Where Pianos Roam

Early On a Sunday Morning

I haven't posted up a knitting update in a while.  So, I wanted to share a little bit of what I've been up to.  Last week, I talked to my sister Leth who I shall now and always refer to as The Shaolin Master of Knitting (because she is a knitting force of nature), about my dissatisfaction with the knitting bag I've been using.  I haven't been thrilled with the look of it, and those sneaky knitting needles keep sliding out!!   Uuugghhhh!!  (Insert Asian grimace HERE). So, I turned to my lovely sister and said, "Um, Shaolin Master of Knitting, what in the world should I do?" She suggested that we do an online search for some cool knitting bags.  (Great idea, huh?  She's The Master for a reason.)  I was racking my Asian brain over what I wanted--maybe something with an elephant (so cute) or a koala bear (I LOVE KOALA BEARS!!) on it, or something that was piano-esque .  .  . Then, as we poured over several prospects, I remembered that I am a huge Transformers fan (even though I thought the last movie was a colossal, stinky man-turd).  The Shaolin Master of Knitting then plugged in a search for Transformer bags.  There were several that were just too gaudy and tacky.  Finally, after about oh ten minutes or so, The Master said "AHA!!!  chowchunghetooomng pa, NYE, NYE!!!!!", and there it was.  Destiny made manifest!!!  I found what was to be the freaking coolest of knitting bags!!!  I ordered it immediately, and it just flew in a couple of days ago. Wait for it.  Wait for it .  .  .  . TADA!!!!! More Than Meets the Eye!!!!!!!!!!  It's not just a bag.  It's a knitting bag!!!  This means that I can safely transport my knitting projects everywhere with the watchful eye of Optimus Prime, Bumblebee, and all of those other clunky, gun-weilding, thingy-majigees. So awesome!!!! Now, on with the knitting.  Lately, I've been back to knitting scarves.  Wonderful, beautiful scarves!!! This is one of a series that I am working on .  .  . Here's another one I finished.  It has a basket weave pattern .  .  . Here's another red basket weave scarf that I made for my dear friend Darrell out in Charlotte, NC.  It took me FOREVER to finish. Then of course, there's this hat I haven't finished.  I'm dreading the end of it because it requires that I switch out the needles on them to these super teensy-tiny ones.  I'm gonna try to finish this one soon. By the way, my sister, The Shaolin Master of Knitting, has a great blog of her own.  Check it ooot right here: http://lulubellesunshine.wordpress.com/ So, that's it folks.  I've got more scarves to finish up before I start on what I hope to be my first shawl. Who says men don't knit? -g www.gordonroque.com

Video of the Week: Honoring Heath Ledger

I wanted to take a little time to pay a small tribute to the late actor Heath Ledger.  He died two years ago this month, and I remember being as shocked and saddened by his passing as everyone else.  He died so young but already left quite a legacy in the movies he performed in.  Recently, he posthumously won the Oscar for Best Supporting Actor for his maniacal and sinister portrayal of the Joker in The Dark Knight/Batman film.  He clearly deserved the recognition and all the respect he earned through such a brief but illustrious career. He also happened to play the lead role in one of my all-time favorite films--a quiet, understated film that also manages to be epic and full of grandeur all at once.  It is a film called Brokeback Mountain. I happen to believe that his portrayal of Ennis Del Mar is Heath's crowning achievement as an actor.  This was a character that was so tightly wound and deeply at such a loss for what he truly desired.  Ledger manages to be painfully eloquent with very few and barely understandable words to even say.  The film chronicles twenty years in Ennis' life and in the final scenes, a spirit broken is all that remains. It's not the kind of film that is blatant or over the top.  It's the kind of film that hits you many days after you've seen it--when the hurt, the heaviness, and the despairing loneliness of it all starts to make sense, when losses sustained were purely, hopelessly unsustainable.  Ledger's performance carried this whole film, and it is all, collectively, an elegant cinematic masterpiece. I just wanted to take the time to thank Heath and to honor his great work. This week's Video of the Week is compiled footage from the film Brokeback Mountain set to the film's original film score. [youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2H4fLQ9_c3w] Thank you Heath, so much, for everything. -g

www.gordonroque.com

The Wetting of Feet

On Wednesday, January 27, I did my first show for 2010 at The End here in Nashville.  I haven't done an actual show since August of last year, and this was just a chance for me to get my feet wet and back into the swing of things.  (The irony hasn't escaped me.  It's fitting to make a new beginning at The End.  Where else should it happen?) My drummer Tim Good and I pretty much rocked out.  I'm blessed that he's extraordinarily talented and that he knows my songs very well because we were not able to rehearse before then due to another drummer backing out on me.  We just went on stage and decided to "wing it" as they say.    I'm glad we did because our set was lively and fantastic.  Here was the setlist: 1.  Mr. Stranger 2.  Fear 3.  Tears In Savannah (New Version with drums) 4.  Villain 5.  Gertrude Is a Boy It was actually just a small set even though we could have gone on far longer.  I went with a more rockin' set because The End is traditionally an indie rock venue, and I'm not really interested in doing too many ballads these days.  (Though I have to say that the audience and the whole venue were eerily quiet when I did "Tears In Savannah".  It was kind of amazing.  I'm never going to forget that.) On a side note, I really loved playing at The End.  It's a VERY old venue with a lot of spunk and character.  Tim and I also weren't the only two-piece band to play.  In fact, it was the night of the two-piece. Conestyle and Allofher Twitch were also two-man bands who to0k the stage.   I enjoyed both of their very intense sets. Here are some photos: Now that I've gotten my feet wet, it's time to dive all the way in.  There's gonna be a lot of music going on in 2010.  In addition to all of my own work, I'm also lending my keyboard skills to a couple of songs on a friend's new album.   (More on that collaboration soon.)   I'm gonna play my little heart out all year. It's full immersion time. More soon. -g

www.gordonroque.com

Playing at The End in Nashville Tonight!!

My wonderful drummer Tim Good and I will be performing tonight at one of Nashville's longstanding music venues!  I'll be playing songs from my debut album "Seahorses" along with a new song or two.  This will be my first time to play at The End, and I'm pretty stoked!  Some great local bands (Conestyle, Samantha Gibb and the Cartel, Allofher Twitch) will also be performing! I'll hopefully have some photo and video footage to share with you all once it is said and done. All of the action starts at 10 PM!! Big Asian hugs to anyone who attends! -g

Happy Birthday to my Sister Leth!

Today, my older sister turns, oh well, I forget.  She is another year older, wiser, and better.  With four lively, beautiful children and a sweet husband, she's built herself a life full of love and a wonderful family. [caption id="attachment_1891" align="aligncenter" width="451" caption="My sis with her hubby"][/caption] [caption id="attachment_1892" align="aligncenter" width="453" caption="Four glorious kids!"][/caption] Happy Birthday Sis, from a very lucky and blessed younger brother! -g

Special Feature: The Third and the Seventh

I wanted to take some time to showcase a gorgeous work of art.  It is a short film called "The Third and the Seventh".  It incorporates modern art, architecture, design, and uninhibited imagination.  The real becomes surreal as lanterns float among trees, huge raindrops hover above the ground, and books flank tall, endless walls.  This is visionary.  (Of course, there's also a pretty grand piano featured in a few scenes.) Produced and directed by Alex Roman, it is an astonishing achievement. I present to you, "The Third and the Seventh" .  .  . [youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PSGx4bBU9Qc] Imagination is an amazing thing. -g

Video of the Week: Why

Annie Lennox is one of those hugely talented artists.  Her voice is at all times a force of nature--unmistakable, powerful, vulnerable, and rich with feeling. This week's Video of the Week is a live performance of what is probably my most favorite song in her repertoire.  It's just her, a piano, and an adoring audience.  This is as it should be .  .  . [youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ILJxICUIbCY] As a bonus, here is the album version and official video for this gorgeous track: [youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1vP-bONWw38] Be well my friends, -g

Early On a Sunday Morning

Okay, now that I have done my run-through of 2009 over the past few posts, I now have one more thing do to before it's back to business here at Where Pianos Roam. I wanted to take a little time to look into the future.  Namely, I wanted to share insights into what I hope to be doing in 2010.  I've always been very selective about the projects I take on, and after much thought these are the top priorities over the next 12 months. First off, here is a list of what I know will be happening all year long .  .  .

Spending time with family and friends. Playing shows and selling copies of my album. Exercising as much as humanly possible. Reading books Knitting

Now, here is a run-through of the new works in progress for 2010

1.  New Music

I've been working on new music for quite some time now, and I've more or less mapped out a plan of action to bring this new music to fruition.  A formal announcement will be soon forthcoming.  Just know that it is most definitely in the works.  This is one of the biggest priorities this year, and there is the tallest mountain of work to get started on.

2.  Oreo and Buttercup

I have some expansion plans for these two.  Not only will there be more episodes, but plans are being made to broaden their online site and create more exposure.  This is my wacky little side project, and it's gotten a great response from just about everywhere.  I don't really understand why, but I think mainly it's because they're just so darn cute.

3.  Dragon Slaying

In a lot of ways, 2010 will be a year of reckoning for me.  There are issues I need to resolve and plans I need to make.  I'll be the first to admit that there are several aspects of my life that aren't up for public exposure and that I do not discuss on this blog, on stage, or in any public forum.  Some things are better  left unspoken.  Suffice it to say that I will be slaying some dragons this year, and I'm gonna fight to the finish. I have a lot of other little projects, but I'd say these are the big three.  There will be so much to do.  I can't wait to get all of these new adventures started.  In fact, I already have .  .  . More soon my friends. -g

Biggest Lessons from 2009

In my final instalment of my review of 2009, I wanted to take some time to acknowledge some of the biggest lessons that I learned along the way.  I've always believed in the importance of learning.  It doesn't stop when you've graduated from high school or college.  In fact, I think the real learning begins in the outside world we choose to live in.  There are lessons everywhere if we allow ourselves to see them. These thoughts are foremost in my mind as I embark upon 2010 .  .  .

1.  Rest is VITAL.

I think I finally admitted to myself not too long ago that I am a bit of a workaholic.  I've spent the last year doing shows, writing music, publicity, building my website, knitting, blogging, exercising, and all kinds of little projects here and there.  Maybe it's different for everyone, but I tend to eventually lose focus and the initial motivation that I had before when I keep going nonstop. I recently decided to spend at least five consecutive hours once a week doing absolutely nothing.  This is VERY difficult for me, but I've found that it has actually helped me be more productive overall.  So from now on, this Asian is going to make a fully conscious effort to rest and get rejuvenated every week.  It'll be an item on every to-do list.

2.  Don't discredit your own feelings for the sake of others.

I have a tendency to dismiss my own feelings in favor of not hurting the feelings of others; therefore, I tend to be more passive in situations when a confrontation should really be necessary.   I don't know why I do this, but I've realized that it has got to stop.  My feelings are just as valid as anyone elses, and as long as I can be as tactful as possible and not hurtful, it's okay to be forthcoming about how I feel.  I often make every consideration for everyone else and much less for myself.   WTF? Ultimately, no one is going to stand up for myself and present my own feelings better than me.  It's time I started doing so.

3.    If you can help it, only work with people who show respect and are a joy to work with.

Not too long ago, I was  involved in a collaboration that turned sour very quickly.  The other person showed an ego and a dismissiveness that I hadn't realized existed.  This person turned into a bit of a dehumanizing bitch when push came to shove.  First off, this showed me how not to treat people under any circumstance, and secondly, I've decided to choose my collaborations wisely from now on.  My time is valuable, and life is far too short to be involved in projects that are not fulfilling and make you feel like a worthless, expendable prop.

4.    Let your instincts and intuition be your guide.

I can't even count the times I've overlooked my gut feelings only to find out that they were right all along.  Maybe I don't trust myself like I should, but I think I've been on this earth long enough to know a thing or two.  On the one hand, I often take the time to consider all sides.  This is generally good, but it usually keeps me from taking more immediate and instinctive actions when they were probably necessary.   Yeah, I've got to work on this.

5.  Love myself.

As I read over the previous four lessons,  I see a more-than-tenuous pattern forming .  .  . Not taking time for myself Discrediting my own feelings Not standing up for myself Not trusting my instincts Am I crazy or are all of these lessons parts of a bigger, darker picture?  Well, to love thyself is not a new lesson to me by any means.  I think maybe I might not know what it truly means to do so.  What does it mean to truly love yourself?  I honestly don't quite know, but I think it is about time to find out. If any of you have any insights into this, I welcome them wholeheartedly. Lesson #5 is my work in progress for 2010. Thanks for reading this, and I hope you all learned a good bit in the last year as well. Farewell 2009, and thanks for staying a while. -gordon

The Best Memories from 2009

For posterity, I wanted to document some of the most memorable moments I experienced in 2009.    There have been some amazingly wonderful times .  .  .

Welcome to Seattle!

Last January, I was blessed to visit my good friends Leigh and Chris in Seattle.  I stayed for a few days and brought along Oreo and Buttercup.  I ate a HUGE burrito, hung out with a troll, visited Bainbridge Island, visited the grave of Bruce Lee and his son, had a lovely ferry ride, wandered aimlessly through a cubist library, and pretty much took photos of O and B all around the city.  More than anything, I enjoyed spending time with Leigh, Chris, and their beautiful daughter Sophia!  It was the best trip ever.

Learning How to Knit

In February, my sister made a second attempt at teaching me how to knit.  The first time it happened I got really frustrated and tossed it all aside.  For whatever reason, something stuck this time around.  My first project was a beautiful maroon and beige scarf that I still wear to this day.  So far, I've knitted eight scarves, two hats, a bracelet, and half of a throw blanket ever since.  It is such relaxing and rewarding way to pass the time.  I'll be knitting more in the next year.  Here is a photo of the first scarf I ever knitted:

Atlanta Trip

Last February, I visited Atlanta with my friend Chris.  We were mainly there to see an Antony and the Johnsons concert, but we decided to make a whole weekend out of it.  Of course, I took Oreo and Buttercup along.  We visited some fancy malls, and I ate this AMAZING butternut squash dish that I will never forget as long as I live.  It was a really wonderful trip.  My friend Chris was the best host ever!  Here he is being slightly embarrassed having his picture taken with a miniature piano and a rowdy bench:

Antony and the Johnsons Concert at the Variety Playhouse

Simply put, it was one of the best concerts I have ever been to.  This was one band that did not need a bunch of crazy pyrotechnics and theatrics to put on a beautiful show.  They were on tour to support the release of the new album "The Crying Light" and sang most of the songs from it.  There was even a cover of Beyonce's hit song "Crazy In Love".  I sat in the front row in direct sight of Antony playing the piano.  It was so mesmerizing.  After the show, my friend Chris and I got to meet Antony.  He signed a copy of his CD for me, and I gave him a copy of my album "Seahorses".  It was the best concert ever!  For sure, I will see them perform again whenever I possibly can.

Shows in Charlotte, NC

Last April, I did some fun shows in Charlotte, NC at Jackson's Java and Manifest Discs for National Record Store day.  While there, I got to visit many old friends.  My drummer and I stayed at a hotel in the middle of downtown.  There was plenty to see and lots to do.  Much fun was had by all.

Goodbye Michael .  .  .

There are people who remember the day Elvis died and others who remember when John Lennon was shot.  I will always remember when Michael Jackson died.  He was a living, breathing legend----a one-of-a-kind class act.  Last June, I mourned his passing along with the world, and I am grateful now to have his music to help preserve his memory.  He rests in peace and in our hearts, always.

Performing In Alabama

I was fortunate to be a guest performer at the Persacon Anime Convention in Decatur, Alabama last July.  It was a memorable trip.  I made a lot of friends and played a TON of my songs for everyone.  Alabama is a beautiful state!  This trip opened my eyes to the culture of anime and the conventions that celebrate them.  It was all incredibly fun and fascinating. [caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="600" caption="That's me in the background stuffing my face!"]

Visiting Huntsville

I enjoyed Alabama so much that I went back a couple of weeks later and hung out in Huntsville for a day to visit a friend and clear my head a little bit.  It was a much needed break from regular life.

Charlotte Trip #2

In September, I did a show at Manifest Discs again and employed my Roland Synthesizer in the mix to add more texture to my music.  It went extremely well.  While there, my friend Chris treated me to the most amazing burger at a place called The Counter at Southpark Mall.  OMG!!  It was one of the best burgers I've ever had!  SOOOO GOOOOD!!

With Love, Uncle

Perhaps the most memorable event of 2009 was the birth of my nephew Francisco Kitiona Marcelo.  Even though he only lived for two weeks, my whole family was blessed to have him in our lives for even that long.  It was the greatest hardship when he died, and it was a testament to the strength of my family that we made it through it all okay.  We had a beautiful memorial service and burial for him, and an entire community of people rallied around us in support.  The blessings started from him and multiplied from there. We will cherish him always .  .  .

New Year's with Mom!

In my family, it is an annual tradition to celebrate New Year's Eve with my Mom since it is also her birthday.  This year we went to a fabulous Japanese restaurant in downtown Nashville called Kobe Steakhouse.  We ate delicious food, got my Mom a little tipsy, and brought in the new year with a bang!   It was a lot of fun.

[/caption] As you can see, it's been quite a year.  Now, as God is my witness, 2010 will be even BETTER!!!!!! Hugs and happiness to you all in the coming year! -gordon