Posted February 21, 2012 at 4:49 am | 2 comments
Throughout the past century, guitar students the world over have been introduced to the instrument through the publications of Mel Bay, Hal Leonard, the Royal Conservatory and the Suzuki Method. As these books have grown in popularity, especially the Mel Bay Guitar Book 1 which is an institution in itself, these instructional books have become ingrained in the minds of students, teachers and parents as they have made their way into countless practice rooms and teaching studios the world over.
Posted in: Book Reviews, Reviews
Posted February 20, 2012 at 4:03 am | No comments
Since their inception in 2004, Pigtronix has pursued a conceptual approach to pedal design called F.A.T. – Futuristic Analog Tone. Pigtronix has distilled the essential soul of tube overdrive into the straightforward yet remarkably flexible design of the new FAT Drive.
Posted in: Gear Reviews, Reviews
Posted February 19, 2012 at 9:37 am | No comments
There are bands that have been around for years, kept the same original lineup, and continued to make great music without any internal changes or turmoil. But this doesn’t seem to be the norm in the rock music world. Instead, bands are more than likely to change band members, change their image or even change their names as they grow and develop as an artistic unit. Chicago based Vintage Blue is just such a band.
Posted in: Reviews, Rock Reviews
Posted February 12, 2012 at 9:10 am | No comments
Listeners are in for a gritty hard rock-funk-rap ride with guitarist Kenny Olson’s new CD, Cartel.
Posted in: Blues Reviews, Reviews
Posted February 6, 2012 at 10:14 am | No comments
NAMM 2012, like most years, has failed to disappoint in unveiling new and exciting guitars and in my opinion Epiphone have produced this years must have guitar. It doesn’t help my cause that I am a huge Kiss fan but when you consider every aspect of it, the looks, its heritage and most importantly the way it sounds its right up there with the best of ’em.
Posted in: Gear Reviews, Reviews
Posted February 6, 2012 at 5:28 am | No comments
Overall, Songbird’s Prayer is a strong statement for the Montreal pianist. With such a heavy tradition of Montreal jazz pianists behind her, Rudolf steps up and stakes her claim as a name to watch for in coming years. Leaving the audience wanting more, this record is the perfect introduction to Rudolf’s musical world, and a welcomed addition to the modern jazz piano library.
Posted in: Jazz Reviews, Reviews
Posted February 4, 2012 at 6:20 am | No comments
After spending seven years on the road touring with the Nashville based band The War, singer and songwriter Daniel Levi Goans returned to his native North Carolina to begin writing and recording his first effort under his own name. A few years and albums later, the talented musician has been working hard on developing his craft, which is showcased on his latest release BrotherStranger. Using his surroundings as influence for this music and lyric writing, Goans “looks into the loneliest moments of (the) human experience” with
Posted in: Reviews
Posted January 29, 2012 at 12:48 pm | No comments
The Barns at Wolf Trap was abuzz with excitement as guitar lovers of all ages entered the rustic hall. As the sold out crowd settled into their seats and many a debate could be heard as good natured points were argued as to the virtues of their favorite player and what they would be in store for as the evening would progress. As the house lights dimmed and the spotlights came up, all in attendance knew they were about to partake in an aural buffet with four masters serving up multiple musical courses intended to most certainly send them all home full.
Posted in: Concert Reviews, Reviews
Posted January 29, 2012 at 2:36 am | One comment
Being a huge fan of action flick heroes Jason Statham, Jean Claude Van Damme, and Jet Li, I can’t say how excited I am that Director Steven Soderbergh has made this remarkable motion picture showcasing and built around a real life female action heroine who does all her own fighting and stunts.
Posted in: DVD Reviews, Reviews
Posted January 3, 2012 at 2:24 pm | No comments
Love ’em or hate ’em, scales are important to any guitarist. Everybody knows the box method, with the five different patterns for each scale, and some guitarists subscribe to the 3 notes per string approach, but other than that, there haven’t really been any innovations with scales on the guitar lately. Enter New York jazz guitarist Adam Smale with A New Approach to Scales for Guitarists, which puts forth an interesting and useful 4 note per string method of learning and implementing scales.
Posted in: Book Reviews, Instructional Book Reviews, Reviews
