StrangeBass

Dream Evil

noreply@blogger.com (Bassist) — Sun, 31 Jan 2010 10:28:00 +0000

Tomorrow!!
Dream Evil & Stratovarius. Should be very good. . . .

_________
Wes wes.bass@gmail.com
www.FretlessBassist.com
www.InnerSiege.com
http://strangebass.blogspot.com

Sent from my BlackBerry

Posted via email from Wes

Daughtry

noreply@blogger.com (Bassist) — Sat, 23 Jan 2010 21:54:00 +0000

Download now or watch on posterous

VID 00000-20100123-2104.3GP (5342 KB)

I got to see Daughtry tonight in Stuttgart. They put on a very good show. The mighty Josh Paul was on bass duties - bringing a Fender Jazz and a couple different Modudous basses, a 5 and a 4, and of course playing through a huge GK rig.
It was cool - all these folks speaking German before the show - and singing every word - in English - during.
Good show.
Jan 23 2010. LKA-Longhorn
Stuttgart

Posted via email from Wes

Stratovarius

noreply@blogger.com (Bassist) — Fri, 15 Jan 2010 19:24:00 +0000

Yup, I've been in Germany for 2+ months and this will be my first metal concert here!

I'm more excited about seeing Dream Evil - I've been a fan for much longer, although I'm sure that the night will be excellent!

Details after the show - for sure!

_________
Wes wes.bass@gmail.com
www.FretlessBassist.com
www.InnerSiege.com
http://strangebass.blogspot.com

Sent from my BlackBerry

Posted via email from Wes

Combat Life Saver

noreply@blogger.com (Bassist) — Wed, 30 Sep 2009 12:25:00 +0000

My first time installing an IV port and saline lock. I suppose it could've gone way worse than it did - he didn't lose too much blood, and I did get it on the first stick.

Yes - I got stuck also. Twice. And no, I didn't get the IV - both were misses. C'est la vie.

_________
Wes
wes.bass@gmail.com
www.FretlessBassist.com
www.InnerSiege.com
http://strangebass.blogspot.com

Sent from my BlackBerry

Runnin & Military

noreply@blogger.com (Bassist) — Mon, 17 Aug 2009 13:51:00 +0000

PT.
So running again today - by the ocean. It was beautiful. I'm not a huge fan of 0600, but it sure beats running in the heat of the day in Tampa. We did about 3 miles - and since we're running every day, its getting easier.
As we were approaching the end of the run, and right on the ocean, I heard some 'squawking' - looking up I saw a group of about 10 - 12 parrots of some sort sitting on the power line preening & just hanging out. How cool - to see parrots in the wild. Tampa is a cool city.
Something new, at least for me, is being deployed apart from Jory. We got engaged a week before I left for Tampa - and its been a tough 2 weeks. I miss her like crazy - and I thank God every day for Skype. We can talk and see each other, which is truly a blessing. Even better is when she gets to come visit. This is going to be a tough 8 months.

_________
Wes
wes.bass@gmail.com
www.FretlessBassist.com
www.InnerSiege.com
http://strangebass.blogspot.com

Sent from my BlackBerry

MacDill ocean.jpg

noreply@blogger.com (Bassist) — Sat, 15 Aug 2009 11:02:00 +0000

_________
Wes
wes.bass@gmail.com
www.FretlessBassist.com
www.InnerSiege.com
http://strangebass.blogspot.com

Sent from my BlackBerry

Training

noreply@blogger.com (Bassist) — Wed, 12 Aug 2009 12:48:00 +0000

Well, training has started.

I'm now in Tampa training with the JCSE (Joint Comm Support Element). Joint meaning we have troops from every branch of service, and being led by a LTCDR from the Navy (O-5) and an Army SGM (Sergeant Major). Not a bad group actually, and a very cool mission.

If you Google JCSE you'll see we fall under Joint Forces Command. We also have a great history - going back many years.

Tampa itself is, well, Florida. Hot and humid, and rainy at least once a day. When the rain stops its right back to sunny & hot.

Our day starts at 0530, when we leave the hotel (one of the amenities of being TDY). We hit base for formation at 0630, followed immediately by PT, which is usually a 2 mile run. We shower - which is really fruitless, cause you don't stop sweating. Then chow, and class from 0900 til 1830. Yes, that's 6:30pm. Back to the hotel, hopefully a phone call or Skype session, sleep and up again. At least we're only working 6 days a week. That Sunday break is taken advantage of!

Deploying to . . . where?

noreply@blogger.com (Bassist) — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 14:36:00 +0000

Yup - my good ole uncle is sending me abroad again. Only this time to . . . San Antonio? ? ? Is that right?

Yes, that's right. The plan thusfar is to go to Tampa for training (including advanced weapons training - I'm all over that) for 2 months, home for a week, and then off to San Antonio for 6 months.

I'll be working with the JCSE folks out of McDill AFB - on the DJC2 project (Deployed Joint Command & Control).

No - I don't know exactly what I'll be doing - other than managing a comm group - and acting as a comm officer. I'm trained for it - so that parts cool.

I'm hoping I get to come home for Christmas - or around there - to see the kids. That's going to be the hardest part - as it always is - leaving the kids.

More info when I have it. . . .

News . . .

noreply@blogger.com (Bassist) — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 14:14:00 +0000

First of all . . . StrangeLand is now, officially, over. Sorry if you were a fan - but the band is no more.

InnerSiege - is here. This is my new band. We are: Me (bass), Kevin Grose (guitar), Kevin Schmitt (guitar), Jeremy Ray (vox) & Wade Helm (drums). We have at least 10 songs ready to record, with a few more in the works. We have a gig this Sat. June 27, at B's Bar & Grill, bottom of the hill in Creve Coeur, Il. Then we're off to Cornerstone to run the Sanctuary Tent/Stage. Going to be a good week, I think.

Feel free to post the image all over the web - or print one out & hang it up! (click on it for a bigger version)

Hope to see you there. . . .

wes wants you to check out a photo on MySpace in the The Band album

noreply@blogger.com (Bassist) — Wed, 03 Jun 2009 17:13:00 +0000

wes wants you to check out a photo on MySpace in the The Band album

Shared via AddThis

http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=257070308&blogId=491775057

noreply@blogger.com (Bassist) — Fri, 29 May 2009 16:48:00 +0000

http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=257070308&blogId=491775057

Shared via AddThis

SOS

noreply@blogger.com (Bassist) — Thu, 21 May 2009 13:58:00 +0000

Nope, not the US Naval call of universal distress - although some in my class might disagree - SOS in the USAF is for Squadron Officer's School. A CGO course - Company Grade Officers - course designed to "reblue" Captains, and designed as a mid-level course to teach officership, military history, leadership, team building, and a host of other topics of import to officers.

Not a bad class, overall. And not so much of the "military training" - you know, the yelling & screaming, and push up for punishment stuff. I'm glad - we can leave all that at OCS, OTS, or AMS - or basic training. I've had enough of that!

The best part, of course - was the networking. I was in a Class of 440, with 100 in my squadron, and 14 in my flight - including an oustanding officer from Romania, a MIG-21 pilot, no less.

My class was made up entirely of active duty officers, all captains save "Babon" - our Romanian pilot, who is a 1st Luitenant. I was the lone Guardsman, and the oldest by over 5 years.

We played flickerball, and studied, and gave briefings, and played war games. Problem solving was a huge part of it as well.

I'll have to post some pics up . . .

Upcoming deployments?

noreply@blogger.com (Bassist) — Wed, 11 Mar 2009 13:52:00 +0000

Well, it appears that I may be doing some more. . . travelling. Not sure, and everything - as always - is subject to change, but I will probably be doing more in the next year.

First off - I know I'm going to Squadron Officer's School (SOS). In the USAF, we refer to this as PME - or Professional Military Education. SOS is the next PME course I need to qualify for my next promotion - which is Major. The course is coming up in April 09, for 5 weeks. I'll be in Mobile, Alabama. I hear the course is pretty good - focusing on leadership and military values & what not.

After that. . . well, lets see. We have some new requirements for the 33S3 AFSC (Air Force Specialty Code) - including A+ certification, Security+ certification, and Network+ certification. Apparently the Air Force wants to get its comm leaders up to shape with the rest of the US - in terms of qualifications. No worries. The first course - A+ - will be the week prior to going to SOS, so I'll just take 6 weeks off of my civilian job.

Following this, I hope to make Major sometime later this year. Federal recognition can sometimes take a bit. I have my first "board" - which is basically a review of my paperwork, to see if I qualify or not - along with any recommendations by my Squadron and Wing Commanders - happens while I'm in SOS. Completing SOS is the only square I have to fill - so I'm hoping they let it pass, with a caveat that I graduate the course.

My next deployment - well, I'm not certain yet, and there are a few options. I know we have Network+ and Security+ to complete later this year. We also have Unit Compliance Inspection (UCI) later this year. Fun, indeed.

With Iraq beginning to tone down - and with the Presidents new objectives of cease of ops by July - and gearing up in Afghanistan - the pressure is on for the Guard. We'll be providing more support - and folks will be deploying more.

We'll just have to see how that pans out. I'll keep updating. . .

WMD's

noreply@blogger.com (Bassist) — Thu, 12 Feb 2009 15:04:00 +0000

How does this kind of thing not reach the mainstream press?

http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2006/06/22/report-hundreds-wmds-iraq/

I don't get it. . ..

Leaving the ASOS

noreply@blogger.com (Bassist) — Wed, 14 Jan 2009 15:09:00 +0000

Well, I guess I'm an overage.

If that doesn't sound odd enough - what happens is even stranger - but turned out well for me. The ASOS I was part of . . . ok, wait - here's the history.
182 ASOC
182 ASOG
182 ASOS
168 ASOS
So, while I was in the same unit - we went through some changes. My last assignment was at the 168 ASOS - at which point I was 'unnecessary'. :) We had 2 Comm Officers - and only needed one. The way it tends to work in the guard - or at least on my base - is that overage folks are traded about. So - the commander of my unit brokered a deal with the commander of another unit - and I'm now officially in the 264th Combat Communications Squadron.

So - what does this mean for me? Well, first off - I think its a good move. Don't get me wrong - I like all the folks that I worked with and deployed with at the 168th. Great folks. But I think I have more opportunities for leadership development, i.e. career, within the 264th. I'm thinking any deployments will be a bit different as well. We don't go to sustain front line communications - but then again, I'm just learning about our mission and my role.

Also - all I can say is goodbye and good riddance to Lord Valdemort!!!!
Those from Afghansitan know exactly what I mean. . . . :D

Oh - and Tom Riddle. . . fare thee well also.

Name Change

noreply@blogger.com (Bassist) — Wed, 24 Dec 2008 14:26:00 +0000

Well, StrangeLand has been going strong for just around 8 years now. We have only made on personnel change in that entire time - when Karl left the band, and Jeremy joined. Since that time, we have been writing - and getting ready to release a full length CD on the world.

As we have been contemplating what form we will take - and how we plan to get out in the world and spread the metal madness - we talked about where we want to play, the type of music (Metal, of course) and how we want to stay power metal, and maybe get into some progressive elements; Jeremy really brings that out.

So we have been bantering about some names for about 5 or 6 months. Last practice we came up with a short list of 3. We are looking into legalities, making sure we aren't using a name anyone else is, copyright stuff, etc etc. All the business end of naming a band. Fun.

Anyway - I hope to have an announcement to make within the next week or so - and Jeremy will also - in his blog (check the links out on the right).

New Amp

noreply@blogger.com (Bassist) — Mon, 15 Dec 2008 02:26:00 +0000

Kevin Schmitt just picked up a new amp. Egnater Tourmaster 4100.

Wow. Oh my.
This thing kills!!

Dragonforce

noreply@blogger.com (Bassist) — Tue, 09 Dec 2008 17:03:00 +0000

This was pretty cool - we ran into Herman Li after the show and he was nice enough to oblige me with a pic. He was a very nice guy - and certainly more soft spoken than when he's on stage!

Dragonforce, Turisas & Power Glove; House of Blues, Dec 8, 2008

noreply@blogger.com (Bassist) — Tue, 09 Dec 2008 16:25:00 +0000

House of Blues is a very cool venue - this was my first time there - at least to the Chicago HOB - and it was a load of fun! The venue is what you'd refer to as 'intimate' - I think maximum capacity is around 800 or so, and there are 2 balconies, and they seem to be box seats. The decorating is. . . interesting. You have to see it.

The bands playing were diverse and interesting - as interesting as it gets for metal. The first band was:
Power Glove

They describe themselves as Video Game Metal. The song titles were taken from video games from various consoles and possibly some PC games, but I think the vast majority are from Consoles - and older ones, from the 80's & 90's - like Mario Brothers, and the like. The guys were obviously having a blast - really getting the crowd into it - constantly throwing out blow up swords, blow up bats, and Starburst candy. What a hoot. They were great musicians as well - easily pulling off the intense metal runs that were bombastic, and almost thrash fast. Oh - and no vocals - other than the bassist egging on the crowd throughout the short set - but no singing or screaming or anything. No lyrics. That's a better description.

The outfits were something else. Very video gamey. I think they have started a new genre - I also think they are the only artist in that genre! Loads of fun!

Turisas:

This band from Finland was another in an interesting night! They came out all dressed in "Battle gear" - after the lead in voice over called all of us "brothers and sisters of metal" to hear the Battle Metal of Turisas!

The photo is difficult to make out everything - sorry, the Blackberry isn't a pro camera - but the band consists of vocals, bass guitar, guitar, violin, accordian (yes, that's right - metal accordian), and drums. The music was great - very catchy, reminded me of a folk-metal kind of similar to Irish drinking songs (they did have one - One More!) - but great musicianship, very energetic, and really engaged the crowd. I did learn that Finns do not like American beer - or Dutch beer. :) Oh - and the face & body paint! All the band was painted in red with black streaks from head to toe. All exposed skin was painted. Gave a very interesting effect. They certainly looked battle ready.

The Accordian and Violin really added to the folkiness of the band. My first experience with that type of music - well, other than Elvenking that I saw at ProgPower USA this year. Overall, a great performance, a great band - and lots of fun to watch.

Dragonforce:

The headlining band did not disappoint. These guys all must be downing a 6 pack each of Red Bull before going on stage - because I have never seen any other band - ever - with as much energy, and carrying out as many antics as Dragonforce!

These guys are nuts! And what a blast to watch. They are interacting with each other and the crowd constantly - you can really tell these guys like each other, because they mock each other incessantly - and make fun of each others stage moves through the entire show. The interaction between Herman Li and Sam Totman - and Frédéric Leclercq - is absolutely hilarious. It certainly doesn't hurt that these guys are phenomenal musicians.

The shredding was constant. I think the songs are just written around the guitar solos! What a blast to watch - and aspiring guitarists will be attempting to copy this for years, I'm sure.

Overall - great show. Very fun bands - and lots of laughs - as well as some jaw-dropping shredding going on. I highly recommend checking out this show if you get the chance!

The Tali-Band on myspace

noreply@blogger.com (Bassist) — Thu, 04 Dec 2008 16:59:00 +0000

Yes - that is correct! We have created a Tali-Band Myspace page!

For those of you that haven't ventured down yet (as in, down the blog - to see the older posts) - I was a member of the band, affectionately known as "The Tali-Band" while I was stationed at HQ ISAF (HeadQuarters, International Security Assistance Force) Kabul, Afghanistan. The ISAF is the name of the organization set up by NATO to assist the Afghans in gaining control of their country from Al Quaida and the taliban.

Long story short, for New Years Eve 2008, some ingenious folks - that also happened to be musicians - got together and decided to come up with some entertainment for the troops stationed at HQ ISAF. The band did so well, and the crowd reacted so positively, that the band stuck around. Even thought the membership seems to change frequently, there are enough talented folks - from all over the world (or at least from NATO countries) to keep the band going. I left HQ ISAF in late May of this year - 2008 - and the band was still going strong.

Something we decided to do while I was part of the band, was record a CD, and sell T-Shirts to benefit a local charity. We picked The Women Of Hope Project, located in Kabul. The Women of Hope operate to really make a difference in the lives of the folks they help. They do not simply provide money to the needy - instead they foster self-dependance, and a steady stream of income. For women, they teach a variety of crafts, including sewing and needlepoint - where they will make dolls, clothing, pashminas, jewelry and other goods, and sell them on military bases and at markets around the country. For men, they teach carpentry and masonry. The folks in Afghanistan are hungry for change - and the desire to help themselves. Betsy and the Women of Hope make that happen!

The Tali-Band helped by recording a double CD (live and 'studio' - which was the Milano Restaraunt on base), and getting T-Shirts printed up (in Chicago, no less - thanks Windy City Screenprinting!) - and selling them to military & civilians on base.

By the time I left the country, we had raised nearly $10,000.00 for the charity (it takes $100.00US to train one man in a skill - for the women, the time is a bit longer, but difficult to put a dollar amount on).

Please visit the website, and make a donation!

Snow shot

noreply@blogger.com (Bassist) — Tue, 02 Dec 2008 15:11:00 +0000

You know, I am really not fond of snow, ice or even cold weather, for that matter.

Its not even just driving in it - which is probably the worst - but the fact that cold and ice is the enemy of bass necks, and of shiny finishes, and can hurt my precious.

Anyway - winter is here.

Yuck.

Gary Sinese at the USO Gala, Navy Pier

noreply@blogger.com (Bassist) — Tue, 25 Nov 2008 20:21:00 +0000

Yup - I'm back posting again.

Here's an interesting photo from the USO Gala held at the Navy Pier a few weeks ago. My daughter I attended, and got to see some friends, lots of military, and some of the Chicago supporters. All in all - a pretty cool event.

Also, besides Bill Murrey being the MC, we got to see a wonderful cover bans - the Lt. Dan Band - with none other than Lt. Dan himself - Gary Sinese.

Great band - and was gracious enough to pose with my daughter - I'll have to get that pic from her myspace.

Back Home

noreply@blogger.com (Bassist) — Thu, 30 Oct 2008 18:25:00 +0000

I realize I haven't been doing much in the way of updating since I've been back home. I will do my best to correct this sad state of affairs. :)

As I've been back, gotten back to my job - and been able to enjoy the company of my children and my family - life is good.

I have been on vacation - courtesy of the USO - been back to 'drill' (which is what we refer to as our National Guard weekend work, our one weekend a month) a few times now, and even been able to see my replacement come back home. Or at least to the Peoria Airport (a wonderful sight - let me tell you).

I will get around to comleting those few posts that I have on 'hold' - to talk about the boxes from my mates at State Farm - the mission we went on to the girls school that was about 1/2 hour outside of Kabul, and the journey home . . . very soon.

I have about 2000 pictures to go through from my travels, and I'd like to get them in some kind of book or something. . . so many things to do.

Thanks to everyone who has been reading this. If you wouldn't mind - leave me a comment - or send an email. It doesn't seem like there are that many of you. :)

Oh - and get out there and vote. Even if you don't agree with my choice for POTUS - make yours known. This ain't a political blog. . . so, I'll leave it at that. But use your rights! That's what we are fighting for!

Saying goodbye. . . and a surprise

noreply@blogger.com (Bassist) — Fri, 16 May 2008 13:09:00 +0000

On one of my last days at HQ ISAF, I was finishing up my out-processing - the process of getting signatures of the various agencies that were responsible for me in various ways, around 22 total - and I had some very interesting comments. Of course I was talking to all my Tali-Band friends, and their friends that I had come to know and appreciate, but I was also saying goodbye to the merchants that had shops on base that I had done business with.

The fine military folks were well-wishing, shaking hands and wishing me good flights and travel, but the most surprising came unexpectedly. I was at the shops on Carnaby Street - the line of shops that are behind the Milano, and talked to the jewelers - #4 - as well as Bahktar, where I had bought some very nice things for my children - The Mobin Tailor - where I had a couple suits made ($80 for a custom fit suit!) - and finally Joete - where I had purchased a carpet for myself, and for my parents.

The carpets are absolutely stunning - every one. I shopped at a couple of the other carpet shops, and the carpets were much more expensive - and not as ornate, in my opinion. For example at Sami's shop, he wanted $1800 for a small silk/wool carpet. Joete's prices were much more reasonable. I found great joy in explaining to Joete that my parents loved their carpet so much that they decided instead of putting it under the table in the dining room, that they were going to remove the carpet in the living room and put the carpet there. And - no one would be allowed to eat there - and risk spilling something on the carpet! He was very proud that my parents were so happy with the carpet. As am I with mine. :)

As I came to Joete's store - the last on the block of stores on Carnaby, Joete looked surprised when I told him I would be leaving, and he grabbed me and hugged me. After - with his hand over his heart (a very common expression of gratitude in Kabul) he wished me well, his family wished me well, he wished my family well, and then he floored me . . . . "I want to say, and my family also, thank you to you. Because you come to my country - and you help my country. For that I appreciate it - and I thank you, very much."

Wow.

Totally unexpected - and completely humbling. This changes everything. This is the kind of thing they remember. Not that we were there to defeat them - or to destroy their country - no, they understand. Joete understands.

Awesome.

Leaving. . . or not

noreply@blogger.com (Bassist) — Fri, 16 May 2008 00:37:00 +0000

Well, leaving certainly got interesting. While I know we're in an 'austere' environment, and I know we're in a war zone, but there are happenings that can still be surprising. Like, for example, being ready to leave and being told the airport is closed due to a rocket attack. That was a wake up call. . . we are in a war zone. This shouldn't surprise me. Goodness, we'd been through bunker calls, and many of those. . . but I guess it was just making the fact that I was trying to get out of here all the more obvious.

I was all packed - had all my gear stowed, not in as few bags as I wanted - but still less than when I came. I had lots of gifts & things, so I guess its understandable. & my bass. :) So the night prior, when I'm getting my out-processing completed, I have everything in a bag, somewhere - save what I was going to wear, and certain toiletries, so I'd be ready first thing in the am. I was to leave . . . early.

I went to bed around normal time for me - about 10:30 - after Leigh, my roommate, had returned from work. He was on the 'net - so I figured I'd catch up with email in the am. No worries. I put on the iPod, and got ready to listen quietly as I fell asleep.

I slept - well, like I usually do - dead to the world, until around 0400. Then I was wide awake. I don't know why - but the last couple of weeks, I keep waking up early - for no reason, and can't get back to sleep. Ok, so I put on some tunes, and chill. At least it wasn't 0300 like a couple days ago. I decide to check a bit of email, and catch up - and then hit the shower. I get back, it's still early, so I decide to catch Scott at the shack - I had one last coin to pass out.

Maybe I should explain about the coins. Coins are a way to show someone in the military appreciation for a job well done. I picked up 5 of the ISAF coins to pass out to the guys that worked for me as a small token of appreciation for a most excellent job. They all worked very hard - and deserved something - I thought this was nice.

So I was on my way to the shack to see if I could catch Scott and give him the coin, and I saw Ken on the way there. He told me the airport was closed. . . Ok, I thought. That's a bit odd. I went in to the shack and found out it had taken a couple rockets overnight, and was closed. Wow - that's just great. I went on to find Scot - who was on the roof going over the comm info for MSgt Davis - his replacement. When a break came - after a few minutes, since they were deeply involved in a technical discussion - I 'coined' him. He was suitably impressed, and thankful. I congratulated him on a job well done, and we left the roof.

We got back downstairs and had some decisions to make, some discussions we needed to have, and some coordinating to find out - when we were leaving!