Tag: rip
The Music They Made: NYT Sound Collage of Some of Music’s Losses in 2009
by frets on Dec.31, 2009, under Inspiration
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.
Update on Guitarist Randy Rhoads Documentary
by frets on Nov.09, 2009, under Inspiration
From Blabbermouth.net 11/4/09:
Director Peter M. Margolis of Dakota Pictures is rapidly approaching the final stages of editing and post-production on “Randy Rhoads: Last Train Home” (working title), the long-awaited documentary film on the life of celebrated rock guitarist Randy Rhoads (OZZY OSBOURNE, QUIET RIOT). Margolis is reaching out to anyone who may have a candid photo of Rhoads to contribute to the film… (visit Blabbermouth.net for more details)
It’s good to hear that things are progressing. There was some buzz earlier this summer when the movie trailer was released, and then subsequently pulled due to rights issues. But anticipated release dates for the film have come and gone. It’d be nice to see it open around his birthday (Dec 6), but I imagine the anniversary of his death (Mar 19) is more realistic. Looking forward to this one.
Randy Rhoads
Stevie Ray Vaughan Tributes
by frets on Aug.27, 2009, under Inspiration
Stevie Ray Vaughan died 19 years ago today, on August 27, 1990. There are some nice Stevie Ray Vaughan tributes today: Drop-d, The Music’s Over, MOJO, Ash-EQ, even ScottYork.com got into the act. You can also read about the 89 concert I saw with Stevie Ray and Jeff Beck.
When I’m jamming with someone, “How about some SRV?” is one of my first questions. Listening to Albert King & Stevie Ray Vaughan In Session has only fueled my passion for his guitar playing. What’s so amazing about this album is that it’s an informal jam session, complete with talking between and during the songs. It’s like you’re sitting there with Stevie and Albert while they jam. Musically, it is pure magic. Guitar Noize has a great review of the album, but just go buy it– it is fantastic.
Here’s a taste.
PBS to feature Guitar Legend Les Paul
by frets on Aug.19, 2009, under Inspiration, Whats On
Did this guy have fun or what?
PBS will air American Masters: Chasing Sound, on guitar legend Les Paul next week. Local PBS stations control programming, so check your local listings for specifics. Les died last week at 94.
PBS has a nice tribute to Les on their Web site. The Les Paul American Masters special is also available on DVD.
My first electric guitar was a black and gold Les Paul Custom, and I sure wish I hadn’t sold it. If I can dig up a picture of me playing it, I’ll post it. It was a beauty.
Thank you, Les. Rest in peace.
THE WIZARD OF WAUKESHA
By Dave Tianen
reprinted with permission from the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
New York – For decades, arthritis has slowly devoured the talent in Les Paul’s hands.
The right essentially has become a stiff claw. The ring and pinkie are all that is usable on the left, and arthritis is eating away at them.
The right arm is mangled too, permanently bent at a 90 degree angle from a car wreck in 1948. There are seven screws in the arm, and the tendon in the elbow is shot.
Yet he continues to play.
Every Monday night, the great guitarist carries his 92-year-old body and his 44-year-old Gibson onstage at the Iridium Jazz Club at 51st and Broadway. Still introduced as “The Wizard of Waukesha,” he does two shows – one at 8, one at 10 – in the basement nightclub.
Both are packed. Always.
Many, perhaps most, in the crowd weren’t even born in the early ’50s when Paul and his wife Mary Ford were major stars on TV and radio, topping the charts with a succession of hits: “Tennessee Waltz,” “Mockin’ Bird Hill,” “How High the Moon,” “Tiger Rag” and “Vaya Con Dios.”
That music helped define an era, but Paul ignores most of it now, opting instead for the standards he played during his jazz days in the ’30s and ’40s. It matters little.
George Fullerton Dies at 86 — Guitar Innovator with Leo Fender
by frets on Jul.08, 2009, under Gear, Inspiration
George Fullerton (L) and Leo Fender (R)
George Fullerton died Saturday of congestive heart failure. He was Leo Fender’s right-hand man for over 40 years, starting at the original Fender company in the 1940’s. Together, their innovations made mass-production of guitars affordable; yet they never compromised quality. Their contributions to the guitar world include some of the most popular instruments to this day: Telecaster and Stratocaster guitars, the Precision Bass, and the Jazz Bass. (continue reading…)
