Layla's Classic Rock

3 Generations of Guitar Virtuosos?

2009-07-16T22:26:00.000-07:00

Mad Hatter made a comment on the recent post about the new rock doc called "It Might Get Loud".

He suggested that perhaps Jimmy Page, The Edge and Jack White were not necessarily the best three choices to represent "three generations of electric guitar virtuosos".

So my question for you is: Which three would you choose for this film?

BTW, if you haven't checked out Hatter's blog you should. He reviews a lot of interesting music, some popular some obscure. I love his grading scale:

Key To Music Grades
A - You will never be whole without it
B - Highly recommended
C - Flawed, but still pretty good
D - It's your money, not mine
F - Why couldn't this have been burned in Fahrenheit 451?

Gone But Not Forgotten Blog

2009-07-16T00:22:00.000-07:00

I finally got around to posting the two deaths that have occured in our music world in 2009. Unfortunately Blogger is not allowing me to pre-date the post so it shows up on top instead of on the bottom of the page. I will try again tomorrow.

It was difficult selecting a photo to represent Michael Jackson. I try to find photos that capture best an image of the artist. Michael's career started at age 5 and going through a total transformation in his looks (nice way of saying it) so I had so many choices. I settled on this one because this is the era that he seemed happy, successful and full of life:

On another matter:

When I started my GBNF blog I included personal thoughts and/or stories on the musicians who meant the most to me. At some point I decided to make the site less emotional and more factual. So I am taking a poll:

Do you like the site as is, or would you like to see my personal thoughts added back?

Thanks!

IT MIGHT GET LOUD - I can't wait for this!

2009-07-14T11:44:00.000-07:00

Sony Picture Classics's new Rock and Roll documentary called IT MIGHT GET LOUD. The film "tells the personal stories, in their own words, of three generations of electric guitar virtuosos – The Edge (U2), Jimmy Page (Led Zeppelin), and Jack White (The White Stripes).

"Rarely can a film penetrate the glamorous surface of rock legends. It Might Get Loud tells the personal stories, in their own words, of three generations of electric guitar virtuosos – The Edge (U2), Jimmy Page (Led Zeppelin), and Jack White (The White Stripes). It reveals how each developed his unique sound and style of playing favorite instruments, guitars both found and invented. Concentrating on the artist’s musical rebellion, traveling with him to influential locations, provoking rare discussion as to how and why he writes and plays, this film lets you witness intimate moments and hear new music from each artist. The movie revolves around a day when Jimmy Page, Jack White, and The Edge first met and sat down together to share their stories, teach and play."

Bruce Springsteen is Smashingly Brilliant on European Tour:

2009-07-14T10:41:00.000-07:00

EUROPEAN TOUR EARNS RAVES AS SPRINGSTEEN HAS NOW SOLD OVER 1.5 MILLION TICKETS IN 2009 - and he just added 25 more new USA dates (see below)

Springsteen's European tour has sparked raves; here's what we've read from the European press:

"Monumental."

- Daily Star, UK

"Springsteen proves he's still got what it takes with a monster set that brings Glastonbury's thousands to their feet."

- The Independent, UK

"Springsteen had us from the start...he went as he came: doing exactly the right thing."

- Evening Standard, UK

"The world¹s best."

- VG, Norway

"Springsteen is a volcano. He bursts with an untamable force, three hours of songs that glow like lava."

- Bild Germany

"Springsteen and the E-Street Band staged a musical earthquake tonight."

- Süddeutsche Zeitung Germany

"No one can do what Bruce does - he raises the atmosphere to a brand new level."

- Ilta-Sanomat, Finland

"Thirty songs in and Springsteen, The E Street Band and the audience are all utterly and completely satisfied."

- Salon Seudun Sanomat, Finland

BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN & THE LEGENDARY E STREET BAND 2009 US TOUR DATES
August 19 Hartford, CT Comcast Theater (On sale now)
August 22 Mansfield, MA Comcast Center (On sale now)
August 23 Mansfield, MA Comcast Center (On sale now)
August 25 Saratoga Springs, NY Saratoga Performing Arts Center (On sale now)
September 10 Nashville, TN Sommett Center (On sale July 25)
September 12 Tampa, FL Ford Amphitheatre (On sale July 24)
September 13 Ft. Lauderdale, FL Bank Atlantic Center (On sale July 24)
September 16 Greenville, SC Bi-Lo Center (On sale July 31)
September 20 Chicago, IL United Center (On sale August 1)
September 30 East Rutherford, NJ Giants Stadium (Sold out)
October 2 East Rutherford, NJ Giants Stadium (Sold out)
October 3 East Rutherford, NJ Giants Stadium (Sold out)
October 8 East Rutherford, NJ Giants Stadium (On sale now)
October 9 East Rutherford, NJ Giants Stadium (Sold out)
October 13 Philadelphia, PA Spectrum (On sale July 27)
October 14 Philadelphia, PA Spectrum (On sale July 27)
October 25 St. Louis, MO Scottrade Center (On sale August 8)
October 26 Kansas City, MO Sprint Center (On sale August 8)
November 2 Washington, D.C. Verizon Center (On sale TBA)
November 3 Charlotte, NC Time Warner Cable Arena (On sale August 28)
November 7 New York, NY Madison Square Garden (On sale TBA)
November 8 New York, NY Madison Square Garden (On sale TBA)
November 10 Cleveland, OH Quicken Loans Arena (On sale August 22)
November 13 Auburn Hills, MI Palace At Auburn Hills (On sale August 22)

November 15 Milwaukee, WI Bradley Center (On sale August 1) I'm There!

In a recent cover story, Q Magazine called a Springsteen concert "the greatest show on earth." 'Working on a Dream' (Columbia Records) debuted at #1 in the U.S., Canada, U.K., Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, Germany, Holland, Ireland, Italy, Norway, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, and New Zealand and received exemplary reviews in Rolling Stone, Entertainment Weekly, People, and elsewhere.

thanks to Arbell Camron @ Sony for this info!

The Summer of Love Couple

2009-07-13T11:12:00.000-07:00

As we all know, this year is the 40th anniversary of Woodstock, "The Summer of Love". I'm sure you've noticed the revival of tie-dyed t-shirts and other memorabilia. There have been documentaries on TV, special CD/DVDs, and lots of articles on blogs, in magazines, etc.

But this story really has little to do with the music and everything to do with the love. My friend Charlie at Bloggerhythms passed it on to me and I thank him for the idea. Some of you may recognize this photo of a couple huddled together under a dirty blanket in a sea of people, many that are lying in the mud sleeping. The photo made the cover of the album and was also used on the movie poster.

The beautiful thing about it, this couple is STILL together, happily married after 40 years. There's a bit of irony in that since the "summer of love" didn't exactly promote loyalty and continuity :) But it did promote love and it warms my heart to see this couple today:

Nick and Bobbi Ercoline

read here for the complete article

Ray Sums Up KMET:

2009-07-11T17:37:00.000-07:00

I had a comment on my last post that so perfectly sums up why KMET was special to many of us:

"KMET is heaven."

And it was heaven again for well over 12 hours yesterday on The Sound LA (100.3). Brought back a flood of memories from my SF Valley youth in the late 70s and early 80s. I've seen some people write, "oh, how can you people care so much about an old station of hippy music?!" But, it was so, so much more than just the music. KMET, from the DJs to the music to the listeners, was a state of mind. An intellectual gestalt of the times. The "Finally A KMET Friday" event on The Sound managed to capture that magic in a bottle again. It was special.

Thank you, Ray for stopping by here and adding your comment. Loved it!

KMET Memories!

2009-07-09T23:05:00.000-07:00

UPDATE: this has been the best day of radio in years! This is so fun and is brining back great memories and a few sad moments (they replayed the announcement of John Lennon's death). I know from my Facebook messages and comments that other So Cal fans are listening and loving it too.

ROCK ON KMET!

If you grew up in So Cal in the 70's and listened to rock and roll radio, you are in for a real treat,
a blast from the past,
a gathering of the Immoral Minority,
a time to yell "Whoo-A"

because on FRIDAY JULY 10, The Sound (KWWD 100.3), is doing

"a one-day revival of KMET complete with the original airchecks and many of the radio personalities from the station's heyday."

Did your car have one of these?
Mine sure did!

The "Mighty Met" was the best station on at the time and had all the grooviest, coolest DJ's. Do any of these names ring a bell:

Jeff Gonzer, Cynthia Fox, B. Mitchel Reed, Tom Donahue, Paraquat Kelley, Ace Young, Frazier Smith, Mary Turner, and of course, Jim Ladd (did you know he has a star on the Hollywood walk of Fame - he's the god of all Rock DJ's).

I will be listening, I am really excited about it. A slice of my youth served up by current fave station. All I can say is:

I can't wait for a nostalgic "little bit of heaven, 94.7, KMET - Tweedle Dee"!

HOLY CRAP!

2009-07-08T22:06:00.001-07:00

Image by Getty Images via Daylife

I just noticed I have comment moderation on and have 55 comments waiting! And I thought nobody read here anymore...

Out of the 55, only 4 were from people, the others were SPAM. But I had meant to turn on word verification, NOT, moderation.

Joni Mitchell - Court and Spark

2009-07-08T21:50:00.000-07:00

Image via Wikipedia

I thought a lot about Joni Mitchell as I was driving through the hills and canyons of Los Angeles the other day.

Court and Spark is one of my cherished albums that was worn thin from listening over and over in my early teens. The songs still get to me today, maybe even more because now I have lived through the heartache and messed up relationships.

Something else I love about Joni is that she's an artist.

I am having a hard time blogging lately. I kind of feel like combining all my blogs but that would be weird. I don't think the music people want to hear about my personal life, and the people following the saga of my lie (son in jail, falling in love, unemployed, yadda, yadda) don't necessarily give a rat's ass about classic rock music.

But, to me, I have a hard time separating the two. I must write. I must listen to music. Both make me feel, both are therapeutic, neither are optional.

Help me, I think I'm falling in love again....

We love our loving, but not like we love our freedom....

Didn't it feel good to sit there talking, or to lie there not talking....

Both of us flirtin, and hurtin....

You've had lots of lovely women, now you turn your gaze to me
Weighing my beauty and imperfection to see if I'm worthy

It always seems so righteous at the start, when there's so much laughter and so much spark. When there's so much sweetness in the dark.

his eyes were the color of the sand and the sea.
the more he talked to me, the more he reached me,
but I couldn't let go of LA,
city of the fallen angels....

Joni Mitchell - Court And Spark
Joni Mitchell - Help Me
Joni Mitchell - Car On A Hill

Photos from My Day in LA - Historic Rock Music Sites:

2009-07-07T22:14:00.001-07:00

Hollywood Sign

The former Hyatt Hotel (aka Riot Hotel)

Jimi's Star

The Wiltern Theater

The Capitol Records Building\

The Roxy

The Rainbow

The Whiskey

all photos by Drew G.

Los Angeles Rock and Roll Trivia

2009-07-02T20:22:00.000-07:00

Spent the day up in LA trying to give Drew the rock and roll tour. I think I could have done a better job if I would have made out a better map...oh well.

How well do you know your LA Rock Trivia?

Do you know what the "Riot Hotel" is?

If so, can you name a few incidents that occured there?

Name three famous nightclubs on Sunset Strip.

Name five rock stars that have a star on the Hollywood "Walk of Fame".

There are two songs inspired by Mulholland Drive - can you name one?

Can you name three people who lived on Laurel Canyon?

Which record company has its home in a tall round building?

How many songs can you name that are about, or mention, Los Angeles, Hollywood, or any of the surrounding areas?

I will have some fun photos and some of the answers later.....

Davy Knowles

2009-06-30T22:49:00.000-07:00

Back in May I wrote that I had my fingers crossed about the possibility of seeing Davy Knowles this summer and guess what - I did! Now to try to find the words to describe one of the best shows I've ever seen. I think if my favorite guitarist of all time heard him play, Stevie Ray would agree with me that

Davy Knowles is a legend in the making

If you check out my sidebar you'll see that I first heard his prodigious talent back in August '08 and was immediately aware that I was listening to a superb musician. Tonight I experienced it firsthand and it blew me away. Listening to a CD is one thing but seeing it, hearing it and feeling it live in person brings it to a different dimension. You must make it a priority to check him out for yourself.

Tonight Davy's talent and passion radiated from him along with his evident joy in performing for an appreciative audience. You could tell he was genjuinely pleased, maybe even a bit taken aback, by our powerful reaction. After the show he took the time to sign autograph's and meet people and he had quite a line of fans.

Joe (Rock and Roll Guru) had interviewed Davy earlier in the day and confirmed that he is the authentically nice person he seems to be. I serioulsy doubt that fame will rob him of that as it does to some musicians.

Joe and Drew

To top off a great night, Joe introduced Drew and I to Davy so I got to shake his hand and say hello. I admit, it was a thrill. The kid is adorable and sweet in addition to being a kick ass guitarist. I also had the pleasure of meeting his manager and hopefully will stay connected with him to keep all of you up to date on when and where to catch Davy and Back Door Slam.

Get this - he is going on tour with and opening for CHICKENFOOT this Fall. I know there are some serious Chickenfoot fans that read here. Let me know what you think of Davy and BDS, I'll be shocked if you don't walk away impressed.

I will never forget this show. I will never forget the woman who sat next to me who enjoyed the show as much as I did (hello! I didn't get your name! the pics I took didn't turn out too great). Lastly, I will never forget how meeting Davy was a reminder of meeting SVR - both guitar greats.

On a personal note...I fly home to California tomorrow, but next year, I am headed back to Milwaukee for Summerfest. If you've never been you're missing out!

My first time at SUMMERFEST!

2009-06-29T22:14:00.000-07:00

Summerfest is incredible. Its the BIGGEST rock and roll show ANYWHERE and I can imagine spending an entire week there. Too tired to describe it but check out their website to get a feel for it....

Have I mentioned lately how much I LOVE these two women! Just got back from another great performance by two of the queens of rock and roll (imo there are very few women that can claim that title, it belongs to Janis, Chrissie and the Wilson sisters).

Not only was it a great show, but I got to sit between two guys who are passionate about music, Drew (my honey and the reason that I am here in Wisconsin) and Joe, the fantabulously groovy rock and roll writer and blogger extraordinaire.

It was great to meet Joe (aka Rock and Roll Guru). He is exactly the same in person as he is on his blog - full of life, fun, interesting and a down to earth great guy.

Ann and Nancy kicked ass as usual. Those two only get better with age. I love them! Ann's voice is exceptional. She's managed to keep her voice strong all these years. Not a single note was less than perfect. And Nancy is so fun to watch....she plays with her own style and sense of fun. I hope they keep rockin for years to come.

They did one of their new songs during the encore. It hasn't been released yet and I can't remember the name of it, but they dedicated it to "Michael" and I assumed they were referring to Michael Jackson. To read a very moving story about Stevie Wonder's performance and tribute to Michael last night at Summerfest, see Joe's post here.

Tomorrow night its back for more great music, we will be seeing Davy Knowles and Back Door Slam. In fact, I may even get to meet Davy, should I tell him I chose his band as the number one new band of 2008? Can not wait to hear him play/sing.

Summerfest - Heart - Rock and Roll Guru

2009-06-28T21:21:00.000-07:00

I'm excited that I will be experiencing Summerfest tomorrow night! I'll be hearing one of my favorite bands of all time, Heart, AND meeting one of my favorite bloggers of all time, Rock and Roll Guru! It should be a grand time.

Michael Jackson Died

2009-06-25T15:44:00.001-07:00

This news shocks and saddens me. Apparently he had a heart attack. I know some people don't like him, but I have always liked his muisc and think he's one of the most entertaining performers ever. Sad.

I saw him on the "Bad" tour and was mesmerized by his dancing and singing. My sympathies go out to his family and his fans.

George Harrison "Let it Roll"

2009-06-23T10:57:00.000-07:00

I received this for review last week and have listened to it over and over since then. In my opinion George's music (from his solo career) was often overlooked because of the huge shadow his former bandmates cast over all he did. Kind of hard to be compete with "Lennon and McCartney". Personally I think George had more talent than Paul any day of the week...but that's my opinion. And although I love John is known for the visionary of world peace, George actually did something to bring awareness to a horrific situation. I admire that. (I love John too...this is not a put down to him at all!)

This CD is excellent. Here is the official description:

George Harrison’s first-ever career-spanning solo hits collection, Let It Roll: Songs by George Harrison. Special packaging includes a 28-page booklet featuring previously unseen and rare photos, and newly-written liner notes by Warren Zanes. The collection’s 19 tracks have been digitally remastered by Giles Martin at EMI’s Abbey Road Studios. “Let It Roll: Songs by George Harrison is a gathering of material that takes us far into the territory that was ultimately a place unique to George Harrison,” writes Warren Zanes in his liner notes essay for the new collection.

Track List:

* Got My Mind Set On You (from Cloud Nine, 1987)
* Give Me Love (Give Me Peace On Earth) (from Living In The Material World, 1972)
* The Ballad Of Sir Frankie Crisp (Let It Roll) (from All Things Must Pass, 1970)
* My Sweet Lord (from All Things Must Pass, 1970)
* While My Guitar Gently Weeps (from Concert For Bangladesh Soundtrack, 1971)
* All Things Must Pass (from All Things Must Pass, 1970)
* Any Road (from Brainwashed, 2002)
* This Is Love (from Cloud Nine, 1987)
* All Those Years Ago (from Somewhere In England, 1981)
* Marwa Blues (from Brainwashed, 2002)
* What Is Life (from All Things Must Pass, 1970)
* Rising Sun (from Brainwashed, 2002)
* When We Was Fab (from Cloud Nine, 1987)
* Something (from Concert For Bangladesh Soundtrack, 1971)
* Blow Away (from George Harrison, 1979)
* Cheer Down (from Lethal Weapon 2)
* Here Comes The Sun (from Concert For Bangladesh Soundtrack, 1971)
* I Don't Want To Do It (from Porkys Revenge soundtrack, 1984)
* Isn't It A Pity (from All Things Must Pass, 1970)

Happy Father's Day...

2009-06-21T09:47:00.000-07:00

... to all you dad's out there! I did a post on my other blog about my thoughts on fathers. If you don't see your name there, its because I only listed dads that read that blog...but I know many of you who read here are also wonderful fathers and you INSPIRE me!

Happy Birthday to Nils Lofgren!

2009-06-21T09:43:00.000-07:00

"1953, Born on this day, Nils Lofgren, guitar, piano, vocals. He joined Neil Young's band at age 17, playing piano on the album After the Gold Rush. From 1971 to 1974 recorded four albums with his own band, Grin. Solo 1976 UK No.8 album, 'Cry Tough'. Joined Bruce Springsteen's E Street Band in 1984. And member of Ringo Starr's All-Starr Band."

Nils has always been my favorite member of the E Street Band because of his talent and also his personality and generostiy. He's just a nice guy!

(sorry had to put on word verification due to a spammer)

2009-06-19T20:08:00.001-07:00

What is this song really about?

2009-06-19T17:57:00.000-07:00

I was listening to a song by U2 today and remembered reading what Bono said the song was about. But I've heard other people explain their ideas on what he was talking about when he wrote it.

The true inspiration for song lyrics are often argued by the listener, and really, we will never know for sure unless we hear it straight from the lips of the songwriter. But its fun to hear opinions.

Here are some songs that people seem to have a hard time agreeing about, do you have an opinion on what they are about or what inspired them?

Achilles's Last Stand, Led Zeppelin

Angie, The Rolling Stones

Radar Love, Golden Earring

Hotel California, The Eagles

Baba O'Reilly, The Who

Where The Streets Have No Name, U2

Hey, what's up with widgets?

2009-06-19T10:41:00.001-07:00

None of my widgets on any of my blogs are working....is anyone else having thing problem?

This was fun:

2009-06-17T12:58:00.000-07:00

I took this off Facebook where my buddy Pete had tagged me. What you do is, using only song names from ONE ARTIST, answer these questions. Try not to repeat a song title.

Since Pete already used my favorite artist, I will use a different one.

Pick Your Artist: U2

Are you male or female: Wild Irish Rose

Describe yourself: Dreaming with Tears in My Eyes

How do you feel about yourself: Mysterious Ways

Describe where you currently live: In God's Country

If you could go anywhere, where would you go: Van Deimen's Land

Your favorite form of transportation: Fast Cars

Your best friend is: Grace

Your favorite color is: Red light

What's the weather like: It's a Beautiful Day

Favorite time of the day: 11 o'clock Tick Tock

If your life was a TV show, what would it be called: Who's Gonna Ride Your Wild Horses

What is life to you: Everlasting Love

What is the best advice you have to give: Sometimes You Can't Make it on Your Own

If you could change your name, what would it be: Desire

Your favorite food is: Crumbs from Your Table

Thought for the day: Love and Peace or Else

My motto: Walk On

Jeff Buckley CD/DVD "Grace World Tour" Review

2009-06-15T23:30:00.000-07:00

On a scale of one to ten, I give a twenty! I listened to the CD on a recent flight and as always, listening to Jeff gives me chills. If you like his music, this is a must have for your collection. The DVD includes 120 minutes of concert footage, a documentary on Jeff and his fans, interviews, etc. I have not watched it all yet because I am savoring it a little bit at a time.

Here is some of the official press release:

Nearly fifteen years ago, the world was introduced to a young singer/songwriter from New York named Jeff Buckley. His debut album Grace became one of the most acclaimed and influential albums of his generation. To promote the album, Jeff and his band embarked a seemingly un-ending tour - taking them all over the globe from 1994 to 1996. Because the album had no "hit single", Jeff was constantly tinkering with his setlists - both on stage and on TV. He therefore performed almost every track from Grace at least once in his many appearances on local broadcasts around the globe. Now, for the fi rst time, the very best of those performances have been tracked down and compiled into the definitive audio/visual document of the Grace world tour.

Bruce at Bonnaroo:

2009-06-14T11:52:00.000-07:00

(Thanks, Phil, for sending this link)

Looks like Bruce had a great show last night. For those of you not following his current tour, he's playing "stump the band" with the audience; each night people bring signs with song names on them and he takes a bunch of them and will play a few of the suggestions. Last night the audience convinced him to play "Santa Claus is Coming to Town". The rest of the set list is also included on this link.

Even the Huffington Post had something to say about his performance! This photo is from their site. Their review starts off like this:

MANCHESTER, Tenn. — Bruce Springsteen astonished the Bonnaroo crowd with a passionate three-hour performance, offering sweat and rock 'n' roll to inspire, he said, in "hard times."

The rest can be read here.

Dads and their musical offspring....

2009-06-13T20:28:00.000-07:00

Next Sunday (June 21) is Father's Day so Dave White over at About Rock has a list of musician dads and their children who followed in their footsteps. I did notice one missing...Max Weinberg and his son, Jay and also I didn't see Sting and his son Joe Sumner.

Check it out here.