Posted May 22, 2011 at 10:09 am | 7 comments
When it was announced that Producers Steven Spielberg and Michael Bay had optioned the best-selling novel, I Am Number Four for a big budget screen adaptation, my main cause for excitement emanated from the news that, venerable film composer, Trevor Rabin, renowned for his esteemed artistry and scores for Armageddon, Remember The Titans, The Sorcerer’s Apprentice, National Treasure 1 and 2, Enemy Of The State, Con Air and many more Hollywood celluloid jewels, would be crafting the film’s score.
Posted in: Instrumental Reviews, Reviews
Posted May 22, 2011 at 9:53 am | One comment
This monster of an effects pedal features 21 different filter sweeps, and each is completely customizable. The Frequency knob sets the center frequency of whichever sweep is selected, which can range from super-low and bassy to bright and brittle. The Sweep Range knob controls both the direction of the sweep (up or down) and how wide of a frequency range it covers. The Speed knob controls both the speed of the sweep’s attack and decay. On the left side of 12 o’clock, the Speed knob controls the attack and decay together, but on the right of 12 o’clock, the attack stays on the fastest setting and the knob only controls the decay.
Posted in: Gear Reviews, Reviews
Posted May 22, 2011 at 9:38 am | One comment
Ever since his days as Ozzy Osbourne’s guitarist, Zakk Wylde has long been a purveyor of heavy riffage and ripping shred guitar solos. With the exception of his 1996 solo acoustic album, Book of Shadows , he hasn’t had much of a chance to show off his lighter side. But with Black Label Society’s latest release, Song Remains Not the Same , Zakk Wylde decided to get tender.
Posted in: Reviews, Rock Reviews
Posted May 22, 2011 at 9:25 am | 2 comments
Everybody and their mother want to learn how to play guitar. The problem is, people often take lessons and either have too much thrown at them, or they get bored because their teacher has them playing out of a Mel Bay book that seems to be designed to bore people to death. eMedia Guitar Method V.5 seeks to give prospective guitar learners a way to learn at their own pace while keeping it interesting. Intended for beginners ranging from “I’ve never seen a guitar before” to “I know a couple easy songs,” Guitar Method is thorough and customizable, and it has some incredibly useful features.
Posted in: Instructional Book Reviews, Reviews
Posted May 21, 2011 at 9:47 am | No comments
Playing bass and guitar on the track, because regular bassist Noel Redding had become upset with the recording session that day and left the studio, Jimi Hendrix landed a massive hit with his cover version of the Bob Dylan classic “All Along the Watchtower.” Bob Dylan loved Hendrix’s version, so much so that he has said that whenever he sings it he feels like he’s paying tribute to the left-handed guitar genius with the song. The solo on “Watchtower” has become engrained in the public consciousness and is considered one of Hendrix’s best recorded solos, and a must learn for any guitarist.
Posted in: Guitar Tab
Posted May 21, 2011 at 9:46 am | No comments
Every musician wants their music to be heard by as many people as possible, even record producers who’ve worked with Joan Jett, Andrew W.K., Sonic Youth, Hole, the Posies, and more. Producer Don Fleming, who has produced albums for these big names and many others, is now using his equipment and expertise to bring his early music back to the shelves and, for the first time, to the digital world.
Posted in: Indie Rock Interviews, Interviews
Posted May 21, 2011 at 9:29 am | No comments
There was a time when rock bands weren’t so darn one-dimensional. Think back to the days of Led Zeppelin, Queen, etc., and it was a time that it was accepted for a hard rock-based band to be able to mix things up with piano ballads and other musical detours. The Australian quartet, Strange Karma, is a most-welcomed throwback to this aforementioned era, as evidenced throughout their new release, Volume 1.
Posted in: Interviews, Rock Interviews
Posted May 21, 2011 at 9:15 am | No comments
The Desert and the City is the first release for guitarist Mike Rood. He began his study of guitar at age 8 with lessons from family friend John Patitucci. Rood also studied at the New School for Jazz and Contemporary Music in New York. There he learned from guitarists Vic Juris and Adam Rogers.
Posted in: Jazz Reviews, Reviews
Posted May 21, 2011 at 9:02 am | No comments
It is always a pleasure to receive new material from an established artist, although I do enjoy new musicians and experiences as well. Watching familiar players as they develop, mature and change with the times is truly fascinating.
Posted in: Jazz, Jazz Reviews, Reviews
Posted May 21, 2011 at 8:54 am | No comments
Round Red Light is the debut recording from Barcelona guitarist Dave Juarez and the album is comprised of all original material. Juarez has assembled a fine ensemble to present his compositions for this recording session, including John Escreet (Piano), Seamus Blake (Saxophone), Lauren Falls (Bass) and Bastian Weinhold (Drums) are solid players. The music is modern in nature and the melodies fairly complex.
Posted in: Jazz, Jazz Reviews, Reviews
