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IRONSONGs, Lunar Eclipses, Viral Spiral
Posted by on December 26, 2011
Debut of IRONSONG!This comically gloomy artwork was the "promotional" poster for a long-ago gig I shared with the terrifically talented songwriter, Robert Geller. We recently reunited for the very first installment of my new songwriters in the round series: IRONSONG--at the ever welcoming, Dolores Park Cafe.Also circulating songs with us was Lea Carey Grant who sings like an angelic bird and writes… (read more)
The Thirty Names for 50,000 Words for Snow
Posted by on November 11, 2011
Why does the caged poet sing? What and how she sing? Let me count the ways. The words, names, numbers, slip sneakily through the bars off into the night. Each day dawns with the challenge and charge of having & needing to have more to say. Always more...oh you amusing muse.In honor of this rampant multiplicity, there's a sub-genre in the True Margrit Catalog--the "number songs". What do I mean? I'll… (read more)
Luckey's Streak
Posted by on October 31, 2011
October 28thJust a tee-tonsey sliver of pie for breakfast. Holy Mother of Julia Child! That is rich luscious, pumpkiny, and chocolatey--and admittedly, a little fibrous. All in all, a success. There was a pumpkin..and then we went to work and there were pies. If only the music biz were that easy.As pie.We hop into vehicles and go south. We meet my brother and nephew Elan for lunch in Portland. Much… (read more)
Milady Robot
Posted by on October 31, 2011
A little more about October 26th:We drive merrily back to Tacoma after the Christo's show (in Salem, Oregon), buzzed from their delicious food, from playing a well-received, fun, and excellent show. To top it all off the staff played Kate Bush after our show (and before, too) and we love her. More about Kate Bush soon... (photo by Bob Goldstein)We get back to Tacoma and we all get to sleep pretty… (read more)
The San Francisco Treat
Posted by on October 29, 2011
October 26thTo Salem from Tacoma we zoom. And when we arrive we are delighted by the True Margrit posters plastered all over the front of the venue, Christo's Lounge (+ Pizzeria). On some of the posters we are called the "San Francisco treat". Nice. We have a good feeling about this gig. And we are right! Kyle the talented, good-natured, and conscientious sound guy sees to all our audio needs with… (read more)
The Chicken That Dare Not Speak Its Name
Posted by on October 29, 2011
October 24thMonday's pork-shoulderThat Andrew roasts slowly for long hoursThen gently stews in chili verde--Tomatillos, peppers, garlic--This he lovingly spoons over cheese enchiladas (melted cheese liquid gold)And it is eaten with joy (and two colorfully contrasting salsas:spicy tart red cabbage & avocado/citrus/pomegranate) Followed by ice cream, cookies & action movieOctober 25thTuesday's free-range… (read more)
ROCKtobering
Posted by on October 25, 2011
Dear readers, here's a recap of what's gone down in October thus far:Sunday, Oct 9th at YOSHI's San Francisco LOUNGE--oohSonic Zen Records/ Bay Vibes has been running a songwriters unplugged series at Yoshi's for a few years. October is their last month at that venue, so I'm glad I got to play on account of the fancy factor, meeting the nice people involved, and the free sushi.What was it? Three songwriters… (read more)
A Tale of Two Pianos
Posted by on August 29, 2011
It was the best of rehearsals, it was the worst of rehearsals, it was the age of clicktracks, it was the era of elastic tempo, it was the season of unavailable studio time, it was the spring of Gary arranging a session at Studio Trilogy (with audio Jedi, Justin Lieberman helming the engineering).The thing was, we decided Gary & I should concentrate fully on playing, take off our customary engineer… (read more)
We Are Not Not Amused
Posted by Margrit Eichler on August 16, 2011
I read a massive tome about Queen Victoria this spring. I learned as much as (or more than) I'd ever wanted to know about the long-reigning monarch-matriarch's life, who very name conjures up the final days of Britain's Empire-ishness, the era of industrial revolution, and the proliferation of Victorian houses. She was an intriguingly contradictory human who appears to have experienced moments of… (read more)
Elves Don't Cry
Posted by on July 27, 2011
Tuesdays in June were noteworthy (in addition to the fun gig described in the previous post) for a limited theatrical engagement of The Lord of the Rings Extended Edition! YES! LOTR on a big screen. On Tuesdays! Why? Well the Blu-Ray of the extended version just came out, so what better way to pimp it than to show if off on the big screen--Peter Jackson: he's clever that way. Some of you may not,… (read more)
Les is More
Posted by on June 28, 2011
No speakers. No mics. No amps ( well--ok there was a mini-bass amp for electric bass). No subwoofer thumping. No spotlights, explosions, confetti, or pitch correction. Just three acts playing their tunes--and it was simply fab and I was ever so proud to be part of it.What it was was this:On Tuesday, June 7th Gary & I scooted over to Les Wisner's deceptively modest and increasingly-legendary music… (read more)
Quantum Mechanics, Marmalade, and Steroids
Posted by on May 29, 2011
Have you missed me dear readers? Hell's bells, I've missed YOU. I know it was a long hiatus. I wanted to leave a respectful margin after the milestone of the release of TRUE GRIT. Fear not, the time has been well spent! I have been writing songs rather than blogs--a process whose end result will be available for your delectation by and by (once we record said tunes and make them available to you the… (read more)
The True True Grit
Posted by Margrit Eichler on January 12, 2011
Of course we get the question from time to time--where did your band name come from? My name is actuallly truly spelled Margrit--nope, it's not an affectation, it's the spelling used by my mom's friend, my namesake, Margrit Vanderin. And then there's the book, True Grit. It's now been a movie twice over, and yes, we do indeed make reference to it in our band name. But how when and where does one find… (read more)
Blur at the Bottom of the Harvest of the Noe Valley Aubergine
Posted by on January 4, 2011
Andrew stayed in town for three weeks in October. We rehearsed a handful of new tunes. We played some gigs. This last clump of shows followed in the wake of over fifty appearances this past year. So. The last full band appearances (and really, the past 18 months) have blended together into a single glob in my head. Here's the glob:We launch into our set opener. I pound the keys. The kickdrum thumps,… (read more)
Trial by Juri Street
Posted by on December 10, 2010
Juri Street is in San Francisco. It is one block long. Gary lives on it (not on the street--he does have an apartment, y'all, and we promise that if one of the members of True Margrit becomes homeless, well, you'll be the first to know, kind readers).On October 3, 2010 we played at the 2nd Juri Street Block Party. The last one was in 2008. 2009 was skipped for some reason--I don't have any data on… (read more)
A Dangerously Big Head
Posted by on December 4, 2010
On October 1st we played at Kate Goodnight's rad women's music series: Womengig--at Caffe Trieste! We kicked off the night, roaring into our set with some newer tunes ("Comforting the Castaways", "Obvious Solutions", "Unreliable Narrator") and some older faves ("Syllable" and "50,000 Names"). What with our exuberance and the love coming back at us from the crowd, it was as though an electric beachball… (read more)
There Was a Lot of Glitter pt 2
Posted by on November 26, 2010
As some of you dear readers know, beyond writing tunes for True Margrit, I also score films. Recently, I composed a score for director/writer Scott Boswell's "The Stranger in Us", which has generated quite a buzz here in San Francisco at the Frameline Festival; plus it screened at many festivals around the country, it has won some awards, and garnered great reviews--including in Variety Magazine (wow).… (read more)
The Opposite Band
Posted by on August 18, 2010
Saturday August 7We stop at Pea Soup Andersons on Highway 5. We get to SF around 7:00 pm. We sleep.Sunday August 8Off we go to Bottom of the Hill at the crack of noon. We meet the (MANY—it varies from show to show, but today they are ten) members of Family Crest. Family Crest plays first. They are VERY adept at what they do, which is definitely in the Arcade Fire kind of vein, but with more pop-soul-tinged… (read more)
Mim's the Word
Posted by on August 15, 2010
In the morning we receive an email from David Bash generally thanking all the performers and asking if anyone accidentally took a black jacket from backstage at the venue—Steve Barton is missing his groovy 60’s coat. Andrew fesses up—he thought is was Gary’s jacket so he scooped it up & tossed it in the truck. Oops. We get in touch with Steve and make the joke he’s probably pretty sick of:… (read more)
Margrit & Margaret
Posted by on August 13, 2010
Thursday, August 5Picture this: I write a blog about how I undertake a mission to cook all the recipes in Margaret Cho's cookbook...no wait...wrong universe.OK. Picture this instead--since this DID happen:International Pop Overthrow Festival at the Echoplex in Echo Park in Los Angeles! IPO is indie-music tastemaker, David Bash’s baby—and his baby is now a teenager, this is the 13th year (time… (read more)
Tasmanian Angels
Posted by on August 12, 2010
Wednesday, August 4The guys arrive at my place a mere two hours later than they said they would and we’re off to Los Angeles (actually, our first southern Cal date is in Sherman Oaks at a fancy schmancy restaurant). Andrew drives like the wind through the central valley. It is boiling hot today (you guessed it, we have no AC), and with the aromas from Cowschwitz, Pea Soup Andersen's, and other loathsome… (read more)
Marc Time Flies
Posted by on August 10, 2010
Brad~Sunday, August 1The guys retrieve me from Brad’s at the crack of 10:30 and we hasten to KWVA where we are to appear in an interview on the Sunday Morning Hangover with Marc Time. He has requested that we bring some rarities, so we share some instrumental versions of songs from THE JUGGLER'S PROGRESS, some outtakes from Seaworthy, and some of my demos of new songs. Marc is an excellent, entertaining,… (read more)
I Live at my House
Posted by on August 10, 2010
Saturday, July 31On the way down to Eugene (where we play TONIGHT) we stop in Portland and have lunch with my brother Dan Eichler—yay!!!We zoom onward to Eugene and soon enough the True Margrit band is convening with Andrea and Joey at Rogue Brewery consuming delish items like beer, Kobe burgers, reubens, and more tater tots. Mmm, tots. Thus fortified, we walk down the block to our venue, Luckey’s… (read more)
It's a Little Eorthe After All
Posted by on August 7, 2010
Friday, July 30thToday we are heading to a potluck /openhouse/concert at an organic farm (Little Eorthe Farm run by Carrie Anne Little & Ken). I throw together some tater salad with olive oil & boiled eggs & celery & capers & onions and we promptly leave for the very farm from whence said taters sprang –whoa. We don’t have super far to go from Tacoma—we are going just outside of Orting, WA.… (read more)
Exposure
Posted by on August 6, 2010
Wednesday, July 28thBefore hitting the pillow in the wee hours, I find a little prezzie from Heather resting upon said pillow: a card and a Fran’s salted caramel. For it is my birthday, my friends. In the late late morning I arise and indulge in some strong black tea and some vocal and cardio warm-ups. Thus fortified I’m ready to face my year. I work for a while on some lyrics for a new song called,… (read more)
Seattle Two Ways
Posted by on August 5, 2010
Monday, July 26thMany hours of sleep roll by in technicolor REM for me. AWESOME! I feel revivified. In the morning I work out whilst Andrew is just working. We all head up to Seattle on this gigless night. Andrew & Heather meet a cousin of Andrew’s for a fancy seafood meal. Gary chills in the park meditatively overlooking the Pacific, then chows down on fancy seafood at a different eaterie. I wander… (read more)
The Leg Bone's Connected to the Jazzbone
Posted by on August 5, 2010
Saturday July 24thMy cousin Brook (& Mike's!) boisterous wedding festivities exact from each participant a payment of tears (and chuckles) of the type that friends and kin tender with joy and pride on such occasions. In other words--there's nary a dry eye in the Portland city park where the nuptial ceremony takes place. The reception continues in the same vein, with exuberant toasts to the cute and… (read more)
Between a Rock and a Coffee Place
Posted by on July 29, 2010
After the rehearsal for my cousin Brook's wedding, we repair to the rehearsal dinner/ blockparty/square dance. Pretty nifty. Pizza. Ice-cream. Bluegrass. I mingle with my family tree and then when the time is up, Gary & I scamper off to the venue for tonight's show--ROCK BAR and Coffee Lovers Cafe. They can't seem to choose between the two: Coffee or ROCK , so they wave both banners, presumably the… (read more)
Prelude to the Summer 2010 Multi-tasking "Healthy" Birthday Tour
Posted by on July 29, 2010
Tuesday, July 20thI'm in the locker room at my gym extracting my swimming gear from my backpack. Bathing suit. Check. Goggles. Check. Earplugs. Check. Bathing cap. Check. Thinking: yeah, cool, I'm fitting in one more trip to the pool before our tour.Gary calls. He says:"UH--I really need another day--how do you feel about leaving Thursday instead of tomorrow?"I say:"I'm cool with that--no worries,… (read more)
Everybody's a Critic
Posted by on June 12, 2010
A few years ago when a friend of mine was hanging out in my studio, she sat down at the piano and launched into a new song she wanted to share with me. I was enjoying the tune when, on the downbeat of the 24th bar, my cat Fuschia (an often ungainly feline) hurtled towards the piano and projectile-vomited onto the floor about five feet from my musician buddy. It was gross (and a little hilarious).… (read more)
No Time for Seafood Cuz We are True Margrit of SF
Posted by on May 16, 2010
Being Chapter the 18th of the 2010 SXSW Haiku & BBQ Tour..a novellaSunday, March 28thI don't know what fare Andrew and Gary throw together for breakfast over at Gary's place, but here we indulge in good old-fashioned Sunday brunch carbs and fat. BACON! EGGS! CHEESE! BUTTER! TOAST! ELIXIRS!Then I shower & then it's time to go. Just like that. We get to Bottom of the Hill and haul in the usual gear,… (read more)
Live Long and Prospero
Posted by on May 13, 2010
Being Chapter the 17th of the 2010 SXSW Haiku & BBQ Tour..a novellaSaturday, March 27thToday we finally get to see our kind Southern California host, the fabulously cool Lynn, which pleases us to no end. She seems genuinely happy about the Star Trek flask--she didn't have one yet! HAH! Excellent! We done good. She and Andrew do a bit of catching up, we all make sure to grab a shower, and then, sadly,… (read more)
Eighth Notes and a Pitcher of Beer
Posted by on May 11, 2010
Being Chapter the 16th of the 2010 SXSW Haiku & BBQ Tour..a novellaFriday, March 26thIn the morning we take the liberty of brewing some of Lynn's Taylors of Harrogate tea. Yum. Now, that's a proper English tea. In the resulting heightened caffeine-fueled state I hunker down in my room and finalize some lyrics to a new song: "Comforting the Castaways". For the next album...Andrew and Gary do some work… (read more)
Been Through the Desert on a Pizza with no Name
Posted by on May 10, 2010
Being Chapter the 15th of the 2010 SXSW Haiku & BBQ Tour..a novellaThursday, March 25th In the morning Ricky gets up and whips up a frittata for us all. Oh! Dreamy! We devour it gratefully and head over to the London Bridge. Yes, London Bridge. Oddly enough, a Victorian era Thames bridge from Londontown is here in Lake Havasu City, AZ. Weird and wonderful. We go and take a few pics. While I'm doing… (read more)
Interview with a Hamburger
Posted by on May 6, 2010
Being Chapter the 14th of the 2010 SxSW March into Spring Haiku & BBQ Tour-- (a novella)Wednesday, March 24th, 2010After far too little rest, we stir once again when the fancy coffee starts making itself known via celestial fragrances emanating from the kitchen. Teresa downs of the some elixir with the guys and sails off into her day. I dash a tear or two from my eye. Aww. Damn! It' been so very fun… (read more)
Dynamite Comes in Small Packages
Posted by on May 4, 2010
Being Chapter the 13th of THE 2010 SXSW MARCH into SPRING HAIKU & BBQ TOUR--a novellaTuesday, March 23rd, 2010I wake up and smell the coffee. Fancy coffee. Teresa's roommate, Heinz has a super-cool uber high-tech coffee-maker that can be set to have a steamy frothy beverage ready at any specified appointed hour. Apparently, it roasts the beans, then grinds them, then brews a single immaculate cup,… (read more)
Wilting at WIndmills
Posted by on May 3, 2010
Being Chapter the 12th of the 2010 SxSW March into Spring Haiku & BBQ Tour--a novellaMonday, March 22nd, 2010Tell me why I don't like Mondays? Today, it's chiefly due to the sad reality of getting up so early. We imbibe caffeinated beverages with our hosts, thank them profusely for putting us up /putting up with us, we return all our possessions to the truck, and with collective deep breaths we start… (read more)
The Ideal Texas BBQ Moment
Posted by on May 1, 2010
Being Chapter the 11th in the 2010 SxSW March into Spring Haiku & BBQ Tour-a novellaSunday, March 21stI awake in the zone of 10:00 am, not entirely sure where I am, or why...hmmm. Oh yes. Rock music. In Texas. The band is True Margrit and they're out spreading the word about their album "The Juggler's Progress". It all sounds familiar. I try it on for size. Yes. It fits. And now. Perhaps it is time… (read more)
An Outing with Batman & Robin
Posted by on April 29, 2010
Being Chapter the 10th in the 2010 SXSW March into Spring Haiku & BBQ Tour--a novellaSaturday, March 20th , 2010Morning comes really soon when you go to sleep at 4:30 am. Ye gods! What were we thinking? Well... hellfire. We start the shower queue while Michelle & Kurt fry up eggs, and butter toast, and brew coffee. Bless them.There is no wiggle room on departure time today. We have to get to Dallas… (read more)
The Wilds of Texas
Posted by on April 26, 2010
Being Chapter the 9th of The 2010 SxSW March into Spring Haiku & BBQ Tour--a novellaMarch 19th, 2010After such an arduous day-unto-night, we can't help but arise this morning only partially refreshed. But we are nonetheless ready to conquer the wilds of Texas. Tonight we have an adventure in store--a trip to an appealingly artsy-sounding venue called Studio 216 in the town of Granbury, TX. We head… (read more)
Chapter 8-Unnatural Selection
Posted by on April 21, 2010
(Being Chapter the 8th of True Margrit's 2010 March into Spring Haiku & BBQ Tour--a novella)March 18th, 2010Around 9:30 a.m. I crack open an eyelid and remember---ooh, today is THE BIG DAY (well, there are other BIG DAYS but this is one). First, we have a meeting with our radio promoter at the Austin Hilton and he says he just may have some good news for us--which makes us feel famous. Then we have… (read more)
Chapter 7-Fathers and Sons and Mothers and Daughters and Chicken and Waffles
Posted by on April 14, 2010
(Being Chapter the 7th of the 2010 SxSw March into Spring Haiku and BBQ tour--a novella)At the very crack of dawn--well, ok it's already 8:30---we all shuffle kitchenwards from whence the fragrance of coffee is emanating and Kenneth is cranking out Julia Child-style omelets. Oh. Yes. I have been working on my JC omelet technique--and I'm not bad at it. But as we learned on the previous tour, Andrew… (read more)
Chapter 6- Croissants in Texas
Posted by on April 12, 2010
The 2010 SxSW March into Spring Haiku & BBQ Tour (a novella)Chapter 6--Croissants in TexasMarch 16thToday we are to see some of my relatives (and play a gig in Dallas). My Aunt Judy & Uncle Kenneth live in Grapevine, TX--our next stop. It just so happens that my mom, Sonya Eichler, is visiting them. A wee family reunion-yay!We scoot down the road looking forward to the lunch promised by my uncle &… (read more)
Chapter 5- In Which We Learn Who Else Snores
Posted by on April 10, 2010
Claire and Steve go off to work, their daughters go off to school. We dally briefly and then get on the highway heading east. It's another travel-only day in which we mean to get ourselves not only to Texas, but across the dang state all the way to Abilene. It's far--hundreds o'miles. Get along little dogies.We zip through Southeastern Arizona and cross into Texas. While we fly through El Paso, I… (read more)
Chapter 4-Sweat Girl
Posted by on April 10, 2010
The 2010 SxSW March into Spring Haiku & BBQ TourChapter 4--Sweat GirlWe are loathe to leave in the morning--Brendan is a very interesting guy and there is some good chatting going on when I arise. I want to hear it all & participate but leave we must. We don't have a gig tonight, but we have deserts and state lines to cross, and...god knows. And to add to our general sleep-deprived disorientation,… (read more)
Chapter 3—Lady Luck
Posted by on April 9, 2010
The 2010 March into Spring Haiku & BBQ Tour (a novella) Chapter 3—Lady Luck(March 13th)In the morning the first thought in our collective brain is about Frank over at the GRIZZLY ROCK CAFE bragging about his breakfast...in particular, his signature recipe for sausage AND bacon gravy. We head over to the cafe in order to check it out. We are not disappointed. Andrew’s chicken fried steak is the… (read more)
This blog has moved
Posted by on April 3, 2010
This blog is now located at http://blog.truemargrit.com/. You will be automatically redirected in 30 seconds, or you may click here. For feed subscribers, please update your feed subscriptions to http://blog.truemargrit.com/feeds/posts/default. (read more)
Chapter 2--All Roads Lead to Turlock
Posted by on April 2, 2010
The 2010 March into Spring Haiku BBQ Tour (a novella) Chapter 2--All Roads Lead to Turlock ( March 12th )We arise not particularly refreshed (on account of insomnias one through four--see previous blog). Kevin whips up a massive breakfast of English muffins, bacon, eggs, and we slurp up cup after cup of black tea. OH YEAH. We talk politics, we all have our laptops out, Kevin & Danielle’s kitten,… (read more)
Chapter 2--All Roads Lead to Turlock
Posted by on April 2, 2010
The 2010 March into Spring Haiku BBQ Tour (a novella) Chapter 2--All Roads Lead to Turlock ( March 12th )We arise not particularly refreshed (on account of insomnias one through four--see previous blog). Kevin whips up a massive breakfast of English muffins, bacon, eggs, and we slurp up cup after cup of black tea. OH YEAH. We talk politics, we all have our laptops out, Kevin & Danielle's kitten, Daisy,… (read more)
The 2010 SxSW March into Spring Haiku & BBQ Tour--the novella
Posted by on April 1, 2010
Chapter One:The Road to HellMarch 11thWe all intended to start the tour in a leisurely and sane fashion, so, we agreed to leave no later than 2:00 pm, get up to Sacramento by 4:00--thus beating rush hour, and leaving time for a nice meal--and then we could proceed calmly and resolutely to OLD IRONSIDES in Sacramento, CA for the first gig of the tour. These intentions were dashed. I went off for an… (read more)
The 2010 SxSW March into Spring Haiku & BBQ Tour--the novella
Posted by on April 1, 2010
Chapter One:The Road to HellMarch 11thWe all intended to start the tour in a leisurely and sane fashion, so, we agreed to leave no later than 2:00 pm, get up to Sacramento by 4:00--thus beating rush hour, and leaving time for a nice meal--and then we could proceed calmly and resolutely to OLD IRONSIDES in Sacramento, CA for the first gig of the tour. These intentions were dashed. I went off for an… (read more)
2010 SxSW March into Spring Haiku BBQ Tour--DAY FIVE
Posted by on March 19, 2010
"Not just fuel & food"At the next exitMaracas and whips in caseWe lose the drumkit"Texas is Big"When I shut my eyesStill see the landscape movingWhere is Motel 6?"Gary & Andrew drinking ROCKSTARs"Some beveragesCan level the peeing fieldNext exit--please stop"Insomnia #6"I wake myself upIt turns out that I snore tooThrow pillows at me (read more)
2010 SxSW March into Spring Haiku BBQ Tour--DAY FIVE
Posted by on March 19, 2010
"Not just fuel & food"At the next exitMaracas and whips in caseWe lose the drumkit"Texas is Big"When I shut my eyesStill see the landscape movingWhere is Motel 6?"Gary & Andrew drinking ROCKSTARs"Some beveragesCan level the peeing fieldNext exit--please stop"Insomnia #6"I wake myself upIt turns out that I snore tooThrow pillows at me (read more)
2010 SxSW March into Spring Haiku BBQ Tour--DAY FOUR
Posted by on March 19, 2010
"Primitive" by AndrewMe Tarzan you JaneMe write good haiku, yes? No.Thank you Jane. Thank you."Prime Rib 7.99" by GaryLet's lunch in LaughlinAll you can eat buffet beefJust like in our song"After Eating All You Can Eat"Generating fumesDelay climbing in the truckIt's still in my pants"Arizona Hosts"Tucson is fartherThan anybody expectsClaire is so patient (read more)
2010 SxSW March into Spring Haiku BBQ Tour--DAY FOUR
Posted by on March 19, 2010
"Primitive" by AndrewMe Tarzan you JaneMe write good haiku, yes? No.Thank you Jane. Thank you."Prime Rib 7.99" by GaryLet's lunch in LaughlinAll you can eat buffet beefJust like in our song"Post-All You Can Eat"Generating fumesDelay climbing in the truckIt's still in my pants"Arizona Hosts"Tucson is fartherThan anybody expectsClaire is so patient (read more)
2010 SxSW March into Spring Haiku BBQ Tour--DAY THREE
Posted by on March 19, 2010
"Grizzly Rock Cafe Breakfast" Waitress indignantThat's no Mickey Mouse pancakeRecall where you are"Las Vegas at Dusk"Vast expanse of sandThe light beam from the Luxor Can be seen from space"Boomers Bar #1"Play in the back roomMusic makes strangers and friendsListen together"Boomers Bar #2"They seem to like itOur song about Las VegasCalled 500 Years"Boomers Bar #3"Sign up on our listI will gladly hold… (read more)
2010 SxSW March into Spring Haiku BBQ Tour--DAY THREE
Posted by on March 19, 2010
"Grizzly Rock Cafe Breakfast" Waitress indignantThat's no Mickey Mouse pancakeRecall where you are"Las Vegas at Dusk"Vast expanse of sandThe light beam from the Luxor Can be seen from space"Boomers Bar #1"Play in the back roomMusic makes strangers and friendsListen together"Boomers Bar #2"They seem to like itOur song about Las VegasCalled 500 Years"Boomers Bar #3"Sign up on our listI will gladly hold… (read more)
SxSW March into Spring 2010 Tour--Day Two in Haiku
Posted by on March 14, 2010
Breakfast #1Bacon eggs muffinsKevin cooks a masterpieceWe are fortifiedDeparture #2Nevada CityIs just father than we thoughtUnloading real fastTelevisionCameras are onThe first two verses go greatEek I flub the bridgeTelevision #2The song is overI try to knock Andrew downHe's bigger than meTurlockWe're getting hungryLet's hit Grizzly Rock Cafe Frank serves great grubTurlock #2We all eat some beefGetting… (read more)
SxSW March into Spring 2010 Tour--Day Two in Haiku
Posted by on March 14, 2010
Breakfast #1Bacon eggs muffinsKevin cooks a masterpieceWe are fortifiedDeparture #2Nevada CityIs just father than we thoughtUnloading real fastTelevisionCameras are onThe first two verses go greatEek I flub the bridgeTelevision #2The song is overI try to knock Andrew downHe's bigger than meTurlockWe're getting hungryLet's hit Grizzly Rock Cafe Frank serves great grubTurlock #2We all eat some beefGetting… (read more)
2010 SxSW Tour -PHOTOS-DAY ONE
Posted by on March 13, 2010
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2010 SxSW Tour -PHOTOS-DAY ONE
Posted by on March 13, 2010
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2010 SxSW Tour-in Haiku (Day One)
Posted by on March 12, 2010
San FranciscoWe can't leave town yetHaircut stress broken drumheadPerhaps we're not saneDepartureStill not ready Margrit forgets her keyboardPack the truck let's goTMMCTCC (True Margrit Mobile Communications and Technology Command CenterI blog in the truck World wide web on the dongleThat is what she saidSacramentoThough we depart lateOLD IRONSIDES right on timeWe have a great gigHungryAfter rocking… (read more)
2010 SxSW Tour-in Haiku (Day One)
Posted by on March 12, 2010
San FranciscoWe can’t leave town yetHaircut stress broken drumheadPerhaps we’re not saneDepartureStill not ready Margrit forgets her keyboardPack the truck let’s goTMMCTCC (True Margrit Mobile Communications and Technology Command CenterI blog in the truck World wide web on the dongleThat is what she saidSacramentoThough we depart lateOLD IRONSIDES right on timeWe have a great gigHungryAfter… (read more)
Bee Hives Behave
Posted by on February 18, 2010
Sunday, February 14th, 5:30 am After the soothing buttered toast I drift off like a little bitty baby. Until... huh? what was that? Somebody stirs downstairs & I awake to a feeling of total disorientation. Where on the green and pleasant earth am I?? It takes moment or two but then I recall it all: the tour, Eugene, Luckey's last night, we are crashing at the home of our kind & gracious hosts, Marc… (read more)
Bee Hives Behave
Posted by on February 18, 2010
Sunday, February 14th, 5:30 am After the soothing buttered toast I drift off like a little bitty baby. Until... huh? what was that? Somebody stirs downstairs & I awake to a feeling of total disorientation. Where on the green and pleasant earth am I?? It takes moment or two but then I recall it all: the tour, Eugene, Luckey's last night, we are crashing at the home of our kind & gracious hosts, Marc… (read more)
Feeling Luckey
Posted by on February 17, 2010
Saturday, February 13thAndrew sleeps about 12 hours, but his voice still sounds like gravel pouring through a didgeridoo. We go out for brunch while he hunkers down for an additional nap. Poor sickly thing.Gary & I eat at Bread & Ink Cafe with my brother, Dan. It is quite delish--I do recommend it! After our meal we say our goodbyes to my bro & go south on Highway 5 toward Eugene, where our next rock… (read more)
Stumptown
Posted by on February 17, 2010
Nobody is in a terribly good mood in the morning. The average amount of sleep that anyone managed to get seems to be two hours. Yikes. Feeling a wee bit fragile. Gary takes the initiative & procures breakfast sandwiches for all. Our hero. Thus fortified we are able to start the day.We load up our luggages, toss them into the car, and pile ourselves into two vehicles--for, after the shows in Oregon… (read more)
After-Party of the North
Posted by on February 17, 2010
Before the show at BOB's JAVA JIVE came to a close, I received a series of phone calls from my nephew, Elan Eichler. He was stopping by the club, no, he couldn't make it in time, ok, he was stopping by the house.The band got back to the house and received Valentine's cookies from Heather--aww SWEET! Literally. I did some laundry (as described in the previous post), we all snacked, Andrew headed to… (read more)
Not for the Faint of Heart
Posted by on February 16, 2010
BOB's JAVA JIVE is a gloriously and truly funky dive located in an industrial section of Tacoma, WA, known as Nalley Valley. Roman Meal bread has its headquarters there, as well as Nalley Valley Chili. Uh...yum?.... or yuck? I've had Roman Meal bread--it's pretty good toasted with butter ( what isn't good with butter?). I have not had Nalley Chili...Anyhoo, if you click on the above link you can see… (read more)
Over Le Top
Posted by on February 11, 2010
Off the members of True Margrit go towards their gig in Olympia, WA through rain and... well just rain. They arrive at Le Voyeur and hoist the gear from the truck into Le Voyeur's back room which is a study in blue and red and black.And lest we forget, the room is merrily festooned with diverse accoutrements such as an...eggbird? A dead bird...a must-have for any discriminating backroom venue's feng… (read more)
Day off at the Dog Park
Posted by on February 10, 2010
A bald eagle at a Tacoma dog park. Good thing it didn't dive down upon the wee canine scampering below. (read more)
Seattle!
Posted by on February 10, 2010
We arrive a bit early at our venue Fuel which is inexplicably guarded by a blue pig. I never get to the bottom of the porcine reference--although there is a pork sandwich on the menu. We hang at a table, waiting for the sound man to arrive. There are many televisions--for, Fuel is a Sports Bar AND a rock club AND restaurant. So many things to so many humans. We load in our gear, soundcheck, play tunes… (read more)
Bellingham: 48.75°N 122.48°W Elev. 30 ft
Posted by on February 10, 2010
We arrive in Bellingham at dusk. The sky has deepened to a robust Navy blue. There's a light breeze that is chilly. We take some flyers for the evening's show to a few locations along the Artwalk route (a monthly gallery crawl). We meet Django from Seatthole--the folks that made our t-shorts & stickers. He kindheartedly takes some flyers to distribute to artwalkers who pass through his gallery. We… (read more)
Our Dome Away From Home
Posted by on February 5, 2010
Wednesday night. Milton, WA. Rain drizzles. True Margrit drives up to the CEDARWOOD DOME. It is duly noted by the band that it is, yes it really is a dome--quite large, really, in the geodesic persuasion. It is painted flat white and not garishly festooned with neon or other unnecessary architectural accessories. Outlandish yet matter of fact--there it stands, as if to say by its very presence: "but… (read more)
Pics of the Week
Posted by on February 3, 2010
AT EL RIO ( photo by Tom Erikson!)Here's that massive moon we all enjoyed this week --on the way to our Willits show.travel day...hmmmm--did we take a wrong turn? (read more)
Juggling & Progressing
Posted by on February 1, 2010
Well, last weekend was our big video shoot, then during the week we rehearsed, learned a new song ("Obvious Solutions") and then on Friday night we got to play at EL RIO for our international album street date celebration for THE JUGGLER'S PROGRESS. It was a spectacularly fun night that started with an excellent set from soon-to-be uber famous, Blair Hansen who wowed the crowd with pitch-perfect powerhouse… (read more)
SO MANY True Margrit Irons in the Fire
Posted by on January 25, 2010
Isn't that expression odd? "Irons in the fire"--are we branding cattle? Nay! And yet, are we not ranchers of songs? We are. Oh yes. Get along little dogies.Anyhoo. This week, my friends, is chock full of Margritty goodness!!For one thing, you can catch us live at our Official Celebration for the International Release of The Juggler's Progress Show at EL RIO This Friday (January 29th 9pm)!Also playing:… (read more)
The Juggler's Progress is in Motion!!
Posted by on January 15, 2010
So, do you know fair readers that Tuesday, January 19th, 2010 is the Official International Street Date for our fab new album, THE JUGGLER's PROGRESS!!(wacky photo from our location scouting expedition for our upcoming music video shoot) We are doing the first Juggler's Progress tour of 2010 starting in the bay area on:Friday, January 29that El Rio with Blair Hansen and The Shebangs. And then: Streetlight… (read more)
In 2010 We are all Gonna Win
Posted by on December 30, 2009
Wow. 2010...that sounds so sci-fi. In about 36 hours we will be done with that difficult challenging decade we all just endured. I, for one, am ready for a new, better, greener, funner, and sweeter decade--that last one was a doozy, wasn't it?. Let's go!So I know the question uppermost in your brains is: what's coming up for your favorite San Francisco-based, sweet & surreal piano-pop trio (yeah-that's… (read more)
The Blur at the End of the Year
Posted by on December 13, 2009
I always picture the last few weeks of the year like a stream of water speeding up as the last bit goes down the drain--time seems to zoom by at the end of the year, doesn't it? It's almost a blur.Anyhoo. Many many many thank yous are in order to SO many people for making 2009 a fab & fun & fancy year for True Margrit. Here are two important categories (some of you are in both category 1& 2! You rock)1)… (read more)
One for the Ages
Posted by on November 17, 2009
After taking Saturday, November 14th REALLY easy--we all sleep & eat quite a lot-- Sunday, November 15th 2009 dawns, clear and cool with breezes out of the west. The members of True Margrit rise somewhat later...I wake up from a dream about the show in which GRIDDLE perversely insist on playing their set at 4:30 am in the Steve Allen Theatre (the Hollywood venue where we played the Tomorrow Show last… (read more)
Friday the 13th--or, Turlock & Load
Posted by on November 17, 2009
We hasten up the pike To Elk Grove and arrive at Kevin & Danielle's lovely airy abode around one am--oops, we are kinda inconsiderate. Kevin doesn't bat an eye at our late arrival, and in fact stays up chatting with us, offering us beers (Andrew continues his evening's impressive beer-count) and San Pellegrinos (that's what Gary & I opt for--yum--so refreshing after rocking out!)Kevin then introduces… (read more)
PS Pictures of Glitter!
Posted by on November 17, 2009
Oops-- a bunch of pix were taken from The Fox and Goose show--why not share them with you, my friends? True Margrit action shot... our name in lightsCory & Laura B from Hot Mix 106 pose with us after the interviewTrue Margrit action shots... (read more)
There was a lot of Glitter
Posted by on November 14, 2009
Sunday, November 8th: another travel day... we plan to zoom up Highway 5 back to San Francisco! We leave as early as we can bear to (considering that after getting back from the Tomorrow Show we went to sleep sometime after 4 am). And we do our best to zoom. But we are still one hundred miles from San Francisco when the sun sets.We pass through a landscape that looks a lot like THE JUGGLER's PROGRESS… (read more)
Tomorrow and Tomorrow and Tomorrow Show
Posted by on November 13, 2009
Notwithstanding the above date that I'm posting this entry-- for the purposes of the story I'm telling y'all it is now Saturday, November 7th 2009.Since our gig tonight isn't until midnight, Gary & I head down to Hermosa Beach & visit more of my family! YAY!That's my very own sis, MIM EICHLER RIVAS who is famous and cool....and her hubby, my bro-in-law (also hella famous) VICTOR RIVAS RIVERS! and… (read more)
Trip to Trip
Posted by on November 13, 2009
We head over to Santa Monica around 2pm to grab a bite & chill. The traffic is---well, it's L.A. ... y'know. By the time we park, we are getting the low blood sugar, grouchy, sleep-deprived, we live out of suitcases, we have been around each other a LOT feelings that make it hard to think straight enough to choose a restaurant. And there are so many options on Santa Monica's 3rd Street Promenade.… (read more)
SOUTH!
Posted by on November 12, 2009
It's now Thursday, November 5th and we head off for Los Angeles around 10:30, newly revivified ( to a certain extent) by our downtime in San Francisco.We make excellent time, shooting past the usual landmarks in California's vast Central Valley. The windmills. The sad and massive beef cattle holding pens of Harris Ranch--which some locals with a dark comic bent refer to as,"Cowshwitz".We also see… (read more)
Hot Dogs, Sandwiches, Kids
Posted by on November 12, 2009
Nov 2 is to be a travel day--after which we have two whole days off before our Los Angeles shows. After a tasty breakfast at Golden Harvest in Eureka we head south-that is, after the waitress runs out to the parking waving Gary's credit card which he left on our table. The ongoing theme of feorgetting our belongings continues...The scenery is quite lovely traveling down Highway 1.And tasty is the… (read more)
Going to California
Posted by on November 12, 2009
Sunday, November 1st, 2009, 7:45 am: I am awakened by Andrew who is intoning my name in a mysterious dialect that utilizes a very soft r --sorta like: "mawgwit". Ugh--that wasn't very much sleep. But we have to drive down the coast to Arcata, CA & it's pretty far. We get ourselves all bundled into the vehicles and off we go down Highway One. About an hour out of Newport, I realize I'm not wearing… (read more)
Of Vampires and Meat Pies
Posted by on November 11, 2009
On Saturday, October 31st 2009 we drive down to Newport, Oregon to Nana's Irish Pub. It's a wee pretty town with a gorgeous beach. We meet Nana's three proprietresses who are all dressed as fetching vampires and who treat us like royalty with:1) a bungalow to sleep in2) a SCRUMPTIOUS Nana's meal including fish & chips, meat pie, and sausages with glorious fixins ( and later bread pudding--yum!)3)… (read more)
More is Betterer
Posted by on November 11, 2009
The next morning (Friday, October 30th 2009) dawns damp. I reflect upon the mountain named Mt Rainier and how its name could be properly interpreted as an adjective--because you know my friends, there are mountains in states that get a few inches of rain, and mountains in states that are more rainy, but Washington--the home of the volcano in question--is just rainier.Anyhoo.Around noon we realize… (read more)
Cougars & Cougars
Posted by on November 11, 2009
It is late when I rise the morning after the Jazzbones gig. I resolve to take Ernest the canine on a nice long walk on our day off. Just as I'm leaving with dog in tow, Andrew informs me that a cougar has been sighted in a neighbor's tree, mere blocks away. Hmmm. Scary...but the cougar already hit on me last night and I survived--after all, I'm brave!As it turns out, Ernest & I are not to be the feast… (read more)
Hump Day
Posted by on November 4, 2009
So. It's Wednesday, October 28th, 2009 and the gig we are to play tonight is the SEVENTH SHOW in as MANY DAYS. We know rationally that we get Thursday off --but today Thursday is as far away as Mars. We once again require diner food to jumpstart the day's rock--this time Gary & I hit Old Milwaukee Cafe. Friends, I have one word, well ok two: homemade scones. Yes ma'am. Split open before delivery at… (read more)
Food & Sleep: Day-Six-Without-a-Break
Posted by on November 4, 2009
Come morning, the voice in our heads intones: "Hey True Margrit! You just played five gigs in five nights across two states, riding autos, trucks, and ferries playing for teens,toddlers, hipsters, baby-boomer parents, bikers, and punk rockers! What are you gonna do NOW!???"BREAKFAST AT SOUTHERN KITCHEN!yummyThis is a corn cake (so good it could be called a porn cake). Fried Okra--way better than the… (read more)
Tell Me Why I do Love Mondays
Posted by on November 4, 2009
I wanna rock the whole night down.So, after our mellow stay in Portland, OR, we head back up the pike to Olympia, WA ( who routed this madcap zigzag tour--oops, that's me). We arrive at Charlie's Tavern as Monday night football is ending and the opening band, SLUGBAIT sets up their gear. They roar through a rousing set of garage punk joy, and we see that our task this evening is clear: to rock. And… (read more)
What Was In-Store?
Posted by on November 3, 2009
What indeed was in store for us after that crazy crazy night in Olympia?? ( you can read about that crazy day/night--October 24th, 2009--here...)Well, on Sunday October 25th, 2009, we rushed our sleepy selves from Tacoma, WA to Portland, OR for a 5:00pm in-store at Music Millennium. We did our darndest to sing pretty & rock out & not go hurtling off the balcony whilst we played for the nice folks… (read more)
In Memoriam, Jason Wertz
Posted by on October 29, 2009
We received the shocking news that our friend, Jason Wertz passed away unexpectedly a few weeks ago. Jason was the loving partner of our session bassoonist, Ned Howey. Our hearts go out to Ned, Jason's family, my roommate James who was his best friend, and all of Jason's many other friends, clients and admirers. Jason always seemed like a kind of a post-modern prince to me--a wildly intelligent, witty,… (read more)
In Memoriam, Jason Wertz
Posted by on October 29, 2009
We received the shocking news that our friend, Jason Wertz passed away unexpectedly a few weeks ago. Jason was the loving partner of our session bassoonist, Ned Howey. Our hearts go out to Ned, Jason's family, my roommate James who was his best friend, and all of Jason's many other friends, clients and admirers. Jason always seemed like a kind of a post-modern prince to me--a wildly intelligent, witty,… (read more)
Of Rock, Brawls & Ladycops
Posted by on October 26, 2009
On Saturday, Heather & I head out for a wee hike with Ernest in tow. Heather is driving Andrew's truck, and we get pulled over on account of Andrew's expired tags. The Policewoman is benevolent ( after a very serious show of sternness), and opts not to ticket Heather, but comments that two years is a REALLY long time to let the tags lapse. We sheepishly drive on. Heather calls Andrew to inform him.We… (read more)
Of Rock, Brawls & Ladycops
Posted by on October 26, 2009
On Saturday, Heather & I head out for a wee hike with Ernest in tow. Heather is driving Andrew's truck, and we get pulled over on account of Andrew's expired tags. The Policewoman is benevolent ( after a very serious show of sternness), and opts not to ticket Heather, but comments that two years is a REALLY long time to let the tags lapse. We sheepishly drive on. Heather calls Andrew to inform him.We… (read more)
Shooting Pies
Posted by on October 24, 2009
In the a.m. after our Cozmic Pizza show, we chat with our hosts--Barb and Marc Time for a spell. Barb rescues feral cats and makes sure they are spayed/neutered. She introduces us to the cats she is feeding and helping. Marc tells us about the Mysterious Case of the Junction City Panty Burglar, and thus edified we hit the none-too-dry road.Breakfast @ Pioneer Villa, truckstop/restaurant-- many pies,… (read more)
Shooting Pies
Posted by on October 24, 2009
In the a.m. after our Cozmic Pizza show, we chat with our hosts--Barb and Marc Time for a spell. Barb rescues feral cats and makes sure they are spayed/neutered. She introduces us to the cats she is feeding and helping. Marc tells us about the Mysterious Case of the Junction City Panty Burglar, and thus edified we hit the none-too-dry road.Breakfast @ Pioneer Villa, truckstop/restaurant-- many pies,… (read more)
Cocorrection
Posted by on October 24, 2009
Oopsie! In regard to the ps on the previous post:Koko wasn't Coco she was Koko! AND--she was a lowland gorilla, not a chimp. But still... (read more)
Cocorrection
Posted by on October 24, 2009
Oopsie! In regard to the ps on the previous post:Koko wasn't Coco she was Koko! AND--she was a lowland gorilla, not a chimp. But still... (read more)
COCO
Posted by on October 23, 2009
Hmmmm. The names of the two most recent venues we've played at start with the letters "co" (that is, the COMET TAVERN in Seattle and COZMIC PIZZA in Eugene. If you splice together two "co"s'like so: "COCO" you get the name of a club in San Francisco that no longer exists ( THE COCO CLUB) where Gary & I used to play with former lineups of the True Margrit band and Andrew used to play with other bands--but… (read more)
COCO
Posted by on October 23, 2009
Hmmmm. The names of the two most recent venues we've played at start with the letters "co" (that is, the COMET TAVERN in Seattle and COZMIC PIZZA in Eugene. If you splice together two "co"s'like so: "COCO" you get the name of a club in San Francisco that no longer exists ( THE COCO CLUB) where Gary & I used to play with former lineups of the True Margrit band and Andrew used to play with other bands--but… (read more)
THE JUGGLER's PROGRESS is available DIGITALLY ...NOW!
Posted by on October 20, 2009
YES! The digital release of our album is today: OCTOBER 20th! It's available everywhere that offers music digitally--for example...iTunes! If you want a physical CD with all the pretty artwork, lyrics, liner notes, and suchlike you can Pre-order THE JUGGLER's PROGRESS Or better yet, come to a gig--we will have CDs at them all , oh yes yes yes (including at our BIG ALBUM LAUNCH LUNCH BBQ matinee at… (read more)
THE JUGGLER's PROGRESS is available DIGITALLY ...NOW!
Posted by on October 20, 2009
YES! The digital release of our album is today: OCTOBER 20th! It's available everywhere that offers music digitally--for example...iTunes! If you want a physical CD with all the pretty artwork, lyrics, liner notes, and suchlike you can Pre-order THE JUGGLER's PROGRESS Or better yet, come to a gig--we will have CDs at them all , oh yes yes yes (including at our BIG ALBUM LAUNCH LUNCH BBQ matinee at… (read more)
ps a bit more about Bob's Java Jive
Posted by on October 20, 2009
1)Duke Ellington reportedly played there once!2) At the end of our set someone called out offering to have my children-- ie, a very friendly crowd!3) The headquarters for Roman Meal Bread is across the street!Next up: SEATTLE's COMET TAVERN ... and soon: look out for the True Margrit Cooking show-- a tasty new series...yum. (read more)
ps a bit more about Bob's Java Jive
Posted by on October 20, 2009
1)Duke Ellington reportedly played there once!2) At the end of our set someone called out offering to have my children-- ie, a very friendly crowd!3) The headquarters for Roman Meal Bread is across the street!Next up: SEATTLE's COMET TAVERN ... and soon: look out for the True Margrit Cooking show-- a tasty new series...yum. (read more)
Sunbreaks
Posted by on October 17, 2009
So many appetizing sights on Highway 5. .. We are reunited with Andrew in Tacoma. We hang out. We rehearse. We sleep. We awake. Andrew makes us all delish eggs. We rehearse. It rains. There are sunbreaks (in the pacific Northwest it rains a LOT, so sunbreak is the term used for the short intervals between downpours/ or total overcast). We suit up for an EVA --uh, I mean for first gig of the tour (at… (read more)
Sunbreaks
Posted by on October 17, 2009
So many appetizing sights on Highway 5. .. We are reunited with Andrew in Tacoma. We hang out. We rehearse. We sleep. We awake. Andrew makes us all delish eggs. We rehearse. It rains. There are sunbreaks (in the pacific Northwest it rains a LOT, so sunbreak is the term used for the short intervals between downpours/ or total overcast). We suit up for an EVA --uh, I mean for first gig of the tour (at… (read more)
Travel Day #1 ( of The Juggler's Progress Tour~)
Posted by on October 16, 2009
10 am: More packing of the car. 12:25 pm: travel underway.We listen to lots of music--the Mono mix of Sgt Pepper ( neat-o!), The Clutter Family's new CD--"It's Not About the Music" ( very funny & good), "The Lamb Lies Down on Broadway" by Genesis ( LOVE it--haven't heard it in SO long. Peter Gabriel is an international treasure).Department of New Stuff I Learned from Gary, part one:The reason Japanese… (read more)
Food--a love story on the run
Posted by on October 12, 2009
As our first tour dates in Washington & Oregon draw near we are looking forward to playing lots of music & meeting lots of people...and to all the FOOD! (in my family when some sibling or parent or aunt or uncle went somewhere exotic the main question was always: "So, what did you have?" meaning: WHAT yummy stuff DID YOU EAT whilst traveling???) On one of my previous trips to Portland, Oregon, I had… (read more)
Freebird in Oxford
Posted by on September 24, 2009
A musician must do what a musician must do for the spirit of rock n' roll--even if it's a hazardous photo session in front of Abbey Road Studios (it gets dicey with that key issue that the traffic is coming from the opposite direction an American expects...eek). But all so worth it-- to get to tread in THE FAMOUS CROSSWALK~~~think of all the Fab Four did mere meters away from this spot... YEAH YEAH… (read more)
Of Albums, Jet Lag, and Tuppence
Posted by on September 15, 2009
As you folks hear about Gary recuperating bravely from knee surgery and about Andrew slaving over a hot radio & press promo campaign for True Margrit's imminent release (THE JUGGLER's PROGRESS) you might ask: where the hell is Margrit? Why, I'm in England! I've been here about 36 hours (I think...jet lag is no joke, friends) . Don't worry though-- before I left I did my part for the launch, too: I… (read more)
Knee Notes (Meniscal Musings?)
Posted by on September 3, 2009
With all the activity surrounding the imminent release of The Juggler's Progress, I've had to 'juggle' (see how I tied that in there?) work on completing the mixing and mastering of our little opus with some recent issues with my knees. My second love (after being in True Margrit) for some 16 years) is swing dancing- Lindy Hop, East Coast Swing, Charleston and others. About three months ago I tore… (read more)
Stardate 8/27/09
Posted by on August 27, 2009
Last night? Working on a film score (for Scott Boswell's "Burn LIke FIre") unto the wee hours, tuning the guitar to an open E flat, recording some music with this nice open tuning. Emailing clubs about the tour.Today?Emailing clubs about tour, recording more tracks with the open tuning, taking a break from music & swimming a mile-- and whilst walking home from the pool, working out lyrics in my head… (read more)
Bubble Tea Reality
Posted by on August 21, 2009
Howdy! Didja miss me? I missed y'all! We've sure had a busy time of late. Can I tell you? OK I will. To do so I must go backwards in time (not unlike our song "Hours in Reverse")! So, back back we go! Back to late July:We played at the Summer 2009/Leo Birthdays Celebration installment of the CIndy Buck Presents Yard Concert Series...and it was good. Actually good is too mild a word (though biblical… (read more)
Inch by Mile
Posted by on July 23, 2009
An Apology of Sorts:Oh dear! How long it's been since my last post! I did not intend to neglect y'all, my sweet readers! I must say I've felt a bit overcome--it's been an eventful summer, filled very nearly to bursting with sorrows, joys, high highs, low low, bitterness, sweetness, the sublime and the pernicious. To summarize --in words and not just pics:The east coast acoustic micro-tour (as seen… (read more)
micro-tour gallery
Posted by on June 25, 2009
Banjo Jim's : last gig of 2009 east coast acoustic micro tour The piano at Banjo Jim's! & hey! A big thanks to all who put me up, came to gigs, and listened--xoxo (read more)
Boba Fett Fete in Union Square
Posted by on June 17, 2009
what more can you say? (read more)
More from the micro tour
Posted by on June 16, 2009
SQUIRREL!!! A tour car ( not mine--I'm travelling light, playing in venues with acoustic pianos) This is Round the House's gear. ! Back to NYC!!! (read more)
WESU--1st station to play songs from THE JUGGLER's PROGRESS!
Posted by on June 12, 2009
video: random chatting w Rubee in the car about the big 4 Non-Blondes hit "What's Up" (read more)
east coast acoustic micro...uh, tour (pt one)
Posted by on June 11, 2009
above are various pix running around in NYC on wednesday afternoon--check out the bizarre marionette photo shoot...whoa.And then in the evening I played at Caffe Vivaldi in the west village. As I was saying when I get cut off in my audio-challenged video portion of this post, they have a very nice baby grand piano. More pix of the actual gig on the way... (read more)
flying to NYC
Posted by on June 9, 2009
Altitude: 35,ooo feetAirspeed: 565 mphoutside air temp: -67F (read more)
Base Camp! Bass Amp! Alive Alive -O!
Posted by on May 27, 2009
I was just googling True Margrit ( c'mon, don't you google your band sometimes?) & guess what ? Our song "Electricity" from SEAWORTHY was an example of the "modern waltz" on a Pandora podcast about meter/time signatures/rhythm! see! we're an example on a Pandora blog!And.For you nice readers I shall own up to all of my obsessions-- other than self-googling--in due course. The confession du jour? For… (read more)
True Margrit, False Margrit & Margrit Eichler Ph.D
Posted by on May 25, 2009
Did y'all know there are TWO Margrit EIchlers?? Yep! It's true. One is me--Margrit Eichler, songwriter/singer/ pianoplayer & your hostess here on the True Margrit Captain's Log. The other is Margrit Eichler Ph.D-- a Canadian author/ sociologist specializing in gender studies/ feminism at University of Toronto. If you google "Margrit Eichler" you'll in fact get the both of us! This happened recently… (read more)
What's Next?
Posted by on April 9, 2009
Well, I know I keep saying, " we're almost there, we're almost there". But now it's really upon us. The final tweaks to the mixes on our new album, THE JUGGLER's PROGRESS are happening in the next few upcoming days....and then... you might ask, what's next? Well. Mastering. An important step in the recording process. Then the master gets sent to a replication plant and we duplicate it in glorious… (read more)
Dead is the New 40
Posted by on March 3, 2009
Many of y'all may not realize that True Margrit has been a band for twenty years! ( Which makes me 83!)But seriously-not only is it dreadfully exciting that work on our fifth album ( THE JUGGLER's PROGRESS) is winding up, but we have this milestone to celebrate!I remember the original bassist (Robert Geller) and guitarist (Shannon Mehaffey) arriving at my house for band practice on the evening of… (read more)
Trebuchet in 3D
Posted by on February 17, 2009
Since I'm working on a science fiction rock opera, I've been forced to watch a lot of late night sci fi dvds. Some are good and some... not so much ( of course with Battlestar Galactica reaching its mighty series climax who can compete??)Anyhoo, I watched "Lathe of Heaven" with the sloe-eyed Lukas Haas and the ever excellent David Strathairn--the film is just ok, though the cast is great, and the… (read more)
Compelling & Compiling
Posted by on December 23, 2008
HI Y'all! Wow! The end of the the year is often most compelling by virtue of the films that get trotted out late to have a good shot at Oscars, and so far this year is no exception. I was really impressed with the script, acting, direction, total concept for "Frost/Nixon. ALSO, "Milk" is devastating ( esp if you are from San Francisco and ESPECIALLY if you see it at the Castro Theatre so close to… (read more)
Buzz for NYC
Posted by on December 11, 2008
Howdy--I've been meaning to tell all y'all all about all this, so let's all go back in time a few weeks, shall we?Toward the end of November I played a solo set at Alex Walsh's CD Release show at Bazaar Cafe. Alex is a very very talented singer/songwriter /guitarist and he's recently been doing some writing about his engagement with Buddhism-- as heard in many of the tunes from his show (and his new… (read more)
New, newer, newest
Posted by on November 21, 2008
HI Y'all. Plugging away at vocal comps ( that's fancy studio talk for finding the good bits) for our eternally forthcoming album, "THE JUGGLER's PROGRESS"And when we have some rough ( or FINAL!!!) mixes y'all will be the first to hear about it right here on True Margrit TV.IN the meantime here are some tunes not yet recorded--well except these humble demos. Check out theseNEW SONGS here!!I'm playing… (read more)
OBAMA!
Posted by on November 6, 2008
Dearest readers, I feel so very exalted & humbled to be witness to this once-in-a-century election. Last night. Oh. My. God.Pix speak more voluminously than mere words, so here's my Election Day 2008 photo album with a few helpful captions.First off, here's a ( blurry, I know) shot from an Obama phone bank event at Four Barrels Cafe in SF where David & I went on election eve to do our part to help… (read more)
More about July
Posted by on October 21, 2008
And then we were so tired from the mini-tour that we devolved into rudimentary vertebrates-alas. (read more)
Meanwhile, back in July...
Posted by on October 21, 2008
Here I am in Monterey at our show at Monterey Live! (read more)
Channel Surfing
Posted by on October 17, 2008
McCain is on Letterman--Paul & the band launch into the Who's "I Can't Explain" while he walks out (interesting choice...) The Senator from Arizona tries to keep it light, but he just mouths Joe The Plumber stump soundbites/ talking points, continues to come off desperate & grouchy. Oh the humanity. I switch over to NBC where Biden is on Jay Leno. Biden: humble, bright, at least vice- presidential… (read more)
sundried sundries
Posted by on October 14, 2008
I have neglected you, dear readers. I have so many notable occurrences to relate to you! For example, at our last full band gig (@EL RIO sept 19), we played 11 tunes, rocked the house, had a jolly good time, and when I came off stage I realized I had played the whole set with an open fly. Ooops. Then, in early oct I did two solo sets, one at Bazaar Cafe in SF with the fabulous Monica Pasqual, and… (read more)
Obama Helps McCain Cross the Street
Posted by on September 28, 2008
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American Anxiety Dream
Posted by on September 28, 2008
After savoring the vertiginousness of the time-stretching phenomenon commonly experienced due to windbaggery (as seen in Friday's presidential debate), I settled in to a long session of channel and internet surfing through the subsequent spin. The pundits worried away at the important questions, like, who won? Who appeared more presidential? Most importantly, were the hearts and minds of undecided… (read more)
Putin-esqua
Posted by on September 19, 2008
Wow. A few weeks ago I was on BART and I saw some world news capsule stories in the SF Chronicle with a wee piece about NATO bringing more ships into the waters nearest to the Russian/ Georgian conflict ( that would be the Black Sea, right?). Asked to comment on this enlarged western presence, Putin assured journalists there would be a response. When pressed for specifics he said: "you'll see". Wow--that's… (read more)
I LOVE WALL.E Redux & Other Scenes
Posted by on September 15, 2008
Have y'all seen WALL.E yet? He won't be in theatres much longer-- you gotta catch it on the BIG screen when the Milky Way reflects in Wall-E's "eyes". I had to go one last time (ok, 8th time but who's counting) cuz Alex hadn't seen it yet. Once again I chuckled, teared up, and tapped my toe to the AWESOME score by Thomas Newman. Wall-E is destined to be a classic of pop culture, with its wicked satire… (read more)
ps --it's about the songs
Posted by on September 8, 2008
I neglected in the last blog to tell y'all which songs I played at the Mountain Stage Contest ( a few of you have asked). For the inquiring minds, here are the lyrics. Bon Appetit!1) Fly it Like a Flag ( This will be on our upcoming CD, The Juggler's Progress)Hamlet paused before striking a blow and the action stalled most of the showhe agonized over merits of revengeto exercise his reason or come… (read more)
Good Sports and Strange Bedfellows
Posted by on September 5, 2008
What a week, my dears! Hurricanes, wacky veep nominations, tennis, song contests, and mixing mixing mixing. My head-- it spins.Monday, I took BART to the airport to catch my flight to LA for the Mountain Stage /Folk Alliance NEW SONG CONTEST While I was sitting in a cafe near my departure gate at SFO waiting for my flight to board, the US open match between Rafa Nadal & Sam Querry came on the big… (read more)