Category: Rock

Live Music and Yoga in the La Jolla/Birdrock Area

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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.

The Guitar Gods Smiled Upon Me….

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While I always feel ‘crazy’ lucky to be a guitarist for a living….I had a nice little gift from the Guitar Gods this morning during my workout.

Every morning, I trudge out to get my blood flowing, trusty IPod always in tow, shuffling though 8000 or so songs! I like to shuffle, both for the randomness and the fact that with so much music I get  to hear stuff I would probably never pick or even remember that I own.

Anywho, first up on this sunny morning was Joe Satriani’s “Mystical Potato Head Groove Thing,” a classic to be sure. Followed by, Dokken’s, “Tooth and Nail,” with George Lynch’s extended guitar solo, Jimi Hendrix’ classic, “The Wind Cries Mary,” “Espiritu,” by the De Lucia, McLaughlin, Di Meola trio and capped off with, “Ain’t Talkin’ ‘Bout Love,” Van Halen’s live version.

Good thing it was a short workout or the next song that may have popped up could have been my daughter’s Little Einsteins and ruined my Guitar Gods Smiling on Me theory.

Peace…have a great one everybody!

Bob Marley, Happy 68th Birthday

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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… 😦

Visit Bob Marley’s Website

Superbowl XLVII, Ravens v 49ers, Musical Matchup

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Ravens49ers

Time for the big matchup. The Baltimore Ravens taking on the San Francisco 49ers. Maybe not the matchup everyone was hoping for or expecting, but, they are the teams that will be facing off in Superbowl XLVII.

Here is your chance to predict the outcome of the game. Sports are a huge part of our culture…but, we all know music is a much stronger force! Vote for your favorite song below. I will tally the votes and have the Superbowl winner for you before the game.

Raven by Dave Matthews

Funk #49 by The James Gang

← Back

Thank you for your response. ✨

Cast your vote:

Check out my NFL Pre-season Predictions Rock n Roll Edition…I think I did OK!

Today’s IPod Workout

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Did a quick 30 minute workout this morning, of course, with IPod on shuffle…all 8,000 songs. The shuffle was pretty eclectic, but, awesome. I feel lucky that I can listen to so many diverse musics and get a connection with all.

It went from jazz to classical/opera to Blues to Grunge to New Age to Pop to 70’s Spacey Synth.

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“Nature Boy” -George Benson

Benson’s cover of the standard

“Ruckertlieder/1 Ich atmet einen linden Duft”-Mahler

I have never been much of an opera buff mostly cause I am just not into lyrics in general. But, Mahler, one of my favorite composers sets such a great orchestra arrangement to support the vocal.

“You Know I Love You” -BB King

BB doing his thing!

“All Secrets Known” -Alice In Chains

AIC is definitely my favorite of all the grunge bands and they are still going strong with a new album to be released in 2013. They may not have had the social impact of a Nirvana or Pearl Jam, but, in my opinion, were vastly superior musically to most of the top grunge bands.

“Rikki’s Shuffle” -Michael Hedges

If you are a guitar fan and don’t know Michael Hedges you really need to check him out! Although he falls into the New Age category, he was truly a virtuoso with a unique style. He is known for using a harp guitar, several tunings and lots of hammering techniques.

“Love Will Keep Us Alive” -The Eagles

The Eagles are the Eagles, many great hits, of course. But, when they wrote sappy songs they really went sappy! Of these songs my favorites are the ones sung by Timothy B Schmidt. Although he joined the band later in 1977 his voice has become an integral part of their sound ever since. Probably best featured on, “I Cant Tell you Why”

“Dream Weaver “-Gary Wright

I was always drawn to these spacey synth driven songs

Let There Be Rock!

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Let’s start the week off with an energy boost!

When I was a wee youngster, before I played guitar, AC/DC was my favorite band. Yes, it was Eddie Van Halen that influenced me to actually get a guitar, but, AC/DC’s Angus Young gets a lot of credit too. I used to play this song on my air guitar/tennis racquet…and I was pretty good too.

Have a great week everyone!