David Feder: News & Journal

This video was taken by my buddy Chris Dunnett, at the International acoustic guitar Fest this past year in Mexico.
Hope you enjoy it. Just click on the link above.
This friday, 8:00 PM, ICE presents The Klezmatics at the TIB Amphitheater. It's going to be a great show!
The season is looking great too. Stay tuned for the local and touring schedule updates for me and Nyan.

OK, This is for all you guitarists who have been asking for lessons. (And also for R.Ptomey who says I haven't written anything in a while)
My schedule is so wacky that it's really hard to teach any more actual lessons than I do now.
But I think I may have a solution, for season anyway.
Last year I did a guitar workshop that a few folks attended. It was fun and inspiring. The feedback was "we want more"
So I've decided to start a more or less regular workshop series for the winter months.
These workshops will cover everything I can think of that seems important to learn about playing the guitar and making music in general.
I'll cover techniques for learning theory, soloing, writing songs, gaining proficiency on the instrument etc.
It doesn't matter what style of guitar you play, or wish to play. This info will be pretty universal.

I've been playing guitar for over forty years and do have some insights and tricks to share.
I'll also be covering guitar maintenance, and things like how to chose and properly change strings, as well as cleaning. There will be lots of jamming!
These workshops will be very hands on. So we'll have to see who wants to come. We may divide up into beginner, intermediate, and up to very advanced (pro level) classes.
Throughout the winter, I plan to have other professional players also take a turn at teaching one of these workshops.
I've asked some great players that have a wide variety of musical styles to share their secrets. And they are all ready to go!
So drop me a line if you think you may be into it.
Last time was a blast.
We did Cover to Cover books last year and it was very comfy. Maybe that will happen again this time.
So dust off that old guitar in the closet or in the corner or under the bed. It's time to get back into the music muse.
You'll be glad you did.
Love Dave

I heard a comment recently from a musician/teacher who said to his student:
You have to be born into X culture to truly play X style of music.
I have heard comments like this before. And I think they are very destructive and silly.

Music is a language that is accessible to anyone, everyone.
It takes no special training. Listening is free. Even deaf people can feel the vibrations.
Making music is also totally available to everyone.
You do not have to be born into a certain culture or raised in a certain place. It's available to you, and somewhat unavoidable.
I've heard it said that one must be born to play the blues, or born to sing opera, or born into Latin music.

It's Hogwash.

Music is universal, and the choice is one's own.
Everything is available to everyone.
Musicians are made, sometimes self made. Some people know they are musicians from the start, and dedicate their entire being to the craft. Others find music differently, and it becomes a hobby, a release, or a healing pastime.
Pick a style or a bunch of styles, or no style. And go for it. No strings attached. There are no rules. NO RULES!
You can simultaneously love Jimmy Buffet and Devo, Paco DeLucia and Britney Spears, Mozart and M&M, John Coletrane and John Denver. It makes no difference. All Music is valid. You can play it on a violin, a banjo, a rock...
Preferences are OK. Snobbery is a waste of energy.
Go ahead.
Wear the Cowboy Hat!

You may choose not to listen to some kinds of music. There is so much out there that you may want to hone in on what you like during your short time on this planet.
I heard a young man the other day play the blues.
He was playing the blues because he chose the blues. He is allowed. Not because he was poor or black or had the name of a dead president. It was his entry point.
The Blues' endless depth does not preclude its beginning. You have to start somewhere. You have to strum that first chord, pluck that first note, and sing that first word.
Who cares what somebody else thinks?
It's in you and it wants to come out.
You know how many young and not so young Jazz snobs there are?
Lots. Some are even good musicians. But the amazing musicians, the players who really preach the word, those guys are so open and
accepting and encouraging and loving, that a discouraging word would never cross their lips. They Know!

I got a friend, great Jazz and rock guitarist, decided one day he was Irish. He changed his name and picked up a penny whistle. Cool!
I know another guy who saw a movie and started playing music like Django. Not because his family is Gypsy, that music just spoke to him. The woman who plays the most simple folk tunes on a dulcimer......who is she really?

Kahlil Gibran says that children come through us, they are not us.
We are not them.
Actually this is what he said:

"Your children ...are the sons and daughters of Life's longing for itself"
Thanks Nina.

We are all children of life, on our paths.
As children, we need to allow ourselves, to choose and be whom we choose to be, without putting conditions or limitations on happiness.
Let the students become teachers and know they can do anything.

I hear musicians spew so much crud about what is valid and right musically. Pooh!
"fay çe que vouldras"

Music, any style can be yours, you make it your own.
It may start out as a pale imitation of your listening habits, tempered by your skills and experience. But it is your own. Play it.
Don't cry about what you could have been, if only.
Play, write, dance, whatever!
I know some amazing musicians you will never hear of, who choose to
play the most simple, beautiful honest songs.
Some are amazing not because they are schooled, (some are) skilled, (some are) dedicated, (some are) or born into tradition. (Some are)
They are just honestly expressing what they love, however they know how.
You can sing, bang on trash can lids, or even create music electronically on computers.
Name it whatever you choose.
It does not matter.
Don't let anyone, teachers, parents, piers, loving friends, mates,
etc. tell you that you can't.
You can!

OK, now for our daily muse:
This is for listeners, and musicians alike, part in response to
comments and complaints from performers, and part just blathering.

Relative Silence

"Do what your heart tells you to do."
That's what she always told me. That loving guiding spirit of
wisdom whom is always there, just under the surface.
She says, slow down, listen, feel, observe, and then...give what you
can muster at that moment.
We are always better off when we listen and allow our inner guiding
spirit to show us the way through the fog of life.

This morning, at around 3:30, I went to sleep after playing music
for a few hours past reason. It just took a while.
The music was there, waiting for me, but I could not hear it.
I was too busy playing music. Sometimes the music gets in the way
of itself. Or rather I get in the way and forget to listen first to
the silence.
There's this space created when the phone is off, everyone else is
asleep, and the mind is quieting towards silence.
Before real music can be channeled, for me anyway, I have to really
hear the silence first. That profound silence is made up of all the
colors of the sounds and vibrations of the moment.
Like the color white, made up of all colors in the spectrum, all of
those little noises, and vibrations of the world, the night, the
critters, the humming of electricity, blood pumping through veins,
breathing, cars on the highway, distant voices, all becomes a silent
pallet for creation of music.

I'm always listening for that silence, not the absence of sound, but
that white pallet, when I perform, write, compose, decompose.

When we breathe consciously, like in yoga or martial arts, we bridge
that gap between conscious body control and unconscious control. We
draw attention to, and bring under our control, a process that
happens automatically, most of the time without our input. The same
can be done with conscious listening.

We can choose to focus on a sound, taste it, and then put it back
into the environment. Or we can hear all sounds as a whole sea of
life in which we swim, trying not to pee in the pool.

Writing songs within the song of the universe is no small task. But,
like jamming with other musicians, listening always comes first! It's
great to know what the conversation is about before adding to it.
On stage, at shows, on the porch, in the studio, in my head, I
always try to hear what is going on first. Sometimes there is more
going on sonically inside my head, sometimes not.
When I do hear it, there is that short "Indra's net" connection to
all things that allows me to participate in the continuing dialog.

Now the question is, as performers, in a society and a world made
up of noises, sounds, loud cars, Disco thumping, drink orders,
cappuccino machines, cell phones, etc., can we consistently create
that pallet of silence in our environment of the moment?
After performing in all kinds of venues for over forty years,
I never expect, I just try to listen and do the best I can, at the
moment. But I have no problem ever, in any size venue, politely
shushing the audience. ;-)

When the stars threw down their spears
And watered heaven with their tears,
Did he smile his work to see?
Did he who made the lamb make thee?
"Blake"

There was a Door to which I found no Key:
There was a Veil past which I could not see:
Some little Talk awhile of ME and THEE
There seemed--and then no more of THEE and ME.
"Omar Khayyam"

We are the Tiger:

It's raining, thunder, lightning, thanks, we needed the water! The
plants were drying out and the beautiful new grass at the amphitheater was looking sad. Hope we get some more to fill Tidal Wave Dave's cistern too.

We hunted for a new van today in Miami. It's so funny the way the
car salesmen all pop out when you drive in.
Like the little polyps on the reef. You can hear their hearts beating faster. The wheels turning. Rehearsing their lines like actors back stage.

The old Caravan has 125,000 on the odometer, and maybe it's not worth the repairs for this summer. Although those things seem to run forever, it's also a space issue. We now travel with three dogs. Well,.. two and a half. Plus music equipment, guitars, amps etc.
We are seriously thinking of a camel, elephant or pack mule. I think a Winnabego is out of the question with gas at 25 bucks a gallon.

The new CD is done except for Art work and a last minute Tango, "Suzi
Says" Hard Tango! Oh Yea.
Come to Morada Bay Thursday night at 10 PM, and you can hear all
of it Live!
Now we have to do all the manufacturing stuff. So much to do!

Get your tickets for the Sunset Civic Center show on June 8th. They
are going fast! located at 10610 West Oakland Park Boulevard,
Sunrise, FL, This place is beautiful.
(954) 747-4646 (Box Office)

Website http://www.sunrisefl.gov/2civiccc_theatre.html

On July 27, We will have a very special house concert with Pierre
Bensusan, one of my favorite musicians of all time!
Please stay tuned for details. This will be a limited seating,
fundraiser, with A/C.
Don't miss this show if you are in town. Pierre is one of the greatest living musicians you will ever hear, ever!

Peace Friends!
Yes, I'm a Hippie.

Sometimes I don't know exactly who I am.
Although, I do endeavor to walk what I feel, to be a true path. I don't always succeed. And it's Not Good vs. Evil or Right vs. Wrong.
I take care to bring my steps closer in line with universal truths and walk towards the betterment of humanity. Focusing on what kind of energy I might reflect.
I know that violence, bred from ignorance, is ultimately unnecessary and self perpetuating.
I know that we can teach our children by example that Greed, selfishness, and ethnocentric behavior, do not help the world in any way.
I feel better giving than taking. However I feel that it is all to easy to be giving as well as taking out of ignorance. (The original Golden Rule Read: Do not do unto others what you would not have them do unto you)
I feel that what we eat, and what we read, what we watch on TV and at the Movies, all affect us as people.
What we say and what we do can be very powerful. intention is the moving force of the universe, so we must pay attention to our intentions.
And I feel that our most inner nature is perfect and peaceful and loving, and the closer we come to that inner nature, the better the world will be. I believe, that even for those of us who now live under a very darkened veil, it is possible to connect with this perfect inner nature.

When giving voice to these ideas, sometimes, it is more comfortable for me to speak musically, under the intellectual radar.
Even though the words are not always there, for they can be interpreted and misconstrued, or altogether rejected, the intent is ever present in the music. And this is my intent:
When I perform/share music with people/the universe, I'm not just me playing too someone. I am a conduit for and the totality of everything that exists, manifesting as a little vibration, so that it can be experienced and easily accessible to anyone and everyone who listens.
It's not as heavy as it sounds. It's just that, at a subatomic/spiritual level, we are all the same being, everywhere, everywhen.
My role, my obligation, my dharma, my purpose, at that moment, is to manifest this oneness and help you and me remember, even if for a brief instant, who we are and have always been.
This is what I do and why I do it. It feels good to get back to the garden of Eden, past the cherubs, beyond the tree of "knowledge" to glimpse our true universal oneness, our tree of life. We are that garden, those trees, the cherubs, the snake.
So that's some of it in a nutshell.
Oh yea, and I love Dogs.
Peace
Dave

This Month we had some awesome shows. Arlo Guthrie & family were amazing, And Michael Pickett gave us the Blues just Right.
Nyan, Suzi and Dave will be heading to Mexico next week for the International Guitar festival in Zihuatanejo. Nyan's second International tour. Cool! Not bad for 11 years old!

After Lots of late night practice sessions, he is getting those fingerstyle chops together for six scheduled events. This is an acoustic gig so no Strat and wah this time. ;-(
We have some cool new versions of Blues for Cosmo and other songs from the Reason Why CD. Plus a couple of new songs written just to highlight Nyan's favorite kind of fun.
Here's Arlo and Dave chillin after the show. Thanks for the picture sent in by Bob.

There's a Storm a commin.

It's that time again folks.
School is in session. And I'll be doing my famous (infamous) Guitar workshop series again, with lots of great new information and tips for releasing that great musician inside you.
We will have beginner, Intermediate, and advanced/Pro level groups all year.
If you would like to arrange a class for you group of friends, just drop me an email with the date. If you live outside the Florida Keys area, I can help you arrange a great Keys guitar vacation.
In other news:
I'll be posting some pictures from the Newport Guitar Festival soon. It was amazing!
Ta Ta for now
Dave

Hey Folks,
Looking for wedding invitations? Try this site - they offer a great selection of wedding announcements and cards.
You can find lots more great wedding service links on my Helpful Links page.

Hi Guys.
Well, summer is almost over and by popular demand, I'll be booking some local shows here in the Keys. So stay tuned for the schedule and save your martini money!
In other news: Micah's CD is finished and on the way to the manufacturer. Should be here by August 2. Right On! Try to catch Micah before he leaves for the Summer. www.micahgardner.com
Hope all of you are having a great summer. Go with the flow!

Could this be the next Killer Band?

Thank You (You know Who you are)
Life is good. Don't ever forget.

Thank You Thank You Thank You Thank You Thank You Thank You Thank You Thank You Thank You Thank You
Thank You!
We are surrounded by endless possibilities.
Namaste

Preaching to the choir maybe.
But be Nice for crying out loud.
We do not need to blow things or each other up to prove who is right.
We don't need to legislate other folks love lives either.
Spend some time with your kids.
Water your plants. Find ways to save your energy instead of killing and stealing it from others.
Study history.
Vote!
Then study more history.
One Love!

This week we had Gabby Olsen, Nyan and Ben Cort in the studio, singing backup for Micah's Big Moe song. Coming soon. It was the first time for Gabby and Ben. Nyan's an old pro. What a pleasure to have such young energy in the live room! Kids are so cool.

Heck I Tell Ya!
So.. Thanks for all the mail and requests for instructional material. It's coming. Promise. But I did put up a revised video for you with the complete live version of "The Bun"
The TAB will be posted ASAP on this site as soon as I figure out how to do that.
Take a look at the video and let me know if that helps.
Here is a photo of the new Amphitheater we are building in Islamorada. Cool.
Should be done by late July.
See Y'all soon.

This Friday, April 21st, 2006
I'll be performing (maybe with a special guest) at Buck's Bottle Cap at 1128 Simonton St.
Key West Florida
This will be a very small "up close and personal" Show.
It's actually the first in a new acoustic series at the Bottlecap.
Doors open at 7 show starts at 9 PM. Cover charge is $10.00 Such a deal!
See you there... PS the place is small so you might want to get there early.

Wow!
Another Bay Jam, Awesome!
We had a day of great bands and performers, with beautiful weather, and tons of loyal music and art supporters.
The show began with lots of impromptu jams featuring Micah Gardner, Scott Youngberg and the Islamorada drummers. Local mega drummer, Luke Ptomey made several appearances along with special guests like Mo Santacruz on Bass.
Highlights for me were Raiford Starke with Felix (Baga-Trix) Hawkins and Luke, and Philth.
Check out the Floridakeysbayjam.com for the full lineup and pictures soon.
Of course Nyan Kicked some serious butt playing two sets also. That's mah Boy!

Well, we are home from our amazing trip to Mexico. Here is the first of a series of pictures from the International Acoustic Guitar Fest. This one is before our show at La Calla, with Nyan, Me, and Jocelyn Celaya AKA The Dynamic Trio.
We had a lot of fun with her. She's a great player and she and her husband, Juan are super people.
I'm the older looking handsome guy in the middle.
Nyan was the star of the festival and signed lots of autographs. They booked us for three more sold out shows. So we ended up playing six (almost seven) shows altogether.
The Bun is really growing as a musician. It's a really great daddy feeling.
Today we are working on some songs for Bay Jam. Bay Jam is Sunday, April 9.
Yup, my birthday and anniversary too!
See you all there.

Wow!
Are we having fun?
The answer would have to be SI SI SI !!!!
Zihuatanejo reminds me how the Keys used to be.
The people are great and the music and night life are awsome. The town is filled with some of the best guitarists on the planet!
Everywhere you go there is amazing music. And I'll tell ya all later about Rick's Bar.
Same Rick, different water.
Nyan wowed the crowds at three big shows so far. Our last show is tonight at the Blue Mamou Blues Club on Playa de Ropa.
These venues are the most beautiful I've ever seen.
The La Calla show was great. I played with Jocelyn Celaya, an awsome fingerstyle, radical classical player in the style of Preston Reed. She will be famous soon.
We did a couple of duets, pictures soon. Really great fun.
The venue overlooks a beautiful inlet with waves crashing in over the rocks in time with the breathing of the earth. Heavan. We did not want to leave.
We've been jamming with some fantastic musicians and Nyan has be sponging up lots of new tricks.
Great Mexican food and people.

More later.
We love you all.
Dave Suzi and Nyan