Saturated Street Scenes - Seattle

We're calling this one "Hendrix on His Knees." - Threatening sky sold separately. See the actual Google Street View image here:

Click for a big version and see the rest in the series here, provided the stupid kitchen server doesn't give out, as it is prone to do every half hour.

There's a Plumber in Amarillo

Holding on to what is probably a hot commodity today. I'll bet the RNC is pitching him offers right this minute.

Here's Hendrix performing "Hey, Joe", chewing gum madly while singing and playing guitar. That is coordination. (And then chewing his guitar, which is one of those Hendrix gimmicks that is just embarrassing.)

This Guy's Fingers Make Chords You've Never Even Seen

And he's only got nine fingers.

From his landmark album The Wind and The Wheat, here's Phil Keaggy playing an abbreviated version of the title track.

It is rumored that Jimi Hendrix was asked, "What's it like to be the greatest guitar player in the world?" He is said to have responded, "I don't know. Ask Phil Keaggy." That is an urban legend. I had the opportunity to interview Keaggy and asked him if I could inquire on-air about the fabled endorsement. He preferred we not delve into it, humble guy that he is. I said, "OK, for my own curiosity, is it true?" He said, "He called me one of the up-and-comers to keep an eye on."




This album is so good, I have a copy of the watercolor (above) from the cover on my living room wall, painted by this guy, who told me by email, "It is interesting, I have done hundreds, no, probably thousands of illustrations over the past thirty years, but that piece of art is remembered more than just about any that I have done. It is not even in a style I typically do, or am known for."

For a funny glimpse into Keaggy's past, have a look at this psychedelic clip from his old band, Glass Harp, as they jam all Spinal Tap-ish.

Recent postings by Bill and Fred inspired me to look this clip up.

Open Mic Night - Posthumous Perpetual Popularity

Stepping aside again this week and bringing a dead guy to the mic.

It's always been considered cool to say you like Hendrix, and if you asked your average Misfit Mallrat wearing a Hendrix T what his favorite Hendrix song is, he's just as likely to say, "Purple Rain" as he is "Purple Haze."

I've heard some Hendrix bootlegs, and some of it is truly dreadful, unlistenable noise, but for all the hype, Hendrix is not overrated like say, Clapton. (Oh, yes...I said it.) I'm not sure what song of his HASN'T been used in advertising at this point, but the catalog must be dwindling.

The number presented here is why I like Hendrix. He played it at Woodstock. Up until now, I had always known it as simply "Instrumental Solo." I learned in researching this post (I make every effort to blog responsibly and try to get my facts straight) that the number is called "Villanova Junction Blues." It will never leave my iPod. It has, for lack of a better word, a real groove.

It's up in the top of the sidebar until next week's Open Mic Night music replaces it.

Archived Open Mic Night Music is found here.

Super Bonus Extra Extravaganza

Found this video at YouTube of the same performance. Not nearly enough camera attention is paid to the man's hands, but the video shows how effortlessly he played, calmly directing his band without the distorted guitar faces (G.E. Smith anyone?) and needless posturing (name any rock guitarist) of so many lesser axemen. I know he did the play-the-guitar-behind-the-head thing and other grandiose showman tricks of the trade, so maybe he was just tired this day. Other finds on YouTube reveal that he never played the song the same way twice. Audio is much better in the MP3 in the sidebar.

Pat's In a Metal Mood

I was over at Fred Leo's Hands Across the Porch, where he embedded the classic Shatner Rocket Man interpretation. ("Classic" to those of us who admire The Shat's limitless talents.)

And well, you know how the Internet works. One things leads to another and another and eventually you stumble upon some accidental gold you'd never seen before. Like Pat Boone's "In a Metal Mood - No More Mr. Nice Guy." (And you thought Hasselhoff had cornered the market on horrific cheese.)

This thing is apparently 10 years old, but it'd still make a great gag gift for the Heavy Metallurgist in your life. Which is sort of sad, because I'll bet Pat recorded this in utter sincerity. Looks like he got help from some well-known names during recording.

Here's an audio montage of samples of Pat doing Stairway to Heaven, Smoke on the Water, and The Wind Cries Mary. He also covers some GNR, AC/DC and Ozzy on the album.

Enjoy responsibly.




Buy this gem.