For most of my guitar-playing life, I've been trying to find the secret to becoming a better guitarist. I've spent countless hours reading magazines and books, scouring the Internet, and searching for teachers. What I've learned is this: There is no secret. Becoming a better guitarist takes hard work, dedication, and perseverance. There are no shortcuts. This is a lesson … [Read more...]
Music Connects Trucks Family
File this under "I did not know that." Derek Trucks is the great-nephew of baseball pitcher Virgil Trucks, who pitched two no-hitters for the Detroit Tigers in the 1950s. Derek and his family are actually big baseball fans, and he even kept a Virgil Trucks baseball card on one of his guitars for years. MLB.com columnist Peter Gammons has written an article about a recent … [Read more...]
Joe Bonamassa Studio Footage of The Ballad of John Henry
This is some video footage of Joe Bonamassa playing "The Ballad of John Henry" during the recording sessions of the album of the same name. Producer Kevin Shirley recorded a lot of the recording sessions, so I'm hoping more videos of the recordings become available at some point. In the meantime, enjoy: … [Read more...]
JD Simo
JD Simo is an up-and-coming local Nashville guitarist. Since moving to Nashville in 2006, he's become an in-demand session musician as well as a regular performer in the Don Kelly Band, which counts Redd Volkaert, Johnny Hiland, and Brent Mason as alumni. I had a chance to see Simo this past weekend at Robert's Western World in downtown Nashville. Although I was only able to … [Read more...]
Virtual Woodshed Interviews Marc Ford
Brian Williams of Virtual Woodshed recently interviewed guitarist Marc Ford. In the interview, Ford discusses growing up in LA in the 70s and 80s, how he developed his style, his time with the Black Crowes, his current band, and why you shouldn't try to copy his gear settings: But you know the equipment thing… umm, of course equipment makes a difference. I think what I meant … [Read more...]