Putting it Together

Odds are, if you have a band, you have tried recording or have considered the possibility of mixing a song with multiple tracks.
Whether you’re recording a jamming session with your group, or using amp simulators, drum and bass machines or other solo multi-tracking devices, there is a general order in which band music is constructed and tracks for each individual instrument are laid out.

Like most things, music consists of a base or foundation upon which a melody is built. There are constant and variables that change slightly amongst genres, but all repeat a general pattern of musical order. In a classic rock band line-up:

• The drums or percussion establish a beat and tempo to the mix, a constant that makes up the first and most important layer of foundation for a song.
• The bass aids the drums, incorporating a new, more defining tone for the rhythm of the song that gives cue to a rhythm pattern for the guitar.
• The rhythm guitar’s groundwork is more flexible than percussion and bass, and establishes a new base for the lead guitar to work around.
• The lead guitar is the most versatile and variable constant in a set of tracks, since the wavelength of sounds it can tackle is almost infinite in comparison to the founding instruments that require a more demanded constancy to maintain a tempo for the rhythm-pattern base.

Project Studios & Multi-Track Recording

From intricate DAW’s, mixing consoles/soundboards, isolation booths, commercial quality soundproofing to the physics of acoustics; recording studios have all the gadgets to produce quality sound multi-track records.
At home however, when putting together a project studio, it’s a little different.
Home studios are molded to each artist’s musical orientation and expertise, their space and budget.
Mixing consoles operate electrically for track mixing, sub-mixing and layout. Each track (signal) is processed and controlled independently. Like in many other multi-track recording devices, each signal can be managed with effects even after being recorded. It can also be merged into another track to create a sub-mix (or bus) like with a drum and bass, and be manipulated with many other recording/sound treatments.
In addition, many modeling amps have recording capabilities and sample tracks incorporated which can as well be used for these purposes.

Multi-track recording can now be easily achieved with multi-track recorders such as MIDI’s, analog and digital recorders, some as small as the size of an iPod.

In this video, I use a BOSS Micro BR 4-track recorder that provides me with built-in rhythm patterns, multi-effects and simultaneous playback tracks to explain track layout for a 4-man band.

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Johnny B. Goode

The song Johnny B. Goode has proved to be the number one song in rock n’ roll history, with more than 25 covers by many iconic bands. Recorded by guitarist and songwriter Chuck Berry, the song was released on March 31^st of 1958 by Chess Records, immediately striking the music scene and later becoming rock’s best representation.

Spoken by Chuck Berry himself in 1972 to the Rolling Stone Magazine, the song is a fictional-autobiographical reference of the songwriter’s climb to stardom.

Similar to Johnny B. Goode’s story of a poor country boy who becomes a rock star, Berry was working as a beautician in Chicago in 1955, when he met Chess Records’ main star Muddy Waters.  Waters referred him to Leonard Chess, co-owner of the record label he was working with, and by 1959 Chuck Berry had become a legend in the world of rock.

Johnny B. Goode reached #8 on Billboard’s pop charts not only due to Chuck Berry’s energy filled guitar play, but also due to cultural role the song played upon its release. The themes that were covered by music players have always been ample, but until 1958’s release of Chuck Berry’s Johnny B. Goode, there had been no songs developing the ‘American Dream’. The song talks about a poor country boy who rises to stardom, despite his unprivileged resources. The message of hope was identified and understood by many, making Johnny B. Goode an pop icon that has since been utilized by the media to represent not only the essence of rock n’ roll, but also the attainable opportunities behind U.S.A.’s famous dictum.

One of the most acclaimed popular references to Chuck Berry’s Johnny B. Goode appears on the film Back to the Future that opened in 1985. After travelling back in time to 1955, protagonist Marty Mc. Fly plays the hit song at a High School Dance, after the band’s guitarist Marvin Berry (note Berry) injures his hand.

In the middle of McFly’s futuristic performance, Marvin calls his cousin Chuck to listen-on, to which Chuck says is the “new sound [he's] been looking for.”

The song has also been used in the presidential campaigns of candidates John Kerry in 2004, and John McCain in 2008 as a resource to appeal to bigger audiences while representing the U.S.’ reputation as the ‘land of opportunity.’

Johhny B. Goode was recorded by Chuck Berry on guitar, Willie Dixon on bass, Fred Below on drums and Lafayette Leak on piano, for the album ‘Chuck Berry is on Top.’ The number one covered song in music history, Johnny B. Goode was interpreted by over 25 bands and artists. These include B.B. King, Led Zeppelin, Jimi Hendrix, The Sex Pistols, Johnny Winter, Lynyrd Skynyrd and The Beatles.

Due to its popularity,  later in his career Berry recorded songs with the names ‘Bye Bye Johnny’, ‘Go Go Go’ and an album named ‘Concerto in B. Goode’, extending the legacy of the tune.

Truly a song of the people and for the people, when Johnny B. Goode plays it’s hard not to be reminded of the opportunities life can bring to even the most unfortunate.  With Johnny B. Goode, Berry stroke a chord of hope for the people of the world, creating a new thread to the themes that can be addressed by the music repertoire. One of the first musicians to be inducted to the Rock n’ Roll Hall of Fame, Berry still continues to perform, tour and record today.

“If you tried to give rock and roll another name, you might call it ‘Chuck Berry’” John Lennon

Well, here is my version, I am doing the Jimmy hendrix version

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Tips to Buying a Guitar Online

Choosing the guitar you want to buy can be an exciting and successful process. However, when time comes to purchase the instrument, many people drift away from online buying options in distrust of the safety, and effectiveness, of the online ordering process. What many don’t know is that buying a guitar online can, not only, be a walk in the park, but it can save you a lot of time and money while broadening your options.

One of the main advantages of ordering your guitar from a Web Store is the ability to do your shopping from the comfort of your home. You can browse guitars for as long as you like, with no salesmen watching over your back.

Online instrument stores also offer wide variety of guitars, wider than probably any local music store you could visit. A lot of guitars available online can be hard to find at your local instrument shop, including vintage guitars that might be otherwise impossible to find in your hometown.

But what makes an online instrument-selling company safe and reliable? There are 2 main factors that you must look into; in order to determine the reliability of the business you are planning to buy from:

• 1. Company Reviews & Testimonials

There is no one better to hear an opinion from, than the customers themselves. Doing a little bit of research of people’s thoughts on the quality of the company’s services can give you a real glimpse of the business’ strengths and weaknesses.

Don’t get overwhelmed by really bad reviews, or extremely good ones. A good way to measure the company’s reliability is with the percentage of satisfied customers. If the rate is below 95-97%, then odds are the company has had some mishaps, and you’re better off considering someone else.

• 2. Return Policies

This is probably the foremost important aspect that you should never miss in your online guitar-buying search.  In the case that something goes wrong during shipping or in case you find out that you don’t like the instrument, picking a company that will have your back if this happens must be top priority.

You’d be happy to hear that the U.S. has laws that apply to these companies, in which they are required to offer their customers a full 30 days for them to make their returns. Even if you don’t live in the U.S. and since most stores offer international shipping, this law will apply to you if you choose to buy from one of the many U.S. based online guitar stores.

Returning Your Item

In the case that you do go through with a purchase online, and something goes wrong so you have to return the item, you must follow the proper steps to make sure you will be refunded of your money in full.

Once you decide to send the item back, you have to call the shipping company to let them know you will be returning the instrument. If the Web Store Customer Service hasn’t given you one, you must request a Return Authorization Number to include with your shipment.

You should also pack the guitar just as it came, otherwise companies will give you trouble for this and might reject the return altogether.

If you disposed of the packing materials and decided to return your guitar unexpectedly, you can hire a packing company, such as Mailbox Etc. to do the packing, professionally, for you.

Always save all the paperwork for your purchase and have it handy at the time of doing your claim.

A good way to take full advantage of the variety that online stores offer is to order the Free Catalog that they have available on their sites. While you have to wait a week or two to receive it over the mail, it can simplify your search and let you browse guitars without Internet access. You can also order by phone or send a catalog order form, if you’d prefer.

Even though buying online shopping can be dangerous territory, it can also be a great experience, taken the necessary precautions.

If you do, ultimately, decide to buy a guitar online, you can check availability at your local store to test it out and make sure it’s the one. If you can’t test drive it and you’re feeling insecure, just remember that you shouldn’t worry about putting your order in if the factors mentioned above are in order.

Below I have compiled a list of the top guitar selling companies on the Web with positive reviews and testimonials that you can trust. All of them offer free shipping, and international delivery – as well as law abiding return policies and customer satisfaction guarantees.

Most of these respectable, online instrument stores also offer their clients good customer service personnel that can aid you in your search, with some professional advice.

Top Online Companies

MusiciansFriend.com

The largest and most trusted online instrument-selling company.

• Free Shipping within the US – International Shipping Available.
• Return Policy: 45 Days since Shipment is initiated. 10 days for stringed instruments over $1999.
• Low Price Guarantee: 45 Days

Zzounds.com

One of the largest instrument selling-companies on the Web. Good customer reviews prove its reliability.

• Free Shipping to US Only
• No Sales Tax (except NJ)
• Low Price Guarantee: 30 days
• Return Policy: 30 days since shipment is initiated.

Music123.com

Trusted online instrument store with a wide variety of choices.

• Free Shipping within US -International Shipping Available
• Return Policy: 45 Days
• Low Price Guarantee: 45 Days

GuitarTrader.com

Trusted online instrument store with a wide variety of choices.

• Free Shipping
• No Sales Tax (except CA)
• Return Policy: 30 days with a 15% restocking fee for Open-Box returns.
• Low Price Guarantee: 30 days

1800instruments.com

This is an instrument-selling company that runs as an EBay Store. Positive customer feedback and good product reviews award it a place on the list.

• Return Policy: 30 days
• Insurance Offered with Shipping

Muddy Waters-Muddy as Can Be

Muddy Waters

Muddy as Can Be

Born McKinley Morganfield on April 4^th of 1913, Muddy Waters has since then contributed greatly to the Blues genre, and to the music world in general.

A Chicago native, Muddy Waters was deemed the Father of Chicago Blues, and was ranked #17 in Rolling Stone’s Magazine list of 100 Greatest Artists of All Time.

Starting his career in 1941, Waters carried the sound of the Delta Blues to Chicago, where he adopted many Chicago Blues influences, and he himself inspired many of the great musicians of that era. His first recordings were destined to the Library of Congress, performing in a style similar to that of legendary artist Robert Johnson.

Waters was known for playing mean Chicago, Delta and Electric Blues that, since then, has influenced multiple generations of blues guitarists and blues inclined musicians. Also one of the most proficient guitar players in the history of music, Waters notable Gibson Les Paul and Fender Telecaster have sung classic tunes like ‘Hoochie Coochie Man’, ‘I Can’t Be Satisfied’ and ‘Got My Mojo Workin”, just to name a few.

Lifetime Achievements

During his active years  (1941-1983), Waters played with iconic blues performers such as Little Walter, Willie Dixon and Junior Wells; while inspiring the adoption of the blues by young, white artists like Johnny Winter, Eric Clapton and The Rolling Stones.

Also skilled at blues vocals and the harmonica, Muddy Waters recorded with popular Chicago record labels like Testament Records, Aristocrat Records and Chess Records (the label that also signed blues songwriter Chuck Berry upon Water’s recommendation). In his lifetime, Waters released more than 40 albums, and 40 singles, and was inducted into the Blues Foundation Hall of Fame in 1980, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1987, and was awarded a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 1992.

After his Death: Waters Remembered

Waters died in his sleep in 1983, while at home in Westmont, IL. A year after his death, the city of Chicago honored his musical achievements and cultural influences by assigning a one street block near his former home on E. 43^rd St. the ‘Honorary Muddy Waters Way’.

A true icon of music history, and one of the biggest contributors to blues based genres, Muddy Waters will be remembered not only for his immense talent and contagious tunes, but also for imminent effect he has had, and still has, on American music.

Lady Fantasy

Hi All.

I saw Camel  in Cardiff about 1975, I was really taken with this song.

They just released their  ”snowgoose” album

Well, I decided to do a “jam” to their Lady Fantasy from their “Mirage” album

Tony J.

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Brief Story of the Gibson Les Paul

 Brief Story of the Gibson Les Paul

If you know a little about guitars, then it’s safe to say you are familiar with the Gibson Les Paul. To talk about the Gibson Les Paul, however, we have to go way back to June 9^th, 1915 when Lester William Polfus was born.

Les Paul, the innovator and musician, is known not only for his guitars, but also for many other inventions he carries under his belt.  From his famous feed multiplier called “Les Paulverizer” to wicked recording devices, he’s recognized all over the world for being a top notch inventor and talented music innovator.

Les Paul: Beginnings

An electronics prodigy and creative genius, ‘Les Paul’ grew up with an instinctive talent to build things and an inherent interest in all things musical. At the age of 9, he designed his first ever invention with great success, and it was at around this age that he began playing the guitar, quickly establishing a notable reputation by his late teenage years.

During his late 20’s, in 1941, Les Paul built a solid body electric guitar in an attempt to minimize the vibration losses that occur with a resonating chamber. The result was an instrument that sustained sound better, with vibrations that were reproduced electrically through an amplified current- but that didn’t look quite like a guitar.

Gibson Says No

Disregarding aesthetics and happy with the achievement of his goal, Les Paul submitted his guitar idea to Gibson, only to be turned down in air of it looking like “a broom-stick with pickups.”

Shortly after, Leo Fender beat Les Paul to the marketplace, and released his original Fender Broadcaster – an almost identical prototype to the Les Paul, and parallel to the original release of the electric Rickenbacker in the 30’s. The broadcaster was the first solid-bodied guitar to be mass produced and commercialized, and underwent enormous success upon release. Had Gibson taken a second glance at Les Paul’s creation, they’d be the ones holding that title today.

Back then; Gibson paid the price of ignorance by experiencing a significant decline in sales to the increasing popularity of Fender guitars. To get back the edge over consumers, Gibson took Les Paul’s design, and tweaked it to release the new Gibson Les Paul.

Proud Endorsements

Gibson’s Les Paul marketability was restricted due to high competition from Fender and other brands, but it wasn’t long until Eric Clapton picked it up that it was the guitar of the moment. Fast forwarding to today, Les Pauls are probably one of the best known guitars in the world, having been endorsed by most, if not all, of the music legends that we devotedly admire.

 Next time you pick a Gibson Les Paul you might just not look at it the same. To think that it was once called a ‘broomstick with pickups,’ from Gibson themselves…Today, it’s probably one of Gibson’s bestselling guitars, ever!

Andes To Amazon

 

Andes To Amazon

A Musical Journey

Andes To Amazon.

I have always liked natural history documentaries

And in particular Andes to Amazon. I loved the title music and the incidental music throughout the series.

In one episode there was a piece on a Manakin a small bird that lives in the rainforest. It performs a dance to invite a mate. The film maker overdubbed some music to this which gave me an idea to do the same. Well one thing led to another and I decided to take a musical journey from “Andes To Amazon”

I used a Korg M50 , A Line6 JM4 Looper , A Gigsby Bass , A Jim Duncan Electrcoustic and my pride and joy Paul Reed Smith-Swamp Ash Special.

It was recorded on a Boss Micro BR

Hope you enjoy the journey

                                  Tony J.
 

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Two Days of Pure Blues starting May 6th

2009 Blues Music Awards will Follow the Blues Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony in Memphis

The 2009 Blues Music Awards are coming up on Thursday, May 7^th following the Blues Hall of Fame Induction night on May 6^th.

The event, organized by the Blues Foundation and sponsored by the Gibson Foundation, Eagle Rock Entertainment and SonyBMG Legacy, among others, will be held at the Cook Convention Center in  Memphis, TN.

Even though the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inducts artists for their musicianship in many genres that go beyond rock n’ roll, the Blues Hall of Fame is purely blues oriented in its acknowledgements. To name a few of the inductees, Taj Mahal, Buddy and B.B. King will be headlining the ceremony.

The Blues Music Awards have been a Memphis trademark for years, with the exception of a few dates when the event was hosted in the Mississippi Delta.

With 26 award categories, there are over 130 nominees, with 5 or 6 in each category. Categories include traditional blues, contemporary blues, acoustic blues, blues-rock and soul blues; as well as best performers,  best album and best song sorts. In addition, a B.B. King Entertainer Award is also customary, one of the most prestigious titles in the ceremony.

Amongst nominees is Buddy Guy for Best Contemporary Blues Male Artist of the Year, as well as his record ‘Skin Deep’ for Album of the Year. Lil’ Ed and the Blues Imperials are also nominated in the Traditional Blues Album of the Year for their release ‘Full Tilt’, competing with blues great B.B. King for his album ‘One Kind Favor.’

 The Blues Music Awards will be held less than a month from today, on May 7^th in Memphis, the capital of Blues music. Tickets can be purchased online or at the Cook Convention Center Box Office by calling (901) 527-2583 ext. 10.

Awaiting the 43rd-Montreux Jazz Festival

 Awaiting the 43rd-Montreux Jazz Festival

 

One of the best music shows in Europe, the Montreux Jazz Festival will be starting on July 3^rd, extending through July 18^th.

Offering two full weeks of concerts and renowned musicians, the festival will not only cover jazz, but many associated music genres as well.

This year’s Jazz Festival is the 43^rd date in its history, since the first 3-day festival held in 1967.

Amongst many talented performers, 2009 artists include Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee Jeff Beck, blues icon B.B. King, Herbie Hancock, Baaba Maal, The Dave Mathews Band, the John Scofield Piety Street Band, Steve Winwood and bass prodigy Victor Wooten.

Tickets for the Montreux Jazz Festival are for sale, with ticket prices ranging from 65CFH to over 250CFH. The Festival will be holding several free concerts, so take a look at the official program for a list of free shows and guest appearances.

If you are planning on visiting Montreux for this year’s festival, you’ll be happy to know that a partnership with CFF allows you to get a 20% discount on train fares to the festival with your concert tickets. If you are leaving the festival after dark, there are nightly-trains available that will make your late travelling a breeze.

For more information, visit the Montreux Jazz Festival website here.

Rock n Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony to be held at

 

Rock n Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony to be held at

Cleveland’s Public Hall on April 4^th, 2009

 

The Rock n’ Roll Hall of Fame announced the 2009 Inductees on January 14^th. Their Induction Week Event will begin on March 28^th, closing on April 4^th with the official Induction Ceremony that will be held in Cleveland.  After 12 years of it historically being featured at New York’s Waldorf Astoria, the ceremony will take place at Cleveland’s Public Hall in Northeast Ohio.

For the first time in their 24-year history after its foundation in 1986, the Rock n’ Roll Hall of Fame has opened the Induction Ceremony to the public, selling out tickets within weeks of announcing their sale. The ceremony will be broadcasted Live on Fuse TV and streamed online on various different websites for the rest of the world to witness.

Inductees are only eligible for consideration 25 years after their debut release.

The 2009 inductees are:

                        Performer Category:

                                                            Jeff Beck

                                                            Little Anthony & The Imperials

                                                            Run D.M.C.

                                                            Bobby Womack

                                                            Metallica

 

                        Early Influence Category:

                                                            Wanda Jackson

 

                        Sidemen Category:

                                                            Bill Black

                                                            Spooner Oldham

                                                            DJ Fontana

The announced inductees in the Performer category are hip-hop New York based group RUN D.M.C.,  the 1960’s R&B, soul and country influenced performers BOBBY WOMACK and LITTLE ANTHONY & THE IMPERIALS. Also the heavy thrash metal group METALLICA, and legendary blues-rock/heavy-metal influenced guitarist & former member of the Yardbirds, JEFF BECK. Jeff Beck has been credited with 4 Grammys for Best Rock Instrumental Performances, and deemed one of the ‘100 Greatest Guitarists of All Time’ by Rolling Stone magazine.

Inducted In the Early Influence category was 50’s American country music singer WANDA JACKSON. Jackson was merely 15 years old when she released her first recording.

In the sidemen category, drummer DJ FONTANA and bassist BILL BLACK (who both played in Elvis Presley’s band) were inducted, as well as American songwriter, keyboardist and session musician SPOONER OLDHAM. Oldham has contributed to hit songs such as “I never loved a man” by Aretha Franklin, “Mustang Sally” by Wilson Pickett; as he has performed with music legends Bob Dylan, Neil Young and Jackson Browne.

Ritchie Blackmore-From Heavy Metal to Renaissance Music

 

From Heavy Metal to Renaissance Music

Ritchie Blackmore started off as a blues driven, heavy metal guitarist, known for his days in Deep Purple and Rainbow. Today, however, you will find him playing classic acoustic renaissance guitar accompanied by his wife, vocalist and lyricist Candice Night.

Blackmore was voted #55 top guitarist in Rolling Stone’s list ‘100 Best Guitarists of All Time.’ He was also ranked on Guitar Magazine’s Top 100 Guitar solos at #19 for ‘Highway Star’ and #74 for ‘Lazy,’ both for his work in Deep Purple. 

Early Days

Originally from Weston-super-more, England, Blackmore got his first guitar at the age of 11, and took lessons from the legendary Big Jim Sullivan, who now plays in Tom Jones’ band.

Being instructed in classical music, with influences from Hank Marvin, country artist Chet Atkins and an immeasurable talent, Blackmore was sure to blow away audiences with pronounced versatility. Never loosing his signature sound, the songwriter has evolved through many varied musical genres in the company of his trademark scalloped Fender Stratocaster.

Blackmore started his career in music as a session performer, participating with various different bands of the English music scene.  In 1968, while in Hamburg, the guitarist was recruited by keyboardist Jon Lord who was looking to form a band. Drummer Ian Paice and singer Rod Evans were added to the lineup, as well as the bassist of Lord’s former band Artwolf. After touring Denmark as Roundabout the group decided to change their name to Deep Purple in reference to the Bing Crosby song.

From Deep Purple to Rainbow, and Back

Following the release of their third album, the lineup was modified with Ian Gillan replacing vocalist Rod Evans, and bassist Roger Glover covering Nick Simper.

Blackmore remained in Deep Purple until 1975, when he broke off due to creative differences with Gillan and formed a new band: Ritchie Blackmore’s Rainbow. Also a heavy-metal, hard rock band, Rainbow released hits like ‘Stone Cold’ and best selling albums, such as ‘Long Live Rock n’ Roll.’ The new group went on to record 8 albums, breaking up in 1984 when Blackmore reunited with former band, Deep Purple.

Reformed, they released ‘Perfect Strangers’, reviewed as one of Deep Purple’s best albums, and followed up with another 5 before Blackmore moved on to restore Rainbow.

Blackmore Night

 t was in 1997 that Blackmore joined renaissance singer Candice Night, on classic acoustic guitar to form Blackmore Night. Their first release ‘Shadow of the Moon’ sold gold in Japan, and was moderately successful in Europe. Since 1997, Blackmore Night have recorded a total of 15 albums.

Starting in July, Blackmore Night will be doing a Summer Germany Tour. With a German TV performance on June 28, the renaissance inspired group will be stopping in the Czech Republic on July 3^rd to start off their month long tour.

For tickets for Blackmore Night’s Germany Tour visit www.ticketmaster.de or www.eventim.de

Ian Gillan’s new Album ‘One Eye to Morocco’ to be released late March

 Deep Purple’s vocalist, Ian Gillan, has been working on his first solo album in over a decade. The record titled ‘One eye to Morocco’ is said to highlight the versatility of Gillan, with tunes far from the heavy metal scope, and closer to the roots of rock and blues. It’s likely that if you liked ‘Accidentally on Purpose’, then you’ll enjoy this one as well.

Produced and recorded in Canada with producer Nick Blagona, the new release includes collaborations from Steve Morris, guitarist Michael Lee Jackson, bassist Rodney Appleby and drummer Howard Wilson. Other apperances include Joe Menonna on saxo, Lance Anderson on the Hammond Organ and Jesse O’Brien on keyboards. The album’s UK street date has been set for March 23^rd, while the U.S. release will be a week later, on March 31^st.

‘One Eye for Morocco’ will premiere on Rockline Radio -with Ian Gillan as a guest- on March 25^th at 8:30 pm PT. Fans will be able to call Rockline Radio to speak with Gillan at 1800-344-ROCK.

One Eye to Morocco Track Listing:

 

• 1. One Eye To Morocco
• 2. No Lotion For That
• 3. Don’t Stop
• 4. Change My Ways
• 5. Girl Goes to Show
• 6. Better Days
• 7. Deal With It.
• 8. Ultimate Groove
• 9. The Sky is Falling Down
• 10. Texas State of Mind
• 11. It Would Be Nice
• 12. Always the Traveler

Lynyrd Skynyrd Set to Tour with Kid Rock

Lynyrd Skynyrd Set to Tour with Kid Rock, New Album for Release Late 09 

The southern blues-rock band Lynyrd Skynyrd will be joining Kid Rock for a second year of their ‘Rock & Rebels’ Tour in June 09. The groups will be kicking off in West Palm Beach, Florida on June 26, to follow with shows in 19 other U.S. cities.

In addition to their upcoming tour, Lynyrd Skynyrd has recently signed a recording contract with Loud & Proud/Roadrunner Records to release a new album by the end of this year. The album has not yet been scheduled, but it is estimated to be out by late 2009.

Skynyrd’s last studio album ‘Vicious Cycle’ was released on May 2003; a record that no longer included the musicianship of Leon Wilkenson, who died of lung and liver disease in a Florida hotel in 2001.

Once again, the band will be recording a new album remembering fallen fellow musician, Billly Powell. Powell was a founding member of Lynyrd Skynyrd, songwriter and keyboardist to the band since 1972. He passed away this last January 28^th, of a heart attack – making him the 7^th member in Lynyrd Skynyrd’s history to pass on.

Nevertheless, Lynyrd Skynyrd has always went on to continue the show, determined to fulfill the wishes of their departed band-mates.

The band will be performing, along Kid Rock for 20 dates starting June 26:

Date	Location	Venue
June 26	West Palm Beach, FL	Cruzan Amphitheatre
June 27	Tampa, FL	Ford Amphitheatre
June 28	Atlanta, GA	Lakewood Amphitheatre
June 30	Houston, TX	Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion
July 1	Dallas, TX	Superpages.com Center
July 7	Buffalo, NY	Darien Lake Performing Arts Center
July 8	Holmdel, NJ	PNC Bank Arts Center
July 10	Cuyahoga Falls, OH	Blossom Music Center
July 11	Indianapolis, IN	Verizon Music Center
July 12	Tinley Park, IL	First Midwest Bank Amphitheatre
July 14	Pittsburg, PA	Post Gazette Pavilion
July 21	Maryland Heights, MO	Verizon Music Center
July 22	Cincinnati, OH	Riverbend Music Center
July 24	Raleigh, NC	Time Warner Cable Music Pavilion at Walnut Creek
July 25	Virginia Beach, VA	Verizon Virginia Beach Amphitheatre
July 26	Charlotte, NC	Verizon Amphitheatre Charlotte
July 29	Boston, MA	Comcast Center
July 20	Hershey, PA	Hersheypark Stadium & Star Pavilion
August 1	Washington, DC	Nissan Pavilion
August 2	New York, New York	Nikon at Jones Beach Theater

Guitar trivia

 

 v     The first successfully produced electric guitar was a hollow Rickenbacker. Charlie Christian is claimed to be the very first electric guitarist of that, an all, time.

 

 

 v     Guitar string maker and guitar-product innovator Ernie Ball, didn’t play the conventional guitar but its unusual variation, the steel. Ball was a steal worker who found more excitement in the steel and science of the instrument than in playing it himself.

 

 

 v     Lester Polkfus (a.k. a. Les Paul) is the pioneer of the development of the solid-body guitar. He designed in 1941 one of the first, a prototype named the ‘the Log’ due to its heavy, rustic dimensions.

 

 

 v     Broadcaster was the original name of the Telecaster, but since the Broadcaster name was already being used for a drum-kit, Fender was required to modify his model label.

 

 

 v     The smallest guitar measures 10 micrometers long.

 

 

Jimi Hendrix Story

Jimi Hendrix was born on November 27, 1942. Upon Hendrix’s debut in music, not only was the new genre of psychedelic guitar born but the music world was forever marked with Hendrix’s unusual, yet overly effective playing techniques.

Music Style

Jimi was known for offering the wildest shows, sometimes playing his guitar with his teeth, or behind his back. Even though he owned several left-handed guitars, Hendrix played regular, right-handed guitars that were re-strung from the regular AEDGBE to a more leftie-friendly EBGDEA.

Jimi Hendrix is claimed to have popularized the use of the wah-wah pedal upon being introduced to it by Frank Zappa in the  early mid 60’s. Later in his career the wah-wah sound became a part of Jimi’s guitar signature. The trademark Hendrix sound was boosted by overdriven amps of high-gain and high-treble, as well as classic high bends that almost jumped out of his songs. Hendrix also changed minds about the reputation of feedback, using this generally unwanted effect to add that wild dreaminess so prominent in his performances.

Jimi’s guitar abilities mainly consisted of untamed electric bluesy riffs and a left-handed faculty that captured the planet’s attention. Hendrix’s talent didn’t remain unnoticed for very long.  He was respected and praised by many guitarists shortly after his debut in music, with influences of blues and rock greats like B.B. King, Muddy Waters, Albert King and even Elvis Presley. It wasn’t long until Jimi (and his skill) fit right in to the top class of musicians that were then presided by Eric Clapton, B.B. King and Jeff Beck.

Early Days

Hendrix’s beginnings date back to the early 60’s, where he began playing with army friend Billy Cox in Fort Campbell, KT where stationed. He tried his luck out in the South by participating in various bands: from his first ‘The Velvetones”, to ‘Rocking Kings’ and the ‘King Casuals’. Jimi struggled to subsist but acquired the blues roots and experience that framed his inherent guitar skills.

Confident to climb up the music ladder, Hendrix moved to New York in 1964. Shortly he was part of the Isley Brothers, later becoming Little Richard’s band supporting guitarist.

Admired by many, Hendrix motivated special regard from fellow musician Chas Chandler of ‘The Animals’. Chandler convinced Jimi to move to  London to build on his guitar-playing career. They signed a contract together, along with Michael Jeffery that represented them as Jimi’s managers. 

The Peak Years

Soon after, The Jimi Hendrix Experience was founded with bassist Noel Redding and drummer Mitch Mitchell. The band released their first record ‘Are you Experienced’, a blues-filled, slightly melodic album with classic Hendrix songs like “The Wind Cries Mary” and “Purple Haze”. The band’s second release was equally as popular yet more melodic in nature, offering more structure in his songs, like in the masterpiece ‘Little Wing’.
The Experience’s 3^rd album, ‘Electric Ladyland’ went beyond any of his previous works as a result of gaining total artistic control from Chas Chandler. Wilder and less restricted than his other albums, ‘Electric Ladyland’ broke many guitar rules while achieving admirable musical results.

During The Experience’s hiatus, Jimi formed ‘Gypsy Sun & Rainbows’ with old friend and bassist Bily Cox, and drummer Buddy Miles, later re-naming the group to ‘Band of Gipsies’.

Despite playing a few concerts, and even releasing a Live album It wasn’t too long after that, that the Jimi Hendrix Experience was reformed with Billy Cox and Mitch Mitchell in a mix n’ match line-up between Hendrix’s two main groups.

During the time, Jimi was facing a number of lawsuits concerning recording contracts that were signed early in his carreer. This caused him to travel back and forth between London and U.S.A;, travels that allowed him to collaborate with artists like Steve Winwood and Bob Dylan while in the US, as well as to participate in the biggest music festival of the 60’s: Woodstock.

Close to the end of his life, Jimi played the two classic concerts Live at Monterrey and Live at the Isle of Wright, both under the exclusive recommendation of Paul McCartney. These live recordings, released after Jimi’s death in 1970, are probably the most legendary performances of the guitarist ever captured on tape.

Our Goodbyes

Jimi’s last show was on September 6^th, 1970, the same day that Billy Cox quit The Jimi Hendrix Experience. He died on September 18^th, of 1970 in London. Jimi’s gravesite is located at the Greenwood Memorial Park near Seattle, Washington where he rests accompanied by the carving of a 1965 Fender Stratocaster; his favorite type of guitar.

Hendrix’s presence in music was a short lived 10 or so years, halted by his death on September 1970 due to a presumed overdose. In the short time that he was with us, he not only managed to reinvent music and the possibilities that it offers but to open the eyes, ears and minds of many.

With his music Jimi has taught the world to be wild and free spirited; to try, explore, and discover new things, to overcome the limits that cause our restrain in an, almost, prophetic approach.

 

Rest in Peace Jimi. Rest assured you’ll transcend for as long as music lives.

Black Sabbath’s Bestselling Album ‘Paranoid’ for re-Release in April

 

Black Sabbath has been deemed to be one of the heaviest, darkest bands of all time.  With more than 12 albums and a black metal dedicated line-up, the band set the bar for many metal groups that came, thereafter. Originally known as Polka Tulk and later as Earth, Black Sabbath is said to have been inspired not only by blues and metal, but also by the dark, gothic elements of 70’s horror movies.

The album Paranoid, set for re-release on April 8^th, was Black Sabbath’s second album – follow-up to their 1^st self-titled record – and second association with producer Rodger Bain. The record was released under their original line-up, Tony Iommi on guitar, Gezzer Butler on bass guitar, Bill Ward on drums and Ozzy Osbourne on vocals.

Upon release in September of 1970 in the UK, and later in the US on January of 1971, the band’s second album was everything that the fans and music critics wanted to hear. By 1995, ‘Paranoid’ had sold more than 4 million copies, acquiring a quadruple Platinum status and granting, since its release, monumental recognition to the group.

The album’s popularity was encompassed, perhaps, not only due to good music but also to the themes addressed in their tunes; a clear a representation and perception of a world in chaos prognosticated by the Vietnam War and the Cold War developing at the time. Aside from wartime references in many of their tracks, topics of mental disease and drug abuse are also exposed in many of Sabbaths songs ie.Planet Caravan, Hand of Doom, Fairies Wear Boots.

The band’s focus on the issues brought on by war was so that the album’s original title used to be ‘War Pigs’, alike the name of the album’s first track.  In an attempt to reach a broader audience and refrain from directly offending any Vietnam War advocates, the title was changed to ‘Paranoid’, also a track in the album.

The story goes the song ‘Paranoid’ was an unplanned, improvised song Black Sabbath put together as a filler for the scarcely packed release. Much to the band’s surprise, the song had become so popular that it reached #4 on the UK charts.

The bestselling album’s re-release set for April 8^th of this year will not only include the original 1970 version of the record on the 1^st disc, but also a quadraphonic mix on the 2nd disc, and original studio recordings of each track on the 3^rd one.

 

The track listing is set as follows:

Disc 1 – Original Version

1. War Pigs

2. Paranoid

3. Planet Caravan

4. Iron Man

5. Electric Funeral

6. Hand of Doom

7. Rat Salad

8. Fairies Wear Boots

Disc 2 – Quadrophonic Mix

1. War Pigs

2. Paranoid

3. Planet Caravan

4. Iron Man

5. Electric Funeral

6. Hand of Doom

7. Rat Salad

8. Fairies Wear Boots

Disc 3 – Unreleased Recordings

1. War Pigs – instrumental

2. Paranoid – alternative lyrics

3. Planet Caravan – alt. lyrics

4. Iron Man – instrumental

5. Electric Funeral – instrumental

6. Hand of Doom – instrumental

7. Rat Salad – instrumental

8. Fairies Wear Boots – inst.

 

Along with the new unreleased material, the album will also include rare photos and artwork of the band, as well as copies of the recording notes that gave place to it.

Black Sabbath toured with Ozzy Osbourne in a reunion world trek from 1997 to 2005. Osbourne was fired from the band in 1979 and later replaced by Ronnie James Dio who took over vocals until the mid 80’s.

Presumed to have changed their name to ‘Heaven & Hell’ upon reuniting with Ronnie James Dio in 2007, the band is still expected to tour under the Black Sabbath name and original line-up in a near future.

 

Happy Birthday Rory Gallagher

 

Rory Gallagher was born on March 2^nd, 1948 in Ballyshannon, Ireland. The blues rock musician sold over 30 millions records in his lifetime, and was one of the first Irish men to be recognized in the music world. His classic Sunburst Stratocaster guitar sang the blues, as it emulated a heavy metal sound that scraped the limits of the blues-rock music genres; stretching it and elevating it into the signature Gallagher sound.

 Rory Gallagher passed away on June 14^th of 1995 after a series of complications that arose following a liver transplant earlier that year.

He would be 61 today.

 In memory of Gallagher and as thank you for his legacy, the Rory Gallagher Tribute Festival is beginning today in Dublin, Ireland at RadioCity. Performers include the Dave McHugh Band, Slumming Angers, and Sham~Rock.

 

How To Play Bass Guitar For Beginners

Bass Guitar Video For Beginners

If you are a beginning bass player, there are various things you can do to instruct yourself in the bass learning process. Besides studying some theory on bass scale and practicing your slap, pop, string bending and sliding; a good way to learn the variety of sounds and licks you can generate with your instrument is to familiarize yourself with some classic base lines. By learning different licks, it becomes easier to get used to the ample bass fret board, as well as the vast selection of sounds and techniques that can be applied during play.

Drum samplers are also a popular aid for beginning bass players; thus are recommended by most established bassists as an important resource for improvement. By utilizing a percussive foundation to create your own riffs, or to simply play along a song, you will be guided by the drums through the licks’ order, and rhythm. While there is plenty of drum sampling software out there that you can buy for a reasonable price (i.e. QuickBeat), and high-tech drum machines with endless assortments of drum samples; online you can find many drum recordings for free to help you in your practice. Some of these include SuperDrumFX v1.3 and Drum Station v1.09 which can be found in various download servers and music sites alike. 

In today’s video, Tony will play a few classic licks for you to learn and practice some basic – and not so basic – bass riffs. The 7 base lines will be played in order of difficulty from the following songs:

1- Whole Lotta Love – Led Zeppelin (70’s heavy metal, blues, blues-rock)

2- New Year’s Day – U2 (Rock, pop-rock)

3- Radar Love – Golden Earring

4- Money – Pink Floyd (70’s blues, blues-rock)

5- Our House – Madness (80’s rock)

6- Tubular Bells Part 2 – Mike Oldfield (70’s blues, blues-rock)

7- Tony’s Own – Bass Slap Technique Sample*

*To play the slap bass technique properly it takes a good amount of practice. To slap a bass note, strike the string with your thumb placed, either completely parallel, or completely perpendicular to the string, always making sure to slap the string off of the fretboard. Remember, it takes some work to get it down, so don’t get discouraged if you don’t nail the technique in the first 10 tries.

While you watch the video lesson, I suggest you take a look at the bass tabs below to guide your fingers on the fretboard. Don’t know how to read tabs yet? Not to worry, it’s a fairly simple thing; take a look at our Fast Tab Reading Guide and get started!

Have Fun 

Get the Flash Player to see this Media Player.

 Fast Tab Reading Guide

 A Tab or Tablature is a form of music notation generally used for fretted stringed instruments, such as bass and guitar. The tab indicates the player what string to sound and where to place their fingers on the fretboard -as opposed to signifying the pitch like it’s the case in standard musical notation.

Since tabs give no suggestions of rhythm or tempo in their notation, their use of is always paired with a musical representation of the original tune- be it a drum sample, a lead guitar track, or simply your mental reproduction of the song. If you plan to use tabs to learn popular songs, make sure to have access to those songs so you can figure out the tempo and rhythm of the track and how long to hold down each note.

 
Here’s a sample bass tab:

G|——0—–| ß 1^st string

D|——2—–|

A|——2—–|

E|——0—–|ß 4^th string

Each line represents each string, and each number indicates the fret you need to press down on. When the number is 0 (zero) it represents an open string.

In the sample above, the strings are to be played simultaneously.

In the sample below, each string is to be played individually.

G|———-4–|

D|——-3—–|

A|—–2——-|

E|–1———-|

Tablatures also give indicatives on what techniques to apply while you play. The reference list below will help you identify each notation symbol:

(v) or (~): Vibrato

(x):  Muted String

(t): Tap

(<>): Harmonics

(h) Hammer on: represented by an h in between the original note and the hammered on note. Ie. 3h4

(p) Pull off: indicated by a p in between the original note and the pulled off note. Ie. 2p4

(b) String Bending: represented by a b in between the original fret and the bent fret. Sometimes added in between parentheses. Ie. 2b3 or 2b(3)

(r) Return Bent Note: when the tab tells you to return your bent note to its original fretting position it is represented by an r in between the bent note and the original note. Ie. 3r2

(/) Ascending Slide: represented by a / in between original fret and slide fret. If you were to play on the 4^th fret and slide up to the 1^st it would be indicated as 4/1*

(\) Descending slide: represented by a \ in between the original fret and the slide fret. If you were to play on the 1^st fret and slide down to the 4^th,  it would be indicated as 1/4.*

*Sometimes you can encounter longer slide references such as: 4/2\3. This would simply mean to press down on the 4^nd fret, slide up to the 2^nd fret, and slide down to the 3^rd.  Apply the same rules to even longer slide references.

 

Chances of Led Zeppelin 2009 Tour Shattered

Just days after publicly speaking of a Led Zeppelin Tour without Robert Plant, and even possibilities of a new band name; Manager Peter Mensch sent the world a heart chilling message: “Led Zeppelin are over!”

Rumors began in 2008, after Led Zeppelin performed a reunion tour at London’s 02 in late 07.  Word was Jimmy Page, John Paul Jones and Jason Bonham were looking to tour once again in mid-late 2009, but vocalist Robert Plant was not interested in another reunion.

Busy touring with Allison Krauss, Plant explained his focus was entirely on that project; and that another Led Zeppelin Tour right now, would just deflate the band’s legacy.
But in September of 2008 the London Sun published the news that Robert Plant, after his unyielding reluctance to take part had Okayed the coveted tour and would be participating in the reunion. The world celebrated the warming news but skepticism of it being just a rumor haunted many.

And so it was. In late 2008 the tables turned with new information that Robert Plant wouldn’t participate; followed by news in January of a Robert Plant-less Led Zeppelin Tour. Manager to the band, Peter Mensch, stated that the band would tour – with or without Plant – and was in the process of looking for a new vocalist. Mensch also mentioned the possibility of the band not touring under the Led Zeppelin name.

Just days after making these statements, yet months into the beginning of this informational (and emotional) rollercoaster, Peter Mensch reported what no Led Zep concert-deprived fan wanted to hear: “Led Zeppelin are over! If you didn’t see them in 2007, then you missed them.” Mensch’s tactful delivery also explained that the band had tried several vocalists, but upon not finding a fitting replacement, they decided not to tour or record altogether.
A sad but wise decision given that Robert Plant’s voice, such as Led Zeppelin’s sound, is complementary, unique and irreplaceable.

According to Billboard, and from Mr. Plant himself, when asked about reforming Led Zeppelin, he only expresses frustration. “. It’s been both frustrating and ridiculous” [to hear rumors of a reunion) he said. This is a clear hint that we won’t be seeing him onstage amongst Jimmy Page, Jason Bonham or John Paul Jones anytime soon, and that it was, after all, just a rumor.

But who is to say the trio won’t be, in fact, playing under a new name; and perhaps releasing a new recording in the future? In my wishful thinking, I hope that if Led Zeppelin is, in fact, over that it won’t necessarily mean Page, Jones and Bonham will not form a new band sometime down the road.

Hopefully, we will get to hear some more from all these talented musicians, on-stage or off-stage; whether it’s under the Led Zeppelin name, or not.

 

 

ZZ Top founder, Billy Gibbons, Collaborates on Russian Metal Band’s New Release

The guitarist is to guest star in Pushking’s new album ‘Duets’, along with Deep Purple members Ian Gillan, Glen Hughes, Joe Lynn Turner, and many more.

Russian metal-rock band Pushking are featuring high-profile collaborations in their upcoming album named ‘Pushking – Duets’, produced by Fabrizio Grossi. The release will pack 19 songs that the band has been playing since 1996, perhaps as a brief timeline of their constant evolution.

Amongst collaborators, ZZ Top founder and Houston native Billy Gibbons stands out. Born in 1949, Gibbons began playing guitar as a teenage boy. Also founding member of the 60’s band Moving Sidewalks that once opened for the Jimi Hendrix Experience – he is known for his 1959 Gibson Les Paul (a.k.a. Miss Pearly Gates), his industrious guitar riffs and infamous coin string-picking technique.
Gibbons formed ZZ Top in 1969 along with Frank Beard and Dusty Hill, and released 14 albums with commended popularity. He has played with various music icons, including B.B. King, John Mayall and Les Paul.
On Pushking’s new album, Gibbons will be performing in the song ‘Knight Rider’, and will be collaborating both on lead guitar and vocals.

Pushking’s forthcoming release will be also guest starring Deep Purple veterans Joe Lynn Turner (also from Rainbow), Glen Hughes (also from Black Sabbath) and Ian Gillan (also solo) to aid in their heavy metal/bluesy approach.

Other artists also include American rock singer and songwriter, Alice Cooper, American hard rock guitarist Paul Stanley (KISS) and English rock singer Graham Bonnet (Rainbow, Alcatraz).

The new albums release date has not yet been confirmed, but it is scheduled to be out on sale before the end of this year.

Blues Bash at Clayton Center to star Johnny Winter and John Dee Holeman on March 14th

The Clayton Center, located 15 miles from Raleigh in North Carolina, will be holding the 4th Annual Blues Bash on March 14th, at 8pm.  The show will feature the performances of bluesmen Johnny Winter and John Dee Holeman, in a mix of the many blues subgenres and assorted influences that have shaped the musicianship of each artist through the years.

John Dee Holeman, originally from Orange County and currently a Durham, NC resident, will be bringing the country, folk and jazz into the equation, as well as the blues filled vocals that are prominent in his works. Influenced by Blind Boy Fuller and Thomas Kurt amongst others, Holeman began playing the blues when he was 14. Despite not being a professional artist, Holeman is of high demand in the music world, and keeps busy playing for small and big concerts alike.  Recently John Dee participated in the 7th Annual Fishin’ Blues Tournament, hosted in Puerto San Jose in Guatemala, and played side by side with Little Freddie King.
Winner of the National Heritage Fellowship Award in 1988, and North Carolina’s Folk Heritage Award in 1994, Holeman is expected to put on a thrilling performance and to be a remarkable complement to Johnny Winter’s guitar.

Winter’s legacy extends since the 1960’s, 15 years after he was born in Texas on February 23rd.  Johnny moved on from his first ever band Johnny and the Jammers to later release albums such as ‘Johnny Winter’ (68) ‘Saints & Sinners’ (74), ‘Nothin’ but the Blues’ (77) and his more recent Grammy nominated album ‘I’m a Bluesman’ (04). Also a producer, Winter produced the albums ‘Hard Again’ and ‘I’m Ready’ by Muddy Waters, helping Waters achieve two Grammy Awards.
Having recorded over 22 official albums, and over a dozen unofficial ones; Johnny Winter is known for a heap of accomplishments he has built throughout his career.
Known for essential guitar blues with a twist of rock, Winter’s music style, along with John Dee Holeman’s will be the perfect ingredients for a well-blended Blues Bash concert.

The show will be taking place on March 14th at 8PM.  Tickets (US$ 22) can be purchased directly at Clayton Center’s box office, via phone at 919.553.1737 or online, at www.etix.com.

February Blues Album Releases: -Johnny Winter, John Lee Hooker and Bobby Jones

 

Bobby Jones’ new solo album Coming Back Hard, recorded by Delta Groove Productions, was released February 17th. The new recordings feature the artist’s soul filled vocals, and a glimpse of Jones’- Chicago influenced –blues. Recently performing for the Mannish Boys in their CD “Big Plans,” Jones began his career in the late 1950’s in Chicago, and is considered one of the greatest blues artists to still record today.

 

John Lee Hooker has forever been a true veteran of the blues genre, influencing many great artists and aspiring performers alike. Shout! Factory’s new release – 50 Years: John Lee Hooker Anthology – encompasses a double album that features 32 songs by the legendary blues guitarist, including his 1948 hit “Boogie Chillen” and special collaborative work with Muddy Waters, Carlos Santana, Larry Veeder and Bonnie Raitt. Also released on February 17th, John Lee Hooker’s Anthology will sure quench the music thirst of many classic blues enthusiasts.

 

Johnny Winter’s Live Bootleg Series Vol. 4 was released February 10th by Friday Music Records. This 4th volume of an archive series includes 10 tracks, 9 live songs and an acoustic representation of Muddy Water’s “Rollin’ and Tumblin’”; with the assistance of drummer Tom Compton and bassist John Paris as Winter’s support band. Once producer of Muddy Water’s Grammy Award-winning albums ‘I’m Ready’ and ‘Hard Again’ in 1987 and 1988, the musician, songwriter and producer follows a classic blues style that is overly hard to resist.

Rock n Roll Hall of Fame

Rock n Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony to be held at Cleveland’s Public Hall on April 4th, 2009
The Rock n’ Roll Hall of Fame announced the 2009 Inductees on January 14th. Their Induction Week Event will begin on March 28th, closing on April 4th with the official Induction Ceremony that will be held in Cleveland.  After 12 years of it historically being featured at New York’s Waldorf Astoria, the ceremony will take place at Cleveland’s Public Hall in Northeast Ohio.

For the first time in their 24-year history after its foundation in 1986, the Rock n’ Roll Hall of Fame has opened the Induction Ceremony to the public, selling out tickets within weeks of announcing their sale. The ceremony will be broadcasted Live on Fuse TV and streamed online on various different websites for the rest of the world to witness.

Inductees are only eligible for consideration 25 years after their debut release.
The 2009 inductees are:

  Performer Category:
     Jeff Beck
     Little Anthony & The Imperials
     Run D.M.C.
     Bobby Womack
     Metallica

  Early Influence Category:
     Wanda Jackson

  Sidemen Category:
     Bill Black
     Spooner Oldham
     DJ Fontana

 

The announced inductees in the Performer category are hip-hop New York based group RUN D.M.C.,  the 1960’s R&B, soul and country influenced performers BOBBY WOMACK and LITTLE ANTHONY & THE IMPERIALS. Also the heavy thrash metal group METALLICA, and legendary blues-rock/heavy-metal influenced guitarist & former member of the Yardbirds, JEFF BECK. Jeff Beck has been credited with 4 Grammys for Best Rock Instrumental Performances, and deemed one of the ‘100 Greatest Guitarists of All Time’ by Rolling Stone magazine.

Inducted In the Early Influence category was 50’s American country music singer WANDA JACKSON. Jackson was merely 15 years old when she released her first recording.

In the sidemen category, drummer DJ FONTANA and bassist BILL BLACK (who both played in Elvis Presley’s band) were inducted, as well as American songwriter, keyboardist and session musician SPOONER OLDHAM. Oldham has contributed to hit songs such as “I never loved a man” by Aretha Franklin, “Mustang Sally” by Wilson Pickett; as he has performed with music legends Bob Dylan, Neil Young and Jackson Browne.

Eric Clapton 2009 Confirmed Tour Dates

The musician is performing in Japan, with Australia, New Zealand, Ireland, UK, and U.S.A to follow in his upcoming schedule.

Three-time Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Inductee, CBE and 18-time Grammy Award-winner Eric Clapton simply is a timeless icon of music history.
Known both for being a former member of great bands such as The Yardbirds, John Mayall & the Bluesbreakers, Cream, Blind Faith and Delaney and Bonnie and Friends, as well as for his remarkable solo guitar work and collaborations, Clapton has played with stars like The Beatles, Roger Waters, Dire Straits and Joe Cocker, amongst many.

Clapton’s 2009 World Tour began this February in Japan, and it is currently 3 dates into the tour.  Featuring special edition tickets due to Clapton’s 35th anniversary since his debut in Japan in 1974, the musician will be playing in Tokyo on February 18th and 19th, traveling to Saitama and Budokan for 2 shows with legendary guitarist Jeff Beck on the 21st and 22nd, only to return to Tokyo on the 24th for 3 more solo performances.

Along with Clapton, this year’s shows will feature musicians Doyle Bramhall II on guitar, Chris Stainton on keyboards, Willie Weeks on bass, Abe Laboriel Jr. on drums and Sharon White & Michelle John on backing vocals as his supporting band.
After closing in Japan, Eric Clapton and his group will be then hitting New Zealand’s Vector Arena on March 4th, moving on to Australia from the 7th to the 14th of that month.
The Australian venues Clapton will be playing at include the Hunter Valley Hope Estate Winery (07/03), the Sydney Entertainment Centre (08/03) and Melbourne’s Rod Laver Arena (11/03).

The songwriter will be taking a brief break before resuming his tour in Dublin’s O2 Arena, in Ireland, on May 11th, then moving on to the UK for two consecutive weeks of performances.
The UK Tour opening show will take place in Liverpool’s Echo Arena on May 13th, followed by one performance at the MEN Arena in Manchester on the 14th, and sixteen consecutive shows at the Royal Albert Hall in London from the 16th to 31st of May.
Along for the ride will be 1990’s blues group the Arc Angels (featuring Charlie Sexton) who will be presenting the supporting act for each of Clapton’s concerts in the UK.

Following the UK tour, Clapton will be stopping by 15 cities in the U.S.A. starting June 10th with former band mate and fellow guitarist Steve Windwood. Clapton and Windwood had formed the group Blind Faith in 1969 after Cream’s dissolution in 1968. Following the opening act in East Rutherford on June 10th, the performers will be moving down to Philadelphia, PA (12/06), Washington, DC (13/06), Columbus, OH (15/06), Chicago, IL (17/06); St. Paul, MN (18/06), Omaha, NE (20/06), Denver, CO (21/06), Dallas, TX (23/06), Houston, TX (24/06), Glendale, AZ (26/06), Las Vegas, NV (27/06), Oakland, CA (29/06) and Los Angeles, CA (30/06).

Clapton was born in Ripley in Surrey, England on 1945 and got his first guitar in 1960. In more than 45 years of musicianship, the artist has recorded many hits, both in his former bands as in his solo work. Deemed one of Rolling Stone’s ‘100 Guitarists of All Time’ and the only musician to be a triple Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Inductee, Eric Clapton is one the most legendary, iconic and influential guitarists still active today.

Deep Purple Confirms Tour Dates for 2009

First date is set to be at Japan’s International Forum in Tokyo, on April 9th.

Heavy metal’s pioneers Deep Purple have confirmed several dates for their 2009 performances. Beginning April 09, the band will be playing in Japan until the 13th of the same month. By May 1st they will be in Poland, Czech Republic and Slovakia; taking a break before hitting Norway, Denmark, Sweden Finland, Turkey, Greece and Lebanon in early July.

They will also performing at the British Motor & Music Festival in London on July the 30th, after which they will head to Estonia, Ukraine and Moscow for more shows.

The band has also announced, but not yet confirmed the dates for their 4-show UK tour in November of ’09. Deep Purple is temporarily scheduled to begin their UK Tour on November 10th at the Manchester Apollo, followed by consecutive daily performances at the Glasgow SECC, the Birmingham LG Arena and the London HMV Hammersmith.

The confirmed dates can be found at the band’s official management website: www.deep-purple.com

IMHO

Not sure about this line up called ‘Deep Purple’ no Richie Blackmore, not to mention Jon Lord is missing Mmm will have to give it a listen.

T.J.

Eagle Rock to Release Rory Gallagher, Paul Rodgers and Jeff Beck Live Performances in March ‘09

Eagle Rock Entertainment has many releases scheduled for this year, some of which feature the works of music legends Rory Gallagher, Jeff Beck, Paul Rodgers and Ian Gillan.

Set for release on DVD and BluRay  is guitarist Jeff Beck’s must-see performance at London’s Ronnie Scotts in 2007. The concert documentary titled ‘Jeff Beck Performing this Week’ is set for release March 31st. 2009, presenting collaborations from Eric Clapton and Joss Stone, amongst others.

Paul Rodgers Live in Glasgow BluRay will be released that same day; featuring Rodgers 2006 UK Tour and an anachronous assortment of songs that he has played throughout his career.  The new release encompasses tunes from his days as front-man in bands FREE, Bad Company, The Firm and Queen. Alongside interviews with the musician, bonus features include a special performance of “Sunshine” by Rodger’s son, Steven.

Also up for release in late March is Ian Gillan’s DVD/BluRay One Eye To Morocco, recorded with the line up from the popular album ‘Live in Anaheim’. The Deep Purple vocalist presents in this solo album tunes influenced by 50’s rock artists such as Ray Charles, Little Richard and James Brown.

Last, but certainly not least, is guitarist Rory Gallagher’s Live in Cork DVD/BluRay release – also set for March 31st.  The video is a remastered version of Gallagher’s performance at Cork’s Opera House in 1987, filmed by Irish television and originally released on VHS as ‘Messin’ With The Kid – Live At The Cork Opera House’.  Bonus features include Rory Gallagher’s Discography, pictures and stories from his early days and a short documentary titled ‘Big Guns’.

Free – History of a Band

 

Free was a British band that formed in Battersea, London during April 1968. An imminent result of the British Blues boom of the late 60’s, and influenced by the many artists that collaborated with the movement’s birth, Free adopted a hard blues-rock musical style. After having played together in the R&B band “Black Cat Bones”, 17-year old guitarist Paul Kossoff and 18-year old drummer Simon Kirke wanted to move forward. Having had recruited bassist Andy Fraser, who at 15 years of age had already performed with high profile bands such as John Mayall & the Bluesbreakers, the band was only missing a lead singer. Found not long after at a Brown Sugar concert in Finsbury Park’s ‘Fickle Pickle’, Paul Rogers was summoned by Kossoff to complete the final lineup of the band.

In November 1969 the group recorded their first studio album, ‘Tons of Sobs’ which wasn’t released until the following year along with their second, self-titled album. The debut of the band, however, was overlooked until the release of their third follow-up ‘Fire and Water’ in 1970, featuring the song “All Right Now”. An exceptionally acclaimed hit, the song placed #1 in UK’s rock and single charts and #2 in the U.S.A’s; also setting the band in excellent musical standings. Later, in 1990, it was recognized by the ASCAP for amassing over one million radio plays and awarded by the British Music Industry when the two million mark was reached. The release of a #1 song and a #2 album facilitated Free the opportunity to land a spot in 1970’s Isle of Wright Festival. A 600,000 people event, with shows from notorious blues-inspired groups such as The Who, The Doors, and guitarist Jimmi Hendrix; the festival provided the band with an even bigger public exposure. In addition, it allowed them to exploit one of their best abilities as a musical group and for which they’re still renowned for; their live performance.

 During September of 1970, Free released their fourth disc ‘Highway’. Not selling well and under-placing on the charts, the album forced the band into retreat. Due to the inconsistency of sales and reputation, personal differences between Paul Rodgers and Andy Fraser, and the drug-abusing tendencies of Paul Kossoff the band broke up on April 1971. Despite their dissolution, the group still released their fifth, farewell album ‘Free Live!’, only to reform during early 1972 in an attempt to help Kossoff overcome his drug-addiction. In June of the same year they released their 6^th album ‘Free at Last’, also lacking in popular recognition, at which point Andy Fraser left the band fed up at Kossoffs predictable unreliability.

In replacement of Fraser came in Japanese bassist Tetsu Yamauchi and an extra member, keyboardist John ‘Rabbit’ Bundrick, was added. The new, short-lived lineup was called ‘Kossoff, Kirke, Tetsu and Rabbit’ and released Free’s final album ‘Heartbreaker’.

In early 1973 Free ultimately disbanded. With Paul Rodgers and Simon Kirke forming Bad Company, Andy Fraser creating the Andy Fraser Band and Paul Kossoff going solo as the Back Street Crawler; this was finally the breaking point of the group.

Three years later, on March 19^th of 1979 and at the age of 25, Paul Kossoff died of a drug-related heart condition on a flight from Los Angeles to New York. Roughly a month shy of the ‘reunion’ tour the former members had planned featuring the Backstreet Crawler headlining Bad Company; Kossoffs death marked the final chapter of the band.

A band of young members and fresh ideas, Free marked the post British blues boom period of the 70’s. Along with other bands and guitarists that emerged during and after the boom, Free experimented with and partly founded many of the various applications of a new genre that are still influencing musicians today.

Did you take that all in? Good! Then, on with the lesson

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[Here is the backing track for you  (to download backing track right click ’save target as’ )

all_right_now

B.B. King to Play 4 Concerts in UK with John Mayall

B.B. King to Play 4 Concerts in UK with John Mayall
The late June ‘09 Tour will hit Manchester, Birmingham, Cardiff and London.

Despite having had announced retirement from international touring in 2006, B.B. King is set to play four arena concerts in Manchester, Birmingham, Cardiff and London at the end of June. Both King and John Mayall (75) – a blues-rock pioneer for his release of ‘Bluesbreakers’ in 1966 – will be splitting performances, each of them taking over one half of the show.

King had last performed in UK during his 5-date UK Farewell Tour in 2006 with Gary Moore. Now 83, with over 15,000 performances and 61 years of music making under his belt following his debut in 1947, King continues to represent music’s crème de la crème.

He has collected many empowering acknowledgements during his career such as three honorary doctorates in music by Mississippi, Yale and Brown University; over 15 Grammy’s -including the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 1987 – and a prestigious Presidential Medal of Freedom, given to King by President G.W. Bush at the age of 80.

B.B. King’s top works include songs “The Thrill is Gone”, “Every Day I Have the Blues” and “I Like to Live the Love”; as well as albums ‘My Guitar Sings the Blues’ (1986), ‘Blues Summit’ (1994) and ‘Live at the Apollo’  (1992) between many, many others.  His numerous collaborations have aided iconic artists such as Eric Clapton, Jimmi Vaughan, Robert Cray, Bo Diddley and U2.

IMHO

B.B. King is one of the greatest blues players of his style around. He has sporned so many good players to take up the blues guitar. I am really looking forward to these up and coming performances.

T.J.

David Gilmour-Pink Floyd, Collaborations and Solo Works

David Gilmour’s musical talent has been shining through ever since he began his career in music. From lead guitarist, to solo artist to producer, David Gilmour is an innate ambassador of guitar music all over the world. Whether you know him from his work with Pink Floyd, his insane guitar skills or his charitable reputation, David Gilmour the man, is the unnamed spirit behind a lot of the rock based music we hear today.

David Jon Gilmour CBE was born on March 6th, 1946 in Cambridge, England. Perhaps one of music’s most talented guitarists and composers, David Gilmour’s blues based, rock inspired guitar work has lead many musical masterpieces.
From instrumental sounds to classic Gilmourish tones and distortions, David Gilmour has raised the bar for many guitarists.  Despite having being a low profile performer during his musical career, he has managed to excel and stand out in his endowment.

Known for his clear phrasing and warm sounds, exact note bending skills and feedback oriented treble pick-ups, Gilmour embraces the early Rock n’ Roll style and clean Strat tones of artists such as Hank Marvin. His slow rock riffs, delay/speed intensity licks, fuzz and chain effects distortions over clean sounds has attracted the attention of numerous guitarists and musicians, alike. Gilmour’s musical knowledge extends beyond guitar skills, as he can dominate sounds in the bass, banjo, harmonica, keyboards and synthesizers as well. An avid Fender enthusiast, David Gilmour’s guitar collection includes over 300 instruments, including many of his Pink Floyd playing guitars – like the ’55 Esquire and the ’79 black Stratocaster- Telecasters and a ’55 Les Paul Goldtop between others.

Gilmour’s interest in guitar playing began at The Perse School in the late 50’s.
Upon meeting Syd Barrett in his high school years, Gilmour began learning and exploring the guitar world, unaware that one day in 1968 he would replace Barrett’s role in the legendary band Pink Floyd.
After a short 3-years in his first-ever band Joker’s Wild, Gilmour left in 1966 to be recruited just one year later by Pink Floyd’s drummer Nick Mason.
In ‘68 he joined Pink Floyd as their new front man, vocalist, and lead guitarist and went on to record a total of 14 albums with the band:

1. ‘The Piper at the Gates of Dawn’ (1967)
2. ‘A Saucerful of Secrets’ (1968)
3. ‘Soundtrack from the Film More’ (1969)
4. ‘Ummagumma’ (1969)
5. ‘Atom Heart Mother’ (1970)
6. ‘Meddle’ (1971)
7. ‘Obscured by Clouds’ (1972)
8. ‘The Dark Side of the Moon’ (1973)
9. ‘Wish You Were Here’ (1975)
10. ‘Animals’ (1977)
11. ‘The Wall’ (1979)
12. ‘The Final Cut’ (1983)
13. ‘A Momentary Lapse of Reason’ (1987)
14. ‘The Division Bell’ (1994)
15. ‘P.U.L.S.E.’ (1995)

Pink Floyd’s 8th and 9th releases, ‘The Dark Side of the Moon” and ‘Wish You Were Here’ in 1973 and 1975, respectively, brought enormous recognition to the band and provoked Roger Waters (bassist) to take control over the writing of their follow-up albums “Animals” (1977), and ‘The Wall’ (1979).
In 1978 David Gilmour released his first self-titled solo album, having had drifted from the new Roger Water’s controlled Pink Floyd.
Gilmour’s solo album was close to the Pink Floyd style. According to Richard Mahon, guitarist and co-author of Comfortably Numb: A History of The Wall, Pink Floyd 1978-1981  Gilmour’s first solo album was “the perfect balance of guitar sounds and styles between Pink Floyd’s 1977 release ‘Animals’ and their 1979 release ‘The Wall’”.
The album followed a natural Pink Floydian evolution within its content. It begins with an instrumental introduction (track 1:“Mihalis”) followed by the escalating intensity of Track 2 – a Gilmour cover of the song “There is no way out of here”, originally by a British progressive rock band called Unicorn. Mid-album there is a slowing point with a melodic ballad named “So Far Away”, followed by “Short and Sweet”, which includes a guitar riff that follows the same chord changes as Pink Floyd’s masterpiece “Run Like Hell”.
The album also features “Raise my Rent” a completely instrumental solo by David Gilmour, and a closing song called “I Can’t Breathe Anymore” that mixes it up with clean electric tones, distortion effects and power chords, that are then mellowed into an instrumental passage that concludes the album.
His piece “Comfortably Numb” was finished too late to be included in his first solo album thus was featured in Pink Floyd’s ‘The Wall’ in ‘79.

During this time, keyboardist Richard Wright was fired amidst production of ‘The Wall’, causing further disruptions in the relationship between David Gilmour and Roger Waters during the making of the film for said album, and the recording of their follow-up 1983 release ‘The Final Cut’.

Seeing that ‘The Final Cut’ barely represented Gilmour’s music style, he went on to record and release his second solo album ‘About Face’ in 1984.
Gilmour’s second solo album included more varied sounds aside from that of Pink Floyd, and even added a love song which starred Pete Townshend lyrics called “Love on the air”– a limited topic in the Pink Floyd repertoire.
‘About Face’ also covered several social issues, such as the nuclear bomb attack fear that reigned the world in tracks ‘Out of the Blue’ and ‘Cruise’, the last of which featured reggae passages – an oddity in Gilmour’s bag of sounds.
Another song with lyric contributions by Townshend in his second solo album was “All Lovers Are Deranged”, what Gilmour calls his “heavy metal song”. ‘About Face’ eventually reached the top 20 in the UK charts.

The album’s 2nd track, called “Murder” -homage to John Lennon’s homicide, and a representation of his music with the unmistakable Gilmour touch – is an acoustic tune than mutates into rock, with the signature Pink Floyd sound.
In 1985 Gilmour took control of the band upon Roger Waters’ departure. Waters’ had said Pink Floyd “was a spent force creatively”, but in 1987, following a legal dispute over the Pink Floyd name the continuing and re-instated members of Gilmour, Mason and Wright released ‘A Momentary Lapse of Reason’ which reached #3 on the UK and US charts. In 1994 the follow-up and last studio album ‘The Division Bell’ was released, granting them their first and only Grammy Award for their tune “Marooned”. The final album under the Pink Floyd name, ‘P.U.L.S.E’, came out in 1995 featuring live performances in both CD and video.

Despite continuing the Pink Floyd legacy after the departure of Roger Waters, David Gilmour became a session guitarist and producer for many musicians’ recording projects. His collaborations included projects with B.B. King, Supertramp, Paul McCartney, Elton John in ‘The One’, Paul Rodgers in ‘Tribute to Muddy Waters’ and Roy Harper and Jimmy Page in ‘Whatever happened to Jugula?’, amongst many others. Performing many times for charity purposes and many others just to promote his work, David Gilmour has kept – and still keeps – busy producing, recording, and performing:

In July 1985 he appeared on-stage with ‘The Bryan Ferry Band’ at the Wembley Stadium for a ‘Live Aid’ concert.
Later that year he joined Pete Townshend in Deep End and later supported him and The Who in 1996, the same year Pink Floyd was inducted into the U.S. Rock n’ Roll Hall of Fame.
In 1999 Gilmour took part in yet another of Paul McCartney’s projects ‘Run Devil Run’ and toured along with McCartney’s band in an extended collaboration.
Gilmour also appeared on MTV’s Unplugged, presenting an acoustic solo version of Pink Floyd’s “Shine on You Crazy Diamond”.

Additionally, he performed following Robert Wyatt’s Meltdown Festival at the London’s Royal Festival Hall in 2002, presenting three semi-acoustic concerts along with other invited friends and guests.
In 2004, Gilmour played at a 50-year celebration of the Fender Stratocaster at the Wembley Stadium. Guitarist magazine later deemed him the “Best Fender Guitar Player Ever” according to a poll that included other music heroes such as Jimmi Hendrix and Eric Clapton.
One year later Pink Floyd would reunite for a one-time performance at the Live 8 charity concert in London’s Hyde Park. It was this same year that the band was inducted, this time, into UK’s Rock n’ Roll Hall of Fame and David Gilmour was made a CBE for his services to Music by the Order of the British Empire.

David Gilmour released his third solo album, ‘On an Island’, in 2006. This follow-up made the UK charts at #1, and the touring for the new solo album included guest musicians such as Richard Wright, Dick Parry and Guy Pratt.
‘Remember That Night – Live at the Royal Albert Hall’ was released in September of 2007 featuring an ‘On an Island’ performance in Gdansk’s 26th Anniversary of Solidarity concert. The show filmed by director Gavin Elder, starred composer Zbigniew Preisner’s orchestra, whose orchestrations were created in base to Gilmour’s new solo album.

Gilmour’s musical talent has been shining through ever since he began his career in music. From lead guitarist, to solo artist to producer, David Gilmour is an innate ambassador of guitar music all over the world. Whether you know him from his work with Pink Floyd, his insane guitar skills or his charitable reputation, David Gilmour the man, is the unnamed spirit behind a lot of the rock music we hear today.

A Well Fired Cannon-Pachebel Variation

Hi All,
 
This is my variation of Pachebel’s Cannon. I call it ‘a well fired cannon’ I played it on my PRS Swamp Ash Special, on the bridge pickup & a Yamaha APX5 12 string Acoustic.

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 I have placed the backing track I made here for you to download , so that you can jam too it. Anything in D seems to fit

well-worked-canon-backing-track

 
Enjoy
 
Tony

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