Russ Hewitt's Videos (Indie Music Channel) - Indie Music Channel

Russ Hewitt & Irving Symphony Orchestra: Lydia

2023-02-28T22:10:41.172Z

Please visit http://www.russhewittmusic.com For more info on bookings and live performances.Written and composed Russ Hewitt'Lydia' from the CD 'Bajo el Sol'...

Chasing Horizon (feat. Nuno Bettencourt)

2022-07-19T14:37:15.590Z

STORY

Initially I came up with the chorus chord progression. I liked the fingerstyle arpeggio motif I was doing but wasn't sure what to do with it. I played it for my producer and he suggested I put it in a 7/8 time signature, from there the song fell into place very quickly. When we recorded the song, I thought the drums and bass were just killing it. Almost like a power trio kind of vibe where everything was locked in. When I was listening back to the song, I kept thinking of Nuno and how he would lock in with EXTREME on funk grooves. I felt this song would be rhythmically and harmonically interesting enough for Nuno to play on, so I reached out.

NUNO BETTENCOURT

Every time I've spoken with Nuno, our conversations always lead into Flamenco and Spanish guitar players. He's a big fan of the style and quite knowledgeable. I knew at some point I would want to present him a song and felt this was the perfect one to do so. I had requested that he used a nylon string guitar on it, but said an acoustic would work too or an electric with no distortion. Nuno was very active in the final production of the song, suggesting that I add a quarter note ride or cowbell throughout the song and adding in the hand claps during the solo. His positivity and enthusiasm towards the song and my playing was really encouraging coming from someone of Nuno's stature.

VIDEO

After watching Nuno's video of his solo, I was inspired to do my video in a location that most people have never seen before. I found a small town in the middle of Mexico with a population of a couple of hundred people. It was filmed all in one location outside of the Iglesia De Jalpa. Surrounded by mountains, 30ft high cactus, an old Mission in ruins, and the Church of Jalpa, I couldn't have asked for a better spot. A three hour drive from the nearest airport, I feel confident that no one has filmed a video here. Ha!

TANGO ANH (Ballroom remix)

2022-07-18T20:08:38.115Z

STORY

After my dad's passing in 2006, my mother took up ballroom dancing as a way to stay occupied and fit. As a surprise for her, when i began recording for my second CD i wrote “Tango for Anh.” I would surprise her again after attending one of her dance classes where I got the idea of a remix in the style popular with the dancers. This time, I included a video. She was thrilled and proudly showed it off to her friends and dance class.

VIDEO & CONCEPT

I found actors to portray my parents just as they were after they married. In fact, the closeup shot of the hand before the dancing begins is my father's wedding band. At the end of the video, there is a montage of my parents, including recent photos of my mother, which i was able to take without letting her know what they were for.

The dancers portraying my parents are renowned teachers and choreographers of Argentine tango, Hugo Patyn and Celina Rotundo from Buenos Aires, Argentina. With more than 20 years of global experience, they have been featured in numerous tango orchestras, seminars, concerts and videos.

The video was shot at the incredible Guitar Sanctuary in McKinney, Texas, by Joslin Dsouza.

STYLE

The remix is in a style called nuevo tango, a form of music that incorporates new elements into traditional tango music, oftentimes including the fusion of electronic and acoustic sounds. It also refers to the evolution of tango dance that began developing in the 80s. Some examples of neotango music artists are Astor Piazzolla, Tanghetto, Bajofondo, Federico Aubele, and Gotan Project.

SONG

I shortened the original song length by almost two minutes (apparently dancers don't like five minute songs ha!). I replaced the original drums with a combination of electronic and real drums. The song also features guest accordionist Vladimir Kaliazine, whose unique style lends to the melody during his solo spotlight.

The song was recorded and remixed by Bob Parr at Savannah Recording in Denton,Texas.