Guild Tidings
The official publication of
The International Songwriters Guild
Volume 30, No. 03
March 2025
Live meetings are Cancelled due to CoronaVirus.
However, we will be having on-line Zoom meetings.
The next zoom feedback session will be
Sunday March 2nd at 5pm.
We will also send details closer to the date, under a
separate e-mail, and an announcement on the Facebook group page.
please e-mail us at isgorlando@gmail.com if you have any questions
Hopefully we will soon be meeting in person again.
Please stay tuned for more info.
We are asking members to renew their dues for 2025. It costs only $5 per year,
and it helps us to defray costs for the zoom meetings.
We have 2 methods of payment. Either paypal to our treasurer Asli Goncer's
paypal account. The paypal access is at aslivision@gmail.com
or you can mail a $5 check to:
Asli Goncer
2849 Babylon Court
Oviedo, FL 32765
Either way, we appreciate your continued support.
Any Details not in this newsletter are at:
If you wish to join our Facebook group, please check us out at:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/831814850193553/
Sticking With JJ
By Jackie Mason
Since my last article, I have been attempting to learn two more J J Cale songs. I am jamming with them. I am hoping that something will rub off on my playing. During the pandemic I began to approach my music in a different way. I realize that my life has become pre and post pandemic. It turned my life upside down. I know I am not alone. I went scurrying down other rabbit holes. I became interested in UFOs and to the amusement of some friends I went deep into Bigfoot. Perhaps they’ll become song ideas.
I have always felt rhythmically challenged. I decided to tackle that issue. While playing in an Irish restaurant I added dozens of slow, melodic Celtic airs. They certainly rubbed off on my music but were not so helpful when it came to my weak timing. I decided that my future set lists had to incorporate more upbeat songs. J J Cale’s songs pose a special challenge. Here is a YouTube link to “Cajun Moon.” It is deceptively simple in its chord arrangement, yet the minimalist style is difficult to achieve.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-298OTFZNzk
The other song that I tried is “Go Downtown.” I have the same issue with this tune.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aAis3h1d80k
Fil from Wings of Pegasus takes the time to analyze J J’s “Cocaine.” He gets to the root of Cale’s performance in a succinct manner. He points out the vocals which are low in the mix. He tells us that J J learned electronics while serving in the navy. He talks about the $50 Harmony acoustic which J J converted to an electric guitar. Removing the back and rewiring the instrument. The so-called “Frankenstein” guitar.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ECHlMc6AAl0 In this video he shows it off to Leon Russell.
Also important is that J J has a talk style of singing. It has influenced such artists as Mark Knopfler and Eric Clapton. You can check out Fil’s 2018 video at this link. ”British Guitarist Analyzes The Minimal Style Of J J Cale’s Classic.”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9iKWeOw5FA4
One musician who voiced this dilemma was Richard Thompson on his 2015 album “Still.” In his song “Guitar Heroes” he demonstrates his guitar proficiency by playing in the styles of Django Reinhardt, Les Paul, Chuck Berry, The Shadows and James Burton. He does them all exceptionally well.
https://www.wypr.org/2015-06-07/review-richard-thompson-still Check out the song. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wBgXe3tqn4I
He nonetheless concludes with this final verse. “Well I played and I played till my fingers bled, I shut out all the voices but the voice in my head, Now I stand on the stage and I do my stuff, And maybe it’s good, but it’s never good enough, To tell you the truth, I always hid it, I still don’t know how my heroes did it, I still don’t know how my heroes did it, Guitar Heroes.”
And there it is. The quest for the musical Holy Grail. It never ends.
From the ever slippery slope of the Song Motel, have a good month.
WebChatter
by CyberToad
Here's a link to one of my favorite young educators. His Youtube channel is Music by Mattie, and here is a video that I like:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_E7fRE8qm1Q
By the next meeting, the FAWM challenge will be over, and I will be picking up the pieces. This will be the 4th time I have done this, and it is a bit slow this time. Most of the Fawmers are doing demo quality songs which you can listen to at www.fawm.org (you don't have to sign up, but some of the demos will only be available to their members)
Last month I put out a notice about Andrea Stolpe's Free course on youtube. It is a 2 1/2 hour video, and it took me a few
weeks to get through, but it is a real treasure trove of tips and tricks. If you'd like, you can skip to the parts that you want to.
I will probably watch this many times.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cNBn5miA8EA&t=716s
ISG Bulletin Board
Meeting space graciously provided by Central Florida Musicians Association,
Local 389. You are invited to join the largest union in the world, representing the
interests of the professional musician. Visit their website at afm389.org for more
information. You may reach them by phone at: 407-894-8666.
Why isn't your gig or live stream announced here?
Members in good standing call SusieCool with your appearance schedule!
407-760-2153 or e-mail her the details at isgorlando@gmail.com
If you are interested in open mics in the Central Florida area, SusieCool has compiled a list.
Steve Hodak hosts several newly listed open mics on the Florida East coast. Please call ahead before making any long trips.
https://sites.google.com/site/susiecoolsongs/open-mic-directory-central-florida
SusieCool is the admin for a Facebook group called "Orlando Creative Music Network"
where we give out info on songwriter meetings, playing circles, open mics, workshops and
concerts. We have a Facebook page for this group if you want to join.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/274152179716552/
New members and guests are always welcome!
© 2025 ISG