French-Canadian musician Damien Robitaille doesn’t need others during COVID to take on Technotronic’s Pump Up the Jam, he performs it all by himself. Well, maybe with a little enthusiastic help from his dog Suki.
Zac Brown, KT Tunstall and Jason Mraz Form Supergroup For ‘I Know What Love Is’
Taylor Guitars and 50+ of Taylor artists, including Zac Brown, KT Tunstall, Jason Mraz and Keith Goodwin, have come together to release an incredibly catchy original song, “I Know What Love Is.“ A philanthropic project that aims to raise money to support members of the music industry whose art and careers were put on hold by the pandemic, “I know What Love Is” will be available January 21 for download and streaming across multiple music platforms, including Apple Music, Spotify and Amazon Music. The song, written by Keith Goodwin and co-produced by Jay Parkin of Taylor Guitars, and audio engineer Gabriel O’Brien, will also feature a music video with footage of all 50+ artists. Net proceeds from the song will benefit MusiCares, a charity founded by the Recording Academy (GRAMMY Awards), which provides a support system of health and human services for music people across a spectrum of needs including physical and mental health, addiction recovery, hearing clinics, unforeseen personal emergencies, and disaster relief including COVID-19 relief. Taylor has also partnered with renowned music organizations The NAMM Foundation and Nettwerk Music Group to help promote the song and its positive message. Various Taylor artists will give an exclusive live performance of “I Know What Love Is” as part of NAMM’s Believe In Music Week.
One community that has been acutely affected by the COVID pandemic has been the music industry. The suspension of live music performances has created a domino effect, throttling the livelihoods of working musicians, road crews, staff at music venues and many others who contribute to the industry’s ecosystem. The lack of live performances has also amplified the extended sense of social disconnection being felt everywhere.
Yet music has always played an essential role in helping people get through tough times and creating a deeper sense of connection to others and the world around them. According to Keith Goodwin, singer, guitarist and songwriter from the indie folk band Good Old War, that’s exactly the spirit that was channeled when he wrote the lyrics and melody for “I Know What Love Is.” Goodwin’s music was underscored with added poignancy when, soon after the recording of the song, he lost his grandmother, Madeline Lanni, from COVID-19 complications.
“During lockdown one of the most challenging things for me was trying to adapt to not having my friends around to play music with,” said Goodwin. “This project really helped keep me focused on making music when everything else in life had changed so drastically. I’m grateful for this opportunity to connect and collaborate with such great artists and for a good cause. We are all lucky to be able to share our love of music together.”
Goodwin collaborated with Taylor Guitars content producer Jay Parkin and producer/engineer Gabriel O’Brien to bring the song together, mix and master the original skeleton of the song. But after hearing the finished product, they decided that something was missing. In his role as producer, Parkin realized the song could be even bigger.
“We were shooting for a ‘Hey Jude‘ meets ‘We Are the World‘ vibe,” Parkin explains. “The song itself felt good, but this was always about supporting musicians and bringing people together. Once we started reaching out to the music community and began to get the parts back, we started to see how the pieces all fit together to create an anthem of hope for 2021.”
Goodwin and Parkin drew on their connections to the music industry to enlist dozens of Taylor players for the project, from hobbyists and weekend warriors to touring bands and big-label acts. Each artist was asked to contribute their own version of a piece of the song that spoke to them. Zac Brown, Jason Mraz, KT Tunstall, Chris Conley (Saves the Day), Alana Springsteen and 49 others enthusiastically collaborated via email, creating over 200 tracks recorded in their respective home studios around the world, from Los Angeles and Nashville to Tokyo, responding to the song’s inspiring message of solidarity among the music community during a time of great need. In addition to audio tracks, the artists and performers also captured their parts on video using iPhones and DSLR cameras to create the “I Know What Love Is” music video, a tribute to community, connection, technology and the power of music.
With those contributions in hand, Goodwin, Parkin and O’Brien then spent hundreds of hours working across time zones to assemble, edit, mix and master a new version of the song, this one composed of sounds drawn from musicians across borders and genres.
“So many brilliantly talented crew, venue teams and artists have been financially crippled by the arrival of COVID-19, and hopefully we can ease some of that pain a little through MusiCares,” says KT Tunstall, the GRAMMY-winning Scottish singer-songwriter and musician.
Among the respected music institutions that have joined the effort to promote “I Know What Love Is” and its message of positivity are The NAMM Foundation, a not-for-profit association with a mission to strengthen the music products industry, and Nettwerk Music Group, an organization that connects music fans with music makers. Nettwerk Music Group will release the song and provide promotional support, while The NAMM Foundation will host an exclusive live stream performance at NAMM’s Believe in Music week on January 21, 2021, at 9:30 a.m. PST. Visit https://attend.believeinmusic.tv to register.
“‘I Know What Love Is’ offers a message of hope and resilience that through music is a way forward,” shares Mary Luehrsen, Executive Director of The NAMM Foundation. “While we continue to navigate these times for our industry and society, the gift of music is a wellspring that ripples throughout communities and undoubtedly will help those most in need.”
“I Know What Love Is” will be available to stream and download January 21, on major music platforms Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music and more. For more information and to watch the music video, please visit www.iknowwhatloveis.com.
Martin Announces David Gilmour Custom Signature Guitars
C. F. Martin & Co. will introduce two David Gilmour Custom Signature Edition D-35 guitars during NAMM Believe in Music Week, January 18-24, 2021.
Following the Christie’s Auction in 2019, where David Gilmour’s 1969 D-35 sold for 1.2 million dollars, Martin’s partners at Westside Distribution approached Gilmour about designing a new David Gilmour Custom Signature Martin guitar. Gilmour agreed to collaborate with Martin on a six string and a twelve string D-35.
“I was so excited when Westside, our U.K. distributor, contacted us about the opportunity to build a signature model for David,” said Fred Greene, Vice President of Product Development at Martin Guitar. “He is one of my all-time favorite guitar players, and having the chance to collaborate with him on an instrument was truly a bucket list moment for me. The collaboration is also a perfect fit for Martin Guitar, a company that shares David’s hope for a more sustainable world that we can leave in good conscience for generations to come.”
In the early ’70s, even with multiple albums under his belt, the lead guitarist and co-vocalist for Pink Floyd was only at the precipice of superstardom when he happened upon a musician selling a used Martin D-35 outside of Manny’s Music shop in New York City. Gilmour purchased the guitar on the spot, and it would go on to become his primary studio acoustic for both Pink Floyd and his solo recordings for more than four decades.
“Looking back on the design process,” Greene said, “My first thought was that David might want a replica of his 1969 D-35, and, while that would be cool, it would not leave a lot of room for creativity. I was so excited to hear that he was more interested in creating something unique and special to this moment in time. I knew we could provide him with options and features that would allow this new instrument to exist on its own merits, while still drawing upon his original D-35 for inspiration. Much like David’s music, this guitar is a unique and inspirational piece of art that hopefully will inspire others to create their own art.”
Starting with this idea of a “new” D-35, the Martin Custom Shop set about creating three prototypes that would later be presented to David for feedback. Typically made with rosewood, this is the first time Martin has built a three-piece back “35” with sinker mahogany, and the result is absolutely stunning. The back, sides, neck, and neck block are all made of solid sinker.
The 6 string and 12 string models are both finished in vintage gloss, a historic process normally available only on the Martin Authentic Series models. It delivers a soft sheen patina somewhere between full gloss and satin. David chose Adirondack spruce for the top of the 6 string model, as found on an early ’40s vintage D-18 that he also owns. Adirondack is a little stiffer than its more commonly used Sitka spruce cousin and offers more complex overtones. The top is torrefied using the Martin Vintage Tone System (VTS), a process that “ages” the wood, adding vintage sound characteristics without waiting years for it to happen naturally. The top braces on the 6 string are 1/4-inch Adirondack spruce, for added support and resonance, and they are scalloped and forward-shifted. The top of the 12 string is Carpathian spruce, grown in the mountains of Romania and often prized for its “best of both worlds” properties. It has the stiffness found in Adirondack, while maintaining the lower density and lightness often seen in the traditional European spruce varieties (German, Swiss, and Italian).
The fingerboard inlay on both guitars is a special pattern created for this signature edition. It’s a standard 35 layout, but the dot size has been scaled down slightly and inlaid in abalone. The neck shape for the 6 string is unique and was created specifically for David. It began as a modified low oval but is now more rounded and slightly fuller below the 5th fret, creating a neck that is very comfortable and easy to play. The 6 string also features a carbon fiber bridge plate, as found on the recent Modern Deluxe Series, offering enhanced volume and clarity.
Both models have head stamps, as found on early Martin guitars, however, this is the first time in its history that Martin has created special head stamps for an artist signature edition.
The 6 string is unusually strung with 12-gauge strings (lights)—specifically Martin Authentic Acoustic Lifespan 2.0 (MA540T). Martin Dreadnoughts usually come equipped with 13-gauge strings (mediums), however, David uses MA540T strings for all of his Martin guitars, so we felt that his fans should receive the guitar setup in the very same way that David chooses to play his.
Both guitars come in a slate blue case, a nod back to the blue case that David’s original D-35 would have left the factory in all those years ago. Finally, and as if all this isn’t already special enough, every guitar bears a custom internal paper label, each one individually signed by David himself. An incredible collector’s instrument, for a truly special musician.
Martin will produce a total of 250 guitars, split between the 6 string and 12 string models. They will be available for purchase at select Martin retailers. Please visit www.martinguitar.com/gilmour for more information.
Both models will be priced at $5,499.
Through this partnership, Martin Guitar is proud to support the David Gilmour Charitable Foundation.
Slot Games worth playing
Slot games are very exciting – there is the sound, the sight, the anticipation, and it’s all rolled into one amazing game that you can enjoy in the comfort of your own home if you play new fluffy games online, or on the move if you have mobile apps.
The only problem with online slots – and it’s not a negative by any means – is the vast number of different games available to you. Seasoned slot players will probably have discovered their favourites, but they might wonder if they are missing out when new games are brought to the market. And new players might not even be able to make a start at all because they are entirely overwhelmed by the number of games on offer.
For both types of people help is at hand; read on to find out more about some of the slots that you must play at least once. This will give you a great place to start.
Age Of The Gods
Age of the Gods is a game by Playtech and it is all about Greek mythology which is a subject matter many people find interesting; combine that with amazing graphics and sounds and the fun element of the game and you’ve definitely got a winner.
In fact, if you love Age of the Gods you’re in luck. This was just the first in a series of games and there are now 10 in the series. You can try your hand at all of them and pick a favourite, or simply love them all.
Deal Or No Deal
There was a time when the TV show Deal Or No Deal was everything. It was everywhere. Its popularity may have waned somewhat since then – The Chase and Pointless have certainly taken its daytime quiz show crown – but the slot game built around it still carries on, and is as popular as ever.
Rather than just taking the look and sound of the show and incorporating it into a slot machine, the Deal Or No Deal game actually has elements of the real show’s gameplay in it too. For example, you can choose whether to take a deal (or no deal) during a spin when offered something interesting (ie you’ll win a certainly amount of money). Take the deal and take the money, don’t take it and let fate decide where the reels will land. There is also a nice progressive jackpot to think about too.
Thunderstruck
Thunderstruck is an immensely popular game by Microgaming. Again, it deals with a gods and goddesses theme, this time Norse rather than Greek. And it’s Thor who is at the helm of this exhilarating game. In fact, Thor turns up as the wild, so you’ll be hoping to spot him now and then!
This game has always been popular (so much so that a Thunderstruck II has been created), but the huge swathe of movies starring Thor as a main character has meant that a new selection of players have been looking for something just like this.
Video: Keanu Reeves, Alex Winter, and Randy Quaid Rehearse for Freaked
12 milkmen is theoretically possible….13 is just silly.
Video: Spongebob Squarepants voice actor Tom Kenny as a VJ for NBC’s Friday Night Videos in 1991
…including short footage of legendary NYC disc jockey Frankie Crocker at the two-minute mark.
Time Decorated: The Musical Influences of Jean-Michel Basquiat
The first segment of the series on jazz and bebop, produced by Quincy Jones Productions and directed by Moses Berkson, features L.A. jazz musician Terrace Martin as well as input from Quincy Jones himself. Martin delves into how the genre, birthed in New York City much like Basquiat, played a role in his artistic vision. The series includes works by bebop artists such as Charlie Parker, Dizzy Gillespie, Thelonious Monk, and Max Roach. Music for this segment includes “Ornithology” by Parker, “Hot House” by Parker and Gillespie, “Ol Man Rebop” by Gillespie, and music from Martin’s Dinner Party.
The 34th Annual Tibet House US Benefit Concert Virtual Edition Featuring Eddie Vedder, Phoebe Bridgers, Brittany Howard and More
One of the longest-running and most renowned live cultural events in New York City, The 34th Annual Tibet House US Benefit Concert will return this year for a special virtual edition combining live and pre-recorded segments streaming via Mandolin, the premiere concert livestream platform for artists, venues, and fans on February 17, 2021. Tickets are available here.
For the first time ever, this year’s concert offers viewers around the world the unique opportunity to experience the warmth, sense of community, and amazing music the evening has provided for so many years at Carnegie Hall. Joining esteemed composer and artistic director Philip Glass, who once again curated this year’s line-up, will be Eddie Vedder, Phoebe Bridgers, Brittany Howard, Valerie June, Angélique Kidjo, Laurie Anderson, Tenzin Choegyal, Rubin Kodheli and many, many more to be announced soon. We are also deeply honored to announce that the concert will begin with a personal video message from His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama.
There are few events that stand the test of time, and for more than three decades this annual event has been a standout. For over 33 years, this consistently sold-out concert has assembled some of the most legendary and exciting names in music and art, dazzling concertgoers with its unique mix of surprises and mesmerizing performances.
All proceeds support the work of Tibet House US, a non-profit educational institution and cultural embassy founded in 1987 at the request of His Holiness the Dalai Lama to ensure the survival of the unique Tibetan civilization.
Throughout its rich history, the one-of-a-kind Tibet House US Benefit Concert has had hundreds of world-class artists participate including Alabama Shakes, Patti Smith, Carly Simon, David Bowie, Stephen Colbert, Lou Reed, Sharon Jones, FKA twigs, The Roots, Jim James, The Flaming Lips, Vampire Weekend, St. Paul and the Broken Bones, Blood Orange, Sigur Ros, R.E.M, Emmylou Harris, Jon Batiste, Nathaniel Rateliff, Jason Isbell and many, many more. The event has garnered praise from many, including New York Times, Rolling Stone, Hollywood Reporter, Wall Street Journal, Entertainment Weekly, Associated Press, Billboard, Vogue and more.
Banned When First Released in the ’40s, Toronto’s TREVOR OWEN Offers His Take on “Horizontal”
The veteran Toronto-based musician Trevor Owen has just released his latest single, “Horizontal” — available now.
Though the groovy two minute-spanning number was released as Owen’s latest single, it’s actually a cover of the 1940s tune by the famed American lyricist Hal David. “Horizontal” was the first success David actually enjoyed in his lengthy career, though it was soon banned in Boston for being too risqué… “Where lying down was apparently considered controversial,” according to Owen. The song was co-written by David and Lou Ricca.
Along with “Horizontal,” Owen’s accompanying debut album And the Moon Rising features three other covers and six original tracks. It was released last January and produced by Marcus Vichert. Owen began recording the album in 2018 with engineer Braden Sauder at Marquee Sound in Toronto, and the record was mastered by Stephen Stepanic at João Carvalho Mastering.
As a young schoolboy, Owen made the decision to drop out of school back in the 1960s in order to pursue a career in music. He started playing in Yorkville clubs and pubs before landing gigs all across Canada. He played cover sets, his own original music, with bands and many other acts, until finally recording and releasing And the Moon Rising in 2020. His long-lasting career ended up paying for a post-secondary education, which resulted in him becoming a teacher in Toronto.
Watch Grateful Dead Perform on ‘Playboy After Dark’ After Being Secretly Dosed With LSD in 1969
While hanbging out in Los Angeles, as the Grateful Dead did from time to time during January 1969, the group performed two of their songs, “Mountains of the Moon” and “St. Stephen”, on the set of Playboy After Dark after secretly dosed with LSD. I’m sure they didn’t mind, but…
Hugh Hefner: I wonder if we could get you to do a number for us?
Jerry: Absolutely not.