Guitarist, Composer, Instructor
Found a few old concert ticket stubs. Really wish I would have kept some of the earlier shows I saw. My first concert was Ozzy with Randy Rhoads on guitar just two months before he was killed in a plane crash. I still remember that show 30 years later.
Check out the prices on some of the tix. I don’t think you could even park at a show for that price these days.
Something really caught my eye in the Strong Bad video from my last post. Notice how his band logos were all drawn on lined notebook paper. Yes parents unfortunately this implies your darling little students might not always be giving their full attention to their teachers.
Seeing the blue lined paper instantly transformed me back to when I was going to be a rock star in Jr. and Sr. High. Much of my and my friend’s time was spent intricately drawing either our own band logos or perfecting our favorite bands mark. You know the VH logo for Van Halen, AC/DC with the cool lightening bolt down the middle, OzzY with the strikes through the letters and Michael Schenker Groups intertwined MSG with his iconic black and white flying V guitar in the middle. I could go on and on naming my favorite bands of the time but not so sure I could recall all my teachers’ names. Come to think of it these musicians WERE/ARE my teachers!!!
We did not only, peripherally, use all that notebook paper our parents diligently bought us each school year, but decorated our book covers, as well. No we didn’t deface the books…well not too much…I do seem to remember having to erase a few drawings before books were turned in at the end of the semester. The true ‘badge of honor’ was to walk around campus with your brown paper bag, home crafted book cover completely decorated with cool band logos.
Looking back those were truly formative years in my music career igniting my desire to be a musician. The tireless sketching was a non-verbal way of expressing my interests. At the time there was no way to tell my dad I wanted to be a musician I was supposed to go to college. Well I guess we both won. I did go to college but studied music, got my BM and MM in guitar performance and am a full time musician. True passion goes a long way in making things work out in the end. Guarantee you when my daughter comes home with a ‘notebook’ full of her dreams I will be sure to help ignite that fire!
How to Pick a Bandname by Strongbad
If you’ve never seen any Strong Bad videos your wait is over! It is juvenile but funny. Funny in a “Spinal Tap,” kind of way. If you have ever been in a band or around a friend’s band you know what I am talking about, how comical the ‘behind the band’ scene can be.
In this video Strong Bad, a quirky little character, answers an email on how to pick a name for your band. He spits out some classic and of course true to life ideas on band names poking fun at rock bands and musicians.
Check out his other videos if it is your cup of tea. Enjoy!
Here’s some awesome guitar playing by Jose. His video starts at about 5:00 in but make sure you listen to Michael too. At 6:50 Jose goes into these super high, past the fretboard, harmonics very cool. Share with all your guitar friends. Enjoy!
I’ve been working on Tarrega’s “Marieta”. Feels good to go back to my classical roots a bit and play some traditional Spanish music. It’s a great piece that I have heard for ever and finally decided to work up.
The A section has a mysterious feel to it while the contrasting, major, B section has flowing runs and arpeggios with a very bright feel. Look forward to adding this piece and a few others for the Easter Brunch at Santaluz this weekend.
Wow! We had a great time our first gig at Khan’s Cave in Kearny Mesa. Great venue, awesome crowd and amazing food! If you are ever in the area you got to check them out. http://www.khanscave.com/index.html
Rob even wore his snazzy new shoes for the occasion.
Thanks to everyone who came out, we truly appreciate the support and love playing for you all! Hope to be back at Khan’s soon.
Next events: April 8, Easter Sunday at Santaluz and the Roxy on April 14.
Here are a few action shots from tonight at Khan’s.
You know the crazy guy in AC/DC that runs all over the stage with his schoolboy uniform, yeah that guy! It’s his birthday today, March 31.
Before I heard Eddie Van Halen, when I was twelve, and knew I wanted to be a guitarist, my favorite guitarist and biggest influence was Angus Young….he got me started on air guitar as a kid!!! Thanks for the music and influence over the years. Happy birthday!
It’s been said that when you hear a great musician you recognize the sound right away and Angus definitely falls in that category. He has an unmistakeable sound and is an excellent guitarist as well as showman. AC/DC was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2003.
In a related note, the ‘Chuck Berry’ duck walk that Angus has done live for the past 30 years…Today is the 54th anniversary of the release of “Johnny B. Goode”, Berry’s signature tune.
March 31 a Rockin’ Day in the guitar world!
Just Chillin’ working up some new ideas for ‘Triste’ by Jobim
Print this coupon out and bring to restaurant Saturday night.
Lost another one today. 2012 has been a tough year for great musicians. Earl Scruggs put the ‘bang’ in the banjo! Perfecting a 3 finger picking style. The attached link shows Scruggs in his early 80’s on Letterman. The esteemed Scruggs is certainly keeping up with the All-Star band including: Albert Lee, Steve Martin, Marty Stuart and more. Bluegrass has never been my favorite listening choice, but, you have got to respect and savor the virtuosity these guys display, check out the video and enjoy. Another piece of Americana has left the building. Thanks and rest in peace Earl Scruggs!
Mike Slayen ~ Guitarist 