January 4, 2008

Through a series of events starting with the uncovering of an 8 mm tape from 1979, I have rediscovered an album from 1982. The album was "Utopia" an honest attempt by Todd Rundgren to market a band that was brilliant musically. listening back this week the masses missed this altogether. The band consisted of Kasim Sultan, Roger Powell, Willie Wilcox and Todd Rundgren. The songs were all potential pop hits but none never panned out more than short little blips on the music hit screen.

What I love most about music and I realized it while listening to this album was how I remember the lyrics even to songs that seemed unfamiliar.

Love music.

Love this album. Dig into the past and have fun and give this album a listen

B.T.W. the uncovered 8 mm can be seen on You Tube. The artist is .
db7247 is a professional cinematographer and has been for the past 25+ years. The videos on Youtube of Utopia, were taken standing on chairs after waiting 9 hours in the sun and rain in the summer of New York City .
1979 Central Park and 1989 Dr, Pepper, New York City


Peace Always

Sharon

December 21, 2008

Todd Rundgren at the Birchmere
Arlington, Virigina
Photo by Sharon Lee

Having been an active supporter of Todd Rundgren's music for the past 31 years, the impact his work has had as important to my life as any friend or family member. There is not a time in the past 31 years that Todd's music was not playing in the background like some kind of theme music for my life.I had assumed that his fans would share my feelings about his body of work. But of course this is by no means true. Whenever I go to a live show or read a review or internet post I am over and over again hit with this reality. Thing is whether or not I like each and every bit of song that Todd creates, I still respect and appreciate the man as an artist. Some things work and some things don't but I always feel that what is made is a genuine reflection of his creativity. Even an album like "Deface the Music" which was an obligatory album made with attitude has many things of merit.

It's common for artists to be strongly criticized but good to remember that sometimes things that don't work at first morph into something amazing.

Peace Always

Sharon

December 18, 2008

Todd Rundgren
Rachel Haden and Kasim Sultan
Birchmere
Alexandria, Virigina
Photos by Sharon Lee

Yesterday my family and I took an overnight vacation and went to see Todd Rundgren a the Birchmere in Alexandria, Virginia. Living a rural area is much different in many ways than living in a city though my theory about living in different places is ultimately that you still get out of the same bed in the morning and eat the same breakfast no matter what your address is. Nonetheless we got a night in the suburbs (Alexandria, Virginia) and day in the city (Washington D.C.) and will spend the next many days back in rural PA.

Highlights of the trip

*Todd Rundgren (of course-fabulous as always with a great band: Jesse Gress (guitar), Kasim Sultan (guitar, keyboard and laptop), Prairie Prince (drums) and Rachel Hayden (bass)

*table in front of us at the Birchemere-at one end a guy playing wicked air drums and at the other end a beautiful lesbian couple comfortably sitting with the arms around each other.

*passing the George W. Bush Center for Intelligence driving into D.C.

*Sticky Fingers Bakery in D.C. all vegan!

*Pink house across the street.

*Ethiopian food somewhere in a great ethnic neighborhood on 14th (couldn't tell if it was N,S,E, or W) with no less than 25 television sets wall to wall around the perimeter of the top of the room.

*Finding my daughter's purse at the bottom of her suitcase (several hours after leaving D.C.)

Peace Always

Sharon

October 6, 2008

At some point of the day I do a quick summary of what I did during the day and if it translates to something that can be written in this blog. Nothing, it seemed to me at that moment had any bit of creative relevance, in fact I was shocked that a full day could go by without any creative impulses.

At first glance a day sans art:

Drove 2 hours to deliver a piece of camera equipment (free lance job)
Take-out at Thai Restaurant
Pick up painting at Frame Shop and drop off two photographs to be framed
Walk in Woods

That's it. That is the summary of today. However, during my last activity I thought more about my day.

Drove 2 hours
This is through the most beautiful part of Pennsylvania during leaf changing season. Past several Amish communities and lots of roadside veggie and fruit stands. Color Inspiration!

Take-out at Thai Restaurant
Nothing creative.

Pick up painting at Frame Shop and drop off two photographs to be framed
Actually I spent well over an hour trying to chose mats for two photographs I was to frame. Both of these photographs are of Todd Rundgren. Playing with textured and colored mats is fun and should be tried at least once by all.

Walk in woods
what can I say "Color Inspiration!!!"
and there was that bear....


Peace Always

Sharon

P.S. The Smokey the Zombie Bear series is now avaiable for sale on Ebay, Smokey the Zombie Bear I , Smokey the Zombie Bear II, Smokey the Zombie Bear III, Smokey the Zombie Bear IV

September 28, 2008

A self professed long time fan of Todd Rundgren, I keep up with his career via an email group, several web sites and a podcast,"Rundgren Radio". Recently Todd himself made an audio appearance (not sure what to call an audio appearance) on Rundgren Radio with an announcement that he was having financial issues and was offering an opportunity to buy into "The Second Mortgage Club where you would be his guest for the evening, go attend his concert, have some dinner, get a shirt, a USB of his new Album, posters, etc. and watch him record a song for an upcoming album he is working on.

Years ago I would have never imagined that an artist as talented as Todd Rundgren, a guitar player's guitar player, award winning producer and one of the most technological innovators for the past 40 years would have to resort to peddling his private time to pay some bills. Please don't get me wrong I do not see any problem with Todd doing this-he has bills and they have to be paid-everyone can identify with that scenario. However the state of the world is such that artists (musicians, comics, dancers, visual artists, etc) have to continue to hustle to make a living. This is not a surprise to me as much as a renewal of disappointment that this is how important the arts are for most people.

For more information about Todd Rundgren 2nd Mortgage club click here.

Peace Always

Sharon

August 16, 2008

I have been listening to Todd Rundgren faithfully since 1977. Last night was the first time/opportunity I have had to photograph Todd while playing on stage. Until recently cameras were strictly forbidden at concert venues but since the advent of cell phones that can take photos and cameras the size of a key case the banning of photography equipment is impossible to enforce.

Todd Rundgren along with several people he frequently tours with (Jesse Gress (guitar), Prairie Prince (drums) and John Ferenzik (keyboard), with Bo Brice (American Idol), Lou Graham (Foreigner) Denny Lane (Wings and Moody Blues), Christopher Cross, a small string and horn group and a remarkable bass player and keyboardist (Sorry don't remember their names) played the album Sg. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band in it's entirety.

We arrived at the venue a minute before the band came on stage and I noticed that there was a small group of people standing at the security gate a few feet from the stage. No one seemed to be getting chased away and I had my digital camera in my purse. I seized the opportunity and took a hundred of so photos.

Above are just a few.

August 1, 2008

H.B. Meagan
2006
acrylic on canvas
36" x 16 "

Today I spent mush of the afternoon riveted to a book by Kien Nguyen called "The Unwanted". It is a memoir of a man who grew up during the Communist takeover of Vietnam. As I was reading this book I realized that I tend to choose non fiction literature more often than not. I do read other types of literature but true stories are what appeal to me most.

This desire for "real stuff" follows suit in my music, art and podcasts interests as well. In music I am drawn to the authenticity of Laura Nyro,Todd Rundgren and John Lennon, art it's Frida Kahlo and my favorite podcast is Keith and the Girl. There's a similarity in presenting these artists' truths-not always the easiest to ingest but compelling nonetheless.

When I create I try to emulate those who put themselves out there by expressing themselves truthfully whether easy on the ears, beautiful to the eye or inspiring to the head.

July 15, 2008

7 Rays
2006
acrylic on canvas
38" x 30"

7 Rays
1. Freedom
2. Unity
3. Understanding
4. Harmony
5. Truth
6. Goodness
7. Beauty

The Seven Rays is a song written and performed by Todd Rundgren. For actual (not abridged lyrics click here)

The painting "7 Rays" is a simple a vignette of me and my daughter in bed at night-she sleeping and me trying to figure out the lyrics to 7 Rays. The cat to the left is my cat Malicia and the dog on the blanket is my dog Jackson who has passed on. Not sure the intention of the American flag on the right. To me the layers and layers of paint indicate that there was the beginning of an alternative painting underneath this one.

June 22, 2008

Photograph courtesy of Rick Brandt

As I guess with most artists, I draw my inspiration from other writers, visual artists, filmmakers and musicians. Since 1977 I have been lucky enough to be prevy to a musician who is constantly evolving, always pushing the envelope musically, spiritiually and artistically.

Today Todd Rundgren is celebrating his 60th birthday. Todd is a guitar player's guitarist. Most people know at least one of his songs without even knowing it. The Stadium song "Bang the Drum" (which I recently heard was a song about masturbation) is one of his most recognizable tunes. He has produced several Rock classic albums: Meatloaf's, Bat Out of Hell and Grand Funk Railroad's, We're an American Band, wrote music for cinema and television, was responsiple for creating the second ever viewed video played on MTV on it's inargural day, is a master musician, technician, stage performer and song writer.

To the man who gives me inspiration when I run out of steam Happy Birthday and may we all be fortunate enough to hear, see and feel more of the magic that you create. Happy Birthday Todd!

Sorry for the sales pitch but like everything life is expensive and there are always bills to be paid. If you like my work and want to support my endeavors please consider purchasing a painting. I have just put up the painting, "A Silver Titter Stole My Baby" on Ebay. It is a painting I'm proud for artistically as well as socially. It is acrylic paint on organic cotton and hemp canvas. Please feel free to pass the link to friends and family members and if you are so inclined feel free to purchase this painting for yourself.

June 22, 2008

Photo by Sharon Lee

My daughter has decided she needs to visit her grandparents who live at the beach. For the next few days I will be away. Keep checking back.

Sometimes I just feel so afraid
But I know that no one else has it made
So if I just believe in myself
I wont need no help from nobody else and I can make it alone
And everything will be cool, I got to keep on keepin on
Theres nothing else I can do

Todd Rundgren


Sorry for the sales pitch but like everything life is expensive and there are always bills to be paid. If you like my work and want to support my endeavors please consider purchasing a painting. I have just put up the painting, "A Silver Titter Stole My Baby" on Ebay. It is a painting I'm proud for artistically as well as socially. It is acrylic paint on organic cotton and hemp canvas. Please feel free to pass the link to friends and family members and if you are so inclined feel free to purchase this painting for yourself.

Peace Alway
Happy Birthday Todd Rundgren...thanks for all the great music

Sharon

May 27, 2008

Once again today I had a limited time to paint but I fixed some problem areas. Instead of the type about Felix the chimp (see May 18th) I replaced it with a quote from Todd Rundgren that more related to the painting.

"This is the ending of my song
It has made me blind and deaf and weak but most of all
It shows you that Im wrong
For you see its really twice this long
And if I should die tomorrow it will carry on"

May 14, 2008

Photo of Todd Rundgren by Mindy Hertzon. 

Today was a strange day for me and although my intentions were there I never got to accomplish what my goals for the day were. Between having my monthly menace and small but thought inducing issues that came up I was distracted to the point that here it is 5:53 and the best I can claim to have done today was go grocery shopping and feed my daughter and animals. Oh well. One thought I had (and I will relate it to art I promise) was a idea presented to me by someone near and dear to me to travel to Hawaii to celebrate Todd Rundgren's 60th birthday with him at his house. I have been listening to Todd since 1977 so this is basically a "once in a lifetime" opportunity to have Todd and family open their house to their fans to host a week long party. They live on the beautiful island of Kauai on 5 acres and approximately 100 other Todd fans will be camping along side of each other, eating, drinking and making merriment at one of the most beautiful sites on the world. So where's the hesitation come from? Having been a Todd fan for so long the most contact I have had is him on stage, me in the audience and a few times that I got to go backstage and say "Hi". How will it feel to see him day and night, see him as a real person with his flaws and imperfections after so many years of idolization? Because of the isolation artist need to create (and most desire) we never really get to see them with their hands down after all what would Jackson Pollack smell like after a week-long bender or would it be so romantic to see Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera in one of their throw things at each other fight? Whatever I decide I will always hold a special place in my heart for Todd Rundgren as his words and music have guided me through times both troubled and good. As all good artists do he crafted his words and music to reflect a universal truth that I could relate to even though we have never met and live worlds away. To quote one of his songs from "Initiation"

"You can say what you will about me

Talk is cheap and I don't mind

When you lay your life down in those grooves 

You know you're bound to get scratched up sometime

It's only just a song pay me no mind"

Todd Rundgren