Category: Uncategorized

Happy Birthday, Rush’s Geddy Lee Turns 59 Today!

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http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ANiaZvdGO8U

Cant believe all my childhood music heroes are in their 60′ & 70’s already! C’mon Paul McCartney is 70?? Although he sure didn’t look it at his Olympic opening ceremony performance the other night, he still looks young.

Anyway, Happy Birthday to Rush bassist/singer/keyboardist Geddy Lee…who is turning 59 today! Hold on to that last year of your 50’s!!! Still rockin out as well. Rush’s 2012 release Clockwork Angels is their best album in years. Somewhat of a return to their heavier roots.

Have a good one Geddy!

Sun Kissed the Sea by Shores of Apollo

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This is a treat for me! Shores of Apollo is one of my former student’s, Victor’s, band. It is always cool to see someone who has taken lessons from me that continues to make music, but, even cooler to see them flourish!

Victor was always really musical even at a young age. Must run in the family as his dad is a pretty good drummer too.

This song has a really cool mix of heavy-ness and dream like melodies. The bands Facebook page states that, ‘all current recording are works in progress.’ Can’t wait for the final versions then. Keep on rocking Victor…and please keep me posted of your upcoming shows and projects!

Check this video out, there are some great guitarists and musicians coming out of the Poway area!

Shores of Apollo Facebook Fan Page
Enjoy!

My custom picks have arrived!

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Excited to get my custom guitar picks delivered today!

They’re  basic but I think they look really cool! Next, I need to get a logo!!

Had them made by InTune Guitar Picks. They were super cool and great to work with!

Thanks to everyone who voted in the online pick contest. Design #1 won by a landslide.

 

 

 

 

 

I guess it is a little ironic that I don’t use picks any more since I play mostly classical/flamenco styles with my nails but they are cool ‘business cards’ anyway.

Hope I don’t lose them…check out this previous post about picks mysteriously disappearing.

RIP Andy Griffith Another Piece of Americana Passes Away July 3, 2012

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Sad to hear the news today that Andy Griffith passed away at 86 years old. Everyone growing up in American pop culture knows Andy Griffith either as Sheriff Taylor on his self named sitcom or later as detective Ben Matlock.

In addition to his acting roles Griffith was always associated with music. Singing on the Andy Griffith show, in his past movie roles and he even won a Grammy Award.

For those of us who grew up in front of our TVs in the 70s & 80s The Andy Griffith Show is definitely a piece of our upbringing and Andy Griffith will be missed! RIP

Happy Independence Day – Jose Feliciano

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Here is a link to a previous post I wrote about Jose Feliciano’s interpretation of the National Anthem. I first heard this version this year and personally really enjoyed it. Jose suffered serious career implications from the reaction to his anthem. So my goal is to give Jose, a great musician, his props and share the version 40 plus years later…actually now comparatively a very tame version.

 

Previous post on Feliciano’s National Anthem Interpretation.

 

Here is the video.

 

 

Happy 4th of July – Jimi Hendrix “Star Spangled Banner”

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http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LMhq1L0cJf0

Happy 4th of July everyone! Please make sure you have a great, fun and safe holiday!

Here is Jimi Hendrix’ iconic version of the National Anthem from Woodstock in 1969.

I am not usually a fan of embellishing the “Star Spangled Banner,” however, this version has become an historic interpretation of the Anthem. Jimi was certainly playing to the correct crowd as well.

Enjoy!

Randy Rhoads

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It has been 30 years since Ozzy’s groundbreaking guitarist Randy Rhoads left us much too early in a tragic plane crash at age 25. Over those last 30 years nothing has diminished his musical legacy as he is still regarded as one of the best and most influential guitarists in rock/heavy metal of all time! Certainly on par with names like Jimi Hendrix, Jimmy Page, Eddie Van Halen and Michael Schenker.

A new 7 lb. full color photo biography has just been released on Randy and his place in music history. Looks like a great book and a must collector item. I cant wait to check it out.

http://velocitybooks.org/shop/randy-rhoads/

My Concert Bucket List – BB King

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There are more than a handful of living legends in the music world. Icons that transcend music and have become woven into our society. When the great Ray Charles passed away in 2004 I sadly realized that I would never see him perform live.

Since then, I started thinking who are the musicians I really want to see live, not to sound morbid but, before it is too late? Recently I saw Willie Nelson an American music legend. It was like listening to a living piece of Americana, so glad I went! There are so many more to see; Stevie Wonder, Chuck Berry, Paul McCartney…

So I decided to start a new series called, “My Concert Bucket List,” highlighting a different icon in each post.

BB King, truly the “King” of the blues guitar.

Posted is a video of Mr. King from a 2001 concert at age 75 and he was in rare form. He is currently 86 and still touring with his sidekick, Lucille(his guitar) so go see him and show him some love.

Enjoy!