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Thursday, November 21, 2024

Shoshin 💫

 


In Zen Buddhism it is understood as "Beginner's Mind" referring to having an attitude of openness, determination, passion and absence of preconceptions when studying a subject, even when studying at an advanced level, just as a beginner would do.


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Tuesday, November 19, 2024

Monday, November 18, 2024

Scott LaFaro or a way too early death of a genius 💫

 


Scott LaFaro, born on April 3, 1936, in Irvington, New York, is widely regarded as one of the most innovative and influential bass players in the history of jazz. LaFaro’s approach to the double bass revolutionized jazz, pushing the boundaries of the instrument in ways that were unprecedented for the time. His playing was characterized by a unique combination of technical mastery and deep musical expression, setting him apart from his contemporaries. LaFaro was a key member of the Bill Evans Trio, whose groundbreaking 1959 album Sunday at the Village Vanguard is considered one of the most significant jazz recordings ever made. His dynamic, improvisational bass lines created an intense synergy with Evans' piano, reshaping how jazz bass could interact with other instruments.




Tragically, LaFaro's career was cut short when he died in a car accident on July 6, 1961, at just 25 years old. Despite his brief life, his influence on jazz continues to resonate, with many bass players citing him as a foundational figure in the evolution of jazz bass playing. His legacy lives on through recordings and the countless musicians who continue to draw inspiration from his work. LaFaro's contributions to jazz remain a testament to the power of innovation and the profound impact one artist can have on an entire genre.




Saturday, November 16, 2024

Giuseppe Tartini 💫

 


Yesterday, lazily walking in old Padua downtown, I came across something I didn’t know: great ‘700 composer and violinist, famous for his “trillo del Diavolo” (Devil’s trill) is buried in a church I never saw before also if I lived in town since I was 26 years old.








You never end learning 💫



Muddywood

 


The story of a Guitar Born from the Delta Blues 💫


Billy Gibbons, the legendary guitarist of ZZ Top, recounts a unique project that involved creating a guitar from wood salvaged from Muddy Waters' childhood home. The wood, a piece of cypress, was retrieved from the Stovall Farms cabin, which was in danger of being demolished. Gibbons, along with Jim O'Neil, the founder of Living Blues magazine, visited the Delta Blues Museum in Clarksdale, Mississippi, where they learned of the cabin's plight.


Gibbons brought the cypress wood back to Memphis and enlisted the help of Rick Rayburn and Rick Hancock, the proprietors of the Pyramid Guitar Co., to craft a guitar from it. The project was challenging due to the wood's condition, filled with knots and nails. Despite these obstacles, two guitars were created: a prototype and a finished instrument. Gibbons kept the prototype for personal use, while the finished guitar was donated to the Delta Blues Museum.



John Lee Hooker and Muddywood 💫


When designing the guitar, Gibbons aimed to create an instrument that would be reminiscent of those played by Muddy Waters. He chose a Mississippi River paint scheme as a symbol of the region's significance in the development of the blues. The finished guitar not only sounded exceptional but also played with remarkable ease.


The guitar, named "Muddywood," serves as a tribute to Muddy Waters and the rich musical heritage of the Delta Blues. It offers modern blues musicians an opportunity to connect with the past and pay homage to one of the genre's most influential figures.




Norman Blake at home in Rising Fawn, GA (2022)

 


An happy man 










Notice the impressive 78 rpm discs collection at his back 💫






Tools of the trade - ‘54 Alan Wilson Les Paul’s

 


Canned Heat founder Alan Wilson's legendary 1954 Gold top Gibson Les Paul.



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Friday, November 15, 2024

Pete Sinfield passed away 💫💎💫

 


Peter Sinfield, King Crimson’s original roadie, lyricist, lights operator, and live sound engineer died yesterday, 14th of November 2024 aged 81. 












https://www.dgmlive.com/news/peter-sinfield-has-died





Wednesday, November 13, 2024

Tool of the trade - a ‘55 Gretsch White Falcon for John Frusciante 💫

 


1955 GRETSCH WHITE FALCON


Vincent Gallo found this guitar for John to buy around 1998 - at the time it was valued at $17,000.00, as he himself stated in an interview with Total Guitar in 2004. When John was asked in an interview if his house was on fire which guitar he would save - he quickly replied "...I think it would be my Gretsch White Falcon" - he also stated that it is his most beautiful guitar. Vincent Gallo found several guitars for John, on this list are his Telecasters, a 1961 Rickenbacker used by James Burton, a Gibson 175 used by Steve Howe in Close To The Edge and the 1961 SG Custom.


"Yes, Vincent found it for me. It's a '55 that used to be his, but he had sold it to someone and he had to buy it back. He's a real handyman and a dealer, you know?" says John of his friend. "He's known as an actor and director, but his real profession is being a great handyman and a dealer!" he smiles. "He got into an argument with this guy and caused a huge fuss to get it back."



Did you want it because it looked good? "No, I wanted it because Matthew Ashman, Bow Wow Wow's guitarist, used one," says John. "His wasn't from the fifties, though, it was made in the seventies, but that's why I wanted one. Back then he and Bernard Sumner from New Order were the two guitarists I was really into." Guitarist Magazine - June 2003


Thanks to jfeffects for the info/text




Saturday, November 9, 2024

Deja Vu - a different point of view

 


A picture taken during the session which created CSN&Y masterpiece cover.






… and a see-saw, too 


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Friday, November 8, 2024