Week 117: Playing Covers - Beatles Night at BAMM

I joined the Barcelona Amateur Music Makers for their Beatles night. Miquel had printed sheetmusic copies of 6 or 7 songs. Were were a small group of musicians around a piano. It was great to hear the saxophone. We also had guitars, vocals and two ukulele's.

It was fun to sing together. I've always been a big Beatles fan. Here are some pictures and a slideshow of the event. Doing cover versions is a great way to collaborate with other musicians.

It's possible to connect and find common ground when you play songs that you love.

So I've decided to put a covers band together. I'm looking for a core of musicians; Bass, Guitar, piano, percussion. The idea will be to introduce other members of our BAMM community into the coverband to perform in front of friends at small event and house parties.

If you would like to join us then please drop me a line at zackqureshi@gmail.com

Checkout my cover of One featuring Albert Greenlight.

Source

Week 116: Finding local musicians

Hi Guys!

I've been looking for a guitarist to play with. There are several I've met but they are foreigners like myself and with other jobs. I've been down that road before which is great for doing covers or just having fun with music as a hobby.

I'd like to find local musicians, those that are dedicated and managing to live from their music. So I've been to see a few bands and I'm talking to friends that know these musicians. There was a great funk party this weekend that was closed down by the police on Sunday afternoon. It took place at 33/45, a venue I've written about before. This time I had a chance to chat with the musicians during and after the gig.

I chatted to Khaoula  bouchkhi (she joined the band for a few songs and when she sang her first line the crowd were gobsmacked (see alternative English dictionary) 'what a voice'!) and met the rest of the band. EMPTY POCKETS are a funky force full of energy, a jam group. Their founder, keyboard and pianist Adel Boquera told me they had just been playing together for 2 weeks and decided to perform at 33/45. Adel gave me his details and also told me he was responsible for the Superfly Parties in Barcelona: http://www.superflyparty.com/ (The finest Funk & Soul).

Checkout their next event on Jan 20th on their Facebook Events page

I really enjoyed watching the musicians, they were all great and having a good time performing. I found the drummer amazing. His name is Caspar St Charles, from London, so it was great to have a chat with him.

Caspar St. Charles @ WTF Jam Session en Jamboree Jazz Club - Barcelona 24/11/2008 from Aurelio Santos on Vimeo.

Week 115: Seeking Small Venues to Perform In

Hi Music Lovers! On Tuesday Jan 8th, I went to check out a bar in Gracia called 'Alfa‎ Bar'.

C/ Gran De Gràcia, 36. 08012 Barcelona. Tel: 934 15 18 24

The Band Out of Water formed by guitarist Gustavo Aguado (from the BAMM meetup group last week) had a gig and I decided to go and support him while checking out the venue. It was a curious mix of influences with a strong vocal performance coming from their female Jazz style vocalist (reminded me a bit of Alanis Morisett). Los pianistas Ariana Carreras y Toni del Amo y la cantante Itziar Sánchez.

The band members had their own influences with Piano and keyboard players. The venue was a good size to play for 50-80 people. The stage is lifted, so there is a distance between the audience and the performers onstage. I loved the lighting and decor, looks like a really cool place to take pics!

 As you can see, the entrance there is a bar for those who want to chat and the stage is further into the bar. There was a medium to large size mixing desk and engineer on hand.

 It was quite a dazzling looking set, maybe an idea to take live video promotion in future for one of my tracks.Love the old records on the ceiling!

Its been a busy week and I've been to 4 venues. I'm checking out the local music scene and looking for places to play. I'm in the process of also meeting the local music talent and getting to know some great bands.

Gracia seems to be the place that has a lot of small places I could play an intimate set. Informal and laid back. On Friday I decided to get fit again but avoid the gym, so I went dancing! Salsa. In fact there was a Cuban live band "Habana con Kola" Meetup event. It was nice to be able to have a social evening, let off steam and get into the latin rhythm, great fitness solution:))

On Saturday evening I ventured into a bar called L'Astrolabi in Gracia (Carrer Martinez de la Rosa 14, Bcn, Spain). It was a curious place, with a small room at the back for Unplugged performances.

Lidia Uve played unplugged in Gracia. When I say unplugged, I mean really unplugged, no speakers, no microphone, a tiny room with people sitting on the floor at the feet of the artists in the corner of the room. Standing room near the entrance from the bar and seating against the wall. I hadn't seen this since the last home party with my flatmate Moez in Brighton.

Have a great week!

PLJ

Zack a.k.a. RedEyeZack 

TOP 5 PREVIEWS:

Choose your Top 5 from my list of song demos: Previews on Artist website

Week 114: Barcelona Music Community

Hi Guys!

Welcome to 2013!

After flying in directly from my Xmas holidays in the UK, I freshened up and went on my way to join group of music lovers at a bar near the center. It was a MEETUP group called Barcelona Amateur Music Makers (BAMM)

"El Nostre Racó"

• Saturday 5th Jan at 9:00 PM
• El Nostre Racó

New year, new place!

Any nou, lloc nou! Año nuevo, lugar nuevo!

37 years of spontaneous music in Barcelona. Essential place to go!

37 anys de música espontània a Barcelona. Un lloc imprescindible!

They've had a few meeting already and it was my chance to meet the group and their organiser Miquel Ferrer (Piano/Guitar) Although they call themselves amateurs, I've seen the profiles of some of the members and some of them have galactic credentials! 

Where to park?

As you can see, it's a pretty cozy and rustic bar. There's an upstairs area for about another 10 people. I could hear 2 or 3 other groups jamming at the same time. Notice the 'guitars on the ceiling'. There was a constant flow of non-musicians too. Always ready to start a surprised clapping after hearing a 'Golden Oldie' or Beatles song.

It was good for learners of all levels. Here's me and Manel Munoz tuning up (top photo). It was also a great opportunity to sing harmonies, something that doesn't happen very often. 

I enjoyed singing without having to play the guitar too. I sang Rolling Stones 'ANGIE' with Miquel on guitar, the group did a version of HOTEL CALIFORNIA in Am. We played MAD WORLD by Tears for Fears.

 

There were 3 guitars, acoustic and classical, one flute, a ukelele, piano and some pleasing listeners who sang along. There was some improvising too. It started with BossaNova but ended up with a Beatles songbook.

 

 I know the group are practicing for a Beatles night. Whats your favorite Beatles song? Come on down and 

join us sometime.

  

Miquel and I are very willing to help you get to a level where you can perform and enjoy these songs. Gustav (Above) has a band that are performing at ALFA bar in Gracia. Join the group and let our musical spirit out. Singers and music lovers who are non-musicians are welcome to participate. It's a great night out!! Barcelona Amateur Music Makers (BAMM)

Is that Fmaj7 aug or dim??

Week 113: I love feedback!!

Happy New Year All! 

I'm in the UK for Christmas & New year visiting family and friends... awful weather!!

                                      

 In September 2011, I moved to Barcelona to pursue my songwriting more seriously. I'd love your feedback on these demo songs. I've put a selection of 90-second previews together on soundcloud because I think it's enough to get the feel of a song. And... If you're still listening up to the end of the clip then I must have done my job! ;) 

Enter any comments below the song you're playing and please feel free to send me your top 5 songs by email to: redeyezack@gmail.com 

This is really gonna help me decide which songs to record & perform first.

Previews on Artist website

or here:

All the best for a creative and inspiring 2013! 

PLJ (Peace, Love & Joy) 

Zack

Week 112: Watch RedEyeZack's new live video of 'I CAN'T SLEEP TONIGHT'

Cafe del Sol in Gracia, Bcn

Hi Guys!

It's a blistering sunny day 20 degrees C here in Barcelona. I'd like to wish you all a happy Xmas and a wonderful new year!! I'm flying to the UK tomorrow for 2 weeks to catch up with family & friends.

I will be back in Barcelona building my artistic base and moving into a local community full of artists. Thanks for following my music mission project. I will have exciting news for next year as I'm looking to put a band together to play at festivals in the summer.

Here's a video my friend Ajit Dutta took last summer in the backstreets of Brighton. An intimate version of 'I CAN'T SLEEP TONIGHT'.

Enjoy & I look forward to getting on the road and playing for you in 2013.

PLJ (Peace, love & Joy)

Zack aka 'RedEyeZack'

Week 111: Watch RedEyeZack's new video for 'HOLD ME'

Hi Guys!

I hope you're well and looking forward to 2013. I've finally got a video that can give you an idea of where the music is going. I'd love your feedback on this track, if you really love it, please share it!!

A classical composer once said that he didn't like the track, because it was too short, there was no time signature and the arrangement was too simple. On asking his wife, she passionately disagreed with her husband and said she loved the song dearly. When I asked her why, she said "because it's short, there was no time and that it was beautifully simple..."

Decide for yourself and send me your comments below.

If I should fly before your time…my love

Don’t even try an’ follow me… oh no

For there’s a world, beyond this life

Behind the sky

Beneath the sea

Within the breeze

Hold me...

Hold me...

This video was made at home. A DIY done simply. I'm looking to collaborate with VideoGraphers & Film Makers. Drop me a line if you know anyone or you'd like to create experimental video for original music.

'Hold Me' is taken from a collection of poems and available now.

Bindi (decoration) From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

• The red bindi has multiple meanings which are all valid at the same time. This is also a spiritual symbol.
• By one simple interpretation it is a cosmetic mark used to enhance beauty.
• From Vedic times, the bindi was created as a means to worship one's intellect. Therefore, it was used by both men and women. The worship of intellect was in order to use it to ensure our thoughts, speech, actions, habits and ultimately our character becomes pure. A strong intellect can help one to make noble decisions in life, be able to stand up to challenges in life with courage, and recognize and welcome good thoughts in life. The belief was that on this a strong individual, a strong family and strong society can be formed.
• In meditation, this very spot between the eyebrows (Bhrumadhya) is where one focuses his/her sight, so that it helps concentration. Most images of Buddha or Hindu divinities in meditative pose with their eyes nearly closed show the gaze focused between eyebrows (other spot being the tip of the nose – naasikagra).
• Swami Muktanand writes 'auspicious Kumkum or sandal wood paste is applied (between the eyebrows) out of respect for inner Guru. It is the Guru's seat. There is a chakra (center of spiritual energy within human body) here called Ajna (Aadnyaa) chakra meaning 'Command center'. Here you receive the Guru's command to go higher in Sadhana (spiritual practice) to the 'Sahasraar' (seventh and final chakra) which leads to Self realization. The flame seen at the eyebrow is called 'Guru Jyoti'. (From Finite to Infinite, by Swami Muktananda, SYDA Foundation, S. Fallsburg, NY, 1989, pp. 88–89)
• The encyclopedic dictionary of Yoga informs that this 'Ajna Chakra' is also called the 'Third eye'. This center is connected with the sacred syllable 'Om' and presiding it is 'ParaaShiva'. After activation of this center, the aspirant overcomes 'Ahamkar' (ego or sense of individuality), the last hurdle on the path of spirituality. 

Week 110: Following BCN Funky Band

Hi Music Lovers!

Last Sunday I was at a funky party in RAVAL. Yes Sunday afternoon!

Arranged by Patricia Irigoin on behalf of Flamenco, other Live Music and Parties. It was held in a Bar & Gallery venue called 33I45.

Carrer de Joaquín Costa, 4 08001 Barcelona‎ (See Map Below)

It's a multi-space where you can find live music, delicious crepes, concerts, art, rich cocktails and relax in vintage sofas while reading. Go to metro San Antoni and walk from there!

Les Artistes is fronted by the amazing soulful voice of Khaoula Bouchkhi. Checkout her Facebook profile: http://www.facebook.com/khaoula.bouchkhi. Her drummer was from London. I will be following their performances in the next few months.

View Larger Map

Week 109: Breakfast Song & Some Stats

Hi Music Lovers!

Here's a recap of things that passed in November.

3000+ video views on my YouTube Channel!

1250+ Blog visits

7000+ Myspace visits

So now I'm starting to work on more video production for 2013. better sound, better quality. And definitely looking to push some creative heights to the next level.

Please SUBSCRIBE to my YouTube channel to get updates of new videos.

A. I updated my music Biography.

If you would like to describe my music in one sentence, how would you describe it? send your description to redeyezack@gmail.com

B. Latest Video taken last weekend. 21st Century man updated version from my breakfast table!

C. Here is my 1st Vlog (VideoBlog) as I explain my music development in Barcelona in an informal and intimate way.

D. I also added 4 demo previews of songs which have video that I shot with my iPhone:

Watch this Playlist:

1. The Little Prince (Instrumental)

2. Satisfy My Soul

3. Secret Garden

4. I Can't Sleep Tonight

E. I joined a group called 'The Clandestine Arts Centre', we had a theatrical Halloween Party (The best I've ever been to) & I'm meeting other artists and performers to collaborate with. See Blog with pictures here.

Join me for art, music, cinema & upcoming English theatre group starting soon at Clandestine Centre.

It was a busy month and I think December will be more interesting! ;) Have a great Xmas & Happy New Year!!

PLJ (Peace Love & Joy)

Zack

Week 108:RedEyeZack - Sastisfy My Soul (Demo Preview)

Top of Las Arenas, Barcelona

Another wonderful sunny week in Barcelona and Christmas lights have gone up! Here's a little romantic tune with a homemade video.

It was filmed inside Las Arenas which used to be a Bullring. Now it's an impressive shopping centre! On the top there are restaurants and a 360 degree platform you can walk around. That's where this picture of me was taken on a chilly evening.

Week 107: Biography

''Zack Qureshi a.k.a. (also known as) ‘RedEyeZack’ is an Alternative singer-songwriter based in London, England. He started by writing poetry, his lyrics are both deep and philosophically inspired by his travels to India. His voice radiates a warmth of emotion from the lyrics. He explains something about the origin and inspiration for the songs and in turn, creates an intimate presence and connection with his audience. His favourite Beatle is George Harrison and his other musical influences can be clearly heard. His approach to life is to live the modern and study the ancient, this idea, he says creates an inner peace that allows an open mind to technology or change, yet retain a mystic essence rooted in ancient wisdom that is always a treasure, robots with a soul is one way you could look at it, he chuckles.

Coming from a diverse background of cultures, Zack is always open to collaborate with local musicians and incorporate some cultural/ethnic instruments into his songs. He admits that his guitar playing developed later from his love of sitar and that his themes have a lot to do with love, but that they are not restricted to romantic love, but love as a universal and cosmic force to be reckoned with. 

He's currently single and divides his time between Brighton and Barcelona. Being fiercely independent is second nature and he's definitely a free spirit who embodies his mantra which is PLJ (Peace, Love & Joy).

While Zack writes most of his songs on acoustic guitar, he has a flair for theatrical performance and creates; instrumental arrangements. While living in Istanbul he performed an electric guitar fusion project with Indian Bollywood dancer Ayse Ucar, is now collaborating with Bellydancers for special shows and festivals. 

After moving to Barcelona and pursuing an acting career with his main role and performance as Jalil, an Indian flower-seller falling for Gabi, a Catalan writer of erotic novels in the movie TOMANDOTE. He has returned to his first love... music, to develop an unfinished passion for mixing poetry, philosophy and guitar playing with an Indian ambience. 

Currently, he is living in London and preparing to release his debut EP - Live @ Cartmel Studios.