Sir Real-istic Fellow

Happy Father's Day To Me!

2009-06-21T21:15:00.003-04:00

Happy father's day to me-

but-----before i go further--please excuse me.

i've been re-miss in keeping up this blog.

Zo----i must write on--right on!

my father's day actually started saturday--eric and julie were going to play and had

"guest billing" at a concert with the california guitar trio,at the Sellersville theatre .

But the day started early with eric playing at Nearfest in Bethlehem.

in a band oblivion sun,the progrock based fest----was interesting---and gave me oportunity to shop at a couple of c-d booths---and i scored the first Renaissance complete-cd--i only had a partial on a compilation--and a great recent Procal Harum --live with a orchestra from 2006-

no idea of band--except for the great Gary Brooker.---but a sweet find----the last gem---was a non-related---bonus type John Mayall,Eric Clapton-bluesbreakers -cd-that i've not listened to

yet.

Eric did what he usually does when drumming in a band.

He fits----he drives---makes the rhythm section better.What a show! the band was tight ,playing old and new songs---a great start to a musical day.

Then we reloaded Eric's Boom Theory kit-------hmm Mr.Ludwig----hasn't shown his face YET--

anyway----and treked to Sellersville for a sound check and first true practice of songs that were to be played just hours away----

Zo------again -----we arrived exact same time as Julie and Matt--came from Philly-

Paul-Hideyo-and Burt graciously greeted us and soon there was music.WOW

It was great to see a practice --soundcheck turn into the show we witnessed later that night.

Whilst the band finished working on material--we grabbed a meal with Matt

his parents and sister.

The band opened with seven or so songs----all the usual quality of showmanship

before announcing the additional bass and drums to a rather "nice applause" --

We purchased the--LIVE recording made that night----and have delighted

at it's quality and substance.

I'm pretty sure Robin's blog has set list etc-----you've probably read it already.

u-tube's--quote's from fan's-----i know the usual---------

There's talk of some future studio recording----like i said earlier----what a father's day weekend---

Woke up sunday---fed-walked etc--the Monty---got ready--went to a great brunch--at Rembrandt's with Eric-Robin--with Julie serving-------

Eric made me a great card-Julie tells me i'm in for a new guitar------a PARKER

oh yeah--------and they're getting ready for a bunch of touring ----The release of "e"near----

"e" is coming

"e"is coming-------am i happy-?---excited?

is this titled-----Happy Father's day to -----me-??

DAM-----STRAIGHT--------

well i promise -------next ---post----shortly

Love----Peace---to all

gary-

Guitar God VII - Pete Townshend

2008-10-21T07:30:00.000-04:00

Ha-won't get fooled again-eh?
let's hope she didn't use odorono--and when we meet the new boss-
it's not "same as the old boss"-in a couple of weeks
So---c'mon gary
the man--youngman(ain't got nothin in the world these days)-thank you mose allison
anyway--yes NUMBER 7---------on slickdaddys list------pete
argue with me all you want--maybe you agree-?
but from that morning--long ago in our kitchen back in olney
wibg--radio 99 good ol a/m radio
came a shot----THE RIMSHOT THAT CHANGED THE WORLD----!!!
Well--it changed mine---for on that morning--my mom shoving a bowl of hot oatmeal at me,
i heard---i can see for miles---
Joe Niagra---the morning d/j--(i am the dj i am what i play)(shut your mouth dave)
well joe said--"wow that'll wake you up-!!!"---and boy did it---
i know--rimshot--gary--drummer-----pete's a guitar guy------but-----
after i listened-heard said rimshot---i had a thirst-------who the hell are the WHO?
i saw them in some teen magazines
pete had one hell of a snoz--
john looked mean--keith a wack--
and of course the girls liked roger
my generation--and earlier stuff hadn't made much radio play
philly a/m radio had mixes of r and b---top forty-pop--------
and not alot of english---yeah --the beatles stones pacemakers hermits freddy kinks---and kinks weren't long----they got banned-----oh yeah manfred mann zombies----but finding these records was almost as hard as getting to hear them-------
so--off to gettlin records**long gone --from north 5th st--
"do you have Who records"?---(sorry--not goin into who-?-yeah--etc--)(it's been over-done)
"which-?"----"i don't know"--oh some kid ordered my generation----no----i want--"sellout"--
alright--give me two bucks-i'll call you when it comes in---takes--about a week
a week later--another--.69 cents added to the two-dollars--and i was a richman
to--this day--one of my desert isle albums----and according to most of adrian belew's crew--from andre-saul-john-biffman----where on more than one occasion--one of us would break into something like--"me and my brother-were talking to each other"---and another voice would say--"about what makes a man--a man"--(TATOO)
Anyway---yes---from that time in early 1966-----til today
the who--pete---real faves--
the even earlier stuff--high numbers--generation quick one--then magic bus--and as radio changed-----NO STATIC AT ALL-f-m--------came 1968--progressive radio----(not necessarily--
but included prog-rock)----came tommy---
Now i saw the beatles in 66-(12)
So--69---was my first years at seeing--bands live--with friends***(not mom)
i first saw pete--70---the live at leeds tour---(spectrum philly)---james gang opened---
and--behind the band----a old school--pull down type screen--for--------LIVE black and white-
"closed circuit"type video of the performing musicians-------weird--yeah
but what a show
if you have the "extended version"of live at leeds---or isle of wight--yeah that's my first
as i said in earlier stuff---i have drum in my heart----so this was keith at keith's best--but mr-
TOWNSEND------his songs-words---from his twelve bar rips---with the traditional--one step up---after first two verses then chorus'------stuff---to the magic of rael--tommy story-
the call me lightning---basic rock--to the quadroprenia----masterpieces-------
he was-is---one of the most powerfully energetic musician's--i've ever seen------he enbodies rock and roll
and for me a wonderful musician---voice
as with every guitarist so far on this list---a unique voice on instrument
i bought my gibson sg--fender tele-(set up twin buckers)---umm why---cause pete-------
but imitation--is as close as i can get to pete----(aw--but i always liked-you sound like pete meets dave-keith-maybe somebody else mixed in there-gary)
for my own guitar playing is more rhythm/lead/but more rhythm than lead--guy-----guitar guy thing------------

so sad fact---last time we saw the who--was the concert series---right after the ox's--passing--
we had hope's of julie/eric seeing at least the three
we had a close---try at meeting john---his artwork was shown at a south street gallery--we had
an early bass of julie's in tow--trying to get a meet//who could resist her-"would you sign this sir"------but two----as they say bula-gula's for bodyguards--HEY YOU --"you're not allowed up here"--------DAMN---so
I put Pete--at my number 7-------listen to some of live at leeds----and other live stuff---pete can stretch---------he had some un-inspired stuff---off and on-------
but i think he keeps his chops pretty------meaty beefy big and bouncy
AND----------WELCOME-----
to miss julie slick----you've entered blog--world
BE ONE OF US
peace--love---------gary
ps--number-8-next------with a rant on top

Guitar God VI - George Harrison

2008-09-04T07:00:00.000-04:00

sorry if i mislead ya---
after those first five truly technicians of their axes-----probably my TRUE #1
but in this list--6--
george my inspirational one,for without me seeing him and johnny
rickenbacker--gretsch--in hands--or arms---
i had lived thru--although very young--elvis-buddy-chuck-eddie-carl-james-bo-
all those 50's icons---when i was like four---i went out trick or treating as elvis---
burnt cork--sideboards---ha---and my hair---greaseeed up---with my disney--micky mouse--
crank on the side---ukelele----that played pop goes-----but i burst in---with a "you ain't nothin but a hound----"and boy did i score candy--and pinched cheeks---anyway-------
my point is-----i remember early days of rock and roll--then crap---for too many -like 5-years---then---summer of 63--i grew up here in philadelphia--section of the city called olney--and there were these "trucks"---that had amusements built on them--one had this

mini-ferris wheel--another a couple of whip type cars that rode around in circle---
these trucks had 45rpm record players on them--
you'd pay a nickle or dime--for a ride--the guy would ride you for usually two records
like 5 minutes-and that summer i heard--from me to you-please please me-she loves you-and
i'll get you---all early singles of the beatles---i was really interested--but wouldn't SEE-what
caught my interest--until--feb-64--------ed sullivan show---
and yes like the kennedy thing----"i was sitting in my living room"--staring at the tv-----
my family all eyes with me----
"dad--mom---i want one of those guitars"---yeah---ok----ask santa----
and i did----but my guitar wasn't "one of those"-----anyway---
when i really-truly---remember back---the drums-were what i wanted----my dad loved drums---a big krupa follower
i had a sears roebuck--paper--headed-set-for an earlier christmas--that lasted til new years
really--really did--went out in the trash within 2-weeks----
anyway---i briefly requested drums---got the you are insane look
and by the time--a hard days night--came out---being george or john was the cooler thing--
so-i got the folk guitar-that christmas--followed by an electric--a year later
anyway---after learning how to play--you look for someone to aspire to be--and george was my first---me wanna be----
i see lists published--top--100--etc----and most put george after top ten---
but not me-mine----(missing--i)---ha----so---to me -too important---and shouldn't be-or get diminished----his solo's---his songs----most to me--just amazing---yeah i know mccartney's influences--or do this'-------are part of why some diminish his skills---but look how influential
the stuff he did was-----is
listen to his slide work-!!!---the 70's stuff----
and i guess "all things must pass"--umm grammy---as far as i remember--first-maybe only triple record--to do that---oh yeah---and his "friend"--mr eric----not a slouchy sideman on so many of george;s recordings----yeah---check sleeves of records---or liner note stuff--of his recordings---for the people who "wanted" to record with him----
and--although not as busy as eric--with "sidework"--george was a busy guy--with everything from cheech and chong to soundtracks
in the late 60's---i was still a teenager and pondered sometimes why george was george--
you know the indian influence--his "spiritual"changes--but i accepted what he was doing--actually admired---him for being him
later in my life i was quite happy to have knowledge of things he lived--talked about in his music--i found a lot of useful things in his music----words
so yeah--he was no speed-demon guitar soloist--but--listen to lennon's--"how do you sleep"-
especially the anthology-(lennon;s)-----killer slide----
and oh yeah--don't know what the "wilbury's" would have been without him---
i know i have "no idea"what my life woulda been like---if there was no--george harrison---
in my life
oh yeah--he didn't write that one--but did cover it--"here's one-jake wrote"
oh yeah--another first----bangla-desh concert-----
so--number six is his spot on my list
and yeah--i still miss him
hey-------maybe a break--on next post---
i feel a rant----coming on----peace---love---gary

Guitar Gods IV and V: Jimmy and Jeff

2008-06-20T06:50:00.000-04:00

well here i am--back into the guitar gods----numbers 4 and 5--done together
in my mind--because these two---are almost equals--hmmm--same band---(cough)-YARDBIRDS
and eric-no.2--also-same band---maybe they were influential-?---well at least to me---
and---------this is MY list---
so number 4--jeff beck---he did replace clapton---or at least took his place--
the band did commercialize their sound---i'll buy that--ha---and i did-
but i had been primed--really loved "english bands"---and once guitar playing was more than a passing fancy---or phase--as parents like to say---(maybe why the first guitars i received--were in-expensive models)
mom--george plays a gretsch-john-a rickenbacker---
oh--they don't sell them here-
where---i live in america-?----well yeah theory was---don't spend a lot--"it'll pass"
but-----so--i'm listening---and back then-mid-60"s---a/m radio---in philly---only two stations--famous 56---and 99--wibbage---
r+b-mixed with pop stuff top 40-----
beatles absolute number one--for me---as a band--but i read the teen mags--
heard about the different english invasion bands--they started to get radio play--
so herman's hermits-dave clark 5-chad/jeremy-stones-kinks-jerry and the pacemakers--
then the who----but those yardbirds----every guitar playing friend worth his weight--
talked about relf--with clapton--burning up the discs--then JEFF taking his spot--
like eric has done quite often---"not hang around"----go and grow---
and we all won---clapton hone's his blues-----jeff steps into shoes----and the yardbirds kept on soaring---
shapes of things---ah---mr.you're a better man than i--nazz are blue---over under---
well you know----and the sounds were changing--amps bigger more powerful--
the fuzzboxes--new experiments with altered sounds----
ahh the 60's----well once again that band morphed---in a second--i'll get to more--and number5------but jeff then did the my band thing---beck ola-and truth-----just priceless---influences to me-----his wah-wah--on ain't superstitous--jimmy's beck bolero---wow-what records----and then his jazzfusion----70's killer records---
blow by blow-and wired----then his jan hammer records---
yeah that's a catalog---
number-5---jimmy page----studio--guy---yardbird bassist then--takeover----whew--
there's a start---or "upstart"-
now-tell me--DONOVAN'S--hurdy gurdy man-----if that--almost baritone sax sounded growl of a guitar solo---doesn't raise the pressure---you be stone----
one if my fave solo's--
and boy did the competition--of him and number 4----inspire some great records---
the jeff back group vs.--led zepp-------
i was talking earlier about a/m radio----well late 60's--thank the lord---F/M---
and in the beginning there was "underground"radio-------oh yes--i experienced---
be jealous------it was wonderful-
so when first zep--then II--came out--wowowowie--probably best first two---records ever---from this era---

well this era was full of "first two"sometimes three--four--oh i'm sorry being around during this era---was very special---
anyway---when it comes to especially great guitar "climaxes"---and during "hit" records--
the first five "guys"--on MY list---are hard to beat--
i know he has life after zeppelin-----but his best to me---is the before and during
some personal--hi--lites
well back in the 80's--you may remember a series of concerts held in a few halls around the world for "ARMS"-- a benefit to raise awareness and fight--m/s-----which ron lane had---
ron--from the "faces"---had many friends---
so robbi and i---boarded the amtrak---to madison sq--garden--------with "hopes" the rumour was true+++
eric-jim-jeff------all playing to----gether
what a night and yes---it was magical----
each had played with their "bands d'jour"
jimmy had paul rodgers-----clapton---his 80's guys--
jeff doing some wild rockfusion
but then bill wyman--chas---i'd have to check the video--don't remember some other backups
with----eric-jimmy-jeff---all playing together --then "soloing"
so like when they did "further on up the road"--each playing backup==as each solos----
jeff kinda leaning next to eric as jimmy wailed--jim and eric kinda "wow check jeff out"--
and as always--when eric is "challenged"-----smirks then rifles off some fingering-riffys----
like it's a deathmatch--and he ain't losing---i remember jimmy and jeff----looking to each other
"yeah he's on tonight"
so like i said ---those yardbirds-------helluva band eh?
and the afterlife--worth checking out----when all was said and done and no life left-in the yardbirds---and both jim --jeff really "kept the idea alive"---lead singer hot guitarist----etc--
keith relf--lead singer from 'birds"-----started early proggers--------Renaissance
-------
check out-----find the first record------john hawkens on piano--great bass---right from same period as king crimson-yes-'s first stuff---really good music---
well i'm a babblski-----so-----1 thru 5--------"who's next"
(a clue or a bluff)---peace and love----------gary

ADRIAN BELEW POWER TRIO IS THE BEST LIVE BAND - and the pictures aren't bad, either

2008-06-13T08:55:00.003-04:00

WOW-!!!---i take great pix-tures--don't i-? it's easy with this subject or these subjects--which are one in the same-or one being//entity--the ADRIAN BELEW POWER TRIO!!

for those following the guitar-god thingy i've been writing--this is a temporary but actually possibly a continuation---eh??

i was lucky enough last friday--to leave work-3.30pm--get to the home-grabbed my coat-grabbed my hat-sorry-sir paul- throw some cloth-ing in a satchel page--i grabbed--dashed to the patriot and drove on down south--(have to say that in the foghorn leghorn voice)---down past the masey-dix-on---line--to the home of (in the navy)---or as lt smash--said "yvan eht nioj"-------to annapolis jeeves---to THE RAMS HEAD--

as computer directions---no advertisements in this blog---usually get me close until the last minute when it all goes wrong -but seemingly always----at that moment the phone rings---"dad-are you almost here"?---

sorry julie--call you right back--so--i get straightened out--i'm a moment away---

"dad---adrian says-we're not going on til you are here"---and in the background---
"she's right gary"---familiar voice---that "elephant talk guy"----

oh i'm parking now---be right in----

right to green-room---hugs-hello's---"break a leg"---etc---

"hey we're gonna do--planet e---first time tonight"--just for you---

awwwwwwww--shucks--(thank ya jimi)-----

so i get seated---they do their--animalistic voodooo secret handshake is better than a kiss rituals--(partially seen in Hideyo's roadcam blogthing)(he's in cgt)----

and the show is going----on---

i kinda get setup-right behind eric--and bam-!!

what a show---i hadn't heard live the re-arranged sets

----broke in two parts--

usually--the new or jammy-xperimental----(an understatement)--first set----

wowie-zowie---wickey-woo-woo

break---second set another new one added-something changed----a little different towards the end------

but---i'll always be labeled being prejudiced--they are the BEST LIVE BAND out touring-----HANDS DOWN!!!

don't get me started-----ok---can't help this---totally amazing---!!
dot explanation point dot com----

so---as stated--they did **planet e** awww ahuh ahuh--FOR ME---according to my introduction---"to the man who spawned a new generation of rockers"----or somethin like that---and no---no relation that i know of to earl--------whew!---i"m better lookin--anyway---

the new songs--as always--the extended slightly different each night usuals----
my god, truly amazing trio of "power and terror"-thank ya robert

at this time---i want to thank all the old friends--new friends-i just met-people that
i spent this past weekend talking to--explaining--"the stories//legends"of my experiences-with ade--my children--etc---always a pleasure--

the management there--ram's head--really first class

lucky me--on to next gig------something--or somebody---bodies--are met--on way out of town---(please see robin's upcoming blogpost either today or tomorrow)"i thought you said--no advertise-mints---gary--?"

she's my wife--shut-up-

anywho--on to-----t-neck------home of many banks--snewjerseys----to a normally great place to gigg---mexi cali blues---

and its still a great venue--but check the weather channel--next time---not their fault but saturday was record like breaking HEAT----probably 120--degees onstage---their air--was severely over-worked---

bergen--school of rock opened--great "yes"---set---a couple kc---they did great

a buddy of mine --from work drove up from philly-with his ladyfriend-stayed same hotel

also---as far as I KNOW---stayed away from 420---------"not really a party---but some chab li---cheese---some crackers"---

anyways-----another fan---tastic show-----

and seriously i've seen tons of bands----right now----this is THE BEST--live band out now

if----i was a richma---oh stop-----if i wasn't related---i was justaguy---
aguywholoves proggyrock----intelligent rock----whatever class///hate that--

i would be screaming----eric you fff-n----rule!!!!----julie--you kickass-monster-chickbassplayer magazine-june issue-checkitout-along with who's the guitarplayer magazine-june issue also-riff section guy----atriumbelew--!

wow---again---

so again---wokeup got outta bed dragged acomb--brush really--on my head---
left--teaneck---had breakfast--we rated a 10----adrian's style potato's---really a good start------off to------THE CITY OF TROY, new york---you trojan---went thru one hell of a thunder-thunder-thundercats---thunderstorm to REVOLUTION HALL----a really super venue

eric's girlfriend in area--(so he's feeling good)--weather now better than recently--
and like i said really great place to play

some family--robin's nephew garrett-brosis in law and family from conn----there

good soundcheck=preshow meal---

good local opener----solo guy--later joined by aguy who could play lennon in RAIN---both good acoustic players--

here we go--another wonderful performance--stellar actually--

i'll ask this now-----adrian---"please-please---record futurevision-maybe for upcoming-cd"?with this trio--please buddy----i'm lucky--have heard the off the board-
version---------man---a great song done even HOTTER------MY GOODNESS---its good----

another hi--lite or two---besides the music---TROY-is a town that loves adrian--good fz base--and they love eric---know him from Project Object------but you shoulda heard the JULIE-JULIE-JULIE-chants.

ade gave me another great introduction-awww--he's such a nice guy-----

during a recess period i took--got to talk to some fans---there were some from northampton mass--burlington vt---wow----and a bunch had been "camping"like at some festival that was a "jamthing"*something---(sorry-lotta miles over weekend)---they had "prepped"--(their word)--by watching "rock school"--the documentary--and accompanying soundtrack---both that feature a youthful eric slick and julie slick---

so ----what a weekend---can't wait til the river cruise--ny---

lotsa great upcoming---f-o-c-k-(friends of crimson king)---stuff and more-----
so---sorry--i'll not keep you on pinsandneedles---about god-guitar people--4and5

stay tuned same bat-time---(oh you 60's people)---------

oh wait----lotsa people now making some comparisons----i've seen-----sounds like---
cream meets return to forever----he's moon-rich-baker-bruford-williams-like or
she's a woman--sorry paul--who plays like pastorius-bruce-ent-squire----

one thing i do know-----futurevision-futurevision-futurevision---and-------
I LOVE THIS POWER TRIO---that sounds like an orchestra---or a jazz trio--or a

----so---love peace------gary

and i'm one hell of a photo-grapher

Speaking of Adrian Belew...

2008-06-03T19:18:00.001-04:00

From Friday night's show in Tampa...unreal

Guitar Gods Part III - Lone Rhino

2008-06-03T07:00:00.000-04:00

WOW--great picture---by me--like five feet away---World Cafe Live--winter tour 2008
So ummm--i told you i was gonna jump right on with Number 3 of my GUITAR HEROES--

not being prejudiced

really

i wouldn't lie--really--late 70's--early 80's--i still liked to play guitar--alas no contact with any persons-i'd played with--so usually sunday's---get a little whacked--plug in guitar--play with records---play along all afternoon---picked up "Lodger"---playing----huh-----next song---wha--------pickup cover--sleeve----Adrian---who??

yes----quite---different----and maybe--i had no idea---what he was doin---or better yet--how-
he was doing it--BUT I LOVED IT---

unfortunately i lost him--after bowie stuff--never knew the zappa--stuff til later----kinda same
with king crimson----but once the kids started---with rock school--eric was watching--zappa
video's---crimson---in fact---our neighbor--louis---who played guitar over the house--with our
eric and julie---lou quickly became nicknamed---little "adrian"

elelphant talk quite a popular riff---three of perfect---same---

ANDRIAN BELEW---number 3----THREE-

jimi-ertc-ade-

when i first saw ade--live--late-2005-i was amazed---and by the time i was with them---
the adrian belew power trio--in germany summer of 2006- wow----what a musician!

Germany---was really interesting---scary actually for adrian--

most of his equipment--amps---pedals---were lost----

THE SHOW--must go on--julie's bass--arrived just hours before the performance--but adrian wasn't as lucky--

i can remember ken---and adrian talking--

"boss---you can do this---just the parkers through marshalls--you're roughing it--but you can handle it"----nervous smiles accompany----

then the band bursts onto stage----

wow--they were raw---but---hot--really---

the two youngsters-pushing adrian----wowwwwwwwiiie--

i was filming ---feet in front of it all--pinching myself--asking myself-is this real-----SIR-REAL--

yes---adrian grew up listening--loving--Jimi---just like me---

ade's masterful-feedback-twangbar-whammying---was truly--amazing that afternoon--
of course in the time since---how many show-soundcheck-rehearsal--etc-----have i been privy to---where i still sit---in awe---this man has his own---"VOICE"

i saw this documentary--on les paul---i know adrian has met-les--i was fortunate myself to meet lester---at a celebration of his 90th---birthday---don't get sidetracked---oh yeah les invented sidetracking also---so---i realized---they had told stories-of les and mary---taking all these tape machines--on road trips--aka gigs--so he can have his own "sound"--or "voice"like he had in his recordings----do'oh--who's a modern day--"les"---

well--johnson amps--with "special"programmings--that lovely set of pedals and such---on floor at "the feet"---boy sounds like--adrian belew----well nothing sounds like adrian.

seriously number three----for me---mainly for these reasons---unique-artistic-great skilled player--(witnessed at germany show mentioned earlier-pay attention)-and great riff//songwriter------------

I recently had the pleasure to see perform--a little jazzy style set---with local guitar great-
greg davis--wally smith--keys---greg knows---(he saw the ABPT at the world cafe show in March)--my interests---

says---hey-gary--who's your fave five---i get to two---he stops me---"hey--same as me----but-3-gary--??"

i look at him ---simultaneously----ADRIAN-----we actually agree thru-5----but i'm adrianinnnnnggggg now---(is that a verb?)

anyway---i can go on forever---praising this guy----

his solo-bands-duets----the playing's just other worldly----and know well-----what's going on with the power and terror---which are the Power Trio----

i've seen jimi-eric-jimmy-jeff-al-stevie-pete-(i'll stop)---along with their bands--trios-etc-
and each and every show--I've seen--has out-topped each-----

and so the amazing thing is---he can be the lone rhino-dinosaur-big electric cat but he's my number three---guitar hero---god----and my friend------

how lucky---

like this coming weekend--annapolis-t-neck-troy----i'll be there-

well---i think--nos.4 and 5-will be next---a little two at once---

Peace--Love----Gary

Guitar Gods Part II - Slow Hand

2008-05-30T08:15:00.000-04:00

oh yeah i have an SG but not that one----

So last time out i devoted to another well-who-cares-about-what-this-guy-likes as "guitar heroes list"--but as promised #2---Mr EC.

I'm 54 years old --basically as old as rock and roll-so i've witnessed--the history--
Jimi as number one-wow some say--(not me)"short career-drugs-had he peaked?"--but 2-on MY list---eric clapton--yes we named our son-the combo-Eric James Marshall--old hippies don't---(well you know)--

Where I grew up--area called Olney-here in Philly--in the 60's--first of all--there was only a/m radio--so hearing Yardbirds-especially Clapton's era--sometimes to get bands --especially English groups--you had to order them at a record store---so thru word of mouth--hey these two brothers are in this band you should go to their garage after school--and they play this English blues stuff---it was my first hearing of it---and i loved it.

Yeah I'm American--know blues is ours--but just like--you hear Jimi's "guitar voice"-and know its him--Clapton's "guitar voice"--is equally unique--beyond the early Yardbirds ---the John Mayall album---uh-if--"Hideaway"and "Steppin' Out"--don't move ya---well--check your pulse-
are you breathing????------that roar-crunch-screaming les paul-thru marshall full tilt-just peels
my scalp off every--listen--even to this day.

Has a solo ever make you cry??

Well, first time i heard "While my Guitar"---was on a transitor-tinyass-radio--
and I cried--

Sometimes music can do that to you-

And so I never got to see "Cream"-"Blind Faith"-Derek-Delaney and/or Bonnie---at least --not live...but I've seen Eric --frequently--

In Roger Waters band-with Mark Knopfler-Albert Lee-Gary Brooker-do i need to list em all--???

We took both eric and julie to see him when they were young-they got to see many "greats"--at young ages----(maybe the answer to question---"what did you feed them")

Another reason this guy makes high on my list--is--we share some demons--and actually--a biography i read while i was at valleyforge rehab--back in the 80's---his "story"really helped me understand me---

Alright back to music--this guy just --well i don't know how else to explain--but---plays his ass off--

With all the "sit-ins"--he's done--he may be the only guitarist--beyond ADRIAN BELEW--who has jammed-sidemanned--sat in--with more or on more recordings

One of my faves--is billy preston's--'that's the way god planned it'--a record produced by george harrison--eric and billy--on the title track--toward the end--go to this "trade-off"of solo's
it's----f/n wonderful---but like i was saying about-"voices"---clapton's remains a killer.

Steve winwood's newest--features a great dose--of slowhand--still sounding awesome--
and the first time i heard it---you knew it was him--(clapton)----and they still sound great together.

Here's a killer-- his solo on "presence of the lord"--(blind faith)---and--on "goodbye cream"----all the live stuff-especially Sitting on top of the world--"live cream--1&2--"
Deserted cities of the heart--Tales of brave ulyses---i can continue----
but--you see--i've seen him play fairly recently--loved his bb king---jj cale releases---along with the cream----reunion---the guy still plays---and with amazing chops---
so----he's mumber two---still alive--still performing-------------
still being amazing--------i could go on and about him------

if you don't agree------"oh well"---

no that's Peter Green------

Hey--friends--i have to apologize---i've slacked off this blog----for a while----
actually started writing about first two thirds---of this---end of february----
lotttttttaaaaa stufff----and as john lennon said--"life is what happens-while you're busy making plans"

so next post very shortly--NUMBER THREE---ummm three-(hint)---trio----like--3
awwwww----(another hint)----greg davis agrees------------

peace-love-----gary

Ten Songs I Never Need to Hear Again and Who My Guitar Heroes Really Are Part I

2008-02-20T07:08:00.000-05:00

hey---sorry but we have been sick--yes some sick slicks. before i forget though--yes that's my guitar strap--truthfully i own the same probably bought it the same year. mine's a lil beat but i've always thought--only thing jimi and i have in common.

oh yeah i eventually owned a strat and i play guitar(but i don't think you can mention my name and jimi's in the same sentence)--oops--oh yeah his birthday is one day before mine--whoa---anyway i'll be talking some more on jimi--just a little later-----since i haven't ranted in a while-----here's todays--

now you need to understand as mentioned in past i love music-seriously--rock and roll---actually a bunch of diverse stuff but --anywho-at my desk i have a boom-box type thingy-so the freedoms there to c/d or radio--so whilst i work i listen to "what i want"---un-fortun-otly--------outside my area two usual fm stations--one "the rock station" other "classic rock"----as in past rants of this type drek ---here's my top ten list--------
SONGS I NEVER--YES NEVER---NEED TO HEAR AGAIN E V E R!!!
pardon me---not really in order---just 10--yeck-cough--kaka--

1.lee michaels---do you know what i mean-------yes i do---no that's the name of the song--huh--
oh wait--this could get abbott and costello-ish----soooo--don't know why--this gets play---it was bad when it came out--and----honestly saw this guy open for hot tuna-jeff starship--in the day---and i remember searching the hallways of the spectrum for reasons of "why not be seated
right now"

2.rock n roll----mr (is it really ok to call him mister) gary glitter!!!!--if you don't know why---google him--besides every time i hear it---i visualize being in homer simpsoms' brain--

3.anything by boston------tom---don't know which interstellar laser weapon you helped invent--but i guess--"we owe you"something--and you'll have something to fall back on--

4.rocky mountain way---love you joe walsh---but after all this time-----my ears are bleeding

5.steve miller----whatever the name of the song---that you stole the riff of "rocky mountain way"---i dunno-burning-turning-churning something----anyway---george harrison owed--or should have owed nothing to ms.spector--if you didn't tip joe walsh--for ripping him off----

6.oh here goes-----golden earring--say no more--

7.anything by bush-------ha dubya-------!!!!---allright number seven--american pie----
if i have to listen for 18 minutes---please play--inagadda davita --baby----or "beatbox guitar"-----(this is brought to you by--the adrian belew power trio)----sorry-i love them

8.aerosmith--train kept a rollin//cum together(yes)----now i know these are two songs---
and it's come together--sorry jake-(as george used to refer to him)--also sorry keith--
people--PEOPLE---yardbirds----oh somebody thinks they are me--or maybe mick---anyway--
like the list says---never-needed by me--again

9.fool in the rain---especially---when its raining!!---sorry jimbo---this song has sucked-since
released----now---in this vein--ccr--who'll stop the rain------and/or--(sorry eric) let it rain--
hey radio stations---do you play--"turning japanese" every time a 14 year old---yanks---oh sorry---"did i say that"---

10.supertramp

NUF SAID!!

and now for something completely diffy------but slightly re-lated---i must have had plenty of coffee tonight---------i've wanted to get this done a while ago-- i'll start with this is my list---
these are my GUITAR HEROES and a little about why-or what-ever---
1--number one-----JIMI
never to rub in your faces people---but yes may--1970 temple stadium---oh probably 15 ft off front of stage---i saw him---play--------yea that's what you call it--i think---or did it play him----
whether the strats--or gibson flying v--for blues stuff----i have never--seen,felt,ex-perienced-
a musician like the man.he had the chops-the show-the personality(if the right night)-to make you smile,cry feel the power of music--especially--"music done right"--mitch drummed,billy cox on bass----what a day------sometime in the future--i'll tell the whole tale----
but back to mr,jimi----i guess the first time i heard--are you--ex--it just changed me
those times were so unbelievable as far as abundance of masterpieces---and just when digested
axis bold as love----whoa--my mind can't grow this fast----
do you have time to listen to---electric ladyland------where's the sunshine??--
(the brown acid is not too good)(take this with a grain)--oh yeah woodstock---
well there have been copies--(randy hanson)(blackface)(not very p/c)---and people point to robin trower--stevie ray--and others--(randy california)---and i love all last three--but
in my opinion---my number one guitar hero----will always be jimi hendrix
and what a mind--a feel for expanding/exploding what an instrument could do.
well you heard some rants----
started my list
it will continue
and who will be number two????
NUMBER TWO--did you really do number two?????----------told ya--too much caffffffeeeiiinne
later---s-r-f---aka---gary
oh by the way--check adrianbelew.net---for tour schedule---say hi to the "band"for me

Power Trios

2008-01-17T05:30:00.000-05:00

happy gnu year!!!---sorry i've been baking, christmasing, other end of year thingys, so i now finally have some night time energy to write. since one of the purposes of this blog is for me to "talk music"-growing up in the 60's after the beatles/english invasion/era of music in "my life"-things that were important to me-I want to talk about a band which came along that shook my world-CREAM,

yes, i knew of eric clapton, yardbirds, mayall -- but knew little of bruce and baker-wow FRESH CREAM-one of those hippie albums-your friend who all of a sudden burned incense owned that album followed by disreali gears which was just so influential to what would come later in life,and my musical tastes.shortly followed by "god"-jimi.........(that's for my e-llipse fans)-yes there is probably no artist-who after hearing first song/first side/first album-that made me just sit there and go-wha who where?-what was that!--but mr. hendrix and company--incidententally--(yea on purpose)-and cream were are and always will be POWER TRIOS-a term/name whatever that speaks for itself-its a trio that's powerful- right mr kotter?

so then why when in conversation and i'm describing the name of ADRIAN BELEW POWER TRIO--is that usually followed by--'what's that?" well i'm quite ecstatic it's american idol season-knowing full well IF i watched--i'd probably-never have to worry one of the acts would be--a power trio--second little tidbit from me on this name/subject---beyond the two earlier bands i've mentioned here ---how's this for "others": robin trower-also b-l-t-and truce-all trower things--but bruce, lordan, trower -- killer but so is truce--i really love jack-and robin--actually got to meet jack--in new york--during the first adrian and les paul-meeting-(wow am i a name dropper)and what a weekend--which really did have more "names-to drop"-but not now---elp-not guitar oriented but keith emerson sure does a great hendrix imitation---rush from the GREAT WHITE NORTH --EH?---don't think i call the police--a power trio--you might--i know one thing----the who-led zep-and a couple other 4 piece-but really power trio's with a lead singer---bands all fit the bill-of "super guitar,bass,drummer".

well now--just recently heard new cd release of bruce/trower and it sounded good-jack's voice sounded stronger--robin sounded good/great really---want to hear more than the two tracks.

getting back to trio ranting---the first real band i was in--was a trio-a converted guitar/now bass player-guitar and a drummer who we all begged his mom to "please buy"that drumset??please "s's" mom?(nicknamed s' which was short for s h i t )-in a short period-actually about 15 months-we learned about 100 songs--wow youth-anyway we weren't very "powerful"--but we had fun. so a million years later after a meeting or two--i'm standing talking to adrian belew who says i have this band idea---a power trio-with maybe julie and eric. pick yourself off the floor gary-answer the man---"wow-- that sounds great!"

well that was followed by many a discussion of band-faves-guitar gods i can't believe-yes it's surreal--(ain't that the tit-le)-so this really wasn't too rantlike-(are you sure?)but i think i needed to talk music--this stuff was just eeking out--one of the proudest things in my life right now is the fact that eric and julie are amazing musicians, playing with one of my "guitar gods"--they really are a power trio and i'm so glad-i'm so glad --i'm glad i'm glad i'm glad--(fresh cream)

now related to this---live recordings--i love live stuff, from live kinks, wheels of fire, goodbye cream, live at leeds, hendrix in the west, woodstocks 1 and 2, band of gypsys....yeah i can go on and on-beatles live san fran,so yes own plenty-love most--and when adrian was talking a live one--and knowing what a great musician hee is and how and diversified-(plays like all instruments on his solo stuff)--i figured they'd record, mix --maybe overdub--(the little sometimes farts) in the recording--but--no--and i was there so--wow--this thing was mastered//mixed or equalized the levels--with really -no--fixes--and its wonderful!! you can feel the electricity and energy from first notes of writing on the wall--and it doesn't end til thela---and here's the great news---as this upcoming tour plays--this band will "somehow"git tighter and tighter---

well --i'm back in the saddle--so i'll try and not let so much time go by between these little things.
peace---gary

God Gave Rock and Roll To You...Gave Rock and Roll To You...Put It In The Soul of Everyone...You Gotta Put Your Faith in a Loud Guitar

2007-12-08T09:25:00.000-05:00

wow!---now that's a line or two--from no --not a kiss song--although they covered but a fave band--of mine---who??--no not the who-gary don't go to animaniacs-skit--WHO-YOU MEAN THE BAND??YES--THE BAND--then they go to TRAFFIC?--anyway---argent--i first saw them--1970-at the old electric factory-venue-before frank rizzo-who was still a police commish-before he was our mayor--closed the place--ah-old philadelphia politics--sat on floor right down in front---uummm--gary---how do you remember that long ago??and why?--well like i said in first post--MUSIC really means a lot to me--and thankfully my family-so one of the things i'll be touching on--in my blurbs here will be how we all can SAVE THE MUSIC--not just what we see in cable tv world--anyone attemping help in this area of our lives--the more people involved in this pursuit--the merrier-so you;ll be reading MY RANTS as the SLICKS attempt to SAVE THE MUSIC

rant--number-one----------so at least here in philly there are three "rock"stations on standard f/m radio--actually you might class a few more but they are more
"speciality-oldie-or only 60's-70's" anyway-thank god for npr type station we have--only station i listen to--although thru-out my workplace i hear the "classic rock"off/on allday--and folks please ; please--pul-lezzzze--play the other 100--jimi hendrix songs--just a little spent on--the big three--won't even mention--but i will diverse----1970--may 16th---at TEMPLE STADIUM--i saw the MAN-play--yes jimi--mitch-billy cox----sorry--MR HUCKABEE--not noel redding--ha--i stood maybe 10 feet from center actually a lil left towards where this "god"stood--as other audience members--ha he said "member'huh-huh--anyway requests were being screamed--foxy lady---purple haze--well these two would get play but---"fire--jimi--fire"--this "dude"kept it up--and up---with some others--mr number one guitar god of mine---(more on this --oh probably next post)--looking very--un--happy--finally says--"i'm fucking so tired of THAT"---then turns to bandmates--breaks into a musically fantastic version--albeit----instrumental only--the whole song---except for when the time came he leaned toward the mic--"fire"----the only word--fot the 3 minutes or so length----see jimi wanted to showcase his "new"band--his music that was--to be on "the cry of love"--not the repeated set list of last three years--hmmmmm--sound like other great bands--maybe four mop tops--and yeah--they NEVER changed---(and yes-i'll be talking more on the boys)

SO-maybe my point is that there is sooo much--so much music--that just doesn't get heard--maybe that --even the artists want to grow//change-go forward--or backward--add an orchestra--or horns--wow---slow down gary--how about this -- i've seen my own children--yeah those two--their friends-and their friends time after time--get so excited when i play a obscure lp--or cd---man--or woman-i get excited--if i hear something new that strikes me--or a hidden gem--so i guess my real point is----i know corporately speaking---gaggggg--SOMEONE NEEDS A BUGGING--A PROD--A---WAKEUP SLAP--city hall is hard to fight--but if enough people e-mail--phone request--"what do you mean--you CAN'T play that song" or"you don't have that--check your computer"--maybe---you'll hear--rainy day--dream away--or nah--they never play 1983--but --somebody--yeah FRANK DID SAY--MUSIC IS THE BEST---i agree--------and as jimi said--(woodstock)--you can leave if ya want--we're just jammin----til next post--peace-love and MUSIC--gary

Greetings from 21st Century Schizoid Dad

2007-12-06T09:30:00.000-05:00

Photo of Adrian Belew, Gary Slick, and Eric Slick...at or around the time of the recording of Side Four Live

well here i go maybe should have titled my blog 21st century schizoid dad but that's probably in use-after robbi picked herself off the floor-the night we first discussed me writing --why-?-oh i don't know--i guess because i enjoy-reading yours--and adrian's(belew)-i thimk somewhere-somebody might enjoy what i'd write-so what do you wanna title it?well i've been called--poppa slick -but it makes me feel "old"--and i'd like to write about "rock and roll"- when i was young especially at parties-i'd grab an "airplane"record --yeah you see who wrote song-three? g-slick see---g slick--yea right---well---i tried-so as we discussed what to use--we went back and forth--s0 somewhere along the conversation-we started doin the disreali gears-
thing --you know elephants gerald-robbi said "surrealistic Fellow"-then our recent lives came to mind-"your children made a recording-with adrian belew-"--i wanna say "album"but yes a c/d-----that is SURREAL---so like the flaming pie story-well maybe not-this isn't a john lennon idea---SIR REALISTIC--i am---well nice to meet you---realistic --we--the family slick's-eric julie,robbi,monty,my mom and me--are NOT RELATED TO-earl-gracie-or tom slick--although my thunderbolt greaseslapper is on your tail---(60's cartoon reference--grace isn't really a slick-and earl and adrian played guitar for dave jones)--
-the above--slick rant-is really just an answer to--frequently asked tour questions---that out of the way---let me qualify myself-for in this virginity-post--or loss of thereof--i will attempt a recording review--well let's see--i saw the "beatles"before i was 12 live--"jimi"when i was 16-the beatles got me going on the guitar thing--needless--what jimi did to me--between the mass of c/d's,albums--let me 'splain this to you lucy---my life -maybe not 54 years of it--but an awful lot---has been affected by music--and since not only was i there for "the act"---but many shows---before after ---well SIDEFOUR LIVE-ADRIAN BELEW -ADRIAN BELEW POWER TRIO-- recorded on a snowy ohio nite feb 2007--(prelude)--as the touring of november 2006-was winding down ,in secret after show meetings,and adrian had enjoyed his "lemondrops"--john sinks said one night--you know--i;ve been recording the last so and so shows--well adrian had said the future of the power trio--abpt--had a chance to be LIVE and the fourth in the the sides series--"when did he say that gary"--"oh when he was drinking those lemondrops"--so early 2007-it was off to "ohio"--go ahead play a pretenders c/d--but rock n roll hall of fame-clevland-dayton--southgate house-cinncy/north kentucky--were three back to back shows----LADIES AND GENTLEMEN--well go on now --"writing on the wall"-what an opener-like ade says on c/d he looked at julie and eric and off they flew---julie's slap bass/adrian soaring above -eric keeping tight--yet pushing --no,driving the band----at this point of record -they've gotten your attention---and if you're not rockin--check your polse--2nd song---"dinosaur"king crim cover --done single trio---you can hear how tight this band gets--and the beatle ending--"oh we're not done-(looking down at shoes)--yet"--bam!--next track--"ampersand"--woooow!!--about 3 minutes in--julie's---entwhistling---along eric kickin ass--adrian twangin---really hot!!then----intro---"young lions"--well ade--i love the original--buuuut----this kicksass!!!---and againgreat guitar work--"hendrix meets jeff beck"but more!!---"beatbox guitar"---the chamelion song for me---since this is one of the loose-jams--changes-every night ditty's----ade shows off his choice axe--mr fly---and it's lovely mass of soundlings--eric'julie brilliant on this ---you hear--little "yessy"sounds-bruford/squire-meet madman dr belew---if around 9.00 into song your skin isn't goosed ---you AIN'T LISTENING--ade's flying high--julie's jack bruce--eric's ginger moon--yes this is different from the "download version"--that was SEATTLE-2006--but however many times i've heard song--still killer-"matchless man"---ooo--oh how cool a sound-from beginning --all thru -ade's backwards---(how does he do that??") guitar genius-and this song is so smooooth--julie's on fretless//eric makin it happen--"a little madness"next --bass opens your forehead-drums pacing the pack-enter man from pluto-on parker fly-this jam--wow -speechless---and julie throws you 3.200 or so into"21st century"along with cohort eric --thrice---then back to--wildness on wheels----speaking of driving--"drive"---let's put this into a video//tv commercial/what the hell movie-make me visualize something like-any of the aboves----hereeeee's "of bow and drum"---again-no dissin-the original---but--this live cut---with the "creamlike"hi harmonies--screeching "hawk"sound guitar runs--(jimi's like--shit they didn't make gear like this for me)!!plus ade's uniquenesses---woow"big electric cat"next--adrian(twangybarkingfish)--great song------then
the "crimson"tales---of "three of a perfect pair"what a fantastic version--and :thela hun ginjeet"--complete with the "this is a dangerous place"backdrop to jam to----so yeah---this BAND--IS TRULY AMAZING--THIS CD -well check it out--it's also amazing