GCNE Meeting, 10/17/10 - The Loft

At 7:43 the CT contingent, Rick M., Brad and Victor are at the loft setting up. The meeting opens with a discussion of logistics regarding Saturday's upcoming performance at Bean & Leaf in New London, including transportation, load-in/arrival times and detailed talk of back line and available equipment.

Rehearsal begins with a play-through of Eye of the Needle. V makes a performance note pertaining to ringing strings and harmonics at the end of this and other pieces; Growing Circle is also given a hearing.

Following these two pieces, V switches gears to a warm-up using the legato-staccato exercise the group has been focusing on for the past few weeks. The first portion of this work involves playing in the first position on the neck and switching the finger playing a legato note (while the others remain staccato) on call, beginning with the first finger and moving successively to the fourth. For the second portion the same fingering pattern is moved up the neck to the 12th fret, with the legato finger changing in the same succession with each change in position, and back.

The group returns to repertoire with Third Relation. V prefaces this with a note on the function of the first bar of a phrase establishing its order. Next, Askesis is given a run. This is followed by some section work focusing on the clarity of (in this case) the first transition, at incrementally faster tempos. A similar approach is taken with the next piece, Calliope, with some words on the art of tempo/rhythm change in a set.

Where's the Nurse is the final piece to be looked at before a break, and performance notes from all corners are offered, including discussion of the character of the arpeggios and the place of a crescendo in the bass transitioning to the finale.

Break at 9:13. There is discussion of business card layout and function, as well as the obligatory CP stand-up yarn.

The "luau team" returns to active service for a play-through of Blockhead, with V adopting the role of listener/click track. A few false takes, but an 8th note count-in does the trick. V suggests hearing the 16th note pulse throughout the piece and especially during the final chordal section, and takes up drum sticks to assist.

Glenn arrives at 9:46.

With a now expanded ensemble, a number of pieces are given hearing. First is Opening, which is given two or three complete play-throughs. Next, Where's the Nurse and Calliope both make second appearances. G, C and V play Love is Green, which while expressive has "glitches"; advice is offered to C to let the melody notes sustain and perhaps to start singing his part, to become familiar with it as a melody.

The Prelude is played, with many brown/jazz notes, but with improving flow.

Finally, the group runs through Morning Has Broken, with a suggestion for the possible addition of a low part for some of the verses. Jocularity ensues, and a final improv concludes the lengthy meeting at 11:10.