Posted May 3, 2011 at 2:54 pm | No comments
There is a fad that emerged in the ‘90s of older bands getting back together to do reunion tours, farewell tours, 2nd farewell tours, 3rd farewell tours, bringing the same old thing to their fans and charging tons of money for tickets. The focus seemed to be on making ends meet and buying a bigger house than the music. But, there are some bands that have gotten back together in recent years who have kept the focus on the music, and even more importantly, written and recorded new material for their fans to enjoy, old and new alike.
Posted in: '80s Rock, Interviews, Rock Interviews
Posted May 2, 2011 at 8:49 am | No comments
With the online guitar learning community exploding over the past decade, several names have risen to the top of the heap as the leaders in online guitar education. One of these players is Jimmy Bruno, and recently Jimmy has branched out on his own, after working with another company on a previous website, to launch a new site called the Jimmy Bruno Guitar Workshop. If the past is prologue to the future, then this site should be a great resource for guitarists of all levels and backgrounds that are looking to better themselves as players, and all at a very affordable price.
Posted in: Interviews, Jazz, Jazz Interviews
Posted May 1, 2011 at 9:11 am | One comment
With the decline of Gibson and Fender over the years, two things have happened to the guitar industry, there has been a dramatic rise in more affordable, foreign-made guitars, and the private, small luthier market has also grown in leaps and bounds. There is something about working one-on-one with a master maker that turns a normal guitar into a piece of treasured art. Jazz guitar virtuoso Jack Grassel recently teamed up with luthier Dan Smocke to build Jack’s perfect guitar, and the resulting instrument is absolutely first rate.
Posted in: Guitars and Gear, Industry Interviews, Interviews
Posted April 28, 2011 at 8:20 pm | No comments
Not only does Hawaiian-born ukulele virtuoso Jake Shimabukuro make his little four-string axe gently weep, he also makes it sweep, soar, and sing. In his hands, the ukulele roams the halls of folk, jazz, flamenco, rock, funk, the blues, bluegrass and classical music. Along with his astonishing talent, Jake’s winning smile and generous personality have been recognized by the State of Hawaii that has named him a Goodwill Ambassador for the island paradise.
Posted in: Country, Country Interviews, Interviews
Posted April 26, 2011 at 7:09 am | 3 comments
Featured on Jimmy Kimmel Live, written up in Guitar World Magazine, been a featured guest with Buddy Guy multiple times at his Legends Blues club in Chicago, and just celebrated his 12th birthday. Yep you read that last part right. Most guitarists would be happy with having the chance to have one of those accomplishments on their resumes by the middle of their careers, yet East Coast Blues sensation Quinn Sullivan has been there and done that, and he still has four years to wait to get his driver’s license.
Posted in: Blues, Blues Interviews, Interviews
Posted April 25, 2011 at 4:22 pm | No comments
Craig Hopkins, author of The Essential Stevie Ray Vaughan, has written a book to fill the appetites of all SRV fans. His book offers readers a comprehensive account of key milestones in SRV’s short, yet monumental music career. More importantly, Craig provides insights into Stevie’s humanity and generosity of spirit. I caught up with Craig just after he’d published his book to discuss how his interest in Stevie emerged and the path he took that resulted in his outstanding contribution to the SRV legacy.
Posted in: Blues, Blues Interviews, Interviews
Posted April 25, 2011 at 8:56 am | No comments
When one thinks of Saudi Arabia, a strong and open music scene doesn’t normally come to mind, but as is the case with many cultural stereotypes, looks can be deceiving. One of the artists that is looking to shed light on the Saudi musical scene and heritage is guitarist, and current Vancouver resident, Faze, and his Faze Project is an exciting new instrumental record that features world-class playing and writing. Aside from his work as a performer and recording artist, Faze is also an experienced teacher who is spreading his wings into the realm of live workshops and internet guitar lessons. Keep your eyes and ears peeled for Faze, he’s definitely ready to make a splash on the international, instrumental-guitar scene.
Posted in: Instrumental Interviews, Interviews, Rock
Posted April 24, 2011 at 9:56 am | 4 comments
Back in around 1999, I was studying jazz performance at Vanier College in Montreal. As any typical young player in the ‘90s, I was into the classic players such as Wes Montgomery, Pat Martino and Joe Pass, a few obscure guitarists like Lenny Breau and Ed Bickert and of course had spent my obligatory time with Pat Metheny’s catalogue. But then one day my teacher Nick Di Tomasso, who had incredible foresight, gave me a record and said, “If you think those guys can play, you need to check out this album, it’ll change your life.” That would be an understatement to say the least. The album was Dust by the New York based, virtuoso guitarist Ben Monder.
Posted in: Guitar Hero Interviews, Interviews, Jazz, Jazz Interviews
Posted April 21, 2011 at 6:43 pm | No comments
Many rock bands like to talk about their compassion for a cause, whether it be poverty, global warming or war, but few really put their money where their mouths are as did Alt-Rockers Cake when the recorded their latest release, 2011’s Showroom Of Compassion. Completely refitting their recording studio with solar panels, the band recorded the entire album with solar power, a testament to their commitment to using and promoting alternative energies. When Cake gets behind an idea and a project, they definitely follow through.
Posted in: Indie Rock-Pop, Interviews, Rock Interviews
Posted April 21, 2011 at 10:20 am | No comments
It’s not easy growing up with a parent who is a famous name in their chosen field, especially if one decides to pursue a career in the same vein as their well-known mother or father. Often times it is hard, or even impossible, for one to step out from their parent’s shadows and make a name for themselves, no matter what career path they choose to pursue. While this is the case with many musicians, guitarist Marcel Powell is proving that one can carry on their parent’s legacy, while at the same time creating an entirely separate, and highly successful, career in their own right.
Posted in: Interviews, Jazz, Jazz Interviews
