When the Cards Aren't Fair, Change the Game.
On Saturday evening, July 30, 1988, my world was forever altered. This was the night I attended my first live rock concert. I was 15 years old and went to see Def Leppard on the summer leg of their world tour to promote their Hysteria album. I went with a bunch of my friends from … Continue reading FIRST NIGHT
As I write this, all kinds of tributes are pouring in as we all learn of the passing of musician Brian Wilson from The Beach Boys. I've spent so much time teaching about this man and this time in music history that I feel like I knew him. In 2019 Vanessa and I had tickets … Continue reading SAIL ON, SAILOR
All the years I spent playing drums must add up to more than ten thousand hours. In fact, when playing something that is not technically challenging, I didn't have to focus on what my limbs were doing. Once the groove was imbedded in my limbs and brain, my mind could and did wander. I would … Continue reading DRUMS
There is so much in the news today that makes the head spin, the heart ache, and the stomach churn. The internet is alight with people (and bots) spewing hate, demonizing one another, and throwing personal insults. It is difficult to remember a time in my life that current events were as polarizing as they … Continue reading COMMUNITY
If you haven't been paying attention, 'tis the season for Spotify to provide all of us with our WRAP....this year in music. I hate this stupid thing and here's why: no one cares. Let me wrap this for you: Once upon a time, when people spoke with each other in person instead of posting only … Continue reading WRAPPED
My love of jazz music began in college when I actually began to understand how to listen to it. This truly American art form can only be appreciated in full when you know what to do with your ears. As soon as you realize that the soloist is making things up on the spot that … Continue reading COLLEGE JAZZ
I've written about this before, but if words are put in the right order they can build, destroy, invent, kill, praise or humble the reader. I don't claim to put the words in the right order too often but when I get close, I love sharing them with you. To be honest, I've spent a … Continue reading IN THE RIGHT ORDER
California artists Blink 182 burst on to the rock music scene in 1999 with their smash hit 'All the Small Things'. Trust me when I say that you've heard it. Twenty years later and the band has had more hits and success around the world. They are on tour right now, and just played my … Continue reading CAN YOU BLINK?
I was 11, getting very deep into music and although I had only been playing for a year, I was hooked on drums as well. Around this time I also have clear memories of warm weather, being up at the lake enjoying time with my cousins, fishing, rowing around, and camping out in a tent … Continue reading SUMMER 1984
Here I go with a few more famous encounters: Name: Steven Tyler, lead singer, Aerosmith. 2006 Logan International Airport, Boston, 1AM Me: "Steve? Sorry to bother you. I'm a fan and thank you for all of the music." Tyler: "Right on brother!" (Hugs me) "What is everyone doing here in the middle of the night?" … Continue reading DIG FOR THE STORY II
Moeschen! 