18 hours ago
Sunday, June 28, 2009
Sunday Night
I'm enjoying a very peacefully Sunday night just relaxing on the deck before it's time to head off to bed. The whole weekend has been very peaceful and uneventful and I thank goodness for that. We all need uneventful days now and then to slow down the world around us and just enjoy home and family. The things that are truly the most important in life.
Friday, June 26, 2009
Bad Company Kicks Off Reunion Tour
I first saw Bad Company way back in 1975 at the old Capital Centre in Largo, Maryland. Bad Company was the top act and opening the show for them was a little known (at the time) band named Kansas. It was a fantastic show. If you get a chance to see BC don't let it slip you by. You will not be disappointed.
Bad Company Kicks Off Reunion Tour, Makes Digital Debut
Russell Hall | 06.19.2009
The surviving members of Bad Company’s original lineup kicked off their 10-date summer tour this week at Hard Rock Live in Hollywood, Fla. It is the band’s first get-together since a brief reunion in 1999 that featured all four original members – vocalist Paul Rodgers, ex-Mott the Hoople guitarist Mick Ralphs, bassist Boz Burrell, and drummer Simon Kirke. Burrell died in 2006.
The tour coincides with the digital release of the band’s six studio albums, plus the release of a new compilation, titled 10 From 6. Each album is currently available exclusively on iTunes, with other digital service providers scheduled to release the discs on June 30.
Bad Company was one of the most popular bands of the ‘70s, and the first band signed to Led Zeppelin’s Swan Song label. Beginning with their 1974 self-titled debut, the group released a series of multi-platinum albums that featured such classic-rock gems as “Can’t Get Enough,” “Movin’ On,” and “Feel Like Makin’ Love.”
In its day, Bad Company was hailed as one of the few “supergroups” that measured up to its hype. The band is planning to release a new live DVD, titled Hard Rock Live, later this year.
Bad Company tour dates:
June
19 - Atlanta, Ga. - Chastain Park Amphitheatre
20 - Charlotte, N.C. - Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre
23 - Raleigh, N.C. - Music Pavilion at Walnut Creek
24 - Virginia Beach, Va. - Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre
27 - Bethel, N.Y. - Bethel Woods Center for the Arts
28 - Wantagh, N.Y. - Nikon at Jones Beach Theatre
July
1 - Clarkston, Mich. - DTE Energy Music Theatre
2 - Canandaigua, N.Y. – CMAC
4 - Atlantic City, N.J. - Resorts Atlantic City
Bad Company Kicks Off Reunion Tour, Makes Digital Debut
Russell Hall | 06.19.2009
The surviving members of Bad Company’s original lineup kicked off their 10-date summer tour this week at Hard Rock Live in Hollywood, Fla. It is the band’s first get-together since a brief reunion in 1999 that featured all four original members – vocalist Paul Rodgers, ex-Mott the Hoople guitarist Mick Ralphs, bassist Boz Burrell, and drummer Simon Kirke. Burrell died in 2006.
The tour coincides with the digital release of the band’s six studio albums, plus the release of a new compilation, titled 10 From 6. Each album is currently available exclusively on iTunes, with other digital service providers scheduled to release the discs on June 30.
Bad Company was one of the most popular bands of the ‘70s, and the first band signed to Led Zeppelin’s Swan Song label. Beginning with their 1974 self-titled debut, the group released a series of multi-platinum albums that featured such classic-rock gems as “Can’t Get Enough,” “Movin’ On,” and “Feel Like Makin’ Love.”
In its day, Bad Company was hailed as one of the few “supergroups” that measured up to its hype. The band is planning to release a new live DVD, titled Hard Rock Live, later this year.
Bad Company tour dates:
June
19 - Atlanta, Ga. - Chastain Park Amphitheatre
20 - Charlotte, N.C. - Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre
23 - Raleigh, N.C. - Music Pavilion at Walnut Creek
24 - Virginia Beach, Va. - Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre
27 - Bethel, N.Y. - Bethel Woods Center for the Arts
28 - Wantagh, N.Y. - Nikon at Jones Beach Theatre
July
1 - Clarkston, Mich. - DTE Energy Music Theatre
2 - Canandaigua, N.Y. – CMAC
4 - Atlantic City, N.J. - Resorts Atlantic City
Thursday, June 25, 2009
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
Soundgarden Reunion Rumors Making the Rounds
I for one can only hope.
From Gibson.com:
Soundgarden Reunion Rumors Making the Rounds
Aidin Vaziri | 06.24.2009
With Chris Cornell’s solo career floundering on the heels of his most recent hip hop-oriented album, Scream, many fans have been pushing for the reunion of his former band Soundgarden.
Now it seems fans might finally be getting their wish. At least according to Shinedown singer Brent Smith, who in a recent interview with Kerrang! magazine said, “There's talk of a reuniting of Soundgarden in the States soon. I know actually someone specific who told me that, who is actually specifically in their organization. Kind of told me that they're talking about it.”
According to Blabbermouth, a Soundgarden reunion tour is on the books for the summer of 2010.
Soundgarden guitarist Kim Thayill, bassist Ben Shepherd and drummer Matt Cameron got onstage together for the first time since 1997 during a Tom Morello Justice Tour show in Seattle earlier this year, with grunge icon Tad Boyle sitting in on vocals.
“If I was there, I probably would’ve gotten up onstage,” Cornell told the Washington Post. “They were just getting up there and doing it for fun, and I think that’s great. The only thing I didn’t like is that I wasn’t there to see it.”
Asked about the possibility of a reunion, Cornell said, “You never know.”
From Gibson.com:
Soundgarden Reunion Rumors Making the Rounds
Aidin Vaziri | 06.24.2009
With Chris Cornell’s solo career floundering on the heels of his most recent hip hop-oriented album, Scream, many fans have been pushing for the reunion of his former band Soundgarden.
Now it seems fans might finally be getting their wish. At least according to Shinedown singer Brent Smith, who in a recent interview with Kerrang! magazine said, “There's talk of a reuniting of Soundgarden in the States soon. I know actually someone specific who told me that, who is actually specifically in their organization. Kind of told me that they're talking about it.”
According to Blabbermouth, a Soundgarden reunion tour is on the books for the summer of 2010.
Soundgarden guitarist Kim Thayill, bassist Ben Shepherd and drummer Matt Cameron got onstage together for the first time since 1997 during a Tom Morello Justice Tour show in Seattle earlier this year, with grunge icon Tad Boyle sitting in on vocals.
“If I was there, I probably would’ve gotten up onstage,” Cornell told the Washington Post. “They were just getting up there and doing it for fun, and I think that’s great. The only thing I didn’t like is that I wasn’t there to see it.”
Asked about the possibility of a reunion, Cornell said, “You never know.”
Thursday, June 18, 2009
Today's Quote
"The main thing a musician would like to do is to give a picture to the listener of the many wonderful things he knows and senses in the universe". ~John Coltrane
2009 Limited Run Series Gibson Tobias Growler Bass
Is this a beauty or what? I would love to get my hands wrapped around this bass but with an MSRP of $3053 it's just a bit out of my reach. We can always dream though.
From Gibson.com:
Tobias basses have enjoyed a stellar reputation ever since the first one was built in early 1978. Thirty-plus years and countless instruments later, the quality and precision of a Tobias bass has only gotten better, and nowhere is it more evident than the new 2009 Limited Run Series Tobias Growler from Gibson USA.
Starting with its solid swamp ash body, the new Tobias Growler is one of the most resonant basses ever made by Gibson USA.
Swamp ash tonewood is characterized by huge, open pores and soft layers, which gives each new Growler a deep reverberation and fullness of sound across the entire frequency spectrum. The Growler’s tone is unique, and it’s hard to match. The highs are clear and bell-like. The mids are bold and pronounced. And the lows are strong and definite. The 34-inch scale length glued-in neck is made from pure maple with purple heart laminate for a creamy smooth feel and easy, comfortable playability. It also sports a totally adjustable “Quad Bass” truss rod, for complete control in making all neck adjustments. It is matched with a 24-fret rosewood fingerboard void of any inlay markers and no binding.
Additionally, every 2009 Limited Run Series Tobias Growler receives the revolutionary Plek system setup – a computerized setup that accurately aligns each fret and intonates each string, leaving the bass as impeccably playable as possible. The Bartolini bridge pickup is a natural choice for the Growler, delivering the hearty lows, deep mids and quiet performance expected from a Bartolini bass pickup. Everything about the 2009 Limited Run Series Tobias Growler breathes excellence, and they won’t be around for long. Like all the guitars from this special series, only 350 will be produced and distributed. Each one will come with a black Tobias case and special Limited Run Series certificate of authenticity.
From Gibson.com:
Tobias basses have enjoyed a stellar reputation ever since the first one was built in early 1978. Thirty-plus years and countless instruments later, the quality and precision of a Tobias bass has only gotten better, and nowhere is it more evident than the new 2009 Limited Run Series Tobias Growler from Gibson USA.
Starting with its solid swamp ash body, the new Tobias Growler is one of the most resonant basses ever made by Gibson USA.
Swamp ash tonewood is characterized by huge, open pores and soft layers, which gives each new Growler a deep reverberation and fullness of sound across the entire frequency spectrum. The Growler’s tone is unique, and it’s hard to match. The highs are clear and bell-like. The mids are bold and pronounced. And the lows are strong and definite. The 34-inch scale length glued-in neck is made from pure maple with purple heart laminate for a creamy smooth feel and easy, comfortable playability. It also sports a totally adjustable “Quad Bass” truss rod, for complete control in making all neck adjustments. It is matched with a 24-fret rosewood fingerboard void of any inlay markers and no binding.
Additionally, every 2009 Limited Run Series Tobias Growler receives the revolutionary Plek system setup – a computerized setup that accurately aligns each fret and intonates each string, leaving the bass as impeccably playable as possible. The Bartolini bridge pickup is a natural choice for the Growler, delivering the hearty lows, deep mids and quiet performance expected from a Bartolini bass pickup. Everything about the 2009 Limited Run Series Tobias Growler breathes excellence, and they won’t be around for long. Like all the guitars from this special series, only 350 will be produced and distributed. Each one will come with a black Tobias case and special Limited Run Series certificate of authenticity.
Bob Bogle, Guitarist for The Ventures, Dead at 75
From Gibson.com
Thursday, June 18, 2009 11:48 AM
Bob Bogle, Guitarist for The Ventures, Dead at 75
Bob Bogle, the pioneering lead guitarist for instrumental rock icons The Ventures, died this past weekend at his home in Vancouver, Wash., after a long struggle with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, according to the group’s co-founder Don Wilson. He was 75.
Bogle started performing as a guitar duo with Wilson around Tacoma, Wash., in 1958, drawing inspiration from the likes of Les Paul and Chet Atkins. With The Ventures, he played on 38 albums between 1960 and 1972, covering everything from country to Christmas carols.
Bogle’s playing style was enormously influential, particularly for his band mate.
“I can't think of a better contribution for instrumental music on his style than 'Walk - Don't Run,’” Wilson told CNN. “A lot of good would-be guitar players and garage bands would go out and buy guitars just to learn that song.”
Best known for their Top-10 charting theme of the TV show Hawaii Five-O, The Ventures were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame last year by Creedence Clearwater Revival's John Fogerty, who claimed, “It's enough to say, the Ventures are the most popular instrumental band of all time.”
Even though Bogle had performed with the group on the road up until 2005, he was unable to attend the ceremony in New York due to his failing health.
“His doctors gave him 10 years to live, and he lived 12,” Wilson said. “The last two years were really tough. At least he lived to know the Ventures had been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.”
Bogle is survived by his wife, Yumi. A private funeral is set for Friday.
Rest In Peace Bob. Your music will influence and inspire generations to come.
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
Been Away
It's been awhile since I posted here because I have been under the weather and haven't felt like doing anything. I ended up missing a whole week of work with what I thought was the flu (fever, headache, body aches) but the doctor said no. So he took some blood to have checked out and put me on a 14 day regiment of antibiotics. That was last Thursday. I haven't heard anything yet about the results.
Since I've been taking the antibiotics, I do feel much better. Not quite up to feeling like my old self but a great improvement over the way I was feeling. Each day seems a bit better.
Since I've been taking the antibiotics, I do feel much better. Not quite up to feeling like my old self but a great improvement over the way I was feeling. Each day seems a bit better.
Tuesday, June 9, 2009
Sunday, June 7, 2009
Today's Quote
"To achieve being a truly creative musician, you've got to deny yourself the easy path, which has always been imitating someone that's done the hard work for you". ~Jeff Berlin
Friday, June 5, 2009
Today's Quote
"The main thing a musician would like to do is to give a picture to the listener of the many wonderful things he knows and senses in the universe". ~John Coltrane
Thursday, June 4, 2009
Roger Waters Wants Another Wall To Come Down
From Gibson.com
Roger Waters Wants Another Wall to Come Down
Aidin Vaziri | 06.04.2009
The man whose former band helped celebrate the fall of the Berlin Wall now wants to do the same for Israel’s West Bank wall.
Roger Waters, who co-wrote Pink Floyd’s landmark The Wall album, promised during a visit to a Palestinian refugee camp on Tuesday that he would perform a concert on the spot if the barrier came down.
Taking exception to Israel’s reasoning that the wall was built as a defense against Palestinian militants, the 65-year old classic rock and roll musician said that he hoped “this thing, this awful thing, is destroyed soon.”
A day earlier, Waters spoke to students in the Sam Spiegel Film School in Jerusalem, warning, “I am not of the Bono school, who goes around the world being nice to everyone. When I have bad words to say I say them.”
Accordingly, in the same speech he characterized the West Bank security barrier “an obscenity for other people in the world. It looks OK to Jews here and maybe in other places where they live, but people around the world see it as a weird way to live.”
Israeli officials contend that terror attacks have dropped significantly since its construction.
David Carradine Dead At 72
(CNN) -- American actor David Carradine has been found dead in a Bangkok, Thailand, hotel, according to his personal manager, Chuck Binder.
David Carradine became famous in the 1970s after starring in the television series "Kung Fu."
David Carradine became famous in the 1970s after starring in the television series "Kung Fu."
Binder said Thursday that the death is being investigated but could provide no other details.
Carradine's death was "shocking and sad. He was full of life, always wanting to work ... a great person," Binder told People magazine.
Carradine, who became famous in the 1970s when he starred in the television series "Kung Fu," was 72.
Modern audiences may best know him as "Bill" in Quentin Tarantino's "Kill Bill" films.
His career included more than 100 feature films, two dozen television movies and theater work, according to the Internet Movie Database.
Rest In Peace Grasshopper.
Jaco Pastorius Commemorative Stamp Petition
Jaco Pastorius Commemorative Stamp Petition
by Evan Kepner Saturday, May 30th, 2009
Jaco Pastorius, the “World’s Greatest Bass Player,” is being honored by another grass-roots effort to continue the preservation of his memory, influence and music, in the form of a Jaco Pastorius commemorative stamp. The online petition can be found here for showing your support and approval. Be sure to check out the grass-roots Oakland Park MySpace page.
Other great jazz musicians honored with commemorative stamps include: John Coltrane (1995), Jimmy Dorsey (1996), Tommy Dorsey (1996), Edward Kennedy “Duke” Ellington (1986), Erroll Garner (1995), Glenn Miller (1996), Charlie Mingus (1995), Thelonious Monk (1995), and Charlie Parker (1995).
Previously, Jaco was honored in his hometown of Oakland Park, Florida, with the unanimous vote to name the city’s new downtown park after him. The commemoration was the result of a two and a half year grass-roots effort by a South Florida Fan Group, headed by Robert Rutherford.
by Evan Kepner Saturday, May 30th, 2009
Jaco Pastorius, the “World’s Greatest Bass Player,” is being honored by another grass-roots effort to continue the preservation of his memory, influence and music, in the form of a Jaco Pastorius commemorative stamp. The online petition can be found here for showing your support and approval. Be sure to check out the grass-roots Oakland Park MySpace page.
Other great jazz musicians honored with commemorative stamps include: John Coltrane (1995), Jimmy Dorsey (1996), Tommy Dorsey (1996), Edward Kennedy “Duke” Ellington (1986), Erroll Garner (1995), Glenn Miller (1996), Charlie Mingus (1995), Thelonious Monk (1995), and Charlie Parker (1995).
Previously, Jaco was honored in his hometown of Oakland Park, Florida, with the unanimous vote to name the city’s new downtown park after him. The commemoration was the result of a two and a half year grass-roots effort by a South Florida Fan Group, headed by Robert Rutherford.
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
There's Going To Be Hell To Pay
Ozzy Files Suit Against Iommi For Control of Black Sabbath Name
From Gibson.com
Attorneys for legendary rocker Ozzy Osbourne have filed a lawsuit against the singer’s longtime Black Sabbath bandmate, Tony Iommi, alleging the guitarist has illegally assumed sole ownership of the band’s name and trademark.
In the suit, which was filed this week with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office in a Manhattan federal court, Osbourne seeks a 50 percent interest in the Black Sabbath trademark, in addition to a portion of Iommi’s already generated profits from his use of the name.
The suit may stem, in part, from Iommi’s own filing against Live Nation in December 2008, alleging the concert promotion company continued to sell merchandise bearing the Black Sabbath name and logo despite the expiration in 2006 of a merchandising agreement between the two parties. Iommi apparently reclaimed the band’s trademark following the termination of that agreement.
Osbourne is also claiming that his “signature lead vocals” are the main reason for Black Sabbath’s “extraordinary success.” In making his case, Osbourne specifically claims that the band’s popularity tanked during his absence from 1980 to 1996. During that stretch, singer Ronnie James Dio assumed the majority of lead vocalist duties for the band.
Iommi is currently involved with several Black Sabbath alumni under the name Heaven and Hell, a lineup that currently features Dio on vocals, longtime Sabbath bassist Geezer Butler and on-again, off-again Sabbath drummer Vinny Appice.
Heaven and Hell are currently on the road in Europe promoting their latest release, The Devil You Know. They return stateside on Aug. 8, with a date at the WaMu Theater in Seattle, Wash., and continue with 13 other U.S. dates through the end of August.
At press time, neither Iommi nor his representatives had responded to Osbourne’s lawsuit.
From Gibson.com
Attorneys for legendary rocker Ozzy Osbourne have filed a lawsuit against the singer’s longtime Black Sabbath bandmate, Tony Iommi, alleging the guitarist has illegally assumed sole ownership of the band’s name and trademark.
In the suit, which was filed this week with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office in a Manhattan federal court, Osbourne seeks a 50 percent interest in the Black Sabbath trademark, in addition to a portion of Iommi’s already generated profits from his use of the name.
The suit may stem, in part, from Iommi’s own filing against Live Nation in December 2008, alleging the concert promotion company continued to sell merchandise bearing the Black Sabbath name and logo despite the expiration in 2006 of a merchandising agreement between the two parties. Iommi apparently reclaimed the band’s trademark following the termination of that agreement.
Osbourne is also claiming that his “signature lead vocals” are the main reason for Black Sabbath’s “extraordinary success.” In making his case, Osbourne specifically claims that the band’s popularity tanked during his absence from 1980 to 1996. During that stretch, singer Ronnie James Dio assumed the majority of lead vocalist duties for the band.
Iommi is currently involved with several Black Sabbath alumni under the name Heaven and Hell, a lineup that currently features Dio on vocals, longtime Sabbath bassist Geezer Butler and on-again, off-again Sabbath drummer Vinny Appice.
Heaven and Hell are currently on the road in Europe promoting their latest release, The Devil You Know. They return stateside on Aug. 8, with a date at the WaMu Theater in Seattle, Wash., and continue with 13 other U.S. dates through the end of August.
At press time, neither Iommi nor his representatives had responded to Osbourne’s lawsuit.
Koko Taylor "Queen Of The Blues" Dead At 80
The world of blues has lost a true legend today in Chicago Illinois. My thoughts go out to the family, friends and fans. R.I.P. Koko.
From kokotayloy.com:
Grammy Award-winning blues legend Koko Taylor, 80, died on June 3, 2009 in her hometown of Chicago, IL, as a result of complications following her May 19 surgery to correct a gastrointestinal bleed. On May 7, 2009, the critically acclaimed Taylor, known worldwide as the “Queen of the Blues,” won her 29th Blues Music Award (for Traditional Female Blues Artist Of The Year), making her the recipient of more Blues Music Awards than any other artist. In 2004 she received the NEA National Heritage Fellowship Award, which is among the highest honors given to an American artist. Her most recent CD, 2007’s Old School, was nominated for a Grammy (eight of her nine Alligator albums were Grammy-nominated). She won a Grammy in 1984 for her guest appearance on the compilation album Blues Explosion on Atlantic.
You can read more here.
Monday, June 1, 2009
Today's quote
"Seek that which within lies waiting to begin the fight of your life that is everyday". ~Ian Anderson
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