Photo courtesy of Joi

February 8th, 2010 – As I struggle to finish material for my RPM Challenge album, I find myself frustrated that I can’t get what I hear in my head, out into the real world. Perhaps I’m rusty, perhaps I’m overthinking it, probably both. I’ve written about the problem with too many options, and I know that the RPM Challenge is supposed to force you into a timeline, which theoretically simplifies your mental process. Unfortunately, I’m finding it easier said than done.

Ian Shepherd of ProductionAdvice.co.uk, posted a link to a video today that refreshed my perspective. It features the late Francis Bebey, a writer and musician, talking a bit about human anthropology, and demonstrating how to take something simple, and create something much more complex, effortlessly and without having to intellectualize it. The video is nothing short of inspirational. Thanks Ian!

Real World Records via Ian Shepherd of ProductionAdvice.co.uk

This entry was posted on Monday, February 8th, 2010 at 5:07 pm.
Categories: Asides, Musicianship.

4 Comments, Comment or Ping

  1. James Lewin

    We’re rooting for you on the RPM!

    DIego Stocco’s videos are humbling, too, especially the one where he makes a track using leaves and sticks off of a tree.

    Feb 8th, 2010

  2. 4gb m2 card

    If the name Francis Bebey doesn’t ring a bell, blame this country’s promoters of modern African music for overlooking a veteran innovator. Born in Cameroon in 1929, Bebey grew up playing western music and developed an early passion for jazz, especially Louis Armstrong.

    Feb 9th, 2010

  3. Donna

    thanks for posting that.. that was super inspiring :)

    hey… what do you think of the m-audio axiom pro 61.. i’m thinking of getting that as a midi controller.. right now just using garage band.. but thinking of upgrading to logic studios.. want to do more piano recording.. and soundtrack music score type recording.. thoughts?

    Feb 10th, 2010

  4. Sean

    @Donna: Heyo…If you’re used to using Garageband, Logic will feel like a natural progression for you. The Axiom Pro is a great keyboard. I have a friend who gigs with it several times a week and he loves it. It’s very easy to set up with Mainstage (which is basically the live performance portion of Logic Studio), and it is able to control a lot of Logic’s functions. The drum pads are pretty swanky too. One thing to keep in mind is, that while it’s weighted, it still doesn’t feel like a piano. Good feel for the price though.

    Feb 10th, 2010

Reply to “Francis Bebey plays a one-note bamboo flute”