Buckethead-

Austin Texas 7:30pm 3/8/19, on line outside EMO’s as the very authoritative man in the cowboy hat reminds us that “If you have a gun, knife, mace or anything that could hurt him or anyone, please bring it back to your car”. A slightly chub metal hipster replies with, “What about a blunt?” The Man in the hat replies, “Sharing is caring!” The eclectic line of Buckethead fans erupt.

Already the entertainment has begun. After our customary walk through the metal detectors we head inside for the show…

Most times when you see a player do their thing (especially in an intimate setting as EMO’s) and you’re in front of their naked steaming eyes, you have that extra connection. The eyes. The facial expressions from the artist that pull you into their moment and what their sharing with you and hoping you’ll buy in. Obviously, not with Buckethead. With his frozen porcelain face this is not afforded to you.

So that artist better be good. That artist HAS to be good. Buckethead did not disappoint.

Let’s put aside his technique for just a second and talk about his incredible musicality. The songs, his melodies are stirring and are really the foundation of what he is. Most people only recognize the shred (and it’s there) but there’s so much more.

Mr. Carrol (his true sir name) took us through a whirling Rock, Metal, Shred, Jazz, Funk, Punk & Electronic excursions, even visiting some old Les Paul standards and a quick trip to Disney (“It’s a small world”) all the while fusing it effortlessly making complete musical sense.

Tone? Tone for days. Chops? Chops for a lifetime. If you write Buckethead off as a novelty act or just a “Metal Guy”, you’re not really listening with intent and to be honest, Buckethead’s music needs to be listened to with intent and an open mind. You’ll be surprised with the exercise and I think you’ll be glad you did.

Mark Daven
Guitar Radio Show
3/8/19

All Kelly, All the Time-

Kelly Richey HOME

JD Simo- Off at 11

The latest release from JD Simo “Off at 11” is a virtual “Time Machine” of some very searing, hot, reverb drenched licks and a re-imagining of some important blues treasures. All coming from a guitarist that seems to be coming to grips with his true identity.

Simo’s last record Rise and Shine (2017) was an over produced version of great playing and good songs. But It didn’t capture what this musician is all about. “Off at 11” is the logical next step from Simo’s “Let Love Show The Way” (2016) which is more aligned with who he is. “Off at 11’s” stripped down, blues/rock/jam power trio joints weaves us in and out beautifully as it pulls us through sonic decades on his very excellent time machine.

Astounding versions of “I Got Love If Yo Want It” and “Sweet Little Angel” should make others leery of ever covering those tunes again. The title track and the closer “Accept” are amazing blues jam excursions that meet ABB standards and rival “Phishing” trips by a mile.

But let me go back to the soul stirring version of “Sweet Little Angel” for just a minute. I invite you to close your eyes as Simo takes you all around the world without leaving the room. The astute and meaningful vocabulary he uses with that ES-335 is a musical testament to not only the blues but is also an incredibly strong argument that the guitar is still an important part of the musical equation and in direct opposition to how many in popular music view the instrument as purely “Ornamental” regarding its place in the sonic landscape.

So, good on ya, J.D. Simo, for realizing your importance and role in all of the white noise and holding true to your identity. A troubadour and protector of the electric guitar and its place in American music.

Folks, dont just stream this… BUY IT!

Mark Daven
Guitar Radio Show
3/1/19

Gary Clark Jr. “This Land”-Sonic Truth

I’ve been waiting for the artist that would be the bridge. A bridge to many. An artist that would deliver a multitude of American musical styles and meld them into the current musical landscape, reaching the young and not so young all while making a statement in hopes of waking up the sleeping complacency among us.

With his latest self produced album “This Land”Gary Clark Jr. is that artist.

Some people might say Gary might be “Mad as hell, and he’s not going to take it anymore”. But, “This Land” is much more than that. It’s a Sonic Truth, delivering messages that we haven’t seen or heard since Bob Dylan’s “The Times They are a Changing” or Marvin Gaye’s “What’s Goin On” album and it’s long overdue. The more I listen to “This land” I realize that it is as important as those aforementioned classics.

Putting aside the records important and impactful messages of warning, Mr. Clark has fused traditional American music with modern Pop, R&B, Indie, Reggae, Rock, Blues & Punk. Still, there lies a common thread. His voice over the last few years has matured into a rich, multidimensional chameleon like instrument that at times makes you wonder, “Is that someone other than him singing?”

So, what about the guitar playing?

Gary is playing in tribute to the song, with a form of truly tasteful yet roaring minimalism with riffs and solo lines that are arresting ear worms. It’s all a perfect fit and a triumph. The pairing and basket weaving of Gary’s leads and “KIng” GCJ Zapata’s rhythm work is completely seamless. Sonically, you don’t know where one begins and the other ends.

The brightest spots-

“This Land” (the title track)- Full of angst and defiantly proclaiming “This Land Is Mine!” Under a pseudo-hip hop/rock beat, buzzsaw guitars, screaming leads and lyrics Chuck D should have written in 1989.

“Feel Like A Million”- A modern R&B/Reggae/Rock joint that is a tune for cruising and dancing all while you’re trying to cop those killer guitar licks.

“Got to Get Into Something”- Austin style punk reminiscent of The Big Boys, once again with a modern twist. This is going to be a great live track.

“Feed the Babies”- Its as if Marvin Gaye had written lyrics for a Curtis Mayfield tune and then saved it for Gary Clark Jr. to record and fuel inject for new ears to understand. This vocal is superb while it still perplexes me that the subject matter is still something that needs to be addressed after all these years. Mr. Clark is pointing out we haven’t evolved, but desperately need too.

“Pearl Cadillac”- When I hear this song, I can only Imagine the Likes of BB King, SRV & Prince all smiling at each other knowingly, and assured Gary Clark Jr. has it all well in hand.

But, let me stress, this is not just an album of great cuts, put together. This is a musical statement and in my opinion should be listen to that way. Who knows, something this good could bring back “The Album”.

I hope Gary Clark Jr. stays true to his mission and keeps building those musical bridges. We need more of that and the Sonic Truth he’s delivering.

Mark Daven
Guitar Radio Show
2/25/19

Eric McFadden joins us to discuss “The Process” and what it means when its “Pain By Numbers”. Great songwriter and guitarist…

More Eric here-

Eric McFadden – Home

Great Guitarist, Great Instructor, an introspective artist and a very cool person. He’s got a new record and book coming in 2019 and we discuss everything!

Get More Andy-

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We sit down with owner Steve Fulton from Austin Vintage Guitars-

Check out Austin Vintage Guitars- https://www.austinvintageguitars.com

More Paul?- https://paulbibbins.comhttps://paulbibbins.com

Tom Guerra Joins us to discuss his latest release!!!!!

Go to- http://www.tomguerra.com