House of Blues, San Diego – March 15, 2008
This was a really neat show. Particle is a 3 man band, keys, bass and drums. But with Rob Krieger (of The Doors) they are arranged just like The Doors were. There was someone else sitting in with them doing vocals, and we basically got a whole Doors set. Was awesome to get a chance to hear some of that music live. Certainly not quite the same without Jim Morrison, but it was a real treat either way.
House of Blues, San Diego – Feb 12, 2008
A nice end to my music dry spell.
This was the first time I have had a chance to see Umphrey’s McGee, but I really dig them.
Tons of stuff going on in the rhythm section with lots of syncopation, and some definitely great guitar playin’.
Looking forward to the next one of these!
Humphrey’s by the Bay, San Diego – July 25, 2007
This is the second time I’ve seen Lyle Lovett w/ his crew.
As usual was a fantastic performance. Such a great mix of country, blues, and gospel sounds.
They did a couple tracks off of Victor Krauss’ album, notably “Shine on You Crazy Diamond.” Was fantastic, I picked up his new cd on the spot.
Saratoga Mountain Winery, June 27, 2007
Finally, my music dry spell is ended! Tonight I had the unexepcted privilege of seeing an incredible guitar duo, Rodgrigo Y Gabriela. A friend of mine from work’s concert buddy got sick and boy did that make me one lucky fellow.
“Maybe get a blister on yo’ little finger, Maybe get a blister on your thumb!”
Yes indeed, my application of misdirected creative energy on the guitar is coming along. I now have my second lesson behind me. So far I’m enjoying it quite a lot. One thing that has really tripped me out is how quickly your body adapts to things. My fingers are finally getting toughened up so it doesn’t hurt so much to play. Last week, it felt like my fingertips had been burned, or like they were permanently a little numb. In only a couple weeks, I have nice little callouses there now, and it doesn’t hurt so bad (which on a mystified by my universe level I find completely fascinating.) That is, all except for my pinky, I’m afraid it might take it a little while to catch up!
I can play the intro to La Bamba now, and I taught myself (and by taught myself, I mean looked up guitar tab) the intro to The Beatles, “In My Life”, which admittedly is not a huge accomplishment, but it is neat to be able to make noises that sound really familiar. Last night, I taught myself Jingle Bells, but it still needs practice… I’m gonna try and have it down good by the time I go home for Christmas, because I figure if I am to torture them with my practice, I can at least do it with some holiday tunes.
Chord changes are really hard still, I have learned (in case you know yourself what I am talking about) Em, Am, C, G, D, and last week I learned another G, and Cadd7, and Dsus4, which are much easier to play, at least that C is. I can basically play the rhythm for Green Day’s “Good Riddance” now, but the regular old C is still a major bitch, which puts “Knockin’ On Heaven’s Door” out of reach still, pun intended.
House of Blues, San Diego, December 5, 2006
Last night I made it out to the House of Blues to see Public Enemy, and man did I have a good time. There’s nothing like a really heavy high volume beat to bounce to, and PE delivered that up no problem. X-Clan opened, after The Banned (which play with Public Enemy) warmed up with 1/2 a dozen tracks.
It’s a trip the vibe that they put out at this show. It’s cool how they can some how mix in-your-face hip-hop, while at the same time proselytizing peace, love, unity.