November 17, Paul McCartney releases his combo CD/DVD set of his performance at CitiField. I was at the concert in Dallas, and all I can say is that it was an event I will never forget. Here was my review from an earlier post.
Worth following: rayguitar">@brianrayguitar. Brian is Paul's rhythm and bass player (when Paul is on piano) and has a new CD coming out soon - This Way Up.
OK.... I'm still thinking back on the Paul McCartney show in Dallas on August 19 and came up with a fantasy playlist I would like to see him go on the road with. Here it is on iTunes: via ax.itunes.apple.com
This summer, I've been hanging out more and more over at Redbone Guitar Boutique in San Antonio, where Richard Turner and his gang extraordinaire have been holding a series of how-to and informative clinics from leading (and sometimes legendary) music industry players and execs. They've formed alliances with major brands like Fender, Gretsch and now, Takamine, who are bringing some amazing and internationallyknown artists and music industry thought leaders to San Antonio.
First it was Brian Ray, followed by Rusty Anderson, who just happen to be in Sir Paul McCartney's band. I attended Brian's event, but had to miss Rusty's due to travel. Last weekend, it was Fred Gretsch (yes, as in the Gretsch brand), sharing his insights on his family's history and personal commitment to keeping a family legacy and brand in place. (I was also amazed when Fred asked me if I followed him on twitter - you can follow him - @fredgretsch).
This coming weekend, it's gonna be flatpicking guitar player, Brad Davis, giving a free clinic at Redbone on Saturday from 4:00 to 6:00 PM. Raising the bar even more, Redbone is offering a chance for you to sign up for a private guitar lesson with Brad on Sunday. (there is an extra charge for this). And if you come to the free event, be sure to register for your chance to win a free Takamine GS330S guitar.
Brad has spent years on the road playing country with Marty Stuart, bluegrass with Earl Scruggs, newgrass with Sam Bush, Gypsy jazz with John Jorgenson, and rock with Billy Bob Thornton. For the past seven years, he has played lead acoustic guitar with Earl Scruggs and Friends, and for the past six years he has played lead electric and acoustic guitar with movie actor Billy Bob Thornton's rock band. He spent two years (2003-2004) as the guitar player for the Sam Bush Band and also performed with John Jorgenson's Gypsy Jazz Quintet in 2005. He occasionally performs with an exciting new bluegrass band, 'Greenbroke', which consists of himself, John Cowan, John Moore, and Dennis Caplinger.
Take some time to read his bio, see who has played with and check out his other YouTube videos.
Visit Redbone or call 210-822-4111 for more information and to sign up.
So last night, Sir Paul McCartney and band members, Brian Ray, Rusty Anderson & Co performed at the same theater where the Beatles made their U.S. debut on the Ed Sullivan Show.
My dear and long time friend, Kenny P. was there as an 11 year old kid way back in 1964.
Here's his story...
It was just a lucky thing. My mother's cousin's husband was a Commander in the Navy, stationed in NY. CBS had given the Admiral tickets for some reason - maybe they gave a lot away in those days for big "shoes" (as Sullivan would say). The Admiral knew Commander had a 16 year old daughter and offered the three tickets to my mother's cousin. The girl wanted to take two friends but her mother insisted her younger brother - a real pain he was and probably still is - go instead.
I don't think any of the adults "got" how big this was.
So there was one ticket left over and it was suggested that cousin Kenny go with them.
My parents, at least, had a clue.
It was my first time in Manhattan without my folks.
The Commander dropped us off and picked us up afterwards.
The 16 year old was separated from us by ushers and we were brought to the back, the girls sat up front to scream.
I knew their music from WABC-AM which I listened to a lot.