tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-59230782012-02-09T13:54:37.956-05:00This is my blog. Here is where I talk about music, life, being an independent recording artist, and living a family life: just a regular guy who makes music because he enjoys it.<br> <a href="http://jimmybearpearson.com">Please visit my Independent music page. Music that's good for the mind and interesting for your brain!</a>Jim of Vivid Peacehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08596901561924107295noreply@blogger.comBlogger1561100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5923078.post-55751160090500780212011-08-22T16:29:00.000-05:002011-08-22T16:29:25.900-05:00

Music recording and reproduction technologies have come light years beyond where they were 100, 20, even 5 years ago. But there is an underlying issue that is growing... The pervasiveness of "make the music louder through overall compression." Music wave forms should look something like an earthquake measured on a seismograph. Different heights and valleys; different frequencies and different

Jim Pearsonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5923078.post-69271607690144103902011-05-24T13:06:00.001-05:002011-05-24T13:06:39.175-05:00

I've not been actively writing lately... I'm still here. Stay tuned!

Jim Pearsonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5923078.post-24073306414600785942010-11-04T07:48:00.000-05:002010-11-04T07:48:04.631-05:00

I'm building (well, really re-building) guitars again. It feels good to smell the solder and hear something come to life with new sound. I learned how to do a nitrocellulose cherry-amber burst on a rescued Gibson Gothic Explorer... Sounds great. Looks OK... maybe not awesome, but looks OK. I used some really great Burstbucker Pro (V AlNiCo) matched pair and real Gibson pots, switch, and jack to

Jim Pearsonnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5923078.post-48650743949570262682010-10-19T07:56:00.000-05:002010-10-19T07:56:32.024-05:00

I'm still here. Just busy. I truly love music and the way it winds through our daily lives. Kennon's band InterTwineD is doing nicely. On the springboard to greatness! http://www.myspace.com/i-twined

Jim Pearsonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5923078.post-10674463626250631492010-04-07T10:26:00.001-05:002010-04-07T10:28:44.998-05:00

This blog is now located at http://vividpeacemusicblog.blogspot.com/. You will be automatically redirected in 30 seconds, or you may click here. For feed subscribers, please update your feed subscriptions to http://vividpeacemusicblog.blogspot.com/feeds/posts/default.

Jim Pearsonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5923078.post-89623438197772582822010-02-17T16:38:00.001-05:002010-02-17T16:38:04.730-05:00

Vivid Peace is growing to include many creative efforts - beyond music into many arts. Stay tuned: The light is brighter.

Jim Pearsonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5923078.post-84198073704451003692009-10-15T17:19:00.000-05:002009-10-15T17:19:35.798-05:00

Catchy title, yes? Actually, this short post is in contrast to the title. Progressive music is not dead at all. It has just progressed. With sounds like Pink Floyd, Yes, (arguably) The Moody Blues, and so many other musical wonders of the world - it seems logical and even desirable for today's artists to continue the tradition: learn, experiment, make sounds and share them with the world. Bend

Jim Pearsonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5923078.post-14004443244065814232009-10-15T17:09:00.000-05:002009-10-15T17:09:00.932-05:00

Things have been busy. I have a pair of new albums coming out, the second and third of The Blue Sun Project. The muses this time are Clio and Thalia. Clio will be out this fall, with Thalia coming out in the winter time. And now: TADA! the new "band" name: Vivid Peace. I'm leaving my Jimmy Bear Pearson persona behind and starting a new phase to my musical musings. I've released a single from

Jim Pearsonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5923078.post-74283839387099320232009-08-05T09:25:00.004-05:002009-08-05T12:24:29.882-05:00

Traditional thinking is that a label is a company that fosters, markets, profits from, and identifies with music and musicians.Isn't CDBaby (or many of the other self-publish and small-volume-publish entities) a label? Considering the income and spread of artists, wouldn't it be considered to be a "big" label?Is it fair to say that good music is always promoted and that not-good music gets no

Jim Pearsonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5923078.post-76982215278606920822009-07-07T17:44:00.006-05:002011-08-22T16:35:58.296-05:00

Michael Jackson died June 25, 2009 with a full cardiac arrest. Michael was not just an icon and a pop figure, he was an outstanding musician and an inspiration to many millions. I, too, have admired you very much and enjoyed so many of your tunes and your videos and dance moves. He left us with many gifts of song, sight, and music. Like so many greats that have gone before him, it will be hard

Jim Pearsonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5923078.post-16727836443440614912009-06-16T09:51:00.002-05:002009-06-16T09:56:56.504-05:00

A good guitar doesn't have to be anything more than what its player wants. That is what makes a good guitar.A great guitar doesn't have to be anything more than a fully wonderful sensual experience (sight, sound, feel, smell) that invokes deep feelings about music when it is played.None of the above is directly related to cost - just great guitar luthiery and great tech work.I have played beat (

Jim Pearsonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5923078.post-24883614658154668672009-06-02T07:17:00.004-05:002009-06-02T07:35:27.856-05:00

Contrary to the mood of one my most recent posts, there are encouraging things about the way the music business works.I built a super-wonderful custom Stratocaster for a local musician. (You can see it here, opens new window.) As is usual, I couldn't let it go without making it be the absolute best that I could... I buried time and the best parts I could find (in my budget) into the guitar.I put

Jim Pearsonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5923078.post-34529086391553582372009-05-16T23:17:00.003-05:002009-05-16T23:26:53.223-05:00

A local band recently had an important (small, but important) gig date "replaced" by another band.Said another way, the venue committed to the local band a spot for a non-paying, but fun, gig. People drove across the state. Gear was hefted about and around. The local band was excited - they've packed the place several times.At the door, another band was in their slot. No notice to the original

Jim Pearsonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5923078.post-91156326415624531352009-05-07T09:55:00.005-05:002009-05-07T10:13:18.421-05:00

Small businesses generate more cash and more jobs than the big businesses do. There are (literally) billions of small businesses in the United States. This country flows and ebbs on the daily gains and losses of small businesses.I have one, too (although it is part time and only employs 2). I have a guitar customization and guitar/bass technician business. I also make interstitial, instrumental,

Jim Pearsonnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5923078.post-28662087917215498462009-04-25T08:24:00.002-05:002009-04-25T08:50:38.287-05:00

The beauty of the internet age is that people can publish their music from their homes, from their schools, even from the public library. This phenomenon even applies to self-publishing literary works...The not-beauty of the internet age is that people can publish their music from their homes, from their schools, even from the public library.Confused? Hang on a minute...When it becomes easy for

Jim Pearsonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5923078.post-61848311230217352009-04-22T17:47:00.004-05:002011-08-22T16:33:35.294-05:00

Tune in Turn on the music Be brave enough to like what you like To love the music you love to hear Be brave enough to make the music your heart tells you to make Whether it is singing in the shower, or a nine-track, home-produced requiem Spread it to the world, infect souls with your sound. Remember: Everything is musical if you give it a chance...

Jim Pearsonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5923078.post-41765049497168993902009-04-21T23:31:00.003-05:002009-04-25T08:57:50.831-05:00

Recent events have reaffirmed my faith in "good musicians who work hard get heard." For quite some time, it seems like only boy- and girl-band spin-offs were able to make money and get tours.Out Of State has been playing their own material (mostly) to all kinds of small and large crowds. All four musicians are excellent, the singer is a true young phenom, and the sound gets you going in a big

Jim Pearsonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5923078.post-65602847771897200732009-02-18T17:14:00.003-05:002009-04-25T08:55:42.151-05:00

I've not finished the HTML for the http://bearsguitars.com site yet, but...I thought I'd have some fun things to leave around and to give out to promote the site a bit.I give them out at gatherings, and I try to remember to include them when I sell stuff on eBay and Craigslist...

Jim Pearsonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5923078.post-59566779158622221672009-01-26T01:02:00.002-05:002009-01-26T01:04:35.293-05:00

I've been very busy of late... haven't had much time to write...I've been deep in the throws of starting up a small after-hours business - customizing affordable guitars, doing modifications and maintenance for local folks, and a little speculation here and there.I've recorded some awesome music recently - I'll be putting out my next progressive rock album sometime in the late winter or early

Jim Pearsonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5923078.post-83576903636800068722008-12-22T13:56:00.003-05:002008-12-22T14:01:37.086-05:00

Dear readers. In the next month or a a little more, I will be shutting the doors on music2quitby.com.Recent circumstances dictate that I must pare back much music and expense.Thank you to you all for your support and your thoughts on my little "music to quit by" project. It has been a true joy to share, to create for you, and to read your many notes of support.

Jim Pearsonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5923078.post-35666556806535077802008-12-17T14:06:00.003-05:002009-04-25T08:59:55.487-05:00

Nine Inch Nails evolves again. Alessandro Cortini is the latest member to leave the "live band" version of NIN - to pursue other sounds.I've liked NIN for a good while - the first time I heard NIN music, I was playing one of the Quake FPS video games. The game, played in the darkness of my living room with the CD in the drive and the speakers cranked, was a frightening and adrenaline-festive

Jim Pearsonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5923078.post-39090794909860606332008-12-15T16:01:00.003-05:002008-12-15T16:12:37.819-05:00

I went to the movies with some friends this past weekend. There were lots of action trailers, but there was one trailer which grabbed my attention...The Sony Pictures Entertainment group's movie "2012" (The official site is here, opens a new window...).The trailer is simple, thought-provoking, and very powerful. In a matter of coincidence, I made a piece of music last summer which depicts the

Jim Pearsonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5923078.post-79714771096505032402008-12-13T12:33:00.002-05:002008-12-13T12:37:44.264-05:00

Nothing really earthshaking to write about today... Just thought I'd share a sound or two. My music and instruments have blossomed this month. I'm very grateful.I was lucky enough to find a really nice limited-edition Jackson DXMGTSP in Inferno Red. I promptly gutted the electronics and had a great time customizing the sound...Here's a nice, clean-ish tune using the DXMGTSP JP Custom: http://

Jim Pearsonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5923078.post-90389877327777018732008-12-10T11:12:00.002-05:002008-12-10T11:17:36.906-05:00

My grandfather's death last Spring was a milestone in my life. Charles (Charlie) had always been there. Now he's not.It was his time, though...It was just time for him to go fishin'GoneFishin.mp3

Jim Pearsonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5923078.post-91073843616477405222008-12-03T09:10:00.002-05:002008-12-03T09:19:46.569-05:00

It's interesting... for centuries, one learned music by traveling to a tutor or master teacher, then learning your lessons and accepting practice challenges. This is still truly present today, and still marks the pinnacle of learning to be a better musician, performer, and even mentor to others.But the internet age has introduced something which makes casual, quick lessons almost instantly and

Jim Pearsonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5923078.post-5526999315669230182008-10-14T11:31:00.006-05:002008-10-14T11:50:07.273-05:00

Ringo Starr has released an interesting video of himself asking fans to stop sending items to him for Ringo to sign. Ringo's Official site is here: http://www.ringostarr.com/home.php. The movie is here: http://media.ringostarr.com/video//2008-10-10/2008-10-10.movThe video has spread like wildfire throughout the internet tubes - with much emotion on many different perspectives on his

Jim Pearsonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5923078.post-51461266323529410752008-10-07T18:46:00.006-05:002008-10-14T09:19:51.144-05:00

Richard Wright, both as an individual musician and a member of Pink Floyd, has been of profound influence on my music and my listening.Richard left us last month for that great gig in the sky. I hope he has a place that is all he ever wanted it to be.A tribute to Richard, in music: http://jimmybearpearson.com/moosic/WrightSong.mp3.Thank you Richard. I didn't ever have the pleasure of meeting you

Jim Pearsonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5923078.post-76022794045015262082008-08-21T11:26:00.003-05:002008-08-21T11:35:00.206-05:00

Elvin Bishop has joined up as a member of mog.com:http://mog.com/elvinbishopAwesome!If you don't know much about Elvin and wonder why I'm glad he joined, look at these links to find out more about him:http://www.elvinbishopmusic.com/http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Elvin_Bishop

Jim Pearsonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5923078.post-84896695577952534172008-01-09T14:16:00.000-05:002008-01-09T23:35:31.219-05:00

I don't think High Fidelity is dead. I think music (and recordings in general) have been "Walmartized" a fair bit.Every artist I know cares about the end result of their music in recordings. Every music engineer and technician I've ever met cares very deeply about how well the end product sounds.Yes, we have lots of folks "aiming down" for best-fit to digital devices, quicker download times, and

Jim Pearsonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5923078.post-55672652582586244512008-01-07T11:30:00.000-05:002008-01-07T11:33:41.958-05:00

I miss minds and souls like Jimi Hendrix and Stevie Ray Vaughan.I am, however, glad that there are so many independents out there making their music and sharing it with the world.Right now, it seems as though Disco is returning (not literally, but effectively - with the resurgence of paid-for-pop).Listen to people that aren't played 100 times an hour on pop radio. Listen to alternative radio (

Jim Pearsonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5923078.post-33431103740774299962007-12-05T13:53:00.001-05:002008-01-02T13:31:25.619-05:00

Derek Trucks (and his awesome spouse and bandmates) is absolutely awesome.I've never met a more humble, sincere, likeable person - who makes such fundamentally wonderful and creative sounds.I don't go and buy CDs every day. Although I listen to myriad types of music each day, I don't often get to drop in sounds that are profoundly "favorite set" altering.I've got two Derek Trucks Band CDs now. My

Jim Pearsonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5923078.post-17072968935029816892007-11-30T12:42:00.000-05:002007-11-30T13:01:30.915-05:00

It costs WAY over $100K (a minimum, really) to produce a well-produced album.That's a BARGAIN, considering the skills, time, equipment, and effort required to do a great set of recordings and mastering.But, that's a huge barrier to amateurs. But, surprisingly, so many have found ways to make really good recordings - with help, some good low-cost equipment, and lots of trial-and-error.Don't be

Jim Pearsonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5923078.post-33019141718388840892007-11-15T10:22:00.000-05:002007-11-15T10:28:51.639-05:00

It takes a league of people, machines, time, expertise, and money - to make a professionally-cut album.Bob Dylan and Sir Elton John both think that today's music is over-processed, over-polished. Many other musicians say they can't compete without hugely-edited music (to the tune of a minimum of $125K). Musicians who don't have the name- and brand-punch of Dylan and John don't seem to have much

Jim Pearsonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5923078.post-89843115014655297372007-11-05T08:23:00.000-05:002007-11-05T08:37:22.158-05:00

We've had Eric Clapton, Jimi Hendrix, David Gilmour, B.B. King, Robert Johnson, Steve Vai, and so many others (how do you make a list like that short?). Thanks to these folks, we've got a wide and diverse library of sounds and musical emotions from which to choose.Can we afford to sit and enjoy the ones we have and let it go at that?No.Inspire your kids and neighbors' kids to play. Let them

Jim Pearsonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5923078.post-12093814053698337702007-10-24T16:22:00.000-05:002007-10-24T16:29:15.940-05:00

If you didn't know about Chris Pryor, you should. Read his thoughts from his MOG, it's worth the time and the thoughts.http://mog.com/CrashPryor.Goodbye Crash. Thanks.

Jim Pearsonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5923078.post-1776135433746250812007-10-17T10:19:00.000-05:002007-10-17T10:40:30.767-05:00

I've always liked the music and personality of Carlos Santana. He's always had something to share and something to say. He's given us tons of great, memorable sounds.For the past while, Carlos has been making even more interesting music. He's not resting on his laurels, or sitting in ivory towers looking down on the vast landscape of amateurs below his stature (like so many artists at the top of

Jim Pearsonnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5923078.post-67681178796127816792007-10-10T14:15:00.000-05:002007-10-10T14:27:30.837-05:00

Radiohead releases a new album, and does it with a twist...Read about it here: http://www.radiohead.com/deadairspace/.The group is allowing the listener to download the album, and lets the listener decide how much she/he thinks it is worth (is it $0 or is it $20?).I honestly don't know how much they're going to take in on this. But I have this to say: GO FOR IT! What a wonderful thing to do.

Jim Pearsonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5923078.post-53798964048031536352007-09-14T13:34:00.000-05:002007-09-14T21:02:48.885-05:00

Something from my previous post.Thinking.Listening.Going on a journey with music and the mind.Listen to:Blue Stream On Yellow Stone.Think of this:The water is clean, cold, blue, clear, sparkling.The sky is a bright, deep cobalt blue - with small wispy white clouds.The air is clean, sweet, crisp, and smells like heaven.The river flows over yellow and tan rocks and boulders, falling hundreds of

Jim Pearsonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5923078.post-69812254383389204482007-09-13T21:54:00.000-05:002007-09-13T21:58:50.670-05:00

Imagine, just for a moment, Led Zeppelin, Yes, and Pink Floyd - as they were when they were just starting out.Imagine, just for a moment that those many lads tried to get a contract with today's musical boardrooms and video producers.Would they slam the world onto its ears, as they did so many years ago?Think. Imagine. Wonder. Listen to Indie and under-produced stuff.You'll be glad you did.

Jim Pearsonnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5923078.post-63104726405404752012007-09-10T11:44:00.000-05:002007-09-10T11:52:35.957-05:00

Britney Spears was part of the celebration at the MTV VMA ceremonies (I actually remember when MTV had MUSIC VIDEOS. How cool is that?)(Here's a link to part of her involvement in the evening's festivities, opens a new window.)Reading the news entries (about her performance) were just exactly what I expected. The news and media only talked about her fitness, her body shape, and whether or not she

Jim Pearsonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5923078.post-5739685058324355972007-09-04T09:23:00.000-05:002007-09-04T09:32:48.342-05:00

I watched an interview of Ringo Starr last evening.He's affable, interesting, very smart, self-deprecating, funny, and seems like he's a nice guy all around.And he makes good music.And he writes interesting songs.And he doesn't live in an ivory tower somewhere eschewing interviews - can you imagine answering the same questions over and over again for decades? He answers questions with aplomb and

Jim Pearsonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5923078.post-60176879202612564602007-08-31T11:10:00.000-05:002007-08-31T11:14:47.532-05:00

Now that I'm starting to exercise some vocal-recording chops, I thought I'd plug my work... All three of my readers will appreciate this:Jimmy Bear Pearson/William Thomas Frederick Confesses to being a Mother Pheasant Plucker.:-)

Jim Pearsonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5923078.post-43484481767324193492007-08-29T15:24:00.000-05:002007-08-29T15:47:46.286-05:00

When MIDI and sampling appeared on the musical scene (separately, of course), there was great interest and there was great concern.The people (and some musicians) thought, "Neat! That's wonderful!" Others thought, "NO ONE WILL EVER TAKE THE PLACE OF LIVE MUSICIANS!"The truth is that sampling and MIDI are neat and wonderful. And there will never be a true replacement for the human touch in music.

Jim Pearsonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5923078.post-59496196786050940542007-08-23T09:06:00.000-05:002007-08-29T15:21:31.403-05:00

There has been a wonderful resurgence of garage bands.But in an unexpected place.Folks who chose to make a living via conventional means, raise kids, and have a stable lifestyle are getting financially OK enough to buy some gear, take some time, and play LOUD music, country music, bluegrass music, and so much more.Dad bands and Mom bands, with their thirty-, forty-, fifty-, and sixty-something

Jim Pearsonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5923078.post-54491940432214117392007-08-10T14:42:00.000-05:002007-08-10T14:47:51.631-05:00

I won't re-argue the (many) valid points posted on Pearl Jam's bloggy comments here (opens new window), but I wanted to reinforce one thing. In the blog entry, Marguerite Reardon is quoted:"Any provider that blocks access to content is inviting customers to find another provider." (Marguerite Reardon, Staff Writer, CNET News.com Published: March 21, 2006, 2:23 PM PST)."Exactly. Censoring music

Jim Pearsonnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5923078.post-71548602124758784992007-08-06T14:06:00.001-05:002007-08-06T14:07:44.830-05:00

The Digital Music Revolution is not devolution.It is evolution.Analog is visceral.Digital is accessible.Analog is warm.Digital is cool.The Digital music revolution is not devolution, it is evolution.

Jim Pearsonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5923078.post-85547965761668929462007-08-06T13:33:00.000-05:002007-08-06T13:48:50.195-05:00

I'm a massive and HUGE of Sir Elton John's music. I have enjoyed his music since the 70s, and will always have a place in my heart for the wonderful music gifts he has given us.From "Friends" to the glory days, to the present, Sir Elton has been a consummate entertainer, arranger, and force in popular music. His impact on the musical landscape is inescapable, indelible, and truly wonderful. Thank

Jim Pearsonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5923078.post-83895983495518130332007-07-24T17:29:00.001-05:002007-07-25T12:45:45.667-05:00

Had a nice and refreshing vacation last week... Enjoyed some time in the mountains...Spent some time at the Woodlands BBQ place... We listened to a few folks singing their hearts out - singing cover songs with just a guitar or two. Those folks make live music special. I'm thankful that no-one is hunting them down for royalties on those cover songs.---------------------------------On another

Jim Pearsonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5923078.post-63409835800919981502007-06-18T15:59:00.000-05:002007-06-18T16:05:02.029-05:00

Rumors are flying that the One Bear Band is plagued with in-fighting and artistic differences.It is important to note that: although I do wish there were actually more of me (sometimes), I'd like to make it clear that I've been getting along with myself in (more or less) perfect harmony since I formed all four of me into a band in 2004. I have no desire to break up with myself any time

Jim Pearsonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5923078.post-90318808603631995142007-06-12T14:48:00.000-05:002007-06-12T15:39:33.515-05:00

(Off-topic: Sold TWO CDs Yesterday... Paint With Sound... Yay! It's one of my very favorites. )On-topic:In my very unscientific estimation, we have tens of thousands of people making music in the world. From shower singing to stage screaming to streetcorner strumming - on and on. People have made music for eons.With the interposition of the "Internets Tubes", fairly affordable video/audio

Jim Pearsonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5923078.post-37298851527713682662007-06-06T13:33:00.001-05:002007-06-06T14:16:02.648-05:00

The Public Radio Talent Quest has been a very good thing. Lots of contestants spread their wings for the first time - and many experienced folks showed us newbies (particularly newbies such as myself) what talent and experience really sound like.As with most things, I feel a strong need to relate my experience to music (surprised?).I recently participated in a contest where contestants played

Jim Pearsonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5923078.post-74286488428873576332007-06-06T13:13:00.000-05:002007-06-06T13:49:22.126-05:00

Hello folks! I wanted to share some thoughts about the Public Radio Talent Quest. This is the first of two posts - I want to keep the two rambles separate.The first round of the Public Radio Talent Quest is finished and decided. Ten awesome, energetic, thoughtful, and very talented individuals have made it to the second round (including a couple of my absolute favorite entries!).I suppose and

Jim Pearsonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5923078.post-23468072953817004542007-05-31T08:11:00.000-05:002007-06-12T15:19:19.596-05:00

I've been spending a bit of my internet time visiting the Public Radio Talent Quest site.It's been a fun adventure. My entry has been nicely received, and I've gotten lots of uplifting comments and thoughts on the site. (BTW, you can visit the site here and listen to my entry here.)OK, enough rambling, what's my point?My point is that one of the fabulous things about the PRTQ site is the

Jim Pearsonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5923078.post-87661031280327191152007-05-22T16:43:00.000-05:002007-05-23T09:17:52.697-05:00

Independent musicians sometimes make decent radio voices, too!I was reading Izzy Smith's explanation of the contest process for the Public Radio talent quest here http://www.publicradioquest.com/comment/reply/1936.But, I thought it would be VERY important to bring up a slight error in his post. The proper steps are:First, the screen team all write "Bear Pearson" as their number one choice with

Jim Pearsonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5923078.post-15011637411118375982007-05-15T14:21:00.000-05:002007-05-15T14:24:50.028-05:00

I think it Bears repeating... I enjoy the company of a thriving, rich, and excellent community of music lovers and musicians - a community that knows few boundaries. There are people from all over the world, from many age groups, from many musical tastes at MOG.One of the things that strikes me the most (other than the passion that MOGgers FEEL for their music), is the diversity of genre. Every

Jim Pearsonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5923078.post-61154033019446818852007-05-10T12:56:00.000-05:002007-05-10T13:45:14.530-05:00

First, I'd like to say something about labeled music. Labels, large and small, are a good thing. They contain thousands of great people who are working their fingers to the bone for listeners and artists. Labels do indispensable tons of work in promotion, distribution, funding, and industry behind-the-scenes stuff. As an indie-indie artist (who must also make a living doing something besides

Jim Pearsonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5923078.post-9896017629509569992007-05-09T07:43:00.000-05:002007-05-22T09:53:32.690-05:00

I just had to drop in one more note:I've really enjoyed so many standouts in Public Radio. Here's one who's special:

Jim Pearsonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5923078.post-71788659959531925972007-05-09T07:35:00.000-05:002007-05-22T09:52:52.141-05:00

Well folks. If you've had aspirations of being a radio host, or if you would love to be a part of Public Radio, now is the time to get your feet in the water. The first round of the Public Radio Talent Quest is coming to an end. The submission deadline for first-round entries is May 14, 2007. Only those selected in the first round move on to the second round - so don't put your toe in the pool,

Jim Pearsonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5923078.post-22905344059190872852007-05-05T21:30:00.000-05:002007-05-05T21:48:49.633-05:00

I thought I'd share one of pictures I took of Mr. Holeman at the concert. I did a little sepia toning... I always wondered what it would be like sitting in a "drink joint", with smoke hanging in the air - and John Dee and his fellows playing roots blues all night long...Set your mind into the picture, capture the sound in your head, listen with your heart. Caring for roots music is good. Caring

Jim Pearsonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5923078.post-58509616264529013722007-04-26T15:33:00.000-05:002007-04-26T15:43:07.044-05:00

I just needed to drop in a note... I'll write something a little deeper as time permits...There are a great many people out there who have made music for all of us, people who have given their lives to creating, performing, and sharing wonderful music.These folks aren't the rap, rock, or country stars who are worried about what color Escalade to buy: They're worried about medicine, electricity,

Jim Pearsonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5923078.post-72027236952916429112007-04-23T10:37:00.000-05:002007-04-23T10:53:25.356-05:00

I love playing to things with strings. I love listening to things with strings. From a player's point of view guitar and bass are at the top of my list. From a listener's point of view, guitar and bass are up there, followed closely by the cello and bass violin. (I don't own a cello... I've thought about it a hundred times, though. They're so wonderful... maybe someday...)An early musician's

Jim Pearsonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5923078.post-67964794393693079822007-04-19T15:48:00.001-05:002007-04-19T16:09:49.664-05:00

I am sad. I don't pretend to have the right things to say. My heart goes out to you.I want to express my thoughts as I do so often in my life - through music.This tune is dedicated to all those kids whose lights live on in all of us, and those who survived:http://jimmybearpearson.com/vt/SleepWellTonightAngel.mp3.Sleep well tonight, angels.

Jim Pearsonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5923078.post-81756600046005750802007-04-18T13:05:00.000-05:002007-04-19T09:50:04.188-05:00

I think it is worth mentioning some history...My first memories of popular recorded music were pretty simple. They were a joy, too. I remember (many, many times) riding along in the family's Mother Ship (that's one of those living-room-as-a-driving-BOAT station wagons of the 60s) with my mom - going who knows where to run who-knows-what errand...The A.M. push-button radio spewing out scratchy

Jim Pearsonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5923078.post-23236083463650550442007-04-18T11:10:00.000-05:002007-04-18T13:05:28.864-05:00

My parents used to listen to music through the radio. On rare occasion, live music would be played at local dance get-togethers - both parents (in their youth) lived in relatively small towns. The most common social exposure to music was sounds in churches or other places of worship.The music that was played and enjoyed was fairly slow-to-change. Trends from New York, southern California, the

Jim Pearsonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5923078.post-25254268468968414002007-04-16T21:18:00.000-05:002007-04-16T21:28:39.946-05:00

Now here's something interesting!Public Radio is looking for the next set of great radio hosts! You should try!http://www.publicradioquest.com/.I've got my entry in! Give it a listen at: http://www.publicradioquest.com/audio/user/1606.Vote for me, please? ! ? :-)

Jim Pearsonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5923078.post-68016488984350041522007-04-11T10:07:00.000-05:002007-04-11T10:30:57.574-05:00

I've been asked, "Does giving away some of your music for free help music sales?"I've thought about the answer to that question... The absolute, crystal-clear, unmitigated answer is, "yes."But probably not like you might think.Giving away music does not seem have a clear, numeric mark on CD sales, album sales, singles sales, or ticket sales. Rather, giving away music gives exposure to an artist/

Jim Pearsonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5923078.post-17084668764362256242007-04-11T09:57:00.000-05:002007-04-11T10:06:06.064-05:00

What a wonderful tool, environment, place, and experience for your ears. Please give it a try. If you like finding and experiencing the music of the web, get a copy of Songbird here:http://songbirdnest.com.You'll be glad you did...

Jim Pearsonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5923078.post-58143755482885480192007-04-09T07:28:00.001-05:002011-08-22T16:35:16.145-05:00

Vivid Peace Music (nee Jimmy Bear Pearson) and the One Jim Band were captured on photo recently... a girl cub paparazzi snapped this photo of the band hanging out on a quiet weekend day in March.

Jim Pearsonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5923078.post-76329040891260010082007-04-04T13:06:00.000-05:002007-04-04T13:09:31.845-05:00

One of my favorite development projects over the past 2 1/2 years: Grow hair to donate to http://locksoflove.com.I've put up a simple page with some of the details of getting my hair ready to send off to Locks Of Love. You can read it and see pictures here:http://jimmybearpearson.com/locksoflove.php.Cheers everyone!Music is for the ears, not the budget.

Jim Pearsonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5923078.post-48325684833959023552007-03-28T07:28:00.000-05:002007-04-04T13:13:11.987-05:00

Last night's local Guitar Center King of the Blues contest was a real blast! The guy that won was REALLY good. He gave a performance that you'd expect from a high-end artist. You can read more about King of the Blues here:http://www.guitarcenter.com/kingoftheblues/.I've published several of the pictures from King Of The Blues at my flick'r page, starting approximately here: http://www.flickr.com

Jim Pearsonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5923078.post-91303223819296138952007-03-26T15:44:00.000-05:002007-03-26T15:49:13.507-05:00

Independent musicians are at the beginnings of so much music. It isn't that all music extends from indie/independent musical beginnings... it is just that even U2 (or the Beatles, or ) was independent at one point.Give indies a chance, help out at a tour date or a bar-room gig. Buy indie un-labeled stuff once in a while. Talk up new folks or folks that haven't "made it" yet.

Jim Pearsonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5923078.post-6969435034938859062007-03-25T23:25:00.000-05:002007-03-25T23:29:15.541-05:00

My son and I are going to compete in the Guitar Center's / Gibson's King of the Blues improv contest. We'll both do much better than we did last year.We've both got our little routines going forward pretty well. I'm playing my Epi Les Paul (Gibson P94 Bridge, GFS Dream 90 neck) through a AnalogMan SD-1...Awesome. Read more about it here: The Guitar Center's King of the Blues.

Jim Pearsonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5923078.post-77533281379969162092007-03-20T15:18:00.000-05:002007-03-20T15:21:50.262-05:00

I'm thrilled. I'm a big Tull fan - I first listened to them back in the late 60s, I guess.I heard today that iTunes now carries the Jethro Tull music catalog. I think it is a great thing. I hope (sincerely) that the folks who made the music get to see plenty from the proceeds of the iTunes sales.(If you have iTunes installed, you can click here to see the Jethro Tull iTunes home.

Jim Pearsonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5923078.post-50857166367943361672007-03-15T09:00:00.000-05:002007-03-15T09:16:39.363-05:00

I was reading about the Jimmy Page Gibson VOS and Aged Double-Neck guitars today. Wow. A replica of a piece of history – one you can hold in your hand for $8000 to $30,000. (Where are a new crop of gals and guys like Led Zeppelin and Jimi Hendrix now? That's another subject for another day.)Problem is this: All those fabulous double-necks will be in cases, in framed-shrine-glass-door cabinets, in

Jim Pearsonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5923078.post-69600252107988180372007-03-12T10:20:00.000-05:002007-03-12T10:47:36.148-05:00

Recent times have been hard on some truly talented individuals.Britney Spears' meltdown - for once, I think some folks should try to put themselves in her shoes for just a minute.Pop quiz:Did you not have a "childhood?"Have you had cameras in your face (almost every waking moment) for the vast majority of your life?Do major tabloid rags have 5- and six-figure bounties out for shots of you doing

Jim Pearsonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5923078.post-27698428720395734472007-03-06T11:37:00.000-05:002007-03-06T11:46:26.674-05:00

Believe in yourself.Don't listen to zealots on any side of an argument - just to the folks who are reasonable.Be neither sheep nor wolf, just be yourself.Respect your own opinion - but don't shove it on others.Listen to the music you like.Try new things.Work hard, play hard, and share often.

Jim Pearsonnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5923078.post-42550249232476231032007-02-26T08:34:00.000-05:002007-02-26T08:43:22.514-05:00

I think that it is significant that listeners show props for their favorite singers. And still, favorite guitar players are generally in most listeners' minds. I do think that drummers/percussionists don't get their due - but they do get some recognition.What about bass players? Do you remember who played bass for (any of) David Bowie's albums? Who does Loretta Lynn prefer for a bass player? Can

Jim Pearsonnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5923078.post-52281767574471394242007-02-20T10:26:00.000-05:002007-02-20T11:12:26.301-05:00

Music is (and probably has always been) an evolving and living thing.The good music that has already been made will stand the test of time, and will be enjoyed for many generations to come. Both musical tastes and trends come and go, ebb and flow... but great music sustains and persists over and above trends, fads, or fluctuations in the human condition.Beyond music that has already been made,

Jim Pearsonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5923078.post-36590142980567125522007-02-12T09:32:00.000-05:002007-02-05T11:31:26.671-05:00

We need an Indie Grammy awards.What I mean is:On TV;Covered by the media (real coverage);Not single-genre-focused;Not owned or promoted by a particular website, label, or self-promoting entity;Owned and operated by a consortium - lots of different interests involved;Judged by industry greats, not commercial executives or American Idol-type entertainment judges.There are incredibly good bands,

Jim Pearsonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5923078.post-80268196027861734922007-02-05T11:27:00.000-05:002007-02-05T11:29:23.559-05:00

Lovely thing, agreements!Apple Inc. (formerly Apple Computer) and Apple Corps (The Beatles' label), have come to terms over licensing the Apple name in relationship to music and products.I'm really glad about this. It's a good sign of the times.Now, let's get down to the business of making and enabling music!

Jim Pearsonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5923078.post-1166117667959987842006-12-14T12:34:00.001-05:002006-12-14T12:34:27.973-05:00

Music is a progressive, living experience in the mind, soul, and heart. It presents itself as something that is familiar, or something that is new and different, and sometimes seems familiar - even though it is new.Music accompanies so many things in so many people's lives - sad things, happy things, awe-struck things, life-changing things, and mind-boggling things. Watch your favorite movie with

Jim Pearsonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5923078.post-1165936468452430902006-12-12T10:13:00.000-05:002006-12-14T11:42:13.173-05:00

A little re-post from my MOG page:‘Twas The Night Before MOGmasWith apologies to Clement Clarke MooreBy Jimmy Bear, the Old Hippie‘Twas the night before MOGmas, when all through the houseNot a MOGger was stirring, no click of a mouse;The pedals were hung by the pedalboard with care,In hopes that St. Pick soon would be there;The MOGgers were nestled all snug in their beds,While versions of Layla

Jim Pearsonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5923078.post-1165862654059943082006-12-11T13:39:00.000-05:002006-12-11T13:44:14.070-05:00

We watched a great television presentation of a Blue Man Group show recently (on PBS/WUNC). What a thrill. These guys define imagination, inventiveness, and musicianship... plus, a Blue Man show will get your feet going right away.The Blue Dudes are a true bastion of musical and visual creativity. Their musician accompanists look like they're having a blast, and have tons of good sounds. Look

Jim Pearsonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5923078.post-1164125801097421532006-11-21T11:13:00.000-05:002006-11-21T11:16:41.116-05:00

I read something today... something that made me think of music."An idea that is developed and put into action is more important than an idea that exists only as an idea. "*If one makes music and develops it from feeling, I feel the music has purpose - whether or not it fits popular acceptance or if it fits in the boundaries of conventional wisdom.*Attributed to the Buddha. Although I am not a

Jim Pearsonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5923078.post-1164116508598707722006-11-21T08:36:00.000-05:002006-11-21T08:41:48.610-05:00

A recent announcement (or, at least, recent to me...) indicates that there is a mashup release of many hit Beatles' tunes - which is authorized by the surviving Beatles and the widows of the departed ones.There is a great deal of furor and noise over this... even CNN picked up the story.One point of view is that the mashup does wonders to reinterpret and refresh the Beatles' timeless sounds.The

Jim Pearsonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5923078.post-1163729922099025052006-11-16T21:15:00.000-05:002006-11-16T21:18:42.113-05:00

I stumbled upon (no, literally StumbleUpon) a site I hadn't heard about.This site is musically-oriented, and shows the music to which people listen. It's really quite awesome, actually. The people seem to be pretty neat, too.Stop by and mog out for a while! Mog. While you're there stop by my page and see what I've been listening to, too. Jimmy Bear's (fairly simple) Mog.

Jim Pearsonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5923078.post-1163429460901725872006-11-13T09:47:00.000-05:002006-12-04T15:27:10.330-05:00

Progressive music… where are today's Yes, Alan Parsons Project, Pink Floyd?There are a great many awesome and wonderful musicians out there today. A large many of them are making their music in obscurity, because (my opinion) labels and record companies are averse to too much risk right now.But, where are the Yes, Alan Parsons Project, Blue Oyster Cult, and Pink Floyd bands of the 21st century?

Jim Pearsonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5923078.post-1162939212463496652006-11-07T17:37:00.000-05:002006-11-07T17:40:12.476-05:00

My music has been both lauded and criticized. I'm actually happy to hear of both. Musicians tend to grow with encouragement and occasional derision.My music is raw, home-recorded, sometimes a little off-tune, sometimes a little off-beat. But every single note is from the gut and heart, and was recorded while I was feeling something important.And proud of it...

Jim Pearsonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5923078.post-1162570630106832172006-11-03T11:10:00.000-05:002006-11-13T09:53:28.346-05:00

Multiplicity: Style, Technique, ExpressionI read articles, expos, blogs, trade rags, and other news/story related things quite often – in addition to listening to musician interviews on radio (particularly NPR – they seem to care about what musicians think). Since I am very interested in music, I tend to pay close attention to stories and news about music in general. I have a particular interest

Jim Pearsonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5923078.post-1162074432072567632006-10-28T17:20:00.000-05:002006-10-28T17:27:12.123-05:00

The One Bear Band all in the same room Originally uploaded by jimmybearpearson.Next on Biography: An intimate glimpse of the One Bear Band and their meteoric rise from nobodies to somebodies that nobody knows.Formed in 2004 to break into the music scene with music from more than six different genres - the description-defying and ultra-musical quartet (The Schlab Four) finally consents to sit down

Jim Pearsonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5923078.post-1161972117285727932006-10-27T12:20:00.003-05:002006-10-27T13:41:36.446-05:00

As I type this, the music industry continues to be in a state of great flux. Distribution models are changing, promotional techniques are changing, income/profit models are changing, and so much else.Even with all the change, there are still some things that stay the same...-> A great studio makes for great recordings. As good as inexpensive home setups are getting, a great studio is still a

Jim Pearsonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5923078.post-1158793074129143132006-09-20T17:54:00.000-05:002006-10-18T08:24:48.970-05:00

It looks as though Universal isn't going to fuss at folks who use music (managed by Universal) as backing to the user's videos on YouTube. How cool is that? Now, folks can dance, mime, lip-synch, and assemble video clips to their hearts' content, backed by some great music.I have a proposal: If someone with the ability, knowledge, (and backing) please create a companion for YouTube - one where

Jim Pearsonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5923078.post-1158151354657126912006-09-13T07:36:00.000-05:002006-09-14T21:18:06.973-05:00

Photo 232.jpg Originally uploaded by jimmybearpearson.Every indie artist needs good images. Well, I have none of those ;-), but this will have to do instead.We had lots of fun with the camera, and have uploaded a few of them to my flickr.com pages.

Jim Pearsonnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5923078.post-1158150253326945292006-09-13T07:24:00.000-05:002006-09-13T07:24:13.340-05:00

Still and some more:Apple has done some interesting things with a new release of iTunes (et. al.). The idea of synching one's music on one's iPod to more than one computer has been on my wish list for a long time. We have three Macs in our house - and our iPods inevitably get hooked up to the wrong Mac from time to time. Thanks, Steve Jobs for free album covers.Independent music has been greatly

Jim Pearsonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5923078.post-1156515801159153142006-08-25T09:19:00.000-05:002006-08-25T09:23:21.176-05:00

An interesting quote attributed to Theodor Geisel (Dr. Seuss)"Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don't matter and those who matter don't mind."I think this is equally true for music. Play what you feel, and be who you really are (not what someone else wants you to feel and be).Bear in mind that playing the things that people like is not a bad thing... I'm saying that I

Jim Pearsonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5923078.post-1156510550492668102006-08-25T07:49:00.000-05:002006-08-25T07:55:50.506-05:00

This week, another great musician and artist has passed away. Maynard Ferguson, the excellent high-brass musician and artist, died of health complications.I enjoyed Maynard's trumpet (and flugel) playing in the seventies, and even into the eighties. Although I did not know Maynard, or have the opportunity to observe him playing live, I have heard repeatedly that he was a great musician at heart,

Jim Pearsonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5923078.post-1156276017915321392006-08-22T14:46:00.000-05:002006-08-23T06:52:34.636-05:00

An interesting email came across my desk the other day. Jim Pearson (from the UK) dropped by to say hello. He's a first class guy, and a first class musician! Interesting and wonderful that the same name on both sides of the Atlantic, and both make music.Please drop by to check his music out. I'm sure you'll enjoy it as much as I have!GarageBand.com : Jim Pearson

Jim Pearsonnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5923078.post-1155921061745148862006-08-18T12:08:00.000-05:002006-08-18T12:11:01.766-05:00

The music community's strengths are many, but one of the greatest is its ability to share among musicians.Recently, I've had some really awesome musicians come by one of my sites (or pages on places like audiri.com or songplanet.com, etc.) and leave a nice comment, or send an email of encouragement.What makes me feel good about the music community is that these very same folks who have listened,

Jim Pearsonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5923078.post-1155240191619135532006-08-10T14:58:00.000-05:002006-08-10T15:12:08.600-05:00

Music at an early age...When I was growing up, one of the most fun things to do was to get up early on Saturday morning - and watch cartoons. In my less-aged days, most of the cartoons were from Warner Brothers and a host of variants.If memory serves me correctly, many of the truly early animated cartoons were done as a "new media" experiement, and were largely musical... They were good

Jim Pearsonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5923078.post-1155224147737995772006-08-10T10:34:00.000-05:002006-08-12T13:35:14.793-05:00

A week or so ago, I stumbled upon a very interesting set of web radio stations. Some of the best I've ever seen... hosted in San Francisco, California, USA.Give them a listen, make a bookmark, send some donation support:

Jim Pearsonnoreply@blogger.com1