Well, bloggies, the video itself is new, but the performance dates back to 2002 -- "My Ship" from Kulak's Woodshed. This was taped the same night of the Abby Rode stand-up set that would eventually be released (in a very-limited edition) as ALMOST INFAMOUS. Those who were there might remember Quinton Flynn, of THE CHRISTOPHER WALKEN ECSTATIC DANCE ACADEMY, did a stand-up set that night as well. In addition to this solo-guitar piece, which has become a staple of the Fletcher Rhoden.com index page, I did a version of CAN'T STOP TALKIN' LIKE CHRISTOPHER WALKEN which has never been seen and might surface soon. A different performance of the same song, also from Kulak's Woodshed, has drawn thousands of hits online over the past few years. But I don't want to give too much away about all the upcoming releases from Fletcher Rhoden.com. In the mean time, you can enjoy this little jazz guitar clip. It's on the PERFORMANCES page of the home site, but here's a direct link:
http://video.yahoo.com/watch/4396950/11795266
I was reminded of this clip when I read the cover story in LA Weekly about the ongoing struggle between Paul Kulak and his neighbor on Laurel Canyon Blvd. who objects to the sound and activity of the Woodshed. I'm not involved in this struggle (I haven't been a regular at Kulak's since around 2001 and I haven't really been a patron since after 2002) but I would like to go on the record attesting to the character of Mr. Paul Kulak. Here is a man who gives of himself -- his time, his energy, his money -- to further the opportunities of a small class of below-the-radar entertainers. He is one of the very rare people who seek not to take advantage of those who struggle, but to assist them. He still invites people to play (as far as I know) and tapes everyone as a free service. Some of the material I taped there during my 2000 open-mic tour will appear on dvd soon, and now I understand he offers a 6-camera set up (only used to be one!) Thinking about all this makes me want to go back to the Woodshed for some more performances -- maybe I'll do just that. I encourage others to do the same -- take advantage of this unique and fantastic opportunity, and support a man who is ready and willing to support you. Seems fair, doesn't it?
Rock on, Paul Kulak!
Best,
Fletcher Rhoden
fletcherrhoden.com
Friday, January 30, 2009
Monday, January 26, 2009
New RESONATOR cd now available!
Greetings, bloggers and Fletchfans:
This week Fletcher Rhoden.com is releasing my new covers cd, RESONATOR. First, for those interested in such things, there are a few noteworthy facets to this new cd. It's my second all-covers cd in a row, following up the late-2008 release CLASSIC JACK. And like CLASSIC JACK, RESONATOR includes versions of popular tunes that are vastly different from the original versions. But unlike CLASSIC JACK, which features different genres for each cover, RESONATOR is basically Delta blues versions of classic rock tunes, so there's not so much disparity or variety of song styles. This is also the first cd without an electric guitar since the unreleased SERIO from 1989 or the half-live, half-demo release ACOUSTIC ROCK from way back in 1986. Yikes. And, unusual for a group of recordings from me, there's only one guitar solo on all ten tracks. When you hear it, you'll know why. There is a lot of harmonica on it though, an instrument I haven't recorded with for almost 10 years. I don't want to say too much more about this new CD, since there are even more exciting things to come from this particular project, I suspect, and I don't want to give too much away too soon. But I do think it's a pretty snappy little cd, regardless. I wasn't even going to release these new recordings, but they did come out pretty well, and I'd like to drum up interest for future exploitation of this very novel music. Tunes are up at the Yahoo group fletcherrhodengroup -- you have to join, but it's confidential, it's free and it's fun -- like me. If you count my cd of originals from a few months back, NEW HEAVEN, both recent covers cds and my Christmas tune, I AM THE ONE, it's clear that I haven't cranked out the music at this rate since the late '80's or early '90's. What can I tell you? As I explained to American Chronicle, if I could help it, I would. Until then, let's keep rockin' a little while. Where's the harm in that?
There is still an amazing amount of cool stuff coming up, but 2009 is off to an incredible start and we here at FR.com can't wait to share the joy!
Arise and shine in 2009!
Fletcher Rhoden
This week Fletcher Rhoden.com is releasing my new covers cd, RESONATOR. First, for those interested in such things, there are a few noteworthy facets to this new cd. It's my second all-covers cd in a row, following up the late-2008 release CLASSIC JACK. And like CLASSIC JACK, RESONATOR includes versions of popular tunes that are vastly different from the original versions. But unlike CLASSIC JACK, which features different genres for each cover, RESONATOR is basically Delta blues versions of classic rock tunes, so there's not so much disparity or variety of song styles. This is also the first cd without an electric guitar since the unreleased SERIO from 1989 or the half-live, half-demo release ACOUSTIC ROCK from way back in 1986. Yikes. And, unusual for a group of recordings from me, there's only one guitar solo on all ten tracks. When you hear it, you'll know why. There is a lot of harmonica on it though, an instrument I haven't recorded with for almost 10 years. I don't want to say too much more about this new CD, since there are even more exciting things to come from this particular project, I suspect, and I don't want to give too much away too soon. But I do think it's a pretty snappy little cd, regardless. I wasn't even going to release these new recordings, but they did come out pretty well, and I'd like to drum up interest for future exploitation of this very novel music. Tunes are up at the Yahoo group fletcherrhodengroup -- you have to join, but it's confidential, it's free and it's fun -- like me. If you count my cd of originals from a few months back, NEW HEAVEN, both recent covers cds and my Christmas tune, I AM THE ONE, it's clear that I haven't cranked out the music at this rate since the late '80's or early '90's. What can I tell you? As I explained to American Chronicle, if I could help it, I would. Until then, let's keep rockin' a little while. Where's the harm in that?
There is still an amazing amount of cool stuff coming up, but 2009 is off to an incredible start and we here at FR.com can't wait to share the joy!
Arise and shine in 2009!
Fletcher Rhoden
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
Adios, Ricardo -- Hello, Brando!
Just a moment to reflect, Bloggies -- it's a sad day for the Mantalban family. But he's in a better place, so for the rest of us, "Smiles, everyone -- smiles!" There is also a bit of news -- a new ad for the webcast and upcoming dvd of LAST TANGO WITH MARLON up on Yahoo video. It's also part of 2hip4tv's "15 Seconds Of Fame" which I've been editing for Raf Mauro and which should be up on that site soon. They're already webcasting the LAST TANGO WITH MARLON program and the video of my seminar, WRITE MAKES MIGHT: STRONGER STRUCTURE IN STORYTELLING. Here's the direct link to Yahoo video:
http://video.yahoo.com/watch/4296406/11544030
Enjoy the rest of this historic month, blog-readers and deep-kneaders -- things are about to get very interesting.
Fletcher Rhoden
www.Fletcher Rhoden.com
http://video.yahoo.com/watch/4296406/11544030
Enjoy the rest of this historic month, blog-readers and deep-kneaders -- things are about to get very interesting.
Fletcher Rhoden
www.Fletcher Rhoden.com
Saturday, January 10, 2009
LAST TANGO WITH MARLON webcast and more at Fletcher Rhoden.com!
Greetings, 2009-ners!
Here we are, just about 11 days into the new year, and there's already big action at Fletcher Rhoden.com. Over the holidays I wrote my first official Christmas song (if you don't count A CHRISTOPHER WALKEN CHRISTMAS) and now a little demo of I AM THE ONE is up at the MUSIC page of the home site, Fletcher Rhoden.com. It's a sweet little ditty currently making the rounds with publishers across the country -- snap it up while you can, as this one could make Santa Claus come every year, albeit through the mailbox, not down the chimney. And so you don't think I'm all about the Benjamins, the new tune is about remembering Jesus on Christmas (and those whom we've left behind...) Incidentally, if anyone is interested in the single A CHRISTOPHER WALKEN CHRISTMAS, it's always up at the Yahoo! fletcherrhodengroup, along with other neat stuff you can't see or hear anywhere else. It's part of a small family of groups, including one for Balloonzee (balloonzeecartoongroup) and the other various animated shorts (mightyoneproductionsgroup). They're all free to join, completely private, and a swell way to spend a little time and catch a few laughs on the side. Back to current events, it is also true that I've been recording some other music in the last few months, but to what end and exactly how much if any of that will ever reach the public remains to be seen -- hey, I gotta keep some sense of mystery going here!
In other fairly huge news, the digital video of LAST TANGO WITH MARLON, the acclaimed stage play in two acts, is now available -- webcasting on 2hip4tv.com, also there as a PPV, and on DVD from the 2hip4tv store. The dvd is coming soon to Amazon.com -- we're expecting a February release, but it could happen even sooner. Still on the way, the new tune with Eva James, news on other DVD release and a few big surprises -- stay tuned.
FR.com
Here we are, just about 11 days into the new year, and there's already big action at Fletcher Rhoden.com. Over the holidays I wrote my first official Christmas song (if you don't count A CHRISTOPHER WALKEN CHRISTMAS) and now a little demo of I AM THE ONE is up at the MUSIC page of the home site, Fletcher Rhoden.com. It's a sweet little ditty currently making the rounds with publishers across the country -- snap it up while you can, as this one could make Santa Claus come every year, albeit through the mailbox, not down the chimney. And so you don't think I'm all about the Benjamins, the new tune is about remembering Jesus on Christmas (and those whom we've left behind...) Incidentally, if anyone is interested in the single A CHRISTOPHER WALKEN CHRISTMAS, it's always up at the Yahoo! fletcherrhodengroup, along with other neat stuff you can't see or hear anywhere else. It's part of a small family of groups, including one for Balloonzee (balloonzeecartoongroup) and the other various animated shorts (mightyoneproductionsgroup). They're all free to join, completely private, and a swell way to spend a little time and catch a few laughs on the side. Back to current events, it is also true that I've been recording some other music in the last few months, but to what end and exactly how much if any of that will ever reach the public remains to be seen -- hey, I gotta keep some sense of mystery going here!
In other fairly huge news, the digital video of LAST TANGO WITH MARLON, the acclaimed stage play in two acts, is now available -- webcasting on 2hip4tv.com, also there as a PPV, and on DVD from the 2hip4tv store. The dvd is coming soon to Amazon.com -- we're expecting a February release, but it could happen even sooner. Still on the way, the new tune with Eva James, news on other DVD release and a few big surprises -- stay tuned.
FR.com
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