tag:walter-clark.com,2005:/blogs/blog?p=1Blog2021-07-27T21:45:25+09:00Walter Clarkfalsetag:walter-clark.com,2005:Post/61327592021-07-27T21:45:25+09:002021-07-27T21:45:25+09:00BELIEVING is SEEING<p><span style="color:#333333; line-height:18px; text-align:left">People say "seeing is believing."</span></p>
<p><span style="color:#333333; line-height:18px; text-align:left">Biggest lie on the planet?</span><br style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;"><br style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;"><span style="color:#333333; line-height:18px; text-align:left"><strong>BELIEVING is SEEING</strong>. Because whatever you believe about yourself you will bring into reality. You do it everyday, but sometimes because beliefs trick the mind, we do it in a negative way.</span></p>
<p><span style="color:#333333; line-height:18px; text-align:left">So examine your negative beliefs, how you got them and determine if they are really true. And remember, whatever you're telling your \self as a reason why you Can't do things, think of other great men and women with the same or even more obstacles who accomplished great things in life.</span></p>
<p><span style="color:#333333; line-height:18px; text-align:left">We might have some negative belief about ourselves, not necessarily true but because we BELIEVE IT, we make it come to pass.</span></p>
<p><br style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;"><span style="color:#333333; line-height:18px; text-align:left">But if you create and sustain a Positive belief about yourself, you will also make it come to pass.</span></p>Walter Clarktag:walter-clark.com,2005:Post/64538622020-10-13T00:25:26+09:002021-02-01T00:54:41+09:00Challenges of the Pandemic and opportunities <p>All challenges are supposedly opportunities, right? We have to believe this. Just as my latest CD goes to press the Covid 19 epidemic increases. The opportunity to sell at my performances dropped, since, around March the situation at the Ritz basically became to unsafe for me to continue.Still waiting for the bar to reopen in any sense of regularity and in the meantime, performing at Sandaya as it still has quite better ventilation and a huge space.</p>
<p>I have continued to record, changing a few machines but keeping my core setup, tubes and transformers preferred over plugins and computer algorithms.</p>
<p>The recent purchase of a Lexicon PCM 92, a very high-end reverb unit is gradually being integrated into my workflow because I have noticed that using these units in analog form rather than digital tends to sound more 3D alive and organic to my ears. Its also easier for me to work with real buttons and knobs, feeling my way through the various setting and sounds, than to noodle around with a mouse.</p>
<p>The CD, Night and Day, is a selection of well know songs, some of which were recorded here in the studio and other which were salvaged from old recordings dating as far back as 2001.</p>
<p>Hoping to go in a different direction now that I have so much free time to experiment as well as improve the beats of various drum machines and the sounds in my synthesizes in preparation for recording and the eventual return to performing. However, I would not be surprised if that return is delayed until the spring of 2021. We are facing a winter of unpredictable danger and chaos. I find it unbelievable how so many humans seem to reject the science and pretend that the virus isn't just as deadly today as it was when it first appeared. The refusal and resistance to masks and social distancing is unconscionable and has resulted in the newly announced restrictions fueled by selfishness and carelessness. Meanwhile, here in Japan and many parts of Asia, Australia and New Zealand where the good of the many seems to be placed in higher regard than the good of the individual and so-called freedom, the virus is much more under control. I wouldn't want to be anywhere else but here in Japan right now.</p>Walter Clarktag:walter-clark.com,2005:Post/61327662019-10-13T14:00:00+09:002022-05-23T02:07:25+09:00Studio completed<p>And coming down the homestretch on a new CD. The approach is hybrid with the bulk of recording and mastering done on analog gear as well as the final mastering stages. Very pleased the less I use plug-ins and digital processes. Still using an old computer which was given to me over 10 years ago and runs Logic Pro 9.</p>
<p>Finally satisfied that the level of my gear is high enough, so my main work is now on the art itself and learning to use the gear is becoming second nature.</p>
<p>Stay tuned !</p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/433785/345e6b464e4c4667daddb0c46c6dceaaaa262fc2/original/img-2025.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>Walter Clarktag:walter-clark.com,2005:Post/61327652018-03-15T16:53:42+09:002019-12-19T07:15:06+09:00On building a new studio and approach to my art
<p>Studio dismantled and my intention is to recreate it in a completely soundproof environment. Cost estimates are done and exterior design also completed. Hoping to be set up in March. Meanwhile taking some time off from work to deal with several issues that working for others has caused me to neglect. Rethinking everything right now, even the need for a page such as this.</p>
Walter Clarktag:walter-clark.com,2005:Post/61327642017-09-14T21:19:10+09:002019-12-19T07:15:06+09:00Back on high volume
<p>Been working at several venues lately, still at the Ritz, but also a return to Salvatore and a new venue, the Marriott in south Osaka. Its been going for the last couple of months but I will return to the Ritz Mon-Wed starting in October. Was able to do several songs for the upcoming album, but not yet satisfied that there is enough material and variety for a new release yet.</p>
<p>Just trying to rebuild my energy and continue improving my artistic production.</p>
Walter Clarktag:walter-clark.com,2005:Post/61327632016-09-13T14:00:00+09:002021-06-27T14:46:10+09:00Many Splendid Things Homepage<p> Eliminated this homepage except the one on <a contents="Facebook" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.facebook.com/CLARKENTERPRISES">Facebook</a> just to simplify matters.</p>Walter Clarktag:walter-clark.com,2005:Post/61327622016-07-11T14:00:00+09:002023-10-16T23:56:22+09:00Many Splendid Things 10th anniversary edition released…and<p>Finally available on the web. <strong><a contents="On Amazon" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.amazon.com/Many-Splendid-Things-10th-Anniversary/dp/B0721VZ1LS/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=many+splendid+things+Walter+clark&qid=1597165982&s=dmusic&sr=1-1"><span style="color:#1abc9c;"> On Amazon</span></a></strong> and on<a contents=" iTunes/Apple Music" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://music.apple.com/us/album/many-splendid-things-10th-anniversary-edition/1243594861"><span style="color:#1abc9c;"><strong> iTunes/Apple Music </strong></span></a>This release has a clearer sound, especially the title track.</p>
<p><span class="font_large">As one customer put it: <span style="color:#1d2129; line-height:16px; background-color:#f6f7f9">After listening to the new version more than a few times, I can honestly say the sound is "crisper" and more even if that makes any sense. Before it seemed some instruments blared out louder than the rest and the balance of the tone was different. I thought it was my terrible hearing problems. This new one seems to have a more even sound for my ears where it is even more soothing.</span></span></p>
<p> </p>Walter Clarktag:walter-clark.com,2005:Post/61327612016-02-03T09:12:10+09:002019-12-19T07:15:06+09:00New Versions of all CDs in the works
<p>To celebrate the 10th anniversary of Many Splendid Things and to improve the quality of all releases at least 30% , addressing issues of clarity. Release dates to be announced.</p>
Walter Clarktag:walter-clark.com,2005:Post/61327602015-02-18T12:00:00+09:002022-05-31T01:32:17+09:00My schedule<p>Sorry not to keep my schedule more updated here. Most of the people who come here only speak and read English and don't live in Japan. As for CD sales, in spite of thousands of sales now and multiple presses, from this page they are about nil so forgive me for not putting more time in it. Person to person or in my jobs is how most CDs get sold here in Japan where CDs are still big. Folks who want Downloads and stuff like that, go to the usual vendors like <a data-imported="1" href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/artist/walter-clark/id360006963">iTunes </a>& <a data-imported="1" href="http://www.amazon.com/Many-Splendid-Things-Walter-Clark/dp/B000LE18F6/ref=ntt_mus_dp_dpt_2">Amazon</a>. </p>
<p>Also been having problems with making the page display the dates in a correct order. May have to go back to an older design.</p>
<p>Suffice it to say at the moment my work schedule is </p>
<p>Ritz Carlton 5th floor the Bar Monday and Tuesday nights</p>
<p>Salvatore the Bar in Umeda Thursday nights</p>
<p>Sandaya Steak restaurant Thursday to Sunday afternoon and Saturday and Sunday nights.</p>Walter Clarktag:walter-clark.com,2005:Post/61327582013-12-08T15:56:53+09:002021-07-27T21:44:13+09:00Holiday Time
<p>Making ready for a gig in Himeji tomorrow. Its gonna be a blast! Me and 250 nurses, and most of them will be "up in age." This is a year-end party or "bonenkai" in Japanese. A time for people who work together to celebrate the end of another year and bond together for the coming one.</p>
<p>These are the kind of events I'm wanting to do more of...private parties, company parties, events, etc. Not only is it a huge chance to sell CDs and meet people but its always a pleasure for me, even though it sometimes involves carrying the entire sound system as well as keyboards. In this case they will supply a grand piano so the bulkiest piece of gear will already be there.</p>
<p>Contemplating recording this performance as a present to my daughter and family back home.</p>
<p>The 23rd will be the whole nine yards. A Christmas party, mostly for children at an elite horse club in Osaka. I'll bring keyboards and the entire sound system but my whole setup is much lighter now, still packing a punch of over 1000 watts but powered speakers, and a new keyboard by Korg, the Kross which is weighted and a full 88 keys yet light as a feather. I got tired of pulling my back out carrying my massive (but passive) JBLs and the usual keyboard I use in the studio. Took plenty of time to test all the stuff last month and its good to go. Best of all, I get to bring my two daughters to the party, something we haven't done in a couple of years.</p>
<p>As the year ends I've been working on the remix of "Best Thing to Come," with Imagine already finished. In the process of the remix, learning a lot about the expensive but effective gear I got for these purposes and getting more clarity and definition from my sound. But I have a few pieces here that need more testing and that I need to become more adept with, so there's a lot of studio time that is needed.</p>
<p>There is a new release in the near future. I still have a lot of standards to cover before I can do more originals.</p>
<p>Also completely changing the way I play and learning to create more space for the vocals...not playing so much piano. Its an issue of timing the piano parts to stay out of the way of the voice. That all has to do with some issues I had, trying to prove I can play 3 parts at the same time, but overdoing it. The pianist part of me is kind of overzealous so, just teaching him to lay back in the pocket some more.</p>
<p>Totally immersed in study although my facebook image has me looking like my life is one big party, heheh.</p>
<p>For me its, self improvement, spiritual growth sound design, mixing and making my home environment more orderly.</p>
<p>As the year end approaches, still continuing my plan to work smarter, relax and enjoy the process more.</p>
Walter Clarktag:walter-clark.com,2005:Post/61327572013-08-30T19:22:34+09:002020-09-29T01:19:52+09:00Transformation. The road to freedom.
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<span class="userContent">Late last year I stopped watching the news on tv, but a few weeks ago I turned my couch about 90 degrees away from facing the tv. The amount of progress made in my studies is staggering!</span><span class="fcg userContentSecondary" style="color:#89919c"> — <img src="https://fbstatic-a.akamaihd.net/rsrc.php/v2/y_/r/TuG4YchV8kb.png" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="16" style="margin-right: 3px; vertical-align: -3px;" width="16" />feeling blessed.</span>
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Walter Clarktag:walter-clark.com,2005:Post/61327562013-07-09T18:16:33+09:002020-09-29T22:44:07+09:00New CD - "Handmade" now on the production line.
<p><span style="background-color:#fafafa"> </span></p>
<div id="yui_3_7_2_1_1373344911812_8197" style="color: #454545;"><span style="color:#993366">Anyway, the CD just went to production today so I should have it back soon. I'm just getting back to normal after so many events kind of unhinged me, not the best time to make a record, but I wanted to be Completely vulnerable. Actually, I have no idea how it's going to be received or how it sounds. I just did the best I could to make it better in the sonic department because there was no overdubbing. Other than that I take it as a learning experience which will pay for itself when some sales it going. </span></div>
<div style="color: #454545;"><span style="color:#993366">Plus, met some key people in my search for better recording components and learned a ton about noise reduction. (Intermittent noise was a big issue in making this record and in some cases ruined some great recordings.)</span></div>
<div id="yui_3_7_2_1_1373344911812_8201" style="color: #454545;"><span style="color:#993366">In the future, I'm going to spend more time developing my technical skills as a pianist and a recordist and not relying so much on my personality because it just feels more authentic as an artist. </span></div>
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Walter Clarktag:walter-clark.com,2005:Post/61327552013-04-25T14:54:17+09:002021-01-20T21:13:08+09:00First Live CD now in post production
<p>What is it?</p>
<p>Live recordings from January 2012 (not exactly the greatest time of my life and during adverse recording situations, ie a restaurant full of customers and with the piano facing away from them.)</p>
<p>How's it going?</p>
<p>It has taken a long time, obviously, the mixing has been a nightmare because this was recorded with a handheld recorder and not a mixing deck.</p>
<p>The intermittent noises have been extremely difficult and time consuming to edit down or out as this whole field of post production noise reduction is new to me. Sometimes just editing a few seconds has taken hours, even days!</p>
<p>Where do we stand now?</p>
<p>In post production, refining final mixes...closer to a final product than ever before.</p>
<p>Next time I'll use a mixing recorder and have a much better sound. </p>
<p>Also my head is in a much better place now.</p>
Walter Clarktag:walter-clark.com,2005:Post/61327542013-03-28T13:20:37+09:002021-01-20T21:13:32+09:00Unbelievable, the smog from China!
<p>Here in Kobe a blanket of foul smelling air has descended, a new companion to the usual yellow sand that blows here from the Mongolian desert over there. It looks like fog, but the smell! Hard to imagine people living in a such a higher concentration of pollution. Eventually the wind will shift here, but I feel sorry for the people living in China, and its scary what they are doing to the environment. </p>
Walter Clarktag:walter-clark.com,2005:Post/61327532013-03-11T17:53:32+09:002021-01-20T21:13:52+09:00To Tokyo or no?
<p><span style="background-color:transparent">Decided not to move to Tokyo just yet, in spite of claims by some that its the only way to really make it big here. I performed there a couple of weeks ago with rather good results but still remain unconvinced. I'll go there for the occasional job or meeting but I still need to be close to my children, plus, there are still a lot of opportunities to be explored here, maybe things overlooked, maybe things hidden. </span></p>
<p id="yui_3_7_2_17_1362962642801_54" style="margin: 0px; font-family: 'times new roman', 'new york', times, serif; font-size: 19px; background-color: transparent;">I'm still going to work on building a sales and distribution network over here that will bring some exceptional audio products to the Japanese market. A few people have asked me, why bother, and what's in it for me. And besides the chance to maybe add a couple pieces of gear to my recording arsenal I really don't know or care. Maybe its something like in "Field of Dreams," ..."If you build it they will come." </p>
<p id="yui_3_7_2_17_1362962642801_54" style="margin: 0px; font-family: 'times new roman', 'new york', times, serif; font-size: 19px; background-color: transparent;">Anyway, I'm already learning a lot, and meeting interesting challenging people just by making the attempt, and its a good idea to have something to do besides performing. Its just something for the future.</p>
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<div id="yui_3_7_2_17_1362962642801_58" style="font-family: 'times new roman', 'new york', times, serif; font-size: 19px;">But in the meantime I have a lot of studying to do, not only on the workings of the equipment but on my Japanese, and how to speak about audio in purely technical terms.</div>
<div id="yui_3_7_2_17_1362962642801_58" style="font-family: 'times new roman', 'new york', times, serif; font-size: 19px;">Also, this year I'm going to finally get a handle on the video side of this Macbook, something I've barely had time to touch. It will probably be necessary to film videos of my own performances for self promotion. Something long overdue.</div>
<div id="yui_3_7_2_17_1362962642801_60" style="font-family: 'times new roman', 'new york', times, serif; font-size: 19px;">Another CD should be on its way out of here in a couple of weeks and that will free up more time to really hone in on a lot of this stuff.</div>
<div id="yui_3_7_2_17_1362962642801_60" style="font-family: 'times new roman', 'new york', times, serif; font-size: 19px;">Meanwhile, spring is in the air.</div>
<div id="yui_3_7_2_17_1362962642801_60" style="font-family: 'times new roman', 'new york', times, serif; font-size: 19px;">Enjoy and take care.</div>
Walter Clarktag:walter-clark.com,2005:Post/61327522012-11-06T16:03:33+09:002021-02-02T21:18:24+09:00Lately
<p style="margin: 1em 0px; line-height: 1.2; color: #3f3f3f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: left;">Lately I have noticed a change in my way of hearing sound and have become less forgiving of audio recordings which sounded okay to me before.</p>
<p style="margin: 1em 0px; line-height: 1.2; color: #3f3f3f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: left;">So I have been really concentrating on making a better sound with my recordings. That entails a lot of studying of recording techniques as well as the acquisition of much more expensive but sonically excellent components. At the risk of becoming a bit of a gear slut and losing my way in the extremely difficult technical aspects of recording, I'm improving the sonic quality of my offerings.I've taken some time off from hotel work and I'm delving deeply into this field with enthusiasm. </p>
<p style="margin: 1em 0px; line-height: 1.2; color: #3f3f3f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: left;"><strong>What's in the future for Walter Clark?</strong></p>
<p style="margin: 1em 0px; line-height: 1.2; color: #3f3f3f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: left;">Reaching a wider audience and showcasing my talent as a well-rounded performer, who can cut it without special studio effects or computer magic. Before the end of the year 2012 I intend to release another CD which will be a collection of live recordings at my current venue, <strong><a style="color: #93b9b8;" href="https://www.kobesandaya.co.jp/guest/walter_clark.html" data-imported="1"><span style="color:#800000">Sandaya</span></a>.</strong> And<strong> </strong>before the end of 2012 there will finally be some video available for folks who want to experience some of my live shows. Also, in 2013 I will be doing a big show in Tokyo, the details of which will be released soon.</p>
Walter Clarktag:walter-clark.com,2005:Post/61327502012-07-27T16:05:51+09:002021-01-20T21:14:49+09:00Faith in an age of cynicism
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<p style="font-size: 11px; line-height: 1.5em; margin: 0px;">Last week a news story caught my eye, which is a rare occurrence since my life style doesn't allow me much web surfing, tv or keeping up with current events. (When the earthquake occurred in Japan last year I was in the studio, totally unaware of the goings on until my phone rang and a friend told me to turn on the TV. It stayed on all of 15 minutes before I went back to work.) Anyway, last week's story was about 21people who were hospitalized after a firewalk during one of Tony Robins' seminars. (Assuming here that most of you know the idea that with enough faith, it has been proven that humans can walk across hot coals and not be burned, and that this has been a tradition in many cultures for hundreds of years.) At any rate, during this ceremony several people were hospitalized with second and third degree burns on their feet.It was a short article, just a couple of paragraphs, and next to it was a tiny picture of Tony Robbins which looked more like a mug shot and reminded me of a New York pimp I had known briefly many years ago before he was executed by the mob in Miami. I'm not a fan of Tony Robbins, and truthfully am not familiar with all of the details of his philosophy, but I have read a few of his quotations and although the price of his service does seem to be a bit staggering to someone of my means, he has porportedly done some good work for a lot of people. I'm more attracted to the work of Wayne Dyer and have found some of his earlier books to be extremely helpful and life-changing.At any rate what I found interesting was the comments that followed the article. Comment after comment was laced with cynicism and they were remarkable similar."hahahha!""Idiots" (a popular comment)"Canditates for the Darwin Award!" (another popular comment!)"Snake oil! Back in the day he would have got an asswhipping!""I can't believe that people of this day can be so stupid!!"</p>
<p style="font-size: 11px; line-height: 1.5em; margin: 0px;"> </p>
<p style="font-size: 11px; line-height: 1.5em; margin: 0px;">Okay, hold on a minute! When did it become stupid or idiotic for someone to try to strengthen their faith or improve themselves or test the power of their mind over matter?? And why such a overwhelming majority of feelings of relief at the failure of some to pass the test? And why didn't the article even mention if anyone happened to walk over the hot coals without being burned?? Apparently that wasn't as important as the fact that some people had been badly burned. </p>
<p style="font-size: 11px; line-height: 1.5em; margin: 0px;"> </p>
<p style="font-size: 11px; line-height: 1.5em; margin: 0px;">One commenter mentioned that in these ceremonies, usually a layer of ash is allowed to accumulate over the hot coals, which makes the walk easier, and maybe Robbins has too many assistants, some of whom are new and not familiar with the process. That was one of the few comments that wasn't grossly negative and cynical.</p>
<p style="font-size: 11px; line-height: 1.5em; margin: 0px;"> </p>
<p style="font-size: 11px; line-height: 1.5em; margin: 0px;">We seem to live in an age of contrived cynicism. I say "contrived" because the media plays us into it. Everything has been redefined to fit into the new personality that is supposedly so hip. So spirituality is now "woo woo," or "spooky." Mention of God is politically incorrect, and a whole list of other topics and opinions, but I won't even go down the "politically incorrect" rathole because it all so reminds me of Nazi Germany and Big Brother. Another facet of this new attitude is hopelessness and selfishness. Now that it has become common knowledge that the world is ruled by an elite group of "banksters," what is the common reaction?Just get what you can for yourself and your children?Anybody who tries to extend their compassion too far beyond that is labeled as a "bleeding heart do-gooder."The inbred natural human emotion of empathy for others, the reason why when one newborn baby in a nursury cries, other babies in the same nursery cry, that emotion is slowly systematically being de-programmed. Divide and conquer is a well known strategy, and still the most effective tool of the elite. </p>
<p style="font-size: 11px; line-height: 1.5em; margin: 0px;"> </p>
<p style="font-size: 11px; line-height: 1.5em; margin: 0px;">Anybody who has used an iPad or who keeps up with the rapid advances in medicine, robotics and the study of what it means to be human would have a hard time denying that we live in a new age.. Yet the phrase "New Age" is associated with weirdness. And still we have people who pride themselves on being conservative, even in an obviously broken system where even being white is no longer a free pass to any measure of success. What are they trying to conserve? The only think worth being conservative about IMO is the earth. Conserve that! And family values, yeah, that's cool too.</p>
<p style="font-size: 11px; line-height: 1.5em; margin: 0px;"> </p>
<p style="font-size: 11px; line-height: 1.5em; margin: 0px;">But other than that, sitting on your asses and sniping at people who want to make a change makes you like crabs in a barrel.</p>
<p style="font-size: 11px; line-height: 1.5em; margin: 0px;"> </p>
<p style="font-size: 11px; line-height: 1.5em; margin: 0px;">So, you cynics, in the words of John Lennon:</p>
<p style="font-size: 11px; line-height: 1.5em; margin: 0px;"> </p>
<p style="font-size: 11px; line-height: 1.5em; margin: 0px;">Well, you think you're so cleverand classless and free But you're all fucking peasants As far as I can see</p>
<p style="font-size: 11px; line-height: 1.5em; margin: 0px;"> </p>
<p style="font-size: 11px; line-height: 1.5em; margin: 0px;">And to all of you who want to improve yourselves, be it a diet or health regimen, any program of spiritual advancement, writing, painting, music, film, dance, education of every kind, overcoming addictions, tighter abdominals, starting a new business, or any act of political, moral or ethical courage, including the decision to change some unworthy thought pattern or conduct in yourselves...I wish you god speed and all the blessings and help from the angels!</p>
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Walter Clarktag:walter-clark.com,2005:Post/61327492012-03-05T20:54:35+09:002021-01-20T21:15:05+09:00Year review 2011
<p><em>Very happy with 2011! The accomplishments of the year have been nothing short of miraculous but all in keeping with the plan. A new CD <a href="http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/walterclark3" data-imported="1">Best Thing to Come</a> already in its second press includes remixed versions of a couple of songs and is a definite improvement over the first release. </em></p>
<p><em> A newly remastered version of <a href="http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/walterclark4" data-imported="1">Many Splendid Things</a> is breaking all previous sales records and running neck in neck with the latest CD. I took several courses and studied recording from two different angles...from the analog side my main focus was analog tape and compression. From the digital side it was digital audio workstations and mastering in the digital domain. Since my system is a hybrid system its necessary to use the best aspects of both domains.</em></p>
<p><em>After months of planning and preparation there are several hours of recordings, live recording that were made in December which I still have to listen to, but they appear to be good enough for a new release... planned for late Spring. Editing out a lot of the background noise has been a tedious process, and my work schedule only allows me to tackle the project a couple hours a week. The first couple of songs are already in post production.</em></p>
<p><em>Also in 2012, I plan to release something in video. The rest will be a surprise. Hope to have something you will love and to always improve in every way.</em></p>
<p><em>Happy New Year 2012</em></p>
Walter Clarktag:walter-clark.com,2005:Post/61327482011-07-24T20:48:02+09:002021-07-16T20:38:19+09:00Those who know the truth and do nothing are worse than the ignorant masses.
<p>Been kind of quiet lately, having spent the last three years or more working on a new CD, but, with that out of the way, have something to say to the people I love, friends, countrymen, fellow citizens of the earth, whomever</p>
<p>Having spent the late 60s and early 70s as a political activist, being taunted by the feds, bugged by the secret service, watching my friends get rounded up, beaten, jailed and killed, being photographed and put on the "if shit breaks out kill this spade First" list, I have little patience for "arm-chair revolutionaries." (Funny thing though, until the black community was deliberately flooded with drugs, and a bunch of Other shit, we Were accomplishing some good things.)</p>
<p>Not to single out the black community here either because it was a cultural revolution that encompassed all races creeds and castes, and if you think about it, anyone who was alive that time can remember that our goals were pretty simple. We wanted peace, we wanted equal opportunity to good jobs and education for all classes. So they killed JFK because he wanted out of the war, they killed King, they killed RFK, Malcolm and a bunch of other folks who stood for anything resembling justice, and who they couldn't kill, they found a way to neutralize.</p>
<p>After becoming virtually the only one in my group left standing, pursuing any number of jobs and leaving the city, my primary concern became survival, and I kind of melted into the background, concerned myself with my own spiritual growth, development as an artist as a father, and a businessman. But it was with a well placed emails one day, that re-awakened me to a lot of things.</p>
<p>I can't count how many letters to senators and petitions I've signed since then, and the letter I recently got from the Zeitgeist group which you can check out at your convenience, just reminds me that its time to be even more active. If the Germans can hit the streets by the hundreds of thousands and force the govt there to abolish nuclear energy surely we Americans can do something...or maybe they have more of a democracy than we do?? We just passed another date when the world was predicted to end, and many think that that means everything is cool and its ok to comtinue with the same bullshit, but in my opinion, whether or not Jesus comes down with a flaming sword is almost irrelevant. The only thing that matters is that we decide to DO Something different.</p>
<p>Our goals are still the same, except now, the environment has also reached the top of the list. So we want peace, we want a more equal society and we want a clean environment...mainly. And we want these things for our children, right? Or are we ready to retire and leave the struggle, the mess we couldn't clean up to someone else. Who can we trust to get it right besides ourselves? Our children are being daily corrupted by the system and our children's children are going to hate us if they grow up to the future we are facing now...scarcity, pollution, debt, runaway destruction of the earth.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Americans are always looking for a savior to do their business instead of thinking and doing for themselves. We need to stop looking to authority figures for solutions and give ourselves permission to be our own authority figures, and come up with our own solutions from the bottom up, not from the top down. If, after the nuclear disaster in Japan, the Germans can hit the streets by the hundreds of thousands and put an end to nuclear energy in their country why can't we? Or have we reached the point where they have more of a democracy than we do? Or they care more than we do? Or they are better informed than we are? A friend posted this recently on Facebook:<a title="Americans are not stupid" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fJuNgBkloFE&feature=player_embedded" data-imported="1">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fJuNgBkloFE&feature=player_embedded</a> Americans are not stupid</p>
<p>Its a sad commentary on what America has become. When people speak of us as a nation of sheep, you have to start wondering. How did we get so corrupt, ignorant, sold out....Or scared? How do we get to the point where an event like that occurs and most of us haven't even heard of it? <a title="Nuclear Power abandoned in Germany" href="http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2011/may/30/germany-abandon-nuclear-power-2022/" data-imported="1">http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2011/may/30/germany-abandon-nuclear-power-2022/</a> And even the washington times article gives a watered down total of the over 200,000 people who participated. Look at the spin on this article and read another from a different source. (No, i'm not a socialist!) <a title="Rally demands and end to nukes" href="http://socialist.ca/socialistworker/SW2011/issue530/INT-Rally_demands_end_to_nukes.html" data-imported="1">http://socialist.ca/socialistworker/SW2011/issue530/INT-Rally_demands_end_to_nukes.html</a> A friend suggested that the fact that General Electric runs the nuclear business in America will make it hard for such news to spread. And their extensive media holdings should make it easy for them to downplay or ignore such stories. Take a look at their holdings.http://www.freepress.net/ownership/chart/mainAnd while you're at it, take a look at how our insanely corrupt inept government works hand in hand with them. Come to find out: <a title="General Electric Paid no Federal Taxes" href="http://abcnews.go.com/Politics/general-electric-paid-federal-taxes-2010/story?id=13224558" data-imported="1">http://abcnews.go.com/Politics/general-electric-paid-federal-taxes-2010/story?id=13224558</a> How did we get to the point where people who care about the enviornment and nature are classified as terrorists? Or to use certain words in an email, gets you flagged. And I'm not talking about blowing anything up or saying you're gonna kill somebody. Just words! Forgive me, I'll probably use some of them in here. I recently saw a remake of the movie "The Werewolf," with Anthony Hopkins. One of the many things that struck me about that movie was the language they used, especially when you compare it to the language in the original movie, and how at this point in time "the beast" is no longer hiding his philosophy is symbolism. He's no longer using secret handshakes and gestures. He's putting it right out there in your face, bold and unashamed. It also struck me how when they were getting ready to kill his ass he started quoting scripture with a cute smile on his face. The Underlying theme of the movie was that evildoers are no longer hiding in the shadows. I guess they figure we're too dumb and pacified to do anything about it or even realize what's going on. Or we assume that our "leaders" are misguided or unaware of the destructiveness of the laws that they pass and how they impact and rip apart the very fabric of our society. </p>
<p>THAT IS NOT THE CASE.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Which reminds me of an encounter between an Andrew Harvey ( who is into spirituality, human rights and the enviornent) and the head of a multinational corporation who invited the author to have lunch with him. Mind you, this was in the early 90's in New York with several of the leading organizers of what was to become the U.N. Conference on environment and development in Rio. Anticipating author might have a desire to make the executive aware of some of the crimes that his company was committing, against humanity, the enviornment, etc, the executive told him, and I'm just paraphrasing here, "Sit down so I can tell you something. Not only are we guilty of those crimes, but crimes of murder as well as other crimes you know Nothing about. I Know what I'm doing is evil, wrong and unjust! And I know when I die I'm going straight to hell for it. But I don't Care! I like he big cigars, the fancy cars, the money,my rolex and the women. I'm going to enjoy it all to the last minute, and you naive, weak "bliss bunnies" don't have the the stamina, or the commitment to do anything about it! You really don't realize what you're up against." That's a pretty bold statement. But Anthony Hopkins said the same thing in the movie. "Life is far too glorious for the cursed and the damned," ....so don't expect them to see the light and reform.</p>
<p>Expect nothing...but more pimping and and murderous attacks against third world countries, and YOU....IN YOUR NAME. Somebody said something like, all that evil needs to flourish is for good men to stand by and do nothing. Over the years, struggling for guidance I've collected quite a few books that are considered holy and from various cultures and religions. The Hindu's Bagavadgita, Buddhism from Tibet....its a long list, and yes, among them is the Koran. I only got through about half of it. Reading it is like being lectured to by the sternest teacher you can imagine. They say it was dictated to Muhammed by the Angel Gabriel. Funny, how the Muslims and Christians hate each other but they both agree on the identity, personality and function of Gabriel. A lot of the same people you find in the bible and in the koran. At any rate, the most striking chapter I read is called. "The Hypocrites." Its very intense. Talking about folks who talk the talk, but don't walk the walk, and worse. Its been a long while since I read the Koran, but if you ever check it out, that's the one chapter to read. I like the language that Gabriel uses too, because he says "we," like as in "We see you!". We see you doing your shit. And the we he's talking about is not "we muslims.". Its "we angels!". We, God's legions.</p>
<p>Do You See?</p>
<p>I mention Gabriel because he's the one that's supposed to blow the horn when kingdom comes, right? We still have 2012 to deal with, and whatever that brings, but I think we have the power to bring about any change we seek...if we stop sitting around waiting for something to happen and start making things happen on our own. My own personal feeling is a sense of profound debt to our fallen leaders, to our fellow starving humans, to my own children and to my creator. So all I'm saying is I'm gonna be more outspoken and active, regardless of the consequences, and speak the truth. Feel free to de-friend me, but I urge you to educate yourself, do some research and get with some people who are about real change. That's a start. That can be your own form of revolution....getting better informed. Especially since, as George Carlin said: "They, the rich elite, don't want a well educated public, capable of critical thinking. They want people just smart enough to run the machines and do the paper work and just dumb enough to passively accept increasingly shittier jobs." If history teaches us anything its that a peaceful non-violent movement can move mountains.</p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p>"When an idea reaches critical mass there's no stopping the shift its presence will induce."</p>
<p> </p>
<p>But it won't reach critical mass if you just sit on your ass.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Do something! Its later than you think! Namaste!</p>
Walter Clarktag:walter-clark.com,2005:Post/61327472011-06-21T09:27:33+09:002020-01-19T16:18:30+09:00New CD!!
<p>Well. we didn't go to press, obviously in May. Its surprising how long ago that was. There were a few songs that I still wasn't satisfied with. The mix just wasn't right. The most difficult one was "Can't Help Falling in Love." I'm looking at the computer now, getting ready to finalize the best mix and realizing, according to the data here, I went through a total of 94 remixes before finally getting this song right!
The right mix came when I threw all the rules out the window and did something that just felt right. I hope you'll feel it too.
Anyway, we will go to press This week.</p>
Walter Clarktag:walter-clark.com,2005:Post/61327462011-05-12T19:48:05+09:002021-01-20T21:17:44+09:00Going to press next week!
<p>Finally!! And it'll be well worth the wait. A lot of time and love and study went into this project which will be the "Best Thing to Come!"
If you've been sitting on the fence wondering whether to buy a Walter Clark CD, this will be your moment to make a move!</p>
Walter Clarktag:walter-clark.com,2005:Post/61327452010-08-29T18:02:24+09:002021-01-20T21:17:59+09:00Its so different here!
<p>During the months leading up to the World Cup, here in Japan, the media, which is a bit more inclined towards education than entertainment, gave an extensive look at Africa. It started with South Africa and the history and fall of apartheid. In the days and weeks to follow, NHK (the national television network) focused on nearly every country in the continent. Instead of the usual images we see in America, there were stories of renewal and hope, growth and progress from all segments of society. They gave tribute to the African spirit and determination in spite of incredible hardship and economic obstacles, stories of artists, entrepreneurs, inventors, government leaders, reformers, and athletes from every segment of society and every age group.
This went on several hours a day for nearly two months. Bet you didn't know there was so much positive going on over in the 'dark continent," and so much material out there. Obviously the only thing the corporate controlled media in America is interested in is tragedy and bad news. Anyway, I learned a lot.
Now, at the 65th anniversary of the end of World War II, the media here has turned to an even more serious subject...the tragedy of war, the insanity of war, the destruction that results from war and the sheer horror and inhumanity of war.
The started with WWI and are working their way through many of the major conflicts. Documentaries, packed with scenes of devastation from Europe through the Middle East, along with movies from Hollywood and Tokyo. Steven Spielberg and Tom Hank's "The Pacific" is being shown episode by episode every Sunday night. The story of the Pacific and the unimaginable carnage that took place there is mind-blowing.
Of course the stories of the men who went to war have become familiar to many of us, but there is a side story that rarely gets told. Since 1918 every major war has resulted in far more civilian deaths than troop deaths. Who tells the story of families and communities that are destroyed? And in America now with over 70 cents of every dollar going to war, maybe its time to start asking ourselves how long are we going to continue to bankroll this bullshit.
More about me later. Just want you to know I'm still alive and awake.
PEACE and blessings!</p>
Walter Clarktag:walter-clark.com,2005:Post/61327442010-04-28T12:45:04+09:002019-12-19T07:15:04+09:00Coming down the home stretch
<p>All of the issues with stage fright and whatever demons I have been battling have been vanquished. The new CD is in the final stages of mix-down now, and the extra time and attention has really paid off and allowed me to produce a product that is polished and yet still retains a live, natural quality. The last stages of preparing it for the digital realm may require putting it into a computer for digital formatting but that will probably be the extent of any computer based editing.
I'm deeply indebted to a friend at Apple who really loves my CD Many Splendid Things, especially the first song, "Sweet Lorraine." He, and the folks at Cupertino California have provided me with a state of the art Mac which is going to make these final steps easier and speed the production and creation of future projects.
Also deeply indebted to Imani, a renowned producer and good friend of mine who is scheduled to come over here Sunday and have a look at my setup, and a listen to some of the CD masters I've already made. His extensive knowledge of computer based musical software, as well as mixing and equalizing is going to be a welcome asset to my very limited experience. Just talking to him over the phone opens up so many possibilities and gives me so many ideas. Having him over here is going to be a real treat. (You can check out his CD, "From this Moment On," at CDBaby and the other usual sites.)
So, for now that's about it. Still editing the mix and making things sound as balanced and professional as possible. The extra practice on my vocals has given me more confidence in any setting...be it live or studio. The only person I'm competing against is myself.</p>
Walter Clarktag:walter-clark.com,2005:Post/61327432010-03-22T18:51:39+09:002021-01-20T21:19:10+09:00Positivity Blog (reprinted)
<p>"The time to relax is when you don't have time for it."
Jim Goodwin
"For fast-acting relief, try slowing down."
Lily Tomlin
Stress sucks. It sucks joy and the life out of you.
So today I'll share 10 of my favourite tips that I use to minimize stress and live a more relaxed but at the same time productive life. I hope you find something helpful here, even if it's just a few reminders of things you had forgotten about.
1. Accept the situation.
Stress is often to a large part resistance to what already is. You may be in a stressful situation and think to yourself that this situation shouldn't be, that you shouldn't be here. But the situation has already arisen, is here, and so are you.
So to decrease the stress and resistance you accept the situation. With your resistance gone or lowered you can now direct your mental energy and focus to finding a solution in a level-headed manner instead of trying to do it while panicked or confused.
2. Take everything less seriously.
Taking things or yourself overly serious adds a lot of unnecessary negativity and stress to your life. A minor situation may be blown up to a major one in your mind. If you just learn to lighten up a bit, life becomes more fun and you realize that you get great results even if you aren't super-serious about everything.
3. Decrease or put a stop to negative relationships.
If someone is always making you more stressed or creates a lot of negativity in your life you may want to consider decreasing the amount of time you spend with that person. Some people almost seem to like to dwell in negativity. That is their choice. It's your choice if you want to participate.
Or you can choose to hang out more with relaxed and non-stressed people. Both in real life and by watching/listening to CDs and DVDs. Two guys that tend to calm me down when I listen/watch them are Eckhart Tolle and Wayne Dyer.
4. Just move slower.
You emotions work backwards too. If you slow down how you walk or how you move your body you can often start to feel less stressed.
This allows you to think more clearly too. A stressed mind tends to run in circles a lot of the time. And slowing down to decrease stress goes for other forms of movement too, like riding your bicycle or driving the car.
5. Exercise.
A simple and time-tested way to decrease inner tension. Regular exercise can do wonders for both your mind and body. This is one of the solutions that work most consistently for me.
6. Find five things you can be grateful for right now.
Being grateful and appreciating your life and surroundings is one of the most effective ways to turn a negative emotional state to a more positive one. So find a few things you are grateful for right now.
Perhaps it's the sunny weather, that you feel healthy and energetic today, that you have just eaten a delicious after-noon snack, that the guy/gal that just walked by had a great looking jacket on and that tonight there is a new episode of your favourite TV-show to enjoy.
7. Look for solutions.
When faced with a challenge that can cause stress, try to direct your focus to solutions rather than to dwelling on the problem for too long. Dwelling only causes more stress and makes your mind less open to finding a solution.
8. Be early.
Just be 10 or 5 minutes early for meetings etc. This very simple tip can cut down on stress quite a bit.
9. Do just one thing at a time.
Single tasking and focusing on doing just one thing at a time not only decreases stress but from my experience gets things done a whole lot quicker than if you multitask.
10. Talk to people around you about it.
Perhaps they can offer you advice that has worked for them or just an ear and some support. Just telling someone about something, just getting it out can often help to relieve some of the stress.</p>
Walter Clarktag:walter-clark.com,2005:Post/61327422010-02-23T15:33:35+09:002019-12-19T07:15:03+09:00TIME AND DETAILS
<p>If there was ever a time for me to blog or write a journal this is it. Been promising a new CD for a long time, but let me explain what I'm up against. Most of you have never seen me perform live, but the smoothness and impeccability of my performance is what has kept me working steady for the past twenty something years. My main problem has been overcoming the fear that sets in when a recording machine is running during my performance. I don't know where it comes from, but its someplace deep inside where I have to battle against my own self sabotage.
A note comes out as smooth as silk when there is an audience, smooth as silk even when I am alone at home or singing in the car. Press "record" on a machine and all hell breaks loose inside me and the same confidence and ease of projection is sabotaged by some insane fear of inadequacy.
That fear has come out and made its presence felt on my previous CDs. It comes out as lack of talent, and although you've never seen me perform, again, how could there be a talent problem if I've been working full-time 5-6 nights a week in America and Japan since 1982???
I'm determined to eliminate it from this next recording, no matter how long it takes or how many times I have to sing the same part over again to get it right.
Here's how its been going for me:
Rehearse the part. Okay it sounds great.
Press record. Oh no, it sucks.
Rehearse again. Hey, sounds even better.
Record. Sucks less but still sucks.
Record again. Same results.
record again.
record again...and again...and again...and again...and again until an hour or more has passed and I'm still working on the same part which is maybe only 10 seconds long on the track. So now its time to break or work on something else that may be easier.
That explains why its taking so long, why its so heartbreaking and what I'm complaining about. The details of the production side of the music are so numerous its mind-boggling! Details are not exactly my strong point in life. If they were, you'd be getting a lot more blogs from me because there's a hell of a lot going on in my life, so much so that even finding the TIME to write them in my own personal journal is something that only takes place 2 or 3 times a year. Being a performer, an artist, a company president, doing spiritual study,technical research and exercises, a father and a bunch of other family roles that include cooking and housekeeping, physical fitness exercises and maintaining a healthy diet and style of life entails a lot. You know this. You're doing most of it or some variation of it yourself too, right?
So, anyway TIME AND DETAILS are two things that I need to master at this point in my life.
Hell, I hit those notes easy as pie 6 nights a week at the Ritz Carlton and other spots so what's the deal here. My shyness about performing in public was so great in the beginning that I had to have a drink before every set. At one early point I had to have a glass of scotch sitting next to me on the piano. Now that's gone, and so is the drinking, but I still need to overcome the shyness that has accompanied this new venture into actually making a professional sounding recording...something for the world...not just for me and my close friends and fans...and that's what its been up to this point but now its time to graduate to a higher level.</p>
Walter Clarktag:walter-clark.com,2005:Post/61327412010-02-16T16:05:14+09:002021-01-20T21:19:44+09:00new cd progress and february projects
<p>This weekend after a massive recording/mixing session, i finally got a chance to hear the 2nd draft. Its coming into shape. Much better but still needs some work. There are a lot of areas for improvement that I'll be working on in the coming days. I need to complete a 3rd and final mix before the end of the month and go to press in March. That's all I can think about right now.
The restaurants where I plan to start in March both have sub-par PA systems. Strictly amateur hour. I want to sound my best there and secure this account, so I have collect, assemble and install 2 audio systems by the end of this month. After that the decks will be clear.
There are plenty of spare parts laying around here. Speakers, amps and mixers, all in good condition and some of them go back to my 'rocker' days in 80's. will be glad to get the stuff out of here. It will clear up some of the office space and help me in my downsizing plan. I have to test this stuff over the next few weeks, make sure its still all in working order, and buy what's needed.
I love February. Its hardly snowed here in my part of Japan at all. Not bad, considering the blizzards on the east coast over in the states. I celebrated a birthday and the birthday of my youngest daughter.
The stress of working at the Ritz well may have taken a toll on my health, so I'm determined not to rush into another 6 day a week situation with a long commute. These new spots are very close to home, the hours are short and who knows what miracles I can accomplish with all the free time. Taking it slow and doing my best in all areas.</p>
Walter Clarktag:walter-clark.com,2005:Post/61327402010-01-05T16:55:13+09:002021-06-21T23:17:32+09:00"Be at least as interested in what goes on inside you as what happens outside. If you get the inside right, the outside will fall into place."
<p>Things are falling into place nice my first night back. Unpacked and organized at light speed and the clarity is still with me. My weird home is sometimes colder than the outside. Last night especially before the rain was a perfect example. Now, at least there is a foundation of silence and new confidence in my core from which the new work can grow.
First assignment is to relax for a couple of days...just physical training for weight gain back into the welterweight division...and mental purification. Not even thinking about a job for the next couple of days, just getting back to recording, and hoping the phone doesn't ring too soon.</p>
Walter Clarktag:walter-clark.com,2005:Post/61327392010-01-03T20:43:40+09:002021-08-10T00:33:02+09:00Back to basics
<p>The time away wasn't lonely at all went faster than expected. In the process of being in a tiny room, with only my work to focus on, a lot got done...also a lot faster than expected, and that has taught me to simplify my life much more on my return.
Also sold a few CD s here and made a lot of friends who are expecting me back. These are simple country folk, of course, very shy and reserved, and not accustomed to live music, so in that respect it was far from an easy job, but when is the last time I had an easy one? But staying in a resort with room service and the job just an elevator ride away from my room definitely lessens the stress of traveling so far, and the view here is pretty incredible. Traditional Japan, just as I envisioned it before coming here the first time. Maybe the enclosed pictures will give a small sense of it...to be included on the next log in.
Increased sales and patrons in the lobby and dining area made the management very happy and they're already talking about having me there 5 days a week. It could happen. There's a peace and silence here that will stay with me internally wherever this new year takes me.</p>
Walter Clarktag:walter-clark.com,2005:Post/61327382009-12-20T16:01:23+09:002021-01-20T21:20:59+09:00Word for the new year.........optimistic
<p>Tomorrow might be my last chance for a home - cooked meal until next year. Going on the road, starting Tuesday and ending Jan 4, so this holiday will be the farthest away from any semblance of family since who knows when.
This is all part of the path, the discipline. No big deal. Just something I've been blessed enough to receive.
The only thing I can do is stay healthy, continue to study and make technical and spiritual progress in the lonely days to come. Just to relax and keep a positive attitude throughout. And in comparing my state of mind this year to last year, I can't feel anything but optimistic, because although this year has been a grueling schedule, my progress, even though it has not come at the expected pace, has been spectacular.
Last year around this time I was seriously preparing for leaving Japan forever and moving back to America. What a mistake that would have been. The simple clean life I was longing for is just not there anymore...at least not at the same price. Life has become much more cold, complicated and expensive in America and there is as yet no support base for me.
I don't want to be famous, just successful.
In 2010 things will all change for the better. The groundwork is laid and the foundation is being built and tested at every stage of development.
The need for friends and allies is still there, but they are coming out slowly but surely...as long as I continue to do my part and keep evolving, learning, patiently accepting the things I can't change and changing the things I can, with passion and compassion.
Blessings to all for the new year. Peace Light and Growth, and most of all hope for positive change and wisdom and success.</p>
Walter Clark