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.
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 haven’t been posting a lot of my gigs lately, but, I played for a great group the other night at, Pacific Coast Grill in Cardiff by the Sea. In addition to playing for some nice people I got to see the sunset on the longest night of 2013.
Congrats to everyone at the law firm celebrating their 30th anniversary!!!
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.
Gustav Holst, “Jupiter,” from, “The Planets.”
If you are unfamiliar with, “The Planets,” each planet was characterized musically. “Jupiter,” was composed as The Bringer of Jollity. This piece is fun and furious. Even the slower parts are dignified, stately and triumphant!
Do you think, “Star Wars,” composer John Williams mightn’t been influenced? hmmm
I never met Deacon Jones. I never really saw him play…I was too young. He was, however, one of the characters of the game of football, as well as, one of the best defenders of all time. I was really sad to hear the news that he passed away on Monday.
A member of the Fearsome Foursome, Deacon Jones was a larger than life celebrity off the field, an American Icon in my opinion.
This album was 3rd in a line of alpha numeric titled Van Halen albums. The Roth era was ushered out with, “1984,” while the Hagar era began with, “5150,” this album, “OU812,” and then, “For Unlawful Carnal Knowledge,” which is really just an elaborate play on the words in the title’s first initials…..shhh I think it was a bad word, but, dont tell anyone!
How does, “OU812,” stand the test of time? Well, when I was a kid, I loved this album. As time has gone on I lost touch with this album, as well as, “5150.” I guess that doesn’t bode well for its longevity.
There are some great songs, “Mine All Mine,” “When It’s Love,” “Cabo Wabo,” “Feels So Good” and “Black and Blue.” There are some forgettable songs too… Van Halen reached a new ‘chic’ status with “Finish What You Started.” It displayed a kind of hip adult coolness that appealed to a whole new audience for the band.
The summer of ’88 was great and I remember cranking this album at the San Diego beaches and having a great time. However, the production on this album and the thin guitar sound Eddie utilized leave a little to be desired in the history of VH’s storied output. Time, in my opinion has not been kind to, “OU812.” Eddie reached back for a heavier sound for his recordings after this one. While not in the caliber of those amazing Roth Era recordings, the guitar sound and production on subsequent albums has been much better.
That said…a slightly lackluster Van Halen is better than a lot of other bands strongest efforts!
One of the coolest things I’ve noticed over the years, of teaching, is the amount of girls taking lessons. Guitar has been predominantly a male oriented instrument …but, for no good reason really.
Here is the Internet’s newest sensation, 14-year-old, Tina with an amazing cover rendition of Van Halen’s classic guitar solo, “Eruptions.”
Mike Slayen ~ Guitarist 