The Real Memphis Mike (don't settle for imitations)

 I first wrote about this on Facebook on March 8, 2020...just about the time the plague hit.   I've heard it said that as we get older, the world gets smaller. This is one of those tales.  As a musician, its usually tougher to get local radio play than in other markets. Why? Because they know  ya...they see ya at the grocery store in sweatpants and flipflops. No matter how good ya are, you ain't special. You're just another 'local' musician. (I could reference League Of Gentlemen here..."It's a local shop....for locals!"...and I guess I just did) I'm always grateful when I do get airplay, especially locally. I don't tour anymore, so local is where I perform on the rare occasion that I do. The airplay helps put butts in seats. (No matter how much you think your reputation may precede you, if the masses don't know that you're performing at their favorite venue, they ain't gonna be there)  Here's where it gets fun! My song "Wh...

 I was chatting with a singer friend in London today. We played catch up, talked about family, life in general and old radios. While discussing getting older and feeding critters in parks, I made a reference to an incident I experienced in London's Hyde Park. Her curiosity piqued, she asked for and received the following tale. In 2002, I got to do my first overseas tour. A handful of dates in the UK, arranged for me by my friend 2-Tone. It was indeed an experience to remember. My first trip outside of North America and by myself to boot. The tour, in many ways, validated my years of working as a musician. Stand or fall, I got to do it because someone thought I was definitely good enough to do it. I got to spend 3+ weeks in the UK, with my last couple of days in London, which were scheduled as days off/tourist visit time! I'm a nerd. Always have been. I read lots of Sherlock Holmes and other British literature as a kid and devoured hours of British comedy on TV, in film, on reco...

 I bet you thought I wasn't gonna post this year! Ha! Fat chance! It's been a crazy year for sure but still heaps to be thankful for. That I'm still alive and kicking is definitely in the top 3. I hope YOU have many things to be thankful for. If you're not sure, stop and think about those less fortunate. You'll quickly realize it all ain't so bad. Just don't have a stroke. Those suck. And now...the annual post. Thanksgivus: that's what she called it. The 'she' in question would be a very short, loud, middle aged black woman with retardation who I supervised for years. Her name is Omega...fitting because she truly is THE END! Omega didn't exactly have a speech problem but I think her hearing wasn't 100% on the mark, as certain words would get slurred together such as "Thanksgivus". Another fave was her version of Social Security, which often sounded more like "sociable secretary" (of which I've known a few). Thanksg...

The passage of time ultimately comes with the passing of friends and loved ones. It's the nature of things. We all die sometime. It's never easy to deal with for those left behind.  I'm not exactly young and I've definitely passed my share of caskets. It never gets easier. Today I was informed of the death of my friend and one-time UK booking agent Mike "2 Tone" Russell. He was in his 70s and his health hadn't been great for some time but damn, you're just never really ready to hear it.  I can tell you lots of things about him. He loved 50s rock & roll. He loved rockabilly. He dug the whole old school Teddy Boy scene. He dug old cars. I doubt he loved anything as much as fishing for carp! (to those of us in the US, I know just how bizarre that sounds. No, he didn't eat them. In the UK, especially in Wales, carp fishing is all about catch & release. Very humane really.) He had a carp nemesis, Buster, who resided in a muddy pond just outside ...

 Some Tips On How To Master An Instrument  * find the instrument that speaks the language you comprehend  * if you believe you "can't", you won't. If you push yourself,  you'll do just fine.  * you will start at the beginning,  just like everyone else.  * you will progress at your own pace.    * you will find obstacles in your way. You can either give up or learn how to overcome.  * you will not always remember everything every time. * learn to make sounds before notes,  chords, arpeggios.  It took you years to learn how to speak.  This won't happen overnight either.  * it will be difficult at times.  Learn to enjoy those times.  * practicing is fine.  Playing is better and often more productive.  * learn to play with others  * learn to understand and appreciate the space between notes  * mistakes happen. Pay attention to them. They might teach you something cool. * you probably won't bec...

I was asked this morning to write another article for a magazine that I used to write for. The timing was perfect as I'd received some news that put me in a contemplative mood. That, for me, usually equates to 'getting into writing mode'.  OK, I finished the article and emailed it. Still in writing mode...so time to empty the brain a bit. What better subject than GUITAR? I thought you'd agree (and if you don't, neener neener). I'm supposed to record some bass lines for a friend's project later. I enjoy playing bass. Always have. Some might even say I'm good at it. That particular instrument is a nice change in how I approach a song. While I've played guitar for over 40 years, I've only been primarily a guitarist for just over 30. Those other years were spent thumping basses.  Regarding guitar, many have noted that I have my own style. I'm told that people can hear a recording and know if its me. Whether or not that's a good thing remains ...

 I've been posting this for what, 14 years? 16 years? I've lost count. Its 2020...time has lost meaning. Each day feels like a month. Some hours feel like weeks. But thankful? Damned right I am. If you're reading this...we made it this far! Time to dig in, avoid green bean casserole at all costs, and count our blessings. FYI...green bean casserole is what started this mess! Thanksgivus: that's what she called it. The 'she' in question would be a very short, loud, middle aged black woman with retardation who I supervised for years. Her name is Omega...fitting because she truly is THE END! Omega didn't exactly have a speech problem but I think her hearing wasn't 100% on the mark, as certain words would get slurred together such as "Thanksgivus". Another fave was her version of Social Security, which often sounded more like "sociable secretary" (of which I've known a few). Thanksgivus (which is what I now prefer to call the US holida...