[Brian St. August]

Wow, what an amazing video clip!

[Brian St. August]

Paul, that is just wonderful and it takes me back to the art during my “day” as a 60’s person. Thanks so much for sharing this painting. I could easily see it on the cover of the work of a really enlightened group … MonaLisa Twins certainly fits that definition.

[Brian St. August]

Yes, folks, open tuning is simply tuning the guitar so that simply strumming it with no fingering sounds the chord that it is tuned to such as G, E, A, C, D and others, although these are among the easiest and most popular. There are Major and Minor chord open tunings. When tuned that way, fingering other chords requires different fingering positions from the standard tuning of E-A-D-G-B-E. So that can be a deterrent to some players, but the sound of open tunings give a different suggestion to the ear of the guitarist or composer and can sometimes stimulate creativity. A number of years ago, I was recording a stellar open tuning ( or alternative tuning) guitarist in my home studio. The next day I decided to try some of those tunings. I tuned to an open G and amazingly wrote a song that I had been mentally harboring for almost fifty years. The tuning just suggested something different to my ears that I hadn’t experienced before.

The down side of open tunings is something that Lisa has shared with me: It is difficult to modulate (change keys within a song) in open tuning. It isn’t impossible, but it can be very challenging. So typically, if you are using an open tuning you will remain in the key in which you started throughout. Sliding up or down a half step or a step can be accomplished by sliding a capo (David Wilcox does this excellently on “Rusty Old American Dream”), but it is hard and only works in certain situations. Joni Mitchell was famous for using alternative tunings and often created her own. On stage it can be challenging to have to change your guitar tuning constantly as you go through your repertoire of songs in other keys. It isn’t unusual for the audience to become impatient.

 

I hope this helps to better understand the concept, usage, advantages and limitations of Open or Alternative Tunings. Best… Brian

[Brian St. August]

Thanks so much for sharing this information with me, Lisa. I really appreciate it and I am so very impressed with your vocal ability which seems to have no limits. Stay groovy, Ladies, and keep up your fabulous music!

[Brian St. August]

Thank you, Lisa, that is a very helpful answer.

[Brian St. August]

Thanks so much, Lisa, for your very thoughtful response. I write my material and modulations similarly. The modulatons are part of the composition and not the production.

[Brian St. August]

Thomas Randall, please stay safe, my friend. I am in Maryland and as you know we are having quite a time as well. I am currently volunteering to make facemasks for Johns Hopkins in order to get out of the house a few hours.

[Brian St. August]

I have never detected a negative note in either Mona or Lisa. They seem to be very affectionate, mature and considerate ladies. I am sure they have their moments like we all do, particularly since they spend so much time together, but they just strike me as really well adjusted people. Without selling them short for those qualities, I also look to Rudi and Michaela for the giggle in the twins eyes and their creativity and kindness. I think it is a pretty loving, supportive and positive environment.

[Brian St. August]

Hi Lisa!

So I was right! You are the older sister … by five minutes. 😀 I’ve always thought that some of your mannerisms were very much like an older sister. Love you both …

[Brian St. August]

Perfectly stated John Behle… I loved every word you said.

[Brian St. August]

Thank you, Mona, for your thoughtful response as always. Stay well and joyous …

[Brian St. August]

Although I am now primarily an actor, I spent the majority of my life as a singer/songwriter… since I was 13 years old. The songwriter in me was always an introvert, so I find the current situation an opportunity to meditate, get in touch with feelings and write both music and prose. When thinking of Mona and Lisa, I always experienced them as women deep in their thinking, but light in heart and I would hope that they are using this period to develop great new material and sharing it with the World.

I pray that the Wagner family remains healthy, happy and joyful… and I wish this for all of the MLT Club members as well.  Mona & Lisa, if you received back only a portion of the immense amount of love you have given to others, you would indeed be overwhelmed. You are family to me.

[Brian St. August]

Thanks so much for your lovely response, Mona. It was very thoughtful and informative. Big hugs to you and Lisa …

[Brian St. August]

A guy who had just interviewed me for his TV show sent me a message with MLT doing the Lovin’ Spoonful song, “Did You Ever Have to Make Up Your Mind”, with John Sebastian. I was immediately struck by their excellent harmonies, cute attitude and subtle humor. This made me investigate them more and not long after is when I fell in love. These girls are so talented, so fresh, so positive and apparently in the moment with life, that I just was “hooked”. Now every time I hear them and see them I am even more impressed than the last time. And mainly, since I discovered their music, I have a healthier outlet to deal with some very troubled times. Mona and Lisa, Michaela and Rudi are a gift to my life that I enjoy completely.

[Brian St. August]

That helps a lot, Lisa. Thank you very much.