| Author | Message | ||
| sonicus
Senior Member Username: sonicus Post Number: 4149 Registered: 5-2009 |
Hello friends , I have decided expose my current and past musical projects to our Alembic Brothers and Sisters. I will start with a current project that is brand new. The links that I provide here were from the first musical collaboration of my self and the two guitarists. The drummer has been a musical collaborator with me for about the last year or so and him and I flow like water, The lead guitarist is playing an Alembic Further and I am playing my Alembic single pickup Distillate 81-0325 I will continue to add content as back as far as I find all the way into the 1970's . This was our first musical experiment; https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Db8zEQKaFs https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GN9NHwm_2Ao Wolf (Message edited by sonicus on May 11, 2015) | ||
| davehouck
Moderator Username: davehouck Post Number: 11745 Registered: 5-2002 |
Just watched the first one; very nice! And yes, the bass and drums flow quite nicely. | ||
| sonicus
Senior Member Username: sonicus Post Number: 4150 Registered: 5-2009 |
Thanks Dave . | ||
| sonicus
Senior Member Username: sonicus Post Number: 4151 Registered: 5-2009 |
Here is another from that day ; https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BXbYXSLx_EI | ||
| rustyg61
Senior Member Username: rustyg61 Post Number: 1641 Registered: 2-2011 |
Great stuff Wolf! What is the LED by your cable for? | ||
| sonicus
Senior Member Username: sonicus Post Number: 4154 Registered: 5-2009 |
Hi Rusty, Thanks ! The LED on my Distillate was an indicator LED on earlier Distillates that shines when your cord is plugged into the Bass. Some folks disconnect that LED to preserve battery life. Thanks for checking out the links. Wolf | ||
| sonicus
Senior Member Username: sonicus Post Number: 4155 Registered: 5-2009 |
Ken plays some kool solos with his Alembic Further Guitar on this tune; https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IdOjE5B-YYE | ||
| sonicus
Senior Member Username: sonicus Post Number: 4156 Registered: 5-2009 |
Here is a toasty version of "The Chicken" . This was a Trio at a live gig with me on Bass , Kenny on the Drums and Steve on Guitar. https://soundcloud.com/sonicus-alembicus/a-chicken | ||
| sonicus
Senior Member Username: sonicus Post Number: 4157 Registered: 5-2009 |
Here is the first Jam from our last Northern California 2014 Alembic Gathering . Wolf on Bass , Bill, Matt and Steve on guitar and Will the drummer. https://soundcloud.com/sonicus-alembicus/2014-alembic-gathering-1 | ||
| jon_jackson
Advanced Member Username: jon_jackson Post Number: 218 Registered: 12-2008 |
Very nice! Jon | ||
| fc_spoiler
Senior Member Username: fc_spoiler Post Number: 1716 Registered: 5-2006 |
Sounds very good, thanx for sharing! :-) | ||
| sonicus
Senior Member Username: sonicus Post Number: 4158 Registered: 5-2009 |
Thanks Jon & Flip | ||
| slawie
Senior Member Username: slawie Post Number: 782 Registered: 8-2002 |
Nice work Wolf. I have been tapping my foot all morning to the grooves you put down. You owe me for a new shoe! slawie | ||
| sonicus
Senior Member Username: sonicus Post Number: 4159 Registered: 5-2009 |
Thanks Slawie, I now owe you a lunch and a new shoe as well ! Wolf | ||
| sonicus
Senior Member Username: sonicus Post Number: 4161 Registered: 5-2009 |
A while back I played both bass and Trumpet tracks on two CD's for some folks who were called ; Funk Dub Division There are also a few You Tube vids; Here I play Fretless Bass and Trumpet on the music track. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4zcP-F-s84g | ||
| moongerm
Intermediate Member Username: moongerm Post Number: 197 Registered: 8-2013 |
Very cool Wolf! -Brian | ||
| sonicus
Senior Member Username: sonicus Post Number: 4167 Registered: 5-2009 |
Thanks Brian! | ||
| rustyg61
Senior Member Username: rustyg61 Post Number: 1643 Registered: 2-2011 |
Love the Funk Dub Division video! What kind of fretless were you playing? | ||
| sonicus
Senior Member Username: sonicus Post Number: 4168 Registered: 5-2009 |
(double post correction ) (Message edited by sonicus on May 16, 2015) | ||
| sonicus
Senior Member Username: sonicus Post Number: 4169 Registered: 5-2009 |
Hello Rusty, I wish I could say that I had an Alembic fretless that I played on that tune but it was not. I am still looking for that Alembic fretless with my name on it . ( so to speak ). The fretless that I played on that cut was a " bolt on" Jazz Bass type project assembled of parts that I collected in the early 1990s. The body is a simple Stewart-Macdonald , Ash Jazz bass body. The bridge is a Schaller roller saddle bridge, The tuners are also Schaller large gear Fender types . The neck was originally a Chandler lined fretless neck made from Maple with a rosewood lined fingerboard that I saw hanging in a local music store that I traded other merchandise for. I wanted to have the fingerboard finished with a hard epoxy like finish such as JACO had done. ___Next ; Jerry Dorsch (co-founder of Modulus Graphite with Geoff) applied the finish to the neck and also applied a clear finish to the body. Jerry also supplied a set of Bartolini 9W4 JJ pickups and assembled all the parts since he already had it all in his shop at the time . In the future I will likely install Alembic JJ Activator pickups in this bass. (Message edited by sonicus on May 16, 2015) | ||
| rustyg61
Senior Member Username: rustyg61 Post Number: 1645 Registered: 2-2011 |
Well, it sounded great! I love the sound of a fretless! You play it very well too! I have one I built in woodshop in high school. I put a Mighty Mite fretted neck on it, but later had the frets removed so you can still see the lines where the frets were. I've often thought about sending it to Alembic to have them refinish it & install Activators, but I'm still on my honeymoon with my Europa, so that would be way down the road. Post a picture of your fretless if you have one. | ||
| sonicus
Senior Member Username: sonicus Post Number: 4172 Registered: 5-2009 |
Hi Rusty, Thank you so very much. I had a few shop classes in High School as well . I think music and shop class were my favorites . Tinkering and playing music remains to be precious to me. Your Europa is truly wonderful and must be a joy to play. I think if I had an Alembic Custom fretless it might have a Europa or Jazz Bass shape ! I will definitely post pics on this site of the fretless that I used on the sound track of that vid after I install the Alembic Activators to keep Alembic content. I am hoping that I will be able to get the old style JJ Activators with Volume/Volume/Filter . The Bartolini 9W4's are nice BUT I prefer the sound of Alembic. | ||
| rustyg61
Senior Member Username: rustyg61 Post Number: 1646 Registered: 2-2011 |
I look forward to seeing the pictures Wolf! | ||
| sonicus
Senior Member Username: sonicus Post Number: 4349 Registered: 5-2009 |
Dave , thanks so very much for reopening this thread . I have new content for it that I was just informed of , Wolf | ||
| sonicus
Senior Member Username: sonicus Post Number: 4350 Registered: 5-2009 |
Rusty, I will be replacing the Bartolini pickups with passive electronics to Alembic Activators soon . At that time I will post the conversion project with pictures in a separate thread. Wolf | ||
| sonicus
Senior Member Username: sonicus Post Number: 4351 Registered: 5-2009 |
Dear friends, Last evening I received an email from one of the producers from the Funk Dub Division recording projects that CD Baby had posted more content on You Tube that I played on .I think that they were looking for television advertising /video /motion picture /etc, "sound track" deals. I got a few calls from them for such content. There is lots more to come. On this track I play my Alembic Distillate . The track is called "BRITISH INVASION". https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZavOa2YnYrY | ||
| sonicus
Senior Member Username: sonicus Post Number: 4352 Registered: 5-2009 |
I play Bass on this one called DUBBY DOT COM. Somewhat SKA like in genre. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bUdkWXINLwc Sonic Regards! Wolf Bostedt AKA Sonicus @ The Alembic Club | ||
| sonicus
Senior Member Username: sonicus Post Number: 4353 Registered: 5-2009 |
This is a " Remix" version without vocals that I play Bass on. The " remix of BUBBY DOT COM is called DUBBY DOT DUB. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ngM8z8lkK-Q Wolf | ||
| sonicus
Senior Member Username: sonicus Post Number: 4354 Registered: 5-2009 |
The producers just had me play All the brass instruments on this one. Trumpet and Mellophones played by "me , my self and I " This track is called V-DUB https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EzOohu9xaI8 Wolf Bostedt AKA Sonicus right here. (Message edited by sonicus on July 16, 2015) | ||
| sonicus
Senior Member Username: sonicus Post Number: 4355 Registered: 5-2009 |
I will add more stuff later including one of my attempts at " Synth Sample Classical Composition and Arrangement." Wolf ( who is grateful for the " Alembic Club"  ... ... ... | ||
| rv_bass
Member Username: rv_bass Post Number: 54 Registered: 8-2014 |
Cool stuff, Wolf, sounds great! | ||
| moongerm
Advanced Member Username: moongerm Post Number: 237 Registered: 8-2013 |
Nice Wolf! | ||
| sonicus
Senior Member Username: sonicus Post Number: 4356 Registered: 5-2009 |
Thanks Robert and Brian. | ||
| sonicus
Senior Member Username: sonicus Post Number: 4385 Registered: 5-2009 |
https://soundcloud.com/sonicus-alembicus/conceptus-sonicus The link above is a work in progress . It is the Overture for my first Symphony so to speak. I started it in 2005. I still intend to add Alembic Series Bass Guitar parts , Female vocals and guitars. In its finished form I intend it to represent a work of "Symphonic Rock". I am still in the orchestral stages of composition. There will be three movement after the overture. ( I hope that live long enough to its completion ) Eventually I intend to add a visual aspect to my composition in the form of either computer animation or a live theatrical filmed presentation on a stage or movie or even a real opera . The scene is set from Viking mythology in the overture in the opening scene: Freyja , the leader of the the Valkyries is circling a perimeter of a Viking Battle looking for her lost husband shedding Golden Amber Tears . As she lands on the ground she calls to her troops for assistance. Hrista , one of the Valkyries shakes the ground with her strong wings upon her landing approach during the tuba and arco bass duet. I have quit a bit of work left here till I fell happy with its completion ! Wolf & Sonicus @ the Alembic Club and Wolf Bostedt in the street ! I send you all my Brotherly Love Friends ! (Message edited by sonicus on July 27, 2015) | ||
| davehouck
Moderator Username: davehouck Post Number: 11890 Registered: 5-2002 |
That was wonderful!! | ||
| sonicus
Senior Member Username: sonicus Post Number: 4386 Registered: 5-2009 |
Thanks Dave . There will be more as time and inspiration and access to folks and singers lends to my efforts , Wolf | ||
| rustyg61
Senior Member Username: rustyg61 Post Number: 1710 Registered: 2-2011 |
Wow Wolf! That was awesome! Did you record at your house? Is that a keyboard, or software instruments? I can't wait to hear more! Great job! | ||
| sonicus
Senior Member Username: sonicus Post Number: 4388 Registered: 5-2009 |
Hi Rusty, Thanks so much ! Yes , That was already on a hard drive when you came for a visit that time, I have been using software sample programs and a Kurzweil Midi Board with 88 keys . I am not real piano player with good left and right hand independance . My early clasisical influences and the love for those are shedding a large amount of power recently ( last 10 years). in my older years I need to etablish a final work before it is too late . I feel the drive for this and other musical projects at this time . I will be anouncing other projects and invitations from other folks to play with them soon . It looks like I will have gig playing with some current members of "Quick Silver "as well soon . This is what an old bass player wants . Stay tuned for more info. Wolf | ||
| rustyg61
Senior Member Username: rustyg61 Post Number: 1711 Registered: 2-2011 |
The instruments sound amazing & your playing is spot on! I love classical instrumentation! I've got some great sounds in my Pro Tools too, but I am no keyboard player. I have to sequence any part that has more than a few notes! You are inspiring me to dust off my MIDI keyboard & start recording! Keep up the great work! | ||
| sonicus
Senior Member Username: sonicus Post Number: 4392 Registered: 5-2009 |
Rusty, Thanks ! You can do it too if I kind of can . I am not a real keyboard /piano player in that I have not developed good right and left hand independence. I am definitely not a piano player per se. When I was eight years old I had piano lessons until I was ten and then I switched to the Trumpet lessons. I picked up playing Bass when I was fourteen . Piano lessons only gave me a first exposure to basics but because of physical problems with my left hand I did not stay with the piano. I did however have plenty exposure to hearing plenty classical music at home as a child. I have a deep love for much of it and some exposure to playing it on Brass instruments and a tiny bit on Double Bass. A digital sample interface masks my shortcomings and promotes my melodic mentation . I think I have learned different aspects from a few different composers listening and reflecting. Wolf | ||
| 5a_quilt_top
Senior Member Username: 5a_quilt_top Post Number: 593 Registered: 6-2012 |
Finally got a chance to listen to your links. Incredible range of diversity - ! Really liked the "Anyway You Want It" vid - refreshingly clever, excellent editing. And, your overture does sound like the soundtrack to a film or theatrical presentation that hasn't yet been developed. I closed my eyes and imagined forests, mountains and ominous dark skies - so you're successfully "painting" with sound! Bravo! | ||
| sonicus
Senior Member Username: sonicus Post Number: 4400 Registered: 5-2009 |
Thank you so very much ! As diverse as my various projects seem to be I always seem to gain enjoyment from hearing and seeing different angles of experimentation towards their creation. It is really kool when you get to do that on other peoples projects as well . Wolf | ||
| sonicus
Senior Member Username: sonicus Post Number: 4438 Registered: 5-2009 |
Hi friends ! When I started this thread near the middle of this year in May it was with Youtube links of a new musical experiment of a JAM that revealed interesting potential and chemistry in my opinion. Those experiments have continued over the last few months and the result is a NEW BAND with some personnel changes in the process . Here is a recent post on Youtube. I am playing my Alembic Series I ; 81-1940 in this link. The lead guitarist is playing an Alembic Further guitar. We love the Alembic sound ! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pn83Ku0ePDQ Our new band is called "EASY WIND". We already have a few gigs booked ! Our next gig will be at the BISTRO in Hayward , Ca. 1001 B Street 94541 . I will post information regarding a few more gigs soon for September and October . We currently have a website registered and it is up and still under construction.  I will keep you all well posted ! Wolf | ||
| ed_zeppelin
Member Username: ed_zeppelin Post Number: 62 Registered: 2-2010 |
I have just listened to the first video three times. I don't know the song. Would you mind explaining the time signature? | ||
| sonicus
Senior Member Username: sonicus Post Number: 4439 Registered: 5-2009 |
Hi Forest ! If you are referring to the first video in this thread in my post #4149 , the tune before the segue is " Playing in the band" AKA " The main ten". It starts out in 10/4. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Playing_in_the_Band Often in Grateful Dead style improvisation a variation of the technique of " Tempo Rubato" is utilized in ensemble playing . A technique that is often found in various Jazz styles. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tempo_rubato Wolf | ||
| ed_zeppelin
Member Username: ed_zeppelin Post Number: 63 Registered: 2-2010 |
>>>A technique that is often found in various Jazz styles. <<< As well as certain situations in the 70s and 80s where time became much more "fluid," (according to a unicorn that floated by on a flaming streusel). What one of my favorite drummers described as "skeet-shooting for the '1.'" Kidding aside, Mickey Hart is a master of that, and I just wasn't sure if it was a Dead song I hadn't heard. I've learned that It's so much easier to just ask than bob your head like someone having convulsions, going; "ONE two three four fiv... ONE two three ONE two ... dammit ... ONE two three ..." Etc. | ||
| sonicus
Senior Member Username: sonicus Post Number: 4441 Registered: 5-2009 |
Our website; http://www.easywind.us/ is taking shape. A rehearsal video of "Mississippi Half Step Uptown Toodeloo" currently is there now. Our drummer Kenny sings the lead part. I am playing my "Series I 81-1940 " More to come soon ... ... Wolf | ||
| sonicus
Senior Member Username: sonicus Post Number: 4481 Registered: 5-2009 |
My band "EASY WIND" has a GIG Tonight @ The Bistro 1001 B Street in Hayward , California . Check the link for my band in my post above. Wolf | ||
| sonicus
Senior Member Username: sonicus Post Number: 4484 Registered: 5-2009 |
My gig with " Easy Wind " at the "Bistro" went quite well on 9/11/15. We are a two ALEMBIC Player band . Ken the lead guitarist play's an "Alembic Further ". I had been planning on playing my Series I for the gig in Stereo. At the last moment I decided to use my Distillate and keep it simple due to the stage size. My Stereo rig consists of four 2x10 cabs powered by A Crest power amp and All Alembic rack . I used two 2x10 instead and still filled the room powered by an old GK800RB. I have some shaky video of this gig and also an audio recording from my Zoom H5.I might post that as well . The next day we had a large festival daytime gig. The Video for that is much better ! I did not have very much time for set up on stage and sound test ( 30 minutes) so I kept it simple with three 2X10 cabs . Here is the You Tube link ; Jack Straw https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aiYQJszZVh4 Truckin https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PFqHoVTe4go Ramble On Rose https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oov5Aa4bc00 If you want to see the video from the Bistro 9/11/ gig it is on the same You Tube channel ; https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWJMR64TljvUM0XLVhada3w More to come ! Wolf | ||
| sonicus
Senior Member Username: sonicus Post Number: 4485 Registered: 5-2009 |
Here is " Terrapin- Playing in the Band " from the Bistro 9/11 GIG https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QZOaPXk25sU Morning Dew : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=srh6Cf6R3pU The vid is a bit shaky , but it can be seen that the folks in the place are having fun . Wolf | ||
| moongerm
Advanced Member Username: moongerm Post Number: 280 Registered: 8-2013 |
Good draw and people having fun! You are cutting through just fine too. Very cool. | ||
| sonicus
Senior Member Username: sonicus Post Number: 4486 Registered: 5-2009 |
Thanks for checking us out . It is fortunate that the loyal fans of " The Dead Guise" will show up to hear us play since " Easy Wind " consists of founding members from the " Dead Guise" and my self as a new bass player. Our next gig is at the " Uncle Rico's Rock&Roll in the Park Festival on September 27th at about 12:00 Noon or so . The address is 24176 Mission Blvd in Hayward ,California 94544 . | ||
| sonicus
Senior Member Username: sonicus Post Number: 4487 Registered: 5-2009 |
Equipment unloaded and waiting to get on stage while our drummer assembles his extensive drum kit ; all of it gets played  | ||
| rustyg61
Senior Member Username: rustyg61 Post Number: 1733 Registered: 2-2011 |
Great tone on your bass Wolf! | ||
| sonicus
Senior Member Username: sonicus Post Number: 4489 Registered: 5-2009 |
Thanks Rusty ! | ||
| edwardofhuncote
New Username: edwardofhuncote Post Number: 6 Registered: 6-2014 |
+1 more... that single PU'd Distillate sounds great! That looks like a fun gig too. I'd love to hear old #73-32 in that same context. (hint-hint) =) Random thought - isn't it funny how all our load-in pictures look strangely familiar? | ||
| flpete1uw
Senior Member Username: flpete1uw Post Number: 549 Registered: 11-2011 |
Wolf, Been enjoying this thread!! Interesting how your go to Bass is the Distillate. I totally understand. Ease of use and massive tonality kind of makes it a no brainer in the chaos of a live gig. Yes your "Bass" cuts through nicely with Great Tone! Looks like you guys are having a Blast! Pete | ||
| sonicus
Senior Member Username: sonicus Post Number: 4490 Registered: 5-2009 |
Gregory , Thanks ! Yes that Distillate never seems to disappoint . I had actually been planing on playing my medium scale 81-1940 for these back to back gigs. We were rehearsing with her a week before the gigs. At the last moment I realized that we would be really tight spaced on the Bistro's stage. As it was I had only about a little safe area to stand before me and the lead guitarist would smash our instruments into each other. I chickened out ! Our drummer's kit took up a bit of stage area as well___. I will in fact be playing a gig in late October with this band on a huge stage where I will be using a wonderful Alembic Series instrument played through an extensive Stereo rig. Load in picks seem to be irresistible to show as a dedication of the devoted labor involved with our musical inclinations ; ____"through thick and thin " ... lol ! Pete , Thanks for your viewing and listening ! That Distillate does seem to show up a bit! She was my first 100% Alembic and yes , always a simple success ._____Chaos , yes . I only had a few hours of rest between gigs after listening to Friday night . In retrospect I could have played a Series instrument on the outside festival gig on the big stage even with the 30 minute set up and sound test. No worries in hindsight either because we like those big stages and there will be more of them in the near future for the Alembic Series I ! Thanks so much for all the great feedback . I enjoy sharing this stuff as well . Wolf | ||
| davehouck
Moderator Username: davehouck Post Number: 11925 Registered: 5-2002 |
Just watched the Jack Straw video. Bass lines and tone are great! I like the lead guitar as well; good player. | ||
| sonicus
Senior Member Username: sonicus Post Number: 4491 Registered: 5-2009 |
Thanks Dave ! In that Jack Straw video , I think I am showing what I think are the effects of my eclectic listening , appreciation and influences over the decades. I think Mr. Lesh and Mr Entwistle are " shaking hands " in what I am trying do there, or maybe I am deceiving my self in my own perceptions ? May be not . Just thinking . Maybe it is just ; " The real me " . I don't know . Thanks Dave , I hope that all is well with you these days ! Wolf | ||
| sonicus
Senior Member Username: sonicus Post Number: 4492 Registered: 5-2009 |
Regarding our lead guitarist Ken Younger, playing the Further , YES ! I agree he his really good ! Him and I play very intuitively with each other , I think him and I work very well together in the JAM BAND formula concepts . Wolf | ||
| sonicus
Senior Member Username: sonicus Post Number: 4498 Registered: 5-2009 |
Gregory . I think that my 73-32 would be nice in this context but I would need to check out the RF-EMI noise scenario first. She has PF-5 electronics, that are fine in most places except one that I know of in a rehearsal studio where I first tried her out . My last gig was powered by a large commercial generator . I do not know what the RF situation is there. I do know that the RF noise problem near the Emeryville, CA,mud flats is bad with multiple transmission towers all around on multiple frequencies . The next large stage that I play on will be 9/27/15 . I might play my Series I 81-1940 for that gig , she has PF-6 electronics that have been quite everywhere. This gig will have P,G&E line power from the city of Hayward,Ca. I do not know the RF problems there but I do not expect any . Wolf | ||
| sonicus
Senior Member Username: sonicus Post Number: 4502 Registered: 5-2009 |
Here is the flyer for my gig on 9/27/15;  My band is " Easy Wind ". Wolf | ||
| lbpesq
Senior Member Username: lbpesq Post Number: 6235 Registered: 7-2004 |
Wolf: You should bring along your trumpet and sit in with the marching band! lol Bill, tgo | ||
| sonicus
Senior Member Username: sonicus Post Number: 4503 Registered: 5-2009 |
Bill , Yes, just like I did in High School as well . When I read the flyer I had a little " flash back" to my own High School years and how the conductor would reprimand me when I would improvise and play anyway when I was not supposed too ! LOL !!! ___" Wolf , where is that written on the music ?__ " it actually works !" ___the conductor would stop the band and point at me , sometimes with a smile and sometimes not. He was such a patient kind fellow ! Wolf |
