“Self-discipline is an act of cultivation. It requires you to connect today’s actions to tomorrow’s results. There’s a season for sowing a season for reaping. Self-discipline helps you know which is which.”
Gary Ryan Blair
“By constant self-discipline and self-control you can develop greatness of character.”
Grenville Kleiser
“In order to carry a positive action we must develop here a positive vision.”
Dalai Lama
“The distance between dreams and reality is called discipline.”
As summer is upon us, I have been asked to perform in “The Other Ear,” a band which was formed several years ago with our last gig played at “The Nines,” a college town bar located in Ithaca, NY. The original Composer/Singer/Guitarist, Ben Fambrough, relocated out-of-state and life moved on. The beginning of this project has turned into two gigs which will be held on Friday, July 21, 2017 at 8:00 pm at The Cyber Cafe’ West in Binghamton, NY and Saturday, July 22, 2017 at 8:00 pm at The Ransom Steele Tavern in Apalachin, NY.
The band began as “The Big Ear” with Ben Fambrough, Composer, Guitar, Lead Vocals; Chuck Kozlowski, Drums/Percussion, Back-up Vocals; and Chris Carlsen, Bass and Vocals. As many musicians know, a three-piece band is wonderful but requires additional fill-in music to allow for varied expression within the context of the song (of course unless you are a RUSH fan)!
“Peanuts” Charles M. Schulz
So then I was asked to play keyboards and hence “The Other Ear” was formed! Being classically trained, this was quite a new experience in music playing, listening and expression – to say the least! As well as a patience-builder for all involved who play ‘by ear.’ My beginning piano playing involved sight reading to the max which includes such repertoire as Beethoven’s Sonata Pathetique’ – certainly not a piece one learns to play ‘by ear’ with as many notes as possible crammed into one measure!
“Peanuts” Charles M. Schulz
So as I have been somewhat absent from my blogging this past month, it has been due to time spent practicing songs in preparation for the two upcoming gigs this weekend! My thanks to all the other band members for their support with my learning curve from Classical to Rock! Most of the songs are originals written by Ben, with some covers thrown in by Phish (Dirt), Talking Heads (Cities), Medeski, Martin & Wood (Think) and of course, the timeless Beatles (Prudence).
“Peanuts” Charles M. Schulz
Below are a few links to some of the music. Enjoy!
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to give you hope and a future.”
Jeremiah 29:11
“God will supply all of our needs according to His riches in glory.”
Philippians 4:19
“Cast all your cares on ME.”
1 Peter 5:7
“Trust in the Lord with all of your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In All your ways acknowledge Him and He will direct your paths.”
Proverbs 3:5-6
“We know that All things work together for them that love God, to them that are called according to His Purpose.”
Romans 8:28
Thank you to Ransom Steele Tavern, Cyber Cafe West, family, friends and guests for making The Other Ear’s Reunion weekend of music a memorable experience for everyone!
First recording of the end of “Dirt” cover written by Phish is posted below the credits taken from Ben Fambrough’s You Tube channel.
Ben Fambrough (lead vocals, guitar); Chuck Kozlowski (drums, back-up vocals); Chris Carlsen (bass, vocals); Lori D. Marchell Carlsen (keyboards); with guest musicians Rich Kennicutt (keyboards) and James Michael Thompson (guitar, vocals).
“We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit.”
Will Durant
“Talent is Good, Practice is Better, Passion is Best!”
Frank Lloyd Wright
“The difference between ordinary and extraordinary is practice.”
Vladimir Horowitz
“Your talent is God’s gift to you. What you do with it, is your gift back to God.”
Author Unknown
“Music gives a Soul to the Universe, Wings to the Mind, Flight to the Imagination, and Life to Everything.”
Plato
“To play a wrong note is insignificant; to play without passion is inexcusable.”
Ludwig van Beethoven
“It is a mistake to think that the practice of my art has become easy to me.”
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
“The most valuable practice aid is patience.”
Howard Snell
“Excellence is not a skill, it’s an attitude.”
Ralph Marston
Thank you to Ransom Steele Tavern, Cyber Cafe West, family, friends and guests for making The Other Ear’s Reunion weekend of music a memorable experience for everyone!
Recordings will be available in the near future from the two gigs which include Ben Fambrough’s original songs as well as cover music from such artists as Talking Heads, Phish, Beatles and Grateful Dead.
Ben Fambrough (lead vocals, guitar); Chuck Kozlowski (drums, back-up vocals); Chris Carlsen (bass, vocals); Lori D. Marchell Carlsen (keyboards); with guest musicians Rich Kennicutt (keyboards) and James Michael Thompson (guitar, vocals).
