In my continuing quest to learn how all musical instruments are made, I recently watched another episode of the Science Channel's How It's Made series, this time featuring a segment on how pedal steel guitars are made. I've heard that they are difficult to play, but I didn't realize how involved steel guitars really are. Check it out: … [Read more...]
Trigger Hippy
Recently, guitarists Jimmy Herring and Audley Freed got together with drummer Steve Gorman and bassist Nick Govrik and performed a show as Trigger Hippy in Macon, GA. I really enjoy listening to both Herring and Freed, so I imagine that this was an awesome show. Drivin' and Cryin's Kevn Kinney also joined them for a few numbers. A review of the show has been posted on JamBase, … [Read more...]
Derek Trucks Interview with Gibson
Gibson recently interviewed Derek Trucks while he's out touring behind his latest record Already Free. In the interview, Derek discusses technique, gear, the new record, how he came to the SG, and playing with great musicians: If you’re the best player in the room all the time, your playing is going to suffer. It’s important to be the guy trailing behind so you have to step … [Read more...]
There Are No Short Cuts
There is no short cut to becoming a good player. Being constant in your practice is perhaps the main secret. This reminds me of Aesop's fable about the Tortoise and the Hare. Some talented young players did not reach their potential as guitarists because they were getting … [Read more...]
Odair Assad in Concert
This past Tuesday night, Odair Assad played a solo concert performance at the Belmont Mansion. Odair is very well known in classical guitar circles as a member of the world famous Assad Duo. A solo performance from him is apparently fairly rare, so this was a real treat. Whenever I see a classical guitar concert, an anecdote I heard a number of years ago comes to mind. … [Read more...]