52 Guitars: Week 48
12/07/2014
Yngwie Malmsteen
Yngwie (ING-vay) is arguably the very fastest guitar player in the world. Which certainly doesn't mean he's the best musician; I have to say that to my taste, a little of this goes a long way. But dang....
"Black Star":
Many minds were boggled, I understand, when his album Rising Force was released in 1984.
"Far Beyond the Sun":
As a piece of music, this might be my favorite of the three that I've posted: "Leviathan":
You've reminded one that it is not merely the incredible talent of the musician but also the ability to connect with the listener. He never did it for me.
Posted by: Clarityseeker | 12/07/2014 at 03:14 PM
Doesn't for me, either, as I guess is clear from the post. But pretty amazing technically.
Posted by: Mac | 12/07/2014 at 04:28 PM
Scott, Scott, Scott! That is exactly what I was trying to say to you before! You can have all your little fact ducks in a row, but if you don't have the ability to connect with your opposite number, it just won't do!
AMDG
Posted by: Janet | 12/07/2014 at 05:10 PM
Janet,
So you've revealed a character flaw of mine. Good for you. It's something I've worked on for some time. Part of it is my New York edginess; a cross I bear.
Posted by: Clarityseeker | 12/07/2014 at 05:57 PM
Well, I've been married to a man from New Jersey for 43 years and he seems to have completely shed the edginess of the area--although the NJ kind and the NY kind are different.
AMDG
Posted by: Janet | 12/07/2014 at 06:03 PM
Indeed, perhaps when I reach that anniversary, I'll be properly re-programmed. Something to aim for. After survival...
Posted by: Clarityseeker | 12/07/2014 at 08:24 PM
Example of some guitarists who were not considered outstanding but connected with the listener to such a degree that they were phenomenal:
***Toy Caldwell ( Wow )
***Ricky Hirsch and Wick Larsen with
Jimmy Hall laying down soulful vocals and heart wrenching mouth harp.
***Ronnie Van Zant
***Dickie Betts
***Tom Johnston
***Lowell George
***Boz Scaggs (and Steve Miller)
***Stevie Ray Vaughn
***Tom Petty
(and many others)
Posted by: Clarityseeker | 12/08/2014 at 07:56 PM
I know most of those names, but with the exception of SRV and DB don't know them as guitar players particularly. I included Dickie in my Duane post in this series. Which I guess would irritate him--still being treated as the lesser. I'm surprised you would put SRV in the "not considered outstanding" category. He has a lot of very zealous fans among guitarists. Personally I don't find his style real appealing, but that's just my taste--he's extremely good.
I used to love a couple of the early Steve Miller Band albums. I'll have to dig out the LPs sometime--haven't heard them in decades. I didn't care much for the '70s stuff that's so popular. Saw him on Austin City Limits (or something similar) not too long ago and was disappointed--just sort of a greatest hits run-through.
Posted by: Mac | 12/08/2014 at 09:26 PM
correction:
SRV, genuinely outstanding, in talent, skill, and connection to a broad audience.
Use of "phenomenal" perhaps a bit extreme. Exceptional. In artistic expression and connection with listener.
These were a few examples. Boz Scaggs and Jimmy Hall of particular interest to me.
Fifteen years ago was introduced to a band from Arizona: Roger Clyne and the Peacemakers. Clyne would be included here as well. His tequila is notable as well (Weber Blue Agave). Inspired his song, "Mexican Moonshine".
Posted by: Clarityseeker | 12/09/2014 at 08:25 AM
He's a musician and a tequila producer? Appropriate combination. :-)
Jimmy Hall is local guy (Mobile, Alabama) and plays in this area fairly often, I think. I was actually never much of a fan of what was called "southern rock" myself, apart from the Allmans.
Posted by: Mac | 12/09/2014 at 09:52 AM
Could it be that you are too close to the trees to see the forest? (kidding)
Nonetheless, you will be given a pass. Your taste in music is varied enough to be enlightened. Good for you.
Posted by: Clarityseeker | 12/09/2014 at 01:30 PM
If you've not featured, Trace Bundy, he is worth a mention.
Posted by: Clarityseeker | 12/10/2014 at 07:52 AM
Don't recognize the name but I'll take a look. Or listen, rather.
Posted by: Mac | 12/10/2014 at 08:23 AM
Saw Stanley Jordan a couple of years ago. He still wows the crowd. And Earl Klugh always has magic which touches the heart. Love playing his old vinyl.
Posted by: Clarityseeker | 12/10/2014 at 09:16 AM