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The Canadian Guitar Festival

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The Canadian Guitar Festival is something that I have wanted to go to for a while now. Below are some musicians who have been there in the past and hopefully they might nudge you into going this year if you can. I realize that having these many videos in a row looks odd but I am just trying to showcase a great show.

Keep on Jammin’

If you are really interested in going, this is an excerpt form an e-mail that was sent to me this morning about the camping arrangement. It really sounds like it is going to be a blast! Hope to see you there.

“The festival takes place on a 24 acre spread known as the Odessa Fairgrounds and the camping is on site. The camping is considered ‘dry’ with no running water or AC but is on the grass as it were..
We have showers on site, indoor washrooms and portable toilets placed in closer proximity to folks throughout the property.

A camping spot is guaranteed if you want one (given the space we have) but your site is what you choose when you choose it. There really are no bad spots. So when the tickets go on sale, all you need do is purchase a camping pass ticket for yourself and any other in your party over the age of twelve and you’re set for the weekend.

Del Vezeau

Vezco Productions Inc.
163 Main St
Odessa Ontario
Canada K0H 2H0
613-386-8878
1-888-506-1418
613-386-8879 fax
vezco@cogeco.ca
www.vezco.com
www.canadianguitarfestival.com




The guitar solo that I can nail the best

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This is the solo that I know I can pull off live with no hesitation. I do not consider myself as a lead guitar player but others might object to this. I do not wish to be thrust into the limelight because musically, I feel uncomfortable with it.

The band that I played this song/solo with was called “Pylis”, pronounced “Pie-lis”. We were a band from Brantford Ontario in the early 80’s. Saga was the style of music that we naturally gravitated to. It was challenging to us and we could reproduce live quite effortlessly.

The first guitar solo on this song was something that I could not wait to play. It had to be played with a steady fingers and the ability to milk the hell out of every note! In my opinion, it was one of the best songs we played.

Tony, the keyboardist and my best friend, was the backbone for this one. His abilities to play many keyboards at once left not only myself but others to say, “How the hell did he do that?” The sound that he made doing this was sooo huge that it honestly boggled my mind how he could play it to a “T” at will. When he played it, it was like listening to the album without anyone else playing. WOW!

Aldo, the bassist, was way too much fun to hang out with. Too bad the bonehead didn’t come out to Tony’s “80’s band Reunited” held Oct. 10th/2004 at the Hard ball in Milton Ont.! (I have to acknowledge Tony’s wife, Laura, for all the support that she gave for this memorable event. If it wasn’t for her, it wouldn’t have been the success that it was.) Aldo was one of the singers in the band and he could pulloff Geddy Lee like no one else.

Now for the drummer, Chris W. He was like the older brother that I would love to drink to excess with one minute then, wrestle him to the ground. He was a tall and lanky fellow. This made it child’s play to me. Being a little guy, I always went for his ankles and then just pushed him over for starters! He had such the perfect voice for this song that it made you wish that you could sing it just like he did. His drumming was 2nd to none. He had this Silver Slingerland 8 piece kit, the one that Neil Peart used in 1975-76, that was out of this world and boy could he play like it as well!

So here is the tune that I’ve been talking about, so just sit back and enjoy!

Keep on Jammin’

Coupon deals on Music CDs and DVDs

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I guess I’m in a surfing the net, browsing around kind of mood today. Like most people I enjoy getting a deal on things. That’s why I’ve started to browse through the more than 1000 online stores that are listed at CouponChief. All the stores listed are well known stores, many of which have physical locations as well as online presences.

I decided to visit CouponChief today to see if they had any coupons or coupon codes for music stores. I’ve been looking to expand our music CD and DVD collection and I might as well save some money by using a coupon to get a percentage of the price right?

I discovered that they have a Music and DVD section where they list all the deals they have for their online music stores. I found a great deal using Tower Record coupon codes to get free shipping on orders of $20 or more.

I also discovered that they have listings for deals on MP3 players, iPod accessories, DVD players and other music and entertainment related items at Best Buy, Circuit City, and Sony. See, I told you they have listings for well known stores.

While his Ukulele Gently Weeps – WOW

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The guy plays this song so well on his ukulele that, it makes me want to go out and buy one.

I’ve been to “Strawberry Field” in New York city, right in front of the Dakota Apartments where John Lennon lived and unfortunately was fatally shot.

I was in New York in 1986 and I can tell you it’s a fabulous city to visit, not to mention living there would be a blast. The feelings that we all felt when we were right there at Strawberry Fields in Central Park, was quite intense.

Anyways, just listen to this song then follow the chord progressions that he does, in concert with his strumming, and it is just the most wonderful tune to be exposed to. Enjoy!

Try to, keep on Jammin’, like this guy

H R Pufnstuf

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Boy do I miss this guy on TV!

pufnstuf.gif

We all, I hope, were exposed to this delightful kids show in the late 60’s & 70’s. I made sure that I got up in time to watch this show. The theme song reminds me of 59th St. Bridge Song (Feeling Groovy), but until today, I haven’t heard the tune. When playing this song, Feeling Groovy, I’ve tried to include some of the words from the theme song and people just jump in and sing along.

I’ve tried to look for it on the cartoon channels with no success.

My brother just called a minute ago and he remembers this show growing up and we chatted for a while on this subject. When we finished up with this topic he muttered, “you’ve got way too much time on your hands”.

Jimmy, played by Jack Wild, is the guy on this adventure that I always wanted to be. He was always having a blast with this Pufnstuf fellow. His best pal was a living flute called Freddie and Witchiepoo, which some of my buddies called a very old girlfriend of mine at the time, was just hilarious with all of her antics and her buddies. H R Pufnstuf, was the Mayor of this living Island that Jack washed up upon.

I hope that you enjoyed this blast from the past!

Keep on Jammin’

“We’ve just lost the nicest guy in rock & roll.” Boston

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“We’ve just lost the nicest guy in rock & roll.” This says it all.

On Friday March 9, 2007, in southern New Hampshire around 1:20 P.M., the world not only lost the nicest guy in R & R but the greatest “Arena Rock” vocalist ever in my eyes. Mr. Brad Delp sadly took his own life at his home. He was 55 years of age. I honestly wish I was there trying desperately to talk him out of it. This man’s vocals really helped me turn into a guitar player who was trying find a direction to go towards. He will truly be missed by millions of people.

The Boston Fan site is just full of memorials that really hit home.

These guys summed up to me what it is to be the average guy’s stadium-rockers. I had hoped to have seen the rock legions this summer when they went on tour, for the first time in a long time. Wow, what a blast we would of had.

Just let your imagination run totally wild for a second. Imagine playing this tune with the band live while being the first guitar player! I do this every time I’m driving alone on the highway. When this tune comes up, I wish I had # 11 on our volume control in the car!

Mr. Brad Delp, I hope that you have found your peace. May God have mercy on your soul and may your soul rest in peace.

Bruce Cockburn – If a tree falls in the forest

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Now this is a song that I will attempt when I get a moment or so.


I heard Bruce do an acoustic version of this one on the radio and as usual, they didn’t announce which album it was from. Is it just me or, does this tick you off too? As said best by Charlie Brown “AAAAAAAAAhhhhhhhhhh!!!!!!”

I love the use of his wammie bar on his guitar. He is the type of player who will either use or not use an effect and pull it off right both ways. This is what I shoot for when choosing a song that I want to play. If I can’t tackle a song correctly then I’ll try and try again! However, if I can’t, then I be a man and just let some get away!

Keep on Jammin’

Listen to great new musical artists at Unsigned.com

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A couple of months ago my wife introduced me to this great new site called Unsigned.com. It’s a site dedicated to giving independent music and vocal artists an outlet to be heard on the internet.

The site is a great place for unsigned artists to create a profile and upload their music. The website now has over 4000 artists and listeners using the site on a regular basis. When visiting the site you can find musicians that play in a variety of genres such as Rock, grunge, hip hop, metal, country, jazz, and New-Wave Artists. The variety is fantastic, and I’m sure anyone who loves music and enjoys discovering new bands will like Unsigned.com.

I mentioned New Wave artists because, believe it or not, I used to really enjoy new wave music. New wave has changed since it first came out in the 80’s but it’s still a great genre. At this time there’s 13 different artists listed in the New Wave category. You should visit and have a listen, or if New Wave isn’t your thing check out some of the other types of music that the independent artists have uploaded. You’ll be hooked on Unsigned.com before you realize what’s happening.

When I get my act together I’m going to have to upload some of my work onto the site. Then you’ll be able to hear some of my music too. Come to think of it, I’ve got a few friends that would probably be interested in Unsigned.com. If they upload their music I’ll be sure to let you know.

Bruce Cockburn – If I had a Rocket Launcher Live

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If I Had a Rocket Launcher by Bruce Cockburn, performed live (10/21/06) at the Tarrytown Music Hall. Marty Balin featuring Slick Aguilar, Charlie DeChant, Gordon G.G. Gebert, Dave Trupia, Michael Sciotto.
Video 8:01 minutes

This is a favorite song of mine to play live. If you ever get the opportunity to see me perform, it will be on my play list. I do the acoustic version very well. The solo parts are challenging enough, and this is maybe the only song beside Neon that I can always change up every time I play or just have an extended solo to it.

Bruce plays the song in so many positions that he makes it all look easy, but the great ones always do don’t they.

My Larivee L-03 has the depth that you need to pull off a technical song like this live. My DigiTech chorus pedal is the perfect fit for this tune – like it was made for it. Hopefully when I find the time, I’ll tape video of it and let you be the judge on how to improve portions of the song, or which parts to eliminate. Hopefully the latter won’t come into play. 😉

Keep on Jammin’

Wow, I can play this song too

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Journey is a band that I really respect. The vocals are so powerful. The guitar is just cutting through the air and the keyboards bring both together like nothing that I can describe. I remember when this song came out, I pretended to be sick so I could stay at home and figure it out on piano.

To this day I still love playing this song, but I honestly wish I had vocals like these guys to pull it off just right!

Keep on Jammin’

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