Galactic

Another perspective into the pleasantly diverse New Orleans music scene, this time through a contemporary lens. This is a promo for the new Galactic album Ya-Ka-May.

New Orleans

Expect my next few posts to be New Orleans related as I have recently attained a newfound respect, curiosity and appreciation for the music and culture of New Orleans (Thanks in full to David Simon's new HBO series "Treme"). This video encompasses all that it is to be a musician from New Orleans. Dr. John, The Meters, and Professor Longhair playing Earl King's composition and a universally recognized anthem of New Orleans, "Big Chief".

Derek

As arguably the best slide guitarist in the world, no words can do justice to the gift that Derek Trucks was endowed with from a very young age. I've seen him play multiple times and have been blown away every time by his ability to what John Mayer refers to as making "his guitar sound like a female singer from the 50's or 60's just belting it out."

Lenny

I recently rekindled my love affair with the great Lenny Breau after re-listening to one of the first guitar albums I can remember pulling out of my dad's stack of cds, "The Velvet Touch of Lenny Breau". It's a live trio album where Lenny touches on different genres, tempos, moods, picking styles, he plays spanish, blues, classical, indian, jazz, he plays guitar, he sings, and I wouldn't be surprised if he played bass and drums. Lenny is one of the most under-credited guitarists in my opinion, but I have a sneaking suspicion that if you mentioned his name to any great guitar player post 1960 they'd have some words to say about Canada's contribution to the guitar community. Take a look at this excerpt from a biographical documentary about Lenny called "Genius of Lenny Breau" and let me know what you think. It doesn't matter if you chicken pick, shred, or play the blues, this guy is bound to hit a chord.

Note: If this is the first you're hearing of Lenny Breau pick up "the Velvet Touch of Lenny Breau". But the truth is, listen to anything Lenny plays and you'll be converted.

Ray

It would be a sin for me to talk about music for the soul without recognizing one the patriarchs of soul and R&B, Ray Charles. Ray's music can't be characterized as anything but heartfelt, emotional, and doggone soulful. He'll find your soft spot, wherever it might be hiding and tug at it till you can't help but succumb to the notes he plays and the tune he sings.
I've decided the best way to portray Ray's profound influence is to hit you with some great tributes, unarguably reminiscent of Ray's ability to turn you to butter.
The first is Charlie Wood's rendition of "Come Back Baby". I was turned on to Charlie by my friend Mike Butlin, the well-hidden source of most good music I listen to.
Secondly is Norah Jones singing "Drown in my own tears". A song that's often replicated but never duplicated. Norah's touch never, and I mean never does any harm.

John Mayer & The Guitar Solo

Say what you will about John Mayer, the man can play the guitar. The purpose of this post isn't to argue John Mayer's integrity as a musician nor his ability to write a song. The point I wish to make is that John Mayer has done more for the guitar than the majority of people give him credit for. Allow me now to support my conclusion with irrefutable premises, the likes of which will give the John Mayer haters a new perspective, the agnostics a push in the right direction and the lovers even more respect. My objective is to make those skeptics see the light.
Upon first hearing "Your Body is a Wonderland" I thought to myself, "He's like a boy band condensed into one single entity". So I chose to pass on the craze and stick to what I knew best, the blues. It wasn't until the John Mayer Trio album "Try" came out that I thought to myself..."!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!". Here's where the part about him doing more for the guitar than he's given credit for comes into play.
John Mayer undeniably holds one of the most powerful positions of any current artist. He's managed to generate such a large fan base that no matter what he does, the crowd will love him for it. This makes the fact that he plays the guitar phenomenally well a significant part of his influence. He can hold his own with the most celebrated blues artists still alive i.e. B.B. King, Buddy Guy, Eric Clapton etc...and because of this, he's drawn the attention of the masses back to the good stuff. The stuff that tears ur heart out of your chest, the stuff that motivates you to play, listen and appreciate musicality and passion. The stuff worth investing in.
My point is this, not since Van Halen has a single artist with as big and broad a following made the guitar such an important focus of his music. What a rare occurrence it is to witness an entire stadium full of people explode over a guitar solo. Or an artist as main stream as John Mayer choose to "jam out" a song with his band of veteran musicians.
As a musician myself all I can say is this, thank you good sir for bringing the guitar back to the people, and reminding them of some of the most influential artists, writers and players of all time.

Now enjoy these videos of John having a good ol' time with blues legend Buddy Guy. Videos that exemplify my point famously.

Me Sooo Hooooaanny

A friend of mine posted this video on my facebook wall yesterday. So far I've watched it 2,374 times and it hasn't gotten old. This is better than any yellow fever threesome you'll find on Porn Hub. Full credit for this post goes out to Mr. Micah Dubinsky, a true appreciator of the inexplicable effects of music.

Two things to check out:

1. The unbelievable musical climax at 5:12 that transitions from the double-time swing to a gritty half-time shuffle a la "Pretty" Purdie.

2. The drum solo

Note: If you're going to watch this video...wear a condom.