Guitarist, Composer, Instructor
I listen to Hollie sing and go wow she is really good! 
Then I listen to Phillip sing and go wow this guy is cool and has a great voice!
The I listen to Jessica and she blows me away. Such a great singer and only sixteen!
Then I hear Joshua and I wonder why they are still having a competition…this guy is insanely talented!
I think Hollie’s number comes tonight.
Well, it is a little late in the game but you can still cast a vote for the finale.
“Dream On” is facing “Sweet Emotion” for title of best Aerosmith song.
Dream On is obviously Aerosmith’s pinnacle epic type song and is a great tune with great lyrics and Joe Perry’s signature guitar licks. Sweet Emotion is one of their best rockin’ tunes. Again with great lyrics, guitar riffs and solos.
One could argue their most Iconic song is Walk This Way. Everything about this song is stand out. It is a seriously groovin’ rock song. Joey Kramer’s opening drum riff is as recognizable as any drum line ever and the guitar riff occupies a spot as one of the greatest of all time. Steven Tyler was rapping before rapping was rapping…leading to their triumphant resurgence in the 80’s when the boys from Boston teamed up with Run DMC to remake their 70’s classic.
Although there are lots of great songs to choose from their late 80’s to modern day output I think the best Aerosmith song has to come from the 70’s when they were changing the world.
Dream On Sweet Emotions Walk This Way
If you have any other thoughts leave me a comment and make sure you go to their site and vote for your all time favorite.
Here is one for the category..”I never knew”
I have always heard that Michael Schenker turned down a stint with Ozzy Osbourne but it appears there were several other suitors who he gave the cold shoulder, as well.
I have been a Michael Schenker fan for 30 years plus. He has been one of my biggest influences.
Michael is one of those elite guitarists like Eddie Van Halen, Steve Vai, Stevie Ray Vaughan etc. Axemen of different styles that absolutely command their guitars. Guitarists that are known for spending incredible amounts of hours developing their craft to the point where every note displays their musical bidding.
Michael Schenker is very much a man on path. He is a man who has had to face many demons including substance abuse. One thing that you have to admire is that he has always seemed to know his path or perhaps where is path shouldn’t lie.
For that reason he has turned down some of the worlds biggest bands such as the Rolling Stones, Aerosmith, Ozzy Osbourne, Whitesnake and I am sure countless others that have sought his 6 string, Flying V services. Of Ozzy and the Rolling Stones I have heard him say he would be dead if he joined their ranks. Amazing insights from a man who has seemed to have troubles controlling his life the way he does his guitar.
Obviously he chose wisely. Schenker has been tirelessly recording and touring the world over the years. He has a huge cult following around the world from fans who have known him as a founding member of the Scorpions, bringing the band UFO to new heights and as a solo artist.
Click here to hear/see one of Michael Schenker’s great instrumental compositions, “Into the Arena”
This has always been one of my favorite Satriani songs. It has a super cool groove as you might guess from the title but also a lot of complex shredding and interesting compositional things going on, as well.
‘Shredding’-wise, he displays all kinds of guitar pyrotechnics. If you check out the video you will see/hear melodies with flying up the neck harmonics, acrobatic hammer-on arpeggios, right hand tapping and he even makes use of his right hand as a capo while his left hand is pulling and hammering arpeggios.
Compositionally, it is a great tune, as well. There is a simple groove which the song is based upon and interesting and well articulated melodies. The groove is at times interrupted with the aforementioned arpeggios. Satriani interjects some foreign sounds too using the harmonic minor scale that changes the bluesy riff into more of an Egyptian heavy metal soundscape. The highpoint of the composition comes towards the end when he overlaps two different arpeggio sections over each other creating the song’s climax.
Unfortunately, live he can’t quite duplicate this overlapping.
I included the link to the studio version, as well, which better represents all aspects discussed. However, I thought it would be more interesting to see everything going on live.
Listen for some of these items. Actively listening to music can make you aware of things you might’ve never heard before.
Here is the studio version. Listen for the overlapping arpeggios sections at 4:25.
Have a great weekend, Enjoy!
This is a song that has been played at the Q for many years to pump up Charger fans. Metallica’s “Ride the Lightening”
Awesome Video of Lightening Strikes and a fitting musical and video tribute I think to Junior as he played like a BOLT of lightening.
RIP Junior
It is a tough day in San Diego! One of our true hometown sports heroes Junior Seau has passed away. There are many things that can be said about Junior and the media will do their digging and prodding but on the field for a San Diego sports fan he was THE best! San Diego sports have had so few guys come through and give such a consistent Herculean effort on the field and in the community.
I will never forget the Superbowl season of 1994 which he was the undisputed leader. I will never forget Junior making huge plays then slumping in between each down because his arm was in so much pain. That dangling arm never stopped him and endeared him to SD fans forever an image burned into my sports memories! And who can ever forget his fist pumping leg kicking move after one of his patented big plays!
Thanks for the memories Junior. Thanks for laying your heart and talents on the field for our local team! Sorry you wont get to grow old feeling the love of the community or maybe I’m just selfishly wishing we had you as an ambassador for America’s Finest City for years to come.
Thanks and rest in peace!
I don’t write about a lot of non-musical topics so for a musical reference here is the San Diego Super Chargers Fight Song
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=whNOfvyPpaM
One of my favorites by flamenco guitar master Paco de Lucia. Unfortunately not the best sound/video quality but if you are looking for some inspiration this song will get you going!
Enjoy!
Cinco de Mayo is fastly approaching are you planning a fiesta this year?
Why not add some live guitar music to your event! I still have some limited availability for the weekend May 4, 5 & 6.
Contact me ASAP to reserve a time. There are a few samples on the listen page of this site. I play flamenco, Latin jazz and pop styles. Can you picture a live guitarist adding Gypsy Kings, Santana, Jobim, Jessie Cook and more to your festivities!
Adios, Mike
Doesn’t every family do this on their drives, to their favorite songs? If you say no your probably lying! Happy Thursday.
PS the little guy in the car seat makes the video…cause even if this was contrived to get get millions of hits he doesn’t really know whats going on!
Mike Slayen ~ Guitarist 