There won’t be many blog posts added to the BUZZ over the next few days as I am heading off to Anaheim, California for the 2012 Winter NAMM show! But while the blog activity will slow, the Twitter activity will skyrocket!
The NAMM show (National Association of Music Merchants) is an annual trade show in sunny California. The show is attended by invitation only and I have been invited as a member of the press to cover the event and new product announcements.
Hundreds, make that thousands, of music manufacturers will be represented promoting their current and new products.
While the show is all about music, including all instruments in all genres… guitars always seem to dominate the floor space. I’m all about that! Of course, I won’t be able to tweet them all but I will tweet what I believe are the cool “BUZZ-worthy” stories and products that you may want to check out.
THE WORLD’S FIRST 3D/7.1 DOLBY SURROUND Concert Film.
Coming soon to Theatres near you.
“Satchurated”, Joe Satriani’s 3D concert film was recorded and filmed live on “The Wormhole Tour” by award winning filmmakers Pierre and Francois Lamoureux.
In Theatres March, 2012!
Stay Tuned For More Updates!
NOTE: There will be a special pre-screening at Winter NAMM 2012, Saturday Jan 21st at Ultralux Theatre in Anaheim, CA at 6:30PM. GuitarDaddy will be there!
Honestly, I thought it would come earlier than it has, perhaps even a year or more ago. But there is no reason to delay it further… now is the time… so here goes….
I receive about a dozen emails a week from GuitarBUZZ readers. Most are very complimentary and thank me for posting a story or review that they had not read anywhere else.
But in the course of an average week, I can expect one of them to read something like this:
“Hey GuitarDaddy, I really enjoy following your blog but I have to ask: “Why do you write so much about Joe Bonamassa”? I mean, the guy’s good, but he’s just a blues player!”
Sincerely,
Regular Reader.
Well, this post is my answer to that question.
Dear RR,
Thanks for your email. I truly appreciate it. I often wonder if anyone reads this crazy passion of mine. The fact is, even if nobody read it at all, I’d still do it!
To accurately answer your question, I need to share something with you.
I need to take you back to the very first post on TheGuitarBuzz.com. I wrote it on December 31, 2008, a little over 3 years ago.
It was New Year’s Eve and after 3 months of research, planning and teaching myself how to use WordPress, I was launching TheGuitarBuzz blog with the first post. It marked the end of the 3 month “development period” that began just a few days after attending my first Joe Bonamassa concert… and here is my ticket to prove I was there:
My first Joe Bonamassa concert was the inspiration for "TheGuitarBuzz.com"
The concert was 2 hours away and it was well after 1:00am when I finally got back home. But even after a 10 hour work day, a 4 hour round-trip drive between Phoenix-Flagstaff and a 2+hour concert, I wanted to play my guitar as soon as I walked in the door.
Why did I want to play my guitar when I should have collapsed into bed? It’s simple. I left that concert inspired because that night, I found my GUITAR HERO!
The truth is, Joe Bonamassa inspires me to play and he also inspired me to create this blog.
I fell in love with the guitar all over again that night and when I finally did lay down in bed, the inspiration to create TheGuitarBuzz came to me. I did not sleep much…for several days.
So I pay tribute to that inspiration by following his career and posting (often) about his guitar playing. My “tribute posts” started with the very first blog post. I titled it: “Here’s To The Guitar Hero!“. Allow me to re-post a few portions of the “Genesis Post” on TheGuitarBuzz.com:
…[I'm not talking about] the “video game” Guitar Hero… but the REAL Guitar Heroes. You know… the guys like Eric Clapton, Jimi Hendrix, Jimmy Page, Ritchie Blackmore, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Larry Carlton, Brian May, Keith Richards, Jeff Beck, Sonny Landreth, Wes Montgomery, George Benson, Ronnie Earl, Eric Johnson, Jeff Golub, Norman Brown, Robben Ford, Carlos Santata, Robert Cray and so many other six-stringer’s that authored licks more memorable than the songs they’re a part of…
Guitar Heroes have tones you can identify from the first note you hear. From jazz to classical and from punkers to shredders, these are the guys that rock my world, your world and the world of countless other guitar lovers everywhere. When I listen to my Hero’s play, I am reminded why I play.
There is no other instrument like the guitar. In the hands of a new player, it represents the ability to be expressive, inventive and artistic. In the hands of an accomplished player, the guitar is the centerpiece of musical creation…
Is the Guitar Hero a dying breed? I don’t think so. There are plenty of young guns out there like Derek Trucks, Guthrie Govan and Joe Bonamassa that inspire the next generation to keep the flames alive and burning. They motivate us to keep practicing, keep learning and keep playing…
Oh by the way, in case you think Joe Bonamassa is the only guitar player I listen to…get this: I have over 12,000 songs on my iPod. Only 169 tracks are by Joe Bonamassa (yes, that’s his entire library of recorded songs plus a few rips from YouTube!)… but Joe is still my GUITAR HERO!
I think he’s a Guitar Hero to a lot of other players as well.
In the past few weeks, his latest album “Dust Bowl” was nominated for “Best Rock Blues Album” and the album “Don’t Explain”, a compilation album Joe did with Beth Hart was nominated for “Best Contemporary Blues Album”.
Classic Rock Magazine - Joe Bonamassa Cover
But don’t think that Joe Bonamassa is “just a blues player”. No RR, not anymore…not at all.
It has taken a while for the media to catch up but finally, this month, Joe Bonamassa was plastered on the cover of “Classic Rock Magazine”!
What’s that title again? “Classic Rock”!
Any why not? Alongside his brilliant solo career, Joe is a founding member of Black Country Communion, the band who has released 2 scorching rock albums, a live DVD and was named “Breakthrough Act of the Year” at the most recent Classic Rock Roll of Honour Awards.
Listen RR, I will admit that Joe gets a lot of press on TheGuitarBuzz. Consider me guilty as charged. But a quick glance at my Tag Cloud will reveal the dozens of players and bands who have been referenced in the over 400+ blog posts that have followed that New Year’s Eve 2008 launch.
So where to from here? Well, rather than post yet another Joe Bonamassa post later this week, I will merge it into this one. That way the overall count won’t be as skewed! My plan was to post this video later in the week, but after further thought I believe it fits perfectly right here as the video begins with Joe and his personal reflection on how his career got to where it is today.
The video is a first-class production from Jim Dunlop, introducing Joe’s “Signature Pedals” — the Cry Baby and the Fuzz Face.
“Dunlop is very proud to present two signature pedals that were developed in collaboration with Joe Bonamassa, an artist who is famed for not only being one of the most talented guitarists working today but who also owns one of the most discerning ears when it comes to guitar tone and gear. Joe talks to us about the passion and dedication he has for his craft, the story behind the creation of his signature pedals working alongside Dunlop’s product designer Jeorge Tripps, and gives an intimate solo performance where he features his use of these electronics.”
The truth is, RR, there’s a lot to write about Joe…and I doubt I will stop anytime soon.
Would you stop writing about your hero? Of course not. And neither will I.
"Delta Inspiration", a portrait of Buddy Guy, painted by Tom Noll, named by Bryan Schwab!
THIS IS IT!
The moment we have all been waiting for…
The announcement of the WINNER of the “Name the Buddy Guy Painting Contest”.
After 80+ entries (many with multiple name suggestions), giving artist Tom Noll over 100+ suggestions to pick from, a truly fitting name has been selected.
Late last night, I received this email from Tom with a message to everyone who participated in the contest suggesting a name for the painting:
“Thank you once again for the inspirational journey we embarked upon. While the paint was wet, your title suggestions came in, reinforcing how much Buddy and his music means to you, and what moves you. While there were many creative bends in the road, names reflecting how Buddy has inspired and influenced us, one name stopped me in my tracks and the lights came on as to the deeper meaning of what Buddy is all about, and HIS inspiration.”
“Delta Inspiration” is the name appropriate for my creation!”
“Congrats to Bryan Schwab from Oil City, Pennsylvania. He will be receiving one of the first prints produced from the limited edition run.
After choosing this title, I looked up Bryan on-line, and realized why he may have had an inside scoop on what makes Buddy’s motor run…I hope you agree.”
“I’m super happy with the painting and will be shipping prints Jan. 20th. To get in on the early editions, please email me at tom@tomnoll.com and I’ll hook you up via a paypal invoice (you don’t need an account)…for some real Delta Inspiration!”
“And, I’ve decided that all orders from this promotion will also receive a signed inkjet of the original oil painting sketch.”
Thanks… - Tom Noll, Artist and owner of Creative Bone Artworks
Tom included a link in his email to this YouTube video… and here is your winner!
Hey Bryan! You know how to name paintings and you know how to play the blues!
Of course, the BUZZ around here is WHO WILL WIN THE “NAME THE PAINTING CONTEST”?
You can Pre-Order a special print made from the original Buddy Guy oil painting by contacting Tom directly. Pre-ordering will allow you to reserve a low-numbered print and to receive your print much faster.
GuitarDaddy Tip: Tom is offering a special, discounted “pre-order” price of $222.00 + shipping until the end of January. On February 1st, the price goes to $329.00. In addition, for GuitarBuzz readers, Tom is offering a “BONUS Hand-Signed Inkjet Print” of the original sketch of the painting, along with the final print, to the first 10 pre-orders!
I’d suggest you jump on this if you are a Buddy Guy fan!
“This painting captures Buddy in a classic pose of him tearing it up on stage at the 2008 Montreux Jazz fest, soaring on his famed Honey Blond Strat. I’m capturing that moment when his relentless energy causes you to hold your breath for that towering note that rips your head off. I’m counting on some great inspirational thoughts from you to bring this thing full circle” Thanks…Tom
SO HOW DOES THE CONTEST WORK?
ALL YOU HAVE TO DO TO ENTER THIS CONTEST IS LEAVE A COMMENT TO THIS POST WITH YOUR SUGGESTION FOR A NAME OF THE BUDDY GUY PAINTING!
TOM WILL SELECT THE OFFICIAL NAME OF THE PAINTING FROM THE COMMENT ENTRIES AND THE WINNER WILL RECEIVE A FREE PRINT OF THE ORIGINAL OIL PAINTING!
Tom’s Promise: If you are the winner of the contest and you also pre-ordered a print, your money will be refunded! So go ahead and CONTACT TOM at Tom@TomNoll.com to pre-order now!
Note: In the case of duplicate submissions, the person who suggested the name first will have claim to that name. Also note, the winner will forfeit any and all rights to the name to Tom Noll if it is selected to be the winner.
BLUESMAN LARRY “MUD” MORGANFIELD, SON OF THE LEGENDARY MUDDY WATERS, IS THE SON OF THE SEVENTH SON ON SEVERN RECORDS DEBUT CD
Mud Morganfield - Son of the Seventh Son
ANNAPOLIS, MD – Severn Records has announced a March 20 release date for Son of the Seventh Son, the label debut from Larry “Mud” Morganfield, son of the legendary Muddy Waters. Severn Records is distributed nationally by City Hall Records.
Recorded in Chicago and produced by Bob Corritore, Son of the Seventh Son features Mud Morganfield’s earthy, soulful vocals backed by a cadre of blues all-stars, including Kenny Smith on drums, Rick Kreher and Billy Flynn on guitar, Barrelhouse Chuck on keyboards, E.G. McDaniel on bass, and Harmonica Hines and Bob Corritore on harp.
“I just couldn’t have done this without those cats, man,” Morganfield told writer Terry Mullins in an interview published in Blues Blast Magazine. “They brought something to the studio that will forever live in my heart. It brought out the best in me. It’s a great CD, some of the best work I’ve done so far. It’s got one great song after another on it.”
Son of the Seventh Son includes seven Mud Morganfield originals, as well several other new tunes and a couple songs associated with his famous dad, such as “You Can’t Lose What You Ain’t Never Had.” Producer Bob Corritore calls his sound “a contemporary version of traditional Chicago blues.”
“There’s two songs of pop’s on there and with anything I do, I’m gonna add pop,” Morganfield said in the interview. “But the rest of the disc is made up of several songs that I wrote, along with a song that Bob Corritore wrote and one my good friend Studebaker John wrote. But it’s all got that Muddy style to it, because that’s who I am. Without me even trying, I come off like the son of Muddy Waters and I’m proud that it’s like that.”
Chicago-based Mud Morganfield is the eldest son of the blues icon and bears a striking vocal and physical resemblance to his illustrious father. He has toured all over the world spreading the gospel of blues just like his daddy did and will support the release of Son of the Seventh Son with tour dates both in the U.S. and internationally, as well.
He began his career as a studio session guitarist in London and went on to be a member of The Yardbirds from 1966 to 1968, after which he founded the band Led Zeppelin.
Page is unquestionably one of the all-time most influential, important, and versatile guitarists and songwriters in rock history.
Last Year, Rolling Stone magazine ranked him #3 in its list of the 100 Greatest Guitarists of All Time.
He has been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame twice, once as a member of The Yardbirds (1992) and once as a member of Led Zeppelin (1995).
Page was quoted to say: “Many people think of me as just a riff guitarist, but I think of myself in broader terms… As a producer I would like to be remembered as someone who was able to sustain a band of unquestionable individual talent, and push it to the forefront during its working career. I think I really captured the best of our output, growth, change and maturity on tape — the multifaceted gem that is Led Zeppelin.” - 1993 Guitar World Magazine Interview.
By the way… Jimmy Page is reputed to own over 1,500 guitars!
The Producer from 65amps delivers reliable, classic tone with modern tubes.
January 6, 2012, North Hollywood, CA (Press Release) – 65amps introduces their newest guitar amplifier, The Producer. This innovative 28-Watt amplifier utilizes a unique tube circuit that addresses the characteristics of modern tubes in a new way.
The Producer from 65amps
65amps’ Dan Boul says, “Copying old circuits is becoming more and more dangerous due to the fact that old circuits were designed around tubes that could take high voltage, and modern tubes just can’t.” 65amps has created The Producer as their own, unique solution to coaxing consistent and reliable classic tube warmth from modern tubes.
The Producer runs its pair of EL34s in an extremely safe and unconventional way. With help from Mercury Magnetics, 65amps developed a unique transformer and circuitry that allows EL34s to produce great tone in such a way that they last for an extremely long time – we’re talking decades. Aside from eliminating costly re-tubing, this new approach simply delivers both an outstanding classic distortion, and a fantastic clean tone.
Many players find EL34 amps too loud for their liking, and are forced to use attenuators or master volumes to compensate. The 28-Watt Producer takes advantage of 65amps’ proprietary Master Voltage circuit to deliver tone-rich distortions and cleans at reasonable volumes.
The Producer has two channels, each with an independent 65amps Bump control, which allows for four distinct voices – all accessible through a standard 2-button foot-switch. With 65amps legendary build quality and style, the Producer solidly delivers versatile, luscious tone.
About 65amps: 65amps was conceived in 2004 when partners Dan Boul and guitarist Peter Stroud created a custom amp for Peter to use on stage with Sheryl Crow. Today 65amps’ range of guitar and bass amplifiers delivers surprising power at low volume, amazingly versatile tone and meticulous, road-worthy craftsmanship. You’ll find 65amps on stage and in the studio with a wide variety of players including Richie Sambora, Bruce Springsteen, Keith Urban, Sheryl Crow, Peter Frampton, Bob Dylan, and many more.
There won’t be many blog posts added to the BUZZ over the next few days as I am heading off to Anaheim, California for the 2012 Winter NAMM show! But while the blog activity will slow, the Twitter activity will skyrocket!
