We had fun playing at the Pro Blues Jam at the Legendary Wooden Nickel with Dan Peters
Book Review: Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Chilling depictions, well-conceived plot. Characters are so well-drawn, that they are disturbing. Kinda fizzles out a bit at the end. Great read overall
My Review of One Way Out: The Inside History of the Allman Brothers Band
One Way Out: The Inside History of the Allman Brothers Band by Alan Paul
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
How do you recount a history as varied, long-lived, and chaotic as The Allman Brothers Band’s? By telling each person’s version of history, which Mr. Paul does with balance, humor, and without sanctifying the flawed humans that comprise the ABB (OK, maybe he sanctifies Duane a bit, but who doesn’t).
This book deepened my appreciation for the music and heightened my listening of the various incarnations of the ABB. Not a sordid tell-all, just a coherent history of how the quirky musical institution can be celebrating 45 years of incredible music.
Review of My Life with Deth: Discovering Meaning in a Life of Rock & Roll
My Life with Deth: Discovering Meaning in a Life of Rock & Roll by David Ellefson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Mr. Ellefson tells an entertaining life story, and manages to stay true to his rocker, sobriety, and spiritual roots – without evangelizing.
I especially enjoyed that he’s clearly reflected on the path he’s travelled, and shares insight from what he’s learned, without excessive spleen-venting or hindsight-based revisionism.
Description of today’s show at Fitzgerald’s
A review of 4-inch wide Italia Straps for Bass Guitars
I’ve been playing a lot of bass lately. That’s a good thing. Some of my basses weigh 12 pounds. That’s not a good thing.
I recently started using a neo-web type strap, which is made of neo-prene or something similar. It’s wide and a bit stretchy. Although a strap like this does re-distribute the weight, the slick nature of the material tends to exacerbate neck dive. I found myself going back to a narrower strap that was leather and suede.
Some online comments lead me to check out Italia Straps
I purchased Black + Suede and a Mahogany strap.
On the whole I am pleased with these straps.
Here’s a review of pros & cons:
- Pros:
- Reasonably priced
- Very sturdy leather
- Wide form
- Leather looks, feels, and smells great
- Classic buckle-free adjustable design
- Cons:
- Leather is so thick that I had to compress is with a clamp and some washers before I could put my Dunlop Dual Design strap locks on. It was manageable, and should be very secure, but it was an extra step and extra effort.
- These straps actually are so thick that they weigh almost a pound each (15 oz.). If you’re really concerned about total weight between bass and strap, that might be a factor. For me the sturdiness, strap-width, and suede backing make 15 oz. of weight acceptable.
- Leather was a bit stiff at first. However I have a sense it will grow more supple with use.
Short version: Good value, good construction, I am happy with these straps.
Playing with Paul Bolger of Mr. Blotto
I was lucky enough to serve as house bass player this past Sunday. This was a really fun night – great music.
Paul played nearly the entire night, with many local musicians. Paul has an encyclopedic knowledge of songs and was equally comfortable singing/playing lead or playing rhythm behind someone else. A total “mensch”!
The World as 100 People
Review: The Music Lesson: A Spiritual Search for Growth Through Music
The Music Lesson: A Spiritual Search for Growth Through Music by Victor L. Wooten
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I’m actually not sure how I feel about this book yet.
It is similar to one of my favorite books of all time, Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance, which opens with “What follows is based on actual occurrences. Although much has been changed for rhetorical purposes, it must be regarded in its essence as fact.”
What I like about this book is that it asks higher-level questions about music (primarily creating it, but also listening & appreciating it). It’s not a technique book, it’s an attitude book.
What I don’t like are primarily two things:
The prose is somewhat pedantic seems to be aimed at about a 6th or 7th grade intellect (perhaps it is)
The “miraculous occurrences” are to some extent, like something you might read in a free magazine you pick up at a new-age shop
But that criticism seems overly harsh, and I really did like this book. I think part of the point is to suspend dis-belief and see what it has to offer.
I also think that there is enough here to warrant a re-reading. No doubt Mr. Wooten is a musician of great talent and achievement and can obviously teach something about it to those of us willing to listen.
Review: Room Full of Mirrors: A Biography of Jimi Hendrix
Room Full of Mirrors: A Biography of Jimi Hendrix by Charles R. Cross
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Because the author focuses on Hendrix’s roots and early experiences, it provides a much more humanizing perspective on the man. It’s probably a fair criticism that his later life receives an only moderately detailed treatment. However there are many other books that do this sufficiently well. I am not aware of a book that provides such an intimate and well-researched glimpse into Hendrix’s early life and relationships.
The fact that Hendrix was able to accomplish anything in view of his abusive and neglected child-hood speaks volumes to his level of passion, determination, and genius. It only further illustrates the tragedy of lost potential in this musical magi.
I learned a lot from this book, and I thought I knew a lot before reading it.