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You are here: Home / Archives for Entertainment / Video

Frank Zappa and the Monkee’s

March 21, 2011 by Chris

Since I was a kid I was glued to the TV when this musical series called The Monkees were on. I was just introduced to the playing guitar in Miss Lord‘s class and I found the Monkees music was so catchy. I thought that the band had to be popular because it was constantly on the radio. Also the band had to of been even cooler because my older brother and sister were listening to them on vinyl albums. Technology back then rocked!

Now being a little more mature, musically that is, when I view a couple of their earlier shows on line I tend to pick up some unexpected treasures in those shows that I wasn’t really aware of back then. To see what I mean read on.

At work I’m always chatting with surgeons that use to play guitar in high school bands and our talks always revolves around obscure musical topics. This one day one of them told me about this particular Monkees episode that had Frank Zappa on it. Then right after saying this, this other surgeon chirped in and said that he was a massive Frank Zappa fan that went to see Zappa plays Zappa last year. Small world eh?

I then said, Really … Frank Zappa on the Monkees? You’ve got to be kiddin’ me. So off we went to a computer, did a quick youtube search and bang, there it was right in front of us.

Frank Zappa in a short clip on the Monkees show..

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JOI-SDYGviM&feature=related

Michael Nesmith playing Frank Zappa and Frank Zappa playing Michael Nesmith interviewing each other as the other person, hilarious!

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cNJy-OgCzB0

Any Zappa fans out there?

Keep on Jammin’




Filed Under: Culture, Entertainment, Humor, Music, Musical influences, Musicians, Rock History, Television, The early Years, Video Tagged With: 1970's, Frank Zappa, funny, interview, music show, short clip, the monkees, tv, tv show, vintage

The real little drummer boy

March 2, 2011 by Chris

There is this kid named Julian Pavone who plays the drums … the only thing is this guy is 6 years old in this video! I read about this kid by browsing through Google News service a couple of minutes ago.

Julian starts off in this video of his with one tough piece to perform on the drums called 50 Ways to Leave your Lover by Paul Simon with one of the best drummers in the world, Steve Gadd. First off playing anything that Steve Gadd does on drums is difficult enough for a grown man but one that is only 6 is very impressive.

The little guy then shows off his talent performing a funky tune called Turn by Chaka Kan and Rufus. Julian then ends the video with Shake your body down by Michael Jackson. I’d love to see what else Julian has in his musical sleeve of songs? Do you think he takes request? How about a little bit of la Villa Strangiato by RUSH from Hemispheres Julian?

Just sit back and watch this kid blow you away.

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ofkuk1OInxM

Keep on Jammin’

Filed Under: Entertainment, Music, Musicians, Video Tagged With: Chaka kan, drummer, guitar licks, Julian Pavone, little drummer baby, Michael Jackson, rufus, shake your body down, Steve Gadd, turn, youngest drummer

What is the Fretlight Guitar

February 2, 2011 by Chris

I just found this ad on my one of my sites for something called a Fretlight Guitar and the first thing that popped into my mind was a guitar neck that has lights inserted into a fretboard that indicates where to place your fingers.

I guess this would be a great idea for beginners but it does sound a little bit gimmicky to me. If you were a drummer, would you buy a drum kit that has lights in the middle of your drum skin, telling you which one to hit? I guess it’s a start.

I cannot say through personal experience if this guitar is worth it, for someone like myself, but it might be ideal for a beginner.

I found this silly/cheesy video that gets to the point in a humorous way. I found tons of other ones that would bore you to sleep or a guy in the video’s who’s voice would make you close your browser window faster then a speeding bullet, so I picked this one.

The guy below doing the critiquing is definitely not the type of guitarist that I would aspire to become but he cuts right to the meat and potatoes part of the question!

Obviously if you want more info about this guitar, just search their site or Youtube where of coarse you’ll find 5 billion video’s about it. I should know, I just spent roughly 1 hour doing so!

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0oJLbJCPhsU&feature=fvw

Pros about the Fretlight.

I will say that if you are just starting out playing the guitar and you might wish to find unique ways of speeding up the learning curve, then this might be an idea worth looking into. The software looks promising. Up to now, Fretlight has a limited number of songs in their program to show you, that will expand I imagine, as the company grows. Some of the options are interesting.

You can slow the speed of the song down when your learning from the software. In the beginning, your not as agile with your fingers as you think are. You need to slow down and take each part or phrasing of a song apart bit by bit until you master it. It’s better to sound like shit at home then in front of people! It’s great that they have a looping section here. This allows you to practice over and over again a part of the song until you have it down perfectly, this option I really like.

Cons about the Fretlight

This is JUST A PRACTICE GUITAR. The quality of the guitar is ok if that is what you want. For around $300 bucks, what do you think you’ll for that. I went to more then a couple of guitar forums and that seems to be the consensus.

If you have had any exposure to the Fretlight Guitar, then I’d love to hear your point of view of this instrument.

Keep on Jammin’

Filed Under: Guitars, Instruments, Video Tagged With: computer software, electric, fretlight, guitar, pratice

Nash the Slash and Iggy Pop interview

January 31, 2011 by Chris

Here is a rare video of Nash the Slash and Iggy Pop interviewing themselves after a concert in Calgary Alberta sometime in 1982. I think it was 1982 because Nash was on a North American tour with Iggy Pop from February-April in 1982.

They just appear to be having a great time in each others presence. I’m not sure what they’re getting at or if there is any purpose to the interview but it sure is entertaining at times! In one section someone alludes to the fact that it is being shot in a local TV studio somewhere in Calgary.If anyone out there knows more about the video please tell me, I’d love to find out.

Nash can’t remember, but he thinks there are serious stories to be told here, but..he…can’t…. remember. Jim…..Help!!! Just kidding. Iggy and Nash remember everything that happened over the entire six week tour, but they refuse to incriminate each other.
Nash the Slash’s Gravesite

At one point in the video, they show us some of the finer points of yoga and stretching. Come to think of it, they may have been the forerunners of the 20 Minute Workout video’s? Remember that show?

The video is very poor and grainy at times, I’ll warn you now.

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KGZnP_oNVko

A couple of years ago I had the pleasure of meeting the man, without the bandages, at a local patio. It was so cool to finally meet a boyhood legend that it left me speechless … yes speechless!

Keep on Jammin’

Filed Under: Canadian, Entertainment, Great Bands, Humor, Music, Musical influences, Musicians, Rock History, Television, Toronto, Toronto Bands, Video Tagged With: 1980s, alternative Rock, calgary, FM, Iggy Pop, Progressive Rock, punk rock, real wild child, toronto band, wild one

Happy Bubble Wrap Appreciation Day

January 24, 2011 by Chris

Ok this is way out there but Happy Bubble Wrap(B.W.) Appreciation Day!

Ah come on, everybody loves B.W! You have to admit that at least once in your life you saw a piece of B.W. just sitting there in front of ya, looking right back saying, Ah come on over here and get a little fix! Nobody’s watching.

Many years ago I ran a Computer VAR warehouse when the company was first starting up. I was looking for an in to this company so I took it and ran with it. Anyway, we had tons of bubble kicking around the place. We had it in large long rolls, small pouches for RAM and loose pieces everywhere. When things got a hint stressful, bang, bang could be heard throughout the warehouse. It also helps to stop smoking … I heard that somewhere.

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Adk7pcR8004

So for some of you out there that might require a little bit of a B.W. popping fix, then this link is for you!

Keep on Popping!

Filed Under: Culture, Entertainment, Humor, Recreation, Video Tagged With: appreciation day, bubble, bubble wrap, funny, Humor, humour, odd, wrap

Austin City Limits moving to new location

January 13, 2011 by Chris

So the longest-running music series in American television history, Austin City Limits (ACL) is getting quite the upgrade and a new larger studio. The Moody Foundation of Galveston has donated a large sum of money to ACL for new HD production equipment and to boost seating from 320 to 2,750. Through their donation the Foundation gains the naming rights to the theatre to be called the Moody Theatre

Ok, I get it, they might want to upgrade/replace the old studio by how are they going to replace that feel that you get with a smaller much more intimate venue?

Not that I’m against the advancement of music halls but why don’t the designers work with what they have? Don’t they have the expertise and technology to do it correctly?

I’ve been a huge fan of ACL’s for so many years now that I can’t remember the first time I’ve ever seen it. The bands that they had were amazing. The complete listings of bands that have performed must be HUGE. Just check out some of the line ups that have been there on the Rolling Stone website, there’s no way you can read them all!

So check what I consider the best show ever to grace the stage at the famous Austin City Limits stage!

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B3Cc-EoybFY

Keep on Jammin’

Filed Under: Concerts, Entertainment, Music, Musical influences, Musicians, Recreation, Rock History, Television, Video Tagged With: ACL, austin city limits, austin texas, Moody Foundation of Galveston, moody theatre, rolling stone, studio

Debbie Harry was abducted by Ted Bundy?

December 12, 2010 by Chris

My wife told me about this bizarre story about how the lead singer of the band Blondie, Debbie Harry (age 65), was briefly abducted by the 1970’s serial killer Ted Bundy. I thought to myself that this is weird because I’ve never heard about this story before.

My wife came across this story through a UK newspaper feed that tells us of this nasty tale. If you closely follow Debbie’s story, it may come across as a little bit confusing. If you are aware of Ted Bundy’s life as one of the worlds craziest serial killers, then you will know what I mean. Go to Snopes to see more.

“He tried to stop me by spinning the car but it sort of helped me fling myself out. Afterwards I saw him on the news. Ted Bundy.”

As the story goes, Debbie informs us that this event happened in New York city. She claims, It was in the early ’70s and I was trying to get across town at two or three o’clock in the morning. This little car kept coming around and offering me a ride. I kept saying no but finally I took the ride because I couldn’t get a cab.

I got in the car and the windows were are rolled up, except for a tiny crack. This driver had an incredibly bad smell to him. I looked down and there were no door handles. The inside of the car was stripped. The hairs on the back of my neck just stood up. I wiggled my arm out of the window and pulled the door handle from the outside. I don’t know how I did it, but I got out.

He tried to stop me by spinning the car but it sort of helped me fling myself out. Afterward, I saw him on the news. Ted Bundy.

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aH3Q_CZy968&feature=related

I don’t know what to think about this story, but it sure was interesting to read.

Keep on Jammin’

Filed Under: Entertainment, Great Bands, History, Music, Musicians, Video Tagged With: abduction, blondie, debbie harry, Debra Harry, lead singer, new york city, punk, rock and roll, rumors, snopes, ted bundy

Does bigger drums means a better drummer?

November 18, 2010 by Chris

Is the old saying more is better always correct or what about less is more? Sometimes it is and sometimes …

I ran into this situation a couple of minutes ago. I was watching a neat little video from a drummer name Gavin Harrison. It was a video from a concert that he performed titled Sound of Muzak, in which he and his huge drum kit are the only things on the stage. I must admit that I have never seen a video like this, so I had to watch it in it’s entirety.

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IzFfNk4xGTE&feature=related

The video is not about a drummer performing inhuman drum solo over and over again, in what seems like eternity!

It shows us a guy who has perfect command of his drumming technique. Gavin’s style shows us that every one of his movements (rolls) are extremely fluid, flowing seamlessly from one drum to another. His drum kit in huge and the sound is just amazing! Now here is where I run into that old saying!

A old buddy of mine, Domenic, has shown us time and time again that he too exhibits these same musical skills as Gavin, but Domenic does so on a much smaller drum kit. He makes his modest gear sound like he is playing on a much larger one. Not that I’m bashing Gavin Harrison, not at all! It’s just that I think, most non musicians out there believe that you must have a lot of drums to produce a sound big. Now listen to by buddy to see what I am getting at.

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MgXnYew2YRE

So my question to you is does a bigger drum kit mean that you are a better drummer?

Keep on Jammin’

Filed Under: Instruments, musical instruments, Musicians, My experiences, Playing Styles, Video Tagged With: big kit, bigger is better, Domenic Nardone, drummer, drumming, drums, Gavin Harrison, less is more, small kit, technique

John Lennon would have been 70 today

October 9, 2010 by Chris

I wonder what John Lennon would have done for his birthday if Mark David Chapman had not taken the heart and soul of a generation from us on that Monday December 8th 1980 @ 10:55 PM?

It’s wild just to think about what John Lennon would be doing, as a modern day artisan, if he was with us today.

I think that he’d be a rather hard working multi-media god.

He could have created some of his magical music right in the comfort of his Dakota apartment and then released it on iTunes or some other site. He could have produced fabulous digital art for art galleries or for sale. He’d more than likely have a blog to use as a soapbox to bring us his message about his comments on society. He might even have had a Twitter account, who knows?

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=okd3hLlvvLw

What do you think John Lennon would be doing to celebrate his birthday if he were alive today?

Keep in Jammin’

Filed Under: Entertainment, Musical influences, Musicians, Rock History, The early Years, Video Tagged With: birthday, dakota appartments, death, John Lennon, john lennon has died, mark david chapman, Monday December 8th 1980, murdered, october 09, Rooservelt Hospital, the beatles

Centennial Stage construction at the CNE

October 2, 2010 by Chris

I was watching a news story a couple of months ago about vintage videos, both from private and official video collections, from some of the past CNE (Canadian National Exhibition) years. The people who run the CNE thought that they had something special here and they wanted to share it with the rest of the world. They weren’t quite to sure how to achieve this, but they eventually decided to put it up on Youtube so that everyone could enjoy the CNE archive films.

I just watched quite a few of the CNE videos and I have to say that some of these clips brought back a flood of fantastic memories of past visits to CNE or The EX as most of us locals call it.

My favorite video of the entire collection was the one that showed the making of the main portable stage at Exhibition Stadium. Up until watching the video that I have, BTW included at the end of this post, I never knew the actual name of this stage. They call it the Centennial Stage.

This stage supported some of the greatest acts of the 20th century! The Who, Pick Floyd, The Police, Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band, John Cougar Mellencamp (ha, I finally had the chance to say his old name out loud!) and Simon and Garfunkel just to name a few. The best show that I have witnessed there, from a pure sound point of view, was Pick Floyd in 1987? They went all quadraphonic on us at that show, very trippy!!!

So I hope that the video below brings back some great memories for you if you had the chance to visit this stage or the Toronto CNE in the past.

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f34Wd1VLDwg

Keep on Jammin’

Filed Under: Concerts, Culture, Entertainment, History, Musicians, Rock History, Toronto, Video Tagged With: 1967, bands, canadian national exhibition, Centennial Stage, cne, Concerts, Exhibition Stadium, historic, main stage, quadraphonic, sound, soundboard, the EX, Toronto, Video, vintage

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