tag:robbandkathy.com,2005:/blogs/news?p=20News2019-01-07T11:05:42-06:00Robb Blanchettefalsetag:robbandkathy.com,2005:Post/55807792019-01-04T16:30:13-06:002019-01-07T11:05:42-06:00Finding Our Arizona Groove<p>When we left Wisconsin at the end of October, we had a plan for the winter:</p>
<ul> <li>November--Finish our Christmas CD</li> <li>December--Get the Music Ready for Larry Smith's CD, <em>Brand New Good Old Time Gospel Songs</em>
</li> <li>January through March--Lots and lots of learning</li>
</ul>
<p>Amazingly, we are still on schedule. The Christmas CD came out on time and we finished Larry's music New Year's Eve. But the next couple of months promise to keep us quite busy. <strong>Sonar</strong>, the recording software I have been using since the late 80's was dropped by it's parent company. So, I purchased a new DAW (Digital Audio Workstation) called <strong>Studio One</strong>. I also purchased a large number of <strong>Studio One</strong> training videos. I've been working with it since January 1st, and it seems to be a really powerful software suite, but the learning curve, so far, has been pretty steep. If I average 3-4 hours a day, I should be fairly proficient within a month or so. Thankfully, most of the third-party mixing tools that I own, and very comfortable with, work with my new DAW.</p>
<p>Other things we are going to work on while we are here this winter are social media strategies to increase our play time on music streaming services. We have about 8 hours of training videos that we purchased last summer, but could not find the time to fully devote to this initiative. When we implement these strategies, we should see a big jump in our number of plays on things like Spotify or Amazon Music, and also increase the size of our mailing list. Kathy will be taking the lead on this, since I don't have, nor do I want, a FaceBook account. Part of this effort involves video. We got a camcorder a couple of weeks ago, but sent it back... You get what you pay for. A much be$$er one arrived on Wednesday. Hopefully, we'll start posting more videos on YouTube as well.</p>
<p>Lastly, this winter we will be doing the music for a new Robb and Kathy CD. We have songs from four different song writers that God has placed in our path over the years, and there is more than enough good material for us to do a 10-12 song CD. However, Kathy and I got some videos on song writing techniques. As much as we enjoy developing songs for others, we would like to have more of our own songs on this next CD. So we'll be working on that as well.</p>
<p>Hopefully, we will stay on track with everything, because when we get back, we'll be focusing on our new house. They're delivering it to our lot in Elroy, WI today!</p>
<hr><p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/281511/913ae752bfda959693e4f8da0101f9e6d2887209/original/desert-hope-church-01.jpg/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.jpg" class="size_m justify_right border_" /></p>
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<p>We had the honor of leading worship at Desert Hope Church in Phoenix this last Sunday. The congregation was very welcoming, and Pastor Jareb gave an inspiring message. He was finishing an Advent series of sermons on hope, joy, peace, and love, and how that should look as a Christian lives out his or her daily life.</p>
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<hr><p>We had a lot of fun doing the music for Larry Smith's songs. On January 2nd we sent Larry a CD with 10 of his songs put to music, and me singing what are referred to as reference vocals. These are for Larry to practice with, so that he can be ready to record them in our studio when we return in the spring. My voice is only coming through one speaker/headphone. That way Larry can sing along with me to get comfortable with the arrangements. Once he is comfortable with the arrangement, he can sing along with just the music. Besides editing, mixing and mastering Larry's CD, Kathy and I will also do the harmonies and prepare the artwork for the CD cover. I love retirement!</p>
<p>Here is a link to one of Larry's songs called, <em><a contents="I Praise my Lord and Savior" data-link-label="Blog music 1_4_19" data-link-type="page" href="/blog-music-1_4_19">I Praise my Lord and Savior</a>,</em> </p>
<p>Also.. Here's a video of Kathy and I working on his music in our RV "studio." The video gives you a little insight into the process we go through with mixing, as well as me recording a reference vocal. All audio in this video is recorded with the built in mic on our camcorder, and, therefore, not studio quality.</p>
<p><iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="TbTjPL0yQYA" data-video-thumb-url="https://img.youtube.com/vi/TbTjPL0yQYA/mqdefault.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/TbTjPL0yQYA?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="180" width="320" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></p>
<p>As always, feel free to leave a comment.</p>
<p>Robb and Kathy</p>
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<p> </p>Robb Blanchettetag:robbandkathy.com,2005:Post/55626112018-12-20T10:16:55-06:002019-01-06T09:49:26-06:00Living in Paradise<p>As many of you know, Kathy and I have been traveling around in our little one-bedroom apartment on wheels since 2007. We have stayed in quite a few RV parks. At first, our average stay was 3-4 days. We wanted to see everything, and that wasn't going to happen if we didn't keep moving. In 2009 we thought we'd try an extended stay, so we made a four-month reservation at a park in the Rio Grand Valley. We left early, because I was going stir crazy. We never seemed to find a park that fit us. Although The Bee's RV Resort in Clermont, FL will always hold a special place in our hearts, it wasn't destined to be the place we would go to when we wanted to "hang up our keys" some day. </p>
<p>About five years ago, we wanted to be in Phoenix for a CMA event at the end of February. So, we made a four-day reservation at Paradise RV Resort in Sun City, AZ. We fell in love with the park--the facility and the people--but we didn't go back there until last year. Not wanting to commit for an entire winter season, we stayed from late October until January 2nd. At the end of that time, Kathy and I were genuinely sad to be leaving so soon. This year we are staying four months, with side trips to Sedona, Palm Springs and Lake Havasu. </p>
<p>We can go for days without leaving Paradise. There is a year-round church that meets in the ballroom, Bible study on Thursdays, and a huge complex to keep active seniors occupied.</p>
<ul> <li>Fitness Center with locker room, showers and sauna</li> <li>Pickle ball, tennis, basketball, shuffle board, and lawn bowling</li> <li>Entertainment in the ballroom or at the pool</li> <li>Restaurant open for breakfast and Lunch</li> <li>Billiard room</li> <li>Swimming pool and hot tubs</li> <li>Music room used for jam sessions and big band rehearsals</li> <li>Multi-purpose room for gatherings like a Wisconsin party</li> <li>Crafts areas--each with their own room(s)--sewing, wood shop, stained glass, ceramics, jewelry making</li> <li>Laundromat</li> <li>Post office</li> <li>Bus trips--the park has it's own bus</li>
</ul>
<p>I'm sure I missed a lot of stuff, but you get the idea. I think after all these years of travel we have finally found a winter home.</p>
<hr><p><span class="font_xl"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/281511/39ef78012f60aa80f87402323f237847ce3d2f76/original/10th-st-2.jpg/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.jpg" class="size_m justify_left border_none" alt="" /></span></p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/281511/8eb9c84063069a4e1a3d5cd863aabf215933ac08/original/resort-nativity.jpg/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.jpg" class="size_m justify_right border_" /></p>
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<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color:#cc0033;"><span class="font_xl">Christmas</span></span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color:#cc0033;"><span class="font_xl">in</span></span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color:#cc0033;"><span class="font_xl">Paradise</span></span></p>
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<hr><p>A couple of weeks ago we did an email campaign promoting our CD, <strong><em>Celebrate Christmas</em></strong>. We'd like to thank all of you who purchased a CD, multiple CDs, or an album download. We will probably run a similar special next year. If you purchased <strong><em>Celebrate Christmas</em></strong>, we'd like to hear from you. It would be helpful if we had <strong>your </strong>comments to use the next time around. You can add your comment at the bottom of our blog posting.</p>
<hr><p>We are currently having a great time putting together the music for a CD featuring the songs of Larry Smith. He'd like the title of his CD to be: <strong><em>Brand New Good Old Time Gospel Songs</em></strong>. Before sharing any of his music with you, I'd like to make sure copyrights have been secured. More on this project in upcoming blogs.</p>
<p><strong><span style="color:#009933;"><span class="font_large">Merry Christmas, everyone!</span></span></strong></p>Robb Blanchettetag:robbandkathy.com,2005:Post/55426362018-12-06T12:48:59-06:002019-01-02T22:40:49-06:00...this writing is not about selling anything--it's just a blog post. <p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/281511/a9b5f57b9b0c5f9321ee8a3b4da20c9e2c5592a4/original/stockings.jpg/!!/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.jpg" class="size_m justify_right border_" />We arrived in Phoenix Saturday, December 1st, by way of Cottonwood Arizona. It was a pleasant and uneventful ride. The only issue was ear popping as we went up and down in elevation on our way through the mountains north of Phoenix. Kathy and I were grateful that there were no more mechanical issues to deal with. </p>
<p>We had originally planned on spending four weeks in Cottonwood working on our Christmas CD, but the week-long delay waiting for parts in Oklahoma considerably reduced our scheduled time for working on our Christmas project. We left Cottonwood <strong>Saturday </strong>morning with an unfinished CD that we planned to release on <strong>Monday</strong>--Yikes! After getting in to our site in Phoenix, we hooked up our utilities, dialed in the satellite, and immediately set up our gear to continue mastering. Finally, just before midnight on Sunday, we finished. </p>
<p>As you are probably aware by now, Kathy and I thought we would give email marketing a try, offering our Christmas CD, <em>Celebrate Christmas</em>. We are humbled by your response, and would like to thank everyone who bought single copies and multiple copies of the CD. But this writing is not about selling anything--it's just a blog post. We watched a webinar on email marketing and thought we'd give it a try. Although some of the things we did took us a little out of our comfort zone, we had a lot of fun doing it. Here's a rough overview of the process...</p>
<ul> <li>A start date and cut-off date for the sale price had to be determined </li> <li>It was decided that a total of four emails would go out, each with a slightly different message. A date was set for each email. The emails were prepared in advance, and scheduled to be sent out on the days we selected. </li> <li>We planned on a little video in the second email, so we bought some Christmas stockings and silly things to put on our heads. </li> <li>I had to create a special offers page for our website: setting a background, uploading songs, and learning how our online store manages sale items. We had originally thought to offer the CDs for $10 and then every CD after the first one would be $5--sort of a BOGO sale--but our website could only handle percentage discounts. Eventually, we chose 50% off. </li> <li>A peripheral issue was updating all of the jump drives we have for sale to include all of the songs on <em>Celebrate Christmas</em>. </li> <li>Lastly, we created a discount code, and included it in a thank you note to everyone who bought a CD. It was for 25% off anything in our store--good through 12/31. </li>
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<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/281511/2060c6ab2d8631a0e2ab7bbf22e6a6ba1f228f99/original/she2.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" />This was really a learn-as-you-go process. </p>
<ol> <li>We leaned that folks that we know and love from our travels, that we haven't seen for years, still wish to support us and hear our music. You all still hold a special place in our hearts. </li> <li>We learned that all of us are enriching PayPal. Whoever set that system up is a genius. </li> <li>We learned to get some of our "money's worth" from PayPal by getting our shipping labels purchased and printed through them, and thus avoiding the lines at the Post Office. </li> <li>I learned that I could customize the "thank you" message from our on line store to include the discount code that we were sending out via snail mail. (I'll do this next time, sorry.) </li> <li>We learned that we could not automate our emailings to exclude people who had already purchased a current offer. I am looking into different email services for next time. In the mean time, those of you who have purchased any Celebrate Christmas CDs will continue to get the remaining emails. Sorry! </li>
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<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/281511/71b31b1880cea54ff4363f6117137ac3b4fc54da/original/me.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<hr><p>We have begun working with a song writer named Larry Smith. This December, we will be putting 10 of his songs to music. Vocals will be done in the spring when we get home. This process should be the topic of our next few blogs. </p>
<p>That's it for now, </p>
<p>Robb</p>Robb Blanchettetag:robbandkathy.com,2005:Post/55233232018-11-21T16:50:17-06:002018-11-22T11:54:51-06:00The Journey South<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/281511/9c18b19ca09b8e2ced427d9f75982bd3b6b5c374/original/img-20181029-143731712-hdr.jpg/!!/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.jpg" class="size_m justify_right border_" />Hi. It’s been a while since I sent out a blog post. I got a bad cold in mid-September that seems to want to hang on forever. It’s still bothering me, but I seem to be back to about 95%. Getting out of Wisconsin this fall was harder than usual this year--physically and emotionally. Kathy and I have wanted to get a house built on our property in Elroy for the last couple of years, and this year we finally got it done—at least all the paperwork... Finalizing everything was amazingly time consuming. Our new house should be waiting for us when we get home. The emotional part was that we had hoped to stay until Thanksgiving, but the house situation didn’t cooperate, and, trust me, you don’t want to stay in Wisconsin until the end of November in an RV. So, we’ll miss another holiday with family. </p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/281511/30468619f6add0bcdd5e3efdd39fe85879b1fa4e/original/img-20181107-100910373-2.jpg/!!/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.jpg" class="size_m justify_left border_" />We left Wisconsin October 30th, and the trip to Arizona had a bit of a hiccup. We broke a leaf spring on our RV. When you have your rig packed to its weight capacity, it’s a good idea to drive a little slower. You never know when you’re going to hit a big dip or series of nasty bumps. My rush to get to our next stop transformed a one night stay into an <img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/281511/66c2f7ca9bc3582e77fe814b2f5b85c0fe5e3ae8/original/img-20181107-170947741.jpg/!!/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.jpg" class="size_m justify_right border_" /><br>eight night stay while we waited for parts. When the parts finally arrived, Mike, from Lerox Mobile RV service and a brother in Christ, was there right away to get us road worthy again. The rest of the trip was at 62 mph instead of 5 mph over the posted Interstate speed limit. </p>
<p>We had planned to stay in the mountains about 90 miles north of Phoenix for the month of November at Verde Valley RV Resort in Cottonwood, AZ. That was supposed to give us four weeks to finish our Christmas CD. The repair delay caused us to have only three weeks to finish our task, but we should still be done by December 1st. Then we head to Paradise RV Resort in Sun City, AZ for the remainder of the winter. </p>
<p>Kathy and I will be having a traditional Thanksgiving dinner tomorrow. I’m hoping to eat too much, and then fall asleep watching football. Friday morning it’s back to finishing up the Christmas CD. </p>
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<p style="text-align: center;"><span class="font_xl">Happy Thanksgiving everyone!</span></p>Robb Blanchettetag:robbandkathy.com,2005:Post/54362792018-09-20T06:56:03-05:002018-09-20T09:44:25-05:00Busy Season<p>This is a busy time of year for us. Besides getting ready to leave for the winter, we have many worship<br>services and concerts on the schedule during our last <img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/281511/92c371abb4927c78173a596c082a0b619a0361a2/original/oconto-g-c-sign.jpg/!!/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.jpg" class="size_m justify_right border_" />couple of months in Wisconsin. Two weeks ago we drove up to Oconto Gospel Chapel. We sang at both services and shared from the Word. Afterwards we went to lunch and got to spend special time with others from the church. Special thanks to our friends John and Mary Sellen. They provided us a place to stay at their home on the night before. We are always thankful for their hospitality, and grateful for their friendship. </p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/281511/290f9d8a09d30e25ebfdbade8b7df3b2d5353f1c/original/white-c-c-c-pic-1.jpg/!!/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.jpg" class="size_m justify_left border_" /><br>The following Sunday we were at White Creek Congregational Church for the morning service and an evening concert. In the morning, we led the congregation in song and Pastor Sam gave an inspiring message. Morning worship was followed by a meal in the fellowship hall. We both ate too much, but it was good. Then we drove home to rest up for that evenings’ 5:30 pm concert. Conversing with the audience, we started about 10 minutes late. When the concert was drawing to a close, the audience asked us to keep playing so… we did. When we finished, it was back to the fellowship hall for snacks and a lot of interesting conversation. We really enjoy our time when we get to meet with fellow believers.</p>
<p>We thoroughly enjoy this calling from God, to edify His church. Each experience is so different. Yet, the unity in the Spirit that we share with those we play for is remarkable. </p>
<hr><p>Today is Thursday, September 20, 2018. It is not just another Blog Day. It is a day that is much more special and dear to our hearts. Would you join us in wishing our beautiful daughter, Kathy a very happy birthday? She is a true blessing to us and to all of her family and friends. She and husband, Jeff, are a fantastic couple, who love the Lord and are not ashamed to ‘live it loud!’ Kathy entered this world on September 20, 1977 in quite a dramatic way – double breach! Yes, she was special alright. She was beautiful, even with the black and blue mark on her hip from exiting in such an upside down manner. She was our baby girl, and still is! She still calls us Mommy and Daddy!! Kathy is a hard working woman, who we are extremely proud of. We thank God for her. </p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/281511/5a441ba5c32e225426f5142ef323c168aae54c91/original/kathy-mom-sing.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<hr><p>Today’s free download, <em>From My Window</em> is a song written by our friend Ray Guzzardo from Florida. We recorded it on our CD, Laborers Together. The song is written about a man who becomes born again in prison. He reads the Bible regularly. The Book of Revelation creates pictures of Heaven in his mind and he imagines these images as if he can see them from his prison window. This song is special to us for two reasons. 1. Our talented daughter, Kathy joins us on the high background harmony throughout the song. 2. The second reason is that when we finished the song we played it for Ray when we were in Florida two winters ago – he was so moved, he choked up and held back tears when he heard his song done in this moving arrangement. </p>
<p>We hope you enjoy, <em>From My Window</em>.</p>
<p><a contents="Click to listen." data-link-label="Blog music 9_20_18" data-link-type="page" href="/blog-music-9_20_18">Click to listen.</a></p>
<hr><p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/281511/a8cf9e4e429a40169e0306f87a18d7a7713009ca/original/kathy-dad-sing.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/281511/fb8e7d644f22c1bae1850cdd0b3a92b2c4fc4021/original/kathy-rob-sing.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>Robb Blanchettetag:robbandkathy.com,2005:Post/54172852018-09-06T14:39:55-05:002018-09-07T08:12:58-05:00Barn Praise<p>In 2006 Kathy and I joined the <a contents="Christian Motorcyclists Association" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://www.cmausa.org/">Christian Motorcyclists Association</a>. CMA is not a club for Christian bikers, but rather an evangelistic outreach to the motorcycle community and the world. That being said... We still get together and ride. One day after a ride, a small group of us rode up to check out our new land purchase (Where Kathy and I hope to build a house this fall) in the hills between Mauston and Elroy. As we surveyed the surrounding countryside from our hilltop perch, we discussed having a campfire sing-along, get-together with our chapter. The focus would be fellowship and praise for all God has done for us. Kathy and I were not in music ministry at the time, but six of our chapter members were involved in music ministry, and three more were known to sing at various events. That was over half of our chapter membership involved in music. </p>
<p>The music/fellowship idea floated out there for a while, but nothing came of it. A couple of years later, in 2008, Kathy and I were led to enter into music ministry. We still had our guitars from when we played secular music, and we purchased a synthesizer, a small PA system, microphones, and mic stands. We also had built a 2,000 square foot pole barn on that property. So, the idea of a campfire sing along eventually morphed into a fellowship sing along in a pole barn that could be done rain or shine. We (the chapter) tried to come up with a really awesome name for this event, but eventually settled on "Barn Praise." That name stuck, and we've been calling it that ever since.</p>
<p>Barn Praise was supposed to be a one-shot deal. This Monday's get together was our eleventh annual Barn Praise. Some people came to sing and some came to sing along. Recent flooding and the threat of more rain did diminish the turnout, but for those who braved the weather, a good time of Christian fellowship was enjoyed by all. Another tradition that started for our family back in the 80's, has been an end-of-the-season fish fry. For most, a welcome break from burgers, brats, and hot dogs. If you read the blog from last month, and wondered what we did with all those fish, they were fried up and served at Barn Praise.</p>
<p>When we first did Barn Praise, it was an event just for the Son Light Riders, our CMA chapter. Over the years, people began inviting friends, CMAers from outside of our chapter were welcomed, Kathy and I began to invite members from our church, and now we'd also like to invite <em><strong>you</strong></em>, the reader of this blog. The date has moved around a bit over the years, but we seem to have settled on Labor Day. You can find our Barn Praise date, time, and directions on our website under <a contents="SCHEDULE" data-link-label="Schedule" data-link-type="page" href="/schedule">SCHEDULE</a>. </p>
<hr><p style="text-align: center;">Fish Preparation--from cleaning to frying.</p>
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<hr><p style="text-align: center;">Time to Worship</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/281511/396759c262ec99c7c98b2fff9c25e76ee64254ad/original/7.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/281511/f7621cf912b2a1b141a01344eb0dcea77796df25/original/6.jpg/!!/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.jpg" class="size_m justify_right border_" /><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/281511/3b4f70c013aeb001ec993494f1361ba2f50cc7d6/original/group-praise-1.jpg/!!/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.jpg" class="size_m justify_left border_" /></p>
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<p style="text-align: center;"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/281511/f4850e8cc0d8b0be2aca887d09ffa39b2051771f/original/robb-dan.jpg/!!/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.jpg" class="size_m justify_left border_" /><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/281511/666ea50bb79c1f994b62e99f4bd1429ecac1cc7a/original/mom-rob-dad.jpg/!!/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.jpg" class="size_m justify_right border_" /></p>Robb Blanchettetag:robbandkathy.com,2005:Post/53972372018-08-22T22:12:48-05:002018-08-25T12:08:20-05:00Ahhh... Minnesota<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/281511/523b41c2d766480c9d31ad36614d0af7ac6b8068/original/stringer.jpg/!!/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.jpg" class="size_m justify_left border_" />Back in in 1984 my friend, Bob, showed me a picture of a guy with a stringer of bass slung over his shoulder, much like this one taken of me earlier this week. (The biggest one was 6 lb 2 oz.) Anyway... Bob told me that he was planning to go to the same resort as the guy in the original picture in hopes of a similar outcome. I immediately asked if it was ok for us to go along. This began a yearly tradition for both families that lasted for many, many years. Just about all of the kids from both families have been back to the area as adults. Although Bob and his family no longer visit the area, our family still does. This year, over the span of three weeks, <a contents="Whippoorwill Resort" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://www.whippoorwillresort.com/" target="_blank">Whippoorwill Resort</a> in Park Rapids, Minnesota, has hosted Kathy and myself, our son Rob and three of his kids--Nevaeh, Eydon, and Aysha, our daughter Kathy and her husband Jeff, their son Josh and his wife Katrina, plus Katrina's family. AND we're all looking forward to coming again next year.</p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/281511/49be115bc6b036977cec98d5b5d5386d9bbeb700/original/fire-tiger.jpg/!!/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.jpg" class="size_m justify_right border_" />Hosted by Jim and Jill Dillon, Whippoorwill Resort offers accommodations from tent and RV camping to housekeeping cabins along with boat docks, pontoon and boat rentals, water toys, a playground, laundry facilities, and a beautiful sandy beach. Not that I pay much attention to that stuff. My routine consists of walking from the cabin, to the boat, and the fish cleaning house. Other activities for me include eating, sleeping, and the occasional family campfire.</p>
<p>In Minnesota, walleye is king. Some folks fish for crappie, but almost everyone else is looking for walleye. The bass population here is under-fished--<em><strong>and that is why we are here</strong></em>. We love bass fishing! The lake has a lot of sand, and an endless supply of crayfish in the shallow waters around the many reed beds that line the shore. The bass feast on the crayfish, but they are equal opportunity predators. When they see our lures go by, they just can't seem to resist. We have been using spinner baits for bass fishing, and most years white has been the color. But this year it's fire tiger. I've included a picture of the lure that is doing all of the damage this year.</p>
<p>For those interested in more touristy things, Park Rapids has a great downtown area with angle parking on both sides of the road plus two lanes of parallel parking in the center. A must stop is the Minne Soda Fountain for ice cream sundaes and root beer floats. There is also another much smaller town nearby that is a little over a block long called Dorset. It's full of restaurants. Our favorite is Campaneros. We never really expected to find a Mexican restaurant in the middle of the north woods, but we are glad we did. In fact we'll be leaving in about 30 minutes. Gotta get there early or wait in line.</p>
<hr><p style="text-align: center;"><span class="font_large">The Behnkes and the Goukers</span></p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/281511/214466cbdf82a689efeb90c99bdbf62c1d9d2e52/original/family.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<hr><p style="text-align: center;"><span class="font_large">View from our cabin</span></p>
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<hr><p style="text-align: center;"><span class="font_large">Three generations of Blanchette bass hunters</span></p>
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<hr><p style="text-align: center;"><span class="font_large">Jeff Behnke--his biggest of the week</span></p>
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<hr><p><span class="font_large"> Josh and Trina--Nice day at the lake Eydon--first walleye</span></p>
<p><span class="font_large"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/281511/58f94f0b37ba626e5639f42b87a7914f9904b896/original/j-and-t.jpg/!!/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.jpg" class="size_m justify_left border_" /></span><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/281511/3bc13ce226dd89e3c3bb8c0961956e8636c612ba/original/1st-walleye.jpg/!!/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.jpg" class="size_m justify_right border_" /></p>
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<hr><p style="text-align: center;"><span class="font_large">Nevaeh, Kathy and me at Companeros</span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span class="font_large"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/281511/78bddbe18ed879c0b4749a6c9ef42c01e1a5bc7f/original/companeros.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></span></p>Robb Blanchettetag:robbandkathy.com,2005:Post/53794772018-08-09T14:49:46-05:002018-08-10T08:44:34-05:00How I Spent my Summer Vacation<p>Normally I write our blog entries. Sort of a division of duties. Kathy does Facebook and I take care of the blog. But the author of today's blog entry is Kathy. She'll be sharing with you one of the highlights of her summer.<br>Robb</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span class="font_large">How I Spent my Summer Vacation </span></p>
<p>By the time I got to eighth grade, I learned to come to school prepared to write on this topic. Since this particular writing assignment was inevitable, I would give it some thought before the start of school each year. Old habits die hard, it seems, and even though it's only August I'm starting to look back over the summer. We've had some memorable moments with our family--especially our grandchildren, our time with our CMA family--both with our chapter and at the CMA state Rally--was great, and the music at Lifest was amazing But there is an activity that I do each August that I love and look forward to with all my heart. This activity takes weeks of preparation, and by the time I'm done I am more than a little tired, but feeling greatly blessed. I'm speaking of Vacation Bible School! I love it!!</p>
<p>I have been helping with VBS at Bible Baptist Church, Mauston for maybe seven years? My contribution has always been music. I coordinate and lead the Opening and Closing Assemblies where the kids, ages four years old through entering sixth grade, gather to sing high energy songs about God accompanied with fun movements. They learn Bible verses, life lessons, and much more. This year we are working with an awesome program,<a contents=" Time Lab" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://answersingenesis.org/vbs/2018" target="_blank"> </a><a contents="Time Lab" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://answersingenesis.org/vbs/2018/" target="_blank">Time Lab</a> from<a contents=" Answers in Genesis" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://answersingenesis.org" target="_blank"> Answers in Genesis</a>. For five nights we travel in time, via our very own Time Machine, learning that Jesus has always been and will always be. The focus at each VBS station whether it's crafts, snacks or games is - Jesus from eternity past to eternity future. Emphasis is put on the accuracy of the Bible; that it can be trusted. I love showing the kids that learning about God and His Word can be fun and rewarding. I am glad to be part of this exhilarating community outreach every summer. Because of two hip surgeries last June and August, I was unable to participate. I was sad not being involved. Great joy is received when you know you have helped a little person see Jesus for the first time or have assisted an older child who is a believer, to grow in faith. Did I mention, I love this?! Yes, I did and yes, I DO! When it comes to knowing Jesus, I do my best to help kids and adults believe and receive all that God's Word promises them. Blessings to you all.</p>
<p>Below is a short video from VBS</p>
<p><br>Kathy</p>
<p><iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="41YIWNHnVh8" data-video-thumb-url="https://img.youtube.com/vi/41YIWNHnVh8/mqdefault.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/41YIWNHnVh8?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="180" width="320" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></p>Robb Blanchettetag:robbandkathy.com,2005:Post/53521052018-07-26T03:41:26-05:002018-07-27T15:09:16-05:00Lifest 2018<p>July 12-15 Life Promotions in Oshkosh, Wisconsin hosted its 20th annual Lifest. When asked about Lifest, I usually respond that it's Woodstock for Christians. For those of you under 55, it's a really huge multi-day, multi-stage, multi artist, contemporary Christian music event with well over 20,000 people in attendance each day. Camping (from tents to RVs) is available from Wednesday through Saturday, with the music beginning Thursday afternoon and ending with Sunday morning worship. There are four main entertainment venues for adults and another two areas for kids. The entertainment is mostly music, but there are also seminars, comedy, artist interviews, and even an illusionist. There are also areas for shopping, basketball, and many places to eat.</p>
<p>Kathy and I were joined by lots of family. Each day our daughter, Kathy, and her husband, Jeff, would line up early with a wagon full of chairs in order to get the rest of us good seats at the grandstand. They got help with setting up the chairs from three of our grandchildren, Aysha, Eydon, and Nevaeh. Their mom, Jamie was also there, as well as Jeff's son, Josh, and his wife, Katrina.</p>
<p>I've included a short video using pics and video clips provided by our daughter, Kathy.</p>
<p><iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="m5N2SWbbZLo" data-video-thumb-url="https://img.youtube.com/vi/m5N2SWbbZLo/mqdefault.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/m5N2SWbbZLo?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="180" width="320" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></p>
<hr><p>Here's another re-mixed song from our Crossroads CD. It's called "Keep on Walkin." It was written by Ray Guzzardo of Clermont, FL. It's available here as a free download.</p>
<p><span class="font_large">A short version of the story behind the song...</span></p>
<p>Kathy and I were staying at The Bees RV Resort in Clermont, FL, and Ray worked at the park doing maintenance. He also played guitar and piano at the park's worship services each Sunday, and occasionally sang one of his own compositions. Kathy and I helped out with the worship services as well, so we knew Ray, but not real well. </p>
<p>Ray was intrigued by our integration of the computer with our music. One day he was passing through the activity center where we were rehearsing, and he started to explain a song that he had written and wished he had an accompaniment for. He quickly (Ray does everything fast) described the bass line, how and when the organ would come in, the drums, and the basic feel and arrangement of the song. I told him to come back in an hour. He did. The smile on his face was priceless as he heard his song come to life. It was clear that musically, Ray and I "got" one another. Over the years, Ray has allowed us to record a total of six of his songs. Although, we haven't seen him in over a year, we consider him to be a close friend.</p>
<p>Ray's song, "Keep on Walkin" is a song about repentance. Repentance is about turning away from sin and heading in another direction. Described differently, repentance is to stop walking away from the Lord and start walking towards Him. When you hear the lyrics, "I'm walkin' towards the Lord, and I'm never gonna turn around," the songwriter is proclaiming that he will no longer walk away from the Lord. Instead, he has repented and is walking towards the Lord.</p>
<p>One of the other things that Ray wanted on this song was a female, black church choir singing background vocals. We couldn't help him there. Maybe when you listen to it, you might want to tune out our background vocals, and imagine a soulful gospel choir.</p>
<p><span class="font_large">Listen to <a contents="Keep on Walkin'" data-link-label="Blog music 7_26_18" data-link-type="page" href="/blog-music-7_26_18" target="_self">Keep on Walkin'</a></span><br><span class="font_regular"><span style="font-size: 16.8px;">It's a free download.<br>Also, don't forget to vote!<br>See you next time,</span></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 16.8px;">Robb</span></p>Robb Blanchettetag:robbandkathy.com,2005:Post/53414642018-07-12T09:00:00-05:002018-07-13T10:52:06-05:00Wisconsin Rally, Christian Motorcyclists Association<p>For the last 13 years, Kathy and I have been members of the Christian Motorcyclists Association (CMA), and over the years we have taken on the honor and responsibility of leading the rally participants in praise and worship. This year's rally was at Sky Lodge Christian Camp in Montello, Wi July 6, 7, and 8. Some folks stayed in tents, some in RVs, some in pop-up campers pulled behind their bikes, and some in the cabins provided by the camp. The camp also allows you to purchase a meal plan if you choose. Over the weekend we gather four times for organized worship; Friday night, Saturday morning, Saturday night, and Sunday morning. Although worship is a big part of what CMAers do at the rally, it's a time of fellowship and fun, as well. Each of the four gatherings is different. Friday night we had a talent show with talented singers and hilarious skits. Saturday morning we paid tribute to Wisconsin CMAers who have gone on to be with the Lord, chartered a new chapter, and honored those individuals and chapters working with Run for the Son. (If you are curious about RFS here is a link: <a contents="http://www.cmausa.org/run-for-the-son/" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://www.cmausa.org/run-for-the-son/" target="_blank">http://www.cmausa.org/run-for-the-son/</a>) Saturday night and Sunday morning we heard a message from our North Central Region's National Evangelist, Jay Wilber.</p>
<p>Other things to do at the rally include</p>
<ul> <li>Buy Goodies--Goodies are CMA products; including patches, clothing, and ministry materials from tracts to our pocket-sized "Hope for the Highway"--the four Gospels, Psalms, and Proverbs.</li> <li>Organized rides</li> <li>Silent auctions</li> <li>Door prizes</li> <li>Ice cream social</li> <li>Family portraits</li> <li>Bike games</li> <li>Outdoor movie</li> <li>Cookouts</li> <li>Strawberry Shortcake night</li> <li>Just hanging out with others from around the state that we don't get to see too often.</li>
</ul>
<hr><p>Here's a video with some of the highlights of the rally.</p>
<p><iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="j5zfsBxrRF4" data-video-thumb-url="https://img.youtube.com/vi/j5zfsBxrRF4/mqdefault.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/j5zfsBxrRF4?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="180" width="320" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></p>
<hr><p><span class="font_large"><em>Crossroads </em>Remix</span><br>Now that we are finished with Joyce Groom's CD, <em>Songs From the Heart</em>, it's time for our next musical endeavor. We started re-mixing our first CD, <em>Crossroads</em>, a couple of months ago. When we made the CD, we did not know enough to realize that we didn't know what we were doing. Now that we have a lot more recording experience, there are times we listen to this CD and wince a bit, knowing that it could have been done better. Here's another song from our <em>Crossroads </em>CD. We have re-sung some of the pitchy parts, and added an extra harmony part. We often refer to <em>There's Power in the Blood</em> as the Gospel on rocket fuel.</p>
<p><span class="font_large"><a contents="Click here" data-link-label="Blog Music 7_12_18" data-link-type="page" href="/blog-music-7_12_18" target="_self">Click here</a></span> to give it a listen and let us know what you think. Your opinions and comments are always appreciated.</p>
<p>We are hoping to re-release this CD sometime in early August. When we do, the entire album download will be available for the rest of the month for just $2.00. More on that later. </p>Robb Blanchettetag:robbandkathy.com,2005:Post/53234632018-06-29T00:13:37-05:002018-06-29T00:28:51-05:00It's Thursday Already?<p>One of the things about being retired is that you don't always know what day it is. I have been buried in the studio since Monday morning mastering "Songs From the Heart" by Joyce Groom. Trying new software really slowed me down, especially when I had to start over because I wasn't pleased with the results. I finally got it uploaded to the disc manufacturer/printer at about 5:00 this evening. Then we went to see the grandchildren for a couple of hours. When we got home I thought I had better get started on tomorrow's blog. That's when Kathy reminded me that it was already Thursday night. Sigh... Time really does fly when you are having fun. I don't think I work much less than when I was gainfully employed, it just that now I get to work on things that I want to do. Except for Kathy, I'm my own boss.</p>
<p>Anyway... back to the mastering story. After a song is recorded, it is edited, mixed, and then mastered. For those of you who don't know what mastering is, it's the final phase of the recording process before a collection of songs is sent in for CD replication or released on line. The first thing you do is make sure all of the endings are cleaned up, take care of fade-outs, and set the spacing before and after each song. I like to have one second before the song starts and two seconds after, so there are a total of three seconds between songs.</p>
<p>The next step is to achieve a tonal balance between songs. You don't want one song to be really bright compared to all the rest, nor do you want any songs to sound like they have no high end frequencies. This is where the real mastering work comes in, and the part that takes the most time. I won't bore you with techno babble and try to explain it, but we use a lot of really amazing software tools to get the job done. (When all is said and done, the best mastering tools in the world still need the human ear to really get it right.) After achieving tonal balance, we balance the loudness of each song with the rest of the songs in the collection.</p>
<p>Occasionally while we are doing this we burn a CD. Not because we are finished, but because we like to check out how it sounds in multiple listening environments. It's good to listen to it at home, on your computer, on your phone, and in your vehicle. Once a CD passes the "car test" you're just a couple of tweaks away from completion. </p>
<hr><p>For the last few years we have relied on our daughter, also named Kathy, for printer-ready CD artwork when we did a recording project. For Joyce's CD, I decided to get some design software and try my hand at preparing artwork for a CD. I really enjoyed it, but I couldn't have done it without YouTube. There are lots of awesome instruction videos for my software, Corel Draw. Here is a link to a 360 degree rendering of the CD art I created--with some solid creative advice from my daughter, Kathy.</p>
<p> <span class="font_large"><a contents="Songs From the Heart" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.discmakers.com/AVLFlashViewer/?p=M+vZomP4KuOFoMvxMlGqKQ==#.WzW-nNJKjIU" target="_blank">Songs From the Heart</a></span></p>
<hr><p>Next weekend we will be doing the music for the Christian Motorcyclists Association Wisconsin State Rally. Kathy and I have been CMA members for over ten years. It's an awesome ministry. Hopefully, we'll have some pics and/or videos from the 3-day event to show you next time.</p>Robb Blanchettetag:robbandkathy.com,2005:Post/52951162018-06-14T16:55:18-05:002018-06-15T10:16:19-05:00School's Out<p><span class="font_regular">Well, school is out for the summer. Time to sit around and relax! I wish. It's time to get started on some projects that we have been putting off since we got back to Wisconsin. First on the list is washing and waxing the RV. This is a major project. Despite the time and effort, we like the results of our work, compared to hiring others. Besides we work cheap.<img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/281511/bd9da330763af81aa48d05c374d9bfc840f9d638/original/rooftop-duplex.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/281511/940ba07afe55b2e27b9bfee3f71c09df2268c616/original/washing-waxing.jpg/!!/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsImxhcmdlIl1d.jpg" class="size_l justify_right border_" />It all starts with washing the roof. There are a lot of products on the market for keeping the rubber roof of an RV clean. After years of using expensiveproducts especially designed for cleaning RV roofs, we were advised by an RV tech in Florida to use a product you may have heard of--Dawn Dishwashing Detergent. Dawn saves us a lot of money, and It works great. Supplies for washing the roof include: Dawn, a hose, a mop you never want to use again, shoes with non-slip soles, Gator Ade, and Alleve. The Gator Ade keeps you hydrated and supplies electrolytes to lessen the leg cramps that are coming the next day. The Alleve helps you forget about the muscles that have been called in to service that have been dormant since the last time you cleaned the roof. <br>Next up is washing the rig. Soap, water, and a brush on an extendable pole do the trick. Two people can get this done pretty quickly. Two people our age take a little longer. There is no detailing here, just getting off road dirt and the layers of dust that build up while in the Arizona desert. It may seem odd to folks from the midwest, but in Arizona some folks dust their cars more than they wash them.</span><br> </p>
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<p><span class="font_regular">The last step is waxing. This summer I have decided to do two coats of wax.<br>Below we've included a video of some of the waxing process. <br><iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="2FtcuzunZLs" data-video-thumb-url="https://img.youtube.com/vi/2FtcuzunZLs/mqdefault.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/2FtcuzunZLs?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="180" width="320" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe><br>Like doing the roof, Gator Ade and Alleve are integral parts of the waxing supply list--at least if you're our age.</span></p>
<hr><p><span class="font_regular">Besides the RV cleaning project, we are still working on Joyce Groom's CD project, <em>Songs From the Heart</em>. Joyce has written all of the songs on this CD. Her natural performing and writing style is country, but on this CD she wanted a variety of styles. So, when we developed the music and arrangements for her, we looked at each song separately and decided on a style or genre for each one. <br>Today we would like you to listen to a song called <em>Psalm 146 Praise</em>. As the three of us discussed different styles for songs back in November, I told Joyce that this song sounded like a polka or possibly Zydeco to me. Given the long pause over the phone, I could tell she seemed skeptical. Joyce had suggested something in a minor key with kind of a Jewish folk song feel to it. Minor keys often suggest sadness, and Kathy and I felt that such a fun and happy song needed a Zydeco, upbeat, New Orleans feel with a squeezebox. So, that's what we set out to do. For this song, Joyce Groom wrote the lyrics and melody, Kathy and I did the music and arrangement, the harmonies were created by Kathy and performed by both of us. Joyce, of course, is doing the lead vocal.<br>We expect to be finished mixing this CD Early next week. Then we go through a period of client revision, followed by mastering, and then production. </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">Click to listen to</span><strong><em><span class="font_large"> <a contents="Psalm 146 Praise" data-link-label="Blog Music 6_14_18" data-link-type="page" href="/blog-music-6_14_18" target="_self">Psalm 146 Praise</a></span></em></strong></p>Robb Blanchettetag:robbandkathy.com,2005:Post/52668432018-05-31T10:06:08-05:002018-06-06T07:17:14-05:00Musical Man Cave (But she likes it, too.)<p>Hi, everyone. This has been a crazy busy, and mostly wonderful time for Kathy and me. </p>
<ul> <li>Over the Memorial Day weekend we went to Oshkosh to celebrate the marriage of Justin Behnke to Samantha Kosmer. Justin is step-son to our daughter, Kathy. It was a beautiful ceremony, in a beautiful church. We hope they have a beautiful life together.</li>
</ul>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/281511/d2a4b043908f128c4422fa307973d8997dafd5fc/original/wedding.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<ul> <li>I have been subbing school nearly every day since we got back. June 1st will be my last day for this school year.</li> <li>Evenings are spent working on Joyce's CD. When we first got home we worked on editing her vocals, then did rough mixes of all the songs, and currently we are creating and recording harmony vocals.</li> <li>In my free time, I've been learning how to use Corel Draw and working on the art for Joyce's CD.</li> <li>I have managed to carve out some time to go fishing, as well. Granddaughter, Nevaeh, got her first Muskie!</li>
</ul>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/281511/b96e23c206199b67b700342e87154a3af7d49b38/original/img-20180519-123955022-hdr.jpg/!!/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.jpg" class="size_m justify_right border_" /><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/281511/6952d90a6f316105d6e85f02682f7c16b8f4c86d/original/joyce-cover.png/!!/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.jpg" class="size_m justify_center border_" /></p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/281511/5900ee6f6e7cd25c239644e6d70b095c9d0160db/original/man-cave-entrance.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_right border_" /></p>
<p>Last time, I took you through a history of how our recording studio came to be. </p>
<p>This week's installment of <em><strong>Joys of the Journey</strong></em> will take you on a brief video tour through our recording studio.</p>
<p>In the weeks to come we hope to show you some of the studio's components in more detail, and how they work. </p>
<p>Also, we plan to video a couple of recording sessions so that you can get an idea of the process. (You might be surprised at how it's done.)</p>
<p>Lastly, we hope to video a mixing session or two.</p>
<p>Sending out a blog every couple of weeks has been fun for me, but I'd also like it to be enjoyable for you. So, I'm asking for some feedback. </p>
<p>Since we started doing this, we have included music, text, pictures, surveys, and videos. We've also offered free downloads of things we are working on. Mostly, it has been about what we are doing at the time.</p>
<p>So... </p>
<p>Do you like the travel stuff? <br>Do you like the personal stuff?<br>Are you most interested in the free music downloads? <br>How about the occasional surveys? <br>Do you have a comment about a specific blog entry? If so let me know? <br>We think 3-5 minutes is a good length for a video. What do you think a good length would be for our video entries? <br>Are there any topics you might want us to cover in the future? </p>
<p>Post a comment below or send an email to info@robbandkathy.com</p>
<p><iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="0EkFA-gXHco" data-video-thumb-url="https://img.youtube.com/vi/0EkFA-gXHco/mqdefault.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/0EkFA-gXHco?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="180" width="320" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></p>
<p> </p>Robb Blanchettetag:robbandkathy.com,2005:Post/52305572018-05-17T04:30:00-05:002018-05-19T20:43:43-05:00A Peek Inside<p>For many years we traveled around in our fifth wheel and recording along the way.<img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/281511/a8812bd82ecbd9e7a7a49f2da7b852d72de47359/original/4-plex-rv-studio-2.jpg/!!/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.jpg" class="size_m justify_right border_" /> Each year when we left Wisconsin in the fall, we had a new idea for "the studio." The first year out, we used our dinette area. We took out the table and used a two-tiered keyboard stand. Using plywood and a few screws, I made a place for computer, speakers, keyboard, synthesizer, and a few other necessary components. The end result was a sore back from sitting at a bench seat for hours and the purchase of a couple of folding snack trays so we had a place to eat.</p>
<p>The following year we reclaimed the dinette, but we lost our love seat area to a standard size office desk. Using the desk would be just the ticket for a better work environment. No more wobbly keyboard stand, plus I got a nice, comfortable office chair to sit on. It was a definite improvement. In 2014 we got a new fifth wheel with two bedrooms. The second bedroom was converted into a studio. This was by far the most awesome way to go! We were so excited and felt so blessed. Unfortunately, the RV had to be returned in the spring. It seems the salesman (now no longer a free man) sold us a rig that was not his to sell. After reclaiming our trade-in from the lot, we found our recliners had been removed, so the desk went against the back wall where the recliners used to be.</p>
<p>As we recorded and mixed on the road, no matter where we had our gear, we ran into the same two problems. <strong>1. Reflections while recording vocals.</strong> Every room resonates, absorbs, and reflects different frequencies. The RV, with its many windows, fabric window treatments, and odd roof and wall shapes was a nightmare. The fact that Kathy and I sing loudly when getting to the higher parts of our vocal ranges made the problem much worse. <strong>2. Mixing in an acoustically challenging room.</strong> The same room characteristics that made recording vocals difficult, made mixing difficult, too. We would spend time mixing, put the song on a CD, take it to our truck to listen, and it would sound completely different. Over time we learned how to minimize these problems. Also, I found a great piece of software that could analyze a room and adjust the sound. That helped a lot. Kathy sewed some fiberglass insulation into burlap and made sound absorbing baffles. Depending on recording or mixing, the baffles were hung in the RV where needed. Fortunately, they were stored out of the way much of the time.</p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/281511/79b7e88cf7a63c08d43436332a34bc06ffbd8317/original/4-plex-storage-room-2.jpg/!!/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.jpg" class="size_m justify_left border_" /><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/281511/72dc5b6ec5322b036b6fe1f04397e3bcfa3c9877/original/2-plex-studio-begins-2-horizontal.jpg/!!/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.jpg" class="size_m justify_right border_" />Despite everything we had tried over the years, we spent more time <em><strong>fixing</strong> </em>than mixing because of the area we were recording in. When it came to mixing, we still had to guess how songs would "translate" once played on other systems. Then there was also the fact that we had to give up precious space within our RV in order to record/mix. On our way home in the spring of 2016, I asked Kathy if she would want to build a permanent studio. Nothing fancy, just something acoustically sound, and comfortable. We had built a 12X14 room in our pole shed a few years back, and I started making plans. By the end of June, and with the help of our son-in-law, Jeff, the room was wired, heated, air-conditioned, sealed (barns in the <img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/281511/c731e5f4878bcf9fed1967281b6ee4e91d163e5f/original/2-plex-drywall-2.jpg/!!/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.jpg" class="size_m justify_left border_" /><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/281511/27ef9a96821972b2e3a7edd8dcb89b9596436de3/original/2-plex-carpet.jpg/!!/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.jpg" class="size_m justify_right border_" />woods can get critters), insulated, dry walled, painted, and carpeted. Soon after the gear was set up, I got a custom plan for our studio for acoustic wall and ceiling treatment. Even though it's still not paid for, we both really love this space. We can do things so much faster, and with better results.The pictures here show the progress of the construction phase. In the weeks to come we will do a video or two of the studio itself and the studio in action. </p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/281511/10afd1e027f8179055d5e5e9c77fd08ecd3fed0b/original/ready-to-record.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" />This project was not done in a vaccuum. Special thanks go out to</p>
<ul> <li>My awesome wife and musical partner, Kathy, for letting me go way into debt so that I could have a way cool musical man cave.</li> <li>Our son-in-law Jeff Behnke for helping to get the project done, and done right</li> <li>Graham Cochrane from the Recording Revolution for lessons on how to set up a home studio</li> <li>IK Multimedia for creating ARC2 (Advanced Room Correction software)</li> <li>Auralex Acoustics for custom plans on what to use and where to place different types of foam on the walls and ceiling.</li>
</ul>
<p>If you are ever interested in setting up a home studio and want someone to bounce ideas off of, drop me an email at info@robbandkathy.com</p>
<p>I also repeated enlarged copies of the pictures above at the bottom of this week's blog. </p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/281511/a8812bd82ecbd9e7a7a49f2da7b852d72de47359/original/4-plex-rv-studio-2.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/281511/79b7e88cf7a63c08d43436332a34bc06ffbd8317/original/4-plex-storage-room-2.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/281511/b50aead23a28921d210bd097703cc3d113b90434/original/2-plex-studio-begins-2.jpg/!!/b:W1sidCIsMjcwXV0=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/281511/c731e5f4878bcf9fed1967281b6ee4e91d163e5f/original/2-plex-drywall-2.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/281511/27ef9a96821972b2e3a7edd8dcb89b9596436de3/original/2-plex-carpet.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>Robb Blanchettetag:robbandkathy.com,2005:Post/52139362018-05-03T19:11:13-05:002018-05-03T19:11:13-05:00Recording on the Road<p>On our way back from Phoenix this spring, we stopped in Fort Worth, <img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/281511/aae3ec13bf030cd7e5c69238592b7ef1f279a8c9/original/bradleys.jpg/!!/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.jpg" class="size_m justify_right border_" />TX for a short visit with our RV friends, Brad and Sharon Bradley. It was great to see them, and share a couple of meals and recalling some of our time on the road together. They're from Texas, Y'all, so they always find a good barbecue place. </p>
<hr><p>After Texas, it was on to Kirksville, MO to see another friend, Joyce Groom. Joyce is a talented songwriter who has been gracious enough to let us use some of her songs on our last two CDs. But this was more than a social call. Joyce shared with us last summer that making a CD of her performing her songs had long been an item on her bucket list. So, Kathy and I came up with a plan to make that happen. We met with Joyce on our way to Phoenix in October and discussed what she wanted to do. Over the next few weeks, she sent us mp3 files of her playing and singing her songs. After some discussion we narrowed it down to 12 songs, and decided on the style and arrangement for each one. During the month of November, Kathy and I developed all of the music for her project and sent it to her. </p>
<p>Joyce is also a snowbird, but where she goes each winter, she is referred to as a "Winter Texan." Anyway, the plan was for her to rehearse with the songs we sent her. Some songs had completely different styles--Joyce writes pretty much everything as a country song. Many of the songs also had different beats, different timing, and different arrangements. Joyce rehearsed with these "new to her" songs during the winter, and got ready to record them when we arrived in the spring. </p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/281511/1f40e5cfab531cc6e35b6ea72e6d4fe7275b76ae/original/vocal-booth.jpg/!!/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.jpg" class="size_m justify_left border_" /><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/281511/9e966307f433ecce62247be329cdd9ec19587cdf/original/workstation.jpg/!!/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.jpg" class="size_m justify_right border_" /></p>
<p>On Monday morning, April 9th, we left El Dorado, Kansas, ready for the 350 mile trip to Joyce's. Arriving safely, and without incident--PTL--we got to Eagle Lodge RV Park in Kirksville, MO. After setting up the RV, we went to see Joyce, who had prepared lasagna for us. (We both had seconds!) Later, we got set up to record. Some of the things we brought along were our music computer, headphones, speakers, microphones, and a make-shift portable recording booth. Our "control room" was a card table Joyce brought in from her garage. That's where we placed all the electronic stuff. Meanwhile, Joyce prepared to sing along to our soundtracks surrounded by sound-dampening blankets. The blankets were supported by mic stands and 1.25 inch PVC pipes, all safey-pinned together. It was dark enough inside the booth that we had to get a light in there for Joyce to see her lyrics. After setting up the control room, and recording</p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/281511/05c7a019917293f82c13bf9f8bd3b5412e703109/original/ainsley-sings.jpg/!!/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.jpg" class="size_m justify_left border_" /><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/281511/9647fc50d306b7d6423994f7ed3e17e81036bd87/original/cuddle-bunny.jpg/!!/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.jpg" class="size_m justify_right border_" />booth, we tested all the gear to make sure it was functioning properly, and the volume levels were set correctly.</p>
<p>Finally, after a pretty long day, we returned to our RV for the evening, anxious to get started the following morning. The next three days were spent recording Joyce singing the 12 songs she had been practicing during the winter months. Before we left, Kathy and I made sure we had enough good takes to bring back to Wisconsin for editing and mixing. Kathy was instrumental in coaching Joyce through the process. We also got to meet Joyce's granddaughter, Ainsley, who sang on one of her songs. It was really good to spend time with Joyce, another one of our RV friends who we have grown so close to over the years and miles. </p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/281511/a46985823a4c475432b87126be8666c8712af81c/original/joyce-breaktime.jpg/!!/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.jpg" class="size_m justify_right border_" /></p>
<hr><p>We've included a sneak preview of a song from Joyce's not-yet-released CD, "I Will Carry You." The song is entitled "There's Some Things You Never Forget." It's a fun country song in which she recalls special memories from her past. As with many of the songs we put on our blog, this song is in the mixing stage. We're about a week away from having the final mixes completed for all twelve of the songs in this project.</p>
<p><em><span class="font_large"><a contents="Click here to listen." data-link-label="Blog Music 5_3_18" data-link-type="page" href="/blog-music-5_3_18" target="_self">Click here to listen.</a></span></em><br> </p>
<hr><p> </p>Robb Blanchettetag:robbandkathy.com,2005:Post/51923912018-04-20T15:40:39-05:002018-04-20T20:36:05-05:00Springtime in Wisconsin<p>We finished our vocal recording session in Missouri with Joyce Groom a day earlier than anticipated, <img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/281511/d14ca31efc9a1d9c3548ba49be606b913af835ea/original/1-home-pre-rain-and-snow.jpg/!!/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.jpg" class="size_m justify_right border_" />back (more on our time with Joyce in the next blog post) and headed to Wisconsin to reunite with family and friends. We had heard the weather wasn't going to be too good, but optimistically chalked that up to meteorologists who over-hype their forecasts in order to try and stay relevant. As we left northeast Missouri, I kep (sorry about the spelling--we were just in Texas.) an eye on the temperature gauge in the truck. From the southern Iowa border until we crossed the Mississippi from Dubuque, the temperature dropped 23 degrees. As soon as we got into Wisconsin, it started raining. I kep (I might need some hep to stop writing like a Texan) an anxious eye on the temperature. It held at 36 degrees--<strong>rain not snow--</strong>for the rest of the way home. Yikes! Our winter was spent in the desert southwest where we enjoyed above average temps almost all winter, and it rained twice.</p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/281511/e459b9ccda7d019780a2f6c0824213a9ac437ba9/original/2-only-beginning.jpg/!!/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.jpg" class="size_m justify_left border_" />We got back late in the afternoon and quickly got to work setting up the rig and de-winterizing our water supply. We don't travel with a lot of water in our fresh water tank, so we had to fill the RV when we got home. Our well's water pressure tank sits outside all summer, but for the next ten days we would be below freezing for at least part of each day. We put together a 4'X4'X4' wooden "doghouse" for the water supply and included two, 500W halogen work lights to keep our water supply from freezing.</p>
<p>With our freshwater tank full, two spacer heaters, the furnace, and the RV tank heaters on, we were ready to visit family in Mauston. But first, a few errands and a trip to the <a contents="Roman Castle" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://www.romancastlerestaurant.com/" target="_self">Roman Castle</a> for dinner. The littlest grandchildren had changed the most over the last six months, and there were lots of long-overdue hugs to warm us up--Including a couple of long hugs with our daughter, Kathy, who was dropping the kids off after a "tweens" event. When we got home, our son-in-law, Jeff, stopped by to say hello. The only family member we missed was our Grandson, Eydon, who was on an overnite trip with his church's youth group. <img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/281511/6429415bba0b6f3f4384a32b1f8976757ce66a35/original/4-wrong-turn.jpg/!!/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.jpg" class="size_m justify_right border_" /></p>
<p>Next on our list was to go to our CMA (Christian Motorcyclists Association) chapter meeting on Saturday morning--Cancelled due to weather. And on Sunday we would get to be with our church family at Bible baptist in Mauston--Cancelled due to weather. Pretty disappointing. If they are cancelling stuff in Wisconsin, you know the weather is bad. As it turns out, except for a chauffeured 4X4 visit to and from Jeff and Kathy's, we were stuck at our place from the time we got home on Friday night, until Wednesday morning. Tuesday evening Jeff plowed our drive, but the roads were still pretty bad. </p>
<p>Wednesday night we got another 8 inches of snow. Heavy, stick-to-your-shovel snow. But I had adjusted. I parked 10 feet from the road, so that I would not have to shovel so far to get out. Three weeks into Spring, and we have two major snowfalls almost back-to-back. I think the situation was summed up best when we got a visit from our friend, Bob, who knocked on our door Thursday morning and said, "Merry Christmas."</p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/281511/5031f71c3849150770d5d13c00b01c838a05b23b/original/3-snowed-in.jpg/!!/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.jpg" class="size_m justify_left border_" />Trying to make the best of things, we got the studio set up and functioning. I'm so glad we put in <em><strong>two </strong></em>baseboard heaters when we built it. In the last week, we have worked on Joyce's CD, and got in rehearsal time for an upcoming concert at <a contents="Oxford Bible Church" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://www.oxfordbiblechurch.org/" target="_self">Oxford Bible Church</a> this weekend. Although, we did forget to put this blog out on Thursday, as scheduled.</p>
<p>At the time of this writing: The sun is shining, the snow is melting, no leaks in the RV--even with over a foot of snow on the roof and slide-outs, we are progressing with Joyce's CD, 60 degree weather is forecast for next week, and God is good (all the time.)</p>
<p>It's good to be home!</p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/281511/0fd3fdbf580ad0a81ef70da40c660882338142ce/original/5-sunshine-returns.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/281511/2a391d5a1e4bb8e3220cecbcc1ecb22dff57f81c/original/6-round-two.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p> </p>
<p>Here's a video of Kathy's walk around the driveway on Monday, 4/16</p>
<p><iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="-Zn9p4pHIe8" data-video-thumb-url="https://img.youtube.com/vi/-Zn9p4pHIe8/mqdefault.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/-Zn9p4pHIe8?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="180" width="320" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></p>Robb Blanchettetag:robbandkathy.com,2005:Post/51482412018-04-05T04:00:00-05:002018-04-08T06:09:04-05:00Starting the Trip Home<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/281511/60c4ab9bb12a41c4b47c40083e7a01524bb50f5f/medium/hello-donkey.jpg" class="size_m justify_right border_" /></p>
<p>When most people think about returning from a trip, a 2-3 hour flight or a 6 hour drive comes to mind. For a full-time RVer the mindset is quite different. Gone are the days of loading the family into the motor home and driving 24 hours straight through to Florida for a week on the beach or visits to the home of our favorite M-O-U-S-E. As retirees, when we leave Palm Springs to head for home, it will take close to a month to get there. Our first stop on the way back is Lake Havasu City, AZ for four days, then two weeks in Mesa, AZ, followed by a couple of days in the Ft. Worth, Texas area. Our last stop before Wisconsin will be 4-5 days in Kirksville, MO. As we travel, we seldom drive more than 300 miles in a day, so there are a number of one-night stays along the way home as well.</p>
<p>With the RV, the longer the stay, the more stuff we set up. For <strong><em>every</em></strong> stop along the way four things are done: hook up to electric, (RVers call this shore power) level the unit, pop out the slides, and set up the satellite dish. For longer stays we would hook up our water and sewer lines, put out stabilizer jacks, set up lawn chairs, hang pictures of family, get out guitars to rehearse, and set up our mini recording studio. </p>
<hr><p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/281511/f62ad72eb69157ef17cbb1dfe911832f126ab2af/medium/havasu-alliance-jon-lydia.jpg" class="size_m justify_left border_" />On the way to Havasu we saw a couple of burros on the side of the road. Next time we go through that area we'll have carrots along in case any strangers poke their head in the truck window.</p>
<p>Our short stay in Lake Havasu City was too short. Next year we are hoping to stay a little longer. A special hello to Pastor Jon Maki and the congregation at Havasu Alliance Church. We so enjoyed our time with you. Another special hello goes out to the Browns, Bob and Dawn, for inviting us to see their beautiful winter home in Havasu Heights. During the summer, they attend the same church in Wisconsin as us.</p>
<p>A trip to Lake Havasu City wouldn't be complete without a visit to the London Bridge, and a tour on the Lake. We went on a 4 hour tour in a RIB (Rigid Inflatable Boat) with Rubba Duck Safari. Our tour guide, Pablo, was informative and funny. He had a microphone that broadcast to to the radios in our boats, so we could hear everything. If You ever get to Lake Havasu City, check out the <a contents="Rubba Duck Safari" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://golakehavasu.com/activity/tours-search-map/guided-tours/rubba-duck-safari/" target="_blank">Rubba Duck Safari</a>. Keeping with the spirit of the London Bridge, we ended the day with a tasty meal of fish and chips.</p>
<p>I've put some more Lake Havasu City pics at the bottom of this article. You may have to hit "Read More" to get to all the pictures.</p>
<hr><p>We are taking our time re-mixing our first CD. There's no sense of urgency, like with a new CD. It's more a labor of love. We have gone through and recorded extra harmony vocals where we thought they would add to a song. We have also pitch corrected some vocals, and completely re-recorded vocals we thought were beyond saving. All of the instruments are being re-worked as well. I could safely say that we are mixing, but it might be more accurate to say we are fixing.</p>
<p>I'm going to get a little techy here for a minute, and talk about things we know now, but were clueless about when we recorded our first CD.</p>
<ul> <li>When performing live, a vocalist gets as close to a mic as possible, usually touching it to their lips, except for loud passages where the vocalist backs off of the mic. In the studio you use a completely different type of microphone that works best if you are 8-12 inches away. Not knowing any better, we sang into the studio mic like we were preforming live. The result was a lot of pops, clicks, other noises, and bass frequencies that had to be dealt with.</li> <li>Another thing about recording vocals are sound reflections. Sound bounces all over the room you are recording in. Walls soak up some frequencies and reflect others. The louder you sing, the more reflections--and Kathy and I are not quiet. These reflections introduce or reinforce frequencies that are often not very pleasant, and sometimes downright painful. We knew nothing of this when we recorded the first CD. We have since learned how to minimize these unwanted reflections. We have also learned techniques for removing or minimizing the impact of unwanted frequencies. </li> <li>Lastly, after the first CD was completed, we learned that a delicate balance that needs to maintained in a singer's headphones. Generally, in the headphone mix, if the music is too soft in relation to a singer's voice the singer may sing flat. Also, if the music is too loud the singer may sing sharp. Either way, if the music-to-vocal mix isn't right in the headset, the vocalist will often sing off key.</li>
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<hr><p>That leads us in to our download for this week. We did a cover of a song called <em>The Faithful One</em>. It was a song from our first CD that we were sort of disappointed with. At the time, we were advised by people who knew more about recording than us, that listeners would not notice an occasional flat note--but we did. We loved performing that song, and have not had the heart to sing it since shortly after we released the CD. I'm putting them up side by side--the old from 2009 and the re-mix. Once again, this is not a finished re-mix. We are waiting until we get home to our acoustically treated studio and larger speakers before finalizing the mix and then mastering is.</p>
<p><a contents="Listen&nbsp;to The Faithful One" data-link-label="Blog music 4_5_18" data-link-type="page" href="/blog-music-4_5_18" target="_self"><span class="font_large"><strong>Listen to<em> The Faithful One</em></strong></span></a></p>
<p>Feel free to leave your comments below.</p><!-- more -->
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/281511/3364fd721454a6dd9ea0b73cd2efa8208a28ee35/original/fish-n-chips-3-plex.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/281511/762207dfeaec3b12ae49277146bf54e786ec03be/original/london-bridge-4-plex.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/281511/d5eec923fddb4e374251a5509c38ee5d7f6de72a/original/rubba-duck-full-size.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/281511/5510cb39f0690e86e0ec7db8a01863635c034c79/original/rubba-duck-4-plex.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>Robb Blanchettetag:robbandkathy.com,2005:Post/51411272018-03-22T01:47:33-05:002018-03-31T18:20:20-05:00One Last Look at Palm Springs<p>Well, we went all touristy before we left <img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/281511/22d0b5d608a07c201e2c37ffc92957bbe105b986/original/grubbs-view-1.jpg" class="size_l justify_right border_" /><br>the Palm Springs area and took a ride on the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway. <a contents="www.pstramway.com" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://www.pstramway.com">www.pstramway.com</a> A ride with breathtaking views that travels 2.5 miles and climbs 6000 feet in 10 minutes. Elevation at the top of the ride is 8,516 ft. The tramway boasts the largest rotating tram cars in the world. If you don’t like the view, just wait a minute—it will change. Except for when it’s docking, the gondola is constantly rotating. </p>
<p>The temperature was 86 degrees when we left the valley floor, but at the top it was 45. Glad we brought along jackets! I’ve included some pics and videos. The cables go up the mountain resting on a number of towers. You may notice a yellow platform on top of some towers. These are helicopter landing pads. They were used to fly in equipment and supplies during the construction process. </p>
<p>The cars 6,000 ft below look so tiny. The next time you get to a really high place, look down, and think about how small everything appears; stop to think about how God looks down and sees every detail about everybody. </p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/281511/ed3e3a51569ec29bf79abffc0830208928407d4c/medium/up-in-the-clouds.jpg" class="size_m justify_left border_" /><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/281511/a6d04ebb1e563b4683aa92f30eb42a9dc5d10da4/medium/birds-eye-view.jpg" class="size_m justify_left border_" /></p>
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<p>We've included some still pics we took at the Mountain Station. Mt. San Jacinto is still 2,000 feet higher. At the Mountain Station there are restaurants with great food and views, and also informational exhibits. Backpackers take the tram and use it as the starting point of a wilderness adventure. <br>If you ever get to the Palm Springs area, it would be well worth your while to take a ride on the tramway.</p>
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<hr><p>Here's a short video of our trip down the mountain.<iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="pk4RvFT2iO0" data-video-thumb-url="https://img.youtube.com/vi/pk4RvFT2iO0/mqdefault.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/pk4RvFT2iO0?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="180" width="320" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></p>
<hr><p>We’re taking our time with the remix of our first CD. Today I’m including a song for you to listen and download entitled “God Bless America.” This song was written by Henry Derksen. It’s a prayer for our nation and a call for our nation to return to its Christian roots.</p>
<p><span class="font_large"><a contents="Click here to listen and download" data-link-label="Blog music 3-22-18" data-link-type="page" href="/blog-music-3-22-18">Click here to listen and download</a> the remix of <em>God Bless America</em>.</span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span class="font_large">Don't forget to answer the one-click survey</span></p>
<hr><p style="text-align: center;"><span class="font_large">One last look from up high...</span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/281511/bcddaf40f8804666f7bfafb9bfa61c36022517b6/original/overlooking-palm-springs.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p><span class="font_large">Be sure to leave a comment below.</span></p>Robb Blanchettetag:robbandkathy.com,2005:Post/51236132018-03-12T11:41:19-05:002022-05-19T08:56:43-05:00Enjoying So Cal and Palm Springs<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/281511/8cc74699d15259981c25d0e48f4fffb800e15613/medium/campsite.jpg" class="size_m justify_right border_" />Hi, and thanks for coming along on our journey. As some of you may know we used to have a blog called <a contents="Cat Tales" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://www.freewebs.com/tashaandmikey/" target="_blank">Cat Tales</a>. The story of our travels as told by our cats, Tasha and Mikey. They both lived long and happy lives, but are no longer with us. Sigh. </p>
<p>We decided to name our new blog Joys of the Journey. Kathy and I have been on a musical journey together since 1972, and upon retirement in 2007, we started a journey across the United States in <a contents="our RV" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://www.freewebs.com/tashaandmikey/ourrig.htm" target="_blank">our RV</a>. At this time we have no plans yet to hang up our keys. Our love of travel and music have merged to form our strange and wonderful life style. (I'm kind of strange, and she's wonderful.) It's a life style we wouldn't change for anything. We have a simple outlook on day-to-day life that we'd like to share with you. The greatest part of a journey isn't arriving at your destination, it's the things that happen along the way. The purpose of this blog is to share with you some of the things that are happening along the way as we journey through life.<br>So, here goes:<br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/281511/17265aca29391cbc7aa19eff66bd1d5846a94e34/medium/marios-2.jpg" class="size_m justify_right border_" /><br><em><span style="color:#660033;"> </span></em><br>The weather here in Southern California has been great. It hasn't rained in weeks--although we did see some new snow in the mountains--and it's really dusty. Kathy and I have been quite busy, mostly wrapped up in our work. Relaunching a website, starting a new mailing list, rehearsing, performing, re-mixing our first CD, going to gyms 4-5 days each week, planning occasional touristy day trips, preparing for a recording session in April, going to restaurants, and watching way too much tv. </p>
<p>Relaunching a website and making it functional has taken up a lot of time. At this point, functionally it's about 95% finished and aesthetically it's about 85% finished. We welcome your feedback about the site, and encourage you to make comments below. I'll gladly accept any Attaboys you would like to post. If there are any complaints, you can direct them to Kathy.<br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/281511/6a0c62c44c69a806e0fe8413a106b35821322d5d/medium/schnitzelhaus.jpg" class="size_m justify_right border_" />But seriously, if you see a typo somewhere, or something doesn't work the way you think it should, please let us know. In the future we hope to add videos. They're more fun, and you don't have to read as much. </p>
<p>After our very first performance in 2008 someone asked if they could purchase a CD. We didn't have any, but I thought, "How hard can that be?" So, we decided to make a CD. We started out two steps below clueless. Best practices for recording and mixing were things that we would learn later. If ignorance was bliss, we were two of the happiest musicians on the planet. We had a great time recording and mixing, and we weren't smart enough to know what we were doing wrong. We are amazed it turned out as well as it did. Today we are fairly proficient with recording, mixing and mastering. So, we set out to make our original CD a little better. When we are finished, and the songs are mastered, we will make them available for download.<br>Have you ever listened to someone sing along while wearing headphones? Were they on key?<br>Well, that was the first thing we did wrong. Vocal volume needs to be set correctly in your<br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/281511/fefa8f770f56cc2a3d70585a309977f1b47df724/medium/gym.jpg" class="size_m justify_right border_" />headphones or the singer's pitch will drift. Needless to say, some of our original vocals needed to be pitch corrected, or just sung over. We also added harmonies where we thought they were needed. Lastly, over the years we have accumulated a large collection of audio tools, and, more importantly, learned how to use them. Our process for mixing is probably a little different than most audio engineers, because we both do it. I get the song all set up and ready to go, and do a rough mix, focusing on the drums and bass, and then the other instruments. Then Kathy steps in. She tweaks the vocals. Afterwards, we listen together and make more adjustments. Next it's up to Kathy to fine tune the mix, then I come in and add a little polish. Lastly, we listen together until we completely agree. For those of you who are married, you know that can take a while. A day or two later we will listen again. If we see no need to tweak anything, it's done. </p>
<p><strong>We'd like to share</strong> a couple of songs with you from our first CD. They're called Days of Elijah and Beautiful One. These are recent re-mixes, and they are not quite done--but almost.<br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/281511/4f55cf4b147559ace68f9a1986212ac1ae4ff8b4/medium/000-k-in-first-studio.jpg" class="size_m justify_right border_" />Give them a listen, and let us know what you think. <strong>Please leave a comment below!</strong><br><br><span class="font_large"><a contents="Click here to listen and download." data-link-label="Blog music 3_9_18" data-link-type="page" href="/blog-music-3_9_18">Click here to listen and download</a> <em>Beautiful One</em> and <em>Days of Elijah</em>.</span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span class="font_large">Don't forget to answer the one-click survey</span><br> </p>
<p><span class="font_large">Robb (& Kathy) </span><br> </p>
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<p> <br><em><span style="color:#2980b9;"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/281511/011351c6e6dbff2aea46b405d78786cdfc4d7125/medium/000-r-in-first-studio-2.jpg" class="size_m justify_right border_" /></span></em></p>
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<p style="text-align: center;"><span class="font_large">PS. For the next two weeks, the discount code </span><span class="font_xl"><span style="color:#c0392b;">joy </span></span><span class="font_large">will get you 50% off anything in our <a contents="store" data-link-label="Store" data-link-type="page" href="/store">store</a>.</span></p>
<p> </p>Robb Blanchettetag:robbandkathy.com,2005:Post/50898132018-03-08T12:41:31-06:002018-04-05T20:06:16-05:00Greetings From Southern California<p><span class="font_regular">We are in southern California until mid-March. The weather is great and we are enjoying our time here. We are already missing the new friends we made in Phoenix, Yuma and Jamul. </span></p>
<p><span class="font_regular">***As many of you know, Kathy and I do all of our own recording for our CDs and soundtracks. We have branched out and offer some unique music production services to other musicians. Our friend and very talented songwriter, Joyce Groom, has decided to do a CD, and we are honored that she chose us to develop her music and arrangements. Joyce recorded about 15 of her songs using a guitar or piano, her voice, and her phone. Then they were emailed to us in Wisconsin. From these songs, she narrowed it down to 12. Then Kathy and I went to work, creating the sound tracks for her songs. </span></p>
<p><span class="font_regular">We looked at each of the songs individually, making decisions regarding style, arrangement, tempo, and instrumentation. Creating custom sound tracks for Joyce's project from scratch. All of the instruments were recorded, and mixed during our stay in Phoenix at Paradise RV Resort. The songs (instruments only) were then sent back to Joyce via the internet. </span></p>
<p><span class="font_regular">Joyce is currently wintering in South Texas, and also preparing for a week of vocal recording this spring. When we drive back to Wisconsin, we will stop in Missouri to record Joyce's vocals. The final steps will occur back in our studio in Wisconsin where we will add vocal harmonies and finishing instrumental touches, then mix and master the album. Besides a completed CD, Joyce will also get all of her songs as backing tracks that she can use to accompany her when she performs. I think we are as excited as Joyce about this project. Can't wait until it's done. </span></p>
<p><span class="font_regular">***Another thing we did in AZ this fall was begin work on a Christmas CD. In a two week period we recorded nine songs using some of our Christmas performance tracks. We re-worked the arrangements and instrumentation on all of the tracks, recorded guitars and vocals, mixed and mastered in that short time. Over the next few months we hope to get the number of songs up to 15. Joyce gave us permission to use any of her compositions for our own musical endeavors. We included the song, I'm Dreamin' of Christmas, on the Christmas CD mentioned above. Give it a listen and let us know what you think.</span></p>Robb Blanchette