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Rush performing 2112 Live in 1976

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Rush’s 1976 album titled 2112 was a huge hit in my circle of friends. After listening to it the first time on the radio I had to go out and purchase it! Once I had it in my sweaty little palms I literally ran off to my brother Tim’s stereo a Apollo 861 by Electrohome and began my long journey in trying to reproduce this album on my guitar!

After attempting to reproduce as much as I could all my buddies were lining up for lessons! The learning curve was not that bad for most of my buddies but at times I must admit it was frustrating! During this period I was playing in this band called Deuce with Brian McGlinchy and Eddie Cudek from Gemini. We attempted 2112 and in the bands eye’s it was perfect, as for me well…

Then I joined a band with the great keyboardist Tony F. and guitarist Mike Vantresca? We didn’t have a name but we sure sounded fantastic! I recall trying to play 2112 and with Tony’s magical keyboard sounded quite better then Deuce, sorry guys.

Then after leaving Pylis, I was playing with Domenic Nardone, Eddie Steel and Jon Penrose. I must admit Domenic was outstanding on this tune! It was like Dom was born to play anything that Neil Peart could do.

So I hope that you all enjoy vintage RUSH performing 2112 and I know I’ll be thinking of Domenic on drums whenever I listen to it!

Keep on Jammin’




The Dream Theatre Rock experience

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I first heard of this band by my buddy Tony when we were standing next to the speakers at the Saga concert that I was at recently.

He had told me that his son that has his own band, loves this type of Rock. He quickly described it as a hybrid of RUSH, Saga, Yes and Heavy thrashing metal. These guys I had to check out!

I first headed off to what in the world is that obscure site called … oh ya, youtube and listened to a few of Dream Theater’s tunes.

This is the one song that really caught my eye. It was everything that Tony had told me about all wrapped up into one song.

The keyboardist sounded like a young Rick Wakeman near the beginning and the bass player sounded a bit like Chris Squire. The guitarist had that Alex Lifeson sound that he had on A Farewell to Kings album one minute then a hint of Permanent Waves the next! The vocalist at first sounded a bit like Jethro Tall then Michael Sadler from Saga.

Todays music in my mind, sometimes lack the feel of musical diversity. There is so much influence out there that bands just don’t tap into. Remember, there is no such thing as a completely new style that has never been heard of before. We may use multiple approaches/styles to create these new sounds but we all use outside influences to create our own individual stamp of music.

I now think that it’s time to let Rick be exposed to this style and see if he can incorporate some of this into his unique approach!

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Keep on Jammin’

My DigiTech – Multi Chorus

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I bought this item from Tim at the Twelve Fret in Toronto in July, 2006. My DigiTech Multi Chorus was bought with my acoustic guitar in mind.

I just love a big full sounding guitar when I’m playing live. I first try to achieve this while playing unplugged so when I play live, it sounds perfect. As you may or may not know, I’m a bit of a perfectionist. I have to have something always ringing on my axe when performing. I just hate a nano-second of dead air. I am just a sucker for a true full sound. This is where the sound of my new pedal comes in handy live. The owners manual is a big help as well!

I always plug in stereo whenever I can. I’m a huge Alex Lifeson nut so … that should say it all! He has sound that just hangs in the air while, other parts drift in and out. When playing live I strive for the sound that he gets when playing Lime Light, Red Barchetta, or my all time favorite, Spirit of Radio. This type of sound is sacred to me. This pedal allows me to take this direction without the high cost of multiple rack mount units to lug around.

The ” Voice ” button is my best friend on this unit. It goes up to 16 voices like a joke and the level control is a close 2nd. The fading/panning aspect that you get out of your P.A. using this is a real pleasant and relaxing sound to listen to when you are playing intricate pieces. I hope to one day play on a true QUAD P.A. but, I may have to wait awhile for that one.

The casing of this unit looks strong enough to drive over it with your car a couple of times but, I truly don’t recommend it. If I was a betting man, I’d try it or, if I had more dollars then cents (get it?) why not.

I honestly don’t use it a lot because I do not play live too often so, I can’t tell you how long the battery life is. You’ll have to try it for yourself and get back to us on that one.

Keep on Jammin’

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