Music
Top 10 Guitarists Most Influential on Rock n’ Roll #4
Tuesday, August 9th, 2011 by The Professor
Well this is a tough one, because I wanted to choose between 2 (of the many) huge influences from the Jazz world and that’s really hard. The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inducted Charlie Christian, and he’s frequently credited with being the guy that made the guitar a central focal point in Jazz bands, rather than the more common rhythm section instrument. Charlie’s playing was fantastic and he had a huge influence, particularly with the early electric guitar. Charlie’s amazing playing was unfortunately cut short at the young age of 23 by Tuberculosis (which likewise claimed country guitar great and list candidate Jimmie Rogers at 35).
But when no less a guitar genius than Jeff Beck says “By far the most astonishing guitar player ever has got to be Django Reinhardt.” or Les Paul says, “When I heard him, well, I might as well be selling shoes.” and when Chet Atkins placed Django #1 on his list of the greatest guitarists it pretty much sealed the deal. So… (more…)
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Top 10 Guitarists Most Influential on Rock n’ Roll #3
Monday, August 8th, 2011 by The Professor
How do you select which of the great early rock instrumentalists was the one that had the most influence? The first serious solid body electric guitars were new and everyone was starting to experiment. So many players left their mark. How do you not include Duane Eddy, whose “Rebel Rouser” and many other hits defined the early ‘twang’ of an electric guitar? Or do you include Link Wray, whose “Rumble” and leather and shades look brought the undercurrent of angry rebellion to Rock? Wray’s deep and dangerous sounds were hugely influential on the future development of the ‘metal’ sound and much of the late 60′s hard rock movement. These are both incredible pioneers but I have to go with the king of Surf for his extensive and lasting contributions to Rock. (more…)
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Top 10 Guitarists Most Influential on Rock n’ Roll #2
Saturday, August 6th, 2011 by The Professor
Choosing a Top 10 is almost impossible, and choosing which of the early Bluesmen to not include is even harder. Can you not include Bukka White, Skip James, Elmore James, Son House, Tampa Red or Charlie Patton? Each of them had a huge influence on early Blues players, and experienced a revival in the 60′s that was the very backbone of the ‘British Invasion’. Look at a list of the covers chosen by the early Beatles, Rolling Stones, The Who, etc… There is only one early Blues musician who simply MUST be on this list, no option. (more…)
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Top 10 Guitarists Most Influential on Rock n’ Roll #1
Friday, August 5th, 2011 by The Professor
In the next few days or weeks, I’ll be unveiling my choices for the guitarists without whom Rock n’ Roll would not be what it is today. Guitarists who seemingly beamed in from other worlds to start new pathways in music. So while I compile my list, ponder your own. Who are the building blocks in the hierarchy of influence? Do you think Jack White is more important than Josh White? John Frusciante or Charlie Patton? Eddie Van Halen or Jimi Hendrix? It’s very hard to limit the list to 10 because it’s too small. No matter what I put here, you will have a different opinion, which is the whole point of the list. Post up your comments and we’ll see where we meet. Maybe we’ll put together a poll when we’re done and give away some tickets to Buddy Guy or Ani DiFranco or some other influential guitarist… Get that brain in gear and start preparing to defend your choices!
I’m starting the list today and will add the other 9 slowly… So in no particular order, we begin with:
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Review: Ellie Goulding at 9:30 Club
Wednesday, July 27th, 2011 by Amanda Nolan
Ellie Goulding has electric blonde hair with side-swept bangs, stands at about 5’5″, and speaks softly, sometimes mumbling her words. If you were to see Goulding walking down the street, you probably wouldn’t expect a voice so strong to come from her. But all it takes for Ellie to prove her vocal talent is to simply open her mouth. Ellie’s vocals are her purely her own: she sounds like no one else in the indie pop field right now. Her stage presence, as seen on her recent stop in D.C. at the 9:30 Club on Monday July 25, fits her poppy, energetic intonations. (more…)
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