Guitar News

Local Yoakam

2006-10-27T14:03:00.000-04:00

Country artist Dwight Yoakam signs a guitar for charity:

"The public art project will display 10-foot-tall fiberglass guitar sculptures, signed by various artists."

The sculptures are part of the "Guitar Town" project that seeks to establish Austin, TX, as a place for guitar enthusiasts. If it's good enough for Stevie, it's good enough for us.

Link

Sunbursting

2006-10-24T15:34:00.000-04:00

Andrew York, of the Los Angeles Guitar Quartet, has decided to part ways with the group:

"More than a year ago I began to realize that I craved more time for my personal artistic projects. Simply put, I’m compelled to sail out into unknown waters to let my creativity take me where it needs to go."

On an announcemet posted on the Guitar Foundation of America website, Andy says he had a wonderful experience with the group and considers Bill, Scott, and John his brothers. LAGQ will continue to perform with Matthew Greif, a graduate of USC.

Andy, we wish you the best for the future and congratulate you on a tremendous career thus far! We look forward to hearing your new projects.

Link

Classical Combat

2006-10-24T15:06:00.000-04:00

Economists in Finland have discovered a way to reduce vadalism:

"At least two towns in Finland have discovered that classical music may not soothe young troublemakers -- but does drive them away."

The story reports a reduction in vandalism when classical music is played outside of malls and businesses. I fought the law, and Bach won.

Link

Rock Star

2006-10-24T14:57:00.000-04:00

Queen guitarist Brian May has written a new book:

"May, who abandoned doctoral studies in astronomy to play guitar with `70s rock legends Queen, has returned to his first love as a co-author of the book "Bang! The Complete History of the Universe," which was launched Monday."

May says he seem similarities between the music and astronomy... but if fat bottomed girls make the world go 'round, what made the big bang?

Link

Glass Music

2006-10-22T08:45:00.000-04:00

A Japanese inventor has developed a new, higher-quality CD... made of glass:

"Fukui, 60, noticed that glass was a great receptor of sound and decided to try and create a CD from the material. He spent a decade developing the glass CD together with Mitsugu Ikeda, a technician from a company called Tomie Media Solutions."

MSN News says the transparent CD costs 98,700 yen (about $830). For that price, there had better be some good music on it...

Link

Country Western Criminal

2006-10-21T09:01:00.000-04:00

A Scottish woman has been slapped with a very serious crime:

"She is alleged to have tormented fellow residents over recent months by pumping C&W music late at night and blasting the TV."

Scotsman.com says the woman was charged with the "interim antisocial behaviour order after being repeatedly warned she was making other people's lives a misery." When will they make country music a crime in America?

Link

This Classic Rocks

2006-10-20T10:58:00.000-04:00

This flashy korean guitarist is old news by now, but it's still "funtwo" watch:

(Pachelbel's Canon remixed)

Going Digital

2006-10-20T10:35:00.000-04:00

Gibson is now offering a digital guitar:

"This means you can use a guitar amplifier for each string ... or record all six strings individually into a computer ... or send the six-string digital signal to a compatible guitar processor ... giving guitarists the ultimate flexibility for crafting their custom sound."

We don't have any idea how it works, but Gizmag explains all about the Les Paul HD.6X-PRO Digital Guitar...

Link

Lending a Helping Slowhand

2006-10-20T10:27:00.000-04:00

A guitar autographed by Eric Clapton will go on sale to benefit charity:

"The Fender Guitar Custom Shop provided Eric and Lee with a brand-new Eric Clapton 'Blackie' Signature Stratocaster in a hard shell case. Eric Clapton then autographed the guitar on the scratch plate and dated it 2006."

Wheres Eric!, a fan magazine for Clapton, says the fundraiser will benefit the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation.

Link

Outstanding Oasis

2006-10-20T10:16:00.000-04:00

Brittish rockers Oasis have been selected to recieve an award fo their Outstanding Contribution to Music:

"The band will be presented with the gong in February, previous recipients include The Beatles, U2, Paul Weller, Tom Jones, Sting, David Bowie, Fleetwood Mac, Eurythmics and The Who."

Music Rooms says the band brought "guitar music back to the charts" and inspired bands "like Kasabian and the Arctic Monkeys."

Link

Searching for Gold

2006-10-20T10:06:00.000-04:00

A New Jersey rocker is looking for his missing 1974 Gold Gibson Les Paul:

"He believes the guitar was stolen on October 11 by a relative who may have sold it."

Action News asks that anyone with info contact the Gloucester City Police or Keith Reven at 856-456-7134.

Link

A Legend's Birthday

2006-10-18T11:49:00.000-04:00

Chuck Berry is turning 80:

"When he takes the stage Wednesday night, Berry will sling his guitar with an ease belying his age, and scoot across the stage in his famous one-legged hop, his extended leg kicking off the stage."

According to the Mercury News, his birthday bash will include an intimate dinner with friends and a late night performance at Blueberry Hill, a nightclub he frequents. Go, Johnny, Go!

Link

New Issue of Urban Guitar

2006-10-18T11:19:00.000-04:00

A new issue of Urban Guitar has been posted:

"I'm bored with music between 1955 and 1980. I'm completely bored. I
can't listen to a rock and roll record. I can't do it. I would rather
listen to hogs screwing." - Sting

Including an interview with Marco Oppedisano, music for guitar and electronics, and the week in guitar.

Link

Music in our Schools

2006-10-17T16:13:00.000-04:00

The music programs in NY get a boost:

"The Department of Education received a gift of $1-million worth of new instruments from VH1 and Time Warner Cable Thursday."

Now that's music to our ears.

Link

Sting's Getting Old...

2006-10-17T16:09:00.000-04:00

About 400 years old, that is:

"The rock star has released Songs of the Labyrinth, a new CD of songs by John Dowland, one of the Elizabethan era's most important composers. It's a collection of songs for voice and lute -- a stringed instrument that was popular in the 16th century."

NPR goes on to say that Sting considers Dowland the "the first English singer/songwriter we know of." Who's your King of Pain now?

Link

The Kids These Days...

2006-10-17T15:53:00.000-04:00

Teens rock the house in a recent classical guitar competition:

"Fourteen year old Colin Fullerton started playing guitar over eight year ago. Now he practices at least three hours a day and dreams of being a classical concert guitarist."

We wonder if Colin eats his veggies, too?

Link

Kitty Litter

2006-10-17T15:38:00.000-04:00

A new video by The Great Kat gets mediocre applause in a recent review:

"The music itself is not completely horrible, in fact The Great Kat is an amazing guitar player. Combining aspects of classical music and death metal Kat, a Juilliard graduate, uses guitar and violin to create her unique sound, which could best be described as fast and loud."

However, the review goes on to say that the video (which appears to have a parental warning on the cover) mostly consists of "a scantily clad Kat" prancing around while she shreds. Well, we can always find at least one reason to watch...

Link

Is that a guitar in your suitcase, or...?

2006-10-17T15:31:00.000-04:00

Speaking of traveling with guitars...

"From what I’ve seen most guitar cases out there are actually filled with machine guns, rocket launchers and other assorted weaponry leaving the guitars to fend for themselves. The Stewart Guitar Company is clearly aware of this problem and so have designed a guitar that can fit inside something as small as a briefcase..."

The article doesn't say how well the guitar plays, but anything that will pass through an airport is alright with us.

Link

Free DVD Offer

2006-10-15T17:52:00.000-04:00

DVD Offer for Friends of Urban Guitar

A new DVD featuring selected compositions of the American-born classical guitarist, composer and author, Anthony Glise has just been released by Éclipse Recordings (France) and Anthony is offering comp copies to members and friends of Urban Guitar (you only pay $5 for shipping and handling).

Of special interest is Glise's composition, Stabat Mater Speciosa (for solo guitar and chorale). Since this is a Christmas work it could provide guitarists with extra performance options with a local chorale during the Christmas season. Further details are below.

To order, simply send a $5 check to:

Aevia Group - UrbanDVD
PO Box 7242
St. Joseph, MO 64507

The DVD features Glise's compositions, MASS FOR THE CHILDREN (for chorale, orchestra and children readers), his STABAT MATER SPECIOSA - “The Blue Virgin” (a Christmas cavatina for chorale and solo guitar) and his double concerto THE PENDULUM (for orchestra, solo guitar and violin).

The DVD was recorded during the 2005 European premiere of these works and is a 4-camera shoot produced by the renowned French firm, Vidéo Événement.

Featured performers on the DVD include Glise as guitar soloist, the St. Joseph Chamber Choir (US) and the Chorale and Orchestra Divertimento (France) which is a hosting ensemble to members of the French National Orchestra-Lille.

Directors of the various performances were Maestro Frank Thomas (St. Joseph, Missouri, US) and Maestro Jean-Francois Droulez (Lille, France).

The DVD also includes an extensive interview with Glise regarding the composition of the works on the CD.
The text of the DVD (including the interview with Glise) is in French with English subtitles.

PREFACE (from the DVD booklet)

This DVD is the documentation of a monumental international exchange that occurred in 2005 between the French-based Chorale and Orchestra Divertimento (directed by Jean-François Droulez) and the US-based St. Joseph Chamber Choir (directed by Frank Thomas and David Benz).

In the words of one audience member, US Consul to France, Richard Huckaby, it was a moment in time that “...contributed greatly to improved mutual understanding through home stays and joint performances in both countries.”

Under Glise's administration, in early 2005 the French choral came to St. Joseph, Missouri to present the world premiere of his Mass for the Children, his Stabat Mater Speciosa, “The Blue Virgin” and his staged work, The Missouri Fables (not included on this DVD) along with the US choral.

The following month, the St. Joseph Chamber Choir rejoined Divertimento in France for the European premiere of Glise's Mass, Stabat and the premiere of an additional instrumental piece, Glise's double concerto for violin, guitar and orchestra, The Pendulum (included as a “Bonus” on this DVD) with the brilliant violinist, Ken Augustine Sugita (of the French National Orchestra-Lille), one of Glise's oldest friends, to whom that concerto is dedicated.

During that exchange, with no common language other than music, the ensembles quickly developed a bond of sincere friendship; a bond that we all hope will lead to a second DVD of Glise's many large-scale compositions with guitar.

Air Guitar

2006-10-15T10:02:00.000-04:00

Virgin Atlantic Airways boosts their rock star appeal by offering guitar lessons at Heathrow Clubhouse:

"'Gibson Guitar is proud to be teaming up with Virgin Atlantic to offer its Upper Class passengers the opportunity to learn a new riff or chord sequence before taking off,' said Gibson's chairman, Henry Juszkiewicz."

The masterclasses, taught by Pete Southern of Gibson, will be a "great way to unwind before a long flight." We wonder if they'll still give us a hard time if we carry-on our guitars...

Link

Ninja Skills

2006-10-15T08:16:00.000-04:00

We always knew there was something special about our guitar heros...

Irish Jig

2006-10-14T08:56:00.000-04:00

The guitar is huge everywhere, even in Northern Ireland, where the Belfast Telegraph reports that sales have doubled in the past year:

"Young girls particularly are forking out money on electric guitars, keen to emulate artists like KT Tunstall and Karen O from the Yeah Yeah Yeahs."

The article says that children as young as 9 or 10, and adults as old as 50 are purchasing axes. Keep on reelin' in the free world!

Link

Listen to the Danger

2006-10-13T08:38:00.000-04:00

NY subway commuters may be gradually losing their hearing, experts say:

"Researchers from the Mailman School of Public Health at the city's Columbia University found that exposure to the noise levels of the New York transit system can exceed recommended guidelines of the World Health Organization and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)."

Wearing an iPod to block out the noise is even more damaging, the article continues. Not good news for the city's musicians, especially the underground performers.

Link

Conservatory Training

2006-10-13T07:01:00.000-04:00

The Juilliard School has had a guitar program since 1989, but until now they have only offered a Masters Degree, Graduate Diploma, and Artist Diploma:

"The Juilliard School will initiate its first undergraduate Bachelor of Music Degree Program for Guitar in fall 2007 under the direction of world-renowned guitarist Sharon Isbin."

Classes in guitar literature and fretboard harmony will be taught by Mark Delpriora, also an instructor across town at the Manhattan School of Music.

Link

Shredding in Slow-mo

2006-10-13T05:29:00.000-04:00

Finally, the phrase "Cracking the Code" doesn't refer to Da Vinci:

Tony Grady "bought a $2,500 slow-motion camera and has filmed some of the fastest [guitar] players around the country (including Houston-based great Rusty Cooley) at 120 frames per second, seeking 'idiosyncratic right-hand motions.'"

Grady, a Brooklyn guitarist, spoke to Newsweek about how his documentary seeks to establish a "unified guitar theory" of shredding, which will help the technique-impaired understand what many professionals know intuitively, but are unable to explain in words.

Link

"Worthless wastes of sperm"

2006-10-12T18:45:00.000-04:00

The Portland Mercury does a bangin' job in their "Gods of Guitar" music issue:

"Fuck Jimi Hendrix... with a splintery, Icy Hot-covered stick. Do it hard and deep. Get your wrist into it.

"While you're at it, violate Eric Clapton, Eddie Van Halen, Jimmy Page, Pete Townshend, and Joe Satriani too. Fuck Satriani especially rough.

"As we dedicate this issue of the Mercury to the rock 'n' roll phenomenon that is the "Guitar God," I say fuck them all.

"They're worthless wastes of sperm for a number of reasons..."

Elsewhere, the Mercury gives valuable and educational tips on becoming a guitar god, such as "Let the blonde carry the dope in the airport" and "Keep the kiddy porn off the computer." I never knew there was so much work involved...

Link

La Guitare

2006-10-12T18:31:00.000-04:00

Paris is currently playing host to an exhibit of guitar heros, showcasing dieux de guitare such as Jimi Hendrix, Pete Townshend, and Eric Clapton:

"Likely to interest the kind of person guitar shops once banned for sitting down to practise Led Zeppelin's 'Stairway to Heaven,' the exhibition also contains an impressive number of guitars from some of rock's greatest Axemen.

"Townshend, Jimi Hendrix, John Lennon, Led Zeppelin's Jimmy Page and David Gilmour of Pink Floyd are all there, although the instruments on display contain few traces of the ordeals their owners put other guitars to."

Reuters reports that the exhibit also includes audio and video footage, and that a "mellower selection of performances" is dedicated to players such as the classical maestro Andres Segovia. What I really wish I could see, though, is the inflatable blue guitar made in the 50's by the French Baschet brothers.

Link

Online Guitar Lessons from Gibson

2006-10-11T10:27:00.000-04:00

Modern Guitars Magazine tells us that Gibson will begin offering online guitar lessons:

"Musicians have a chance to learn to play contemporary acoustic guitar, blues mandolin, funk guitar, rock lead techniques and electric bass. Instructors including Steve James, Ross Bolton, Danny Gill and Nick Nolan all share their experience with various techniques and steps so that the person can learn step by step."

Link

Alan Jackson, Doin' Some Good

2006-10-08T18:56:00.000-04:00

Alan Jackson admits he can't do much with a hammer, but wants to help anyway:

Link

No Guitar? No Honeymoon!

2006-10-08T18:46:00.000-04:00

well here's a problem that every guitarist has had:

"Is it selfish to want to have my honeymoon with just my husband and not have him leaving to go to another room to practice for a couple hours?"

sigh... non-musicians just don't understand...
http://www.slate.com/id/2135107/?nav=tap3
(scroll down to second question)