Let there be RAWK!

Jul 14

RossMusic , , , , , , , , , No Comments

I’ve done it at last – I’ve joined another band. This one’s called Bone Idol and is based around the Herts/Cambs/Essex area.

We play your typical pub rock, but I’m hoping to bring a few new ideas in… if the guys will have them!

So, I’ve got a few things to do before my first gig on 21st August (The Chequers, Stotfold):

  • Learn the set;
  • Decide what tunings/guitars I’ll need… Probably my PRS, 0001 and Gold Top (in drop-D);
  • Finish building (and testing!) my Airbrake power attentuator;
  • Finish building the Booster and Phase45 pedals that are currently in pieces on my bench;
  • Buy a Polytune;
  • Rebuild my pedalboard.

Oh, and I’ve got a patio to re-lay and a conservatory that needs paint, flooring and skirting boards.

Priorities, eh? Who needs ‘em?

RIP Les Paul

Aug 13

RossMusic , , , , No Comments

56 Les Paul Gold Top

'56 Les Paul Gold Top

Don Maclean wrote the line “the day that music died” in memory of that February day in 1959 when Buddy Holly, Richie Valens and JP Richardson (aka “The Big Bopper”) were tragically lost before their time.

More recently, the demise of a certain MJ Jackson rocked the world of popular music. But today, dear reader, there is, sadly, a more poignant loss.

Today, 13th August 2009, saw the passing of one Lester Polsfuss, aka Rhubarb Red, aka Les Paul. To musicians (especially guitarists) he was a legend… Nay, an icon.

If you’ve listened to any piece if popular music made since the 1950′s, you owe him a debt of gratitude for inventing multitrack recording. He was a man that would never accept the status quo, and wouldn’t be beaten. If it wasn’t for his foresight and tenacity, the guitar that bears his name would not exist… And that might’ve meant no Clapton, Page, Beck, Green, Slash, Rhoads and countless others.

Even at 94 years of age, he was still packing them in every week at the Iridium, NYC.

RIP Les Paul – the most important man in music in the last 100 years…

How about the power… to move you?*

Mar 24

RossMusic, Musings , , , No Comments

It struck me the other day that there are several pieces of music that have a real, physical, effect on me.  Most of the time that means giving me spinal shivers, heartstring-tugs or a bout of eviscerating gut-wrenching.  Other tunes simply cause me to bang my head repeatedly on the wall in a vain attempt to remove all trace of them from my brain.

So, in no particular order, I give you the winners…

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