Monthly Motivation-The Whippoorwills
I wish I had the writing ability to cleverly put into words how great I think this clip is. I’ve been watching it once or twice a week since Deke posted it. What I can say about it is…. Roy Lanham was an ass kicker on the guitar and Doug Dalton equally kicked ass on the mandolin. Sweet Georgia Brown’s (Juanita Vastine) voice and the rhythm guitar playing I can’t get enough of. The bass playing is excellent, and on top of that they can all sing in perfect harmony. Not too many bands you can say that about. I love the beginning of the solo; Roy tries to go first but Doug doesn’t have it. Doug must have thought to himself ‘’Roy had the entire intro to himself there’s no way he’s going first on the solo section’’. Enjoy…
Pointer Brand Jeans
Up until a few years ago, my jeans of choice for everyday work/casual wear were Levi’s shrink to fit 501XX . At some point in the early 2000’s I started noticing they were no longer produced in the states. After that, every time I put them on I felt a bit guilty, probably because as a child, I can remember my grandfather saying to his customers ‘’Buy American’’. It’s strange how things like that stick with you. Anyhow, when I discovered Pointer Brand Jeans a few years ago, needless to say, it was easy to make the switch.
Going on 100 years in Bristol, Tennessee, Pointer Brand was founded in 1913 by L.C. King. Members of his family still own and run the business today in their original location. The Lot 32 carpenter jeans are my favorite. You can check out their website here. Now I just have to find an American made replacement for my Chuck Taylors. Read The Rest
Kay Guitar Project’s Update
My Kay guitar project has been on the back burner for about a year until recently. My friend Hiroo Endoh found one on ebay with a broken headstock and asked me to do a similar project for him. They’ll both be getting one of my Blade pickups in the neck position and a Pole Piece pickup at the bridge. Here are a few pictures of both where they’re at as of now.
To keep up with these projects, check for updates on our flickr feed to the right.
Late Thirties Delta Wood Shaper No.1188
A friend of mine offered me this shaper that belonged to his grandfather about a year ago. Thinking that I wouldn’t have much use for a wood shaper, and not wanting a tool that would take up shop space, I hesitated. After a few months of having it in the back of my mind I decided to get it. It’s in excellent original condition. A new power cord and some oil is all it needed. I bought an adapter to hold 1/4” and 1/2” shank router bits, it makes a great router table. It spins at 10,350 rpm and seems just about perfect for cutting garolite and the other materials I’ve tried so far.
Monthly Motivation-Magic Medley
Many of you have probably heard this medley before, but if you haven’t, your ears are in for an 11 minute treat. Barney Kessel’s playing and tone on Cherokee is perfection to my ears, and if Kessel, Irving Ashby, Arv Garrison and Les Paul trading fours on the last part of Honeysuckle Rose doesn’t motivate you to practice, you may want to consider a different hobby.
The rest of the Swing to Bop Guitar compilation is great as well.
16 Medley_ Cherokee, I Got Rhythm, How High The Moon, Honeysuckle Rose 2
