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Ray Goren displays such a maturity with his spectacular songwriting on his new EP Save My Soul

September 23, 2014

Ray Goren may be only 14 but you would have never guessed with the talent and maturity that he displays in his new EP, Save My Soul. This is one talented young man who has everyone taking notice. His new EP which features 5 emotionally driven songs that will take you on a musical journey of loss, love, hope and so much more. His ability to create a connection with the listener through his songs at such a young age, has me excited for what the future holds for him. The EP was produced by Justin Glasco and John Sosin and shows the maturity and songwriting of a master craftsman. Like his previous EP “LA Sessions” (produced by Eddie Kramer), Goren played guitar parts and other instruments while his producers added additional instrumentation and Chaun Horton added drums. One of my favorite tracks is the inspirational and moving song, Rise Together. It will grab your attention and awaken your senses. The bluesy title track of Save My Soul has such a smooth groove to it [Read More]

Richie Kotzen awakens your every sense with his performance at Jason Becker Not Dead Yet 3 Festival.

September 4, 2014

Last Saturday, we had an amazing time covering the Jason Becker Not Dead Yet 3 Festival at the Great American Music Hall. It was a night full of spectacular music and Richie Kotzen headlined the event after some stellar sets by Michael Lee Firkins Spiralarms and Ben Woods. The event which is put together by Dave Lopez and is a benefit with proceeds going towards medical supplies for Jason as well as his future care. It was a magical night where many great musicians came to honor the amazing fighting spirit of Jason as he battles ALS. Jason was in attendance with his family and friends as we all enjoyed a fantastic night of amazing music. Richie completely rocked the place and his energy on stage is unstoppable. His passion and emotion came through strongly with each note and word. Richie has one of the most powerful voices out and when he sings, his voice just travels through your body, awakening every sense, inviting you to move and then touches your heart. It was quite an emotional [Read More]

Michael Lee Firkins brings the rockin blues to life at the Jason Becker Not Dead Yet 3 Festival

September 4, 2014

Another great highlight from the Jason Becker Not Dead Yet 3 Festival was the great set by Michael Lee Firkins featuring Courtney DeAugustine on drums and Dave Rapa on bass. It was amazing as always to watch them perform and Michael is captivating to watch on guitar. He brought the perfect fusion of blues and rock to life at the venue and everyone was enjoying it. I was so glad to see Courtney on drums, we had the chance to catch her perform earlier this year at the Bonzo Bash and she is spectacular with her energetic precision drumming. Dave on bass makes it look so easy as he is knocking out bass lines and always with an infectious smile on his face. In addition, we were treated to legendary Steve Hunter joining in on a couple songs! What a stellar night for music! When Michael plays, you are drawn to him as he stuns the crowd with his slide playing, singing and fueling the crowd with funky rockin blues. The notes and tones he brings [Read More]

Ben Woods delivered a spectacular flamenco set at Jason Becker’s Not Dead Yet 3

September 3, 2014

Last Saturday when we headed out to the Jason Becker’s Not Dead Yet 3 Festival at the Great American Music Hall, I knew it was going to be a night filled with awesome music. But it was even more amazing as each set was spectacular and so different from the next. The night opened with Ben Woods and he treated us to some of the most beautiful music infused with his flamenco style. It was intense as his guitar played bled out such emotion with each note. With his special guests of Mike Bennett (Richie Kotzen) and Salar Nader on percussions and the talented flamenco dancer, Arleen Hurtado, the atmopshere grew into a magical space that allowed the music to carry you away and take you deep into the rich culture of flamenco. Watching Ben on the guitar is jaw dropping as his hands frenetically take control over the guitar and the most beautiful notes exude, yet he makes it look so easy. It is dizzying if you try to keep your eyes on his [Read More]

The Grammy Museum and American Express announce An Evening With Dave Mason

August 20, 2014

Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee and TRAFFIC co-founding member–will make a special appearance at The GRAMMY Museum® in downtown Los Angeles on Tuesday, September 16. Presented by American Express®, “An Evening With Dave Mason” will feature MASON discussing his musical journey which spans over 37 years encompassing producing, performing, songwriting and being considered one of rock’s great guitar players, along with a brief acoustic performance. Tickets are on sale now at www.AXS.com, charge by phone at 888-9AXS-TIX or 888-929-7849. GRAMMY Museum’s Clive Davis Theater will play host to 200 lucky fans as they join MASON and host Scott Goldman, Vice President of The GRAMMY Foundation and MusiCares, to discussMASON’s songwriting process, beginnings in the band TRAFFIC, acclaimed solo career, current touring project “Dave Mason’s Traffic Jam,” his latest release, FUTURE’S PAST (released May 13, 2014) and much more. Dave is touring the U.S. with his new project billed as “DAVE MASON’S TRAFFIC JAM.” Dates are currently listed as: DATE CITY VENUE Sat 8/23 Modesto, CA X-Fest (Downtown) Fri 8/29 Charles Town, WV Hollywood Casino – The [Read More]

Prepare to be blown away by John 5’s new album, Careful With That Axe

August 19, 2014

John 5 has always amazed me with his stellar guitar playing. It was no surprise that he was featured on our 12 Days of Guitarists last year. John 5 has had quite an extensive guitar career, from playing with David Lee Roth, Marilyn Manson, and others. In addition to playing with Rob Zombie, he has continued to have quite a successful solo career. He is an amazing guitarist that shreds when he plays. He is a guitar virtuoso who can play you anything from bluegrass to flamenco, instrumental to country, and metal to rock and anything else in between. John has just released his new album, Careful With That Axe and it will blow your mind. 10 fierce tracks highlighting the excellent shredding of John as well as his versatility in style. Amid his kick ass rock shreds, he treats you to some country twang with Jerry’s Breakdown and Jiffy Jam. Flight of the Vulcan Kelly is intense and really has you spinning in a whirlwind of guitar bliss. The spanish influenced El Cucuay is one [Read More]

Eric Clapton and Friends: The Breeze, An Appreciation of JJ Cale is a MUST HAVE!

August 19, 2014

Eric Clapton’s latest album, The Breeze, An Appreciation of JJ Cale is a must have for all musicians and is a true honor to his legacy. Cale’s influence on Clapton was profound, and his influence on many more of today’s artists cannot be overstated. Eric gathered a group of like-minded friends and musicians and created the musical masterpiece that features 16 beloved JJ Cale songs and is named for the 1972 single Call Me The Breeze. “I would like people to tap into what JJ Cale did – that’s the point. I’m just the messenger; I’ve always felt that that’s my job. I try to interpret things so that the public at large, or at least the people who listen to what I do, will become intrigued about where I got it from,” said Clapton. Check out the video for Call Me The Breeze here: The track listing for the album is: 1. Call Me The Breeze (Vocals Eric Clapton) 2. Rock And Roll Records (Vocals Eric Clapton & Tom Petty) 3. Someday (Vocals Mark Knopfler) [Read More]