To The Winchester!: 2009

This weekend we not only celebrated Easter, but we also took part in a two day celebration of my Grandmother's birthday. On Friday (her actual birthday), my family, girlfriend and I took my grandmother out to a lovely seafood dinner, where we over did it on crab claws, fish and desert (deeeelish). The next day, was her birthday party, and let me just say, that it was "off the hook." Is it OK if I say it like that? "Off the hook?" Either way, my mother had the party catered with all these Delicious and fattening Cuban dishes. We had masita de puerco, arroz imperial, congri, platanitos maduros and plenty of other dishes. Not to mention, an abundance of adult beverages and Coca-Colas in glass bottles. But what really made the party, was the surprise attack by three Mariachis! Excuse my Miami lingo again, but "bro, those guys can jam."

The Mariachis performed a great set, playing classic Mariachi songs like "El Rey." My grandmother was completely surprised and even got a little emotional at first. However, the tears washed away when her good friend decided to jump on the mic and become the fourth member of the Mariachis. In short, the party was a great success and there were enough left overs sitting in my fridge to feed a family of 10 for the next week. As always, here are some pictures:

Birthday Candle Blowout

Grandma and the kids

The men of the hour

The fourth Mariachi

Saturday, April 11, 2009

Who You Gonna Call?

Ok, so I may be one of the few American semi-adults in this country (make that the WORLD) that doesn't really partake in video games. Now that's not to say that I don't play completely, occasionally my friends will be playing something that looks interesting and I'll give it go. However, after reading the New York Times blog Arts Beat, I think I may explode of sheer excitement. Why you ask? Ghostbusters, that's why! One of the most popular movies of any generation (I have no data to back that up), and one of my favorite series of movies, is now releasing a video game. Which, Dan Aykroyd hopes will lead into a THIRD movie! (I'm about to spontaneously combust). Above is a (you guessed it) screen shot from the game. Please read the full post HERE.

So Who Wants To Go?

Photo: Kevin Moloney for The New York Times

CLICK HERE

Friday, April 10, 2009

Chester French

Earlier this week I saw Chester French perform a free acoustic show at Culture Kings in the Design District. For those that don't know who Chester French are, then I urge you, URGE YOU to check them out. In short, they're a dynamic duo of wit, swagger and charm that got signed to Star Track Records in their Senior of college. Their music is (how do I put this?), the love child of The Beatles, The Beach Boys & N.E.R.D. Perhaps that's not even a good enough explanation. In all honesty, they write extremely catchy and hilariously thought provoking music. I discovered them about a year ago through the infamous Johnny Cupcakes, and I've been hooked ever since.

Like my post started off, Chester French's performance at Culture Kings was my first time ever seeing them and my girlfriend's first time ever hearing them. I am grateful for the opportunity to have witnessed them in such an intimate setting. Moreover, they came across as polite and humble people. Please check out their website and download their FREE (yes FREE) mix tape. The tape will wet your appetite for their full length release which is due out on the 21st of this month. So please, sit back and enjoy.

Cheers,

Ray

Thursday, April 9, 2009

The road less traveled usually leads to better stories

Wednesday, April 8, 2009

The West

While reading the very popular New York Times blog "The Moment," I came across a post that caught my attention. New York's Museum of Modern Art (MoMa) is currently having an exhibition pertaining to the American West. Please checkulate: MoMa & NYTimes The Moment

Darius Kinsey (Courtesy of The Museum of Modern Art)Felling a Fir Tree, 51 Feet in Circumference (1906).

Edward Sheriff Curtis (The Museum of Modern Art)Watching the Dancers (1906)

Tuesday, April 7, 2009

The Beatles' entire original recorded catalogue Re-Mastered and set for relase on 09.09.09

The Beatles, what can I say about them that isn't completely typical and cliche? I mean seriously, this is a good thing. They've touched so many lives that everyone says the same great things about them. However, its not going to keep me from trying to find another way to describe their AMAZINGNESS.

At just about every Delpaxton practice, towards the end we go into a Beatles sing along/jam along. My singer owns a "Beatles music book," and we just play the songs. Its refreshing because it doesn't give us time to rehearse, rather we just read the music and play. From doing that, I have had the opportunity to understand them well beyond their obvious impact on not just music, but society and pop-culture. Their chord structures, although they may sound simple, are arranged in such a well thought out manner, that one cannot deny that these four gentlemen were born to do what they did. I am truly grateful that this world was given The Beatles and that I happened to be one of the many that have been influenced by them.

Anyway, for more info on the actual recordings and other Beatle-mania, please click here: LOS BEATLES

Monday, April 6, 2009

I Tweet therfore I am

I joined twitter about 3 weeks ago, and I must say that it has become rather addicting. But what I love more than the act of "twittering," is when Twitter is "Over Capacity," because then they post these light-hearted cartoon images. I suppose they do this to soften the blow. Either way, I wish twitter was over capacity more of the time.

Delpaxton: As Seen on TV

As mentioned in a previous post, my band Delpaxton was selected by FUSE TV to have our music video aired through the month of April. Today at 12:00AM, the video became viewable on "FUSE On Demand." It was a pretty cool feeling. Actually, it was an immensly GIANORMOUSLY AWESOME feeling. I mean I've seen the video at least a thousand times (literally), but seeing it on the big screen, makes it soooo much more enjoyable. PLEASE check it out!

Like I said earlier, the video is for the song "Not Too Distant," which is the single off of our first EP titled (( In Stereo )). I urge you, to visit Delpaxton.com and check it out as well as our other songs and media. You may also view the video on here by searching my older posts. If you like us, feel free to stop by our YOUTUBE page or help us out by purchasing the EP on the itunes store.

Thanks,

Ray

Thursday, April 2, 2009

Mongui

This is a very old photograph of my grandmother and my grandfather back in Cuba. Unfortunately, my grandfather who I and my entire family called "Mongui," passed away in September of 2005. His passing came as a surprise to all of us, as he was in good health. Moreover, it took away a person who I Loved so very much. He and I were very close. There is not a day that goes by that I dont think of him or wish that he was still alive. I know they say time heals all wounds, but in my case, it seems to be working at an alarmingly slow pace. Sometimes, on rare occassions, I dream with him. I am extremely grateful for these dreams. I figure, if I can grow up to be half the man he was, then I'd think that I've done alright.

On another note, the other person in the photograph, is my grandmother Sonia who I actually saw earlier today. I am grateful to have her in my life and to be able to spend time with her (basically) whenever I want. In short, spend time with your parents and grandparents. Learn and listen from them...I'm serious! The older generations usually have better stories.

Sincerely,

Ray

Space! Space! Space!

This is my girlfriend Monica, and she loves space more than anything in this world. So much in fact, that she jumps for joy at the site of anything remotely related to space and(or) science. She's currently in school studying Astrophysics. I joke around with her and tell her that she doesn't know how to read, and that she can only communicate through the use of complex equations. If anybody is going to uncover the secrets of the Universe, it'll be her. This is another picture of her jumping for joy:

I want some Tip-Top

This goes well beyond the typical "chicken shack," well beyond the KFC or the Popeye's, this is Tip-Top! The Nicaraguan based "chicken mecca" where mediocre chicken is served in the most universal way, FRIED! You may now find yourself wondering, why another crappy and meaningless entry Ray? I'll tell you why my dear lost interweb surfer, its because Tip-Top has Tito, Tita and Guapollon! Yes, these are their chicken mascots! And they have more too! They also have a proper "Area De Juegos," also known as the "play area."

In all seriousness though, Nicaragua has a love affair with chickens that is second to none. The Tip-Top establishment reminds me of the wonderful 3 or so days I spent in the country. Thank you Tip-Top for your tasty pre-flight chicken sandwich.

Te quiero,

Ramon

Wednesday, April 1, 2009

Je suis un kidrobot

What can I say, I'm a child trapped in a man's body. Much like the popular Tom Hanks movie "Big." Except I didn't make a wish at a Carnival to a mechanical fortune teller. I actually sprinkled pixie-dust or whatever its called that Jannifer Garner used in "13 Going On 30." Either way, it has allowed me to keep my love for toys. Or rather, re-kindle my love for toys. In short, this entry is dedicated to Kidrobot. A brand that has created an obsession among children, adults, the indie, the psuedo hip-hop indie, the sneaker crowd and everybody else.

My girlfriend, to my surprise has a rather extensive collection of "Smorkin Labbits." A "Smorkin Labbit" is a sort of vinylesque rabbit smoking a cigarrette. I must admit, its quite impressive. For her birthday, I bought her a 10 inch Teal one (teal is her favorite color). My other friends are intense collectors as well. As for myself, I'm just a novice and I purchase what I like. However, this is growing into something bigger, and I must remind myself that there is more to life than having really cool looking toys.

For those of you who still dont know what Kidrobot is, I encourage you to CLICK HERE and find out for yourself. In short, its a brand (duh!) that sells clothing (sometimes rather pricey and ugly..at least to me), toys and art. Their website is packed with a variety downloads, blogs and other cool stuff. For those in the MIA, please check out their store on South Beach, they're currently holding an art show:

SMORKIN LABBIT TEAL EDITION:

Currently brewing: Starbucks Italian Roast

"'Italian Roast by Starbucks Coffee'
This sturdy Latin American blend is less complex than Espresso Roast and not as intensely smoky as French Roast. Nonetheless, it's a potent, bold cup of coffee."

All this time, I thought I was drinking authentic Italian Coffee. Excuse my Internet/Miami angst, but "WTF bro?" Why name it Italian Roast if none of it comes from Italy? Either way, its darn good coffee. Its so good, that it draws the attention of my Cuban family that mostly drinks Cuban coffee or "Cafe Con Leche" or anything with a kick. The pseudo Italian Roast (as I am now calling it) is having them consider the ways of the traditional, perhaps "Americano" style of brewing coffee. No more "agua sucia," for locations such as Starbucks, Whole Foods, Dean&Deluca and many others are serving up some serious brews.

I would also like to add that coffee is one of the things that I hold dear to my heart. The very act of consuming it, especially the first sip of the day, has a way of putting me in my place. I enjoy every aspect of the caffeine experience, from purchasing the beans to grinding them up and then brewing them, its simply a "zen-like" feeling. Perhaps I'm taking this too far, but anyone who knows me, knows that I sometimes babble too much about this sort of thing. With that said, there is no real point to this entry, other than I Love coffee and that I wish this existed:

Rocket Ship Piñata, Pool Trampoline and Vampire Fangs

This past Friday, I (with the help of great friends) organized a surprise birthday party for my girlfriend Monica. Judging from the "crunkness" and the condition of some people the following day, I would say the party was a success. With the "Surprise!" greeting that echoed off of the neighboring homes, to the "key note" presention of the "Eliminator V2.0," and to the distribution of one GIANT rum cake, the party was a recipe for an intense evening. Oh and did I mention that we had a rocket ship piñata? It was a matter of time before most of us ended up in the pool, (some of us fully clothed). Overall, it was a great success. Many thanks to everyone who stopped by and kicked it with us.

photos by: Yainks

Thursday, March 26, 2009

New Record is FINALLY in the works!

Like the heading says, I’m finally back in the studio doing what I love, playing music. After months, years actually since my band's (www.delaxton.com) last recording, we have finally decided to put out a 6 song EP. The process is refreshing, as we’ve just completed tracking the drums. Thanks to our friend Joe at Cutting Cane studios, they sound jaw-droopingly AWESOME.

Being in the studio made me feel like a kid in a candy store, the greatest candy store, EVER. The reason I say this, is because the studio is jam packed with enough random yet interesting gadgets that it makes you feel like a child again. Ok Ok, perhaps only musicians/music lovers would really appreciate the awesomeness that is Cutting Cane studios. But you tell me, what kind of place not only has loads of incredible equipment, incredible vinyl selections, random toys, and Grammy’s just laying around? It was a very humbling and incredible experience to be in a place where a lot of great things have occurred. My FAVORITE part about tracking drums, was playing a variety of vintage guitars and instruments (I.e 1968 Fender Telecaster, 1959 Gibson Les Paul Re-issue, Gretsch and even a sitar.. yes, sitar!).

Anyway, we’re hoping to get back in studio ASAP and track bass and guitars. Our last visit was a straight 12 hr session where we got all the drum tracks done (it was a busy day). We’re hoping to get a lot done on our next visit, so wish us luck! As always, here are some pics:

Regards,

Ray

Quazo (bassist) undergoing late night jammage

My girlfriend Monica stopped by to show some support...and because there was free WiFi.

Monday, March 23, 2009

Music Video on FUSE TV

My band Delpaxton, is currently doing some very exciting things. Aside from recording our second EP, our music video has been selected to be on FUSE TV. The video is for our first single off of our first EP titled (( In Stereo )). The song is titled "Not Too Distant," and the video was done by our good friend and brilliant cinematographer David Estrada (previously mentioned on this blog). Here's the music video, I hope you all like it!

delpaxton - not too distant from David Estrada on Vimeo.

If you like the video, please visit our website at www.delpaxton.com for more music, videos and insanity.

Cheers,

Ray

Volcano’s, Lagoons, Giant Trees, Gallo Pinto,Toña and a Wedding. (I still Aint Over You...Nicaragua)

The days of 03/12/09-03/15/09 not only gave me a new perspective on the world, but it also re-invigorated the world I know. Between the above mentioned days I went to Nicaragua, a country which I never thought I’d visit. I am happy to say that the experience was a positive one, and I am grateful for the opportunity. Much happened within this short time frame, most importantly, it was the marriage of my good friend Mike with his wife Martina. Their families graciously put us up in one of the most beautiful places I have ever seen. From the moment we arrived, we were “on the go,” hardly stopping for a breather. It was, very refreshing. We climbed to the top of an active Volcano and then sought refuge in the crater of one that has been dormant for years. We scaled gianormous trees and zipped between them almost 60 ft up in the air (perhaps even higher…I was too freaked to look down).

The Wedding itself was a beautiful ceremony at a traditional Catholic Church. La Iglesia De Santo Domingo. From there we hopped into our chauffeured buses and made our way back the resort where the entire location was lit by hundreds of candles. The food was exceptional and the entertainment did not stop until, literally, the break of dawn. Some of us performed, some of us drank, some of us passed out, some of continued to eat and some of us…actually none of us…played it cool that night. It was more than the just the coming together of two wonderful people and their families, but also a celebration of life and of the beautiful place in which we live. Nicaragua reminded me that this world is full of so many incredible things. Things that I cannot deprive myself of experiencing. You see, this trip refreshed my life. It took me from the “day to day” grind and slowed me down. I stopped wearing a watch because time, for the most part, had become irrelevant to me. All I knew, was that I was with my girlfriend and my best friends, in a new environment. And that, was more than enough to get me to forget my worries back home.

As I sit here, on my desk, I am aching to go back. At the moment, my friends and I are planning a surf trip to Costa Rica for the early summer…and I hope, that we get to go. If anyone reads this, I urge you to take a trip. Anywhere!

Sincerely,

Ray

P.S. here are some pics