Guitar Licks and Tips » Video

If I was only born with four hands

Chris — Tue, 23 Feb 2010 05:01:19 +0000

Imagine if your a guitar player with four hands? I know if your a guy, some women may either be afraid or intrigued by you? Think about the unlimited tunes that you could pull off (no pun intended)! Well I know that from time to time everyone comes across weird and wacky things that guitar player do but this one will help put a smile on your face and a little more hop in your walk, I guarantee it! These two guys take the cake … for now that is. Enjoy!

Keep on Jammin’

Chuck Berry is the Father Rock and Roll

Chris — Mon, 15 Feb 2010 20:52:01 +0000

Chuck Berry. Wow, what a man/guitarist/god! After saying his name out loud I find myself sitting back and thinking about all that he has done for Rock and Roll music throughout his life. Chuck Berry is Rock and Roll!

I’ve been a huge fan ever since I heard this song at an old friends house, Carl Tessier was his name I think? I eventually bought the album and tried in vain to figure out what it was that he was doing! The licks, chords and phrasings are things that only he can do! A couple of years ago I did a small post about Chuck Berry on my other blog. In it there was a video that shows him telling Keith Richards from the Rolling Stones how to play a certain part of a song that they and his band is playing for a documentary, Hail hail Rockin’ Roll. God it’s so funny!

So here’s to Chuck Berry! Enjoy.

Keep on Jammin’ Canada!

The How Long Blues in the Recovery Room

Chris — Fri, 08 Jan 2010 05:01:01 +0000

Here is the video of Dr. Lefkowitz and myself playing at my work. We did a 2nd take of this one because one of my favorite nurses of all time Bev and my favorite anesthesiologist Les missed the 1st one!

I now have a fonder respect for blues guitarist! I find the rhythms to play are difficult to master. The lossie goosie timing takes a bit of getting use to. The coming in and out of time signatures at unfamiliar times are something that I have not tried before. I am more accustomed to straight forward rhythms so I must appear to come off as a spastic rhythm guitarist, ha!

Just a question here for all you musicians out there, have you had certain challenges when you try to play the blues properly when your own style of playing is completely different for the blues? I just want to find out if it is just me who has the problem adapting to this unique genre or is it just me.

Like most guitar players I love attempting different forms of music to broaden my musical horizons and repertoire. It is also an advantage to having a number of tricks in my hand bag to pull out when needed.

This genre of music will take me a while to get a proper handle on it but I feel that I am up for the task. So a practicing I a go!

So sit back and have a laugh at my expense! Cheers!

Update – sorry had to remove the video as the doctor I work with made it private. Darn!

Keep on Jammin’

Micheal White and Orchestral Zeppelin

Chris — Tue, 05 Jan 2010 05:01:54 +0000

Micheal White & The White with their Orchestral Zeppelin project is a fascinating to say the least! The adulation from this group for that Zeppelin sound shows everyone the depth of love that they have for this great band. Having the drive and skill to pull off something like this makes one’s blood cold with excitement!

They were the first band ever to call themselves a ‘tribute’ and have performed over 4000 shows to over 3 million fans around the world. Even Jimmy Page himself commented to me in 1985 that “Michael does it best”.

The White is considered to be first act to be known as a true Led Zeppelin Tribute Band and the rest is history. I think that I’ve heard about this band for a while now but I never really paid that much attention to them until today. While driving home from the store I came across a commercial on the radio, promoting the bands next show in Toronto at the Sound Academy.

So I thought that I’d give you a heads up about these guys and I’d love to see them sometime … anyone out there got some free tickets for yours truly?!

If anyone is interested in going to the show here is the info.

Q107 the radio station that I was listening to at the time is presenting Michael White’s ORCHESTRAL ZEPPELIN featuring the Symphony Of Rock Youth Orchestra on Sat Jan 16, 2010. Doors are open at 8pm and TICKETS are $20 IN ADVANCE and $25 AT DOOR.

Keep on Jammin’ Micheal White & The White!

Dear Santa, this is my X-mas wish list of electric guitars

Chris — Sun, 06 Dec 2009 05:01:27 +0000

Dear Santa.

As you all ready know, I’ve been a very good little boy this year, just ask my mom, and here is the list of electric guitars that I would like, anyone will be a great reward for all the good things I’ve done so far this year! I know that time is running out but what the heck eh? Better late then never Santa.

A 1957 Fender Stratocaster. This guitar is a classic! The sound that the single coil pick ups in this little beauty will bring a tear to anyone’s eyes. The neck makes it so comfortable to play that it can make anyone sound, or at least look, great! While flying around the world giving presents to all the good little boys and girls out there, see if you recognize this young lady and see if she may want to part with this one!
Next is a vintage 1968 Gibson Gold Top Deluxe. The double coil pick ups (P90’s man Mr Kringle, don’t they look unique? I’m trying to make it easy for you to let it apart from other guitars!) on this guitar has a super smooth sound that is so rich and full that it’s probably bad for your heart … if you play or hear it too much that is! Isn’t everything that tastes great bad for you? Don’t worry Santa, I’ve got lots of cardiologist friends at work. Besides, it’s for the long forgotten jazz guitar player in me.
Now I don’t want to be too much of a Christmas present hog so last but not least (I had to narrow it down a lot here) is the 1959 Gibson Sunburst Les Paul guitar! The sharp sound that comes out of this puppy is legendary! I’ve only held one and never actually strummed it because I was afraid that it would brake. So if you’d be so kind and find it in your heart of hearts to get me this one, then you’d really be helping me overcome my 59′ phobia!

So thank you for reading this e-mail Santa and say hi to Mrs Claus and the other little folks hanging around up there for me! Don’t worry about the dog barking, she will only lick you to death if you don’t pet her at least once!

Sing-cerly Chris

P.S. Keep on Jammin’ Santa!

The Mountain Music with Sheesham and Lotus

Chris — Sun, 29 Nov 2009 05:01:34 +0000

The musical style of Sheesham and Lotus is called mountain music. That is what Sheesham told me when I met him while walking my dog Midnight. The music is simple and refreshing. Toe tapping is another phrase to describe the band’s genre but right now I can’t find the proper words to define these guys.

I just can’t help but feel so upbeat about life when I am taking in their unique musical way of life! The music from Sheesham and Lotus gently brings me back to a time that seemed more kinder and respectful to one another. I just want to get up and dance … ok I won’t because I’m down right pathetic at it.

Check out more video’s of Sheesham and Lotus and see if you to get that feeling?!

Keep on Jammin’

The “Show me how to play” website – Top 10 Downloaded Songs

Chris — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 05:01:04 +0000

The site Show me how to play is for all you beginner musicians out that may want to start a band and might need a little bit of guidance in the right direction.

The video lesson instructs each member of the band how to play their instrument. The players in the exercise play together on one screen, that is split into 4 or more sections. The only way to describe this is to call this a true group lesson.

I just stumbled across this site and thought it would be neat to show you guys. It may not be for you accomplished musicians out there so go easy on me! I think that if you can learn something from this service then all the better. As they say, the worst thing you could do is learn something from it.

All they say you have to do is simply register, download the multiplayer software and check out the tunes on the site. The top 10 downloads for this site is …

So my question to you is, is this something that you might use if your a beginner? Also has anyone out there subscribed to this site and if so, do you think it’s worth signing up for?

Keep on jammin’

80’s band Zon and Put on the Show

Chris — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 05:01:15 +0000

A Canadian band called Zon, was a theatrical band that was ahead of it’s time. Although I’ve never had the pleasure of seeing this band, it does hold a special part in my rock and roll heart!

While playing in Pylis, we played this song as an opening number. It got my heart just a pumping at break neck speed! The great keyboardist Tony F., recorded this circus like pipe organ sounding song that was followed by a keyboard solo that helped us lead into this tune! Ah, the memories!

Another tune from these guys that we did was called Time for your Love. It had lots of fun openings for me to jam on stage and boy was that fun! See CounterPoint, there was a time that I could pull off some free jamming/soloing on my axe! Too bad that I couldn’t reach deep into my little bag of tricks and show you what I mean.

If you are a fan of this band and you are looking some of their tunes to download, then check out this site for more info.

Enjoy.

Canadian pomp rockers Zon, which were originally released at the end of the 70s. What set them apart from other Canadian bands at the time, was their theatrical approach. Anyone who saw them performing live 25 years ago, will tell you how impressive they were. With special costumes and masks, it was indeed something you had to see at the time. Musically the band played keyboard orientated rock and have always been compared to Queen and (especially) Styx. As a matter of fact, one of the highlights of their (rather short) career came when they were asked to support Styx on their “Grand Illusion” tour. CBS took them under their wings and released “Astral Projector” in 1978 and “Back Down To Earth” a year later. In my opinion, the former is the better of the two, because it’s Zon from start to finish. On “Back Down To Earth”, CBS tried to push them into a more ‘commercial’ direction and the guys didn’t get enough time to write (enough) decent songs. Negative publicity and a corporate cleanout saw CBS dropping them from their roster. A (rather weak) third album was released on the small Falcon Records in 1980 before the band called it quits.
Rock Report

Keep on Jammin’

A Cardiac Rap

Chris — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 04:01:35 +0000

Cardiac surgeons are certainly life savers to say the least.

They can change lives and make one aware of the simpler things in it that makes it worth living! These men and women touch our hearts in so many ways that one may not be cognizant of.

I bet you never thought about the music side of ones heart but this guy sure does!

I work with this great guy not to mention fine guitarist and he is definitely one in a million! I hope you enjoy his musical work … and never have to experience the other gift that he has to offer us.

Cardiac King, Keep on jammin’!

Bruce Cockburn’s Life Short Call Now album

Chris — Tue, 22 Sep 2009 04:01:33 +0000

I just ran into a Bruce Cockburn album that I was not aware of until right now! The album is titled Life Short Call Now (2006).

The song that caught my eye and had my feet a tapping is called Different When It Comes To You.

It has a hint of pop and the regular challenge that he regularly provides us is not here in this song. He’s still better then most out there in the industry today!

I find this video quite appealing, visually that is. Some folks out there may think that he is selling out, but as in the past, that is not his end game! The singer/port Ani DiFranco does a guest appearance on this tune as well!

I just thought I’d share it with you all, enjoy!

Keep on Jammin’

Guitar Licks and Tips » Video

If I was only born with four hands

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Chuck Berry is the Father Rock and Roll

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The How Long Blues in the Recovery Room

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Micheal White and Orchestral Zeppelin

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Dear Santa, this is my X-mas wish list of electric guitars

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The Mountain Music with Sheesham and Lotus

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The “Show me how to play” website – Top 10 Downloaded Songs

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80’s band Zon and Put on the Show

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