Songwriting Workshop # 1

Songwriting Workshop # 1 On Friday, we had our first songwriting workshop with Phil. The workshop went really smoothly and I ended up learning so many small facts about songwriting and music production in such a short period of time. Throughout the workshop, I played two of my original songs for Phil, so that he could get a taste of the genre I write and critique what I have done. He gave me a lot of positive feedback and told me that the songs I write are consistantly good; however, they need to be more catchy for the listener. What he means is that the listener should hear it once, and be able to sing along with it the next time it's played. In Phil's opinion, there are too many lyrics in the songs I write and they would be even better if they were short and sweet. I hope to complete atleast two songs with Phil and ultimately slip out of my comfort zone when improving them. I also want to learn more about Music Production and music merchandising, so that I'm well prepared for my major next year.

Freddie Reiter: Workshop # 5

Freddie Reiter: Workshop # 5

We started working on a classic song tuesday: "Baba O' Riley" by The Who. I was surprised at how well we matched the record in our playing. The song had a lot of energy and it was pretty simplistic, yet keeping the tempo took a lot of concentration. Playing these songs, that I've listened to my whole life, with Freddie really changes my perception of the song itself. I'm starting to notice the brilliant bass part in "Baba O' Riley" now, more then ever. I'm also keeping track of every single part around me, knowing when and where each instrument should come in. In my opinion, learning how to listen to the surrounding band members is key to playing LIVE. It's devastating that this workshop has to end soon; however, I have learned a lot about performing, jamming, and technique. We must perform soon!

Freddie Reiter: Workshop # 4

Freddie Reiter: Workshop # 4

The group worked on more blues with Freddie this time. It was interesting how Freddie took a simple blues lick and transformed it into a full band song with such a smooth structure. He taught each of us the phrase and the bridge, then the chords, and we were each given a chance to solo over the phrase. I'm not usually surrounded by a lot of Blues, so getting the chance to solo and improve on this particular style of music is very helpful. Freddie gives each of us a chance to really blend with the rest of the group and rock out when it's our time to shine/show off. "Don't Stop Believing" was finally given an ending and it is ready to be performed for a crowd. I'd love to somehow perform it live with either a singer or saxophonist, playing the melody. In the past three workshops, our band has learned to listen to one another, blend our sound, and take turns rocking out. The best way to show off what we did in this workshop is to perform our jam sessions or "Don't Stop Believing" in front of a live audience! Next week, I'm bringing in a couple of songs that I've been writing, getting critique from Freddie, and possibly adding a solo section within individual songs.

Freddie Reiter: Workshop # 3

Freddie Reiter: Workshop # 3

We did something different today, which was jamming on an E blues chord progression and taking turns soloing. This was my first time soloing on the blues with a whole band backing me up, and it went pretty well. I have to say, it's a bit nerve racking to hold the rhythm on guitar and solo on the pentatonic when its my turn. It takes a lot of concentration and listening to blend with the band, keep time, and use my guitar technique efficiently. After every workshop with Freddie, I seem to learn something new about music and Ska. Today, I practiced blending with the rest of the band and actually listening to each instrument. I learned that each musician's ability to listen and blend with the other member will create cohesion between the band as a whole. After today, I can hear bass much more in songs because I chose to really tune into Zach's part alone in the jam session, while sustaining my guitar part. We practiced "Don't Stop Believing" and our brand new goal is to create an ending to the song, so that we can eventually perform the piece. I'd love to write a song with Freddie, make the Ska version, and ultimately perform it for a large group.

Freddie Reiter: Workshop # 2

Freddie Reiter: Workshop # 2

On Friday, we worked on our Ska version of "Don't Stop Believing" by Journey. At first, we learned the main lick that's repeated throughout the entire song and then we split the song into a few parts. so that it would be easier to combine them all in the end. The group had trouble keeping tempo when we first ran the song through, but by the end, the finished product sounded amazing. I had trouble creating a solid strumming pattern to blend with the Ska feel of an "upbeat gallop." Freddie has a lot of patience when he works with us. He will take time to work with each of us individually and make sure we can keep up with the rest of the band. I'm really having a good time in this workshop because everyone works well with each other. In other words, we all progress on the same track and no one puts the other person down for not getting a part of the song. Freddie's workshop is specifically helping me with tempo and staying on rhythm during a song, which is one of my weak points. Having a good sense of rhythm helps me record better on a click track, when I'm in the studio.

Freddie Reiter: Workshop # 1

Freddie Reiter: Workshop # 1

Today was awesome! Freddie gave us a simple chord progression and we turned it into a full band tune. Each of us had a seperate part to play, and the overall sound was really unique. The ska sound is upbeat and it gives off a real bouncy feel, but at the same time, it sustains a jazzy sound. Freddie is extremely kind and laid back, and he really knows a lot about music. His sax playing is phenomenal, and he's really open to answer any questions we have about music. My main goal in this workshop is to understand more music theory. More specifically, be able to recognize a specific chord progression and solo over it. This workshop will expand my musical knowledge and possibly give me the ability to transform certain songs into ska originals. Next week, we're doing a Ska cover of "Don't Stop Believing".... this should be fun!

Freddie Reiter!

Freddie Reiter, or Fred "Rock Steady Freddie" Reiter, was a past member of the The Toasters, a New York Ska-Jazz ensemble, which started in 1981 and still continues today. The Toasters were one of the first American ska bands and may be the longest active ska band in the United States. Freddie Reiter played lead saxophone for The Toasters. All in all, the band has released nine studio albums and their songs were featured on various TV Commercials (including Coca-Cola), Nickelodeon, and the pilot episode of a hit animated series. Freddie now tours the US, playing concerts with past members of the New York Ska- Jazz ensemble. Can't wait to meet this guy!