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Benise
Jul 28, 2004 13:30:37 GMT -5
Post by Adam Solomon on Jul 28, 2004 13:30:37 GMT -5
I realize that, Bob, and love it And I have no problem with him using that style, I mean, no one can have their own COMPLETELY unique genre, all to themselves, they'll have similar music to a lot of other artists. Just the naming of some of his songs (that Christmas album especially...lol) that throws me off a bit Interesting that you know him--where from? And have you ever discussed this with him? Maybe you could even entice him to join the forum ;D And speaking of joining, no need to remain a guest! Register! We'd love to have you
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Benise
Jul 28, 2004 15:17:37 GMT -5
Post by boris on Jul 28, 2004 15:17:37 GMT -5
Well, I have quite a few albums from musicians playing flamenco or nouveau flamenco AND I'm depending on being attracted in another way than hearing someone live. So are lots of others who love that kind of music. Once I said I would cross the Alps by feet to see OL play live + yes, I would do that (okay, maybe I would take the bike). Until today I certainly would not lift a feet to attend one of Benise concert's. Don't get me wrong, I'm not saying that he's not worth is. This I don't know and so I should give him a fair chance. I'm speaking of being attracted and the web site just pushes me away instead of making me curious. It'd interest me more if he had called one of his songs "Toast with melted butter" or whatever.
But I promise you guys that once I can get one of his CDs in the stores OR at amazon.de OR at amazon.com I give it second thoughts.
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Benise
Jul 28, 2004 16:57:48 GMT -5
Post by Bob on Jul 28, 2004 16:57:48 GMT -5
Ron (his real name..he uses Roni on the site..probably to be more exotic or something) is only an acquaintance of mine. I wouldn't be able to get him to go to this forum. He's a nice guy. If I asked him about the song name thing, I might insult him. I don't want to do that. And I don't know him well enough to make a joke about it with him.
I'm from Southern California. Ron is in the Santa Barbara area.
As for the names of the songs, I noticed a couple you guys missed. "Flamenco A Go Go" is the name of a Steve Stevens CD that came out in 1999. I couldn't help but notice it's also the name of one of Ron's songs. Also "Bridge of Sighs" was an album by Robin Trower in the 70s. It's also the name of a Benise song. Maybe this is Ron's way of showing a tribute to guitar players he likes..I don't know.
Anyways, if you want to get some of his CDs, you'd have to buy them at a live show or his website. He's an indie who isn't in stores or on Amazon.
I guess one of the main things that impresses me about Benise is that he has proven an instrumental musician can make a good living playing music (his passion) without having to be signed to any record company. He controls his destiny and it's workin' out really well for him.
Anyways, have either of you guys ever talked with OL? I've read interviews with him and he seems like a real straight forward guy.
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Benise
Jul 28, 2004 18:22:17 GMT -5
Post by Adam Solomon on Jul 28, 2004 18:22:17 GMT -5
Ahhh, that's nice Hopefully I'll be out to college out there in a couple of years, if so, I'll definitely catch a Benise show! And OL posts here VERY occasionally (though he reads it at least a bit). There was a lot more fan communication with him when comments were turned on on the blog...and yes, he's a great, straight-forward guy
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Kiyomi
Senior Member
Member
Posts: 139
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Benise
Jul 28, 2004 19:07:18 GMT -5
Post by Kiyomi on Jul 28, 2004 19:07:18 GMT -5
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Benise
Jul 28, 2004 20:50:50 GMT -5
Post by Bob on Jul 28, 2004 20:50:50 GMT -5
Just curious..has OL ever commented directly about Benise?
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Benise
Jul 28, 2004 21:00:30 GMT -5
Post by Adam Solomon on Jul 28, 2004 21:00:30 GMT -5
OL talked about Benise once, a while back (Boris, you know the exact date? Too lazy to look up the date ), and was quite upset...
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Benise
Jul 29, 2004 14:30:08 GMT -5
Post by boris on Jul 29, 2004 14:30:08 GMT -5
It was some time last year that OL himself made us aware of Benise (except for Adam, who found him alone). Don't know the exact day. I'll look it up, but can't promise to find it. Couldn't google it (so maybe Victor is right?), but last year I had no internet access so I got the diary printed out (and of course still have it)...
OL wasn't too enthousiastic about what he saw on the web site, mildly said. That's all I can say.
I visited the web site again + have to admit that it looks at least half as "awful" as I remember it. Nothing much to complain about. The xmas album... well, it's the usual xmas stuff, isn't it? How would we call the songs if we would record them? And it seems quite popular for guitarists to make such a holiday album. Lara + Reyes also did it and guess which songs you find...
Curious about OL's newest xmas album. Hope it has more of the nutcracker stuff...
A last remark to Benise's web site: I guess it's what you have to do when advertising in the web. Still I'd prefer a bit more originality but this is just my personal taste (and is not only valid for Benise). Hey, nobody can beat OL when it comes to originality!
Benise has a forum himself. There's a Carol posting. Wonder if it's the same as on OL's diary...
Ah, I don't want to try ordering one of Benise's CDs blind online. That's always such a hastle with shipping fees, tax and customs (ordering from Europe). There has to happen more making me do it. Plus I'm more than happy with OL's merchandise. Hey, I'm not saying that I'll never do it. But before that I spend my money on guitarists that are easier to get. Dunno, maybe Benise should find some company like 33rd street that brings his albums into the shops without demanding too much influence. That would make world wide ordering a bit easier. And it would be worth "a shot in darkness" (don't know if this expression exists in English, it means buying without knowing, kind of risking your money...).
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Benise
Jul 29, 2004 15:09:07 GMT -5
Post by Adam Solomon on Jul 29, 2004 15:09:07 GMT -5
What do you mean I found it on my own? I was reading through old OL blog entries! lol...
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Benise
Jul 29, 2004 15:10:48 GMT -5
Post by Adam Solomon on Jul 29, 2004 15:10:48 GMT -5
What do you mean I found it on my own? I was reading through old OL blog entries! lol...
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Benise
Jul 29, 2004 15:27:54 GMT -5
Post by boris on Jul 29, 2004 15:27:54 GMT -5
How could i expect some other way!
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Victor
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Benise
Sept 13, 2004 12:43:53 GMT -5
Post by Victor on Sept 13, 2004 12:43:53 GMT -5
I'm sure you're all aware of the ongoing Mehdi spam discussion at Ottmar's blog. Since that started I sort of appointed myself "Chief Investigator" on the topic. So, I've been trying to figure out if this Mehdi guy actually has some success or if he's totally fabricated. I mean, with all that spam how can you really believe any review written about him? Anway, I'm searching Google today and guess what I find?? A reference to Mehdi on Benise's website!! So I go and check it out - turns out there's a Benise/Mehdi connection!! The percussionist currently playing with Benise used to tour with Mehdi! No, seriously, I just about peed my pants considering the Benise controversy we had at this forum - I mean, how ironic! If you want to see for yourself go to www.benise.com/about.htm and click on the "band bios" link OR here's the percussionist's webpage: www.cgryche.com/Bio.htmSupposedly the percussionist toured with Mehdi for 3 years and appeared with him on cable and PBS. Supposedly they shot videos at Universal Studios Hollywood and the Wayfarers Chapel. So far I haven't been able to find any of this stuff - but it doesn't really matter. Anyway, just thought you'd get a kick out of the Benise connection! ;D
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Benise
Sept 13, 2004 14:06:39 GMT -5
Post by Carolynn on Sept 13, 2004 14:06:39 GMT -5
This is a rather ironic connection. And, leave it to Victor to find it! OL will get a kick out of this, too!
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Benise
Sept 13, 2004 15:01:52 GMT -5
Post by Adam Solomon on Sept 13, 2004 15:01:52 GMT -5
Yeah, Victor, you HAVE to e-mail that to OL...
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Victor
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Benise
Sept 13, 2004 15:18:08 GMT -5
Post by Victor on Sept 13, 2004 15:18:08 GMT -5
Are you guys sure I should notify Ottmar? I mean, I just didn't want to drop a "Benise bomb" over on his blog - figure he's disgusted enough with the whole Mehdi thing! Of course, he could wander in here and read about it. Actually, I don't have his email - guess I'm not that well connected. Also, his blog profile isn't enabled.
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