Guitars, amps and misc
'59 FENDER TELECASTER
I acquired my Tele about 25 years ago when a generous pal, John Jensen, gave it to me. He did so because I fell so much in love with it. It still feels like my musical home. Thanks again, John.
I have a '59 Fender Tele, three saddle, top-loading bridge with threaded "steel" saddles. I like Glendale The "Groovy 60s" saddles (See Accessories).
1959 was the only year Fender produced string through BRIDGE and not BODY. As far as the Toploader -- I think the feel and sound is a bit more "rubbery" than a standard Tele.
Both pickups have had windings snap internally (over 20 years ago) and were rewound by Seymour Duncan to the original specs, so I guess they are "original" and "Duncan's" at the same time.
Everything else on my '59 Tele is stock except the Gotoh/Kluson tuners (See Accessories).
The volume and tone potentiometers, etc., are stock. When I replace parts that wear out, I make sure there's nothing modified or "improved". I'm not saying my way is better, I am simply accustomed to the guitar the way I got it and prefer to keep it consistent and simple.
That said- It has jumbo frets - and I've had it re-fretted twice. I like Jumbo frets and they are on my '59, the Fender Signature Tele, the Hahn Model C Tele and on my '57 Music Master.
HAHN CAMPILONGO MODEL C
How much is it?
$1495 with free gig bag and free shipping in the US. It’s a great boutique Hahn guitar at a price most folks can afford - thank you Chihoe! Does it sound like my "59? No, we didn't go for that - but it's a great sounding dark Tele - and it has a nice scream too. Does it come in Lefty? Yes Is it a Top Loader? It has both string through and a top loading option. I've been top loading. Does it come in custom colors? No, for now we are keeping everything simple to keep costs down - hence the name "Model C". Is there a waiting list? How long will it take to arrive? Chihoe can answer that question best. I know he's been chipping away at the overwhelming amount of orders we received and there is light at the end of the tunnel for those kind souls who have been patiently waiting. Do I play it on my "Live Record" No - it wasn't finished in time. But I've been playing it exclusively and I'm really hoping it can rip my '59 out my hands. I just went to Finland with my '59 (in a cheap-ass gig bag) and was terrorized by a flight attendant who was trying to keep me from bringing the '59 on board. It all worked out but it's always a stressful adventure. How does it compare to the Fender JC Signature? It's a totally different animal but both had similar sound ambitions. Dark, not glassy. How do I order a Model C? Email Chihoe Hahn at chihoe@hahnguitars.com or phone 845-269-8275 |
You can still order a Hahn Campilongo Model C!
$1495 with free soft case and free shipping in the US. Email chihoe@hahnguitars.com or call 845-269-8275 It's a wonderful guitar with a pine body and one piece maple neck, medium C, 7 1/4" to 9 1/2" compound radius and medium jumbo frets. It's finished in 100% nitro lacquer, and has all our best hardware, including a cold rolled steel bridge (precision milled, not stamped), compensated brass saddles, stainless ferrules and .10" thick stainless neck plate. It has a bone nut, Gotoh/Kluson tuners, CRL switch, 250k CTS pots, vintage cloth push back wire and our hand wound pickups. With gig bag and free shipping in the US it's $1495. More info at https://www.hahnguitars.com/model-c/ Watch Chihoe Hahn and Jim Campilongo talk about and demonstrate the Hahn Campilongo Model C…
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Hahn Photos courtesy of Maggie Osterberg
…if you are considering a Telecaster, we highly recommend the (Hahn) Campilongo Model C without reservation. You can’t do better then this truly made custom guitar…’ (full review)
Thanks ToneQuest!
FENDER CAMPILONGO SIGNATURE TELECASTER
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My Custom shop Signature Top-Loader Telecaster was introduced by Fender at the winter NAMM show in January, 2010. There was a limited run of 50 - one pops up on Reverb or eBay every now and then and they've held their value..
The Campilongo Signature Tele featured pickups custom wound to my specs (see "pick ups"). They sound fantastic. My goal was to have a woody, full bodied sound while retaining the character of a great Telecaster.
Jumbo frets, a tall "top hat" toggle for easy switching, and a "T" string tree for easy behind the nut bending are all part of the personality of this guitar - not to mention the easy playability and warm sounds the top-loader bridge brings to the Telecaster table.
Additionally, the bridge plate is flat, without the "lips" originally there for holding the "ash tray" metal cover on older Teles. Personally, I find those lips problematic and a hindrance when trying to pick the low "E" string. I compensate for this on my '59 with a high string altitude at the pickup plate. However, the trade off is high action from the 12th fret up. This "lip-less" plate should make my plectrum life easier.
The Campy model is a standard "white-ish blond" nitrocellulose finish, the exact color of my original guitar, with a white pick guard. Custom color Orange is available was only available in two guitars. I have one, and a lucky winner of a drawing hosted by Fender Custom Shop won a free orange model.
The Campilongo Signature Tele featured pickups custom wound to my specs (see "pick ups"). They sound fantastic. My goal was to have a woody, full bodied sound while retaining the character of a great Telecaster.
Jumbo frets, a tall "top hat" toggle for easy switching, and a "T" string tree for easy behind the nut bending are all part of the personality of this guitar - not to mention the easy playability and warm sounds the top-loader bridge brings to the Telecaster table.
Additionally, the bridge plate is flat, without the "lips" originally there for holding the "ash tray" metal cover on older Teles. Personally, I find those lips problematic and a hindrance when trying to pick the low "E" string. I compensate for this on my '59 with a high string altitude at the pickup plate. However, the trade off is high action from the 12th fret up. This "lip-less" plate should make my plectrum life easier.
The Campy model is a standard "white-ish blond" nitrocellulose finish, the exact color of my original guitar, with a white pick guard. Custom color Orange is available was only available in two guitars. I have one, and a lucky winner of a drawing hosted by Fender Custom Shop won a free orange model.
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All finishes were applied conservatively since I feel most of the great guitars I've played featured "very light" to "nearly nonexistent" finishes. I believe this allows the true resonant character of the wood to shine through. The neck was lightly finished for a "fast" playability.
Pick Ups As far as pickups go, I'm really happy with what I came up with for my Campy model. I went through dozens of pick ups and tried to combine the best features of what I liked and requested modifications for what I needed. I think the Campy pick ups are powerful, full-bodied and warm, but retain a classic vintage voice. They came standard and exclusively on the Campilongo Signature Tele and were not offered separately. 
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OTHER GUITARS...
Hank Garland inspired Bigsby - Johnny Dilks builder
The amazing and talented Johnny Dilks built this Hank Garland/Bigsby style guitar in the 90's for me. It was one of the times in my life I wished my last name was "Jones". John persevered and built this incredible piece. Thank you John, for this, and your lifelong friendship....
The amazing and talented Johnny Dilks built this Hank Garland/Bigsby style guitar in the 90's for me. It was one of the times in my life I wished my last name was "Jones". John persevered and built this incredible piece. Thank you John, for this, and your lifelong friendship....
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'62 Strat signed by Roy Buchanan "Live Happy"
1958 0015 Martin
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1956 Fender Duosonic
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1957 Fender Music Master
"Frankensteined" Fender Campilongo Signature…. Signed by Hubert Sumlin
Green Stamp Melody Plus
My first guitar. I still have it and I still love it. Thank you Austin Slater, you changed my life. 
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1958 Gibson 225
1970 Martin D-35
Alvarez Nylon String “AL”
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GUITAR REPAIR
In New York/Manhattan luthier Tom Crandall at TR Crandall did a great job re-fretting my 1957 Music Master. Tom also fixed up my 1958 Gibson 225 perfectly and thankfully he made that damn pick guard bulletproof (it was ALWAYS falling off). I trust their work and their store is always worth a visit.
https://trcrandall.com/
(646) 692-4235
179 E. 3rd Street NY, NY 10009
Whenever I'm in California, I have my guitar set up by Luthier Kenneth Harper. He does GREAT WORK and the most perfect setups my fingers have experienced.
Harper Manufacturing, Makers of Fine Stringed Instruments
email: twangster_1999 [at] yahoo.com
phone: 707-446-0487
7246 Browns Valley Rd
Vacaville, CA 95688
In New York/Manhattan luthier Tom Crandall at TR Crandall did a great job re-fretting my 1957 Music Master. Tom also fixed up my 1958 Gibson 225 perfectly and thankfully he made that damn pick guard bulletproof (it was ALWAYS falling off). I trust their work and their store is always worth a visit.
https://trcrandall.com/
(646) 692-4235
179 E. 3rd Street NY, NY 10009
Whenever I'm in California, I have my guitar set up by Luthier Kenneth Harper. He does GREAT WORK and the most perfect setups my fingers have experienced.
Harper Manufacturing, Makers of Fine Stringed Instruments
email: twangster_1999 [at] yahoo.com
phone: 707-446-0487
7246 Browns Valley Rd
Vacaville, CA 95688
My Other favorite stores ...Definitely worth a visit!
Main Drag Music (Brooklyn)
330 Wythe Avenue(corner of South 1st street)Brooklyn.
http://www.maindragmusic.com/
Southside Guitars (Brooklyn)
(718) 218-8201
303 Grand St Brooklyn, New York 11211 southsideguitars@gmail.com
https://www.southsideguitars.com/
Retrofret Vintage Guitars (Brooklyn)
(718) 237-6092
87 Luquer St, Brooklyn, NY 11231
http://www.retrofret.com/
Carmine St Guitars (Manhattan)
(212) 691-8400
42 Carmine St, New York, NY 10014
http://www.kellyguitars.com/
330 Wythe Avenue(corner of South 1st street)Brooklyn.
http://www.maindragmusic.com/
Southside Guitars (Brooklyn)
(718) 218-8201
303 Grand St Brooklyn, New York 11211 southsideguitars@gmail.com
https://www.southsideguitars.com/
Retrofret Vintage Guitars (Brooklyn)
(718) 237-6092
87 Luquer St, Brooklyn, NY 11231
http://www.retrofret.com/
Carmine St Guitars (Manhattan)
(212) 691-8400
42 Carmine St, New York, NY 10014
http://www.kellyguitars.com/
AMPLIFICATION
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I own many amps but I prefer the weight, portability and sound of Princeton Reverbs. I own two '66 Princeton Reverbs, and three 70s...I bought most of these Princetons in 2002/2004 when I felt they were underpriced. I'm going to hold onto to the Princetons I have, though it is a glut - because I know I'll never replace them.
I use one amp mostly- a Silverface Princeton with a Celestion (see below). I replace the tubes every 6 months/year - and get it serviced often so it's quiet and fully functional. Half the battle is keeping a vintage amp maintained. I know of recording studios who proudly catalog 25 amp models - and my experience is, they have 25 amps that need to be serviced/cleaned. |
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My '70's Vibrochamp ( an excellent vibrato effect).... Occasionally I use it for recording. It's on "Hamster Wheel (Slight Return)" and "Menace" off "Heaven is Creepy".
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1954 Gibson Les Paul amplifier
It's really pretty, isn't it? I prefer plugging into the microphone input that has more wattage- and when it's cranked, it sounds incredible. Like Link Wray meets AC/DC. That said, at the outset the microphone input was microphonic and there was some unwanted feedback. Although I was initially doubtful, tube dampers remedied the problem and the amp has functioned perfectly ever since. Honestly? It doesn't leave the house much.
SPEAKERS
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The variety of speakers in my Princeton amps:
a) Celestion G-10 for a throaty "compressed" sound. This speaker isn't too bright so sometimes I'll use it for "jazz" sounds as well. Me? I love these speakers. Affordable too. https://celestion.com/product/30/g10_vintage/ |
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b) 60's "Gold Back" Jensen C-10 N. My favorite speaker. The more advanced the the Jensen speaker alphabet (as in Q verses N) the less the wattage capacity. The N Jensen C-10 seem to be robust enough to handle maximum volume, de-tuning and whatever else I throw at it. The highs are cutting but still pleasant. The last time I looked - these speakers were very expensive. Folks, a positive aspect of being "older" is I could buy this stuff before the prices became out of hand!
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Tubes
Until the last couple years, I was a NOS ( New Old Stock - RCA, Sylvania, Brimar etc.) tube guy. But I started experiencing NOS tubes getting more and more inconsistent and meanwhile - more expensive. Not a good combination. I converted - I use JJ's. They are good enough, and last a decent amount of time (one year is what I shoot for).
Fender Princeton Reissue
I endorse the Fender Princeton reissue and I think the guys at Fender did a great job. I'm proud to endorse the amp. A video of what I have to say about the reissue can be found here http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gHVG4kDurtY
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AMP REPAIR
MAIN DRAG MUSIC
Pat is a thorough professional who fixes Fender amps and beyond with expertise and experience. Main Drag is large space with a good selection of guitars and amps. Good for consignments too.
Main Drag Music
718-388-6365
www.maindragmusic.com
info [at] maindragmusic.com
330 Wythe St Williamsburg, Brooklyn 11211
THE AMP LAB
On the West coast there is none better at amp repair then Keith Reinegger at the Amp Lab in Campbell, CA. As far as I'm concerned he's the "Zen Master". Tell him "Jim Can't-Be-Long-Now" sent you.
Keith Reinegger
Amp Lab
279 Dillon Ave # 1
Campbell, CA 95008
(408) 871-2422
Pat is a thorough professional who fixes Fender amps and beyond with expertise and experience. Main Drag is large space with a good selection of guitars and amps. Good for consignments too.
Main Drag Music
718-388-6365
www.maindragmusic.com
info [at] maindragmusic.com
330 Wythe St Williamsburg, Brooklyn 11211
THE AMP LAB
On the West coast there is none better at amp repair then Keith Reinegger at the Amp Lab in Campbell, CA. As far as I'm concerned he's the "Zen Master". Tell him "Jim Can't-Be-Long-Now" sent you.
Keith Reinegger
Amp Lab
279 Dillon Ave # 1
Campbell, CA 95008
(408) 871-2422
Speaker Reconing
John Sworen does a great job...
Vintage Radio
144 N. Beverwyck Rd., #208
Lake Hiawatha, NJ 07034
(973) 575-0717
Vintage Radio
144 N. Beverwyck Rd., #208
Lake Hiawatha, NJ 07034
(973) 575-0717
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Crazy Tube Circuits Stardust "Blackface"
One of the best sounding, touch dynamic overdrive pedals I've ever played... The Stardust Pedal was very intuitive and it took me 4 seconds to dial in a great sound and a perfect balance... I was totally inspired by my sound all night. The Stardust Blackface has what I've been looking in a overdrive for a long, long time. A pedal that gives me some great beefy authentic vintage amp sounds, without having to crank the amp to overkill settings. I easily dialed up some "Sticky Fingers" on steroids sounds, and achieved some thick Buchanan-isms too. Tone knob and volume swells were easily attained... Most importantly, my tone and volume controls are still responsive to fairly subtle variations.- many "ballsy" overdrives (OCD Pedal) eliminate the controls on the guitar. Please note - I haven't tried to use Stardust "Blackface" Overdrive Pedal as a subtle booster yet, but for a "Santana Abraxas" like sound, this little powerhouse hit a home run. http://crazytubecircuits.com/stardust-blackface |
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Boomerang
I also love the Boomerang Phrase Sampler... maybe I'm alone here, but I prefer the simplicity of very first model. It's a great musical tool to use during lessons, for writing and for practicing soloing over changes... I also like to use the Boomerang Phrase Sampler for short vibey looping. |
Though it's been a while, for the curious- this is my pedalboard I used on the Martha Wainwright tour . When using multiple effects, I find it helpful to write my pedal settings in the shape of a knob on masking tape, or duct tape (see below) This helps me to have a "base setting" that I can adjust. Since every room and venue is different, having a "base setting" allows me to start with a precedent that works.
Although I've enjoyed or complained about sound checks 4 hours before showtime, it seems everything is moved or stored or changed... and it gets narrowed down to 3 frantic minutes while the crowd is waiting impatiently- after the house music was mistakenly turned off and the entire band is looking at you, waiting...
After making a quick visual check and I can move on to something else like tuning, or checking amp settings etc. etc. ...and HOPEFULLY I won't mistakenly click on my Boss RC-20 and have that confounded drum machine blasting!
Although I've enjoyed or complained about sound checks 4 hours before showtime, it seems everything is moved or stored or changed... and it gets narrowed down to 3 frantic minutes while the crowd is waiting impatiently- after the house music was mistakenly turned off and the entire band is looking at you, waiting...
After making a quick visual check and I can move on to something else like tuning, or checking amp settings etc. etc. ...and HOPEFULLY I won't mistakenly click on my Boss RC-20 and have that confounded drum machine blasting!
JAM Waheko + Wah Wah
My JAM Waheko + (plus) Wah Wah is a great Wah. It has the classic Cry Baby sound, but it has a more dramatic sweep especially when using the Sweep knob. I use it as a Wah, a tone control and to add feedback. It's apparently indestructible too. I'm very happy with it and right now, it's the only pedal I regularly use.
More Info: https://www.jampedals.com/wahcko-plus/
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Universal Audio OX Amp Top Box Reactive Load Box
“…The Universal Audio OX Amp Top Box is a premium reactive load box, allowing guitarists to play and record their tube amp in its ideal sweet spots — from the edge-of-breakup to fully cranked — at any volume level, and with instant album-quality mic, room, and speaker cabinet emulations at the turn of a knob...”
Jim here - I am overwhelmed by how great the OX sounds. One can choose amp models, amp speakers, the type of mic and the mix of room, close mic etc - it even has a carpet or no carpet setting. One can get great sounds that still retain the personality of your guitar and amp. I am learning too. For example -the plate reverb looks exactly like a plate reverb in a studio, that I’ve never physically touched. But on the OX I’ve adjusted every variable to my hearts content and now I feel like I can independently find a setting on a plate reverb I love, without an engineer. Luca Benedetti are considering recording our duet record on the OX here in my Brooklyn apartment. The OX (and Luca) sounds that good.
Here’s an in-depth OX review by Joe Gore…
https://www.premierguitar.com/articles/27097-universal-audio-ox-review
More info from Universal Audio...
https://www.uaudio.com/hardware/ox.html
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D'ADDARIO STRINGS D'Addario is a family operation, they are good people and they make excellent strings. I use D'Addario EXL120 strings for my Tele, D'Addario EXL110 strings for the Gibson 225 and one Campilongo Signature has D'Addario ECG524 Chrome Flat Wounds which really sound amazing. On my acoustic I use D'Addario EJ13 80/20 Bronze Lights. www.daddario.com/DaddarioArtistDetails.Page?ActiveID=3777&ArtistId=10300&ArtistName=Jim_Campilongo&sid=66198b49-659f-46c0-a9a5-8b1d1a78119a FUSION V-PICK The picks I use are made by V-Pick and I like the "Fusion" model. They aren't crazy cheap ($5) but they last FOREVER and the feel is worth every penny. https://v-picks.com/shop/fusion-guitar-pick/ GOTOH TUNERS I like the Kluson copies made by Gotoh. The Kluson tuners are good too - but the Gotoh tuner is loose enough for an easy twist but with no "play" whatsoever. SOULDIER GUITAR STRAPS The Souldier website is a lot fun and their designs have something for everyone. I think some of the designs are beautiful and dressy - and they have some designs that are totally retro and the same as my guitar heroes wore, back in the day. http://www.souldier.us/ STEEL SADDLES FOR MY TELE GLENDALE "THE GROOVY 60'S" I like these saddles. They've lasted and they do the job. Some folks swear by brass saddles but I always miss having a string slot and sometimes when I pick close to the bridge, my downstroke will move the string (on a smooth saddle). https://glendaleguitars.com/saddles/ |
Guitarists I like...
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"Brisbane Bop" with Jimmie Rivers on guitar had a huge impact on my playing. I studied that record for years before actually meeting Jimmie in 1996. I was lucky enough to meet Jimmie Rivers in a small restaurant in Placervlle, Calif where he held his every Sunday residency. I walked in the place (I forget the name, The Blue Gill or something like that...) and couldn't believe the sound coming from a corner in the restaurant was the unmistakable sound of Jimmie's guitar style. There was no stage and Jimmie and his band played on the carpeted restaurant floor. This is no hard-luck story, one could feel the joy and camaraderie transmitted into sound as the band played. This wasn't "Brisbane Bop" but it was well played swing by excellent, talented pros. Jimmie was teasing the waitress to bring him a drink while he joked, smoked, taunted and took everything around him. He spotted me and during the break walked over. He was interested in me, why I came. When I told him his guitar work was big influence, he became self-effacing and emotional. He really couldn't understand the interest "Brisbane Bop" was receiving. When I asked if the "Jimmies Blues" solo was worked out, he roared with laughter and cried out "We were all drunk!" I was lucky enough to sit in with the band. They were all really nice and supportive despite my nervousness and occasional musical shortcomings. Later Jimmie invited to visit his house and meet his wife Maria. I overcame my fear and called a few weeks later. This led to many thrilling opportunities including playing his "Retirement Show" at the Great American Music Hall and to a few guitar lessons.
His guitar lessons were amazing! He was very into sharing his concepts and was thrilled I was interested. I couldn't help think that being 70 years old had him feeling like someone should carry on the flame. He'd show me ideas and say "People go nuts when you play this at the end of a song!". He was not Mr. Music Theory, he called Emi7b5 (prefacing A7), "Little C7" but he had a profound genius in cutting away all the useless fat and showing the essential "meat". Many of his ideas were based on Jazz trumpeter Bill Davison and Charlie Christian via Barney Kessel. He once said the only solo he liked from "Brisbane Bop" was "Rose Room" in which he plays the Christian solo pretty much note for note. Jimmie could break down and simplify like a true Zen Master and many of his concepts I still draw upon and share. |
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Andres Segovia - Guitar
I recommend any Segovia LP from his incredible era on the Decca label, but “Andres Segovia - Guitar” called my name in a special way. Aside from Segovia’s brilliant playing and insights into the composers compositions, the Suite Compostelana (Federico Mompou) is played with an astounding beauty. To my ears, Mompou writes music that sounds like it’s from another Planet -but it’s a heavenly planet, with soft warm rains, occasional non-threatening storms and comfortable foliage to rest upon. Guitarists - there is a wealth of beautiful music to be enjoyed from Segovia’s fingers.
Jimmy Bryant and Speed West - Country Cabin Jazz
Most Jimmy Bryant and Speedy West is out of print so I would recommend "Stratosphere Boogie" on the Razor and Tie label. Jimmy and Speedy are the quintessential pairing of pedal steel guitar and electric guitar played with a rollicking, humorous and heavy musicality- over well constructed tunes. This is instrumental music played with a delightful virtuosity. Also a must hear- Buddy Charleton with Leon Rhodes who in some ways, play more legitimately (for lack of a better word) demonstrating a studied knowledge of Jazz- where Speedy and Jimmy seem to be inventing a new form of music, as they play it!
Roy Buchanan - "Roy Buchanan 1st Album"
I was lucky enough to discover Roy when I was 12 years old when I purchased Roy's 1st Album on Polydor (I still have it!). It’s a landmark LP, and a "must have" for Telecaster players. Roy invented or help define, volume pot swells, tone pot swells, behind the nut bending, squealing harmonics, steel guitar voicing on standard guitar and more. These techniques come from a place of expressive artistry, allowing Roy to exhibit and convey a mournful, expressive quality in his music. I read somewhere - that Roy was trying to say "help me" when he played. Roy certainly helped me. Thanks Roy.
Ramones - It's Alive
Recorded in London in 1977, this historical event that spawned the English Punk movement. Recorded raw and bright, this double record set captures our boys from Queens when they are on their way up - urgency, bravado and sexuality is captured in these track along with the brilliant lyrical simplicity "...Sitting here in Queens, eating refried beans..." with the monolithic power the Ramones single-handedly invented. I love the Ramones.
Miles Davis - Tribute to Jack Johnson
I first heard this record in High School and I was astounded by the amazing amalgamation of Miles, John McLaughlin, Michael Henderson and Herbie Hancock interpret Sly Stone and James Brown in their own inventive way. John’s key of E power chording resembles John Lee Hooker meets Pete Townshend. Absolutely wonderful!
Never Mind the Bollocks Here's the Sex Pistols
I am still amazed by the originality and raw power of this record. It still sounds as vital and important to me as the first time I heard it. I wish more records made today were as challenging and "uncorrupted" as this one.
Pioneers of the Jazz Guitar
This CD features guitar greats Eddie Lang, Carl Kress, Lonnie Johnson and more. This wonderfully satisfying era is where amplification and recording methods allowed players to but down their banjo's and play the more dynamic 6 string guitar. The songs and performances are eventful and charming.This music is from an era where shoe-gazing singer songwriters would probably be knocked down by drunken sailors. Because of this, the musicians virtuosity is always presented in a melodic and yet an aggressive and accessible way. A "must have" CD that in my opinion, anyone can enjoy.
Music of Spain, Julian Bream
Virtuoso Julian Bream covers the compositions of turn-of the century composers Granados and Albeniz. A great journey into guitar music at its best.
A Session with Chet Atkins
I own over a 100 Chet albums and I think most of them are incredibly musical. His output is amazing and almost always high quality. This record is among his first. Like most his records, the songs are charming and to the point. It also features Homer and Jethro in the rhythm section and Jerry Byrd on steel guitar. What an all-star cast! [This album is not available, but Guitar Legend: The RCA Years and The Essential Chet Atkins: The Columbia Years are -ed.]
Nocturnes 1-11, Chopin/Nikita Magaloff
Wonderfully moody and deep compositions played with the poignant understanding of Nikita Magaloff. These Nocturnes always sound surprisingly "modern" and contemporary. Nikita Magaloff's fine touch is a user-friendly environment for listeners that are leery of sometimes bombastic Classics. Beautiful music.
John Lennon/Plastic Ono Band
A great era of Lennon. Minimalistic rhythms, primal scream and vulnerable love songs. In some ways, an underrated album. I've been inspired by this record since I was a kid.
A Mod A Mod, Ernest Ranglin
Virtuoso reggae guitarist Ernest Ranglin cleverly plays pop standards with a charm and playfulness that is worth a thousand listenings. [This album is not available, but In Search of the Lost Riddim and Rocksteady are -ed.]
The Chess Box, Muddy Waters
This era of Muddy Waters is some of my favorite blues. Right up there with John Lee Hooker, Blind Lemon Jefferson and Hound Dog Taylor. This Chicago era is where blues music is commercial enough to have song form but not rhythmically pigeonholed. Little Walter's harmonic croons and wails while Muddy sings with a king-sized bravado. Check out the track "She's Alright" for an example of pre-Budweiser commercial blues that has a dangerous and menacing nature.
Julie Is Her Name, Julie London
Her first album that features the fine guitar playing of Barney Kessel. This was recorded in a sparse and moody setting that I never tire of. Amazingly vibey--Julie's breathy vocals are beautiful and she gives the material a clear and mature reading. "Cry Me a River" made its debut on this record.
I recommend any Segovia LP from his incredible era on the Decca label, but “Andres Segovia - Guitar” called my name in a special way. Aside from Segovia’s brilliant playing and insights into the composers compositions, the Suite Compostelana (Federico Mompou) is played with an astounding beauty. To my ears, Mompou writes music that sounds like it’s from another Planet -but it’s a heavenly planet, with soft warm rains, occasional non-threatening storms and comfortable foliage to rest upon. Guitarists - there is a wealth of beautiful music to be enjoyed from Segovia’s fingers.
Jimmy Bryant and Speed West - Country Cabin Jazz
Most Jimmy Bryant and Speedy West is out of print so I would recommend "Stratosphere Boogie" on the Razor and Tie label. Jimmy and Speedy are the quintessential pairing of pedal steel guitar and electric guitar played with a rollicking, humorous and heavy musicality- over well constructed tunes. This is instrumental music played with a delightful virtuosity. Also a must hear- Buddy Charleton with Leon Rhodes who in some ways, play more legitimately (for lack of a better word) demonstrating a studied knowledge of Jazz- where Speedy and Jimmy seem to be inventing a new form of music, as they play it!
Roy Buchanan - "Roy Buchanan 1st Album"
I was lucky enough to discover Roy when I was 12 years old when I purchased Roy's 1st Album on Polydor (I still have it!). It’s a landmark LP, and a "must have" for Telecaster players. Roy invented or help define, volume pot swells, tone pot swells, behind the nut bending, squealing harmonics, steel guitar voicing on standard guitar and more. These techniques come from a place of expressive artistry, allowing Roy to exhibit and convey a mournful, expressive quality in his music. I read somewhere - that Roy was trying to say "help me" when he played. Roy certainly helped me. Thanks Roy.
Ramones - It's Alive
Recorded in London in 1977, this historical event that spawned the English Punk movement. Recorded raw and bright, this double record set captures our boys from Queens when they are on their way up - urgency, bravado and sexuality is captured in these track along with the brilliant lyrical simplicity "...Sitting here in Queens, eating refried beans..." with the monolithic power the Ramones single-handedly invented. I love the Ramones.
Miles Davis - Tribute to Jack Johnson
I first heard this record in High School and I was astounded by the amazing amalgamation of Miles, John McLaughlin, Michael Henderson and Herbie Hancock interpret Sly Stone and James Brown in their own inventive way. John’s key of E power chording resembles John Lee Hooker meets Pete Townshend. Absolutely wonderful!
Never Mind the Bollocks Here's the Sex Pistols
I am still amazed by the originality and raw power of this record. It still sounds as vital and important to me as the first time I heard it. I wish more records made today were as challenging and "uncorrupted" as this one.
Pioneers of the Jazz Guitar
This CD features guitar greats Eddie Lang, Carl Kress, Lonnie Johnson and more. This wonderfully satisfying era is where amplification and recording methods allowed players to but down their banjo's and play the more dynamic 6 string guitar. The songs and performances are eventful and charming.This music is from an era where shoe-gazing singer songwriters would probably be knocked down by drunken sailors. Because of this, the musicians virtuosity is always presented in a melodic and yet an aggressive and accessible way. A "must have" CD that in my opinion, anyone can enjoy.
Music of Spain, Julian Bream
Virtuoso Julian Bream covers the compositions of turn-of the century composers Granados and Albeniz. A great journey into guitar music at its best.
A Session with Chet Atkins
I own over a 100 Chet albums and I think most of them are incredibly musical. His output is amazing and almost always high quality. This record is among his first. Like most his records, the songs are charming and to the point. It also features Homer and Jethro in the rhythm section and Jerry Byrd on steel guitar. What an all-star cast! [This album is not available, but Guitar Legend: The RCA Years and The Essential Chet Atkins: The Columbia Years are -ed.]
Nocturnes 1-11, Chopin/Nikita Magaloff
Wonderfully moody and deep compositions played with the poignant understanding of Nikita Magaloff. These Nocturnes always sound surprisingly "modern" and contemporary. Nikita Magaloff's fine touch is a user-friendly environment for listeners that are leery of sometimes bombastic Classics. Beautiful music.
John Lennon/Plastic Ono Band
A great era of Lennon. Minimalistic rhythms, primal scream and vulnerable love songs. In some ways, an underrated album. I've been inspired by this record since I was a kid.
A Mod A Mod, Ernest Ranglin
Virtuoso reggae guitarist Ernest Ranglin cleverly plays pop standards with a charm and playfulness that is worth a thousand listenings. [This album is not available, but In Search of the Lost Riddim and Rocksteady are -ed.]
The Chess Box, Muddy Waters
This era of Muddy Waters is some of my favorite blues. Right up there with John Lee Hooker, Blind Lemon Jefferson and Hound Dog Taylor. This Chicago era is where blues music is commercial enough to have song form but not rhythmically pigeonholed. Little Walter's harmonic croons and wails while Muddy sings with a king-sized bravado. Check out the track "She's Alright" for an example of pre-Budweiser commercial blues that has a dangerous and menacing nature.
Julie Is Her Name, Julie London
Her first album that features the fine guitar playing of Barney Kessel. This was recorded in a sparse and moody setting that I never tire of. Amazingly vibey--Julie's breathy vocals are beautiful and she gives the material a clear and mature reading. "Cry Me a River" made its debut on this record.
VINYL TREASURES - GUITAR PLAYER MAGAZINE
