Monday, September 17, 2007
Tuesday, September 04, 2007
A LITTLE ABOUT PIXIE
If you have ever visited our house, you would have noticed
that Pixie never really came out and greeted you. She was
one of a kind. She was very private and only lived for
Pebbles, Hussain and me. It’s not that she was unfriendly
or rude but that was her personality. She would charge out
and bark at someone only if she didn’t trust that person or
if he/she was wearing a hat. Her instincts and her sense was
just right on the money about people. Pebbles is so friendly,
she says hello to everyone that visits us but pixie didn’t
trust just anybody. She was the happiest when we were home,
especially me. She followed me everywhere I went, including
the restroom. Something that I thought was cute was that she
would walk right behind me and tap the back of my leg with her
paw. I felt safe in the house if Hussain wasn’t around. One
day I invited a man to get a quote on Life Insurance and
Pixie barked at this man with vengeance from the time he came
into the house until he left. She hated him. She sensed
something bad about him right away and true to her barking
word, this man ended up telling me that he loved me. I
appreciated her suspicious mind and thanked her for her
intuition. Just like that, she also knew when someone didn’t
like her, she stayed completely away from them. When she
sensed that someone was sincere and really wanted to say
hi! to her and pet her, she then went up to them and said
hello. She was an amazing dog, almost like a little child.
I feel blessed to have had Pixie in our home. She completed
us as a family. She brought so much laughter and happiness
to our home. Not only in our home but when she went to
grandma’s and grandpa’s too, she got along with all the kids
and loved them all. She loved her best friend Pebbles.
Pixie was born with in-grown ears and because of that she
counted on Pebbles a lot and Pebbles in turn loved Pixie
and took care of her like her own daughter. They were soul
sisters. They spent the last 13 years together, inseparable
except for the time when Pixie had her ear surgery. Even
then Pebbles spent a few nights at the hospital just to
support her best friend. They got lost together and were
found together. One thing we had no problem with was that
Pixie loved Food. The only time she didn’t take her cookie
was if we were leaving the house and she wasn’t involved on
that trip with us. We always told her BBS(be back soon)and
she would just go to her corner and sulk. We called it
“Pixie’s Corner” which eventually became a tune on the easy
listening channel. Pixie and Pebbles always got a special
bone when we received the royalty check. We still receive
royalties for this tune, thanks to Pixie.
Pixie was half cocker Spaniel and half keeshond. This mix
is rare, just like her. She had the best of both her parents,
the calmness of a spaniel and the silliness and faithfulness
of a keeshond. When I first met Pixie, I knew I was in for a
longterm relationship and love with her. I knew one day that
I’d go through trauma when I would lose her, however I didn’t
prepare for that day. I loved my little Pixie very much.
Nothing else mattered to me, whatever I did,
whoever I helped, with our ever busy running from gig to gig
life and my work, I always ran back home to Pixie and Pebbles.
Amazingly, I found that my husband also completely falling in
love with them and before you know it, we were both rushing
home to see them. We both had our individual silly songs we
sang when we entered the house. Hussain was brought up with
Cats and I was so happy when I was able to turn him on to loving
dogs too. Pixie loved to play ball. The only dog I’ve met who
knew how to kick a ball. When we would play ball, she would run
and get the ball, run back halfway, drop the ball and then kick
it with her right paw to us.
We would like to say thank you to each and every one who visited
this site to pay tribute to our little Pixie. Thank you for all
the beautiful e-mails, phone calls, cards and comfort. She is
missed terribly in our home. PLS. PROCEED FURTHER PASSED THE
PICTURES FOR OUR "VIDEO TRIBUTE." THIS IS OUR RENDITION OF
"3 TIMES A LADY" PLAYED AND SUNG BY HUSSAIN WITH A LITTLE
HARMONY BY ME. WE WANTED TO GIVE IT OUR PERSONAL TOUCH
INSTEAD OF ANY TUNE OFF THE RADIO. THANKS AGAIN FOR VISITING.
that Pixie never really came out and greeted you. She was
one of a kind. She was very private and only lived for
Pebbles, Hussain and me. It’s not that she was unfriendly
or rude but that was her personality. She would charge out
and bark at someone only if she didn’t trust that person or
if he/she was wearing a hat. Her instincts and her sense was
just right on the money about people. Pebbles is so friendly,
she says hello to everyone that visits us but pixie didn’t
trust just anybody. She was the happiest when we were home,
especially me. She followed me everywhere I went, including
the restroom. Something that I thought was cute was that she
would walk right behind me and tap the back of my leg with her
paw. I felt safe in the house if Hussain wasn’t around. One
day I invited a man to get a quote on Life Insurance and
Pixie barked at this man with vengeance from the time he came
into the house until he left. She hated him. She sensed
something bad about him right away and true to her barking
word, this man ended up telling me that he loved me. I
appreciated her suspicious mind and thanked her for her
intuition. Just like that, she also knew when someone didn’t
like her, she stayed completely away from them. When she
sensed that someone was sincere and really wanted to say
hi! to her and pet her, she then went up to them and said
hello. She was an amazing dog, almost like a little child.
I feel blessed to have had Pixie in our home. She completed
us as a family. She brought so much laughter and happiness
to our home. Not only in our home but when she went to
grandma’s and grandpa’s too, she got along with all the kids
and loved them all. She loved her best friend Pebbles.
Pixie was born with in-grown ears and because of that she
counted on Pebbles a lot and Pebbles in turn loved Pixie
and took care of her like her own daughter. They were soul
sisters. They spent the last 13 years together, inseparable
except for the time when Pixie had her ear surgery. Even
then Pebbles spent a few nights at the hospital just to
support her best friend. They got lost together and were
found together. One thing we had no problem with was that
Pixie loved Food. The only time she didn’t take her cookie
was if we were leaving the house and she wasn’t involved on
that trip with us. We always told her BBS(be back soon)and
she would just go to her corner and sulk. We called it
“Pixie’s Corner” which eventually became a tune on the easy
listening channel. Pixie and Pebbles always got a special
bone when we received the royalty check. We still receive
royalties for this tune, thanks to Pixie.
Pixie was half cocker Spaniel and half keeshond. This mix
is rare, just like her. She had the best of both her parents,
the calmness of a spaniel and the silliness and faithfulness
of a keeshond. When I first met Pixie, I knew I was in for a
longterm relationship and love with her. I knew one day that
I’d go through trauma when I would lose her, however I didn’t
prepare for that day. I loved my little Pixie very much.
Nothing else mattered to me, whatever I did,
whoever I helped, with our ever busy running from gig to gig
life and my work, I always ran back home to Pixie and Pebbles.
Amazingly, I found that my husband also completely falling in
love with them and before you know it, we were both rushing
home to see them. We both had our individual silly songs we
sang when we entered the house. Hussain was brought up with
Cats and I was so happy when I was able to turn him on to loving
dogs too. Pixie loved to play ball. The only dog I’ve met who
knew how to kick a ball. When we would play ball, she would run
and get the ball, run back halfway, drop the ball and then kick
it with her right paw to us.
We would like to say thank you to each and every one who visited
this site to pay tribute to our little Pixie. Thank you for all
the beautiful e-mails, phone calls, cards and comfort. She is
missed terribly in our home. PLS. PROCEED FURTHER PASSED THE
PICTURES FOR OUR "VIDEO TRIBUTE." THIS IS OUR RENDITION OF
"3 TIMES A LADY" PLAYED AND SUNG BY HUSSAIN WITH A LITTLE
HARMONY BY ME. WE WANTED TO GIVE IT OUR PERSONAL TOUCH
INSTEAD OF ANY TUNE OFF THE RADIO. THANKS AGAIN FOR VISITING.
COCKER SPANIEL
Cocker Spaniels are renowned for their friendly,
faithful, playful, quiet and affectionate nature.
They have a loving temperament and are excellent family
pets. They will usually bond to one person in a family.
Cocker Spaniel was originally developed from careful
breeding of the English Spaniel brought to the U.S.
The name “Cocker” comes from the woodcock, a game bird
these spaniels flushed particularly well. Even though
they can be used for hunting, they are primarily glamorous
show dogs and companions. Cheerful, sweet and sensitive,
Cocker Spaniel is respectful of its master’s authority
without much challenge. Merry and endearing, a happy
tail-wagger. Gentle and trusting. They are lively,
playful and devoted but should be socialized well when
they are young to avoid a tendency for shyness. Usually
good with children. Cockers love everyone and need
people to be happy.
HISTORY AND ORIGIN OF A KEESHOND
The keeshond, pronounced KAYZ-HAWNED, is a stunning
dog with a characteristic facial expression. One of the
arctic breeds, the Keeshond is a wonderful companion and
loves children. The “Dutch Barge Dog” as he is sometimes
known, the Keeshond is the national dog of Holland and was
used to guard the canal boats in the 18th and 19th centuries.
It is thought that the Keeshond has an ancestry similar to
other arctic breeds such as the Samoyed, Pomeranian and
Norwegian Elkhound. Prior to the French Revolution, the
Keeshond was the symbol of the middle class. The leader
of the dutch patriot revolt was Cornelius De Gyzelaar,
nicknamed Kees.The breed associated with him and the patriot
party became known as the Keeshond. In Germary, the Keeshond
was known as the Wolfspitzen,in France, the breed was known
as the Chien Loup and in Italy, the Lupini.
Also known as the “Laughing Dutchman” because of his
smiling face,the keeshond has a very attractive appearance
with a thick double coat,lion-like mane, woolly trousers and
a richly plumed tail. His luxuriant coat needs regular grooming
but requires no trimming. A distinctive breed characteristic
is the well-defined spectacles around her eyes.
The Keeshond still retains his watchdog instincts and
will loudly give warning of anyone’s approach to the house.
In fact, so protective of his households is he that he much
prefers to stay at home with his master or mistress than go
hunting or roaming. The ideal companion dog, the Keeshond is
sweet-tempered, friendly and affectionate. He makes
a very good children’s playmate and gets on well with other dogs.
Cocker Spaniels are renowned for their friendly,
faithful, playful, quiet and affectionate nature.
They have a loving temperament and are excellent family
pets. They will usually bond to one person in a family.
Cocker Spaniel was originally developed from careful
breeding of the English Spaniel brought to the U.S.
The name “Cocker” comes from the woodcock, a game bird
these spaniels flushed particularly well. Even though
they can be used for hunting, they are primarily glamorous
show dogs and companions. Cheerful, sweet and sensitive,
Cocker Spaniel is respectful of its master’s authority
without much challenge. Merry and endearing, a happy
tail-wagger. Gentle and trusting. They are lively,
playful and devoted but should be socialized well when
they are young to avoid a tendency for shyness. Usually
good with children. Cockers love everyone and need
people to be happy.
HISTORY AND ORIGIN OF A KEESHOND
The keeshond, pronounced KAYZ-HAWNED, is a stunning
dog with a characteristic facial expression. One of the
arctic breeds, the Keeshond is a wonderful companion and
loves children. The “Dutch Barge Dog” as he is sometimes
known, the Keeshond is the national dog of Holland and was
used to guard the canal boats in the 18th and 19th centuries.
It is thought that the Keeshond has an ancestry similar to
other arctic breeds such as the Samoyed, Pomeranian and
Norwegian Elkhound. Prior to the French Revolution, the
Keeshond was the symbol of the middle class. The leader
of the dutch patriot revolt was Cornelius De Gyzelaar,
nicknamed Kees.The breed associated with him and the patriot
party became known as the Keeshond. In Germary, the Keeshond
was known as the Wolfspitzen,in France, the breed was known
as the Chien Loup and in Italy, the Lupini.
Also known as the “Laughing Dutchman” because of his
smiling face,the keeshond has a very attractive appearance
with a thick double coat,lion-like mane, woolly trousers and
a richly plumed tail. His luxuriant coat needs regular grooming
but requires no trimming. A distinctive breed characteristic
is the well-defined spectacles around her eyes.
The Keeshond still retains his watchdog instincts and
will loudly give warning of anyone’s approach to the house.
In fact, so protective of his households is he that he much
prefers to stay at home with his master or mistress than go
hunting or roaming. The ideal companion dog, the Keeshond is
sweet-tempered, friendly and affectionate. He makes
a very good children’s playmate and gets on well with other dogs.
Saturday, August 25, 2007
Wednesday, November 15, 2006
Monday, November 13, 2006
Karen Blixt in LA
Will Kennedy recommended me to Karen Blixt, a very talented jazz singer from the bay area. We played at Dizzy's in San Diego two weeks ago. We had a blast, Her pianist and arranger Frank Martin came up with some very hip arrangements on some standard tunes. We did my favorite things in 11/4! and Four in 7/4. Pls check out her website, www.Karen Blixt.com.
Studio News!
We just finished a piano version of the SunMaid raisins jingle. My
wife Marita played piano on the jingle, it should be showing on
the cooking channel and most cable networks. The studio has been
quite busy recording various artists. Nita Whittaker's four song
CD is done. Jose Luis' CD is number one in the christian charts
in South America. I am in the midst of recording tracks for my
upcoming instructional DVD. Julio Figueroa played drums. I have
also been writing a quarterly column on World Music Grooves for
Bass Player Magazine. You can check out the lesson and listen
to the sound bytes by going to www.bassplayer.com. Go to the
lesson page and type in Samba or Partido- Alto. Baiao should be
up in about a month.
Marita and I wish everyone of you a blessed and peaceful holiday
season. May God bless you all.
wife Marita played piano on the jingle, it should be showing on
the cooking channel and most cable networks. The studio has been
quite busy recording various artists. Nita Whittaker's four song
CD is done. Jose Luis' CD is number one in the christian charts
in South America. I am in the midst of recording tracks for my
upcoming instructional DVD. Julio Figueroa played drums. I have
also been writing a quarterly column on World Music Grooves for
Bass Player Magazine. You can check out the lesson and listen
to the sound bytes by going to www.bassplayer.com. Go to the
lesson page and type in Samba or Partido- Alto. Baiao should be
up in about a month.
Marita and I wish everyone of you a blessed and peaceful holiday
season. May God bless you all.
Saturday, November 11, 2006
Freddie Ravel band in Vegas!
Recently my friend Freddie Ravel asked me to join him for a gig in Vegas. We played for the grand opening of a Bosendorfer Piano store. Freddie was in heaven as he got to play a 9' Bosendorfer. The band comprised of Walfredo Reyes on drums, Mike O'neil on guitar and myself on bass. It was a very fun night!
Monday, August 14, 2006
Dear friends,
It has been a while since I updated my site! My apologies! Lot has happenned in the last few months. Here is a picture of Pradeep Ratnayake and myself at the Walt Disney concert hall. We had an amazing concert that fused jazz with the sounds of Sitar and some Sri Lankan percussion. It was a very special evening for all of us.
A spectacular and magical evening per my wife Marita
who sat right up front with my two kids Dylan and Vanessa.
I had a chance to play one of my original tunes "Brussels"
which I wrote in my hotel room in Brussels, Belgium while
on tour last summer. Will write more in the coming days!
Pict by Dylan Jiffry




