Lead guitarist Michael Allsup’s work laces a score of the band’s Billboard heyday tunes, among them “One,” “Never Been to Spain,” “Mama Told Me Not to Come” and “Shambala.” Whether wielding a Les Paul or a Strat, you’ll find him still playing TDN’s greatest hits to a tee live on stage with the current formation.

Incidentally, Mike’s “official web site” charts high on my fave list, pulling in 5+ stars for its Netscape nostalgia, “menus to hell” and sense of humor. Be sure to read his online tales from the rock and roll road.

Three Dog Night’s current tour schedule can be found at their decidedly more conventional site.

Just prior to its February 15th release, Larry has generously posted the album online. We’re talking FULL tracks, ladies and gentlemen.

Old schoolers like ourselves really appreciate Larry’s treatment of the timeless sound of Gamble and Huff. Despite the fact he’s assembled a superb band and vocals for this recording, it’s all about the guitar. Don’t miss this!

Be sure to root for Larry at this year’s Grammy Awards. He’s nominated in the Best Pop Instrumental Album category with Take Your Pick,recorded with Asia’s premier guitarist Tak Matsumoto.

The pro-am foursomes consist of a professional golfer plus three amateur players. To make spotting a favorite actor, sports hero or television personality easier, each round puts all of the celebrities together on the same course. Don and the other musicians teeing off this year sure make for a great jam band, namely Steve Cropper, Alice Cooper, Tommy Thayer, Steve Azar and Danny Saraphine.

The entire tournament will be broadcast live on television via the Golf Channel. We’ll do our best to keep you up to date over on our golf page.

Seldom can employees boast 40 years’ company seniority. Both Rick Haynes and Terry Clements can.

Not only that, bassist Rick and lead guitarist Terry have worked for the same boss – Mr. Gordon Lightfoot – for a combined 81 years’ tenure. Both were instrumental (pun intended) in polishing the legendary troubadour’s signature sound during the peak of his career.

Gordon knows, accept no substitutes. These stringbending siamese twins are still backing their boss and don’t show any signs of calling it quits. As long as an unstoppable Lightfoot keeps their fingers nimble by taking his show on the road, it’s likely we’ll see Rick and Terry performing at their respective diamond jubilees.

Gordon Lightfoot @ Massey Hall 2011

Footnote: We got word late yesterday about Terry Clements’ untimely passing on Sunday, February 20. On behalf of Don and myself, our heartfelt condolences to the Clements family, Gordon Lightfoot and band, and all who loved him. May he rest peacefully.
– Mary Bieler, Webmaster

Creed Taylor Incorporated, “one of the most influential independent labels in the history of modern jazz,” celebrates its 40th “anniversary” with Masterworks’ release of the CTI Records: The Cool Revolution box set. The now defunct CTI spent the 70′s securing a niche in jazz recording history and also helped launch the career of entertainer George Benson. By the way, the label’s very first production in 1970 was an album by an unknown free-form jazz quartet featuring a young crack guitarist by the name of Don Felder. . . . . .Sony Pictures Home Entertainment plans to release the 1981 animated cult film Heavy Metal in blu-ray technology on January 25. The nice side effect: fans of the soundtrack will be able to enjoy Don’s contribution “Heavy Metal – Takin’ a Ride” in 5.1 DTS-HD master audio. . . . Speaking of listening to Heavy Metal. Get tickets to Don’s upcoming California show on November 20 in Coachella at the Spotlight 29 Casino Showroom here.

In this month’s issue of Premier Guitar, he recently teamed up with seven sought-after sidemen to shed some light on the job of playing and performing on the edge of the spotlight.

Update! Part 2 now online (11/12/2010)
Image: C. Clingan

Would you buy a vintage mandolin from a Banana? How about one from a multi-instrumentalist and original member of an American band responsible for generations “Get(ting) Together?”

If you answered yes to either of the above, then read no further and head over to Players Vintage Instruments to place your order.

If you want to be sure where your heading before you click, rest assured it’s to Lowell Levinger, a.k.a. Banana, known for his association with the seminal folk band “The Youngbloods.” The group, fronted by singer/songwriter Jesse Colin Young, scored playlist favorites with “Get Together,” “Sunlight” and “Darkness, Darkness” between 1967-69. If you still don’t recall Banana, play the accompanying video and just look for the hair.

Regular site visitors know Larry Carlton is a card-carrying member in our circle of top second favorite guitarists.

Why is that? 1) go back and listen carefully to your Steely Dan “Royal Scam” album, 2) make every effort to get to a live Larry show and see for yourself how much fun a guy playing guitar can have, and 3) grab his newest album, Take Your Pick, a collaboration with Japan’s premier guitar player Tak Matsumoto. That should answer the question as to why we’re hooked on Mr. 335.

Extra credit: Read more about Larry in the latest Gibson Interview.

Hackett’s guitar was “instrumental” in solidifying Genesis’ progressive live sound during the early and mid 70′s. After leaving the band in 1977, he has since enjoyed success as a solo artist or as a collaborator, charting his own waters a safe enough distance from the music business “assembly line.”

In March of this year, Steve Hackett was inducted in to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as one of the legacy members of Genesis. His newest work, Out of the Tunnel’s Mouth will be released in the U.S. on June 8th.

More about Steve at www.hackettsongs.com

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