A Very Proud and Humble Tutor

I am really proud of all my students (please call them musicians from now on). A glance through the videos on this page makes me feel happy that 'live' music will live on. Well done guys!!

Reading Rhythm Notation, Part I (Counting)

Standard notation, among other things, is a visual means of representing the pitch and duration of musical notes. Before we learn the pitches of the notes, let's learn to count some rhythms. This chart summarizes many (but not all) of the note values you'll encounter most often in written music:

From Bass-ically Speaking Click here to download this file

Bass Player Wanted

Blue Nation (Birmingham) are looking for a bass player.
You can contact Neil Murdoch through Facebook or their website.
www.facebook.com/bluenationmusic
www.bluenation.co.uk

John Miles - Upfront 1993

You'll probably remember "Music" from 1976, but I doubt very much else. In truth I felt John Miles lost the plot in the 1980's as he tried to embrace the 'synthesiser' age. I saw John Miles when he played an open air gig in at the "Wolverhampton Fiesta" West Park Wolverhampton in 1979 to promote the 'More Miles Per Hour' album. He best know nowadays as the touring guitarist and musical director with Tina Turner but in 1993 he released his last solo album. Nine years later it's on my ipod and it's and absolute joy to these ears. The bass playing in particular is well up in the mix and is played with some panache by Neil Stubenhaus (Barbra Streisand's and Quincy Jones' main bass player). It features the Miles penned song "Now That the Magic Has Gone"  which was recorded by Joe Cocker on his 1992 album 'Night Calls'. This alone is a shinning example of just how good, and sadly over-looked, song writer John Miles is. Just check out the opening track "Everything's OK" and you'll see why this is my 'discovery' of the year.

Van Halen - The Return

The Beatles - Complete

Well it's took the best part of three years, but this festive season saw me finally complete the set.

So based on the previous post I have started to check out Lindsey Buckingham's previous releases. "Gift Of Screws" drew me in just like "Seeds We Sow" did. He is one of the few artists that can use 'space' to great effect. This allows the listener (me) to really appreciate the varied tones of his fret work.
It's clear to see why Mick Fleetwood was keen to secure the services of Lindsey Buckingham way back in the seventies, and now the true talent in that band shines through.
I am probably way behind in singing this guys praises as he has for a long time been revered by guitarists through out the world, but this is one party I am happy to be late for as I have so much of his other solo work to look forward to.
"Under The Skin" next.........

I have always been a big fan of Lindsey's work with Fleetwood Mac, but for some reason always steered clear of his solo work. Well after deciding to 'take the plunge' with his new album I shall be addressing his back catalogue.
Maybe something changes as you get older and you start to appreciate musicians for their outstanding ability and total control of their chosen instrument. Steve Lukather, Victor Wooten are two artists that I have given repeated listens too and benefited from the joy of their music.
When I first listened to Lindsey's album I had it on in the background whilst I was working in my studio. In no time at all I was staring at the speakers in amazement at what a great guitarist this man is.
It's not even going to register on many peoples wish list, but for me it is always a pleasure when music makes me stop what I am doing and draws me in.
I have nothing but the highest regard for any musician who can can effect me in this way.

Two 'Works Of Art'

"Work Of Art" are one of those European band's whose influences include Journey, Toto etc.
Obviously sharing their love of these iconic bands I had to check them out.
Both albums, Artworks (2008) and In Progress (2011) owe a great debt to Toto circa Isolation and Fahrenheit, but if to bi-pass the obvious sound-a-like tracks you will be rewarded with some of the finest AOR in years.
From a bass players point of view there is'nt one named on the albums. The band comprises of guitarist Robert Sall, singer Lars Safsund and drummer Herman Furin. So no bass permanent bass player.... maybe they need one!!

I definitely recommend you give them a listen.

Night Ranger Takes Over As Album of 2011 (so far....)

There has been some great music released recently in the wake of the resurgence of AOR (mainly thanks to GLEE!!). New offerings from Sunstorm (Joe Lynn Turner), Blanc Faces, Terry Brock, Two Fires and Shinning Line have all joined Journey in releasing quality material in recent months. So when I heard that Night Ranger were jumping on the 'band waggon' I was curious to see what Jack Blades (bass & Lead vocals) and the (old farts) band would come up with. 'Midnight Madness' (1983) and 'Big Life' (1987) were de-rigour in the 80's, then they went bland and dull with 'Man In Motion' (1988). Time to get a proper job and settle down.
So what of 'Somewhere In California'....
Forget winding the windows down; just rip the whole roof off and turn it up!! Sod the rain; put your Ray Bans on and (if you have any left) let the wind fly through your hair.
Remind your kids that you used to be young once in this is what great music can make you feel like.
There are so many reasons why this album has jumped to the top of my personal 'Best of 2011' list. On Journeys last album I felt they lost their anthemic style that they were renowned for. Fortunately Night Ranger found it and sprinkled this album with anthems a plenty.
"Growing Up In California" kicks the whole thing off with a corking guitar/keyboard harmony intro then you are transported back to a time when music meant something to you and your mates.
"Lay It On Me" has got a riff to die for. They are guilty of stealing from Metallica and Bon Jovi but as Blades sings "we don't even care",  you quickly forgive them as you will find yourself with a smile on your face trying to remember where you put your old cowboy boots, and cursing your pot belly.
"Bye Bye Baby (Not Tonight)" will have you raising one hand in the air as count the beat on the steering wheel. OK, so your going to get some strange looks from the people in the car next to you, but just make sure your drowning out their "Now 78" CD.
"Time Of Our Lives" is Sister Christian circa 2011. Big power ballad, big vocals, big guitar solo.
"No Time Top Loose Ya" is a classic Major/Minor/Major chorus with a chugging guitar verse. Yes its been done a million times before, but no-one does it today!! And a harmony guitar solo ...oh yeah!!!
"It's Not Over" is Air Guitar Heaven, and it will have you singing 'goodbye' at the top of your voice at the end of every chorus.
"Rock n' Roll Tonite" does what it says on the tin, so make sure yours peakers  can handle this one. I harks back to the days when record companies used to let musicians go into the studio and have some fun.
"Say It With Love" closes the album, and if you've got this far you are richly rewarded with some awesome interplay between keyboards and guitar. This song is full of light and shade and by the time you listen to the last piano triplet at the end of the outro you will be wanting to share the experience with someone else...as I have done.