The video of Free Hands Friday #17 with guest Kevin Chiasson is now on YouTube. We had a great time to the point of running longer than we planned, but that's what happens when you have a very interesting guest, a lively interviewer (Dale Ladouceur), an active audience and a special hot off the press announcement from Michael Johnstone about the Lap Dog (see video at 59:00.) Can you tell I'm still enthused? Look how long that last sentence was!

Check it out.
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WXsvUn5Omto[/youtube]

It's really interesting how each player has a different approach about the stick. I was a bit like Kevin at the beginning asking myself what I could do with an instrument like this one. Lol...Each week it's a new concept or new ideas when can listen to. Always fun to look at.

This session was like a variety show! We had Kevin laying out ALL kinds of great tips (and trappings) of and for new players that seasoned players could also benefit from. The big take away was slow down and learn.

I enjoyed getting a closer look at Kevin pull out Daniel, which I myself have been wanting to learn. Also, the idea of flattering other players by stealing their material! That theme recurred - and it's all good because it is after all the most sincere form of flattery. The deeper message there was that being able to see someone play a piece is a big part of being able to realize the idea that you too could play this piece. Kevin excelled at this process and continues to grow his repertoire as one of Canada's up and coming players.

Our second session marked the return of Dale Ladouceur and it's starting to look like she will be our host for the remainder of the month with Pat Braden next week and Vancouver Stick Seminar host and Stick legend Jim Meyer on Friday, June 27. Dale has been an instrumental part in securing all the fine talented Stick players across the Great White North!

Lastly, tip of hat to Russell Keating who ran the show and did the press! Russell is a creative and passionate Stick player who will be leading Free Hands episodes as an extension of his contributions to the greater Stick Community!

Great episode indeed ! Slow down and learn.
I have been using transcribe (http://www.seventhstring.com/xscribe/screenshots.html) for a while, which can slow down, pitch up and down, but i have not used that for practising songs ! It also enables you to loop parts of the song, so you can rehearse a specific part of the song over and over.
It even can give chord suggestions, but that doesn't always work so good, depending on the audio.
A pedal can be connected as well, so you can start stop rewind etc using your feet!



Cheers,
Bas

I couldn't resist...
When I think of Canada and Slow I think of this clip from the Simpsons...

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5FEW5mh7iAI[/youtube]

Wonderful playing Kevin!!
You really sing on that instrument, looking forward to hear more..
Beautiful!

Thanks guys for coming out (not that way...........but not that theres anything wrong with that)

It was fun. Hope I imparted some noob knowledge upon the listeners.
cheers,
kev