A couple of months ago, I came across this guitar site called,
Webstrings.com,
which claims that you’ll get amazing tone, playability, durability and sustain,
for a very low price.

So, I thought I’d check these out, since my Ibanez’ stock pick-ups
doesn’t give me the tone and sustain I wanted.
Plus the distortion on my effects processor is quite weak,
so I figured, why not try these strings?

So anyway,
I told you that story to tell you this story.

Remember Prince?
Or “The Artist Formerly Known As Prince”,
or that symbol, “The Tau Cross With Intersecting Hermaphroditic Ankh.”

Remember his movie, “Purple Rain?”
Anyway,
it was on TV not too long ago, and I thought of playing that famous song.
So I found the backing tracks for it, but everytime I play it,
I can’t seem to have enough sustain.

So, I thought I’d put these new strings to the test.

So, here is the song,
“Purple Rain”
by Prince.

Mobile Player here:

Music by – Prince
Background Tracks – From a Karaoke File
Guitars by – Ty Martell

Hope you like it.

Amazing Grace.

I had this song stored on my PC for a while now.
It’s just a little tribute to those who perished during Sept. 11.

Also, for the people in Spain on March 11,
and the children who suffered in Russia.

“May they all rest in peace.”

Amazing Grace

Mobile Player here:

Holy Son of a Biscuit Eater!
2 songs?

How did you manage that?
Having a 22 Month old and all.

Well, the 22 Month old took a 2 hour nap.
That’s how.

First is,
Marian’s Dance, by Steve Fairclough,
And second is,
Song for George, by Eric Johnson.

Eric Johnson, as you know, is one of my favorite guitar players.
And I have always wanted to record one of his intricate, melodic tunes in here,
but they are all just too hard.
Well, not to mention they all suck when I play them.

So, I called Mr. Johnson on his phone to ask him.

I said,
“Hey Eric, why wouldn’t you write a piece that’ll be easy to play
and give your admirers a break and be able to play at least one of your songs.
Come on man! You’re killing us!”

He said,
“Who are you and how did you get this number?”

Okay, okay,
I was just dreaming.

But anyway,
I hope you like it, and if you hear any mistakes,
it’s just all in your head.

So here’s

Marian’s Dance

Mobile Player here:

And,

Song for George

Mobile Player here:

Oh, and on a side note,
I think that’s it for acoustic sounds for a while.
Time to re-kindle my romance with “Delilah.”
(Yes, I named my electric guitar, “Delilah”. You stay out of this!)

A special request from my cousin Joie.

Mobile Player here:

“More Than Words”
Music by Extreme.
Guitars by – Ty Martell

Here’s my attempt on that classic song.
Just don’t pay any attention to the mistakes.

Hope you like it.

“Very Special Love”
An old song by Maureen McGovern.

Mobile Player here:

I remember hearing this song on the radio when I was young.
I think the Station was called “104. 7 – The Mellow Touch”.

Anyway,
I think it’s a very cool song.

Well, I used to like it,
before I played it.

Though I am sure some of my old friends like this one.

“Babe”

Mobile Player here:

An acoustic rendition of the famous Styx song.

I have not played and recorded in a while.
I was actually really nervous doing this one.

Hope you like it.

My good friend Mike W. finally posted our other JAM session song,

Girl from Ipanema,
With Ryan (Bass),
Me (Guitars)
Mike (Guitars and vocals)
and Becky (Vocals).

Check it out on the Chorus page.

Also, check out Mike’s new overhauled site.
BMNET.CA

They are getting married in July.
Happy and Exciting times ahead for them.

Anyway,
Here’s today’s Friday Five.

1. What’s one thing you’ve always wanted to do, but never have?

— I always wanted to play a wind instrument.
Like a Sax or harmonica,
or any that has nothing to do with any of my bodily functions.

2. When someone asks your opinion about a new haircut/outfit/etc, are you always honest?

–– I do what every guy do in this planet. “It looks nice. I like it.
Now come on, we’ll be late.”

3. Have you ever found out something about a friend and then wished you hadn’t?
What happened?

— I have. After that I usually say. “Cool dude. It’s none of my business.
Now come on, we’ll be late.”

4. If you could live in any fictional world (from a book/movie/game/etc.)
which would it be and why?

— I always wanted to meet with Gandalf.
I think that freakin’ wizard Rocks!
So since he visits the Shire from time to time, I would love to live there.
Plus they got tons of brewed ale.

5. What’s one talent/skill you don’t have but always wanted?

— I play guitar and I strum with my right hand and press the notes on the left.
I always wanted to learn how to play in reverse because my right hand is faster.
That way I can hit the notes quicker.

Have a nice weekend.
Don’t drink too much.

Tracy is 2 Months and 3 days Pregnant today!
Woohooooooooo!!! My Boys can shoot!

Not everybody knows it yet, but I am sure they already do.
(News travels as fast as my boys!…heheheee.)

We have been trying since December last year,
then once January came,
let’s just say that I was poking fun at her and she took me seriously.

I totally have a different view of everything in the world now.
We spend every weekend looking at baby stuff.
I am so excited like a dog with two tails!

Now I am not going to let anything ruin our joy.
We are trying to stay away from negative, miserable people.
I want this to be an enjoyable experience for us.
(Right after Tracy’s morning and evening sickness.)

Thank you to all my friends and family who wished us the best and as excited as us.

And thanks Dad, for being proud of me too.

“You’re still the one”
Music by – Shania Twain.
Backing Tracks – Midi File
Guitars by – Ty Martell

Mobile Player here:

I guess inspiration just flows into me like crazy.

Another weekend jam session with two great musicians.
Ryan Forsberg and Mike Wennerwald.
2 great guys that I work with.
MAN! These guys can play! (See November 16, 2001 Update)

Ryan brought his big ass amp that just totally made his playing even more crisp.
Mike, as always, with his amazing licks, made the session at his house even more enjoyable.

One good bonus though is Mike’s girlfriend Becky.
With a powerful voice and a great sense of humour, was just the perfect addition.

It is so enjoyable playing with them.
You know, real people who can really play.
I mean, I have played with a whole bunch of musicians, and very seldom where you get the opportunity
to play with someone who knows what they are doing but wants to have fun as well.

I have jammed with some who just plays just to show off.
Or one of those “I-can-do-this-and-I-can-do-it-fast kinda people”
Then looks at everybody to make sure they are watching.

I am no Carlos Santana, nor Django Reinheart,
but I think that is just sad.
They just totally missed the music.

Anyways, We played some classic tunes from Santana’s “Black Magic Woman”,
(which I just learned that morning),
and “The Girl From Ipanema” which Mike just taught us that day.
(My finger still feels weird Mike! I told you they were not meant to stretch that way).

We “did” record it this time and I will post it up as soon as we convert it to MP3’s.
Stay tuned..

(It’s up! – check it out!!)

Black Magic Woman
Music by – Santana
Guitars by – Ty Martell, Mike Wennerwald and Ryan Forsberg
Voice by – Mike Wennerwald

and

Girl From Ipanema
Guitars by – Ty Martell, Mike Wennerwald and Ryan Forsberg
Voices by – Becky Black and Mike Wennerwald