| Author | Message | ||
| hieronymous
Senior Member Username: hieronymous Post Number: 609 Registered: 1-2005 |
I'm starting a new thread to report on the Northern Cal. Gathering we had yesterday - please post your pictures and stories here! My shots of the instruments didn't come out too well, so I'll start off with a pic of the idyllic sight that greeted us at the site...  Go nuts people! | ||
| lbpesq
Senior Member Username: lbpesq Post Number: 3962 Registered: 7-2004 |
Wow, doesn't the back of my Highlander look great! lol. Well folks, I didn't take any pics, but I had a GREAT time. Unfortunately we had quite a rash of last minute cancellations. We did have an out-of-towner though, as Dr. Jonathan brought Stubby (9/08 COTM) from Chicago. For the first couple of hours we had one bass (Ken, TEO) and several guitars - very unusual at things Alembic! Several more basses did arrive on scene and lots of jamming continued through the afternoon. Ken, TEO's whole band eventually showed up, complete with Marshall stacks, keyboard, you name it. We took turns jamming and listening to Ken's band perform. Really loved his brother's Alembic Flying V and Les Pauls! wait ... what's that ... Oh, they were Gibsons, not Alembics? Heck, that's o.k., after all one of the Paul's was a '55, an instrument that would be welcome anywhere musician's congregate! And we got to hear a great rendition of "Barracuda" played on the actual "Barracuda Bass"! One sad note for me: my friend Matt to whom I sold my Electrum (and who is not a member of this forum) showed up in the early afternoon and asked me if that great guy from Belgium came back this year. I had to give him the sad news about brother Paul, the bad one. Anyway, as the day progressed it got pretty hot, and the weather was quite warm too! hehehehe. I'm sure someone will be along soon with some pics, and I sure hope someone recorded the music. Thanks to all who attended and special thanks to Mica, Bill, Erik, and Ron who brought down several instruments and some great goodies for everyone. Bill, tgo | ||
| mica
Moderator Username: mica Post Number: 6206 Registered: 6-2000 |
What a fun day! Yes, the temperature was high, but it was cool to have everyone get together again. I didn't take as many images as I have in the past, which is a relief to those attending with basses and guitars since I spent a good amount of time supervising Erik. He simply must inspect everything with strings:  One time he made a dash for Stubby, but grandpa intervened. Jonathan and Stubby:  Bill and Woody:  Matt with the Stage Tribute and Dan playing Sam's bass:  | ||
| mica
Moderator Username: mica Post Number: 6207 Registered: 6-2000 |
Sam plays a mean bass:  Our host, Will:  MPG rockin' the house, with Jonathan joining in:  Dave showing everyone how it's done:  | ||
| mica
Moderator Username: mica Post Number: 6208 Registered: 6-2000 |
Even Erik joined in for one of the jams:  Coupla more jams:   Ron discussing electronics:  Group instrument photo:  Another jam ensued before a group human photo could be assembled. Finally, the move-out:  All in all, a super day. We missed those who couldn't attend, hope you can make it to the next one. | ||
| hieronymous
Senior Member Username: hieronymous Post Number: 612 Registered: 1-2005 |
I wasn't even sure if I was going to be able to attend - something came up for the morning, this has been a busy month, but I knew I had to go! I didn't take my amp this year, but did manage to somehow drag the doubleneck out. I had my Stanley Clarke 5-string updated to Anniversary electronics about a month ago and Mica was nice enough to deliver it to the gathering for me. I'm really glad I went - one of the highlights was seeing Erik with the doubleneck - he had been strumming the necks of some of the instruments, but when he got to the doubleneck, he used both hands simultaneously!  Apparently, the logo at the base of the body was a point of interest as well - can't say I blame him, it's one of my favorite features too!  I really enjoyed getting to see old friends and getting to meet new ones as well. Plus, I got to play some METAL with MPG - not a genre I get to jam on usually but I cut my teeth on Sabbath, Priest, etc., including UFO, so it was a special thrill to get to play with them on "Lights Out." Another great aspect for me was to get to hear different combinations, like both Sam and Dave playing with both drummers (at different times, unfortunately - remind me to bring my amp next time so we have two bassists playing at once!). I also got to play the Triumph Stage guitar - haven't played guitar in a few years, but that thing was like butter! The vintage Fender amp Bill provided didn't hurt either! If I try to thank everybody, I'll leave someone out, so for now I will just thank Bill and Will for making the location possible again this year and Ken for making the SVT available! | ||
| serialnumber12
Senior Member Username: serialnumber12 Post Number: 477 Registered: 12-2004 |
Looks Like you all had a Good one!!! | ||
| dadabass2001
Senior Member Username: dadabass2001 Post Number: 1192 Registered: 6-2002 |
It's got to be good... with Erik there to QC all the instruments, along with Mom, Dad and Grandpa.  Mike | ||
| davehouck
Moderator Username: davehouck Post Number: 8271 Registered: 5-2002 |
A Triumph Stage guitar? Love the picture of Erik pointing to the logo! | ||
| lbpesq
Senior Member Username: lbpesq Post Number: 3965 Registered: 7-2004 |
I think Harry meant a Tribute Stage guitar. You bass players!!!! Bill, tgo | ||
| jalevinemd
Senior Member Username: jalevinemd Post Number: 799 Registered: 12-2003 |
The California Gathering was great. Looked like I might not be making it as my flight took off over five hours late after rumors of a cancellation. So I arrived at the hotel at about 3:00 am, which was 5 am my time. After a couple hours sleep, Bill picked me up and we were well on our way. As he put it, it was very hard to believe how such a short drive from Oakland put us in the middle of the most idyllic country setting. Plus, if you've never seen the view of the entire Bay Area from Bill's back porch, you're really missing something spectacular. The musical spectrum was quite interesting - everything from UFO and Judas Priest to Neil Young and the Dead. All in all, a good time. Wish I could've stayed long enough to visit the Mothership - although Ron extended a very generous offer to open things up for me that evening. But it had been a long day and I was beyond exhausted. Plus, I'm hoping to get back in the fall. Basically, these Gatherings are a wonderful thing. I hope they continue indefinitely. Looking forward to seeing you guys at the next Chicago one and hopefully more at next year's California jam. Later... Jonathan | ||
| davehouck
Moderator Username: davehouck Post Number: 8274 Registered: 5-2002 |
Jonathan, thanks for the report on the California group! Your description makes me feel like I was there. And I'm glad you enjoyed it, despite having only two hours sleep!! | ||
| hieronymous
Senior Member Username: hieronymous Post Number: 614 Registered: 1-2005 |
"A Triumph Stage guitar?" Oops! (^~^;) Yup, I meant the Stage Tribute! It's been a long month... | ||
| elwoodblue
Senior Member Username: elwoodblue Post Number: 735 Registered: 6-2002 |
I'd love to see a close up of an Alembic Vee...I didn't realize they had done one of those ( is there more than one?) Did anyone record some of the jams? | ||
| davehouck
Moderator Username: davehouck Post Number: 8275 Registered: 5-2002 |
Hee hee!! I was going to ask if you played "Hold On To Your Dreams", but thought better of it. | ||
| hieronymous
Senior Member Username: hieronymous Post Number: 615 Registered: 1-2005 |
I'm pretty sure the V, Explorer, and Les Paul are all Gibsons. Ken's brother brought them - he's a killer player! The jams were recorded - they were playing back while we were cleaning up - I was really impressed with how clean & clear they sounded. | ||
| elwoodblue
Senior Member Username: elwoodblue Post Number: 736 Registered: 6-2002 |
I thought that V looked like a gibson from a distance...I just reread Bill's post and I see I just got excited about a Vee shaped Alembic ...must have colored the rest of my reading. Thanks for setting me straight. | ||
| hieronymous
Senior Member Username: hieronymous Post Number: 616 Registered: 1-2005 |
No problem - remember, you're talking to the guy who couldn't even get the name straight of a guitar I was holding in my own hands! Actually, I do have a Gibson Triumph Bass! Weird, huh? | ||
| elwoodblue
Senior Member Username: elwoodblue Post Number: 737 Registered: 6-2002 |
Tribute,Triumph...they both reside in the 'tri' file in the brine...er..brain ...all in all, we all are wired weird in our own ways | ||
| jalevinemd
Senior Member Username: jalevinemd Post Number: 800 Registered: 12-2003 |
Man, that's what we should've played...some Triumph! Maybe next time. I'm sure Bill can handle Rik Emmett's vocals. You should hear him do Jerry. | ||
| lbpesq
Senior Member Username: lbpesq Post Number: 3967 Registered: 7-2004 |
No you shouldn't. hehehehe Bill, tgo | ||
| hieronymous
Senior Member Username: hieronymous Post Number: 617 Registered: 1-2005 |
For some reason my wife and I didn't take so many pictures this year - I think it was just too hot! Here's one of the only shots I took that came out half-way decently:  (My doubleneck and Stanley Clarke 5-string, + Bill's 12-string - ooh, plus the Stage TRIBUTE back left) I keep thinking that I want to take thematic pictures, like all the small-bodies, etc. I was going to try and take a picture of the doubleneck and Bill's 12-string, since they both have knobby pegheads, and even went out to grab my camera, but got distracted, so this is the closest I got. Oh well, maybe next year... (Message edited by hieronymous on July 01, 2009) | ||
| jerryme
Intermediate Member Username: jerryme Post Number: 106 Registered: 1-2008 |
This looks like so much fun... | ||
| pauldo
Intermediate Member Username: pauldo Post Number: 178 Registered: 6-2006 |
ohhhh Bill, I would love to see more pics of your twelve string... it looks sweeeeett | ||
| oddmetersam
Junior Username: oddmetersam Post Number: 12 Registered: 7-2008 |
I, too, took fewer pics than I anticipated but as a first-timer I wasn't really sure of the "lay of the land", so to speak. Given that flash photography is suboptimal for really bringing out the beauty of these woods, maybe something like an outdoor photo booth of some sort would serve us well at future gatherings so we could use natural light with a fast enough shutter speed to prevent image blur. Meanwhile, here's one of Harry tearing it up with his beautiful 5-string!  | ||
| lbpesq
Senior Member Username: lbpesq Post Number: 3977 Registered: 7-2004 |
Paul: All you gotta do is ask. Lookee here. Bill, tgo | ||
| kenbass4
Advanced Member Username: kenbass4 Post Number: 359 Registered: 10-2003 |
Well, as they say, "Better late than never" It just felt wrong to be the only bass player at an Alembic Gathering the first hour or so, but it gave me a great chance to jam with EVERYBODY. I'm glad I brought the SVT again, since it wound up being the only bass amp used all day. You have to admit, the sound was definitely worth the hassle of hauling it, eh? It was great meeting Jonathan in person, and rocking out with him to Barracuda and Living After Midnight (Judas Priest??? At an Alembic gathering??) It was also great hearing Sam and my drummer Jim working on the odd-meter jazz. Sam's 5 string sounds as good as it looks! And Dave jumped in for me with my band for a few tunes. So, why am I writing this 3 weeks late? The Sunday after the gathering, my wife, who wasn't feeling well the day of the gathering, coulnd't get out of bed, and had blue fingers. I had to rush her to the emergency room. She had so much fluid in here lungs that they had to put her on a respirator. To this day, she is still on the respirator, but she is improving. I'm glad I had a chance to enjoy great company before the stress of having my wife in the hospital set in. Ken (TEO) | ||
| davehouck
Moderator Username: davehouck Post Number: 8389 Registered: 5-2002 |
Ken; please tell her we're hoping for the best outcome. I'll have the both of you in my heart today. | ||
| lbpesq
Senior Member Username: lbpesq Post Number: 4007 Registered: 7-2004 |
Ken: Good thoughts your way for her speedy recovery. Hope to see you both next year. Bill, tgo | ||
| oddmetersam
Junior Username: oddmetersam Post Number: 17 Registered: 7-2008 |
Ken, Thanks for sharing (on many levels). All my best to you and your wife. -Sam | ||
| pauldo
Intermediate Member Username: pauldo Post Number: 195 Registered: 6-2006 |
Ken -Ditto on the good thoughts for your wife's recovery. May you never have to rush to the emergency room again. Bill - thanks for the link to Big Irv - that's quite a guitar! | ||
| jalevinemd
Senior Member Username: jalevinemd Post Number: 802 Registered: 12-2003 |
Ken, Certainly more than a valid reason for a late posting. It was awesome jamming with you and your brother. Hope all is looking up for your wife. We'll be sending some warm thoughts from the mid-coast. Jonathan | ||
| dadabass2001
Senior Member Username: dadabass2001 Post Number: 1215 Registered: 6-2002 |
Ken, I just want to add my best hopes for a speedy and complete recovery for you wife. My thoughts are with you both. Mike | ||
| alemberic
Member Username: alemberic Post Number: 87 Registered: 6-2006 |
Ken-- I'm very sorry to hear about your wife. I will keep her in my prayers, and hope she recovers quickly and fully. Hang in there. Eric | ||
| georgie_boy
Senior Member Username: georgie_boy Post Number: 888 Registered: 8-2005 |
Wishing her all the very best from Scotland! | ||
| kimberly
Advanced Member Username: kimberly Post Number: 331 Registered: 1-2007 |
Ken, So very sorry to hear about your wife and her health problems. Positive thoughts and vibes to you both. Best Wishes, Kimberly | ||
| bracheen
Senior Member Username: bracheen Post Number: 1486 Registered: 11-2003 |
Ken I'm sorry to hear of your wife's illness. Hopefully she's much improved by now. I'll keep you both in my thoughts. Sam |
