Politics 101: Can stalling and answering questions with other questions be a successful strategy for you?

Have you ever stopped to wonder why politicians incorporate the strange practice of asking themselves questions, then answering them? I have. Have you noticed that some of these questions seem rhetorical, but they answer them anyway? Yes, they do. Have you ever stopped to realize that these politicians are saying a lot of words, and they make it seem like they are really trying to answer questions truthfully, but are really just talking, and talking without saying anything at all, and continuing on, and on without end and they might even sound sincere with their device of asking a different question, in order to avoid answering the first question, until you realize you don’t remember what they start answering, or asking in the first place, and you wish you hadn't even asked anything? Sorry, what was the question again?

Composer Says His Music is Key to Obama’s Victory

Mill Valley – Composer Jerome Rossen of Freshmade Music has made the claim that his musical underscore was the key to delivering the crucial swing-state votes to yesterday’s Presidential win for Barack Obama.

 In the video titled “For All”, where supporters share why they support Obama, Rossen’s underscore lends musical support to their message with a rhythmic piano counterpoint and a warm guitar texture. Rossen says “I’m from Ohio, so I really thought that I could help the Obama folks figure out how to deliver the 18-22 year old votes – with my music. What can I say? It worked!”

 To see for yourself, the video is here:

400 Meter Burt Bacharach Medley

Great to watch Ryan Lochte in the 400 Meter medley, but you should hear him sing his 400 Meter Burt Bacharach Medley!

Goodbye Roger Williams

Roger Williams, Pianist Known for Sentimental Songs, Dies at 87

Hear his version of "Autumn Leaves"

What I'm Listening To...

A few records I'm listening to - some new, some old

Steve Earle – I’ll Never Get Out of This World Alive (2011)
Rootsy, folky songs from this amazing American songwriter, Earle and his music have been featured in TV shows Treme and the Wire, among others.


Andy Palacio & the Garifina Collective – Waitina (2007)
Infectious music from Palacio, a musician from Belize, features wonderful grooves that seems to define Caribbean. It's an intersection of many cultures, especially Cuban and West African.


Faithful - Marcin Wasilewski Trio (2011)
Wonderful trio from Poland featuring pianist Wasilewski, is easily the most reserved and sublime jazz that I’ve ever heard. Wasilewski has a wonderful touch and a great sense of time and melody.

Choice Cuts: Tasty Bites from Freshmade Music

Hi there-

I’m beginning a newsletter of sorts to share what I’ve been up to recently.

As usual I’ve been working on a mix of projects. I'm including a few samples below, that are scored to video. Don't miss my listen page at Freshmade Music with some new music samples. Stay tuned for a cool (soon to be released) video that I'm scoring celebrating 10 years of work of a great SF director of photography, Tom Seawell.

Ongo
I worked on a fun, fast-paced animation for a startup called Ongo. I wrote and performed the music, then brought audio engineer Jim Lively aboard to add his magic with sound design and mixing.
Watch it here:




Are you in the Bay Area?
Shop local! Freshmade Music is your nearby, organic, grass-fed (among other things), sustainable, eco-friendly choice.


Google - YouTube
My music was featured in a Google video for YouTube, accompanying Russell from the Happy Tree Friends, as he learns about copyrights. This overly dramatic, orchestral music is my take on the classic animation style, which draws it’s inspiration from some of my favorite cartoons growing up, like Bugs Bunny and Tom & Jerry – created by composer Carl Stalling and others. You can watch this video here (My music comes in at 1:17.):



Happy Tree Friends
If you’re interested in watching/listening to the latest Happy Tree Friends episode, you can access it here. (If you haven’t seen the show, you should be aware that it’s not appropriate for little kids as it contains some extreme cartoon violence):

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The High Line in NYC

This is a great, short explanation about the High Line in New York City.
Robert Hammond: Building a park in the sky