tag:ernesttroost.com,2005:/blogs/blog?p=1Blog2022-06-16T10:18:21-12:00Ernest Troostfalsetag:ernesttroost.com,2005:Post/69956412022-06-16T10:18:21-12:002023-10-16T02:55:09-12:00A Songwriting Lesson<p>A Songwriting Lesson </p>
<p>by Ernest Troost </p>
<p>Dad pulled the car over and parked facing the pond. He stared trance-like, leaning forward on the steering wheel, looking across the water as he smoked. He took a deep drag, and I could hear the soft crackle of his flaring cigarette tip. I stared across the pond too, hoping to see whatever he was seeing. </p>
<p>“Beautiful spot,” he said. </p>
<p>“Yeah.” </p>
<p>Driving home from town on a Saturday, Dad would sometimes say, “Let’s explore,” and he’d turn down a road we’d never been on before. When I was nine or ten this was the best kind of adventure. The back roads in our rural Connecticut town were narrow, lightly oiled, and might even have sections of gravel or dirt. It was exciting to discover what was around each new curve. They could dwindle into cow paths or pass new houses being built in clearings carved out of the thick woods. Dad said the town was growing fast and the new houses were probably for folks moving up from the city. Sometimes we’d stop and climb through the half-built structures, which smelled of fresh-cut wood. We’d try to guess where the kitchen or bathroom would go, or we’d look out through the empty frame of a picture window, to see what the owner’s view would be. </p>
<p>On these rides we never had a map and there were few road signs. Sometimes Dad would let me pick the direction when we came to a fork in the road. Often the woods overhung the road and I could put my arm out the window and touch big maple leaves. Sometimes there were long stretches of stone walls along the roadside that had once encircled an estate. Once, a road trailed off into a field and Dad followed it, crawling along in first gear, our Volkswagen’s engine revving hard, the smell of hot oil rising from the transmission tunnel. We struggled to see where the old road had once been. We pushed through tall grass, our tires covered with mud, and I imagined we were on a safari. </p>
<p>“Are we lost?” I asked. </p>
<p>“Sometimes you have to just keep going,” he said. </p>
<p>We followed tracks, really just light impressions in the ground, to the far side of the field and squeezed through a narrow opening in a stone wall. We came out on a familiar two-lane highway. It was the road home. </p>
<p>Those drives with my Dad were physical manifestations of his creative thinking. Instead of working something out on canvas with paint or juggling words on a page, he drove his car through all the permutations that were available in the surrounding countryside. It was his way of showing me how intuition and patience worked together to help you discover new places and ideas, and that the process itself could be enjoyable. </p>
<p>When I’m writing a song I start with music that is simple and play it for a while, maybe singing some fragments of words. The chord progression is unremarkable, but then I change a chord or two, and the progression takes a turn. What was commonplace becomes intriguing. The words rub up against this altered progression in a new way, like unfamiliar scenery rushing past a car window. Now the song’s words start to sound right with the music, and I can feel a pull like a compass needle finding north. The words resonate, but they still don’t make sense. I sing it over and over—and this is the hard part, because the song might not make sense for a long time. I patiently change words while I play, following my ear like we once followed the faint tracks in a field. Then one day the song miraculously crystalizes into its finished form, and I hear my Dad say, “Sometimes you just have to keep going.”</p>Ernest Troosttag:ernesttroost.com,2005:Post/69837892022-05-31T10:22:20-12:002023-07-17T12:27:45-12:00On Account of the Lamb Being Awkward<p>On Account of the Lamb Being Awkward* </p>
<p>by Ernest Troost </p>
<p>David Copperfield as a child: But why must I go away, Aunt Betsey? I want to stay with you, and Mr. Dick. </p>
<p>Aunt Betsey Trotwood: But you have to be educated, David, and take your place in the world. </p>
<p>--David Copperfield MGM 1935 </p>
<p>While I was living at my parent’s house in between high school and college, a period when I was adrift and confused about what I would do with my life, I’d go for drives with no particular destination, just to be moving, to see the scenery changing around me. But the local country roads were too familiar. I’d memorized their curves and straights, rises and dips until they were no longer much of a distraction. </p>
<p>My parents were very patient and allowed me the time and space to sort myself out without a lot of pressure, though there were one or two heated discussions about my getting a job. I’d stay up into the wee hours of the morning watching old Hollywood films from the 1930s and 1940s. On those late evenings falling asleep on our flowered couch in front of the black and white 14” Zenith, films and life would become indistinguishable. I loved Mrs. Muir’s Gull Cottage in The Ghost and Mrs. Muir, Aunt Betsey Trotwood’s house in David Copperfield, and Windward House in The Uninvited. These cottages were fictions, black and white composites made from matte paintings and shots of the California coast, but they looked real, so perfect that I wanted to be there, with their ancient stone walls and nibbling sheep. I would hear the gulls and smell the sea. </p>
<p>Then one night I found myself walking on a path along the coast. Up ahead were a group of cottages built near the bluffs. I looked out to sea and saw the blurry image of the empty flowered couch and matching hassock of our TV room. </p>
<p>Victor Young’s beautiful Stella By Starlight floated around me like a gull feather caught in the breeze, and I found myself standing next to Rick, the composer in The Uninvited, as he reassured the housekeeper, Lizzie, that there were no ghosts in Windward House. Further up the path, Bernard Herrmann’s dark swelling orchestra in The Ghost and Mrs. Muir surged with the melodrama to come, and when the lecherous behavior of Uncle Timmy was revealed, I wanted to throw him off the bluff myself. Now, finally, Mrs. Muir could get back to writing Blood and Swash. </p>
<p>At the next cottage I visited Aunt Betsey’s character in David Copperfield and watched her throw David Copperfield’s sadistic stepfather out of the house. I agreed with her that the stepfather was one of the nastiest pieces of work I’d ever met. When afterwards she hugged David and told him he had a good heart and she would help him become educated, I felt she was talking to me. </p>
<p>That night I was still at the cottages when my father came downstairs for his nightly snack, and seeing the TV on in an empty room he turned it off. Suddenly, everything around me went dark. I stumbled along the coastal path till I came to a dead tree at the cliff edge in The Uninvited and there I waited. I admit it was a spooky spot. I sat and listened to the thunderous waves crashing below me, and fragments of distant piano music. After a while I became a little peckish. I wished I had brought some food with me. How long would I have to stay here with my legs dangling over the cliff? </p>
<p>The next morning my grandmother flipped on the TV and went into the kitchen to fix her lunch. When she came back I was sitting on the couch, and she sat down to watch her soaps. She had fried up eggs with onions and potatoes for her lunch and had brought a plate for me too. Without taking her eyes off the TV she handed me the dish and sat down. “Eat,” she said, “it’s good.” It was. </p>
<p>I needed some time to make sense of what had happened last night. Clearly, these films were taking up too much space in my brain. The characters in these stories strived to achieve great deeds, and by the end of the films they triumphed. Of course, these were classic Hollywood films, designed to satisfy and inspire a weary audience struggling after the Depression. In contrast, my life so far had had none of the same hardships, so why was I so inert? Was I so afraid of change that I feared to make a move? </p>
<p>I got a job sweeping the floors of a factory that made medallions and awards, including the Congressional Medal of Honor. Huge presses with one thousand tons of pressure punched out medals for people who had achieved great things with their lives. My job was to keep the floor clean of scraps of gold and silver. I held the job for exactly three days. When I walked out I told myself I was meant for greater things. I needed more time to think about a future I had not yet imagined. </p>
<p>I began studying classical guitar and devoting all the daytime hours I could to it. My days were full of learning the fundamentals of this instrument and practicing scales and arpeggios. </p>
<p>A week later The Ghost and Mrs. Muir was once again airing at 2AM. I needed a plan. That night I made a salami sandwich the way my mother always made them for me, with provolone, lettuce, tomato, and mustard. I put it in a paper bag with an apple and added a flashlight, just in case. I sat down on the flowered couch and put my feet up on the matching hassock. I was dozing when I awoke hearing Lizzie say, “I’ll soon have it shipshape and Bristol fashion.” I was at once standing in front of Gull Cottage smelling the fresh salt air and looking over the monkey-puzzle tree, a species, I’m told, that’s as old as the dinosaurs. As I walked up the path toward Windward House I could hear the familiar melody of Stella By Starlight emanating from the second-floor music studio, and I wondered if I’d soon smell mimosa. </p>
<p>I looked out to sea and there in the fog was the blurry image of our TV room with the empty flowered couch and matching hassock. My father once again had come down the stairs to have some cookies and a cigarette. On his way back upstairs he switched off the TV. </p>
<p>This time I was ready. I flipped on my flashlight and found a place to sit on the stone wall in front of Aunt Betsey’s house. I ate my salami sandwich as the sheep bleated softly around my feet. </p>
<p>This is how I spent the rest of my summer. I practiced guitar all day and went to the English coast each night. With the help of my inspiring guitar teacher I started to see the possibilities outside my small parochial view of the world. It was like I’d been living in a dark room and he’d thrown open the shutters, filling the room with sunlight. Now I was listening to the music of Django Reinhardt and Edward Elgar, and there were new musical discoveries on my guitar every day. I took less frequent drives. Eventually I began to spend less time on the English coast at the cottages. The characters in these films were happy to carry on their scenes without me skulking around on the sets, and I started to get more sleep. </p>
<p>I would leave that fall to study music in Boston. I will always remember fondly my times on the bluffs in England with the seagulls riding the thermals and the cottages with their steep roofs and colorful inhabitants who let me share my summer with them, listening to their clever dialogue. I remember looking down the gently curving coastline as the sheep quietly grazed and the silvery sea threw up glittering handfuls of diamonds that tumbled to foam on the rocks. </p>
<p>When I left for Boston I packed my guitar and stuck a flashlight in the glove compartment. My mother gave me a salami sandwich for the long drive, made just the way I liked. </p>
<p>Mr. Micawber: So relentlessly pursued over aerie and housetop, and vice versa, I have thwarted the malevolent machinations of our scurrilous enemies; in short, I have arrived. </p>
<p>--David Copperfield MGM 1935 </p>
<p>* Title taken from dialogue in The Univited Paramount Pictures 1944.</p>Ernest Troosttag:ernesttroost.com,2005:Post/69283032022-03-21T09:43:44-12:002022-03-21T09:43:44-12:00Midcentury Modern<p>Midcentury Modern </p>
<p>by Ernest Troost </p>
<p>I went to kindergarten in a suburb of Toronto, where each day my sister and I walked to school, winding between five-story apartment buildings and undeveloped lots. There was an ice cream man in the area that cut kids up with a long knife and stuffed them into his ice cream cart with the popsicles. It was a known fact that if you heard his bell he was too close for you to get away. In hindsight, I realize that this might have been a tall tale made up by older kids. Either way, we walked to school ever alert and fearful of hearing the tinkle of his bell. </p>
<p>When we moved back to the US and I attended first grade at St Mary’s in Stamford, things were not much better, though long knives and ice cream vendors were not involved. Instead there was a bleak asphalt playground and perpetual gray skies, ruled by bullies looking for skinny kids to pick on. I was an easy target. This is when I started making up stories. I’d found I could sometimes distract a bully with an astonishing tale, the more dangerous, the better. I once told two guys who were taunting me that, while I lived in Canada, I had fallen three stories down a mineshaft and it took firemen two days to pull me out. They were so enthralled that they forgot to hang me up on the chain-link fence by my coat collar that day. The next day my story was less potent so they hung me up. Another time I told them the thick patches my grandmother had sewn on the knees of my uniform pants were from repelling down a granite cliff to escape a Kodiak bear. Now, this story the nuns heard about, and they informed me that Kodiak bears live only on Kodiak Island off Alaska, not in Toronto. They enlightened me on the sin of telling fibs. They clearly lacked any understanding of my plight and could have at least praised my survival instincts. In Stamford there was also the ominous school building itself, towering over us like a giant slagheap, ready to collapse and smother us all during the next heavy rain. </p>
<p>Pencils without erasers were distributed in my first-grade class because with the Lord’s guidance you didn’t make mistakes. During penmanship practice I tried to rub out an error with the hard end of my pencil, but it smudged and ripped the paper. This was a punishable offence. I offered up the back of my hand to the nun with her ruler, while my eyes locked on the crucifix above the blackboard. I was hoping for a reprieve, or at least a well-aimed lightening bolt, but the weeping Jesus was giving me his stone face that day. I secretly pledged to run away and join Claude Kirchner’s “Merrytunes Circus” if she hit me again. </p>
<p>I was so relieved to learn we were moving away from Stamford before I started second grade. I remember my mom driving me into Ridgefield for my first day of school. The sun was out and the sky was all blue and encouraging. The lawns were green and trees were swishing about in the breeze. As we drove down Main Street, Mom and I picked out our favorite Victorian house. I rolled down my window and breathed the cool crisp air and took in all the clean, white picket fences. “This place is great,” I said to my mom. “It’s a beautiful town,” she said. “You’re going to like it here. You won’t need to make up any more stories.” I knew I’d have to wait and see about that one. </p>
<p>A bright green crosswalk was painted on the street--I would go on to recreate that crosswalk in every HO train layout I ever built. Also welcoming us to town was a big clock mounted on an elegant post across from the bank. It turns out that in the 1950s there was a trend of adding public clocks to town squares around the country. City planners liked the quaintness they added to the town center. The American Women’s Voluntary Services erected this clock in 1958. It was indeed a handsome clock, and immediately the town felt like home. Some part of me registered this as a new beginning. I would grow up in this town. </p>
<p>Mom turned down the circular driveway of Veterans Park School and stopped in front. The one-story school was inviting, with low gentle steps to the front door, just my size. After attending first grade in a gothic-revival monstrosity, a mashup of granite, brick, and slate, this midcentury design, with its clean lines and unfussy geometry, looked to me like a child’s drawing, simple and true. I felt safe stepping inside and waving goodbye to my mom. Architects Sherwood, Mills, and Smith had designed the school in 1955, as the town was experiencing its first boom in population. Mills also designed himself a midcentury house south of Ridgefield in New Canaan, which was beautifully restored to its original condition around 2019--but that’s another story. </p>
<p>I remember the sun warming the floor and the quiet stillness of the lobby. There was a display case on the right with awards and artwork by the kids, and on the left stood a secretary at a switchboard behind a counter of light birch. Everywhere there were big windows filled with swaying green trees. The secretary asked if I needed help finding my room and called my teacher. Then she walked me down the wide hallway to my room. </p>
<p>My teacher introduced me to the class, telling them I had lived in Toronto and Stamford. Everyone was friendly. At recess we played some games organized by the teacher, then she waved us off to go play. I stood there wondering what to do. A girl asked me if I wanted to go on the swings and I followed her over to the swing sets, which stood in the shade of magnificent trees. The lawn swept gracefully down the hill from the school to a huge field with a few distant baseball diamonds. It was like the playground had no boundaries. No fences, no pavement, only a sea of green grass. We swung higher and higher on the swings and I felt the gravitational forces swoosh in my belly and I laughed. The girl asked me what it was like living in Canada, as she zoomed by on her swing. I started to say I had been chased by a bear, but stopped myself. “It was pretty much like this,” I said. “Oh,” she said, “Like normal.” “Yeah,” I said, “like normal.”</p>Ernest Troosttag:ernesttroost.com,2005:Post/69283022022-03-21T09:41:27-12:002022-03-21T09:41:27-12:00Night Crawlers<p>Night Crawlers </p>
<p>by Ernest Troost </p>
<p>It was black outside as I stepped onto the chilly back porch. A light drizzle was falling and I pulled my windbreaker tight over my sweater. Dad handed me a flashlight and a coffee can with a little dirt in it. He looked at me as I shivered and said, “It’s not that cold. This will be fun.” </p>
<p>Just after I’d gone to bed, I’d heard Mom saying to Dad that I was only eight years old, and kids that age need their sleep. I was too young to be dragged out of bed in the middle of the night. But at around 2AM Dad shook me awake. He leaned over me, smelling of coffee and tobacco, and whispered, “Get dressed and try to be quiet, we don’t want to wake the whole house.” I’d been excited when Dad proposed catching night crawlers, but now, with cold rain dripping down the inside of my collar, it seemed far less appealing. </p>
<p>Looking out into the darkness, it was difficult to get my bearings, but eventually I could see the faint outline of the tall trees at the edge of our yard and hear their leaves rustling overhead. Our backyard was mostly hard packed dirt, as we had defeated all efforts by my father to grow a nice lawn by pulverizing any new grass with badminton and whiffle ball games. The rain had turned it to mud. </p>
<p>Dad squatted and swept his flashlight beam slowly across the ground in front of us. I squatted next to him and tried to imitate his movements with my flashlight. Tufts of wet grass soaked the seat of my pants and mud oozed around the sides of my new sneakers. </p>
<p>Then, right in front of us appeared two huge worms, glistening pink in Dad’s flashlight beam. As we moved towards them, they shot back into their holes like they were spring-loaded. </p>
<p>“They can hear us,” whispered Dad. </p>
<p>“They can hear us?” </p>
<p>“If they feel your vibrations through the ground, they’re gone, baby, gone,” he said. </p>
<p>I began to worry about grabbing one of them, but I didn’t know what to say. So I said, “Big worms.” </p>
<p>“Yeah, they’re beauties,” said Dad, sweeping his beam across the lawn. </p>
<p>I wonder where Dad had learned about catching night crawlers. He’d grown up in a city. Since we’d moved to this rural town, Dad seemed to have acquired all sorts of outdoorsman interest and knowledge that he was eager to share with us. He would slam on the brakes in our car, sending us flying into the dashboard, then throw it into reverse to show us a snake that was sunning itself on the side of the road. “Look at that thing. I think it’s a copperhead,” he’d say. “We’ll have to look it up when we get home.” After dinner I saw him reading an old copy of “The Tomato Can Chronicles,” by Edmund Ware Smith. </p>
<p>I spotted a worm with my flashlight, and as I moved forward it zipped into the ground. “Gone, baby, gone,” I said to myself, more than a little relieved. I duck-walked through the muck over to where it had disappeared and stuck my finger in its little hole in the ground. My light beam fell on another worm close by, and, holding my breath, I grabbed for it. I got it. I pulled, but the other end held fast in the ground. As I pulled, the worm stretched thin like a cartoon worm. Then it popped out of the ground and coiled its slimy body around my hand, and I frantically threw it at my coffee can. I missed, and it disappeared into the darkness. </p>
<p>“It’s not going to bite you,” said Dad. </p>
<p>I wiped my hand on my pant leg, and decided to let Dad catch the rest. After an hour of crouching in the mud and rain, Dad say, “Okay, we’re good to go.” </p>
<p>“How many do we have?” I asked. </p>
<p>“Enough,” he said. </p>
<p> </p>
<p>The next morning at 6AM we were rattling down Route 7 in our VW bug. My eyes were burning, and I needed sleep. I had toasted a Thomas’s corn cake and it was balanced on my knees as I drifted in and out of sleep. We swayed and bounced on the road, and I tried to keep the little lakes of melted butter from overflowing their little corn cake banks and running onto my jeans. I had never been so tired. Dad kept his window cracked so his cigarette smoke would go out, but it allowed more of the noise from the VW engine in. Together with the static on the radio and the fishing rods and gear clattering away in the back, the din lulled me to sleep. </p>
<p>I was running hard away from something. My heart was pounding and a strange sound was behind me. A quick glanced over my shoulder revealed a giant night crawler, at least twenty feet long, slithering after me. </p>
<p>“Wake up, you’ll miss the morning,” said Dad, flicking his cigarette in the direction of the full ashtray. The sun was starting to break through the clouds and the leaves sparkled. We turned off Route 7 where a little black canon sat at the intersection with the name Cannondale inscribed on its side. We swerved, and I caught my corn cake from falling. We bumped over some railroad tracks passing an old train station and a cluster of small farm buildings, and then I closed my eyes again. </p>
<p>The giant worm was right at my heels. I could feel and smell its wormy breath. I leaped onto a residual boulder, struggling to get high enough for safety. </p>
<p>“The fish will be biting today,” said Dad, as a pothole jolted me awake. </p>
<p>“I can feel it in my bones.” He held his cigarette between the stained fingers of his right hand, which rested on the vibrating shifter knob, letting ash fall around the transmission tunnel like a dusting of snow. </p>
<p>“This is the perfect spot,” said Dad, as we pulled into a gravel turnout along the Norwalk River. The sun was spilling across the river and polishing the wet rocks. The water was loud enough that we couldn’t talk easily. I sat on a warm smooth piece of granite--which looked suspiciously like a residual boulder--and ate my corn cake. It was the best corn cake I’d ever tasted. </p>
<p>Dad impaled a worm on a hook and tossed his line into the frothy water. “How many worms do we have?” I asked. “Three,” he said. </p>
<p>The river was high and fast that day and our big worms wiggled around in the foam until their color faded to a ghastly white. We fished all morning, but didn’t catch a thing. On the way home I asked Dad if maybe next time we should try fly-fishing. </p>
<p>He said, “Fly-fishing? What do I know about fly-fishing?”</p>Ernest Troosttag:ernesttroost.com,2005:Post/68996272022-02-16T11:28:20-12:002022-05-11T04:49:55-12:00How to Catch a Frog<p>How to Catch a Frog </p>
<p>by Ernest Troost </p>
<p>If you tumble out of bed one morning in the autumn of your life and smack your palm to your forehead in the realization that you’ve never experienced catching a bullfrog with your bare hands, you’re not alone. But you’re in luck. After you finish your morning coffee, I’ll guide you through the steps. </p>
<p>First, you’ll want to outfit yourself with waterproof shoes or rubber boots, and an effective mosquito repellant wouldn’t go amiss. After you’re suitably dressed, the next step in catching a frog is finding one. Look in the marshy ends of fresh water ponds or drainage ditches along country roads. Try flooded sections of farmland where runoff has created large semi-permanent puddles. These are good spots to search and where you’ll eventually spy the big yellow, inscrutable eyes of Lithobates catesbeianus. It can sit motionless for hours, waiting patiently for a dragonfly or a curious wasp to come within range of its sticky tongue and voracious appetite. At dusk it starts up the racket that’s made it famous, deep rumblings that ricochet across the swamp and meadows, serenading its mates, who are devotees of “drum and bass.” During the day you’ll find it resting on a lily pad, its fat body mostly in the cool water, its head in the warm sun. </p>
<p> </p>
<p>Once you’ve selected your target, move cautiously and get as close as possible, being sure to stay out of the frog’s line of sight. Squat down low at the swamp’s soft edge near your frog and wait. This is where those boots and repellant will come in handy. We want it to forget you are there, and it might take a while. What’s that slight methane smell bubbling up from the stagnant water? Don’t be put off, as this is just decomposing organic matter and is the primordial perfume that our prey prefers. </p>
<p> Now that you’re sure it has forgotten all about you, raise your arm ever so slowly and with your hand formed into an open claw-like shape, move it into position, inch-by-inch, close behind the frog. Be sure not to cast a shadow, as that is a clear sign to the frog that a predator approaches. Now, how fast the frog will react will be influenced by how long the frog has been sitting in the sun. If it’s sleeping and enjoying froggy dreams of life as a tadpole, you have a fighting chance. The most important thing to remember, besides striking quickly, is to aim where you anticipate the frog will be once it jumps, not where it now sits on the lily pad. You will need to lead the receiver here. You’ll want to try a lightening grab for a spot six inches ahead of where it’s facing. Hopefully, it will jump straight ahead--sometimes they jump to the side, and if it does, you’re out of luck. If your aim is true, you will be rewarded with a hand full of sinewy, jerking frog. Hold tight. It will snap and hiss, but it’s harmless, and after it kicks a few times it will give up quietly. </p>
<p>I’m reminded of a cub scout telling his fellow cubs about a boy who caught an exceptionally large frog. The boy held it up and looked it straight in the eyes, and the frog’s tongue shot out and grabbed the boy’s eyeball and pulled it right out of the socket. Even as a cub I never believed this story, but I never again looked a frog straight in the eyes. </p>
<p>Now is your big moment. Your nerves and muscles twitch with electricity, your arm flashes forward, the frog leaps straight ahead into your grasping hand, and you’ve got him. Congratulations! </p>
<p>You’ve caught the frog you’ve dreamed of, but what do you do with it? I don’t recommend eating it. I’ve never tasted one myself, but I hear it tastes like stringy chicken. Stuffed and mounted on your library wall is a little presumptuous. You might take a snapshot to show your grandchildren, but it would be best to simply plop it back into the water. With a few pumps of its powerful legs it will glide beneath the surface like an Olympian and then float up and delicately grasp the edge of a lily pad with its tiny webbed fingers, staring back at you blankly, like nothing’s happened, like it didn’t narrowly escape being breaded and fried. </p>
<p>But you are now the uncontested, benevolent master of the swamp. You’ve demonstrated your superior hunting skills and you’re feeling decades younger, and ready for bigger challenges more suitable to your well-honed and lightening-fast reflexes. </p>
<p>Notice the large snapping turtle that’s sleeping in the weeds at the pond’s edge. Should you decide to try to catch it, you might want to read my Capturing Snapping Turtles instruction pamphlet, which states emphatically on page one, STAY AWAY FROM SNAPPING TURTLES. However, if you are not a manual reader and prefer to plunge ahead and learn by trial and error, I leave you to your own devices. Go ahead. Give it your best shot, big guy. </p>
<p>Dedicated to Andy Hatem, for whom I caught a large bullfrog when he was eight years old.</p>Ernest Troosttag:ernesttroost.com,2005:Post/68386492021-12-12T11:26:27-12:002022-03-23T07:36:48-12:00Clare's Woods<p>Clare’s Woods </p>
<p>by Ernest Troost </p>
<p>I wish I had met Clare and got to tell her how much I enjoyed climbing her trees and wandering through her fields and meadows. How I scraped my shins trying to climb a granite ledge behind her greenhouse, how I lost a shoe in the mud hunting for frogs down by the lake, and how one summer I dug up some of her wild columbine and jack-in-the-pulpits in a dark hollow behind the caretaker’s cottage, and I transplanted them to the rock garden my mom was planting in our front yard. I watered them, watching over them, but they didn’t live more than a few days. I should have left them where they were, wild and happy in the cool shade of Clare’s woods. </p>
<p>I grew up in Connecticut on a dirt road opposite the Henry Luce estate. Did I realize as a seven-year-old that people of great wealth and political influence lived across that dusty road? That they had written Broadway plays and scripts for Hollywood movies, that they had been famous war correspondents? No. All I knew was that they owned the beautiful woods across from us. </p>
<p>The Luce property was one hundred acres of woods and hilly meadows along the southern tip of Fox Hill Lake. Occasionally, in the fall when the trees were bare, we caught a glimpse of the Georgian two-story brick and stone manor house that must have had twenty rooms. We lived in a newly built, three bedroom, nine hundred square-foot ranch house, just like the ones my friends lived in, all built by a developer who thought this affluent town needed homes the working class could afford. He fought with the town elders and the zoning board, and in the late 1950s built little clusters of small houses around three man-made lakes. </p>
<p>Did my parents talk about the Luces? I remember hearing something about the Luces being the publishers of Life magazine, which I loved. We got month-old, dog-eared copies of Life from my bachelor uncle, who had a subscription. I remember my mother saying that Clare Boothe Luce attended our Catholic church. She even pointed her out once at Sunday Mass, and whispered in a hushed voice she used for dramatic effect, “That’s Clare.” </p>
<p>One winter my father went to the Luce caretaker’s cottage and asked permission for us to toboggan down the hilly field we’d been watching fill up with snow. We made a few runs, but the long grass under the wet snow stuck to the toboggan bottom and we couldn’t get any good momentum. After a few tries we gave up and went home. </p>
<p>The posted “no trespassing” signs around their property made the fields and woods very desirable for childhood adventures. We were supposed to play in the woods behind our house, but our woods were small and constrained by neighbors’ yards and by roads. You can’t see the edges of real woods. Clare’s woods was the real woods, dark and thick with mystery and mountain laurel, and we snuck over there often. Once, we discovered a huge downed tree, which was our spaceship and Twenty-Thousand-Leagues Under the Sea submarine, for the whole summer. I wonder now if I’ve ever enjoyed myself more than when I was roaming through those woods. Little League and school sports had rules, but here in Clare’s woods we ran wild. </p>
<p>We always referred to the land across the road as the Luce estate, but years later, after reading Clare Boothe Luce’s biography, I learned they had called the estate Spring Hill. They had lived there off and on starting in the 1940s, and many national figures in publishing and politics had visited. Eisenhower might have enjoyed a martini on the terrace of Spring Hill one summer, while across the road I was struggling to lift big rocks to my dad, who was building a stone terrace in our back yard. We were the town folk living at the edge of a sophisticated country estate, the kind that provide what New Yorkers call local color in a 1940s Hollywood movie like Christmas in Connecticut. </p>
<p>We moved into our new house in 1960, so we overlapped with the Luces from 1960 to 1965. Around 1965 they divorced and sold the property to a rare book collector. I’ve read that those last years at Spring Hill were not happy ones for Clare, that she was ill and alone much of the time. </p>
<p>I’ve also read that Clare took LSD with a doctor and her friend, an Argentinian composer, on her property in the early 1960s. They walked down to the birch grove that overlooked the lake and lay down in the leaves and watched the clouds roll by. Was I playing or climbing trees on her property that day? I can’t remember ever seeing her, but maybe she saw me. Maybe we got mentioned on the society pages. “On Saturday, Clare Boothe Luce, playwright, politician, and icon of the conservative right, spent the day tripping at her peaceful, bucolic country retreat, while nearby a young boy was scampering up a smooth beach tree until he was high enough that the slender trunk began to bend, and lowered him gently to the ground.” I loved those woods. Apparently, Clare did too.</p>Ernest Troosttag:ernesttroost.com,2005:Post/67839172021-10-22T05:20:35-12:002022-04-21T05:24:04-12:00"Simple Song," First single release from my upcoming album, Saving the Republic<p><iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="1QybDuIdST0" data-video-thumb-url="https://img.youtube.com/vi/1QybDuIdST0/mqdefault.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/1QybDuIdST0?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="180" width="320" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></p>Ernest Troosttag:ernesttroost.com,2005:Post/60446262019-10-11T12:00:00-12:002021-03-05T11:37:12-12:00Show in Soquel, CA<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/393449/09ff0be166581e95e2fe77f992ceb6c4f3e1c7ec/original/img-3499.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>Ernest Troosttag:ernesttroost.com,2005:Post/60446252019-04-30T12:00:00-12:002021-03-05T11:41:39-12:00East Coast Tour 2019<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/393449/c7f639b513c4c63222d7740f4c8d67c34d5a9dcf/original/img-3915.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>Ernest Troosttag:ernesttroost.com,2005:Post/60446242018-10-16T12:00:00-12:002021-03-05T11:38:44-12:00Great time at FAR-West conference<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/393449/552d5de21ae9d619f1cf5596851f66f85b28764d/original/44164436-2017421414947476-2599725201549688832-o.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>Ernest Troosttag:ernesttroost.com,2005:Post/60446232018-07-07T12:00:00-12:002018-07-08T05:12:55-12:00New song post: Simple Song
<p><iframe frameborder="no" height="300" scrolling="no" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/468296766&color=%23ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=true&visual=true" width="100%"></iframe></p>
Ernest Troosttag:ernesttroost.com,2005:Post/60446222018-06-19T12:00:00-12:002022-04-26T03:31:14-12:00New Video of Harlan County Boys
<p>Nice video done by JB Nuttle at SERFA 2018. Thanks, JB!</p>
<p> </p>
<p></p>
<div class="video responsive"><div class="video-container"><div class="video responsive"><div class="video-container"><iframe frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/HZwd8hga-ZI" width="560" allowfullscreen="" class="wrapped wrapped"></iframe></div></div></div></div>
Ernest Troosttag:ernesttroost.com,2005:Post/60446212018-05-23T12:00:00-12:002018-05-24T00:55:23-12:00All the World Before Us
<p>Here's a new tune for memorial day.</p>
<p><iframe frameborder="no" height="300" scrolling="no" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/448684173&color=%23ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=true&visual=true" width="100%"></iframe></p>
Ernest Troosttag:ernesttroost.com,2005:Post/60446192017-08-18T12:00:00-12:002017-08-19T03:42:34-12:00Returning to McCabe's August 26!
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/393449/db1b291de273a3ad050c563f84eda5ae36e97fba/original/mccabes-august-2017-eposter.jpg/!!/b%3AWyJyZXNpemU6NTQ0eDQwNSJd.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="405" width="544" /></p>
Ernest Troosttag:ernesttroost.com,2005:Post/60446182017-06-28T12:00:00-12:002017-06-28T23:34:35-12:00FREE DOWNLOAD: LITTLE VOICE
<p><iframe frameborder="no" height="450" scrolling="no" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/330754148&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&visual=true" width="100%"></iframe></p>
Ernest Troosttag:ernesttroost.com,2005:Post/60446172017-05-05T12:00:00-12:002017-05-05T23:14:44-12:00FREE LISTEN: SO MUCH RAIN
<p><iframe frameborder="no" height="450" scrolling="no" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/321191130&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&visual=true" width="100%"></iframe></p>
Ernest Troosttag:ernesttroost.com,2005:Post/60446162017-02-22T12:00:00-12:002017-03-31T00:30:14-12:00FREE LISTEN: IT'S GONNA HAPPEN SLOW
<p><iframe frameborder="no" height="450" scrolling="no" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/309072213&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&visual=true" width="100%"></iframe></p>
Ernest Troosttag:ernesttroost.com,2005:Post/60446152017-01-16T12:00:00-12:002017-03-31T00:29:56-12:00FREE LISTEN: THIS WILL PASS AWAY
<p><iframe frameborder="no" height="450" scrolling="no" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/302200685&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&visual=true" width="100%"></iframe></p>
Ernest Troosttag:ernesttroost.com,2005:Post/60446142016-10-21T12:00:00-12:002016-10-22T03:23:50-12:00Exciting Halloween show October 30th
<p>Here's a link for tickets to this crazy show. Get them quick, as this show sells out fast. <a href="http://www.mayhemx4.eventbrite.com" data-imported="1">TICKETS</a></p>
<p> </p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/393449/68d07a1d15b11ecc317d2d083695d79e30e9737d/original/a-night-of-murder-mayhem-misfortune.jpg/!!/b%3AWyJyZXNpemU6MTU2NHgxMDEyIl0%3D.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="1012" width="1564" /></p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
Ernest Troosttag:ernesttroost.com,2005:Post/60446132016-07-31T12:00:00-12:002016-07-31T23:19:49-12:00Los Angeles August Shows
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/393449/81aa8066caa2a70c3611293db0539a99c93cf621/original/august-shows.jpg/!!/b%3AWyJyZXNpemU6NTQxeDcwNCJd.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="704" width="541" /></p>
Ernest Troosttag:ernesttroost.com,2005:Post/60446122016-07-25T12:00:00-12:002016-07-26T03:13:32-12:00Just posted music from my score to BEAT
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/393449/90d395f23fdc47971c71ee1d03acfb7e587b962f/original/p22589-p-v8-aa.jpg/!!/b%3AWyJyZXNpemU6NTM5eDgwOCJd.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="808" width="539" /></p>
<p>Here is some music from the film BEAT I score back in 2000. There is an Elegy for Strings & Piano, which combines two of the minimalist cues and also some fun 1950's jazz cues. Ernest</p>
<p><a href="/beat" data-imported="1" data-link-type="page">LISTEN HERE</a></p>
Ernest Troosttag:ernesttroost.com,2005:Post/60446112016-06-09T12:00:00-12:002016-06-10T05:11:38-12:00New Video of The Last Lullaby Live with Nicole Gordon
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/393449/9c31bd6417b81637e2297b09b54589c7064b2316/original/screen-shot-2016-06-10-at-5-05-56-pm.png/!!/b%3AWyJyZXNpemU6NTU2eDM1NSJd.png" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="355" width="556" /></p>
<p>I posted a new video of a performance at the Acoustic Celebration in Ridgefield, CT 2014. Nicole Gordon singing harmony.</p>
<p>Click <a href="http://ernesttroost.com.hostbaby.com/videos/s/the_last_lullaby" data-imported="1">here</a> to view.</p>
Ernest Troosttag:ernesttroost.com,2005:Post/60446092016-04-16T12:00:00-12:002016-03-16T02:48:17-12:00Ernest & Rick Shea at the Coffee Gallery Backstage
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/393449/978f9ce3aa790171d5ea95a2ad3b35a6a3a38dcc/original/screen-shot-2016-03-16-at-2-09-13-pm-copy.jpg/!!/b%3AWyJyZXNpemU6NTIweDY4NCJd.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="684" width="520" /></p>
Ernest Troosttag:ernesttroost.com,2005:Post/60446082016-02-15T12:00:00-12:002016-02-15T21:47:58-12:00Ernest and Sandy Ross at West Valley Music Center
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/393449/cff4bb9019013ed6c6d35489a34492d2bd0c9bfe/original/12717851-1234447409905683-4536694444314180816-n.jpg/!!/b%3AWyJyZXNpemU6NDY5eDYwNyJd.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="607" width="469" /></p>
Ernest Troosttag:ernesttroost.com,2005:Post/60446072015-10-15T12:00:00-12:002015-10-16T05:25:09-12:00Posted score to Stone Soup
<p> Here's a score I did for the classic children's book, STONE SOUP. Click <a href="/stone-soup" data-imported="1" data-link-type="page">here</a> to listen.</p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/393449/df4f443049589eab9edbf3920434fbe9ae84b3b4/original/81zccjdfxsl.jpg/!!/b%3AWyJyZXNpemU6NjAyeDU0MiJd.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="542" width="602" /></p>
Ernest Troosttag:ernesttroost.com,2005:Post/60446062015-09-04T12:00:00-12:002015-09-05T00:05:51-12:00Posted Sky Color Score
<p>I just added this score to my filmscore page <a href="/sky-color" data-imported="1" data-link-type="page">here</a>. It was written for "Sky Color," a delightful animated film about creativity. Based on a picture book by Peter Reynolds. Scored for clarinet, bassoon, piano, harp, percussion, and strings. Enjoy!</p>
<p>-Ernest</p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/393449/3f31c19102974a2c4a1c55d4577713735ccf4f42/original/sky-color-cover.jpg/!!/b%3AWyJyZXNpemU6NDk3eDQ3NyJd.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="477" width="497" /></p>
Ernest Troosttag:ernesttroost.com,2005:Post/60446052015-08-04T12:00:00-12:002015-08-04T23:18:57-12:00Returning to McCabe's
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/393449/ee3c54173325b088ec8c8d40575cc4fae5983397/original/mccabe-august-2015-eposter.jpg/!!/b%3AWyJyZXNpemU6NTc5eDc2MyJd.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="763" width="579" /></p>
Ernest Troosttag:ernesttroost.com,2005:Post/60446042015-06-22T12:00:00-12:002015-06-22T23:44:10-12:00Chicago Trip and Performance on FOLKSTAGE & WEFT
<p>Had a great time in Chicago playing Rich Warren's FolkStage show. What a great host and audience to play for! Broadcasted and archived on WFMT. I also so enjoyed my visited with host Kevin Elliott at KEFT radio in Champaign for a performance/interview.</p>
<p>We stayed with Lee and Cindy Herman, who graciously took us into their home and treated us like family. We'll be back next September to play their Windy City House Concerts. We also met and heard perform Rebecca and Ken of Hungrytown, a superb roots duo. Look for them in your area.</p>
<p>We stopped by the home and studio of Frank Lloyd Wright in Oak Park and toured the McCormick House by Mies Van Der Rohe at the Elmhurst Art Museum outside of Chicago. Very cool example of one of only three Mies Van Der Rohe designed houses.</p>
<p>Ernest</p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/393449/cfe5dc68916c72cf38b70d782835d1ea5064b1d9/original/mies-van-der-roch-house.jpg/!!/b%3AWyJyZXNpemU6NDQ2eDMzMyJd.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="333" width="446" /></p>
Ernest Troosttag:ernesttroost.com,2005:Post/60446032015-03-27T12:00:00-12:002015-03-28T09:41:20-12:00Great bay area tour!
<p>We had a great mini tour in the bay area. I played some shows, did some radio performances and made lots of new friends. We had a few days off to visit Sonoma, where we came upon this little tavern.</p>
<p>Ernest</p>
<p> </p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/393449/990ba2bada18796c0c4ab27c4e449d147a2af672/original/photo-3.jpg/!!/b%3AWyJyZXNpemU6NDgweDM1OCJd.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="358" width="480" /></p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/393449/b8e4802452bcfecadd762d6c4f3414c8223a5671/original/photo-5.jpg/!!/b%3AWyJyZXNpemU6NDgyeDM2MCJd.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="360" width="482" /></p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/393449/64d36c12231b2e7818e33aac68039db50a98b156/original/photo-4.jpg/!!/b%3AWyJyZXNpemU6NDgweDM1OCJd.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="358" width="480" /></p>
Ernest Troosttag:ernesttroost.com,2005:Post/60446022015-02-04T12:00:00-12:002015-02-05T08:11:35-12:00O LOVE gets great review in Blues Matters,UK
<p>ERNEST TROOST<br><br>O LOVE<br><br>Travelin’ Shoes Records<br><br>Ernest Troost gained most notoriety as an Emmy nominated song composer for films but more recently has concentrated on a solo career. He has brought out three previous solo release also soundtracks previous to these. This release is an outstanding example of rootsy Americana music not really blues orientated but with some twangy folk blues noticeable on the lovely slow slide guitar driven All I Ever Wanted. From the opening track Old Screen Door with its portrayal of family rows his voice resonates with soft lilting tones with his honest and heart felt take on all tracks. For all this quaintness in vocals it is the lyrics that stand out such as the effects on community dealing with mining and strikes on Harlan County Boys. A particular stand out track is the ballad Close an intense and evocative reflection of a long term relationship. All the way through this release there is an infectious desire by the listener to get immersed in the raw emotions of the songs but there are gritty undertones, it is hard to not assimilate his vocals to a Neil Young drawl but that is no criticism. With harmonies and backing vocals particularly Nicole Gordon on title track O Love a song that meanders like a fast stream and snarling bass drum played by Ralph Humphrey on Storm Comin’. This is a very accomplished and melodic release proving he is one of the best singer songwriters in the music business.<br><br>COLIN CAMPBELL</p>
Ernest Troosttag:ernesttroost.com,2005:Post/60446012015-02-04T12:00:00-12:002015-02-05T01:45:21-12:00Ernest & Happy this Sunday at McCabe's!!!
<p>Looking forward to see you all at the show!</p>
<p>Ernest</p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/393449/035498ad33036cd90ed3a599ec1394dae7c0a10d/original/mccabes-eposter-1-2015.jpg/!!/b%3AWyJyZXNpemU6NTgzeDQzNCJd.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="434" width="583" /></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://mccabes.com/condata.html" data-imported="1"><span style="text-decoration:underline"><strong>Tickets</strong></span></a></p>
Ernest Troosttag:ernesttroost.com,2005:Post/60446002015-01-27T12:00:00-12:002015-01-30T05:14:42-12:00Roots Music Reports Top 100 Lists for 2014
<p>Woohoo! I am grateful to all the djs who played my album this year.</p>
<p>* O LOVE is #8 on <a href="http://www.rootsmusicreport.com/charts/view/album/genre/folk/yearly/2014" data-imported="1">Roots Music Report's</a> Top 100 Folk Albums for 2014</p>
<p>* CLOSE is #4 on <a href="http://www.rootsmusicreport.com/charts/view/song/genre/folk/yearly/2014" data-imported="1">Roots Music Report's </a>Top 100 Folk songs of 2014</p>
<p>* CLOSE is #2 on <a href="http://www.rootsmusicreport.com/charts/view/song/sub_genre/contemporary-folk/yearly/2014" data-imported="1">Roots Music Report's</a> Top 100 Contemporary Folk Songs of 2014</p>
Ernest Troosttag:ernesttroost.com,2005:Post/60445992015-01-25T12:00:00-12:002015-01-26T03:37:51-12:00My song "Travelin' Shoes" has passed 150,000 spins on Pandora! WOOHOO!
<p><iframe height="240" name="mini" src="https://widget.cdbaby.com/aea1cdb5-3b5a-4dac-8580-fd484a579254/mini/light/opaque" style="border: 0px; width: 100%; height: 100px;" width="320"></iframe></p>
Ernest Troosttag:ernesttroost.com,2005:Post/60445982015-01-19T12:00:00-12:002015-01-19T22:11:12-12:00New York Music Daily Picks "Old Screen Door"
<p>New York Music Daily's 100 best songs of 2014 includes "Old Screen Door"<br>"A wailing, electrifying murder ballad. Troost succeeds with this one since the only images he lets you see are incidental to what was obviously a grisly crime, “lightning bugs floating through a haze of gasoline” and so forth. From the album O Love."</p>
<p><iframe height="240" name="mini" src="https://widget.cdbaby.com/c79892bf-db9c-4305-8216-d200b42af035/mini/dark/transparent" style="border: 0px none; width: 100%; height: 100px; float: left;" width="320"></iframe></p>
Ernest Troosttag:ernesttroost.com,2005:Post/60445972015-01-06T12:00:00-12:002015-01-07T05:05:58-12:00O Love makes another best of 2014 List
<p>I'm very excited to make this Virginia station's best of 2014 list.</p>
<p>Thanks to host: Steve Kindig, Co-Host of Atlantic Weekly I (Saturday, 8-10 am)</p>
<p>"Maybe the strongest collection yet from this talented LA-based songwriter. Top pick: “When It’s Gone.”</p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/393449/d6e243dd0747183bb43c4329ad142fffb8f0067a/original/wtju-folk-web.jpg/!!/b%3AWyJyZXNpemU6NTA1eDIxNSJd.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="215" width="505" /></p>
<p> </p>
<p>Check out the list! Click <a href="http://www.wtju.net/best-2014-steve-kindig-atlantic-weekly/" data-imported="1">here.</a></p>
Ernest Troosttag:ernesttroost.com,2005:Post/60445962015-01-06T12:00:00-12:002015-01-07T03:05:49-12:00Ernest & Happy return to McCabe's Guitar shop!
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/393449/035498ad33036cd90ed3a599ec1394dae7c0a10d/original/mccabes-eposter-1-2015.jpg/!!/b%3AWyJyZXNpemU6NTgzeDQzNCJd.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="434" width="583" /></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://store.mccabes.com/home.php?cat=249&sort=productcode&sort_direction=0&page=2" data-imported="1"><span style="text-decoration:underline"><strong>Tickets</strong></span></a></p>
Ernest Troosttag:ernesttroost.com,2005:Post/60445952014-12-29T12:00:00-12:002014-12-30T09:41:20-12:00O LOVE on "Acoustic Revival's" Best albums of 2014 list
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/393449/fd34786010b61c71d351a639ba96ff14a4710108/original/acoustic-revival-best-of-2014.jpg/!!/b%3AWyJyZXNpemU6NTUyeDcxMyJd.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="713" width="552" /></p>
Ernest Troosttag:ernesttroost.com,2005:Post/60445942014-12-28T12:00:00-12:002014-12-28T22:01:48-12:00Hayes Carll- "Stomp and Holler"
<p></p>
<div class="video responsive"><div class="video-container"><div class="video responsive"><div class="video-container"><iframe frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/7BVCxuY14fE" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="425" class="wrapped wrapped"></iframe></div></div></div></div>
Ernest Troosttag:ernesttroost.com,2005:Post/60445932014-12-28T12:00:00-12:002020-07-13T04:08:56-12:00O Love added to another Top 10 list for 2014
<p>O LOVE is included in the Turnstyled Junkpiled 2014 list for best LA Americana. Thank you Terry Roland! Here's what Terry had to say.</p>
<p>Ernest Troost – <a href="http://ernesttroost.com/buy_music/o_love1/" target="_blank" data-imported="1"><em>O Love</em></a><br> L.A. songwriters don’t come any better than Ernest Troost. A film score composer by day (Tremors) and a singer-songwriter the rest of the time, O Love, is a collection of fully realized songs garnered from the distinctly American tradition of storytelling through song with influences from Appalachia to West Texas. With folk, country and Piedmont blues undercurrents, his original gift of melody and cinematic lyrics call to mind Randy Newman and Paul Simon at their peak with a certain Mississippi John Hurt strain running through his fingers to some rather magical guitar picking.</p>
<p>Here's the link to the page. <a href="http://turnstyledjunkpiled.com/2014/12/26/tj-top-10-of-2014/" data-imported="1">Turnstyled Junkpiled</a> Scroll down to the LA Americana list.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Ernest</p>
Ernest Troosttag:ernesttroost.com,2005:Post/60445922014-12-22T12:00:00-12:002014-12-23T08:19:46-12:00O Love added to another two best of 2014 lists.
<p>O LOVE has been included on two more best of 2014 album lists. One in Connecticut and one in Australia. WHOOHOO! Thanks so much to these DJ's for playing my music.</p>
<p><strong>2014 Top Album Picks</strong></p>
<p><strong>“Music My Mother Would Not Like”</strong></p>
<p><strong>Host: Bruce Swan</strong></p>
<p><strong>WPKN 89.5 FM, Bridgeport</strong></p>
<p><a href="http://www.wpkn.org/Hosts/bruce-swan/" data-imported="1"><strong>WPKN.org</strong></a></p>
<p><strong>Favorite Albums of 2014</strong></p>
<p><strong>Folk n Roots presented by <a href="http://www.innerfm.org.au/content/colin-fielding" data-imported="1">Colin Fielding</a></strong></p>
<p><strong>3INR (96.5 inner fm) on Sundays 5-7pm </strong></p>
<p><strong>Streaming Live www.innerfm.org.au</strong></p>
Ernest Troosttag:ernesttroost.com,2005:Post/60445912014-12-14T12:00:00-12:002014-12-15T00:02:43-12:00O LOVE on Two More Top Album of 2014 Lists
<p>I'm excited that O LOVE has been included in two more Top Albums of 2014 lists. Many thanks to these DJs and music critics. Here are the links:</p>
<p> </p>
<p><a href="http://boycottingtrends.blogspot.co.uk/2014/12/2014-music-10-favourite-albums.html" data-imported="1">Boycotting Trends, UK</a></p>
<p><a href="http://folkrootsradio.com/news/the-best-albums-of-2014" data-imported="1">Folkrootsradio, Canada</a></p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/393449/46b034d3a1045094357a6db73a6a9fd0d9c965e6/original/neve-board-resized-cropped-pagebackground-cropped-pagebackground.jpg/!!/b%3AWyJyZXNpemU6NTI5eDM5NiJd.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="396" width="529" /></p>
Ernest Troosttag:ernesttroost.com,2005:Post/60445902014-11-30T12:00:00-12:002014-12-01T09:58:01-12:00O LOVE on Best of 2014 List
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/393449/8cb73a3069cb5d4c13a2760ba5c27b8dd62150cd/original/wfuv-top-ten.jpg/!!/b%3AWyJyZXNpemU6NTIzeDY3NSJd.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="675" width="523" /></p>
Ernest Troosttag:ernesttroost.com,2005:Post/60445892014-11-05T12:00:00-12:002014-12-30T09:43:09-12:00New York Fall Tour 2014
<p>I'll be playing a bunch of shows in New York State later this month. We'll be covering southern NY up to Oswego on Lake Ontario. I love the roads and architecture of NY state, so I'm looking forward to the drives. Here's the performance schedule.</p>
<p>Hope to see some of you at the shows!</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Ernest</p>
<p> <img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/393449/429b7588e565b815765d434d50193025b073f66f/original/fall-tour-2014r2.jpg/!!/b%3AWyJyZXNpemU6NTUzeDcxMiJd.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="712" width="553" /></p>
Ernest Troosttag:ernesttroost.com,2005:Post/60445882014-10-21T12:00:00-12:002014-10-22T08:04:19-12:00Houston trip
<p>i just returned from playing two shows this weekend in Houston. It was my first time there and we had a lot of fun. I played at the Red Brick Tavern in Conroe, about an hour north of Houston on Friday night to an intimate group and then played a private house concert in the Montrose area of Houston on Saturday night. In between I did a radio interview/performance at KPFT with host Larry Winters. Here we are posing in the control room. We made a lot of great new friends and had a wonderful weekend.</p>
<p>Ernest</p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/393449/359b579a8162778281807c477a0cfefaa680ae9b/original/larry-and-ernest-1.jpg/!!/b%3AWyJyZXNpemU6NTcxeDM4MSJd.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="381" width="571" /></p>
Ernest Troosttag:ernesttroost.com,2005:Post/60445872014-06-21T12:00:00-12:002014-06-22T05:49:26-12:00Ernest Troost at The Living Tradition Concert Series
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/393449/a0e057bb43d36e9b7919cbb648bb50982bf41631/original/tlt-concert-flyer-2014-07-19.jpg/!!/b%3AWyJyZXNpemU6NTI3eDY4MCJd.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="680" width="527" /></p>
Ernest Troosttag:ernesttroost.com,2005:Post/60445862014-06-08T12:00:00-12:002014-06-09T07:57:17-12:00Great show at the Old Oak Cellars Winery
<p>I had a great time playing with John Zipperer and Friends at the Cellar Sessions at Old Oak Cellars in Pasadena. It was an intimate show and fun to meet some new friends that came to the show and to talk with winemakers Dave and Nancy. I loved the 2011 Zinfandel I tasted. Check their wines out <a href="https://inwineinc.com/" data-imported="1">here</a>.</p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/393449/9da9aac44f136fb30711509202b667e395fb8423/original/header-background2-555x170.jpg/!!/b%3AWyJyZXNpemU6NTU1eDE3MCJd.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="170" width="555" /></p>
Ernest Troosttag:ernesttroost.com,2005:Post/60445852014-05-27T12:00:00-12:002020-06-15T15:55:54-12:00New "O Love" review in The BardChord
<p style="text-align: center;"><a href="/files/506862/bard-chord-ernest-troost-o-love.pdf" data-imported="1">The BardChord</a></p>
Ernest Troosttag:ernesttroost.com,2005:Post/60445842014-05-21T12:00:00-12:002014-05-21T21:32:59-12:00I'll be playing at Old Throop Hall in Pasadena this Weekend
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/393449/94097535a3b54b39a050206888acc95c426d79f9/original/ernestatthroopmay-24.png/!!/b%3AWyJyZXNpemU6NDAweDUwMCJd.png" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="500" width="400" /></p>
Ernest Troosttag:ernesttroost.com,2005:Post/60445832014-05-12T12:00:00-12:002021-09-16T03:27:16-12:00CLOSE is the #1 song on the Roots Music Report Contemporary Folk Chart!<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/393449/77b7f47012f21ad0d992ff602930267f14d0965b/original/screen-shot-2014-05-13-at-8-23-38-am.png/!!/b%3AWyJyZXNpemU6NTI5eDYyOSJd.png" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="629" width="529" /></p>Ernest Troosttag:ernesttroost.com,2005:Post/60445822014-04-16T12:00:00-12:002014-04-17T03:27:47-12:00Excited about upcoming show in Ridgefield, CT
<p><strong>I'm excited about playing in my hometown of Ridgefield, CT on April 27th. I'll be playing as part of the Acoustic Celebration series. </strong><strong>The concert is Sunday, April 27 at 4PM at Temple Shearith Israel, 46 Peaceable St. Ridgefield, CT 06877. I'll be joined by Nicole Gordon who will add her soulful harmonies. Nicole did all the harmonies on my new CD, so this will be a chance to hear us together live. Hope to see you there! <a href="http://www.acousticcelebration.org/content/events2013.html" data-imported="1">Click here for tickets and directions.</a></strong></p>
<p><strong><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/393449/af2796db9bd41158b8a07ffc6a74eec1f6d07663/original/et7jan2010mccabes-1193.jpg/!!/b%3AWyJyZXNpemU6NDU3eDMwNSJd.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="305" width="457" /></strong></p>
<div id="stcpDiv" style="position: absolute; top: -1999px; left: -1988px;">
<h2>Sunday, April 27th, 2014</h2>
<h3><a href="http://www.acousticcelebration.org/" target="_blank" data-imported="1">Acoustic Celebration</a></h3>
<div class="details">
<h4>Ernest Troost at Acoustic Celebration <span class="event_dash"> - </span> 4PM</h4>
<address>Ridgefield CT 06877 US</address>
<div class="price">Price: $20</div>
</div>
<p>I'll be playing a solo show as part of this well known acoustic music series.</p>
- See more at: http://ernesttroost.com/calendar#post-369</div>
<div id="stcpDiv" style="position: absolute; top: -1999px; left: -1988px;">
<h2>Sunday, April 27th, 2014</h2>
<h3><a href="http://www.acousticcelebration.org/" target="_blank" data-imported="1">Acoustic Celebration</a></h3>
<div class="details">
<h4>Ernest Troost at Acoustic Celebration <span class="event_dash"> - </span> 4PM</h4>
<address>Ridgefield CT 06877 US</address>
<div class="price">Price: $20</div>
</div>
<p>I'll be playing a solo show as part of this well known acoustic music series.</p>
- See more at: http://ernesttroost.com/calendar#post-369</div>
Ernest Troosttag:ernesttroost.com,2005:Post/60445812014-03-19T12:00:00-12:002014-04-12T22:25:50-12:00An exceedingly nice review of my new CD!
<p>"Wow. I think this folkie just reinvented Americana and it feels like it must have felt when Dylan went electric at Newport. Always a winner on his past releases, Troost turns it up so much here that the measuring stick doesn’t go that high. Embroidering his new rock attack with dark edges, there’s still folk and Piedmont running through his veins and sound but he isn’t content to stay where he was when he can run on such high octane. Lyrically, he’s going to knock you flat with one punch. Killer stuff throughout, this is the work of an undeniable talent taking it to the next level of the game. You just might not hear Americana the same way again after you take a byte of this. Easily one of the best ‘folk’ albums to come out this year. . . . Check it out."</p>
<p> <strong><em>Chris Spector-Midwest Record</em></strong></p>
<div id="stcpDiv" style="position: absolute; top: -1999px; left: -1988px;">
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>"Wow. I think this folkie just reinvented Americana and it feels like it must have felt when Dylan went electric at Newport. Always a winner on his past releases, Troost turns it up so much here that the measuring stick doesn’t go that high. Embroidering his new rock attack with dark edges, there’s still folk and Piedmont running through his veins and sound but he isn’t content to stay where he was when he can run on such high octane. Lyrically, he’s going to knock you flat with one punch. Killer stuff throughout, this is the work of an undeniable talent taking it to the next level of the game. You just might not hear Americana the same way again after you take a byte of this. Easily one of the best ‘folk’ albums to come out this year,and we still have 9 months to go. Check it out."</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong><strong><em>--Chris Spector, Midwest Record</em></strong></strong></p>
- See more at: http://ernesttroost.com.hostbaby.com/home#sthash.z85cGR6J.dpuf
<div id="stcpDiv" style="position: absolute; top: -1999px; left: -1988px;">
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>"Wow. I think this folkie just reinvented Americana and it feels like it must have felt when Dylan went electric at Newport. Always a winner on his past releases, Troost turns it up so much here that the measuring stick doesn’t go that high. Embroidering his new rock attack with dark edges, there’s still folk and Piedmont running through his veins and sound but he isn’t content to stay where he was when he can run on such high octane. Lyrically, he’s going to knock you flat with one punch. Killer stuff throughout, this is the work of an undeniable talent taking it to the next level of the game. You just might not hear Americana the same way again after you take a byte of this. Easily one of the best ‘folk’ albums to come out this year,and we still have 9 months to go. Check it out."</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong><strong><em>--Chris Spector, Midwest Record</em></strong></strong></p>
- See more at: http://ernesttroost.com.hostbaby.com/home#sthash.z85cGR6J.dpuf</div>
</div>
Ernest Troosttag:ernesttroost.com,2005:Post/60445802014-03-19T12:00:00-12:002014-03-19T21:12:32-12:00Show this Friday in Tehachapi!
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/393449/8f153766a1ff1210e9f3adf3d6db5fcff1ad205e/original/1941418-650802768294917-94940093-o.jpg/!!/b%3AWyJyZXNpemU6MzU3eDQ2NCJd.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="464" width="357" /></p>
Ernest Troosttag:ernesttroost.com,2005:Post/60445792014-03-12T12:00:00-12:002014-03-13T02:49:06-12:00Acoustic Celebration article
<p>Here's an article about the series I'll be playing in Connecticut in April. Looking forward to it!</p>
<p><strong>The Hour</strong></p>
<p>Posted: Wednesday, January 8, 2014</p>
<p><strong>Singer-songwriters have much to celebrate at Acoustic Celebration series </strong></p>
<p><strong></strong></p>
<p><strong><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/393449/67ac673910f8fde63e38ea153cc0603cbb7723fe/original/52cdb55220b8f-image.jpg/!!/b%3AWyJyZXNpemU6NDU4eDMwNSJd.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="305" width="458" /></strong></p>
<p> The Acoustic Celebration series hits the ground running in 2014. Starting this weekend, three consecutive Sunday afternoon singer-songwriter concerts are on the schedule, beginning with Garnet Rogers and Natalia Zuckerman (above) performing at 4 p.m., Jan. 12, at Temple Shearith Israel in Ridgefield.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>By Mike Horyczun</p>
<p>The Acoustic Celebration series hits the ground running in 2014. Starting this weekend, three consecutive Sunday afternoon singer-songwriter concerts are on the schedule, beginning with Garnet Rogers and Natalia Zuckerman performing at 4 p.m., Jan. 12, at Temple Shearith Israel in Ridgefield. They're followed by Tim Grimm and Ben Bedford at 4 p.m. on Jan. 19, at St. Stephen's North Hall in Ridgefield, and John Wort Hannam at 4 p.m. on Jan. 26, back at Temple Shearith Israel. Series organizer Barbara Manners took some time recently to provide a quick snap-shot review of what audiences can expect from the upcoming acts, some returning favorites, others, like this weekend's opener, Natalia Zuckerman, new to the Acoustic Celebration stage.</p>
<p>"Natalia, who I actually presented in New Haven during the years I directed the CT Folk Festival, is an extraordinarily talented string player on a number of instruments, including lap steel guitar, dobro and slide guitar," said Manners. "Her music crosses many genres, from blues to folk to jazz, and even occasional undertones of classical, which is not surprising since she is the daughter of Pinchas and Eugenia Zukerman. She has collaborated with many other singer-songwriters who have played for Acoustic Celebration. And it is a pleasure to finally be able to present her along with Garnet Rogers, a legendary Canadian singer-songwriter and the brother of the late Stan Rogers, who is often described as the father of Canadian folk music." Rogers is a retuning favorite who has played the series several times during its twelve-year history. "Garnet is back almost every year by popular demand from our audience that loves him for his moving songs and incredible voice, as we'll as for the social values he espouses," said Manners.</p>
<p>The following Sunday, Jan. 19, features Ben Bedford opening for another series favorite, Tim Grimm. "Ben Bedford is a young singer-songwriter who grabbed my attention a couple of years ago when I first heard him," said Manners. "He is a storyteller. His songs paint portraits of American heroes as well as everyday folk, their trials and tribulations. Coming from Illinois, part of 'the American heartland,' he, like Tim Grimm from Indiana, writes songs grounded in American history as well as in our land itself. Tim Grimm, who is one of my personal favorites, has also developed a dedicated following during his performances over the years."</p>
<p>Following John Wort Hannam on Jan. 26, the series features the popular Buskin & Batteau on Feb. 9, Krista Detor, March 23, and Tom Pacheco, March 30, all at Temple Shearith Israel. The Carper Family comes in on April 6 at St. Stephen's North Hall. And this season's Acoustic Celebration closes with Ernest Troost at Temple Sherith Israel on April 27.</p>
<p>"Ernest Troost is an already well-established Emmy-winning composer and arranger of music for movies and TV," said Manners. "Having successfully made a career for himself in that field, he is now finally exploring putting feelings into words as well as music and performing those songs himself. His songs are the work of a polished craftsman, luscious melodies accompanied by well-expressed lyrics. I first heard him a year ago at a music conference and said 'who is this guy?' Clearly he was no novice. Turned out that having made a very successful career as composer, arranger and producer, he is now after all these years giving voice to his passion."</p>
<p>Speaking of passions, Manners, who also runs the summer CHIRP concerts in Ridgefield, explains that hers has a musical base. "My passion is the singer-songwriter genre," she said. And after over a decade of presenting nationally touring troubadours at Acoustic Celebration, she sounds just as inspired in pursuing that passion as when she started. "There are so many talented singer-songwriters that should have more recognition than they do," she said, "and I want to help them develop a broader fan base." Temple Shearith Israel is located at 46 Peaceable St. in Ridgefield. St. Stephen's Church is at the end of 351 Main Street in Ridgefield (on the right). For info, call (203) 431-6501, or visit: <a href="http://www.acousticcelebration.org" data-imported="1">www.acousticcelebration.org</a></p>
<p> </p>
Ernest Troosttag:ernesttroost.com,2005:Post/60445782014-02-01T12:00:00-12:002014-02-03T10:52:56-12:00I'll be the special guest at "Woodshed sessions" at Coffee Gallery Backstage
<p>I'll be the special guest of Susie Glaze and the Hilonesome Band Friday, February 7 at the Coffee Gallery Backstage in Altadena, Here's the poster for the series. Hope you can make it!</p>
<p>Ernest</p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/393449/3f6eae4fce3e1575c399cf398cad87f045d76d86/original/1012033-10202591346019197-1814951088-n.jpg/!!/b%3AWyJyZXNpemU6NDY2eDcyMSJd.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="721" width="466" /></p>
Ernest Troosttag:ernesttroost.com,2005:Post/60445772014-01-08T12:00:00-12:002021-12-23T06:07:37-12:00The new album, O LOVE, is in!
<p>Copies of my new album, O LOVE are in and will be available at my upcoming McCabe's show. Official release will be in March!</p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/393449/5efde653ff36bf78cb3d4c142fc44545796908bc/original/o-love-photo-kali.jpg/!!/b%3AWyJyZXNpemU6NDgxeDM1OSJd.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="359" width="481" /></p>
Ernest Troosttag:ernesttroost.com,2005:Post/60445762013-12-27T12:00:00-12:002013-12-28T09:42:57-12:00Ernest with Happy Traum at McCabe's January 18, 2014
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/393449/032062bc6d55f1c2d302ebf2adbb9142a2273556/original/troosttraum-eposter-2.jpg/!!/b%3AWyJyZXNpemU6NjE4eDQ2MCJd.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="460" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="618" /></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.mccabes.com/condata.html" data-imported="1">Tickets</a></p>
Ernest Troosttag:ernesttroost.com,2005:Post/60445752013-12-15T12:00:00-12:002013-12-16T05:58:03-12:00Here'e the cover of the new CD, O LOVE. Out in 2014!
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/393449/70ce773c1f12ae2f39b77af46cfba32ed1840d85/original/o-love-cover-small.jpg/!!/b%3AWyJyZXNpemU6MzIweDI4OCJd.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="288" width="320" /></p>
Ernest Troosttag:ernesttroost.com,2005:Post/60445742013-12-06T12:00:00-12:002013-12-06T21:59:32-12:00Save the Date! Ernest Troost & Happy Traum at McCabe's Saturday, January 18
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/393449/3659df9ca9af64a89142bc101a3b9de3f37b5221/original/troost-traum-concert-edited-2.jpg/!!/b%3AWyJyZXNpemU6NTI1eDY1NyJd.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="657" width="525" /></p>
<p><a href="http://store.mccabes.com/home.php?cat=249" data-imported="1">Tickets</a></p>
Ernest Troosttag:ernesttroost.com,2005:Post/60445732013-11-25T12:00:00-12:002013-11-25T22:19:42-12:00Slaid Cleaves at McCabe's
<p>I saw Slaid at McCabe's a week ago and he brought along some great songs. Here's a video of one of my favorites from his new album.</p>
<p></p>
<div class="video responsive"><div class="video-container"><div class="video responsive"><div class="video-container"><iframe frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/H7JYfhX7yUM" width="560" class="wrapped wrapped"></iframe></div></div></div></div>
Ernest Troosttag:ernesttroost.com,2005:Post/60445722013-09-29T12:00:00-12:002013-09-29T23:43:40-12:00Ernest Troost & Shaun Cromwell at Taix
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/393449/5d84e2619929ffc3ed88946af01e4d7163b4e915/original/taix-poster.jpg/!!/b%3AWyJyZXNpemU6NDQyeDU0MCJd.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="540" width="442" /></p>
Ernest Troosttag:ernesttroost.com,2005:Post/60445712013-08-27T12:00:00-12:002013-08-28T00:00:41-12:00Review of McCabe's show with Ray Bonneville
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/393449/4c984209092ad1dcf92db230b76aec5d2590300e/original/et-mccabes-august-2013.jpg/!!/b%3AWyJyZXNpemU6NTA4eDMzOCJd.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="338" width="508" /></p>
<p>Here's a <a href="http://concert-overload.blogspot.com/2013/08/concert-684-ernest-troost-ray.html" data-imported="1">review</a> of last Saturday's concert at McCabe's with Ray Bonneville. What a great time!</p>
<p>Ernest</p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
Ernest Troosttag:ernesttroost.com,2005:Post/60445702013-08-21T12:00:00-12:002013-08-22T09:39:42-12:00McCabe's show this Saturday!!
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/393449/ee482c09607e04586d59551a2e44bde7bc4fa851/original/troost-bonneville-quotes-v1-1.jpg/!!/b%3AWyJyZXNpemU6NDg1eDU3NCJd.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="574" width="485" /></p>
Ernest Troosttag:ernesttroost.com,2005:Post/60445692013-08-04T12:00:00-12:002013-08-05T05:00:45-12:00Troost & Bonneville at McCabe's August 24th
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/393449/ae952655ad40f2946aeadf93182314223276f58a/original/troost-bonneville-eposter-2.jpg/!!/b%3AWyJyZXNpemU6NTEyeDM4OCJd.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="388" width="512" /></p>
<p>McCabe's Guitar Shop</p>
<p>3101 Pico Blvd.</p>
<p>Santa Monica, CA 90405</p>
<p>310-828-4497<br></p>
<p>Get tickets for this great show <a href="http://store.mccabes.com/home.php?cat=249" data-imported="1">here</a>.</p>
<p></p>
Ernest Troosttag:ernesttroost.com,2005:Post/60445682013-08-02T12:00:00-12:002013-08-03T02:26:47-12:00August 24 McCabe's show with Troost & Bonneville
<p><a href="http://store.mccabes.com/product.php?productid=16820&cat=249&page=1" data-imported="1">Tickets here!</a></p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/393449/d2ad85060feb59a6ddefc0867d561083d6e60a49/original/troost-bonneville-eposter-3.jpg/!!/b%3AWyJyZXNpemU6NDM4eDU2MSJd.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="561" width="438" /></p>
Ernest Troosttag:ernesttroost.com,2005:Post/60445672013-07-23T12:00:00-12:002013-08-05T04:52:31-12:00Recording "Bear Has A Story To Tell"
<p>Getting set up for the session.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Ernest</p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/393449/07741ed94813435eb64c8c9f62b49d36ce2049e0/original/rack.jpg/!!/b%3AWyJyZXNpemU6NDg4eDM2NCJd.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="364" width="488" /></p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/393449/f768b8e64c4ab1ad2136134622969a5afbc82c2a/original/studio.jpg/!!/b%3AWyJyZXNpemU6NDg3eDY0OSJd.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="649" width="487" /></p>
Ernest Troosttag:ernesttroost.com,2005:Post/60445662013-07-08T12:00:00-12:002013-07-09T10:56:59-12:00SING OUT! Reviews ERNEST TROOST LIVE AT MCCABE'S
<p>Here's a link to the SING OUT! review of Ernest Troost Live at McCabe's:</p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/393449/52047366d851eb5575acbad84d3fafe4b2536403/original/et-live-cover-580k.jpg/!!/b%3AWyJyZXNpemU6MzU2eDMxOCJd.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="318" width="356" /></p>
<p> </p>
<p><a href="http://singout.org/2012/11/07/ernest-troost-live-at-mccabes/" data-imported="1">Live at McCabe's review</a></p>
Ernest Troosttag:ernesttroost.com,2005:Post/60445652013-07-01T12:00:00-12:002013-07-02T03:54:27-12:00Scoring Bear Has A Story To Tell
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/393449/da8ab57e19bd2104e20d94115574a7f03acbc1cc/original/bear-cover.jpg/!!/b%3AWyJyZXNpemU6NDg5eDQ0OCJd.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="448" width="489" /></p>
<p>I've started scoring an animated film based on this great children's book by Philip and Erin Stead.</p>
<p>It's a charming story and a wonderful chance to write some delicate music. I'll post the score when it's done.</p>
<p>Ernest</p>
Ernest Troosttag:ernesttroost.com,2005:Post/60445642013-06-24T12:00:00-12:002021-08-13T03:12:20-12:00Lyrics to Painted Saint
<p>I've had some folks ask about the lyrics to PAINTED SAINT, so here they are.</p>
<p>Ernest</p>
<p> </p>
<p><strong>Painted Saint</strong></p>
<p><strong>Music and lyrics by Ernest Troost</strong></p>
<p><strong> </strong></p>
<p>verse 1 The sister mops up the tears, from beneath the wooden saint</p>
<p> She squeezes out her mop and dries off the paint</p>
<p> In this musty old chapel you can hear a spider crawl</p>
<p> But it’s the moonlight streamin’ through the windows</p>
<p> That casts its shadow down the hall</p>
<p> </p>
<p>verse 2 The chapel sits upon a hill, which overlooks the fields</p>
<p> Where workers labored for their souls underneath the heels</p>
<p> Of those who knew the power and the value of a shrine</p>
<p> Light a candle on the altar, pass the chalice, sip the wine</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Chorus It leans against the cool wall, upon its gilded stand</p>
<p> But behind the painted smile, there’s blood on its hands</p>
<p>guitar solo</p>
<p>verse 3 The air is heavy with confessions as she stands still in the nave</p>
<p> Then empties her bucket into the baptismal font and mutters, Jesus saves</p>
<p> Her fingers are old and knotted, but her grip is tight and sure</p>
<p> Sure as the faith that brings the crippled for the cure</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Chorus It leans against the cool wall, upon its gilded stand</p>
<p> But behind the painted smile, there’s blood on its hands</p>
Ernest Troosttag:ernesttroost.com,2005:Post/60445632013-06-09T12:00:00-12:002013-06-11T02:55:32-12:00More music from the film NIGHTCOMER
<p>Here's a link to PAINTED SAINT, the title song from the film NIGHTCOMER starring Mackensie Rosman and Timothy Busfield. Nicole Gordon adds her dark soulful performance to this beautiful haunting song. Right now it's only available as a digital download. I've also posted some cues from the underscore. Enjoy!</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Ernest</p>
<div style="width: 300px; height: 270px; margin: -30px 0px 0px -80px; padding: 0; border: 0; background-image: url(http://www.cdbaby.com/Images/Links/linkmkr_btn4black_buymp3s.png);"><a style="display: block; padding: 40px 10px 10px 100px; margin: 0; border: 0; height: 270px;" href="http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/nicolegordon3" data-imported="1"><img src="https://CDBaby.name/n/i/nicolegordon3.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="Nicole Gordon: Painted Saint" height="175" style="border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;" width="175" /></a></div>
<p><iframe frameborder="no" height="166" scrolling="no" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fapi.soundcloud.com%2Ftracks%2F96323065" width="100%"></iframe></p>
<p><iframe frameborder="no" height="166" scrolling="no" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fapi.soundcloud.com%2Ftracks%2F96320284" width="100%"></iframe></p>
<p><iframe frameborder="no" height="166" scrolling="no" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fapi.soundcloud.com%2Ftracks%2F96315234" width="100%"></iframe></p>
<p><iframe frameborder="no" height="166" scrolling="no" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fapi.soundcloud.com%2Ftracks%2F96475664" width="100%"></iframe></p>
Ernest Troosttag:ernesttroost.com,2005:Post/60445622013-05-26T12:00:00-12:002013-05-26T23:41:00-12:00New Susie Glaze video of my Harlan County Boys!
<p>Here's a new video by Susie Glaze and the Hilonesome Band performing my song HARLAN COUNTY BOYS. They recorded the song on their new album WHITE SWAN. Buy the album <a href="http://susieglaze.com/2013/" data-imported="1">here</a>.</p>
<p> </p>
<p></p>
<div class="video responsive"><div class="video-container"><div class="video responsive"><div class="video-container"><iframe frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/5VlF4mYLmVs" width="560" class="wrapped wrapped"></iframe></div></div></div></div>
Ernest Troosttag:ernesttroost.com,2005:Post/60445612013-05-03T12:00:00-12:002013-05-04T01:00:26-12:00Music for Nelson Mandela film
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/393449/dd24d84516e2b85789ddf6a29199cd7a32390cc7/original/nelson-mandela.jpg/!!/b%3AWyJyZXNpemU6MTg3eDI3MCJd.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="270" width="187" /></p>
<p> </p>
<p>I recently scored a short bio of Nelson Mandela written by Kadir Nelson. He also did the wonderful paintings that illustrate the story. Here's a link to the score in the film music section of this site.</p>
<p><a href="/nelson-mandela" data-imported="1" data-link-type="page">Mandela</a></p>
Ernest Troosttag:ernesttroost.com,2005:Post/60445602013-04-14T12:00:00-12:002020-10-08T23:12:18-12:00Cool book by my pal Jan Strnad
<p>I just finished reading "The Summer We Lost Alice," by my pal Jan Strnad and i highly recommend it. It draws you in with it's vivid descriptions of life in a small rural town, seen through the eyes of young boy from the city. But everything is not as it seems here and before the end of the summer, children start to go missing. This story grabs you and won't let go. Be prepared to stay up late with your ipad! <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Summer-We-Lost-Alice-ebook/dp/B009AHRWQE/ref=sr_1_1_bnp_1_kin?ie=UTF8&qid=1366068731&sr=8-1&keywords=jan+strnad" data-imported="1">THE SUMMER WE LOST ALICE</a></p>
<p> </p>
<p>Ernest</p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/393449/314e827dce0597664c91104462b3132227018a6a/original/51g7wcbmvul.jpg/!!/b%3AWyJyZXNpemU6MzMzeDUwMCJd.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="500" width="333" /></p>
Ernest Troosttag:ernesttroost.com,2005:Post/60445592013-03-31T12:00:00-12:002021-12-24T05:08:46-12:00PopMatters reviews Susie Glaze's new album and has some kind words for my songs
<p>In the PopMatters review of Susie Glaze and the Hilonesome Band's fabulous new album, WHITE SWAN, they have some kind words for two of my songs. It's such a privilege to have two of my songs included on their stunning new album. They've taken great care in their arrangements and all the songs on this disc are top notch. This band is smashing live and if you don't have WHITE SWAN go and get it <a href="http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/hilonesomeband" data-imported="1">here</a>!</p>
<p>Ernest</p>
<p><a href="/files/506861/popmatters-review.pdf" data-imported="1">POPMATTERS_REVIEW.pdf</a></p>
Ernest Troosttag:ernesttroost.com,2005:Post/60445582013-03-24T12:00:00-12:002019-12-24T06:39:28-12:00Odds and Ends
<p>I've been finishing up composing the score for NIGHTCOMER--a few smaller cues left and the END CREDITS. I'm starting to mix the music now. I'll try and post more cues as they're finished.</p>
<p>I've also been reading short stories by William Maxwell--a collection called <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0679761020/ref=s9_psimh_gw_p14_d0_i1?pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=center-2&pf_rd_r=1D2M0HKTEVZH16221T5B&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=1389517282&pf_rd_i=507846" data-imported="1">ALL THE DAYS AND NIGHTS</a>. Maxwell was an editor at the NEW YORKER for 40 years, but also wrote many of his own stories. Beautiful, elegant writing. Check him out.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Ernest</p>
Ernest Troosttag:ernesttroost.com,2005:Post/60445572013-03-10T12:00:00-12:002013-03-11T04:27:11-12:00Posted Weary Traveler video
<p>I just posted a video from this January's McCabe's show. The tune is "Weary Traveler," which was the last song of the night and lots of fun. It's on the home page. Hope you enjoy it!</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Ernest</p>
Ernest Troosttag:ernesttroost.com,2005:Post/60445562013-03-06T12:00:00-12:002019-12-24T06:39:27-12:00A short cue from the indie film, Nightcomer
<p>I've had requests to hear some of the music I'm writing for "Nightcomer." Here's a short cue. I'll post a longer one soon.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Ernest</p>
<p>
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<param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always">
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<embed allowscriptaccess="always" height="81" src="https://player.soundcloud.com/player.swf?url=http%3A%2F%2Fapi.soundcloud.com%2Ftracks%2F82299547&color=ff6600&auto_play=false&show_artwork=true&show_playcount=true&show_comments=true" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="100%"></embed>
</object>
<a href="https://soundcloud.com/ernest-troost/nightcomer-1m8-drug-dealers" data-imported="1">Nightcomer 1M8 Drug Dealers</a> by <a href="https://soundcloud.com/ernest-troost" data-imported="1">Ernest Troost</a></p>
Ernest Troosttag:ernesttroost.com,2005:Post/60445552013-02-18T12:00:00-12:002019-12-24T06:39:26-12:00Scoring NIGHTCOMER
<p>I've been composing music for this vampire movie, Nightcomer and I'm having a great deal of fun with it. As I'm using a lot of orchestral samples, I'm experimenting with numerous reverbs to give the illusion of space and placement to the instruments. It gets pretty technical with early reflections and reverb tails, but the results help make the sampled instruments sound more real. I'll try and put up one of the cues soon.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Ernest</p>
Ernest Troosttag:ernesttroost.com,2005:Post/60445542013-02-11T12:00:00-12:002013-02-19T01:50:24-12:00Reading, Writing and Rehearsing
<p>I've been reading Cormac McCarthy's THE CROSSING. It's the second book in his western trilogy and I highly recommend it. During the day I've been splitting my time between scoring a vampire movie, NIGHTCOMER for director Alain Silver and rehearsing for my performance at the West Valley Music Center this Saturday with Susie Glaze and the Hilonesome Band. It's good to be busy!</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Ernest</p>
Ernest Troosttag:ernesttroost.com,2005:Post/60445532013-01-27T12:00:00-12:002013-01-28T09:15:06-12:00Canterville Ghost Tribute
<p>Here's a video a German fan put together of some images and my music from the film, Canterville Ghost. It's very nicely done!</p>
<p>Thank you!</p>
<p>Ernest</p>
<p> </p>
<p></p>
<div class="video responsive"><div class="video-container"><div class="video responsive"><div class="video-container"><iframe frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/2FCcrMxOROQ" width="560" class="wrapped wrapped"></iframe></div></div></div></div>
Ernest Troosttag:ernesttroost.com,2005:Post/60445522013-01-25T12:00:00-12:002013-01-26T10:28:56-12:00Cool co-bill with Susie Glaze and the Hilonesome Band
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/393449/13888aca83b4118fadb33e78af350375e33bad10/original/show-poster-02-16-13-reglr.jpg/!!/b%3AWyJyZXNpemU6NDM4eDU2NSJd.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="565" width="438" /></p>
<p>This will be a great evening and the venue is small, so get your tickets soon! You can</p>
<p>call the number above or visit the website <a href="http://www.westvalleymusiccenter.com/acoustic-music-series.html" data-imported="1">here</a> for tickets.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Ernest</p>
Ernest Troosttag:ernesttroost.com,2005:Post/60445512013-01-14T12:00:00-12:002013-01-16T11:01:34-12:00This Year's McCabe's Show
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/393449/20bf577c61ad8d3c08624269c68c0e740d464cac/original/trio-stage.jpg/!!/b%3AWyJyZXNpemU6NDAweDI5MSJd.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="291" width="400" /></p>
<p> </p>
<p><span class="userContent">Thanks to all the friends and fans that braved the chilly weather Sunday night to come out to our McCabe's show. It was such a delight to play for such a full and warm house. Nicole Gordon opened the evening with her beautiful set, aided by Johnny Hawthorn's sweet guitar playing and Laurie LeGore's warm harmonies. <br> <br> I had great fun playing my set and Nicole joined me on harmonies and then Debra Dobkin added her tasty percussion and vocals and Mark "Pocket" Goldberg laid down the groove. What an evening! Thank you all for being a part of it.</span></p>
<p> </p>
<p><span class="userContent">Ernest<br></span></p>
Ernest Troosttag:ernesttroost.com,2005:Post/60445502013-01-09T12:00:00-12:002013-01-10T10:21:36-12:00Rehearsing for McCabe's Show Sunday!
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/393449/fb22e743a68265d36305601cff7e674e5fde2570/original/dsc-6765.jpg/!!/b%3AWyJyZXNpemU6NTA5eDMzNiJd.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="336" width="509" /></p>
<p> </p>
<p>It's been fun rehearsing for my upcoming McCabe's with Nicole Gordon, Mark "Pocket" Goldberg and Debra Dobkin. We've got the songs down and are looking forward to the show. Join us at McCabe's, Sunday, January 13 at 7:00 for an evening for stories and songs and a little rock'n roll. The above photo is from last year's show.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Hope to see you there!</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Ernest</p>
Ernest Troosttag:ernesttroost.com,2005:Post/60445492012-12-17T12:00:00-12:002012-12-17T21:04:50-12:00Great show at Point Richmond with Peter Case
<p>I traveled up to Point Richmond to open a show for Peter Case. The concert was in a beautiful one hundred year old octagon shaped church with great acoustics, all decorated for Christmas. Bruce Kaplan and Claudia Russell were our gracious hosts and the evening was truly special.</p>
<p>Louise and I stopped in Cambria on the way home and the gray skies reminded us of our New England roots.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Cheers!</p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/393449/eb9467b83eee336941398e90d336875a8d4ee362/original/photo.jpg/!!/b%3AWyJyZXNpemU6NDY4eDM0OCJd.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="348" width="468" /></p>
<p> </p>
Ernest Troosttag:ernesttroost.com,2005:Post/60445482012-11-25T12:00:00-12:002012-11-26T03:24:39-12:00My January 13th McCabe's show tickets are on sale now!
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/393449/552902bf9d8e559dcbf20baf0f12d4292be055e8/original/scaled-image-4.jpg/!!/b%3AWyJyZXNpemU6MjgyeDMzMiJd.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="332" width="282" /></p>
<p> </p>
<p>I'll be returning to McCabe's for a show on January 13th at 7:00. The fabulous Nicole Gordon will be playing an opening set and also joining me during my set. These shows have sold out the last three years, so get your tickets soon!</p>
<p>Tickets are on sale now <a href="http://www.mccabes.com/condata.html" data-imported="1">here</a>.</p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/393449/5f77c8a0b7416c2d595c02a9421eb6c6741654ca/original/nicole-gordon-photo-cam-sanders.jpg/!!/b%3AWyJyZXNpemU6MzIyeDQ4MiJd.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="482" width="322" /></p>
<p><a href="http://www.nicolegordon.net/" data-imported="1">www.nicolegordon.net</a></p>
Ernest Troosttag:ernesttroost.com,2005:Post/60445472012-11-17T12:00:00-12:002021-12-23T06:07:05-12:00Stray Birds, I Dream in Blue
<p></p>
<div class="video responsive"><div class="video-container"><div class="video responsive"><div class="video-container"><iframe frameborder="0" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/5pfWe4XrpGE" width="640" class="wrapped wrapped"></iframe></div></div></div></div>
<p> </p>
<p>I heard this great band at NERFA last week. You're going to be hearing more about these talented folks.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Ernest</p>
Ernest Troosttag:ernesttroost.com,2005:Post/60444782012-11-01T12:00:00-12:002012-11-06T02:50:02-12:00Off To Play Showcases at NERFA
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/393449/cf3f3e4b2c6f319a5a2fe2877defdf284ce471e4/original/nerfa.jpg/!!/b%3AWyJyZXNpemU6Mjc4eDE4MSJd.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="181" width="278" /></p>
<p> </p>
<p>Ths week I'll be heading east to play some showcases at the NERFA conference up in the Catskills. This is a big folk conference with over 800 artists and venues expected. I'm looking forward to seeing a lot of friends and hearing a lot of great music.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Ernest</p>
Ernest Troosttag:ernesttroost.com,2005:Post/60444772012-10-28T12:00:00-12:002012-10-29T02:59:34-12:00The Rest Is Noise: Listening to the Twentieth Century
<p>This is a great book by Alex Ross I just finished. Here's more info on it. Check it out.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Ernest</p>
<p> </p>
<p><strong>The Rest Is Noise: Listening to the Twentieth Century by Alex Ross<br></strong></p>
<p><strong><em>Winner of the 2007 National Book Critics Circle </em></strong><strong><em>Award for Criticism<br></em></strong><strong><em>A </em></strong><strong>New York Times Book Review </strong><strong><em>Top Ten Book of the Year<br></em></strong><strong>Time </strong><strong><em>magazine Top Ten Nonfiction Book of 2007<br></em></strong></p>
<div>
<strong><strong>Newsweek<em> Favorite Books of 2007<br></em></strong></strong><strong><em>A</em> Washington Post Book World <em>Best Book of 2007<br></em><br></strong>In this sweeping and dramatic narrative, Alex Ross, music critic for <em>The New Yorker</em>, weaves together the histories of the twentieth century and its music, from Vienna before the First World War to Paris in the twenties; from Hitler's Germany and Stalin's Russia to downtown New York in the sixties and seventies up to the present. Taking readers into the labyrinth of modern style, Ross draws revelatory connections between the century's most influential composers and the wider culture. <em>The Rest Is Noise</em> is an astonishing history of the twentieth century as told through its music.</div>
<div></div>
<div>Get it <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Rest-Noise-Listening-Twentieth-Century/dp/0312427719/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1351547762&sr=1-1&keywords=the+rest+is+noise" data-imported="1">here</a>.</div>
<p> </p>
Ernest Troosttag:ernesttroost.com,2005:Post/60444762012-10-22T12:00:00-12:002012-10-22T22:51:56-12:00Brian Wright
<p></p>
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<p>I played the Venue's Choice Concert last Thursday and shared the evening with a lot of great performers. I was especially taken with the music of Brian Wright. His songs are sharply written, but manage to have a casualness to them that makes them all the more appealing.</p>
<p>He's got quite a few albums out so check him out <a href="http://brianwrightmusic.com/" data-imported="1">here</a>.</p>
Ernest Troosttag:ernesttroost.com,2005:Post/60444752012-10-15T12:00:00-12:002012-10-16T11:20:12-12:00Performing at FAR-West in Irvine, CA
<p> <img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/393449/c07eee397b661d7aa738d9970fda16aa4aa53aea/original/far-west-poster-screen-shot.png/!!/b%3AWyJyZXNpemU6NDI1eDU1NCJd.png" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="554" width="425" /></p>
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<p> <a href="http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/253007" data-imported="1">Buy Tickets</a></p>
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Ernest Troosttag:ernesttroost.com,2005:Post/60444742012-10-02T12:00:00-12:002012-10-03T03:12:07-12:00Great time at SWRFA in Austin
<p>I had a great time at SWRFA in Austin. i saw and heard a lot of great musician and songwriters. There were over 100 artists and venues represented from across the southwest. My official showcase on Saturday night was a blast--the crowd was warm and the sound system was top notch. Some artists that were new to me that are worth checking out are: <a href="http://www.danacoopermusic.com/" data-imported="1">Dana Cooper</a> and <a href="http://www.theseathesea.com/sea/home.html" data-imported="1">theseathesea</a>.</p>
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Ernest Troosttag:ernesttroost.com,2005:Post/60444732012-09-26T12:00:00-12:002012-09-26T22:05:09-12:00Johnny Hawthorn slide session
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/393449/c8f9e7227231821a261354f7ee61a81f5f68ad47/original/johnny-hawthorn-session.jpg/!!/b%3AWyJyZXNpemU6Mzc0eDUyOCJd.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="528" width="374" /></p>
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<p>This week Johnny Hawthorn dropped by the studio and played some tasty lap steel on my tune, WEARY TRAVELER. He's a pro!</p>
<p>Read more about it <a href="http://johnnyhawthorn.com/2012/studio-diary-with-composer-ernest-troost/#.UGJPKApwck0.twitter" data-imported="1">here</a>.</p>
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<p>Ernest</p>
Ernest Troosttag:ernesttroost.com,2005:Post/60444722012-09-23T12:00:00-12:002012-09-23T22:17:01-12:00Recording Strings
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<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/393449/e956f0e6c67d88ebbb898ea8ed6cde785fed8b90/original/string-recording-setup.jpg/!!/b%3AWyJyZXNpemU6NDExeDUwNCJd.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="504" width="411" /></p>
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<p>Here's the setup for a string recording I just finished. A couple of Vin-Jet ribbon mics over the violin and viola going into a AEA mic pre and a AKG 451 for the cello, going into a BAE 1073 pre. It sounded sweet with no need for eq.</p>
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<p>Ernest</p>
Ernest Troosttag:ernesttroost.com,2005:Post/60444712012-09-21T12:00:00-12:002012-09-22T10:40:51-12:00Heading to Austin this Week for SWRFA
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/393449/b2d91f184404d2aee86675b4ad15018041f6766b/original/swrfa-logo-2003-thumb200x200.jpg/!!/b%3AWyJyZXNpemU6MjAweDE1MiJd.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="152" width="200" /></p>
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<p>I'll be heading to Austin for the SWRFA Conference. This will be my first SWRFA and I'm looking forward to playing my official showcase and seeing and hearing all my Texas friends. This is going to be a blast!</p>
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<p>Ernest</p>
Ernest Troosttag:ernesttroost.com,2005:Post/60444702012-09-10T12:00:00-12:002012-09-11T01:27:11-12:00Songwriter Showcase tonight in Laguna
<p>I'll be guest hosting Beth Wood's showcase at the Marine Room tonight at 8. We have a great line up of some of my favorite songwriters. Come on by.</p>
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<p>Ernest</p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/393449/e5a0dd57106b1c522c5d0556c6d811cfaadfb57b/original/laguna-showcase-sept-2012.jpg/!!/b%3AWyJyZXNpemU6NTQxeDY3MCJd.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="670" width="541" /></p>
Ernest Troosttag:ernesttroost.com,2005:Post/60444692012-09-02T12:00:00-12:002012-09-03T09:42:00-12:00John Fullbright's "Nowhere To Be Found"
<p>Here's a great tune from the brilliant young songwriter, John Fullbright. How do you like it?</p>
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<p>Ernest</p>
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Ernest Troosttag:ernesttroost.com,2005:Post/60444682012-08-26T12:00:00-12:002019-12-24T06:38:05-12:00Recording bass and drums
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/393449/288ea420c5d85ccb65c492599ad1e3050ff7605e/original/1924-victor-orchestra-acous.jpg/!!/b%3AWyJyZXNpemU6MzY2eDI5MCJd.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="290" width="366" /></p>
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<p>I've been busy recording drums and bass in my studio. I had the fabulous Ralph Humphrey here last week playing drums. I used a 57 on snare, a RE320 on kick, a ribbon on over heads, and finally a 414 in front of the kit for a room mic. Ralph and I were amazed how this produced a nice fat retro mono sound. Also, a few days ago Mark "Pocket" Goldberg stopped by and and cut a groovy stand up bass part on STORM COMIN'. I recorded him using a Telefunken AK47 into a BAE 1073 and got a cool sound. I'm very excited about how these tunes are coming together. I'll post some rough mixes soon.</p>
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<p>Ernest</p>
Ernest Troosttag:ernesttroost.com,2005:Post/60444672012-08-18T12:00:00-12:002022-01-07T05:27:25-12:00Sara Watkins performing YOU AND ME
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<p>My friend Tom Kell turned me on to this great new song from Sara Watkins. Simple songs are the hardest to write and she makes it sound easy.</p>
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<p>Ernest</p>
Ernest Troosttag:ernesttroost.com,2005:Post/60444662012-08-12T12:00:00-12:002012-08-13T11:00:51-12:00The Devil All the Time
<p> <img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/393449/4b57f035882acec148328be9dc3eaa91429a73d6/original/thedevilallthetimesmall-e1305590688381.jpg/!!/b%3AWyJyZXNpemU6MTM0eDE5NiJd.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="196" width="134" /><br><br>I read a new novel by Donald Ray Pollock and it's potent stuff. Set in the town of Knockemstiff Ohio, it is American gothic writing at it's darkest. Serial killers, corrupt cops and preachers that prey on teenage girls. Some of the passages are hard to take, but the writing is so compelling I kept turning the pages.<br><br>The impoverished characters, the crime, and lack of education reminded me of William Gay, Larry Brown, and Flannery O'Connor stories. They do what they must to get by and have plenty of bad habits that they revel in. It's hard to find a likable character, but the young boy at the center of the story, Arvin, is the most likable and he perhaps finds some redemption at the end, even though it's through violence.<br><br>Pollack worked at a paper mill for 30 years before he got his first book published, a collection of short stories called Knockemstiff. He got an MFA from Ohio State and proceeded to write "Evil All the Time." This book is not for the faint of heart, but I highly recommend it. If you like Tom Wait's darker stuff, this is for you.<br><br>Read more about Pollack and his books here: <a href="http://donaldraypollock.com/" data-imported="1">http://donaldraypollock.com/</a></p>
<p>Ernest</p>
Ernest Troosttag:ernesttroost.com,2005:Post/60444652012-08-03T12:00:00-12:002012-08-03T21:34:42-12:00I've been selected for an Official Showcase at SWRFA in Austin
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<p>I've been selected for an official showcase at this year's South West Regional Folk Alliance Conference in Austin! It will be exciting to be in Austin again and play at this great conference. I'll be seeing lots of friends from Texas as well as songwriting pals from Los Angeles, who have been selected. This is gonna be a blast!</p>
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<p>Ernest</p>
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<p>Here's a list of the songwriters selected for official showcases.</p>
<p>FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 28<br>Michael Johnson<br>Barbara Nesbitt<br>Dana Cooper<br>Suzie Vinnick<br>Batdorf & Stanley - All Wood & Stones<br>Jaime Michaels<br>The Flyin’ A’s<br>Gleny Rae Virus & Her Tamworth Playboys<br> <br> <br>SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 29<br>Brad Colerick<br>Natalie Gelman<br>The Hems<br>Ernest Troost<br>The Sea The Sea<br>Tom Prasada-Rao<br>Tommy Elskes<br>Claudia Russell & the Folk Unlimited Orchestra</p>
Ernest Troosttag:ernesttroost.com,2005:Post/60444642012-07-29T12:00:00-12:002012-07-30T01:04:53-12:00Some Beatrix Potter Music
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/393449/2dcb8f43cfeaf0c9c97b0b6fb537049d81fb0c2a/original/potter-2.jpg/!!/b%3AWyJyZXNpemU6MjQzeDIwOCJd.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="208" width="243" /><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/393449/7483619c4210efea563af5b97e1cc6205c2e14a1/original/peter-rabbit.jpg/!!/b%3AWyJyZXNpemU6MjA4eDIwOCJd.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="208" width="208" /></p>
<p>I scored this documentary a number of years ago and it aired on A&E. I scored it for string quintet, flute, clarinet, and harp. Lynn Redgrave did the great narration. It was directed by my friend Paul Gagne, who did a wonderful job. You can hear the cues I've posted <a href="/beatrix-potter" data-imported="1" data-link-type="page">here.</a></p>
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<p>Ernest</p>
Ernest Troosttag:ernesttroost.com,2005:Post/60444632012-07-22T12:00:00-12:002012-07-23T02:38:59-12:00Galway Girl Live
<p>This is an electrifying performance of Steve Earle's Galway Girl by Mundy and Sharon Shannon. Hard to keep from tapping your toes.</p>
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Ernest Troosttag:ernesttroost.com,2005:Post/60444622012-07-15T12:00:00-12:002012-07-18T03:46:43-12:00Interview/performance on FolkScene with Roz Larman
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<p>I recently had a lot of fun taping an interview/performance with host Roz Larman for her show <a href="http://www.folkscene.com/" data-imported="1">Folkscene</a> The list of artists that have performed on this show is amazing, so it was an honor to be asked. Roz was charming and engineer Peter Cutler is a prince. The show will air this coming Sunday, July 22nd 6 PST. In Los Angeles FolkScene can be heard on KPFK 90.7 Los Angeles from 6-8:00 PM, and on the internet at <a href="http://www.kpfk.org/index.php" data-imported="1">www.kpfk.org</a></p>
<p>Ernest</p>
Ernest Troosttag:ernesttroost.com,2005:Post/60444612012-07-08T12:00:00-12:002012-07-08T22:30:19-12:00Dave Harvey & Songsalive Showcase
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/393449/4c380ec6adda917eb7a3d09b28fb74cae6bfa555/original/hallenbecks-2012.jpg/!!/b%3AWyJyZXNpemU6MzQ3eDYxNSJd.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="615" width="347" /></p>
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<p>I just shared a fun night with songwriters Linda Geleris, Deanna Pino, and Zackery Provost at Dave Harvey's Songsalive showcase.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.cahuengageneralstore.com/" data-imported="1">The Cahuenga General Store</a> with it's old-time vibe, is a great little room to hear music.</p>
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<p>Ernest</p>
Ernest Troosttag:ernesttroost.com,2005:Post/60444602012-07-01T12:00:00-12:002012-07-01T22:26:35-12:00The Dinosaurs of Waterhouse Hawkins
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/393449/9bca890041f068bee8d2b758c8613ab15544c772/original/whbookcover.jpg/!!/b%3AWyJyZXNpemU6MzQxeDQ1NSJd.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="455" width="341" /></p>
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<p>I posted cues from this score on the LISTEN TO FILM SCORES page. Click <a href="/the-dinosaurs-of-waterhouse-hawkins" data-imported="1" data-link-type="page">here</a> to listen. The score is for strings, percussion, oboe, clarinet, bass clarinet, bassoon, contra bassoon and horn. With the addition of some samples, this little group makes a very big sound!</p>
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<p>Ernest</p>
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Ernest Troosttag:ernesttroost.com,2005:Post/60444592012-06-24T12:00:00-12:002012-06-24T23:45:49-12:00Great show at the Folk Music Center
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/393449/8db681962bb1707ef8cb861028daa3e64f2ceefe/original/images.jpg/!!/b%3AWyJyZXNpemU6MjYzeDE5MSJd.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="191" width="263" /></p>
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<p>I really enjoyed opening Saturday night for Joel Rafael at the Folk Music Center in Claremont. The space is filled with instruments and the walls vibrate when you play. I love playing here and I made a lot of new friends. If you haven't seen a concert at this intimate venue, you should try it soon. There are plenty of cool shops and restaurants in the area to enjoy before the show. <a href="http://folkmusiccenter.com/" data-imported="1">Folk Music Center</a></p>
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<p>Ernest</p>
Ernest Troosttag:ernesttroost.com,2005:Post/60445242012-06-17T12:00:00-12:002020-10-13T04:22:37-12:00The Living Tradition with Jack Williams
<p>I had the pleasure this weekend of opening for the fabulous Jack Williams at the <a href="http://www.thelivingtradition.org/tltbodyconcerts.html" data-imported="1">Living Tradition Concert Series</a> in Anaheim. Jack is a great writer, singer and an extraordinary guitarist. Here's a video I found of him playing YOU'RE THE ONE on youtube. Enjoy!</p>
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<p>Ernest</p>
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Ernest Troosttag:ernesttroost.com,2005:Post/60445232012-06-10T12:00:00-12:002012-06-11T02:48:29-12:00William Gay
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<p>Somehow I missed hearing that William Gay, a terrific southern writer, had passed away in February. I had dreamed that one day, on a trip to Nashville, I would look him up and tell him how much I loved his work and about its impact on my songwriting. I regret now I didn't make that visit a priority.<br><br>His collection of short stories, "I Hate To See the Evening Sun Go Down," is one of my favorites and each story has a title from an old blues tune. Gay had an ear for great music, as well as dialogue. Here's a sample from his first novel, "The Long Home."</p>
<p>“Your pa lit out, didn’t he?”</p>
<p>“I don’t know what happened to him. I never did believe he lit out and I don’t believe it now.”</p>
<p>“Well, folks is funny. I don’t care how close you think you know somebody, you don’t know what wheels is turnin in their head. Course you don’t remember but times was hard for folks back then. Times was tightern a banjo string. Lots of folks was on the road. He might’ve just throwed up his hands and said fuck it and lit out.”</p>
<p>“No.”</p>
<p>“Well. I ain’t tryin to tell you what to think about your own daddy. But seems to me me and you’s a lot alike.”</p>
<p>After writing part time for 40 years, he was finally published when he was 56, which alone should be an inspiration to all struggling authors and songwriters. But the real inspiration can be found in his writing--beautiful, dark, sublime stuff. Here's an <a href="http://therumpus.net/2012/04/a-world-almost-rotten-the-fiction-of-william-gay/" data-imported="1">essay</a> about his works by William Giraldi at Rumpus.</p>
<p><br>The Long Home<br>Provinces of Night: A Novel<br>I Hate To See the Evening Sun Go Down: Collected Stories<br>Twilight: A Novel</p>
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Ernest Troosttag:ernesttroost.com,2005:Post/60445222012-06-02T12:00:00-12:002012-06-04T22:46:29-12:00Sometimes all you need is a little Elizabeth Cotten
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Ernest Troosttag:ernesttroost.com,2005:Post/60445212012-05-30T12:00:00-12:002012-05-31T02:33:38-12:00Pictures of Baird, TX
<p>We stopped in Baird TX on our recent trip to Dallas. These are some pictures of the old part of town near the train tracks.</p>
<p>A little bit of "The Last Picture Show" kind of vibe.</p>
<p>Ernest</p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/393449/6e58a6f20cc11a8789d45d26e06bd7be7c100dc1/original/dscn1106.jpg/!!/b%3AWyJyZXNpemU6NDUweDMzNyJd.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="337" width="450" /><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/393449/dec70efa8a144353e7809996d2a6d1d33cbbf08d/original/dscn1107.jpg/!!/b%3AWyJyZXNpemU6NDUweDMzNyJd.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="337" width="450" /><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/393449/9529403265193d7cb0ad71238963c64897749ca1/original/dscn1108.jpg/!!/b%3AWyJyZXNpemU6NDUweDMzNyJd.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="337" width="450" /></p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/393449/a68bf11673417c1c6c4ad8400e4a6ad6bc290b67/original/dscn1112.jpg/!!/b%3AWyJyZXNpemU6NDUweDMzNyJd.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="337" width="450" /><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/393449/6e1d9287243c4cec52bdc040e94c2e5009c62e8e/original/dscn1109.jpg/!!/b%3AWyJyZXNpemU6NDUweDU5OSJd.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="599" width="450" /><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/393449/5ebbdea2f49750f7abee5aafcd4d808ff27b6342/original/dscn1113.jpg/!!/b%3AWyJyZXNpemU6NDUweDMzNyJd.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="337" width="450" /></p>
Ernest Troosttag:ernesttroost.com,2005:Post/60445202012-05-28T12:00:00-12:002012-05-28T22:43:26-12:00Worthwhile stops on the way to Dallas
<p>Here are a few of our favorite spots we visited on our recent 3,000 mile road trip to the Wildflower Festival in Dallas.</p>
<p>In Tucson, <a href="http://www.elcharrocafe.com/" data-imported="1">El Charro</a>, great Mexican restaurant in Tucson's old town.</p>
<p>In Abilene, <a href="http://nccil.org/index.htm" data-imported="1">The National Center for Children's Illustrated Literature</a>. The museum is located in old down town Abilene and dedicated to illustration in children's books.</p>
<p>In Fort Worth, <a href="https://www.kimbellart.org/Index.aspx" data-imported="1">The Kimbell Art Museum</a>, one of Louis Kahn's greatest buildings with a beautiful art collection.</p>
<p>Also in Fort Worth, the <a href="http://themodern.org/" data-imported="1">Museum of Modern Art</a>. Another amazing building with huge spaces for artwork. It's right next to the Kimbell. </p>
<p>Ernest</p>
Ernest Troosttag:ernesttroost.com,2005:Post/60445192012-05-23T12:00:00-12:002012-05-28T00:02:18-12:00Fun at the Wildflower Festival
<p>The Wildflower Festival was a blast! I wasn't one of the winners of the song contest, but I enjoyed meeting a lot of nice people and hearing a lot of great songs. <a href="http://robynlandis.com/" data-imported="1">Robyn Landis</a>, <a href="http://www.connorgarveysongs.com/#!home/mainPage" data-imported="1">Conner Garvey</a>, and <a href="http://nicolettegood.com/" data-imported="1">Nicolette Good</a> were the winners of the song contest and their songs were great. <a href="http://www.twangtownparamours.com/" data-imported="1">Mary Beth Zamer</a> won the audience award. Check out their music.</p>
<p>Ernest</p>
Ernest Troosttag:ernesttroost.com,2005:Post/60445182012-05-12T12:00:00-12:002022-05-30T04:24:54-12:00Wildflower Art and Music Festival
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/393449/6823ec3d3e9f4f6100043c5f8a1e94baadfdbffb/original/0.gif/!!/b%3AWyJyZXNpemU6MjEweDIxMCJd.gif" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="210" width="210" /></p>
<p><a href="http://www.wildflowerfestival.com/" data-imported="1">Wildflower Festival</a></p>
<p>I'll be heading out to TX as a finalist in the songwriting contest at the WildFlower Art and Music Festival. If you're in the Dallas Fort Worth area, come on by! The songwriting contest is Saturday, May 19 from 11:15 to 1:30. There are 10 finalists and we each play two tunes. The contest will be streamed on the internet. Here's more info if you want to watch: <a href="/files/506860/live-streaming-schedule.pdf" data-imported="1">Live_Streaming_Schedule.pdf</a></p>
<p>Ernest</p>
Ernest Troosttag:ernesttroost.com,2005:Post/60445172012-05-06T12:00:00-12:002012-05-07T04:53:54-12:00Traveling to Tucson and the Folk Festival
<p><img src="http://ernesttroost.com.hostbaby.com/img/Bluesman_walking.JPG" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="220" width="504" /></p>
<p>We visited Frank Lloyd Wright's <a href="http://www.franklloydwright.org/web/Tours.html" data-imported="1">Taliesin West</a> on our way to Tucson. This was our second time there and we took the 3 hour behind-the-scenes tour. The place is very inspiring. We got to talk with architect's who live and work there now and saw some of the areas not on the basic tour.</p>
<p>I had a wonderful time playing the Tucson Folk Festival on Saturday, May 5th. It was such a thrill to be part of that line up. Some of my new favorite musicians played Saturday evening. Check out <a href="http://www.runboyrunband.com/" data-imported="1">RUN BOY RUN</a>, <a href="http://www.nowheremanandawhiskeygirl.com/" data-imported="1">NOWHERE MAN AND WHISKEY GIRL</a>, <a href="http://kevinpakulis.com/" data-imported="1">KEVIN PAKULIS</a>, and <a href="http://www.rosebudus.com/beausoleil/" data-imported="1">BEAUSOLEIL</a>.</p>
<p>Ernest</p>
Ernest Troosttag:ernesttroost.com,2005:Post/60445162012-04-29T12:00:00-12:002012-04-29T22:55:55-12:00Tucson Folk Festival and Woody's Children radio show
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/393449/7afffd0e7c59bd1e308490f8a7d11d7eb7efec8b/original/2012.jpg/!!/b%3AWyJyZXNpemU6MjAweDMwOSJd.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="309" width="200" /></p>
<p>I'm excited to be performing this Saturday night at 8:00 at the Tucson Folk Festival. I'll be sharing the Plaza Stage with Kevin Pakulas & Amy Langley and BeauSoleil. The festival runs all weekend and there are 130 artist performing! More info here: <a href="http://www.tkma.org/" data-imported="1">Tucson Folk Festival</a></p>
<p>Also, next weekend on Sunday at 4 EST Robert Sherman will start off his legendary radio show, WOODY'S CHILDREN on WFUV with two of my tunes. It's an honor to be included on this show's playlist. <a href="http://www.wfuv.org/programs/woodyschildren" data-imported="1">Woody's Children</a></p>
<p>Ernest</p>
Ernest Troosttag:ernesttroost.com,2005:Post/60445152012-04-24T12:00:00-12:002012-04-24T22:00:00-12:00Calm at Sunset
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/393449/0c0d6e915b1afea6667e232af8f61ce63fce1e44/original/calm-at-sunset.jpg/!!/b%3AWyJyZXNpemU6MTM2eDEzNiJd.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="136" width="136" /></p>
<p>I've posted cues from one of my favorite filmscores, Calm at Sunset. This is a wonderful film directed by Dan Petrie for Hallmark Hall of Fame starring Michael Moriarty, Peter Facinelli and Kate Nelligan. Great acting and beautiful Nova Scotia locations were an inspiration. The score was nominated for an Emmy, my second nomination. This was the beginning of my working with the great music editor Chris Ledesma and engineer Don Hahn and of course we had the great LA players at Capitol Studios in Hollywood.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a href="/calm-at-sunset" data-imported="1" data-link-type="page">Listen here</a></p>
<p> </p>
<p>Ernest</p>
Ernest Troosttag:ernesttroost.com,2005:Post/60445142012-04-16T12:00:00-12:002012-04-17T00:22:40-12:00Imelda May
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/393449/afa97df1b5400c65ffa74353b3a7d7ce2dd26f75/original/imelda-may.jpg/!!/b%3AWyJyZXNpemU6NDIzeDI4MyJd.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="283" width="423" /></p>
<p> </p>
<p>I recently discovered the Irish singer Imelda May--I know, everyone else discovered her years ago! She's terrific and there's lots of her video performances on youtube as well as interviews.</p>
<p>Her 2011 album, MAYHEM is available at http://www.imeldamay.co.uk/#. She's also on the new Chieftian's record. She's very cool.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Ernest</p>
Ernest Troosttag:ernesttroost.com,2005:Post/60445132012-04-09T12:00:00-12:002012-04-09T23:03:01-12:00Low Anthem
<p>This band has an original approach to folk and blues styles and I love how they mix in some contemporary compositional effects.</p>
<p> </p>
<p></p>
<div class="video responsive"><div class="video-container"><div class="video responsive"><div class="video-container"><iframe frameborder="0" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/PiRXJ2rxqtU" width="640" class="wrapped wrapped"></iframe></div></div></div></div>
Ernest Troosttag:ernesttroost.com,2005:Post/60445122012-04-05T12:00:00-12:002012-04-06T01:50:02-12:00The End of the Day
<p>My mom passed away today of natural causes. Luckily we had a chance to go back east and spend ten days with her while she could still smile and talk a little. She was very comfortable in a beautiful nursing home and had many visitors.</p>
<p>I have been working on a song for about a month called THE END OF THE DAY, which is sort of a note from my dad to my mom about what to pack for the final trip. Here are the lyrics. I'll post the song when the recording's done. Peace, mom.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>The End of the Day</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">verse 1 Bring along the laughter and the rueful replies</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> Pack up your troubles, say your final goodbyes</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> Bring along the hurt that will not wash away</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> Bring it all, when you come, at the end of the day</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Verse 2 Bring along the times when we barely got by</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> Bring along the bitter and the sweet tears we cried</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> Paint me a sky of blue and gray</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> Bring it all, when you come, at the end of the day</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">(Guitar interlude)</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Bridge Bring along the stories we both know so well</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> And bring along a hammer, to ring all the bells</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> Bring along the sad songs heard ‘long the way</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> Bring ‘em all, when you come, at the end of the day</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">(Guitar solo)</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Verse 3 No need for your glasses, your toothbrush or comb</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> No need for directions, it’s like going home</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> And all of the dreams that you once stowed away</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> They’re all waiting for you here, at the end of the day</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> I’ll be waiting for you here, at the end of the day</p>
Ernest Troosttag:ernesttroost.com,2005:Post/60445112012-03-11T12:00:00-12:002021-09-21T11:34:39-12:00Two movies worth watching
<p>I recently watched two movies that are worth mentioning. The first is a British mini-series called <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Part-1/dp/B004S8HTMM/ref=sr_1_1?s=movies-tv&ie=UTF8&qid=1345310275&sr=1-1&keywords=any+human+heart" data-imported="1">Any Human Heart</a>, with Jim Broadbent and Mathew Macfadyen. It follows a writer's journey through the 20th century, where he meets various famous artists, writers and politicians all the while struggling to write his own masterpiece. Some segments don't work as well as others, but the acting is great and production is beautifully done. I especially liked the score by Dan Jones. The second film is a French one called <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Queen-Play-Kevin-Kline/dp/B004ZJHSAM/ref=sr_1_1?s=movies-tv&ie=UTF8&qid=1345310380&sr=1-1&keywords=Queen+to+Play" data-imported="1">Queen to Play</a>, starring Sandrine Bonnaire. This inspiring film, filmed beautifully on the island of Corsica, caught me by surprise. It's a joy to watch Bonnaire, a maid at a resort hotel, come to realize her true potential with the help of a mentor. Check them out.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>-Ernest</p>
Ernest Troosttag:ernesttroost.com,2005:Post/60445102012-03-01T12:00:00-12:002012-03-04T05:41:26-12:00Ernest Troost Live At McCabe's radio play!
<p>Here's how the Cd is doing on Folk radio.</p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/393449/a3f2cb06463c26ce54b8ddb88fe17d02bd6a6978/original/radio-eposter-2012.jpg/!!/b%3AWyJyZXNpemU6NDc5eDYxOCJd.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="618" width="479" /></p>
<p style="text-align: left;">Here is a list of some of the radio stations airing my new CD</p>
<p>If you live near any of these stations call and request a tune!<br><br><br>KCSN<br>Northridge, CA<br>Tangled Roots, hosted by Pat Baker<br><br>KCSN<br>Northridge, CA<br>Americana Matinee, hosted by Kat Griffin<br><br>WEFT, 90.1 FM<br>113 N. Market St.<br>Champaign, IL <br>From Joshua Tree Inn, host Kevin Elliott<br><br>WDBX 91.1FM<br>Carbondale, IL <br>T.G.I.Folk, host Gaye Auxier<br><br>WSLR, 96.5 <br>Sarasota, FL.<br>Our Kind of Folk, host Craig Huegel<br><br>WMNF, 88.5<br>Tampa, FL<br>The Waking Hours, host Craig Huegel<br><br>KVMR 89.5<br>Nevada City, CA<br>Click Your Heels Together, hosted by Ruby Slippers<br><br>RadioWayne<br>internet radio<br><br>WGDR/WGDH 91.1<br>Plainfield VT<br>Acoustic Harmony, host Mark Michaelis<br><br>CKUT 90.3<br>Montreal<br>Folk Directions, host Gerry Goodfriend<br><br>Ches Radio<br>internet<br>Acoustic Planet, host Steve Clarke<br><br>KUNI 90.9<br>Iowa Public Radio<br>The Folk Tree, hosted by Karen Impola<br><br>WRKF <br>Baton Rouge, LA<br>Here's Hootenanny Power, hosted by Taylor Caffery<br><br>KRCB 91.1<br>Santa Rosa California <br>Your Average Abalone, hosted by Johnny Bazzano<br><br>WSHU<br>Fairfield, CT<br>Acoustic Connections, hosted by Walt Graham<br><br>KXCI 91.3<br>Tucson, AZ<br>Acoustic Alternative, hosted by Henry Hallett<br><br>WRUR 88.5 <br>Rochester, NY<br>A Variety of Folk, hosted by Ray Baumler<br><br> <br>CKPC AM 1380<br>Ontario N3R 7C5<br>Just Us Folk, hosted by Jan Vanderhorst<br><br>WSCS<br>New London, CT<br>Out of the Woods, hosted by Jon Colcord<br><br>Community Radio 2mce-fm, 92.3<br>New South Wales, Australia<br>One of the Folk, hosted by Terry Fatseas<br><br>WXOU 88.3<br>Auburn Hills, MI<br>The Old Front Porch, hosted by Maggie Ferguson<br><br>3INR 96.5<br>Victoria, Australia<br>Folk n Roots, hosted by Colin Fielding<br><br>WFMT 98.7<br>Chicago, IL<br>The Midnight Special, hosted by Rich Warren<br><br>WESU 88.1<br>Middletown, CT<br>75% Folk, hosted by Bill Revill<br><br>95.6<br>EMS-Vechte-Welle, Germany<br>Hillbilly Rockhouse/Roots, hosted by Gerd Stassen<br><br>Radio Compagnie <br>Country Stew, hosted by Martin van der Laan<br>The Netherlands<br><br>Dutch Roots Radio<br>Landslide, hosted by Michael V. Bruggen</p>
<p>WVOF 88.5<br>Fairfield, CT<br>Upper Room with Gi Dussault<br><br>RTV Katwijk Radio<br>The Netherlands<br>Acoustic Rain, hosted by Bart van der Pol</p>
Ernest Troosttag:ernesttroost.com,2005:Post/60445092012-02-26T12:00:00-12:002019-12-24T06:38:44-12:00Studio photos
<p>I'm busy in the studio this week. Here are some of the toys I'm using.</p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/393449/4f13e07124e7d7c15f08a110a41cc752f70300e1/original/dscn1093.jpg/!!/b%3AWyJyZXNpemU6NDAxeDI5OSJd.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="299" width="401" /></p>
<p>I love the Keeley Distortion Pedal and the Memory Lane Delay.</p>
<p>You can create some really nice sounds with these.</p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/393449/37b842c59bd3c3e896da818128df6d83ddd9d70a/original/dscn1094.jpg/!!/b%3AWyJyZXNpemU6NDAyeDU0NCJd.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="544" width="402" /></p>
<p>My little Carr Raleigh amp with a ribbon on it sounds sweet!</p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/393449/4e0607873b707f4ef251adf6ba8b298b895200d1/original/dscn1095.jpg/!!/b%3AWyJyZXNpemU6NDAxeDU2NiJd.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="566" width="401" /></p>
<p>More stuff!</p>
Ernest Troosttag:ernesttroost.com,2005:Post/60445082012-02-20T12:00:00-12:002012-02-21T00:12:37-12:00Recording Bitter Wind
<p>I've been busy recording a studio version of my tune BITTER WIND. There's a solo acoustic version on my LIVE AT MCCABE'S album, but I wanted to do a fuller arrangement for my upcoming love song album. I've added some electric guitar parts and pump organ and had a blast using some of my new guitar pedals-Memory Lane Delay and Keeley Overdrive. I hope to record some drums this week and then finish up the mix. Next song up, WHEN IT'S GONE.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>-Ernest</p>
Ernest Troosttag:ernesttroost.com,2005:Post/60445072012-02-14T12:00:00-12:002012-02-14T22:00:55-12:00Concertwindow.com
<div id="folk_logo_sketch">Monday night I watched a video stream of Susie Glaze and the Hilonesome Band performing live at the Freight and Salvage in Berkeley, CA. This was made possible by a new service called concertwindow.com. For a $3 charge I watched the whole concert, which included the fabulous Houston Jones, from my computer in Los Angeles. Concertwindow.com streams shows from The Freight and Salvage in Berkeley CA, Passim's in Boston, Tupelo's in Londonderry New Hampshire, and One Longfellow Square in Portland, Maine. A great way to see folk performances you would otherwise miss. Check it out! <a>concertwindow.com</a>
</div>
<p> </p>
<p>Ernest</p>
Ernest Troosttag:ernesttroost.com,2005:Post/60445062012-02-08T12:00:00-12:002012-02-09T00:53:47-12:00Listening to more George Antheil
<p>I've been listening a lot to George Antheil's string quartets and Serenade No. 1, which are delightful. His music sounds a bit like Stravinsky, which is not surprising given Stravinsky's influence on the music world in the early part of the 20th century. There are also some of the repeating patterns found in today's minimalist music in these string pieces. Perhaps this was Antheil's interest in duplicating the sound of machines, as in his Ballet Mechanique. Another piece that's great is his Symphony for 5 Instruments. You can check out his music on Spotify and I found this on youtube below.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>-Ernest</p>
<p> </p>
<p></p>
<div class="video responsive"><div class="video-container"><div class="video responsive"><div class="video-container"><iframe frameborder="0" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/E3dQVBg6lUw?rel=0" width="480" class="wrapped wrapped"></iframe></div></div></div></div>
Ernest Troosttag:ernesttroost.com,2005:Post/60445052012-01-31T12:00:00-12:002012-02-01T02:34:39-12:00Pictures of Taliensin West
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/393449/fb160731f2544341c0277cde36971b801f17e3ae/original/dscn1084.jpg/!!/b%3AWyJyZXNpemU6NTM2eDQwMSJd.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="401" width="536" /></p>
<p>Entrance to Taliensin West</p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/393449/a5298b0c4d8fcbb0be78ef32359d895e970b4078/original/dscn1087.jpg/!!/b%3AWyJyZXNpemU6NTM1eDM5OSJd.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="399" width="535" /></p>
<p>Built on the brow of the hill</p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/393449/3ef3119ec5b27507464f8c8792c73a9203fd3316/original/dscn1089.jpg/!!/b%3AWyJyZXNpemU6NTM1eDM5OSJd.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="399" width="535" /></p>
<p>Wright's bedroom.</p>
<p>More about Taliensin West <a href="http://www.franklloydwright.org/web/Tours.html" data-imported="1">here</a>.</p>
Ernest Troosttag:ernesttroost.com,2005:Post/60445042012-01-22T12:00:00-12:002012-01-24T06:02:48-12:00Great Trip to Tucson
<p>We just got back from a great trip to Tucson where I played at the Abounding Grace Sanctuary. Leading up to the concert I did a performance and interview on the local TV show, Morning Blend, on Friday and then Saturday morning, a performance and interview with Henry Hallett on his radio show, Acoustic Alternative on KXCI. Henry is a great host and it's always a joy to be on his show.</p>
<p>The Abounding Grace show is part of a great acoustic music series run by the wonderful Bonnie Vining. I shared the bill with Robyn Landis who played a beautiful set. This was my second time at Abounding Grace and we had a warm friendly audience, many of whom I got to meet after the show.</p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/393449/2416ee1151105a5cf02bffdf1142b0e543f0739c/original/et-at-lava-2012.jpg/!!/b%3AWyJyZXNpemU6MzI5eDQ5MSJd.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="491" width="329" /></p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/393449/b103286512842af48fd25f9912d0c4d514260adc/original/799px-taliesinwest01-gobeirne.jpg/!!/b%3AWyJyZXNpemU6NTkzeDE2NCJd.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="164" width="593" /></p>
<p>On the way back to LA we stopped at Frank Lloyd Wright's Taliesin West, in Scottsdale. This place is an inspiration and seeing these buildings spread across the desert floor was like seeing music spread out across the desert floor. Just amazing!</p>
<p> </p>
<p>-Ernest</p>
Ernest Troosttag:ernesttroost.com,2005:Post/60445032012-01-16T12:00:00-12:002012-01-17T22:01:58-12:00A Couple of McCabe's videos
<p>I've posted a couple of McCabe's videos on this website for anyone who hasn't already seen them on Facebook.</p>
<p>You can see them here:<a href="/videos" data-imported="1" data-link-type="page"> Videos</a></p>
<p>I'll be posting more as the videos get edited.</p>
<p>Enjoy.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>-Ernest</p>
Ernest Troosttag:ernesttroost.com,2005:Post/60445022012-01-07T12:00:00-12:002012-01-08T11:19:59-12:00A Great Night At McCabe's
<p>On Friday night we had another wonderfully satisfying night playing McCabe's. The room was full and with all those people and all those guitars on the walls the place just vibrated. Shaun Cromwell played a marvelous opening set--he might just be the best writer in LA. When I played I had the pleasure of being joined by Mark "Pocket" Goldberg, Nicole Gordon, and Debra Dobkin and they get my songs on an instinctive level and take them up a notch. What a joy.</p>
<p>Thanks.</p>
<p>Ernest</p>
<p> </p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/393449/d5996a4a8d4987a47450bb437d93cf3c655bda21/original/dsc-6764.jpg/!!/b%3AWyJyZXNpemU6NTI2eDM1MiJd.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="352" width="526" /></p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/393449/fb22e743a68265d36305601cff7e674e5fde2570/original/dsc-6765.jpg/!!/b%3AWyJyZXNpemU6NTI1eDM1MCJd.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="350" width="525" /></p>
Ernest Troosttag:ernesttroost.com,2005:Post/60445012012-01-02T12:00:00-12:002012-01-03T04:10:16-12:00McCabe's Show this Friday, January 6th!
<p>I had a rehearsal with the band yesterday, which went great. The older songs have settled into some nice grooves and I'm very excited about the new songs we've added to the set. More rehearsals tomorrow. Today, more practice, clean and put new strings on the guitars, and check batteries. Tickets are selling well, so it looks like we'll have a full house! <a href="http://www.mccabes.com/condata.html" data-imported="1">Tickets</a> One more thing, we've got free market totes for folks who purchase a CD at the show. The totes have Steve Vance's amazing artwork from the album on one side and a quote from one of several of my songs on the other.</p>
<p>See you there!</p>
<p>Ernest</p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/393449/b6f1caedbdf1c7391549ab5b30913c51cca5d9fb/original/ernest-troost-live-eposter.jpg/!!/b%3AWyJyZXNpemU6NDAyeDQ2NyJd.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="467" width="402" /></p>
Ernest Troosttag:ernesttroost.com,2005:Post/60445002011-12-25T12:00:00-12:002011-12-26T00:01:05-12:00George Antheil
<p>I’ve been reacquainting myself with the music of George Antheil. He had some success with his Ballet Mecanique, which was written as a score for an 16 minute art film in 1925. Interestingly, Antheil’s finished score was twice as long as the film it was written for and went on to have a life of its own as a concert piece. It called for 16 synchronized player pianos, which was not technically possible at the time, so he rewrote it for multiple pianists playing in sync as best they could. It also included airplane propellers, sirens and percussion. Here’s the 1925 film with Antheil’s music. Good luck!</p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p></p>
<div class="video responsive"><div class="video-container"><div class="video responsive"><div class="video-container"><iframe frameborder="0" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/H_bboH9p1Ys?rel=0" width="480" class="wrapped wrapped"></iframe></div></div></div></div>
Ernest Troosttag:ernesttroost.com,2005:Post/60444992011-12-18T12:00:00-12:002011-12-19T02:56:50-12:00Cool video for Travelin' Shoes
<p>Craig T Hall created this cool video for my tune Travelin' Shoes. Thanks Craig!</p>
<p> </p>
<p>-Ernest</p>
<p> </p>
<p></p>
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Ernest Troosttag:ernesttroost.com,2005:Post/60444982011-12-16T12:00:00-12:002021-08-20T04:51:01-12:00Music Think Tank<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/393449/efacc12343d57bf79336a5a765b0153c732dc81c/original/et-listening-to-playback.jpg/!!/b%3AWyJyZXNpemU6NDIzeDUzNSJd.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="535" width="423" /></p>
<p> </p>
<p>Music Think Tank is a website packed with information for indie musicians. Lots of important topics from marketing to performing are covered. This is one of the best music sites out there. Check it out. <a data-imported="1" href="http://www.musicthinktank.com/">http://www.musicthinktank.com/</a></p>Ernest Troosttag:ernesttroost.com,2005:Post/60444972011-12-13T12:00:00-12:002011-12-13T23:55:03-12:00Shaun Cromwell will open show at McCabe's
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/393449/f03f0de54b46d91019433f68061b44bc9d920a6f/original/shaun.jpg/!!/b%3AWyJyZXNpemU6MzAweDQwMCJd.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="400" width="300" /></p>
<p> </p>
<p>The amazing Shaun Cromwell will be opening for me at McCabe's on January 6.<br>He's one of my all time favorite songwriters and performers. He's a one of a kind guitarist, with a soulful voice and killer lyrics. Having him on the bill will make for a special night at McCabe's. Here's his website where you can hear some of his tunes. <a href="http://www.shauncromwell.com/beta/" data-imported="1">http://www.shauncromwell.com/</a><br><br>Ernest</p>
Ernest Troosttag:ernesttroost.com,2005:Post/60444962011-12-11T12:00:00-12:002011-12-11T22:03:01-12:00Sarah Jarosz & the Transatlantic Sessions
<p>This is Sarah Jarosz at Jerry Douglas' Transatlantic sessions in Scotland. She performs Bob Dylan's RING THEM BELLS. This is a great tune and it's wonderful to hear her play it with these amazing musicians in this beautiful setting. Sarah played McCabe's in 2011 and hopefully, they will get her back in 2012! Get on the McCabe's mailing list! <a href="http://www.mccabes.com/condata.html" data-imported="1">McCabe's concert info</a></p>
<p> </p>
<p>-Ernest</p>
<p> </p>
<p></p>
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Ernest Troosttag:ernesttroost.com,2005:Post/60444952011-12-08T12:00:00-12:002011-12-12T08:42:51-12:00McCabe's show coming up January 6th
<p>I've been working on some new songs to premiere at my McCabe's show on January 6th. The amazing Shaun Cromwell will be opening. It's going to be a great evening in the best acoustic venue in Los Angeles. <a href="http://www.mccabes.com/condata.html" data-imported="1">Tickets</a></p>
<p> </p>
<p>Ernest</p>
<p><a href="/files/506859/ernest-troost-live-eposter.pdf" data-imported="1"></a><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/393449/b6f1caedbdf1c7391549ab5b30913c51cca5d9fb/original/ernest-troost-live-eposter.jpg/!!/b%3AWyJyZXNpemU6Mzc3eDQ4NyJd.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="487" width="377" /></p>
Ernest Troosttag:ernesttroost.com,2005:Post/60444942011-12-02T12:00:00-12:002022-04-22T05:28:33-12:00Crocodile Smile
<p>I did the score for this Sesame spot for Michael Sporn back in 1981. It was one of about 20 spots we worked on together and we went on to do some great animated films together too. Michael was always full of wonderful ideas for music and he taught me a lot about scoring and how music works with film. In this film Michael wanted the crocodile to be singing opera and as I was listening to a lot of Rossini at the time, I was delighted. Michael had shared with me a lot of his old animated films from the 1030-1940 and I tried to make the music sound like one of those old animated soundtracks. This film was shown at the International Animation Festival in Annecy and is in the permanent collection of the Museum of Modern Art. The lyrics are by Maxine Fisher. Unfortunately, I've lost track of who did the wonderful vocal. Michael has more info on the films we worked on together on his wonderful Splog. Go here and scroll down: <a href="http://www.michaelspornanimation.com/splog/index.php?s=crocodile+smile&submit=Search" data-imported="1"></a><a href="http://www.michaelspornanimation.com/splog/index.php?s=crocodile+smile&submit=Search" data-imported="1">Splog</a></p>
<p> </p>
<p></p>
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Ernest Troosttag:ernesttroost.com,2005:Post/60444932011-11-26T12:00:00-12:002011-12-04T05:33:24-12:00Weary Traveler demo
<p>I've recorded a demo of a new tune WEARY TRAVELER, which I'll be sending to the band for rehearsals. We'll be premiering this tune at the McCabe's show on January 6th, 2012. Tickets are available now at: <a href="http://www.mccabes.com/condata.html" data-imported="1">http://www.mccabes.com/condata.html</a></p>
<p> </p>
<p>Ernest</p>
<p> </p>
<p>
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<a href="https://soundcloud.com/ernest-troost/weary-traveler-in-a-demo-mix" data-imported="1">Weary Traveler in A demo mix</a> by <a href="https://soundcloud.com/ernest-troost" data-imported="1">Ernest Troost</a></p>
Ernest Troosttag:ernesttroost.com,2005:Post/60444922011-11-19T12:00:00-12:002011-11-27T08:49:29-12:00Troubadour Blues
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/393449/0b8bacaff7267f72f69727355381b5d1dbf4b67e/original/twf1dvd-lg.jpg/!!/b%3AWyJyZXNpemU6MjgyeDQwMiJd.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="402" width="282" /></p>
<p> </p>
<p>I just got my copy of Tom Weber's film, Troubadour Blues, and it's great. This is worth watching for any fan interested in the world of the traveling singer-songwriter. There are performances and interviews with Peter Case, Chris Smither, Dave Alvin, Mary Gauthier, Slaid Cleaves, Mark Erelli and more. Tom spent 10 years gathering the footage and putting it all together and there are wonderful performances and moments when the artists talk about why they do what they do. I encourage you to support this project and buy the DVD. You won't regret it. You can buy direct from the film maker at: <a href="http://www.troubadour-blues.com/" data-imported="1">http://www.troubadour-blues.com/</a></p>
<p> </p>
<p>Ernest</p>
Ernest Troosttag:ernesttroost.com,2005:Post/60444912011-11-13T12:00:00-12:002011-11-15T04:17:41-12:00More recording
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/393449/c36c6c482f2b1fdae8466c1afe7dcf6849548265/original/jt30-1.jpg/!!/b%3AWyJyZXNpemU6NDAxeDMzNiJd.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="336" width="401" /></p>
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<p>Today I put down basic tracks for FEATHERS AND BONES, a tune I've worked on for a few years. It's gone through a lot of revisions and now it's ready to be recorded. I also added another guitar to HARLAN COUNTY BOYS and started working on a new tune called WEARY TRAVELER.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Ernest</p>
Ernest Troosttag:ernesttroost.com,2005:Post/60444902011-11-06T12:00:00-12:002011-12-06T02:41:54-12:00Added Beyond the Prairie Music to the Film Music page
<p>I just added some cues to this site from Beyond the Prairie. This movie tells the life story of Laura Ingalls Wilder, who wrote the "Little House on the Prairie" books. This is one of my favorite scores, which I did for CBS and the wonderful director, Marcus Cole in 1998. I wrote a bunch of folk themes and developed them through out the movie. This was recorded at Capitol studios with 10-12 amazing musicians. I had a great team working with me; Don Hahn at the board, Chris Ledesma my music editor running auricle, and orchestrations by Rick Giovinazzo. Check it out on the LISTEN TO FILMSCORES page. <a href="/beyond-the-prairie-cues" data-imported="1" data-link-type="page">Beyond the Prairie Cues</a></p>
<p>Ernest</p>
Ernest Troosttag:ernesttroost.com,2005:Post/60444892011-10-30T12:00:00-12:002022-05-22T07:30:29-12:00Alison Krauss and Robert Plant Black Dog<p>I've been digging this version of Black Dog. How can you beat a backup band of T-Bone, Buddy Miller, Marc Rebot, and Jay Bellerose on drums!</p>
<p> </p>
<div class="video responsive"><div class="video-container"><div class="video responsive"><div class="video-container"><iframe class="wrapped wrapped" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Lgzs6pT26KI?rel=0" width="560"></iframe></div></div></div></div>Ernest Troosttag:ernesttroost.com,2005:Post/60444882011-10-14T12:00:00-12:002011-10-17T03:57:05-12:00Harlan County Boys demo
<p>Here's the demo for Harlan County Boys so far. I'll be adding another guitar track, banjo and vocal harmony part as I work out the arrangement.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Ernest</p>
<p><br></p>
<p>
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<a href="https://soundcloud.com/ernest-troost/harlan-county-boys-demo-mix-1" data-imported="1">Harlan County Boys demo mix 1.1</a> by <a href="https://soundcloud.com/ernest-troost" data-imported="1">Ernest Troost</a></p>
Ernest Troosttag:ernesttroost.com,2005:Post/60444872011-10-09T12:00:00-12:002011-10-14T23:30:37-12:00Harlan County Boys Mandolin part
<p>I've been recording a demo of my new tune HARLAN COUNTY BOYS and I've spent the last couple of days figuring out a mandolin part. I've finally got it and will record it tomorrow. Some of these things just take a lot of time to get right. I think I've got a good arrangement now and I'll post the demo when it's finished.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Ernest</p>
<p> </p>
<p><br></p>
Ernest Troosttag:ernesttroost.com,2005:Post/60444862011-10-03T12:00:00-12:002021-12-02T06:15:35-12:00Jim Parker and Midsomer Murders Music<p>Jim Parker is one of my favorite film composers. I first heard his music on the British series Foyle's War and subsequently on the delightful Midsomer Murders series. His music is melodic and charming, two attributes that are in short supply these days in music written for film and television. The Midsomer theme, which uses a small chamber group and a theremin, lets the viewer know that though there will be many murders in these bucolic hamlets, it's all very tongue and cheek. His many variations of the theme are what make this exceptional film music and keep it fresh after 13 years of the series!</p>
<p>There is not too much information about Jim Parker on the web, but there is a wikipedia page here:</p>
<p><a data-imported="1" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jim_Parker_%28composer%29">Jim Parker</a></p>
<p> </p>
<p>Ernest</p>Ernest Troosttag:ernesttroost.com,2005:Post/60444852011-09-26T12:00:00-12:002011-09-27T01:08:22-12:00Cormac McCarthy's Suttree and Bo Ramsey
<p>I've been enjoying Cormac McCarthy's Suttree. His language is amazing. His character Suttree lives on a river and McCarthy captures the atmosphere and sounds of being on the water early in the morning beautifully. I grew up spending time on a quiet lake and can relate to his vivid descriptions.</p>
<p>Another wonderful recent discovery for me is the music of Bo Ramsey. His album Fragile is a minimalist masterpiece. The grooves and arrangements are subtle and potent. Check him out here: <a href="http://www.boramsey.com/" data-imported="1">http://www.boramsey.com/</a></p>
<p> </p>
<p>Ernest</p>
Ernest Troosttag:ernesttroost.com,2005:Post/60444842011-08-26T12:00:00-12:002011-08-26T23:15:08-12:00Recording
<p>I recorded a string trio and bassoon in my home studio today for an animated film. It came out great and blended well with the other instruments I had already recorded. I particularly loved the sound I got recording the violin with my Telefunken mic into my DW Fearn preamp--nice and warm! Also used the same setup for the bassoon with beautiful results. Now it's on to mixing!</p>
<p><br>Ernest</p>
Ernest Troosttag:ernesttroost.com,2005:Post/60444832011-08-14T12:00:00-12:002011-08-15T09:28:32-12:00Roots Roadhouse at the Echoplex
<p>I got to hear David Serby's set at the Roots Roadhouse show on Sunday. He was joined by Ed Tree, Matt Carsonis, Carl Byron, Mark "Pocket" Goldberg, and Debra Dobkin who all added their special talents to David's finely crafted songs. I wish I could have stayed longer, as there were many great bands and solo artists on the bill--maybe next year.</p>
<p>The Roots Roadhouse is an annual event with three stages of music, crafts and food for all ages at the Echoplex in Silverlake.</p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p>Ernest</p>
Ernest Troosttag:ernesttroost.com,2005:Post/60444822011-08-08T12:00:00-12:002011-08-09T01:38:29-12:00The Grand Ole Echo
<p>I had a blast playing the Back Porch at the Grand Ole Echo on Saturday. Julie Richmond did a wonderful job putting together the day with music inside and outside from 5:30- 9:00. Folks drifted out to the patio and sat and listened as Mark "Pocket" Goldberg and I played a 90 minute set of my tunes--a good work out!</p>
<p>Lots of fun. I hope to do it again.</p>
<p>Ernest</p>
Ernest Troosttag:ernesttroost.com,2005:Post/60444812011-07-30T12:00:00-12:002011-07-31T10:08:46-12:00Bill Morrissey, Darrell Scott and Albert Roussel
<p>I've been listening to Bill Morrissey's album, "Come Running," which is chock full of vivid imagery. I need to spend more time listening to his music. Also, Darrell Scott's new self-produced album has some real gems, especially "Crooked Road."</p>
<p>And just to mix it up, I've been listening to one of my favorite chamber pieces, Roussell's Serenade for chamber quintet. Just delightful!</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Ernest</p>
Ernest Troosttag:ernesttroost.com,2005:Post/60444802011-07-24T12:00:00-12:002011-07-24T21:39:29-12:00Nice Show at new Westwood Music Venue and new CD
<p>We had a great show at the new Westwood Music Center venue Saturday night. Thank you to all of you who came out. The host Leslie Chew, did a fine job on the sound and we look forward to playing this intimate room again.</p>
<p>We had copies of my new CD, ERNEST TROOST LIVE AT MCCABE'S for sale and I'm very pleased at how this CD came out. It has a great "live" sound and the packaging is striking. It's now available at CDBaby and iTunes.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Ernest</p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/393449/52047366d851eb5575acbad84d3fafe4b2536403/original/et-live-cover-580k.jpg/!!/b%3AWyJyZXNpemU6MzAweDI3MCJd.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="270" width="300" /></p>
Ernest Troosttag:ernesttroost.com,2005:Post/60444792011-07-17T12:00:00-12:002011-07-18T05:23:45-12:00Sold Out Camarillo Cafe Show!
<p>We had a great time in Camarillo playing the Camarillo Cafe, hosted by Gary and Kathy Lynch. They did a marvelous job putting together a splendid evening. John Zipperer and friends opened with a lively and engaging set with full band. After a break for food and beverages Mark "Pocket" Goldberg and I played our set for a warm attentive crowd. What a great night.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Ernest</p>
Ernest Troosttag:ernesttroost.com,2005:Post/60445462011-06-21T12:00:00-12:002011-08-07T02:45:02-12:00Work on the new CDs continues
<p>Work on my two new CDs is going well. I recorded acoustic guitar tracks for ALL I EVER WANTED and redid some vocal takes today, as I continue working on my new studio album. I'm also awaiting the arrival of my new BAE 1073 mic preamp. This will give me an additional color for recording and an alternate to my Fearn tube preamp sound.</p>
<p>In the meantime I'm very excited that we've just completed the packaging design for another album of mine, my LIVE AT MCCABE'S CD. We should have product by late July. Stay tuned.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Ernest</p>
<p> </p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/393449/6949a0c50c47df1c789488e9f079c1fbaa74d31f/original/collings-head-stock.jpg/!!/b%3AWyJyZXNpemU6MjI2eDMzOSJd.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="339" width="226" /></p>
Ernest Troosttag:ernesttroost.com,2005:Post/60445452011-06-07T04:09:23-12:002011-07-07T02:20:18-12:00SoundToys
<p>I've been recording tracks for my new CD and have been using some of SoundToys plug-ins on the electric guitars. I've used their Echo Boy the most, with its nice rich analog echoplex-like delay. I've also used their Tremolator for a warm tremolo vibe. I'm finally getting a good sound out of my little Carr Raleigh amp. All I needed to do was turn it way up!</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Ernest</p>
Ernest Troosttag:ernesttroost.com,2005:Post/60445442011-05-30T22:52:04-12:002011-07-07T02:20:18-12:00New Steve Earle CD
<p>I've been enjoying the new Steve Earle CD, "I'll Never Get Out Of This World Alive." This is one of his strongest albums in a while and once again New West Records includes a "Making Of" DVD with the CD package--Buddy Miller's new one had a DVD too.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Stand out tracks are EVERY PART OF ME, LITTLE EMPEROR and WAITIN' ON THE SKY. The album has an organic vibe brought to you by T-Bone Burnett and you have to love Jay Bellerose's signature drumming and Greg Leisz's pedal steel work.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Go buy this album!</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Ernest</p>
Ernest Troosttag:ernesttroost.com,2005:Post/60445432011-05-25T12:00:00-12:002021-09-20T04:06:53-12:00Recording a Collection of Love Songs
<p>I've started doing the final recordings for my collection of love songs. Some of the demos sound good and just need various parts redone. Today I'm going to redo the guitar on THE LAST TO LEAVE. I never got the guitar to sound the way I wanted in the demo, so I'm going to try some different mics and setups. Then I'll move on to replacing the mandolin part. Bit by bit this album is coming together. Time for headphones.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Ernest</p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/393449/9d7df63b93fe086bc06c428307cb2fe1dfa33818/original/mics.jpg/!!/b%3AWyJyZXNpemU6MjUweDMzMSJd.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="331" width="250" /></p>
Ernest Troosttag:ernesttroost.com,2005:Post/60445422011-05-17T00:08:53-12:002011-07-07T02:20:18-12:00Exile on Main Street
<p>I've been listening to this early Stones album, as I never listened to it when it came out--I was not a Stones fan. This album has a raw rootsy sound I really dig. The guitar parts work especially well within the band arrangements. There are some really cool sort of primitive things going on here. The various parts all have their place in the mix with nothing extra. I'm not sure how much of this was overdubs, but it has the sound of everyone playing in a room at the same time. Pretty cool.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Ernest</p>
Ernest Troosttag:ernesttroost.com,2005:Post/60445412011-05-09T12:00:00-12:002012-03-03T01:39:03-12:00Tangled Roots and Bitter Wind
<p>Pat Baker, the wonderful host of KCSN's Tangled Roots radio show, has been playing selections from my upcoming LIVE AT MCCABE'S CD. Sunday he played BITTER WIND, one of my darkest songs. I find his show very inspiring, as I always hear songs and artists that are new to me and I immediately have to go buy a bunch of new CDs.</p>
<p>Catch his show on Sunday afternoon 3-5 88.5 KCSN here in LA and on the web at: <a href="http://www.kcsn.org/" data-imported="1">http://www.kcsn.org/</a></p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p>Ernest</p>
Ernest Troosttag:ernesttroost.com,2005:Post/60445402011-05-02T09:54:11-12:002011-07-07T02:20:18-12:00Mudd Club Radio interview
<p>Wednesday I did a phone interview with Stephen Lomas on his radio show, Mudd Club in Tumbarumba, Australia. Stephen is a great guy and a big fan of roots music. He played a selection of my songs and we discussed some of the stories behind the songs and my writing process. It was great fun and the time flew by. His radio station is going to be on the internet soon, so folks around the world will be able to enjoy his take on roots music. Thanks Stephen!</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Ernest</p>
Ernest Troosttag:ernesttroost.com,2005:Post/60445392011-04-25T03:34:49-12:002011-07-07T02:20:18-12:00Live album update
<p>This weekend Pat Baker, host of 88.5 KCSN's Tangled Roots show played two tracks from my upcoming Live at McCabe's album. Thanks Pat! Pat's show is one of the best roots music radio shows in the LA area, so it's a thrill to be played along with a mix of music by The Band, Eilen Jewel, Buddy and Julie Miller, and Sonny Boy Williams.</p>
<p>The album is mastered and we are in the process of creating the packaging, which I'm very excited about.</p>
<p>More soon.</p>
<p>Ernest</p>
Ernest Troosttag:ernesttroost.com,2005:Post/60445382011-04-18T12:00:00-12:002011-08-06T00:20:02-12:00Evangeline's murder gets a new life
<p>This weekend I was privileged to hear Susie Glaze & the Hilonesome Band performing as part of the Caltech Folk Music Society Concert Series. It was special because they were premiering their new arrangement of my song EVANGELINE. What a thrill to hear Susie’s take on my little murder ballad in the full Beckman theater. You could feel the tension in the room as she spun out the tale, ended the song quietly, with a haunting harmonic on the fiddle. Susie & the Hilonesome Band are great entertainers and if you haven’t heard their music you should check them out. <a href="http://www.susieglaze.com/" data-imported="1">http://www.susieglaze.com/</a></p>
<p> </p>
<p>Ernest</p>
Ernest Troosttag:ernesttroost.com,2005:Post/60445372011-04-11T00:02:38-12:002011-07-07T02:20:18-12:00Harlem River Blues
<p>Been listening to Justin Townes Earls new album, Harlem River Blues and I'm really digging some of the retro arranging and writing. I love the stripped down sound and the mix of old-time country and distorted guitar in the band. I think it's an old archtop with a P90 pickup I'm hearing. I'd like to get one of those and add some of that vibe to my new album. Time to go shopping.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Ernest</p>
Ernest Troosttag:ernesttroost.com,2005:Post/60445362011-04-03T12:00:00-12:002021-12-23T06:08:08-12:00Dave Alvin, Chris Smither and Peter Case at McCabe's
<p>I caught these fine songwriters at McCabe's last night. Great songs in very different styles. Alvin's songs are paired down to the basics, Smither's words and music are blusey and intricate, and Case's songs are a mashup of roots and pop melodies. All these writers craft beautiful lyrics and it was an inspiring show. Rick Shea accompanied Dave Alvin with some beautiful guitar and mandolin playing--it would have been nice bonus to hear one of Rick's songs from his Shelter Valley CD.</p>
<p>If you don't know their music, check it out:</p>
<p><a href="http://www.petercase.com/" data-imported="1">http://www.petercase.com/</a></p>
<p><a href="http://www.davealvin.com/" data-imported="1">http://www.davealvin.com/</a></p>
<p><a href="http://smither.com/" data-imported="1">http://smither.com/</a></p>
<p><a href="http://www.rickshea.net/" data-imported="1">http://www.rickshea.net/</a></p>
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<p>Ernest</p>
Ernest Troosttag:ernesttroost.com,2005:Post/60445352011-03-31T03:29:26-12:002011-07-07T02:20:18-12:00Resting
<p>I'm catching up on some sleep I missed while scoring this TV movie, Truth Be Told. It will be on FOX April 15th at 8:00. It stars Ronny Cox and is part of the new Family movie night series of films. I played all the guitars in this score--great fun!</p>
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<p>Ernest</p>
Ernest Troosttag:ernesttroost.com,2005:Post/60445342011-03-23T11:10:39-12:002011-07-07T02:20:18-12:00Deep in scoring mode
<p>Writing, mixing, proofing orchestrated cues, and preparing prelay tracks for my music editor! Deadline approaching!</p>
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<p>ET</p>
Ernest Troosttag:ernesttroost.com,2005:Post/60445332011-03-14T05:38:44-12:002011-07-07T02:20:18-12:00Recording electric guitar
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<p>I’m having fun recording some distorted guitar sounds with my new Keeley over drive pedal. The tone controls make it very flexible and combine with the overdrive channel on my Carr amp it really sings. I was thinking my Carr’s overdrive was fat and warm, but hard to hear the center of the note. By adding the Keeley in front of the amp, I can tweak the sound just right. I just recorded some wailing guitar that will be blended in with my orchestral score for this TV movie I’m scoring.</p>
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<p>Here’s my recording chain. A Strat through a Carr Raleigh amp, miked with a Fathead II ribbon mike, into a DW Fearn VT-2 Preamp, into a Manley ELOP compressor, through Apogee converters and into the computer. Pretty sweet sounding!</p>
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<p>Ernest</p>
Ernest Troosttag:ernesttroost.com,2005:Post/60445322011-03-06T12:00:00-12:002011-08-09T01:30:26-12:00Ernest Troost Live at McCabe’s Album in the works
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<p>I just heard one tune, “Travelin’ Shoes,” from the upcoming “Ernest Troost Live at McCabe’s album.” It was pretty cool to hear. Dennis Reed, who is doing the mastering is doing an amazing job on this one. Wayne Griffith, the soundman at McCabe’s did a great recording and hopefully, the CD will include the whole January 8<sup>th</sup>, 2011 evening of fifteen songs. Playing with me are amazing musicians, Nicole Gordon, Mark “Pocket” Goldberg, Dave Fraser, and Debra Dobkin. I can’t wait to hear the whole thing put together.</p>
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<p>Right now I’m working round the clock on a TV movie starring Ronnie Cox. A lot of the music is guitar based and I’m having a great time writing and playing it. It’s a lot of music, but it will all be done by the end of the month—deadlines have a way of inspiring.</p>
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<p>Ernest</p>
Ernest Troosttag:ernesttroost.com,2005:Post/60445312011-03-02T08:51:54-12:002011-07-07T02:20:18-12:00Opening for Peter Case at the Folk Music Center
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<p>Saturday I played the opening set for Peter Case at the wonderful Folk Music Center in Claremont. I love the vibe of this place. The walls are filled with instruments from all over the world. The sound system is great and when you play, the whole place resonates. Jerry and Ellen are kind, gentle hosts and you can tell they put on the shows for the love of music. The crowd seemed to really enjoy my set and it was fun to talk with them after the show. Peter played an energetic set, switching to electric guitar for some greasy tunes and rootsy rock. I had seen him a few times before at McCabe’s, but I was impressed again. He is such a good songwriter and performer. Check him out at: http://www.petercase.com/</p>
Ernest Troosttag:ernesttroost.com,2005:Post/60445302011-02-14T09:14:28-12:002011-07-07T02:20:18-12:00Performing in Colfax and Nevada City, CA.
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<p>This weekend I was up in the Colfax, Nevada City area for some radio show interviews and a performance at Evangeline’s Cafe. Saturday morning I played live on Larry Hillberg’s radio show, “Back Roads” on KVMR. Larry has become a good friend and it’s always fun to be on his show. He has lots of colorful stories about the mining and railroading history of the area and this year he told us about the Chinese workers cutting the treacherous Cape Horn grade for the transcontinental railroad—there might be a song in there. At 2:00 I appeared again on KVMR on Wesley Robertson’s show “Rockin’ and Stompin’.” This was my first time meeting Wes and he had great questions and real enthusiasm for roots music.</p>
<p>Saturday evening I played at the always special, Evangeline’s Café. This is one of my favorite venues. Evangeline is a great host and the music fans that come to the show are her friends and neighbors, so there’s a warm family-like feel to the evening. Some of the audience had been to my show here last year and it was great to see them.</p>
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<p>Ernest</p>
Ernest Troosttag:ernesttroost.com,2005:Post/60445292011-02-06T21:09:35-12:002019-12-24T06:39:08-12:00Mark Adler and Stravinsky
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<p>I had lunch with Mark Adler, a terrific film composer and all around great guy. He recently did a beautiful score for Hallmark’s “The Last Valentine,” which aired on CBS.</p>
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<p>We got to talking about some of our early work experiences and he mentioned working on Phillip Kaufman’s “Unbearable Lightness of Being” and “Henry and June,” two of my favorite films.</p>
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<p>I mentioned I had been the film editor on R.O. Blechman’s “The Soldier’s Tale,” a Great Performance special, based on the piece by Stravinsky. It turns out that Mark not only knew the film, considers “The Soldier’s Tale” one of his favorite Stravinsky pieces, but also knew R.O. Blechman’s work as an illustrator and animator. Wow, I didn’t think anyone was aware of that film.</p>
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<p>http://www.amazon.com/Igor-Stravinsky-Soldiers-AndreGregory/dp/B0001Z9366/ref=sr_1_2?s=dvd&ie=UTF8&qid=1297107141&sr=1-2</p>
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<p>As it happens, Mark is not just a composer, but also does some animation—he whipped out his iphone and played me a terrific clip he had animated. For more info check out his website: http://www.markadler.com/.</p>
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<p>Ernest</p>
Ernest Troosttag:ernesttroost.com,2005:Post/60445282011-01-30T23:42:33-12:002011-07-07T02:20:18-12:00Strumming and Chinese Music
<p>I'm working on a new song, which is a real simple country flavored tune that uses a strum instead of my usual finger-picking style accompaniment. Strumming with a pick feels really awkward to me, so it’s going to be a challenge to get this right.</p>
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<p>I’m also working hard on music for a Chinese version of the classic children’s story, STONE SOUP. Ethic scores are so much fun because of all the unique instruments I can use. This score has an erhu, a pipa, alto and C flutes, cello, harp and a big collection of percussion—I’m really enjoying it. There are some nice tremolo textures used on the pipa, the Chinese mandolin, that I’ve been practicing on my mandolin.</p>
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<p>Hopefully, they’ll help my strumming!</p>
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<p>Ernest</p>
Ernest Troosttag:ernesttroost.com,2005:Post/60445272011-01-23T22:42:12-12:002011-07-07T02:20:18-12:00Blood Meridian and Mandolin nut files.
<p>I’m deep into Cormac McCarthy’s Blood Meridian and this is definitely a dark ride. Whole towns are wiped out in one sentence. Folks that think my songs are dark best leave this book unopened. It's bleak, but the language is really amazing in this book. It’s almost like poetry--beautiful rhythm and flow.</p>
<p> I’ve also been trying to get my cheapo mandolin in shape and spent some time working on the intonation and bridge. I discovered the nut is too high and I’ve ordered some special files from Steward-Macdonald,(http://www.stewmac.com/) to cut the string grooves deeper. No project too big in 2011!</p>
Ernest Troosttag:ernesttroost.com,2005:Post/60445262011-01-16T22:04:09-12:002011-07-07T02:20:18-12:00Songs Alive Workshop
<p>I did a short presentation on songwriting at the Los Angeles branch of Songsalive! Members presented their songs for feedback and then I played a couple of my tunes, SWITCHBLADE HEART and RESURRECTION BLUES and shared some of my songwriting experiences. It was a fun afternoon with lots of good questions and some really great songs. I'd like to thank Dave Harvey for putting the event together.</p>
Ernest Troosttag:ernesttroost.com,2005:Post/60445252011-01-09T05:47:35-12:002011-07-07T02:20:18-12:00McCabe's Show
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<p>McCabe's Show January 7th, 2011</p>
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<p>We had a great time playing to a full house last night at McCabe's. Mark "Pocket" Goldberg and his band (Nick Kirgo, Dave Fraser and Debra Dobkin) played a rockin' opening set. It was Mark's CD release show and he played many of the tunes on his smashing new record, "Off the Alleyway."</p>
<p>I started my set solo and then was joined by Nicole Gordon on vocals and Mark on bass. Nicole sang lead on a new arrangement of my tune, "This Field," from my first album--it was stellar! Debra and Dave joined us to finish the night with a full band version of Disturbin' Blues.</p>
Ernest Troost