Posted June 24, 2011 at 9:19 am | No comments
Pursuing higher education is a great step for anyone. With the economy the way it is, having a degree is very important in distinguishing yourself from the rest. However, pursuing a degree and one’s passion is more complicated. For musicians, pursuing a degree in music may be alright but how many high paying jobs can they get with such a degree? It almost seems impossible to chase after a music career and pursue a degree at the same time. But now there are more options for musicians and everyone else as well.
Posted in: Op-Ed, Reviews
Posted June 15, 2011 at 6:29 am | No comments
Black Country Communion 2 was released on June 14, 2011, just nine months after the initial release by the band comprised of Joe Bonamassa, Glenn Hughes, Derek Sherinian, and Jason Bonham. It’s a positive step when a supergroup releases a sophomore record within a year after the debut, primarily because it shows that they’re still seriously motivated about the overall venture. It’s unusual, as statistics have shown that many of these bands lose interest quickly, and obstacles and personal issues get in the way. Obviously this band is keyed up, which means fans are keyed up too.
Posted in: Reviews, Rock Reviews
Posted June 14, 2011 at 9:53 am | 25 comments
Each year at the end of the September to May touring and concert season, as my schedule eases up, I like to write “Thank You” notes to concert presenters and other colleagues who I’ve worked with or who have helped me or inspired me in some way. Of course, there are occasionally those to whom I’d like to write a very different kind of note. A special note for colleagues who broke a contract, made a gig or tour unnecessarily difficult or brushed me off in some way – a “F*@K You” note if you will.
Posted in: Classical, Op-Ed, Reviews
Posted June 14, 2011 at 5:58 am | 11 comments
Jimmy Page is one of rock ‘n’ roll’s most influential guitarists, and over the years has become a household name even in households without music fans. He has earned countless accolades and awards throughout his monumental career with Led Zeppelin, his time with the Yardbirds and The Firm, and as a session musician, but has maintained his humility and dedication to the music above all else.
Posted in: Classic Rock, Guitar Hero Series, Reviews
Posted June 9, 2011 at 10:27 am | One comment
Who hasn’t picked up the guitar and not wanted to sound like their idol? For me growing up it was Eddie Van Halen. The desire to capture his sound on “Unchained” was always key and the only way to do was to find a Flanger – that magical flame sound and jet engine sweep!
Posted in: Gear Reviews, Reviews
Posted June 7, 2011 at 5:44 am | No comments
Though the title of this prequel motion picture refers to the iconic mutants of the Marvel Comics®, when they were still budding youths just discovering their special gifted abilities and first finding their destined paths in the world, the title more than aptly describes this superb motion picture installment in the beloved film series.
Posted in: Reviews, Rock Reviews
Posted June 6, 2011 at 2:07 pm | No comments
The Ninety Miles project started when three world renowned American musicians Christian Scott, David Sanchez and Stefon decided to go to Havana, Cuba to record with Cuban musicians. The recording for this project will be released in the next two to three months, and the accompanying tour will begin shortly after the album’s release. This was the first time this particular ensemble took to the stage after recording the music in the studio, and the results were astounding.
Posted in: Jazz Reviews, Reviews
Posted June 4, 2011 at 8:06 am | No comments
The Second night of The Puerto Rico Heineken JazzFest kicked off with a quintet of brilliant jazz musicians led by the wonderful saxophone player Ted Nash. The quintet performed music from a suite commissioned from Jazz at Lincoln Center titled “Portrait in Seven Shades.” The concept behind the suite is that each of the movements was inspired by the paintings of artists such as Monet, Picasso, Dali, Van Gogh, Matisse and others. Although this is definitely not unfamiliar ground for composers, in that 20th century composers such as Morton Feldman and John Cage also drew inspiration from artistic influences, Nash’s “Portrait in Seven Shades” truly delves into the actual artist’s painting and the artist themselves in a musical way.
Posted in: Jazz Reviews, Reviews
Posted June 3, 2011 at 8:36 am | 2 comments
The 21st edition of the Puerto Rico Heineken JazzFest kicked off in grand fashion this week. Not only is the festival in its 21st year, but it is also celebrating a posthumous tribute to Dizzy Gillespie and the Cuban Conga player Chano Pozo. One of Gillespie and Pozo’s contributions to music was that during their lifetime they managed to create a fusion between Afro-Cuban music and American Jazz; creating the genre we now call Latin Jazz.
Posted in: Jazz Reviews, Reviews
Posted June 3, 2011 at 8:14 am | No comments
In the last few years there has been a constant rise in online music education, in the realm of jazz guitarists and shred guitarist who are willing to provide guitar lessons to students willing to pay the right amount. The primary vehicle in these lessons is usually a program called Skype. In my experience taking online lessons some of these may cost one from $50 to $160 depending on the time and the player. One of the consequences I found with some of these lessons is that the program one using to stream to the other musicians can at any moment fail either video or audio wise. Another negative aspect is that there is usually no follow through after the lessons and one can’t review the lesson if one doesn’t record it. I believe that the Jimmy Bruno’s Guitar Workshop gives a good option for these musicians who are frustrated with other technology and are looking for more bang for their buck.
Posted in: Jazz Reviews, Reviews
