A few weeks ago, I attended this great event “Rock My Soul” held at the Village Studios in Santa Monica, CA. It was put on by the Grammys to recognize today’s top engineers and producers. It’s a good time for them to actually hang out with each other and not have to think about mixing or mastering for a change. Several companies had their respective newest gear on display including Shure, Neve, and Fender. The Fender display, which was actually setup in Studio B where many many legends recorded, was where I tested out some new guitars, basses, and amps. The guys at Fender were really nice. They ended up giving me a beautiful book about the history of Fender Amps at the end of the night for demonstrating the new gear for the passersby. Here is a short news segment from CBS.com where I pop up in the middle very briefly playing a Fender Jaguar.
Monthly Archive for February, 2009
I had one of the best weeks ever. Starting with being invited to the 51st Grammy Awards on Sunday the 8th of Feb. I really enjoyed most of the performances that the various groups put on, but I must say that the most memorable two and a half minutes of my life was the privilege of seeing one of my biggest heros of all time Sir Paul McCartney playing his Hofner bass and singing “I saw her Standing There.”
He took his bow just like he did at Shea Stadium in 1965! I felt a tear coming on. I also was invited to the big after party with magnificent food provided by Wolfgang Puck. Mmm. Then on Tuesday I flew into Pittsburgh for the rest of the week. Thursday the 12th was my birthday, and I enjoyed a lovely dinner with my family, grandparents, and girlfriend. On Friday I played a really fun gig at Harvey’s in my hometown, West Mifflin, PA, with THE DAVES consisting of Dave Yarkovski on the Bass and Dave Katonik on the Drums.
(below is a pic shot by my buddy Buzzy)
Jamie Bernard sat-in on bass, and Lee Caruso sat-in on guitar. I jumped back on the drums and the bass towards the end of the show as well as Dave Yarkovski tastefully plucking on the guitar and Dave Katonik on the bass at one point. A big jumbled mess, but pleasant to the ears. Then I held a rather large after party at the Wiesinger Estate in West Mifflin with all my buddies, girlfriend, family and their friends. Oh– and the Cupcakes with pink icing and sprinkles… Ammmmazing! –wow– Saturday, Valentine’s Day, was a blast! My gal and I had a wonderful dinner and dessert. This all equated to a really tremendous week.
Now I’m back in LA doing my music thing finishing up recording my newest album to be released later this year on Favored Nations’ digital label.
I went to the record store and came across a record with a little blue “Buddah” label in the corner. 
Thinking back to last week’s score I found on Buddah label, I figured I’d test this record out: There’s No Hole in My Sole by The Barry Goldberg Reunion. It sounded really bluesy mixed with 60’s organ, fuzzed guitars, tasteful blues harp (harmonica), and nice reverberated drum tones throughout. ‘Could be considered Bluesy Psychedelic. I looked up the year and found out it was released in 1968. And there’s a cool instrumental version of “Fool on the Hill” by The Beatles with organ taking most of the melody. I’m gonna say that the record is quite listenable from start to finish. Good job, Barry!!!
I’m going to be flying to Pittsburgh, PA for my birthday weekend. I’ll be playing at Harvey’s (1620 Pennsylvania Avenue West Mifflin, PA 15122— phone 412-466-1331) on Friday the 13th (the day after me and Honest Abe’s actual birthday)! If you are gonna be nearby, you’re invited to my show/birthday party! We start playing at 9:30PM. Hope to see “yinz” all out!
