Tag Archives: resources

Lester Lanin
Books-Resources, International Musician, Products

LESTER LANIN: An intimate view of America’s Favorite Society Dance Band and its Leader

One of the most in-demand bandleaders of all time, Lester Lanin began his career in the 1920s and his popularity grew worldwide. He was hired to play for socialites, celebrities, dignitaries, and monarchs, from multiple White House inaugural balls to parties for Frank Zappa and Billy Joel. This memoir by Lanin’s longtime pianist, Al Warner of Local 802 (New York City), gives his intimate view working for the indomitable maestro for 17 years.

Lester Lanin

Lester Lanin: An Intimate View of America’s Favorite Society Dance Band And Its Leader, by Al Warner, Spring Promise Productions,
www.springpromiseproductions.com.

Drummer's Perspective
Books-Resources, International Musician, Products

From the Riser: A Drummer’s Perspective II

A sequel to the popular A Drummer’s Perspective, David Phillips captures images showing the energy, excitement, and emotions of drummers playing live. Photos show drummers playing a wide variety of genres in venues that range from small clubs to Wembley Stadium. Among the wide range of drummers featured are Local 47 (Los Angeles, CA) members Kenny Aronoff, Gregg Bissonette, Peter Erskine, and Sheila E.; Local 802 (New York City) members Billy Cobham and Jack DeJohnette; and Lars Ulrich of Local 424 (Richmond, CA).Drummer's Perspective

From the Riser: A Drummer’s Perspective II, by David Phillips,
A & R Marketing Limited, www.armarketing.co.uk.

Health, International Musician, Resources

Easing Jet Lag: A Biochemist Weighs In

A touring musician is no stranger to the pitfalls of air travel—cramped economy seating, lost and mishandled luggage, and perhaps one of the worst is the dreaded jet lag. Combating daytime fatigue and nighttime insomnia, in severe cases, it can take days to revert to a normal sleep schedule.

Scientists are beginning to understand more about how human circadian rhythms work. Their studies may eventually lead to therapeutic “cures” for jet lag. Researchers at the Salk Institute have found two receptors in the nuclei of human and mouse cells that control sleep and metabolic cycles.

Also, this year the Nobel Prize for Physiology or Medicine was awarded to Jeffrey C. Hall, Michael Rosbash, and Michael W. Young for their research about biological clocks. Brian Crane, Cornell biochemist and a colleague of Young, broke down why people become jet lagged in the first place and possible solutions for weary travelers.

What is jet lag?

Jet lag is associated with physical symptoms, but on a molecular level, it’s your body struggling to adapt to the new day-night cycle wherever you’re staying. “In most of your cells there’s a molecular oscillator—a little clock that keeps track of time,” explains Crane. Your biological clock cannot be changed as simply as winding the hands to match the time zone. “The clocks in your eyes and brain adapt quickly, but they have to train your peripheral clocks—in your liver, intestines, and heart. So, you get jet lagged because different parts of your body think it’s different times of day.”

What can you do to fight jet lag?

While it is tempting to hop straight into bed after a long, exhausting flight, Crane advises you should adapt your biological clock as soon as possible and try to adjust to the new day-night cycle wherever you are. “In mammals, there’s a lot of feedback between physical activity and your clocks,” he says. He suggests being outside and active during the new “daytime” despite fatigue, as well as forming a new eating schedule. “If you’re jet lagged you feel hungry at odd times, you can reset your appetite hormones by eating at the right time for where you are, even if you’re not hungry.”

Crane suggests travelers should not stay awake late at night. This is not always feasible for musicians, but at least avoid caffeine or midnight Internet browsing. “Stay away from computer screens at night. [Eyes] are typically blue light sensitive. Computer screens, which contain a lot of blue light, are good at delaying your clock,” he says.

While ditching screens before bed is the best option, there are apps that can control the amount of blue and white light your devices emit. In addition, light therapy boxes, often used to combat Seasonal Affect Disorder (SAD), are effective solutions to getting daytime light exposure, if you cannot get outside during the day. This can impact the body and mind beyond resetting clocks. “Mammals have really strong rhythms. If we’re out of whack with when we eat and when we sleep, it has big ramifications on our wellbeing,” Crane notes. “Getting people on a good day-night cycle where they see light at the right times and reset their rhythms has shown to be useful for proper mental health.”

There are also options available for those interested in over the counter treatments for their jet lag issues. Widely available, Melatonin—the hormone that contributes to sleep—has varying success from person to person. Melatonin’s effect on the body is “more of a downstream thing” Crane describes. “The central clocks in the brain cause the pineal gland to release melatonin and then the melatonin entrains the peripheral clocks.”

Advancements are on the horizon. Melatonin agnates—artificial compounds that bind to the melatonin receptors better than melatonin does, therefore making the compounds more effective than melatonin—are in clinical trials according to Crane.

Why is it harder to recover from flights traveling east?

This is a puzzling effect of flying. Since the body has a cycle of a little more than 24 hours it’s easier to adapt to a longer day, when traveling west, than when the day shortens when traveling east, according to University of Maryland physicist Michelle Girvan in a 2016 interview with the New York Times.

As far as specific causes on the biochemical level, Crane says molecular biology doesn’t have an exact answer yet. “I’m not sure we completely understand. For some reason [biological clocks] reset more easily from delays than they do advances,” says Crane.

A Life in Songwriting, from Willie to Whitney
Books-Resources, Products, Resources

I Wrote That One, Too…A Life in Songwriting, from Willie to Whitney

A Life in Songwriting, from Willie to WhitneyOne of the most successful songwriters and composers of the last 25 years, Steve Dorff has penned more than 20 top 10 hits for pop and country artists around the world, plus scored television shows and films. More recently he’s been working in musical theatre on his musical Josephine. He’s been named Nashville Songwriters Association International (NSAI) songwriter of the year and received more than 40 BMI awards. Full of heartfelt stories and hard-earned wisdom, Dorff wrote this book for anyone who has chased a dream and survived the surprising turns in the road.

I Wrote that One, Too … A Life in Songwriting, from Willie to Whitney, by Steve Dorff, Backbeat Books, www.backbeatbooks.com

Ophthalmologist
Health, Resources

When Should You Visit an Ophthalmologist?

As musicians, most of us rely on our eyes to read music, monitor audience response, and collaborate with colleagues. Vision is something that many of us take for granted until we begin to lose it. By the year 2020 it is estimated that 3.36 million people will have primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) and about half will be unaware they suffer from this disease, even though early detection and treatment can prevent or delay vision loss. And, while diabetic retinopathy is a leading cause of blindness, many patients with diabetes do not receive evaluation and treatment in time to minimize vision loss.

Most people who require corrective vision visit their local optometrist annually or semi-annually to update their prescription. This type of examination, focused on the management of vision changes, is called a refractive examination. However, it is also important to periodically schedule an eye exam with a medical doctor specializing in eye care (or ophthalmologist) for a diagnostic eye examination. Only an ophthalmologist is qualified to provide the full range of eye care, from treating eye diseases with medicine to performing eye surgery to prescribing corrective lenses.

The American Academy of Ophthalmology recommends that healthy individuals with no signs or risk factors for eye disease get a baseline eye examination at age 40. This is a time when early signs of disease or changes in vision are likely to occur. People with certain risk factors—diabetes, high blood pressure, family history of eye disease, or those taking certain medications—should schedule earlier and more frequent exams.

The examination will likely include:

• Medical history

• Visual acuity

• Evaluation of your pupils’ response to light

• Evaluation of peripheral vision

• Ocular motility test to evaluate movement of the eyes

• Tonometry, or eye pressure test, for
glaucoma

• Use of a slit lamp to examine the front part of the eyes for cataracts, scars, or scratches to the cornea

• Examination of your retina and optic nerve for signs of disease

This initial examination will likely take about 45 to 90 minutes. The doctor may suggest additional testing using specialized imaging techniques. Based on the initial screening, the ophthalmologist will advise you as to how soon you should schedule your next examination.

In addition to a baseline exam at age 40, the American Academy of Ophthalmology suggests that you should visit an ophthalmologist immediately if you experience decreased vision, changes in vision, or physical changes to the eye.

10 Tips for Healthier Vision

1) Stop smoking. Smoking raises the risk of macular degeneration and speeds up damage when you do have the disease.

2) Wear sunglasses. Ultraviolet radiation from the sun increases your chances of developing macular degeneration. Look for sunglasses labeled UV 400 that also cover the sides of your eyes.

3) Exercise. As your heart strengthens it pumps more oxygen-rich blood to your eyes. Also, obesity puts you at higher risk of macular degeneration.

4) Monitor your blood pressure. High blood pressure can damage blood vessels and your heart’s ability to carry a steady stream of oxygen-rich blood to your eyes.

5) Use better lighting. Avoid fluorescent bulbs and other light sources that mimic the damaging rays of the sun. Incandescent and LED lights are safer. Use drapes and shades to cut glare.

6) Eat healthy. Leafy greens contain antioxidants and other nutrients that support eye health. Fish like salmon, trout, sardines, tuna, and mackerel are rich in omega-3s, which boosts eye health. Saturated and trans fats can increase macular degeneration damage.

7) Take supplements. Some vitamin and mineral formulas (AREDS and AREDS2) may slow macular degeneration. Consult your physician to find out if these are right for you.

8) Monitor your cholesterol. LDL “bad” cholesterol can build up in your eyes and form deposits called drusen that affect your vision.

9) Visit an eye doctor. Vision loss from macular degeneration does not
occur right away. Stay on top of it with regular visits, if you notice vision changes.

10) Look into vision rehabilitation. A team of specialists can work with you to make the most of the sight you have.

Brad Paisley’s Signature Fender Guitar
Cool Tools, Products

Brad Paisley’s Signature Fender Guitar

Brad Paisley’s Signature Fender GuitarThis year’s Summer NAMM show saw the launch of Local 257 (Nashville, TN) member Brad Paisley’s signature Fender guitar. The Brad Paisley Road Worn Telecaster body is custom-made from lightweight and resonant paulownia center core with spruce top and back. A custom wound ’64 Tele Bridge Pickup expands the sonic palette. The “V” neck provides a comfortable grip, while medium jumbo frets allow quick picking and over-the-neck bends. The guitar has a Road Worn silver sparkle finish, aged hardware, and a paisley pickguard.

www.fender.com

Palette of Touches
Cool Tools, Products

Joanne Haroutounian’s Palette of Touches

Palette of TouchesThis book introduces students to a variety of legato, staccato, and chordal touches to gain an aural awareness of tonal colors and technical tools to produce them. Together, teachers and students learn to define interpretive decisions in music using descriptive, clear-cut “touch vocabulary” to help students define dynamics and fine-tune their sound.

Joanne Haroutounian’s Palette of Touches: Piano Exercises and Repertoire that Develop Colorful Tonal Qualities, Neil A. Kjos Music Company, www.kjos.com.

Frank Zappa
Books-Resources, Products

Frank Zappa FAQ: All That’s Left to Know About the Father of Invention

Frank ZappaFrank Zappa FAQ examines the long and illustrious career of Frank Zappa, following his style shifts over the years, his prolific catalog, from Mothers of Invention’s Freak Out! to Beat the Boots, as well as his film and video productions. Author John Corcelli explores Zappa’s creative process, from recording to leading a band. The book covers his lyrical themes, guitar playing, and the long list of talented musicians who shared the stage and studio with Zappa over the years. It also looks at Zappa’s legacy through his son Dweezil Zappa’s music. Included is a recommended reading list and complete discography.

Frank Zappa FAQ: All That’s Left to Know About the Father of Invention,
by John Corcelli, Hal Leonard Corporation, www.halleonard.com.

Vertigo
Health, Resources

When Vertigo Rocks Your World

Vertigo

Vertigo is a tilting, spinning sensation of being off-balance. You may feel like the world is spinning around you even when you are standing perfectly still. Vertigo symptoms are caused by a disturbance to equilibrium, and may be accompanied by nausea and headache. More than 2 million people visit their doctors each year complaining of dizziness or vertigo, and while it’s generally a harmless symptom, you can imagine how it could be debilitating and stop a performer in her tracks.

To better understand the cause of vertigo you need to look at the anatomy and function of the ear. Sound waves travel through the outer ear canal until they reach the eardrum. There, sound is turned into vibrations, which are transmitted through the inner ear via three small bones (the incus, malleus, and stapes) to the cochlea, and finally to the vestibular nerve, which carries the signal to the brain. A collection of semicircular canals (canalis) positioned at right angles to each other inside the inner ear act like a gyroscope for the body. These canals, combined with sensitive hair cells within the canals, provide us feedback regarding our position in space. When there is a disturbance in this system, it can cause vertigo.

Common Types and Causes of Vertigo

  • Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV): This type of vertigo is caused by tiny calcium particles (canaliths) that clump in the canals of the inner ear, which sends signals to the brain about movements relative to gravity to keep your balance. This type of vertigo is most commonly felt when tilting the head or climbing in and out of bed.
  • Meniere’s disease: This inner ear disorder is thought to be caused by a buildup of fluid, which alters the pressure in the ear. Along with vertigo, symptoms can include ringing in the ear (tinnitus) and hearing loss.
  • Vestibular neuritis or labyrinthitis: This inner ear problem is caused by an infection (usually viral). The infection inflames the inner ear around the nerves that are important for helping the body sense its balance.

Less frequent causes of vertigo include head or neck injury, brain problems (stroke or tumor), certain medications, and migraine headaches. In many cases vertigo will go away with no treatment. When necessary, what treatment is used depends on the cause of the vertigo.

Common Treatments

  • Canalith repositioning maneuvers: Performing a series of specific head and body movements can relieve the symptoms of BPPV by shifting the calcium deposits out of the ear canal and into an inner ear chamber where they can be absorbed by the body. While the movements are safe and effective, you may need a doctor or physical therapist to teach you the techniques. Also, if you are uncertain which ear is affected your doctor can let you know.

—Epley maneuver is the most common, and provides relief to 90% of BPPV sufferers.

1) Sit on the side of your bed. Turn your head 45 degrees to the side of the affected ear (not as far as your shoulder).

2) Quickly lie down on your back, with your head on the bed (still at a 45-degree angle). Place a pillow under you so it rests between your shoulders rather than under your head. Wait 30 seconds.

3) Turn your head halfway 90 degrees in the opposite direction without raising it. Wait 30 seconds.

4) Turn your head and body on its side in the same direction, so you are looking at the floor. Wait 30 seconds.

5) Sit up slowly but remain on the bed for a few minutes.

6) Repeat before going to bed each night until you’ve gone 24 hours without dizziness.

     —Half somersault or Foster maneuver

1) Kneel down and look up at the ceiling for a few seconds.

2) Touch the floor with your head, tucking your chin so your head goes toward your knees. Wait about 30 seconds or until any vertigo stops.

3) Turn your head toward the affected ear. Wait 30 seconds.

4) Quickly raise your head so it’s level with your back while you’re on all fours. Keep your head at that 45-degree angle. Wait 30 seconds.

5) Quickly raise your head so its fully upright, but keep your head turned to the shoulder of the side you’re working on. Then slowly stand up.

6) Repeat this a few times for relief, resting for 15 minutes in between.

  • Vestibular rehabilitation: This physical therapy may be recommended by your physician if you have recurring vertigo. It is aimed at helping to strengthen the vestibular system and its function in sending signals to the brain about head and body movements relative to gravity.
  • Medication: In cases where vertigo is caused by an infection or inflammation, antibiotics or steroids may reduce swelling and cure the infection. For Meniere’s disease, diuretics may be prescribed to reduce fluid build-up pressure. In some cases, medications are taken to relieve the nausea associated with vertigo.

Occasionally vertigo can be a symptom of a more serious problem. It’s always advisable to visit your physician when you are experiencing any medical condition.

Health, Resources

When You Need It, a Safety Net with MusiCares

For the growing number of music professionals without basic medical coverage—and with the Affordable Care Act (ACA) in flux—MusiCares is a much-needed resource, which works closely with a dedicated group of health care professionals through its medical network. Services and resources cover a wide range of financial, medical, and personal emergencies. Each case is treated with integrity and confidentiality. The network also addresses human service issues that directly impact the health and welfare of the music community.

Addiction and Recovery Services

The MusiCares MAP Fund provides financial and supportive assistance for music people in need of addiction recovery services. Inpatient treatment is the first step toward long-term sobriety, but the most challenging work comes when clients leave treatment and become entrenched in their daily lives. Now clean and sober, they must manage the triggers, temptations, and lifestyle. They are again faced with bandmates or friends who are still using, schedules that are erratic, and clubs and venues that are redolent of their former lifestyles and almost daily cues to use. To assist clients in recovery, MusiCares offers a variety of free recovery support groups in many states and cities, including Los Angeles, Nashville, Austin, New Orleans, New York City, and Seattle.   

Emergency Financial Assistance

At the core of MusiCares is the Emergency Financial Assistance Program, which provides critical funds for music people struggling with financial, medical, or personal crises. This program offers financial assistance for medical expenses, addiction recovery treatment, psychotherapy, and critical illnesses. Support is also available for living expenses.

This program is available to music people who have experienced an unavoidable emergency. Eligibility consists of documented employment in the music industry for at least five years or credited contribution to six commercially released recordings or videos. Documentation can be provided in a variety of ways (liner notes, contracts, check stubs, brochures and flyers, newspaper articles, etc.). Each region has its own toll-free help line: (800)687-4227 (West Coast), (877)626-2748 (Central), and (877)303-6962 (Northeast).

MusiCares also has resources for individuals affected by natural disasters. The website has a list of resources for services, shelter, food, and other assistance. Musicians and other professionals in the music industry can qualify for housing, goods, instruments, equipment, or employment.

For more information and addiction help resources, call (800)687-4227 or visit the website at MusiCares.org.

Petty Honored as 2017 MusiCares Person
of the Year

Earlier this year, Local 47 (Los Angeles, CA) member Tom Petty was honored as the 2017 MusiCares Person of the Year. Petty was selected in recognition of his significant creative accomplishments, his career-long interest in defending artists’ rights, and the charitable work he has undertaken throughout his career, which has often focused on the homeless.

The three-time Grammy winner has been inducted into both the Songwriters Hall of Fame and Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. His approach to the music business and record making has earned him respect among his peers, as well as younger musicians coming up in the industry. He has a reputation as a musician who looks out for other musicians.

“I am so very pleased to be honored as the MusiCares Person of the Year. I have so much respect for this organization, which really does care about the people in our industry,” said Petty. “I myself know many people who MusiCares has aided in desperate situations. Again, let me say this is a true honor.”