Activity from nicolin

More than seventy civilians killed in a US attack in afghanistan. Including many women and children. Last month, the US forces put an end to a wedding, and killed 47 persons. Figures are disputed, but Hamid Karzai asks for the Nato strikes to stop. A few days ago, French soldiers suffered from the strikes that were supposed to help them. How is it covered in the US ? I just checked CNN, and there is a small article about this incident. Foxnews page for Afghanistan : I guess it's self-explanatory.
posted to MetaFilter by nicolin at 3:49 AM on August 23, 2008 (61 comments)

Ten French soldiers killed in afghanistan. A ceremony for the 10 soldiers took place today in Paris.. Caught in an ambush, the soldiers have been fired upon during several hours. Nato strikes are told to have been inaccurate. Survivors' testimonies seem to imply that the situation has been dealt with in an awkward way. The President's decision to send more troops in Afghanistan is discussed.
posted to MetaFilter by nicolin at 8:00 AM on August 21, 2008 (19 comments)

I'm reading Richard Ford's A multitude of sins short stories collection, and I find it rather dull... (less powerful Raymond carver to me) but it seems that he's considered as a "master of the short story" (Esquire), "one of the country's best writers" (San Francisco chronicle)... Could you give me elements to modify my judgement ?
posted to Ask Metafilter by nicolin at 9:06 AM on August 10, 2008 (8 comments)

awkward stuff. Same finger pattern as cooloop or lullaby or from the bridge, but different mood.
posted to MeFi Music by nicolin at 5:59 AM on July 30, 2008 (7 comments)

two more guitar loops based compositions, like this previous one or this old one.
posted to MeFi Music by nicolin at 5:28 AM on July 23, 2008 (3 comments)

after the recent posts from umbu and corduroy, I couldn't resist upping this. I tried... but... Wasn't designed to and isn't specifically related to, but I'd like to dedicate it to the memory of jeff healey.
posted to MeFi Music by nicolin at 1:52 PM on March 4, 2008 (3 comments)

guitar + guitar. Another mobile
posted to MeFi Music by nicolin at 7:57 AM on February 19, 2008 (2 comments)

Climate disasters in 2007 French captions. Pictures from Norway, Greece, England, India, Nicaragua, Colombia, U.S.A., China, Indonesia.
posted to MetaFilter by nicolin at 4:14 AM on December 31, 2007 (12 comments)

Frank Morgan died yesterday. He was 73. Interview. Some sounds. (another beautiful american saxophone stylist).
posted to MetaFilter by nicolin at 5:46 AM on December 15, 2007 (21 comments)

I was about to depict a complex scenery, but it wasn't very popular the previous times I did. Let's say that this is one with a strange groove. Like, hypnagogic. To be more specific, let's say some fairies are gathered around a sleeper. Maybe black, african fairies. Summoned by a griot. Softly singing. Well, forget it.
posted to MeFi Music by nicolin at 6:59 AM on December 6, 2007 (9 comments)

A day in the life of Abdullah Ibrahim, South-African composer and performer who creates hypnotic and softly singing grooves. To me, his recent piano trios are the highlights of his work, because they are both swinging and soulful. But his compositions do not sound bad in a big band setting -(or in an arrangement for guitar). His music is quiet and meditative but powerful, and has sometimes been used as a banner for freedom and equality. Now he likes to withdraw once in a while to the smallest scenes (french commentary with some english underneath), putting strong emphasis on necessary simplicity. Written portrait.
posted to MetaFilter by nicolin at 6:26 AM on November 1, 2007 (5 comments)

This post isn't about the great Belgian guitarist Philip Catherine - too many guitar posts recently - it isn't about the Belgian singer Katerine (nothing to say). It is about the French singer Philippe Katerine, who has been changing the way lyrics are written, as well as giving a whole range of new topics to French song. With Je vous emmerde (F*** you) he explains what's on a loser's mind. Excuse-moi is about the things a man focuses on during sexual intercourse in order to avoid early ejaculation. The individual struggling with an meaningless society is always present : Borderline (warcraft version with English subtitles). His lists and his humor clearly link his work with the texts of Poets like Raymond Queneau, Boris Vian (and Serge Gainsbourg), or the prose of Georges Perec. He can be Elegiac, Paradoxical, Funky, prosaic, he's always twofold.
posted to MetaFilter by nicolin at 2:20 AM on October 25, 2007 (13 comments)

Sometimes you've got a song or a tune but something's missing : call Mike Stern, he could add some stuff.
posted to MetaFilter by nicolin at 1:46 AM on October 24, 2007 (9 comments)

Pushing the envelope and changing the frame within which improvisational jazz has evolved for years is the focus of many contemporary jazz musicians. As far as the guitar is concerned, merging Hendrix's legacy with be-bop and the rhythms of popular music has been a primary objective. This can be traced back to the guitar of Pete Cosey in Miles Davis's groups of the 70'S. Jean-Paul Bourelly has been directly influenced by him, and Dave Fiuczynski's group, The Headless Torsos, pays its dues to Miles here. The rhythm concept behind such a shift is explained by wayne Krantz at the outset of this documentary. One can hear how close it is of Kevin Eubanks solo playing. Other guitarists of interest : Mitch Stein, Oz Noy, Charlie Hunter.
posted to MetaFilter by nicolin at 2:58 AM on October 22, 2007 (12 comments)

To me, he embodies The classical guitarist with all the clichés attached. But he can also make any material his own, or use forms with humor. He's got good compositions too.
posted to MetaFilter by nicolin at 1:32 PM on October 17, 2007 (7 comments)

French jazz guitar is often mistaken for swing guitar, or gypsy style guitar. It's true that great french guitarists, like Bireli Lagrene or Christian escoudé, are still playing in this style. But curiosity is a trademark of most of the French guitarists, and even Bireli Lagrene gave a try to various kinds of jazz. French guitarists have been attracted to Be Bop from the start (btw, even Django has been). Maybe you've heard of Sacha Distel ?
posted to MetaFilter by nicolin at 6:34 AM on October 16, 2007 (6 comments)

First she was a dancer but after an injury she had to sing to make a living. She still dances a little during her songs (a rare feat among flamenco cantaoras). I first heard about her when she made a whole record (cd) of Edith Piaf's songs in spanish. You can get a taste here. She talks about it here (spanish + french, excerpts). She sang les feuilles mortes too. But nothing equals seeing her, I think : so here she is with two covers from a recent documentary : a song by Edith Piaf, a song by Lola Flores. Btw, If you get into french songs in the flamenco idiom, try this.
posted to MetaFilter by nicolin at 11:50 AM on October 11, 2007 (4 comments)

The most creative jazz musician to originate anywhere outside the United States (Duke Ellington) is maybe the great guitarist Django Reinhardt. It is true that he gave birth to a style which is now played by many musicians. His achievements are outstanding, if we consider the events of his life. He still fascinates both the scholar (great links but in need of some work : see french wiki for more biographic details) among other things because of controversial details (his survival during WWII and the very origin of swing manouche (gypsy jazz)) and the aspiring guitarist (more) (essential resource). But it's maybe better just to listen - and watch - him play. Further watching : Nuages, an amateur documentary in 1 2 3 4 5 parts. Previously.
posted to MetaFilter by nicolin at 6:26 AM on October 9, 2007 (17 comments)

Flamenco guitar is such a subtle and delicate mean of expression that it looks like arranging flamenco music for a number of musicians isn't practical or efficient. Nevertheless, many attempts have been made to use flamenco phrasing or colors within large ensembles : in a classical piece like The Aranjuez Concierto, in jazz when Gil Evans teamed with Miles Davis to greate several pieces entitled Sketches of Spain, or more recently, with the beautiful work of Maria Schneider, or the small units of Louis Winsberg. One of the most convincing score has been recently produced by Juan Carmona, a gipsy guitarist from Marseille, a work performed by many philarmonic orchestras.
posted to MetaFilter by nicolin at 3:14 AM on October 7, 2007 (11 comments)

There are several ways to roam the world. But if you want to do it like a king, you have to master this. Maybe mix it with that. Or this (spanish spoken here). Then, you can bring your old acoustic guitar, hit the street and sing.
posted to MetaFilter by nicolin at 1:41 AM on October 3, 2007 (8 comments)

This might lead you to learn to play guitar, to write poems, to sing, or just to watch and listen more intently. Kelly joe Phelps, from washington state, is one of the most beautiful musicians I've ever seen. He's got a great way to play traditionals and his originals are mesmerizing.
posted to MetaFilter by nicolin at 6:52 AM on September 11, 2007 (11 comments)

Some more great french guitar players. Nelson Veras first came to France to meet Pat Metheny (he was 14 then, it has been documented on video by Frank Cassenti) but upon meeting some other jazzmen , he decided to stay in France and to experiment in various settings. Robert Crumb isn't exactly a "great french guitar player", but his decision to move to France (his or his wife's decision) and later his responsability in the creation of Les Primitifs du Futur has played a part in the rebirth of ancient french styles ("musette") and the renewed interest in old jazz and blues forms.
posted to MetaFilter by nicolin at 2:35 AM on September 10, 2007 (9 comments)

Flamenco clearly belongs to spain. But so many immigrants came to France to find work or escape from the civil war that there is a small community of guitarists in southern France who are playing it with original voices. Bernardo Sandoval was the subject of a post in mefi music some time ago. Antonio "kiko" ruiz is about to come to the United States with Renaud-Garcia-Fons : their work can be seen here. Serge Lopez is another great guitarist who puts some guitar parts on his website. Salvador Paterna adds to the traditional sound of flamenco both the 'oud and the violin. They are all from or nearby Toulouse.
posted to MetaFilter by nicolin at 9:56 AM on September 4, 2007 (8 comments)

another beautiful guitarist from louisiana Such a wise cat he even could replace t-bone walker in a minute. Well, so he said with his enthralling voice. He was such a beautiful singer. Unique violin player. He disappeared in the aftermath of hurricane katrina. Peace.
posted to MetaFilter by nicolin at 12:15 PM on September 1, 2007 (15 comments)

I've decided to work some more on two previous posts to create a more enjoyable tune. I wanted to include some kind of march too. I think I'm through with this white butterfly now.
posted to MeFi Music by nicolin at 2:56 AM on August 27, 2007 (3 comments)

I have a new song ! Inspired by the numerous posts I've had the pleasure to listen here, I've added a tech touch to my music. My butterfly has decided to rebel against nature and has gained a synthetic voice... but fortunately, he soon gets rid of it and returns to real life.
posted to MeFi Music by nicolin at 11:18 AM on August 24, 2007 (5 comments)

just to stay in touch
posted to MeFi Music by nicolin at 2:01 PM on August 22, 2007 (8 comments)

He wasn't the greatest technician on earth (he only studied a short time with a teacher, as states his biography), he wasn't really famous outside Brazil, in spite of the many recordings available under his name, of his various talents (drawing, designing a new string instrument), but his playing is really endearing, and whatever the material, originals, bach or chico buarque, he made his point across easily.
posted to MetaFilter by nicolin at 7:28 AM on August 11, 2007 (9 comments)

watching the river flow, I stumble upon some memories - more vivid than others.
posted to MeFi Music by nicolin at 1:30 PM on August 6, 2007 (10 comments)

acoustic guitar, wood, steel, glass, and some rice.
posted to MeFi Music by nicolin at 8:20 AM on August 1, 2007 (5 comments)

sunny here
posted to MeFi Music by nicolin at 4:58 AM on July 31, 2007 (3 comments)

a swarm in a small room.
posted to MeFi Music by nicolin at 2:06 PM on July 25, 2007 (2 comments)

En una pequeña calle en arles, bernardo sandoval canta.
posted to MeFi Music by nicolin at 11:51 AM on July 24, 2007 (4 comments)

Rehearsals : three tunes that we (a big band) were to play on stage in a small jazz festival in Millau, Aveyron, southern France.
posted to MeFi Music by nicolin at 2:41 AM on July 23, 2007 (8 comments)

just a quote - link is in the comment.
posted to MeFi Music by nicolin at 8:10 AM on June 28, 2007 (1 comment)

It's nice to be at home with some guitars at hand. I wanted to participate to the challenge, but this tune has nothing to do with water. To me, it evokes a procession of hens in a courtyard, near and around a drowsy rooster. Images of aimless loopsided wanderings, long seductive dances. What is the rooster dreaming of ? just another bunch of hens I guess. Then he awakes suddenly. Too bad this wasn't the theme of the challenge. Enjoy.
posted to MeFi Music by nicolin at 7:09 AM on June 25, 2007 (6 comments)

late night meeting with a street musician, near saint anne, in Montpellier. Lots of things to say, many songs in his bag, mostly sharing the same chords (!?). Nice feeling.
posted to MeFi Music by nicolin at 2:53 PM on June 20, 2007 (9 comments)

The Count Basie variation of the standard blues changes. Just two guitars, solo and rhythm.
posted to MeFi Music by nicolin at 3:38 PM on June 15, 2007 (2 comments)

Ever been in a french train station ? Recorded as I was coming back from playing with Edouard (whose amplified saxophone is included). NOISE 20 secs into the recording (that's for humannaire) - but it ends as smooth as usual (guitar outro). Bits of usual threatening, complaining, philosophing... in french (and english).
posted to MeFi Music by nicolin at 2:33 PM on June 14, 2007 (5 comments)

As fresh as possible, in a slightly different mix than my previous upload, to give some more presence to the tune. The rhythm track was under electronic dust somewhere on my drive. I had recorded it without bothering to turn off the radio, so it is heard at the quietest moments. I've added a melody and a solo, as well as some percussion, but it's still a very tiny addition. Flaws included.
posted to MeFi Music by nicolin at 6:22 AM on June 8, 2007 (5 comments)

Two short and very meditative improvisations from some time ago.
posted to MeFi Music by nicolin at 4:10 AM on June 5, 2007 (2 comments)

Four years ago, I was trying to feel what it's like to be able to improvise. These are three takes over the same short chord cycle : take 2, 1, 3. My conclusion is : to improvise, you have to be able to wait.
posted to MeFi Music by nicolin at 1:46 PM on June 2, 2007 (2 comments)

Improvised trio. Guitar, keyboards, doorbell. When you've got a pebble in your shoe, you can't look at the stars.
posted to MeFi Music by nicolin at 9:50 AM on June 1, 2007 (1 comment)

Taking a stroll somewhere in France. Sonic snapshots : Purchasing food. Driving. Walking in the street. Listening quietly. Playing the guitar.
posted to MeFi Music by nicolin at 2:46 AM on May 30, 2007 (7 comments)

I knew I had to play the flute. I found a bundy on ebay, and when I received it, began to play right away. This recording features guitar, flute and harmonica. Improvisation as usual, raw bossa vamp as background, no composed melody as such. Could have been longer without the telephone.
posted to MeFi Music by nicolin at 7:14 AM on May 27, 2007 (6 comments)

which stands for : guitar flute harp flute guitar. Last year my sister gave me her old dell inspiron 3800. I installed audacity on it and was in for multitrack recording. Actually, I didn't know that I could listen to the previous tracks and recording at the same time. So I recorded the first four tracks trying not to lose the tempo and then moving the track so it fitted with the rest, adding layer by layer. By the time I recorded the solo I had managed to listen to the background. Composition is not too ambitious, it was just a matter of testing.
posted to MeFi Music by nicolin at 3:17 AM on May 26, 2007 (11 comments)

Hi, this is the sequel to my previous post : old french song. Actually, this song was the following one we sang during the concert in the church "des frères prècheurs", Arles, in 2006.
posted to MeFi Music by nicolin at 6:05 AM on May 23, 2007 (1 comment)

In a cave, several hundred feet underground, a mysterious glow can be seen in the distance. Beyond the dark corridors, a strange music fade in as you're getting close. The spiders are here, tall as houses, moving gracefully, feeding their babies, chanting soft lullabies under the crystal dome of a large chamber. One of them approaches and weaves shining threads of sound. You're not really frightened. Actually you feel rather comfortable as you're listening to the friendly speech. Going back ?
posted to MeFi Music by nicolin at 9:35 AM on May 19, 2007 (4 comments)

hi, Sometimes you're just looking for something as peaceful as possible. Sorry for the unavoidable flaws.
posted to MeFi Music by nicolin at 8:49 AM on May 18, 2007 (2 comments)

hi, it's raining outside, I just wanted something warm. Short and improvised.
posted to MeFi Music by nicolin at 6:44 AM on May 17, 2007 (5 comments)

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