Category: Music

Scorpions, “Your Light”

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This might not be your typical Scorpions song.

Most fans of the German rockers are familiar with hits like “Rock You Like A Hurricane,”  “Big City Nights,” “Still Loving You” and “No One Like You.” The late 70’s to the 80’s, 90’s, 00’s…was when the band developed their signature heavy metal sound. There were however two other incarnations of the Scorpions. First with 16 year old guitar legend to be Michael Schenker. The second, featured guitarist Uli Jon Roth. Under Schenker for just one album, “Lonesome Crow,” the band had almost a psychedelic sound. The Roth era was somewhere in between this and their ultra-stylistic almost hair metal sound of the 80’s.

I don’t consider the Scorpions hair/glam metal for two reasons. They were heavy metal pioneers that all the crappy 80’s bands tried to emulate and moreover they wrote good music. Anyway, somewhere between being very young acid rockers and trend setting perfectors of the ‘Power Ballad’ mega-stars  was the Uli Jon Roth years.

Heavy? Yes!…..Rockers? Totally! But what was their style?

The Scorps were very unique during this period. They were gaining in popularity, they were still under produced and very original. Roth is a great guitarist very spiritual and Hendrix-ish both terms that don’t always apply to heavy metal guitarists. But they were definitely heavy during these years.

The only way to really understand is to listen. Posted below is one of my favorite Roth era Scorpions songs, “Your Light.”

To me this song sums up the band in the early to mid 70’s. Some heavy-ness, some party feel, some hippie-ish feel and of course incredible guitar work. The song starts out heavy then immediately leads into to a funky dance vibe. But the song truly peaks on the two guitar solos. The first comes at 2:15 in the video. A slow Roth solo mostly reserved, with feeling and anthem-ish. The song then returns to the funky playful riff before the second solo. This is where Roth shows off a little more of his guitar acrobatics. It ends on a playful note as Roth solos into a fade out.

The Roth era Scorpions may be some of the truly under rated music in metal history. They were a little more free form in their songwriting than other bands and certainly then when they became a global commodity in the 80’s. Not always a good thing for massive consumption as most listeners seem to prefer produced cookie cutter bites. Most Scorpions fans have found their way back through the bands back catalog and found these gems. I strongly recommend you check these albums out as well especially if you are looking to uncover some truly quality and cool music.

Enjoy!

For previous Scorpions posts.

For previous Michael Schenker posts.

A fellow blogger’s recent post on Uli Roth.

John Bonham, 32 Years Missed

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I remember being a little rocker in training and one of my first teachers were the Mighty Zep, Led Zeppelin. Before I could really join the party and know what the band was all about, besides a handful of songs, their drummer John Bonham passed away on this day September 25, 1980. So sad and a bummer that as soon as I got into the band there would never be any ‘real’ new Led Zeppelin music. No more tours. No more Zeppelin.

Sure there has been a few attempts to revive the brand, but, none of them ever lived up to the original. I have seen Jimmy Page solo, great show, Page & Plant in the 90’s, great show, but just not Led Zeppelin. If there was any show I could go back in time to hear and see, a real Led Zeppelin show in their prime would definitely be atop of the list.

The whole Bonham passing still seems surreal to me to this day. I remember hearing about it as a kid but not truly understanding the finality of it all and the lasting impact and hole the Rock n Roll world was left with.

RIP John Bonham a great musician and unfortunately a true rock star.

 

Also check out Bonham’s legendary drum solo, “Moby Dick”

For more info  check out this post.

Do You Remember the 21st Night of September? EWF

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“September,” is truly one of the gems of the 70’s disco era…and who didn’t love Earth, Wind & Fire?

My favorite part…you guessed it…the opening guitar riff. Every time I hear the song I immediately try to picture how he is getting that snappy sound on his guitar. He might just be using the very edge of his pick, like a pick squeal technique without using the fleshy finger. However, it has a peculiar sound like he is actually pinching the string between his thumb and finger and snapping it, almost like you would do with a rubber band. When I play this song that is what I try to do. It is kind of hard to control each note since it is so quick which would mean he is a pretty skilled guitarist.

Here is it “September,” by Earth, Wind & Fire

Jose Feliciano Plays Jimi Hendrix’ Purple Haze

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If you’ve read my blog in the past you may have seen some of my posts regarding Jose Feliciano. I was never a fan until recently. Actually, didn’t even know much about him and certainly didn’t know he could play guitar like he does! The man known for being a Latin crooner has some serious guitar chops.

This clip is one I just came across tonight for the first time. It is pretty cool to hear Jose rip some electric guitar riffs although he is much better in his regular genres Latin/flamenco. Thought I would share this video for you all to see another side of Jose’s playing or if you are like me until recently your first listen to his playing.

‘Scuse me while I….

Enjoy

Upcoming Shows, September

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Here are my upcoming public performances through the end of September.
There are two  shows.

Both are solo performances featuring a mix of classical, Latin, popular and flamenco styles.

Friday, September 21 at the Roxy in Encinitas. 7:00-9:30PM

Very cool place that has been supporting music forever in San Diego. They have something for every taste. Great food mostly vegetarian but don’t let that scare you, try the falafel burger or their pizzas. Roxy also has specialty coffee drinks, full bar and desserts.

All ages are welcome!

Sunday, September 30 at Orfila Vineyards & Winery in Escondido. 3:00-5:30PM

This is the place to go if you want to relax out in nature for a couple hours. Orfila overlooks the vineyards and mountains in the distance.
Taste some wine, grab some food(they are supposed to have a gourmet food truck) and listen to music.

Kids are definitely welcome even though it is a winery.
In all I have five gigs the next two weekends so I will be a busy guy. Two weddings, a fiesta and the two public events above.

It’s been blast seeing  everyone at the recent shows and it is always great to see familiar faces so hope to see you! You might even get your photo on the website! Check my blog.

Also check my performance calendar.

 

 

 

San Diego Super Chargers Win Big on Junior Seau Day RIP #55

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It was a dramatic and hot day for all us Charger fans at Qualcomm Stadium.

Dramatic! Before the game the late, great Junior Seau’s uniform #55 became the 3rd number in team history to be retired, joining Dan Fouts’ #14 and Lance Alworth’s #19.

Hot! It was mid 90’s without a cloud in the sky at kickoff, but, that didn’t keep the Chargers lightning from striking! Titans fell to the Chargers 38-10 in a game that wasn’t really ever close from the beginning.

Musical tribute this week…San Diego Super Chargers

Chargers Win, Beat Raiders! POD Chargers Anthem

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Chargers Win!

It’s always a great day when the Chargers win and even sweeter when it’s against the Raiders. Sorry to all the grown men in the stands wearing their unoriginal Raider skull Halloween costumes that had to go home with another loss to the Chargers.

Interesting note; Gene Simmons of the band Kiss sang the National Anthem before the game.

Charger fans, celebrate with P.O.D.’s Charger Anthem!

Check out my NFL 2012 Predictions!

Patriots Day- Charles Ives, Variations on America

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I’m not sure the correct salutation is ‘Happy’ Patriots Day. Regardless of the verbiage it is definitely a day for Americans to reflect on the events of 11 years ago.  Make sure you always remember what is important to you, your family and friends and never take any of them for granted.

Make today a great one!

I wanted to share a popular American song on this post and thought this piece was even better. The piece is “America,” and the many variations here were created by Charles Ives. Ives was a devoted Patriot and many ‘parts’ of Patriotic songs were interwoven into his compositions. The following variations are more obvious in their use of borrowed material as the composer puts the recognizable theme of “America,” through many metamorphoses. Listen closely for the theme in all of it’s altered states. The video is impressive as well.

2012 NFL Predictions ‘Rock n Roll’ Edition

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Here are my 2012 NFL ‘Musical’ Predictions. I used only songs from my own music library. If you are unfamiliar with any of the music, check out the songs and broaden your musical horizons.

These views are my own, if they are inflammatory towards your favorite team or player, it IS intentional but all in good fun…except the Raider cracks!

So here is the 2012 NFL season as I see it! Come back after the season and we can re-hash and I will probably even have a playoff version!

Good luck to your favorite teams!

AFC WEST

San Diego Chargers–Loving You Sunday Morning, The Scorpions

Bolts are my team win or lose. Let’s go with win, despite Norv Turner!

Denver Broncos -The Gambler, Kenny Rogers

Elway is gambling on Manning’s health…All In! Probably gonna be a good bet!!

Oakland Raiders–Living in the Past, Jethro Tull

Yeah we know you won….a long time ago…but you’ve been pretty bad since. Find a new argument Raider fan! Not that you have the fastest player…that’s tired as well!

Kansas City Chiefs-Castles Made of Sand, Jimi Hendrix

They are relying on Matt Cassel,  that’s not a good thing for Chiefs fans.

AFC SOUTH

Houston Texans– New Kid in Town, The Eagles

No more Manning in the division the South should be theirs for a year or two at least.

Tennessee Titans– Caught In the Middle, Ronnie James Dio

They wont be first, they wont be last, they wont be memorable, they’ll be caught in the middle.

Jacksonville Jaguars – Cat Scratch Fever, Ted Nugent

That’s what these cats are gonna give their fans not much else.

Indianapolis Colts-Upside Down, Jack Johnson

We’ve bee used to seeing them on top but should get used to seeing them on the bottom for awhile, definitely in 2012.

 AFC NORTH

Baltimore Ravens–Hard to Handle, The Black Crowes

They may be hard enough to handle all the way to the Superbowl. D can’t do it all. Gonna rest on the shoulders, actually the arm, of Joe Flacco.

Pittsburgh Steelers-Steel Bars, Foo Fighters

Where Big Ben belongs? How long do you call a franchise classy when their star clearly is not. Apples don’t fall far from the tree. They will fight for the division and settle for a wildcard.

Cincinnati Bengals-Breaking the Law, Judas Priest

Yeah, we all know the Bengals offseason exploits. If they could focus all their criminal energy to the field of play they could be good…don’t see it though.

Cleveland Browns–I Am the Walrus, The Beatles

Not sure even Mike Holmgren can fix this mess especially not this year.

AFC EAST

New England Patriots– Same Old Song & Dance, Aerosmith

Yep, they’re still here, still good, still got a shot at the Superbowl and adding to their dynasty.

New York Jets-Just the Two of Us, Grover Washington, Jr.

If Sanchez and Tebow do not make a music video arm in arm singing this song and sharing the backfield… 2012 will be a DISASTER in New York.

Buffalo Bills–Dream On, Aerosmith

Maybe another strong start but playoffs look like a dream.

Miami Dolphins-Bad to the Bone, George Thorogood & The Destroyers

Nobody likes bones in their fish and these fish just stink.

NFC WEST

San Francisco 49’ers– Who Are You, The Who

This applies to the whole team but especially Alex Smith. Were they for real last year? We’ll look for them to be tough

Arizona Cardinals–Three Little Birds, Bob Marley

“Don’t worry, ‘Bout a Thing” Mostly mediocre division, nobody expects much. If they get any kind of QB play …”Every Little Thing Gonna Be Alright” Just not sure that will happen.

Seattle Seahawks–Just the Way You Are, Billy Joel

…Mediocre, and that’s the way they’ll be this year.

St. Louis Rams–Bad, Michael Jackson

Someone had to get this song why not the Rams, the shoe fits.

NFC SOUTH

New Orleans Saints– Bounty Hunter, Molly Hatchet  ..And Justice For All, Metallica   Redemption Song, Bob Marley

Bounty Hunter…they did the crime!

…And Justice For All…They are paying the price

Redemption Song…They proclaim their innocence.

They still have LOTS of offense and I see them outscoring teams in the regular season.

Atlanta Falcons–Devil Went Down to Georgia, Charlie Daniels

Seems like he only shows up in the playoffs though, unlike the rest of the team. Maybe their year to break the playoff bug with the Saints down but I still see them as a wildcard.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers-Sunday Bloody Sunday, U2

Tampa fans should be more worried about the Rays catching the Yankees, cause I dont see the Bucs doing much in 2012. Sundays could be tough.

Carolina Panthers–Things Can Only Get Better, Howard Jones

With Cam Newton a year older Carolina fans have got to hope this is true.

NFC NORTH

Green Bay Packers-Run With the Pack, Bad Company

It would be a good bet to run with the ‘Pack.’

Detroit Lions-Welcome to the Jungle, Guns N Roses

Who woulda thought the Lions would be players in the NFL watch out for em!

Chicago Bears–Blowin in the Wind, Joan Baez

In a division with GB & Det…their hopes like their great city are in the wind.

Minnesota Vikings–Outshined, Soundgarden

Looking California but Feeling Minnesota…gonna be a long year.

NFC EAST

New York Giants–LimELIght, Rush

Yes Eli has 2 SB’s but in SD we remember his snively limp wristed attempt to hold the Bolt jersey on draft day. Giants will be good but hunted! Better be ready for everyone’s best shot.

Dallas Cowboys–Where Have all the Good Times Gone, Van Halen

America’s Team No More….never was as far as I am concerned although they have made some serious NFL history in their heyday.

Philadelphia Eagles–Dog Eat Dog, AC/DC

Oops did I go there? Good things happen to good people and bad things… to Vick!

Washington Redskins–Waiting on a Friend, Rolling Stones

If and when RGIII is ready the ‘Skins will be ready

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