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 |   Random Writing, Blogs and Adventures |
A mix of Random writing in an attempt to organize my thoughts, storyboard ideas and conserve portfolio space in the process.  |
| Author's Note: This was written March Musical Monkey Madness see: "Note: March Musical Monkey Madness Blogging Prompt..." Prompt: Since we now know Andre was a pretty successful musician it begs the question; How did Andre get into the bar business, how did he acquire the Banana Bar? *** This final entry for March Musical Monkey Madness tells the story of how Andre became the owner of the Banana Bar. Andre had a very successful music career. The nice thing about the Florida Keys is that they never really broke up as a band. Andre and other band members got along with one another and still perform together to this day. Mara and Andre continue to be really good friends and frequently entertain audiences with their hit. The reason Andre wanted to open a bar was mainly because it helps him unwind and relax. He loves the tropical climate and loves Banana shakes so he is really happy to be able to make people relax in the same way. Having a Bar by the beach ensures he can enjoy a tropical vacation and a few drinks whenever he needs to take a break and relax. In a lot of ways Andre's life mirrors his teacher's monkey counterpart the Jungle Book's King Louis who also wound up opening a tropical bar as well in the Spin Off Tale Spin. It makes sense... in a lot of ways Andre was that inspired the later depiction of Louis. His bar has been incredibly success and a lot of people go there to spend time with him. In case you are wondering... Yes Andre does perform on his trumpet for the Patrons there from time to time. The ultimate treat and something the patrons going there look forward to seeing. Andre sticks to his own schedule for doing that though. A big advantage in being the Bar's owner is that he can perform whenever he feels like it. Word Count: 315 Words |
| Author's Note: This was written March Musical Monkey Madness see: "Note: March Musical Monkey Madness Blogging Prompt..." Prompt: The collaboration between your Muse and Andre was a big success. Tell us about the world tour they embarked on to promote/perform their big hit. *** As most of you probably know... The Florida Keys were a huge success. They wound up touring all over the entire world and they probably the first band starring live monkeys that most people can think of. What's that you say? The Champ-anzees, the Prime-8s, and Gorillas in the Mist are way more famous?? Andre refuses to dignify that with a response. After Mara and Andre's duets started. She wound up accompanying them on their tours doing her popular duet singles with Andre during their concerts. She wasn't present at all their concerts so it always wound up being a surprise whether the duet would be performed or not. However it was always a treat when she would appear onstage. Crowds were always on the lookout for and would go into a raucous applause when the announcement "Ladies and Gentleman Miss Mara Yamanaka" is heard. And they applaud especially loud after Andre and Mara perform their duet. The Florida Keys sold out their performances throughout their tour. Some highlights from the tour: New York, USA - The Keys sold out Madison Square Garden. Munich, Germany - The Keys won a Battle of the Bands taking out in the International Brass Competition. Rome, Italy - Caesar rocked out hard in this one for his Italian fans. Hail Caesar!! Borneo, Malaysia - DK lead the group in a Jungle Concert. New Orleans, USA - Andre took home the Golden Trumpet for the Group in a Jazz Competition. Glasgow, Scotland - A little bit of a Low light. Caesar got a little too wild and trashed his hotel room. The Keys are not welcome in Glasgow anymore but they still have a huge Scottish audience. Beijing, China - The Keys performed a cover of Pink Floyds the Wall outside the Great Wall of China. Tokyo, Japan - Mara has a lot of Japanese fans and they came to support her in droves. Las Vegas, USA- What happens in Vegas... Bangkok, Thailand - Ditto for Bangkok. Oslo, Norway - Johnny's soulful rendition of "I'm still standing" was best received here. Florida, USA - The Keys appropriately concluded their tour at this location. There were given a Hometown welcome. Word Count: 391 |
| Author's Note: This was written March Musical Monkey Madness see: "Note: March Musical Monkey Madness Blogging Prompt..." Prompt: Many artists are one-hit wonders.... Did this fate befall your Muse and Andre? Why or Why not? *** Ah the question a lot of people ask about Musicians... was Andre a One Hit Wonder? In a word...No. To be fair... Andre, The Florida Keys and Mara tended to perform covers rather than their own material. Their success is based on their band skills, showmanship and in Mara's and Johnny's cases vocal range rather than their composing ability. As a Keys member Andre shares the honor of have 5 of the bands original songs top the charts. Their Rock Number "Monkeys with a Fiddle" topped the chart and was the number one most requested Song on MTV* for 68 weeks. Andre and Mara did release a few more Hit Duets also that sold really well in addition to the hit showcased in the previous entry. I think a lot of what made their singles so popular is the chemistry between these performers. It hard not smile when watching them. Between his success as a band member, his duets with Mara, and his Solo performances as a Trumpeter, Andre did amazingly well. However it wasn't just him. Mara did well in her own right and had a great career as a solo as well. So did the rest of Florida Keys. All of the Band's Members of went on to have successful careers both in and out of Music. DK as you know was quite successful going into the family business staring in his own Gaming Series "Donkey Kong Country". Johnny had a successful film career. As for Caesar...you might even say he took the world by Storm himself.  *Probably not that MTV you are thinking of unless the one you are picturing stands for Monkey Television. Word Count: 305 |
| Author's Note: This was written March Musical Monkey Madness see: "Note: March Musical Monkey Madness Blogging Prompt..." Prompt: Andre often listens to one song over and over. (Think about a toddler and "Baby Shark") What song and why? *** Probably the The one song that Andre loves to play is the popular Jazz song "Sing Sing Sing" Sing Sing Sing (Of course it's a Louis Prima rendition  ) The fans of Andre's music love this and its almost always request by his fans. He is very very good at this piece. However what a lot his fans don't know is that the reason Andre is so good at this one is that he practices it a lot and I mean a LOT. If you every see Andre's rehearsals. You bound to have heard this one several times. He plays it at least 20 times a day and it is one of his signature band songs. I am sure there might be some people that would be annoyed by hearing this one a few times too many but all things considered... its not the worst earworm to have to listen to. It is definitely an energetic piece. I suppose you can't blame Andre's neighbors though for calling the police after the third rendition involving this at 3 in the morning. Invest in sound proofing Andre... you can afford it!! Sidenote: The first time I ever heard this song myself was from a in a Chips Ahoy commercial. My younger brother would later go on to play this one in his high school band. I always thought it was pretty catchy. I suppose it helped that my brother never wound up practicing at home inside confining his practicing to school. I imagine that I probably would have gotten annoyed with him pretty quickly if I had to listen that often. As it was I love seeing him perform this. Word Count 309 |
| Author's Note: This was written March Musical Monkey Madness see: "Note: March Musical Monkey Madness Blogging Prompt..." Prompt: With what great musician did Andre study? *** Andre actual had several great music teachers with which he was able to learn how to play the trumpet from. As hinted at in an earlier entry though his most famous teacher and Mentor was Louis Prima. Louis took Andre on as student when Andre was just a young monkey and Andre learned all his best Jazz techniques as an apprentice in Prima's band. Andre has a lot of fond memories of that time period. Not only was he able to get he get a lot of experience playing to the night club audiences but whenever he performed he was able to get free drinks for the night. It helped him acquire the skills and tastes he would later use as owner of the Banana bar. Prima infused Andre's trumpeting with his signature rhythm, syncopation timing and style improving Andre's musical skills by leaps and bounds. In fact, though it is not widely known... Prima considered Andre to be his Monkey Protegee. This made Andre one of 4 famous Monkey protegees who apprenticed to a famous musician out there. The other 3 are Scatter (a Chimpanzee apprenticed to Elvis Presley), Bubbles (a Chimpanzee apprenticed to Michael Jackson) and OG Mally (a Capuchin Monkey apprenticed to Justin Bieber). If you are wondering... yes the 4 Protegees did perform together. They did a fundraiser called Monkey Palooza where the three alternated between all their genres. Scatters lead the group in a Rock and Roll rendition of "Jail House Rock", Bubbles had the group perform the "Thriller Dance", OG Mally gave an excellent rendition of "Never Give Up" and Andre teamed up rest to perform "Fly Me to the Moon". It was the ultimate Monkey Musician Team up. Word Count: 303 |
| Author's Note: This was written March Musical Monkey Madness see: "Note: March Musical Monkey Madness Blogging Prompt..." Prompt: Your Muse and Andre have decided to collaborate. They want to write a song together. Write Their Song – This prompt may be a poetic form. *** Sung to the Tune of "Can't Take My Eyes Off You" Mara has a playful and sultry way of singing this especially the opening segment where she pets Andre as he plays his trumpet. You like to climb lots of trees. You like to swing in the breeze. When Bananas are found. You leave their peels on the ground. You have good friends in the zoo. They all go OO OO OO OO Ape or Chimpanzee They are like your family. Andre's Trumpet solo: Bada Bada Bada Bum Bum Ba Dada Dada Dada Bum Bum Ba Bada Bada Bada Bum Bum Ba Dada dada Da!! Chorus: Cause you're a monkey and that is really true Yes you're a monkey You're not a Kangaroo Yes you're a monkey And I'm quite happy to say That you're a monkey Of course that's nothing new Yes you're a monkey You're not a cockatoo Yes you're a monkey And you really brighten my day You like to climb lots of trees. You like to swing in the breeze. When Bananas are found. You leave their peels on the ground. You have good friends in the zoo. They all go OO OO OO OO Ape or Chimpanzee They are like your family. Andre's Trumpet solo but this time he crescendos louder at the end for a powerful effect: Bada Bada Bada Bum Bum Ba Dada Dada Dada Bum Bum Ba Bada Bada Bada Bum Bum Ba Dada dada Dah!! Mara really shows off her pipes with this: You're one cool Monkey. Oh yes you're really great. You're one sweet Monkey You are a swell primate. You are a Monkey... yes your a Mu uh uh uh unnn key!! *** The crowd is always on their feet applauding every time Andre and Mara perform this particular number. Word Count: 317 |
| Author's Note: This was written March Musical Monkey Madness see: "Note: March Musical Monkey Madness Blogging Prompt..." Prompt: Your Muse and Andre have decided to collaborate. They want to write a song together. Tell us why they decided to collaborate. *** Like an actress, my personal muse tends to take a lot of different forms. She chooses whatever helps to inspire me. For the purpose of this particular blogging challenge, she has opted for the role of a chanteuse similar to Ella Fitzgerald or Jessica Rabbit. The role is actually perfect for her because it shows off her singing talents. In Nightclub Announcer fashion "Ladies and Gentleman... Please welcome to the stage... Miss Maraschino Yamanaka!!" Character Profile Name Maraschino Yamanaka Nickname: Mara (which almost everyone prefers to call her.) Ethnicity: Asian American (Her father is Japanese and her mother is Irish American). Hair Color: Blonde Eye Color: Light Blue Height: 5' 5" Weight: 108 lbs Occupation: Night Club Jazz Singer Style: When she performs Mara tends to wear Elegant 1950's dresses. Personality: Playful but a little bit fiery. Andre and Mara met performing in the same Jazz Club... Jungle Supernova. The Florida Keys had performed at a concert earlier and were hanging out at the Club afterwards that night. They were enjoying Banana shakes at the bar when the club's owner asked Andre if he could fill in for the Club's usual trumpeter who called in sick that day. Being the kind and helpful monkey that he was Andre graciously agreed to help. Mara was headlining at the club that night so Andre joined Mara's performance and his expressive trumpeting complemented Mara's sultry voice nicely. The two of them brought the house down. They were so successful that they wound partnering up often and they performed a lot of duets together as well as quite a couple of Hit singles. 302 Words |
| Author's Note: This was written March Musical Monkey Madness see: "Note: March Musical Monkey Madness Blogging Prompt..." Prompt: What instrument does Andre play, why, and with who has he performed? *** Andre has an amazing set of lungs and Nimble fingers. His parents recognized at an early age that he would be adept at playing the trumpet and enrolled him in lessons. Andre showed a proficiency with the Trumpet that made his parents proud. He was the Bugle Monkey for his Monkey scouts troop and was also a member of the his Highschool Music band which wound up taking second place in the National Music Championships. He went on to form his own Jazz band with some classmates... all who became famous in their own right. They took the name "The Florida Keys" after the state they were founded in. The Band Members: Caesar aka "Key West" Caesar is the band's Guitarist. He is a bit of an anarchist and despises authority but he rocks hard. His nickname "Key West" comes from his growing up and studying in San Francisco. He originally worked in the Pharmacy industry before joining the band. He has more ambitious goals for the rest of his life however. Johnny aka "Key Lime" If he looks familiar... It is because Johnny would go on to have a starring role in the animated movie "Sing". He is a keyboard player and crooner for this band. His band nickname comes from his love of the color green and smoothness of his voice. D.K. the Third aka "Key Largo" Donkey Kong is more well known from the series Donkey Kong country but he actually got his start as the drummer. He comes a famous family of Video Game monkeys. He is the grandson of the original Donkey Kong and the son of Donkey Kong Junior. His band nickname "Key Largo" comes from his huge size. and of course... Andre. His bright spirit and jazzy blues renditions earned him the nickname "Sunset Key" in his band. His trumpet abilities provides the band with a beautiful soulful edge to their music. Word Count: 342 Words |
| Author's Note: This was written March Musical Monkey Madness see: "Note: March Musical Monkey Madness Blogging Prompt..." Prompt: Andre throws a mean party, we all know that, so here's what we need to know; What happened at 's Adherennium - Maybe Writing?  Birthday Party in the Banana Bar?What did Andre give Adherennium - Maybe Writing? for his Birthday?If you chose to do this prompt it is extra, but Andre will send you something! *** March Madness hit some new heights at the Banana Bar as one of its Patron's Adherennium - Maybe Writing? was celebrating his birthday. Of course there were a lot of Banana Themed dishes beinntg served the highlight of which was was scrumptious Banana Cake.https://www.cookingclassy.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/banana-cake-salted-cara... Andre and the band were in full form welcoming in the new month with a variety of Marches. Their playlist included "When the Saints go Marching in", "The Ants go Marching One by One" and "The Imperial March". They took requests from the Birthday guest playing his favorite songs as well The night couldn't be complete without a few presents. Adherennium - Maybe Writing? received his own set of Sci-Fi novel as well as honorary membership in Andre's band. It came complete with Musical instrument gift. A Saxophone signed by Andre himself. Happy BirthdayAdherennium - Maybe Writing? !!! |
| Author's Note: This was written March Musical Monkey Madness see: "Note: March Musical Monkey Madness Blogging Prompt..." Prompt: What is Andre’s favorite genre? Does he have a favorite artist, Who and why? Andre once played with (your choice of the artist, this can be a fictional or actual artist). *** Monkeys love to Swing and Andre is no different. He dabbles in other genres but his favorite Genre is Jazz. Andre loves all the Jazz greats (Louis Armstrong, Duke Ellington and Miles Davis). His Idol though is Louis Prima. Prima voiced King Louie in the Jungle Book and Andre actually knew him pretty well as will be mentioned in a future prompt. It is a little known fact but Prima actually got Andre a cameo appearance in the Jungle Book. It is hard to see and Andre is in costume but you can catch him briefly at 3:29 In terms of Trumpeting skill Andre is particular good a playing expressively. By holding the right notes controlling his volume and using vibrato effectively. Also being a spontaneous Monkey, Andre has a gift for He really puts a lot of soul into his music and Jazz plays to his strengths. Andre's love of Jazz is present with most of the music he performs as well as his choice of instrument. As a Sidenote: Andre's favorite Jazz tunes are the following: 1) Sing Sing Sing (More on this in a later entry) 2) What a Wonderful World 3) Fly Me to the Moon 4) Take 5 5) Rhapsody in Blue 6) Take the A Train 7) Fever (A song Andre frequently sings as part of a duet with a partner of his) 8) Mack the Knife 9) My Favorite Things 10) Just the Two of Us. Andre know how to play all these tunes adding his own distinctive style to the mix creating some amazing renditions of these!! Word Count: 308 |
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