Tim Posgate's Canadian "jazz life" Blog

2012-02-03T17:54:00.000-05:00

I thought this newsletter I sent out today read a bit like a blog post so; here it is.

Hi folks did you hear about the American cheerleader squad that
collectively suffered from an undiagnosed sickness similar to Terrets?
Strange story on the radio today, but that is not why I send you this
email.

It is because I have a few fun gigs this month that I think you would enjoy.

The next two Saturdays (yes tomorrow!) I am playing at Full of Beans
1348 Dundas St. W, (about a block East of Dufferin) from 4-530pm.
Tommorrow is with a relatively new and exciting band I play in called
The Oolong 7. It is led by Jaimie McClyment on fiddle and also
features Ravi Naimpally on the tabla and Neil Hendry on acoustic
guitar. I will be playing the five-string banjo. If you are curious I
would say it would filed under World Music in your favourite record
store if and when we make a record someday.

The following Saturday, February 11 features my group Sorry Cousins.
Same time; 4-530 pm. Come hear Michael Herring on bass, Adrian Gross
on Mandolin and Darryl Poulsen on guitar. I will be playing the
African instrument we call the banjo.

Both these shows are PWYC. The coffee there is quite good and so are
the people that run the joint.

I will be playing with Ronley Teper's Lipliners at the Tranzac on
February 21. Probably about a 1030pm start.

And...in case I forget to tell you; Rob Clutton's band The
Cluttertones are making a rare appearance at the Tranzac on March 11
at 10pm.

Don't forget also music fans that one of my favourite bands Punch
Brothers (I have tickets and will be there for sure) are playing Lees
Palace on February 28.

That's all for now. Thanks for reading up until the very very last,
final, final, last, single word.

2012-01-18T13:05:00.002-05:00

As I was walking to the West End Y today I heard a friends voice in my head telling me that our old high school basketball coach John MacLennan had passed away. I think I first heard this while I was completely focused on something else because I forgot the sad news until today. I looked him up on the internet, found the details of his passing and realized I had probably not seen him in twenty some-odd years.

John MacLennan was an amazing person. He was a great coach, teacher and a good friend while I was in high school. (I think he may have had something to do with me being Valedictorian) His sense of humour and jokes rubbed off on me so much that I have a few "standbys" that I still use on a regular basis with my kids and music students. He used to pinch your sweater between his thumb and forefinger and say; "Is it felt?...it is now. " The variation on that would be feeling the material but actually rubbing his thumb while saying "nice."

He certainly led by example with his consistent smile, positive body language and constant words of encouragement. I try to bring all these things to my teaching and daily life.

I played basketball for him in Grade 9 and 10 and loved it. (had to give it up for my music eventually) I still use his quote that applied to basketball and day to day life "hurry without rushing." Also, as I now coach and continue to play much hockey I think of him always insisting one should look to the net when they first get the ball. This applies well to hockey too. (although not a common thing to hear)

He was one of the few teachers I remember calling me only by my nickname; Pozz and I can still hear his voice echoing in my memories.

I am sad for the loss of his family and close friends. I know he is outstanding in his new field now as others have suggested and I will never forget him.

2012-01-09T13:52:00.003-05:00

I had to write this song today when I heard the story of the silly guys trying to get money by stealing the interac machine at all the Tim Horton's Drive Thru's.

Hoping some of the CBC people find it. I think it would go over pretty good. Huh?

While you are there I have a bunch of other new recordings that a put a lot more time into. Check em out!!

tp

2011-11-11T08:21:00.001-05:00

Posgate MOvember Newsletter

Hi folks, it has been a while.
I thought I would tell you about a few new and interesting things in my musical world and more.

The group that I have been rehearsing with for almost a year now is called Sorry Cousins and it features Michael Herring on bass, Adrian Gross on mandolin and Darryl Poulsen on guitar. I am the banjoist and I compose most of the music. (even sing a few numbers) We have much to tell you about including upcoming gigs and a new website.
You can hear our new recordings on our new website at: www.sorrycousins.com

Also we are performing on Thursday December 15 at the Tranzac Club on Brunswick ave at 10pm and December 17 at 4pm at the Full of Beans Roastery, 1348 Dundas West.

Next week I am joining Michael Theodore and Wendell Ferguson Thursday - Nov. 17 - 8pm (songwriters showcase) Timothy's Pub, 344 Brown's Line

I will also be playing at Full of Beans with Oolong 7 on December 10 at 4pm with violinist Jaimie McClyment, Ravi Naimpally on tabla and Neil Hendry on guitar.

Another interesting show for you banjo fans is a rare performance by the G. Noise Banjo Trio. Wednesday December 7, 8pm at Somewhere There (http://www.somewherethere.org) iaffaldano michelangelo – banjo, posgate tim- banjo, jurgensen arnd – banjo

I will be at Hugh’s room tonight (November 11) with an interesting project called Sparrow Songs.
Also, please check out my Movember page for raising money and awareness for prostate cancer. http://ca.movember.com/mospace/2172202/ Yes, my ugly moustache is coming along slowly but surely.

Hope to see you out there somewhere!

Tim Posgate

2011-11-10T14:23:00.002-05:00

Folks, just what you have been waiting for...the NEW Sorry Cousins Website. Should be a good place to keep updated on my upcoming gigs. You can click here. I will worn you; it is nothing too fancy. Not like that nice Guildwood Records sight that my pal Steve made me fifteen years or so ago.

I just used a Wordpress blog and did my best to bring you all the info you needed to enjoy (or to book!) Sorry Cousins.

chow,
tim

2011-11-02T13:02:00.003-04:00

I know I get here rarely these days but this seems like more than a worthy reason to blog. I have decided to get involved in the MOvember movement to raise money and awareness of Prostate cancer.

I am not much of a hairy guy but you can count on one thing, this MOustache is going to UGLY!

Please click
here to donate to Prostate cancer on my MOvemeber page.

Most importantly make sure you and yours get your annual checkup. Never a good reason to miss.

take care,

tim

2011-09-07T13:19:00.002-04:00

Hey, you are just in time to check out the new track by Sorry Cousins. I am pretty pumped about it. It was recorded by Anthony Michelli at his Salem House Studios. As always; Sorry Cousins is Adrian Gross/mandolin, Daryll Poulsen/guitar, Michael Herring/bass and myself on banjo and vocals. (I wrote this one too!)

Stay tuned here for updates for Sorry Cousins gigs. I could also email you if you want to be on the mailing list. (If you were on the old list please email me again as I had to start a new list) Email me at: tim@guildwoodrecords.com

PELICAN DIVE by tposgate

2011-08-11T21:32:00.002-04:00

I write this hoping it will make me feel a little better. Maybe that is why most people write. Anyways, I played a gig tonight at a little festival that will remain anonymous and I didn't get paid. Well, sure; I will get some money in the end as it was pay what you can but it won't be much.

I have become somewhat used to the idea of playing for the door as this is what is happening with the big cities in North America. People of all levels of talent and stature play little venues in their home towns for no compensation from the establishment, just money from the people kind enough to put money in the tip jar. (the good bars that I am willing to play will give a percentage of sales too)

This is happening for a number of reasons that I wont go into detail about but they include the following; too few venues, too much overhead for bars, too many artists, too little interest in live performance....etc.

However, it is with strong conviction I feel that this should not happen at a festival. If you want to have a festival, you need to pay the artists and pay them well. This was the reason festivals were first invented; places for artists once a year in each town that would have them to play a concert that paid well. (to kind of make up for the lousy gigs they do the rest of the year)

I won't go into details about why I agreed to do this gig and it is beside the point that I had fun. (I can't pay my mortgage with fun!)

I guess the part that bugged me the most and made me almost wish I didn't do the gig (I try to live with few regrets) is that no one could or did get it together to give the artists even on free beer. There was a beer sponsor, there were people walking around in fancy clothes making speeches about how important art was and how happy they were that we performed at their venue (for free) but when it came time to have any kind of basic artist hospitality...nada.

Had I been working for a wage as most people do when they go to work I could have lived without the hospitality (taken it as a slight oversight) but when I got nothing from them, it hurts.

SOOOOOO...all you big fancy arteau-crats, when you decide to run a festival, make sure you take care of your artists. Simple things; nice little snack tray backstage (beer and juice) and some drink tickets (even two each would be nice) for the band.

There, I do feel a little better.

happy summer!
tim

p.s. I am doing a really cool and fun gig tommorrow Friday night at the Trane on Bathurst street. Bluegrass, storytelling and cool visual art. Here is the Facebok link:
https://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=165376790197845

2011-07-06T23:28:00.002-04:00

These days I find I cling to moments that make me feel youthful or even ageless. Tonight was one of those nights. Biking around on a hot summer night in Toronto (even though I had my I'm-a-Dad helmet on) was just what I needed. I bolted up to the Tranzac to try and hear David Woodhead's Confabulation with the few minutes I had before my gig. It is a fun band and I know all the guys. Unfortunately I was only able to hear the last 15 seconds of music before their break. After a little chatting with David and Rich Underhill (my hockey pal forever) I made it down to Dundas and Bathurst to play banjo at a poetry reading.

Tonight was part of the week long wake for the Scream in High Park. All three former artistic directors were going to read. I have attened almost every one of these poetry festivals over the last fifteen years or so. You may or may not know that I have also performed and recorded a fair bit with poet Peter Mcphee, the second AD in the history of the festival.

We made a record together called In the Future of Your Dream and I have played on his record and even more recently he wrote the poem Banjo Hockey inside my latest CD, of the same title.

Being in that hot, sweaty, packed bar for a poetry reading brought back memories of days gone by. Everyone is happy and there for the beer and the art. I had a couple pints and chatted with a number of friends from that scene that I am always glad to see. It was great fun playing the banjo with Peter and people seemed to love it which will never cease from making me feel good.

I beat my 12 year old home from the movie he attened with his pal but tonight I felt like I was the young one, out on the town having a good 'ol time.

2011-06-24T08:23:00.004-04:00

I think I have cracked the code to exposing my kids to art events. Last night I took my 12 year old son to not one but two art events.

First, we took the streetcar and a bus down to the Distillery where my friend, amazing abstract visual artist David Urban was having an opening at Corkin Gallery
I didn't expect to know as many people as I did at the opening. Dylan was patient and willing to interact with the new adults that I introduced him to. Most of the talk was about music as it seems that all the visual artists I know (trying not to drop names) would rather be playing music. This worked well as they were interested to hear that Dylan plays guitar and has a band.

David's new paintings are an extension of his last show although they seem to have much more texture (pointed out to me by my kid) and less information in each painting. This is only on the surface as he is now using only one or two major shapes. With further viewing I noticed the detail lies more in the background including multiple subtle layers and exposed canvas offering the notion of potential infinity, echoing perhaps the great Jack Bush.

Although I managed to have a quick glass of wine while we checked out each painting we were gone in fifteen minutes as our next event had a start time. We jumped in a cab and made it to Winchester Dance Theatre just in time.

Kathleen Rea is a choreographer that i have met through occasionally playing improvised banjo and fiddle music at her Wednesday contact dance classes at Dovercourt House. (the Dance Jam!) I have followed the blog that her partner has been sharing from the perspective of living with a creative dance artist. The topic of this blog was one I thought quite interesting. Reading this really reminded me that people like Kathleen should be celebrated in our society. She is not only an artist but a presenter. She makes it all happen. Someone that puts on big shows like this; choreographing, promoting, booking halls etc. deserves attention. (hello dance critics?) It was a good piece. The Wild in Us is less than one half hour long and features young dancers (students?).

The piece has a great ensemble feel to it with a few good solo moments too. I liked the modern pop music and the way it was put together. It seemed to be essential to the choreography which is what I want from a choreographer. The themes seem to be co-operation vs conflict and how we get through it to make something beautiful. The lighting and use of floor space was creative including a few opportunities for the expression in the dancers faces to be the focus of the moment.

It seemed that Dylan enjoyed the dance as much as the art opening. We stood outside the theatre for the knitting/dance instillation for a few minutes but I could feel his attention slipping. I too was drawn to the attending this first show because it was short and inexpensive. The dance community went back inside for the second show after the knitting intermission but we got on the streetcar and headed home.

You can attend both these dance shows and the art gallery and spend much more time than we did as they both run until at least Sunday. However, if you take your kids, try the "quick art" experience. I think it works.

2011-06-21T19:30:00.002-04:00

I am excited to share a track of Sorry Cousins online today. Hope you can check it out. Even better, maybe you can leave a comment or "like" us on Facebook.

If you haven't watched the Sorry Cousins documentary scroll down for that too:

NAKED SCORPION HUNTING by tposgate

2011-06-16T11:39:00.004-04:00

Hey, you want to be in my movie?

I have been making a documentary about Sorry Cousins (hot new Toronto band!) and I need your input. I want you to be in the doc!

The idea of this documentary is that it keeps changing (growing?) Version 2.0 (below) has followed us and all our gigs up until now including performing with a 30 piece choir. Now I want you to record your impressions of the band and/or the film and I will put you in the movie! You don't have to be positive. I can take some criticism (I think).

I want version 3.0 to star YOU. So...record a quick soundbite of your impressions of this little movie, the music etc. and send it to me at: tim@guildwoodrecords.com

Watch for the updated version in the next few weeks.

2011-06-10T01:36:00.001-04:00

Here is the update version of Sorry Cousins: The Making of a Band 2.0

2011-06-09T20:06:00.000-04:00

Hello on your computer screen or handheld fancy toy thing. (yes, I
want a new ipod too)
Wanted to give you an update on upcoming gigs etc. (hope you like this
more than getting a Facebook invite for every time I tune up my banjo)

Friday June 10 730-930pm

Sorry Cousins, Tranzac (PWYC) this is my new stringband playing my
original music and this is a good gig for the whole family! Watch for
the updated version of our mini-documentary on Youtube.

Sunday June 12, 2:40-3:10 pm

The Opposite of Everything play a free concert as part of the Bloor
festival. (outdoor on Brunswick ave just south of bloor)

Monday June 13, 9pm-midnight

Being Helen is a collective trio I share with Rob Clutton and Lina
Allemano. It will be what has become a rare opportunity to hear me
play the guitar. (if you are keeping score I have a new Telecaster
that I am quite fond of) I will play some banjo too. A fun night in
the hood! The Emmet Ray is on the north side of College St. just east
of Dovercourt.

Sunday June 19, 7pm

Being Helen are performing in Port Perry. Please contact me for more
details if you are hoping to attend this concert.
--------------------------
Summer is a time to relax or play some festivals:

July 1, Canada Day!!!

Opposite of Everything, Ottawa Jazz Festival (Confederation park)5pm?
June 8,9

Opposite of Everything, Mariposa Folk fest (Orillia)

July 29-31

Opposite of Everything, Blueskies Music Festival

Have a great summer. I will be back at you with more exciting Sorry
Cousins news for the fall. Over and out. tp

2011-06-02T16:56:00.002-04:00

hi blog reader people friends fans family banjo pickers and human beings alike,

Couple more local gigs to add to the list below. (these are nice times, so much fun music to play with friends right here in my 'hood!)

Monday night, June 6 I am playing banjo with Shannon Hoff's Don't Worry Darlin'. (I think it is with Christine Bougie, Chris banks and Nick Fraser) That is at the Magpie on Dundas and we play from 930-midnight.

Also a nice little outdoor gig for the family type is Sunday June 12, 415-5pm as part of the Bloor Festival, I am playing banjo and Telecaster with Jaron Freeman-Fox's Opposite of Everything. (on Brunswick ave just south of Bloor)

I am hoping to head out to hear Laura Repo at the Dakota tonight and later God's Gift to Yoda at the Tranzac. (both CD launches!)

Tommorrow night the Cluttertones at www.somewherethere.org (banjo trumpet bass analog synth...come on!!)

2011-05-23T11:45:00.002-04:00

Here is an updated version of upcoming local gigs before festival season begins. Please let me know if you want to be added to my almost monthly email newsletter. Contact me at tim@guildwoodrecords.com

Thurs May 26, Sorry Cousins, Free Times Cafe (opening for Roofhoppers), 9pm
Wed June 1, The Shinhackers, 10pm-1am, Cloak and Dagger (College St, between bathurst and spadina)
Fri June 3, Cluttertones, Somewhere There
Sun June 5, Sorry Cousins, Tranzac (opening for Woodchoppers) 10pm
Fri June 10, Sorry Cousins, Tranzac, 730-930
Mon June 13 Being Helen, Emmet Ray (College at Dovercourt), 9pm
Sun June 19, Being Helen, Port Perry, Ontario, 7pm

2011-05-03T23:25:00.001-04:00

Here is the latest version of my somewhat regular newsletter. Please let me know if you want to be added to my email list. (I had to rebuild it and lost a lot of addresses) contact me at: tim@guildwoodrecords.com

Hi there, welcome to my new (much smaller) email list. I won’t bore you with the details but I had to rebuild it from scratch. Hope you are happy to be on it. I usually send out about one email per month with upcoming musical activities. Please forward this to your pals who are music fans. (I will add them to the list too)

It is an exciting time right now as I have a new band called Sorry Cousins and I am playing the banjo (with Sorry Cousins + full choir) for the Canadian premiere of the Bluegrass Mass on Mothers day. It is composed by Carol Barnett and it is a very challenging and intriguing piece of music. I am quite fond of it.

I am also happy to let you know about a Cluttertones show and a fairly new collective with Rob Clutton and Lina Allemano called Being Helen. (in memory of our friend, the late great storyteller Helen Porter)

Jaron Freeman-Fox’s band the Opposite of Everything continues to perform, there have been some lineup changes but the spirits are high and the music is great. (I gret to play lots of electric guitar in this band too!)

Lately, I can often be found subbing in on banjo playing bluegrass with the Badly Bent at Fountain Industries on Dundas (at Dovercourt) on Monday nights. Best to check in on Facebook to confirm which ones I am doing.

Please check out this Mothers day concert. It is a special event that may never happen again. (30 piece choir + bluegrass band….together!) PWYC concert

Sun May 8, Sorry Cousins + Choir, Eastminister United Church , 7pm (right at Chester Subway stop) Performing a Bluegrass Mass

Tues May 17, Opposite of Everything, Lula Lounge, 8pm
Thurs May 26, Sorry Cousins, Free Times Cafe (opening for Roofhoppers), 9pm
Fri June 3, Cluttertones, Somewhere There
Sun June 5, Sorry Cousins, Tranzac (opening for Woodchoppers) 10pm
Fri June 10, Sorry Cousins, Tranzac, 730-930
Mon June 13 Being Helen, Emmet Ray (College at Dovercourt), 9pm
Sun June 19, Being Helen, Port Perry, Ontario, 7pm

Here is a really great article/review I received this month. (scroll to the bottom for Sorry Cousins mini-doc)
http://www.nodepression.com/profiles/blogs/tim-posgate-discusses-banjo
Happy Spring!

2011-04-30T20:42:00.003-04:00

I am not sure how long this link will be there for but here it is; this is the TV interview I did last week to promote the big Bluegrass Mass on Mothers day at Eastminister United Church.

I am on the episode from April 27 and my interview starts at 1:25:45

To watch it, first make popcorn then....click here!

2011-04-27T23:06:00.002-04:00

Did a funny internet tv interview today. Amazing how much time this type of thing eats up. Oh well, it was kind of fun in quirky, weird way. I find you always learn something from things like this.

I did love that some of my peers from the US on the banjo hangout website tuned in and most importantly; my Dad watched it. Yay Dad!!

Here is the press release for the big Mothers Day show that I was pushing online today. I have much work to do as the banjo part is quite interesting. Lots of shifting time signatures and interesting banjo writing.

A Canadian Premiere

THE WORLD BELOVED: A BLUEGRASS MASS

The Eastminster Choir presents the Canadian Premiere of The World Beloved: A Bluegrass Mass by Carol Barnett on Sunday, May 8 at 7:00 p.m. at Eastminster United Church 310 Danforth Avenue (at Jackman) in Toronto.

The World Beloved: A Bluegrass Mass is a ground breaking work that mashes sacred classical choral tradition with the sparkling down home bluegrass sound of mandolin, violin, guitar, banjo and string bass. The inspired result is spirited new music - the perfect entry point for choral music lovers to the infectious energy of bluegrass, and for bluegrass fans to the beauty of choral singing.

The work features the Eastminster United Church Choir under the musical direction of Jacqueline Sadler with special guests, Tim Posgate and Sorry Cousins.

Eastminster is a Danforth Avenue United Church rightly proud of its thirty voice adult choir – a combination of professional singers and dedicated amateurs who not only raise their voices on Sunday mornings, but have also raised thousands of dollars for a variety of worthwhile causes at fundraisers throughout the city – singing everything from Bach to the Beatles and from Mendelsohn to Motown.

The choir is joined by Sorry Cousins, a new string band fronted by Canadian banjo player and multi-instrumentalist Tim Posgate. This is a quintet that prides itself on being bluegrass one minute and Zappa-inspired the next. The five members bring eclectic individual musical histories to bear on the collective “freak out” they call, Sorry Cousins. They are: Tim Posgate, banjo, Victor Bateman, bass, Adrian Gross, mandolin, Darryl Poulsen, guitar, and James McKie, fiddle.

The World Beloved: A Bluegrass Mass is the work of award-winning American composer, Carol Barnett. Barnett is a long-time fixture on the Minnesota music scene, whose work has been called “audacious and engaging” – having scored works for solo and choral voice, piano, organ, wind ensembles, string bands and steel drums.

Admission to The World Beloved: A Bluegrass Mass is by donation.

For more information, visit the Eastminster website at www.eastminsteruc.org or call Eastminster at (416) 463-2179.

2011-04-15T08:14:00.002-04:00

Here is a little update on future gigs. Please note that unfortunately I will not be performing at this Monday's benefit for Clay and Paper Theatre at the Supermarket however it should be a fun night and a great thing to support!

I have been making somewhat regular appearances playing banjo with the Badly Bent at Fountain Industries (on Dundas just east of Dovercourt) on Monday nights. (I usually mention it on Facebook if I am filling in for them)

Fri April 15, Ronley Teper (with me and Christine Bougie), Rivoli, 9pm
Wed April 20, Shinhackers, Cloak and Dagger, 9-midnight
Fri April 22, Opposite of Everything, Tranzac, 730-930pm
Sun May 8, Sorry Cousins + Choir, Eastmnister United Church, 7pm
Tues May 17, Opposite of Everything, Lula Lounge
Thurs May 26, Sorry Cousins, Free Times Cafe (opening for Roofhoppers), 9pm
Sun June 5, Sorry Cousins, Tranzac (opening for Woodchoppers) 10pm
Fri June 10, Sorry Cousins, Tranzac, 730-930
Mon June 13, Hornband Trio (with special guests), Emmet Ray, 9pm

2011-04-12T12:40:00.002-04:00

From one blogger to another, thanks to Justin Ogdin for blogging this. (it also appears on the American Folk and Roots magazine No Depression's website)

You can see it here on his blog calledEar Tyme.

I am especially happy that he used the new video I made about Sorry Cousins.

thanks again Justin! Look forward to meeting you if I make it to Nashville in May.

tim

2011-04-01T21:43:00.002-04:00

Here is a mini-doc I made about my new group Sorry Cousins. The idea for this video is that it is only temporary. I will keep changing and updating it as we keep working on new music and doing more gigs etc. As a matter of fact, we are playing the older songs that I have written mostly to get some gigs etc. The new music is a fair bit more involved and will take us a good amount of time to memorize and get really tight.

2011-03-30T10:17:00.003-04:00

It occurs to me that some people (hi Dad!) really like advance notice on gigs etc. I thought I would let you know about some really interesting gigs I have coming up in Toronto. The details will follow but this is just the early warning:

Electric fiddle player Jaron-Freeman Fox and I have a new duo called FREAK FLAG! (I play electric guitar) We are making our world debut at a benefit for Clay and Paper Theatre on April 18 at the Annex Theatre on Brunswick ave.

I have been writing music for a string quintet that I lead (and play banjo in) called Sorry Cousins. We are playing a fun double bill with the Roofhoppers at the Freetimes Cafe. Great spot to eat drink and hear music. This will be May 26, 9pm. (one long set!)

Also, Sorry Cousins has been invited to perform a Bluegrass "Mass" with the Eastminister United Church choir on May 8, 7pm. this is right at the Chester subway stop on the Danforth. (if you are really into long term planning this show will be re-staged in Vaughan at the Vaughan playhouse on October 15)

If this wasn't enough fun already; Monday June 13 the Tim Posgate Horn Trio (w/ Lina Allemano and Quinsin Nachoff) will be playing a gig my neighbourhood pub The Emmet Ray. We will be playing all the Hornband hits and there will hopefully be some special guests.

Stay tuned here (or Facebook if you do that kinda thing) for more details.

tim

2011-03-11T10:13:00.001-05:00

As I head out to my weekly shinny game with my pals I realize that I am as or more excited about playing than I was more than twenty years ago when we all started playing together.

As a matter of fact, I don’t think I was ever this excited about playing hockey when I was a kid. Maybe it is because the Leafs are in a position to possibly make the playoffs for the first time since my kids have been aware they have blue blood. Perhaps it is because I have had a sore back this week and I felt the possibility of this great past time being taken away from me.

As I write this my kids are outside (in the rain) playing road hockey on our driveway. (yes, we purposefully bought a house in downtown Toronto with a driveway for hockey reasons and we don’t even have a car) The kids don’t wear helmets or facegaurds or anything of the sort and neither did I as a kid playing road hockey.

Is hockey dangerous? Yes. Any sport where the main instrument of use is a long stick has an element of danger to it from the get-go. (Since they were old enough to stand I have taught my kids and their friends how to respect each other while playing the game)
Soon I will car pool to the West end of Toronto to play the greatest game on earth. It is one of the rare times I can “float” in complete joy and be fully absorbed by the moment and not think about any emotional, health or financial woes that may be on my mind during the rest of the week.

We play for fun. We don’t really keep score. (some guys do, as competition is a an exciting part of hockey whether it be in the battle for the puck in the corner or the number of goals at the end of the game) Do we have injuries? Yes of course. I have taken a stick near the eye (before I started wearing a cage) and usually once a week the game stops for a minute while someone collects themselves from a bad fall or collision. We are pretty good for a bunch of old guys. At top speed we can get moving pretty fast. (relative to walking anyways)

It is important to note that professional hockey moves at almost twice the speed that we do. It doesn’t look like it on TV. I have watched a few games from up close and it is unbelievable how fast these large men can skate. Professional hockey is just that; hockey that revolves around money. There is a lot at stake. The game is the same but the potential for capital gain, more lucrative contracts and a chance to win the Stanley cup provide for a culture that most of us will never have an inside knowledge of. Even those of us who are part of the hockey world (I coach my kids hockey games too) can really only imagine what goes on behind closed doors in the NHL. I feel like I got a little and only a little more insight into this from the new HBO documentary about the NHL Winter (outdoor) Classic.

Unfortunately, of late there has been more attention drawn to head injuries and other negative parts of NHL hockey. It seems that there is a movement from the intelligentsia to criticize hockey in any way possible, especially in mainstream media. I find it hard to understand their motivation however I have noticed that few of those people are hockey players themselves.

Of course, the same topic in kid’s hockey is of utmost importance. The powers that be in Canadian amateur hockey certainly need a way to make the game as safe as possible. However, this is really only a concern in competitive youth hockey. Most house-league hockey like where our family plays is very safe and is positive environment and a great place to hang out with your friends and enjoy the game and some hot chocolate.

But, please let us not confuse the large, muscle bound, Canadian (a few Americans and Europeans too) men who entertain us each weekend on Hockey Night in Canada. This is entertainment. It is not a game for those who don’t like the sight of blood. It is a battle where the precision and beauty of ballet joins the speed and danger of stock car racing (which brings me to wonder why it is not more popular in the States)

Including pre-season and playoff games there are over three thousand games a year in the NHL. There will be fights, (much better than stick swinging incidents) injuries and the unfortunately odds would have it that someday maybe another death. (In l968 Bill Masterson was the first and only player to die from the direct result of an on-ice incident)

In the meantime, the only thing more exciting than NHL playoffs is going out myself and pretending that I am Sydney Crosby or Alexander Ovechkin and enjoying and sharing the beauty of the greatest sport in the world with my friends and family.

If you are the kind of person who only watches the highlights at the end of the news (or even worse, watches the controversial hits on Youtube) or spends most of the time at your kids games on your Blackberry then I am not interested in your views on our sport. Hockey is not an exclusive club but we are only accepting new members that love the game. If you want to check it out, come by my place on a Saturday night or sign up for a beginners shinny league and you too will love the game within no time.

2011-03-08T14:26:00.004-05:00

Maybe I have bitten off more than I can chew. Maybe.

I thought it was realistic to try to play all the instruments I play in such a way that I could "deal with" and eventually embrace all the different kinds of music I love. Is it to big a hurdle to play irish, jazz, old-time, klezmer, bluegrass and some classical music on a few instruments? Maybe.

Getting together today with someone who plays old-time fiddle was a wake up call for me. I don't think she even considers herself a fiddle player (maybe her third instrument) and she sounded really good. (especially beside me) It was kind of her to stick around and show me some tips and a really cool tune. I know I was having fun and maybe she was too. Maybe.

Regardless, I still feel like I need to brake the barriers or borders between these different types of music. It seems to me that the similarities of these types of music are so great that if one practices music (ie. scales, tuning, double stops/chords etc.) more than tunes that eventually it will all blend together. (in a good way)

Certainly the challenge of a swing or triplet based rhythm is tough for some people but having cut my teeth for decades playing jazz guitar maybe this part comes easily now for me. Maybe.

I suppose the way I get around all this pressure that I am putting on myself is to write my own music more often than not. If I study music to best of my ability and try to compose without being to influenced by any one style or artist I will hopefully continue to come up with a melange of different musics that makes my music just a little different than the next persons. Maybe.

tim
p.s. The Shinhackers are playing March 13 (my Birthday!) from 9pm-midnight at the Cloak and Dagger on College St. between Bathurst and Spadina.

2011-02-21T15:43:00.002-05:00

I am kind of laughing at the fact that I bought Wayne Gretzky's Green Tea yesterday. It is made by Bigelow Tea and I thought I would give it a chance. Yes, I realize that it is totally marketed at me and people like me.

Anyhow I am disappointed and I haven't even tasted it yet because I opened the box and each bag is wrapped in a non-recyclable plastic. Why Wayne, why? Why would you let such a positive product be ruined by a bad packaging strategy.

Well Wayne, I have always been a big fan but I hope you and Bigelow Tea can get together and fix this or none of MY hockey fan friends will be buying it.

p.s. I accidentally said that my video below was made in Copehagan. So, so wrong. Sweden is where it was created and I am going to blame it on the Tequila. Sorry!!

2011-02-17T12:52:00.002-05:00

Hey folks, here is a new video that Maria Ljungdahl, a visual artist and composer from Denmark suprised me with for one of my tunes.

I welcome any more videos if people are interested in making them. Thanks Maria.

2011-02-10T23:36:00.004-05:00

If this is indeed my last blog from my three months in Mexico it feels like I should have some kind of big wrap up statement or something. Perhaps I should have learned something or been able to sum up this life changing experience in a clear and simple way?

I am laying in a hammock listening to a great radio show from Toronto called Abstract Index. He even interviewed a friend and fellow musician Brodie West tonight. This all made me very happy and I could almost imagine I was home again. I am really anxious to leave now. Some of you may think that I should be cherishing the last few days but there is almost an anxiety involved the major change that will be home.

For example, my day to day life will change quite drastically. Here in Mexico I often played banjo and fiddle on a beach or outside anyways. Back in Toronto I will be doing that in my little basement (can't wait!) Almost every day here we would prepare our own style of Mexican-type food that often resembled something like tacos. When I get home, we will probably eat tacos a little less often. However, there is food that we all crave; Chili comes to mind. (Don't people claim chili is a Mexican food?)

Whenever possible on this trip I spent a fair bit of time online. I suppose I do the same in Toronto. You can count on me checking my email and Facebook in the morning. (I usually try not to do that on Sundays) Also I usually end up online a bit over lunch and usually late at night.

Most days here I drank beer. (sometimes even before lunch when it got really hot) I never drink beer in the daytime in Toronto. Well...not in the early daytime... (thank you Steve Martin). However, I like to go out at night and have a pint or two of beer with my friends and hear their gigs etc.

One big difference will be that my kids will go to school. (for six hours, five days a week!) Most of you know how much I love my kids and how I have enjoyed spending so much time with them since they were born. This was one of the great things about this trip however; enough is enough. (ha!)

I suppose I learned a bit of spanish. I certainly took my calm, relaxed inner spirit to perhaps another level. However, I think this trip confirmed for me that relaxation, happiness, inspiration, creativity are mostly in your mind and your heart. One doesn't really need to be by the ocean or palm trees to find these things. Really, the search for these things is ongoing, gradual and it is hard work. I might even go so far as saying that travelling like this this could be a distraction. Perhaps it another level of learning where one needs to learn how to learn while travelling. ie. I am in a town that I don't like that much for four days; what should I do?

Big props go to my partner Julie for organizing this trip. I really didn't do anything to help plan and she did a great job (she doesn't read my blog). I know I can offer my kids lots of important things but I wouldn't have been able to pull this off the way she did.

Seven minutes left in the Abstract Index. A couple days left in this trip. Hopefully lots of interesting days to come in my city; Toronto.

2011-01-27T16:15:00.004-05:00

I quite enjoy making music videos. I have considered making some new ones for Banjo Hockey since I have a little time on my hands here in Mexico.

Yesterday, we had a power outage for the better part of the day here so it forced us to think outside the box a little. This week I bought banjoist Danny Barnes' new record Pizza Box on itunes and it has become a bit of a favourite around here. I decided we should make a silly video for the opening track; Caveman which features Dave Mathews on bg vocals.

I always thought it would be neat if someone made a video for one of my songs. To tell you truth; when you play fringe music like Danny or myself, any kind of attention given to your music is special and appreciated. You don't get the web-traffic or sales etc. that bigger artists like Pat Metheny or Bela Fleck would have. The great thing about their success is that they really are great artists and I am glad to see them in the limelight as often as possible. (as a matter of fact, I would barely exist if it weren't for both those guys!)

We had a blast making this silly little video. Julie and the kids have a similar wacky sense of humour and were game all the way for it. As a matter of fact it was them that came up with some of the better ideas for the video.

Here you, hope you laugh out loud. (or at least enjoy the song...the whole record is really good!)

Oh yah...the backstory on the spinner thing at the end of the video: Apparently Julie saw the creator of this crazy exercise gadget Twister Motion on the CBC hit entrepreneur show Dragons Den. When she saw it for five dollars at the local grocery store chain she just couldn't resist.

2011-01-23T23:38:00.003-05:00

I was going to sit down and watch a few episodes of The Office as I have been doing over the last few nights but then I thought of you dear blog reader.

I have not been much of a blog-friend; this I realize. Why, you ask? I suppose it is partly because we have not had much internet convenience and when I got on it I was often doing some Facebook time and then catching up with a few business emails etc. (yes, that is a subtle request of my few friends not on Facebook to join)

Anyhow, it is all chugging along just fine. Recent realizations include having convinced myself (for real) that it is summer as well as waking up with a fairly empty mind. By this I mean that I have little to do, little to worry about and no deadlines to meet. Yes, that is pretty great. (now the dark complaining part....) But, I do realize that I miss some of the deadlines and things on my mind. For example, I used to wake up back in Toronto thinking about nothing but how soon I could get on the banjo. These days those types of thoughts are a bit clouded by my love for playing the fiddle. However, all you banjo fans out there will be happy to know that I am traveling with my Gold Tone (hand carved!) and play it a fair bit.

As I have mentioned on other social networking devices; the thing we really like about our spot here in Telchac Puerto is that we have all the conveniences of home. By this I really mean; Wifi and a nice couch and TV. (I have watched an NHL game every second day since we arrived!!)

It was pretty neat to drive for less than ten minutes to a very interesting Myan ruin today. (yes, there are pictures on my Facebook page) I am less than thrilled that our next destination is only about five doors down the beach from here but that is out of my control and really I have not much to complain about.

So...NOW I will go and watch Dwight, and Jim and Pam and .....I never worked in an office myself so I will just assume that this is a reasonable representation. (love the themesong!!)

2011-01-18T11:32:00.001-05:00

On this journey to Mexico I have read more books in the first two months that I have read in the last two years.

It has been a nice coincidence that some of the books and my activities here in Mexico have been somewhat connected. Especially memorable was the transition from Tom Robbins' Still Life of the Woodpecker to my friend Larry Gaudet's Safe Haven.(Random House Canada) Robbin's Pyramid, to Larry's travels to the Greek Parthenon to the Myan ruins that we are exploring right here in our own back yard.

I really only knew Larry as a hockey Dad. However he is not just any hockey Dad as he has two kids that play and Larry is always the first to add fun, optimistic banter before and after in the kids dressing room.

Safe Haven is Larry's personal journey towards Sanctuary that mostly included his experiences in Foggy Cove Nova Scotia where he had a house built on the ocean for his family to live in over the last few years. (including one full year retreat to the house)

I could relate to so much of his personal journey with his family as I too am searching for sanctuary here in Mexico. It was both the outer more obvious family stories and the inner search for something that I relate to.

His day to day challenges with being an artist and an indivdual while bonding with his wife and kids really hits home. At times he knows he should be listening or at least more connected but his mind is elsewhere. The playful moments he describes with his kids are quite beautiful and would make anyone with or without kids a little jealous.

Also, Larry is not afraid to mention the negative parts of their seemingly idyllic life in Nova Scotia such as the occasional tension between him and his wife Alison. I laughed aloud a few times when these moments arose as he really describes them well. There is a feeling of comfort knowing that everyone goes through that.

The parts of the book I enjoyed the most took part in what feels like the present in Toronto or Nova Scotia. It is an interesting idea the way he tied in his honeymoon trip to Greece to talk about ancient sanctuary but I often wished they would be back in Foggy Cove.

Anyone who travels, has family, is considering moving out of the city to their dream-environment or wonders about sanctuary in their own life will enjoy this book.

My own search for Sanctuary continues here in Mexico however I am realizing more and more that any transformation profound effect this trip may have will be somewhere down the road after our return to the hectic Toronto that we so love and miss.

Tim Posgate Trio Live 1996

2011-01-16T00:07:00.000-05:00

A blast from the past! Thanks to Ilios for finding this and posting it on Youtube.

2010-12-20T18:57:00.002-05:00

A quick post on the fly. Hotel room in Merida. We are now stationed on a horse farm for a month about an hour from here so this is a nice change.

The farm is pretty amazing. It is huge and we have our own pool. I love the big main room as there is a four second reverb and when I play fiddle in there it sounds great. (imagine?)

Once again we are quite remote so this trip doesn't seem to be much about interaction but more about solitude. I like that but it is not really what I expected.

I am reading Moby Dick right now so that probably tells you I have mucho time on my hands. In some ways it is like life back home but the kids don't go to school.

Ok, I guess I am leaving out all the cool things here like waking to the sounds of roosters every morning and having cows and goats go by our windows on a regular basis. (we went horseback riding yesterday too)

Today in Merida we tried to do a little Christmas shopping while with the kids. Not an easy job. I have been trying to tell them that this trip is our big Christmas present but I know they want to enjoy somewhat of a normal Christmas. They talk about it all the time.

I am not really in the spirit. However, I was inspired today with the idea of taking a big non perishable food shop and dropping it off with the church in our local village. I do wish I had a photo of this and all the other little villages we drive through. It is truly my fave part of this trip. The people and the houses etc. are so beautiful. However it is amazing that people live in most of these places. It makes a little more sense when you start to realize that it rarely rains here.

Dylan, my oldest son said our ranch reminds him of the house that Led Zeppellin recorded one of their later records at. I totally agree...it is quite huge with a big pool and it is just the four of us for now. We do look forward to another family of four, our friends from Toronto coming to visit us for a week there on boxing day. Hope they are in the mood to shoot pool as we play a lot of 9 ball here!

For those keeping score; I am getting fat as I seem to drink a lot of beer here. (its hot, its cheap and there is time to kill)

I have started working on my project of re recording my first CD Hoser City with bluegrass instruments. So far the jury is out; I am not sure if it is a good idea or not.

If you want more extensive info on our trip please read my wifes blog at: www.familyescapade.blogspot.com

Merry Christmas (I think this is my last chance online till after the big day)

tim

2010-12-09T15:33:00.000-05:00

Hi friends,

I have had a few comments from you that my blogs from deep in the heart of the Quintana Roo province of Mexico seem a bit dark or negative.

Well...tough. (just kidding!)

I have been making an attempt not to pile on the stories of sun and family joy etc. here and in Facebook partly because we are on a long journey here (three months!) and you will surely grow tired of that type of reporting.

So I pour myself another tequila while the family tries to go to sleep in the other room and give you all the latest. (if it is of any importance to you, I have Neil Young's latest CD Le Noise really loud in my headphones)

We have a few more days here at our idyllic beach house and believe it or not we are all looking forward to moving to new surroundings.

It is quite something to wake up to ocean every morning and to play banjo on the beach as the waves roll to my feet. However, there is a limit to our activities. I guess this is one thing that I have learned so far about the amazing life I lead back in Toronto; there are very few limits to what I can do in a day there. Every evening includes a menu of the performing arts, usually a friend or two involved in the proceedings as well as a great little group of friendly and willing individuals to hang out with.

Partly because of the mosquito situation here, we go to bed quite early and usually a bored game or some extended reading is about all that is in our after dinner repertoire.

Today we broke things up by driving 18 Kilometers further north and to the end of our remote beach road. It was fun to wander around a new beach that is even more remote than where we live right now. We were trying to make the kids realize that so many people will never get to experience something like that. I know it is my first time being in places like these.

I am really enjoying all the reading I am doing. I finished a book about Country Music, then I finished Angela's Ashes (which I found here on the bookshelf) and now reading something loosely based on a type rope walkers life in New York. (trying to save the books I brought for later in the trip when there is nothing else to read)

Did I mention we are going through a lot of beer? Sol beer is a lot like drinking water only I feel slightly better after having two of them. ha!

I am trying to ride a bike about 20KM every other day and hoping that and my daily snorkeling excursion will stop me from getting really fat and not come home in terrible shape for hockey.

Not having a TV (we have one but we don't turn it on) and rarely watching DVDs has really forced all of us here to engage with each other. This can be tricky at times as you can imagine but I am glad we are doing it.

I figure I am getting way too much sleep. Every night I am up for at least an hour doing way too much thinking. I guess the 12 or 13 hours that I am in bed are a little great compared to the solid 6.5 I was used to getting back home.

However, the thinking has brought me to a new idea for the upcoming year. I am going to celebrate (even if only with myself) the 20th anniversary of Guildwood Records by writing an essay about each one of my CD releases. Try to give some insight about what was going on for me and in music in general when they were recorded and try to put them in perspective in todays musical climate.

The big idea (this one might be a bit far fetched) is to do my own redux of my first Cd; Hoser City twenty years later. I want to play all the instruments but this time it will be guitar, banjo, fiddle, mandolin and bass.

I guess that is it for now. I wish you all a Merry Christmas. I don't think we have an internet connection next month. This could be a good or a bad thing; we shall see.

I am glad to be missing this terrible season with the Leafs however I may try to tune in to Hockey Night in Canada this weekend and catch a period and coaches corner as it may be my last for a while.

Go easy on Don Cherry too okay? Is anyone really surprised that he is a Rob Ford supporter? Come on...Don has always worn it all on his sleeve.

tp

2010-11-28T09:58:00.000-05:00

Two weeks into our twelve-week family adventure I lay awake trying to figure out what it is all about. I remember saying to my friends as we were packing to leave in a couple days that I really had no idea what I was going to do on this trip.

I knew that it would be fun, relaxing and great for the kids. I knew that Julie (my partner) was living out a dream by returning to Mexico for a long period and now practicing her new occupation; freelance kids music teacher. I guess I really didn’t or still don’t know what I am doing here.

When I told people about this trip they often said; “it’s going to change your life.” I would always agree but deep down wondered how that would manifest.

One of the themes I have noticed so far is limitation. Everything here is more obviously limited. I have less time alone to work on my music. We have less access to food. (ok, we do live across the street from a grocery store in Toronto) But we are starting to get used to waiting for the tortilla guy on his scooter to go by or the beer truck that only drives by on Tuesday and Friday or the fruit truck. (I think he is on the same day but somehow it seems less important)

We live in an eco-friendly house here for our first month and we are not supposed to use much power. It is good practice for our us in turning off lights and there is a limit to the length of our day as we often go to bed soon after the sun has set.

There is a limit to our space here where we live on the second floor. Although there is a huge balcony in the front overlooking our beach and the ocean it kind of feels like one big room or at least a small one-bedroom apartment. (this has certainly made the “romantic get-away” element of the trip extra challenging)

How is this all going to change my life? I think I was always one to often work well within boundaries, making compromises etc. All seven or my CDs have been made within limited budgets and limited time frames. I get a lot done in a day back home but my workday often ends at 3pm when my kids get home. (I guess that is often just the first half)

We don’t have a car at home and we certainly live on a limited budget. However, I think the endless possibilities that exist in a large city like Toronto versus a remote location in Mexico is the thing I am realizing might have the biggest effect on me. I am always saying how you can do just about anything in Toronto on any given night but here we barely even make it into the night. As much fun as I am having so far, our big daily concern is which reef to snorkel in and what other variation on Tequila can we come up with.

I like to think that I am the same person wherever I go and that as humans we take our challenges with us as they are mostly within ourselves. It may be that the limitations on this trip will help to expose the challenges that I brought with me.

Earlier tonight the boys and I tried to watch Hockey Night in Canada on our limited internet connection that we hook up to in a grass hut beside our house. After realizing that we weren’t going to be able to watch our favourite Maple Leafs I stuck it out and tried to find it elsewhere on the internet. After many tries and many frozen screens I finally got a hookup to HNIC. There they were; my fave Canadian Saturday night hosts; Ron and Don live on my computer. After one highlight and some brief but witty banter from Don Cherry my computer immediately shut down. Limited battery time.

2010-11-23T08:33:00.001-05:00

I am listening to the debut record from the Punch Brothers with headphones on (something I have meant to do for more than a year) while I watch the full moon rise over the ocean.

As the ocean breeze blows in through the screened-off wall of our dining room I am thinking that that the view is right on par with this great music. Actually, both are competing for my attention.
The minute changes like cloud cover or reflection on the water are equaling the squeal of Chris Thile’s mandolin strings or the beautiful bass parts that I so often overlook.
This is my first “Mexiblog” and I forgot to mention anything about this vast country so far. Where do I start? Tequila has been a constant but only like a subtle spice in our soup of life (that is a bit corny eh?) I guess I mean that we have been drinking lots but never yet had too much.

This brings me to the part of this trip that is both special and challenging; parenting. I just can’t do my job as a parent if I drank the amount of tequila (and beer for that matter) that I would like to. Maybe that is part of the gift they give us? This ability to “keep it all together” has also allowed us to get up very early each morning and enjoy the whole day in the beauty of our ocean-front-yard.

Wow; Noam Pikelny really is a great banjo player. (and since we are keeping score; the clouds are no longer covering the almost full moon)

Today was like most days since we arrived at this remote beach house near Xcalak. I got a good couple hours of banjo practice in and then snorkeled with Julie and the boys. Later I got about an hour of fiddle practicing in too but really I wanted to tell you about the snorkeling.

It took a couple days but now I am loving it. Today I realized that if I really relaxed and listened to my breathing (I like to pretend I am a fish!) I can float and watch fish go by and be happier than I could even imagine.

When you go a long time without listening to music with headphones (and I don’t mean earbuds!) you forget how great it can be. This is giving me greater insight to a record I have heard 100 times before.

As the moon rises the moonlight on the ocean is reaching out towards me and has almost made it to the shore. (will it come in the dining room?)

After we BBQed some burgers and dogs I played some Nerf football on the beach with the boys. I thought they were going to explode they loved it so much. I dragged them in before the mosquitoes (yes they have those here too) came out but we finished the night off early with a good game of Scrabble and I finally won.

Which brings us right here. One person is asleep, while two others read in bed. I too look forward to some reading time in bed as I found a copy of The Road. A very dark book about a father and son and the end of the world. I found it here on the bookshelf.

Sleeping has been quite weird. We often go to bed quite early. As a matter of fact, writing this blog post is the first real evening activity I have had in the last week. There is a constant roar from the distant waves breaking further North on the ocean and some dogs that bark a lot. The temperature seems to change every day as well as by the hour throughout the night.

Any bad nights of sleep we have had are balanced out by the almost-mandatory siesta around 2 or 3pm the next day.

The moon has a beautiful haze (I used that word in Scrabble tonight) now behind it and the Punch Brothers have moved on to another part in Chris Thile’s beautiful suite; The Blind Leaving the Blind.

We are not in Toronto any more…

2010-10-08T20:26:00.002-04:00

It has been an interesting week. I was an accompanist for a Leonard Cohen Cabaret show (playing guitar no less!) and I was on the Verge of putting all of Guildwood Records' stock by the road for the garbage truck to pick up.

Perhaps I am a little off balance these days. (go figure; I am playing mostly fiddle when I am at home and I am about to go on a three month family adventure in Mexico)

It was quite fun playing the Global Cabaret Festival with all those great singers including Sienna Dahlen, Sarah Slean and Maryem Tollar. Beautiful songs that LC wrote and fun to play my new Telecaster. It was a fun band too; Rob Clutton, David Buchbinder, Dave Restivo and myself.

After the second night I had a late night gig at the Canadian Music Centre for Nuit Blanche. I played solo banjo and fiddle and even picked some scores from their library to sight read (and sight sing!)

Bright Angels by Harry Freedman, Cradle Song by Oscar Morawetz and Harbord Street by Milton Barnes.

It was quite fun as people would walk in and out and all around the building as they pleased. (i did a little strolling myself) I think the highlight was some nutty banjo/accordion improv with Tina Kiik.

Now the CDs...hmmm. Not really sure what to say other than; we have some space issues and I think the hundreds (maybe a couple thousand) of CDs that I have made have to go somewhere. With the way CD sales are going and the way my career is going as a solo artist (very slowly) I think the chances of ever selling these CDs is slim. I have started a little discussion about it on Facebook if you are interested in chiming in.

http://www.facebook.com/#!/tposgate/posts/155883871111570

I am still unsure about what I am going to do but when I went out for a walk tonight I was thinking about my next recording (hopefully will be on vinyl)

Happy Thanksgiving friends.
tim

2010-09-30T20:38:00.002-04:00

Here is the other neat gig this weekend as part of the Global Cabaret Festival at the Young Centre for the performing arts. It doesn't mention that myself, Rob Clutton and Dave Restivo will be backing up all these singers but yes; we will be the band.

This happens Friday and Saturday night.
-----------------------------------------
Leonard Cohen Songbook

The Songbook Series: Multi-Artist Tributes to Master Songwriters

The legendary Leonard Cohen is arguably the most influential Canadian singer/songwriter of our time. He is the fantasy of every English major, coffeehouse poet and aching romantic and his songs of love, lust, and loneliness have been covered by artists the world over, including Jennifer Warnes, U2, REM, Beth Orton, Sting, Nick Cave, Rufus Wainwright and kd lang. He has been inducted into the Canadian Music Hall of Fame, the Canadian Songwriters Hall of Fame and the American Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, and is a Companion of the Order of Canada. Last year, at age 73, Leonard Cohen embarked on a world tour, which has sold out major concert halls across Europe.

Resident Artist David Buchbinder, Music Director with festival artists Sarah Slean, DK Ibomeka, Sienna Dahlen and Maryem Tollar.

Please note: Concert tickets are available for purchase online until 2 hours before start time. After that time, tickets can be ordered by phone at 416.866.8666 or in person at the Young Centre box office.

Featured Concerts and Salons are 60 minutes. Songbooks are 75 minutes.
Tickets: $20* - See more and save!
($5 off each additional same day concert in person or by phone only)
*Prices do not include applicable service charges or HST.
Friday October 1, 7:15 PM BUY TICKETS
Saturday October 2, 8:15 PM

2010-09-30T20:31:00.002-04:00

I have two really fun gigs this weekend. This is the late night, Nuit Blanche one for all you late night, avant-garde music fans. I will be tucked away in some corner of the big old house downtown (which is the Canadian Music Centre) playing solo.

I wish I could tell you what instrument I was going to play. I was hoping to do banjo, mando and fiddle however I am coming straight from another gig where I will be playing guitar so...might be too much for one bike ride (if you get my drift)

I will be performing between llpm and 1am. (as well as a few other people in the same building at the same time as well as before and after)

Chalmers House,
20 St. Joseph Street
416-961-6601

Canadian Music Centre
Intimate Music

John Oswald - Toronto, Canada
Chiyoko Szlavnics - Berlin, Germany

Performance Art

The Canadian Music Centre invites two composers to explore intimate experiences in contemporary art. Berlin-based Chiyoko Szlavnics pursues the intimacies found in the detail of sound through her minimalist composition drawings. These works inform musical creations of surprising transparency: glassy surfaces of pure sound. Toronto's John Oswald counteracts the rambunctious experience of large crowds by creating intimate musical experiences in the cozy spaces of Chalmers House. Whether tucked into tiny turrets, nestled between the music library shelves, or hidden away in cozy corners of the heritage home, micro-audiences interact with Toronto musicians to co-curate personalized mini-concerts. Whether it's a folk song lullaby, an electronic experiment or a guitar serenade, the options will ebb and flow over the course of the night.

2010-09-11T23:02:00.004-04:00

Tonight was one of those nights where I could have done just about anything. That is one of the perks of living in Toronto, there is no limit to what you can see or do. Tonight I chose to spend my night at home. First, I went to Bay Bloor Radio and got a new needle and cartridge for one of our two active turntables. Then I went to catch the end of my older son's baseball game at Christie Pits. (that alone is always a very laid back and relaxing experience)

When he and I biked back home after his game I put the new cartridge in and we started listening to records while we ate dinner together. I had a glass of wine and we talked about the music we were listening to (Yes, Planxty etc.) and about the Kiss concert that we attended together on the previous night.

Dylan decided to start asking questions about the financial side of a concert like that; "how much do the opening bands get paid?" etc. We proceeded to talk about booking agents, managers, ticket prices, paying bands and all that fun stuff. I could see him getting really inspired and finally he said he was going to go to the basement (our home studio) and do some playing/practicing.

Almost immediately he returned and said he wanted me to teach him a song that he liked by the group Hedley on the piano. Funny thing is that he is a guitar player. So; I quickly learned the tune (glad it was in C major!) and taught it to him and he proceeded to play it on the piano and sing it into the microphone. I was so happy and proud and glad I stayed home tonight. I can't think of a much better way to spend an evening.

2010-08-15T01:13:00.000-04:00

Wow, (yes, I think I always start blogs with Wow) I am really on a summer vibe. Sometimes summer for me means heading out on the road with my musical pals and playing festivals but this summer has none of that and I am heading out with my wife and kids to goof-around. It was almost as much fun. I still have trouble driving for six hours without knowing there is a gig a the "end of the rainbow".

We just got back from three weeks in Quebec. I had some great experiences including taking some lessons with a local fiddle player on Quebec fiddle styles. I have a couple new tunes that I learned and a few on tape that I will learn eventually.

These days I can't really say what I like to play most. I have so much fun playing guitar, banjo and fiddle. The mandolin does it for me too however I can't seem to find enough time to practise that instrument right now. (although it seems so much easier than the fiddle sometimes...no explanation necesessary?)

Vacationing and relaxing is not as easy as it sounds. I have really become someone who is obsessed with learning, studying, reading etc. and the artists life doesn't always fit in with what is going on around you (understatement of the year?) I do see the ability to "socialize" as a very important skill too and I think the balance could be one I work on until the end of my time here.

I must say, I am so happy to be back in the city. I have a bunch of gigs and rehearsals this week that I look forward to. Wednesday night I am playing with the Cluttertones in Kensington Market:

Wednesday August 18th @ 9PM (doors 8:30pm)
Teranga (159 Augusta-just South of Dundas )
$5 cover
Vanessa’s Entire Heart (www.myspace.com/vanessahanson), The
Cluttertones (Rob Clutton, Lina Allemano, Ryan Driver, & Tim Posgate
www.myspace.com/cluttertones ), and Wolfcow (www.myspace.com/wolfcow )

Also, Tuesday night I am playing with country singer Shannon Hoff at the Painted lady at 930pm and then tomorrow night, I think I am filling in on the banjo at the Gladstone and more but details to follow. (often Facebook is where I post this info now)

I think I need to hit the hay as my late night ways have been sidelined by early evening reading seguing to early evening sleeping.

zzzzzzzzz thanks for tuning in here. Drop me a note ok?

tim

2010-06-19T00:00:00.002-04:00

Well well well...back here again. I see my computer is low on power (so perhaps this won't be as long as I had hoped) Also, I think I will go pour a short whiskey and grab some snacks...be right back.

Ok, I am back with all the supplies etc. Yes, yes. Lots to say but where to start. Often with excuses for not writing recently; it is the internet I swear. I mean; Facebook alone can drain ones will to write. NO? Also, since I got an ipod touch and my partner Julie became a freelancer she is often on the computer while I just try not to get too far behind using my little ipod touch. (not too inspiring for writing)

So, I am listening to the newly released (I was at the show tonight) Oliver Schroer CD and it is great. Anyone that knows him or his music misses him in a big way.I am sort of coming into his music in a late way through the side window or something. Let me explain; I am playing with a young fiddler named Jaron Freeman-Fox who was a great friend and student of Olivers. I am realizing already just four tracks into this CD how literal and wonderful Oliver's influence has been on Jaron.

That brings us to this other weird topic that I feel I need to mention, my fiddle obsession. Actually, I don't really like the word obsession as it implies something is wrong. I have been playing the fiddle for about half a year and most days I would rather do that than anything. Although, as I like to say "my work is my banjo practicing and my hobby is the fiddle" Life is okay.

It is fun, exciting yet weird playing all these new instruments over the last few years but I must say somedays the unknown-ness of the future can be a little much. I mean, how the heck did a jazz guitarist end up playing the fiddle? I guess I sort of know the answer and I am not sure it is interesting enough to go into details here (for you or me). It might be true to say that it is all connected somehow to bluegrass music but the strange thing about that is that I really don't think of myself as much of a bluegrass player. That music is so demanding one must be somewhat dedicated to it and have been playing it for long unless things come to you really easy. (I have never been one of those folks)

I do remember going to the Regina Folk Festival when I was on tour with my trio with ilios and dane and thinking that I was in love with something about that world but couldn't put my finger on it. Since then I have had some amazing experiences at festivals you might call folk festivals like the Vancouver Island Music Festival (I do like to think Doug Cox is quite responsible for my recent "new" directions) and many more.

Back to today, Oliver, Hughs Room, Jaron...David Woodhead...I have found great friends in this music and find there to be something very open, honest and understated about the people in this community. There is also something about the music I have been making as of late that seems more social. People seem to want to play it or listen to it in the park, at parties or wherever. I like that. I think I would be remiss if I didn't mention my good pal Rob Clutton who has always been listening to a lot of bluegrass and diverse music along our music journeys that has had great effect on me. (he even played fiddle as a kid!)

Trying to figure out how it all fits together (jazz and roots music that is) is a bit tricky sometimes. One thing I have noticed is that most of the people I play music with are very open to anything that is good. I remember watching the Del McCoury band with Lina and Quinsin when we were on the road and they loved it.

One topic I wish to address later on down the road is tradition. It is a tough one for eveyone in any kind of music. Learning a tradition, performing it, changing it, adding to it (?) Another night, I am out of snacks and want another taste.

Hope you enjoyed reading as much as I enjoyed writing.
tim

2010-05-12T08:26:00.002-04:00

While I am deeply lost in the NHL hockey playoffs I am still getting my work done during the day. Today I have some excellent musicians coming over to play the new string quintet music I am writing. This will be the third time I have gathered folks to read it and I am getting a clearer picture of what this new project may entail.

Although most days start with practicing the fiddle I am very happy to be getting some work done on the banjo too. I am at a point where all the practicing I do seems to add up and contribute to whatever instrument needs to be focused in the moment. Although having said that, there is no replacing the hours that I put into the banjo yesterday. Big smiles here!

Last week I did a gig with my friend, Juno award winner Dominic Mancuso. I got up and was featured on a few tunes on the banjo. In some ways it felt like just another gig at the Lula lounge but when I was onstage I looked around and realized I was not only playing with my peers but with some of the best musicians around. (and I was on the banjo!) This was my goal originally, to be able to play that instrument on a high level with just about anyone and I feel close to achieving that goal. I have the same goal with the fiddle but I think it will be a longer time coming as it is the mother of all instruments if you ask me.

I am listening to some Planxty while I type and realizing that this beautiful Irish music is not only beautiful and complex but also my roots. I am feeling a slight pull in this direction these days so stay tuned to see what happens there. ha!

2010-04-25T22:44:00.003-04:00

I continue to work on music as seriously as ever. However, my faith and interest in the music business has certainly diminished. After more than twenty years of working professionally as a musician and most of that time and energy going into my original work I am a bit disillusioned.

I have always been one to work really hard and have booked endless Canadian tours, made seven CDs etc. etc. but I feel a need to pull back and focus on music in perhaps more of a folkloric way. In this type of specialized music that I play (ie. weird instrumental music) one needs to work very, very hard to make anything happen and even then you need someone else to come along and help you too. (ie. manager, agent, festival folks etc.)

I have always wanted some minor success only so that more people could hear my music. With the way things are in the music industry today I could probably get 1100 rather than 700 people to hear my new record if I worked extra hard, longer days, more computer time (i.e. less time for my family and my music) and I don't think that little differential is worth it to me.

I am not sure (notice each paragraph starts with "I" as any good blog should...ha) where this type of approach will lead me but I do know that I intend to play music, passionately for my entire life and I am quite sure this will help sustain this for me.

One friend recently said I was just in a renewal phase. Maybe he is right. We shall see

2010-04-16T00:20:00.001-04:00

Tonight I played a show at the Music Gallery with Ronley Teper and the Lipliners. Playing with Ron is always fun but tonight I was extra excited as I knew it would confirm my attendance for Caitlin Smith’s Tinay Alligator show.

My first thought when I saw the ensemble was; what a strange instrumentation. That thought was cancelled out within seconds. Caitlin’s use of the instruments in her ensemble was creative, subtle, suprising and appropriate. One example would be the bass writing. The Music Gallery is infamous for bad bass sounds but the space that Smith carved out in the arrangements with dynamics, sympathetic timbres etc. for the bass was a beautiful feature of this large work. There should be no credit taken away from Ashley Summers on bass either as she played a solid concert with great attention to detail, dynamics and tuning.

Max Roach was an excellent choice as drummer for this music as his tasteful, groovy playing and excellent reading made for a great other half of the rhythm section.

All three vocalists; Jennifer Ryan, Kristin Mueller-Heaslip, and Alex Samaras did a great job singing this challenging music. The almost-pastel, soulful voice of Jen Ryan was a highlight for sure.

Honorable mention goes to the writing and playing in the lower registers. It was seemingly always the right amount of bass trombone, bass clarinet and bassoon blending beautifully with great part writing.

The shape of each piece or section was always interesting and rarely could you anticipate the new direction as we turned each corner as a listener. By the end it all made sense as it was so exciting that we never lost our focus. (I can rarely listen to an hours worth of music without my mind wandering but Smith’s music kept me on the edge of my seat the whole time)

Although there were musicians from the jazz and classical scene I rarely felt like the music was played in an obvious style. By the time you thought you heard a genre you recognized things would change on a dime.

This is unique, world class music that hopefully will be recorded and enjoyed live many more times in the future. Watch for the Tiny Alligator and in the meantime you can read more about this project
here

It would be impossible to discuss the beauty of this music without mentioning the beautiful white dress warn by the leader/conductor/composer that was as hard to describe as her music. This was a magical night of beautiful music and Smith looked the part of the princess from the fairytale that would accompany this wonderful soundtrack.

2010-04-09T09:00:00.002-04:00

Even with these non-stop holidays (read: children not at school for march break and Easter) I am managing to get my new music finished. So happy with the way the new tunes are sounding. I am just listening to yesterdays rehearsal while I eat breky. (must blog briefly so I can fiddle a bit before my hockey game)

My big question now is whether to "workshop" this music a fair bit and try to refine both my writing and playing or just get it out the world like I continue to do.

It seems like I often compromise in order to "keep things moving" ie. play the industry game. If you don't have a new record you can't tour, can't get reviews and things slow up and stop. It also takes about a year to rehearse record press, distribute etc.

I am quite disinterested in the industry these days, mostly because it seems disinterested in me (I think). However, my joy of making music is as great as it has ever been if not greater.

The other element is that I enjoy playing other people's music more than ever before so I would like to be even busier doing that.

Okay, time to rosin up the bow.
tp

2010-03-26T08:26:00.003-04:00

Seems these days I start out my blogging with an excuse why I have been away for a while. Today is no different; just thinking about the age my kids are at now.

When I had a toddler he would sit and play lego while I wrote a blog, or a new tune or a shopping list. Now that they are both at school full-time it seems like I have a million things to do in what I call a half-day. (I walk them to school at 8am and pick them up at 245pm)

The thing that bugs me now is how did I develop more things that have to get done in a day since then? For example, shouldn't I be able to enjoy and appreciate 6.5 hours of "open" time, organizing it to be creative, make money and take care of our family needs etc?

It always seems like it goes by in what feels like a couple hours. I am convinced it has to do with our societies need for more as we age. You know; the whole concept of getting a better job, bigger house, fancier car. I do not subscribe. As an artist and a musician; my career does not continue to grow. It even shrinks at times.

Okay, I am not sure how that supposed need or growth relates to my time exactly but just wanted to put that out there.

Tommorrow morning I have a very fun gig in the Storytelling festival. It has become an annual gig where Rob Clutton, Lina Allemano and myself perform as a trio called "Being Helen" with storyteller Jim Blake. This is upstairs in the art gallery at the St. Lawrence Market and it is free at llam.

2010-03-17T22:49:00.004-04:00

I think I forgot to tell you about my 20 hour journey to Chicago. Feels like a long time ago now but it was only ten days ago. I went to hear my fave bluegrass band Punch Brothers. It was a great trip. Sure; I spent more than I have ever spent (including the flight) on seeing a concert but I was there with the good intentions of R and D. I did take notes for a good part of both concerts as it seemed somehow clearer to me being there in person.

I got off the plane and went straight underground thinking there was still a chance in catching the end of the Blackhawks game with a cheap scalper ticket. However, by the time I figured out the system, where I was etc. I knew it was a music-only trip. That was probably a good thing as I had already been up at 6am to coach a hockey game that morning so I knew it was going to be a long day. (btw, I am eating some of the best blue cheese I have ever tasted right now) So, I managed to make it downtown in time to wander for a couple hours before I headed out the "School House" for the concerts.

There is something about Chicago that makes you feel like the arts are a bit more in the forefront of life than Toronto. I did stumble across the Chicago Cultural centre which is a great place and caught a bit of live symphonic music and checked out a film festival (wasn't able to see any of the films)

The concerts were truly amazing as I was sitting only a foot or two away from these incredible players who I revere. I did realize that there are some great players here in Toronto that are probably as talented but Punch Brothers have a guiding light, a creative force by the name of Chris Thile. In music it is less about what you can do and more about what you DO do. ie. this same group of people without Chris would not be anywhere near as exciting.

Their new music is great too. I can't wait for the new CD (hopefully out in May) I would describe it as the Beatles meet the Miles Davis 60s Quintet.

I was back in Toronto by 11am the next morning (left 24 hours earlier) after a short sleep in an airport hotel. I don't really want to think about what it all cost but at this point it feels like it was a smart decision to do it.

I gotta get back to my cheese.

More later.

2010-03-03T22:57:00.002-05:00

It is not often I blog after pouring myself a shot of tequila but here we are. The theme is aging. I suppose it is on my mind as my birthday is coming up. I don't like aging. There is no two ways about it. More responsibilities, more health issues, easier to put on weight (hence the reason I didn't have a second beer tonight...less calories in tequila?) People around you start dying, getting sick etc. It is a bummer really.

I don't think I am scared of dying but the whole lead up to to it ( ten or fifty years) seems to be a bit of a drag. My regular readers might not recognize this dark and negative vibe I am bringing but I can't hide it forever. It is in there somewhere.

Another thing is that we seem to get smarter and understand peoples emotions etc. even more as we age. Really all this means is we tread a little more carefully so as to offend less people or make more people happy. (or so it seems)

I suppose life stays vital and exciting, unpredictable and all those other adjectives that I cherish as an artist and a freelancer but the box that I keep it in seems to be less ideal.

I don't think I will dwell any further as maybe it is just something about this day or this week that has me going on about it.

Maybe google will tell me how many calories are in my tequila shots before I pore another one. (so old)

2010-03-01T09:15:00.002-05:00

I was having my own personal video montage of the Olympics as I faded into dreamland last night. More than Sidney Crosby or all the hot young female Canadian athletes I found my two boys were the memories that were loud and clear.

Our victory lap of our 'hood here in Little Italy, downtown Toronto was pretty special. Leo at 7 was blowing the big red horn and his ten year old brother Dylan had slogans coming out of his mouth like a marketing machine; "No Star Spangled Banner this time!" "Thirteen wasn't enough!" and many more.

I remember one of the big hockey games, Leo went running upstairs and when asked where he was going he yelled back "I have to get the bobsleigh results!"

I have heard claims that this Olympics might change our Country forever regarding our Canadian pride. I think this is true. My hope is that the Canadian pride spills over into the arts. When will people's fave bands be Canadian, and when will they go to see local jazz players as much or more than they pay for the big "out-of-town-ticket?" Some of the lame music during the Olympics didn't help that but I suppose there will always be some of that.

We really are among the best here in Canada at a lot of things and I hope people start to see that.

I know the Olympics have had an impression on my family that has changed our lives forever and will always remember 2010. 14 Golds. Yay Canada! Yay Sidney Crosby!!!

2010-02-27T00:46:00.005-05:00

Tonight I had a rare chance to do a bit of web surfing and reading other's blogs. (Although I should be listening to some music I need to learn for next week) I am having the overwhelmed feeling from looking at all these young musicians that do it all; compose, book tours, blog like crazy etc.

Here is an example; there is no way I could every organize the reviews I receive. Others put links to the writers and the whole deal. These are people who are making great music too.

I wave the white flag at this point and realize that so much of my energy goes to my family. There are the odd parent-musicians who seem to be able to do it all but it is rare.

Whether it is getting up at 7am with the kids every day or picking them up at school by 245pm I can barely keep my playing at the level I want and need. I rarely complain and I never regret this choice. Tobboganing with my boys tonight was some of the most fun I can imagine. Going out for dinner on a Friday night together after a long week and then watching the Olympic hockey game together is all stuff I just wouldn't trade for anything.

It is usually hundreds rather than thousands of people who get to enjoy my music but I am okay with that. I think the smiles on my kids faces and the effect I can have on our world as a parent are worth it. And, who knows; maybe when my kids grow up I will have a musical life that is even more widely received and heck, I might even put the links to all my reviews on my blog.

2010-02-24T10:06:00.002-05:00

Tonight is such a big hockey game. I have been watching them all with my family which has been great. (except when they talk through all the important commentary)

I have been so tempted to watch the games with my hockey buddies but I have yet to do that. As a parent, there is not much better than when my kids are excited to engage with me. Yes, this is how we do that; watching hockey.

It doesn't sound too deep or emotional but for us it really is. We talk about it all day leading up to it and we snuggle up to each other on the couch and enjoy our favourite sport.

Tonight I have a gig right after the game so I will watch it with all the drunk hockey fans (probably talking more than my family over the commentary) but it will be exciting.

However, I am trying to imagine what it will be like playing bluegrass for the ridiculously happy or sad (depending on the outcome) game.

I guess it is really just; another gig/game.

The Shinhackers: 10pm-1am
The Cloak and Dagger
394 College St.
PWYC

2010-02-17T09:28:00.002-05:00

Dufferin Grove Park is one of the best family places in town, hands down! It is run with great spirit by community folks that care. There are such great events, food, parties, Farmers market, skating, swimming and everything you can imagine all under the shade of some nice old trees that are spread all over the park.

Somehow, every now and again the City of Toronto seems to threaten the idea of this perfection by taking it over fully and trying to make it like all the other parks.

It really is hard to believe and I would only guess that none of the people trying to do this have ever spent much time there and definitely don't have kids.

If you are one who uses this park and wants to get involved in keeping it going the way it is now, here is some info.

To CONTACT THE OMBUDSMAN regarding this issue you may visit the website at: http://ombudstoronto.ca/

The e-mail address is: ombuds@toronto.ca and the phone number is: 416-392-7062. TTY is available: 416-392-7100

2010-02-16T22:34:00.003-05:00

I have been involving myself in some kid related Guerilla-type activiities. I don't worry too much about confessing here on my blog as I can't really imagine doing good for my kids being much of an illegal act. Yesterday I found a note from the City of Toronto asking me to call them regarding the ice rink I built for my kids in the park beside our house. Do you think they might just want to discuss ice-repair techniques?

Last night I was up on a twelve foot shakey old wood ladder installing the paper mache (sp?) monsters that they created with my friend Cynthia. I was up there in the dark, living on the edge (or so it seemed) and wondered later whether I really do these things for the kids or for myself. We were definitely undercover, whispering our curatorial directions and watching for the art-police to come and stop our mission. We got a few funny looks and a couple "thumbs-up" from people driving by. Paola asked me if the pole would "hold my weight" as I climbed and Cynthia held the ladder and gave my advice on my hanging technique. Maybe this is the beginning of a new art instillation collective? (or just a few parents who really love parenting)

This whole project was partly inspired and funded by a very cool grant created by an OCAD student calledTiny Grants

One of my theories of parenting is that you have to really enjoy the things that you do with your kids or they will sense your lack of passion. I do get truly passionate about art, music and hockey with my kids and sometimes even have to control it.

Being able to control or even hide that passion is sometimes the secret to not scaring your kids away from things like art or sports. This is a tricky one that I continue to work on.

2010-02-14T22:00:00.003-05:00

Had a great family vacation in Quebec this week. It is so good to see my kids spending time with their relatives in Quebec. I wasn't really excited about attending the Carnaval parade but it turned out to be much fun for all of us. The Quebec dancers, musicians etc. seem to have different and more sincere approach to a parade than we do here. All of the folks in the parade seemed to have such fun and were really "going for it."

We decided to use transit to get to the parade and it was a good idea in the end. However, the usual problems came up with my two boys on the bus; either it is the "are-we-there-yet problem" or the WWE wrestling approach to public transportation. (headlocks really don't work on a bus!)

Anyways, I was proud of my parenting skills when I reached into my bag and asked my 7yr old if he wanted to play Pac-Man on my ipod Touch. Plus, I was going to listen to the Beethoven String Quartet that I have been studying as of late. Yes, I had not only solved the problem but figured out a way to do a little work too. I plugged in the head phones, handed Leo the ipod and he was content. I put the earphones into my ears and there was the cello, the viola, the violins and WAKA-WAKA-WAKA-WAKA. Oh well. Leo is happy.

2010-02-09T19:16:00.002-05:00

I am in Quebec listening to some music. (after a few good hours of practicing) I like so many kinds of music and most recently I have been enjoying some Beethoven String Quartets that I bought on itunes. It amazes me after listening to and working on many different kinds of music I often come back to bluegrass. More specifically I can't stop listening to the Del McCoury band. Meeting them this summer was so much fun.

I didn't talk about it much but we even had to play after them one day on the mainstage. (the coolest part of that was being backstage behind the curtain and playing along with them as they did Will the Circle be Unbroken)

They are all so amazing. Rob is certainly my fave bluegrass banjo picker and there is no weak link in the band. Everyone knows what a great singer Del is but his boys are equally if not more talented.

This isn't news or the weather; just waiting for my pizza to arrive.

2010-02-03T12:58:00.003-05:00

One of my compositional tools (which I only recently realized was a too) is jamming on my own tune.

The way I do this is to take a new idea, hone the parts and then let the tape roll and improvise and jam with the parts and variations and let the spirit of the tune and the energy of the previous moments or hours of composition flow naturally onto a recording.

Best to let a little time go by before you listen and there will be even more than you realized you had on that tape. ie. all the little variations, improvisations etc. may well end up being intros, outros or even completely different sections (or tunes for that matter!)

After many years of taking some of this stuff for granted I am realizing I should share it as there was no one to show or teach me this kind of stuff when I started out.

2010-02-02T23:12:00.004-05:00

My fairly recent plunge into playing new stringed instruments is a mysterious direction, even for me. Today I realized that some of the emotions and feelings that drive this are similar to when I lived in Montreal and was trying to escape old performance and compositional habits in the spirit of my stay at the Banff School of the Arts.

Of course after playing guitar for more than 35 years I feel most confident and familiar on that instrument. At what point did anyone decide those are the feelings we are after.

I have always chosen to do things in my life that don't come easy and this is no exception. Playing the fiddle, the mandolin and especially the banjo brings me great joy and the amount I can learn in a short period of hard work is highly rewarding.

Potential to fail has always been an important part of art-making and this recent period of study has got lots of that.

tim

p.s. How great was that Leaf game tonight!! Yah baby!

2010-02-01T12:36:00.003-05:00

Culture critic and modern thinker Noam Chomsky has suggested that professional sports are a distraction created to keep the public busy from other more important tasks such as overthrowing the government etc.

I like to think that I use hockey, both as a fan and a player in a much more positive way. I occasionally watch hockey in large groups, usually with other artists where we use the game as an excuse to gather. Of course there is much talk of hockey but often the discussion goes in many directions during or after the game.

Gathering at a hockey rink to watch our kids play has become a way to strengthen our community in a time when people more often than not choose to stay home.

Playing hockey has allowed me to get to know my neighbours at our local outdoor rinks and inspired dialogue and connections regarding art openings, upcoming live performances and more.

When I am tired after a long day of work and parenting I love to use a hockey game on TV as a way to relax. However, I often find the energy the next morning to be extra inspiring as I am anxious for a contrast from my last waking hours in the previous evening.

All in all, I feel hockey is a positive part of my life that I have come to a point in where I find it hard to imagine living without.

2010-01-29T10:30:00.003-05:00

I am a bit grumpy this morning. As much as I love my kids and being a Dad I didn't sign up for missing my weekly hockey game because of a PD day/oncoming cold.

So, here I sit thinking about my pals enjoying the comradery of the dressing room and the speed, excitement and beauty of the hockey game they are about to enjoy. This all has me thinking about how and why (and if) it all works together.

Being an artist is a selfish endeavor. The trick is balancing your selfishness so that you can interact with your loved ones and the world at large. Of course my number one priority is the health and happiness of my family but that is not as simple as I make it sound. For example, if the man of the house (me) is unhappy or unhealthy then I am of no use to anyone.

In order to keep my health, sanity and happiness I try to play hockey at least twice a week. This is always tricky as it seems like I am leaving my family to "play again." The thing that makes this extra tricky is that my work often feels the same way. More often than not these days I am heading out the door with a banjo over my shoulder. (how much work could THAT be?) You might also hear me in the basement practicing the fiddle.

It seems that no matter what I do, I can never spend enough time (for me) with my kids and I never have enough hours in the week to practice and compose my music. It seems like it might be a time management issue but I think it is just a triple passion problem that gets all mixed up day in day out.

Tommorrow is Hockey Day in Canada. I hope that I can have some quality time on my instruments, quality time with my kids and quality time on my backyard rink.

tim

2010-01-13T20:34:00.004-05:00

Hey great news here at the home office: The Tim Posgate Hornband won a Porcupine award. We won the Off Beat award. It is a great list of previous winners, many who are friends of mine and the winners in other categories this year are fantastic too. I especially liked seeing John Showman win as I am loving his new record called; Showman.

This is the 20th anniversary of this award and it is done by Toronto radio host Steve Fruitman. He has a great show on CIUT called Back to the Sugarcamp on CIUT radio.

2009-12-31T16:20:00.002-05:00

I have spent a fair bit of my holidays playing ice hockey with kids. This is nothing unusual for me as I have two boys who love hockey and I too love the game. This year I have noticed something that got me thinking.

Every kid in a hockey game has a personality on the ice. They stand differently, move differently and pass and shoot the puck in their own unique way.

It reminds me of musicians and how we as listeners love to discover a fresh sounding, unique new artist. It doesn’t matter the style or instrument; whether it was Neil Young, Steve Coleman, Henry Threadgill, Chris Thile or Bela Fleck. All of these great artists had something special to offer the world.

There was a time (pre 1975?) where all you needed was a unique sound, a little talent and a little luck and voila; you had a career in music.

Those days are gone forever. There are so many people playing music, writing songs and trying to change the face of music that we are in a big fog. Only a select few, lucky (probably fairly rich) people will get their music heard by a large group of people nationally or internationally. Talent, or individuality in music is no longer enough.

Sadly, the same thing is true for hockey. All these kids that have dreams of playing in the NHL will have their dreams shattered when they find out that every city, big or small has thousands of kids that play hockey well. Even though they have that special move or amazing shot; “making it” is only a dream.

The good news is that our future still includes lots of great local café or house concerts and shinny hockey games with nothing more at stake than some good old fashioned fun.

Happy New Years

2009-12-27T11:18:00.002-05:00

So far the only really emotional Christmas moment I had was because of radio. Sure, I loved watching my kids open their presents and sing songs with us etc. but it was the Pogues on the CBC that made my eyes a little leaky.

I don’t even know the name of that Christmas song they sing but it certainly made me feel like I was fifteen again was in the kitchen chatting with my Mom. It seems like radio is everywhere this Christmas. My kids gave me a wind up radio that works without batteries. (Thanks guys, I always wanted one!) Even my son’s new ipod Nano has a radio built in to it. The Mac people finally figured out that we need radio. (as well as the new audio and video recording feature!)

As technology continues to change faster and faster the radio is something that stays constant. I have had some interesting email conversations with my friend Don lately about what is wrong with the CBC. (neither of us can understand why they have chosen a general sound or style to cover the majority of the airwaves) I am lucky to live in Toronto where we have a twenty four hour jazz radio station called Jazz FM and I still listen to the Leaf game on AM radio when they are not on my TV.

I have a number of friends who have radio shows and I know others that work behind the scenes. The thing that technology can’t replace that radio has like crazy is personality. Radio is all about people. Emotions are what make us people, and radio is a reflection of ourselves reminding us we are human.

2009-12-17T09:15:00.003-05:00

Hey guess what, I am blogging elsewhere now too. There is a new website called ibizbook.com that has hired me to blog for them. Below is the first one I did. More than likely I will post the blogs that I write here for you (and me) on their website too.

-----------------------

Hi folks, welcome to my new blog on ibiz. I am a musician (banjo, guitar, mandolin) based in Toronto, Canada. I have been blogging for about six years and working as a professional musician for about twenty five years.

I am planning on making this blog a place to talk about music. More specifically it will mostly be about the music business. Often the technology involved is the key element in the changes we see in the music business and this is what interests me.

Most recently the development of online music sales has been a big change in our lives as music entrepreneurs. The idea of getting our recordings (usually CDs) around the world and into record stores is almost a dead idea.

One of the websites where my CDs are available is called CD Baby. They are now selling download cards to their customers. (by customers I mean the people that use the website to sell CDs)

The download card is something that I could sell at live performances to people who would rather have downloads than actual product. My question to you is this; would you buy download cards at a concert?

It seems to me that the type of people who buy music online are already savvy enough to figure out where and how to find it. I guess the one thing it has going for it is that I can charge what I want for the music. For example, I could undercut itunes and sell the CD for $7.99 instead of $9.99. In this case the people save money and I make all the money.

What do you think?

2009-12-10T11:39:00.002-05:00

I am quite pumped to be listed in Alex Varty's top ten list for 2009. It may seem small to sum of you but he is a good writer who I have a lot of respect for and it is a good magazine too.

To make it extra special, it is "top everything", not just jazz records or something. As always I just hope it makes a few more people check out our new record; Banjo Hockey.

Don't forget, tomorrow night (Friday) is our big double-bill gig with the Creaking Tree String Quartet.

Hope to see you there!
tim

Tim Posgate Hornband + Creaking Tree String Quartet
Friday December 11, 2009
The Sixth Gallery (1642 Queen W.)
8:30 pm doors Tickets $15

2009-11-23T08:56:00.002-05:00

2009-11-18T23:58:00.003-05:00

I am writing some new music that is harder work than any composing I have ever done. For example it is frustrating to write 40 or so bars of music for five instruments only to realize you don't like it. I know that seems strange but I am hoping it is not a trend.

Oddly enough the music I enjoyed the most today in my work hours was improvising on the fiddle along with a rough banjo demo I made of this new piece. Hmmm....maybe a banjo/fiddle duet record?

Too much computer tonight but that is part of the job. Letting people know about the December 11 gig with the Creaking Tree String quartet. (cool double bill eh?)

later,
t

2009-11-04T11:47:00.002-05:00

I am a bit sad that I have been spammed here on my blog. Fortunately it is in a post from a few years back and will be ignored, I hope.

I would just delete the post in question but sadly it is the one from three years and a couple months ago where I got the banjo bug. (officially) I watched a DVD of Bela Fleck playing with Edgar Myers and rushed out to Long and McQuade to buy my first set of picks. I remember it clearly; I bumped into the great Hurdy Gurdy player Ben Grossman and told him of my new interest.

Anyways, fast forward 39 months and a few days and now I consider myself a banjo player. In fact next week I have two rehearsals and four gigs in seven days. (all on the banjo)

I feel very fortunate to be part of the local and international banjo community as there are many interesting artists doing great work all over and I live in a city where there are lots of great banjoists too. (Chris Quinn and Chris Coole come to mind first!)

Once I heard a radio feature that pointed out that spam was just another way for people having trouble getting by in North America (often new immigrants) so I feel patience and forgiveness for this part of our world. Also, it allowed me to go back to this point in time and relive and maybe even celebrate my banjo life.

happy days.
tim

2009-10-26T09:11:00.002-04:00

Weekends are crazy as a parent. I sometimes don't even feel like a musician when I am home on weekends. It is hockey, birthday parties, cleaning, hockey, birthday parties....Sure it is fun, but hectic. Hence the reason I love Monday mornings. It is not that I am not enjoying all the hectic fun but I really enjoy the switch to a slower gear. Most importantly I head to the basement and practice.

I am super anxious to play my banjo but must get a bit of fiddle in before. Don't forget that Andrew Downing and I are still playing every Monday night at Todo from 9-11pm. Tonight our special guest is Hugh Marsh. Todo is at 217 Ossington just south of Dundas.

Happy Monday!
tim

2009-10-20T13:14:00.001-04:00

Today is the day of the hearing regarding the cuts to the Canada Council for the Arts recording grants. Here is the letter I sent off.
-----------------------

To whom it may concern,

Having been on both sides of the Canada Council recording grants as both a juror and an artist receiving the grants I am deeply disturbed by the cuts.

Being a Canadian jazz recording artist has given me the credibility to tour Nationally and Internationally, perform at festivals, teach and generally be a self-sustaining artist making a living through my own creative music.

However, if I had not received the support from the Canada Council I would not have had the opportunity to make a new recording every few years. Through that process I learn about the art of producing, recording, arranging etc. and improve upon these skills each time. Not only are these skills necessary but so are the recordings in order to continue to make a living as a musician in Canada.

Being an artist in a large country like Canada is a challenging way of life to say the least and taking away one piece of the puzzle like this is enough to slow down and perhaps even put a stop to some of our greatest artists.

Being on Canada council juries and seeing how much good music was already not getting funded was a harsh look at the reality of the arts in Canada. This cutback however to zero grants for recording is beyond harsh and should not be part of our reality.

Sincerely,

Tim Posgate
Guildwood Records
422 Shaw St.
Toronto, Ontario
M6J 2X3
416 530-0688

http://www.guildwoodrecords.com

2009-10-14T09:21:00.002-04:00

I am starting to take a liking to Tom Allan's voice and sense of humour on Radio two in the mornings. Unfortunately I am having a tough time getting with his music. Although, I know it is not him that chooses it.

I listen to a beautiful Violin Concerto that they are playing now on the show following and wonder why the music can't be this good all morning long. Somehow, for some reason they choose to play a lot of mediocre popular music from Canada.

I am a believer in Can Con but there is so much music being made here that is really good and interesting I don't see how they are choosing theirs. Would you go from Beethoven to Vivaldi to something lousy? In the same way; if you play Bob Dylan, Talking Heads and Radiohead don't follow it up with some new mediocre artist. I have so many friends who are making great music. (unfortunately they don't seem interested in playing instrumental music on that show...very disturbing)

If it doesn't improve soon I will surely move over to Jazz Fm or back to community radio, CIUT or CKLN for my mornings.

2009-10-05T09:27:00.002-04:00

I am looking forward to my regular Monday night gig this evening at Todo (on Ossington south of Dundas). Usually it is Andrew Downing on Cello and we have a special guest. Unfortunately Andrew has Chicken Pox.

We are really getting a nice vibe going there with banjo and cello. So fun. Tonight Mike Eckert is playing Dobro and Adrian Gross is playing mandolin and guitar. I guess some might call it jazz grass. Should be a bit of everything. (although I think we will keep it instrumental)

Last night we recorded with the Shinhackers. There is talk of releasing a 45. Yup; a 45rpm. It would be cool, fun, funny, useless, weird and exciting. I always wanted to press some vinyl so this could be my chance.

I do wish I was able to have some second tries on my banjo breaks as I am really not a "one-take" banjoist quite yet. It was a great room for us though. Lenny Solomon bought a house with a huge basement studio with a grand piano, many isolation booths etc. Keep it in mind for Toronto jazz recordings.

Now I am off to the Mac store to see what is up with this laptop.

later gator.

2009-09-16T09:42:00.003-04:00

A great part of being a Canadian is the change in the seasons. Sure, I know others get this too but somehow it seems defining for us Hosers. I love the signs of fall that include the beginning of hockey season and the kids back to school. I have already played my first game of the season and the Leafs have their first pre-season game tonight too.

The film festival here in Toronto marks time passing too and I was happy to find out that a studio session I did ended up in the new Atom Egoyan film. I am amazed at how quickly that happens. It was the beginning of summer I did that and here it is on the big screens. I am a fan of Atom's and look forward to seeing it.

He sat beside me at a local cafe recently and although we never met before I asked him if my guitar playing was indeed in the film and he confirmed it for me. (I was also surprised that he would know that, but I guess it is HIS film)

Tonight I am continuing my recent beginnings as a mandolin player and have chosen a tough klezmer tune that I transcribed from a David Grisman/Andy Statman recording. It will be fun to play at Mezzeta with Andrew Downing and David Buchbinder as it has been a long time since I have even been there.

I remember the joy in watching Ed Bickert perform there a number of times.

Don't forget you can hear Andrew Downing on the cello and myself playing the banjo every Monday night at TODO on Ossington just south of Dundas. We play two sets, starting at 9pm.

tim

2009-09-04T13:01:00.002-04:00

I always blame my slow blogging on other social networking I do but it is a fact. Twitter, FB etc. take away some of my blogging impetus. You?

Anyways, life continues to roll on down the line. (to quote the Johnny Cash song I am learning) I am really excited that Andrew Downing and I are starting up our Mondays at Todo again. (banjo/cello duets) That will start on Monday Sept 14, 830-llpm.

Todo is on Ossington St. just south of Dundas on the East side.

I am still playing lots of mandolin too and looking forward to some more Shinhackers gigs in the fall before Chay has her baby. (that should slow the band down for at least a couple months!)

I am also excited that I start playing hockey soon and the Leafs are opening training camp pretty soon too. No wonder I love this time of year!

For more regular posts etc. please follow me on twitter: @tposgate or join me on Facebook.

toodaloo!
tim

2009-08-07T00:36:00.001-04:00

Good review of Banjo Hockey that I found today in Exclaim Magazine:

Tim Posgate Horn Band Featuring Howard Johnson
Banjo Hockey
By David Ryshpan

Tim Posgate's Hornband are a vehicle for strong tunes and solid playing, not just a group anchored by novel instrumentation. Guitarist/banjoist Posgate surrounds himself with two of Toronto's finest players: Quinsin Nachoff on saxophone and clarinet, and Lina Allemano on trumpet, with special guest Howard Johnson providing the low end on tuba and baritone saxophone. Posgate has been collaborating with Johnson for some years now, though this is their first recorded outing, and their shared sense of propulsive levity is apparent. The blend of tuba, clarinet and banjo gives tunes like "Stolen Ice Cream Truck" and "Big Top Blues" an off-kilter, yet jolly, swing. Perhaps Posgate's greatest feat here is the compositional cohesion, effortlessly moving from the bluesy groove of "Banjo Z" to the ominous foundation of "The Big Push," with its three-part horn chorale and inspired interplay between Nachoff and Johnson, and then to the soulful tenderness of "Eco." Allemano's trumpet is a clarion call throughout these miniatures (the longest running only five-and-a-half minutes), and the band get a percussive boost courtesy of Julie and Jean Martin on the wonky rumba of "Spike's New Altitude." (Black Hen)

2009-08-06T23:56:00.002-04:00

What a fun night. I thought it was going to be a poetry reading (which I was looking forward to) but it turned out to be more of a public meeting of a secret cabal that I am a member of. Obviously I can't give you the details but to hint at it a bit; it deals with poetry and hockey. There was a great turnout (one member of the Order of Canada) and some poetry was read. Actually it was very exciting as there were twelve parts to the piece and twelve people in attendance so we all read a section. (does this happen often on the patio of the Cloak and Dagger?)

I even feel hesitant in naming names (usually I am quite good at dropping names but this seems like the wrong thing to do here)
but there were some great laughs, excellent hockey talk and great art presented. Beat that!!?

tim

2009-07-29T20:24:00.002-04:00

Congrats to Eddie at the Gem on his 25th anniversary there! Julie and Leo and I took the bus up there tonight and we were so happy we did. It is always great to be there. One of the few remaining jukeboxes that actually play 45s. Eddie will always greet you with a smile. The food is consistently good pub grub and the vibe is the best in the city.

If don't know where it is; it is on Davenport on the south side between Ossington and Dovercourt. Tell them Tim sent you. Actually, I will remind you again about the the Gem as I hope the Shinhackers will perform there again someday soon as we all love being there.

25 Years and still going strong. THE GEM!!!! (they are celebrating until the end of the weekend, try and make it up to see him)

2009-07-23T11:40:00.002-04:00

Since i am not doing the theatre show I was going to do this summer I have been practising the mandolin on my own. Playing Bach makes you feel good. I would highly recommend it.

If you can arrange a rainy day with your wife taking the kids out for a bit that is a bonus too!

I am so inspired to play these days it is great. Of course, I don't have the free time to practise as I would like but I am not complaining as I love hanging out with my kids. I am hoping to convince them to go to the AGO with me later today.

I am trying to figure out the Twitter world as you can see on the sidebar of this blog. I am still really new to it and realize I am not really sure what I want out of it. I suppose, I want to use it to draw people in to my music but perhaps I need to figure out where I want them to go.

do you think this blog is a good place to find out more about me? ie. Is it obvious that the links can get you to my Guildwood Records website etc?

Better get back to it as the family will be busting through the door any minute now.
tim

2009-07-18T12:35:00.003-04:00

Thinking back to my five glorious days in Comox Valley and wondering what everyone is doing in their seperate lives. What is Shamik doing right now (signing more autographs?....haha) Jerry Douglas, Jenniffer Scott...interesting thinking about these peoples day to day lives.

I am excited about taking my boys down to Harbourfront this afternoon to see live Mexican wrestling. They can hardly contain themselves they are so excited which makes me excited too.

Thanks to Peter McPhee for all the great photos from the festival.

2009-07-17T11:12:00.004-04:00

I did do a bit of "poser'hoser" action while I was at the Vancouver Island Music Fest. It is hard to let these moments pass when you get to meet people like this. Playing happy birthday at a small party for Arlo was cool and mingling back stage with Del and his band (they are so good!) led me to this pose with him but we almost couldn't find a camera.

2009-07-17T10:49:00.003-04:00

After our big mainstage show at the Vancouver Island Music Fest I decided to skip the CD signing as it is usually a bust. There I was backstage having a nice cold beer and Lina Allemano comes running up to me telling me to get my butt over to the tent and says; "there is a big lineup and people are asking where you are."

Of course, this seemed rather surprising but I got excited and left my beer backstage and rushed over. She was right, there was a long lineup..wow! I proceeded to sit down at the same time as the amazing
Shamik
(he is a human beat-boxer) and immediately I realized that all the beautiful women lined up for autographs were waiting for him. So I did sit there on the far end of the table alone for ten minutes or so and watch him sign peoples CDs, bodies etc. and then I went back and finished my cold beer, in obscurity. We all had a good laugh about it later. Thanks Lina! ha.

Gabriola

2009-07-15T01:17:00.001-04:00

_BHP8857
Originally uploaded by GabriolaBill

This was a fun concert on Gabriola Island. A great venue, a great sunset and lots of fun people to meet after the show.

thanks Leah and Tina!!

2009-07-14T00:22:00.003-04:00

What a great tour the West Coast Banjo Hockey tour was. So many highlights but the last five days in Comox valley were really special. I am going to keep it brief for now but yesterday the Hornband and I played a 90 minute workshop that turned out to be a concert with Dobro legend Jerry Douglas. It also featured the Mighty Squirrels, Shamik (human beatbox), a russian percussionist named Boris, Rene Worst and Jennifer Scott. What a jam!

Also hung out with and played happy birthday to Arlo Guthrie on the banjo (Jay Burr played tuba) and met the guys in the Del McCoury band (even had to play after them on the same stage...ouch)

The Vancouver Island music festival is a magical festival. I highly recommend buying your tickets now for next year (maybe wait a couple weeks)

does anyone have bootleg of the show we did with Jerry Douglas yesterday? (it was called; All the Crazy People)

please contact me:
tim@guildwoodrecords.com

2009-07-08T20:18:00.000-04:00

iPod blogging in a motel in comox BC.
Great tour. Now rehearsing for colab. Project here. Fun!
Can't wait to hear del mccoury.

2009-07-03T08:24:00.002-04:00

I am really looking forward to all the upcoming gigs for the Banjo Hockey tour. Tonight we play at the Trane Studio (Bathurst St. just north of Bloor) at 9pm. It is really the first time I have led a band at this club so it will be a nice treat.

Right now I am heading down to chat with Jaymz Bee and Ralph Benmurgi on Jazz FM. These guys are fun to be around. It is very cool that they continue to be supportive of what I do, even though it has so much banjo in it...ha!

Please let your friends know about our West Coast gigs; July 4 Victoria Jazz Fest, July 5 Vancouver Jazz Fest, July 6 Gabriola Island, July 7 Denman Island and then we are at the Vancouver Island Music Fest in Comox all weekend.

I am excited about stretching out on these new tunes with the band and finding some of the magic inside of them (and inside of us)

See you out there!
tim

2009-06-27T08:08:00.004-04:00

Wow...this is a pretty great review. Timely too as we head to the West Coast next week. Awesome.
-------------------------------------------------------

Tim Posgate Hornband cracks the code to a new form of jazz on Banjo Hockey
By Alexander Varty

Tim Posgate Hornband
Banjo Hockey (Black Hen)

Let’s see: trumpet, tenor sax, banjo, and tuba? Tunes that smash modern jazz, klezmer, Celtic, bluegrass, and New Orleans styles together with cracked abandon? On paper, Banjo Hockey sounds like a little bit of a mess, but in practice Tim Posgate has cracked the code to a new form of jazz, one that’s wildly creative but that also has plenty of populist appeal.

Posgate, a Toronto guitarist who turns to his trusty banjo for most of this disc’s 11 tunes, has a keen ear for melody and an even better one for supportive collaborators. On Banjo Hockey, he scores big points for enlisting jazz legend Howard Johnson, a veteran tuba and baritone sax player who’s worked with the Gil Evans Orchestra, Taj Mahal, and the Band, among many others. But the other Hornband horns—Lina Allemano on trumpet and Quinsin Nachoff on tenor sax and clarinet—are equally attuned to their leader’s playful, genre-bending ways.

Whether channelling the spirit of Louis Armstrong and friends on “Big Top Blues”, adding Eastern European spice to a funky hoedown on “Moosamin Eh!”, or sounding like a tiny big band on “Going to the Island”, these four make smart music that’s also unusually friendly. In fact, it’s hard to listen to this disc without cracking a smile; it’s a rough-hewn yet highly sophisticated treat from start to finish.

2009-06-26T02:13:00.002-04:00

It is hard to get surprised in music these days but thank god it keeps happening occasionally. Tonight I played at the Tranzac with Ronley Teper and the Lipliners. Yes, she surprised us with some songs we had never played before but the opening band was the real surprise.

They are from Wolfville New Brunswick (am I making that up?...am I way off?) Anyways; they are called Thugs @ Bay and they are really fun and interesting. They are a duo with mostly fiddle/voice and Guitar/bass or percussive vocalization. The compositions are well thought out. Interesting use of different metres simultaneously and they have fun lyrics and a great stage vibe.

I hope you can catch them. Apparently they will be at the Tan Cafe near queen and ossington all week as part of the jazz festival. Sorry I don't know more than that. If you are really curious drop me a line and I will try to find out more for you. They are worth it!

tim

BurlingtonPost.com: News: Story: Tim Posgate happy to be returning to his roots

2009-06-22T10:55:00.001-04:00

A nice little article in the Burlington Post before our weekend gig. (I used to deliver this paper as is mentioned in the article.)

BurlingtonPost.com: News: Story: Tim Posgate happy to be returning to his roots

Shared via AddThis

2009-06-18T00:54:00.004-04:00

Shout out to all those Rochester folks that made us feel so welcome this past weekend. It is especially fun to read the blogs of folks that attended the shows. I even like reading those who didn't enjoy it! (funny that some decided that we weren't improvising since we have charts on the stage) It is nice to read some raw, negative emotion as the mildly complimentary feedback and reviews can get a bit tiring after a while.

Nugent runs a tight ship there and it seems that the local jazz fans do really appreciate how fortunate they are to have a world class festival like that.

I even had a nice random act of kindness there when I cut-off a car pretty bad when I was trying to find the highway. She pulled up, rolled down her window and asked if we were lost. She proceeded to let us follow her all the way to the onramp and pleasantly waved goodbye...so cool!

2009-06-09T11:56:00.002-04:00

I am sad to read that Paul Quarrington has cancer. Besides being one of my favourite authors I was happy to find out that he is the father of two teenage girls. Having met Paul a couple times and knowing his work quite well I am confident (even without meeting his kids) that he is a great Dad and has raised two inspiring, interesting humans who themselves will make a positive mark on our world like their Father.

Paul has written so many great novels and I enjoyed them all. Civilization always stood out for me as his masterpiece and I hope I told him that. Another fave is King Leary which I must read again soon. It is a fictional hockey novel with a great sense of history, memorable characters and amazing humour.

The recent article in the Toronto star seems to indicate that he is dealing with it well (on the outside anyways) and I hope many more people get to know this man and his work in the coming years as he nears the end of his life (hopefully extended as he says in the interview) and forever as we add him to the list of great Canadian artists that will always be remembered.

2009-06-07T21:46:00.003-04:00

Well, we didn't set the world record for the most guitar players (apparently came up 200 short) but we had a great time. Playing Neil Young's helpless with my son Dylan and more than 1500 other guitar players was a weird and wonderful way to spend an afternoon yesterday.

2009-06-03T12:33:00.001-04:00

Posgate Hornband plays Banjo Hockey at TO Jazz Festival

The Tim Posgate Hornband is doing a CD Release show at Toronto’s coolest jazz club; the Trane Studios on Friday July 3, 2009.

Banjo Hockey on Vancouver’s Black Hen Music is the second CD from the Tim Posgate Hornband featuring Howard Johnson. Since the group added this legendary New York tuba player (Taj Mahal, The Band, Miles Davis) they have surprised and delighted music fans at festivals across Canada, United States, Finland and Sweden.

Instrumental music requires great writing and a high level of musicianship and this band offers up both. The lineup at the Trane and the Banjo Hockey Summer Tour 2009 will be; Lina Allemano on trumpet, Quinsin Nachoff on clarinet/saxophone, Jay Burr on tuba and Tim Posgate on banjo and guitar. (Western Canadian tour begins in Victoria, BC on July 4)

Tim Posgate has made his reputation over the last fifteen years and seven CDs as a guitarist but his recent obsession with the five-string banjo has got music festivals and radio stations excited about his new music. Although Posgate is still a guitar player, the predominant and unusual instrumentation of tuba, banjo, clarinet and trumpet is a big part of what makes this group like no other.

“Tim Posgate’s most recent venture deserves 5 stars from the sheer legitimacy of what he has created. This record is a tasteful and well thought out fusion of 2 North American traditions. The combination of New Orleans Jazz with the driving optimism of Bluegrass makes for a historical listen in a completely modern package. Banjo Hockey is definitely worth the listen!”

itunes/USA review
-Ryan Cavanaugh (banjo player, Nashville Tenessee)

Tim Posgate Hornband, Banjo Hockey CD Release Show!
Friday July 3, Doors open at 830pm
Cover $10/8 students and artists
Trane Studio, 964 Bathurst St. (reservations for dinner 416 913-8197)
www.tranestudio.com more info: www.guildwoodrecords.com

2009-05-28T13:07:00.001-04:00

Yes, I confess; I do occasionally google Banjo Hockey. (it is part of my job...give me a break!)

Anyways, look what i came up with today:

2009-05-28T12:06:00.001-04:00

Please contact your MP regarding the reversal to the cuts for the Canada Council for the Arts. (see below)
thanks,
tim
-----------------------
On March 27, Member of Parliament Luc Malo (Bloc Québécois) submitted a
motion (M-297) to the House of Commons, which requests the reinstatement of
federal funding in culture as well as an increase in the budget for the
Canada Council for the Arts. In the coming days, all Members of Parliament
(MPs) will be called upon to vote for or against this motion.

Motion M-297 is expressed in the following manner:

« That, in the opinion of the House, the government should give direct
assistance to artists by increasing the annual budget of the Canada Council
for the Arts to $300 million and should roll back the cuts it announced in
the cultural sector and restore funding for the following programs to their
fiscal 2008-2009 levels: Arts Promotion Program, Trade Routes, National
Training Program for the Film and Video Sector, New Media Research Networks
Fund, Canadian Independent Film and Video Fund, Canada Feature Film Fund and
Canadian Music Memories Program. »

Therefore we invite you to write to the MP of your constituency to
recommend that he/she votes in favour of this motion.

As a proposed template, please find attached a letter that you can copy and
send to your MP.
You will find the contact information of all MPs on this webpage:
http://webinfo.parl.gc.ca/MembersOfParliament/MainMPsCompleteList.aspx?TimeP

2009-05-27T10:10:00.003-04:00

Just had a good coffee hang with my friend, Nadine who is a very successful documentary director. I was reminded how important it is to get out the house and check out what other people are doing with their day. ha!

I was also reminded of the thing that makes me different from my friends who are actors, directors, writers, designers etc. I have to continually return to the basement to practice. This is not the composing or the creating that all of us do but just to continue to strive for the highest level of performance that I can reach on the instruments I play within the limits of my lifestyle etc.

I was a great alley graffiti on the way home that said; "Believe in Yourself!" It too is a good reminder. I have made choices regarding how I raise my children and how much (or little) time I have to do my work and I don't regret them. That doesn't make it easy to find the balance but today; I need to believe in myself.

tim

2009-05-26T14:15:00.002-04:00

Jazz FM 91.1FM Toronto's all jazz radio station has started playing ECO and City Folk from my new CD Banjo Hockey.

Please contact the music director Brad Barker here
and let him know you want to hear it again! It is unlikely to get high airplay as it doesn't quite fit in to their programming style but I give kudos to Brad for "giving it a shot."

thanks,
tim

2009-05-25T00:14:00.002-04:00

Tonight I found the link for my little piece on Bravo TV about my new CD Banjo Hockey. I am definitely more excited to show you my son Dylan's first gig from this past weekend:

If you still want to see the Bravo spot you can see it here.

2009-05-22T00:48:00.002-04:00

I have been meaning to tell you this story but keep forgetting. Our Macbook died and a computer store looked at it and said it was toast. Then I took it to the Mac Store and THEY said it was toast too. They also said they could boot up the hard drive one more time to transfer all our info to a new machine if we bought one. Well, I was desperate as I was making a new CD and all my charts etc. were on there. Those bastards!

We did buy the big new expensive Mac laptop and we love it. But, my friend Johann who is no computer specialist, took it apart and got it working just fine. He bought a part for less than two hundred bucks but never even ended up using it. Now he brings it out and uses it to record our gigs and it works just fine. He says it crashes occasionally. So, are the computer people at the Mac store stupid, ignorant or just lying to their clients. I think it is a bit of both and I feel really naive. Of course two stores that sell computers will tell you it cant be fixed; what else would they tell you. Lame.

t

2009-05-20T12:42:00.003-04:00

For those questioning the "power" of Twitter this might be interesting.

This morning I tweeted that I wished I had more money to advertise my new CD http://www.guildwoodrecords.com/Music.htm Banjo Hockey in Exclaim Magazine and within an hour the editor for Exclaim was following me on Twitter.

Sure, you can say; how do I benefit from that but I suggest it won't take much thinking to figure out the answer to that question.

2009-05-20T09:24:00.002-04:00

I just bought a little application that makes my ipod touch a radio...yah! It so reminds me of my first transitor radio. It even sounds like it when I don't use the headphones. I love it.

My first transistor radio was a little red plastic job and I used to hide it under my pillow when I was in grade three or four.

I am listening to a Pittsburgh Oldies channel that I clicked on by accident. Great music.

tim