tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8233533007945249162024-02-28T15:45:01.070-08:00The Four HeadlampsMixing the hammer dulcimer, an eight-string ukulele, a guitar and a violin to get music (we hope)The Four Headlampshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00064434206338322568noreply@blogger.comBlogger13125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-823353300794524916.post-47393967401221466052009-11-11T16:25:00.000-08:002009-11-11T16:43:33.980-08:00Four Headlamps at Camp Connell this weekend<span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size:180%;">C</span>AMP CONNELL, Calaveras County, Calif., USA</span> - Most of the celebrated jumping frogs of this county have gone into hibernation (if they are <span style="font-style: italic;">smart</span>) as the weather forecast is calling for very cold nights - and maybe even a little snow.<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Four Headlamps</span> lead guitarist Sanders Lamont a few days ago wrote on Facebook:<br /><br /><h3 style="text-align: center; font-style: italic;" class="UIIntentionalStory_Message" ft="{"type":"msg"}"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span class="UIStory_Message">"Weather turning colder. In the 30s at night,<br /></span></span></h3><h3 style="text-align: center; font-style: italic;" class="UIIntentionalStory_Message" ft="{"type":"msg"}"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span class="UIStory_Message">but nice cool days. Fall almost done. We're waiting on snow."</span></span></h3><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/mikefitz/4096245121/" title="Frog angels by Brite light photos, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2736/4096245121_b3a2dc60ae_m.jpg" alt="Frog angels" height="131" width="240" /></a><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Frogs making snow angels</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">B</span></span>ut despite the cold forecast - and the countdown to Mexico underway for Captain Michael and Admiral Sylvia - <span style="font-style: italic;">The Four Headlamps</span> are planning a jam session this week at Camp Connell<br />Studios.<br /><br />Some partying at either the Lube Room or the Camp Connell Store is also planned. <span style="font-style: italic;">Wait</span>, perhaps there will be partying at <span style="font-style: italic;">both</span>.<br /><br />Adm. Fox flirted with the idea of taking up the ukulele - going so far as to purchase a small Kala travel unit - but on reflection, she decided to wait until she gets to Mexico where an extra uke is waiting.<br /><br />This is likely to be the last practice session before Michael and Sylvia head south to Mexico, where they will take up residence first in La Mazanilla for a couple of weeks, then Arroyo Seco.<br /><br />But this weekend, it's guitar, violin, ukulele and hammer dulcimer. All in tune, even.<br /><br />Maybe.Michael J. Fitzgeraldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09840859418177870381noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-823353300794524916.post-67858399481113984332009-09-06T20:50:00.000-07:002009-09-06T22:33:53.888-07:00The Four Headlamps squeeze in a practice session<span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size:180%;">C</span>AMP CONNELL, California, USA</span> - <span style="font-style: italic;">The Four Headlamps</span>, plus Dan and Lorraine Olsen of the sailing vessel <span style="font-style: italic;">Zephyrus</span>, had a music-filled evening Saturday at Sanders and Pat Lamont's house (Elevation 5,500 feet). The weather was almost perfect, with the exception that the true flat-landers in the group (Admiral Fox and Michael) were <span style="font-style: italic;">not</span> used to the pine pollen and immediately got allergic reactions.<br /><br />As in <span style="font-style: italic;">incredibly</span> stuffed sinuses...<br /><br />But after a great dinner, including a bottle of <span style="font-style: italic;">excellent</span> sauvignon blanc, the runny noses cleared up enough to play music for about an hour, with newcomers Dan and Lorraine Olsen providing the backbeat on some metal spoons and wooden clackers.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/mikefitz/3894716639/" title="Admiral Fox on the violin by Brite light photos, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2661/3894716639_d80d7964a3.jpg" alt="Admiral Fox on the violin" height="500" width="330" /></a><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Admiral Fox tunes up</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">T</span></span>he group practiced a number of fancy tunes, most more suited to the guitar, violin and hammer dulcimer than the ukelele. But a number of others snuck in that were excellent uke songs, including the cowboy classic, <span style="font-style: italic;">Back in the Saddle</span>, <span style="font-style: italic;">The</span> <span style="font-style: italic;">Mermaid</span>, and also a new favorite, <span style="font-style: italic;">Union Maid</span>.<br /><br /><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dzbymaeW9S5wjssd2s_jKctAgqZ_Pm1_JQtugBZgsS8rfBmw08WKd86MYwS04TfcReGezk4vf6EJtPjUQCmNg' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe>Michael J. Fitzgeraldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09840859418177870381noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-823353300794524916.post-21502619035889049302009-09-03T21:19:00.000-07:002009-09-03T22:11:54.437-07:00Four Headlamps reunion this weekend in Camp Connell<span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size:180%;">C</span>AMP CONNELL, Calif. USA</span> - After much dithering about, <span style="font-style: italic;">The Four Headlamps</span> musical entourage will have a reunion this weekend in the high mountain air (5,500 feet, mas o menos) with newcomers and itinerant sailors Dan and Lorraine Olsen as musical guests <span style="font-style: italic;">and</span> potential members of the group.<br /><br />Although the original <span style="font-style: italic;">Headlamps</span> got together in Mexico last spring for a reunion, the musical aspects were mostly overshadowed by cerveza and a variety of other tropical diversions: surfing, motorcycle riding, Cuba Libres and just plain beach living.<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">This</span> time (the allure of the nearby Lube Room bar and restaurant <span style="font-style: italic;">nonwithstanding</span>) we are pledged to play a full set of songs, including <span style="font-style: italic;">Chunder</span>, our old standard, Rodney Carrington's <span style="font-style: italic;">Dancin' With A Man</span>, and perhaps two new songs, <span>Billy Currington's</span><span style="font-style: italic;"> People Are Crazy</span> and <span style="font-style: italic;">Union Maid</span>.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/mikefitz/3885623001/" title="Dan and Lorraine by Brite light photos, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2632/3885623001_f2fa4eda31_m.jpg" alt="Dan and Lorraine" height="182" width="240" /></a><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Dan and Lorraine Olsen</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">W</span></span>e may also press Brian and Ruth Gray of Murphys into service, as well as their children, Delany and Conner. Brian just took up the ukulele (and a <span style="font-style: italic;">fine</span> instrument it is, <span style="font-style: italic;">by God</span>...).<br /><br />Move over Woodstock, <span style="font-style: italic;">The Four Headlamps</span> are on the comeback trail.<br /><br />Here are the lyrics to the new songs:<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Union Maid</span><br /></span></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-style: italic;">There once was a union maid, she never was afraid</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;"> Of goons and ginks and company finks and the deputy sheriffs who made the raid.</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;"> She went to the union hall when a meeting it was called,</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;"> And when the Legion boys come 'round</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;"> She always stood her ground. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;"> Oh, you can't scare me, I'm sticking to the union,</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;"> I'm sticking to the union, I'm sticking to the union.</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;"> Oh, you can't scare me, I'm sticking to the union,</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;"> I'm sticking to the union 'til the day I die.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;"> This union maid was wise to the tricks of company spies,</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;"> She couldn't be fooled by a company stool, she'd always organize the guys.</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;"> She always got her way when she struck for better pay.</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;"> She'd show her card to the National Guard</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;"> And this is what she'd say</span><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;"> You gals who want to be free, just take a tip from me;</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;"> Get you a man who's a union man and join the ladies' auxiliary.</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;"> Married life ain't hard when you got a union card,</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;"> A union man has a happy life when he's got a union wife.</span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">People are Crazy</span><br /></span></div></div></div><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">This old man and me</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;"> Were at the bar and we</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;"> Were havin’ us some beers and</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;"> Swappin’ I don’t cares</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;"> Talkin’ politics</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;"> Blonde and redhead chicks</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;"> Old dogs and new tricks and</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;"> Habits we ain’t kicked</span><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;"> We talked about Gods grace</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;"> And all the hell we raised</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;"> Then I heard the old man say, </span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;"> “God is great, beer is good and People Are Crazy”</span><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;"> He said "I fought two wars, </span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;"> Been married and divorced"</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;"> What brings you to Ohio?</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;"> He said "Damn if I know"</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;"> We talked an hour or two</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;"> About every girl we knew</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;"> What all we put ‘em through</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;"> Like two old boys will do</span><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;"> We pondered life and death</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;"> He light a cigarette</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;"> He said "These damn things will kill me yet,</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;"> But God is great, beer is good and people are crazy"</span><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;"> Last call its 2:00am</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;"> I said goodbye to him</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;"> I never talked to him again</span><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;"> Then one sunny day</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;"> I saw the old man’s face</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;"> Front page Obituary</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;"> He was a millionaire he</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;"> He left his fortune to </span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;"> Some guy he barely knew</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;"> His kids were mad as hell</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;"> Huh but me, I’m doing well</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;"> And I drop by today</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;"> To just say thanks and pray</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;"> And I left a six-pack right there on his grave</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;"> And I said God is great, beer is good and people are crazy</span><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;"> God is great, beer is good and people are crazy</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;"> God is great, beer is good and people are crazy</span>Michael J. Fitzgeraldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09840859418177870381noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-823353300794524916.post-26371745745493637242008-10-30T12:29:00.000-07:002008-10-30T12:39:35.200-07:00The Four Headlamps stumble on a fan in Wasilla<span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size:180%;">W</span>ASILLA, Alaska, USA</span> - <span style="font-style: italic;">The Four Headlamps</span> got a hit on the website this week from Wasilla, Alaska of all places.<br /><br />Yes, <span style="font-style: italic;">that</span> Wasilla.<br /><br />Someone was searching for <span style="font-style: italic;">Chunder in the Old Pacific Sea</span> and found the site.<br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">W</span></span>asilla, readers might remember, is home to Gov. Sarah Palin (R) who at the moment, is barnstorming around the country trying to convince people that she would make a good president, <span style="font-style: italic;">er</span>, I mean, vice-president.<br /><br />The site meter that shows the Wasilla hit doesn't give enough information to pin down exactly who looked at the site, but perhaps it was someone at the public library, <span style="font-style: italic;">if</span> it's still open. But it <span style="font-style: italic;">could</span> be someone with a Palin connection - maybe even one of the Palin kids, if they have been let off the campaign tether.<br /><br />In the meantime, it could be that the person who ran across this site is now a fan and we can look forward to more Alaska-Mexico connections, even though you can't see Mexico from Sarah Palin's house.<br /><br />You betcha?<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/mikefitz/2986188820/" title="Wasilla logs in to the Four Headlamps by Brite light photos, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3283/2986188820_d85e0b3406_o.jpg" width="483" height="678" alt="Wasilla logs in to the Four Headlamps" /></a><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Wasilla logs on</span><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/mikefitz/2987552818/" title="sarah_palin_02 by Brite light photos, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3052/2987552818_6d890f61de.jpg" width="500" height="335" alt="sarah_palin_02" /></a><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">New fans for The Four Headlamps?</span>The Four Headlampshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00064434206338322568noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-823353300794524916.post-91032395256031734512008-10-23T14:46:00.000-07:002008-10-23T15:19:55.794-07:00Open mic night in November at Palapa Joe's - yikes!<span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size:180%;">L</span>A MANZANILLA, Jalisco, Mexico</span> - Admiral Fox, lead violinist of <span style="font-style: italic;">The Four Headlamps</span> just found out that while two members of the group will be vacationing in La Manzanilla at the end of Thanksgiving week (she and Michael), there will be an <span style="font-style: italic;">open</span> <span style="font-style: italic;">mic night</span> at <span style="font-style: italic;">The Four Headlamps</span> favorite south-of-the-border saloon, Palapa Joe's.<br /><br />And, apparently, <span style="font-style: italic;">The Four Headlamps</span> (minus Sanders and Pat Lamont who will be home in the mountains) are expected to put on a reprise performance of Rodney Carrington's <span style="font-style: italic;">Dancin' With A Man</span>.<br /><br />There's even a <span>reasonable</span> chance that there will be a couple of other songs in the repertoire, including the Australian favorite, <span style="font-style: italic;">Chunder</span>, and a couple of songs written by Brett Beardslee of Hector, New York that haven't made the pop charts yet, but certainly keep the people in upstate New York in stitches.<br /><br />One is called, <span style="font-style: italic;">Rich Young Nymphomaniac</span>, a song sure to please the rowdy crowd at Palapa Joe's.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/mikefitz/2967241783/" title="Brett Beardslee by Brite light photos, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3288/2967241783_81f434c381_o.jpg" alt="Brett Beardslee" height="326" width="401" /></a><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Brett Beardslee</span><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/mikefitz/2967241755/" title="Brett and Admiral practicing by Brite light photos, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3207/2967241755_53c274c1fd.jpg" alt="Brett and Admiral practicing" height="318" width="500" /></a><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Admiral Fox and Brett practicing last summer in Hector, New York<br /><br /></span><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">L</span></span>ast spring, after <span style="font-style: italic;">The Four Headlamps</span> performed <span style="font-style: italic;">Dancin' With A Man</span> at open mic night, they received this comment from Rodney Carrington's publicist:<span style="font-style: italic;"><br /><br /></span><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Thanks for your tribute to Rodney Carrington! However, if you are planning on this as a new occupation, you might want to consider "getting" day jobs! LOL!</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;"></span><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Julie Goldstein, Rodney's Publicist</span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">Hmmm... Maybe a little <span style="font-style: italic;">practice</span> - and a lesson or two with violin and ukulele Maestro Bill Trainor in Sacramento, might be in order before November.<br /><br />We don't want any chundering while we perform.<br /></div></div></div><span style="font-style: italic;"></span></div>The Four Headlampshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00064434206338322568noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-823353300794524916.post-91511966102647660792008-10-07T10:58:00.000-07:002008-10-07T11:02:00.901-07:00The ukulele in concert - playing theme from 'Shaft'<span style="font-weight: bold;">SACRAMENTO, Calif., USA</span> - In a quest for more songs that could join the play list for <span style="font-style: italic;">The Four Headlamps</span>, Michael ran across the Ukulele Orchestra of Great Britain playing the theme from '<span style="font-style: italic;">Shaft</span>.'<br /><br />Can it be adapted for <span style="font-style: italic;">The Four Headlamps</span> with a uke, a violin, guitar and a hammer dulcimer?<br /><br />We'll see.<br /><br />Whether it can be or not, it's pretty amazing to watch.<br /><br /><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/PfK-UzQ48JE&hl=en&fs=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/PfK-UzQ48JE&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object>Michael J. Fitzgeraldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09840859418177870381noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-823353300794524916.post-38952703886363984222008-09-26T18:37:00.001-07:002008-09-26T18:47:38.448-07:00A playlist for The Four Headlamps reunion tour<span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size:180%;">S</span>ACRAMENTO, Calif., USA</span> - <span style="font-style: italic;">The Four Headlamps</span> are all back <span style="font-style: italic;">almost</span> in the same zip code (well, separated by about 100 miles, more or less) and so the group is laying plans for a reunion tour in Mexico this winter.<br /><br />And as a first step, Michael has started putting together some songs he would like to strum on the uke and is asking fellow band members, Adm. Fox (violin), Capt. Sanders Lamont (guitar and vocals) and Pat Lamont (percussion and hammer dulcimer) to come up with ideas, too.<br /><br />The group's signature song - the <span style="font-style: italic;">only</span> song the group has ever performed in public - <span style="font-style: italic;">Dancin' With A Man</span> by Rodney Carrington tops the list, of course.<br /><br />But there are many other possibilities.<br /><br />One that has been suggested is called <span style="font-style: italic;">Chunder in the Old Pacific Sea</span>, a song about, well, <span style="font-style: italic;">chundering</span>, usually after drinking too much beer and also eating too much rich food, like shrimp.<br /><br />It is an <span style="font-style: italic;">Australian</span> drinking song after all.<br /><br /><li><a href="http://www.themadmusicarchive.com/song_details.aspx?SongID=2643">Link to 'Chunder' clip</a></li><br /><br />More on what that playlist will look like in a few weeks when the group gets back together for a jam session - and maybe an impromptu performance at the Lube Room in Camp Connell.<br /><br />Here's the lyrics to Chunder:<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center; font-style: italic;">I was down by Manleigh Pier, drinkin' tubes of ice cold beer<br />With a bucket full of prawns upon my knee<br />When I swallowed the last prawn,<br />I had a technicolor yawn<br />and I chundered in the old Pacific Sea<br /><br />Drink it up, drink it up,<br />Crack another dozen tubes and prawns with me<br />If you want to throw your voice,<br />mate you won't have any choice<br />But to chunder in the old Pacific Sea<br /><br />I was sittin in the surf, when a mate of mine called Murf<br />Asks if he can crack a tube or two with me<br />The bastard barely swallowed it<br />When he went for the big spit<br />and he chundered in the old Pacific Sea<br /><br />Drink it up, drink it up<br />Crack another dozen tubes and prawns with me<br />If you want to throw your voice,<br />mate you won't have any choice<br />But to chunder in the old Pacific Sea<br /><br />I've had liquid laughs in bars and I've hurled from moving cars<br />And I've chuckled when and where it suited me<br />But if I could choose the spot<br />To regurgitate me lot,<br />then I'd chunder in the old Pacific Sea<br /><br />Drink it up, drink it up<br />Crack another dozen tubes and prawns with me<br />If you want to throw your voice,<br />mate you won't have any choice<br />But to chunder in the old Pacific Sea<br /></div>The Four Headlampshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00064434206338322568noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-823353300794524916.post-18511600874510888422008-03-02T07:15:00.000-08:002008-03-02T07:37:16.533-08:00International debut at Palapa Joe's in La Manzanilla<span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:times new roman;" ><span style="font-size:180%;">L</span>A MANZANILLA, Jalisco, Mexico</span><span style="font-family:times new roman;"> - </span><span style="font-style: italic;font-family:times new roman;" >The Four Headlamps</span><span style="font-family:times new roman;"> made its international debut March 1, playing at open microphone night at Palapa Joe's restaurant & bar in downtown La Manzanilla.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">Because of some technical difficulties, only two actual headlamp accessories were available, so the group went without their signature lights but did give a credible performance of the Rodney Carrington country classic, "</span><span style="font-style: italic;font-family:times new roman;" >I Think I'm Dancin' With A Man</span><span style="font-family:times new roman;">."</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">That was the only song in the set - largely because it was the only song the group actually had time to practice.</span><br /><br /></span><span style=";font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;" ><span style="font-weight: bold;">A</span></span><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family:times new roman;">nd practice consisted of three quick run-throughs (a half-hour before the performance) with Michael on the ukulele and Sanders on the guitar. Sylvia played a fine violin backup and Pat provided the beat with a Modelo Espeical beer can filled with uncooked black beans.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">Yes, uncooked black beans.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">J</span>ane Gorby - the famous Rentalor of Santana Real Estate - gave the band a great introduction while Michael and Sanders drank Cuba Libres to loose their vocal chords.<br /></span></span><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dxcDMgmhO4eiG5_fLl65MGiMYuCnRriAWMmMlnOri--eclXGJ7p0zdeM59WEt4Ckx2SmKVjeB2tNpdVhZQeVw' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></span>Michael J. Fitzgeraldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09840859418177870381noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-823353300794524916.post-73874088946997623732008-02-25T13:09:00.001-08:002008-02-25T13:29:35.721-08:00At last, at last - a reunion set for Tuesday in Mexico<span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;" ><span style="font-size:180%;">M</span>ANZANILLO, Colima, Mexico</span><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family:times new roman;"> - </span></span><span style="font-style: italic;font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;" >The Four Headlamps</span><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family:times new roman;"> will be back together Tuesday when Pat & Sanders arrive on the 3:46 p.m. Alaska Airlines express to be picked up by Michael in the blue Troupey.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">It's hoped that the <span style="font-style: italic;">Headlamps</span> reunion will coincide with open mic night at Palapa Joe's. If </span></span><span style="font-style: italic;font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;" >not</span><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family:times new roman;">, the reunion (ok, first </span></span><span style="font-style: italic;font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;" >ever</span><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family:times new roman;">) performance of the group will have to wait until fall and Lube Room in the mountains.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">For the past few days, Michael has been plinking on the ukulele - even cranking up his amplifier loud last night to try out the Jay & the Americans' hit, </span></span><span style="font-style: italic;font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;" >Cara Mia</span><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family:times new roman;">.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">With enough volume on the amp, it's no so obvious that Michael does </span></span><span style="font-style: italic;font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;" >not</span><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family:times new roman;"> have the range to carry that song off.</span><br /><br /></span><span style=";font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;" ><span style="font-weight: bold;">O</span></span><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family:times new roman;">n the other hand, the Bryan Hyland hit from the 1960s - </span></span><span style="font-style: italic;font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;" >Itsy Bitsy Teeny Weeny Yellow Polka Dot Bikini</span><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family:times new roman;"> - most certainly </span></span><span style="font-style: italic;font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;" >is</span><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family:times new roman;"> within vocal range. And given that it only has three chords (C, Bb & F) it's likely </span></span><span style="font-style: italic;font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;" >The Four Headlamps</span><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family:times new roman;"> will be able to make it work.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">But the big question is </span></span><span style="font-style: italic;font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;" >who</span><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family:times new roman;"> will wear the bikini, so the audience has a visual?</span><br /><br /></span><span style=";font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;" ><span style="font-weight: bold;">N</span></span><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family:times new roman;">ot Michael. He looks </span></span><span style="font-style: italic;font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;" >terrible</span><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family:times new roman;"> in yellow.</span><br /><br /><a style="font-family: times new roman;" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/mikefitz/2291613605/" title="bikini by Brite light photos, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2060/2291613605_ccc1fde13b_m.jpg" alt="bikini" height="240" width="149" /></a><br /></span><span style="font-style: italic;font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;" >Yellow polka-dot bikini</span>The Four Headlampshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00064434206338322568noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-823353300794524916.post-9238145206540476702008-02-07T15:44:00.000-08:002008-12-09T21:30:51.391-08:00Practice, Practice, PracticeCamp Connell, CA-- Getting ready for the debut public appearance of the Four Headlamps requires endless practice.<br /><br />No matter where you are at the time.<br /><br />No matter how much the walkway needs shoveling.<br /><br />Here's proof that Sanders was working hard on his little Hecho en Mexico guitar, a souvenir of Zihuatenejo, even though important work needed his attention.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq333gJ0-bYpB1PvvIbd77_3VNBNK_WajyQxlHAawGOqammWfCootVupy-ferHjovLsXNvOtN4mRVp4rLCtzGS5PPrb18j_0IXlxnmlLymPxBUpj8tdz7-vJbDm-DjZfbqPzJQAz9mhbA/s1600-h/1237.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq333gJ0-bYpB1PvvIbd77_3VNBNK_WajyQxlHAawGOqammWfCootVupy-ferHjovLsXNvOtN4mRVp4rLCtzGS5PPrb18j_0IXlxnmlLymPxBUpj8tdz7-vJbDm-DjZfbqPzJQAz9mhbA/s400/1237.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5164390983992615698" /></a><br />Since we expect a grand reunion in La Manzanilla on the shore of Tenacatita Bay by the end of the month, we're working semi-hard to learn a tune or two. At this point I think our debut probably should be at midnight on the beachfront under a full moon.<br /><br /><br />One song I hope we can bring together is a great old California tune by Woody Guthrie called Do Re Mi. It goes something like this:<br /><br /> California's a garden of Eden,<br /> It's a paradise to live in or see,<br /> But believe it or not,<br /> You won't think it's so hot, <br /> If you aint got the Do Re Mi.slamonthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06355936419209456569noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-823353300794524916.post-2033081402950554112008-01-16T19:47:00.000-08:002008-01-16T19:53:59.459-08:00Four Headlamps reunion tour set for Feb-March 2008<span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size:180%;">L</span>A MANZANILLA, Jalisco, Mexico</span> - The Four Headlamps reunion tour has been <span style="font-style: italic;">tentatively</span> set for late February and early March.<br /><br />The fact that The Four Head Lamps have never <span style="font-style: italic;">actually</span> played together in public - or seen each other in a few months - makes this a true, reunion.<br /><br />Songs they are likely to sing include:<br /></span><span style="font-style: italic;font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;" >• On the road again</span><span style=";font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;" ><br /></span> <span style="font-style: italic;font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;" >• The Mermaid</span><span style=";font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;" ><br /></span> <span style="font-style: italic;font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;" >• Itsy-bitsy, teeny-weeny, yellow polka-dot bikini</span><span style=";font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;" ><br /></span> <span style="font-style: italic;font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;" >• Good Night Irene</span><span style=";font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;" ><br /><br />And, of course, many others...<br /><br />The ukelele is all tuned, as is the violin by chief violinist Adm. Sylvia Fox (RET.).<br /></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-823353300794524916.post-11912279381256641102007-12-07T22:00:00.000-08:002007-12-07T22:11:46.580-08:00Publicity shots arrive from our photographer<span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family:times new roman;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size:180%;">M</span>URPHYS, Calif., USA </span>- The first set of photos taken by <span style="font-style: italic;">The Four Headlamps</span> official photographer - Ruth Gray - arrived at our studio this evening.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">They were taken last week during our practice session at Ruth and Brian house on the edge of the wilderness in the mountains.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">Mariposa Ole!</span><br /><br /><a style="font-family: times new roman;" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/mikefitz/2094987342/" title="Headlamps Two by Brite light photos, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2309/2094987342_57080031b8_o.jpg" alt="Headlamps Two" height="360" width="480" /></a><br /></span><span style="font-style: italic;font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;" >The Four Headlamps</span><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /><br /></span><span style=";font-family:times new roman;font-size:180%;" ><span style="font-weight: bold;">W</span></span><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family:times new roman;">hile we don't have our musical instruments in our hands for this shot, you can get the full headlamp effect.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Bright</span>, isn't it?</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">We are working up a song list, bolstered by several ukulele books I purchased at a music store in downtown Murphys. So far, I think we can safely add </span></span><span style="font-style: italic;font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;" >Folsom Prison Blues, Crazy, and King of the Road.</span><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /><br /></span><span style="font-style: italic;font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;" ><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:180%;" >S</span>afely</span><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family:times new roman;"> might be a slight exaggeration.</span><br /><br /><a style="font-family: times new roman;" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/mikefitz/2094987340/" title="Headlamps One by Brite light photos, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2398/2094987340_0d6f787947_o.jpg" alt="Headlamps One" height="360" width="480" /></a><br /></span><span style="font-style: italic;font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;" >Jammin' with the Headlamps</span><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /><br /><a style="font-family: times new roman;" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/mikefitz/2094987344/" title="Headlamps three by Brite light photos, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2012/2094987344_d0aa69bd2a_m.jpg" alt="Headlamps three" height="180" width="240" /></a><br /></span><span style="font-style: italic;font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;" >Pat & Sylvia on break</span>The Four Headlampshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00064434206338322568noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-823353300794524916.post-3840641806648054482007-12-04T12:52:00.000-08:002007-12-04T13:24:55.562-08:00The Four Headlamps launch a web page<span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;" ><span style="font-size:180%;">M</span>URPHYS, Calif., USA </span><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family:times new roman;">- Six months after sitting in a palapa in La Manzanilla, Jalisco, Mexico, the four members of the band </span></span><span style="font-style: italic;font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;" >The Four Headlamps</span><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family:times new roman;"> gathered in Camp Connell and Murphys to go over some music and lay some plans for upcoming gigs.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">We don't actually <span style="font-style: italic;">have</span> any gigs, but we are having fun with the music.</span><br /><br /></span><span style="font-style: italic;font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;" >Mariposa, ole! </span><span style="font-style: italic;font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;" >Mariposa, ole!</span><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">After a first jam session Friday night, we had another bit of fun Saturday, enlisting the aid of 10-year-old Delaney Gray on vocals.</span><br /><br /></span><span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:times new roman;font-size:180%;" >S</span><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family:times new roman;">he might have to replace Michael as lead singer. He's insisting, in fact. In fact, he's trying to back out of singing all together, and would prefer to simply bang away on his amplified, 8-string uke.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">The name, </span></span><span style="font-style: italic;font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;" >The Four Headlamps</span><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family:times new roman;">, came from Scott Noble, formerly Chief Engineer on the sailing vessel </span></span><span style="font-style: italic;font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;" >Sabbatical</span><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family:times new roman;">.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">We were all sitting in a palapa playing some music at sundown and borrowed Scotty's headlamp so we could see our music.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">And, </span></span><span style="font-style: italic;font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;" >voila</span><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family:times new roman;">, the name of the band came forward.</span><br /><br /></span><span style=";font-family:times new roman;font-size:180%;" ><span style="font-weight: bold;">H</span></span><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family:times new roman;">ere's a quick video of some practice with Sanders and Michael and Delaney, followed by Pat and Sylvia getting ready for the first of our publicity shots, taken by band photographer, Ruth Gray.</span><br /><br /><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dypzi7S16tmocwqjEPOV6djIZTZWIuuWa_Aet5OwJe3Ra54FZ1bItHo1oqKThNQKp3EkBDKW9rjKkdbW48UxQ' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></span>The Four Headlampshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00064434206338322568noreply@blogger.com0