How can legendary Zeppelin Guitarist, Jimmy Page, be 70???????
Better than the alternative!
Happy birthday to one of the truly great and innovative guitarists of the rock generation! Here’s to many many more!
Category: Guitar
More Human Than Human, A.C. Jobim
“More Human than Human” is a blog series here at 12 Notes & the Truth! dedicated to the unexplainable moments in music that defy words.
Sometimes there is an extra-human element that finds its way into recordings and performances that can’t be explained…a visit from the Muse!
You know the parts of a song that you play over and over because the way they make you feel? Here is my attempt to bring you some of the moments that have moved me over the years, hope they hit you the same way.
“Aguas de Marco,” is a nice little tune written and recorded by A.C. Jobim, the famous Brazilian Bossa Nova composer. In this clip there is a vocal interaction between Jobim and Elis Regina. An exchange that results in a laugh and a light-hearted tone that could not be planned. It could have been edited out as an outtake, but, thankfully it was left as performed! All this happens over an intertwining of descending chromatic lines set by Jobim.
Additionally, there is a slightly out of tune whistling over the piano line that creates an odd chorus-y toy piano sonority.
A small song that packs a heck of a ‘More Human Than Human,’ punch of emotions over a brilliantly composed tune.
Enjoy!
Mike check:
Here’s to a Musical 2014!
Been a great year on many fronts. Day to day it was great, life and work, enjoyable and getting better, although, overall it was a weird year and I can’t really say I am sorry to see 2013 in the rearview mirror.
Blogging was waaaay in the backseat this year, for many reasons. To ALL my fans and followers(mom) I greatly apologize.
Still there were a few interesting trends at 12 Notes & the Truth!
-The little Michael Schenker post I wrote a couple of years ago continues to get hits all the time. Personally I am glad to know there is so much interest in one of my all time favorite guitarists!
-Folks are interested in 12×12 Sudoku, lots of continued hits there, as well
-Malaysia found its way to 12 Notes ALOT. In fact more than any other non-English speaking country. And I know my mom was not in Malaysia this year. Welcome and hope you keep visiting!
-Allegedly Google’s privacy policy has blocked the ever valuable resource of knowing the ‘search terms’ that led visitors to websites. I am SURE they didn’t mine your information any more either…right?!
-One thing that has not changed is my lifetime love of music. Creating, performing, listening, studying and discussing the effect these 12 Notes have on our lives!
Soon this blog may split between another website http://www.guitarguys.com keep an eye out for it as the year develops and I am sure I will let ya know, as well!
Well that’s it short and sweet…
I am looking forward to many great projects and wish you all a prosperous and healthy New Year 2014!
I always teach my kids/students, major, sounds happy and, minor, sounds sad…with that in mind…
Keep life on the Major Sonority side of the street!
Peace,
Mike
Mike check:
The Mind of a Musician
Is it wrong that when my wife brings this fine product home,
The first thing I think of is this.
Mike check:
Happy Veteran’s Day!
Thanks to all the men and women in uniform who have served our country!
Enjoy your day! Today and everyday for that matter!
Mike check:
Spider Webbed Guitar Neck
Was messing around with my Ipad and got this spider webbed picture of my guitar neck. Gonna have to play around with feature more to see what I can come up with!
Mike check:
Last Summer Night
Dear Everyone, (in the Northern Hemisphere anyway)
I am sorry to report that our beloved summer is in its waning hours. Today is the last day.
Fall is great and all with football, baseball playoffs, the holidays and all, but, summer is the best. Swimming, the beaches flip-flops, warm nights.
Who am I kidding its always Sunny & 70 in San Diego.
Still gonna miss you summer, see you next year!
Enjoy, the last night of summer everyone!
Mike check:
NFL Week 2 Recap, Lightning Strikes
The NFL’s week 2 is now in the books excluding Monday night’s game. The theme for this Sunday’s festivities…”Lightning!” Three separate instances of electric streaks.
There isn’t much that stops NFL games weather-wise, except, lightning. Both the Saints/Buccaneers and later in the evening the 49ers/Seahawks games both sustained delays due to the electricity in the air.
Then of course there was the San Diego Chargers striking a Bolt right across Chip Kelly and the Philadelphia Eagles bow. Pre game predictions ranged from Charges had no chance to they would give up 60 points, nope just put a beat down on the Eagles.
Of course with all the lightning going on my head starts playing a bunch of songs with Lightning or similar references in the title.
Metallica’s, “Ride the Lightening”
AC/DC’s, “High Voltage”
Ozzy Osbourne’s, “Lightning Strikes”
However, the song that truly stuck in my head all day was, Aerosmith’s, “Lightning Strikes.”
So here it is, Enjoy!
Mike check:
Eddie Van Halen ‘chats’ with His Girlfriend
This is hilarious! Well it is if you know the Van Halen songs used in this clip.
Mike check:
Better Than Coffee, Joe Satriani, “Surfing With the Alien”
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.
“Surfing With the Alien,” was Joe Satriani’s introduction to the mainstream in the late 1980’s. The title track from album same name started a revolution of guitar based rock/metal instrumentals.
This one always gets the blood flowing.
Happy Friday, Enjoy!
Mike Slayen ~ Guitarist 