Last year, I had the chance to see guitarist Andy Wood perform with his band Down From Up. They were performing at a small venue in town that was hosting a showcase of sorts for some local Nashville talent. I had not heard of Down From Up before the show, but I knew Wood was a serious gear hound when I saw him load in his Suhr guitars and his Diezel amps. I was doubly surprised … [Read more...]
Writin’ and Rockin’ – The Jas Obrecht Experience
How many people can say they've played basketball with Eddie Van Halen or spent a week on Santana's tour bus? Jas Obrecht has done those things and much more throughout his career as a writer for magazines such as Rolling Stone, Guitar Player, Mojo, and Living Blues, among others. He now teaches creative writing at Washtenaw Community College in Ann Arbor, MI; the college ran a … [Read more...]
Davy Knowles Interview with Lick Library
LickLibrary.com recently posted a nice interview with guitarist Davy Knowles from Back Door Slam. They have also posted a performance by Knowles and an overview of two of his songs: "Riverbed" and "Tear Down the Walls." … [Read more...]
Austin Peay State University Summer Guitar Workshop
Christopher Davis, who runs the Classical Guitar Blog and who is a graduate student at Austin Peay State University (APSU), let me know that APSU is hosting a Summer Guitar Workshop this summer from June 28-July 2. The workshop will offer classes in both classical and fingerstyle guitar styles. The faculty of the workshop will be: Stanley Yates, Director Stephen Aron, … [Read more...]
JD Simo
JD Simo is an up-and-coming local Nashville guitarist. Since moving to Nashville in 2006, he's become an in-demand session musician as well as a regular performer in the Don Kelly Band, which counts Redd Volkaert, Johnny Hiland, and Brent Mason as alumni. I had a chance to see Simo this past weekend at Robert's Western World in downtown Nashville. Although I was only able to … [Read more...]