This blog spot is the home to my ramblings. I am a free lance writer. Most of my work goes on Associated Content. Sometimes I write what is on my mind, sometimes I plug some of my writing, and sometimes a combination of the two. So, sit back read, enjoy, and we will see where it goes.
Keith Urban was the biggest name in my Battle he is the star. John Hiatt writes great songs but he isn't necessarily a household name. Davy Knowles might be a talented guitarist and as cool as it might be to open for Jeff Beck, I don't think our star would open for anyone. Our star didn't share any votes as Keith won 3-0.
I like all three, they all have talent. However we celebrate winners.
"Start a Band" with Brad Paisley
"Blue Ain't Your Color"
"Wild Hearts"
Stay tuned I will have another Battle on October 1st.
Everyone who has followed my Battle of the Bands post knew I would probably come up with a way to tip the hat to Charlie Watts. The Rolling Stones were my first Battle of he Bands. I used them a few times and probably will again. However, I like twists.
Today's song features the lyrics:
"Now I'm yellin' at the kids in the back
Cuz they're banging like Charlie Watts"
The song is "Slow Turning" from the should be great songwriter John Hiatt. It is also the cover song to a fantastic album. His songs have been covered by B.B. King, Eric Clapton, Jimmy Buffett, and many more.
The original...
Contender One Davy Knowles
A solid guitarist from the Isle of Wright. I have seen him a few times at Blues Festivals but the first time I saw him was opening for Jeff Beck at the Electric Factory in Philadelphia.
Contender Two: Keith Urban
A Country Superstar, a modern day guitar hotshot..
I like all three artist. I miss Charlie Watts banging on the drums. However on this song who do you like better Davy or Keith? Let me know in the comments
At the Western Maryland Blues Fest on Saturday I met most of the performers. I also met a guitar icon in Paul Reed Smith. He graced the stage with Davy Knowles and Backdoor Slam for a couple of songs. After the show I caught up with him backstage before he left.
Paul Reed Smith is more famous for his guitars than his guitar playing. He is the man behind Paul Reed Smith guitars sometimes referred to as PRS guitars. Davy Knowles uses his guitars as does Carlos Santana. I will never have the chance to meet Leo Fender or Orville Gibson. However, tonight I had the honor of meeting Paul Reed Smith even if it was just briefly.It topped off a pretty awesome guitar fan day.
It is getting closer and closer to festival season. It is one of my favorite times of year. These days I write about them and I have spent many years going to them. I'm lucky I live in an area with lots of music festivals nearby. The only problem is sometimes there are multiple festivals going on at the same time and one can't go to them all.
One of favorites is the Western Maryland Blues Festival in Hagerstown, Maryland. In past years I have met or seen blues greats like Hubert Sumlin, Walter Trout, the late Pinetop Perkins, James Cotton, and more. Here is a picture of me with Kenny Neal at last year's blues fest:
This year's line up has some great young blues guitarists like Joanne Shaw Taylor, Davy Knowles, and Hamilton Loomis. You can read about the full line up here.
A little closer to me in a smaller town, there is the Brunswick Music Festival in Brunswick, Maryland. THis year's lineup has not been announced yet. It will be here. Last year it was a mix of blues, folk, bluegrass, and country all wrapped into one. Here is a review of the festival I wrote last year. Below is a picture of me and Kelly Bell of the Kelly Bell Band after his set at last years festival.
The bad thing was the festival was at the same time the Harpers Ferry Outdoors Festival was going on, which is always a good time with live music and a silent auction. It was also the same time the Winchester Blues House Festival was going on. Believe it or not the Kelly Bell Band played both festivals last year! The line up for the Winchester Blues House Festival can be found here. Then it all wraps up with a huge bluegrass festival at Watermelon Park in September.
