MUSIC – The Desk of the Renaissance Man

Album Review: The Vespers ‘The Fourth Wall’

Posted on April 21, 2012 by johndierckx

And now for something completely different: The Vespers, reviewed by Chris.

In a world full of electronic sounds, remakes and dub-overs, remixes and auto tune it is great to hear a sound that doesn’t manufacture a foot tap with a Phat bass line… but a sound that makes your soul smile with the simplicity of the song… the honesty of the band and the melody and rhythm that mirrors life….

There seems to be a ground swelling of people who are looking for ‘real music’ and bands like ‘Rend Collective Experiment’ New Zealand’s ’Avalanche City’ with their single ‘Love Love Love’ the rawkus ’Mumford and Sons’ and the list goes on…

Now you can add to this list ‘The Vespers’ Indie music’s new secret weapon… armed with ukulele, banjo, love and some really catchy tunes, you can expect hearing some more from this group.

Read the rest at Album Review: The Vespers ‘The Fourth Wall’.

And here a nice documentary video about these lovely artists.

Special Offer: Give the Gift of ( Learning How to Make) Music

Posted on December 20, 2011 by johndierckx

In the past days I have been approached for guitar lessons by people that have time on their hands during the summer holidays and want to learn some more guitar or that would normally not be able to fit in guitar lessons in their busy schedules.

If you know one of these and are thinking about gifts:
a 4+1 voucher guitar lessons may just be the perfect gift.

Prices vary depending on the duration of the lessons:

4+1 * 45 minutes $120 (4* $30 plus free fifth lesson –>
$30 discount)
4+1 * 60 minutes $150 (4*$40 plus free fifth lesson –>
$40 discount)
4+1 * 90 minutes $240 (4* $ 60 plus free fifth lesson –>
$60 discount)
4+1 *120 Minutes $300 (4* $80 plus free fifth lesson –>
$80 discount)

You can download and print your gift voucher here >>> and contact me for booking in your lessons: 03 3424232 / 027 480 3371 or johnmusicnz@gmail.com. Please advise you are using a gift voucher.

How Music Works

Posted on August 1, 2011 by johndierckx

An amazing series of videos from BBC 4 grouped together by Maria Popova at Brain Pickings >>>.

I could hardly imagine life without music, it would be flat, lifeless almost. But how well do we understand music, why it does what it does and the other way around.

How well do we understand its emotional hold on our brains?How Music Works, a fascinating program from BBC4 (the same folks who brought us The End of God?: A Horizon Guide to Science and Religion), explores just that.

Composer Howard Goodall takes us on a journey into music’s underbelly, examining the four basic elements that make it work: Melody, rhythm, harmony and bass.

Go check it out here >>> sit back and relax, and learn more about music in this fantastic series of videos.

Dave Dobbyn: The Songbook

Posted on July 16, 2011 by johndierckx

Today I picked up a copy of Dave Dobbyn, The Songbook: A collection of Dave Dobbyn songs in a hard cover book. But… not just the other songbook.

The Book is divided in two halves; the first half contains a short story detailing the background of each song from Dobbyn, along with photographs and the lyrics. The second half of the book holds the scores for piano and guitar for every song. Dave Dobbyn: The Songbook is a beautifiul and innovative songbook, and in its dedication to the actual music, a tribute to one of New Zealand’s best known artists.

More about it can be found by clicking on the picture.

Packing – for my first festival ever (machita75.wordpress.com)
Songbook’s decade and year indexes 1890-1954 (songbook1.wordpress.com)
Gary Nicholson – Texas Songbook (roughstock.com)

CJ’s Musicworks alive and kicking

Posted on June 23, 2011 by johndierckx

I don’t about you, but for me, I like to have my local music store where I can go down if I need picks, strings, fast fret or to ask as stupid question. And heck yes after by now thirty years of playing guitar I still have plenty of them. I like going to Charlie Jemmett at CJ’s Musicworks.

Additionally, I am picky on my guitar shops as I do not like it when Ibanez, my favorite brand is not adequately represented in a store. CJ’s has had a tough ride since the February earthquake but they have been back up on their feet reasonably quickly. In fact it was thanks to Charlie that I got to think about how the earthquake had its good aspects as well. As a result of the damage and mess CJ’s has changed their layout and looks more spacious.

If it had not been for the earthquake we would probably never have come around redoing the floor plan. It’s just too busy all the time.

I k now that a lot of people do not particularly want to go into town but for those that make music: this is the time to go out get over yourself and support your local music store. Situated right next to the SouthCity Mall parking lot on Colombo Street, Charlie and his colleagues at Musicworks look forward to seeing you.

As for our fellow guitarists: there is a mouthwatering collection of new Ibanez stock in. At least go and check that out, they are beautiful.

CJ’s Musicworks

CJ’s MusicWorks Christchurch at 569 Colombo Street is run by active musicians who, collectively have the widest knowledge of musical equipment you’ll find anywhere. With a huge range of instruments from drums to Grand Pianos this Christchurch store has something for everyone. Giving the best possible customer service is the ultimate aim and this shop has longstanding customers who come back because of the service and product knowledge, which is second to none.