep you posted
/sf

Arcellus playing Paul Jackson’s groovy bass lines from “Hang Up Your Hang Ups” …
One of my many favs from Herbie Hancock.
/sf