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.
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.
This song is not particularly fast, but, energetic… absolutely! Great solo from the legendary, and taken too soon from us, Stevie Ray Vaughan. RIP Aug 27, 1990
One of my favorite SRV stories is about his calluses. The story is that he practiced so much they would literally fall off. Well if you know how pink the skin is when you lose a blister you know how tender that skin is! No way you can play guitar on that…unless you are Stevie Ray Vaughan and you just super glue the loose calluses back on your fingertips. That is dedication to practicing for sure!
I always like to relay this to my beginning students as they work through the tender finger stage.
I get plenty of these type responses, as to why people don’t want to pay a professional musician to perform their ceremony…
“My nephew plays guitar,”
“My Uncle’s barber’s son plays guitar and will do our wedding for $50,”
“Our best man plays guitar,” and so on and so on.
Careful you might get this person!! That is assuming they even show up. I often book last minute weddings from those who hired their uncle’s barber’s son, who chicken out two days before the ceremony when they try to learn the music and realize they can’t play it…
Here is why you might want to have a second thought hiring family, a friend or friend of a friend.
Victor Borge was an old-timer before I was a young timer, but, as ‘goofy’ as his style was he always cracked me up!
An amazing pianist he took classical music to a new level combining slapstick with virtuosity. Don’t make the mistake of underestimating his talents by the silliness he portrays.
I have to say I regret the post I am about to write. Well more regret that I feel I want to write this.
I understand that a recent trial in Florida has been hotly contested by LOTS of people throughout our country. None of whom were there. Didn’t see it. On and on! I didn’t follow it and wouldn’t because I think it was a political/public opinion nightmare from the start with preconceived notions on both sides of the aisle. Sure YOU were the one who really examined the evidence by watching Nancy Grace and can make a valid opinion.
Stevie has been a musical influence of mine since I was, “a little nappy headed boy.” He is a great musician and this is why I regret having to call him out on this issue.
There is no problem to fight for your causes, that is what makes our country great! But, in my opinion Stevie has decided to take his ball and go home. He is punishing EVERYONE in Florida who enjoys his talents because of a law he doesn’t like.
Stevie, respectfully you have a pulpit to stand on! You can make your case to MILLIONS of people and pass your influence.
In my view, artists, have more of a role in our daily lives than any politician ever will(at least in a free society.) The arts are an escape from daily problems. Stevie, why not go the other way. Play everyday in the state of Florida, share your brilliance. Make it a tour in support of your views, instead of just punishing your fans, many who agree with you.
I have listed no names, no laws in question etc. This post is not about a trial, my thoughts, your thoughts, the truth we know, the truth don’t really know or anything or anyone involved in a recent trial. It does point to the role that musicians, artists, in general have in society. Artists are the ones that should hold themselves to a higher standard, we know politicians won’t. Artists are the controllers of the atmosphere.
Remember the power music/art had on you as a youngster? The power it had in your bones and soul? I wish all artists could remember that feeling and pass on the power of music and art!
Happy 4th of July everyone! Hope you have a fun and safe holiday while celebrating the anniversary of our Nation’s Independence!
Just wanted to post two quick versions of the Star Spangled Banner guitar style.
I recently saw Yngwie Malmsteen in San Diego and he performed a tribute to the military with a rendition of the National Anthem( bottom video)
The top video is Yngwie performing the SSB at a Miami Marlins baseball game. I could lament how I think the Anthem should be played traditionally when played for events but c’mon lets face it no one really watches Marlins baseball anyway. Musically he does a remarkable job incorporating all his guitar fireworks into the structure of the song.
Enjoy your freedoms like they mean something to you! Happy 4th!
I think most of you who read this blog would agree music is the best ‘drug’ of all time…including our beloved morning coffee.
Mike Slayen ~ Guitarist 