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NAVIGATION
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DECEMBER 2003
Jeff does a percussion session for "Mexico" and the French Medley. I especially like the tympani at the end of "Mexico".
We also mix "Mexico" and discover to our horror a click track
tic-tocking away during Chris' acoustic guitar section, probably leaked
thru his headphones while recording. No way we can remove it without
affecting the guitar, so we look for new approaches.
A really great improv errupts during a rehearsal-INSTANT TUNE! Juz
luuuuvs dem ol' improvs that don't need much tweeking to become new
compositions!
NOVEMBER 2003
Warren and Chris finish their tracks
for "Mexico", and apparently this time they REALLY MEAN IT! NO MORE NEW
IDEAS! They also finish mixing Chris' tune "TANNAM"; it therefore
receives the honor of being the FIRST TUNE MIXED for FTV8.
I decide to re-cut bass tracks for "TEARS OF A VELVET CLOWN" using the
Steinberger I knocked the frets out of recently [a consequence of
having Percy Jones & Tunnels stay at my house last month]. There
were always a couple of sections that seemed to call for a fretless,
but I end up using it on 90% of the tune! Warren seems pleased at the
results.
In other boring equipment news, I trade in the ol' Ibanez 5-string for
an electric blue Cort 6-string. I subsequently have to remind myself
there are, in fact, lower frequencies that can be utilized from time to
time.
More twice weekly rehearsals with Jeff, more refinement of new tunes.
OCTOBER 2003
Another improv session yields 2 more
gems: One is fantastic and will require very little in the way of
re-writes and could essentially be played verbatim, at least until the
proverbial "better ideas" emerge. The 2nd has quite a few good sections
but will need further drafts. FTV9 may arrive sooner than we think
[ohhh, God....].
I junk the "ARACHNOID" section of the French medley [couldn't fake my
way thru the fancy piano runs-sorry guys] in favor of a 2 minute clip
from an ANGE tune. Originally, I wanted to avoid covering anything by
any French bands still in existance, but it seemed bizarre to NOT cover
Mr DeCamps & co. Blame the harpsichord...
I record them keyboards Oct 20th. As of this writing [Oct 23], cringing
is at a minimum. The PULSAR section is quite a bear to record, due to
the loooooong gaps between the heavy accents [and no, a click track
doesn't help]. Not to mention my having learned one of the sections
incorrectly. However, Howie's exquisite sense of pitch saves the day.
Preliminary mixes of "Tannam" and "Everything Works..." are due on the last weekend in October.
SEPTEMBER 2003
Still more tweeking on "Tannam" and
"Everything Works in Mexico", delaying mixing until October. The
results are certainly worth it, judging from the working tracks I've
heard.
Jeff and I finally record our rhythmn tracks for Warren's tune "Tears
of a Velvet Clown". Nice to not have THAT hanging over our heads
anymore.
To save time on finishing the cd, Warren opts out of contributing to
the French medley. After weighing several options [including guest
keyboardists], I decide to learn the keyboard parts myself, and rent a
Quadraverb for a month. This is the 1st time I've played extensive keys
on a French TV record [aside from a stray chord here and there].
Once Jeff & I finish with "Tears...", we begin recording a series of improvs during rehearsals. One looks very promising.
 AUGUST 2003
Chris comes to Louisville to help record the
French medley and his tune "Tannam". The session is a bit of a mess; by
and large we are under-rehearsed and it takes more run-throughs than
usual to come up with something usable. I visit the studio for an extra session to edit the various takes together and to patch up the sounds of fingers not going where they were supposed to go. At least the final results are good!
Warren meets Chris & I at ProgDay in Raleigh, NC and we enjoy ourselves immensely. Samla Mammas Manna put on an INCREDIBLE show, and on Sunday have inner with us at good pals Michael & Stephanie Medley's house, along with a handful of ProgDay staffers [who deserve much more than booze & barbeque for their valiant efforts to organize such a great show]. "Tannam" even makes its debut over the festival sound system between sets-most of the people I meet are surprised to hear it was us!
My son Aaron makes his stage debut
during the Samla set at ProgDay, much to the consternation of Mommie.
Thanks to Geoff Logsdon!
Warren and Chris finish their tracks for "Everything Works in Mexico". Mixing to begin in September.
Nice to not have to work on "RTCPs" anymore! Now it's Warren &
Chris's problem. Funny; Warren & Chris haven't laid anything down
for this yet, and it already appears to be a given as part of our live
show next year-it's THAT popular...
Warren's solo cd nearly finished; artwork remains the final obstacle.
JULY 2003
New update on the French medley: We've
added a short 20 second tune from Etron Fou to close the medley out.
Also further refinement overall. Jeff and I begin spirited rehearsals
on this, fortified by outbursts of "COFFEE! DONUTS!"
I finally visit Howie Gano's new studio in the Butchertown area of
Louisville-considerably less claustrophobic than the old digs, plus
lots of new recording gear & software. I recommend it highly to all
area musicians. We schedule 2 sessions: July 28th [more on that below]
and August 25th [to record the French medley, "Velvet Clown", and
"Tannam"].
For the August 25th session, a plan is concocted in which Chris Smith
will journey to Louisville and record LIVE with us on the French
medley.
On the 28th, Jeff and I record bass, drums, finger-snapping, and vocal
outbursts for "The Ruff Tuff Creampuffs Take Charge". We score on the
3rd take [surprising we didn't nail it on the 1st try, considering
we've worked on it for so long]. This is the 1st time in ages we have
recorded an FTV tune not using Howie's studio kit [this kit is despised
by nearly all FTV drummers in modern history], and we even use some of
our own drum mics. Good results!
JUNE 2003
About the French thing mentioned last
month: I've put together a roughly 16 minute medley of snippets of
French symphonic progressive bands. We plan to record in lieu of "Demo
Two". Segments include bits from Arachnoid, Pulsar, Shylock, Carpe
Diem, and Atoll. It sort of works at the moment, but I expect it will
receive further modifications. Not to get too political [Moi?], but I
find myself getting disgusted at the cheap French bashing due to
France's unwillingness to go along with Bush's foolish invasion of Iraq
[one turning point is a NYTimes article on the decision of many
American host families to NOT accept young French exchange students
this year]. Considering our band's nom de plume, we have something of a
vested interest in this topic.
Nothing in particular to report on FTV 8: the usual rehearsing on "Ruff
Tough Cream Puffs" and Warren's "Tears of a Velvet Clown". At least the
French medley will eventully give us something new to do.
MAY 2003
Work, work, work. FTV8 continues to
evolve and take shape. We decide to scrap "Demo 2" [don't worry, it'll
end up on the next studio cd along with the National Health tune] and
replace it with something ....french. I don't want to give any more
details than that, as we have 2-3 options we're juggling as of this
writing.
Chances are FTV8 won't be out in time for the tour this summer.
Which unfortunately raises the question of whether the tour should be
postponed or not.
Apparently Chris Smith has finished his tracks on Demo 1 [now titled
"Everything Works in Mexico". We played this live for the 1st time at
the San Diego & Baja shows, and when I told the crowd at Baja the
song no tiene un nombre ahora, somebody yelled this. Thanks, whoever
you are]. Also, Chris and Warren have finished their tracks on
"Tannam", except for a bit of percussion some friends at Cal Arts will
be adding.
The arrangement for "The Ruff Tuff Cream Puffs Take Charge" is
settled, and Jeff & I should be recording our tracks for it in
June.
Finally a title ["PARDON OUR FRENCH!"], cover design, & liner notes approach for FTV8 are decided upon!
APRIL 2003
Back to work on FTV8. Jeff & I make
inroads on Warren's tune "Tears of a Velvet Clown" [probably the 1st
FTV tune to actually follow a conscious narrative]. This also is a
ground-breaker [for us, anyway], in that Jeff & I have to come up
with our rhythm tracks on TOP of Warren's previously-recorded tracks.
We haven't decided if the canned drums/clicktrack is a hindrance or a
help yet.
Jeff discovers Wal-Mart is an excellent source for bike horns and various birdcalls.
I discover old chum Jeff Jones [sax on FTV1 and former komrade in
pre-FTV band Festung Amerika] has moved back to Louisville from Boston
when I bump into him at a Sun Ra Arkestra gig. Hmmmm....
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MARCH 2003
The BajaProg festival is a roaring
success! We sell tons of cds & T-shirts [oh yeah, I've created some
pretty fab FTV shirts-see elsewhere in the site for pics & ordering
info], and our show seems to go down a storm. Lots of interesting
contacts are made; many nice possibilities await us [more details
announced once they're confirmed].
[it was kind of odd to look out the picture window behind us during the
afternoon soundcheck and see a gorgeous waterfall, ducks, and various
golf carts motoring about]. Good turnout, and also got to play with my
old chum Gary Parra for our version of the TRAP song "Presage".
A decision is made to drop "Zabaglione" from FTV8-Chris has contributed
a new tune, "Tannam" [sort of a gamelon piece], which we all are taken
with and prefer to include instead. Ah well, maybe FTV9...
FEBRUARY 2003
Mostly a flurry of rehearsing with Jeff
all the old tunes we played on tour last year, although we drop "Real
Executives" in favor of the new stuff. Warren also books a date in San
Diego to go along with the Baja concert.
We also manage to squeeze in work on "...Cream Puffs..." Developing into quite a fun piece!
JANUARY 2003
We record [as it turns out, for the
final time] at MOM'S MUSIC [Howie Gano takes the plunge and will be
moving his studio to a new location]. The recording goes well, with
both tunes being 1st takes [with a bit of digital editing]!
We also begin seriously working on the 3rd FTV8 tune, which we christen
"The Ruff Tuff Cream Puffs Take Charge" [I'm shocked to learn that one
of the sections reminds Jeff of a particular R.
Crumb cartoon I've always had a soft spot for]. We come up with tons of
new ideas and variations, most of which cause us to giggle like
maniacs.
We have decided to include a Warren Dale composition called "Tears of a
Velvet Clown" on FTV8. This is a track intended for the last TRAP cd
but yanked at the last minute. Nice to see it has a home at last, as
Warren had played it for me a couple of years ago.
We also are finally confirmed for the BajaProg festival in March! I
don't expect this one getting screwed up, as it is pretty established
and has a history of being well-organized. The decision is made to have
Jeff provide the drumwork for this show, as we want to present the 2
new tunes in public for the 1st time.
Aaron Isaac Ordover Sary turns 3 years old
DECEMBER 2002
Still not much to report. Work
continues on FTV8. Final song arrangements more or less locked into
place. We schedule a session in January to record basic [bass &
drum] tracks.
NOVEMBER 2002
Mexico festival appearance falls
through. We're given some people to contact for expenses, who turn out
not to know anything about the festival or its promoters. BAH! At least
we don't get sidetracked from our work on FTV8.
OCTOBER 2002
Not much to report. Jeff Gard & I
continue to plug away at the 2 main tunes for FTV8. The Mexico City
festival looks flaky-all correspondence from us seems to be ignored.
SEPTEMBER 2002
September 15-My father, Michael Sary, Sr. passes away not long after turning 90 years old. I don't know what else to write.
Plans for an official live cd from the Louisville concert are
scrapped due to inept planning by Joeey Conroy. If you want something
done right....
AUGUST 2002
We go on tour following the schedule
listed below for July [except that the Chattanooga date falls thru]. At
some point we'll provide some fun reminencing elsewhere on the site.
Needless to say, it was quite an adventure that continues to be looked
back upon fondly, and despite whatever problems occured, we are excited
about and commited to doing it again.
JULY 2002
Finally, confirmation and method for
covering expenses on the Mexico City festival, to be held November
15-24. We'll be playing on the 20th. YES!
Tour dates gradually trickle in. So far:
8/27th: CHATTANOOGA @ THE ATTIC
413 Tremont St. (423) 267-0384
w/Hygopian
8/28th: ATLANTA @ THE SOMBER REPTILE
842 Marietta St; (404)-881-9701
w/ Z-Axis
8/29th: ATHENS, GA @ THE ENGINE ROOM
235 W. Washington Street (706) 353-3800
w/Garbage Island
8/30th: CHAPEL HILL, NC @ LOCAL 506 [PROGDAY PRESHOW]
506 W. Franklin St--(919) 942-5506
w/Smokin' Granny + Dark Aether Project
9/3rd: PHILADELPHIA @ THE TRITONE (early 8pm show)
1508 South St (215)-545-0475
9/5th: WASHINGTON, DC @ JAXX NITE CLUB
6355 Rolling Rd. West Springfield, VA 703-327-3505
w/Stan Whittaker, Paranoise, & Land of Chocolate
9/6th: PITTSBURGH @ BACKWARDS ON FORWARD
5840 Forward Ave. (412) 421-4117
w/Espinaca
9/7th: LEXINGTON, KY @ HIGH ON ROSE
301 East High St. 859-338-9999
9/9th: MILWAUKEE @ CLUB GARIBALDI
2501 S. Superior (414) 747-1007
w/Sounds Like Braille
9/10th: CHICAGO @ SCHUBAS1 [also live radio show
@WNUR]
3159 N. Southport (773) 525-2508
w/ Argon Evolution
9/12th: LOUISVILLE @ THE KENTUCKY THEATER
[This show will be recorded and released on cd]
JUNE 2002
After much debate and wringing of hands, the tour is pushed back to
8/27-9/13. Many sighs of relief from various promoters, particularly
one Brian Preston [bassist/leader/squeaky wheel for Smokin' Granny],
who cajols me into accepting the ProgDay pre-show gig.
Jeff rolls up his sleeves, puts on support hose, and gets back to work.
I purchase a fabulous used Trace-Elliot 4x10 bass cabinet-hope our venues for this tour have firm foundations!
Frank Wyatt of Happy the Man e-mails to pat our collective backs for
the "Partly the State" cover on FTV7. Much strutting and preening ensue.
MAY 2002
Everyone [Chris Vincent, Warren Dale, and Chris Smith] agree to a 2
week tour this summer beginning July 23. Let the unreturned phone calls
and e-mails commence!
Drummer Jeff Gard has surgery on a herniated disc and takes a few weeks off.
According to East Side Digital, Dirk "Mont" Campbell, when informed we
were planning to record his tune "Zabaglione" replied "They must be
MAD!" He also apologized for not having any sheet music for it
[stolen/misplaced during a tour years ago] and wished us well.
APRIL 2002
Bass/drum rehersals continue for FTV8. The 2 new tunes are coming
along nicely, but so far the plan is to wait til after summer to
record, as a tour is being planned. The new pieces will be played on
the tour, so it would probably be best to wait til after the tour, as
Warren & Chris might have some new ideas we can incorporate.
After listening to a batch of boots by National Health [thanx Dave!],
it is decided that their tune "Zabaglione" will be covered by FTV on
#8. The version we have is a later, more trickier version than what
appeared on National Health's "Missing Pieces". What were we thinking?
Shawn Persinger comes to Louisville to play at ARTSWATCH. While in
town, he, drummer Chris Vincent, and myself spend an evening at Mom's
Music recording a series of improvs which we plan on releasing together
sometime in the future. Overall the pieces are a bit more heavier and
uh, rockin' than our usual fare.
An appearance at a festival in Mexico City in November is finally approved by the organizers.
MARCH 2002
Weekly rehersals with drummer Jeff Gard begin. Two lengthy compositions
are vigorously rehearsed, and basement recording gear is gradually
amassed as we attempt to achieve the perfect drum sound. Tape hiss is a
thing of the past, thanks to our wonderful new Phillips CDR recorder.
Negotiations for a short Japanese tour fall through-CURSES! FOILED AGAIN! Could still happen eventually.
Evil Son Nathaniel Elliot Sary turns 20. BEWARE!
FEBRUARY 2002
Warren Dale came to Louisville for a few days to help with the
arrangements for about 40 minutes of material for FTV 8. I also have
begun working on these new tunes with our new drummer Jeff Gard.
Suggestions for a possible cover tune for FTV8 were discussed during
Warren's visit. So far, we're leaning towards an unreleased National
Health tune [which is as detailed as we care to get at the moment].
French TV 7 is showcased on the "Delicious Agony" net radio show 2/19 & repeated 2/20.
JANUARY 2002
Obviously, the big news is that Frenh TV 7, "THE CASE AGAINST ART" is released 1/25.
The next day, I appear on WRFL Lexington radio show "The Trip with
Clay Gaunce" to preview the cd, as well as play a few favorite and
influencial tunes.
Chris Vincent resigns from FTV again, being unsatisfied with direction
of new tunes & recording arrangements. The honeymoon is over 10
days after 1st rehearsal since re-joining.
Son Aaron Isaac Ordover Sary turns 2 years old 1/22.
DECEMBER 2001
FTV 7 is sent to One Off Media in Salt Lake City for manufacturing.
Mike Sary soon afterwards begins crash course in Adobe PDF file
creation.
The TRAP cd "INSURRECTION" is released. This features Warren Dale
[co-producer/keys/woodwinds for FTV7], Chris Smith [guitar & violin
on 3 cuts on FTV7] and renown drummer Gary Parra [CARTOON, PFS]. I play
bass on 4 tracks.
"Under the Big W " reprise mixed and spliced to "Under the Big W"; "Partly the State" re-mixed [sorry Cliff].
Permission to reprint excerpts from Chicago magazine "The Baffler" in liner notes for FTV7 finally secured.
NOVEMBER 2001
"Partly the State" mixed with Cliff Fortney.
"One Humiliating Incident After Another", "Under the Big W" mixed. "UtBW" guitar tracks by Dean Zigoris repaired.
Greg Acker adds flute to "One Humiliating Incident After Another" track.
OCTOBER 2001
"Viable Tissue Matter", "That Thing on the Wall" mixed.
SEPTEMBER 2001
French TV opens for The Flower Kings 9/12 in Cincinnati at The Barrel House. Polite applause occurs.
Chris Vincent resigns from French TV shortly after th gig to concentrate on painting & family.
AUGUST 2001
A French TV line-up consisting of Mike Sary [bass], Chris Vincent
[drums], & John Robinson [keyboards, picnic basket o' tricks] makes
its debut in Louisville at Twice Told Coffehouse for a pair of
enthusiastically-received gigs. MS & JR drink "grasshoppers" at the
Bristol afterwards and plot.
JULY 2001
Mike Sary travels to San Diego to help oversee Warren Dale & Chris Smith's monumental contributions to FTV7.
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