It has been awhile since my last post. In that post I focused on Current Music Realities and the responsibilities and realities that should be examined as we go forward. As I said in that post, all of us bear some responsibility for the current state of affairs. Since that post, there seems to beContinue reading “The Death of Music Scenes (and what we can do about it)”
Author Archives: markzanoniu
Current Music Realities: And what we can do about it as musicians, club owners, and fans (Part 1)
I hear a lot of complaints and have been guilty of going down the same road myself. All of us connected to music scenes and communities around the country see many of the same things. Here are just a few topics being discussed: For background on some of these things, here are a couple ofContinue reading “Current Music Realities: And what we can do about it as musicians, club owners, and fans (Part 1)”
“Rock is Dead” and Other Myths and Prejudices
Originally published in August 2019 (updated 2023) (Note: When I first published this article on the blog page from my band Big Road, I was responding to criticism and a certain prejudice I was hearing from many other musicians, who were complaining about the state of music today and justifying why they didn’t listen toContinue reading ““Rock is Dead” and Other Myths and Prejudices”
Tips for Success at Blues Jams (or any open jam)
I have written several posts about how important hosted jam sessions are for the health and sustainability of music scenes—especially blues scenes. You can find those posts here, and here. In summary, a jam is about collaboration and connection. This collaboration is enhanced when a host band is involved in the jam—a host band thatContinue reading “Tips for Success at Blues Jams (or any open jam)”
What Are “Blues Rules,” and How to You Use Them?
Early on in my journey with The Blues I was taught some critical lessons regarding how you work with other players in a blues band. These rules may vary slightly depending on the person, but I have worked with and sat in with many players at shows and jam sessions, and I would say thatContinue reading “What Are “Blues Rules,” and How to You Use Them?”
Spreading the Gospel of the Blues (The importance of collaboration, interaction and mutual support)
In previous articles I have talked about things I think are keys to kick starting a blues revival. You can find those articles here and here.. I won’t go too deeply into what has already been written, other than to say that “the blues” (a definition is in the first article listed) is at theContinue reading “Spreading the Gospel of the Blues (The importance of collaboration, interaction and mutual support)”
7 Myths About the Blues (and why it matters)
Amongst the many challenges commonly discussed in the music world these days, include discussions on the state of rock and roll and how with the evident decline of blues as an influence that (as been said by several), “rock is dead.” I’m not entirely sure about that and I have written about this (see oneContinue reading “7 Myths About the Blues (and why it matters)”
Why Stevie Ray Vaughan may be the Best and Worst Thing to Happen to the Blues
Before you get defensive, I want to assure you that I am a fan—a huge fan. I was a fan before his albums came out. I heard him on David Bowie’s Let’s Dance and I was hooked. I remember walking into a mall record store (there was such thing back then) and asking the personContinue reading “Why Stevie Ray Vaughan may be the Best and Worst Thing to Happen to the Blues”
Why the Blues is STILL Important (maybe now more than ever)
The Blues had a baby, and they named it Rock and Roll—McKinley Morganfield (Muddy Waters) Does The Blues have “the blues?” I have had several conversations recently about the relevancy of blues music today. Sometimes these statements and conversations surprise me–but they probably shouldn’t. Several once vibrant and thriving blues scenes are now remnants ofContinue reading “Why the Blues is STILL Important (maybe now more than ever)”
The Language of the Blues: Terminology and other things all players need to know
There is a language that is common in blues music—terms and concepts commonly understood by players as way of communicating and talking about the music. Some terms mentioned may vary slightly, and I will note that as I discuss specific things below. Knowing these things will help you go a long way as a playerContinue reading “The Language of the Blues: Terminology and other things all players need to know”
Is There a Difference? Bands that play “Blues Songs” vs. Blues Bands
This is a question I’ve been pondering for a while. There are a number of well-known rock bands that dive into “Blues songs,” from Jackyl to Van Halen and even AC/DC. There are also many bands of different kinds who will toss out the occasional (or maybe frequent) “blues songs,”—often a straight 12 slow bluesContinue reading “Is There a Difference? Bands that play “Blues Songs” vs. Blues Bands”
Learning to REALLY Play the Blues—Keys for finding your groove
As we officially get back into the blues world after primarily being a rock, funk and soul band (Go here for more information on our band Big Road), I’ve done a bit of reflecting on this art form, how it works, the community that surrounds and supports it and everything involved in playing this musicContinue reading “Learning to REALLY Play the Blues—Keys for finding your groove”
Great Records, Influences and Magical Moments in Music History
A friend alerted me to something on YouTube recently that has become a favorite of mine. This channel has also brought me back in touch with what could arguably be two of the greatest records in the history of rock. A tall order I know but bear with me. The YouTube channel is Bobby WhitlockContinue reading “Great Records, Influences and Magical Moments in Music History”
Questions Most Musicians (especially guitarists) Ask
I was listening to a great YouTube discussion between John Meyer and Paul Reed Smith. At one point during this very interesting and far-ranging discussion, John asked Paul, if he could go back in time and play through any rig, what would it be? (go to 20:00 for the question) Paul went with either HendrixContinue reading “Questions Most Musicians (especially guitarists) Ask”
The #1 Thing Every Guitarist Needs to Know (if they want to play well with others in most band situations)
I posed this question on our Facebook page recently and got some interesting answers, all of which we will address in future posts. Most of what people posted were, interestingly, what I would call “soft skills.” In other words, skills related to interaction and connections within the band context. I agree that collaborative skills, personalContinue reading “The #1 Thing Every Guitarist Needs to Know (if they want to play well with others in most band situations)”
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