Life and all in Redding California
Here’s a soothing flight overlooking the Sacramento River as it passes through Redding California on its way to the sea. The devastating Park Fire rages into the fragile and crucial Mill Creek drainage of the norther Sierra. One of the few remaining un-dammed Salmon runs for protected spring run fish. Truly awful events taking place to the east provide a a golden and smoky light to Redding. Pretty, but deadly.
Video capture and editing by Skip Murphy. Soundtrack by me and Craig Padilla.
A quick aerial overview of Redding’s Garden of Lights from 2023. Music excerpt “Live illusions” by Craig Padilla and Skip Murphy from the CD “Analog Destination,” recorded in Redding California in 2008, courtesy of of Groove Unlimited NL. Thank you again this year, Redding! #thisisredding, #gardenoflights, #craigpadilla
I met this gentle spirit on Redding’s Sundial Bridge this evening. Behind him here on the right are the ancestral burial grounds for the Wintu people. Drawing on the water spirit of this place, on this bridge between worlds, with music that flows like the river beneath us. #thisisredding
Here’s my pal Craig Padilla offering the gift of music for everyone. Recorded for Christmas in a living room in Cottonwood CA (near Redding CA) in 2022.
Craig Padilla is an American electronic musician and composer known for his ambient and experimental electronic music. He has released numerous solo albums and has collaborated with other artists in the electronic and ambient music genres. Padilla’s music often incorporates elements of space and cosmic themes, and he is known for his use of synthesizers and other electronic instruments to create expansive, immersive soundscapes.
Padilla began his career in the 1980s, releasing his first album, “Beyond the Horizon,” in 1986. Since then, he has released a number of albums and collaborative projects, including “From Within” (1991), “Paradise Found” (2003), and “The Great Shift” (2017). In addition to his solo work, Padilla has collaborated with other artists such as Steve Roach and Michael Stearns, along with local northern California artists Marvin Allen and Skip Murphy (me). He has also and has composed music for film and television.
Padilla’s music has been described as “ethereal” and “otherworldly,” and he is known for his ability to create immersive, atmospheric soundscapes that transport the listener to far-off places and realms of the imagination. His work has been praised by critics and fans alike, and he has developed a devoted following among fans of ambient and experimental electronic music. More about Craig at https://craigpadilla.bandcamp.com/
I saw this beautiful image on Facebook, captured by the always amazing Rachel Hatch. Curating it here for those of you who come to this blog looking for all things Redding. #ThisisRedding
Click to enlarge.
I love the way the stage light reflects from the interior decor of Cascade Theatre. I wish I’d been there in person instead, but this photo is just delightful. Thanks for letting me use it here, Rachel.
Learn more about the Northstate Symphony at their website.
Local girl Summer Schappell appeared on a national TV show called “The Voice” this week. She did great, and you can watch it here:
Summer Schappell is the granddaughter of Bill Schappell, with whom I shared an adjacent desk at the real estate brokerage in 2009. Back then she was a very young, up and coming singer who had performed around Redding and recorded in Nashville. She and her band gave a terrific performance for an appreciative audience at the Asphalt Cowboys BBQ that year, and I took these photos and posted them here on Really Redding. Looks like a lot of hard work is paying off for Summer. I happen to know proud grandpa Bill had a hand in that effort.
Years of work to leads to “overnight success,” that’s Really Redding.
Somebody assembled a playlist of videos at YouTube of only Craig Padilla’s music. It has a real nice flow. Great music to put on while working this rainy morning. I like to open a window in my browser to the link and let it play on in the background while I work.
You should try it.
The videos are mostly fan-produced, which is nice. What’s not all that nice is that Craig gets no pay for play. I see some ads, so somebody somewhere is getting paid.
The music “industry” model has been broken for some time now. But I know some artists are finding different ways to get paid. If you like what you hear and wish to support the artist directly, you can make a purchase at Craig’s website by clicking below. Craig and his family would appreciate it.
Interestingly, you can also find Craig Padilla in Wikipedia. Local talent recognized.
Just a pleasant evening down by the river in Redding with friends Craig and Erin Friedman, and a bunch of relaxed onlookers. Still Married? Why, yes. Yes they are.
Still Married from Skip Murphy on Vimeo.
Part of a free concert series staged by the Shasta County Arts Council. Redding’s underutilized amphitheater was nice and cool on a hot day. It’s Really Redding.
It used to be the Mosquito Serenade, but now it’s called the Summer Serenade. A free concert series held in Anderson’s lovely River Park on Wednesdays. Tonight they are having the celtic rock band Tempest again. I ran this post below back in 2009. It looks like their lineup has changed a bit, but the spirit remains. I am re-posting to get you in the mood for this evening’s show. I loved the way the chain of dancers formed!
At first only the youngest kids are dancing, since they are more in touch with the muse.
But soon, the group of dancers grows larger, as the bigger kids join in.
Like a chain reaction, the group of dancers builds.
This band is hotter than than an Anderson July.
Soon the whole crowd is one single pulsating organism, throbbing to the rhythym.
Yes, you have them in the palm of your hand. Nice work.
What a terrific venue! This free concert series is a longtime Anderson tradition. Thanks to all who contribute and sponsor. And Tempest, well, you blew us away!
My friend Craig Padilla posted this performance video of his recent composition, Challenger Deep. Please give it a view/listen.
Part of the charm comes from knowing that he created this using a modular synthesizer built by his friend and northwest micro-manufacturer, George Matson. For any synth-geeks out there, you’ll know this is a fairly minimalist hardware synthesizer setup on which to compose, in an era where mega-synths exist in software and apps. For everyone else, please simply enjoy this composing/performance of a lovely work of ambient and evocative northstate style music for what it is, by a widely regarded master of the genre.
Believe it or not, this 2014 music is available on vinyl from the artist.
So, enjoy. It’s Really Redding.