Author

Hello all, we are now in March, 2012... 'RizMum' blog sure is getting slower now, but as promised I will try my best to keep on going... and its been awhile now since my last post (T_T) and to update this took me almost a year, anyhow, this will be my final year so you guys know how it is when the big "E" comes. So guys, see you in my next post and keep on SHREDDING!!!! And as always please feel free to drop a suggestion/ideas via e-mail, Thanks

Tuesday 31 August 2010

Rusty Cooley (Revolution/Outworld)

Name: Rusty Cooley
Born: Unknown

Profile: He is a self-taught American guitarist who influenced by many styles including Jazz, Classical, Funk, Blues and even Country. His guitar works can be heard in his previous and current band such as "Revolution", "Dominion" and "Outworld", respectively.

History: Cooley received his first guitar on his 15th birthday (a Peavey T27 guitar and a Peavey Decade amp) from that day on he immersed himself in music, practicing upwards of 4 hours a day. Unsatisfied with local Instructors, he began teaching himself through instructional books and videos.

During high school, young Cooley took music theory classes and also attended the National Guitar Workshop. He performed solo guitar in high school talent shows and performed such pieces as Van Halen’s 'Eruption' and Randy Rhoads 'Revelation Mother Earth' solos. During his senior year, he was offered his first teaching job at the same store, where he had bought his first guitar.

After graduating from High School, Cooley continued studying Music Theory at the local college, as well as Music History and Class Piano. In 1989, he joined the local rock band "Revolution", the band wrote, performed and recorded all original music. They became one of Houston’s top drawing bands, and opened for national acts like "Badlands", "Nitro", "Every Mothers Nightmare", and "South Gang".

In 1992, "Revolution" released a four-song EP. "Revolution’s" music was once described as "Skid Row" meets Yngwie Malmsteen. The band made two appearances on a local TV show called 'Metallurgy' and 'Metallurgy Unplugged'. Cooley also taught guitar on a college TV show called 'Stay Tuned'. In 1993, he quit the band and started a new band called "Dominion", this new band wrote and performed locally as well but was short lived and broke up in 1995. Also, during 1995 he entered and won the 'Guitar Master Series' winning the title of 'Best Guitarist' in Houston.

In 1996, marked the beginning of a new direction, Cooley bought his first 7-string guitar and decided it was time to go for it on his own. It was during this period that he began to work on instrumental guitar compositions. These songs represented his desire to record an over-the-top guitar instrumental release featuring state of the art chops and strong melodic content. He also hosted 3 episodes of a local cable show called 'World Class Guitar Techniques', which aired in the Houston area.

In 2000, Cooley released an instructional CD 'Shred Guitar Manifesto' and gained endorsements with Jackson Guitars and Seymour Duncan pickups, and started doing guitar clinics as well. In 2001, he released two more instructional CD 'Extreme Pentatonics' and 'The Art of Picking'. Soon after, Cooley was asked to headline Jemfest in Orlando, Florida in 2002. Late that year, he had a custom 8 string guitar hand made by Bill Conklin of Conklin guitars.

In 2003, Cooley was given the honor of the '7th Fastest Shredder of all Time' in Guitar One Magazine, and not wanting to be known for shred skills alone, he and Bobby Williamson formed "Outworld", recorded its self-titled debut which was released in 2006 to both critical and artist acclaim. With the success of "Outworld’s" debut, and increasing notoriety in guitar circles, Cooley garnered a significant number of endorsements with Dean Guitars, EMG pickups and Diamond Amplification. In 2007, "Outworld" won 10,000 in a Famecast contest similar to American Idol where viewers watched and voted for the favorite artist.

Influences: Randy Rhoads, Yngwie J. Malmsteen, Jason Becker, Paul Gilbert, Allan Holdsworth, Paganini, Bach, Steve Vai, Gary Moore, Tony MacAlpine, Marty Friedman, Shawn Lane, Derek Taylor, Buckethead, Todd Duane, Scott Stine and Haji’s Kitchen and Ritchie Kotzen

Axology: Jackson guitars, Dean Rusty Cooley signature series guitar - the RC7 Xenocide and Diamond Amplifiers

Signature song(s): Under the Influence - Rusty Cooley (Rusty Cooley, 2003)

Link(s):

http://www.rustycooley.com/ (Official website)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lL3RJ4B349o

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6frmbC3pdTs&feature=related

A Pencil With Attitude!!!


Drawdio - a Pencil that draws sounds

More unbelievable technologies, this pencil really make music on papers!!! and seriously it did LOL, hope I get one soon, anyway enjoy the video guys (^^,)\m/

Link(s): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gDaj3tBSM2M&feature=player_embedded#!

FENDER MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS CORPORATION

 

The company began as Fender's Radio Service in late 1938 in Fullerton, California, USA. As a qualified electronics technician, Clarence Leonidas 'Leo' Fender (owner) had been asked to repair not only radios, but phonograph players, home audio amplifiers, public address systems and musical instrument amplifiers. The business also sidelined in carrying records for sale and the rental of self-designed-and-built PA systems. Mr. Fender became intrigued by design flaws in current musical instrument amplifiers, and he began custom-building a few amplifiers based on his own designs or modifications to designs.

By the early 40's, he had partnered with another local electronics enthusiast named Clayton Orr 'Doc' Kauffman, and together they formed a company named K & F Manufacturing Corp. to design, manufacture and sell electric instruments and amplifiers. Production began in 1945 with Hawaiian lap steel guitars (incorporating a patented pickup) and amplifiers. By the end of the year, Mr. Fender had become convinced that manufacturing was more profitable than repair, and he decided to concentrate on that business. However, Kauffman remained unconvinced, and they had amicably parted ways in 1946. At that point Mr. Fender renamed the company to Fender Electric Instrument Company.

The first big series of amplifiers were built in 1948. These were known as tweed amps, because they were covered in the same kind of cloth used for luggage at the time. These amps varied in output from 3watts to 75watts. This period was one of innovation and changes for all amplifiers at that time.

An early Fender tweed amplifier, dated in the 50's, with some of its 'amplifier logos'.

In 1949,  the first Fender solid-body Spanish-style electric guitar, the 'Esquire' lasted (in name only) from June to October 1950. This model name was replaced by the 'Broadcaster', which lasted (in name only) from October 1950 to January 1951. The reason Fender change the 'Esquire' name was to introduced a two-pickup version, originally 'Esquire' only have one pickup at the bridge, while the 'Broadcaster' change its name because The Gretsch Company at the time marketed a drum set under the 'Broadkaster' name, and at their request Fender renamed it to 'Telecaster' or simply 'Tele'.

Telecaster family trees; far left - white guitar - is the Esquire guitar version, (notice it only had one pickup at the bridge), next to it - classic cream colour - is the Broadcaster guitar version (this model introduced two pickups; bridge and neck). Red colour guitar -  is the standard Telecaster guitar. And far right - sunburst colour -  is the Telecaster Thinline (introduced by German luthier Roger Rossmeisl in 1968) extra feature of the Thinline was the f-hole and the reshaped pickguard. All 'Broadcasters' model have truss rods, where many 'Esquires' often have no truss rod.

The first mass-produced electric bass was the 'Precision Bass' or P Bass; and the popular 'Stratocaster' or Strat guitar, soon after. While Fender was not the first to manufacture electric guitars, as other companies and luthiers had produced electric guitars since the late 1920's, none was as commercially successful as Fender's. Furthermore, while nearly all other electric guitars then were either hollow-body guitars. Fender had created versatile solid-body electric guitars. These guitars were and still are popular for musicians in a variety of genres.


In early 1965, Mr. Fender sold his companies to the Columbia Broadcasting System (CBS) for 13 million. CBS entered the musical instruments field by acquiring the Fender companies. The sale was taken as a positive development, considering CBS's ability to bring in money and personnel who acquired a large inventory of Fender parts and unassembled guitars that were assembled and put to market. However, the sale also led to a reduction of the quality of Fender's guitars while under the management of 'cost-cutting' CBS.

Several cosmetic changes occurred after 1965, such as a larger headstock shape on certain guitars. These cosmetic changes were followed by a new "tailless" Fender amp decal and a sparkling orange grillcloth on certain amplifiers in the mid 70's. However, for guitars, in the early 70's the usual four-bolt neck joint was changed to one using only three bolts, and a second string tree for the two middle (G and D) strings was added in late 1971. These changes were said to have been made to save money: While it suited the new 'improved' micro-tilt adjustment of the neck, the 'Bullet' truss-rod system, and a 5-way pickup selector on most models, it also resulted in a greater propensity toward mechanical failure of the guitars.

Another family of Fender guitars; Fender Jaguar, Fender Jazzmaster (have the same body design as Jaguar, with extra switches), Fender Mustang, Fender Jag-Stang (guitar design for Kurt Cobain "Nirvana")

During the CBS era, the company did introduce some new instrument and amplifier designs. The Fender 'Starcaster' was particularly unusual because of its semi-hollow body design, still retaining the Fender bolt-on neck, and a completely different headstock. The 'Starcaster' also incorporated a new humbucking pickup (P90). This pickup also gave rise to 3 new incarnations of the classic Telecaster. The CBS-era instruments are generally much less coveted or collectable than the pre-CBS models created by Leo Fender prior to selling the Fender companies to CBS in 1965. After selling the Fender company, Leo Fender founded Music Man in 1975, and later founded the G&L Musical Instruments company, which manufactures electric guitars and basses based on his later designs.


The company also makes and distributes acoustic guitars, mandolins, banjos, violins and PA equipments. Other Fender brands include Squier (entry level/budget), Guild (acoustic, electric guitars and amplifiers), SWR (bass amplification), Passport Tacoma, Jackson guitars, Charvel guitars, Gretsch guitars and collaborated with Eddie Van Halen to make the EVH guitars and amplifiers.

More about Fender Musical Instruments; check out their official website: http://www.fender.com/

Tuesday 17 August 2010

Anastasia Bardina

Name: Anastasia Bardina
Born: Unknown

Profile: She is a Russian classical guitarist and graduated from the Russian Academy of Music. Bardina is the only virtuoso guitarist in Russia who plays both the 7-string Russian guitar and the 6-string Classical guitar. She also plays the 12-string GRAN Guitar (Guitar Russian Acoustically New) which is similar to a Classical guitar but has six light steel strings and six nylon strings with the steel strings lower in relation to the soundboard.

History: Her interest in music started when she was still young, and Bardina joined the Gnessin Russian Academy of Music (class of Professor A. Frauchi), just to pursue her dreams to be a classical musician.

After her graduation, Bardina is actively participating in numerous Russian and International Festivals. She always has enormous success with her solo concerts in countries such as Hungary, Poland, Austria, Cuba, Czech Republic, China, Mongolia, Latvia, Estonia, Belorussia and Ukraine.

Although she is not well-known in the West, Anastasia Bardina is one of the best classical guitar players in the world. In every of her concerts, she can be seen using his trademark 7-string classical guitar, though this instrument has been forgotten during several of decades. However, during the last several years, Russian and foreign musicians got highly interested with this instrument and therefore Bardina's concerts became especially valuable.

Bardina also perfectly plays six-string guitars and in her concerts she combines the masterpieces of world guitar art and the unique repertoire of Russian classics, which she tenderly saved and now shares with the audience. Today, Bardina is the constant member of jury on International and Russian competitions.

Influences: Unknown

Axology: 7-strings Russian guitar and the 12-strings GRAN guitar

Signature song(s): The Moth - Anastasia Bardina (GRAN-d Surprise, 1996)

Link(s):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wdlYEoIMMp8

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N80lAebLVrA&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QwppSHGZuXY&feature=related

"Harmony is the best word to describe the creative look of Anastasia Bardina" - World of Guitar Magazine.

Sunday 15 August 2010

MELODIC MINOR SCALE

The melodic minor scale is similar to the natural minor except for a raised sixth and seventh. Melodic minor is identical to the major scale except for a lowered third.

Saturday 14 August 2010

Rosli Mohalim (Sweet Charity)

Name: Rosli Mohalim
Born: 30th September, 1954 (Singapore)

Profile: He is a Singaporean musician, composer and a self-taught guitarist, better known for his guitar works in the 1970's legendary rock group "Sweet Charity" (AKA Singapore's "Deep Purple"). Other then music, Rosli also appreciate fine arts, he graduated from Nanyang Academy Singapore - Fine Arts in 1975.

History: He started to take an interest in music since primary school, from the influence of his brother, his brother was a music lover who always organized bands in the 60's, and every time there was a jammed session, Rosli will come along and play around with the drums. After he finished Primary 6, his brother bought him an acoustic Rossini guitar. Though Rosli did not have any interest in guitar at the time but he learn and developed some of his techniques from a friend named Fadhlin, and bought his first electric guitar when he was just starting his secondary school.

In 1970, Rosli joined a band called "Purple Grass" - which covered mostly "Deep Purple's" songs. After he graduated from school in 1975, he joined a band called "Sugar N Spice" which played mostly on clubs, this period was the era of funk and disco music, and Rosli at the time played bass guitar for the band.

In 1976, frontman Ramli Sarip and guitarist A. Ali of "Sweet Charity", met up with Rosli and asked him to joined "Sweet Charity" as a bass player replacing Wahid Warren. Ramli was very interested on how Rosli played his bass in one of the clubs where Rosli performed, but after guitarist A. Ali left the band, Rosli step up to take the guitar work and told Ramli to look for a new bassist (Rosli was replaced by the late Syed Hassan).

In 1978, "Sweet Charity" debut album was released, and it was the starting era of Rock & Roll in both Singapore and Malaysia. Followed by their second album, in 1980, 'Pelarian', this album consists of two legendary songs, such as; 'Musibah' and 'Zakiah'. Rosli and "Sweet Charity" managed to released 6 more albums until the late 80's, and did a reunion in 1996, with the original line-ups. Today, he is still in the music industry and is one of the high demand session for solo artists, both in Singapore and Malaysia.

Influences: Deep Purple, Black Sabbath, Santana and Grand Funk

Axology: Fender Stratocaster guitar with Floyd Rose Tremolo

Signature song(s): Teratai - Sweet Charity and Kamelia - Sweet Charity (both songs are from - Koleksi Sweet Charity, 1984)

Link(s):

http://roslimohalimfriends.blogspot.com/ (Rosli's blog)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lzeE3IU-XTw

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7B4iD3en5GU&feature=related

Friday 13 August 2010

Link Wray

Name: Frederick Lincoln Wray Jr.
Born/Died: 2nd May, 1929 (Dunn, North Carolina, USA) - 5th November, 2005

Profile: He was an American rock and roll guitarist, songwriter and occasional singer. Wray was noted for pioneering a new sound for electric guitars, as exemplified in his hit 1958 instrumental 'Rumble', which pioneered an overdriven, distorted electric guitar sound, and also for having, 'invented the power chord, the major modus operandi of modern rock guitarist', 'punk' and 'heavy rock'.

History: At age 8, young Wray first heard slide guitar from a traveling carnival worker, an African-American man named 'Hambone', he got interested with the instrument and learned how to play it. In his early years, Wray was a veteran of the Korean war, where he contracted tuberculosis (TB) that ultimately cost him a lung. His doctors told him that he would never sing again. So he concentrated on his heavy guitar work. Despite this, on his rare vocal numbers he displays a strong voice and a range equivalent to Clarence 'Frogman' Henry.

After discharge from the Army, Wray and his brothers Doug and Vernon Wray, with friends Shorty Horton and Dixie Neal, formed "Lucky Wray and the Lazy Pine Wranglers", later known as "Lucky Wray and the Palomino Ranch Hands". They had been playing country music and Western swing for several years when they took a gig as the house band on the daily live TV show Milt Grant's House Party, a Washington, DC version of American Bandstand. The band made their first recordings in 1956 as "Lucky Wray and the Palomino Ranch Hands" for Starday Records.

In 1958, at a live gig of the Milt Grant's House Party, attempting—at the urging of the local crowd—to work up a cover sound-alike for "The Diamonds" hit, 'The Stroll', they came up with an eleven and one half bar blues titled 'Rumble'. The song was an instant hit with the live audience, which demanded four repeats that night. Eventually the song came to the attention of record producer Archie Bleyer, and he wanted the song to be recorded. The song became a huge hit, not only in the US, but also Great Britain, where it has been cited as an influence on "The Kinks", "The Who" and Jimmy Page among others.

In 1960, he performed an instrumental song composed by Jerry Lordan, called 'Apache' which became a hit in the UK for "The Shadows". Wray later recorded one of the better covers of the song 30 years later, somehow finding new life in this mythic, minor-key, guitar/drum dialogue which by then was also associated with everyone from "The Ventures" to the "Incredible Bongo Band". And with the band they had several more hard-rocking instrumental hits in the late 50's and early 60's, including 'Rawhide', 'Ace of Spades', and 'Jack the Ripper'.

After his initial hits, Wray's career had periods of retirement followed by renewed popularity, particularly in Europe. He toured and recorded two albums with retro-rockabilly artist Robert Gordon in the late 70's. The 80's to the 90's saw a large number of reissues as well as new material. Wray's last new recording was in 2000, titled 'Barbed Wire', he even continued to tour up until four months before he died.

In 2003, Link Wray was ranked at #67 in Rolling Stone magazine's list of the 100 Greatest Guitarists of all time, but still has not yet been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. He is, however, a member of the Rockabilly Hall of Fame.

Influences: Unknown

Axology: Fender Stratocaster and Gibson SG

Signature song(s): Rumble - Link Wray and his Ray Men (1958)

Link(s):

http://www.rockabillyhall.com/LinkWrayTribute.html (Tribute Page)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LEUBV8qPZhw&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uVfmLFWDnYA&feature=related

Thursday 12 August 2010

Wahing Machine With Beats


This washing machine has its own musical rhythm.

I know this is out of the ordinary in 'RizMum blog', it's a WASHING MACHINE!!!! for crying out load..... LOL, but come to think of it, this machine really got her beats spinning (^^p)

Anyway, enjoy the video guys and SHRED ON!!! \m/

Link(s): http://www.likecool.com/Drumming_Washing_Machine--Video--Gear.html

Wednesday 11 August 2010

Don Alder (Spinal Chord)

Name: Don Alder
Born: 1956 (Williams Lake, British Columbia, Canada)

Profile: He is a Canadian acoustic fingerstyle guitarist with a passion that has quickly earned him a reputation as Vancouver's 'best kept little secret'. Alder is a world-class fingerstyle guitarist that has let to multiple endorsement deals with major manufacturers and a collaboration with Greenfield guitars to produce a signature acoustic guitar- the "Don Alder G4" model.

History: At the age of 14, young Alder was ill for few months which kept him out of school. His mother gave him his first guitar to help him stayed at home and rest, he learned the intro of 'Satisfaction' and then put the guitar to rest.

At some point, when Alder saw the movie 'Woodstock' he was totally blown away by Alvin Lee and the very cool instrumental piece played by Jimi Hendrix at the end of the movie. He then began playing electric guitar (a Simpson Sears electric deluxe) for some time until he met a guy that knew how to fingerpick, and taught him the basics. His first gig was at school with a loud band called "Arsus Myth".

In 1985, Alder put his music career on hold to assist his lifelong friend, Rick Hansen, with his quest to create awareness for the potential of people with disabilities and to generate funds for spinal cord research. The World Tour, inspired millions of people throughout the 34 countries visited and raised 26 million dollars. Today, Alder still works with Rick in a vital role at the Rick Hansen Man in Motion Foundation, and says he got involved with the Foundation to 'help make a difference' in improving the quality of life of others and now continues to do so with his music.

In the early 90's, Alder was mostly playing guitar as a hobby and was heavily involved in Wheelchair Sports. The World Tour developed Alder's wheelchair tech skills which he continued to hone post Tour. This evolved to the point where he was chosen to represent Canada as the Equipment Manager/Wheelchair Tech for the Canadian Paralympic Team in Atlanta in 1996 and Sydney Australia, 2000. During that time he met Sam Sullivan and Dave Symington, both quadriplegics from accidents. Sam and Dave both musicians, founded the Vancouver Adapted Music Society. Alder became the guitarist for the society's, performance band "Spinal Chord". They released a CD title 'Why Be Normal' which received national airplay, and released the video 'Mary'.

Alder has won various awards in first place such as; International Fingerstyle Championships Winfield, Kansas (2007), Vancouver Folk Slam (2004), Vancouver Guitar Show "Shred Contest" (2004) and Best 30-second Guitar Solo Contest - Acidplanet.com (2005) and many more.

Today, Alder continues to play to Canadian, American, European, and Asian audiences, sharing stages with Grand Master Acousticians such as Peter Finger, Jacques Stotzem, Bob Evans, Andy Mckee, and Masa Sumide, John Parr, Ellen McElwaine, Cassius Khan. He has also performed at festivals as a headliner which included artists such as Don Ross, Pierre Bensusan, Del Vazeau, Ric Emmet, Dave Martone.

Influences: Jimi Hendrix, Alvin Lee, Brian May (Queen), Wishbone Ash, Bruce Cockburn, Frank Zappa, Uriah Heep and "Black Sabbath"

Axology: Greenfield Don Alder - G4 signature model, Custom Warmoth Strat, Music Man Albert Lee model, Godin guitar, Fender Stratocaster 1979 and Yamaha guitars

Signature song(s): A Little Charm - Don Alder (Don Alder - Cool Compilation)

Link(s):

http://www.donalder.com/ (Official website)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-vocEYP0NsI

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JJi-W2p1iEQ

"Alder can make a single instrument sound like a 4 piece band. The Guy's like the acoustic Hendrix" - Picque News Magazine

Sunday 8 August 2010

Janick Gers (Gillan/Iron Maiden)

Name: Janick Robert Gers
Born: 27th January 1957 (Hartlepool, England)

Profile: He is an English musician, best known for his work with "Gillan" and as one of three current guitarists in "Iron Maiden" and a songwriter for the band.

History: Gers started to play guitar after the influence of "Deep Purple's" lead guitarist Ritchie Blackmore, and wanted to start his own band ever since. Though he is left handed, he tried to play guitar right handed as his guitar hero and even played a Fender Strat guitar and used a lot of Pentatonic and Blues scales.

In the late 70's, Gers was the lead guitarist of the band "White Spirit" before joining "Gillan" (early in the 80's), a group formed by former "Deep Purple" vocalist Ian Gillan. After "Gillan" disbanded, he joined "Gogmagog" which included former "Iron Maiden" vocalist Paul Di'Anno and drummer Clive Burr, in 1985 and released an EP 'I Will Be There'. Gers also performed with other artists including former "Marillion" vocalist Fish.

In 1990, he played guitar on the first solo album of "Iron Maiden" vocalist Bruce Dickinson, 'Tattooed Millionaire'. During the recording of the album, he was asked to join "Iron Maiden" in place of departing guitarist Adrian Smith. He has remained with the band ever since, even after Smith rejoined the band in 1999.

Gers' playing style uses heavy distortion and is noted for having a very raw tone. He prefers staccato picking instead of playing legato using hammer-ons and pull-offs.

Influences: Ritchie Blackmore (Deep Purple), Jeff Beck and Rory Gallagher

Axology: Fender Stratocaster, Gibson Chet Atkins semi-acoustic model and Marshall 9200 amplifiers

Signature song(s): Holy Smoke - Iron Maiden (No Prayer for the Dying, 1990) and Lord of the Flies - Iron Maiden (The X Factor, 1995)

Link(s):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IxfLW9oN9-k

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vQ2urYZcoyo

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7ZLWZEfd3lU

Saturday 7 August 2010

Patti Smith (Blue Öyster Cult)

Name: Patricia Lee Smith
Born: 30th December, 1946 (Chicago, Illinois, USA)

Profile: She is an American singer-songwriter, poet and visual artist, who became a highly influential component of the New York City punk rock movement with her 1975 début album 'Horses', and was called the 'Godmother of Punk', she integrated the beat poetry performance style with three-chord rock. Smith's most widely known song is 'Because the Night', which was co-written with Bruce Springsteen and reached #13 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in 1978.

History: As a young girl, she got interested in music in an early stage, and in 1969 she went to Paris with her sister and started busking and doing performance art. When she returned to New York in the early 70's, she spent most of her time painting, writing, and performing.

Smith was briefly considered for the lead singer position in "Blue Öyster Cult". She contributed lyrics to several of the band's songs, including 'Debbie Denise', 'Fire of Unknown Origin' and 'Shooting Shark'. During these years, Smith also wrote rock journalism, some of which was published in Rolling Stone magazine and Creem magazine.

By 1974, Smith was performing rock music herself, initially with guitarist and rock archivist Lenny Kaye, and later with a full band comprising Kaye, Ivan Kral (bass), Jay Dee Daugherty (drums) and Richard Sohl (piano), and named the band as "Patti Smith Group" or "PSG". Financed by Sam Wagstaff, the band recorded a first single, 'Hey Joe/Piss Factory' in 1974.

In 1975, "PSG" was signed by Arista Records, and released their first album 'Horses'. The album fused punk rock and spoken poetry and begins with a cover of Van Morrison's 'Gloria'. As the popularity of punk rock grew, "PSG" toured the US and Europe. The rawer sound of the group's second album, 'Radio Ethiopia', reflected this, and several of its songs from the second album have stood the test of time, and Smith still performs them regularly in concert.

Through most of the 80's, Smith was in semi-retirement from music, but in 1988, she released the album 'Dream of Life', which included the song 'People Have the Power'. In 1994, Smith faced the unexpected death of her brother Todd and "PSG" original keyboard player Richard Sohl. After the impact of these deaths, her friend Michael Stipe (REM) urged her to go back out on the road, and she toured briefly with Bob Dylan in 1995.

In 1996, Smith worked with her long-time colleagues to record 'Gone Again', featuring 'About a Boy', a tribute to Kurt Cobain (Nirvana). Smith was a fan of Cobain, but was more angered than saddened by his death. That same year she collaborated with "Stipe" on 'E-Bow the Letter', and a song on "REM"s 'New Adventures in Hi-Fi', which she has also performed live with the band. After release of 'Gone Again', Smith had recorded two new albums: 'Peace and Noise' in 1997 and Gung Ho in 2000.

In 2005, Smith was named a 'Commander of the Ordre des Arts et des Lettres' by the French Ministry of Culture. In addition to her influence on rock music, the Minister also noted Smith's appreciation of Arthur Rimbaud. In 2007, she was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. She dedicated her award to the memory of her late husband, Fred, and gave a performance of "The Rolling Stones" staple 'Gimme Shelter'. As the closing number of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony, Smith's 'People Have the Power' was used for the big celebrity jam that always ends the program.

Influences: Unknown

Axology: Fender guitars

Signature song(s): Gloria - Patti Smith (Horses, 1975)

Link(s):

http://www.pattismith.net/ (Official website)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c3coSfks4rQ&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cppyn-u3Djw&feature=related

Friday 6 August 2010

Erros Candra (Sheila On 7/Jagostu)

Name: Eross Candra
Born: 3rd July, 1979 (Yogyakarta, Indonesia)

Profile: He is an Indonesian multi-talented musician, composer and guitarist, better known for his guitar work in "Sheila On 7" or (So7).

History: Erros was born in a musical background families, his mother was a singer, his grandfather was a saxophonist and his uncle was a professional guitar player. Since elementary school, he was exposed to the music industry by accompanied his mother to band practice in their home studio, since then he was so interested in guitar and wanted to learn more about the instrument. He got his first acoustic Kawasaki guitar on his 14th birthday from his dad (which he still kept), and started to learn classical guitar from his uncle named Rus.

In 1995, in 3rd grade junior high school, he joined in a band, but it did not last long because one of his band mates moved to the city, and the band was disbanded. While in high school, Eross was invited to joined "Dizzy band' with Icha and Adhit Jikustik, and it was at this time that his old man bought Erros his first electric guitar. In 1996, Eross acquainted with Sakti, Anton, Adam and Duta. After they went a lot of jamming together, "Sheila Gank" was finally formed on May, 1996. The band had followed 'Festival Band DIY in Yogyakarta and got first prize, and both Eross and Adam won the prize as 'The Best Guitarist' and 'The Best Bassist', respectively.

In 1998, "Sheila Gank" had the opportunity to offer demos of their songs to Sony Music Indonesia, and change the band's name to "Sheila On 7" ('Sheila' is derived from the Celtic meaning of music and 'On 7' was taken from the seven scales in music), and their debut album hit the charts and made "So7" as the new Best Indie band in Indonesia.

With "So7", Eross became the most active songwriter in this band, he also composed songs for Memes, Rio Febrian and Tasya, and both the soundtrack for the movie '30 Hari Mencari Cinta' and 'Soe Hok Gie'. In addition to "So7", Eross is also busy with his new project band, "Jagostu". However, he made sure that his new band will not interfere with the existence and integrity of the band who made him as one of the best guitarist in Indonesia.

Influences: Richie Sambora (Bon Jovi), KISS, Europe and God Bless

Axology: Fender Telecaster and Kawasaki acoustic guitar

Signature song(s): Sephia - Sheila on 7 (Sheila on 7, 1999) and Berhenti Berharap - Sheila on 7 (OST - 30 Hari Mencari Cinta)

Link(s):

http://www.sheilaon7.com/ (Official Sheila on 7 website)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j3eh6Q-mxI4&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TW0k2JkScgs

Thursday 5 August 2010

José Feliciano

Name: José Montserrate Feliciano García
Born: 10th September, 1945 (Lares, Puerto Rico)

Profile: He is a blind Puerto Rican singer, virtuoso guitarist and composer, known for many international hits including the 1970 holiday single "Feliz Navidad".

History: Feliciano was born blind because of congenital glaucoma. He was first exposed to music at age 3. When he was 9, he played on the Teatro Puerto Rico. He started his musical life playing accordion until his grandfather gave him a guitar. He reportedly sat by himself in his room for up to 14 hours a day to listen to 50's rock albums, classical guitarists such as Andrés Segovia, and jazz players such as Wes Montgomery. He later had classical lessons with Harold Morris who earlier had been a student with Segovia.

At 17, he quit school to play in clubs, having his first professional, contracted performance in Detroit. In 1963, after some live performances in pubs and clubs around the USA, where he played at the same time as Bob Dylan, he was signed at RCA Victor.

In 1964, he released his first single 'Everybody Do the Click'. Later, in 1965 and 1966, he also released his first albums 'The Voice and Guitar of Jose Feliciano' and 'A Bag Full of Soul', two folk-pop-soul albums that showcased his talent on radio across the USA, where he was described as a '10 finger wizard'. He also was invited to the Newport Jazz festival in 1964.

After two more successful albums, Feliciano, now a household name all over Latin America, moved to LA. He got together with Rick Jarrard and they recorded "The Doors" song 'Light My Fire' in a Latin style and when released as a single, it reached #3 on the US pop charts in 1968. It sold over a million copies, and was awarded a gold disc. He immediately became a sensation all across North America, selling millions of albums and followed up his success with another top 20 hit in the US with his version of 'Hi-Heel Sneakers', again recorded with a Latin feel. On the strength of this success he won 2 Grammy Awards for Best New Artist Of The Year and for Best Pop Song Of The Year in 1969.

In 1970, he wrote and released an album of Christmas music, 'Felíz Navidad', which may be deemed to be his most famous recording. The title song has been covered by many artists and is now a traditional part of the musical landscape in the US, Canada and Latin America around Christmas time. Each year during the Christmas season, 'Feliz Navidad' returns to US airwaves, one of the most-played and most-downloaded radio songs and downloaded songs of the season. 'Feliz Navidad' is also recognized by ASCAP as one of the 25 all-time most-played Christmas songs in the world.

Feliciano holds the distinction of being one of the few singers to have enjoyed success both in Spanish language music and in English language rock & roll. He won 5 consecutive awards for best pop guitarist from Guitar Player magazine and was voted in jazz, classic and rock fields. He received a star in the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1987, and continued as a very popular singer during the 80's. He also has a star in the Walk of Fame of his native Puerto Rico.

In 1987, he also had a great hit in Austria with the song 'The Sound of Vienna', at #1 for four weeks and recorded with the famous Vienna Symphony Orchestra. The Orchestra also performed with him live on national television at Danube Park in Vienna before more than 60,000 people. During the 80's, record companies gave him space made only for the Latin market, and he recorded an impressive number of albums for that market, including the Motown albums 'Escenas de Amor' and 'Me Enamoré', as well as others from RCA, EMI, and Capitol which added four more Grammys for best Latin performer.

In 2006, Feliciano's new Spanish album, 'José Feliciano y amigos' was released by Universal Records, featuring Feliciano joined in duets with many other Latin American stars including Marc Anthony and Gloria Estefan, to name a few. In 2007, Feliciano released an album called 'Soundtrack of My Life', the first English-language album composed and written by him.

In 2010, Feliciano performed his rendition of 'The Star-Spangled Banner' again at Comerica Park in Detroit. This was part of the remembrance of Detroit Tigers radio announcer the late Ernie Harwell. He played it similarly to how he did back in 1968; with his acoustic guitar and in his slow tempo-ed, latin jazz style.

Influences: Andrés Segovia and Wes Montgomery

Axology: Unknown

Signature song(s): Feliz Navidad - José Feliciano (1970)

Link(s):

http://www.josefeliciano.com/ (Official website)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MgIC6KOFySk

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FKIrqC2QUvg

Wednesday 4 August 2010

2 in 1 guitar


This is a video showing Daniel Rose playing a two headed guitar, Cool guitar!

This is the real deal guys, Honestly, I don't really know from which this Strat came from but this video sure is cool, wish I could have one of those and hang it in the living room (^^p)

Anyway, enjoy the video guys and SHRED ON!!! \m/

Link(s): http://www.likecool.com/STEREO--Video--Gear.html

Tuesday 3 August 2010

Buck Owens

Name: Alvis Edgar Owens, Jr. (aka Corky Jones)
Born/Died: 12th August, 1929 (Sherman, Texas, USA) – 25th March, 2006

Profile: He was an American singer and guitarist (better known as Buck Owens), who had 21 number one hits on the Billboard country music charts with his band, "The Buckaroos". They pioneered what came to be called the Bakersfield sound - a reference to Bakersfield, California, the city Owens called home and from which he drew inspiration for what he preferred to call American music.

History: The name 'Buck' was a donkey on the Owens farm, in Texas, when Alvis, Jr., was 3 or 4 years old, he walked into the house and announced that his name was also Buck. That was fine with the family; and young Alvis was Buck from then on. While living in the farm, Buck who was in his teens started to have an interest in music, mainly; pedal steel guitar, and started to learn more about music.

In 1945, Owens co-hosted a radio show called Buck and Britt. Soon, Owens was frequently traveling to Hollywood for session recording jobs at Capitol Records, playing backup for Tennessee Ernie Ford, Sonny James, Wanda Jackson, Del Reeves, Tommy Sands, Tommy Collins, Faron Young and Gene Vincent.

Owens recorded a rockabilly record called 'Hot Dog' for the Pep label, using the pseudonym Corky Jones because he did not want the fact he recorded a rock n' roll tune to hurt his country music career, but sometime in the 50's, he joined the Dusty Rhodes band as a singer. His career took off in 1959, when his song 'Second Fiddle' hit #24 on the Billboard country chart, followed by 'Under Your Spell Again' at #4 and 'Above and Beyond' at #3.

In the early 60's, the countrypolitan sound was popular, with smooth, string-laden, pop-influenced styles used by Eddy Arnold, Jim Reeves, and Patsy Cline, among others. Owens went against the trend, utilizing honky tonk hillbilly feel, mixed idiosyncratically with the Mexican polkas he had heard on border radio stations while growing up. And in 1963, the single 'Act Naturally' became Owens and the Buckaroos' first #1 hit. "The Beatles" later recorded a cover of it in 1965, with Ringo Starr as lead singer (Starr later re-recorded the song as a duet with Owens in 1988).

In 1972, Owens and the Buckaroos finally had another #1 hit, 'Made in Japan', and he added pedal steel guitarist, Jerry Brightman. The band had been without pedal steel since late in 1969, and Owens returned to his grass roots sound of fiddle, steel, and electric guitars releasing a string of singles including 'Arms Full of Empty' and 'Ain't it Amazing Gracie'.

In late 70's, Owens established Buck Owens Enterprises and produced records by several artists. He recorded for Warner Bros. Records and left the TV series Hee Haw in 1986, after 24 seasons. Owens was named the Most Promising Country and Western Singer of 1960 by Billboard.

Influences: Unknown

Axology: Fender guitars

Signature song(s): Act Naturally - Buck Owens and the Buckaroos

Link(s):

http://www.buckowens.com/index2.html (Official website)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fOpgL4mqEis

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FSY-IF6pI2g