Adrian Belew

I'm beginning the New Year thinking about music. Here's a profile of one of my favorite musicians, Adrian Belew.

What a guitarist! He's played with people and bands I really enjoy, plus he's a Cincinnati guy.

What he says at the end of this short documentary sums up the start of 2008, "I can't wait to see what happens next."

Richard Thompson's "Sweet Warrior"

Richard Thompson is a guitarist I've admired for a long, long time. Back in 1985, I saw him and his band at a small club in Columbus, Ohio and was blown away at his skill and artistry.

"Sweet Warrior," Thompson's latest offering, illustrates why Rolling Stone magazine named him one of the 20 best guitarists of all time. Tasteful chops amidst great songs, it's an entertaining blend of celtic-pop rock.

The tunes I most enjoy are... well... all of them.

If you enjoy good singer, songwriter type artists, check out Mr. Thompson.

Jesus B-I-N-G-O Children's Song

Last week I served as a counselor to developmentally disabled adults at White Memorial Camp in Council Grove, Kansas. The theme for the week was, "On the Way." Pictures of this special camp are available here.

"There was a farmer who had a dog and Bingo was his name-o."

You're familiar with this classic kids song.

Now, here's a new twist on BINGO that's fun to sing at Sunday School, camp, or anytime you're enjoying a light-hearted moment. I call it the "Jesus Song--BINGO Style." It was quite popular to sing at DDA camp. It goes like this:

There is a God who has a Son and Jesus is his name-o
J-E-S-U-S
J-E-S-U-S
J-E-S-U-S
And Jesus is his name-o

There is a God who has a Son and Jesus is his name-o
(clap)-E-S-U-S
(clap)-E-S-U-S
(clap)-E-S-U-S
And Jesus is his name-o.

You know how the rest of the song goes.

For guitar, the chord sequence goes like this:

G.............................C.....G
There is a God who has a Son and Jesus is his name-o

G....C
J-E-S-U-S

D....G
J-E-S-U-S

Em..C
J-E-S-U-S

C......D...............G
And Jesus is his name-O

Have fun!

The Day Finger Pickers Took Over the World

Yesterday I was browsing through the music stack at the Hutchinson Library when I came across a CD I didn't even know existed, even though its been out for nearly ten years--"The Day Finger Pickers Took Over the World."

This recording features two of the greatest guitars to ever grace the planet--Chet Atkins and Tommy Emmanuel. Each represent their generation as examples of incredible players. Atkins, had a long career that started with RCA in 1947. Emmanuel is well-known in his native of Australia, but is gaining increasing attention here in the United States through appearances at places like the Walnut Valley Festival. A good friend and I saw Emmanuel at Wichita's Orpheum Theatre a few years ago and both of us were amazed (check out this clip of "Amazing Grace"); he's a great player and a funny entertainer.

"The Day Guitar Pickers..." is a light hearted recording that features lightning fast licks, smooth melodies, and humorous vocals. The production is minimal so the guitar picking shines bright. This was Atkins' last recording before his death in 2001.

I'm going to enjoy this CD. Too bad it's due back at the library on June 11.

Harp Hands

My oldest daughter is taking harp lessons. Dad takes her to lessons every Saturday and Dad also supervises her home practice.

At each lesson, our harp teacher Jane Hawkins emphasizes the importance of "pretty hands." At first, I thought it was purely for aesthetics. But now, I know that "pretty hands" is actually good hand position that enables you to properly pluck strings and maintain good tempo.

Playing with "pretty hands" looks easy, but after four months of practice, neither Dad nor my daughter have yet to master it. The difference in ability and motivation between student and teacher is like the NFL commercial I've seen on TV: "Amateurs practice until they get it right; professionals practice until they never get it wrong."

Interestingly, Psalm 33 encourages musicians to master good fundamentals, for in doing so it inspires worship:

1 Sing joyfully to the LORD, you righteous; it is fitting for the upright to praise him.

2 Praise the LORD with the harp; make music to him on the ten-stringed lyre.

3 Sing to him a new song; play skillfully, and shout for joy.

Whatever you do--at home, at work, at school, or at church--strive for excellence. God appreciates it. And you will too.