Matt's Rail
Mike's Rant
Mean Giuliani, Lennon, Klink, 11--20 guitarists, Jaws casualty, Willllllma!
Hello, gang! Hope everyone had a good week. Looking forward to your favorite guitarist lists. In following Nolan's lead, I've prepared my next 11-20, but first, some news:
MEAN MR. MUSTARD
Despite a plea from the Lord Mayor of Liverpool, England, New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani refused to extend the curfew of Central Park to allow an all night vigil on the 20th Anniversary of John Lennon's murder. Guiliani's reasoning was that there was plenty of time during the day to have a celebration. (Bah...he's a real Nowhere Man!---N)
FOR SALE
(2) Season Tickets at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. This week my beloved Baltimore Orioles hit rock bottom by allowing ace pitcher Mike Mussina to sign with the dreaded New York Yankees. I have followed this team with a passion since 1987, and have, in fact, kept my season tickets even though I moved from Baltimore almost 5 years ago. Will I continue to follow the O's? Of course. But I will not allow myself and other fans to be drawn into a game where the outcome of the season is pretty much assured by spring training. The labor agreement between players and owners expires at the end of the 2001 season, and I predict a long and costly work stoppage because of the disparity the game has achieved. Living in "small market" Kansas City, I read daily the complaints being made because there is no way the Royals can financially compete with teams like the Orioles, Yankees, Dodgers, et all. This past year, Dodgers pitcher Kevin Brown made more money then the entire payroll of the Minnesota Twins. Does anyone else see a problem with this?
MICHAEL'S IN THE POND
Sadly I report the passing of former child actor Chris Rebello. Rebello played the elder of Roy Scheider's sons in "Jaws." He passed away last week from a heart attack at age 38. (Yikes! That's too young to have a heart attack.--N)
SCHULTZ!!!
Werner Klemperer, best known for his portrayal of German prison-camp commandant Colonel Klink, died this past Wednesday at age 80. Cause of death was cancer. A Jewish refugee from Nazi Germany, Klemperer fled Germany in the 1930's with his father. Following early appearances in such films as "Ship of Fools" and "Judgment at Nuremberg," Klemperer went on to win two Emmy awards for his portrayal of Colonel Klink on "Hogan's Heroes." He also received a Tony award nomination in 1988 for his role in Hal Prince's revival of "Cabaret." I had the opportunity to meet Mr. Klemperer on several occasions due to his many appearances at the annual Broadway Flea Market, and the man was extremely kind and genuine in meeting his many fans.
WILMA!
Hoyt Curtin, who wrote the theme songs for such Hanna-Barbera shows as "The Flintstones" and "Scooby Do" passed away last Sunday at age 78. After a stint writing advertisement jingles, Curtin joined Hanna-Barbera in 1957. He said he wrote the "Flintstones" theme in a "panic," as the show was due to air in two days and still had no theme. (Ummm...which version? The very first season had a wholly different theme song than the one we know---additionally I don't think it had any lyrics!---N)
AND THEN THERE WERE 20
Here are my next 10 favorite guitarists. Hope some of them made your lists:
Don Barnes/Jeff Carlisi- .38 Special
Neil Gerardo- Pat Benatar
Keith Richards- Rolling Stones
George Harrison (especially his Indian-influenced work)- The Beatles
Eric Clapton
Bruce Springsteen
Richie Sambora- Bon Jovi
Rick Springfield (in his later stuff, especially "Living in Oz")
Joe Perry- Aerosmith
Pete Townsend - The Who
Special Mention: Because my son is in his "Guns and Roses" phase - Slash!
THUMBS UP
I recently had the opportunity to review the excellent DVD release of the Rolling Stones concert film, "Gimme Shelter." If you would like to read my opinion, please click on this link. Hope you enjoy it. The DVD Insider - The Rolling Stones: Gimme Shelter
That's it for now. Have a great week!
TOP TEN ROCK GUITARIST
I'm going to jump right into the arena, and bypass current political standings, by giving my top ten personal favorite guitarists. To qualify my selections, I looked at not only blazing speed, but creativity, in lead and rythym guitar.
Eddie Van Halen - makes all the lists. Redefined and resurrected rock guitar in a time of mental lapse and confusion on the parts of many people, thinking disco a viable alternative. the absudity....
Chet Atkins - my dad's favorite guitarist, Chet Atkins is blazingly fast for a man who picks his way thru every note. My jaw drops everytime they show him on TV. What a treat.
Christopher Parkening - a huge smile came to my face when I saw that Nolan, too, considers this amazing man of the 10 best. To say I was blown away when I heard this guy the first time is a massive understatement. I encourage any guitar lover who has not heard this guy to go buy a CD...you'll understand what we mean.
Keith Richards - There are two guitarists in this top ten that encouraged me to great lengths, this is one. Plays with a heavy blues influence, and opens many a tune with the delta blues riffs, which require a 5 string guitar. Brown Sugar, It's only Rock and Roll, Gimme Shelter, Jumpin' Jack Flash are but a few of the rich rockers given us by Richards. And no disrespect to Mick, but let's face it, it's the music you think of first!
John Lennon - This man really requires no justification for being here. His contribution on Rock and Roll is obvious to even the most ignorant music lover. Cut down long before his time by some scumbag who I will refer to only as scumbag, Lennon was truly a musical genious. His Beatles and solo efforts are so critical to the history of music, we can only thank God that he gave us this man of peace.
Randy Rhodes - The ONLY reason I began listening to true heavy metal rock and roll. Nolan introduced me to Rhodes on a band tape I had to learn. Flying High Again, Mister Crowley, and Crazy Train just FLOORED me. Sadly, as Nolan noted, Randy died tragically in a plane crash. The true tragedy is that he boarded the plane because the guys on it were stoned and he was straight and wanted to be sure they didn't kill themselves. Sad.
Brian May - The first song I heard was Killer Queen, the first album I listened to was Queen II, the one that made me truly understand was Night at the Opera. Genious personified, his classical roots scream thru every lick he plays. A true original.
Dave Gilmour - The definition of Floyd itself, Gilmour's style and influence take you to another place. A sound all his own, you can really get lost in his play. I've seen him 4 times, and would see him a 5th.
Jimmy Page - my sister, Anne, bought me Zeppelin IV for Christmas the year it was released and I've followed him ever since. He is creator of the first lead riff I ever tried to play ("Rock and Roll"), and I believe I failed miserably. fortunately, now it isn't a problem.
Nolan B. Canova - Keith Richards was the first and, yes, Nolan was the second major influence in my life in regards to playing guitar. While Keith is the reason I picked it up in the first place, Nolan was the reason I really decided to dedicate myself to being a better guitarist, and really trying to learn the craft. As I've stated before, at no time in my life have I ever been as blown away as I was the first time I heard Nolan play. When Nolan was at his peak, he could smile his way into rocking you to the stone age. A true guitar virtuoso. Shoulda NEVER put it down. (After that glowing tribute, I'm inclined to agree! Thank you, Matthew. To all people who are new here: this was a LOOOOOONG time ago! The world was a simpler place. I need to dust off my chops!---N)
Well, that's it. till next time
Take care, and God Bless
Matthew
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