Kodak Zi6

We've just purchased a couple of Kodak Zi6s for our research centre at the Queensland Conservatorium. Terrific little unit that shoots in HD, directly to SD-Ram in H.264 format.

Comes with software for Windows, records .movs and so can also be easily used in Apple iPhoto or iMovie. USB flip out allows easy direct transfer to computer and on to web. In this case I've created a Vimeo group at http://vimeo.com/groups/qcrc

'The cast' of our recent Musical Futures events.

Great for interviews, PhD projects, ethnographies, etc.

Inside Music

New public lecture series commences this year at the Con. Entitled Inside Music, these intimate presentations by Conservatorium lecturers and guest artists invite the audience to explore what happens ‘behind the scenes’ as musicians prepare prepare their work. From 11 Mar 2009 in the Queensland Conservatorium's Ian Hanger Recital Hall, comes these thoughts from Gerardo Dirié:


Gerardo Dirié is currently Head of Music Studies at the Queensland Conservatorium in Brisbane, Australia.

He has been active in bringing Latin American music to a wider audience, not only through his work as composer and educator, but also as Assistant Director of Indiana University's Latin American Music Center, first under the direction of Venezuelan composer Ricardo Lorenz, and currently directed by Venezuelan conductor Dr. Carmen Téllez. He assists orchestras, soloists, ensembles and scholars from around the world in programming and studying Latin American music. For more about Gerardo and contact information, see www.gerardodirie.net

Playing for Change

I came across this wonderful video, a kind of remix of street musicians-meets web2. See what you think?



Turns out this is from a series by an organisation, Playing For Change: Peace Through Music, the first of many songs around the world being released independently. Featured is a cover of the Ben E. King classic "Stand By Me by musicians around the world adding their part to the song as it traveled the globe:

Can't help but notice though, no activity yet in the Oceania region. Hope we may be able to get involved in Australia, in music, the arts and the Asia Pacific. Terrific project.

And so to 2009 . .

Just back from some leave spent in beautiful New Zealand.

Some more pics here at mobile me, New Zealand North Island: Bay of Islands, Auckland, Napier, Gisborne, Rotrua, Copthorne.

Upcoming concerts calendar:

Greatly looking forward to Jeff Beck touring Australia after a very long absence. He's in Brisbane next week (29 January), accompanied by wonderful musicians, Vinnie Colaiuta on drums, David Sancious on keyboards and the sensational young Australian bassist, Tal Wilkenfeld.



In February, Grammy Award winning pianist-composer-bandleader Chick Corea and guitarist John McLaughlin tour Australia and New Zealand - joining forces for the first time, I believe, since they were both members of Miles Davis’ Bitches Brew era band over forty years ago. Playing music with Kenny Garrett, Christian McBride and Vinne Colaiuta, the Chick Corea and John McLaughlin Five Peace Band should be amazing. Unfortunately, not coming to Brisbane, but at the Sydney Opera house, on 20 February.



Have a good year, everyone!