Luna Musings

2011-12-01T10:41:00.001-08:00

El Toro Loco in the Android Market!

2011-11-30T16:39:00.001-08:00

https://music.google.com/music/listen?utm_source=en-music-lp&utm_medium=top-links&utm_campaign=en-us-gml-lp&utm_content=my-music#Colie%2520Brice%2520%2526%2520The%2520New%2520Age%2520Blues%2520Experience%20-%20El%2520Toro%2520Loco%2520%2811%252F17%252F11%29_al

2011-11-28T07:54:00.000-08:00

Check it out, I'm a Google Android Mover & Shaker in the Jam Rock category for "Slaying the Dragon" - alongside Dave Mathews Band, Ben Harper, Warren Haynes, and the Grateful Dead among others..

https://market.android.com/details?cat=JAM_ROCK&id=music_movers_shakers

2011-11-17T12:56:00.000-08:00

Colie Brice and the New Age Blues Experience Live in Concert!

2011-11-03T13:20:00.000-07:00

New Jersey Stage - New Jersey's Arts & Culture Online Newspaper

2011-10-26T11:52:00.000-07:00

Check it out on TicketWeb - AERIA Records Holiday Party featuring from Asbury Park, Colie Brice And The New Age Blues Experience / from Hoboken, Mike Ferraro & The Young Republicans / from Brooklyn Holding Back Entirely / from Trenton, The Monacchios at The Saint on 12/28/11

2011-10-26T06:23:00.001-07:00

Colie Brice | Live At the Saint | CD Baby

This was just a nice impromptu set at the Saint one night. One of the joys of living in Bradley Beach is my proximity to all the clubs in Asbury Park and the ability and flexibility to do fill in gigs or back up up other musicians on the fly. This night was no exception. With our babysitters Sunny & Rudy watching our son Elijah, we hopped on over to the Saint and delivered this set. Nothing perfect, but a nice aural snapshot encapsulating this chapter of life with some new songs inspired by Hurricane Irene, the earthquake in AP, and the state of the US economy, some abrupt changes in personal circumstances, etc.

This release also includes some home studio demos, and other casual recordings from this time period.

2011-09-07T14:01:00.000-07:00

Colie Brice and the New Age Blues Experience | Another Night In Paradise | CD Baby

2011-08-29T11:43:00.001-07:00

2011-07-28T10:54:00.001-07:00

Little Red Fox by Colie Brice

2011-07-28T10:51:00.000-07:00

El Toro Loco by Colie Brice

2011-05-26T15:54:00.002-07:00

New Jersey Stage: Asbury Media Exposition to Be Held 3/5/11 at Dos L...

2011-02-07T08:59:00.000-08:00

New Jersey Stage: Asbury Media Exposition to Be Held 3/5/11 at Dos L...: "(Asbury Park, NJ) - On March 5, 2011 ASBURY MEDIA will be hosting a free exhibition of the pro audio, remote recording, and video production..."

2010-11-29T16:40:00.001-08:00

Phanphest.com Presents "Asbury Rising" Rock Groove: Aeria Records End Of The Decade Party
featuring Colie Brice/ Brian Amsterdam/ F. / Michael Scotto (from Agency) and special guests
at The Saint Asbury Park, NJ
Thursday December 30, 2010 8:00 PM EST
ADMISSION $8.00

WOW. A whole freakin' decade has passed? REALLY? The 00's?

Seems like yesterday when I bumped into a young Brian Saint at the Daily Grind in Ocean Grove and somehow stumbled in a band with Brian, Ben Feld, Sarah Tomek, and Rob Shuman. We performed every Thursday at the Moon Rock (http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/live-at-the-moon-rock/id152816936)

Its been an amazing decade of creating, playing, listening to and enjoying music for me. Brief highlights include:

* Moving to Hollywood (Fall 200) and met the love of my life Manuela and we had our son Elijah (2002) and adopted Happy the Wonder Dog (R.I.P. 2009)(http://top40-charts.com/news.php?nid=11972&string=Vanilla) I worked as the marketing director for Classic Records and the TheMusic.com a new media start up.

* Northern California where the peace and tranquility of the redwoods informed some of my recordings and I enjoyed a dream gig as the Vice President of Marketing and Communications for Mobile Fidelity Sound Lab, the leading audiophile label.

* Back to Jersey to helm AERIA Records.. My baby and a dream come true with a major label P&D deal through Universal Music Group's Fontana Distribution. After 20+ years in the music biz I was finally getting my chance to call the shots and sign bands to my own label. My heart has always been in the Asbury Park music scene and I had envisioned a small home town label with a pipeline into the mainstream market place. Sadly just as we were ramping up, the music biz as I knew was crumbling all around me. It was the right place at the wrong time, though we did manage (THANKS to STEVE DUNDAS & CHRIS VIDAL) to squeeze out a little catalog and help some local artists further their cause a wee bit. (Brian Amsterdam, St. Christopher, Agency, JUGGLING SUNS, Rick Barry, James Dalton, Metamorphosis, Joe Harvard, Last Perfect Thing, Lost In Society, to name a select few..)

Ironically, despite my company and my day job falling apart around me, my love for music only increased and I kept fighting to keep the label alive through grassroots promotion like podcasting, youtube, and other viral friendly outlets. SO WAS EVERYONE ELSE as we began the social media era of everyone's almost famous :) AERIA, like the rest of us got lost in the crowd.

Throughout all of this I had continued to be a prolific home recording enthusiast and started publishing my work on iTunes via CD Baby. Just about ALL of it.. I called this the "Luna Muse" or crazy inspiration principle. The intention was just to let it all out there and see what grew wings. Consequently, I have found that human beings have absurdly eclectic tastes and most can't tell the difference (or care about) between a cheap home recording or a superbly produced, professional production - at least the handful of strange folks who dig my stuff.

So I continued to record and release material throughout the decade. On that note, last week I released my 16th solo album entitled: Autumn Chronicle, Vol. II (http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/coliebrice3). It consitutes the latest chapter and archival release in an ongoing Jersey Shore saga featuring the unique persona's of myself, Alan Gowa, Matt Lott. Jay Walker, and Joe Savio, otherwise known as the New Age Blues Experience (NABE).

Like my other solo releases, Autumn Chronicle Volume II is my latest batch of demos, live recordings, improvisations, serious goofing, and other aural oddities appealing to discerning audiophiles, lo fi hipsters, and other folks who don't get out much.. They 're not really albums per se, just anthologies or musical blogs of that particular stretch of time. Comprised of some things I am fiercely proud of, and other stuff perhaps taking up too much bandwidth to truly justify their existence, but then again, as a parent, you gotta love all your children:)

In 2007 I left Mobile Fidelity and started working for Asbury Media. Around the same time I sat in with and joined a band called Geena and Dragster. What a fucked up, extremely talented, screwy, lovable, idiotic group of dysfunctional mutants! As you can imagine, I fit right in and a new musical home was found :) With Geena and Dragster, I was gifted with the opportunity to to start earning some self respect as a live player (THANK YOU GEENA). Little by little I came out of my shell and started sitting in with other bands and experiencing the healing joy of playing live again. I started exploring live improvisational situations and gradually forged a band I truly love. I got to be a kid again and play music all over town with Lunar Ensemble, joining Capt. James and the PAIN,sitting in with Tony Tedesco, Agency, Mike Black, Joe Harvard, Turtle Soup, Dub Proof, Wakah Chan and so, so many others. Time and time again I've fed my spirit and creativity through fellowship with and generosity of so many great local talents.

These experiences inspire me and bring an extraordinary dimension of satisfaction in my life. As the decade comes to a close I feel a deep sense of gratitude and love.

If you haven't heard us in a while, I implore you to Come out to the Saint on 12/30, it's gonna be an amazing night. Brian Amsterdam, Asbury Park's prodigal son, is coming home for one local show with his buddy F., and Michael Scotto, primarily known around here as the brilliant guitarist of AGENCY will be making his solo debut. I've been rehearsing with Mike and will be backing him up on keys that night. Let me tell you! The guy kicks ass! Heartfelt, graceful, yet forceful and tasty are just a few of the descriptors that come to mind.

Its also our first show for Phanphest and we're hoping to pack the house and earn a coveted slot at Phanphest 2011.

Anyway, thanks for reading this whole damn thing,

Colie

2010-08-18T23:27:00.002-07:00

Another crazy night in Asbury Park..

I played with the inimitable Geena at a Asbury Rock Star charity event at the Wonder Bar. It was enthusiastically and professionally hosted by Sheli Arden - yet another under discovered kick ass singer/songwriter calling AP the home base.. Another component of a living history here that is remarkable.. Over $600 was raised for a local SPCA thanks to the efforts of volunteer such as Mallory Massara the musicians involved including Geena, Tanya, Joe Harvard, George Wirth, Keith Monaccio, Greg Wilkens, Michael Scotto, we are (featuring Sheli's incredible daughter) and others..

Local sound legend Elmo from the Stone Pony was in attendance and we had a great debate over 80's rock trivia and discovered we were blood brothers from Sayreville with a gazzillion shared connections and background.

Was an incredible evening shared by all, reaffirming my faith in this local artistic community.. The world (in)famous Tinker was on hand too!

The only real bummer of the night was when a Madison Marquette executive refused to pay the $5 cover that went directly to charity and dismissed the door person with a arrogant hand waving gesture.. Really dude? You can't afford $5.00 to support a charity event in your own venue? You may have money, but perhaps you need to learn something about class and stewardship..

Anyway this local dumpster kittie is en route to Maine tomorrow.. Bought a sweet little house in Eastport and hope to end my daze in peace and thanksgiving for the incredible blessings I have under appreciated in my life.

Also bought a little sail boat yesterday and look forward to many Barnegat Bay adventures with my son Elijah in the near future..

Thanks to everybody who loves me enough to deal with me and my myriad imperfections. Especially Manuela..

Colie

2010-08-16T09:31:00.001-07:00

2010-08-12T10:46:00.000-07:00

Check out "Om Namah Shivaya" by Yoga Dea! A very cool meditative track by my beautiful wife Manuela :)

2010-08-11T12:18:00.000-07:00

This tune sounds like it was lifted form a late 70's serial drama from TV, but has an inspiring, driving, vibe that reminded me of my frined moira who is a triathelete. She uses it for training..

2010-08-11T12:16:00.000-07:00

This is among the corniest, tackiest songs I ever recorded. Another OMG, what was I thinking momento for all eternity :)

2010-08-11T12:11:00.000-07:00

Show me some love people! New album coming soon.. In the meantime please give me your suppport and by an album or ten :) We're heading up to Maine soon and need some gas money!

Thanks,

Colie

AERIA Records Showcase Friday 2/5/10 at the Stone Pony - AERIA 's MySpace Blog | AERIA Records & Entertainment Blog

2010-01-11T14:39:00.000-08:00

AERIA Records Showcase Friday 2/5/10 at the Stone Pony - AERIA 's MySpace Blog | AERIA Records & Entertainment Blog

2009-12-20T08:27:00.002-08:00

Thoughts on the recent U.N. Climate Change Conference in Copenhagen

It seems to me, that we've reached a critical moment in history where living up to the full potential of our moral decency isn't just a nice aspiration, but a necessary imperative for our literal survival.

Aside from a small handful of genuinely good people elected to office, there are not many true world leaders, it appears to be more just an assemblage of hired goons, smooth talkers, and court jesters employed and directed by the world's elite to pacify and distract us all as the world's wealth and limited resources are shoveled hand over first into the consolidated hands of the few.

The recent U.N. Climate Change Conference in Copenhagen was a cruel joke - a circle of jerks making empty promises about hitting abtruse targets and vague objectives that won't make much of a difference anyway. Many have praised President Obama's pragmatism during this conference, but what we require now is his passion and purpose.

I'm not a scientist or an economist, but common sense informs me that the continual accumulation of material goods and exploitation of natural resources at the expense of a sustainable environment just doesn't make sense to anyone concerned about a real future for their children's children or anyone else's.

Maybe we're getting what we deserve. Most of what I continue to personally observe is my fellow human beings still desperately pursuing their wants, desires, and addictions. Very few people are making the changes in lifestyle necessary to achieve true sustainability. I'm certainly no angel, a good proportion of my utility bills are associated with playing electric guitars and taking long, hot showers - pretty greedy stuff for a true environmentalist.. But hey, at least I'm trying! I rarely eat meat becuase it is so resource intensive to produce and I ride a bike or walk to work and gigs about 80% of the time. I do sincerely try to be resource efficient. My wife shops in thrift shops and we also purchase green and organic products whenever we can afford to. I'll spare the reader from further self righteous indignation, because I know its not nearly enough.

At least I'm conscious of it? Is there any redemption in that? How many people do I know that just don't care? Too many.. Then there are the people who do actualyl care, but are increasingly desperate to survive in a society with a rapidly evaporating middle and working class. For instance, how many single working Mothers can really afford to worry about anything other than taking care of the immediate needs of her family? Sadly it is often those who can afford to do something that are most likely to do the least.. GREED + COMPASSION = the same old story of man's inhumanity to man. The only caveat here is that now there is no turning back, there's no new world, and there's no escape. We're all rats in the same cage.

Tragically, humanity has known about the potential for catrastrophe due to negligent stewardship of the natural environment for over a century. We've had multiple warnings, time and time again.

I used to be a person who really believed in the probability of positive transformation on this planet. I've always fallen short on a personal level and will not likely experience perfection in this or any other lifetime, but I've engaged in a persistent effort to progress. I sincerely believe that's all we can do.

No one is gonna save us but us. Our government is not for the people or by the people anymore. We were sold out a long, long time ago. President Obama appears no different.. He seem's to be a lap servant of Wall Street and his administration is completely influenced and infiltated by fat cats who are no more redeeming than those of the previous administration.

If anything, President Obama's betrayal of the American people is worse, because he spoke aloud to the inner convictions and slumbering truths hiding in the deepest part of our souls. He appealed to the long suppressed reason and decency of so many of us!

Yet, how can there be "change we believe in", when there's been no real change?

2009-10-21T17:00:00.001-07:00

Go to http://coliebrice.com for the latest info!

FREE MP3s!

2009-03-30T11:46:00.001-07:00

Support the Arts!

2009-03-21T06:57:00.001-07:00

Spread the word!

2009-02-11T05:58:00.001-08:00

2008-11-10T00:25:00.007-08:00

On Saturday at the Stone Pony, Colie Brice and the New Age Blues Experience won a 2008 Asbury Park Music Award in the Avant-Guarde category. I just wanted to say thanks to everyone who voted for us. I'd also like to thank local experimental artists such as Mike Black and Jon Francis for inspiring me to explore and honor my artistic authenticity and of course all the incredible artists involved with AERIA Records who bravely follow their own muse.

The award was a particular honor considering that we were in contention with some incredible bands including Lunar Ensemble - a truly remarkable avant-guarde band comprised of John Lunar Richey (words) Doug Slugger Vizthum (guitar/mandolin) Tom DiEllo (stand-up/electric basses) Greg D (guitar/Q harp) and Chris McKenna (drums/piano).

I'd also like to thank John Pheiffer at the Aquarian for his support of "weird" music, and Scott Stamper at the Saint for providing a creative habitat for these sonic forays. I gotta thank my wife and kids for putting up with a rather eccentric middle aged man and my twin sister Collette and Brother in Law Aldo have earned eternal gratitude for providing an affordable rent which allows me to live near by and helps accomodate the very existence of an artistic life to begin with.

Most importantly I'd like to thank my usual line up of Andy Bova on drums, Matt Lott on sax, Kurt Thum on piano, and Jay Walker on bass. Alan Gowa is an essential reoccuring guest star in this project and we've also cross pollinated on stage with the mighty and fierce Tony Tedesco, Ben Feld, Dark Mark, Keith McCarty, Geena, Rick Barry, Capt. James Peacock, Meagan Brothers, Bootsy, Jamie and all kinds of other musical creatures..

Thanks as well to everyone I've been so fortunate enough to jam with over the past year or so - John Pheiffer, Gorgo, Dragster, Geena and the 45s, Agency, Turtle Soup, Jeremy Korpas, Mike Black, Jon Francis, Joe Harvard, David Spelman, Jimmy Capobianco, and so many others.

2008-10-18T07:29:00.004-07:00

APPEARING DEC. 17 SAINT, ASBURY PARK, NJ

Come celebrate the celestial season with Luna Muse as we guard Avant Advent with our crazily inspired sonic nobility..

No naughty or nice notes will be spared our seething audio wrath!

FREE CDs of my latest release entitled "Season's Greetings From Bradley Beach" will be available to my adoring masses.

In other words, I plan to bring at least two copies, possibly three..

Until then, be merry for Santa is watching, that dirty old creep..

Colie

2008-10-16T21:00:00.001-07:00

Asbury Park Music Award Nomination!
"Sounds like a cross between the E-Street Band and Yanni" - Rick Barry

Top Avant-garde Act:

Colie Brice & New Age Blues Experience

Top Bassist:

Jay Walker (Colie Brice & The New Age Blues Experience)

For nominee list and voting info visit: http://asburymusic.com

Hear here: http://www.archive.org/details/LunaMuseLiveAtTheSaintAugust192008

My Friends,

Thanks to everyone who has supported our performances this past year especially Mike Black, the Saint, the Wave Gathering, Geena, Jon Richie, ASBURY MEDIA, Rick Barry, Lindsey Miller, Moira Horan, Lisa Higley, Joe Savio, Michael Scotto, Tony Tedesco, John Pheiffer, Ben Feld, Dave and Julie, Gary Wein, and most importantly our beautiful wives, girlfriends, parents, and children who endure the trials and tribulations of living with eccentric, experimental, and moody musicians.. Please forgive me if I forgot to mention anyone else who should have been acknowledged personally.

There's always a lot of ego drama surrounding these nominations among Asbury Park musicians, and there's probably a whole lot that could be better about the process, but overall we're pretty damn lucky to even have a scene that warrants such an event. Despite many years in and out of the scene, I've never had my own name on one of these nominations, so frankly, I'm pretty damn excited about it and it means a lot to me.

By the way, in my opinion, Lunar Ensemble and Chemtrail are excellent nominees! I haven't heard all the other bands nominated in the category yet, but I hope we're all encouraged to explore each other's work.

Thanks again,

Colie Brice
The New Age Blues Experience

PS - We're called Luna Muse now..

2008-10-15T20:51:00.002-07:00

Saw the debate tonight.. I'm so fucking sick of hearing about the middle class and those poor souls making up to a mere $250,000 a year.

Whose talking about the working poor? Those making up to a mere $25,000!

What about us? Families making way, way, way less than $250k a year?

FREE MP3s

2008-09-27T11:09:00.001-07:00

2008-09-22T08:00:00.001-07:00

A Layman’s Perspective..

" And Jesus went into the temple of God, and cast out all them that sold and bought in the temple, and overthrew the tables of the moneychangers, and the seats of them that sold doves.."

Do I understand this right? The disciples of Adam Smith's "invisible hand" now want the biggest handout in history?

The filth that say we can't afford social security, yet now state that it is imperative to bail out the hideous, greedy, speculative thieves that brought upon this economic crisis?

Do I understand this right? That my American dream is shattered by the nightmare brought upon by the reckless, predatory lending practices of these white collar criminals?

Do I understand this right? That I'll possibly spend the rest of my life paying off debt that I never agreed to incur?

I drive a 1987 car, go without health insurance, and rent a modest home that my sister owns. I've worked hard my whole life. I went from middle class, to working class, to working poor. Now in mid life, where I should be harvesting some material success, I'm scrambling for survival - and now I gotta pay off some rich bastard's gambling debt? Are you kidding me?

There is another war America is fighting - it is rooted within the tremendous gap between those few top percent who have nearly all the wealth and those of us struggling to survive. As the middle class erodes further and further, more and more people will join the ranks of the under employed, exploited, cheated, and oppressed. How much does our government think we'll take? How much can we take? The back bone of Amerika is broken..

2008-09-22T08:00:00.000-07:00

2008-09-09T10:40:00.000-07:00

Why do I keep hearing these stupid arguments against intellectual elitism?

Humanity's capacity for intelligence and reason is the most important distinction between us and God's other creations.

Fish gotta swim, birds gotta fly, humans are supposed to think.

Is the dumbing down of our collective median level of intelligence really cultivating a superior society? A sustainable on?

The ring masters and ring leaders prey upon our ignorance and fear. Their divisiveness is the root of our societal dysfunction.

We are distracted and dulled by modern day bread and circuses - tabloid journalism, sensationalism in all forms, the cult of celebrity, etc..

In the mean time class warfare, environmental destruction, social injustice, genocide, a decaying infrastructure, declining public education, and all other manner of additional atrocities rage on..

It doesn't seem that our lower, primal nature is gonna save the world. Maybe we should give our intelligence and capacity for reason a chance..

2008-07-12T06:13:00.003-07:00

"Give It Away Now"

Well in the era of the new media music revolution, it's pretty damn tough to compete with free.. So I'm not! For a limited time, Amie St is giving away nearly all of my music for free. FREE.. Try it, you might like it :)

http://amiestreet.com/search?query=colie+brice&type=ALL&search-go=Search

If you really enjoy a particular track, please consider supporting my work by actually purchasing a download at iTunes or something like Karma Fan.

Thanks!

Colie

2008-06-12T14:26:00.003-07:00

It is absolutely reprehensible that Congress is failing to act upon the 35 articles of impeachment Dennis Kucinich introduced. These are serious allegations and Pelosi’s arrogant, dismissive attitude is disgusting! Where’s her spine? No one is above the law, especially the President of the United States of America. What does this teach our children? We have become a corrupt, apathetic, ignorant, indifferent herd of cattle and it is no small wonder that our society is falling apart. People need to stand up for common decency and the rule of the law. The situation in this country is heart breaking. More and more people are losing their jobs and homes over greed and unscrupulous business practices, yet the beat of the war machine goes on..

2008-06-02T22:28:00.002-07:00

I met Bo Diddley at a GRAMMY party in 1997. We were seated together. I have no idea why. I had just been invited to join a NARAS committee and had just gotten my debut solo album New Age Blues on to the Nomination Entry List in 15 different categories for the 40th Annual GRAMMY Awards. It really wasn't such a big deal, I had just figured out how to enter the album, earned my voting rights, and had the sheer audacity to send copies to the biggest names in the music business who comprised the nominating committee. Through some ridiculous miracle, I got on the nomination entry list and had my name in the voting book along side the biggest music stars in the world at the time. The album is/was a weird indie/D.I.Y. album I did myself in my home studio - though I did get some help and coaching from my friend and neighbor at the time Steve Evetts.

So anyway I get invited to a fancy GRAMMY party at the MOMA in New York. I felt like a total outsider. Bo asked me who I was and why I was here. I mumbled meekly about my debut album. He asked me about the music on New Age Blues and I felt like I shouldn't be taking up his time so I was like "oh its no big deal, etc." and I tried to shy away.

Bo then grabbed me by the shoulder and informed me that you don't walk away from Bo Diddley when Bo Diddley was talking to you. He said "you got to believe in yourself" - that it was the most important thing. He gave me about 15-20 minutes of free life counseling. Half of which I can't remember because I was thinking to myself, "WOW, holy fuck Bo Diddley's talkin to me!"

What I do clearly remember is that I was emotionally struck that this living legend at a VIP Grammy Party in NYC took the time to encourage and advise a young musician like me that he really didn't need to give a damn about.

Anyway, that's my Bo Diddley story.. Wherever you are Bo - thank you for your kindness and generosity of spirit. Your beat goes on..

2008-05-31T13:28:00.004-07:00

This is personal music culled from and inspired by life experiences within the unique community and creative culture of Asbury Park, NJ.

Late Bloomer is my 10th solo "album" a.k.a. my latest compilation of quirky musical weirdness. The cover illustration was hand drawn by my wonderful daughter and emerging recording artist in her own right Brianna (www.briannabrice.com) and was digitally effected by me.

One June 3, 2008 I will turn 40 years old! Ouch, I'm officially middle aged. Wow.

In all honesty, I really can't complain. Thus far I've enjoyed a truly fortunate life and have had so many incredible dreams come true and have enjoyed such an incredible and wide variety of life experiences. Sadly I've often been too self absorbed and consumed with anxiety and fear to fully experience the depth and magnitude of it all. Oops..

Yet, despite whatever I may have endured from others or inflicted upon myself, I remain youthful in spirit and hopeful for the future and in the inherent positive potential of all humanity - sometimes anyway :)

Slowly and stubbornly, I'm learning to be present in the here and now. Though I'm still perplexed how we humans can have such profound intellectual understanding of our personal issues yet remain so stuck in the quagmire of our addictions and ego patterns. Or is that just me?

I've also come to realize and accept that I'm more of a personal musician than a professional one. I'm genuinely proud of that. My music is an honest reflection of me - the warts and bruises as well as the good stuff. It is my sincere hope that discerning listeners can appreciate that distinction.

I feel that too often audio technology is used to hide or gloss over an artist's technical imperfections. We're often sacrificing too much of our authenticity in our reckless haste to satisfy some perceived market formula or subjective standard of sound production. When the truth is that the record machine is broken and its anybody's game. Why don't we try something radical and just be ourselves?

At any rate here are my personal track descriptions for my latest batch of tunes. I'm calling the collection the aptly entitled Late Bloomer. I hope you digg it!

Thank you for listening,

Colie Brice

Track Descriptions for Late Bloomer:

Hang Ten - Growing up at the Jersey Shore, I can fondly recall the Fender reverb twang of surf guitar sounds leaking out on to the boardwalk in Point Pleasant Beach and Seaside Heights. Later as a teen living in Sayreville I had a Ventures record I used to play along to. "Hang Ten" is a sentimental tribute to long boards, endless summers, and girls in their summer clothes..

Stone Pony Blues - Featuring references to real life, contemporary Asbury Park Rockers such as Rick Barry, Gordon Brown, Jimmy Capobianco, Days Awake, Geena, Joe Harvard, Last Perfect Thing, April Smith, Status Green, Tony Tedesco, Turtle Soup, and Jay Walker the song addresses the classic plight of a struggling musician trying to get a gig at "the cool club". In this case, one of the most legendary clubs in rock and roll history. Around here, bands kind of come and go as the top dogs that can fill the joint.

Currently, local favorites like Status Green and Last Perfect Thing are holding court in this rock and roll kingdom, but you never know when the scene is gonna change and some new kid will rule the stage. Recently Live Nation took over the place, so I desperately hope they keep an open door for and provide performance opportunities to Asbury Park's indigenous musician population - since it collectively comprises the very soul of the city they are seeking to capitalize upon..

Planetary Lapse of Reason - a pretentious title for yet another one of my utterly self indulgent space jams. Though the title does reflect a true sentiment.

Dolphin Love - one day during an idle discussion at work, one of my co workers expressed a sincere interest in shall we say a little cetacean sensation? Needless to say we were all a little taken back by this scandalous remark, but we were also laughing until we were turning blue. "Dolphin Love" is just a goofy narrative spoof about one man's strange desire..

Smooth Am Prog Jam - this was improvised while messing about with Logic Studio.

Playing Cat and Mouse - yet another instrumental blues jam in Am. I know, I know.. I need help!

Prakasha - this one is dedicated for my beautiful, Yoga Dea wife Manuela. An extremely dedicated and accomplished student for several years, recently she decided to become certified and start working as a Yoga Teacher. I deeply respect her for that accomplishment. She works at Yoga Bliss in Ocean, NJ. Go take a class!

Dolphin Serenade (Je t'aime Eriq) - the follow up to my soon to be smash hit "Dolphin Love". The Dolphin strikes back and respond's to Erik's longing. Ah yes, but what is she actually saying?

All Hail Geena Queen of Cookman Ave. - Geena is an Asbury Park icon and a great singer and songwriter. I spent the past year of my life playing lead guitar in her band Geena and Dragster and/or the 45s and had the opportunity to meet and play with tons of incredible local musicians. Though I ended up leaving the band to spend more time on my own music, I remain deeply grateful for the experience and the opportunity to start playing out again. This tune features a loop of Dragster with Geena on guitar, me on guitar, Jay walker on Bass, and Marcus Croan on drums up in Geena's Cookman Ave. loft - scene of many late night rock & roll crimes. I over dubbed the backwards guitar, vocal screams, and reinforced the main riff wile trying to summon a sense of the shamanic vibe that often visit's Geena's home/portal.

Loose Change - another lazy, space jam noodling around in my home studio/man cave.

Flamingo Lounge - is a silly but tight instrumental vamp poking fun of myself and other "never were" musicians. "Flamingo Lounge" has been an imaginary venue in my mind somewhere in the out skirts of old school Las Vegas for many years. Its a final resting place for rockasauruses like myself :)

Radiant Perception - I love nothing more than syncing up cool delay effects to the BPM of weird musical sequences I concoct and giving them utterly pretentious track titles that imply these improvisations have more substance than they actually do. Hey, at least I can admit it..

Cosmos (for Mike Black) - Mike Black is one of the NJ shore area's most interesting musical specimens via his ambient explorations with Go No Go. He's also a science teacher and radio personality that was hugely inspired by the work of Carl Sagan. This strange piece reminded me of outer space exploration and alien contact - kind of like jamming with Mike, so I thought it would constitute a fitting tribute! Brice Black shall rise again..

Every Guitarist's Dream - yet another self indulgent head jam over three chords and the fundamental truth that lead guitarists really like to hear themselves fit in every possible riff they can in one solo. Actual songs just get in the way man..

The Power of Now - kind of a folk rant with my six year old son Elijah bashing away on his starter drum kit..

2008-05-20T20:52:00.001-07:00

Its not a matter of Obama toughening up, it a fundamental question of basic decency. Hillary is a chronic liar. The latest example is her miracle math for the popular vote that includes a state that Obama didn't even appear in the ballot on because he complied with the party rules ALL the candidates agreed to - including Hillary. Her miracle math, coming from the person who supposedly feels "passionately that all votes should be counted" also politely ignores votes derived from caucuses.

It goes on and on. She's a shameless liar that has been caught over and over again. Don't any of you people still supporting her care?

Is that really what you want in a President?

Colie Brice Music

2008-05-15T07:57:00.001-07:00

2008-03-16T13:10:00.003-07:00

For Immediate Release:

ATTENTION ALL MAINSTREAM MEDIA OUTLETS!

How can you not cover the Winter Soldier conference? How can you ignore real soldiers revealing the truth about our occupation of Iraq and the hideous atrocities happening over there?

You call yourselves a new organization? You are complicit in evil by not bringing this to light.

Wrong is wrong. There is no nobility in a mission that maintains such callous regard for human life and suffering. All innocent life is precious. Are we human beings or not?

http://ivaw.org/

2008-03-15T19:59:00.004-07:00

Winter solider tells the truth, winter soldier is the proof.

Led to battle for a lie, no longer can he deny.

Only death, no victory, creating endless misery.

Innocent life has been shed, grieving Mother mourns her dead..

Winter Soldier stop your violence.

Winter Soldier end your silence..

IRAQ VETERANS AGAINST WAR

http://ivaw.org/

2008-03-05T08:07:00.001-08:00

Is a "win" derived through manipulation of ignorance and fear really a win? Or is it a tragic loss for intelligence and reason?

Is four more years of fear mongering really the leadership America needs right now?

If my wife comes to and observes my gig, it does not make her a guitar player, so how does being First Lady give Hillary "Presidential" experience?

Wake up America, avoid candidates that galvanize their support by manipulating your worst fears and anxieties, support candidates that speak the truth, appeal to your sense of reason, and offer legitimate hope for real change.

Its 3 AM, your children are asleep, hopefully the courage of your convictions are not..

2008-02-19T20:30:00.001-08:00

(This originally appeared in The Rag, a monthly A&E publication that serves the Jersey Shore region)

We are extremely fortunate to live in an area with a rich and diverse cultural community. (Believe me, I know.. At one point I drove from coast to coast six times within a span of four years and observed many places in America where Walmart, a truck stop and Cracker Barrel were the only games in town. Homogenized is far too kind a term.)

Fortunately, here at the Jersey Shore, we actually have abundant, original, live music every night of the week! How many parts of this country can actually claim that? We have art galleries, independent publications, great public radio, hip boutiques, eclectic eateries, etc.. We in fact live within a vivid kaleidoscope of creative expression. This is a fragile and precious gift, yet how do we support each other in thought, word, and deed?

Its tough. Many of us adhering to our creative calling suffer for our art. We rarely make as much money as "normal" folks do and its financially challenging to patronize all the deserving and wonderful things around us. Conversely, and perhaps perversely, too many of those so called "normal" folks are more preoccupied and interested in taking their kids to see Miley Cyrus lip sync than thinking globally and acting locally by seeing an amazing local talent like Rick Barry at the Saint.

Simultaneously we are enduring an era (or error as the case may be) where we live in a world that values style over substance and where art is to often regarded as cheap, disposable, and free. So how does an authentic aspiring artist compete with free? How does a struggling news paper compete with a free web site covering the same ground? How does a musician inspire someone to pay for a download when there are a hundred thousand or more available for nothing?

In other words, how do artists inspire conscious compassion from consumers? It can be ironic. As a guitar player, if I'm playing in a club and someone digs my playing, its not uncommon to be offered a free round worth at least 3-5 bucks, yet if someone hears and enjoys one of my tunes online via an internet radio station or a podcast, it rarely compels someone to make a purchase at iTunes. Itruly believe that the only way the music business will survive is by individual artists cultivating meaningful, personal connections with their audience through live performance, an exceptional, constantly updated new media presence, and oh yeah talent!

But what do I know? Apparently nothing because the music business has collapsed as I knew it. Over 20 years in a career and now nothing I know seems to have economic value anymore. Ah the sweet sound of progress! Alas, I'm calling upon Rag Readers to inform me as to what it takes to inspire patronage for recording artists in 2008. Send me an email at: colie.brice@aeriarecords.com and let me know what you think. Tell me what takes to persuade you that the local talent of this region is genuinely worth supporting..

(Colie Brice is the Creative Entertainment Organizer (CEO) of AERIA Records in Asbury Park. AERIA Records has released recordings by popular local legends such as Agency, Brian Amsterdam, Rick Barry, James Dalton, Joe Harvard, Juggling Suns, Phantom's Opera, Mark Prescott, Brian Saint and the Sinners, and St. Christopher among others. Colie is also an active recording artist himself with over 200 tracks available at iTunes and other leading digital distribution retailers. For additional information please visit: coliebrice.com or www.aeriarecords.com

Still Got theNew Age Blues?

2008-01-03T08:53:00.001-08:00

Testing a cool facebook affiliated application..

Alleluia

2008-01-03T06:57:00.001-08:00

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New Age Blues

2007-11-30T10:57:00.001-08:00

2007-10-12T08:47:00.000-07:00

Dear Al,

You are welcome. Congratulations!

It can equally be said that the American leadership crisis is also a moral and spiritual challenge and that the Presidency of the United States is your greatest opportunity to lift global consciousness to a higher level.

You have already worked tirelessly and selflessly for many years, but we do face a true planetary emergency that perhaps only you could lead us through. You are the only leader with sufficient political capital, resoorces, support base, connections, moral decency, intellectual acumen, and spiritual insight to do this last great task.

Al please take what is already yours and consider your own words. The very Earth itself needs you, let alone your country.

Millions upon millions of us are ready to assist you and follow your lead.

Thank You,

Colie Brice

On Fri, 12 Oct 2007 11:10 -0400, "Al Gore" <AlGore@algore.com> wrote:> Dear Colie,> > I am deeply honored to receive the Nobel Peace Prize. This award is even> more meaningful because I have the honor of sharing it with the> Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change--the world's pre-eminent> scientific body devoted to improving our understanding of the climate> crisis--a group whose members have worked tirelessly and selflessly for> many years. We face a true planetary emergency. The climate crisis is> not a political issue, it is a moral and spiritual challenge to all of> humanity. It is also our greatest opportunity to lift global> consciousness to a higher level. > > My wife, Tipper, and I will donate 100 percent of the proceeds of the> award to the Alliance for Climate Protection, a bipartisan non-profit> organization that is devoted to changing public opinion in the U.S. and> around the world about the urgency of solving the climate crisis.> > Thank you,> > Al Gore> > To unsubscribe, please visit:> http://www.algore.com/unsubscribe.html?key=wm5EzVIFlH&x=U2FsdGVkX18g5D*XhVylPfDmY7Gk2ZhwNgZWz59DrxQ=

2007-10-09T06:44:00.000-07:00

Last night I watched Democracy now and was informed about the rape crisis currently being endured in Congo, Africa. How as a world commubnity can we let this continue?

George W. preaches about freedom and democracy and the nobility of our mission in Iraq and then turns a blind eye to this horrendous atrocity?

Our men and woman in uniform are heroes, now let them fight for something worth fighting for and do something that is legitimately heroic!

Give me a fucking gun, I'll go to the Congo and fight these inhuman bastards using rape as a weapon of war. This utter atrocity is as bad as the holocaust or anything else and its happening now.

We're idly pssing away time gossiping over Paris Hilton and Brittany Spears when shit like this is going on?

What the fuck is wrong with us?

Laurent Nkunda you are no man, you are no warrior, and you are no leader. There are no words to describe the nothingness that you are..

2007-10-08T08:14:00.001-07:00

A new report released to day by the Institute for Policy Innovation (IPI), reveals that theft of copyright-protected products, including motion pictures, video games, sound recordings and business and entertainment software, has cost the U.S. $58 billion in annual economic output, 373,375 jobs, $16.3 billion in lost wages annually and $2.6 billion in tax revenue annually.

Perhaps the only thing I can hope to do as an individual artist is produce works of sufficient substance, merit or appeal that inspire patronage. Music is everywhere and is an essential component to many for a life worth living, but it is all too often taken for granted by many people - like fresh air or water. I believe that the government should be making educational and vocational training available to music business professionals who have been utterly displaced by these profound changes that have occured.

A lot of people express such contempt for labels without ever even knowing the full score or reality of life at a record label. Major labels employ more than fat cat lawyers and accountants. There are engineers, archivists, shipping clerks, warehouse pickers, etc. - all good, regular people who are also suffering from this radical transformation. There will always be people willing to pay for live music, but not all studio work or composition is intended for live performance. These people deserve compensation for their efforts too. Its endemic of a contemporary society that frequently values style over substance and is ruled by selfish greed and apathy towards the plight of others.

I'm 39 years old, I support a wife and two children. I have been in the music business for over twenty years. I have been a major label artist and I have swept studio floors - most of the time I've been somewhere in between. I have often worked twice as hard for half as much as people in comparable positions in other industries because I know I have been fortunate to work in the area of my heart's desire.

Now as I approach my fortieth birthday I am eeking out a living in the fragments and scraps of an industry where at this stage of the game I should have been enjoying some of the fruits of my labor. I earned the right to health care and financial security just as much as anyone else in another field. In its stead, survival has become the new success in my area of expertise.

I hope people at least think about people in my position the next time they visit lime wire.

Granted I'm not a young kid in Iraq dodging bulletts over a bullshit war, and I know its all a relative matter of perspective and that I have much more to be grateful for than bitter about.

Yet all the same I believe working artists and musicians deserve to make a living too..

2007-09-25T16:12:00.000-07:00

Dear Al,

Please run again.. Please, please, please with a cherry on top!

We all know you got screwed over by greed, deceit, and ignorance. Please give us another chance to redeem ourselves.

You're the only one with the intelligence, moral decency, and resolve to lead us through this rat's chance in hell of surviving the back wash of our own stupidity and self destructive, selfish behavior.

You warned us. I mean you wrote Earth in the Balance in 1993 at a time when King George I was referring to you as "ozone boy". Yeah he was right, he sure pegged you.. What a jack ass!

So anyway, please run again. That Obama kid would make a swell VP and build up some genuine Presidential chops under your wings.

Also, let that Dennis Kucinich dude start that Dept. of Peace thang too, he's always going on and on about it and it sure couldn't hurt.. Hell if he could reel in that hottie wife of his, concocting world peace should be no problemo :) And all those Vegan dinner parties will get you and Tipper in bad ass shape bro!

And John Edwards as Secretary of State - a no brainer man, chicks think he's really hot and dudes like to play wing man with guys that get tail. A simple fact of natural diplomacy man.

Finally Hillary Clinton.. Since she wants to get back in the White House bedroom so bad, let her be your whore! She's got the experience, I mean she's already prostituting herself to special interests..

Anyway, thanks for your anticipated consideration,

Colie Brice

PS - Catch U later Brutha, gotta hear Springsteen's new tunes!

2007-09-24T17:49:00.000-07:00

Luna Muse Vol. II iTunes Link

2007-09-22T13:24:00.001-07:00

There's so much archeology to the soul.. Layers of life hidden beneath the surface that need to be dug up, examined, cleaned up and put forth into the light. Things forgotten or discarded that require attention again.

Maybe that's why I enjoy improvisational music so much. To be in the hear and now of it, the ego needs to step aside and let its hair down so the soul can puke up some undigested fragments of experiences and trauma that need to be dealt with..

2007-09-20T15:43:00.000-07:00

Such outrage over Move On's "General Betray Us" Ad.. Its certainly not a particularly tasteful ad, but its certainly less appalling than the senseless death of our soldiers and Iraqi civilians, and its certainly less appalling than Halliburton's war profiteering and Blackwater's freelance death squads..

People are finally waking up and getting angry enough not to swallow anymore of this shit. Thank God, I hope its not too late..

2007-09-19T19:10:00.000-07:00

"Luna Muse Volume II is my latest batch of crazy tunes and soundscapes. Most of this stuff was recorded between February 5 and August 27, 2007. These are primarily lo fi or shall I say co fi :), experimental, and spontaneous recordings. The idea is to just let it flow and use technology to take a snapshot of my art, not have my talent be enslaved to the recording equipment or process (that and I'm as bit reckless, crazy, and lazy.)

I prefer the natural presence inherent in spontaneous recordings and don't mind a little pick up noise from my guitar or the dog barking in the background. In my opinion, it gives the recording more warmth and organic tone. The irony is that I spent seven years of my life working at audiophile record labels (thus my journey from mofi to lofi to cofi)! Don't get me wrong.. I enjoy high fidelity productions and I do love and appreciate great sounding gear (musicdirect.com), but that whole scene too often felt pretentious and elitist for my tastes and perspective. People spent way too much time jerking off over impedance issues with their interconnect cables and not enough time enjoying listening to the actual music itself.

Anyway, here's the track descriptions for my lastest sonic home grown. Tracks includes songs, simple blues jams, beats, and improvised sound sculptures:

MY FRIEND - Another Surf Goth tune recalling memories of a friend who killed himself and the times we spent together. His name was Mike Scrivani and we played together in the Jersey Shore open mic scene and did a lot of bad cover gigs together. He was a really good, talented, sweet guy who unfortunately had hell hounds on his trail..

JUST PASSING THROUGH - I tend to be grandiose and take myself way too seriously sometimes. Like many artists I know, I tend to be too self absorbed and like most people in this day in age, I get caught up in stress and anxiety while trying to make ends meet, reach my goals, and simply survive in an increasingly complicated world, etc.

Sometimes its useful to remember that we're just passing through. All the money we make, all the material things that possess us, are things we can't use or enjoy after our death, so, maybe there really is something to be said for enjoying what we have in the present - the here and now, since it could all be over in a nanosecond..

ON AND ON - this song is a rally cry about determination and fortitude.. Its about getting back on the horse - achy bones and all. When we stop trying, we start dying. I don't care if you're as successful as Bruce Springsteen, a creative spirit is restless and must move forward, there really is no finish line..

REAL BAD NEWS - A standard blues tune with some interesting clarinet and vibraphone work..

CATEGORY 5 - A fierce, high energy, bone crunching, extreme surf jam.. The sound quality kind of sucks - because I was trying too hard to be clever with a gated compressor, and oh yeah what a pretentious, insensitive song title ;)

BRAVE NEW WORLD - There is nothing like the feeling of getting thrashed around by the Ocean a bit, then stumbling home as the sun sets leaving you stress free and chilled to the bone..

JAY WALKIN' BLUES - Here at the Jersey Shore, there are many great musicians and many huge egos striving for stature and attention. Jay Walker pursues a different path, he's a musical ninja whose talents serves many around these parts. You always seem him coming out of the shadows when you least expect it. In the theatre of my mind this is what I hear when Jay's a Walkin'.

SMOOTH JAZZ BLUES IN F# MINOR - exactly as the name implies, just some chilled out riffing..

RAINY SUMMER SUNDAY IN BRADLEY BEACH - You guessed it! Recorded on rainy summer Sunday in Bradley Beach, NJ. A mellow, ambient improvisation featuring timed delays and the natural ambience of the rain.

INVOCATION OF THE LIZARD KING - I'm a pretty big Doors fan and this improvisation just kind of reminded me of Jim Morrison's shamanic side - thus the provocative title. I really like this one..

LUNA MUSE - Composed and recorded on August 28th on the eve of a total lunar eclipse while four children were playing in the studio..

ELIJAH CROONING AGAIN - A follow up to the smash hit "Beautiful Boy Crooning" :) I love getting my kids in the background of my recordings as they grow up. Its pretty cool, but also sad and sentimental hearing their voices change over time..

REMEMBER WHEN - Just a simple, sappy old fashioned bit with some syrupy harmonica playing..

80's MELODRAMA THEME - I cringe with embarrassment when I hear this, yet it had to come out. Some music is like that. You have to empty yourself in order to make room for other stuff. Coming of age in the 80's this kind of music was in movie soundtracks, pop recordings, commercials, etc., so I guess alot got in me too..

STRIKE UP THE BAND - SEE ABOVE TRACK DESCRIPTION :)

PENSIVE REFLECTION IN D - even more overtly sentimental melodrama :)

I WANNA ROCK (featuring Brianna Brice) - my daughter's latest "hit" song. She wants to be a rock star when she grows up. I beg her to have a back up plan. I hope she listens and keeps up her grades, yet somehonw I suspect she's a bit stubborn like her Dad..

ADDITIONAL "LINER" NOTES:

Anyway, I just want to thank the people that support my work. Especially kind folks like Pam & Bill in Freehold who buy all my CDs. Please note that this collection of music will only be available through digital outlets. I really don't see the point in making CDs anymore. With downloads people can mix and match the tunes they like the most from various bodies of work and its better for the environment.

By the way, it always surprises me which tunes sell the best. It is rarely what I would guess or even prefer. People have such eclectic tastes and opinions. Its been a huge learning experience for me. I used to judge my stuff and avoid releasing anything I thought was too corny, or personal, or sloppy or had some other self attributed negative characteristics. Now I just record the good, the bad, and the ugly and let the chips fall where they may.

Life is too short, you have to be brave, you have to face fear, and you have to take chances. In the end, its all we have..

Thanks for listening, please buy a few tunes if you like what you hear, I could definitely use your support.."

Colie Brice

August 31, 2007

2007-09-06T17:35:00.001-07:00

So a self obsessed multi gazzilionaire adrenaline junkie ends up crashed and burned while seeking yet another world record?

And now it is incumbent upon the tax dollars of Nevada citizens to pay for a search and rescue mission?

Why the hell doesn't Richard Branson put up some cash to find his buddy?

There's a tragic homeless problem in Las Vegas, there are kidnapping victims that aren't looked for properly, but there's plenty of dough to look for this asshole who willingly risked his life appeasing his own vanity?

Utter nonsense if you ask me..