Thanks for supporting my Kickstarter Project!

Mike Neer · Post by **Mike Neer** » 1 Oct 2015 6:43 pm

I know it is a lot to ask of musicians, but this is a project that I am really hoping to do the right way. It is the music of Thelonious Monk adapted for steel guitar, but mostly outside of the Jazz context.

I have posted a few demos of my arrangements here over the last few weeks and many are still evolving at this time. This project has me excited more than anything else I've been involved with for many reasons, but mostly because I have found a great vehicle for the type of playing I like to do. It is also giving me an opportunity to show some of my arrangement and production chops, which are very diverse.

If you have a minute to check it out, please do. I am offering a few rewards, nothing outrageous, but one of the rewards is a folio of my arrangements, which I think will be pretty cool. I'm not offering "executive producer" credits or "your name in the credits" type rewards, because really, who cares about that.

My estimated completion time for this is September 2016, but the fundraising will only be active for the next 45 days. The project will not be funded if the target is not met.

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/19 ... us-project

And just for the heck of it, here are a few quick home demos:
https://soundcloud.com/ionahoopii/sets/ ... ious-demos

Charlie McDonald · Post by **Charlie McDonald** » 2 Oct 2015 3:06 am

This is the most exciting and worthy steel project I've heard yet. I've already praised your playing and production and won't belabor it,
but you capture it well in the demo, with the quick segues that really keep it going. Monk's sensibilities are out there,
and you're very much in keeping with them.

I'll be making a modest donation, and hope that others keep this topic bumped and the project bankrolled.
You're driven, and I'm happy to go along for the ride.

Andy Volk · Post by **Andy Volk** » 2 Oct 2015 3:43 am

Just went over to donate and Mike, I'm happy to "pony up" for this worthy project and I'm looking forward to what will come of your obvious passion for Monk's music, scary-good technical skills on the instrument and inherent taste and creativity. To other folks on the forum who've long benefited from Mike's posts here, I urge you to give our pal a financial boost!

Mike Neer · Post by **Mike Neer** » 2 Oct 2015 4:43 am

Thanks very much for your support and words, Charlie and Andy.

I'm not very optimistic that I will reach the financial target, mostly because it will take a great number of pledges to get there, especially since I don't have any big ticket rewards available.

The project will get done either way, but doing it on my own will have a very different result. I really need to have living breathing musicians on it whose names are not Mike Neer.

Ralph Czitrom · Post by **Ralph Czitrom** » 2 Oct 2015 5:20 am

Mike - Supporting this project is a no brainer. I've always admired your desire (and ability) to expand the possibilities of the steel guitar.

To me, you're a modern steel guitar hero. Good luck!

Charlie McDonald · Post by **Charlie McDonald** » 2 Oct 2015 3:20 pm

Mike Neer wrote:... it will take a great number of pledges to get there, especially since I don't have any big ticket rewards available.... I'm not offering "executive producer" credits....

I suppose if I pledged $5000, I could become your executive producer and make sure the tunes got sequenced in the most commercial way....

Ralph Czitrom wrote:... a no brainer.

I really need to have living breathing musicians on it whose names are not Mike Neer.

Were this to get off the ground as a grass roots thing, it might have more impact.
Urging more musicians to examine the goods and be in a position to receive the music when the project is done.
I think it's going to be a really good one.

Rick Bernauer · Post by **Rick Bernauer** » 3 Oct 2015 3:03 pm

Glad to back this project, Mike. I've enjoyed your posts, tabs and lessons. Looking forward to hearing these pieces when it's finished.

Mike Neer · Post by **Mike Neer** » 5 Oct 2015 4:18 am

It's hard for me to fathom the amount of support I've received in just 4 days. I am at a complete loss for words.

I spent last night working on a new arrangement of the first tune Mr. Monk ever recorded as a leader, turning it into a Travis-picking bonanza.

If you know of anyone who might be interested in supporting this project, please share it your Facebook page or wherever.

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/19 ... us-project

Len Amaral · Post by **Len Amaral** » 5 Oct 2015 4:57 am

Hi Mike,

This type of music may be a bit above my pay grade but I'll support your efforts. I just donated to your kick starter project.

Regards,

Lenny

Mike Neer · Post by **Mike Neer** » 5 Oct 2015 5:07 am

Thanks, Lenny!

As far as the music being over your head, my goal is to take the music out of its context and present it in ways that show off the steel guitar without compromising the essence of the compositions--that's the goal anyway. So you might hear some Monk in a Sleepwalk-ish kind of vein...just maybe.

Nate Hofer · Post by **Nate Hofer** » 6 Oct 2015 4:13 am

Looking forward to this. Mike's playing is as inspiring to me as it is influential. And it's clear it is to many more here on the Forum. I've backed this project. Let's get this funded right here on the Forum!

Mike Neer · Post by **Mike Neer** » 6 Oct 2015 6:34 am

Thanks, Nate!

According to Kickstarter stats, projects that reach 30% of the goal within the first week have a 90% chance of being funded. I have reached that amount in 5 days, which is a complete surprise to me. I am even beginning to feel optimistic (and nervous)!

Andrea Tazzini · Post by **Andrea Tazzini** » 6 Oct 2015 8:56 am

backed!

Mark Harpainter · Post by **Mark Harpainter** » 6 Oct 2015 12:06 pm

Mike -
Always love your posts and musical adventurous-ness.
This "kicks" it up a notch, and right up your alley.
I'm putting something in the pot and can't wait to hear the results!
Good luck.
Mark

Charlie McDonald · Post by **Charlie McDonald** » 7 Oct 2015 4:11 am

I'm glad to see this topic floating with few extra bumps. Can't imagine why the process would make you nervous!

I still wonder if expanding it into other sections of the forum might bring more results. The more the merrier!

Mark Roeder · Post by **Mark Roeder** » 7 Oct 2015 7:53 am

Yes....I have been waiting for something like this from you. can't wait for the final product!

Todd Clinesmith · Post by **Todd Clinesmith** » 8 Oct 2015 10:14 am

Great to see and hear about this Mike.
I'll be kickin' in at some point.

Can you add the audio clip to the kick start page ?
My wife wanted to share it on facebook, but wanted her "friends" to have one of the audio samples to hear.

I'm sure you will reach your goal. You have done so much for the non pedal steeler's here on the forum. As Ralph said , it is a no brainer.

Todd

Mike Neer · Post by **Mike Neer** » 8 Oct 2015 10:50 am

That's a great idea, Todd. I added an audio clip to the page. Also, it was my intention to take some new shots of the cast aluminum steel, but I haven't yet. BTW, that guitar is simply amazing and a big inspiration and motivation for me to get this project going.

Guy Cundell · Post by **Guy Cundell** » 10 Oct 2015 12:12 pm

I am very pleased to support this project, Mike. It looks exciting, pushing steel guitar into new areas. If the instrument is to survive and prosper it must attract new participants and this is just the kind of thing that is going to do it.

Henry Senior · Post by **Henry Senior** » 12 Oct 2015 2:57 pm

backed! looking forward to hearing the results..

p.s. your website is a goldmine!

Charlie McDonald · Post by **Charlie McDonald** » 17 Oct 2015 2:46 am

Take It To The Top

I can see Monk writing a song called that. He was a real original, the guy I started out trying to imitate on piano.
Mike does an exceptional job--not imitating, but expanding on what this piano pioneer wrote.

Bob Stone · Post by **Bob Stone** » 18 Oct 2015 8:13 am

I'm in Mike, and looking forward to the results.

For what it is worth, my favorites include Bemsha Swing and 'Round Midnight.

Thanks for all you do.

Bob

Paul Stauskas · Post by **Paul Stauskas** » 18 Oct 2015 2:29 pm

Awesome project, pledged!

Mike Neer · Post by **Mike Neer** » 18 Oct 2015 9:30 pm

Thank you so much for all the support! Bob, I agree about Bemsha Swing--I have some plans for that one.

Here is a little something I just finished recording a little while ago, as a rough sketch, although it has taken me a few days to be able to play the head alone! This is a very difficult, but fun tune called Off Minor. I had an NRBQ-esque type vibe in mind, and I'd love to have some Farfisa organ on the record. Was also going for a slightly dirty, raucous Telecaster type sound. What do you think?

https://soundcloud.com/ionahoopii/off-m ... -mike-neer

Bob Stone · Post by **Bob Stone** » 19 Oct 2015 5:27 am

Very, very cool Mike.

Keep up the creativity. Onward!