Monday, March 18, 2019

The King of Surf Guitar Has Died


Opening up my blog with "Let's Go Trippin'" by Dick Dale. The 1961 track is supposedly the first surf rock instrumental that ignited the surf  rock craze.

Dick Dale known as the King of Surf Guitar has passed away at the age of 81 on Saturday. A legend in his genre but also an innovator working closing with Fender to create some pretty neat guitar amps.  Here he is "Surfin' the Wedge" on the famous Ed Sullivan Show...


"Misirlou"



He continued to play live until his death and had tour dates scheduled through 
November of this year. He will be missed by his fans, friends and family.







Monday's Music Moves Me: Artists Born in March

Monday's Music Moves Me theme for this Monday was artists born in March. There are so many great artists born in March so there was plenty to choose from.  I chose a classic rock theme and limited my list to five songs. The list could have been longer! I hope you enjoy!

Let's get started with AC/DC Angus Young was born on March 31

                                              "For Those About to Rock"


How about Bad Company, legendary guitarist Mick Ralphs turns 75 at the end of the month..

"Ready for Love"



Eric Clapton turns 74 on the 30th

"Tears in Heaven"


Steven Tyler of Aerosmith turns 71 on the 26th

"Dream On"


Eddie Money turns 70 on the 21st.."Shakin'"


Thanks for visiting I will be back with a new post soon!





Friday, March 15, 2019

Battle of the Bands 103:Late Night Love

I'm running a little late to the Battle of the Bands party. Don't worry I made it! I think we all need a "Whole Lotta Love." Led Zeppelin certainly twisted an old blues tune into a heavy, acid rock show  stopping number.



Now I've picked a couple of musical superstars to see if we can twist and warp this song some more! I mean how do you like your late night love? If you like it dirty, nasty, with some soul I might have something for you! Insane with some funk. A woman with great legs and a love sexy man competing at it under the spotlight. No I haven't suddenly found my passion for writing erotica.  I'm talking Tina Turner versus Prince covering Led Zeppelin!

Contestant One: Tina Turner




Contestant Two: Prince



Whose "love" do you like the best? Tina Turner's funky version or the guitar crazy version by Prince. Two artist you might not expect to cover Led Zeppelin but they certainly added their touches to this song. Vote for your favorite in the comments and I will tally the votes and announce the winner in a week or so.

Thursday, March 14, 2019

New Battle of the Bands post delayed

Due to unforeseen circumstances the Battle of the Bands post scheduled for March 15 is delayed. It will hopefully be posted before midnight on March 15th. Thanks and see you soon.

Tuesday, March 12, 2019

Battle of the Bands Results: Please put the guitars down

Chet Atkins was a big influence on Tommy Emmanuel. Atkins was impressed with Tommy's talent.  Tommy was on Chet's final album. Chet named him a Certified Guitar Player along with four other guitarists. This battle was between two great guitarists who would probably be happy with whoever won.

The results were close as one would expect. Tommy won 5 to 3.


                                               "Angelina"


"Stevie's Blues



"Tall Fidler"



Well I hope you enjoyed and I will have a new battle on the 15th!

Monday, March 4, 2019

Monday's Music Moves Me: How Music Educates Us

I open this week's Monday's Music Moves Me with Pink Floyds "Another Brick in the Wall Part 2."  This week's theme being How Music Educates Us as March is Music in Our Schools Month.

"We don't need no education
We don't need no thought control
No dark sarcasm in the classroom
Hey Teachers leave them kids alone"

We do need education, Perhaps we don't need thought control, dark sarcasm, and some teachers do need to leave those kids alone. Music teaches discipline, provides a creative outlet, and provides another way students can find self confidence. It can be woven into other studies math, science, and theater. However if we aren't careful we are going to lose music in our schools(and other arts).

Over the weekend I saw two musicals performed by two different high schools. I was pleasantly surprised by the talent. One of the musicals was Godspell, Here is a clip from Ramsey High School in Purchase, New York.


Yes music in schools brings culture to the community.

Some kids are full of musical talent like "Taz"
"My Revival"

Look him up, I have seen him live and the kid has talent

Brandon "Taz" Neiderauer.

Music can inspire! So let's keep it in the schools.



Friday, March 1, 2019

Battle of the Bands 102: Classical Gas

Moving into March with a brand new Battle of the Bands. If you like guitar music you are in for a treat this month. My battle features one of my favorite guitarists against one of his guitar heroes.

The piece is  called "Classical Gas" by Mason Williams...




The rules are simple. You pick the version you like best and tell me in the comments. In a week or so I count up the votes and announce a winner.

Contender One: Tommy Emmanuel

 

Contender Two: Chet Atkins


Well I hope you enjoyed. Please vote in the comments! Every vote counts. I will be back soon with a new post and I will announce the winner later this month.