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It was two years ago yesterday that Irish guitar hero Gary Moore died from a heart attack while on holiday in Spain. A former member of Thin Lizzy, Moore was a stunning player who deserved to be ranked among the world's best.
Eric Clapton would surely agree.
On his upcoming album Old Sock--scheduled for release March 12--Clapton covers "Still Got the Blues", the title track of the 1990 Moore album that marked his move from hard-rock to electric blues. The Still Got the Blues disc featured guest appearances by George Harrison and blues legends Albert King and Albert Collins, and was Moore's most popular release.
I've reviewed three Hollywood horror flicks already this year, and man, were they hurtin'. But things are looking up on the fright front with news out of Australia that director Greg McLean started lensing the sequel to his Wolf Creek last week.
For those sad sacks who might have missed it, Wolf Creek was one of the best horror flicks of 2005--if not the best. It was about backpackers being waylaid by a vicious psychopath in the Australian outback, and starred the amazing John Jarratt as one nasty bit of business.
Two lead guitars are better than one, some say, and British prog-rockers Wishbone Ash made a strong case for that argument on their Argus album of 1972.
On tracks like "Sometime World", "Blowin' Free", "Warrior", and especially the seven-minute "The King Will Come", coguitarists Andy Powell and Ted Turner conjured the type of beautifully melodic twin-lead work that would inspire many an Iron Maiden solo--and leave Vancouver acoustic-guitar virtuoso Don Alder feeling mighty impressed as well.
I consider myself extremely lucky when it comes to Stevie Ray Vaughan. He's one of my all-time fave guitarists--right up there with Rory Gallagher and Jeff Beck--and I was fortunate enough to see him play live several times before his tragic death on August 27, 1990, at the age of 35.
Thirty years ago last night Canadian rock-guitar hero Pat Travers played Vancouver, opening for a Joe Perry-less Aerosmith at the Pacific Coliseum. Ear of Newt was there, of course. There was no way I was gonna miss two of my fave acts from the '70s. Besides, it was a Friday night.
Thirty years ago tomorrow--on January 21, 1983--Aerosmith played the Pacific Coliseum in Vancouver. That's no big deal in and of itself; the band has played here countless times. But back in '83 was the only time the Bad Boys of Boston played here without lead guitarist Joe Perry. Or rhythm guitarist Brad Whitford, for that matter.
There's a couple of music writers in the Georgia Straight's editorial department who have a serious aversion to Joe Satriani. I'm not gonna name names, because in my opinion, they know not what they do. But whenever the word "Satch" comes up around the office, it's shortly followed by disgusted looks and derisive cries of "wanker!".
That description is ridiculous, of course. In my books Satriani is the exact opposite--a musical genius, no less. So why do these seemingly intelligent rock critics have it out for him? Maybe it's because, when he wants to, he can play so fast that it just scares them. The dude can definitely "shred", in the parlance of the times.
I think Aerosmith's latest music stinks as much as the next rock fan who's not an idiot, but it sounds to me like the frontman from California stoner-metal trio High On Fire (who they fuck are they?) is really going overboard with his rant posted at A.V.Club.com today.
Fender.com posted a "Ten Guitar Goddesses" list this week, and right up there in the number one spot was none other than Vancouver's own smokin' hot picker, Hayley McLean.
"This Telecaster-wielding Canadian beauty is positively bursting with talent," raves the article. "But don’t be fooled by her looks--McLean’s serious chops have propelled her to great heights, including performances with greats such as Buddy Guy and Los Lobos."
A week or so ago I posted a blog about how Anthrax was going to release an album of cover material, including hits by Thin Lizzy (yeah!), AC/DC (yeah!), Rush (yeah!), and Journey (meh).
Today the New York City thrash masters posted some more info on the upcoming CD on their website, including quotes from various members.
