Eric Biondo: Blog
Check out my first solo Internet radio show - July 12, 2008
Thanks to show produced Lisa Mezzacapa I was able to perform on a very cool radio station that was broadcasting out of a store front next to the whitney museum. Apparently it used to be an old shoe store. My kinda place. The door was open and people were strolling by eating bagels. It was 11am on a saturday.
Please Check out this link for something to listen to when you're buzzing. Enjoy the upper east side air.
http://conceptualart.dreamhosters.com/npr/archives/264
Please Check out this link for something to listen to when you're buzzing. Enjoy the upper east side air.
http://conceptualart.dreamhosters.com/npr/archives/264
Competition - April 30, 2008
How come it takes so long for the cable company to come fix shit?
Probably because copper wires are expensive. They front the money for the wire so they get to make you wait for a service person to come and trace the wire and make sure the wire isn't broken or tampered with, make sure it goes into the box, then into your room. That seems fair. But when you compare wire to flour how do you feel. A pizza is ten dollars, a pound of copper equals about two miles of wire for a dollar. I might be exaggerating. But how come the pizza delivery person comes ten minutes after you call.
What if your internet/phone went out and a guy came to fix it within ten minutes? I don't think that's unreasonable.
Who like's board games?
Have a great day!
Don't be a Lazy Waster!)
Eric
Probably because copper wires are expensive. They front the money for the wire so they get to make you wait for a service person to come and trace the wire and make sure the wire isn't broken or tampered with, make sure it goes into the box, then into your room. That seems fair. But when you compare wire to flour how do you feel. A pizza is ten dollars, a pound of copper equals about two miles of wire for a dollar. I might be exaggerating. But how come the pizza delivery person comes ten minutes after you call.
What if your internet/phone went out and a guy came to fix it within ten minutes? I don't think that's unreasonable.
Who like's board games?
Have a great day!
Don't be a Lazy Waster!)
Eric
Remembering Teo Macero - March 4, 2008
It's 6:24 am and my sleep schedule is really upside down from all the parties lately. Just before I went to bed last night I was youtubing, when I came across a Teo Macero video. As I scrolled down the comments, I was sad to see mention of his passing away.
I first met my friend Teo in 1999 when his friend/my teacher pianist Harold Danko brought Teo into work with the student ensembles at The Eastman School of Music.
We recorded for three days under Teo's presence.
After our encounter Teo encouraged me to stay intouch.
And I did. When I moved to New York in 2000, one of the first phone calls I made was to Teo. And a week later I was in the studio with him, just as an observer.
Incase you've never heard of Teo,
He's a famous record producer/saxophonist, while working at Columbia Records produce Miles Davis, Duke Ellington, Dave Brubek, Robert Palmer, Charles Mingus, Thelonius Monk to name a few.
The most famous jazz legends.
Teo took me under his wing so to speak, I'd get calls from him, telling me to meet him in the studio, where I get to listen right next to him. His excitement was contagious.
Teo's ears demanded life in your playing. There was no room for mushy tones or bad rhythm. He would swing his arms and yell at you like a lazy teenager. Anything to get those who were jaded reved up.
Teo's love for music was the love all true musicians feel. Teo was smart he knew music inside and out, his compositional skills, knowledge of harmony and rhythm were perfect. He was a Juilliard Graduate.
It's around 6 am that Teo would be up writing music...sometimes I'd wake up early to use the bathroom, I'd pick up the phone and give him a ring, cause morning was his afternoon. I'd say "Morning Teo", and He's always without fail say he was working on some new charts, then he's sing a lick of it. Then he's ask me how my life was and tell me to keep making music.
One time after going for some Chinese Food on the Upper Eastside, we went back to his apartment and he played me some of his new tracks with trumpet legend Lew Soloff, his stereo was from the 70's and he had to mess with it to get both head phones to work, But once it was working, I don't think I've ever heard such a clear full sound coming out of headphones. I think the amplifier was German.
After the music he'd go over the rhodes electric piano and play some strange chords and laugh like a kid at a carnival. There was always a score open on the piano, pencil written, definitely looked like it was written fast but clear.
After my first couple of meetings with Teo, I propositioned him to let me put together a big band that would play his music. He agreed and I began copying his scores for the band. I was 22 working 40 hours a week and I pulled it off. We rehearsed a for about three times at a cheap studio on the east side 1 e.28th st....can't remember name. Soon after we did three shows at Triad Lounge and they were a success.
This is where I get regretful.....
I should have somehow kept that big band going....In my heart I wanted to..but it was alot of work......I just was thinking about how to make money and make my own music..a moment of lost focus......I should have passed the torch to someone I thought could have kept it going.....it's crazy for me to think back on how amazing that would have been.......I have some mini discs of the shows I'll post one soon, just amazing.
So....Teo If you got internet up there, I'd like to say thank you for being so kind an letting me into Maceroland. You've been huge inspiration to me!) Now get some rest cause you got lots more music to write.
Sincerely,
Eric
I first met my friend Teo in 1999 when his friend/my teacher pianist Harold Danko brought Teo into work with the student ensembles at The Eastman School of Music.
We recorded for three days under Teo's presence.
After our encounter Teo encouraged me to stay intouch.
And I did. When I moved to New York in 2000, one of the first phone calls I made was to Teo. And a week later I was in the studio with him, just as an observer.
Incase you've never heard of Teo,
He's a famous record producer/saxophonist, while working at Columbia Records produce Miles Davis, Duke Ellington, Dave Brubek, Robert Palmer, Charles Mingus, Thelonius Monk to name a few.
The most famous jazz legends.
Teo took me under his wing so to speak, I'd get calls from him, telling me to meet him in the studio, where I get to listen right next to him. His excitement was contagious.
Teo's ears demanded life in your playing. There was no room for mushy tones or bad rhythm. He would swing his arms and yell at you like a lazy teenager. Anything to get those who were jaded reved up.
Teo's love for music was the love all true musicians feel. Teo was smart he knew music inside and out, his compositional skills, knowledge of harmony and rhythm were perfect. He was a Juilliard Graduate.
It's around 6 am that Teo would be up writing music...sometimes I'd wake up early to use the bathroom, I'd pick up the phone and give him a ring, cause morning was his afternoon. I'd say "Morning Teo", and He's always without fail say he was working on some new charts, then he's sing a lick of it. Then he's ask me how my life was and tell me to keep making music.
One time after going for some Chinese Food on the Upper Eastside, we went back to his apartment and he played me some of his new tracks with trumpet legend Lew Soloff, his stereo was from the 70's and he had to mess with it to get both head phones to work, But once it was working, I don't think I've ever heard such a clear full sound coming out of headphones. I think the amplifier was German.
After the music he'd go over the rhodes electric piano and play some strange chords and laugh like a kid at a carnival. There was always a score open on the piano, pencil written, definitely looked like it was written fast but clear.
After my first couple of meetings with Teo, I propositioned him to let me put together a big band that would play his music. He agreed and I began copying his scores for the band. I was 22 working 40 hours a week and I pulled it off. We rehearsed a for about three times at a cheap studio on the east side 1 e.28th st....can't remember name. Soon after we did three shows at Triad Lounge and they were a success.
This is where I get regretful.....
I should have somehow kept that big band going....In my heart I wanted to..but it was alot of work......I just was thinking about how to make money and make my own music..a moment of lost focus......I should have passed the torch to someone I thought could have kept it going.....it's crazy for me to think back on how amazing that would have been.......I have some mini discs of the shows I'll post one soon, just amazing.
So....Teo If you got internet up there, I'd like to say thank you for being so kind an letting me into Maceroland. You've been huge inspiration to me!) Now get some rest cause you got lots more music to write.
Sincerely,
Eric
8 Creative Ways to Flirt - February 14, 2008
Flirting can seem very foreign a scary if you are suffering from a low testosterone level, don't quote me on that. Over the years I've met some really good flirters and some really bad ones. One thing the good ones seem to have is a sense of humor about it. Flirting is Fun especially when you get some reciprication. But don't be discouraged if you ain't getting any love.
Here are a few ways to start up a conversation with a girl/guy you find attractive. Keep in mind these aren't supposed to work, but stranger things have happened.
1. Excuse me, you're stepping on my feets.
2. I got a dinosaur in my pocket, wanna see it? just kidding!
3. Your hair and your eye brows make sense with your face.
4. I've been bad will you spank me?
5. Nice dress, can I borrow it?
6. To a pale girl say......Nice tan!
7. Could you proof my suduku?
8. Excuse me, Could I borrow your cell phone cause I lost mine? If she give you hers, call yourself leave a fake message. Thank her. Then go the bathroom call her and tell her you love her and you want to be her husband!
Remember when flirting you want to keep the caught off guard factor to a minimum for the most part. All the right things to say are in the air around you. Think big and act small.
Have a great Valentimes Day!
Eric
Here are a few ways to start up a conversation with a girl/guy you find attractive. Keep in mind these aren't supposed to work, but stranger things have happened.
1. Excuse me, you're stepping on my feets.
2. I got a dinosaur in my pocket, wanna see it? just kidding!
3. Your hair and your eye brows make sense with your face.
4. I've been bad will you spank me?
5. Nice dress, can I borrow it?
6. To a pale girl say......Nice tan!
7. Could you proof my suduku?
8. Excuse me, Could I borrow your cell phone cause I lost mine? If she give you hers, call yourself leave a fake message. Thank her. Then go the bathroom call her and tell her you love her and you want to be her husband!
Remember when flirting you want to keep the caught off guard factor to a minimum for the most part. All the right things to say are in the air around you. Think big and act small.
Have a great Valentimes Day!
Eric
Keep it up - February 7, 2008
Years ago somebody, actually many people said "it's gets harder and harder to practice as you get older".
Well, it's true! So many variables to maintain, simple things like going grocery shopping, doing your laundry, vaccuming your room or returning a phone call. It all takes energy and unfortunatley you gotta do these things.
You may have just gotten back from your job, a gig or whatever you do to pay the bills and you just want to relax and watch some
TV.
So how does one find the energy to keep it up...?
Sometimes it's as simple as a cup of coffee other days you can't even make yourself a cup..you just want to stare at the walls.
Having goals, little ones...is the only answer...slow your pace down...and get your crawl on...it's better than putting whatever you are doing in the freezer.....just chip away until you inspire yourself...aim to grow towards a better you.....talk to yourself...as if you were talking to another person with your exact same problems...listen to what you are saying...maybe even take somenotes......
Life is like a great song...it has it's own balance...the verse is there if you got the chorus and vice versa. We make things harder than they are...most people have enough creativity to
exaggerate any situation to supreme levels of fear...and most of the time it will never be beneficial.
Tell yourself you can get it done!
You can!
You will even if it takes a decade!)
Have a great Day!
Eric
Well, it's true! So many variables to maintain, simple things like going grocery shopping, doing your laundry, vaccuming your room or returning a phone call. It all takes energy and unfortunatley you gotta do these things.
You may have just gotten back from your job, a gig or whatever you do to pay the bills and you just want to relax and watch some
TV.
So how does one find the energy to keep it up...?
Sometimes it's as simple as a cup of coffee other days you can't even make yourself a cup..you just want to stare at the walls.
Having goals, little ones...is the only answer...slow your pace down...and get your crawl on...it's better than putting whatever you are doing in the freezer.....just chip away until you inspire yourself...aim to grow towards a better you.....talk to yourself...as if you were talking to another person with your exact same problems...listen to what you are saying...maybe even take somenotes......
Life is like a great song...it has it's own balance...the verse is there if you got the chorus and vice versa. We make things harder than they are...most people have enough creativity to
exaggerate any situation to supreme levels of fear...and most of the time it will never be beneficial.
Tell yourself you can get it done!
You can!
You will even if it takes a decade!)
Have a great Day!
Eric
Inspiration gained after wandering - January 15, 2008
Last night I venturned to out into manhattan to my friend Luke O'malley's (www.lukeomalley.com)
house for some yerba matte. If you've never had Yerba Matte it's like drinking tea made from hay.....!( Definitely a change of pace. Luke's a boisterous, mulit facited man..that could make a pile of garbage laugh he's so damn funny.....we watched Jackass 2.5......check out the King Kong scene!
After that I jumped on the subway and headed for Guitar Center where I bought a replacement pair of Sony Head phones...Mdr-7506...they are
like wearing muffins on your ears...great sound very comfortable.
If anyone has found a pair with a home made eighth inch jack they are mine.......Lost them last month.
Then I went hat shopping....cause I had a couple of hours to kill....before going to see Kneebody! I think I tried every hat in the store on....I ended up with a light tan-red-whitish Kangol stocking cap...
All the hat shopping made me hungry....so I ate at my favorite greek spot in the village....Karava's on 6th ave at w.4th......they have mouth watering cheese steak...but they were out of steak, so I had a burger platter, yes the plate was made of burger...
After that I still had time to wander so I went to The Garage, kinda of a crappy place...as far as an inconsistent.....staff attitude...I got kicked out of there once for being to sober..I think.? The Howard Williams Big Band was on....they were playing songs like A Night In Tunisa or Isfahan....I saw some friends of mine in the trumpet section....Matt Hildgenberg, Colin Brigestock and Dave Smith....they sounded fantastic.
After a glass of Cabernet....I went to the 55 bar where I met up with fellow trumpeter Michael Leonhart (www.michealleonhart.com) for his first Kneebody show (www.Kneebody.com) Every time I Kneebody it's like seeing the next episode of your favorite HBO drama....always in development and perfection simultaneously....highly developed listening skills......a relaxed facade.....rhythmic intonation......I'd like to see this band be the crew for a space shulttle mission....they'd wouldn't even have to talk to each other....they would just all know when to flip there switchs for a smooth and explorative ride....
Upon leaving the club....I bumped into Lew Soloff (www.lewsoloff.com)
world class trumpeter.....I was first introduce to him by my father after listening to Blood, Sweat and Tears Spinning Wheel....He's really nice man.....
I'm refreshed today and hope to practice!
Have a great day!
Eric
house for some yerba matte. If you've never had Yerba Matte it's like drinking tea made from hay.....!( Definitely a change of pace. Luke's a boisterous, mulit facited man..that could make a pile of garbage laugh he's so damn funny.....we watched Jackass 2.5......check out the King Kong scene!
After that I jumped on the subway and headed for Guitar Center where I bought a replacement pair of Sony Head phones...Mdr-7506...they are
like wearing muffins on your ears...great sound very comfortable.
If anyone has found a pair with a home made eighth inch jack they are mine.......Lost them last month.
Then I went hat shopping....cause I had a couple of hours to kill....before going to see Kneebody! I think I tried every hat in the store on....I ended up with a light tan-red-whitish Kangol stocking cap...
All the hat shopping made me hungry....so I ate at my favorite greek spot in the village....Karava's on 6th ave at w.4th......they have mouth watering cheese steak...but they were out of steak, so I had a burger platter, yes the plate was made of burger...
After that I still had time to wander so I went to The Garage, kinda of a crappy place...as far as an inconsistent.....staff attitude...I got kicked out of there once for being to sober..I think.? The Howard Williams Big Band was on....they were playing songs like A Night In Tunisa or Isfahan....I saw some friends of mine in the trumpet section....Matt Hildgenberg, Colin Brigestock and Dave Smith....they sounded fantastic.
After a glass of Cabernet....I went to the 55 bar where I met up with fellow trumpeter Michael Leonhart (www.michealleonhart.com) for his first Kneebody show (www.Kneebody.com) Every time I Kneebody it's like seeing the next episode of your favorite HBO drama....always in development and perfection simultaneously....highly developed listening skills......a relaxed facade.....rhythmic intonation......I'd like to see this band be the crew for a space shulttle mission....they'd wouldn't even have to talk to each other....they would just all know when to flip there switchs for a smooth and explorative ride....
Upon leaving the club....I bumped into Lew Soloff (www.lewsoloff.com)
world class trumpeter.....I was first introduce to him by my father after listening to Blood, Sweat and Tears Spinning Wheel....He's really nice man.....
I'm refreshed today and hope to practice!
Have a great day!
Eric
Prediction - December 16, 2007
Well it's 4 am in Oklahoma. I was just outside getting a breath of fresh air when I had a thought.
What if we could have a device implanted in our brains that recorded every thought. Then later that night we could upload it into our computer and delete the usless thoughts and ideas. Then with the good ideas we could have this really powerful personal agenda. One driven by emotion and instinct.... Maybe we could even get to a point where we could ask our friends to read over our thoughts. Imagine that.
Have a great day!
Eric
What if we could have a device implanted in our brains that recorded every thought. Then later that night we could upload it into our computer and delete the usless thoughts and ideas. Then with the good ideas we could have this really powerful personal agenda. One driven by emotion and instinct.... Maybe we could even get to a point where we could ask our friends to read over our thoughts. Imagine that.
Have a great day!
Eric