David Bowie

I am paraphrasing a quote I saw somewhere:

"If you're ever sad, just remember the world is 4.543 billion years old and you somehow managed to exist at the same time as David Bowie."

I think that sums it up.

I bought Darkstar days before Bowie passed. The album was rich and thought provoking. Then one night whilst listening to the radio, the disc jockey announced that David Bowie had passed. It was about 11:30 pm on a Sunday night in California. The moment of reason was emotional.

The Bowie catalog is immense. If you are new to Bowie, start with greatest hits and work your way out. His music is thoughtful, arranged very well, top notch musicians, his voice is dynamic and strong. Rock and roll at it's best.

Live your life to it's fullest, be kind and do your best.

BB King passes away!

Did you hear the church bell tone?

If you heard the tone then you know that BB King has gone to his grave. The world is a better place because of BB King. Some say, "The thrill is gone," but doubt BB King would have wanted The Blues to stop because he died. The torch has been passed.

BB King left some might big shoes to fill and whoever fills those shoes better let the good times roll!

We will miss you BB!

The incredibly sad news of Robin Williams

San Francisco comedian, actor, genius is no longer with us; Robin Williams was found dead in his Tiberon  home Monday, 08/11/2014. This is very sad news. There are no words. :(

I'll miss Robin Williams. Rest in peace Robin.

Lou Reed RIP

The world has lost another Rock and Roll pioneer who lived life on his own terms, created art on his own terms, and was his own man. Weary of writing about musicians who have passed away this year; I decided to limit my posts regarding recently deceased musicians. However, Lou's passing is just too abrupt and sad to ignore; therefore I'll make an exception with this post. Lou Reed's death isn't easy to write about for me because I remember being a little kid who listened to "walk on the wild side," which to me had the coolest bass lines. That memory is hard coded into my brain. This was how Lou worked, his art, it hit hard or soft but it stuck to my mind and obviously that phenomenon isn't limited to just one person.

Walk on the wild side was just one of Lou's often misinterpreted songs. What the song means is personal and for you to decide. As usual, we take people for granted until they are no longer at arms length. Live each day to it's fullest.

Lou was original, Lou, RIP

RIP JJ Cale - Sad news!

I wouldn't have learned about JJ Cale if it wasn't for Eric Clapton and Lynyrd Skynyrd, JJ would have been anonymous. But that is part of his mystique and appeal because in reality he was a guitar picker that decided that writing songs might fare him better than his playing. Therefore, many people are JJ Cale fans while not even knowing his name but that didn't bother JJ Cale, "What is nice is when you get the check in the mail." I'd say he made the right choice.  JJ Cale was very modest and just plain cool.

Condolences to the Cale family. There will never be another like JJ Cale and he will be missed!

A brief list of those who covered JJ Cale's songs:

The Allman Brothers
Lynyrd Skynyrd
Eric Clapton
Grateful Dead
Johnny Cash
The Band
Chet Atkins
Freddie King
Maria Muldaur
Captain Beefheart
Widespread Panic

Those who cite JJ Cale as a major influence:
Neil Young
Mark Knopfler
Bryan Ferry

Ray Manzarek passes away!

Ray Manzarek, Founding Member of The Doors, Passes Away at 74

Ray Manzarek, keyboardist and founding member of The Doors, passed away today at 12:31PM PT at the RoMed Clinic in Rosenheim, Germany after a lengthy battle with bile duct cancer. He was 74. At the time of his passing, he was surrounded by his wife Dorothy Manzarek, and his brothers Rick and James Manczarek.

Manzarek is best known for his work with The Doors who formed in 1965 when Manzarek had a chance encounter on Venice Beach with poet Jim Morrison. The Doors went on to become one of the most controversial rock acts of the 1960s, selling more than 100-million albums worldwide, and receiving 19 Gold, 14 Platinum and five multi-Platinum albums in the U.S. alone. "L.A.Woman," "Break On Through to the Other Side," "The End," "Hello, I Love You," and "Light My Fire" were just some of the band's iconic and ground-breaking songs. After Morrison's death in 1971, Manzarek went on to become a best-selling author, and a Grammy-nominated recording artist in his own right. In 2002, he revitalized his touring career with Doors' guitarist and long-time collaborator, Robby Krieger.

"I was deeply saddened to hear about the passing of my friend and bandmate Ray Manzarek today," said Krieger. "I'm just glad to have been able to have played Doors songs with him for the last decade. Ray was a huge part of my life and I will always miss him."

Manzarek is survived by his wife Dorothy, brothers Rick and James Manczarek, son Pablo Manzarek, Pablo's wife Sharmin and their three children Noah, Apollo and Camille. Funeral arrangements are pending. The family asks that their privacy be respected at this difficult time. In lieu of flowers, please make a memoriam donation in Ray Manzarek's name at www.standup2cancer.org

Jeff Hanneman - Founding member of Slayer RIP

A spider bite? After reading about the premature death of Jeff Hanneman I flipping visited my doctor. Especially since the average human eats 8 spiders a year! Gimmie a break....

I remember seeing that Jeff was making a sustained effort to rehabilitate from the necrotic skin infection in his arm only to initially read that Jeff tragically died from the infection. However, his cause of death was listed as liver failure which is a treatable and generally preventable illness often associated with lifestyle. If lifestyle bears out to be the cause of Jeff's untimely demise then attributing his death to necrotizing fasciitis is unjustly masking the truth and doing a disservice to those who need to realize that abusing one's health is not cool and can be fatal. The truth is that a hard living, live for today, party at all cost and forget about tomorrow is the cause of Jeff's death, then that is a game changer. That makes things different, talent or no talent. Certainly, Jeff was very talented and this is a sad tale and hopefully his untimely death, if due to abuse, can be used as an example to prevent others from traveling down a road of self destruction.

Playing clubs and concerts night to night and town to town is difficult to sustain even for the most robust musician. Touring becomes immeasurably more challenging when you and your mates are oversaturated..... Road food alone can even kill you over time. The requirements of touring involve traveling constantly, eating on the road, lack of sleep, spatial disorientation, and jet lag. Touring on a repetitive basis is tough on the human body.  If time bears witness that hard partying had nothing to do with Jeff perishing then I'll take this post down. Whatever the truth might be the fact remains that this IS tragic and my sympathy goes to his friends and family who now undoubtedly miss him very much.

One that is not in doubt: Jeff had some of the sickest licks. RIP Jeff Hanneman!

Hugh McCracken wins war over Leukemia

Hugh McCracken has passed away. Hugh lost the battle but ultimately won the war because he will no longer need to fight; today he is in everlasting peace. Leukemia sucks mightily.

You should go down the internet rabbits holes and find out why this guy was so revered. BB King jokes that Hugh McCracken wrote all the riffs on the "Live at the Regal," album. If you ever pinned your ear to a Steely Dan song or riff, chances are it was Hugh's riff.

Hugh played on: Paul Simon's, Still crazy after all these years: John Lennon's, Double Fantasy : Billy Joel's, The stranger: Steely Dan's, Gaucho: Paul McCartney's, Ram to name a few.

Elliot Randall posted the following on his Facebook page,
"It is with unspeakable sadness that I share with you the passing of one of the greatest friends and greatest guitarists/musicians who ever graced this planet. I am truly privileged to have known this man throughout all of my adult life. See ya on the other side, Hugh McCracken…"

Hugh McCracken died on March 28, 2013

Guitarist Alvin Lee Passed away RIP

Guitarist Alvin Lee passed away due to unforeseen complications following a routine surgery, Alvin was 68.

Alvin was a monster player and his untimely demise is certain to shake the guitar world awake. Alvin was hugely successful in the "Ten Years After" band and penned such supercharged tunes like I'm going home,  and the timeless I'd like to change the world among others. His scorching riffs paved the way for future shredders.

This is a link to Guitar worlds last interview with Alvin!

RIP Alvin!

Dan Toler of The Allman Brothers Band and Great Southern - RIP

Dan Toler, former guitarist for the Allman Brothers Band, Gregg Allman Band, and Dickey Betts’ Great Southern, died today. He was 65 and had been battling amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease.

Toler started playing guitar at age 12, influenced by Johnny Smith, Chet Atkins, Lonnie Mack, and others. His first band, Bill Lakes and the Playboys, focused on R&B and blues, and in 1969 he joined The Melting Pot Band, which recorded for Capricorn. After members of that band left to join Betts’ group, Toler was also recruited. In ’79, he joined the re-formed Allman Brothers Band and recorded three albums with it. After it disbanded in ’82, Toler joined Gregg Allman’s band, which in ’86 recorded the hit single “I’m No Angel.”

In 2002, Toler re-joined Great Southern, then focused on various solo projects. In 2011, he announced that he had been diagnosed with ALS.

Dave Brubeck has passed away

You have got to love Dave Brubeck! He made the song "Take five" famous which was written by Paul Desmond (Alto sax). Really don't know where I should start with Dave as he is a California native and grew up in the bay area. For me Dave was the catalyst that hipped me to odd time signatures.

Dave wrote Blue Rondo a' la Turk in 9/8 time and it's a brilliant piece of work. At 91, one damn day before his 92 birthday his number finally came up! Somehow somewhere he is laughing about that odd timing......... December 6, 1920 to December 5 2012.

Use the embedded links to read more about Dave Brubeck who was hailed as a living legend. Here's a nugget of trivial knowledge, Dave was drafted into world war II and was a member of General George Patton's third brigade! Prior to his military service, Dave thought he would help his father on their farm whereupon he attended what is now University of the Pacific to study veterinary science but transferred after the head of zoology told him to his mind is not here, it's across the lawn in the conservatory. Then he was nearly expelled when his professor learned that he could not read music. So many wonderful stories surround Dave Brubeck. He did wonders for jazz and for me in terms of learning.

Rest in peace Dr. Brubeck!

RIP Eddie Bertrand surf guitar legend

Eddie Bertrand is famous for his compositions with the Bel-Airs in the early 1960's. But another generation might also know about Eddie's guitar licks from the Orange county ska/punk band Sublime who incorporated Eddie's solo into its song "Seed." Later on, Eddie play with Eddie & the Showmen. Bertrand, who died on Saturday was a surf guitar pioneer. Eddie co-founded the Bel-airs and along with the Bel-Airs wrote their famous tune Mr. Moto... Below Mr. Moto being played at a benefit for Eddie. Eddie & the Showmen biggest hit was the Bel-Airs tune, Squad Car. A song that was recorded in a grain silo, the single rips along like the musicians were being chased by Godzilla for over two minutes of ripping surf music along with Bertrands wailing riffs. Another by-product of this type of music was the involved arrangements that spanned usually less than 2 minutes yet packed a huge punch in terms of fiery, spy-"ish", yet memorable guitar riffs.

The Beach boys include Bertrands sound as one of their inspirations. Bertrand ranked high among such surf luminaries as The Ventures, Dick Dale, and Link Wray. Bertrand was the consummate surf guitar pioneer and will be sorely missed. Eddie certainly loved the inimitable tone of Fender reverb and sound of Fender Mustang's and Fender Stratocaster's. We all steal from the greats and many of us owe our dues to Eddie's artistry. Pay up by paying forward!

Sadly, cancer finally took Eddie's life. Ma-halo Eddie!







If you are looking for more information about Surf Guitar then you should check out Sound of Surf Guitar circa 2009.

Nick Curran Rockabilly Guitarist RIP

Thankfully, it's been a while since I've listed an RIP on these pages but that stretch of the road has ended with the sad announcement that Nick Curran extremely early demise to oral cancer. A savant guitarist from Maine who wasn't just a rockabilly guitarist but also well employed the punk, swing revival, Texas blues, jump blues along with  his favorite rockabilly styles. Nick's passing is a huge loss to the rockabilly community. Best wishes go out to his family and loved ones.

Many of the bands that Nick was a member of are hallmark bands that enjoy international recognition: Nick Curran and the Nitelifes, Nick Curran and the Lowlifes, The Fabulous Thunderbirds, Ronnie Dawson, Deguello and The Flash boys.

Nick was diagnosed in 2010, deemed cancer free in 2011 only to be hammered with a disheartening relapse this year.

This is also a reminder of how difficult it is to pay for health care. Most musicians haven't any health insurance benefits. What is the best method of fixing this situation - I don't know. But the bills devastating families and society. It's a shame that the United States (a prosperous nation) has this problem. Be active towards a solution not reactive!



Yeah, this is groovin!


Read more about Nick here:
http://www.blindpigrecords.com/index.cfm?section=artists&artistid=25
http://www.bluesinthenorthwest.com/index.php/2011/04/21/update-from-nick-curran/

R.I.P Jon Lord of Deep Purple

During my elementary school years I used to listen to my pocket radio at night before I would go to sleep. The pocket radio was cool because it the AM and FM band wave capability and I was easily impressed. My favorite channel was one of the pop channels that one of my buddies suggested and the sound was very cool albeit it had static because it was an AM station. I would listen for my favorite Beatles songs, Creedance Clear water Revival and for some reason - Most of the time I heard "Midnight at the oasis," by Maria Muldower. Nevertheless, one night I heard a song that would forever solidify my love of  classical music inspired rock and roll; I heard the song called "Smoke on the Water," by Deep Purple.

Jon Lord

Besides the heavy three chord progression that just about everybody on this planet can hum, there was an inspired organ solo. The man that played that Smoke on the Water organ solo was Jon Lord. Few keyboardist or piano players have played such memorable solo lines. Jon co-wrote most of the Deep Purple material. I am a sucker for songs that tell a story (narrative ballad) and smoke on the water tells a story and had a memorable chord progression accompanied by tasty riffs from all the musicians.

There are songs out there that Jon Lord played on that most people recognize but didn't know that Jon was on the Kink's track - "You really got me," was one such track. Jon Lord had an immense discography that outline a brilliant multifaceted career.



Jon Lord succumbed ultimately to complications from pancreatic cancer. If you never got to see Deep Purple then this sad event should motivate you to get out and see your favorite band when you have the opportunity. If not, stay home and practice your musical instrument!

RIP Jon Lord

Doc Watson RIP

Grammy award winning Doc Watson has passed away after undergoing colon surgery this past week. A spokesperson in the Baptist Hospital, Winston Salem, North Carolina reported that Doc's condition remained critical until his passing today (05.29.2012). Doc has won 8 Grammy's including a lifetime achievement award, and a National Heritage Fellowship. He has also received the National Medal of the Arts. In addition, Doc has played at Carnegie Hall and the Lawn of the White house.


Arthel "Doc" Watson's mastery of flatpicking helped make the case for the guitar as a lead instrument in the 1950s and 1960s, when it was often considered a backup for the mandolin, fiddle or banjo. His fast playing could intimidate other musicians, even his own grandson, who performed with him.


He came from a musical family. His father was active in the church choir and played banjo and his mother sang secular and religious songs, according to a statement from Folklore Productions, his management company since 1964.

Doc Watson's father gave him a harmonica as a young child, and by 5 he was playing the banjo, according to the Merlefest website. He learned a few guitar chords while attending the North Carolina Morehead School for the Blind in Raleigh, and his father helped him buy a Stella guitar for $12.

"My real interest in music was the old 78 records and the sound of the music," Doc Watson is quoted as saying on the website. "I loved it and began to realize that one of the main sounds on those old records I loved was the guitar."

The wavy-haired Watson got his musical start in 1953, playing electric lead guitar in a country-and-western swing band. His road to fame began in 1960 when Ralph Rinzler, a musician who also managed Bill Monroe, discovered Watson in North Carolina. That led Watson to the Newport Folk Festival in 1963 and his first recording contract a year later. He went on to record 60 albums, and wowed fans ranging from `60s hippies to fans of traditional country and folk music.

According to the Encyclopedia of Country Music, Watson took his nickname at age 19 when someone couldn't pronounce his name and a girl in the audience shouted "Call him Doc!"

Seven of his albums won Grammy awards; his eighth Grammy was a lifetime achievement award in 2004. He also received the National Medal of the Arts from President Bill Clinton in 1997.

"There may not be a serious, committed baby boomer alive who didn't at some point in his or her youth try to spend a few minutes at least trying to learn to pick a guitar like Doc Watson," Clinton said at the time.

Folklore described Watson as "a powerful singer and a tremendously influential picker who virtually invented the art of playing mountain fiddle tunes on the flattop guitar."

Countless guitarists have tried to emulate Watson's renditions of songs such as "Tennessee Stud," "Shady Grove," and "Deep River Blues."

Doc Watson's son Merle began recording and touring with him in 1964. But Merle Watson died at age 36 in a 1985 tractor accident, sending his father into deep grief and making him consider retirement. Instead, he kept playing and started Merlefest, an annual musical event in Wilkesboro, N.C., that raises money for a community college there and celebrates "traditional plus" music.

"When Merle and I started out we called our music `traditional plus,' meaning the traditional music of the Appalachian region plus whatever other styles we were in the mood to play," Doc Watson is quoted as saying on the festival's website. "Since the beginning, the people of the college and I have agreed that the music of MerleFest is `traditional plus.'"

Doc Watson has said that when Merle died, he lost the best friend he would ever have.

He also relied on his wife, Rosa Lee, whom he married in 1947.

"She saw what little good there was in me, and there was little," Watson told the AP in 2000. "I'm awful glad she cared about me, and I'm awful glad she married me."

In a PBS NewsHour interview before a January appearance in Arlington, Va., Watson recalled his father teaching him how to play harmonica to a tune his parents had sung in church, as well as his first bus trip to New York City to perform in the early 1960s. He gave an early solo performance at Gerde's Folk City in Greenwich Village, a hot spot for the folk music revival, and later played Carnegie Hall.

Telling the stories in a folksy manner, he broke into a quiet laugh at various points. He said he still enjoyed touring.

"I love music and love a good audience and still have to make a living," Watson said. "Why would I quit?"

Musician Sam Bush, who has performed at every Merlefest, began touring with Doc and Merle Watson in 1974, occasionally substituting for Merle when he couldn't travel.

"I would sit next to Doc, and I would be influenced by his incredible timing and taste," Bush said after Watson's recent surgery. "He seems to always know what notes to play. They're always the perfect notes. He helped me learn the space between the notes (are) as valuable as the ones you play."

Bush said he was also intimidated when he began playing with the man he calls "the godfather of all flatpickers."

"But Doc puts you at ease about that kind of stuff," Bush said. "I never met a more generous kind of musician. He is more about the musical communication than showing off with hot licks."

His blindness didn't hold him back musically or at home.

Joe Newberry, a musician and spokesman for the N.C. Department of Cultural Resources, remembered once when his wife called the Watson home. Rosa Lee Watson said her husband was on the roof, replacing shingles. His daughter Nancy Watson said her father built the family's utility shed.

Guitarist Pete Huttlinger of Nashville, Tenn., said Doc Watson made every song his own, regardless of its age. "He's one of those lucky guys," said Huttlinger, who studied Watson's methods when he first picked up a guitar. "When he plays something, he puts his stamp on it – it's Doc Watson."

He changed folk music forever by adapting fiddle tunes to guitar at amazing tempos, Huttlinger said. "And people all over the place were trying to figure out how to do this," he said. "But Doc, he set the bar for everyone. He said, `This is how it goes.' And people have been trying for years to match that.

"He took it (the guitar) out of the background and brought it up front as a melody instrument. We're no longer at the back of the class. He gave the front to us."

Wayne Martin, executive director of the North Carolina Arts Council, said recently that Watson took southern Appalachian forms of music such as balladry, old-time string music and bluegrass, and made them accessible.

"He takes old music and puts his own creativity on it," Martin said. "It retained its core, yet it felt relevant to people today."

Said Bush: "I don't think anyone personifies what we call Americana more than Doc Watson."

North Carolina Gov. Beverly Perdue said in a statement Tuesday evening that Watson will be missed.

"Over his long and brilliant career, Doc Watson traveled the world playing the music he loved, but his heart never strayed far from his home in Deep Gap, N.C.," Perdue said. "Our state was fortunate to have such a worldwide ambassador of North Carolina's culture and heritage."

In 2011, a life-size statue of Watson was dedicated in Boone, N.C., at the spot where Watson had played decades earlier for tips to support his family, according to the Folklore statement. At Watson's request the inscription read, "Just One of the People."

If you consider yourself a guitar player then you must know or learn about Doc Watson.
Watson, who was born in Deep Gap is blind, is known as a master Travis picking/flat picking style of guitar playing.

We send our prayers and best wishes to Doc and his family during this difficult time.

Where does Rockabilly come from? Listen to this concert from NPR!

Jim Marshall Passes - The Lord of Loud RIP

Almost iconic as Gibson guitars, Apple Computers, and Rock and roll, Marshall amplification is a huge name in the music industry. Jim Marshall founded Marshall Amps which are widely used by many guitarists and musicians alike. An integral member of a quartet of inventors during the infancy of Rock and Roll, along with such luminaries as Leo Fender , Seth Lover, and Les Paul, these men helped shape the sound music as we know it today. Musicians from Jimmy Hendrix to Zakk Wylde openly adored the Marshall amp and lord it for its distinct timbre and panache. Edward Van Halen created his secret brown sound by simply modifying Marshall amp, went on to build his own amp based on the foundation laid by Leo Fender and Jim Marshall.

Jim Marshall, born in Londan in 1923, Marshall was a drummer, drum teacher, owner of a music instrument store specializing in drums. He also carried guitars and amps. He carried Fender guitars and amps but most players found those to be extremely expensive and of unfavorable tone. Jim said that musicians described to him the tone they where looking for and Jim set about building an amp that would be cheaper than the Fender series and have the tone desired by his patrons. His first iteration was the JTM 45, the rest is history. The Guv'nor (as Jim Marshall was affectionately called) was a generous and humble man helped change rock and roll forever. Jim is gone but his amps live on! RIP Guv'nor!

RIP Earl Scruggs - Blue Grass Legend

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) - Bluegrass legend and banjo pioneer Earl Scruggs, who helped profoundly change country music with Bill Monroe in the 1940s and later with guitarist Lester Flatt, has died. He was 88.

Scruggs' son Gary said his father died of natural causes Wednesday morning at a Nashville, Tenn., hospital.

Earl Scruggs was an innovator who pioneered the modern banjo sound. His use of three fingers rather than the clawhammer style elevated the banjo from a part of the rhythm section - or a comedian's prop - to a lead instrument.


His string-bending and lead runs became known worldwide as "the Scruggs picking style" and the versatility it allowed has helped popularize the banjo in almost every genre of music.
The debut of Bill Monroe and The Blue Grass Boys during a post-World War II performance on The Grand Ole Opry is thought of as the "big bang" moment for bluegrass and later 20th century country music. Later, Flatt and Scruggs t eamed as a bluegrass act after leaving Monroe from the late 1940s until breaking up in 1969 in a dispute over whether their music should experiment or stick to tradition. Flatt died in 1979.

They were best known for their 1949 recording "Foggy Mountain Breakdown," played in the 1967 movie "Bonnie and Clyde," and "The Ballad of Jed Clampett" from "The Beverly Hillbillies," the popular TV series that debuted in 1962. Jerry Scoggins did the singing.

After the breakup, Scruggs used three of his sons in The Earl Scruggs Revue. The group played on bills with rock acts like Steppenwolf and James Taylor. Sometimes they played festivals before 40,000 people.

In a July 2010 interview, Scruggs said in the early days, "I played guitar as much as I did the banjo, but for everyday picking I'd go back to the banjo. It just fit what I wanted to hear better than what I could do with the guitar."

Scruggs will always be remembered for his willingness to innovate. In "The Big Book of Bluegrass," Scruggs discussed the breakup with Flatt and how his need to experiment drove a rift between them. Later in 1985, he and Flatt were inducted together in the Country Music Hall of Fame.

"It wasn't a bad feeling toward each other as much as it was that I felt I was depriving myself of something," Scruggs said. "By that, I mean that I love bluegrass music, and I still like to play it, but I do like to mix in some other music for my own personal satisfaction, because if I don't, I can get a little bogged down and a little depressed."

He said he enjoyed playing because "it calms me down. It makes me satisfied. Sometimes I just need to pick a few tunes."


At an 80th birthday party for Scruggs in January 2004, country great Porter Wagoner said: "I always felt like Earl was to the five-string banjo what Babe Ruth was to baseball. He is the best there ever was, and the best there ever will be."

In 2005, "Foggy Mountain Breakdown" was sel ected for the Library of Congress' National Recording Registry of works of unusual merit. The following year, the 1972 Nitty Gritty Dirt Band record "Will the Circle Be Unbroken," on which Scruggs was one of many famous guest performers, joined the list, too.

Scruggs had been fairly active in the 2000s, returning to a limited touring schedule after frail health in the 1990s. In 1996, Scruggs suffered a heart attack in the recovery room of a hospital shortly after hip-replacement surgery. He also was hospitalized late last year, but seemed in good health during a few appearances with his sons in 2010 and 2011.

In 2001 he released a CD, "Earl Scruggs and Friends," his first album in a decade and an extension of The Earl Scruggs Revue. Over 12 songs, he collaborated with an impressive stable of admirers: Elton John, Dwight Yoakam, Travis Tritt, Sting,Melissa Etheridge, Vince Gill, John Fogerty, Don Henley, Johnny Cash and actor Steve Martin, a banjo player, were all featured.
Scruggs, born Jan. 6, 1924, in Flint Hill, N.C., learned to play banjo at age 4. He appeared at age 11 on a radio talent scout show. By age 15, he was playing in bluegrass bands.

"My music came up from the soil of North Carolina," Scruggs said in 1996 when he was honored with a heritage award from his home state.

He and Flatt played together in Bill Monroe's Blue Grass Boys, then left to form the Foggy Mountain Boys in 1948.

Their popularity grew, and they even became a focal point of the folk music revival on college campuses in the late 1950s and early 1960s. Scruggs' wife, Louise, was their manager and was credited with cannily guiding their career as well as boosting interest in country music.
Later, as rock 'n' roll threatened country music's popularity, Flatt and Scruggs became symbols of traditional country music.


In the 1982 interview, Scruggs said "Bonnie and Clyde" and "The Beverly Hillbillies" broadened the scope of bl uegrass and country music "more than anything I can put my finger on. Both were hits in so many countries."

Scruggs also wrote an instructional book, "Earl Scruggs and the Five String Banjo."
In 1992, Scruggs was among 13 recipients of a National Medal of Art.

"I never in my wildest dreams thought of rewards and presentations," he said. "I appreciate those things, especially this one."

Louise Scruggs, his wife of 57 years, died in 2006. He is survived by two songs, Gary and Randy. Gary Scruggs says funeral arrangements are incomplete.


THE BOOT

Ronnie Montrose RIP

Cease and desist! Hence forth, no more cool guitarists are allow to die without permission! We have all been surprised by unexpected passing of public figures but this one caught me by surprise. Dignified and private to the end, Ronnie's illness was mostly kept quiet. In a world where people are more concerned with other people's business, this gentle guitar giant passed away at age 64. Ah yes, it's much more fun to point at what others have done or have so the masses can explain the chip on their should. Not Ronnie!

A transplant from Colorado, the San Francisco Bay Area became Ronnie's home. On planet earth; Ronnie was a riff king. What? You need proof?? Without revealing my age, there was a time in my life when I bought my first press of the Montrose Album but there was another band that I heard about named ZZ Top. I made a tape of the Montrose Album and then traded a kid at school for ZZ Top's Fandango. My brother already had the Montrose album and it was a safe trade, in my myopic view of life at the time thought I would always have access to those songs and huge riffs. My point is that, the only band that could even hold a candle to Ronnie Montrose band is ZZ Top. That little band from Texas is the only band that in my mind even compare to Montrose. Ultimately, I bought the Montrose discography collection twice, once on vinyl and once on CD.

Wild night. The opening to Van Morrison's Wild Night was a riff that Ronnie made up and it caught Van Morrison's ear. Great song? Yes, certainly but the opening riff is the type of riff that when people hear three chords they are already locked on to the song and jumping around. That my friend is a riff, hook, ostinato, phrase or whatever you'd like to call it. B-line is that your hooked and probably going to remember that group of notes until your rust or die. What? Still not a believer? Listen to Montrose - Rock Candy, Bad Motor Scooter, I got fire, One and a half, One Thing on my mind, and Rock the nation - If those songs don't do it for you then you aren't a fan of rock and roll. Ronnie's discography is modestly stated the underpinnings of heavy metal as we know it. Wild night was just one riff, another was Frankenstein by Edgar Winter. Too many great riffs to list - Get culture look up Ronnie Montrose!

The world doesn't know what it has until it's gone. Ronnie seemed to disappear from the scene during the late 80's until recent. He wasn't in the monsters of rock tour, Warped tour,  but he was on one Day on the Green in 1978. Ronnie had various project bands like GAMMA. Gamma albums were awesome but the first two especially seemed to really be earth shattering in terms of integrating the guitar, keyboard and special effects. Even the cover of the Gamma Albums seemed to have mystic appeal to me and my friends. There were other bands that I listened to that in my view were largely influenced by Ronnie Montrose. David Meniketti and Y & T had huge riffs like Montrose. No offense to Y & T but they seemed like Montrose light even though they blew the doors of the house - Ronnie Montrose was that good! Even without the monster tours, Ronnie's music remained relevant.

Ronnie - we miss you! One met never forgotten! This series of interviews are really interesting and you can learn while listening.

RIP Ronnie Montrose!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Ronnie used Baker Guitar elusively!

This video is simply awesome!


More !









Rock The Nation ! Uptown Theater in Napa California - February 2012

Johnny Otis RIP

Today along with Etta James we lost the Great Johnny Otis - Willie and the hand jive! Born in Vallejo California December 28 1921, Johnny moved to Los Angeles following advice from Nat King Cole and Jimmy Witherspoon. In 1950, Johnny had 10 songs that made the top ten on billboard magazines retail rhythm and blues record list. He went on to discover Willie Mae (Big mama) Thornton, Etta James, Hank Ballard and more. This illustrious career allowed him to share the bandstand with the likes of Count Basie, Lester Young, Eddie (Clean head) Vinson, Charles Brown and more. Johnny lead a full life that even included politics. In addition, Johnny Otis is the father of Shuggie Otis. We wouldn't have the music we have today without the guiding hand of yesterday. Johnny will be missed!

Ed Roman Luthier and Entrepreneur - Ed Romans Guitars Las Vegas - RIP

Ed Roman has passed away! If you have ever been looking for excellent guitars then most likely you have visited his web site or his showroom in Las Vegas. Many great guitarists have bought guitars from Ed or at least popped into his shop to see what Ed had on hand. Ed's passing was a bit premature as he was only in his early 60's.

For the guitarist, going to Las Vegas and not stopping by Ed's would be an unthinkable oversight. Ed Roman was outspoken but at the very least had the courage of his conviction to his opinion. I loved reading Ed's Rants. 

The Rants were justification alone to visit the site. Here are a couple of links to my favorite rants. The Gibson Les Paul neck fracture rant which is hard to fault and you can tell that Ed was passionate about the problem. Got to read the PRS FAQ here! Finally, the over-priced guitar rant. Agree or disagree, Ed had an opinion and he had the courage to stand up for his convictions. There are not too many guitar website that contain enough content to keep you clicking for hours, Ed Roman Guitars site is hot!

There were a lot of stars that purchased guitars from Ed. Ted Nugent had a custom guitar that housed a Derringer pistol in the back of the guitar. The Rev. Billy F. Gibbons, Keith Urban, Rick Derringer and others. Click here for a list of endorser's. Many people loved the QuickSilver guitar which is direct competition for many guitars including PRS.

I personally never bought a guitar from Ed's but I almost did so as they sell Baker guitars. The sale never came to fruition but nevertheless, I enjoy the Ed Roman site and I am sure that it will be there for all of us to use, refer, and enjoy for years to come.

Er Roman's "Eric Claptons - Fool Guitar."

Ed's abstract guitars are a hoot!

RIP ED! "Worlds best guitars"