Dad3353

Are you sitting comfortably..? Then I'll begin... For several years I was part of the 3 elephants festival organisation. 2004, our 'top of the bill' was Keziah Jones (further anecdotes relating to that show..!). On one of the secondary stages, I followed, backstage, Meî Teï Shô; this was one of their 'numbers', and, just like the video above, had full participation from the packed marquee. I retained from this performance the riff on the bass, played by Boris Kulenovic. I was inspired by this bassline ten years later in composing my entry for the Composition Challenge, adding to the 7/4 beat a secondary 'doubling' of one note, in 6/4, so that it moves around as the rhythm advances. Here's what's left of that composition, with the picture that inspired it, chosen by Mike (Urb...)...

Despite the above ^^^^, I still maintain that it's a broad spectrum, and some folk get on with swapping over for certain things, others less so. Obviously, a sample of one as 'proof of concept' is not enough in itself, but I am right-handed for most things (writing, cutting vegetables etc...) and played drums from the outset right-handed. After a couple of years, and not feeling the progress I was wanting, I swapped the kit over (bass pedal on the left foot, hi-hat to my right...) and have never looked back. I peel potatoes 'righty', but, as the peeler has a two-edged blade, I often peel 'lefty', just so as to use the other half of the blade. In my model-making, I often have to use my scissors in the left hand, or use power tools held in the left hand. I agree that to force anyone, especially young children, to do things 'righty' is an abomination (our grand-son is a hard 'lefty'...), but would always encourage anyone to at least try stuff the other way round (yes, righty trying things out with their left hand, too...). I've no idea as to the statistical spread, but I would guess that, most folk fall into the 'bell curve', and that their are many that are ambidextrous, at least to some degree. Those at either end of this bell curve are, I would guess, more of a minority than the basic '10%' are left-handed'. That's all I'm suggesting.

Yes indeed. I've seen since looking hard after past debates on the subject, that it's possible to buy a left-handed piano, but I still stubbornly maintain that, except maybe for a very few hard-line cases, it's perfectly possible to play any instrument as right-handed (or I would prefer to say 'normal'...), especially if starting out on the instrument for the very first time. I know from personal experience. of hard 'lefties' playing 'normal' guitar (my own brother, for one of many...). I know also that it's controversial, and that there are some that will violently oppose the notion, even as far as claiming some sort of cabal or oppression, but, to me, the case is proven in seeing these huge formations mastering their 'normal' instruments. Maybe one has to start young, s'all..?

BBC Four, the National Youth Orchestra are playing right now some rather more contemporary pieces (Over 160 musicians; that's a lot, even for philharmonic orchestras..!). The key word is 'Youth'; there seems to be about an equal spread of men and women, giving a lie to the notion that women aren't interested in playing music. On another note: I've no way of knowing for sure, but statistically, they would be about 10% of left-handed players performing. I've not yet spotted a left-handed instrument, though. Interesting..? I think so...

When I'm composing, I'm not often using 'random' notes, looking for one that sounds good. I'm probably not thinking 'notes' at all, usually. I'm looking for motion, transition, joining melodies, arpeggios and sections. For this, amongst other 'tools' such as experience, feeling and luck, I would often call upon the Circle of Fifths to give me a connection. I may not use it, or I may listen to several directions offered by this; I may change tack completely, but it's useful to have this option. Indispensable..? Not at all, but it's an extra string to my bow, which I can use if I want.

See above ^^^^

Wow, voices...

Composing..?

I've been trying to play 'Misty', chord-melody, on guitar for nearly over half a century. One day, maybe; one day...

Here is my contribution to the August 2023 Basschat Composition Challenge, illustrated with a picture chosen by Lurksalot. Yet another doomed effort to get away. It's not to be; the next awakening N° 6 will be back, once more, on The Island ... Two sources here, trying to recreate what I remember of the 'key' elements of '70s 'Prisoner' themes, notably trombones and bongos. Tension-building 'radiophonic' stuff sets an oppressive ambiance, until the inevitable. Philharmonik for the instruments, The Free Orchestra for the atmospheric sounds. My usual Cockos NY 'glue' with Reaper, of course; what else..? Thanks for listening, if you already have; if you're about to, enjoy.

Oh no it isn't. ...

PM sent...

Thanks for having made the effort; well done. Wasted on me, as it's not my 'thing', but I've seen and heard much, much worse. I am not moved to 'getting down with the young folk' as a consequence, however; I'll just remain my dull, frumpy old self. Thanks again, though.

I can't really judge, as I don't have Facebook, so...