Guitarist, Composer, Instructor
I haven’t been posting a lot of my gigs lately, but, I played for a great group the other night at, Pacific Coast Grill in Cardiff by the Sea. In addition to playing for some nice people I got to see the sunset on the longest night of 2013.
Congrats to everyone at the law firm celebrating their 30th anniversary!!!
Happy summer!!
We all know about the Van Halen saga with singers. David Lee Roth, Sammy Hagar, the horrible stint with Gary Cherone. But what about Paul Shaffer on his Hammond organ??? Thank goodness this was just a jam session…Cool video to see but the Hammond is not my favorite sound in rock n roll history.
I did hear that VH was actually contemplating using a bunch of popular singers as replacements after DLR’s departure. An All-Star cast would have been interesting, but, I think the Sammy thing worked out ok for them. The only name I heard for the All-Star album was Phil Collins…hmmmm…
Enjoy
Delayed for three hours on the tarmac, members of the Philadelphia Orchestra perform for the stranded passengers…on the plane!!!
Good job!!
My friend Dave shared this with me the other day and had to repost!
I was blessed at one time to hear the separated tracks of “Killer Queen” in all its glory. It was amazing to hear all the guitar and vocal parts, etc. I could tell you where I heard it but its TOP SECRET!
This a capella version of, Â “Under Pressure,” is also very cool.
ENJOY!
Click here for previous Better Than Coffee posts.
I think most of you who read this blog would agree music is the best ‘drug’ of all time…including our beloved morning coffee.
This series has been and will continue to be a public service for those of you trying to cut your caffeine intake, by enjoying some fast/energetic music…. 😉
…Or for those of you looking to enhance that morning cup.
Gustav Holst, “Jupiter,” from, “The Planets.”
If you are unfamiliar with, “The Planets,” each planet was characterized musically. “Jupiter,” was composed as The Bringer of Jollity. This piece is fun and furious. Even the slower parts are dignified, stately and triumphant!
Do you think, “Star Wars,” composer John Williams mightn’t been influenced? hmmm
This video is another in the line of animated scores click here for others.
Happy Friday, Enjoy!
This is one of Debussy’s most popular pieces. “Prelude to the Afternoon of a Faun.”
Impressionist music was often dreamy in nature and this piece fits right in that category. The dreamy quality of the melody is achieved using the whole tone scale. Whole tones on guitar are achieved by skipping on fret each time you advance on the neck. On piano you would skip one key(whether black or white.) There are only two whole tone scales….think about it???
Debussy achieves the lush sonority with his orchestration in the strings and his use of tall chords…chords with extensions, 9, 11, 13s etc. The sound of the harp also adds to the piece’s calmness.
The video again has an amazing animated score which may visually help you enjoy the music so try and follow along!
Enjoy!
I never met Deacon Jones. I never really saw him play…I was too young. He was, however, one of the characters of the game of football, as well as, one of the best defenders of all time. I was really sad to hear the news that he passed away on Monday.
A member of the Fearsome Foursome, Deacon Jones was a larger than life celebrity off the field, an American Icon in my opinion.
Rest in Peace, my friend
Did you check out my previous post on Stravinsky’s, “Rite of Spring,” Centennial celebration?
Did you try to listen to it?
Did you just not get it?
That’s OK it is a hard listen but one that is well worth it. I just came across this video which has animated the complete score of the first section of the piece. It enhances the listening experience for myself and I think a novice listener would benefit, as well.
Through the animation you can see the compositional and orchestrational processes more clearly which should enhance the listening experience.
Give it a try…or just enjoy the flashing colors… 😉
More info on the video’s creators
Enjoy!
Click here for previous Better Than Coffee posts.
I think most of you who read this blog would agree music is the best ‘drug’ of all time…including our beloved morning coffee.
This series has been and will continue to be a public service for those of you trying to cut your caffeine intake, by enjoying some fast music…. 😉
…Or for those of you looking to enhance that morning cup.
Beethoven’s Symphony 8, Movement 4…ALLEGRO VIVACE!
Happy Friday, Enjoy!
What a great idea…perhaps this is where the term Bridezilla originated????
Please click on the picture for info on the photo and photographer!
Mike Slayen ~ Guitarist 