@zzaj - blog

Yet ANOTHER site... - @zzaj

Fri, 20 Mar 2009 10:02:28 -0400

As per usua, I've been off on (yet) another TANGENT... hope you'll all visit us HERE... this will be like the "HUB" for Zzaj Productions! Please help us RACK up some HITS!

Also - for those who dig my magazine, IMPROVIJAZZATION NATION, the latest issue has been posted - Issue #89

's all fer' now volkz... Zzaj OUT!

IMPROVIJAZZATION NATION #88 - @zzaj

Wed, 18 Feb 2009 21:28:55 -0500

I've been writing this music/review/commentary 'zine since about 1990. This issue has over 21 music reviews, an INTERVIEW with "RAPSTER", and a "rant" by me. Hope you'll spread the word to ALL you KNOW who are interested in such reading. It's at:

http://zzaj.freehostia.com/zzaj88.htm

Zzaj now on FACEBOOK!!! - @zzaj

Wed, 04 Feb 2009 19:25:28 -0500

Zzaj now has a FACEBOOK page, too... you can view it by visiting HERE! I hope you'll spread the word to others you know who are already on FACEBOOK, too!

Would appreciate it if you could visit my page & sign up as a FAN, please, at:

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Rotcod-Zzaj/46429413343?ref=share

It WILL be the same tunes you've listened to on SC, MIX, etc., but your signing up as a fan would help me a great deal!

My thanks in advance!

RADIO Interview!!! - @zzaj

Fri, 30 Jan 2009 09:18:47 -0500

Hope you all will stop by & listen to the fantastic INTERVIEWS done by Jim's Artificial Earth - of course, that IS a hint that I think you might find the one he just did (posted yesterday) might be interesting to you!

It's on the MAIN PAGE (down the LEFT-hand side), or HERE!

Improvijazzation Nation #87 - @zzaj

Tue, 27 Jan 2009 09:23:45 -0500

The LATEST issue of IMPROVIJAZZATION NATION (#87) is available by clicking HERE! We've been reviewing music since 1988 (or so), & "officially" started the 'zine in 1990... you'll find a wealth of material on independent artists there.

Would ask that you (especially MIX artists) submit your material for review to us at:

Zzaj Productions, c/o Dick Metcalf
5308 65th Avenue SE
Lacey, WA 98513

NOTE: If you have POETRY you'd like to be included, please EMAIL us at zzajunique@hotmail.com We do NOT take poetry in print any longer, only in digits!

Dick's PODCAST - @zzaj

Thu, 01 Jan 2009 16:24:19 -0500

In the spirit of a FRESH NEW year, and the HOPE that's offered (we believe) by changes in the nation's capital, wanted to make sure we give you the information you need to share in (an even dozen) PODCAST adventures at Dick's PODCAST!

The music ranges all the way from "out" to "totally accessible", & I think you're bound to find something that satisfies your ear... captures at least 3 (free) tracks from 12 Zzaj albums!

& (before I forget), a most HAPPY and HOPEFUL 2009 to all here at MIX!

Issue #86 of IMPROVIJAZZATION NATION 'zine - @zzaj

Fri, 26 Dec 2008 12:03:39 -0500

The LATEST issue of IMPROVIJAZZATION NATION (#86) is available by clicking HERE! We've been reviewing music since 1988 (or so), & "officially" started the 'zine in 1990... you'll find a wealth of material on independent artists there.

Would ask that you (especially MIX artists) submit your material for review to us at:

Zzaj Productions, c/o Dick Metcalf
5308 65th Avenue SE
Lacey, WA 98513

NOTE: If you have POETRY you'd like to be included, please EMAIL us at zzajunique@hotmail.com We do NOT take poetry in print any longer, only in digits!

FREE albums at Zzaj Internet Archive - @zzaj

Mon, 29 Dec 2008 22:50:42 -0500

I'm sure I've mentioned it before, but this year we only got (just) a few downloads at our Zzaj Internet Archive - this effort is to ensure that Indie artists get the chance to hear something "different", as well as to preserve some of the music we've played.

There are 3 FULL CD's worth of material available, as well as all the CD art, for download... the only thing it'll cost you is the time spent to download the material.

We hope you'll visit & spread the word far/wide to anyone you know who digs music full of freedom & without restriction!

Thanks!

Strange Attractors - @zzaj

Wed, 28 Jan 2009 20:01:04 -0500

This CD was with my friend Harlan Mark Vale, way back when. We've changed the parameters on SC, so you can now download the entire album for FREE by going HERE!

Free Spirit Suites - @zzaj

Wed, 28 Jan 2009 12:55:25 -0500

PA-based psych guitarist Mark Kissinger and I put this fantastic guitar/keyboard improvised-music CD together in early 2000 (you remember, back when everyone was worried about Y2K).

This album is totally FREE to you, mainly because we felt the pieces were good enough that everyone interested in adventurous and free-styled music would want to hear it in it's entirety. You can download it HERE!

Will welcome your comments as you download the even dozen tracks here!

Thanks again for listening!

Sdrawkcab Zzaj - @zzaj

Wed, 28 Jan 2009 11:01:19 -0500

**Time Sensitive**

One of the very FIRST performances Zzaj was involved in was with world-renowned improvising guitarist Davey Williams, along with equally famous multi-instrumentalist LaDonna Smith & free-style saxophonist Wally Shoup. If you're familiar with improvised music, you will know those names. If not, but you want to learn more about how improvisation works, you're invited to a (temporary) FREE DOWNLOAD for ALL TRACKS on the album at the "SDRAWKCAB" page!

I will be turning the "sample" switch back on at midnight the 31st of January, 2009, so if you want this fantastic spontaneous album, you need to go there NOW!

My performance was on a full-sized Rhodes, and I also did a ton of spoken word during the show.

Don't DELAY, get yours TODAY!

Issue #84 (IMPROVIJAZZATION NATION 'zine) - @zzaj

Sat, 09 Aug 2008 22:45:40 -0400

We hope you'll check out our latest issue, IMPROVIJAZZATION NATION #84 In addition to many music REVIEWS, this issue's interview is with DAZED, your favorite OMD owner!

There are also a couple of announcements in my RANT that you'll want to read, especially if you're sending music our way for review!

We hope you'll tell others about this issue, & help us spread the word. The 'zine has been running since (about) 1990, & covers ALL genres (yup, even with a title like that).

Have fun reading!

Are you PART of the problem? Or part of the solution? - @zzaj

Sun, 03 Aug 2008 01:31:04 -0400

Is your LIFE improvised? Or are you a slave to the conventions of a society bent on "clubbing" you to death? Stop and think about the word CLUB for a few minutes ("an association of persons for some common object"). If yer' background includes some kinda' preppie nonsense about fraternities, the "ELKS", "LIONS", or other groups along those lines - you'll prob'ly relate the word to th' "high times" you had during college, or perhaps in the rotting institutions we call churches.

Think about CLUB in relation to it's other context, though... "a heavy usually tapering staff especially of wood wielded as a weapon". A way to hurt someone who doesn't agree with you! A way to POUND the krap out of a person with a belief contrary to yours! Now, combine the 2 meanings - "an association of persons usually wielded as a weapon." Admittedly, that's a "Zzaj-version" (i.e., perversion) of the meanings, but your deliberations might well lead you to the same conclusion I've come to (for many years now).

The concept is so ingrained in our society (& societies for many thousands of years now) that it seems perfectly allright, right? What could be the harm in forming a group based on common beliefs? In stating that the goals of the group are a, b, c and d? It all sounds innocent enough, I suppose... but what do we teach our children when we participate in a "club"? I believe the message that they perceive is "it's OK to use force to make others conform". If you think that's nonsense - what about the reports of extreme "hazing" at college campuses across our country? It may not be true that all clubs resort to such extreme measures of violence... but it's not necessarily (only) overt physical violence that causes the ruination & perversion of our youth.

"Exclusion" is just as powerful a tool as a blow to the head! & (just) what do "clubs" do? What about your local church club? Don't they look down their noses at anyone who doesn't believe the way they do? Say "little things" about them? Make sure they don't get invited to events that involve only "members of the club"?

I believe "clubs" (in the sense of groups of people banded together) are for weaklings. For those who have no life of their own. No "goals" of their own. People who must band together because they are afraid that their beliefs carry no weight.

Of course, we all KNOW what the "next" club will be... a group of rabid raiders bent on the destruction of this Zzaj-philosophy of independence & improvised life! Sign up TODAY!!!

IMPROVIJAZZATION NATION Interviews - @zzaj

Sun, 27 Jul 2008 19:16:04 -0400

Some of you may already be familiar with our world-renowned Zzaj Interviews, others won't know much about them. Ergo, this blog; to let you know many of those we've interviewed & give you direct links to their INTERVIEW: Issue #83 - REDEYEC
Well-known INDIE player familiar to many on MIX Issue #82 - MIKE KHOURY INDIE label owner and promoter from Detroit area Issue #81 - DAVE ASKREN FANTASTIC jazz guitarist from California area Issue #80 - NOAH CAMPBELL KRA-ZEE improvisor from Canada Issue #79 - Chris Fellure (Blast My Music) Owner of BLAST MY MUSIC, a great place to sell your .mp3 songs Issue #78 - SelfTort Well-known INDIE player familiar to many on MIX Issue #77 - Ronnie Rathers SUPERB jazz guitarist from US Issue #76 - Nigel Potter Well-known INDIE player familiar to many on MIX Issue #75 - Chris Phinney LONG-time INDIE producer from my old home-taper network days Issue #74 - Tom Furgas LONG-time INDIE musician from the original home-producer network Issue #73 - Maria Daines & Paul Killington Well-known INDIE players familiar to many on MIX! I'm only posting the last TEN interviews in this blog, but we have interviews in most all issues from the start. To see a listing of all those historical issues, please visit the IMPROVIJAZZATION NATION Archive page. Hope you enjoy these & will spread the word to your friends... as you well know, it's VERY important to tell others, as most INDIE efforts are promoted that way (the "BIG PRESS" certainly isn't interested in helping to promote INDIE artists, as it doesn't fit their "cookie-cutter" approach!

IMPROVIJAZZATION NATION #92 - @zzaj

Fri, 03 Jul 2009 20:56:16 -0400

Zzaj wants you to help spread the word that ISSUE #92 of IMPROVIJAZZATION NATION 'zine is UP... ISSUE link is: http://zzaj.freehostia.com/zzaj92.htm

Hope you'll spread the word to lots of folks!

A few thoughts on the ELECTION YEAR - @zzaj

Sun, 03 Aug 2008 01:27:00 -0400

I'm "borrowing" this from one of my earlier Zzaj Rants, figuring it's not really plagarism if I get it from myself... a couple of thoughts regarding the POLITICAL SILLY SEASON:

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

There are ALWAYS things to **** about, but this year of ELECTION brings home the fact that a fundamental CHANGE to the way we do business is needed...

Politicians are once again DELUGING the airwaves with nasty innuendo & (basically) nonsensical chatter! We are faced with choices that really aren't choices at all. We NEED to bring the power of the Internet to bear on the process itself! E-mail your (duly elected?) congressperson or representative & TELL them that you want the system changed so that ANYONE who WANTS to be in office is automatically removed from consideration forEVER!

What am I TALKING about? I firmly believe that any office in the land (right down to the district level in your city) should be based on a DRAFT system... a few minimum requirements, like:

Minimum of High School graduation

No felony convictions

NO affiliations with lobbyists, EVER

NO previous memberships in "wacko" organizations, like the "700 Club", "The **** party", or (maybe even) "Oprah's Book Club". The people who sit in the seats of government should NOT have ANY agenda except to USE the people's money FOR the people!

Once drafted, a person could NOT get out of it until their term of office had been served. Times in office would, of course, be limited to a reasonable period... if structured right, this would be a service that people would be CLAMORING to get "out of". The whole idea is to make service to the people the crux of the biscuit... to make the system work for the people... and to make our government truly self-governing - by the people!

I believe you would find that the folks who tallied in AGAINST such a system would be those (for the most part) who WANT the corruption to remain an inherent part of our system... those whose goal in life is to coast... to use the people's money to advance their own belief systems. Anyone who protested this new initiative too loudly should be banished forever to work at Mickey D's... shoveling burger after burger through the window of the trough... NEVER to become a part of any system in government. No (other) "action" would be taken against them... it's just that those in the population who WANT to be in political office (under our current system) should always be considered to be the criminal element in this society & recognized for the worthless idiots they truly are.

Is this just another rant? Do you violently (or non-violently) oppose these ideas? E-mail me & tell me WHY... or, write your OWN "counter rant"...

The "spirit" of MIXPOSURE (as I see it, anyway) - @zzaj

Sun, 20 Jul 2008 13:59:27 -0400

I was with the original MIX nearly since it started. One of the main reasons I "jumped on with both feet" is because the atmosphere being promoted there was one of friendliness in the review community. "Management" often got involved when someone was posting reviews that were not "constructive" or "helpful".

Some recent reviews on the re-born MIXPOSURE highlight the fact that some folks (whether it be jealousy or just a "spiteful" nature) don't understand what "helpful" means. What it does NOT mean is to say things like "all your stuff is crappy". Fortunately, the ADMINS in this new iteration have put in place some tools (under PROFILE) for the individual musician to remove such reviews. That is NICE to KNOW (because I didn't until I asked, & then was given very prompt and accurate instruction on how to remove truly offensive reviews or comments).

I'm not an advocate of removing all negative criticism, only the stuff that is clearly intended to hurt or "maim the spirit". So I believe this tool should be used with caution... BUT, I do believe it should be used. I think it's very important to this great revived community to keep the "spirit of MIXPOSURE" alive and well, and one of the best ways to do that is to avoid "flaming" some idiot whose whole intention was/is to "push your buttons"... that's what they want - for YOU to descend to their level of hatefulness anyway.

& in that spirit, this blog is offered up. I've always been about HELPING the INDIE musician... for those who don't understand that I have but one thing to say. "May you rest in piece(s)"!!!

3 totally FREE CD's!!! - @zzaj

Sat, 19 Jul 2008 14:55:52 -0400

We have been very fortunate in having so many folks to play music with and being able to make so many varieties of music.

For that reason, when we spotted the INTERNET MUSIC ARCHIVE, there was no hesitation in offering up 3 of our CD's for the public to download and enjoy. In addition to being able to download all the tracks, you can also download the CD covers, in event you want to print them and add them to your collection.

The 3 are:

FREE SPIRIT SUITES: Mark Kissinger (super electric guitarist from Pennsylvania) & Rotcod Zzaj join together in a Y2K reprise that will KNOCK yer' sockzoff! A very beautiful and "gypsylike" musical experience, totally accessible & with music for all tastes!

STRANGE ATTRACTORS: A very interesting recording from Harlan Mark Vale and Dick Metcalf. Recorded in about 1988 & remastered this year for your listening pleasure.

ELEMENTS OF SUSPENSE: Our guitar-wizard friend Mark Kissinger, from Pennsylvania, did the initial trax for this fantastic journey. We were joined (on acoustic guitars & vocals) by Ernesto Diaz-Infante. I played Kurzweill PC 88.

Please help us by PASSING THIS MESSAGE ON to your musical friends everywhere. We want the max # of folks to get the benefit of this free music!

To my son ART! - @zzaj

Sun, 20 Jul 2008 20:59:25 -0400

Here ya' go Art:

Zzaj STORE - @zzaj

Thu, 17 Jul 2008 01:29:46 -0400

We truly hope you'll visit our Zzaj "STORE". Our CD's are home-produced, meaning that you're not paying a middle man a whole lot of extra $$$, plus each CD is fully tested prior to shipment (from our home studio).

Over the next few weeks, we will be making sure that a couple of .mp3 files are posted from each of the CD's in the Zzaj store, so you can hear what you're getting before you order it.

If you're looking for something "different" as a gift to a musically inclined friend, we can surely qualify in that arena. Please help us spread the word, too, by passing on our link to anyone you think may be interested.

Improvijazzation Nation 'zine - @zzaj

Sun, 13 Jul 2008 01:57:04 -0400

Just so you know, I've been writing this magazine (first on paper, then converted to the web) since 1990. As you might imagine, that's a LOT of tapes & CD's reviewed. The focus has been on independent musicians, with little/no "preference" for genre.

What guarantees a REVIEW in my magazine is the ENERGY the artists show in their playing... we have reviewed ALL genres, ever since we started, with CD's & tapes coming directly from artists, as well as high-end promoters.

In addition to the music reviews, we also conduct INTERVIEWS with artists around the world, with emphasis on those who are INDEPENDENT & free of the chains that traditional record companies have often weighed artists down with. Since I'm a musician myself, I'm often able to ask questions that prompt artists to reveal a great deal about themselves (as artists & as PEOPLE). I also write a "RANT" in each issue, on various & sundry topics...

One recent feature is that I've linked in music (from the web) from my OWN CD's (I've played on over 65 CD's)... it's setup so you can choose whether to listen or not; but, of course, we hope you'll sample a few of our tunes. If not, that's cool, too... many of the reviews also have tunes or videos of the artists linked right into the review!

Anyway, we hope you enjoy our magazine, & that you'll pass our links along to others you think may like IMPROVIJAZZATION NATION! Thanks for checking us out!

The most current issue is NUMBER 83! That issue features the following:

INTERVIEW with MIXPOSURE "RedeyeC"

Zzaj-rant on "INDEPENDENCE"

Evermore exciting MUSIC reviews (20 fresh musical experiences)

If YOU are an independent artist with HIGH ENERGY music, you are invited to send us CD's for (possible) review. The ENERGY is the main criteria! We seldom review music that is lacklustre or without passion... but if you KNOW that your music possesses those ingredients - SNAIL your stuff to:

Zzaj Productions, c/o Dick Metcalf, 95-1107 Hookupu Street, Mililani, HI 96789

Be sure to furnish us an e-mail address and/or LINKS to your sites, too, so we can let folks know how to hear your music!

Remember - we are ALL ABOUT INDIE, & want YOUR music! Please don't hesitate to spread the word about us.. questions should be addressed to rotcod@hawaii.rr.com

HOPE you'll visit our STORE!!! - @zzaj

Wed, 24 Dec 2008 18:32:05 -0500

I offer "free" music all OVER the web (& don't have ANY problem doing so)... but were you aware that the unique music you hear on my uploads is ALSO available for purchase? We offer these CD's at very low cost in our MIX-STORE... EACH product is hand-packed and quality-checked by US before it gets shipped to you.

Sincerely hope you'll visit the store and purchase a CD (or 2) for yourself or a friend... your support is what has kept my musical efforts going for all these years (basically since 1978 or so).

Also would hope that you'll spread the word to other music lovers who want to hear something "different"... THAT I can GUARANTEE you... Zzajmusique is NOT "run of the mill".

Thanks!

bro'Zzaj