Michael Franks

Name: Michael Franks
Born: 18th September, 1944 (La Jolla, California, USA)

Profile: He is an American smooth jazz singer and songwriter. Franks has recorded with a Who's Who of artists, such as Patti Austin, Brenda Russell, Art Garfunkel, and David Sanborn. His songs have been recorded by "The Manhattan Transfer", Patti Labelle, Carmen McRae, Diana Krall, Shirley Bassey and "The Carpenters".

History: Although no one in Franks family played music, his parents loved swing music and his early influences included Nat King Cole and Johnny Mercer. At age 14, he bought his first guitar (a Japanese Marco Polo for $29.95 with six private lessons included - the only music education that he received).

At University High in Irvine, Franks discovered the poetry of Theodore Roethke with his off-rhymes and hidden meter. In high school, he began singing folk-rock, accompanying himself on guitar. Studying English at UCLA he discovered Dave Brubeck, Patti Page, Stan Getz, João Gilberto, Antonio Carlos Jobim and Miles Davis, and he never studied music in college.

During this time he started writing songs, starting with the anti-war musical Anthems in E-flat starring Mark Hamill. He also composed music for the films 'Count Your Bullets', 'Cockfighter', and 'Zandy's Bride'. Sonny Terry and Brownie McGhee recorded 3 of Franks' songs, including 'White Boy Lost in the Blues', on their album 'Sonny & Brownie'. Michael played guitar, banjo and mandolin on the album and joined them in touring.

In 1973, Franks recorded an eponymous album (later reissued as 'Previously Unavailable'), which included the minor hit 'Can't Seem to Shake this Rock 'n Roll'. In 1976, he released his second album 'The Art of Tea', beginning a long relationship with WB Music, the album featured Joe Sample, Larry Carlton and Wilton Felder (The Crusaders) and included the hit song 'Popsicle Toes'.

Franks' third album, 'Sleeping Gypsy', which includes the song 'The Lady Wants to Know', was partially recorded in Brazil. Around this time, percussionist Ray Armando first gave Franks what would become a signature instrument - a cabasa - to play on stage for songs he didn't play guitar on. His 1978 album, 'Burchfield Nines', which includes the song 'When the Cookie Jar is Empty', reflects Franks move to New York City and features more of an East Coast sound. Since then, he has recorded more than 15 albums.

His best known works include 'When I Give My Love To You', 'Popsicle Toes', 'Monkey See', 'Monkey Do', 'Tiger in the Rain', 'Rainy Night in Tokyo', and 'Tell Me All About It'. His biggest hit came in 1983 with 'When Sly Calls (Don't Touch That Phone)', from the album 'Passionfruit'. Radio hits include 'Your Secret's Safe With Me' from the 1985 album 'Skin Dive', and 'Island Life' from 1987's 'The Camera Never Lies'.

Influences: Peggy Lee, Nat King Cole, Ira Gershwin, Irving Berlin and Johnny Mercer

Axology: Unknown

Signature song(s): Can't Seem to Shake this Rock 'n Roll - Michael Franks (Previously Unavailable, 1973)

Link(s):

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

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cPWA9N10tRQ

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oDb6X7-Y6RY

Sony (J-Rocks)

Name: Sony Ismail Robbayani
Born: Unknown

Profile: He is an Indonesian musician, better known for his guitar works in his current band, "J-Rocks" as a lead guitarist. He was known in the local guitar community since his band "J-RockStar" won a TV talent show - Nescafe Get Started in 2004.

History: Sony started to play guitar in his teens, mostly self-taught. Ever since he learned how to pick a guitar, he wanted to be a professional musician/guitarist as his idol; guitarist virtuoso Steve Vai and the legendary Jimi Hendrix.

In 2001, Sony went for an audition as a guitarist for a local band named, "Funky Kopral" (now known as "Funkop"), this is where he met up with future vocalist Iman, who gave Sony an idea to formed a Japanese genre band with him. Wima (bass) and Anton (drum) joined soon after, and "J-RockStar" was officially formed in 2003.

In 2004, "J-RockStar" (JRS) entered a TV musical talent show called 'Nescafe Get Started'. The band won at first place followed with two other great bands; "B-Five" and "Cool Khas". On the grand final concert of the talent show, "JRS" performed an adaptation music from Japanese rock band, "L'Arc~en~Ciel".

Soon after the talent show, "JRS" was offered a contract for a studio album under Aquarius Musik label, and their name was shortened from "J-RockStar" to "J-Rocks". Their debut, 'Topeng Sahabat' was released in 2005 and was sold for 450,000 copies only in Indonesia. The debut album was followed with two more albums, 'Spirit' (2007) and 'Road To Abbey' (2009). Though, Sony is still new in the music industry, he has impressively gain a lots of fans.

Influences: L'Arc~en~Ciel, Muse, Alicia Keys, The Beatles, Jimi Hendrix, Red Hot Chili Pepper, Siti Nurhaliza and Steve Vai

Axology: Marlique Deluxe series guitar, PRS guitar - SE Camouflage, Fender Telecaster, Radix guitars and Carvin Amplifiers

Signature song(s): Kau Curi Lagi - J-Rocks featuring Prisa (Spirit, 2007)

Link(s):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T_C05v1nYY0

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3T-4d2ihp1Y

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BWzpnYc9ib0&feature=related

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/