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I just hit a milestone: 40!  Man, where did all that time go?  It seems like just yesterday when I was playing the college bar scene with my friends Dave, Stu and Chris.  So what better way to usher in a new era of my life than inviting them and some other musicians & friends over to my place to crank up the amps again!

Beth captured the evening on camera, but unfortunately (or perhaps for our own good) no one had a video camera. 

Rockin Out Birthday Style

I don’t know about you, but when a new year comes along, I jump at the chance to re-examine my goals and re-focus my efforts.  Yep, I’m sentimental that way.  In terms of reaching my goals musically, 09 was a good year but not a great one.

The Good of 2009– I started this blog, joined Twitter and connected with a great community of guitarists, musicians, & craftsmen.  I bought the Taylor guitar of my dreams (or one of ‘em, anyway ).  I also hooked up with House of Echo and Amanda Joy, 2 fun projects I will be involved with for the foreseeable future.  I continued to play with the ever-exciting Joyful Noise band.

My Goals for 2010–

Reinvent my Tone: Late in 09, I decided to completely reinvent my guitar tone.  That led me to discover and buy a set of Slider’s Vintage Classics Pickups, which are blowing my mind (and my neighbor’s ears).  The blog entry is overdue on these pickups, I realize.  Sorry, Slider! I’ll continue to reinvent my tone in 2010, including (hopefully) assembling my own guitar and shopping for stompboxes.

Become a Student Again: My practice time has become all about learning the next set of tunes.  I need some fresh teaching.  I’m starting with Robben Ford.  I’ve been listening to him lately and his playing is fresh & inspired.

Have a Working Studio: One thing I started (but did not finish) in 09 was cleaning & setting up the studio so that I can record.  This is a top priority for 2010!  So is recording, both fingerstyle and electric.  My last release is dated 2003.  ‘Nuf said.

Give my Home Church Priority: I do a lot of fun music projects, but many of them are outside of my home church.  This year, I want to get into a rhythm (no pun intended) with our praise band Levite, and help make our worship services excellent.  I also want to include many other talented people in our performances this year, including my kids (at least 2/3 of which have strong musical ability).

Continue Working with Amanda Joy & House of Echo: Special things are happening here, and I’m fortunate to be part of this group of incredible musicians.  I’ll be blogging more about these projects in the new year.

With these goals, my family, job, and hockey it looks like I’m in for a pretty productive year.

Buckle up,  it’s 2010!  Happy New Year!

The New York Times Magazine produced a wonderful sound collage featuring a sampling of musicians who died this year. Beyond MJ and Les Paul, there were many losses this year. I would also add to this tribute guitarist Bob Bogle & Leo Fender’s business partner George Fullterton, whose innovative handiwork I enjoy every day.  I’m sure there are many others who should be honored, as this tribute is not exhaustive.  Rest in peace, all.

From what I can gather, this recording (a medley jam of Little Drummer Boy / Silent Night / Taps / Auld Lang Syne) was recorded during the Band of Gypsys rehearsals for the Fillmore shows on 12/31/69 & 1/1/70.  It was re-released on CD in 1999 & again in 2005.

Merry Christmas!

There you have it!  25 of my holiday favs by my favorite pickers.  Check ‘em out and add your own in the comments.

The Ventures guitarists Bob Bogle (who died June 14, 2009) and Don Wilson have had a profound impact on guitar that endures today.  Sleigh Ride is from the Ventures’ Christmas Album from 1965 (re-released in 1995).