Status: Single
City: Los Angeles
State: California
Country: US
Signup Date: 11/18/2006
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November 5, 2009 - Thursday
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We (DePue/DeHoyos) continue or Mid-West tour tomorrow with an
appearance tomorrow morning on Toledo 11 News. Later in the afternoon,
we will be performing in Bowling Green for a student assembly at
Conneaut Grade School. That's the one where all the cool kids went so
I'm gonna make sure we have the act extra polished for that one.
TODAY'S kids at BGHS, RIDGE SCHOOL and MILTON TWP. were among the
finest audiences for whom I've ever performed! We were all loud and
together we rocked...
The new Junior High is unbelievable... each class room has a projector
built in which is hooked to the internet. The auditorium alone (5.5
million) is perfect for all theater needs... absolutely beautiful. Hugh
Caumartin (Superintendent) and Diane Tache (my ex-Science professor)
led the tour. It was a very interesting and nostalgic experience... all
the while learning that the people of BG are in REALLY good hands when
it comes to the public schools. Like... SPOILED. Really. They will be
able to brag freely about just the technology alone involved with the
new facility for decades!
Many thanks to Stacey Timmons-Higgins, Hugh Caumartin and Scott Ballard for making these visits possible.
I did not even know where MILTON was until today. All of a sudden,
there it was... yes, right in the middle of a corn field. I AM a
hillbilly. But I'm a hillbilly from Bowling Green, OH and REALLY proud
of it. Was a beautiful day... the sun lit up the fields like golden
aisles of... well... chopped up... rows... of.
Corn.
...And such was life way back when the school day would finish at Ridge
Elementary and the walk to BGSU's Campus began... come rain, shine,
snow, blizzard, typhoon, earthquake, etc. My brothers and I trudged on.
The Wood County Fair's ferris-wheel could be seen from my backyard as a
child. The fairgrounds are still there... just a little better than
before. My neighborhood looks exactly the same that it ever did... only
just a bit better... and that does somehow give me hope for the rest of
the country. The City Park looks exactly the same, well, with only some
minor improvements (and what I mean is that the improvements are
already visibly there)... the downtown area is spot-less. Clean livin'?
The people are friendly... and for the few who maybe are not, they let
you know right outta the gate. It is a blue-collar town and there's no
time to be fake with anyone. The "back lot" where all four DePue
brothers spent their ever so precious play-time... a small field for
which the residents on that block all paid a small tax... IS STILL
THERE! I've been around and I've seen a lot... and I'm tellin' ya...
these facts are nothing short of miracles... ESPECIALLY right now.
We still have the perfect place for families to raise children and to
be part of a rather large community still small enough to allow it's
residents to rely on those who have been appointed to help. John Quinn,
quite obviously, has done a wonderful job as Mayor.
The city of Bowling Green, OH shines on a level unmatched in it's
surrounding environment. Even Toledo looks a bit torn up from the
recent financial woes we have all experienced. It almost seems like BG
is just simply immune to such negativity! It's own seemingly private
world continues to spin creating endless opportunities and positive
experiences for the residents of the city.
BG is DEFINITELY growing... but it's the kind of growth that is
expected from hard-working taxpayers. Bowling Green is not the
exception to the norm. It is the norm. Or at least it SHOULD be the
norm. It is the role model for the entire country to follow. Bowling
Green, Ohio is a place which has retained EXACTLY the same charm for
all of my 37 years.. and so, well there ya go. I love my home.
The Fiddler
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March 20, 2009 - Friday
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February 4, 2009 - Wednesday
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Category: Blogging
From
Los Barilles, MX – a blog about life in general. Part 1...
As
I look out into the vast expanse the ocean here provides, I'm
reminded of just how lucky I have been thus far in my professional
career as well as how on earth my personal life allowed me to find
such exquisite beauty. I can't help but thinking each morning when I
open the window blinds that I really do not deserve to live this way.
There
is intense sun all day long... the temperature averages daily around
eighty degrees. There are wonderful exotic flowers and cacti
surrounding the palm trees... and of course, the white-sanded beach
acts as a gateway for an area of the ocean (Sea of Cortez) which
provides one of the most desired and sought-after fishing hot-spots
in the world. Marlin, Tuna, Yellow-Tail Mackerel, and of course, the
coveted Dorado (known as Mahi-Mahi in the States)... are all just a
cast away from appearing on that evening's dinner plate.
The
people who live here are quite proud of their own heritage as well as
this beauty they protect so well yet it would seem as though their
main goal in life is to make my stay here just that much more
enjoyable! ...and in return, I'm sad to report that the people
native to this area profit so very little monetarily.
Fortunately,
it does not take much money to live well here. The “Cost of
Living” is compensated in ways which seem foreign to someone born
and raised just south of Toledo, OH.
For
example, we don't often deal with propane, electric, or ANY other
ways to generate HEAT here. We rely only upon the sun and if the
night should take us into a chilly state, we get out a blanket or
two. Although Las Palmas Hotel here in Los Barilles does have
air-conditioning, one rarely needs to run it only because of that
gentle breeze coming off the surf 24/7. ...and tacos are cheap and
tasty.
So,
here I am... I'll be here if no one calls to “bother” me until
mid-April. This provides the PERFECT surrounding to inspire new
music. Miguel De Hoyos arrives tonight via car all the way from San
Diego... about a two-day drive. Our first show together is Saturday
night about two blocks away from the hotel at a restaurant named,
“Otra Vez” and it is sold out.
Last
year at this same time, Miguel and I made many friends/fans here
while performing a series of concerts (Sat. night each week for three
months) and it appears as though they are eagerly awaiting our
return.
Thanks
to one Otra Vez patron, Stuart Barr, we were able to launch and
complete production of our first CD, “Underground Whispers” which
our audiences here have not yet seen... and it was THIS AUDIENCE WHO
DEMANDED THE CD INTO IT'S EXISTENCE! It's all very exciting, really.
Feels a bit like Christmas Eve to me (maybe because I no longer
physically celebrate Christmas, perhaps?).
Consider
this paragraph a “plug” for any of you who wish to get away from
the snow or simply want a secluded spot to mis-behave... the city is
Los Barilles, MX... the hotel is Las Palmas Hotel (ask for a lovely
lady named Cha-Cha and tell her The Fiddler sent you) and the
restaurant is Otra Vez, where you will come the closest possible to
four-star dining in this area.
Otra
Vez is owned and operated this year by the beautiful Linda Lambrecht.
Last year, she and her husband, Patrick, led us through an
absolutely wonderful series of concerts and contacts through their
restaurant. And since then, Patrick Lambrecht left this world.
One
cannot express exactly what kind of treasure Patrick's family and
friends lost upon his demise to Lung Cancer. He could change your
mood in an instant and was quite “worldly”, having served in the
US Navy... his humor could literally shock you into laughter and
joy...and above all, he was our friend. We are very grateful to have
made it to San Diego during the last week of his life to deliver a
personal farewell concert. Without BOTH Lambrechts, it is probable
that our duo, “DePue/De Hoyos” would not have survived as a
musical force.
We
wish Linda Lambrecht all the best as she takes the restaurant reigns
solo with high hopes for continued success in the restaurant
business. We are HER fans and that loyalty will not ever waver.
Together we shall rock this city once again starting tomorrow night!
Let's
go back some... I have written nothing on this subject since the duo
even formed and it's long overdue, really... and that is the
Greatness of my musical partner, Senor Miguel De Hoyos, Guitarrista
Mexicano.
I've
been playing professionally for almost thirty years... Miguel has
been at it almost 40 years. We were introduced by my cousin, Brent
Patterson, about two years ago.
Miguel
had just finished a long night (four sets solo) at a restaurant in La
Mision, B.C. MX. He had just packed away his guitar when Brent took
me up to the stage. He introduced us, we shook hands and, maybe in
Miguel's mind, that was the end of it, so he hoped.
But
Cousin Brent told Miguel about how I play the violin... and Miguel
was STILL just as unimpressed... as I would be if I had just finished
a hard night's work... but Cousin Brent would not give up... he
begged. He told us of his recurring vision of Miguel and I
performing together. Finally, Mr. De Hoyos reluctantly reached back
into his guitar case. Up until that point, neither he or I had any
idea how the other played as I had just entered the restaurant from
the parking lot.
...and
with a sigh (I was also tired from my gig earlier that evening) I got
my fiddle out to satisfy my Cousin's dream of Miguel and I performing
together and then... off to my warm bed... so I thought. (more
for-shadowing...)
With
a worn-out glance, Miguel politely asked me what I would like to
play. I told him to just pick anything and I'd just fall in. He
raised his eyebrows... “Besame Mucho?”, he asked, very politely
once again.
(The
frequent mention of Miguel and the word polite is important... if you
were to sum up his character in one word, “polite” might be the
one. Word.)
Still,
somehow I felt like a six-year-old with a whiffle-ball bat stepping
up to take a swing with the Red Sox. I told him that I had heard
“Besame Mucho” at least once before. “What key?” he asked.
I indicated that he could pick his favorite and go with that.
He
was pleasantly surprised with that particular answer and his demeanor
changed a bit simultaneously... it is often the case that whenever
any musician indicates no hesitation playing in ANY key, most likely,
that musician has vast knowledge and skill on his/her particular
instrument. And then he began to play.
What
happened next can only be explained in make-believe land. The sounds
that rolled out of his guitar were truly foreign to me. I had never
heard the guitar speak in a foreign tongue. We all know that music
is a universal language.
Still,
I immediately felt like a mere visitor in a country where music was
VERY important... especially to those who perform for survival. I
have “jammed” with and even performed with the greatest
guitarists of our day (heck, I just toured with Vai, right?) and
thought I knew all there was to know about the guitar as well as it's
capabilities... even play the guitar myself, yet Miguel has proven to
me once again that I must continue to learn on a daily basis.
The
Flamenco style of playing the guitar incorporates plenty of left-hand
technique. If you can imagine a fast Mexican song... even the famed,
“La Bamba”... that's a pretty quick tempo. OK, now take your
right hand, get all five fingers (thumb included) positioned over the
SIX strings... and then roll, or finger-pick, or even tremolo... your
lead line/solo by sub-dividing all the way down to what one could
only call 64th
notes.
At
times, Miguel's right hand looks like a fan... a blur... it's
exciting to watch and epic to hear. He overwhelms our audiences with
his mastery... now let's talk about artistry.
To
play with Mr. De Hoyos reminds me a lot of my college days at Bowling
Green State University as a student majoring in Music Performance. I
had the privilege of working and performing with world-re-known
pianist, Jerome Rose. Mr. Rose and Miguel have a lot in common.
Playing
with either of them is so easy because my own mind is constantly
being read. They know how I'm about to turn a particular phrase
sometimes before even I do! In some ways, it's a bit creepy. The
difference between Rose and De Hoyos is that Miguel has never had a
formal music lesson. His Dad taught him when Miguel was only a boy
growing up in Monterrey, MX.
Our
music (DePue/De Hoyos) just flows freely without much effort at all.
Some of the tunes we currently perform have not changed AT ALL since
our FIRST TRY. The same is true for some of the tracks on the CD.
It would seem as though we think the same, feel the same, and
ultimately, even breathe exactly the same when performing.
We
just began recording our second CD with two new tracks in a rather
cold and snowy Philadelphia last month. We got to the studio, pulled
out our cold instruments, sat down in front of hot mics, and
completed our first track in one take. We did not even speak to each
other, really... too early for that... just one quick bit of eye
contact and three minutes and thirty seconds later, we were finished
with that much of our next recording... and HAPPY with the
performance!? Sound unbelievable? It was just that.
Because
the name Miguel De Hoyos is even more unknown than my own in the USA,
I have had the luxury of introducing De Hoyos as my “special guest”
for our American audiences... which is comical to me.
It
is a DUO. It's 50/50 and our reasons for promoting ourselves
temporarily in this manner, at least in the US, are complicated and
involved... say no more.
Whenever
I'm stuck during a show and feel as though any particular audience is
getting even the slightest bit bored, I just grab the mic and say,
“Now I give you Miguel De Hoyos” and leave the stage. By the
time I get back the audience is on their feet cheering... EVERY TIME.
Well,
back to the story... don't really NEED to go back now, really, cuz
you already know the outcome. The short version would be that after
we performed together that first time on the famous, “Besame
Mucho”, we exchanged many compliments and we both knew that we
could finally satisfy ourselves musically and artistically through
working together, no matter how large the audience. Then I left the
country with Steve Vai.
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October 17, 2008 - Friday
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Category: Blogging
To the Editor:
I am deeply saddened for the second time this year by the death of my primary violin teacher, Dr. Paul Makara.
The city of Toledo/Bowling Green lost another hero. Dr. Makara was one of the finest violinists I ever heard at BGSU's Kobacker Hall when I was a boy. As a resident of BG for my entire scholarly life, I had the privilege of studying with Dr.Makara not only as a BGSU college student, but also throughout my childhood years... sometimes indirectly through my brother who was also Dr. Makara's student, but also quite directly as well.
It was Dr. Makara who trained me to win classical competitions using nothing but practice, elegance and gentlemanly grace. We worked hard together for success in competitions back in 1986 to win a performance in New York City's Carnegie Hall. That same year, we also worked together on the Bruch Violin Concerto to win three solo performances for myself as soloist with The Toledo Symphony.
Long after graduation and as recently as 2002, Dr. Makara was there for me once again behind the scenes as a personal coach before a performance with the Bowling Green Symphony under the direction of Dr. Alan Smith. We performed, "Introduction and Rondo Capricioso" by Camile Saint-Seans at the Bowling Green Junior High School Auditorium to a sold-out audience... I could not have performed that work at the level it deserves without the generous donation of time freely given to me at The Best Western at the Falcon Plaza that year by Dr. Paul Makara.
Dr. Makara, on a personal note, was one of the last remaining true gentlemen of our day. He led his students by the example he set forth on a daily basis. His voice was soft and his demeanor was always encouraging and positive.
The character of this gentleman, Dr.Paul Makara, will be a crucial part of my professional and personal life for the rest of my existence here in this world. He is yet another (we lost my first violin teacher awhile ago, BG resident Dr.Bernard Linden) soul who still lives through every note I play and whenever the question arises as to how I will act with regard to personal life, one can always rely on asking, "What would Dr.Makara do?" Therein lies the answer...
My heart goes out to Mrs. Pamela Makara and family.
Sincerely,
-Alex DePue
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October 8, 2008 - Wednesday
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Category: Music
..tr>| Written by Sentinel Staff | | Thursday, 02 October 2008 | | Fiddler Alex DePue has teamed up with Mexican guitar master Miguel De Hoyos on a new CD "Underground Whispers." ..
The self-produced session features the two duetting on the varied repertoire. It ranges from originals including DePue's on "TJ" and De Hoyos' "Cortijo" with covers of rock, Latin and pop tunes including a medley from "Phantom of the ..Opera" to a the rock anthem "Stairway to Heaven."
Now based in southern California, DePue's most recently toured with rock virtuoso Steve Vai's band.
Videos of his work on YouTube have scored thousands of hits.
DePue and De Hoyos will feature work from the CD in a concert on Dec. 27 at 7:30 p.m. in the Stranahan Theater in Toledo.
Tickets are available at ticketmaster.com .
Copies of the CD are available at Finder's in downtown Bowling Green.
On the Web:
www.myspace.com/depuedehoyos | ..table>
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October 7, 2008 - Tuesday
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Category: Blogging
Eighth place at last weekend's Grand Master Fiddler Championship is just FINE with me... actually, I'm tickled to death! The competition was beastly. Those who usually win, won it again, attesting to the validity of this year's judges. I am honored to have been placed among the top 10 IN THE WORLD for the third time at this contest in a VERY SPECIFIC kind of fiddling/violining... Contest/Texas style fiddling. It's a sport, really... so, realistically, I just don't have the burning desire to win these things any more because my practice time is now delegated to serve music that will more easily allow me to make a living! Sometimes I do arrive into certain contest situations expecting, if not planning... to at least place or "make the cut" (and win the hotel room) and yes, at the age of 36, I even sometimes make the mistake of relying on that financially. However, THIS CONTEST is not one of them!
But, make no mistake, I'm not disappointed in any way with the contest's results or the judges' placement of us competitors. Having served as judge for this year's National Oldtime Fiddle Contest, I now know what a difficult job judging is and also how huge the margin of error is.... really, it's impossible to treat so many contestants fairly on the current point system.
I think we should try a new and improved Ranking System... executed by the five judges, yes, but instead of silence, the judges panel would act as more of a 'committee' and would involve open discussion after each contestant. I personally feel that COMMUNICATION BETWEEN QUALIFIED JUDGES IS NECESSARY! There may be dissent in the ranks from time to time, but things could be resolved in a diplomatic manner through a simple vote. And like there are nine justices in the Supreme Court, maybe we should have nine judges instead of five so as to further absolve/prevent said dissent? Sounds dreamy to me but only ideas.
Congratulations to Howard Harris and Ed Carnes for yet another smashing success as the Pres. and Vice-Pres. at the Grand Master Fiddler Championship. I personally thank both of you for providing us once again with the perfect atmosphere to embrace this wonderful art form! There were Senators and US Diplomats present in the audience.
I had a FABULOUS time in Hashville! The night I arrived (Thurs) was spent with Joe Elliott and Rick Allen from Def Leperd!! We drank, smoked, drank more, exchanged CDs, exchanged contact info, ...and drank some more. I don't know if it was just a really relaxed night for them or what (they had a TV shoot with Taylor Swift scheduled the next morning) but those were TWO COOL ROCK STARS! ...and yes, I broke the ice with my Vai connection. They wanted to know everything about working with the master... as they should!
Rick Allen (one armed drummer) ended up on the floor of the bar in the downtown Renaissance Hotel banging away on a garbage can (tupperware) I had provided him (at his request) by asking the staff... (...just looked at the bartender and said 'DRUMMER FROM DEF LEPERD NEEDS A WASTEBASKET' and he moved quickly.)
So, it was Rick Allen on the 'drum', I got my fiddle out, Joe Elliott strapped on a readily available guitar and composed original on the spot bluegrass tunes while always allowing Adam and me to take a break, Adam Wright on guitar (National Flat-picking Champ) along with un-named bass player.
It was great. Once in a lifetime.
There were somewhere around 200 fiddlers this year at the IBMA and at the GMFC from around the world. Among those 200 are ten of the best... but, there are some kids out there who are seriously going to take this sport over... and I mean that. They are progressing at a hellishaciously fast rate and, fortunately, their musical tastes are beginning to expand... thus, making one SCARY generation of musicians, contests aside... coming soon. They're already scary.
Sedra Bistodeau comes to mind. 13 years old and already has the 'Gone To Texas' title from Halletsville, TX's State Championship and 2nd place in her division at the NOTFA (although me and at least one other judge had her in 1st) as well as many other achievements. She solos with orchestras. She is one of those rarities. Her Classical chops are formidable AND she figured out how much fun the contest style is, as well as the fraternity of fiddlers within!
(I dare only suggest at this point that I really was the one who pioneered this idea for Classical music students. Since my arrival into the National contest scene it was obvious to the traditionalists that I was classically trained and stood out, sometimes like a sore thumb, and other times like a treasured gem (without getting mushy, that's really how the NOTFA makes me feel). Anyways, the better percentage of the top competitors now are being trained classically and the competition "norm" in playing ability has increased dramatically. ... and THAT is exactly why the competition is getting harder, and harder... and even harder, still... and by the way, many of the kids were running around all weekend busting into my Youtube video gig whenever we would cross paths. 'Owner of a Lonely Heart' everywhere! Then, out of the corner of my ear... I heard this lovely young lady quote note for note two of my tracks from my first CD... what a treat for The Middle-Aged Fiddler!!! Sedra's sister said it was better than meeting Green Day when I first met her in Weiser last June. I think they were just trying to get me on their team... but it worked. They seriously rock!)
Sedra played for me (private lesson) and I really did not have a whole lot to say about her classical skills, although in the future I might be able to help with other, maybe more mature, interpretations of the great works. Her technique will permit whatever is required. Now we need to "engage brain" and even HEART as to what she chooses to require of that ridiculously strong technique... If she listens to what I did offer her about contest fiddling, you will be hearing a lot from that girl. Actually, either way, you're STILL going to be seeing Ms. Sedra at a concert hall near you soon!
Another one who made an impression is Eli Bishop, who is successfully attempting to learn BOTH PARTS PLAYED SIMULTANEOUSLY on one violin of Bach's Double Concerto for TWO violins. Freaky, I tell you.
Another person younger than I happens to be a really close friend of mine, Billy Contreras. He is a fiddle jazzer who studied with the legendary Buddy Spicher for most of his childhood. Billy, Adam, and I go way back and now we're beginning to discuss the idea of presenting our own contest, which would happen the Sunday following the GMFC in Nashville... one year from yesterday. OUR contest will have many divisions to accommodate those who excel at any of the so MANY other styles available... from Classical to Rock. We'll have a Texas Division, but that would be a small part of the day. I would imagine that the BIG MONEY for our contest would go to the one who is able to entertain AND play... an all-encompassing division which is judged by the AUDIENCE!!! Not unlike your American Idol, or America's Got Talent.
Our judges for the other divisions would be limited to those who either posses a Ph.D in Music Education/Performance AND know whichever particular style best... or have achieved fame (celebrity judges) through their own hard work, once again, with respect to each individual style. If I could only dream for a minute, an appearance from Mr. Vai or Mr. Cagle for a worthy event like this would ensure success for our first try. That would cover our Rock and our Country category! I just wonder...
Anyway, Billy Contreras is one of the GREATEST FIDDLERS OF OUR DAY. A wizard. ...and such a great guy. I will be proud to co-host a contest with him... I know we will do it right and remove ALL POLITICS from our judging procedure. Billy has worked with Christian Howse (again, another one of the greats and really, the only other possible option for Vai last year besides Annie and me... I heard his audition. It was humbling.) for a recording and is just beginning to tap into the recording world there in Nashville. He'll be on ALL of those shitty country records soon! He was recently married to lovely Ms. Amanda.
Others who helped me spiritually, financially even, and musically...
Dr. Mark Ralph - one big barrel of Alabama whoopass! He's a champion fiddler with a distinct voice and now a really good friend. What's up, ALABAMA!
Doug Fleener - another scary young gentleman.
Daniel Carwile - I won whatever I did last weekend using some of his arrangements. Although he was not present this year, his legend continues at the GMFC.
Megan Lynch - Same. She and Mark were judges with me at the NOTFC this year... I used her rendition of 'Wild Fiddler's Rag' to make the second cut... note for note. And I love her parents.
Michael Barnett - current fiddler for my friend and fellow gig partner in Philly, Banjo great Tony Trischka... amazing fiddler. Tony was a featured act at this year's International Bluegrass Music Association convention which takes place simultaneously and in the same building... but I never did run into Tony. I was practicing Tony... sorry I missed ya!
Tristan and Tashina Clarridge - They won it all once again. They know the winning formula the rest of us don't! They place 1st and 2nd in EVERY CONTEST THEY ENTER... and it's been that way for almost a decade. Sometimes one places above the other, but together the Clarridge team DOMINATES the fiddle world. If they are present, it's a given. Genuinely sweet people too. Tristan's startin' to become a bit more approachable these days... not that he was ever anything less than a gentleman, just really quiet and reserved. World travel usually makes that go away, partly because of the language barrier... you gotta know how to get what you want! Anyways, Cool Dude and a truly unbeatable fiddler.
Kimber Ludiker - Third place... her third round was inspirational. Wow.
Then there's your Darren Meeks, Terri Ludiker, and Anthony Mature... back-up guitar Gods (Adam stood me up this year). I owe them money. Found out Terri plays Fiddle, too. Been playing with him in contests for YEARS... DECADES... and never knew.
Charlie Bush's daughter - She'll get a kick out of that if she ever sees this because she never would tell me her name. Her Daddy (Charlie Bush, spermed the egg producing the great Sam Bush) just died a little while ago. Mark Ralph and I had a touching and informative discussion with her at the Hilton on Fri. night and she was able to provide little pointers on how to make our rounds just that much better. She is a dear soul.
CARL HOPKINS - It's capitalized because HE is capitalized. Whenever he's around, and especially with fiddle in hand, the room is on fire! A good friend and one of the few remaining 'REAL DEAL' Texas fiddlers... my opinion.
Bobby Taylor - his enthusiasm for this art form is contagious... and as he describes the playing of one of my childhood fiddle teachers, Kenny Sidle, as 'elegant'... the same is true to describe the personality of Bobby Taylor.
Wes Westmoreland - Another one of the 'Real Deal's. Always encouraging.... and a top 10 finisher this year.
Jeff Guernsey - had a blast jamming with him and Vi Wickam, Maddie Denton, Doug Fleener and other fine young fiddlers Sat. night after the contest... Can't figure out why in hell that jam session is not better attended. Should be required.... just a thought, Howard... you place in the top 10? Then you STINKIN' JAM! That's it.
Well, there are so many others... it's a never-ending slew of reunions at these competitions and it's so nice to just sit back and appreciate the comraderie and passion the kids have for fiddling instead of always "focusing on the prize" as I was trained like a mule to do. I do have some issues. We all do. But this year's GMFC was a haven for nurturning an art as well as those who choose to create it on a competitive level. It was almost perfect. Any issues could have been solved with a little more money thrown their way. I just don't get it, though.
There is absolutely no reason these contests, namely either the GMFC and/or the NOTFA, shouldn't happen in FOOTBALL STADIUMS on national television... probably on INTERNATIONAL television. Just think how many millions would tune into such a thing... I know I would. Those sucky Irish dancing shows always get a lot of views... nothin' but fiddles right there. If enough interest is collected from the masses prior to it's airing through the correct promotion/marketing, I wonder if it just might compete with the Super Bowl. This is something that should be pitched to major networks. Stop thinking small. I can help.
Just think what you might do with the marketing! Boxing ring, judges, trash talk (just for publicity purposes... us fiddlers would all know it's showbiz...). Can't you see little ten-year-old Johnny politely cussing out his opponent in a boxing ring, armed with nothing but a fiddle?? I can.... would make a great commercial for the event.
I'm back at the computer here in MX now and ready to work with any of you who respond to this blog. It's a gorgeous day on the beach and it's nice to be home. I have a home. It's in Mexico.
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July 22, 2008 - Tuesday
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Category: Music
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December 31, 2007 - Monday
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P.O. Box 2128 Rancho Santa Fe, CA 92067 October 21, 2007 RE: Sam Ray Compton, Jr. Attention: Walnut Valley Festival: Winfield, KS To Whom It May Concern: My colleague, violinist Ann-Marie Calhoun, informed me about the recent passing of luthier, Sam Ray Compton, Jr. I happen to be one of a privileged few to acquire one of Mr. Compton's wonderful instruments through Walnut Valley Festival's National Flat-picking Championship, Fiddle division. As the first place winner in 1999, I was given a beautiful white (yes, an acoustic and WHITE) violin. Winfield, KS's Walnut Valley Music Festival had an arrangement with Sam Ray Compton, Jr. As I understand it, Mr. Compton made one of his beautiful instruments per year. There are not that many available to this world. Somehow this man was convinced to just plain give it away. Each year he gave away a piece of his own self to an absolute stranger! He would just smile, shake your hand, and give you his child! He was the closest thing we had to an actual Santa Claus. My meeting with Sam Ray Compton, Jr. was brief. There were many camera flashes and lots of noise as a heavy-set fella with white hair presented me with a black case. He opened it and the audience gasped! As did I because inside that black case was the most beautifully contrasting site. A white violin! It's still made of the same woods traditionally used in the violin-building world. But this one was "unfinished", if you will. (I'm reminded of Franz Schubert's, "Unfinished" Symphony.) These "unfinished" works are best left alone! I find that violin breathes. It's a little creepy, I know. But the fiddle does not have many layers between it's inner workings and the outside world. There is not even a full coat of varnish to keep it's voice captivated. It seems to resonate substantially more than the traditional violin. It seems determined to be heard. And so it has been heard. You may have caught the end of Jeff Foxworthy's, "Blue Collar Comedy Tour". The movie that sparked the television series featured Capitol recording artist, Chris Cagle. As I was working with Mr. Cagle at that time, I had the opportunity to record an electric violin (I used the WHITE one with a pickup) track for the movie's soundtrack. We were also invited to join the small cast for a video shoot synched with the Lynrd Skynrd song we had recorded weeks earlier. At the end of the movie and as the credits roll, Mr. Foxworthy can be seen with Mr. Compton's WHITE violin in his hands. There are several shots of Jeff playing my fiddle… and NONE of me. The band members didn't make any of the final edit. Funny how the fiddle did. I'm telling you it has a life of it's own! I've used my Compton violin for many competitions since winning Winfield in 1999. In fact, 2005 was the year I went back to Winfield to try again. That year I used the Compton White Violin to earn yet another violin and, once again, the first place title. I have had the occasion to meet one of Mr. Compton's students, Brian Calhoun, luthier. I'm sure Brian had a wonderful teacher-student relationship with Mr. Compton and I have played some of the guitars for which Brian's company, Rockbridge Guitars, is responsible. It's clearly the case of the old man living through the young student as the life of those guitars seem to want to lurch into existence! Big, aggressive sounds emanating through the Rockbridge box. You can learn more by visiting www.rockbridgeguitars.com . Sam Ray Compton, Jr.'s own instruments will live on through the music being created on them. I just played a quick tune on my Compton White Violin and nothing has changed. Even though it's creator has passed, his violin's spirit is determined to be heard for generations to come! Sincerely, Alex DePue
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November 22, 2007 - Thursday
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Current mood:  sad
October 16, 2007
300 E. Poe
Bowling Green Sentinel-Tribune
Bowling Green, OH 43402
To my family and friends in Bowling Green:
I am deeply saddened by the recent death of one of your/our local residents,
Dr. Bernard Linden. Dr. Linden was my very first violin teacher and I loved
him dearly.
At the ripe old age of five years, my father took me (following in the
footsteps of my older brother) for my first violin lesson at a since
forgotten place, located on the campus of BGSU, called Johnson Hall. It was
1975, the year before the current facility, Moore Musical Arts Center, was
even erected.
My Dad thought it was best for the four of us violin-sawing DePue Brothers
to use different teachers for our separate violin training so as to each
gain a different perspective on the craft we could share with one another.
Dad thought my personality fit that of one Dr. Bernard Linden and the years
spent learning from him, in my memory, will never die I solemnly swear to
pass it on... it's the kind of information one just can't buy. It's "The
Secrets of How To Do It Better" or, "No One Else Knows This" of the
violin/viola. He was my Sinse, my Guru, Master. He told me details on how
to play my instrument no one else knows and I mean it.
Located at the very top floor (smoke rises) was a small, stinky office with
a quite ugly old man in it. (At least to a five-year-old!) He had bulging
eyes and long, salt 'n pepper hair and the room, even with the window wide
open, was full of smoke. It smelled of rosin and smoke. (We string players
use a substance on our bows called rosin to enable the bow to "stick" to the
string. It's the same substance ballet dancers step on before they
perform.) Dr. Linden also possessed a hideous "viola mark" on his neck.
I'm now the proud owner of an even worse looking one! His office was far
too hot in the Summer and very cold in the Winter and I was rarely
comfortable there.
Anyone's first lesson as a string player is how to hold the bow. (He used
to say that we actually play the bow, not the violin.) I quickly became all
too familiar with his pencil as he would demonstrate the bow hold, demand I
emulate, and literally smack my knuckles with the pencil until my fingers
were in the correct position. (OK, everybody smack your own knuckles with a
pencil... it doesn't hurt!) If there was any complaining at all, even under
my breath, he would scream at me. I mean, like, shout and scream. I soon
figured it out that if I was going to save my own life throughout the course
of our hour lessons every week, I was gonna have to retaliate. And soon our
lessons turned into shouting matches!
If, and only if, I came to the lesson prepared, this angry old man just
might back off just a little! I did just that. Some weeks all he could do
was grumble quietly while he scribbled hate mail all over my books. "ELBOW"
and "WRIST", etc. were scrawled out all over my lesson material. The only
writing with which I could equate this style of prose is with that of a
serial killer! There was nothing neat about it.
At the end of the lesson, my Dad would always try to pay him the whole five
dollars. Sometimes he would just refuse outright. And the other times
(depending on the intensity level of our shouting match) he would growl at
my father and snatch it out of his hand.
The weeks slowly ticked on and turned into years... but my playing improved.
If a lesson had to be canceled for some reason, I missed seeing him. I
desperately wanted to show him that I did have what it took. But he knew.
Dr. Linden would leave the city, sometimes the country, from time to time
for reasons pertaining to his own performing career. I would receive
postcards in the mail from Austria, for example, with that familiar
scribbling on the back inquiring as to what my practice habits have been
while he was away. On the front of the card, it was always addressed to,
"Master Alexander DePue".
Being only five or six, I asked my father "What could I possibly be the
master of?" I was informed that his addressing correspondence to me in that
manner was simply a sign of respect. He died before I could ever tell him
how much that meant.
You see, underneath all that tough New York attitude was a man with a heart
much bigger than anyone besides myself knew (or so it seemed that I was the
only one who knew). I understood him even as a child. He just wanted
results. Dr. Linden spent a lifetime making the world a more beautiful
place through the music he played so passionately. He died while doing what
he loved more than anything. I mean... he was in the middle of a
performance with the Viola under his chin when he suffered a sudden
heart-attack. He is now deceased proof that the heart truly is directly
involved while performing music.
After the new facility (including the beautiful Kobacker Hall) was built I
was somehow able to enter the school's concerto competition at a college
level. This was tricky because I was only ten. There were many disgruntled
college students when the news broke that one of the three students selected
to solo with the BGSU Symphony Orchestra was a ten-year-old. I performed,
"Violin Concerto No. 3" by W. A. Mozart. After the concert, Dr. Linden
walked us out to the car. He explained, humbly, that he had taught me all
he knew and that we should seek another teacher. It was a joyfully sad day.
I wish I still had some of those insane scribblings.
Presently, I am teaching some wonderful students and always think of him as
I scribble madly on their lesson material. Dr. Linden is present with every
note I play. His soul comes forth though my own music. It's something
beyond my own control and I'm glad. I wouldn't have it any other way.
On the desk of Dr. Bernard Linden was a framed embroidered picture of a
musical stave. It began with a treble clef and ended with a repeat sign.
Between the two symbols was not music but only two words, "EVERY NOTE".
Anyone who reads music knows that the only way one could perform what was
pictured was to simply continue saying, "EVERY NOTE" for the rest of time.
It is still performed loudly every time I teach.
Students of the world, learn your lessons well! If you succeed in
"mastering" the knowledge given you, or find, as life drudges on, that the
knowledge learned has enriched your life in some way, please remember to
share your appreciation with those responsible. They succeeded in making
your world a better place and it sucks when they die.
It is my hope that BGSU will soon find room in their records on-line to
recognize their past employees... Heroes, if you will. To date, there is no
evidence there that Dr. Linden ever existed... can't seem to find anything
about my own father who also taught at BGSU for 35 years, either... just an
oversight, I'm sure. I needed some biographical information on Dr. Linden
for an interview with a journalist associated with a very popular
publication. Nothing. Nowhere. How 'bout a "Former Heroes" page or
something similar?
I will close now by offering my condolences to another hero, resident
cellist/maestro, Dr. Alan Smith, who just lost his lovely wife, Diana.
Sincerely,
Alex DePue
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June 29, 2007 - Friday
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Category: Art and Photography
See the photos section of this profile for the first tour photos taken by Patrice.
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