This video clip is from the Dave Weckl band which includes another one of my favorite musicians... but in this post I wanted to post about Steve Weingart.

I remember several years ago when I used to go to the Montreal Drum Fest faithfully (haven't been able to attend in several years now) there was a band in the lineup that I didn't really know.

In fact, it was a band that I believe Steve was filling in for.. he was playing along side of Joey Heredia and Marco Mendoza . After we got in Montreal, little did I know that I was staying in the same hotel as many of the artists performing @ the drum fest.

We had heard that these guys were playing at a local bar... 3 nights in fact.. plus at the drum fest (on the saturday I believe).

We went down to the small place they were playing in and had front row seats to a mastery of musicianship. Their performance was nothing short of awesome.

After that show (on the thursday night) we met the band afterwards.... it was very cool to chat with them.

On the friday after the drum fest I was gonna make my way down to watch them again... and I met both Marco and Steve in the hotel lobby, we chatted a bit (they recognized me from the night before) and I let them know I was gonna see their show.... it was neat because they invited me to take the cab with them.

When we got down to the club, I paid for the cab ride.... I remember Marco thanking me (as I did it without offering or anything) and he told me "tonight you're our guest" and he proceeded to tell the door man I was with the band that night.

That friday and the next night on the saturday, I remember chatting with the guys a bit... I remember sitting with Steve and just chatting music for a little bit. About studying formally vs self-taught studying... about playing live....... stuff like that.

Steve was (and most likely still is) very cool.... he seemed to share when I asked my questions, seemed very down to earth... and left a long lasting impression of someone passionate about music and sharing his knowledge... for me it was one of the best learning experiences chatting with him and watching his incredible talents in a small setting.

A great talent on the keys!

In the video....
Dave Weckl - drums
Tom Kennedy - bass
Steve Weingart - keyboards
Gary Meek - saxophone

I don't really buy CDs like I used to.... nor do I buy any new music (in whatever format) at the pace I used to. And I do not illegally download music. I usually buy from iTunes when I do get something.

That being said, I'm a guy who happens to love drums.... and has played drums live, studied them, been a hired hand.... played bands.. showcases... recorded.. .and I absolutely love music.

Music has always done something to me.... a good groove just does "it" ya know?

Over the last few years, I "discovered" an artist that I've followed since.

Hiromi Uehara.

She has this way of playing the piano/keys that not many could attain. And her band is simply amazing.

I bought most of her albums.. I think I'm missing one.

One album features a great drummer that really caught my eye at a Montreal Drum Fest some years back. Dave Dicenso.... amazing talent on the kit.

And on the other albums, I got to discover another great drummer. Martin Valihora. He's a great drummer... plays great jazz feel and can also lay down some great feelin' grooves.

Here's a clip from Hiromi's latest album.

Hiromi Uehara - "Ue Wo Muite Aruko" live in Palermo (11/2008)

Let me start by saying that Iron Maiden has been one of my all time favorite bands. I'm happy that I got to see them live a couple of times and that for the level of success they've had in their careers they have always appeared to be grounded..... I have the utmost respect for them.

These video clips are from CNN Revealed and shows interviews along with clips from their live shows and routine while on their latest tours....

Enjoy!

Part 1

Part 2

Part 3

http://edition.cnn.com/CNNI/Programs/revealed/

I was pretty surprised to see this.... but maybe it's a gag.

ACDC is mentioned as possibly selling their upcoming album through WalMart... exclusively... on CD....

It would somewhat shock me, as digital sales seem to be where the market is and will be. I've switched to iTunes myself.

But, say if this did happen... I'm not anti-CD... and if the album had a ton of strong material on it... .I'd still possibly buy it.

Still kinda surprising though.

(ACDC + WalMart here)

I just found this clip on Youtube and wanted to post it.

Voivod have always been one of my favorite bands and "Piggy"'s guitar playing in Voivod has been one of the most unique voices in music (in my opinion). When we speak about bands that sound original, Piggy's phrasing and composition style certainly made Voivod's legacy as one that has a unique sound in Metal.

This short clip has some short commentary from his band mates and on an upcoming documentary (which is probably out as I write this).

Enjoy!

Here's a post on some of the latest RIAA stuff.

Looks like the RIAA will likely find a "change of pace" in their constant pursuit of lawsuits against seniors, kids... anyone and everyone....

Instead of taking the route of changing the businesses practices to meet the ever growing demand for media..... and find new ways to make tons of money.

Anyway.... check this out!

Today I heard the sad news.

Jeff Healey, a very gifted musical voice has passed away at the age of 41.

To play the guitar as Jeff did without the use of his eyes seems to show that his intrument truely was an extention of his being.

To whom I have never personally met, I have certainly enjoyed your special musical touch in the soundwaves over the years.

Jeff, RIP.

(Yahoo! - Reuters)

Earlier in the week I read an article online, that mentioned that Maxim magazine had reviewed the new Black Crowes CD... but there was a catch.

The reviewer hadn't actually listened to the whole thing.

So, this guy wrote a review of an album without really hearing the album.

I really found this...
a) hilarious
b) absurd
c) sad

I think this can only serve to really lower the value of anything that is in the "review" section of their mag.

Anyway..  it seems that Maxim magazine offered their apology to The Black Crowes.

(Read about it here on Yahoo!)

I honestly don't have to much interest in the Grammys.

I really love music, but usually I don't listen to what "the masses" listen to.

I was totally surprised to see that Herbie Hancock won the Album of the year @ the Grammys... of course, I didn't watch the show.... because I'm generally not interested in award shows like that. Maybe I'll post why some day.

I was very pleased to see Hancock honoured with that award. Hancock's a truely great musician and his legacy speaks for itself.

Congrats!

(AP on Yahoo!)

Seems like that great promise of free music by Qtrax might have been a free publicity attempt.

Looks like they're kinda backed off some of their claims after some of the major labels just happened to mention they indeed did not have a legal agreement to have their music on the service.

(Reuters on Yahoo!)