Today's post is short on pictures and long on thank yous. There is something that feels very Midwest about the people in Northern California. The hospitality was all world and the gifts were a plenty. So we'd just like to take a moment to thank a few folks who were so generous to all in the UM camp.
Ryan, Joel, & I had a great interview yesterday afternoon with Leo Laporte (aka the President of the Internet) on his TWiT netcast. This journalist and all around good guy is covering a wide variety of media and tech related subjects that has a little something interesting for everybody. He is all over the inter web and certainly worth checking out on the social networking site of your choice.
Naturally, one of the greatest things about Norcal is the delicious grapes and more than a few great producers (and friends) were kind enough to bring us some crushed fruit. Our good friend DK (who is always hooking it up) introduced us to Pax Mahle and the other guys at Wind Gap who are doing something special with cool climate grapes and brought us a boxful of goodies. Napa stud Bob Egelhoff came out to enjoy the show and carried along some of his elegant but hearty cabernet. Front of house never tasted so good. Thanks to Patrick McNeil from Michael Austin Wines for the "Bad Habit". And an additional shot out to our good friends Jughead and Hal for contributing to the bus stock.
I also had the honor of spending a couple of hours with Dan Healy, a true legend in the audio community. Dan mixed the Grateful Dead for the lion's share of their existence and has been instrumental in pioneering a whole slew of audio, microphone, and speaker technology. It was a trip to pick the brain of a man who I have long admired as one of the best engineers of all time. (No shortage of great Garcia stories) His warmth and passion for people and music makes it clear why he has been so successful all these years. Check out this picture of one of his hair brained schemes known as the Wall of Sound. Jake has been toying with taking out the wall as his guitar amp but can't figure out how to fit it into the overhead bin.
Mystic Theater, Petaluma, CA
(Blogging will likely be impossible in the great valley that is Yosemite so look for the final tour recap next Monday)
The beautiful Crystal Ballroom was home to the 2nd (S2) event this Saturday in Portland, OR. Great times all around once again with a whole new pile of ideas coming out on the West Coast. In the ever evolving concept that is the Stew Art Series, we are going to start publishing the complete list of phrases that we used to guide the improvisations (inquisitive minds want to know). Who knows, we might even start publishing some of the ones we didn't use for comedic value. For this event we are also including a few audio snippets so you can play along at home.
Crystal Ballroom, Portland, OR
October, 24, 2009
The improvisations were divided into 3 different sections with fan Q&A in between. Segue ways implied.
Improv #1
mudslide on mars
climbing a mountain
Balloon Boy
West Coast vs. East Coast
vs Midwest
vs. Dirtysouth
hall and oats make a porno
funky imperial death march
slashing tires
i'm unemployed
chaka khan at an iron maiden show
slowly spiraling down
Snippet of "funky imperial death march"
Improv #2
jamaicanmecrazy
ping pong jazz
you love your fans
being chased by the cops
pink funk
Swine Flu
Jake and brendan only
skydiving w no parachute
Snippet of "jamaicamecrazy"
Improv #3
saving the princess
Andy fart solo
only clapping and vocals
drunkenstumbling into a techno rave in boys town on accident
safe sex reggae psa
brendan is wiley e coyote jake is roadrunner kris is bugs bunny andy is sylvester joel is tweety ryan is yosemite sam
Bring it old skool compton style
went mushroom hunting and ate the wrong one
scareway to Heaven
we won the war!
mozart bigass finish
Snippet of "drunkenstumbling into a techno rave in boys town on accident > safe sex reggae psa"
Snippet of "Bring it old skool compton sytle > went mushroom hunting and ate the wrong one"
One final note. We realize we live in a world where technology makes it obscenely easy to share, "borrow", and steal music. We feel we have always been more than generous when it comes to giving away a healthy amount of our music via podcasts, free samplers, album releases, this blog etc. And we plan to continue doing so. We are simply asking those of you who are in attendance at these events to not distribute these recordings. Have your crew over to hang in your living room and play them the disc but please do not copy, upload, torrent or otherwise distribute these recordings digitally or physically. This experience is a highly visual one as seeing is every bit as important as hearing. We realize that our albums and UMLives circulate on these networks and that's a reality that we have to accept. That doesn't mean we condone it. Remember, the money that comes in from the sales of albums and UMLives isn't going towards installing a gold plated toilet seat in the backyard of some evil major label executive. That money pays the bills of the guys who want to keep playing music for you for a VERY long time to come. But we're all in this together, OK? We'll keep making the music, you keep sharing that which we give freely (by all means..the more podcasts in circulation, the better), but please respect our collective wishes when it comes to official releases and other material that we've requested should not circulate. You may now return to your regular scheduled program.
Thanks to Chris Hall for the pics!
The latest acquisition to the UM arsenal takes its temporary home inside bay #2 of the tour bus. What lies within you ask? Patience young Padawan. Props to Robbie Williams and Wade Wilby on the design and implementation of the latest in road case technologies. This forward thinking and innovative design is sure to take the touring world by storm. (patent pending)
Joel gives us a tour of his new backstage practice amp
A small snippet of the famous "Gum Wall" located on Post Alley behind the Pike's Peak Market
Joel and I curiously examine this plastic steak and vegetables inside the display case at this sushi restaurant. Comical yes, appetizing no.
Greetings Friends
Sorry for the delay in recapping the inaugural S2 event but we wanted to wait until we had this video ready for consumption. We think this will give you a better feel for just how all this Stew Art business works.
Needless to say, we had an absolute blast diving head first into the world of crowd sourced, crowd directed improvisation. Many thanks to the group of you that joined us for this ground breaking event. Your willingness to take chances with us (knowing the possibility of a train wreck) is thoroughly appreciated. We are already contemplating many more ideas for the future but thought the first outing was a definite success. I had the pleasure of talking to most of you after the show and was glad to hear most of you felt the same way. Thanks for the valuable feedback on the event, we've taken many of your thoughts and comments to heart as we continue to plan new S2 shows. Additionally, we had such a good time hanging out at the last event that we are going to extend the meet & greet a while longer to further mingle, take pictures etc.
As most of you probably know, we will be hosting the next event at the historic Crystal Ballroom in Portland, OR on Saturday, October 24th. Only 50 tickets are available and they go on sale manana so get'em while you can. We feel like we have barely scratched the surface of this concept so each event is certain to grow and evolve. Stay tuned for a date near you, or just get in the van! (Let's see.... we've hit the Midwest and West Coast. Hmmm... Where to next?)
So enjoy this short clip documenting the inaugural run. Please pass it around to your friends and coworkers, post it on your blogs, facebook, tweet it, send it to your mom. We know she'll love it. You get the idea. Spread it!
Many thanks to Brett Saul who endured my "fun" list of edits while cutting this video. His handwork is much appreciated.
More Q&A with large mouth bass player Ryan Stasik
1. Reid, Kalamazoo, MI
Q: Why do you guys consider yourself from Chicago? You guys were formed in SBC and got your start their. You give South Bend shout outs. Why not say you are from South Bend? I grew up in Indiana and still consider you guys indiana boys.
A: We are not all from South Bend actually at all. I am from Pittsburgh, Joel and Kris are from Chicago, Jake is from Niles, MI, and Andy is from Gary, IN. We did meet in South Bend and originally formed the band in 1998 there. However we have lived in Chicago for almost 10 years so it makes sense to say Chicago. Do not be alarmed, we have much pride for Indiana, Michigan, and the entire Midwest! Thanks for asking.
2. William, Connecticut, RI
Q: Hey Ryan, I know Umphrey's has over a hundred songs, many of which are very complicated and rely on every band member to know their parts 100%. I'm just curious how you guys go about teaching your ideas to each other or how 6 guys can quickly and effectively learn such complex and progressive songs. Do you just show each others demos and expect them to learn, or do you sit down with the band for every project?
A: Good question William. It really depends on the situation. Sometimes we chart out progressions, other times we just show each other riffs, if we are at home we may send demos or mp3 files over the internet and learn them by ear. Usually we get together at soundcheck or backstage and discuss what other people should do to complement a riff or suggest how we should lego different sections together. However, there are times where we just wing it in the true improvisation style, and we go back and listen to the recordings and pull out the good riffs and keep them for your enjoyment.
3. Matt, Council Bluffs, IA
Q: Have you guys ever played inside of a casino and do like playing small venues?
A: Yes, we have played in multiple casinos. We like it when we win money!
4. Joe, Dover, NH
Q: What goes on ofter the show?
A: Typical ***. Tons of models hanging around, shady drug dealers lurking in the corners, loud rap music, bottles popping, skin showing, Budweiser flowing, usually some form of gambling whether it be dice or coin flips, maybe a clown. You know, pretty standard issue boring stuff. You should come hang out sometime.
5. Chad, Albuquerque, NM via Minneapolis, MN
Q: Dear Pone, Been hearing a lot about the rattail, but no pics.
What gives?
A: Here is an updated picture for your pleasure. Also is a picture from my youth. Holla!
6. OD, Miami, FL
Q: What are the chances that we will ever hear an Andy Farag triangle solo? Tried my hardest to encourage one at the Baldwinsville show with no such luck.
A: Andy is right next to me and he said there is a 50% chance of a triangle solo. Also, check out intro to YYZ.
7. TJ, Cleveland, OH
Q: Where was Sparky's? And why did it get Fucking torn down?
A: Sparky's was on the corner of Melrose and Ashland I think. It was a favorite breakfast/late night drunk spot located two blocks from the band house. You could always count on some good greasy diner food, screaming corn beef hash, and a jukebox that played Macarena absurdly loud. We were known to pop several quarters into the box before we left so the regulars could enjoy back to back to back plays of that wonderful tune! RIP Sparky's. Why is was torn down, hmmmm, no idea!
8. Kyle, Carbondale, IL
Q: Since you're my man crush, I was wondering who your famous man crush would be?
A: Im flattered. My man crush would be Mike Tomlin. I don't know if I would phrase it as my man crush, but I do respect his pimposity level. So I guess I'll say Chris Farley. I have a soft spot for chubby funny dudes. I kid!
9. Kedzie, Iowa City, IA
Q: What's the funniest/craziest thing you've seen going on in the crowd, while performing on stage? Do things that happen in the crowd ever distract you guys while you're playing (besides glow sticks hitting you)?
A: I saw a couple having sex. Actually I didn't, but that would be interesting to say the least.
10. Tyler, Chicago, IL
Q: Do you use guitar picks, because I have one of Jake's and Brendan's and I made them into a neckless so now I need to get one of yours, so I can have all three of your guys picks around my neck?
A: I do not use picks, I prefer my fingers. I could give you one of my fingers if the price is right, but I don't know good it would look on a necklace between Jake and BB's picks.
11. Joe, Geneseo, NY
Q: So I was making myself a sandwich the other day and, naturally, I asked myself, "What does Ryan Stasik like to put on his sandwiches?"
PS: If you haven't tried Miracle Whip, do it. That *** is the cat's meow.
A: I enjoy spicy mustard, pickles, tomatoes, a small amount of lettuce, my bread toasted, some Boar's Head roast beef, and a small amount of mayo. If you can put some horseradish sauce on there too, feel free. Yum Yum.
12. Brian, Richmond, IN
Q: Do you think you could post a picture of Andys hair when he first gets up thats gotta be pretty far out! No disrespect meant for Andy! But i bet that Do is everywhere. Peace n Prog! I know the college kids Love Slacker but 4 the 10-01-09 show could you replace it with a Walletsworth or a Uncommon Please out of the 14 shows ive seen it 9xs No disrespect meant there either my Friend. Later
A: Please go the Floor, our blog, and search for Andy's "A Day In The Life". You will see fist in hand his "do" on video. He is laughing next to me right now and his hair is amazing!
13. Joey Coca-Cola, Rochester, NY
Q: So I met Joel in Buffalo and he signed my NYS driver's license. I'm pretty sure I'm an official organ donor now because he signed it on the back where you sign to give away your organs. My question is....what do you think of organs, Stasik? Do they gross you out? Are you queasy? Or were you the kid in 8th grade biology who was mutilating the fetal pig that you were supposed to be dissecting?
A: Great question. This may surprise some of ya'll but when I was in high school, I did an internship at Borgess Hospital my senior year with the head neurosurgeon. I watched brain surgeries, spinal taps, and multiple back surgeries. Blood and organs have never grossed me out and I can handle the sight of most horrific things. I was never the boy who mutilated the pig in biology class. I actually thought I was going to become a doctor. I started Notre Dame as pre-med (that didn't last long after I met Brendan) and I was accepted to the University of Michigan's accelerated five year medical program. Now I'm a bass player. Who knew?
14. Ian, Newbury Park, CA
Q: Im 14 and I've been playing electric bass for about three years and listening to umphs about the same. As u could imagine I am very interested in your epic bass playing. I was at last years halloween show and u had a groovey solo in All in Time, your solos are great and very well sounding, so i ask you are your bass solos spontaneous and improvised or are they pre planned before the show?
A: Hi Ian, thanks for the kind words. I usually do not solo that often, I prefer to be more of a pocket/groove guy. So when the situation arises, it is 98% improvised and made up on the spot. I do have some songs that I may play, like Jaco's America, or if i'm noodling around before a show and come up with something I like, I may go into that during a solo. One thing I like about our band is that during our Jimmy Stewarts, everyone has the chance to start a progreesion, a riff, or a solo at anytime. That freedom is very satisfying. Keep it low and funky Ian.
"Sad But Clint Eastwood" from the Warfield, San Francisco, 10/31/08
Last year we debuted a Halloween mash up theme – music and costumes got the treatment at the Warfield, favorites including a Thriller/Another Brick in the Wall musical adventure, as well as costumes such as Ronald McDonald Trump (Andy) and Rick James Bond (Brendan). This year, we plan on continuing that theme with another few musical mash ups, and we encourage you to join us by creating a mashed up costume of your own!
As we’ll be enjoying the amazing scenery of Yosemite National Park, perhaps you’ll choose something in the vein of nature’s architecture. You might hear a friend commenting about the strange looking person/rock like thing with a red hue – is he a Mt. Fuji Apple? Or maybe you’ll be taken by the striped, four legged rapper throwin down in the corner, also known as Jay-Zebra). Hey, why is that moustached man in the hiking gear also wearing what looks like a port a potty around him? Oh that must be a Joy John Muir outfit. Another variation on this theme might be Honey Buckethead, although a KFC bucket as you’re hat does stretch the “nature” element. Finally, if you want you can also be practical. Say you’re camping and really want to stay warm throughout the night, perhaps you’ll consider taping a bunch of IOU’s around your life size Fozzy outfit to become the most financially troubled animal/muppet ever, Fozzy Bear Stearns.
So have fun creating your own, you guys definitely impresssed us last year with some hilarious costumes. We’re looking forward to our first trip to Yosemite and Las Tortugas over Halloween, see you all soon.
Joel