Eric Clapton's Crossroads in New York

In the movie version of the 2013 Crossroads concert, you will see The Allman Brothers band appearing at this event for the first time. The Allman brothers are featured on 3 songs and the absolutely kill it. If we gage the the crowd favorite by applause then the acoustic version of Midnight Rider is the undisputed winner. John Mayer came out and played Queen of California and seemed to be upstaged by Keith Urban and that surprised me and seemed to knock John Mayer off his pedestal for a moment. Gary Clark Jr. should receive the most improved yet most underrated guitarist award. Compared to Crossroads 3 where we saw Gary Clark Jr. debut in an auspicious but limited magnitude, this time Gary Clark Jr. is featured playing 3 distinctly contrasting styles of blues, thus he really digs in and shows us his vast guitar wielding skills. Gary Clark simply astounds the crowd at Crossroads 4. Watch and you'll be transmogrified into a Gary Clark Jr. fan at the first downbeat.



Missing on this years film are the antics of Bill Murray. For better or worse, Bill Murray's comedic antics were edited out rightfully leaving more room for music and musician's (I have nothing against comedy or Bill Murray's comedy - I'm a devoted fan!), however it was nice to see continuous music from collaborative musicians. Oh yeah, there are plenty of trading 8's and 16's sequences allowing everyone to stretch out and solo.

This year there were a few musicians missing from the mix yet we saw them in the Crossroads commercial teaser. For example, BB King, Jimmy Vaughan, and Johnny Lang were just a few missing from this year's Crossroad movie. You need to keep in mind that the scale of this musical event is enormous, with many bands and artists, it's impossible to include the contribution of each bands without creating a recording as long as the two event. Indeed, the aforementioned artists have been featured many times in the past so in the spirit of the event, other upcoming and established acts were allowed to entertain us on this recording.

If I had to pick one new artist who finally got some time to shine I'd have to pick Gary Clark Jr.. He is the real deal in terms ability and authenticity. If you are a huge Eric Clapton fan you might be disappointed by discovering that he plays with a lot of the guests but stays in the background unselfishly allowing others the opportunity to showcase their talents and collaborate with fellow musicians. Aside from raising funds for the Crossroads center in Antigua, this event is also about musical fellowship, camaraderie and collaboration.

Upon DVD release, I'll be watching this again.

4 Amigos guitar show! What's it about?

I attended the 4 amigos guitar show extravaganza this past weekend (July 14&15 2012) in San Mateo, California. I had a great time but let me share a few tips that might help you enjoy the event even more.

1. Bring a good camera.
2. Use the flash - I didn't and some of my photo's are blurred!
3. Bring cash.
4. Decide what you want to look at before going - Otherwise it's like grocery shopping when you are hungry where you buy everything on impulse....
5. Leave kid's under 11 home. Knock something over - You've bought it pal!
6. Be courteous to everyone and you'll get the same respect.
7. Spend money!!

If you haven't been to a guitar show before you might not know what to expect. You will see vintage expensive stuff.

$68,000.00

...and you will see inexpensive unique stuff!

not $68000.00

But you will see a lot of equipment. At this show in particular, I found that there was a LOT of guitars but not much in the way of effects, amplifiers, or low cost impulse items. There was mostly big ticket guitars with the average price on guitars at the show being about $3000.00.  There was a fair amount of acoustic vintage guitars but as you may or may not know - These acoustic guitars are usually Martin Guitars and due to the nature of the manufacturing, i.e., set neck, you better know about acoustic guitars because that expensive vintage Martin might just need a little work and that can be very expensive.

This is a 1940 Martin D 18 with nice big holes on the top - $10K

The bridge has been removed and replaced - not the best example of workmanship! 

My point is that you need to know what you are doing when you go to these shows. You can get a great deal but you can be taken caveat emptor is the term.

Still, there was tons of nice guitars looking for a new home. I wanted them all!

Original 1962 Fender Stratocaster in Lake Placid blue guitar and neck on the right and slab board 1960 on the left! Drool!

You can see the back side of the 1962 neck here!

Another picture of the Lake Placid Blue Fender Stratocaster - Rare!!

Red Mustang original $1100, Surf Mustang Refi $999. A new set of Fender Guitars!

Reverse headstock Gibson Firebird III $7500.00 - Cherry condition!

There was something for everyone. The crowd was light - I'd estimate there was about 150 people there on a average and this was on the last day of the event. Vintage guitar Magazines were given away, there was a small concession stand for basic mastication needs and the toilets were clean - got to love it!

I

I have my eye on this purty thang!

Masterbuilt Esquire at Guitar showcase!

Some of Steve Millers guitars!

Surf's up _ Mosrite guitars!

There was at least one Amplifier manufacturer there showing off custom amps, modified amps, kits and stuff! King Amplification was there in full strength and proudly showing their stuff. You can see in the background of the photograph above that Roland/Boss had an awesome both showing off the latest digital guitar stuff - I could spend an hour just at that booth alone!

If you have a quality instrument and you know the actual appraised value of said instrument, you can take it to these shows and offer it for a trade. You will need to check it in upon arrival then get out there and test your brinkmanship!

Next time I'll allow myself more time, bring a better camera, use my flash, take zoom photos, and buy another cool guitar.

I'll write more. The format for this blog doesn't allow me to post the photo's as I'd like. Look for updates as I took more than one hundred photos!

Awesome posters - Terrible photo!

Oh, matching colors!!!

Red tables and Blue - !

Couple of nice tweed Fender amps!

Just like shoes for the ladies, we need a guitar for each situation!

Guitar Showcase for San Jose had a lot of nice guitars on hand!

Honey, where is the checkbook?

Don't drink and photograph! This is what no flash will yield - Blurred!

I had no idea what to expect as this was my first guitar show. In hindsight, I wish there was more vendors there selling pedals, stompboxes, guitar parts, straps (El Dorado straps was there and had a great booth). I was pleased to find SilcaSound handblown Glass slides proprietor there at the show. This slide is my coolest find at the show! Chris Davidson helped me pick out a slide that fit me and I was so enamored with the slide feel that I bought two!! I'll review those slides in a separate article. I simply wish there was more vendors there selling parts but I know the challenges facing small businesses so I will not dwell on my wishes but highlight the fact that I had a great time. If you are a guitarsnob, player, professional or hobbiest. You must attend a guitar show. Bring money and a smile. It's a lot of fun and there is a lot to see!

The 4th of July poll and comments

Fireworks!!!

The 4th of July (Independence Day) is generally a great time of year to spend time with your family and relax. At this point in time of year we are more than half way through our calendar year, the weather is warm, kids are out of school, and the yield of spring time planting is coming to fruition. Cooking outdoors or picnicking provides a events where outdoor games can be combined with sloppy eating and drinking. In addition, this is a time when music can be featured thus allowing us to all see our favorite local and not so local bands.

This year is a little different. We have the 4th of July landing in the middle of the week. There are various ways we can view the national holiday; we can celebrate the weekend before and after, we could observe the holiday only on one of the weekend, make Wednesday the only day to celebrate, or party all week long. Either way, the weather also has an effect on our plans so monitoring the local weather reports is critical to enjoying a successful party.

Above all, be safe and have fun. Get our and play some music and remember that we all can still observed these pastimes because someone else sacrificed their life. This should never be forgotten. Also, remember that the 4th of July is a celebration from the tyranny of British rule in 1776 (See Sheffield Declaration). There is still tyranny on earth so be aware and be safe and smart. Now shut up and play yer guitar!!

If you have a favorite 4th of July - Independence Day song - List it in the comments and I'll post it!

Jeff Beck plays with Lady Gaga

... could the suits be any stiffer? Jeff Beck's rendition of Lady Gaga's "Bad Romance."

The audience looks perplexed or the effects of Ritalin haven't worn off? By the expression on their faces, I would think that the audience was watching a demonstration of paint evaporation.

Revolver Golden Gods - Show info

See the Golden Gods show - click here!

Jeff Beck and Rhonda Smith at the White House - Red White & Blues

Watch closely because listening to Jeff Beck is a mind game. Rhonda Smith and Veronica Bellino lay down a fat groove that allows Jeff to slay us with his famous tone that goes from baby tears to lightning bolts in an immeasurable short length of time. Sit down, hold on to your chair and listen!

Buddy Guy and Jeff Beck - Official White House Photo by Pete Souza.

Brian Setzer on Country Music awards - Tune in!

Brian Setzer

Don't miss Brian Setzer on the CMA's Country Christmas on December 17st At 9:00pm/8:00 central time, ABC broadcasting network! For more detail visit Brian's website here!
Country Music Association official site here!
Check out Brian's version of Malaguena' in the movie "Puss in Boots 3D"
Tour information!!!

Taylor guitar Service Event - Palo Alto

Great opportunity to have your guitar looked at by a factory representative. While you are there you might want to buy a new guitar!

Jeff Beck and Imelda May Band - Rocking San Francisco!

JEFF BECK AND THE IMELDA MAY BAND at the Fillmore San Francisco

This past Saturday I had the extreme privilege to witness some of the finest guitar work and music. This is the second time I've seen Jeff Beck in the Bay Area and I've never been disappointed. Oh no, Mr. Beck raises the bar each time I see him. This time he was here to pay homage to the late great Les Paul. Along with Jeff was the Imelda May band and if you missed them on Jules Holland's show then you are missing out. Ahem, there is a Rockabilly resurgence and it's super cool and Imelda's band is super talented. I am a picky listener and I couldn't find a weak link in the bunch. Just amazing vocals from Ms. May and a tight band. Oh yeah, accompanied by one guitar god Jeff Beck.

The best part, everybody on-stage enjoyed themselves. These people obviously were having fun as they traded 8th, 16th, modulated and any neophyte could see that the band and Jeff were tight and hitting the notes. The show was fun fun fun for the crowd and band alike!

You owe it to yourself to listen to Imelda May band because she is really a force and surprising that the american public hasn't gobbled them up, but then again, America is a weird and fickle listening crowd and all you need to do is remember The Clash, who are now iconoclasts but initially ignored by the American music consumers. Fine, more for me.

For the guitar geeks out there, Jeff played a number of instruments; A Beautiful Reissue 1959 Tiger Stripe Gibson Les Paul, Blond Gibson ES-175, Black Gretsch Jet, White Fender Strat (his name sake), Old Fender Tele were the guitars of choice this evening. His amplifiers were Marshall's and Fender Twins. For a change he did employ some delays for a slap back echo effect but for the better part of the night it was Vintage Jeff Beck tone, void of effects, and he kicked some serious glutenous maxi mus.

Clapton & Crossroads Hits a Theater Near You

This is an opportunity to experience what a lucky few ticket holders saw and heard in person. It might even be better as you are treated to virtual front row seats and behind the scene views!

Click here for a review and more details.

DEAN GUITARS PRESENTS RIDE FOR DIME 2010, GP Staff

DEAN GUITARS PRESENTS RIDE FOR DIME 2010, GP Staff

Ride for Dime - Charity Event

Ride For Dime, a 501c3 charitable organization, memorializes guitar hero and friend, "Dimebag" Darrell Abbott along with Jeff Thompson, Nathan Bray, and Erin Halk. Ride for Dime proudly gives back to the charities that were of interest to Dime during his life as well as charities he would have been proud to be a part of, like Little Kids Rock. Check out the video below for more information.

Click here for extensive information.

Ride for Dime be starting again this year at:

Longhorn Harley Davidson
2830 W Interstate 20
Grand Prairie, Texas

Bikes will start staging at 1:30 pm and the ride will leave out at 3:15 pm.

Event Start Time: Saturday July 31, 2010 at 4:00pm
Event End Time: Sunday August 1, 2010 at 2:00am
Location: Dreamworld Music Complex 3102 W. Division St. Arlington, TX.

RIDE FOR DIME 2010 Lineup
Conviction (Rockin Kids Cover Band) 4pm
Souless Intent
SweetTooth
100 Proof Hatred
Whiskey Dick
Threat Level
White Collar Ghetto
Pumpjack
Texas Hippie Coalition
Cowboys From Hell Paso
Doors open at 4pm)
RIDE FOR DIME 2010, c'mon!

Get more information at www.ridefordime.org.

Kickoff to Summer NAMM 2010

Namn it!

Kickoff to Summer NAMM 2010

RODRIGO Y GABRIELA ANNOUNCE SUMMER TOUR DATES, GP Staff

Cool.... Though I take crap from people for liking them because of the parallels to California Guitar Trio. CGT was good but made me laugh when it was supposed to be serious. This lead to all of my friends laughing as well. Being in the front row, laughing is rude - Therefore, I had to extricate myself from the audience with friends boisterously following.

RODRIGO Y GABRIELA ANNOUNCE SUMMER TOUR DATES, GP Staff

Crossroads Guitar Festival 2010

We are starved for music. Many years ago I would grab the pink section of the San Francisco Chronicle and look up all the events scheduled for summertime. Once upon a time we had Day on the Green, Bridge School event, Konocti Harbor and Garlic festival where I saw WAR play. However, times are tough but Great music is still alive and well.

The Crossroads festival is one of those epic events where you can see guitar GODS interacting with other respectable musicians and also with their own bands. However, this event is in danger of becoming extinct. Mr. Clapton and all of his minions put this show on with help of sponsors such as Guitar Center, Fender Music Corporation and other fabulous volunteers. This event helps undercut the cost of the rehabilitation clinic in Antigua. Well, an event of this size requires a lot of work and at one point Eric pondered making this the last festival. No man, pass the baton but don't stop!

Where else can you find such talent in one place short of the Olympics or the World Cup (FIFA)? Steve Winwood, Buddy Guy, BB King oh my god this is amazing. Let's not forget Mr. Chi town - Bill Murray! Bill Murray is the emcee for the second time and he is always pulling pranks and keeping us in stitches. The last festival....? No no no.

Over twenty acts or personalities made it to the stage for over 11 hours of entertainment. 11 hours, well, Woodstock was epic because of the epic shift in social conscience where Crossroads seems to epitomize our struggle with addiction, repression, depression and financial devastation. For 11 hours we can forget our troubles, help a good cause, and become afflicted with facial cramps from smiling and hooting to our hearts content. The show must go on.

One group was missing from this event, The Allman Brothers Band was absent due to Gregg's recent liver transplant (hopefully a Speedy recovery) but lets hope our prayers will be answered and The ABB will be in full force in 2011. Notably; Warren Haynes (ABB - Gvmint Mule), Derek Trucks attended and gave the crowd a taste of Beacon Theater's favorite band.

Where do I stop? Jimmie Vaughan is coming out with a new album and as usual, played a few notes that hit the crowd like lightning bolts. BB King? Come on man, Hubert Sumlin..... Reverend Willy Gibbons and ZZ TOP and Johnny Winters was looking good and playing like someone rolled the clocks back. Shoot, if Willie Nelson was there, one might have to pinch oneself.

If I could be so selfish, I'd wish that this event occurred four times a year. I'd had the event in the North, South, East and finally the West. The concert would be within driving range of all regions. However, there are far too many acts to expect this to happen twice much less four times a year as it is a logistic nightmare. So, those who couldn't make it to past shows should endeavor to see next year's show before this event becomes something we reminisce about and hold in reverence. If you can make to this show - GO.

Guitar Player Presents Guitarmageddon at the High Sierra Music Festival July 2nd in Quincy, CA.

Guitar Player Presents Guitarmageddon at the High Sierra Music Festival July 2nd in Quincy, CA.

Crossroads Guitar Festival 2010

If you have not participated in Mr. Clapton's festivals - You should! The shows are awesome and if you can go, watch the DVD's. This year (2010) show has a smoking line up of players. Go if you can, buy the DVD if you cannot!

Festival site!

Eric Clapton's Crossroads Guitar Festival 2010 will be a day-long musical celebration featuring legendary guitarists and artistic collaborations by Eric and his friends including Allman Brothers Band, BB King, Buddy Guy, Jeff Beck, John Mayer, Sheryl Crow, Steve Winwood, Vince Gill, ZZ Top, and more.

The following artists are confirmed to participate in this unique event to benefit Crossroads Centre Antigua:

Albert Lee
Allman Brothers Band
BB King
Bert Jansch
Buddy Guy
David Hidalgo and Cesar Rosas of Los Lobos
Doyle Bramhall II
Earl Klugh
Eric Clapton
Gary Clark Jr.
Hubert Sumlin
James Burton
Jeff Beck
Jimmie Vaughan
Joe Bonamassa
John Mayer
Johnny Winter
Jonny Lang
Keb Mo
Pino Daniele
Robert Cray
Robert Randolph
Sheryl Crow
Sonny Landreth
Stefan Grossman
Steve Winwood
Vince Gill
ZZ Top

Ernie Ball Battle of the Bands #14

Ernie Ball is once again sponsoring the Warped Music festival. Unsigned bands have an opportunity to play live the Vans Warped Tour. Sign up your band, hit the woodshed and get busy and maybe your band could win.

Ya'll might have a better chance if the name of your band doesn't start with the word "The"...
There is still room for bands with names starting with "Y", "X", and "Z".... ;)

The Bands scheduled for this event:
Agent Orange
Alesana
AM Taxi
Anarbor
Andrew W.K.
Angry Samoans
Anti-Flag
Artist Vs Poet
Assorted Jelly Beans
Attack Attack
Automatic Loveletter
Beacher's Madhouse
Brass Tackz
Breathe Carolina
Breathe Electric
Bring Me The Horizon
Burning Empires
Call The Cops
Chase Long Beach
Closure in Moscow
Cobra Skulls
Confide
Deals Gone Bad
Deas Vail
Death Punch
Dickies
Dirty Little Rabbits
Discharge
Disco Curtis
Dropkick Murphys
Dustin Jones and The Rising Tide
Echo Movement
Emarosa
Emmure
Enter Shikari
Every Time I Die
Eyes Set To Kill
Face To Face
Fake Problems
Far From Finished
FEAR
Fight Fair
Flatfoot 56
Four Year Strong
Gardening Not Architecture
GOGO13
Green Jelly
Grind Time Now EMCEE BATTLE hosted by the Rollin R
HaSkaLA
Haste The Day
Hey Monday
Hollywood Heartthrob
Hope For AM
Hot Chelle Rae
I Can Make A Mess Like Nobodys Business
I See Stars
ice nine kills
In Fear and Faith
iwrestledabearonce
Knock-Out
Last Call Chernobyl
Left Alone
Longway
Manic Hispanic
Maxwell Smart
Mayday Parade
Middle Finger Salute
Mike Posner
Monkey
Motion City Soundtrack
Neo Geo
NeverShoutNever
Of Mice and Men
Our Last Night
Parkway Drive
Pierce The Veil
Polar Bear Club
Reel Big Fish
Riverboat Gamblers
Set Your Goals
ShiraGirl
Sparks The Rescue
Speakeasy Tiger
Spinlight City
Street Sweeper Social Club
Streetlight Manifesto
Suicide Silence
Sum 41
Swingin Utters
Terrible Things
Tess Dunn
The Adolescents
The All-American Rejects
The B Foundation
The Bots
The Bouncing Souls
The Cab
The Casualties
The Chase
The Darlings
The Dillinger Escape Plan
The Downtown Fiction
The Early Strike
The Fabulous Rudies
The Flatliners
The Frantic
The Germs
The Impalers
The Jukebox Romantics
The Mighty Regis
The Pretty Reckless
The Reverend Peytons Big Damn Band
The Rocket Summer
The Scary Mondelos
The Skank Agents
The Snips
The Sparring
The Summer Set
The Swellers
The Untouchables
The Uptones
The Voodoo Glow Skulls
The Word Alive
This Time Next Year!
Tip The Van
VersaEmerge
Victory In Numbers
Walk Off The Earth
We Are The In Crowd
We The Kings
Whitechapel
You Me At Six

John Mayer - Takes a twit to twitter..........

John Mayer is ?

What made you fix your lips to say that crap in Playboy? John Mayer is the Mayor of "Me" town it seems his world spins on his own axis. Gosh John, are you that misguided enough to believe that a little money and talent actually equates to some semblance of class? Your silly little comments that you spoke too easily make me ashamed to have anything in common with you. As a man and fellow guitarist seriously... Hood-pass? No John, that is revoked and the pass was simply because you currently have some jingo but once that is gone the way of the dinosaur - Ya'll better watch your back. Were you suddenly surprised by a fleeting bunny? Also thanks for the incite concerning how, where and why you hold your "axis" when viewing certain pictures... Not to mention how to treat a lady.

To be fair as I can possibly be - What would I do under similar circumstances? Talk about what made me famous. My music and the fact that I 'was' lucky enough to play on stage with Eric Clapton.

Unfortunately your propensity for megalomania took over! Spent a little too much time in that woodshed and playing your instrument alone? Do yourself a favor and the public as well by keeping your comments to yourself. Remember that there are plenty of talented people ready to knock you off and take over.

It's been a little more than obvious that you are really a media XXXXX. Get over it and cork it. Shut up and play your guitar..............

Lastly, maybe I am the biggest fool for commenting? After all, I guess I am reacting to what seems like behavior of a spoiled attention seeking child. Sad.