The Guitar Channel

Video: Scott Henderson on the Maxon SD-9

Scott Henderson talks about the Maxon SD-9 Sonic Distortion pedal for Godlyke.com.

New Ed DeGenaro Album "Holiday in Madras" Now Available

Advance copies of Ed DeGenaro's latest album Holiday In Madras (Unfretted Records) are now available through his website. The impressive lineup includes Ric Fierabracci, Marco Minnemann, and many others. See below for full personnel and tracklisting.

Ed DeGenaro - Holiday In Madras

Personnel:
Ed DeGenaro - all guitars
Ujjayinee Roy - voice
Steve Zerlin, Ric Fierabracci, Trip Wamsley, Chuck Rainey - bass
Benny Greb, Lyndo Rochelle, Marco Minnemann, Atma Anur - drums
Dr. S. Karthick - ghatam, kanjira, morsing, konnakol
Satish, Natalie James - trumpet,
James Carson, Anton Pukshansky - keys

Tracklisting:
1. Merera
2. Bible Camp
3. G Spot Blues
4. '57 Progosaurus
5. The Brother
6. Tutu
7. U Know What I'm Sayin'
8. Refried Funkay Ass Chicken Tikka
9. Holiday In Madras
10. Have Geetar Will Travel
11. Kolonkini Radha
12. Echo Maschine

Chad Wackerman's "Dreams, Nightmares and Improvisations" Now Available for Pre-Order

Drummer/composer Chad Wackerman's new disc Dreams, Nightmares and Improvisations is now available for preorder through Abstract Logix. The album begins shipping on February 15th. From the ABLX website:

"Four masters of musical improvisation collaborate on the latest release from esteemed drummer Chad Wackerman. Known for his work with Frank Zappa, Allan Holdsworth and James Taylor, Wackerman blurs the line between composed and improvised pieces on Dreams, Nightmares and Improvisations. The featured musicians: guitar legend Allan Holdsworth, bassist Jimmy Johnson and keyboard player Jim Cox, have all developed a unique musical telepathy with Wackerman over decades, which is allowed to shine on this inventive, adventurous CD.

Ranging from atmospheric to edgy, the music on Dreams, Nightmares and Improvisations showcases four creative musicians at the height of their musical powers. Wackerman has structured the CD so that the interplay between the performers is ever-present. Many of the improvised pieces sound like fully formed compositions, while the written pieces provide ample opportunities for spontaneous flow.

Wackerman’s history with these musicians goes back a long way. He has been playing with Jim Cox since their first gig together in 1979, backing trombonist Bill Watrous. Thanks to Peter Erskine, Wackerman met and started working with Jimmy Johnson in the early 1980’s, a continuing collaboration that both cherish. Wackerman began touring and recording with Allan Holdsworth in 1982, beginning with Holdworth’s well known Road Games release. Listen to the sparks fly as these musical bonds deepen on this incredible new CD."

Chad Wackerman - Dreams, Nightmares and Improvisations

1. Glass Lullaby
2. A New Day
3. Bent Bayou
4. Star Gazing
5. Edith Street
6. The Fifth
7. Waterways
8. The Billows
9. Monsieur Vintage
10. Rapid Eeye Movement
11. Brain Funk
12. A Spontaneous Story
13. Two For Ya
14. Invisible

Michael Landau - "Organic Instrumentals" Sampler Pack

ReverbNation widget with 4 complete songs from Michael Landau's upcoming album Organic Instrumentals.

Videos: OHM & Polcat at The Baked Potato - 1/24/12

OHM joined by Don Roper and Frank Catalano

Polcat w/ Malcolm-Jamal Warner - "Microphone Check"

Video: Chris Taylor Legato Lesson

Chris Taylor demonstrates a cool diminished pattern for building your legato technique. The notation and tab are available for free through the Lesson Downloads section of Taylor's website.

Video: Josh Smith and Tomo Fujita at Eminence - NAMM 2012

Some super tasty playing from Josh Smith and Tomo Fujita at the Eminence booth at NAMM 2012.

Video: Steve Morse Interview - NAMM 2012

A cool interview with Steve Morse at the 2012 Winter NAMM show, courtesy of Musicianews.com

Video: Mike Miller at NAMM

The always great Mike Miller jamming at the TC Electronic booth at NAMM this year with bassist Max Bennett.

Allan Holdsworth to perform with Zappa Plays Zappa

NEWS FLASH: Allan Holdsworth will be performing with Zappa Playa Zappa at the following two shows next month in Southern California.

Feb 14, 2012 at 07:00 PM  House of Blues - Anaheim, CA (Tickets)

Feb 19, 2012 at 07:00 PM Canyon Club -  Agoura Hills, CA (Tickets)

Photos and Mini-Review: OHM & Polcat - Live at Alva's 1/20/12

One of the highlights of my recent NAMM trip was seeing the double bill of OHM and Polcat  - which both feature Chris Poland on guitar - at Alva's in San Pedro CA on Friday, January 20th. Though I've seen OHM several times, I was particularly interested in this gig as it was my first time seeing the band with drummer David Eagle, who was really great. The band was ferocious as always; super intense from start to finish. Bassist Robert 'Pag' Pagliari also had a fantastic solo spot, and Poland's playing and killer tones seem to get better every time I see him.

Second on the bill was the first-ever live performace by Polcat, which made it a real treat to see. Their debut album should be released soon (you can pre-order and listen to samples here), and I can tell you the material is way-cool. Led by Poland and sax phenom Frank Catalano, Polcat's music is a funky mix of jazz and rock that reminded me at times of the legendary New York fusion band Lost Tribe. I was very curious to see how Poland would fit in with a band like this, and came away with the impression that his input is the 'secret sauce' that gives the group it's unique vibe, or at least contributes greatly to it. Poland's quirky, often 'outside,' harmonic sense lends a distinctive sound to the band that it wouldn't have with any other guitarist. Polcat also features bassist Sean O'Bryan Smith and drummer Jim Gifford - both monster players. I was seriously digging O'Bryan's flanged tone and Gifford's work on such a minimal kit. Can't wait to hear the album. Follow the link below for my photos from this great night.

Photos: OHM & Polcat - Live at Alva's 1/20/12

 

UPDATE: The Polcat album is currently available through iTunes.

Video: Gary Husband - Dirty and Beautiful Album Story

Gary Husband discusses his new album Dirty and Beautiful Volume 2 coming February 21st from Abstract Logix. Guests include Allan Holdsworth, John McLaughlin, Wayne Krantz, Alex Machacek, Jimmy Herring, Mike Stern, and Robin Trower among others.