History of Rock and Roll in 100 Riffs

Guitarist Alex Chadwick with the Chicago Music Exchange adeptly handles 100 popular rock riffs since the 1950's in a 12-minute take. Pretty cool, I say. Click here if you'd like to play along with the tabs.

Connections between music and success

Is Music the Key to Success?

By JOANNE LIPMAN

CONDOLEEZZA RICE trained to be a concert pianist. Alan Greenspan, former chairman of the Federal Reserve, was a professional clarinet and saxophone player. The hedge fund billionaire Bruce Kovner is a pianist who took classes at Juilliard.       

 

Multiple studies link music study to academic achievement. But what is it about serious music training that seems to correlate with outsize success in other fields?

      

The connection isn’t a coincidence. I know because I asked. I put the question to top-flight professionals in industries from tech to finance to media, all of whom had serious (if often little-known) past lives as musicians. Almost all made a connection between their music training and their professional achievements.

      

The phenomenon extends beyond the math-music association. Strikingly, many high achievers told me music opened up the pathways to creative thinking. And their experiences suggest that music training sharpens other qualities: Collaboration. The ability to listen. A way of thinking that weaves together disparate ideas. The power to focus on the present and the future simultaneously.

      

Will your school music program turn your kid into a Paul Allen, the billionaire co-founder of Microsoft (guitar)? Or a Woody Allen (clarinet)? Probably not. These are singular achievers. But the way these and other visionaries I spoke to process music is intriguing. As is the way many of them apply music’s lessons of focus and discipline into new ways of thinking and communicating — even problem solving.

   

Look carefully and you’ll find musicians at the top of almost any industry. Woody Allen performs weekly with a jazz band. The television broadcaster Paula Zahn (cello) and the NBC chief White House correspondent Chuck Todd (French horn) attended college on music scholarships; NBC’s Andrea Mitchell trained to become a professional violinist. Both Microsoft’s Mr. Allen and the venture capitalist Roger McNamee have rock bands. Larry Page, a co-founder of Google, played saxophone in high school. Steven Spielberg is a clarinetist and son of a pianist. The former World Bank president James D. Wolfensohn has played cello at Carnegie Hall.

      

“It’s not a coincidence,” says Mr. Greenspan, who gave up jazz clarinet but still dabbles at the baby grand in his living room. “I can tell you as a statistician, the probability that that is mere chance is extremely small.” The cautious former Fed chief adds, “That’s all that you can judge about the facts. The crucial question is: why does that connection exist?”

      

Paul Allen offers an answer. He says music “reinforces your confidence in the ability to create.” Mr. Allen began playing the violin at age 7 and switched to the guitar as a teenager. Even in the early days of Microsoft, he would pick up his guitar at the end of marathon days of programming. The music was the emotional analog to his day job, with each channeling a different type of creative impulse. In both, he says, “something is pushing you to look beyond what currently exists and express yourself in a new way.”

      

Mr. Todd says there is a connection between years of practice and competition and what he calls the “drive for perfection.” The veteran advertising executive Steve Hayden credits his background as a cellist for his most famous work, the Apple “1984” commercial depicting rebellion against a dictator. “I was thinking of Stravinsky when I came up with that idea,” he says. He adds that his cello performance background helps him work collaboratively: “Ensemble playing trains you, quite literally, to play well with others, to know when to solo and when to follow.”

      

For many of the high achievers I spoke with, music functions as a “hidden language,” as Mr. Wolfensohn calls it, one that enhances the ability to connect disparate or even contradictory ideas. When he ran the World Bank, Mr. Wolfensohn traveled to more than 100 countries, often taking in local performances (and occasionally joining in on a borrowed cello), which helped him understand “the culture of people, as distinct from their balance sheet.”

      

It’s in that context that the much-discussed connection between math and music resonates most. Both are at heart modes of expression. Bruce Kovner, the founder of the hedge fund Caxton Associates and chairman of the board of Juilliard, says he sees similarities between his piano playing and investing strategy; as he says, both “relate to pattern recognition, and some people extend these paradigms across different senses.”

      

Mr. Kovner and the concert pianist Robert Taub both describe a sort of synesthesia — they perceive patterns in a three-dimensional way. Mr. Taub, who gained fame for his Beethoven recordings and has since founded a music software company, MuseAmi, says that when he performs, he can “visualize all of the notes and their interrelationships,” a skill that translates intellectually into making “multiple connections in multiple spheres.”

      

For others I spoke to, their passion for music is more notable than their talent. Woody Allen told me bluntly, “I’m not an accomplished musician. I get total traction from the fact that I’m in movies.”

Mr. Allen sees music as a diversion, unconnected to his day job. He likens himself to “a weekend tennis player who comes in once a week to play. I don’t have a particularly good ear at all or a particularly good sense of timing. In comedy, I’ve got a good instinct for rhythm. In music, I don’t, really.”

      

Still, he practices the clarinet at least half an hour every day, because wind players will lose their embouchure (mouth position) if they don’t: “If you want to play at all you have to practice. I have to practice every single day to be as bad as I am.” He performs regularly, even touring internationally with his New Orleans jazz band. “I never thought I would be playing in concert halls of the world to 5,000, 6,000 people,” he says. “I will say, quite unexpectedly, it enriched my life tremendously.”

      

Music provides balance, explains Mr. Wolfensohn, who began cello lessons as an adult. “You aren’t trying to win any races or be the leader of this or the leader of that. You’re enjoying it because of the satisfaction and joy you get out of music, which is totally unrelated to your professional status.”

For Roger McNamee, whose Elevation Partners is perhaps best known for its early investment in Facebook, “music and technology have converged,” he says. He became expert on Facebook by using it to promote his band, Moonalice, and now is focusing on video by live-streaming its concerts. He says musicians and top professionals share “the almost desperate need to dive deep.” This capacity to obsess seems to unite top performers in music and other fields.

      

Ms. Zahn remembers spending up to four hours a day “holed up in cramped practice rooms trying to master a phrase” on her cello. Mr. Todd, now 41, recounted in detail the solo audition at age 17 when he got the second-highest mark rather than the highest mark — though he still was principal horn in Florida’s All-State Orchestra.

      

“I’ve always believed the reason I’ve gotten ahead is by outworking other people,” he says. It’s a skill learned by “playing that solo one more time, working on that one little section one more time,” and it translates into “working on something over and over again, or double-checking or triple-checking.” He adds, “There’s nothing like music to teach you that eventually if you work hard enough, it does get better. You see the results.”

      

That’s an observation worth remembering at a time when music as a serious pursuit — and music education — is in decline in this country.

 

Consider the qualities these high achievers say music has sharpened: collaboration, creativity, discipline and the capacity to reconcile conflicting ideas. All are qualities notably absent from public life. Music may not make you a genius, or rich, or even a better person. But it helps train you to think differently, to process different points of view — and most important, to take pleasure in listening.

Joanne Lipman is a co-author, with Melanie Kupchynsky, of the book “Strings Attached: One Tough Teacher and the Gift of Great Expectations.”

Levin-Minnemann-Rudess Release New Collaborative Album

Can't wait to hear the new release I got in the mail, signed by bassist Tony Levin, keyboardist Jordan Rudess, and drummer and guitarist Marco Minnemann!

Can I be a Rock Therapist?

I came across this first commercial that Alice Cooper did for Fretlight Guitars under the guise of Quitters Anonymous. This one made me laugh hard, and made me wonder, am I the rock therapist, or the adult flute player trying to learn guitar?

The Letter Black - Up and Coming Hard Rock Band

This band "The Letter Black" is relatively new, but have been around for a couple of years. I only became aware of them recently (thanks to Pandora radio). I am really digging them, they have a great hard rock groove and remind of the same vein as Evanescence. They are from Pennsylvania and are borne out from a husband/wife team who led a praise band at their church/youth group. Their second album is due out this fall, and my sister got their first album for me for my birthday and wanted to share their music with you. Check them out! 

James LaBrie's new solo album - Impermanent Resonance

With anticipation, James LaBrie's 5th solo album, "Impermanent Resonance" is releasing soon on August 6th (USA), only about a month and half before his band Dream Theater's self-titled album comes out on September 24th this year. Two tracks have been pre-released, ("Agony" and "Back on the Ground") and it looks like it may be some of his strongest solo work to date!  Also, Lady Obscure has done a detailed review of the album already - check out her thoughts!

Dark Moor - Ars Musica released!

The new release from the Spanish symphonic power metal band Dark Moor has released!  "Ars Musica" is out, and is a promising new album!  Their instrumental "Asturius" is another great display of their classical influences, and they have released a new video for their single "On the Road Again."

Megadeth releases teaser tracks to new album

Megadeth's new album, "Super Collider" is due out June 4th.  So far, they released a teaser of one track, "Don't Turn Your Back," and full tracks of the title track and "Kingmaker."  Listen to their eclectic sounds below and check out their new album once it releases!

Metallica opens SF Giants game with National Anthem

Last night (May 3), James Hetfield and Kirk Hammett of Metallica played the national anthem at AT&T Park before the start of the San Francisco Giants game against the Los Angeles Dodgers. The video is embedded above.

The performance was part of Metallica Night. The guitars played by Hetfield and Hammett – black with the Giants’ logo painted on them – were later signed by the band and auctioned off by the team. The auction raised more than $15,000 for the Giants’ Community Fund and the Bill Graham Memorial Foundation.

In addition to the duo’s rendition, Lars Ulrich threw out the first pitch, and fans who purchased the ticket package for the game received a limited-edition Giants cap featuring Metallica’s logo.

Metallica’s connection to baseball is well known. Their classic ‘Enter Sandman’ has long been used as the entrance music for Mariano Rivera, the Hall of Fame-bound closer for the New York Yankees.

“It’s been great,” Hetfield told the team’s website. “I love the fact that we inspire some next level of performance, because that does it for us, too. We love playing it and it shows.”

Last week, veteran Giants lefty Barry Zito jam with the band at their headquarters in San Mateo, Calif. Watch the video below.

Whatever forces Metallica were able to summon with their music apparently worked. The Giants defeated their biggest rivals, 2-1, on a walk-off home run by Buster Posey, who also drove in the tying run in the sixth inning.

Review: Pain of Salvation and Kingcrow concert

Review of Pain of Salvation North American Tour 

May 1, 2013 

Empire nightclub, Springfield, VA 

I was excited to be able to see such a lineup at this nearby cozy club with the international bill of Sweden’s Pain of Salvation, Italy’s Kingcrow, and the USA’s Imminent Sonic Destruction and support bands Wings Denied and Mendacity. It was an honor that the band that has not been on tour in the US for 9 years chose this little Springfield, VA club to be the start of their short North American tour. However, the night was not without its mishaps like a Comedy of Errors, but many things were out of the control of those involved and were professionally handled, still making for a great night of a concert. Here is a rundown of the evening, starting with the first band of the night, Wings Denied. 

Wings Denied 

 Wings Denied, DC’s own prog/djent band with members made up from American University students, gave a lively and heavy performance to start off the evening. Previously unfamiliar with them, I thought they gave an energetic show with a mix of clean and growly vocals by Luka Kerecin, with the low chugging/djent style of 2 7-string guitars handled by Zach Dresher and Jackson Smith and insane rhythm from the bass by Rob Moore and drums (usually performed by Alec Kossoff but tonight had a last performance by a guest drummer) to give a very impressive introduction to this quintet. They are a friendly group, planning to tour this summer, and were interactive with their fans throughout and after the concert. They have one EP released called “Awake,” as well as a joint release with the North Carolina band As Oceans. Check out their song “Maiden” here: 

Mendacity: 

A progressive melodic death metal band from Miami, Mendacity was the second band to hit the stage. The trio managed to slay the crowd quite well with their two 7-string guitarists Axel Ekendahl and Omar Elesgarray and drummer Jose Flores, with vocals handled at this show by guitarist Axel. They played songs from their recent promo album (with a full album due in late summer 2013). A mixture of gutteral and clean vocals with a straightforward heavy sound kept the crowd going for a good half hour set. Check out their song “Left Behind” below: 

Imminent Sonic Destruction:  

Next up was the Detroit-based quintet, Imminent Sonic Destruction. Their sound is a mixture of progressive metal with touches of scream-like death metal thrown in with multiple vocals and harmonies, and they define their style as “progressive super metal.” They have a heavier sound than many progressive metal bands, which may or may not endear them to potential fans. The quintet performed a live energy set, despite having some initial setbacks with some amp issues (which delayed their start time) and mic issues (no sound in the first song or two), handling them professionally and seeming unfazed as “the show must go on” took effect as they pressed forward as the problems were being fixed. They were interactive with the crowd and their enthusiasm for kicking off this tour was palpable. Tony Piccoli took care of the lead vocals with guitars, along with Scott Thompson assisting on guitar and backing vocals, Bryan Paxton on Bass and backing vocals, Pete Hopersberger on Keyboards and backing vocals, and Pat DeLeon holding down the drums. Much of their setlist came from their recently released album, “Recurring Themes.” Watch their video for their song “Monster” here: 

Also, their recent album “Recurring Themes” was reviewed by Lady Obscure Music Magazine’s own Honey Badger here.

{Interestingly, both guitarists Scott and Tony blogged about this tour, and had some nice things to say about playing at our venue: 

http://imminentsonicdestruction.com/tours/ 

[Tony] 

Tour Blog #3: Pain of Salvation 2013 tour 

Ok, so where was I the last time we spoke? I think we were on our way to meet up with Pain of Salvation. So you need some updating. Here you go. In Springfield, VA, we met up with BK, (tour manager), Jimmy (tour bus driver and vocalist for Demonseed) and Pain of Salvation. Every one of these guys is cooler than the one next to him. Think about that for a minute. 

 Time’s up, bitches! So the show. Springfield was awesome. Seriously. Such a supportive crowd, gave so much energy. That made the show arguably the best one we’ve ever had. If any of you ever wonder if it makes a difference whether or not you yell or scream or jump around, I guarantee you it does. Sometimes people stand there and watch stoically like they’re watching a movie. Being at a show, you’re a part of the moment. Live that moment, contribute. You are feeding the band energy, it’s like red meat and all bands eat it up. Unless they’re vegetarians, in which case it’s like… what? Cucumber slices or some shit? That doesn’t really sound as good. ANYWAY. If you like the band you’re watching, SCREAM, YELL, GO CRAZY. You will witness a better show. I promise. And my word is my bond. Ask anyone. Well… ask Scott Thompson. On second thought, just blindly trust me. 

 http://scott55thompson.thoughts.com/posts/my-diary-from-imminent-sonic-destruction-s-2013-north-american-tour--2 

 [Scott] 

Day 4: The Nation’s Capitol 

We arrived in West Springfield, VA at a club featuring a large concert hall behind a rather cozy looking bar that included what appeared to be a large chemistry set next to the liquor display. We also finally met Pain of Salvation and their tour manager Brian. Another lead character of the tour also surfaced, his name was Jimmy and he was their driver. 

 Prior to the show, I took off to the nearest Starbuck’s to find much needed wi-fi to repair my MIDI software in my laptop for the evening’s performance. The quest for wi-fi would become a never ending saga for the band, especially in Canada. 

This show was the first to feature a very large crowd. But more than that, there again were people who knew our material that we had never met. The response was amazing while we played. It was overwhelming. I got a little emotional and looked back at Pete during the show. We were dumbfounded. Who were these people? They had done their homework and checked us out online no doubt, and they loved what we delivered in person. 

After the show we were able to sit back and finally take in Pain of Salvation. They were amazing. We signed autographs and met fans. We sold a t-shirt to a very drunk guy who cried when he bought it, and then threw all of his money at us. Yep. Overall, an amazing night. This felt great. We are on tour and people know who we are! Have we been wasting our time not leaving our home town more often? 

Onward to Baltimore.} 

 Kingcrow: 

By the time Kingcrow took the stage, the crowd was sufficiently energized to hear their set. Most of the songs they played were from their very new release, “In Crescendo.” Vocalist Diego Marchesi gave a very warm Italian welcome and provided some very melodic vocals that were well-received at the show. Guitarists and backing vocals handled by Ivan Nastasi and Diego Cafolla showed deft fretwork as well as good support for Diego M’s soaring vocals. Diego C’s brother, Thundra Cafolla handled the drums while he was partnered by Francesco D’Errico on bass to keep the solid rhythm going through every song. Cristian Della Polla’s keyboards gave the ethereal and orchestral touches to top off this Italian prog metal sextet. You can follow them on Facebook here.  

Here is a sample of their performance at this concert from footage that I took:


Setlist: The Drowning Line, Right Before, In Crescendo, This Ain’t a Love Song, Fading Out Pt. III, Phlegethon 

Pain of Salvation: 

When Pain of Salvation took the stage, the excitement was palpable. The Swedish band has not toured in America for 9 years, and our show in Springfield, VA was the first on their North American Tour. Their guitarist Ragnar Zolberg was conspicuously missing, and after an opening song or two, Daniel Gildenlöw gave a gracious introduction and then proceeded to share with the crowd the comedy of errors they had encountered just within the last day or two that could have significantly affected the tour. Firstly, about the day before they were leaving Sweden to fly to the US, Ragnar’s wife – who is only 6 months pregnant – went to the hospital and at the time of the concert they were considering having to do an emergency delivery. This was totally unexpected, since they thought they had a good 3 month buffer still, and they continued without him for the tour. Then on top of that, when they landed in Philadelphia, their tour van did not show up to drive them to DC and they had to rent and SUV and drive themselves the 3 or so hours to make it to our venue. However, Daniel stated that they made good use of their time discussing how they were going to handle being lead guitar-less for the tour and how the parts might be covered, while getting a nice scenic tour along the way. Despite the setbacks, they made it to the venue and even with only on guitar still did a fantastic job. They played a fairly long set and the crowd was supportive all the way, with Daniel Karlsson on keys, Léo Margarit on drums, and Gustaf Hielm on bass in addition to Daniel Gildenlöw on lead vocals and guitar. One of the highlights was their *disco* cover of Dio’s Holy Diver, which had the audience cheering. You can follow them on Facebook here. 

 Here is a sample from their performance at this concert from some footage I took:


Setlist: Softly She Cries, Linoleum, Diffidentia, Ashes, 1979, To the Shoreline, Holy Diver, Stress, Disco Queen, Ending Theme, Iter Impius, Spitfall, Falling/The Perfect Element

~View my pictures from the concert here~