User talk:Lennon900

May 2007
Welcome to Wikipedia. We invite everyone to contribute constructively to the encyclopedia. However, the external links you added to the page The Half Moon Band do not comply with our guidelines for external links. Wikipedia is not a mere directory of links; nor should it be used for advertising or promotion. Since Wikipedia uses nofollow tags, external links do not alter search engine rankings. If you feel the link should be added to the article, then please discuss it on the article's talk page before reinserting it. Please take a look at the welcome page to learn more about contributing to this encyclopedia. Kim dent brown 08:03, 3 May 2007 (UTC)

discuss
These links were mearly a starting point in this featured article

A tag has been placed on The Half Moon Band, requesting that it be speedily deleted from Wikipedia. This has been done because the article seems to be about a person, group of people, band, club, company, or web content, but it does not indicate how or why the subject is notable: that is, why an article about that subject should be included in Wikipedia. Under the criteria for speedy deletion, articles that do not assert the subject's importance or significance may be deleted at any time. Please see the guidelines for what is generally accepted as notable.

If you feel that you can assert the notability of the subject, you may contest the deletion. To do this, add  on the top of the page (just below the existing speedy deletion or "db" tag) and leave a note on the article's talk page explaining your position. Please do not remove the speedy deletion tag yourself, but don't hesitate to add information to the article that would confirm the subject's notability under Wikipedia guidelines.

For guidelines on specific types of articles, you may want to check out our criteria for biographies, for web sites, for bands, or for companies. Feel free to leave a note on my talk page if you have any questions about this.

Please stop removing speedy deletion notices from articles that you have created yourself. If you continue, you will be blocked from editing Wikipedia. Realkyhick 08:18, 3 May 2007 (UTC)

re:Notability of The Half Moon Band
Unaware of speedy deletion tag.

We contest based on multiple news articles:

Reprint with permission from The Phantom's web site at http://www.myspace.com/phantom_critic or RockNRoanoke.com

Thursday, March 16, 2006 Headlights Still Shining In My Brain Greetings and salutations.

Nothing like waiting until the last possible second. Under pressure, true creativity is said to thrive, and that is what I kept telling myself when I decided to wait until last night to check out this week’s artist, Half Moon. Yes, there were actually numerous exciting live activities this past weekend. No, I didn’t find the human energy to make it out to any of them. Yes, there were notable shows in the early part of the work week. Didn’t go to those either.

After taking a short breather, I decided on Monday that I’d pay a visit to Half Moon and leave myself as little time as possible to write an interesting and informative commentary. When I think about it, it occurs to me that I could’ve just as easily seen them later this weekend and given myself more time by reviewing someone else this week. Why am I telling you all of this? So that in the event you enjoy what you read, you’ll have enough additional information about my personal struggle to truly appreciate how awesome I really am.

Assuming you’re a longtime reader of my column (how long have I been doing this, now?), you’ll recall that I don’t naturally gravitate toward jam bands. Not that I don’t enjoy the spirit of spontaneity or admire the strong improvisational skills. Spread over a few hours, some of the more inspired artists can happen upon pure genius, going off into their own world and making some pretty profound musical statements along the way. While you probably won’t confuse them with the Grateful Dead, their sound would no doubt make Garcia proud. Often up tempo but rarely at a pure drive, they add flavor to a relaxed rhythm and blues foundation with folk/rock guitar, swinging bass groove, and soulful horns. Their two (yes, two) drummers flirt with jazz percussion and add a touch of classic rock ‘n roll to turn the bassist’s thumb-snapping walks into full fledged bounce.

On paper, I’d expect such a thing to sound like a mess. Every member seems to be doing something entirely different, meaning much less overlap and leaving a lot less room for error. Since the quality of talent can vary greatly in a genre that does not adhere to the normal music-making rules of expectancy and resolution (the opening and closing of each musical idea with the notes that your head tells you are right), you’ll often find that groups tend to jam by breaking off one or two members at a time. Taking turns at individual improvisation is usually the safer form of fusion, but Half Moon don’t appear to care. Their drummers are seamless and entirely complimentary of one another (at least onstage). The guitarist and bassist groove around each other, and the horns come across surprisingly mild, lending just enough Southern-style tone to be distinct.

In the end, the group’s impressive chemistry and relaxed performance style allowed even a curmudgeon like myself to have a good time, and that’s saying something. I get letters from people all the time who read the column and ask why in the hell someone so negative bothers to even go outside, let alone to review a band he expects might bore him to tears. One word, folks: Paxil. But even unmedicated, Half Moon put on a worthwhile show, with tunes that hold up whether you appreciate each note or just want to take pleasure in a casual listen.

That’s all for this week. Much to discuss in the next installment, including the offer I posted several days ago about doing an interview. Several local acts have expressed interest in taking part, and I think it might be an interesting experience. Anyway, thanks for reading, and do keep those letters coming. We’ll be opening the mailbag again pretty shortly, and who knows…next week I might even post on time. Until next we meet…

- The Phantom posted by Phantom_Critic at 4:36 PM

'''May 1, 2005 - City Magazine Features Half Moon

Catch the May volume of City Magazine and review Michael A. Knipp's interview with Adam. Michael is a graduate of Roanoke College and is the founder of Line/Byline Communications and can be contacted at mybyline@aol.com.

Catch the article online at http://www.citymagazineonline.com or below is a reprint with permission from City Magazine.''' MUSIC Moon Lighting By Michael A. Knipp

Like many young musicians, Half Moon front man Adam Beason began what many in the biz refer to as “the calling” when he was just a boy.

From choosing an instrument that would let his fingers flow to finding the right rockers to put on a great show, he has created what he believes to be a dynamic ensemble. Admittedly, playing professionally in Southwest Virginia doesn’t rake in the green, but Beason isn’t necessarily singing the blues either. Unless, of course, the song calls for it.

With his drummer/brother John Beason and two other close friends, bassist Jacob Porter and pianist Billy Huffman, Beason is taking Half Moon to new heights. But don’t be fooled––these guys aren’t reaching for the stars. They’re already halfway there.

Michael A. Knipp: When did you start playing?

Adam Beason: I began playing when I was very young. I‘ve got a terrible disposition that doesn’t allow me to sit still very long. Soon I was thrown into piano lessons due to the fact that every time I walked or ran by the piano there was an undying urge to bang on it. For my mother’s sanity, I began lessons that spawned a world of creativity and endless possibilities. I was eight I think.

MK: I used to bang on pots. My mom learned to lock the cabinets. I bet I could’ve been great! What led you to choose the instruments that you did?

AB: I wanted something different. I was very bored with classical piano. I was also very into the Beatles and they didn’t use piano on stage, so I was pretty much opting to go with guitar, another complicated puzzle that took my attention.

MK: When did you start playing music professionally?

AB: Well, it depends on what you call professionally. Do I only play for a living? Yes. Does it bring enough cash in? Not really.

MK: Don’t feel bad, not much does these days. When did Half Moon form?

AB: Half Moon began after several other bands I performed in disintegrated. John, the drummer of Half Moon, who happens to be superb, lives with me. He also happens to be my brother, but we don’t really talk about that much. He was around, so I asked if he wanted to make some cash doing what he does anyway, and now here he is. Jacob, the man with the low notes, was dating my cousin when we began an acoustic group called Hobos Know. I was temporarily living with my cousin, so we had time bum around, burn smoke and throw back a few, while just sittin’ and pickin’. Billy Huffman didn’t come around until later, when we had two guitarists and two drummers. We picked Billy up from another band called the Stone jack Ballas. He‘s fantastic on the keys. He really listens and puts forth great ideas.

MK: Why do enjoy playing with those guys?

AB: I’ve tried to play alone and it really doesn’t turn me on as much. I was in band during my younger days and I was taught very thoroughly to listen to others and that kind of makes things more interesting. It’s the collaboration that makes it so much fun. It’s like writing a story and making it go the way you want it to.

MK: What projects is Half Moon working on?

AB: I’ve been writing a lot and hope to get that all down on vinyl sometime this summer.

MK: Where do you like to perform?

AB: We’ll play anywhere that’ll embrace the opportunity to enjoy our company. I actually had one lady tell me that she enjoyed the show because of the little hippy girls that dance around. I believe she claimed it was like watching a mini-Woodstock.

MK: How would you describe the band's sound?

AB: Fresh and new. It’s everything you want in a sound.

MK: Why is Roanoke a good place to be a musician?

AB: I think it has potential, but there are still factors trying to hold it down. Roanoke can be a very conservative place when you’re not looking. I hope that for the next few years that changes. It looks like it could go in a great direction; it just needs some guidance.

MK: If you weren't performing, what would you be doing?

AB: Well I worked in heating and air for a while, but that kind of fell out. And I’ve waited tables, but nothing really holds my interest other than being on stage or recording. It’s just what I do. I can’t really do much else.

MK: Where do you see the band in five years?

AB: It’s hard to predict that. Part of me wants it to take off immediately and really catch on, but I know that we still have to grow, so it’s hard to say. Maybe in your hometown, I hear it’s nice this time of year.

MK: Baltimore (my hometown) is beautiful this time of year. The baseball, the seafood, the deck parties overlooking the Bay. But Roanoke’s got good times, too. I miss Thirsty Thursdays at Avalanche games. OK, back to music. Who are your influences?

AB: Influences…this could take forever, but I’ll try and narrow it down. The Beatles really got me started with Sgt. Pepper, but I’ve learned a lot from (Frank) Zappa and the Stones. Bob Dylan. The late Johnny Cash. Hank Williams. New jazz is fantastic too, and I really like 20s big band. I’ve enjoyed so much music. I can tell you that new rock, as they’ve called it, doesn’t do much for me. Though I do like the direction The Strokes are taking things. I think they’re new and fresh.

MK: Why are your band members important to you?

AB: They hold the key to great music. They allow me to express a new sound that they also create to their liking and that is really mind blowing. You take four different minds and they all come to the same point on different paths and make something visual without using anything visual. What I mean by that is you can close your eyes while we play and begin to see the sound––it’s really a great thing.

MK: Are they your friends outside of rehearsals and shows?

AB: Of course. John lives with me, and Jacob––I stayed on his couch last night, half the reason I’ve been drinking water all day. Billy and I are working on going to catch the George Clinton show at Ziggy’s; you should really check it out.

MK: I’m in Baltimore, remember? It’s hard for me to get down there on a whim. But thanks. What makes a good band?

AB: Using each other to make a different sound that you can close your eyes and listen to. By the time you open them you feel like you’ve gone everywhere.

MK: That sounds pretty intense. I’m sure your audiences are in for a treat.

For more information on Half Moon, visit the band’s website at www.halfmoon.tv.


 * Then you need to cite these articles (and preferably ones from more independent and authoritative sources too.) Don't just paste them into a talk page, cite them properly in the article. Kim dent brown 08:39, 3 May 2007 (UTC)