Dan Hicks & his Hot Licks
I was sadden recently at the news that yet another one my musical influences has passed away. “Dan Hicks and his Hot Licks” was a very original group fronted by Hicks in the 70’s. The group’s melding of ’40’s swing, jazzy instrumentation and somewhat comic, tongue-in-cheek compositions and performances was not lost on me and others…. Continue reading Dan Hicks : How can we miss You if you don’t go away
I came across this video of the Rosenberg Trio and was quickly reminded of my fascination for gypsy jazz guitar aka jazz manouche. The most well known hero of this style is Django Reinhardt. As a young adult, I was first introduced to this infectious style of gypsy jazz playing by Continue reading The Rosenberg Trio and the Quintette du Hot Club de France
Interesting video shot in Telluride, Colorado. I have always liked the pairing of these two instruments. There is a large range between the frequency response of the mandolin and acoustic stand up bass that allows for a very unique and uncluttered sound. Pretty cool………
Jazz performer Melody Gardot
A nicely filmed and recorded video of Melody Gardot in the studio playing and singing her composition Worrisome Heart. For those who are not familiar with Melody’s career, check it out, its an interesting story. One of my favorite female vocalists.
Terrific recording of her and the band. Talk about close miking!
Eric Bibb Transatlantic Sessions
A great video of an all-star acoustic blues jam being lead by Eric Bibb. Mandolin players take note: Sam Bush plays a great solo and makes the most out of the use of fretboard octaves to express his blues!
1987 video of Mark and Chet playing together. Two generations of mutual respect and love of the guitar. Note the two different styles of finger picking. Chet with his ever present thumb pick and long nails and Mark with bare flesh. No doubt that Mr. Atkins was a huge influence on Mark Knopfler………Imagine that.
A young Chet Atkins performing Sandman from a TV show circa 1954. Guitar buddies to the end. In the mid 70’s the guitar greats collaborated on the Grammy Award winning, RCA recording, Chester and Lester. You can hear the use of the tape deck generated slap back echo which Les was very fond of using and instrumental in developing. No doubt in my mind that the two guitarists learned a trick or two from one another. Pretty cool……….
Cool video with long time family friends Steve Miller and Les Paul performing the T Bone Shuffle at the Iridium Jazz Club in NYC. Watch it through, to a touching tribute from Steve to his Godfather Les…
Fantastic video of three of my musical hero’s. Frank Vignola (archtop guitar), Tommy Emmanuel (acoustic guitar) and Matt Flinner (mandolin). Hang on to your hat and away we go…………………
I know, I know, this is awfully close to the cute kitten video syndrome….but I couldn’t resist. The looks of concentration and joy this young man shares with the camera is…….well…. quite precious actually. Jimmy Smith would be very proud to see both the smiles and the joy that comes across this talented youngsters face, while playing this classic blues composition…..