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NEW ...kl... TUNE!
Ever have one of those days when you're supposed
to be getting the paperwork together to get your taxes done but
then sit down and record about 13:40 worth of material instead?

Yes, it's been way too long since I've been in the studio.
I'm hoping all my busy times are draining out a bit so I
may spend more time to get more onto tape (or disk, as the case
may be).

My new tune "Needs Edit" lives up to its name, but I decided to
toss it out onto my web site anyway.  This time I'm trying
MP3 (MPEG) format.  It's a bit bigger than the RealAudio stuff,
but it sounds much (much) better.  See www.mp3.com for more
information about this neat song format.  You can download
a player for your PC and a *ton* of tunes to go with it!  There's even
a Walkman-like player that holds 60 minutes worth of MP3 songs and will
last 20 hours on *one* AA battery (www.diamondmm.com)---no moving
parts!  Technology can be interesting...

Anyway, "Needs Edit" is very much in what they call the
"Berlin School" style of electronic music.  A bouncing
sequence on the PolySix covered by some interesting squeaks
and noises from the Kawai K5000R (making its first appearance out
here with a factory patch called "Creaturz").  The Mellotron is there,
of course, with a *new* set of sounds I think you'll like.  And, of
course, the Minimoog, which is doing some weird bad-50's-movie
sound that is oh-so-retro!

The clip is recorded in one take, no edits.  Yes, OK, there's
a goof up or two, but, well, trying to play four keyboards at
once for that length of time can get a bit tricky.  Ever see
the guy spinning all those plates on sticks at once?  Please excuse
the mess.  :-)

http://listen.to/kl - head to the Songs page, and get listenin'!

MELLOTRON 805 MAKES ITS DEBUT ON CD!!!
My Mellotron has made it onto a CD, along with my friend Ken M's!  Read
about it in the big black can't-miss-it section on my main page at
http://listen.to/kl

I'll get song samples out there shortly.  No, unfortunately I didn't
get to play on the CD.  They came here to my house to record 805 and
I got to watch.

ADMINISTRIVIA...
- oops...Links were busted when I moved over to my new ISP.
   They're fixed now.  http://people.ne.mediaone.net/kleonard in
   case the shorthand http://listen.to/kl isn't working.
- I had to limit the amount of disk space I'm using at my new ISP.
   I'll need to stick with one version of the RealAudio files instead
   of two, meaning that those with 28.8Kb modems might not be able to
   listen to the "Streaming" audio.  Oh, you'll still be able to download
   the clips for sure!  For "Needs Edit", though, there's a low quality
   streaming file and a really good quality MP3, so everyone will be
   able to enjoy the new tune.  I suggest listening to the streamer
   and then deciding if you'd like to download the really good MP3
   version to add to your permanent collection.

Oh!  Welcome to the folks who have found me on Onelist!  :-)

Enjoy...And, as always, your comments are welcome.

...kl...http://listen.to/kl


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Hi Everyone!

Time for a quick ...kl...'s Tunes update!

Hmmm...Most of you have probably forgotten by now that you're
on this list.  When I promise "low traffic," I'm not kidding!

It's only because there has been "low traffic" in my studio.
Not my idea, I assure you...Had a bit of personal goings-on
over the spring/summer, am hoping the fall brings me better things.
So far it's shaping up nicely!

A few quick news items from the ...kl...'s Tunes front:

NEW WEB SITE
I snagged the domain http://www.kleonard.com, and it's a "jump off"
spot to my home page, my tunes page, and to my outdoors group.
Drop on by!

The tunes themselves are now located on my machine at home, and
you should be able to get to them more reliably now at any time.
The "streaming" audio will actually stream for you---yay!
I have been disappointed with where they've been---very slow and
very spotty service---so I brought them in-house.  Just don't tell
my ISP...ssssshhhhh!!!  :-)  OK, we'll see how long this all lasts...

NEW PICS
Pics!  http://people.ne.mediaone.net/kleonard - on the MIDI Gear page.
See Lulu the Lobster on top of Mellotron #805!  See me...uhhh,
oops, nope, none of me.  The old videocamera I used is in bad
enough shape already.

GEAR NEWS
There's a pic of an Ensoniq ESQ-1 that I picked up rather cheap---
then I found out why:  it needed minor surgery.  After about $9 in
tools and $1 in parts it was fixed (whew---I got lucky!)  Then
I did "Cheesy X" while checking it out (see below).

Aside from the ESQ-1 there have been one or two doo-dads, but that's
pretty much it.  I've been assisting a friend of mine over the summer
as he sets up his PC to record things, and that's been one trial
after another---for both of us.  :-)  He's got a pretty nice setup
going there now, though.  Aaahhh, it's nice watching someone else
burning up the credit cards instead of me.

My friend is creating a site for Mellotron tunes and sounds,
and I'll let you know when he's got a bunch of stuff out there
to check out.

NEW TUNES
OK, since I've updated you last there have been a few additions
to the web site.  Don't worry you haven't missed a thing!  These
are just short "demo" type tunes.

"Hide in the Woods" - My latest, and it's not done yet.  It's a
   prototype of a tune I've started working on.  Hey, hear
   the MG-1 in its recording debut!
"Trudge" - Echoey sequence, blocked chords, Mellotron wobbly solo
   (it was *hot* that day, and Mellotrons don't like the heat).
   Nice but with a tense undercurrent.
"Cheesy X" - As its name implies...a cheesy version of the "X-Files
   Theme."  I did it to check out the sequencer in the ESQ-1, and it
   was cheesy enough to put onto the web site!

CD-R INFO
If you'd like a copy of the tunes on CD-R, just drop me a note.
I will include most everything on the web site plus a few other
older tunes I dug up.  John, I hope you're enjoying the CD!

UNSUBSCRIBE INFO
You're here but you don't quite know why.  E-groups users (that's
pretty much everyone here) just send mail to
kltunes-unsubscribe@egroups.com, and that'll take care of it.
But please do so only in an emergency---I like having everyone
out here.  :-)

THANKS for listening, and THANKS for your feedback!  Keep
in touch!

...kl...

OK, a bit late, but I wanted to wish everyone a Happy New
Year and all the very best in 2000!

* I have no music news to report (OK, stop throwing things!  :-) ),
but I wanted to pass along information about a "Mellotron Symposium"
(or something like that) to be held in 'Tronto, Canada the weekend
of May 20-21 this year.  Owners (and their Mellotrons) and 'tron
enthusiasts are welcome.

John Bradley (son of original Mellotron maker Les Bradley) and
Martin Smith (a.k.a. Speckled Trout in a White Wine Sauce) of
Streetly Electonics (UK) will be on-hand for 'tron repairs, fix-it
classes, and lots of drinking...uhhh...hard work at getting
everyone's 'tron working just right.

We may be visited by musicians Duncan G. of Radio Massacre
International and Pierre V., a musician/composer from Montreal
well versed in electronic music and a rabid 'tron-a-holic.
Plus others, I'm sure!

Contact information is available at "...kl...'s Home Page" off
of http://www.kleonard.com.  Buzz Rick some e-mail to get onto
his list to receive additional details as they become available.


* I have added a links page to other amateur electronic musicians.
It's off my Tunes page.  So far only Flittermouse is there, but
his stuff is most listenable and quite catchy---I can't wait to hear
more tunes from him!  If you would like a link to your page as
well, please contact me.

That's about it this time out!  Be well, and please keep in touch!

...kl...
* Ken Leonard - http://www.kleonard.com - Home Page, Tunes Page *
* Get Outdoors New England - http://www.GONewEngland.org *

Hello folks!

I'm back from the first ever Mellotron Symposium that was held in
Toronto, Canada last weekend.  There we spent time working on
various machines (including my #805) and meeting up with fellow
'troniacs, including John Bradley and Martin Smith of Streetly
Electronics.

I put together some web pages (picture intensive) if you'd like
to see the goings on.  Reachable from:  http://www.kleonard.com

Enjoy!

...kl...
* Ken Leonard - http://www.kleonard.com - Home Page, Tunes Page *
* Get Outdoors New England - http://www.GONewEngland.org *

Greetings everyone!

It's been a while since I sent out some e-mail to the ol' "kltunes" e-mail list.

A lot has happened since I last wrote, so I'd like to bring you up to date.


NEW TUNE
No, I'm still not in the studio as much as I'd like to be, and I continue to
work on that.  Good thing this is for fun and I don't try to make a living at
it!  :-)

However I do have a new tune out there---a mere 17 minutes long (!!)---which I
invite you to check out.  "TellTale" has plenty of analogue synths and noises,
and plenty of Mellotron (even though the track started out with no intention of
adding any Mellotron---it just snuck in there).  But this track is different
from the other things I've done, and it is quite a "moody" or even "hypnotic" 17
minutes if I do say so myself, with no hard-driven sequencers or melody lines.

The big difference with this tune was the way I approached it.  It started a
week ago Friday, and it evolved over four days.  I'd record some things, then
diddle around until I found a sound or passage which "fit", then I recorded
that.  Eventually "TellTale" simply grew into the rough mix I put out there on
the web site on Christmas Day.

I hope you enjoy it.


GEAR, THERE, AND EVERYWHERE
There's been some new gear wandering in and out of the studio since I last
wrote, including a beefier PC which likes to shut off on its own.  I wiggled
enough cables to where it's sorted out now---I think.  You'll find the gear list
buried in my self-indulgent Home Page, a hop from the self-indulgent
http://www.kleonard.com.  It includes some new pictures, too.


AIRPLAY???
Maybe the neatest news I have for you is "Patient Pondering" is slated to get
airplay in Finland!  An associate of the Finnish radio show Avaruusromua
(translated "Space Junk", web address http://www.sci.fi/~jmikkola/english.htm)
contacted me to provide information about a show they're doing highlighting the
Mellotron.

I was only too glad to help, and I provided information and a recorded Mellotron
demo where I talk about playing the instrument (and this demo is too tacky for
the web site, and they'll air it dubbed into their native language, thank
goodness).

The initial playlist for that radio show includes "Patient Pondering," so, with
luck, that tune will get some airplay!  They're talking about the show airing in
January, and the CD I cut for them with all the material should just about be at
the Finnish line by now.


PROJECT IN THE NEW YEAR
Ken Merbler's Tronsounds web site (http://www.tronsounds.com) is host to a
follow-up to the successful Mellotron tribute "Rime of the Ancient Sampler." 
Professionals and amateurs alike will be submitting songs for the new CD, and
I'll be getting something together for it as well.  You can visit Ken's site for
details plus snippets of tunes already submitted for the project.


WEB UPDATES
If you haven't visited in a while, all of my web sites have received major
reconstructive surgery.  No more frames!  I've also been using
"ken@..." as my main e-mail address, as the old one has been running
into trouble over the past few weeks, complete with delayed and missing e-mail. 
Sigh...


- - -


All righty then...I think that's about it.  Please drop by my Tunes site via
http://www.kleonard.com if you'd like to check out "TellTale".


ADMINISTRIVIA
If you'd like to unsubscribe from this incredibly high-traffic (NOT!) e-mail
list, simply send a blank e-mail to:
- kltunes-unsubscribe@egroups.com

If you'd like to tell someone about the E-group, just have your friend send a
blank e-mail to:
- kltunes-subscribe@egroups.com

...with my thanks.



I wish everyone a happy and successful New Year!

...kl...
*  Ken Leonard - http://www.kleonard.com - Home Page & Tunes Page  *
* >    Get Outdoors New England - http://www.GONewEngland.org    < *
+       US Government spends $400K for Dr. Seuss Memorial?         +
+   http://www.lp.org/press/archive.php?function=view&record=168   +

Hi All!

If you can tune in to the Finnish Broadcasting Company's Radio #2, "Patient
Pondering" will be aired on the Finnish music show Avaruusromua
(http://www.sci.fi/~jmikkola/english.htm) during their Mellotron special
coming up this week.

It'll be on the evening of February 22nd.

If you manage to catch the show, please let me know how it was!

...kl...
* Ken Leonard - http://www.kleonard.com << Tunes Page & Stuff
* MELLOTRON 2001:  http://people.ne.mediaone.net/kleonard/news.htm
* >> Get Outdoors New England - http://www.GONewEngland.org

Hello folks!

Yeah, it's been a long time since I've sent along some greetings and an
update on the ol' Tunes.

First off, Happy 2003!  :-)

Nothing much going on outside of the odd synth repair
(http://www.kleonard.com/gear/MiniMoog6128.htm), plus just one
soundscape-ish tune out there a while ago that I may have been neglectful
in notifying this list about called "Eerie Sunrise"
(http://www.kleonard.com/kltunes/tunes.htm).


Unfortunately due to work commitments I haven't been as active in a lot of
the usual things, including revving up some new stuff for folks to listen
to.  I hope 2003 sees me faring a bit better in this regard.  Meantime, if
someone advises you, "You're smart, you should go into computas!"---please
come and talk to me first!  :-)


Now for the fun news---AIRPLAY ON JANUARY 19TH!

"The Greatest Show From Earth" comes to you over the web and out of the
studios of WWUH 91.3FM in Hartford, Connecticut.  Mark DeLorenzo hosts the
show on Sundays from 9pm-midnight Eastern US time, and he ran across my
Tunes page while searching for pictures of Minimoogs and Mellotrons.

Mark's show is the old style of free-form FM radio, and he plays stuff that
tickles his fancy and may tickle yours, everything from Steve Roach to
Magma to Optiganically Yours to The Ramones---psychedelic, electronic,
progressive, whatever.  It's a great mix.  He told me that he's going to
give a tune or two from my homegrown CD "Archives '88-'02" a spin this
coming Sunday!  (Subject to change, of course.)

Heh...This was supposed to happen last Sunday, but one of Mark's youngsters
got a look at the CD label and thought it was a monster movie and stuck it
in a DVD case, and there it sat 'til Mark ran across it this week.  BUT
that delay means I can let you know about Mark's show on Sunday and---with
luck!---a KLTune or two will have a US debut (well, that I know of,
anyway  :-) ).

I hope you can check it out.

Show:  Mark DeLorenzo's "The Greatest Show From Earth"
Web site: http://teltan.mrwebmedia.com/
Date:  Sunday January 19, 9pm-midnight US East Cost Time (EST)
Webcast:  http://wwuh.org/real.htm
On-air:  91.3FM in Hartford, CT (http://wwuh.org)


Stay cool,

...kl...

* Ken Leonard - Web Table of Contents:  http://www.kleonard.com
* Get Outdoors New England:  http://www.GONewEngland.org
** KLTunes airplay coming up on January 19 at 9pm...
** See http://teltan.mrwebmedia.com/ for info & webcast!

Hello everyone!

Every now and then things click "just right" and good stuff happens.

This was the case over Christmas Week 2004 when a few friends and I decided
to chill out and jam with no particular goal or direction---with the
recording gear running.  What happened turned out to be particularly
interesting (and I was *still* able dig it after hundreds of listens during
editing), so we decided to make it available.

"Improvised Waves:  Mellotron and synthesizer improvisations" may appeal
most to fans of the Mellotron and classic electronic music, with a little
guitar thrown in to spice up one of the tracks.  Of four tracks, one is a
Berlin School romp, one is...ummm..."pleasant", and the other two are
organic-sounding spacey tracks.  All are unplanned, unscripted, and
unrehearsed, with the only communication coming through what was being played.

My Mellotronists friends Jimmy Moore (Mellotron), Brad Schuman (guitar),
and I (Korg X3, Alesis Andromeda A6, Mellotron) enjoyed putting this
together and like the final results, so we thought we'd take a chance and
make it available for you to enjoy as well.  Your feedback would be
appreciated---who knows, we might make more!

More information and sound samples are available here:

http://www.kleonard.com/kltunes/improvisedwaves.htm

Enjoy!

...kl...

> http://www.kleonard.com/kltunes/improvisedwaves.htm

I just got word that some tracks from "Improvised Waves" may make it
onto this Sunday's "The Greatest Show From Earth"
(http://www.teltansystem.com/gsfe/index.htm).

This will air Sunday evening at 9pm (US Eastern) on WWUH in Hartford,
Connecticut.  A webcast is available at http://www.wwuh.org.

Enjoy!

...kl...

Hello all!

Mark DeLorenzo played the first track from "Improvised Waves" on "The
Greatest Show From Earth" (http://www.teltan.org) last night.

The track ("Arpeg Two") was on the same show as "In-a-gadda-da-vida."  I
don't know what that says exactly, but...:-)

Mr. DeLorenzo plays progressive rock, 60s psychedelia, and "electronic
music's full spectrum" on his radio show, heard 9-midnight Sunday nights
(except the first Sunday of the month), and it is available via webcast
(http://www.wwuh.org).  You'll hear things you might otherwise not on this
show, as Mark does his own play lists, not some marketing firm!


In other semi-related news...on the ol' web site is another MONEYPIT trip
report of Mellotron adventures.

http://www.kleonard.com/mellotron/mppa0505/index.htm

This time it was a trip to Pennsylvania to spiffitize a Mellotron for John
Medeski, one of the members of the jazz trio Medeski, Martin, & Wood
(http://www.mmw.net).  The interesting part about this was the Mellotron
had to be ready by sound check on the 12th...but the machine hadn't arrived
until the 6th and parts had to be sent to the UK and back!  So...What
happened?  Well, you'll just have to visit the web site to find out!

Enjoy,

...kl...