Tag Archives: Ironworkers

Ironworkers and Performing Artists _ A combination that is Shane O’Brien

A Reflection of who is Shane O’Brien
For years the solid influences of being one with my Union Ironworkers Brother-in, has instilled within me discipline, loyalty, and a level of encouragement within us of ourselves, It was not long after my beginning days working in the field (The Vincent Thomas Bridge Seismic Retrofit Project 1997-2000), that a level of confidence had developed in recognizing who we are (as one) and  what we stand for, through our committed values of what we produce every day. And don’t you know this influence had also affected the music written, produced and performed by myself and each of the bands I’ve participated with for the past 20 years too. As a matter of record, my very first album, a limited release by Shane O’Brien [From CYC to CD ©1999] had been created with the monies earned as an apprentice Ironworker, as were the following 25 other CD’s since. The latest CD being titled “An Acoustic Jungle Tradition 1983-2013” ©2013.

During our apprenticeship program, a bond between many attending students of our trade often develop, which may possibly last for the rest of our lives. Here’s a good example of what I am referring to:
Derick Shannon was a fellow apprentice in my classes, of which we graduated at the same time as well (1997-2000 Los Angeles, CA). I don’t believe we  have worked on the same jobs since but once for a short period with Eagle Iron at the Pasadena Convention Center.

With the creation of Facebook we have re-Kindled our connections with each other and often share little windows into what ever job we find ourselves involved with, by sharing pictures of any particular day. At this time Derick is a Production Welder for Shuff Iron Erectors working Downtown Los Angeles on the new 74 story going up. He had posted a few great photos he captured before or after work, during lunches or in between welds,

What follows is a downtown Los Angeles photo  by Derick Shannon, JIW Local 433, Taken early in the morning prior to work start. 2nd up is a video capture from the newest “working floor”, floor number 53 _ Oct 2015, and 20 more floors to go. Lastly, action from the working floor featuring the Raising Gang doing comfortably what they do every day. This video was made available by my dear friend, JIW Frank Montoya Local 433

First off, let’s see how Derick’s days are beginning these days:

Another gorgeous start of my working day
Another gorgeous start of my working day

This Second offering  is a video Capture from Union Ironworker Brother Carlos Sanchez-pleites

Lastly, the next video was provided by JIW and long time Friend
Frank Montoya Local 433
Love the imagery and the music is perfect for it too…

PS

If I’m mistaken regarding who supplied this video, then I only apologize for the mistaken identity and lay claim to how cool I know this video clip is…

JammingOut.net
This is a good Southern California Jam Night/Open Mic resource for those musicians wanting to spread their musical wings and participate with other music lovers in this district.
Follows the rules of sign ups and definitely be the part you portray with courtesy and patience. This will get you the experiences of playing in some real cool venues and alongside of some good God talented musicians too…

Here’s a poster advertising a San Diego Quality Jam Event
Oct 2015

Jam Night at House of Blues San Diego, CA
Jam Night at House of Blues San Diego, CA

A Hidden Gem from Shane O’Brien

Bad Mother Fucker aka BMF
©2000 Shane O’Brien, ℗2015 Jungle Music Productions
Recorded in studio in 1983

A Hidden Gem from Shane O’Brien from actually the first Los Angeles recording session in studio by Shane O’Brien. That night in North Hollywood three track were recorded and this was the third one to conclude the session.
For one reason or another Shane asked the musicians to simply follow his lead and away they went, all three of them on this Blues Rock ride that had all of the players smiling to each other as the set went down. Lee Campbell on Drums, Mike Vandermark on Bass and Shane O’Brien on Guitar and Vocals making things up on the fly.

 

Bad Mother Fucker  (02:32) aka BMF
©2000 Shane O’Brien
℗2015 Jungle Music Productions

I want you to know Baby, ‘cause
This band’s a Bad Mother Fucker
Because every time I talk to you
I want to hear it, come on now
Come on over here, right on Dance Square Avenue
I’m a Bad Mother Fucker Baby

Well I’m a Bad Mother Fucker
And don’t you fuck with me
‘Cause I’m a bad mother fucker
And don’t you fuck with me
‘Cause I’ll hit you so hard
Guaranteed you’ll never see

And don’t you look at my woman baby
Don’t you know that she is mine
And don’t you look at my woman baby
Don’t you know that she is mine
You look at her again baby
I’m gonna hit you right in prime time
Hey come on

I got your number Baby
I’m skating after you
I got your number Baby
I’m skating right after you
Oh when I catch up to you
Guaranteed to blow you in two now

You know why?
‘Cause I’m a bad Mother Fucker baby
And don’t you fuck with me
Hey, are you listening now
‘Cause you as bad
And I’m as bad as you can be
‘Cause I’ll hit you so hard
Guaranteed you’ll never see

Yeah! Don’t you look at my woman baby
Don’t you know that she is mine
And now you’re on cloud 9