Guitar Licks

I agree with a few of the Grammy awards, but others – not so much

Chris — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 04:59:47 +0000

This years’ Grammy Awards were ok I guess, if your into that kinda thing. I did not watch or tape this event so I’m not sure how it went. The awards going to Neil Young and Leonard Cohen was nice to see though.

The one person who did not make an appearance was none other then Kanye West. What that guy did last year at the VMA awards was truly unbelievable. Imagine what was going through Taylor Swift’s mind when that happened. Not that I am a fan of her music, but still I really feel for her! I don’t mind a little bit of today’s modern country music, I’m more from the old school guy. Acts like Johnny cash, Willie Nelson and Waylon Jennings are more to my liking!

Kings of Leon, won the album of the year with Use Somebody. These guys, I like. Funk Joint by Marcus Miller should have won Best Pop Instrumental Performance, that tune is great! Besame Mucho by Herb Alpert was 2nd on my list for this category.

I really like the winner for Best Pop Instrumental Album. It went to Booker T. Jones Potato Hole! You can’t go wrong with anything that a keyboardist using a Hammond B-3 with a Leslie amp does. Actually everyone that was nominated for this award was worthy of it. Chris Botti, Hiroshima, The Rippingtons Featuring Russ Freeman and my favorite instrumental band for 20 years or more Spyro Gyra!

Best Solo Rock Vocal Performance went to Bruce Springsteen. I saw this guy in Toronto a couple of years ago with my favorite brother in law Steve and I just didn’t enjoy the band. Sure some of his classic tunes will be around forever, but the only aspect of the band/show that earned my respect was the drummer! He literally ran the whole band, if it wasn’t for him that night I think the band would of been completely lost.

Best Rock Performance By A Duo Or Group With Vocals had lots of talent to choose from! Ultimately it went to Kings of Leon. What did you think about this one?

In the category of Best Hard Rock Performance, ACDC walked away with it. There wasn’t all that much there that interested me. Maybe it’s because I’m a little bit older now and tired of Hard Rock bands that would rather blow your head off then entertain me. Did I really write that down?!

Judas Priest, a favorite band my buddies Steve and Johnny from Gemini, took control of the Best Metal Performance class of 2010. Lamb of God should have honourable mention here kidz! I realize that Lamb of God is a loud band, but they’re really neat to listen to.

As for the rest of the awards, most are not all that appealing to me. Anyone out there feeling the same as I do?

Keep on Jammin’

The Fender Phone from T-Mobile, that’s what I’m calling it!

Chris — Sun, 24 Jan 2010 18:25:47 +0000

I found the new T-Mobile myTouch 3G Fender Phone quite the novelty item. Hum, not sure though if I’d go running out there to get one. I realize that it is a limited edition (I’m sure they’ll make more) but if I was a real super fan of Eric Clapton then I’d bite.

We were watching the final episode of The Tonight show with Conan O’Brien that we taped on our PVR (TVO) last night and this ad came up talking about this product. With Eric Clapton and a wall of Fender Stratocasters behind him, hell ya, that got my attention real fast!

The thing that honestly grabbed my curiosity was an application for the phone showing the strings of a Fender guitar, I assume, and Eric strumming it, ha genius!

For the life of me I don’t know what you’d use this for? Is this app created just for it’s novelty or is it intended for tuning your guitar if the battery on your guitar tuner is dead? If so then they might be onto something here folks.

Fender will also be coming up with it’s own apps for it later on. If anyone out there knows of any apps for phones that Fender has done in the past then please tell us! I don’t have a phone that uses apps, I use it for calling people that’s it!

The look of it fascinates me. The Faux Wood’s fiery grain pattern to it, just like the one that a vintage Fender guitar has is always a smart way to go for that classy appearance. It comes loaded with some of Eric Clapton’s tunes on it, which ones I can’t say. The phone holds a 16GB microSD card in it as well. Just like in the past I can hear some people saying what the hell do you need a 16GB card in a cell phone for anyway?! That’s similar to what Bill Gates said about 4 MB of RAM that came installed in the early 80’s computers I believe?

So has anyone out there picked one of these bad boys up? If you do have one these phones then what other apps come with it and which other ones did you but to use that is guitar oriented?

Keep on Jammin’

A Wheel Chair access Mosh Pit

Chris — Mon, 11 Jan 2010 21:21:29 +0000

I’ve never been in a Mosh Pit before but it sure looks fun! A Mosh Pit looks like something that you should experience at least once in your life, if your in GREAT shape that is. This pic shows that it’s open up for anyone and isn’t that what life’s all about?! Has anyone out there been in one before I’d love to know what it is all about!

God that looks like a blast doesn't it!

Keep on Jammin’

A Big Band with even bigger sound

Chris — Mon, 04 Jan 2010 05:01:19 +0000

I have been a lover of the Big Band sound ever since I was little musician! When I found out about an old band mate had a Big Band called The 905 Band I just had to check them out.

Chris W. was the drummer and singer of Pylis. He also played guitar a wee bit and he was pretty good, even thought he thought that I was the least talented in that band! Now that wasn’t nice of him now was it?! Ha, gotcha CHICKEN MAN!

I caught up with him when the Keyboardist Tony F. and his wife thought that it would be a great idea if we got together for a concert with other bands from that time for a night of live music! What a FABULOUS idea I thought. I must admit that performing with these guys again really got my musical juices flowing. We did the show at The Hardball Cafe in Milton in November 2006.

So before we jammed he said that his band called The 905 Band was playing at Timothy’s in Etobicoke and I thought it would be great to see both of them. I went into the bar with this sign saying I liked you better on the drums and went right up to him in front of the stage while the band was playing trying to put him off his game! It didn’t work but we all got a laugh out of it!

The sound that these guys had was amazing! The mix was perfect and their set list was very impressive to say the least! I had the chance to meet a few of them after the show and these guys are a class act! The one singer/bassist well …

If your a lover of that Big Band sound then treat yourself someday and checkout where and when their playing next … it’s worth the drive trust me on this one!

Keep on Jammin’

Rush performing 2112 Live in 1976

Chris — Fri, 01 Jan 2010 22:51:24 +0000

Rush’s 1976 album titled 2112 was a huge hit in my circle of friends. After listening to it the first time on the radio I had to go out and purchase it! Once I had it in my sweaty little palms I literally ran off to my brother Tim’s stereo a Apollo 861 by Electrohome and began my long journey in trying to reproduce this album on my guitar!

After attempting to reproduce as much as I could all my buddies were lining up for lessons! The learning curve was not that bad for most of my buddies but at times I must admit it was frustrating! During this period I was playing in this band called Deuce with Brian McGlinchy and Eddie Cudek from Gemini. We attempted 2112 and in the bands eye’s it was perfect, as for me well…

Then I joined a band with the great keyboardist Tony F. and guitarist Mike Vantresca? We didn’t have a name but we sure sounded fantastic! I recall trying to play 2112 and with Tony’s magical keyboard sounded quite better then Deuce, sorry guys.

Rush – 2112 (Live 1976)
Uploaded by tinkerdill. – Music videos, artist interviews, concerts and more.

Then after leaving Pylis, I was playing with Domenic Nardone, Eddie Steel and Jon Penrose. I must admit Domenic was outstanding on this tune! It was like Dom was born to play anything that Neil Peart could do.

So I hope that you all enjoy vintage RUSH performing 2112 and I know I’ll be thinking of Domenic on drums whenever I listen to it!

Keep on Jammin’

Merry Christmas from me and THE RAMONES!

Chris — Fri, 25 Dec 2009 05:01:44 +0000

I hope that all of you out there are having fun during this holiday season and don’t drink and drive cause it ain’t worth it!
So Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, Eid al-Adha
(Festival of Sacrifice) and to everyone reading this blog!

Keep on Jammin’ in the New Year

The Ramones Museum in Berlin looks like fun

Chris — Sat, 19 Dec 2009 05:01:31 +0000

The Ramones are the forefathers of what genre? Some might call them new masters of garage rock minimalism. Others refer to the Ramone’s unique sound as either punk, new wave, power pop, or even surf punk but I just call them a GREAT Rock & Roll band!

So where did this idea for a post come from you say? To be honest with ya I was going through the paper the other day … while waiting in the ER at work as a patient this time around! I threw out my back a little bit while moving a VERY LARGE SET patient in a stretcher to his room. The Star (a big newspaper in Toronto) hands out free papers for patients and friends for free. I found an article in the Travel section. It was about what to do and see in Berlin, if your ever there, then this article about the Ramone’s Museum jumped right off the page at me. Check out the exhibits on the site, their really neat … I think you have to be a die hard Ramones lover to appreciate them.

My God they pulled off some great albums, 24 I think in total! The one’s that I had at one point in my life were Ramones (1976), Rocket to Russia (1977) and End of the Century (1980). I know that it’s hard to picture any of these musical creations in a vinyl collection such as mine but I knew they were a true stand out band that had their eyes wide open about the world in which they/we live in.

Tunes like Hey Ho … Let’s go!, Rock & Roll High School (I fell in love with that little riff just before the chorus, that was my idea of speed guitar soloing!!!), I wanna be sedated, Pet Sematary, Do you remember Rock and Roll Radio and a ship list more!

The thing that ties the Ramones way of life or legend together the most is not a song, album or scandal but the bar that seemed very close to their hearts and that of coarse was CBGB’s in New York city. I just drove by the place in a cab the couple of times that I was in the New York city and that was the closes that I ever got to the place! CBGB’s has such a close relationship with the band that they hold a Joey Ramone memorial ever year for the God father of Punk (or whatever you yourself classify them as being).

I’ve never been to Germany before but has someone out there been to this historic city and went to see the Ramones Museum? Is it worth going to even though you may not be a HUGE Ramones fan? Just wondering!

Keep on Jammin’

Orillia’s Old Town Fries by Bob May and Lynne Kirkby

Chris — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 05:01:41 +0000

Old Town Fries in Orillia Ontario are the best fries in the land! An old friend of the family opened up this great Chip Wagon in the Town of Orillia that reminds me of Brantford’s own famous chips called Stan’s Chip Wagon! The owners were 2 nice guys called George and Stan. I never did get their last names, sorry bout that guys.

Bob is one of those hard working nice guys that you just love to see succeed in no matter what they are doing! Bob and his partner Lynne Kirkby seem to be the perfect working couple.

My wife and I went up to check out their Old Town Fries and we loved their culinary delights! A mutual friend called Jerry says that Bob’s Dogs are the best thing on the menu and it’s hard to argue that one. Also did I say that Bob is a fabulous guitar player?

OLD TOWN FRIES, in the City of Orillia, is as their slogan says “more than just fries”. What better addition to your meal of fresh cut fries than a quarter pound of pure beef hamburger, half pound Big Dog hotdog (or little dog for the smaller appetite), five perfect slices of Peameal bacon, mild sausage, or crispy chicken served on a bun, or hot Buffalo wings all dressed the way you like them. Is your mouth salivating?

Their Chip wagon in the parking lot beside Trombly’s Tackle Box 595 West St. S. in Orillia. So if your ever up in the Orillia ask the locals for directions and I am more then sure everyone knows the way to the Old Town Fires! Tell bob and Lynne that I sent ya!

Keep on Jammin’

The 80’s band DEVO is back touring again!

Chris — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 05:01:27 +0000

The 1980’s pioneer synth-rock band DEVO, that gave us those red flowerpots (a.k.a. “energy-domes”) that they wore on their heads and their signature phrase Are we not men, we are DEVO is back on tour this year. DEVO stands for (The De-Evolution Band) just in case your wondering!

The only exposure, and greatest memory, of the band was way back when they played Massey Hall in the early 80’s.

My brother took me to a show and we had seats on the first balcony, first row centre/right. It was my first concert that my brother Tim took me to. At one part of the night, there was this guy beside us that was passing around his binoculars. I thought that from our vantage point we didn’t need to use them but when it was passed to me, I said why not! As I placed the spectacles up to my face, smoke was coming out of the right eye lens … do I need to say anymore?

In the middle of the show the lights went down and there was a low repetitive drone sound coming from the band. All you could see on stage was the lights from their amps or on stage computers. This went on for about 2 minutes then in the balcony above us this flash pot went off! It was the lead singer from the band (Mark Mothersbaugh) hanging from a rope with a single spot light on him!

He proceeded down the rope to our balcony. Mark then undid his belt and started whipping members of the audience! They were falling all over the place, wow! Then he went over the first balcony onto the floor and continued whipping more in attendance. I recall seeing this older couple with wild hair, weird clothing and rolling around on the ground like they were having a seizure.

I wish the band well and if you get a chance to see these crazy kidz when they come to your neck of the woods go out and see them! Just watch out for Mark’s belt.

Keep on Jammin’

Lee’s Palace on Bloor St. West in Toronto

Chris — Fri, 11 Dec 2009 05:01:37 +0000

Lee’s palace is a fabulous place to see a band. The history of the bands that have played there is long and legendary! It is Toronto’s premier alternative Rock venue.

The first floor is where the bands play and the top floor, called the Dance Cave, is where … well all the dancing goes on!

The list of past performers are a who’s who of international Alternative Rock bands. My favorites that have graced us with their musical presence were Shuffle Demons, Nirvana, Grapes Of Wrath, Tragically Hip, Red Hot Chili Peppers, The Pursuit Of Happiness, Forgotten Rebels, Scott Merritt (a good old Brantford boy), The Lemonheads, Crash Vegas, Gaye Bikers on Acid, Goo Goo Dolls, The Tea Party, I Mother Earth, The Headstones (Hugh Dillion), Smashing Pumpkins, Spin Doctors (guitarist is from Toronto), The Rembrandts, Blind Melon, Philosopher Kings, Ed The Sock (he is a real sock!), Collective Soul, Oasis, Big Sugar, Toad The Wet Sprocket, Better Than Ezra, Alanis Morissette, The Presidents of The United States of America, Great Big Sea, even Yoko Ono played there in 1996 (with her and John Lennon’s son Sean in the backup band Ima!). As a side note: the best band that I ever saw there was called Needy Fingers, with world renown bassist Todd Williams! Cerafim, now called Counterpoint, performed there as well! Now that is an impressive line up!

The venue known as Lee’s palace has been open since 1985, It is located at located at 529 Bloor St. W. Toronto in The Annex section of the city. I have been in this place so many times that I can’t remember. Maybe it had something to do with earlier visits to Ye Olde Brunswick House only a hop, skip and a stagger away! Anyways, I just love that place!

The hall itself originally was opened in 1919 under the name of Allen’s Bloor Theatre. Part of the Allen’s theatre company that was started off by it’s owners in Brantford Ontario. Across the street is another great hall called The Bloor. Check out the video if your into local history.

So who else out there had a good time in this Toronto Landmark that they can remember! Go ahead, test out your old grey matter and write back here soon!

Lee’s Palace, Keep on Jammin’

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I agree with a few of the Grammy awards, but others – not so much

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