“The Only Living Boy in New York” — Here I Am
Posted: October 21, 2017 Filed under: Music and Guitars, The Eucharist and Living the Eucharist | Tags: "Here I am", "Let us attend!", Being present in the moment, Isaiah 6: 5 - 8, Simon and Garfunkel's "Only Living Boy in New York Leave a comment
Paul Simon and Art Garfunkel
“The Only Living Boy in New York” is my favorite song by Simon and Garfunkel. It was one of their final songs as a duo being recorded in late 1969. Its origin comes from Art Garfunkel’s departure from New York to Mexico to film “Catch 22” (“Tom, get your plane ride on time / I know your part’ll go fine / Fly down to Mexico…”). It is a great acoustic guitar song, with wonderful melody and lush vocals. The song’s bridge in its final presentation is fantastic fun to play, but it’s the lyrics of the bridge that win my attention:
“Half of the time we’re gone / But we don’t know where / And we don’t know where.”
“Wigglin’ O’ The Puppy” — A Fun Song
Posted: May 27, 2017 Filed under: Music and Guitars Leave a comment
Albert as a puppy
My wife and I have five dogs: two males and three females. They are a small mixed breed — a blend of Bichon and Havanese. Though small, they have big hearts and personalities. They’re active. They have the run of our three acres, where they dig, run, and chase both squirrels, and an occasional rabbit (though both species always outrun them). We’re also “back yard” breeders with the dogs. The joy is not only to see the puppies when they are born, nurse, and grow, but to see the joy they bring to those who buy them. We continually receive photos of their now grown dogs as they have grown and enriched their lives.
Shortly after the births of our first litters, I composed the following poem, setting it to a tune that popped into my head (what I think is a traditional Irish / Scottish folk tune, or something like a sea chanty). It is entitled “The wigglin’ O’ The Puppy.” I hope it brings about a smile and a chuckle!
The Wigglin’ O’ The Puppy (Key of G)
……………G. C.
Oh, the wigglin’ o’ the puppy and the waggin o’ the tail,
G D D7
For their cute black noses an ocean I would sail,
G. C.
And for their sweet puppy kisses a mountain I would scale,
…………….G. D D7 G
Oh, the wigglin’ o’ the puppy and the waggin’ o’ the tail!
Chorus:
………………G. C
Oh, they love to play and they love to bark.
……………….G. D. D7
And they love to chase squirrels when they go to the park.
………………G. C
And they cock their heads when they hear this reel
…………G. D D7 G
O’ the wigglin’ of the puppy and the waggin’ o’ the tail!
Oh, the wigglin’ o’ the puppy and the waggin’ o’ the tail!
In spite of all the cuteness there’s a dark side to my tale
And to overcome the terror I must be heart n’ hale!
Oh, the wigglin’ o’ the puppy and the waggin’ o’ the tail!
Oh, they love to play and they love to bark.
And they love to chase squirrels when they go to the park.
And they cock their heads when they hear this reel
O’ the wigglin’ of the puppy and the waggin’ o’ the tail!
Oh, the wigglin’ o’ the puppy and the waggin’ o’ the tail,
O’er the peein’ and poohin’ I someday will prevail,
But now in their wake of ruin, I can only wail
At the wigglin’ o’ the puppy and the waggin’ o’ the tail!
………………G. C
Oh, they love to play and they love to bark.
……………….G. D D7
And they love to chase squirrels when they go to the park.
………………G. C C7
And they cock their heads when they hear this reel
G.
O’ the wigglin’ of the puppy…
……………………………………………………………D. C G
O’ the wigglin’ of the puppy and the waggin’ o’ the tail!
Albert grown up
Yours,
Fr. Irenaeus
Guitar Review: Yamaha LL-TA (TransAcoustic)
Posted: January 27, 2017 Filed under: Music and Guitars | Tags: Guitar review - Yamaha LL-TA, New Yamaha LL-TA review, Review of Yamaha's new LL-TA TransAcoustic dreadnought guitar, Yamaha LL-TA dreadnought with innovative TransAcoustic electronics, Yamaha LL-TA guitar review, Yamaha's innovative LL-TA guitar review Leave a commentI love acoustic guitars. There’s a T-shirt that sums it up for me. It reads, “Love one woman, many guitars.” I think I just fell in love today with a guitar I met at Tacoma’s, if not western Washington’s, best music store: Ted Brown Music. A sales associate named Steve introduced me to Yamaha’s new LL-TA dreadnought. OK, so it may only be infatuation, but let me tell you about this guitar.
Honestly, I haven’t cared for the vast majority of the Yamahas I’ve played. Several years ago I picked up a LL bodied 12-string, and immediately put it back — stiff and lifeless. However, I have truly appreciated their A Series dreadnoughts. This Yamaha dreadnought caught my eye. I pulled it off its wall mount and began playing the Kinks’ “Waterloo Sunset.” I was impressed by the easy playability, and its very open, clear, and pleasant tone. Steve saw my attention and informed me of its truly unique and incredibly innovative electronic feature: in-built chorusing and reverb! Unplugged you are able to access reverb and chorusing! The TA stands for Trans Acoustic — it is self-amplified, or better, self-effected. Wow! Then, after Steve set up a bass amp (YES, a Fender Rumble 500 watt head and cab) this feature came alive like no other acoustic-electric I own, or have ever played! Wow, and wow! In this new universe, the Kinks’ “Village Green,” the Beatles’ “Eight Days a Week” and “Norwegian Wood” — songs I’ve played for years — sounded completely new to me. Wow, wow, and wow!
Guitar Review: Faith Mars FRMG All Mahogany Dreadnought
Posted: November 17, 2016 Filed under: Music and Guitars | Tags: Faith FRMG Mars mahogany slope shoulder dreadnought, Guitar review of Faith Mars FRMG slope shoulder dreadnought, Guitar Review: Faith FRMG Mars mahogany dreadnought Leave a comment
I first learned of the existence of Faith guitars about two or three years ago. I was, naturally, intrigued by the name: I am a priest, and thus I am all for faith. If you go to their website you will find a wide array of acoustic guitars, all designed by owner and master luthier Patrick James Eggle. His guitars have a solid following in the U.K., and the brand has won the award of the U.K’s Best Acoustic Guitar for four consecutive years. Rather impressive. The brand is now available in the United States as a new British Invasion. And just like the lads from Liverpool, the reviewed guitar is FAB!
California Dreamin’: Prayer and Chords
Posted: November 5, 2016 Filed under: Music and Guitars | Tags: California Dreamin' and prayer, California Dreamin' chords Leave a comment
“California Dreamin’” is one great pop song. It was written by John and Michelle Phillips while living in New York City in 1963. Their version of the song was released in December, 1965, and, well, the rest is history. “California Dreamin’” is, in my opinion, the signature song of the Mamas and the Papas. It remains an evergreen song, and is a boatload of fun to play on acoustic guitar.
Fender Paramount PM-1 Standard Dreadnought All-Mahogany NE
Posted: October 22, 2016 Filed under: Music and Guitars | Tags: Fender Paramount All-Mahogany Dreadnought, Fender PM-1 Standard Dreadnought All-Mahogany NE review, Guitar review: Fender PM-1 Standard Dreadnought All-Mahogany NE Leave a comment
After dropping off an old appliance at a recycling center, I thought I’d swing by Ted Brown Music in Tacoma — just a slight detour. I recently learned of an addition to Fender’s Paramount acoustic line up. It is an all mahogany dreadnought. Ted Brown Music carries the Paramount line in addition to a nice selection of Fender electrics. My friend Gary at Ted Brown saw me walk into the acoustic room of the store. I asked him if there were any new arrivals. “We have a number,” he said. Then he added, “we have a new Paramount — the mahogany one.” That’s exactly the guitar I wanted to see. Could this be providence? He brought out the unopened box (I have never seen a freshly opened guitar before — quite an opportunity). “Do you want to give it a try?” Well, YES!
Guitar Review: Cordoba Acero D10-ce
Posted: October 10, 2016 Filed under: Music and Guitars | Tags: Cordoba Acero D10-ce dreadnought review, Guitar review Cordoba Acero D10-ce 4 Comments
Quality and value: these are two traits that any consumer wants coupled together when considering a purchase. Sometimes this combo is elusive, but in today’s guitar market these two qualities are the norm in this “golden age” of modern lutherie. In fact, you have to be most unlucky to buy a “lemon” of a guitar. So, I come to this review of the Cordoba Acero D10-ce, a guitar that fully embodies both quality and value in an all sold wood import package.
Guitar Review: Fender Paramount Series Deluxe PM-1 Dreadnought
Posted: August 1, 2016 Filed under: Music and Guitars | Tags: Fender Paramount PM-1 Deluxe Dreadnought, Fender Paramount PM-1 Deluxe Dreadnought guitar review, guitar review Fender Paramount Deluxe Dreadnought Leave a commentThis is the “Golden Age” of guitar making. Acquaintances in the guitar stores I frequent enthusiastically agree with my non-professional assessment. Guitars, both acoustic and electric, have never before been so well made. America has been a leader in the innovations that produce such wonderful instruments. Manufacturers such as Taylor, Breedlove, Martin, Collings, and so many others, have changed the guitar world. However, their innovations aren’t held within the geographical boundaries of the United States — the quality of asian made guitars matches those of America and Canada. I have reviewed two Eastman guitars, two Bedell Performance Series guitars, and one Cordoba Acero Series guitar previously in this blog. All of these guitars are manufactured in China — a put-off for some guitarists — but a blessing for guitarists who want a quality instrument at a more affordable price. In this posting I review Fender’s PM-1 Deluxe Dreadnought, a guitar that is part of its new Paramount line of acoustics.
“So Far Away” Lyrics
Posted: March 25, 2016 Filed under: Music and Guitars Leave a comment“So Far Away” is a song I wrote. I was inspired by the departure of an army officer who, as demanded by his country and commission, left his wife and two young children for a year to serve overseas. I imagined also the sacrifice not only of this fine man, but all others who have sacrificed for their countries. But, additionally, I thought of the sacrifice of wives, parents, and children of those left home, and often left to grieve without end. Read the rest of this entry »
Guitar Reviews: Bedell THCE-28-G and Bedell TB-28-12
Posted: January 6, 2016 Filed under: Music and Guitars | Tags: Bedell Performance Series guitar review, Bedell TB-28-12, Bedell THCE-28-G 1 CommentIn two previous guitar reviews I have stated that the guitar buyer does not, I repeat does NOT, need to spend thousands of dollars to get a well made, great sounding, and highly playable guitar. Hint: I am not reviewing a Martin, Gibson, Collings, or a Taylor guitar to name just a few. Read the rest of this entry »
Death Cab For Cutie — A Perspective
Posted: October 31, 2015 Filed under: Music and Guitars | Tags: Death Cab For Cutie Leave a comment
In all honesty, I am a bit hesitant to compose this posting. Although a fan of the group, I don’t want to gush with unbridled enthusiasm, nor pose as a bona fide professional music critic. This posting is an Eastern Orthodox priest’s perspective of a contemporary musical group – mostly focusing on lyrical content of their songs. There be will only a brief bio, and no musings about matters best left to gossip columnists.
Eastman Guitars — A Review Of Two Models
Posted: October 13, 2015 Filed under: Music and Guitars | Tags: Eastman AC530-12, Eastman AJ816, guitar review Leave a commentIf you have not heard of Eastman guitars (www.eastmanguitars.com), you need to be informed! The company makes a variety of stringed instruments: mandolins, archtop acoustics, flat top acoustics, and electric guitars. They are a very well made import, and their acoustic flat top models are always well reviewed, e.g. their dreadnought models E20D, E10D, E20SS, and E10SS. Here, in this posting, I offer my own reviews of my own two models: the AJ816, and the AC530-12. Read the rest of this entry »
A Real Musician
Posted: September 13, 2015 Filed under: Music and Guitars | Tags: guitar instruction, voice coach Leave a commentThere are only two kinds of people: those who are and those who “wanna be”. Each one of us is a combination of an “is” and a “wanna-be”. I am many things, but I admire a truly good musician. I am, so my wife and my instructor tell me, a solid intermediate guitarist. They both encourage me when they note progress and advancement in my “chops.” But, I will never be a guitarist of the caliber of a Lindsey Buckingham, Nancy Wilson (of Heart), or The Edge to name just three Guitar Heroes. I will never come close. So, in terms of this category of people, i.e. musicians, I’m just a “wanna-be.” But I know someone who is truly a musician, my guitar instructor, and a family friend. Let me introduce you to Ann Herring. Read the rest of this entry »
Guitar Review: Cordoba Acero D11-CE
Posted: August 16, 2015 Filed under: Music and Guitars | Tags: Cordoba acero d11-ce, guitar review 3 Comments
If you’re a guitarist and hear the name Cordoba you should think “classical guitar.” That has been their bread and butter. About a year ago, while perusing through my latest issue of Acoustic Guitar (August, 2014), I read about Cordoba’s new Acero (meaning “steel”, thus steel string) line of acoustic guitars. I was impressed by the review and filed it away. A year later I remembered the review of the Acero D10 dreadnought. I searched Reverb for an Acero, and found an Acero D11-ce. It, too, is a dreadnought with solid spruce top and solid acacia back and sides (note photo of guitar). Read the rest of this entry »
Father Irenaeus Williams 