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…
I recently hooked up with some cool people out in the Birdrock area at Riffs Acoustic Music. Riffs is a guitar store with a nice selection of guitars and music lessons. In addition to music they offer yoga classes. Not just yoga classes, but, live music yoga classes.
You might be thinking….’hmmm, how does that work?’ I kind of thought the same thing as I played a class for the first time in early March. I didn’t know if I would need to synchronize to the class movements and vibe or if ripping guitar riffs as they were working their body and minds would be a distraction.
Guess what, it works great! The reaction has been really positive from the class as the music offers an added element to the atmosphere. For me, I get to spend the morning in La Jolla a block away from the beach, playing guitar! Beach and guitar have always been two of my favorite things! There is not much, as far as, choreography etc., I just try to fit the vibe of the moment…mostly I just play!
Riffs was originally founded in Park City, Utah in 2010. Last summer, owner Steve Hart, opened their second location here in La Jolla. They are just starting out so make sure you get down there and check them out. The following link has all their information. Friday March 15, they are offering yoga with full band performing Pink Floyd’s, “Dark Side of the Moon.” Should be a great experience.
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It’s been great to work with Shawna, Shannon and Steve at Riffs and look forward to more in the future. For those of you in the area keep an eye out for guitar classes possibly in the future as we all work out our busy schedules and career endeavors.
YNGWIE, not just a great Scrabble word, one of the most talented rock/metal guitarists.
Thought I would post this in honor of the guitarists upcoming tour bringing him to the House of Blues in San Diego on May 14.
This clip has everything a self-respecting guitar geek would want. A blistering lead guitarist, playing with his teeth, throwing his guitar and all the while backed by a full symphonic orchestra.
If you’ve never heard Yngwie play watch/listen to the clip. He is a very classic influenced guitarist. Actually more Baroque or Romantic period traits, but, it’s all ‘classical’ music to most folks.
Today, February 6, would have been legendary Reggae artist Bob Marley’s 68th birthday.
His album “Legend” is one of the worlds ‘must have’ albums and I think it is even required to be owned in certain states…(or certain states of mind) lol
Peace BM!
Here is a classic live video version of No Woman No Cry. Unfortunately, the sound quality fades towards the end…even worse it starts with the guitar solo… 😦
At 12 notes & the Truth I talk music. So there is no way I could skip over the music of the largest happening on the planet, The Superbowl.
Let’s start at the beginning shall we? Alicia Keys version of the Star Spangled Banner. I’ll start by saying I am a fan of Alicia’s. I think she is immeasurably talented and consider her if not an influence of mine, certainly an inspiration. So it pains me a little to have to say that I absolutely ‘disliked’ her rendition. Waaaaay too long, waaaaay too slow, waaaaay too self-serving. Wrong place, wrong time, wrong choice….
I am one that does not appreciate much deviation on our National Anthem. In my opinion it is self-serving to make it YOUR song, it is America’s song. If you are gonna change it and make it your own at least know your audience and where you are. Jimi Hendrix’ guitar histrionics, version at Woodstock was completely in line with the venue, event and crowd populating the legendary concert.
The Superbowl is one of the largest global events of all time. The world is watching. The game is a fierce battle of two teams of huge, fast, strong athletes pumped up to do sports version of battle. Did you see the players singing along like…pick it up already…then when they were ready to go hit each other she is still diva-ing her way out of the song. The players actually looked physically effected by her rendition.
Jennifer Hudson and the Sandy Hook kids were great. It was cute, well sung by the kids and amazingly sung by Jennifer Hudson. And hey Alicia Keys…it had a little energy to it! Albeit perhaps a bit exploitive…yeah I said it, just my opinion.
Then there was a halftime show too, I believe…oh yeah Beyonce! All apologies to my musician friends who were tweeting and ripping her the whole time…..lighten up!!! Just because she doesn’t throw in any minor 9ths or riff on the Lydian dominant scale, c’mon? First of all what did you expect? She is a pop star, that is what she does. She also just happens to be a great singer and put on an AMAZING half time show! These guys tweeting, face booking, etc sounded whinier than the losing Harbaugh brother. (Who is still complaining about the last call, BTW…how about don’t fall behind by three touchdowns in the first half and you might not have had to come down to the last play.)
Beyonce and her act are what the Superbowl is all about. Mega-entertainment. The show was visually appealing and interesting, as well. It would have still been entertaining even with the sound off.
A+ to Beyonce from me! The reunion with Destiny’s Child was cool but the weak part of the performance. I was expecting the whole time to see Jay Z appear and props to him for not. I was also expecting some guest appearances, maybe an Eddie Van Halen or other megastar musician join her…although the girl in the band with flames shooting out of her guitar was pretty cool.
On a side note but a cool part of my personal music experience of the game, came after the CBS postgame show. We were wrapping up our party with friends, saying our goodbyes when I heard, “Hand of Doom,” by Black Sabbath. I believe it was used for the intro of whatever show CBS cut to after their coverage…anyone else catch that?
What will they do next year? The game is going to be outdoors in New Jersey were it was 20o at game time…not sure what musician is going to want to take that one on…good luck to who ever it is. Maybe the NFL will even think outside of the box one of these years and find or create a halftime show of their own. Maybe even get a comedian, pee-wee football game, and not exploit some poor megastar musician and paying them millions of dollars they don’t even need….or maybe exploit me to come play my guitar 😉
Wow! This was a surprise to me. The San Diego concert venue is closing it’s doors. Appears they had some legal and financial issues leading to their demise.
4th & B has been a cool and quirky place to see some major acts over the last 18 years. The theater was not very big and a great place to see some of the biggest acts in the world, although maybe not what they once were by the time 4th & B was able to book them.
I remember seeing guitarists Joe Satriani and George Thorogood, metal acts Queensryche and Ronnie James Dio and many local bands at the downtown venue. They also hosted all type of events including comedy and hypnotists.
What is next for the building that once housed a bank and became a San Diego music icon? Be great if someone could tale it over and keep the music alive!
Once again, I had the pleasure of performing at Orfila Vineyards and Winery in Escondido. This time the day after Thanksgiving. I really didn’t know what kind of crowd to expect. Would everyone stay home? Be burned out? Turkey hangover? Shopping?
Well, the first sign it was going to be a nice crowd was there was no parking except the overflow. Walking up with my gear, it was packed. That always gets the musician juices flowing. But, it was also nice to see folks using their ‘Black Friday’ to relax. Even better they were supporting some locals over the big box chain stores. Including Orfila, myself and local jewelry maker Katy of KD Custom Jewelry, who’s always a pleasure to work with. Darn Good Food Truck was also there, but, I was so busy I never got a chance to go see what they were all about, sure they were ‘darn good’ though.
With the holiday season upon us, I only have one more scheduled public performance and you guessed it…I will be at Orfila on Dec. 2…3:00 to 5:30 PM. If you haven’t been to Orfila yet it is a must. There is truly something in this valley overlooking the vineyards that always makes for a great relaxing day. If you are planning any events or weddings definitely take a look here!
Mike Slayen ~ Guitarist 