John Lennon

I was born on October 9th John Lennon's birthday albeit many MANY years later than he. 

I will never forget the day he died December 8, 1980. 37 years ago. 

The day after his murder this photo was taken by his wife Yoko Ono.  As an artist, I understand her need to capture this on film.  As a wife, I also grasp the need to do something at a time when we are powerless to change the outcome, but can only illustrate our grief in a graphic and stark way.   

His blood-stained glasses became forever immortalized with his beloved skyline of New York City in the backdrop. The irony of his death in the city he called "home" where locals accepted him as part of the landscape is not lost.


An imperfect man, but one who pushed his artistic abilities in a way that I admire. His artwork has humor, his music has passion and his life was cut short much too early....just as he was "starting over" ... 

Images ingrained include the beautiful Rolling Stone cover. Annie Leibovitz captured a moment between John & Yoko no one will forget...

...the iconic Bob Gruen pic with Lennon in his NYC t-shirt.     
His city.  John spoke of not being hassled as he walked down the street or in the park.  Part of that due to the lack of Beatlemania, but more a character of New York City itself and part of its appeal.  Privacy is respected, the appearance of someone famous on the street is not uncommon.  Some are virtually ignored, (unless there are paparazzi).  
That is one reason an insane man was able to get so close to him that horrible night.

These are the Images I associate with him more than those of the famous band he founded. The mature John.  The John who seemed more at peace with himself and his life.   

I really liked the Lennon of 1980.

I liked the music, stepping out from his own shadow. "Double Fantasy" was a personal re-emergence into the musical foray. I still listen to it. It's thoughtful and centered and I'm sad and angry that a madman destroyed this creative spirit. 


John Lennon was not an artist I had the opportunity to meet or interview, but his music made him familiar and had a profound affect on me. 

I watched his career more closely at first due to the birth date connection, but soon it was the personality and his character that intrigued me.  The interviews with Dick Cavett and Tom Snyder were memorable...Snyder's odd questions in 1975 were well volleyed by Lennon's humorous responses and insight and of the two discussions noted here, the more interesting.

Not one to hold himself up to anyone else's mirror but his own. 

He was outspoken against inequality and the war.  His protests were not violent, but from a bed in a hotel room. He called it a "Seven day press conference for peace".  His sarcasm and wit unparalleled. Unconventional, passionate, brave enough to carve his own destiny despite those that disapproved of his choice of partner and soul mate.

Lennon remains an enigma and an icon who lived life on his own terms. 

Thank you John Lennon.               May your spirit continue to inspire.

Eric Gales

A Gale is Defined as “a very strong wind” “a noisy outburst”

You can define Eric Gales as a force of nature all his own, a tsunami in the world of guitarists. The storms he encountered and conquered in his personal life have added a dimension to his writing. He is as unpredictable musically as the wind he rides, but every time he walks on stage is a moment to remember. Music erupts from his soul red hot, much like the lava now erupting from Mount Agung. Once it starts, hold on!

If you don't recognize his name, I recommend you hit the 'Tube and surf the tunnel to check out his videos and live performances, then buy every CD he has ever recorded. You will thank me, send me flowers, throw gold coins when I pass you in gratitude. Eric Gales has recorded 18 albums with his name emblazoned on the front and has contributed to well over that on tribute projects. Oh, and he is one of the most well-respected guitarist in the industry. And truly one of the nicest. Joe Bonamassa calls him “one of the best, if not the best guitar player in the world”. Carlos Santana says Gales is “absolutely incredible”. Mark Tremonti says Eric “could be the best player on Earth” and Dave Navarro states what I think “How Eric Gales Band isn't the hugest name in rock history is a mystery”.

Eric Gales' latest album, released earlier this year Middle of the Road is a slight detour from what you may have come to expect from him. That strong rhythmic “thump” is more than just bass, it is melody, mood and all Eric.

This album is personal. I asked Eric about the change of pace on Middle of the Road. “Its different styles and things I like...reflects what I've been through in life, how my life has transformed. I'm very pleased with where I am in my heart.”

Track for track, Middle of the Road is a walk in Eric's shoes. It begins with “Good Time” and funky fun tune that can almost be called “rollicking”. I had it playing in the background when a friend called and said “Who IS that!” (I love turning people on to great music and musicians...you have a new fan Eric) Next up is “Change in Me (The Rebirth)”. “I got tired of doin' bad, now I'm doin good” reflects his approach to life. If you want some great funky guitar work, “Carry Yourself” is your song. Then there's “Boogie Man” the Freddy King classic with a some help from the incredible Gary Clark Jr (“great song,worked up some cool stuff”). “Been So Long” talks about having been through difficult times, and the positive reggae vibe is pretty special. It's followed by “Help Yourself”. I love this song and young Christone “Kingfish” Ingram plays on the track. (“proud of him, he's really blossoming as a player”). The raw moments expressed in “I've Been Deceived” are real. His lyrics are much like his advice to young players, “keep your eyes open. Pay attention. Don't let yourself be sidetracked”. Eric pulls no punches here. Then we are treated to “Repetition” where Eric is joined by his brother Eugene, who rips it wide open. “Help Me Let Go” is quite beautiful, and very much a prayer for salvation. He picks up the mood with the funky “I Don't Know” and then gives us something to stomp to with a slappin' bass line and swampy feel...oh yeah, its it's an instrumental perfectly coined “Swamp”. This is a fantastic album to throw into your CD player when you hit the road. The tracking is perfect.

Although Eric is not left-handed, his brother Eugene is, and he taught Eric to play left-handed, which is to play the right hand guitar upside down, with the E string on the bottom. Eric said it always “felt right”. It still amazes me when I see him. The references to Hendrix are understandable, but Eric Gales is distinctly his own man.

My radio daze allowed me to interview Eric and Eugene the first time in 1993. They were signed to Elektra Records, touring to support “Picture of a Thousand Faces”. He was a fresh faced kid, still in his teens and this was already his second album with the label since he was 16. I remember how remarkable a talent he was then, displaying a maturity, talent and confidence on stage that belied his age.

He's matured more than a little since that time, and I freely admit I am a fan. He puts 100% into a show and I've seen many of his performances over the last 24 years, including several at the Double Door Inn. He has never held back on stage: he rules it.

Charlotte is in for a treat this Friday December 1 as Eric Gales returns to town to kick off December in fine form. He'll be hitting the stage at Neighborhood Theatre after extensive touring this year in Europe, His tour schedule is already rapidly filling up for 2018, but he is planning a special show January 20^th 2018 in Memphis with his brother Eugene. The Gales Brothers will be together again and in Eric's words “it's going to be ridiculous!” If you are at the IBC, stay Saturday night and catch the show. One for this history books.

As we were finishing up our call, I wanted to ask him a simple question: If you could jam with anyone, living or dead, who would it be. He didn't miss a beat “Stevie Ray Vaughan & Jaco Pastorius it would be ridiculous”.

Eric Gales. You Gotta love this guy! See you at his next show!

Doin' the Tommy Stomp                               

The opportunity to talk with Blues guitarist Tommy Castro on his way to a gig in Sellersville, PA at Sellersville Theater was not one to pass up. 
It was always a pleasure to see Tommy Castro make a stop in Charlotte on his various tours throughout the years.  Whether it was with his fabulous band The Painkillers, or on a double bill with Mike Zito, Tommy could be found on the turf he helped carve at the Double Door Inn in Charlotte through the years.  He was a frequent guest on Smokin’ Bluz with Rick Ballew while on tour, and his songs were a staple during the many years Rick hosted his show on WRFX in Charlotte.    Tommy’s last gig in town was over a year ago before the wrecking ball destroyed another landmark in Charlotte. 

Today was a good day to catch up on what he's been up to since then.  

First on the agenda: Just had to know who some of his favorite blues artists on the scene these days were on the  top of his mind right now and the name Danielle Nicole (Trampled Underfoot) came quickly followed by Mike Zito, and Walter Trout, “better than ever right now. He was always great, but there is just something deeper and more intense with every performance”,Ronnie Baker Brooks “the best kept secret in the blues world…not a stronger player or professional on the circuit. Ronnie has a new album “Times have changed” his first in 10 years, it’s great”.

Others on Tommy’s list include Gary Clark Jr, Derek Trucks and Marquise Knox to name a few.  

Then it was time to turn back to the man of the moment: Tommy Castro, with talk about  his past, his present and his new album. 

Tommy is back on the road again…this time balls to the walls in full support of his latest album, an homage to his early influences in San Jose California.  His formative years were spent in a diverse neighborhood where FM Radio introduced him to Albert King, BB King, Muddy Waters, Dr John and the Hispanic population seduced him with the sounds of Wilson Pickett, James Brown, and War “Slippin into Darkness”  blaring from the stereos of their iconic low riders.  Blues, Soul and R&B were in the soil of Tommy’s early days, “Stompin’ Ground” his latest album on Alligator Records, is a celebration of all that and more. ”My Old Neighborhood” tells the story of the childhood memories and experiences and is laced with a tasteful Hammond B3 laying down that melancholy groove.  As a storyteller and songwriter, this is Tommy’s finest hour.

This is an album of Blues, Soul, R&b and R&R.   It is easily Tommy’s favorite to date, and it’s not difficult to understand why.  When you hear “Soul Shake” I dare you to stay still.  This is a song that demands you get up and move, groove and dance baby…and the chorus is one anyone can sing “do do do, do do do, do do do.”

The tracking on this album is perfect.  It is a listeners’ dream, an album that deserves play time in your car, windows open, a long empty road with lots of curves, and preferably a manual drive.  Radio would be remiss to miss this.    Song to song it connects with a great melody, hot musicianship and the ultimate blend of all the things we love about the blues and Tommy Castro’s style.  The final tune “Live Every Day” sums it up ‘you gotta live every day like it’s the last one of your life’.   The side mention of the Blues Cruise on the track is one that brings a quick smile, as he freely admits it’s where he enjoys, in his words, “ultimate jamming – Legendary Rhythm and Blues Cruise every year.  Nothing like it” he said during our conversation. 

Recorded at Kid Anderson’s Greaseland Studio in San Jose, the roots delve deeply into the musical kaleidoscope that surrounded them. “Kid understood where I was coming from.  His studio is right there in San Jose. I’d lay down a track, go to Kid and say ‘got any ideas’?   He always did.  Not only is he an amazing guitarist, he plays so many instruments, is a great producer and engineer.   He had a wall of amps and he would plug one of my guitars into and say ‘use this’.  He heard what he was looking for in his head, and made it happen.  We recognized it as knowledge and love of what I was trying to do.  Loved working with Kid.”

When asked where he’s headed, he paused then quietly and thoughtfully admitted, “I’m still trying on a regular basis to be a better player and song writer-stay authentic, but still be fresh.  I am committed to better songwriting and performance every time. And to spend time with those that like my music, I follow the example of BB King.  I saw him with sponsors and fans alike and  he always treated everyone like a  friend. I love and respect people and like to talk with those that appreciate my music, but especially the blues”

Most likely that is one reason why Tommy Castro has a strong fan base in Charlotte.  He loves what he does, brings energy into the room every time, has a first rate band that he is proud of sharing time on the road with, and works his ass off to entertain.   He is also a nice guy. 

“Stompin’ Ground”  Record Release Party is being held in venues across America. I highly recommend you attend one near you, or at the very least, treat yourself and download road warrior worthy music to cruise to. 

Z best

· 

We knew him as David Z. His full name: David Zablidowsky.  Also known as David Z Rock.  
On Friday July 14, 2017, He was on tour with his band Adrenaline Mob.  It is reported the RV they were traveling in had a flat tire.  The RV and another vehicle traveling with the band pulled off to the side of the road for repairs. Apparently while they were attending to the tire, a semi trailer veered to where they were parked on the side, hit the RV and another vehicle traveling with them. Everyone but the driver of the semi truck that hit them were injured, some critically.  David was in the RV and killed on site. 

His fame: the hottest damn bass player I've ever seen...and I've seen quite a few.   With the stage presence of a giant- you would never ignore him.  Quite impossible.   A blind person could feel the heat of his performance. 

He was referred to as "A beast" by some of his friends.  He was fearless on stage. My girlfriends and I called him a "horn dog": and we meant that in the nicest possible way. His energy was undeniable, yet he maintained a charming boyish air. On stage: he was a 100% bad ass bass player.  He was superman. He was unforgettable.

David Z the musician was an explosion of energy.  Every note was delivered with attitude, the musicality came directly from his soul. It was driving, passionate, tough, funny and at times incredibly beautiful. He was a solid player, better than solid, he was "a beast" admired by musicians, friends and fans alike.  It was obvious he loved his craft.   It was evident with each note and the joy every time he hit the stage. He never betrayed his music for showmanship, but excelled at intertwining the two.  As a member of the audience, we reaped the rewards. That is why his death struck us so personally. We looked forward to his life force on stage.  The prancing, the dancing, the leaps, the running from one side of the stage to another.  He was scheduled to appear with Adrenaline Mob in Charlotte this September.  The date was circled on my calendar.  It would be another guaranteed night of music, energy and entertainment.  

All that changed July 14th, and the music world is stunned, not to mention the fans of every band he was associated with.  He may not have been a house hold name, but he was legendary and respected as a session musician and performer by his peers.  He was loved by the fans.  

There are some people that just make an impression on life. My husband was one and David Z Rock was another.  They had that quality of being instantly memorable. 

In the hours following the news, I took time to browse through David's Facebook page and noticed all the photos posted by friends and fans.  So many after show photos with fans. Not everyone takes the time.  He always did. He stepped it up. Not only did he understand performing for an audience, he understood the essential connection to the fan.  Whether is was with ZO2, TSO, Rubix Cube, Soto, Joan Jett, Adrenaline Mob or anyone he shared the stage with, David Z broke through the barrier from stage to audience. David Z was genuine. Absolutely real. He loved performing, loved his music and we knew it. His sense of humor and talent was as vibrant as his sexuality on and off stage. He worked it with boundless energy like a young puppy and just as eager to please. It was pure fun- playtime.  It was like watching a kid on stage, and his band mates felt it and fed off the synergy feast.

I first experienced David with TSO 14 years ago with my husband.   A few months later we saw him with his brother Paul & drummer Joey Cassata tear it up as ZO2 opened for KISS and Poison.  They hung out at the merch area after they got off stage, and we hung out talking with Paulie and David during KISS's performance. Both were personable. Funny. The humor was strong and evident in their videos and their show Z ROCK on IFC.  Look no further than "I Like Sauce" parody as an example of his ability to laugh at himself. 

David's warmth and outgoing personality continued at meet & greets throughout his touring with TSO.   He was never an asshole.(Yes, there are many in this industry) Lucky for us, David Z was NOT one of them. He was not arrogant, yet with his talent, no one would have blamed him if he were. He was confident, driven, and one of those people that just made life a little brighter.  The loss to fans is monumental.  Many comments were posted that he was the one they looked for on stage.  He was the reason they ultimately purchased that ticket. Positive energy breeds positive energy.  That connection was imperative for many as they immersed themselves in David's antics on stage to help them step outside of their own lives.  He never disappointed.   

To his family and fiance, there are no words of comfort I can offer. Time does not heal all wounds, but memories make the wounds weep less. To his TSO family especially, Christopher, Jeff, Joel, Alex, your posts are heartbreaking. This tragedy is especially hard after the loss of Paul O'Neill this year.

You need only read the tributes from musicians from around the globe as they react to this horrible tragedy to know the respect they had for him as a musician.
the Blog from Jeff Scott Soto had me in tears. 

There are people that exude something special when they walk in a room or on stage. Je ne sais quoi. Yup. David was the definition of Je ne sais quoi. Time to Rock the Heavens, the angels are in for a real treat. 

~ MLS
author The Loss World

The Loss World Monologues

Addendum:  Scholarship in David Z's Name for aspiring music students at his alma mater, Brooklyn College.See below:

The world lost a massively talented musician and an even more extraordinary person in a tragic accident on the way to do what he loved the most.  His amazing brother Paul Zablidowsky and his family and friends want to keep his memory alive and to have him continue to help aspiring music students at his alma mater.

A scholarship fund was set up in his name. Please donate on this web page and fill in David’s name in the fund designation:

https://secure.etransfer.com/…/Broo…/Donation/donation1.cfm…

Make sure to write "David Z" where it says Fund Designation.

Also, checks in his memory/toward his scholarship can be sent to:

Brooklyn College Foundation
Attn: David Zablidowsky Fund
2900 Bedford Avenue
Brooklyn, NY 11210

And please share and spread the word!!

Sister, you been on my mind

I have been remiss.

I suck.

I really REALLY suck.

You see, I have failed to bring to your attention one woman I know is more important to the world of guitar than any other.

Neophytes  pay heed:  I am not talking about Orianthi (although I need to see her live, she is quite impressive), or Joan Jett, or Lita Ford, or Nancy Wilson, Samantha Fish, or Ana Popovic or....

Nope.  I'm talking about the true Godmother of Rock 'n Roll.  I'm talking about Sister Rosetta Tharpe. 

She was a monster...born in 1915 she was ahead of her time and there has never been anyone like her since.   She was raised in the church, sang and played guitar there from the delicate age of 4 and by the ripe old age of 6, she was already "on tour" with her mom as a traveling evangelist.   She was considered a prodigy. She certainly was en enigma.  A young black woman playing guitar was not a sight often seen in a church, much less elsewhere.  Hell, no young white woman was playing guitar like that at the time, and it would be decades before they really did.

But this is not a biography, so let's fast forward through her short-lived marriage(s), by the time she was 23, she recorded her first record, and the music world will never be the same.  Chuck Berry, Elvis, even Johnny Cash said she influenced them. It is so easy to hear why.  Our only view of her is from old videos that have surfaced on YouTube over the years.
She had swag before swag was born. Pure attitude and sass, she absolutely owned the stage.  Confidently making sounds with the guitar rarely heard at that time (in the 20's , 30's & 40's) much less from a woman. (GASP!)

Didn't It Rain
That's All 

Her confidence on stage was something to behold, her command of the guitar was more than impressive.  The audience totally engaged.  Even watching the old video her style was completely enthralling.  It was a mixture of gospel, blues and on the edge of early rock.  By the late 50's and early 60's she had already reached a cult status.  Evident in every video I could get my hands on.  The crowds loved her, appreciated her, and you know every young woman wanted to be her - because she was beyond cool...she picked up a guitar and the synergy was palpable.  The audience leaned us, drawn to the woman that demanded attention because anything else meant you had no pulse.

Watching her made me want to play.  She was so damn good, effortless. Her playing, singing and performance had eyes riveted to the screen.  Kinetic.  She was kinetic.  This ball of energy that lit up the room with sound and passion.

Sister Rosetta Tharpe .  I watched her play, then pulled up some video of Jimi Hendrix and knew I found someone else she had inspired.

So, tonight, before you decided to turn off the electronics, delve into the music tunnel, ride the Tube, hit the links and climb into the magical world of one bad ass woman on guitar.

This is one Sister we all wish we had a chance to know.

1915-1973
 

Glenn Frey...the time has come to fly...

Glenn Frey...singer, songwriter, producer, actor, guitarist, musician.  He flew with the Eagles, was a part of the tapestry of music that circled the country in the 70's first as a member of Stone Ponies, Linda Ronstadt's backup band.

Miami Vice gave him time to hone up his acting chops, and adding his music to the mix wasn't a bad deal for him either.  He had a natural ability, unlike many musicians who tried to do film or TV.  His humor seemed to push through the camera lens.  But it was his music that grabbed us all.

The magic created by the melodies he wrote singly and with Don Henley, JD Souther, Bob Seger, Jackson Browne and others, sung with his achingly warm voice became staples for classic rock stations.  He sang, played piano, keyboards, guitar and wrote songs everyone knew by heart: Take it Easy, Peaceful Easy Feeling, Lyin' Eyes, Heartache Tonight, Tequila Sunrise. He evoked an  intimate conversation with the listener.  His harmonies with Henley, Timothy B Schmit, Bernie Leadon, Randy Meisner and Don Felder are the things dreams are made of. They were instinctive. Beautiful. Memorable.

Although his guitar playing was secondary to his songwriting and vocals,  Henley deserves the recognition of someone who Sang & Played From The Heart.  

David Bowie R.I.P.

David Bowie

January 8 1947- January 10, 2016

Not a guitar player, but he inspired so many in the music world, he belongs on this blog.

He was certainly one of the "Kings" of the underground, noted by Billy Idol where he used "Golden Years"  in the title track of the album Idol released last year, "Kings & Queens of the Underground". 


David Bowie was the consummate artist: without being an asshole.  I met him briefly during his "Glass Spider Tour" and found him to be quiet, unassuming.  He looked directly into my eyes and acknowledged me without guile. He was totally present for that short encounter.  I was stunned by his aura, his presence, his lack of pretense.  Graceful, gracious, a class act.  He left the room more empty, but the positive feelings prevailed.

From Labyrinth

Throughout my radio career I was totally in awe of this artist.  Not in lust, in awe.  The reasons were simple.  He was a chameleon.  He easily transformed himself in every genre of the musical environment without selling his soul.  He let his artistic side boldly move where most musicians would not dare to go as he embraced soul, jazz, rock, pop, dance.  His attitude to experiment, to carve new niches, no: to blow holes in the status quo without becoming a cliche, THAT was his magic.  He encouraged musicians around the world to push the envelop, be who they were, not what others wanted them to be.  He did the same for those that listened to him, saw him perform, stood in his presence, or watched him in films.  He had the "X Factor" before anyone thought to name it.

He was an enigma.

He was fearless on stage.
To be fearless as an artist is a gift.

In his artistic life, he was a king.

I will never pretend to say I "knew" him.  I met him.  I can say the impression was lasting.  I didn't meet Ziggy Stardust.  I met David Bowie. It wasn't when he was "in character" before hitting the stage,  or directly after the show when his adrenaline was still pumping through his veins.  It was a moment that clearly defined him as an elegant man- with intellect. Every person that encountered him seems to have had the same opinion.  You have read the posts, the stories, the articles.  A Superstar without pretense.  An artistic genius.


His unpredictability was always a radio programmer's biggest challenge..."But it's BOWIE!!!" was often the best reason I had to play it.

Today is one day I wish I were still on the air.  Find the wonderful deep tracks that spoke volumes, mix them with those amazing songs we all know and love without saying a word.  There would be no need.  He really did say it all, even to the end.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y-JqH1M4Ya8  


His final album "Darkstar" was released on his 69th birthday.  It was his 25th album.  It is his farewell to fans and friends alike. 

Thank you David Jones "Bowie".  

update:  found this amazing interview from 15 years ago...proves what a brilliant visionary and artist he really was as he discussed music and the internet. He is SO animated!  Love this .  Had to share.  Paxman/Bowie interview