Stayed in Dublin for the last couple nights and am heading home today. Done up in holiday shopping mode, it was good to wander the city. A lovely visit to the folks at the Decent Cigar Company and a stroll among the fruit vendors on Moore St along with the smells of various spices, chilies and curries from the shops that line the street were high points!
Willard Grant Conspiracy- Dispatches from The Ghost Republic
Tuesday, December 4, 2012
No Alibis
Another terrific experience playing No Alibis Bookstore in Belfast! Though, I always want to buy books and ship them home! Some lovely versions of songs including the lyrical violin Ruby supplied on Suffering Song and Archie's; more remarkable in that she'd never played or heard either before joining in! A very WGC moment.
Tuesday, November 27, 2012
The Gunter Sachs Collection at Villa Stuck
There will be no pictures.
Robert Rauschenberg.
Yves Klein.
Henri Cartier Bresson.
Andy Warhol.
Shepard Fairy.
Banksy.
Jean Tinguely.
A small but potent collection including works by the folks above and many others is being shown at Munich's Villa Stuck Museum. If you are in the city, this is worth the time to visit!
Afterwards drive across the city to Tollwood for some Christmas Shopping among the stalls, mulled wine, various festival style food options and what seems to be more hats than should exist in the world!
Robert Rauschenberg.
Yves Klein.
Henri Cartier Bresson.
Andy Warhol.
Shepard Fairy.
Banksy.
Jean Tinguely.
A small but potent collection including works by the folks above and many others is being shown at Munich's Villa Stuck Museum. If you are in the city, this is worth the time to visit!
Afterwards drive across the city to Tollwood for some Christmas Shopping among the stalls, mulled wine, various festival style food options and what seems to be more hats than should exist in the world!
Sunday, November 25, 2012
Friday Show
Like a cross between a classroom ( a large chalkboard above the stage) and a smart art gallery, the venue is a new one in a former factory for fabrics that has been turned into an art collective.
The Moonband are terrific as always! Great dynamics and harmonies and songs that seem to float in the air buoyed by their enthusiasm long after each is done. It is not hard to imagine them on a bill with The Decemberists and finding it complementary.
Even with the technical issues I was having, the playing was fun. Some interesting versions of old songs appeared along side some new ones. I am enjoying the experience of playing solo even though it is the least comfortable thing to do!
Monday night will see some differences!
The Moonband are terrific as always! Great dynamics and harmonies and songs that seem to float in the air buoyed by their enthusiasm long after each is done. It is not hard to imagine them on a bill with The Decemberists and finding it complementary.
Even with the technical issues I was having, the playing was fun. Some interesting versions of old songs appeared along side some new ones. I am enjoying the experience of playing solo even though it is the least comfortable thing to do!
Monday night will see some differences!
Saturday, November 24, 2012
Munich
After sound check, we wandered off to find coffee and ended up finding two gems in the bar/cafe Chaos and the bicycle store beside it. Restored and refreshed Racing bikes and fixed gear bikes artfully displayed are machines of great beauty and the macchiato was pretty great as well!
Wednesday, November 21, 2012
Bavaria
Early in the evening the ground fog was like a wall hiding all the fields from view. An hour and a half later it had disappeared and the cold rushed in. I stepped out on the porch to find this perfect web dripping with the remnants of the fog. 
Tuesday, November 20, 2012
In transit
Munich today. Am in Dublin for an early flight. Well early up anyway.
There is a big mechanical polar bear nodding his Santa capped head sitting in a sofa opposite me. It is nice to have agreeable company this early.
There is a big mechanical polar bear nodding his Santa capped head sitting in a sofa opposite me. It is nice to have agreeable company this early.
Sunday, November 18, 2012
A Dispatch from the People's Republic of Cork
Highlights from the last two weeks are hard to edit down to a potent little list! I'd say the surface has just been tickled and teased but not even fully scratched. Here is a limited list and in no particular order:
On A Pig's Back at the Old English Market for remarkable cheese and charcuterie.
Sunday brunch surrounded by history and the promise of the future at The Bodega at St. Peter's Market.
Coffee anytime at Cork Coffee roasters.
Seafood Chowder at Farmgate.
Hand thrown pizza at Franciscan Wells.
Handmade Gelato at The Odd Couple.
Hospitality at Hotel Isaacs and the best waterfall!
The truly inspired gift that is Cafe Paradiso.
The generous spirit of all who I've had the pleasure of having a conversation.
Thank you all!
On A Pig's Back at the Old English Market for remarkable cheese and charcuterie.
Sunday brunch surrounded by history and the promise of the future at The Bodega at St. Peter's Market.
Coffee anytime at Cork Coffee roasters.
Seafood Chowder at Farmgate.
Hand thrown pizza at Franciscan Wells.
Handmade Gelato at The Odd Couple.
Hospitality at Hotel Isaacs and the best waterfall!
The truly inspired gift that is Cafe Paradiso.
The generous spirit of all who I've had the pleasure of having a conversation.
Thank you all!
Thursday, November 8, 2012
Sunday, November 4, 2012
Ghost Republic News
The new record, " Ghost Republic", will see release and distribution in the UK and European territories in April on the mighty mighty Loose Records. We are pleased to announce our association with the lovely folks at Loose will continue. There will be more specifics announced as things develop but we hope to have a few surprises to announce, as they happen.
London- Half Moon
A great evening of very smart pop music last night at the Half Moon and then the WGC set....and the resulting contrast was as fun as it was extreme. Some very different takes on old and new material. Thanks to Pennyblack Magazine for having the evening.
Wednesday, October 31, 2012
Ghost Repubic News
Like swollen headed moles we are mixing away, noses twitching and brows furrowing as the dials turn and the sounds send out roots and tendrils into the musical garden. We hope to head to harvest soon. The book version of the Ghost Republic looks to have a publisher for next spring. More on that soon as well.
There is a rumor that Robert may play a song or two from the record in the upcoming shows but that is unconfirmed.
Time to fly! And by flying, time travels.
There is a rumor that Robert may play a song or two from the record in the upcoming shows but that is unconfirmed.
Time to fly! And by flying, time travels.
Sunday, October 28, 2012
Things We Like from This Week
The West Wing by Edward Gorey - a story without words.
Tatuaje Series P Short Robusto- a perfect small cigar
The Loves of Poets by Joseph Mills- evocative collage work
Moleskin Pocket Notebooks
Japanese Golden Curry
How to Make Books by Esther K. Smith- a instruction guide to making handmade books
Horchata and Guava mix- A perfect Sunday morning mix!
World Series Underdogs San Francisco Giants- always a joy to see a team perform beyond expectations. The first two games of the World Series were fun to watch as a rooter for the underdog...even without one of our teams in the game!
Taylor GC8 Parlour Guitar- just wow.
Tatuaje Series P Short Robusto- a perfect small cigar
The Loves of Poets by Joseph Mills- evocative collage work
Moleskin Pocket Notebooks
Japanese Golden Curry
How to Make Books by Esther K. Smith- a instruction guide to making handmade books
Horchata and Guava mix- A perfect Sunday morning mix!
World Series Underdogs San Francisco Giants- always a joy to see a team perform beyond expectations. The first two games of the World Series were fun to watch as a rooter for the underdog...even without one of our teams in the game!
Taylor GC8 Parlour Guitar- just wow.
Monday, October 15, 2012
Munich Moves Around! Friday the 23rd with the Moonband and the 25th Solo!
We've changed the dates for Munich to coincide with the start of the Christmas Markets! Not really, but it worked out that way so , why not! Come join us for a little holiday magic...or maybe some coal in a stocking!
Tuesday, October 9, 2012
WGC Solo in Munich! Revised Dates!
We are very happy to announce two (yes, for us it is a very rare and even risky thing to do) shows in Munich! One on Friday the 23rd and one Monday the 26th! You can see the details to the side. Robert will be playing some different songs each night...and maybe some of the same just in case you cannot be at both shows!
On Friday, we'll be playing with The Moonband (http://www.themoonband.de/) and we are ecstatic! This is a band close to our collective hearts. Dave played viola on some of their recordings! This is the third year running that we have done a show together so it looks like a tradition in the making. Even if you cannot be in Munich, please check out their website and listen to their music!
We hope you will be able to join us for these two nights of music.
The shows are being presented by Sofa Klub (http://www.sofaklub-konzerte.de/), please visit the site for more information.
On Friday, we'll be playing with The Moonband (http://www.themoonband.de/) and we are ecstatic! This is a band close to our collective hearts. Dave played viola on some of their recordings! This is the third year running that we have done a show together so it looks like a tradition in the making. Even if you cannot be in Munich, please check out their website and listen to their music!
We hope you will be able to join us for these two nights of music.
The shows are being presented by Sofa Klub (http://www.sofaklub-konzerte.de/), please visit the site for more information.
Monday, October 8, 2012
Sunday, October 7, 2012
Willard Grant Cospiracy SOLO in London
Or another way of saying that Robert will be playing and singing songs with a guitar.
This is the website for the Half Moon Pub in London: www.halfmoonpub.co.uk
The last time we played here it was a great time and we learned to love the music of The Monroe Transfer. Pennyblack Music Magazine (www.pennyblackmusic.co.uk ) is running the night and they always put on a dangerously good show. Tickets are available now.
We hope you will be able to attend the entire night but come when you can and leave when you must!
Sunday Morning
One of the best things about Sunday Morning here in the desert! Tacos Al Pastor for breakfast!
Saturday, September 29, 2012
Books on the desktop
Graciela Iturbide- asor
Purported to be loosely based on Alice in Wonderland, these dream like photographs are a black and white adventure down the rabbit hole of this remarkable photographer's imagination. The book also contains a CD of compositions by Manuel Rocha Iturbide, chosen as a direct response to his mother's work in this book. The 2011 book "Mexico/Roma" was one of the great finds of last year and "asor" is a magical addition to the library as well.
If you'd like to view images from this book and many others, it is available at photo-eye bookstore:
http://www.photoeye.com/bookstore/citation.cfm?Catalog=dq076
Purported to be loosely based on Alice in Wonderland, these dream like photographs are a black and white adventure down the rabbit hole of this remarkable photographer's imagination. The book also contains a CD of compositions by Manuel Rocha Iturbide, chosen as a direct response to his mother's work in this book. The 2011 book "Mexico/Roma" was one of the great finds of last year and "asor" is a magical addition to the library as well.
If you'd like to view images from this book and many others, it is available at photo-eye bookstore:
http://www.photoeye.com/bookstore/citation.cfm?Catalog=dq076
Monday, September 24, 2012
Quotes We Like
"Art is the highest form of hope."- Gerhard Richter
Text for catalogue of documenta 7, Kassel, 1982
www.gerhard-richter.com
Text for catalogue of documenta 7, Kassel, 1982
www.gerhard-richter.com
Sunday, September 23, 2012
Empty House Cooperative at the Iron Guild
Check out this great clip of Empty House Cooperative at the Iron Pour!
empty house...: Iron Guild & Empty House Cooperative at Mac Steel
empty house...: Iron Guild & Empty House Cooperative at Mac Steel
At Work In The Ghost Republic
We are busy at work here in the high desert and in other secret locations flung about the globe. Our current efforts are being directed at finishing a new record, finishing work on a collaborative book with photos and text by our friends and a short film to go with both. We are hopeful that these three similar but different items will see daylight next year!
Books and Films are something new to those who labor in the WGC woodshed. It has been and continues to be an interesting process, almost three years in the making. We are excited at the possibilities of mixing text and images with the music and adding new layers to the storytelling.
We'll do our best to keep you posted with the workings and developments as they begin to roll out. In the meantime, there are a few solo dates for Robert in November that we've made note of and hope you get a chance to attend.
Books and Films are something new to those who labor in the WGC woodshed. It has been and continues to be an interesting process, almost three years in the making. We are excited at the possibilities of mixing text and images with the music and adding new layers to the storytelling.
We'll do our best to keep you posted with the workings and developments as they begin to roll out. In the meantime, there are a few solo dates for Robert in November that we've made note of and hope you get a chance to attend.
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