The 5 Best Mannheim Steamroller Songs From Fresh Aire I

Mannheim Steamroller is a pioneer of the new age music genre, and has continuously been producing albums for the last several decades. I am a huge fan and have picked out, in my opinion, the 5 best Mannheim Steamroller songs from their Fresh Aire I album released in 1975. This album was actually used to demo hi-fi equipment, and customers would say "I like this stereo system, but I really love the record you're playing. Who is that?" So, that's how the Fresh Aire series got its start. Each of the first four Fresh Aire albums are based on a season, and Spring is the theme for Fresh Aire I. Chip Davis said the following about it: "Vivaldi did a nice piece called the "Seasons", and this sounded like a good idea for an overall concept (since Fresh Aire I seemed very "Springish") for any albums that would come later in the series. Of course, at the onset there were no plans for a whole series. We felt we'd be doing well to get one album off the ground. In fact it was the listening public's request for "Fresh Aire II" that spurred the idea to start a series." Several of the song names on this album are word plays of musical terms, like "Fresh Aire" is an air, "Ron Doe" is a rondo and "Pass the Keg, Lia" is a passacaglia.
Here are my top 5 picks in track listing order...
1. Chocolate Fudge
What's most amazing to me about this song is that it was released in 1975 on vinyl! Synthetic music was in its infancy, and this song still measures up to anything created synthetically today. It's probably my most favorite song on the album.
2. Interlude I
I love the use of the simple piano track set to the sounds of a thunderstorm in the background. It's very relaxing. I especially love the pause in the music to allow the loud clap of thunder to sound. Very ingenious.
3. Ron Doe
This song is written in the odd time signature of 5/8. The beginning piano interlude helps to build the power of this song, then it kicks into full gear using the uniqueness of this odd beat. Very fun to listen to.
4. Interlude III
Again, I love the use of the simple piano track set to the sounds of a forest with birds chirping in the background. This is the Interlude I love to play on the piano the most. This song was later used on the album "Yellowstone: The Music of Nature", and it was very fitting.
5. Pass the Keg, Lia
Using the Harpsichord in a rock 'n roll style makes this song very unique. It's no wonder that Chip Davis of Mannheim Steamroller describes their signature sound as "18th Century Classical Rock". Very original and nice to hear.
I also recommend listening to Interlude II with headphones on, very cool. Honestly, every song on this album is good, and I highly recommend getting the whole thing.
Whether you agree with my picks or not, there is no disputing that Chip Davis of Mannheim Steamroller is the best contemporary composer of our time.

Texas Hold'Em Poker Strategy for 90 Player Sit N Go

As I was playing a 90-player SnG on Full Tilt earlier, I noticed about 95% of the players playing these tournaments make floundering plays that they really have no idea why they are making them. These tournaments start out with small blinds and you have a fairly deep stack of $3k in chips. Because of this format, there has to be specific reasons for the plays you are making.
First  of all, I see a ton of players making position plays. Trying to steal blinds from the button, trying a squeeze play, etc. There is no need AT ALL for these types of plays early in the tournament. Why would you want to steal $90 worth of blinds when you have a $3k chip stack? The answer is that you wouldn't, but many players think they are supposed to make these types of plays because they have read somewhere that they should. However, most of the time they just end up getting themselves into trouble.
If you want a simple strategy for playing tournaments such as a 90-player, it is this: simply see as many hands as you can and try to catch a monster. The way I build my chip stack in these games is not to make big plays with A-K or A-Q, but to play suited connectors and pocket pairs. In this way, you can trap a player who cannot lay down face cards or big slick when you hit your flush, straight draw or hit trips.
You don't have to raise a ton and get carried away and you shouldn't be playing hands like Q-9 off suit, that is not what I am saying. But, if you can catch a big flop with cards like 5-6 suited, you can end up doubling up off a player you plays K-Q way too strong.

Chris Wilcox is the author of the 224 page No B.S. Guide to Winning Online No Limit Texas Hold'em available as an ebook from  and is the author of a daily blog with over 600 quality articles on all things poker related. He has over 10 years experience in playing online and live tournament poker including deep runs at the WSOP. Chris is also one of the foremost Poker Coaches in the country, providing one on one live coaching for poker players wanting to take their game to the next level.

How to Find a Local String Quartet

He's popped the question, you've chosen the ring and you're in seventh heaven...your wedding day! When you're planning the event it seems eons away doesn't it? Are you dreaming of sunshine, the venue, champagne, that special dress, the honeymoon - mmmmm!
A string quartet is an easily mobile ensemble often made up of 2 violins, a viola and a cello. Unlike most function bands, they play without a PA (Public Address System) and therefore can move between different venues such as ceremony and reception with the minimum of upheaval.
If you do not know a budding X-Factor star or opera diva to lead the singing at your ceremony, a cantor is especially useful if you are having hymns at the ceremony. Ask the quartet - they can often help out regarding this.
One of the best ways of finding a string quartet in the local area of your ceremony venue is probably using a reliable search engine. Google Maps is particularly good for finding string quartets that are geographically close to your venue thereby cutting down the quartet's travelling time - and your expense. Many searches for string quartets are sponsored and therefore what comes at the top of the search engine when you search for a 'string quartet' is not necessarily the most geographically local ensemble.You could find yourself getting married in Aberdeen and hiring a quartet from Cornwall, as you could imagine this will have a negative impact on your budget.
There is often a large selection of ensembles to choose from on Google maps. Work your way through till you have found 'YOUR QUARTET'. Have a look at the quartet's website, check out their repertoire. Have a chat with them about pricing and your vision and needs for your special day. Do they put together a programme with your 'favourites' included? Can you hear them live before the ceremony? Find out if they are playing at any events or possibly wedding fairs.
Have you ever thought of the ethereal strains of a string quartet playing as you waltz down the aisle to the calming Pachelbel's Canon, or the majestic sound of Mendelssohn's' Wedding March or maybe a 'more intimate' 'Moon River' by Henry Mancini or 'It Had to Be You' made famous in the film 'When Harry Met Sally'.
The quartet, and/or singer can definitely advise you on the most suitable music for the different stages of your ceremony. If local they will often have played at your wedding venue and will often know the most suitable seating arrangements so as not be intrusive on your day.

Who Was the First Lead Guitarist?

Lonnie Johnson - inventor of the modern guitar solo
A hundred years ago (prior to WWI) the guitar was a general purpose instrument used mainly for rhythmic support, its unamplified steel strings strummed chordally rather than picked or plucked individually. Lightweight and portable, neither too expensive nor too loud (smoother than the banjo) - it was the ideal "parlour" instrument, handy for parties and sing-a-longs (especially in the absence of a house piano) and as harmonic accompaniment for more expressive solo instruments like the violin or clarinet.
In 1920s era dance bands and orchestras (the rock groups of their day) the guitar was typically played sitting down, and in behind with the rhythm section (bass and drums) - not up front in the solo section with the glamour instruments (trumpet, clarinet, saxophone, and trombone). But today, and indeed for many decades now, the electric guitar has come to occupy the ear-splitting foreground.
How did the simple "flat-top box" ascend from aural obscurity to global hegemony? Who was the first musician to step forward and perform a single note guitar solo in the manner of a fiddler or a horn-player? Evidence strongly suggests that it was New Orleans-born bluesman Alonzo "Lonnie" Johnson (1899-1970).
Born into a family of musicians, young Lonnie studied violin, piano, and guitar. As a teen he played guitar in his father's New Orleans dance band. A highly skilled instrumentalist, he was also a talented singer, and in 1925 won a contract with Okeh Records (for whom he eventually recorded about 130 sides).
In 1927, he was engaged to record instrumentally in Chicago with the hugely famous Louis Armstrong and his Hot Five. An invitation to perform with the most successful jazz band in the business was a rare honor, accorded only cutting-edge elite players. Why did Armstrong ask Lonnie Johnson to sit in? It couldn't have been for his vocal skills - Satchmo himself took good care of that. Maybe it had something to do with his peculiar (ie: previously unheard of) single-note, plectrum-style of picking.
The earliest known recorded performance of the single-note, plectrum technique (the prototype of what we today call "lead" guitar playing) - was by Lonnie Johnson on the 1927 Hot Five release "6/88 Glide" (perhaps using a roundhole Martin acoustic like the one pictured above). Hence, blues historian Gerard Herzhaft's Encyclopedia of the Blues (1997) cites Johnson as "undeniably the creator of the guitar solo played note by note with a pick, which has become the standard in jazz, blues, country, and rock."
How influential were Johnson's 1927 Hot Five sessions? Many folks like to credit 1930s-era guitar icons such as Charlie Christian, Django Reinhardt and Robert Johnson for first introducing the single-note picking technique. Simple chronology, however, indicates otherwise. Fifteen years younger than Johnson, Charlie Christian (b. 1916) recalled listening to Lonnie's records on the radio while growing up in Oklahoma during the Depression. Gypsy jazzman Django Reinhardt (b. 1910), a huge Louis Armstrong fan, doubtless first heard Johnson's distinctive technique on the Hot Five's seminal 1927 disc. Indeed, Django and violinist Stephane Grapelli didn't form their famous Quintette du Hot Club de France until some years later in 1935. And Delta bluesman Robert Johnson (no relation) didn't record a lick until 1936-37 (the legendary Dallas/San Antonio sessions).

A Comparison on the Best Bluetooth Headsets for Listening to Music on the iPad

Initially our intention was to compare every kind of Bluetooth headset and headphones available. As we were using the headphones in our day-to-day lives, we realized that certain headsets were better designed for particular functions. Optimizing a product design for one usage often involved degrading important characteristics of another function. This is analogous to building a car. If you want something fast that can go from 0-60 is 4 seconds flat; it's probably not going to get the best gas mileage, or be of much use hauling 3 kids around town. The bottom line is those who want the best headphones for listening to music, or watching videos, have a different product profile than mobile warriors looking to make VOIP calls (more on this topic at the end).
In this product comparison, we are looking for the best Bluetooth headphones to listen to music and watch movies on your iPad. While we emphasized sound quality for music and video playback, virtually all the Bluetooth headsets have built in microphones and VOIP capability. Next week we will have a product comparison for Bluetooth headsets designed primarily for voice conversations that are iPad compatible, and play stereo sound.
The criteria for our product recommendations are sound quality, fit/comfort, battery life, features, and build quality. The greatest weight is our scoring was given to sound quality (approx 40% of the weighting); with the other 4 categories given weights equally divided with the remaining allocation. All the Bluetooth headsets recommended were tested with both the iPad 1 and iPad 2 running iOS versions as early as 4.2. Going back to our car analogy, you cannot expect an inexpensive car like a Ford Focus to compare with the performance of a high end car like a Ferrari. With that in mind, we also broke our recommendations into the best iPad Bluetooth headphones within a given price range.
One last tip before we begin is there no such thing as a Bluetooth headset designed for just the iPad. So if you are browsing online, or walking through the aisles of Best Buy looking for products with the words "iPad Bluetooth Headsets" scrawled on the packaging, you will be severely limiting your selection. When shopping for a Bluetooth headset or headphones for your iPad, just look make sure it's a stereo headset or A2DP capable. The Bluetooth headset you buy for your iPad should work with your cell phone and Bluetooth enabled computer as well.
Best Bluetooth Headsets for your iPad under $40: Arctic Sound P311
Arctic Sound P311 (MSRP $39.99)
Overview:
Our winner for the best Bluetooth headset under $40 is the Arctic Sound P311. If you are a techie the name will sound familiar as Arctic Sound is a division of Arctic Cooling, a Swiss owned company that makes CPU cooling and computer accessories. While the MSRP of the P311 is $39.95, you will find this headset online for around $30. It does everything you want out of a headset at a fair price. We loved this headset over more expensive Motorola and Sony models. Sound quality was indistinguishable from the Motorola and Sony models but the features that won us over were the amazing battery life and the folding design. In addition to testing it with the iPad, we were able to pair this headset with a PlayStation 3, laptops (MAC & PC), Android Phone, iPhone, and Nokia Phone with no problems.
Sound Quality
We paired the Arctic Sound P311 with an Android phone, iPhone, and Nokia to test sound quality when making phone calls. Our friends on the other end could hear us just fine. Sound quality was crisp and there was no lag or choppiness in the conversation. For VOIP and cellular pairing, the P311 includes a hidden integrated microphone, built-in sound processor, and Advanced Clear Voice Capture (CVC) technology. The latter is just a fancy way of saying noise cancelling technology. While the microphone picks up on your voice during calls exquisitely, the noise cancelling function is not on par with higher end headsets such as the newest model Jawbone or Plantronic headsets. If you plan on speaking with a person in a noisy place such as Starbucks during the morning rush, the background noise will bleed into the conversation more than the high end headsets.
For music and video playback the sound was excellent for a device of this class. The music was crisp and vibrant at higher range. The built in high fidelity drivers were able to process sound in low range without any cracks or squeaks. The bass does sound flat when compared to higher end headsets and surround sound speakers. These are not the headsets to do sound editing on your MacBook Pro, but if you are watching Netflix on your iPad or listening to your iPod app, sound quality is excellent.
Fit/Comfort
Weighing just 2.5 ounces, the P311 is very light. The closed acoustic ear cups provides good comfort as we could where them all day without a fatigue or irritation. Some of our readers might not like the behind the ear design but we found this ideal if you are planning to use these headsets at work, as they will not mess up the hair like over-the-head headsets.
Features
One of the most useful features is the right earphone has 5 buttons that control certain settings. They allow you to answer a call, adjust the volume and forward/reverse the music. The device you pair the headset with must allow these functions but we found most do. If paired with a cell phone and there is an incoming call, the Inter-Call-Manager will play a ringtone into the headset. The music will then be paused and will resume after ending the call. Pairing to my iPad was not a problem and the controls worked for volume, skip, reverse, and pause. The Antic Sound P311 does not support multipoint Bluetooth.
Battery Life
The Arctic Sound P311 has a built in rechargeable 400mAH lithium polymer battery similar to the lithium polymer technology Apples uses for the iPad and MacBooks. The manufacturer claims up to 20 hours of listening/talk time for the Arctic Silver but you can only achieve that time under very unrealistic circumstances. When talking on the headset for over an hour and spending the rest of the time listening to music at mid volume, we averaged 12-14 hours per charge. While not the 20 hours claimed by the manufacture, this was enough for a full day's work and double the battery life of other headsets. Mobile warriors will love that the Arctic Sound P311 headset charges via mini USB instead of a proprietary design. If have a Blackberry, you can use that AC Adapter or USB cable to charge the headset leaving one less item to lug around. Charging time starting from a dead battery is about 4 hours. A USB cable is provided for you to plug into your computer or iPad AC adapter.
Build Quality:
The Arctic Sound P311 comes with a nylon hard case so they easily tuck away safely in your briefcase, purse, or backpack. The headphones themselves are made from hardened plastic. Because of its folding design, it can be damaged if you too much force is applied against the hinges. By no means does it make the headsets fragile as the headset was dropped accidentally a few times without any damage.
Bluetooth Compatibility: Bluetooth v2.1 + EDR, A2DP, AVRCP, HSP, HFP 1.5
Honorable Mention:
Jabra CLIPPER Bluetooth Stereo Headset (Ear bud Style)
Best Bluetooth Headsets for your iPad under $100: Plantronics Backbeat 903+
Plantronics Backbeat 903+ (MSRP $99.99)
Overview:
The Plantronics Backbeat 903+ is the upgrade for Plantronics best selling 903/906 series. The Backbeat 903+ was released last year incorporating the newer Bluetooth standards. The most important feature this headset has over the Arctic Sound P311 is the multipoint Bluetooth technology. What multipoint allows you to do is pair two Bluetooth devices with one headset. As long as your devices support multipoint, you can pair your cell phone to the Backbeat 903+ while streaming audio from your iPad. Most new phones support multipoint including the Android and Blackberry platforms. Both the iPhone and iPad support multipoint as long as you are running iOS version 4.1 and above.
Why is multipoint so important? If you have multipoint, you will not miss a call if you are listening to music on your iPad or iPod! If your iPhone rings while your blasting away Metallica on your iPad, the Backbeat 903+ supporting multipoint will pause the music, and notify you of an incoming call. The one touch features on the Backbeat 903+ will allow you to answer the phone without having to physically answer it.
We recommend not paying MSRP by searching online for the best deal. We bought our Backbeat 903+ on Amazon for $69.99.
Sound Quality
In terms of sound quality when making phone calls, the Plantronics Backbeat 903+ is superior to the Arctic Sound P311. This is the result of the superior noise cancelling feature and windshield. The headset has two microphones instead of just one. Both microphones are positioned be shielded from direct wind. Plantronics calls their noise cancelling technology AudioIQ2. Basically what happens is they microphones pick of your voice and digitally erase the background noise to provide a superior phone conversation.
The Backbeat 903+ has a rich and vibrant sound, and can stream music, video, and app sounds from your iPad. The headset has an enhanced bass that provides a deeper, and more earth moving feeling than the P311. While the Backbeat 903+ does have noise cancelling technology, it should be noted that it is for voice calls and not streaming music.
Fit/Comfort
Like the Arctic Sound headset, the Plantronics 903+ is a behind the ear design with close fitting earpieces. Each earpiece adjusts three ways for a custom fit.
Features
The Backbeat 903+ has a unique technology called OpenMic that allows you to hear what's going on around you with a touch of a button. The Backbeat also supports one touch controls allowing you to start/end calls, and control music functions such as volume and pause/play. Voice alerts tell you if there is a low battery, when there is an incoming call, and when you have lost a phone connection. You can also monitor the battery level of the headset on your iPhone with built-in software. And as discussed earlier, the Backbeat 903+ supports multipoint allowing you to connect to your cell phone and iPad simultaneously.
Battery Life
Battery life provides 7 hours talk time. Standby time is 7 Hours. Charge time is 3 hours and the charging interface is micro USB. An AC Adapter is provided.
Build Quality
The Backbeat is constructed of high impact plastic designed for more abuse than a typical headset. If you are runner or plan to use the Backbeat in the gym, you will love its sturdiness and flexibility. The headphones can folded up and a soft protective bag is provided.

Feel The Beat On Your Own Computer

Make beats on your computer and you could be right up there with the pros when it comes to creating your own unique sound. These days, with a variety of beat making programs available, it is possible for just about anyone to create music. If you're not finding the sound you want at your local club, then mix it up on your own PC!
Whether you're looking to create pop or hip hop Beats, the best place to start is with one several brands of beat making software. Names such as Cubase, FL Studio, GarageBand, Ableton Live and Reason are just a select few of the beat making and recording software programs available on the market today. Check out each one and see what features they have to offer and you're sure to find one that suits your needs.
Now that you've got the means to make a beat, you need to decide exactly what kind of beat you want to produce. Think about the kind of music you like to listen to and what kinds of beats spark your interest. If you find them entertaining, chances are other people will too. With that in mind, you can begin sketching out a basic game plan to make beats on your computer.
Every good beat is made up of several components, originating from the various parts of a traditional drum set up. There's the kick drum, the snare, and the high hat, each of which have their own unique sound. These sounds can be combined in a variety of patterns to make an individual beat. How you use them is entirely up to you and the key to finding a good beat is creativity and experimentation.
Fortunately, most software programs allow you to make changes as you listen to your recorded beat. This makes it much easier to mix and match and come up with hip hop Beats that add just the right amount of funk or a pop sound that can drive them to the dance floor. You can record your beat directly from a drum machine or keyboard or use software driven instruments instead.
Once you've decided on a beat, then you can take your creation to the next level by adding other elements including a melody and bass line. You can lay in a melody on top of your beats to give your piece texture. The bass line usually rides under the beat to give the piece a solid foundation. But it's those beats that drive the song, so they really need to stand out.
Depending on the software you use, there may be a variety of percussion instrument sounds you can choose from when you make beats on your computer. Everything from cymbals to cowbells to snaps can add flavor and character to your beat. Don't be afraid to experiment; you never know what you might discover along the way.
If you've ever dreamed of being a music mogul, now is your chance to get in on the action right from your own keyboard. Check out the different kinds of beat making software and consider your options. With a little ingenuity and imagination, you could be on your way to discovering the next big beat!

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