Elvis Presley - Let history get it right

Elvis Presley’s Graceland, with its real life and death focus on the man; Sam Phillips’ Sun Records, and the “Memphis” sound; Colonel Tom Parker and his intelligent promotion; Mississippi Gospel roots; and the global impact on music produced by the combination of all of this, came into focus for me while walking the grounds of Graceland on the southern outskirts of Memphis, Tennessee. Read the story »

Book Review: “Fortunate son: the life of Elvis Presley” by Charles L. Ponce De Leon

“Fortunate son: the life of Elvis Presley” by Charles L. Ponce De Leon delivers the relevant facts of the life and career of Elvis Presley in a consise format. The book frames the rise of Elvis Presley in the cultural context of the 1950’s south, where Elvis Presley is “formed” by an unique combination of musical and cultural influences. The musical visions of Sam Phillips are aptly described, as Elvis enters the recording world at Sun Records in the midst of the Memphis musical world of rhythm and blues. Bringing with him the influences of Gospel, and traditional southern music to be combined with Memphis R&B, Elvis and Phillips forged the new sound that was about to change the world. Read the story »

Review: “Troubadour” by George Strait

The latest CD release by George Strait - “Troubadour” exhibits content that is a continuation of the superlative career of George Strait. His fabulous instrumental support is reflective of production processes in Country Music that go beyond just “Country”. Some of the finest steel guitar, lead guitar, and violin playing provides counterpoint to Strait’s trademark baritone voice. The vocal harmony parts are presented, always, in proper balance (if slightly subdued) and the rhythm section support always enhances. Read the story »

Selecting the “right” guitar for beginners

Guitars range in price from the “cheap” imports to the Gibson Custom Shop models that I play. Guitars can even range beyond to the custom instruments made by “world class” luthiers (makers of string instruments). Read the story »