As the story goes, Ratt helped pioneer Hollywood’s legendary Sunset Strip sound and scene. After an 11 year wait, the band returned in April of 2010 sounding fired up and better than ever with Infestation, a heavy, riff driven CD reminiscent of their early days as a band. Ratt was able to reinvent their sound by rediscovering their strengths, shuttling listeners to a time when metal ruled the earth and real musicians wore spandex and make-up.
“Summer of ’69” is one of those songs everybody knows the words to even if they’ve only heard it once or twice, probably because of all the cliches in the lyrics. But it’s those cliches that helped make Bryan Adams famous. Adams and Jim Vallance have given different accounts of the subject matter of “Summer of ’69”, but whether it’s about the sex position or the actual year, it’s the nostalgia that counts. Instantly relatable to anyone with a past, Bryan Adams set the standard for nostalgic naivety with this feel-good number. One of the few songs that is on both best-of lists (Blender’s Top 500 Songs of the 80s-00s, Charattack’s 50 Best Canadian Singles of All Time, and more) and worst-of lists (Time magazine’s Top 10 Worst Songs of Summer and others), “Summer of ’69” is timeless nonetheless. Play this, and everyone will sing along when you get to “those were the best days of my life!”
by Rick Landers ***** Rick Landers: Let’s start with a couple of Beatles’ points since you just got this Beatles tribute. And then we’ll move on to Godfrey. Godfrey Townsend: I like the Beatles. Rick: Everyone likes the Beatles. Godfrey: Some people don’t. I don’t trust them. [Rick laughing] Somebody says “I don’t like the […]
by Michael Shea. Continued from page one » How would somebody that wants to get into inlay go about it nowadays? With the use of CNC machines is there still a place for handwork? CE: The thing with the CNC is it’s only good if you’re going to do multiples of a design. If you’re […]
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by Mary Ellen Gustafson.
I’ve known the people involved in creating what has become this massive entity called Trans-Siberian Orchestra and the core rock band they started with, Savatage, almost since they started in 1996. Over the years I’ve had the opportunity to have conversations and interviews with Paul O’Neill, Bob Kinkel, Jon Oliva, Chris Caffery, meet John Lee Middleton and Jeff Plate and at least see Al Pitrelli play live with both bands. And, after all these years of attending the TSO’s West Tour and feeling like I know Al as well as all the others involved, I’ve never actually met or talked to him. When I hooked up with the guys in Savatage in 1998, he wasn’t around at the moment, but I still remember him and Chris playing off each other to the songs on the Wake Of Magellan Tour and thinking it was one of the most awesome guitar duos I’d ever seen. Actually, it’s still right up there at the top to this day. Bottom line; I’ve got a lot of history with and respect for Al Pitrelli and I finally got a chance to meet him…
by Tom Watson. « Page 1 Page 2
PHOTO: GB FORMAL – CREDIT TO DENISE PASSERETTI
Hailing from Boston, Gerry Beaudoin first took up the guitar at ten years old and has since evolved into one of the finest jazz guitarists and music arrangers in the country. He is the recipient of a 1992 National Association of Independent Record Producers award for best jazz recording, a 1994 Cadence Magazine Editor’s Choice Award for his CD Sentimental Christmas, as well as a submission for a 1998 Grammy nomination.
COVER PHOTO: JSUKE (Courtesy Michael Bloom Media)
Not only does Hawai’ian born ukulele virtuoso Jake Shimabukuro make his little four stringed axe gently weep, he can also make it sweep, soar, and shred. When in his grasp, his 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 has been recognized by the State of Hawai’i that has named him a Goodwill Ambassador for Hawai’ii.
