ONOFFON

[onoffon]

This will only be there for today - it will undoubtedly be different tomorrow - but, over at the AudioStreet.net charts, ONOFFON's song, Surrender Now, is #4 on the overall jazz charts, just below a song by Spyro Gyra at #3, and #1 on their Acid Jazz chart - Jazz chart -http://www.audiostreet.net/charts.aspx?genreid=165Acid Jazz chart -http://www.audiostreet.net/charts.aspx? ... age=1These charts change daily so it's different every day -But... for today...

[onoffon]

A couple of extremely cool updates on the documentary -First, I have received the official confirmation that my 2007 Guggenheim Fellowship application has been received and submitted to their Committee of Selections. Again, no guarantees, but it is another step in the process - I can't be considered if I don't apply... Plus, on Tuesday, I received a letter written by the esteemed president of the Carnegie Corporation of New York, Vartan Gregorian. When I wrote Mr. Gregorian, I knew Carnegie didn't fund arts and culture, but I thought he might take a personal interest in my father's story. He did. He apologized for not writing me sooner and suggested a list of organizations he recommended I send proposals to. That was extremely gracious of him to take the time to respond to me. And it was directly from him - not written by some associate - signed by him. What an exquisite honor!

[davewalton]

Quote:He was instrumental in developing the plastic drum head with Remo Belli - yes, THE Remo. He's here all week folks... enjoy the chicken! Back to reality... I'm going to have to troll through my mom's record collection (she's 80). She's got a lot of jazz stuff. One that I saw a couple of weeks ago was a non-descript album with non-descript players, except for the drummer. Ed Shaughnessy (Tonight Show Orchestra fame) was the drummer on this unheard of album. Probably his first record appearance.How cool would it be to find Harry Babison somewhere in her small collection? (I hope I got the name right).Dave

[onoffon]

Quote:How cool would it be to find Harry Babison somewhere in her small collection? (I hope I got the name right).DaveActually, Dave, it's "Babasin". Don't worry though, our name has classically been butchered through time. Even the Billie Rogers album I spoke of has my dad's name in the credits as "Harry Babbison".I would have to say there is probably a good chance you'll find Harry in that collection. He said in an interview that he played on more than 1,500 recordings. I couldn't even list all the guys he played with on this page - it would be monumental. And you would recognize almost all of them.Did somebody say chicken?

[onoffon]

While I continue my quest to produce my father's documentary, ONOFFON is in temporary hiatus and our drummer, Dave Goode, is doing a tour with Frank Marino and Mahogany Rush. Dave has drummed for Frank for a number of years now, touring and recording when he needs him, dating back to our days as the rhythm section for our group, The RH Factor. That group was a lot like Frank's in that we were a power trio playing fusiony rock with progressive stylings. It's not the current jazz group of the same name, who surfaced just after we broke up. Dave is a very accomplished drummer and percussionist and is frequently compared to people like Jack DeJohnette and Dave Weckl.It's been my great privilege to play with Mr. Goode for the better part of the last twenty years...

[onoffon]

This isn't really SSP but I wanted to share this with you - I got a phone call from an old friend of mine yesterday. Special effects coordinator Dave Kelsey, who I have worked with for a number of years on some very big movies, called me from the CBS Studio lot (which is a half block from my home). ONOFFON played at his daughter's wedding last year and we have remained close friends. Anyway, he's been doing the effects on CSI:NY, that stars Gary Sinise. Yesterday, was their last day of shooting that was followed by a huge wrap party on New York Street where much of Seinfeld was shot.Well, Gary Sinise, as well as being an Academy Award nominee and accomplished actor, is also quite the bass player. He has a band named after the character he played in Forrest Gump called The Lt. Dan Band. They've been together for about three years, mostly touring the world with the USO, entertaining our troops. They're a very cool cover band, with nine members that really rock the stage and perform a wide variety of musical genres.So, Dave invites me to the party and what a wild time it was!!!! Turns out a good friend of mine, Ryan Satterlee, was working on the sound crew too! Small world... The absolute high point of the evening was while they were playing "Sweet Home Chicago". It was late enough that the set of According To Jim had wrapped and so, who else comes jumping up on stage to sing lead and play his harmonica, but - Jim Belushi!!! It was so freakin' cool!!! I worked a little on the original Blues Brothers movie and had the honor of meeting John Belushi so it was very cool to shake hands with his brother.I hung out after the party was over and met the band. A great time was had by all...

[onoffon]

Here's a rather cool post that was left on another music board I frequent by an artist I have never met before about my father -"On another topic, ONOFFON, your father was a great man. One of my high school chums was a bus-driver and your dad always requested him as the driver for his trips. He always treated my buddy with the utmost dignity, friendship and respect. To me, this is just another display (talent aside) of his greatness.All my best,Dave Rice" http://cdbaby.com/cd/davericeHow nice of him to take the time to relay that story to me. It strengthens my resolve to honor my father all the more...

[onoffon]

Another nice post over at the Just Plain Folks BB - a gentleman over there was calling for members to post songs for inclusion in his podcasts. I emailed him with a link to a few of our songs and this was his response -"Von,Yes, I did get your last email and was completely blown away by your music. ONOFFON is one of the best bands I've heard in a long time. I'm definitely planning to use your music in an upcoming podcast, but I need some more submissions in the same style to put it together. If you know any other bands whose music might fit well with yours, please let them or me know. Thanks again for the submission and I look forward to hearing from you again. By the way, I did add a link to your website on our 'Links' page. Hopefully it will help. Jeff"Very nice of Jeff to consider adding our music to his podcasts - I always love it when someone says they are "blown away by our music". Our sincere thanks to Jeff for his kind words...

[onoffon]

Well... for those of you who have managed to never have seen this -Somebody uploaded a 1:55 clip of the title track to the movie "A Song Is Born", that has my dad playing with some of the greatest names in jazz history. For you novices, first up is Tommy Dorsey on trombone, followed by Louis Armstrong on trumpet, (you can see my dad on bass just over his left shoulder). Charlie Barnet is up next on alto sax followed by Benny Goodman on clarinet. Then, Lionel Hampton plays his vibes (with the best shot in this clip of Harry to the left side of the screen), Mel Powell on piano, followed by Louis Bellson on drums. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Di4r-a2jAtUThis image seems to be 'squeezed' slightly - the original version has more of Harry in it - but it is still cool to see him either way.Cheers!

[davewalton]

Quote:Well... for those of you who have managed to never have seen this -Somebody uploaded a 1:55 clip of the title track to the movie "A Song Is Born", that has my dad playing with some of the greatest names in jazz history. For you novices, first up is Tommy Dorsey on trombone, followed by Louis Armstrong on trumpet, (you can see my dad on bass just over his left shoulder). Charlie Barnet is up next on alto sax followed by Benny Goodman on clarinet. Then, Lionel Hampton plays his vibes (with the best shot in this clip of Harry to the left side of the screen), Mel Powell on piano, followed by Louis Bellson on drums. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Di4r-a2jAtUThis image seems to be 'squeezed' slightly - the original version has more of Harry in it - but it is still cool to see him either way.Cheers! Hey Von. Now THAT was cool! I'm not a jazz history buff but I don't have to be to know what kind of company your dad kept. Wow!