09 December, 2016

QTN News: Year View in the Rearview

QTN DECEMBER NEWS
The only thing there is to atmosphere is sphere itself...


A.     The year view in the rear view
B.     Parakeetfishhead finally up on Bandcamp
C.     QTN music SALE – a sound gift to give
D.     Epilogue
   

Hello to you all. It's been a while since I've compiled one of these and was in touch this way.

A.     It's the last few weeks of an utterly impossible year overfilled with hairpin turns, blessed adventures, abrupt leavings of friends, family and heroes, unprecedented and disturbing upheavals, extraordinary experiences and so many facets of our swiftly tilting existence on the verge of total system collapse. As multiple apertures open wider, we somehow still must find the space to hold, to    b   r   e   a   t   h   e   , to refocus and revitalize this process of becoming.

Music is a tool in the box that has opened me to possibility and imagination nearly every day of this liferide and this year has been full of musical adventuring while celebrating the release of The Sound of Photosynthesis. Don't know what I would do without music through my hands and the wound wires and wood that centers and clarifies my focus while calming the rampaging elephants of the heart.

My traveling bounces have been smaller this year. I've enjoyed exceptional musical collaborations along the way with record release concerts in Texas, Oregon and Illinois, and great players with their huge talented hearts to a unified field of sound and unpredictability. I've gotten to continue to meet with the faces and ears who believe in this musicdanceprocess we know. All of this makes presenting music live all these years feel more like a privilege and a reward for this lifetime of work than ever before.

B.     An album I recorded back in the last moments of the 20th century with a team of Portland and Austin musicians, Parakeetfishhead, has finally been released in a high-res downloadable form along with The Sound of Photosynthesis. Click through like the heels of those ruby slippers to brianQTN.bandcamp.com and have a listen. You can hear whole tracks there instead of 30 second clips and even stream whole albums.

Bandcamp is how I can make my music available directly to you and it supports me directly through your purchases of tunes or albums I've recorded.

C.     For the month of December, to celebrate the return of the shortest night and to assist with your holiday gift list, my entire catalogue of songs there are now downloadable through Bandcamp for all of $36. That includes four whole albums – The Sound of Photosynthesis, Parakeetfishhead, Hearthearthearth, Guitarred and Feathered, the three song Food single and two other QTN rarities in whatever album quality files you prefer (wavs, FLAC or high res mp3s).  If you prefer old fashioned CDs, you can postal order by emailing me here or through the Bandcamp page there. There! I've just done my first late night commercial. But wait! Theres more...

•  The Sound of Photosynthesis hasn't made it to vinyl yet due to the unexpected loss of the truck I drove for the last 13 years last August. I got as far as making the reference master and it sounds wonderful with a needle riding its grooves so I have not given up on that pressing matter yet. I'm grateful for all the encouragement to proceed too.

• The QTNRG website is undergoing a long overdue housecleaning and overhaul and the new ear will bring it a much-needed new look.

D.     Lastly here, along with music and participating in the world around us in its precarious state, I think it important to do our best to create spaces for pause and reconstitution; to explore whatever resources are available as often as possible; to not lose heart even in the face of the many system upheavals. Yep, constant vigilance, expanding awareness, broadening consciousness, and taking part in this whirl are always part of the deal. Terrence McKenna has said in times like these, we must push the art pedal to the floor. That may be the best I have to give this ol whirl...

McKenna also said it's not a new age; it's an archaic revival – so let's have archaic and eat it too...

Fortunately, it's too late to stop now.

Thank you sharing part of your journey with me. Some of you have been part for many years now, listening to these songs that comes through this voice and hands, coming to the shows, staying in touch, buying the records and welcoming me into your sphere. The folks who come with the couches I sleep on are a thoughtful friendly communitarian bunch and this ride would not be possible without that incredible circle of energy.

Reading your letters and thoughts is fine medicine for me too and email makes it easy.
Write to me anytime. I read em all...

Your corn forest pundit,
bq

05 October, 2016

Harvest in the Heartland 2016

•*♪♫•*¨*•.♪♫ BRIAN CUTEAN *♪♫•*¨*♪♫•*
 HARVEST IN THE HEARTLAND 2016


So much is spinning on the autumn plates and I'ma heading thataways and looking forward to being in the far east midwest. My new album, The Sound of Photosynthesis is out and getting airplay and available by mail or at shows. The album art is eyepopping and the music is ear popping! Listen to tracks at brianqtn.bandcamp.com and order right from that page with whatever card you have. Order physical CDs through the same page. If you are a radio person and haven't gotten a copy for your station, drop me a line.

A cool new review just came out at Oregon ArtsWatch. Read it here.

Meanwhile don't miss these performances:

•• SUNDAY OCTOBER 2 • GROVE FOLK FEST ••
GLENVIEW IL

My first set is 11:55 am on the big stage and
at 2:45 pm in the Kennicott Courtyard.
I've played this fest more than 20 years and IT'S STILL FUN.
Music, crafts, food and history outdoors on a golden autumn day.
All ages welcome.
The Grove National Historic Landmark is at 1421 Milwaukee Ave.
Glenview, IL 60025. Phone is 847.299.6096



•• SUNDAY OCTOBER 30 • 7 pm ••
THE LAKE COUNTY FOLK CLUB

$12 general, $10 for members, seniors and students
Part of the "Behind the Song" series
Four half hour segments of a QTN concert and interview
with audience questions about process and creativity
at PRIMO (formerly In Laws),
720 Milwaukee Ave., Gurnee, IL 60031
(Milwaukee Avenue/Hwy 21 just south of Grand Avenue/Hwy 132)

thelakecountyfolkclub.org


•• FRIDAY NOVEMBER 11 • 7:30 pm ••
THE PEOPLE'S CHURCH, CHICAGO, IL
The 2nd Friday Molly's Café on Floor 3 1/2 (not wheelchair accessible)
A gorgeous old building and a caring community.
All ages welcome.
941 W. Lawrence Ave. in Uptown – just west of Lake Shore Dr.
East of Red Line at Lawrence
 
peopleschurchchicago.org


Updates later. Bulletins as they occur. Hope to see you.
Your corn forest pun-dit,
bq

07 August, 2016

August CD release in Portland at The Old Church!

This is gonna be a fine evening of Squint Yer Ears music and with a fine band to boot. The Old Church is presenting Brian Cutean performing with Lewi Longmire, Jason Montgomery, Simon Lucas, Courtney Von Drehle, Nancy Tannler and perhaps others Friday, August 26 at 8 pm.

Cutean/QTN has been in and around Portland for more than 25 years and has played venues like Alberta Rose Theatre, Mississippi Studios, Alberta St. Pub, the old East Avenue Tavern and countless others. The Old Church has been around a LONG TIME and we are honoured to play here.

Tickets are $12 in advance and $15 at the door and CDs will be $10 with yer ticket.






29 July, 2016

August Gig Number One – Libby Kirkpatrick and QTN at Tsunami

A big fun evening of the wildest music in the multiverse in an air conditioned space nestled in one of the best bookstores in this land.

I've been a huge fan of Libby Kirkpatrick's otherworldly musical songwriting for since the 20th century. You will be too I'm sure....

01 July, 2016

Brian QTN's Oregon July

Howdy folks!
A zoom of a busy spring it's been topped with a 3 1/2 week relaxofest at kerrville folk festival. lotsa guitar, late nights, that sweet Medina river, songssongssongs, and no computer for three weeks – the best retreat from this spinny whirl. i hardly knew how much I needed it until it was over and I found myself back in the cityzoom... whoa...

Just back to Oregon now invigourated and ready to spring into action and it looks like it's time. This weekend I play a Wordless Guitar gig in a cool place and then it's Oregon Country Fair time again and this year's dream band is non pareil: Jason Montgomery on bass, Lewi Longmire on mandolin, Kate O'Brien on fiddle, Simon Lucas on drums and percussion and me, singing with these great players.

My new CD The Sound of Photosynthesis is out, getting airplay all over and available at my gigs in person. Stream tunes and order online at brianqtn.bandcamp.com/album/the-sound-of-photosynthesis.

Here's the dates to fig yer raisin consciousness.

If you make it to the Grape Northwet this month, you can find me here:



••• SAT. JULY 2 – QTNSTRUMENTAL 
WORDLESS GUITAR •••
16 Tons in Eugene; 2864 Willamette St. on the Patio
 6 to 8 pm. Free. All ages welcome!


••• OREGON COUNTRY FAIR JULY 8, 9 & 10 •••
The QBand this year is Lewi Longmire, Jason Montgomery,
Kate O'Brien, Simon Lucas and spontenacious guests, the core band on my new album.
We have two official sets:
FRIDAY   JULY 8   BLUE MOON 1:20 pm
SUNDAY  JULY 10   SHADY GROVE 4:20 pm
(opening for MICHAEL HURLEY at 5:50 (another doan missit!)


More QTN this month too:
••• WEDS. JULY 13 – SCOBERT PARK, EUGENE – 7 pm •••
The annual post OCF exhale concert!
Picnics, kids, dogs, families and cookies encouraged.


••• SUN. JULY 17 – SAM BOND'S GARAGE – 8:30 pm $5 •••
A special musical evening of Splendicious Songwriting in the Round
with QTN, AMY SUE BERLIN and KENDRA KINSEY from Austin and TOM HUGHES


02 May, 2016

QTN's GOING THROUGH TEXAS WITHDRAWL 2016

It's that time of the year suddenly somehow!

That means I'ma headin down to the Hill Country for another round of visits, QTN concerts, late night Tex Mex food and and the rolling hills of whatever is left of that most beloved virtual rurality. Sun, sky and southwestern birds will all be most welcome to these Northwet behind the ears.

This last year has been a long un and I'm bringing a new CD with me, the sound of photosynthesis. I barely had time to play a proper CD release anywhere last year due to other circumstances so I put this year's date on the disc and NOW is the time. Order this new music directly from me via brianQTN.bandcamp.com in either CD copy with fabulous art, poster and lyrics or as downloadable high res audio files. Stream and listen to whole songs too. If you'd rather send a check or money order and order that way, just drop me a line and I'll send you an address to mail to.

You can also get a copy directly from me at a live music gig (there are several listed below coming up soon so save the dates) or out at the 45th Kerrville Folk Festival where I will be as well.

Lotsa precarious whew whoa and what th-?! this last year and I am very much looking forward to seeing as many of my Texas peops as possible. If you'd like to host a QTN houseconcert or hire me for an evening of wordless guitar music during May or June, I'm open to all that too.

Once again, I am leaving my 200,000+ mile Toyota truck in Oregon and that means I am on the lookout for a street legal vehicle I may be able to borrow while I am in the Austin/San Marcos area. Of course, the endibilities are posstless....

Here are dates and figs where I'll be sangin soon for your raisin consciousness. Bulletins as they occur, as they say and more will be added soon. Updates on my newspage QTNRG.blogspot.com

SATURDAY MAY 7 - Linda Allen's Fine Foods in Wimberley with Ike Eichenberg. 6:30 to 9 pm. A welcome return to a special town I went through often back in the 90s. The food is amazing and the people are great. Sit under the trees with a fine buncha folks eating a fine buncha Linda's food. 500 FM 2325, Wimberley, Texas 78676 512.847.5464

FRIDAY MAY 13 - Patsy's Cowgirl Café Songwriter Circle with Nancy Scott, Scooter Pearce and Jon Emery. This annual event is a songpull of the highest quality! 6:30 - 9 at 5001 E Ben White Blvd. Austin, TX 78741/512.444.2020

SUNDAY MAY 15 - QTN CD Release Concert at Radio Coffee and Beer with special guests and amazing musical friends. Celebrate the release of The Sound of Photosynthesis. Music begins at 8 pm. Two sets for all ages. Don't miss this one. 4208 Manchaca Rd. Austin, TX 78704

THURSDAY MAY 21 – JUNE 8 - The 44th Kerrville Folk Festival. I'll be there the whole time. What are you waiting for? Get your tickets, make your plans and come out to the Quiet Valley Ranch. Fall into the sky as you sing and meet a buncha people you may be friends with for the rest of your life.

More to come with last minute add ons and post-Kerr spontenacities.

Can't wait to see you soon!
Your corn forest pundit,
bq

10 April, 2016

April in Eugene

Hello folks!
I have been home less this winter than many even though I am everywhere I need to be. Sure am glad to be here for a few weeks to see the trillium in my yard, feed the birds and watch the bees. It is a pleasure and a much needed moment out of time after way too much zooming around lately. Suddenly we find ourselves buzzing in the boing of Spring again  and I'm excited about these upcoming concerts and for another Texas trip looming large this May.

My new recording, The Sound of Photosynthesis, is getting national airplay and many orders and fun letter responses. Listen to tracks online by clicking the title above and then order a CD for your house and car. You'll be glad you did.

This Tsunami concert next Saturday is the first of a two part record release celebration, the other taking place later this summer. I feel very fortunate for having a life that allows me to sing and play music I find. I thank you for signing up for these newsy bits that float through our collective aeythyrs. Here's the gig details:



  Brian Cutean & Nick Jaina's 
Evening of Words and Music
Saturday April 16, 8 pm
Tsunami Books/ 2585 Willamette
Sliding scale tickets $5 – infinitude

Saturday's Tsunami gig features a set apiece from me and from Nick Jaina. I've known Nick for many years and have long been a fan of his rich, contemplative musical recordings. All are a songwriter journey in the most splendicious way and he also has a new book out now, up for an Oregon Book Award and for good reason – it is powerful, focused and waylotsa fun to read. It takes you places and brings you back and that is no small thing these days.

We would love to play our songs for you and Tsunami Books is one of the best places for a close-up intimate show like this.  

12 January, 2016

A Valentine's Street Date?

Long time no send you spelling, words or news...
My greets from this burgeoning New Ear to you.

Finally back in Oregon after a very long Wood Goat year and hoping the 2016 Fire Monkey will be something a bit more playful.

So many unbelievable things happened last year and I sure am glad for a space to process awhile. One of the most best and most amazing things was the mix, master and manufacture of a new QTN record appropriately titled the sound of photosynthesis.

It's here! A New Ear and a new QTN album to hear!

Little did I know when I booked a week at Destination Universe (the studio with the most robots and science fiction i've seen) and jumped in with my musician friends that the world would forever be so deeply rearranged and just at the most appropriate moment too.

A Valentine Street Date?

That's the day the sound of photosynthesis will be streamable as a whole album via this Bandcamp page. Each week until February 14, a different tune from the album will be added to the tunes already posted. Starting today you can hear Next Big Thing with me, Jason Montgomery, Lewi Longmire, Chris Funk, Jenny Conlee and Simon Lucas. Start your day with a new QTN tune up.

Check in with my newspage here and bookmark the link for updates to be notified each week. If you 'Like' the QTN FB page (don't forget to click 'Get Notifications'), you'll receive a link to each week's new track and updates. The street date is six weeks away, but you don't have to wait to order the new album. It's already available for downloading and you can order a physical CD too via Bandcamp right now – at this very moment.

Will you be my Valentine Street Date?

I need help getting the word out so tell friends and share the Bandcamp link wherever you can. Streamlisten whole tunes or download album-quality files or mp3s. A limited run vinyl version of the album is coming too so get orders in early for that. The reference lacquer we cut sounds amazing on a real stereo turntable...

Monkey will prevail one way or another this next year and that's the perfect excuse for a mischievous celebration to send this new record out into the world and into the infinite aeythyrs. Monkey Year begins February 8, Valentine's on the 14th... And the many petalled tale tells the road less taken... The point is taken, the beast is dead, the fluff, as they say, goes up your nose.

Your thoughtfulkind letters of the past year have been big soulheartfood and I thank you.

May you know that there's always a heart that beats inside your own.

Your corn forest pundit
bq