Flaneur

p.m.'d................

Ever imagined a jam where the experienced players helped and encouraged the newcomers? It was like that..... The good turnout of players and an excellent, receptive audience was a potent mix. This is going to be a regular event- to begin with, bi-monthly, with the next date fixed for September 11th, at 3pm. Thanks to everyone who performed, helped, encouraged, supported, laughed, heckled....and didn't walk out, when my amp started feeding back! There was a great range of music played, from the pre-war traditional, through Country and Chicago, to the slightly beserk...... If you couldn't make it yesterday, or were a little apprehensive.... drop me a pm, with any questions, or just turn up and join in! More fun than watching Golf on the Telly........

Even more exciting than the Glasgow Music Competition, if that's possible...... A lot easier to get to, as well. I'm looking forward to meeting some new folk and catching up with old friends.

There will be a full backline- but you're welcome to bring your own amp or snare, if you feel more comfortable with that. Acoustic players are very welcome, seated or standing. I've been involved with Irish-style sessions in the past, which have worked very well for Blues- in the Smiddy and at other places. This time, we're again going for the open mic/drumkit option, with the objective of encouraging as many players as possible to come out. It's going to be friendly and inclusive. It will not be one song, repeated all afternoon. The object is to entertain the audience, whilst meeting and hopefully playing with some new musicians. If you want to do your Jack White or Black Keys thing- great! If you have Bukka White chops or can hold a crowd like Son House, we really want to see it. Personally, I love to see younger players reinterpreting the pre-war stuff and older guys getting to grips with modern material........ Yes, you can come and play a few tunes with your friends- but if you miss the opportunity to stretch yourself with new material and playing with different people, you're only getting half of what's on offer.

Oh yeah....... and if you just want to drink and enjoy the music in friendly surroundings...... the beer at the Smiddy is better than at almost any of the city music venues. Timothy Taylor's, Ruddles- real craft beer!

Finally...and after some unavoidable delays.... the return of the Daviot Blues jam is nigh! July 17th, 3 'till 7. Smiddy Bar, Daviot, near Inverurie. Whether your primary influence is Charley Patton or Cody Dickinson, Eric Clapton or Eric Morecambe- if you bring an instrument, you will get a spot.

I'd like to thank all those involved with this business, for their efforts to foster the local music scene. A very difficult and capricious environment for them to operate in- especially with the economy as it is, currently. Staff have been very helpful towards performers, facilities and sound are excellent and on a number of occasions, events I have been involved with were lively and well attended. It's a crying shame....and another dismal sign of the times.

There's a group of older guys who meet up at Musical Vision on Wednesday evenings, I believe..... Nice and central, between Mounthooly and Morrison's. A couple of the regulars are friends of mine, so I know they would be welcoming to you. The Tutor is an excellent local player, who tailors the sessions to the abilities and interests of the attendees. They have been going back for years, so he must be doing something right, I'd say.....

Great night! The Lorelei and Colin Clyne were killer- and the cosy confines of the venue were exploited brilliantly, I thought.

I enjoyed it.....put me in mind of the soundtrack for an Indie movie (one that I would like!). A bunch of good stuff on your website, too.

Poor communication skills...... does she not know the correct person to bribe at these networks? Surprised she can't sell that song in Nashville. There has to be a market for cliched power ballad shite over there, surely?

If you're wanting a vintage P90 and don't mind spending the cash..... I was impressed with the Lollars in a friend's guitar. Axe'r'Us sell a variety of interesting budget P90s.

Graham nailed it, with his remarks about the mix. There was some trouble with the backline for the Oxbows- but Andy quickly rectified it and made both bands sound good.

Great song........ and would lend itself to different arrangements very easily. The guy in my avatar (Charlie Parr) would do it justice on a banjo, for example.

'tell me I'm exceptional- I promise to exploit you'

B.B. King..... 'Live at the Regal' In the frame for 'best live recording ever'- and a great primer for anyone new to his work. The last of the great bluesmen to pass. (Sorry to all you Buddy Guy fans).

be it an instrument, a playing technique, a piece of stagecraft, a playing habit, recording tip, marketing idea, van loading method, whatever you do- or don't reckon the rest of us should do. Lurid anecdotes or long term reviews welcome:-) Big range of ages, experience levels and musical tastes are represented here. Sometimes the youngest amongst us will have a tip that no-one else has thought of.....

http://www.thomann.de/gb/vht_avsp16_special_6_valve.htm great value Champ substitute.........

For the kind of money you want to spend, something from the American Vintage series would be my preference- a '52 or '64, perhaps?

Thin mahogany body, usually one pickup, skinny headstock but 50s -style C neck. Never seen a heavy one- usually under 7 lbs. Anyone got a 90s/early 2000s example, with the P90, let me know............

Everything you need- and nothing you don't.......... Love it!

There will be a music festival in Dundee next weekend, with 20 plus venues. Not all blues.

Never been a fan of expensive guitars with fragile headstock joints, unnecessary amounts of finish bling and excessive weight. Muddy high gain humbuckers don't work for me, either- or skinny neck shapes. Last year, I bought a 50's tribute LP Studio....... fattish neck profile, thin finish, no binding- and P90s! Less than half the price of a Trad, weighs a few pounds less, sustains just fine. Drawbacks? Nasty PCB wiring loom, P90s are a bit hot, for my taste, fretwork could be better- otherwise nothing major. I've always preferred Melody Makers, Juniors and Specials- never been tempted by anything with Humbuckers. Played plenty of good Lesters and some fine Tokais, Gordon Smiths, Washburns and Yamahas. If you want the LP H/H experience, I really see no need to spend serious cash to get it- just do your research.... and perhaps a pickup swap?