New guitar album of the week: Andy McKee - Joyland - March 30th

If you play guitar and have a computer, chances are you've seen Andy McKee. Virtually anyone who has made a search for guitar stuff in YouTube has stumbled upon Andy McKee's song Drifting and his amazing guitar technique.

Well, if you liked what you saw back then I have good news for you: this week is the release of his latest album, Joyland.

Here is an video featuring the title track:

And a video featuring the classic hit Everyone Wants To Rule The World (originally by Tears for Fears), also included in Joyland, which is very cool:

I have to confess I'm not the biggest fan of that particular style of finger picking and tapping. However, I recognize there is a growing community of guitar players with an interest in pushing the boundaries of the acoustic instrument. That is always welcome and admired.

So, for all of us who love guitar, it's always a pleasure to see and hear someone with such a command of the guitar. I think there is a strong creative talent behind his music too.

As a plus, this release also contains a DVD!

Enjoy,

New guitar album of the week: Joe Bonamassa's Black Rock - March 23rd

Well, it's Tuesday and that means it's new guitar album day! This time is Joe Bonamassa's turn with Black Rock. An album that sure is an interesting addition to an impressive and evolving career.

In Black Rock, Joe Bonamassa experiments a little with unconventional instruments and leans towards a heavier rock style. I think he will gain more notoriety outside of the blues and guitar community, but probably at the expense of blues followers. As you can see, this is not an album without its risks. But hey, great musicians are all about risks, don't you think?

Here, you can see an interview where he talks about it.

I think those who are already fans of his guitar playing will not be disappointed.

Enjoy!

New Guitar Album of the week: Guitar Shorty - Bare Knuckle

One day I was lucky to be at a blues jam session at The Yale blues bar in Vancouver, when Guitar Shorty showed up and played a set. What a treat! Needless to say I've been a fan ever since, so I am so excited about this week's release of Guitar Shorty's latest album: Bare Knuckle.

He has everything anyone could expect from a blues guitar legend: great voice, great tone, soulful playing. At times his playing reminds me of Buddy Guy, but obviously he has his own voice and style.

 
This album is preceded by the acclaimed We the People, which was released in 2006. I have heard two tracks in his MySpace page and can't wait for the album to hit the stores in Canada. 

Enjoy!