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

Lemmy.....has left the building

Lemmy

You were not a respectable fan of metal unless you had at LEAST one Motorhead album in your collection.  And you were not a true guitarslinger unless you attributed some of your influence to Lemmy, a man so well known and revered that you only needed to mention his first name.

A man that had over 280,000 people watching YouTube as they streamed the live funeral service on Saturday. (January 9)

A man that has had over 130,000 more views since then...perhaps for those that were working, or did not know, or just wanted to see it again.

His influence was the earthquake that shook the world of rock and roll.  The echoing thunder of silence left his wake will be felt in every generation to come.

Its appropriate that the backdrop to the service were Lemmy's Marshall amps.  The picture of that alone was not just fitting, it was the most perfect.   His top hat and boots were next to his ashes.  His son called him a "Free Spirit"...the most famous guitarists in the world called him "friend", "mentor", "hero".   His sense of humor was appreciated throughout as memories were shared.  His grin was easy to picture in the mind's eye as people spoke, and the room would erupt with laughter. 

The final note on the guitar fed back through the stack of Marshalls says it all.

David Grohl's eulogy is below.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RVMbwvLTDgM

Lemmy: You will be missed...and you will certainly be remembered.




(photo by Robert John)

Dustin the Frets

He's quick, he's poetic, he's a delight to the ears as he is heard Dustin the Frets.
He is Dustin Hofsess.
Dustin WHO?
Hey, if you only want to read about people you already know, check out some of my earlier posts.

This is about Playing From The Heart, and Dustin definitely qualifies

Get familiar with the name.  You are going to thank me for it.


First of all , the disclaimer:

Yes, I know Dustin Hofsess.
Furthermore, I know Jim Brock who produced the album


Dustin Hofsess has released a solo album "Short Stories", which was produced by Jim Brock, whom a friend of his recently called "The Hendrix of Percussion". Yup...True. He is recognized world wide as a master of percussion  and an award winning producer.  I've heard Brock's work as a producer being described as "cinematic".  I think that is accurate.  I feel as though I am hearing music that should be front and center on the big screen.  There is a huge open quality in the sound.  The nuances are  breathtaking.  He understands the use of sound, and silence.  Dustin is more than amazing, and Brock was able to capture and present him exactly as he is.  Brock's discography is extensive, and although this blog is about the guitar, I highly recommend you check out www.JimBrock.net for info on his extraordinary talent and achievements.

Now about this guy Dustin Hofsess

I recently had the opportunity to see & hear him perform tracks from his new album "Short Stories".  He does not disappoint.

Jim Brock calls him "a Freak".

Believe me: that is a compliment, and actually quite accurate.

I've seen Dustin play R&B, Rock, Blues- he handles it all equally well, adding his own flavor.  The real treat is when you hear him settle into his jazz soul.  It is there that he finds and defines his genius as a songwriter and artist.   Intonation, dynamics, emotion all play a role in his execution.  He draws you in, and holds you there.  Live: you feel his joy, on disc: you move into his world and feel at home.

His music is universal: it evokes images of a traveler.  "Short Stories" is most appropriately named, as each song stands alone in its uniqueness, yet draws images in the mind.

The title track "Short Story" is lyrical.  not too sweet, just enough discord to make you wonder about backstory.  The talent of George Porter Jr on bass, along with the tasteful keyboard work of Lovell Bradford is evident.  Hofsess pulls it all together to tell his musical tale.

"Lament for Camille", the first track, is a lush melody that is lovely live or heard quietly at home with eyes closed...the better to soar with the fingerwork. Not giving it away, but you'll love the way it ends.

Dustin is not ordinary.

"And the Children Danced" is playful. I smiled the first time I heard it, and it has not lost its charm.  The bass line is fantastic...pure Dustin.  His fingers dance along the frets with light abandon.

The Zeppelin classic "Kashmir" takes on a whole new life with Dustin at the helm.  Jimmy Page will cheer when he hears this.  This is the way this song was meant to be performed! Sans vocals, it is magnificent.  The Eastern influences are front and center, and it illustrates perfectly how beautifully Hofsess creates something totally new out of a song that is a standard on every rock radio station.  It is now reborn as whole new animal.  BRAVO DUSTIN!!!

One of my favorites is "Simple and True".   OK.  Dustin knows I gave this another name, and I think mine is better, and more perfect, as the images were so strong in my mind from the moment I heard it.  I refer to it as "The Elephant in the Room".   There is this incredible heavy yet graceful movement that has deep roots.  Performed live, it blew me away.  As I listen to this now, the impact is the same.  It thrills me with its beauty. Pondering, thick, gorgeous.  Yup, I adore this song.  simply and truly adore it...  Oh, and if you happen to agree with me on the title, tell Dustin.  LOL!

"It's the Poets, Not the Newspapers" is another intriguing piece that has movement and scope. Delicious bass!  The depth of sound is part of what I referred to earlier as cinematic.  There is a spaghetti western hidden inside the song.  And then it moves a continent away.  I find myself drawn to this track more each time.

"When Death Finds You, May it Find You Alive" The title alone made me curious.  Ghostly images in the beginning make way for a more precise and deliberate attack.  Great contrast, with just the right amount of effects to make you say  "Yes!"

Dang!!!!  This album was so good, I bought two copies immediately.  One for me, one to share with a friend.  I may need to get more.  This is one to share with the world baby!

The fact that Hofsess played all guitars, lap steel, electric and upright basses with the exception of a couple of songs, was impressive indeed.  But the magic was his ability to have you explore a place that is not your own.  Images were created within my mind,  clearly defined paintings developed with intricate details as I listened.

Dustin Hofsess is an artist of the highest form.  He is a "Freak" and I for one am grateful.

Let your Freak Flag Fly my friend!

check out his website for his complete bio, and more info.

http://dustinhofsess.com/

Vai - Ability!

There is a reason I started to write about guitarists and last night Steve Vai illustrated it perfectly. He is a virtuoso.

On his first solo tour in seven years, he played his 5th date in Charlotte NC at  the Fillmore.

For those that have not seen him tour before, it is an experience you shall not soon forget.

The audience was filled with guitarists: it was obvious, as they were glued to Vai from the moment he walked on stage...and reasonably so.  Donning a large brim cowboy hat, (in what was to be the first of several costume changes) Vai settled in to do what he does best: play guitar.  The hands of the rapt audience moved unconsciously up and down unseen guitar necks, my own fingers bent imaginary strings as I yearned, like everyone else in the room, to perhaps inhale some of the talent that floated off the stage in the midst of the smoke that swirled at times around his feet and then drifted on toward us.

I found myself watching not just his hands but his whole body as every part of him was engaged in bringing music forth: hands, arms, shoulders, back, his breath and yes,  his tongue (be still my heart) to play that final run.

It confirmed what I was thinking throughout the night: Steve Vai does not merely play guitar: he makes love to it.

He caresses it to bring forth the most pleasurable sounds imaginable, and then makes it scream.  He woos it, teases it, and makes it laugh.  The guitar is connected to him in a way that is seldom seen.

It is apparent in his eyes, his smile, his laughter....its as though the music has filled him so completely he has no choice but to let it bubble over the top, out of him and into the room

He finds humor in his playing, and pulls the audience in.  Whether it is playful scat singing as we try to mimic exactly what he throws out to us (and we do, quite well I may add) or whether its showing us how he writes a song with participation from a young child in the audience.

The child "Matthew" stood bravely on stage, and only a few words came out, but somehow Vai managed to turn an "I don't know" into a drum rhythm , "South Carolina" into a bass and harp line, and "it took 45 minutes to get here" into the melody, which of course he improvised around.

The newly created song of the night was quickly discussed with the band, and we listened and watched as his band responded...Steve thanked Matthew for helping him write it, but reminded him that he "retained all publishing rights to the new song," for he was "Steve Vai".  The crowd roared their approval.

Mesmerizing, Tantalizing, Teasing, Playful, Lyrical, Masterful and more.  Steve Vai captured me from note one, and I regretted seeing him walk off the stage.  Quite honestly, I think he did too.

For there was something that happened during that performance that made me see how he respected and loved his guitars as living, breathing extensions of his own inner self.  He opened his soul to us for a while and let us see his joy.  It was a beautiful thing to behold and hear.

He has dates lined up through mid October in the States: do not miss an opportunity to see him.  You will not regret it.  GO!  NOW  : I provided a link below to help you get tix and info more quickly!

His new album is "The Story of Light".    I for one, can tell you "It Glows"

http://www.vai.com/

In Dire Need of music

John Entwistle has this unique ability to quietly demand attention on stage simply by his stance and his mastery of the bass.  No antics were required.  It was pure music.

That is the way I think of Mark Knopfler.

I was reminded of him on a recent evening walk in my neighborhood.  One of my neighbors, a huge fan of Frank Zappa (time for that another day) and many tasteful artists, was playing one of Mark's albums while he was working in his garage.  The somewhat mournful tone that Knopfler seems to emit from the depth of his playing made me turn around, run Maxx(a sweet 14-year old mixed breed) up the hill to home.

The look on Maxx's face was "whaaaaat.....?"  until he saw me open the music cabinet.  To which he responded by grunting, turning to his water bowl, grabbing a drink, then leaping on the couch to settle in to take in some serious tunes.  If you think dogs don't listen to music too, you are not paying attention.

But this is about the guitar, not the dog (they'll get blog time elsewhere)

Co-founder of Dire Straits, Mark Knopfler is so much more than the hits we recognize from the early days.  "Sultans of Swing" , "Walk of Life", "Money for Nothing".  MTV darlings because of the latter, those who bought the albums soon dug deeper into the tracks to find that unique sound that Knopfler stylized.

I sat down next to Maxx, patted his head, then rested mine against the back of the couch as the music swept over me.

Genius.   Pure Genius.

Like the oceans, the undercurrents move through my mind and capture every fiber...its exciting, sensual, moody: just out and out fabulous.

You may have seen him play with his one of his heroes: Chet Atkins.  Watch the faces.  The joy of playing together is captured in the eyes, the smiles and the body language.  Not to mention the deep underlying respect that vibrates in the air.

With Gibson or Fender in hand, he is able to create a tone that moves from his fingertips and out through the pores.  Every bit of tissue connects to his sound. Sweet yet melancholy at the same time, his creation is beautiful and personal.


"Brothers in Arms" makes me weep.  Lyrically its magnificent, but once you add that emotional pull of the heartstrings that comes from his guitar, I am lost.


Although Dire Straits is long past, the good news is there is a new album in the wings: set to be released September 3rd, 2012 : Privateering, a double album with over 20 new songs...and not too soon for me.

There is something quite special within his music.  He moves from the playful to the yearning.  A tone so distinctive that it is recognized within the first several notes.

It is uniquely Mark Knopfler.  and yes, I will state the obvious "Oh Yeah, the boy can play..."

Living on The Edge

                                           ...U2's Dave Evans

Dave Evans, better known as The Edge, or "Edge" to U2 fans celebrated a birthday August 8th.

It was a great reminder for me to once again pick up my guitar.

Oh, I am NOT a great player.   Far from it.  
I fumble, stumble and move awkwardly at times up and down the frets.
But I love the feel in my hands, even though "I have blisters on my fingers"

OK,  no blisters, but they hurt ...in a good way.

Yup, David Evans makes me want to play.

He has a beautiful simplicity that belies the genius of what he does.

He takes a simple chord, deconstructs it and then "Wa la!"

Just like magic it becomes this mesmerizing sound that drills into my brain and makes me say "I think I can do that!"

The simplicity is the tapestry that draws me...holds me there, and never lets me go.  "With or Without You" proves that.

Listen to "Pride" distinctive and powerful. 

 That's the word "Powerful"   

Understated Power.

Strumming a chord instead of doing a searing intricate solo.

Each note has value.

There is such beauty in that simplicity.

He makes me believe that someday I may achieve the ability to carve my way through an entire song without error with the depth of my soul exposed simply by strumming a simple chord. 

He inspires me to head outside on a moonlit night, guitar in hand accompanied only by cicadas, tree frogs, and the occasional owl.  To hear those sounds resonate in the dark of night, where each note counts and each chord has beauty.  

Simple Power.  a place where two forms meet  

a/k/a  :  The Edge