Orchestral Music/Favalas

Discovered how much I enjoy orchestral versions of international folk songs. Tuned into the local classical station KUHF yesterday and heard symphonic Mexican & Greek folk classics. Wonderful and passionate...a treat to hear.

Watched "City of God" on dvd. About the drug wars in Rio's favalas - slums. The movie was powerful. The documentary following the film confirms the reality of the movie. Kids toting guns...some illiterate, yet vastly knowledgeable about firearms and their country of origin.

Marchione / Erwert

Visited with Stephen Marchione recently - http://marchione.com . He's one the finest guitar luthiers around. Checked out a couple of archtops. Museum quality guitars... playability: A +. Great sound, brilliant design.

Discovered the art of Scott Erwert more recently - www.erwert.com . Fantastic artist. Planning on collaboration in near future....

CGT

Last night went to check out the California Guitar Trio - www.cgtrio.com . They performed here in Houston at the Mucky Duck. Had the opportunity to chat with Bert Lams of the Trio. I studied music with him in Cuenavaca, Mexico in January 2004 - an introduction to New Standard Tuning (NST) as implemented by Guitarcraft - www.guitarcraft.com . Bert will be releasing a classical guitar cd soon...looking forward!

Shakespeare & Sin City

More recently saw "Merchant of Venice" w/Al Pacino and "Sin City" by Rodriguez. Both excellent films. Didn't enjoy the gore of "Sin..", but the film score was great...music composed/performed by Robert Rodriguez.