Belote is an eclectic composer of modern chamber music, solo acoustic songs, jazz, and cutting edge electronica. The new album of songs about Einstein, "Portraits of Albert E.", is now available.
Four days of full immersion into the world of music, from concert music and jazz, to hip hop and country. There was a tremendous tribal feeling among all participants, and the chance to hear from legends like Quincy Jones and Bill Withers was an honor and a treat.
I came away fulling buzzed and inspired. I promptly wrote two songs and ordered a traveling guitar. It literally folds in half, and when full erect (sorry) it sounds pretty amazing.
The Spring rains made the creeks revive with rushing water and singing frogs while the blossoms were full and vivid. These pictures give but the merest hint of the quiet presence that pervaded these gardens. I wonder if the absence of other people had something to do with it.
Scroll down for lots of pictures and another musical interlude.
“I Will Always Love You” composed by William Belote
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Radio Willstar Music ASCAP
copyright 2009 all rights reserved
From a “still on the shelf” film score. Classical guitar by Scott Tennant
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“Open Mexican Beach” from the same film
Radio Willstar Music ASCAP
copyright 2009 all rights reserved
By the end of this January 2010, music directors at radio stations around the country will have “Portraits of Albert E.” in their music libraries. If your favorite station would play some of the songs from this album, feel free to contact them and/or me to play musical matchmaker.
Yes indeed! Inquiring minds want to know what is the Olympia Academy, who belongs to this rarefied bastion of thought, and can I join? No you can’t join, but listen to the podcast and learn something new about the young Einstein.
The truth is that music making toys hold a powerful allure over many of us musicians. While I have managed to relax my addictive state of mind some over the years, I remain fascinated with noise making devices, the software, and audio hardware that are the paint, canvas, and brushes of my work.
The computer is the heart of most studios these days. Here is my current setup:
Computers:
Apple Power Mac Quad G5 and Powerbook with dual Intel processors.
Most of the vocals and overdubs were recorded at Emily’s Basement, the studio of my co-producer George Landress. the recording path was generally a Soundelux U195 microphone into a Neve mic-pre into a dbx 160 compressor.
This album represents years of work and I am proud to share it with everyone. It is my first vocal work and is filled with pianos, guitars, synthesizers, strings, and musical portraits of one of the most brilliant and influential figures in history.
Words and music by yours truly, the beautiful cityscape pictures are not from my camera.
New York at night
Another morning rush in the cage of steel
I keep my coffee close as I hold the wheel
My longtime friend is the radio
I like a love song scenario
I dream of driving a real freeway
Where changing lanes isn’t work but play
Today’s the day I start to climb
I’ll find my way above skyline
I found the girl I love without trying
All the signs were green and inviting
The message flew from your eyes to me
The feelings grew with intensity
The streets where we learned to hold within
We can now escape from the scene – fade in
Today’s the day we start to climb
We’ll find our way above skyline
Trapped in ruts like traffic
Smothers out the magic
Talking, laughing, touching, teasing
Healing, growing, sussing, pleasing
Today’s the day we start to climb
We’ll find our way above skyline
The strength we feel when we combine
The warmth received from the sunshine
When we find our way above skyline
Hebrew University in Israel, to whom the bequeath of the Estate of Albert Einstein has been made, has formally approved the release of “Portraits of Albert E.” by William Belote. The personality rights of a iconic figure like Einstein are not licensed without a thorough review of the product and creative force behind that product. It is an honor to receive their stamp of approval. Here is some of why I was inspired.
The fantasy world of the amusement park captivates a lonely man. Two songs written and produced with George Landress
The imagination of a lonely heart will conjure attraction and the promise of love from anywhere – a split second expression, a song on the radio, the projection of desire onto unsuspecting people, or images of people. Sometimes if we aquire the object of our desire it will induce an amazing change in perception as the fantasy transforms into reality, and what had previously been the magnet of our devotions changes polarity and becomes repellent. These two songs address these themes.
The Amusement Park
You pass me by – Am I dreaming
The ferris wheel ride – Gives my life meaning
Could it be that you exist
The answer’s right here but I resist
My heart is cold – Trapped in a shadow
I run away – Through bright lights and tunnels
Hold on to me as we spin
We’ll stay in the air and go round again
chorus:
Wooden statues of princes and maidens
I want to be at the amusement park
Dancing alone inside a crystal ball
There you will be at the amusement park
I can’t explain – Why you move me
You entertain – And somehow prove to me
Only you can break this spell
I’m lost in a fog and I just can’t tell
chorus:
I just hang around cos I’ve got no place to go
I’m so hooked on you within this travelling show
chorus:
I want to be at the amusement park
Dancing with you, I’m playing a game of chance
There you will be at the amusement park
The Attractive Force
I’m drawn around you like a whirlpool
Everywhere I go I feel you pull me in
I could drown in your eyes, I’m just that kind of fool
But I can’t be weak, I need more strength within, and
Chorus:
Freedom from your face
Freedom from your voice
I’ve got mine – you got your place
I’ve got to fight the attractive force
The attractive force
You came around, full of promises
You had such great visions for you and me
But then I took a closer look deep inside your island
Barren and silent – there’s no one there, I need
l love to hear you talk – love where your mind goes
I’ve seen you make mountains from mere ideas
But I’m stunned into silence watching how you pose
Yes indeed! Inquiring minds want to know what is the Olympia Academy, who belongs to this rarefied bastion of thought, and can I join? No you can’t join, but listen to the podcast and learn something new about the young Einstein.
