Fingerstyle Guitar!

In this episode - Fingerstyle Guitar . . .

In a previous podcast, we shared our experience at the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville, Tennessee, where we attended a concert by the accomplished fingerstyle guitarist Tommy Emmanuel.

Suppose you've never seen Tommy in concert. I promise - you will never look at a guitar the same way again! And believe what you are seeing and hearing is possible. Every inch of his guitar gets plucked or pounded to propel the beat, scratched to imitate symbols, driven with a rhythmic thump, thump, thump to lead with the bass, and magic fingers that tickle the strings to drive pure harmonic tones. So, please don't pass it up when you can see him live.

During a local performance by Tommy Emmanuel at the Coach House in San Juan Capistrano, CA, on December 14, 2022, we were introduced to Mike Dawes, an exceptionally talented and creative guitarist renowned for his impressive fingerstyle technique. It was a delightful surprise!

Born in England on November 20, 1983, Mike developed an early passion for music and started playing the guitar at 13. His uncanny talent and dedication led him on a remarkable journey in the guitar world. With his unique approach to the instrument, Mike quickly gained recognition for his intricate fingerstyle arrangements and captivating performances. He is celebrated for his ability to blend percussive techniques, harmonics, and melodic lines, creating a rich and dynamic sound that pushes the boundaries of what's possible on the guitar.

Mike rose to fame in 2013 with his solo acoustic cover of Gotye's "Somebody That I Used to Know" on YouTube, earning millions of views and showcasing his talent in the guitar community. Since then, Mike Dawes has continued to build a strong presence in the music industry, captivating listeners with his original compositions and inventive covers of popular songs. To date, he has released several highly acclaimed albums, including "What Just Happened?" (2013), "Era" (2017), and "Shows and Distancing: Live in the USA" (2021). His music encompasses various styles, incorporating folk, rock, and jazz. One of his best covers is Jump, by Van Halen.

Mike has toured extensively with renowned musicians such as Justin Hayward from The Moody Blues and Tommy Emmanuel, solidifying his reputation as a standout in the guitar world.

In addition to his solo career, he is an active collaborator and session musician, working with various artists across different genres. Mike continues to inspire and influence aspiring guitarists through his workshops, masterclasses, and online tutorials, sharing his expertise and unique approach to the instrument. Mike Dawes continues to push the boundaries of the acoustic guitar and captivate audiences worldwide with his extraordinary musicality.

Check him out on Spotify, and if you get a chance, don't miss seeing him in concert. You will be amazed and delighted.

I'm Patrick Ball; thanks for listening. See you in the next episode.

Comments

Everything I Need to Know About Christmas

In this episode, Everything I Need to Know About Christmas–I Learned From a Little Golden Book. We are thrilled to present this year's (2024) annual Christmas episode for kids! The story has it: back in 2020, when we first launched On the Fly , one of Santa's helpers whispered a fantastic idea into our ear on Thanksgiving Day. “Wouldn’t it be fun to share children's books by sending an audio file to your nieces, nephews, neighbors, and friends so they can enjoy the story with their little ones?” So we did, and here’s the list of books and stories organized chronologically. Feel free to click the links and listen again, or maybe for the first time. Twas the Night Before Christmas Christmas Eve-Day How the Grinch Stole Christmas Frosty the Snowman The Story of Rudolph The 1939–Original Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer Tracking Santa Santa’s Toy Shop My listening friends, choosing the right story has always been challenging, but the journey has been rewarding. It's our wish t...

Gobble, Gobble, Let’s All Trot

Oh, a Turkey Trot, a funny sight, A morning stroll, a pure delight. Six forty-five is the time to start, So let’s all run (walk) with all our hearts. While others Turkey hunt today a foolish plight, We’ll run and jog with pure delight. No need for guns, no need for gear, Just happy feet and holiday cheer. New York City is a bustling place, A different trot, a different pace. With Macy’s Parade, a colorful sight, The city’s bright a morning light. But here in Vista, we’ll run our own, A festive race, a joyful tone. So lace up shoes, and let’s all go, To run and walk, row by row. A Turkey Trot, a thankful sight, A perfect way to welcome daylight. Happy Thanksgiving! I hope you have a fantastic day filled with joy and togetherness! I'm Patrick Ball; thanks for listening, see you in the next episode.

Unexpected Encounter

In this episode, Unexpected Encounter . . . Life presents peculiar twists that make us ponder the universe’s mysteries. Last week, I found an unexpected book : Another Lousy Day in Paradise , A 1996 fly fishing journal by the inspiring humorist and author John Gierach. It may seem strange for a random book selection to inspire such reflection but stay with me. I’ve always been a bookworm, often buying more than I can read—ask my wife. This book had been gathering dust on my shelf for over 28 years. As I delved into Gierach’s witty and insightful writing, I was captivated by his unique perspective on life, fly fishing, and the outdoors. In 1992, while living in Manhattan, I stumbled into a shop on 5th Avenue called The Urban Angler . I purchased my first fly rod, an Orvis eight-and-a-half foot, three-ounce, five-weight beauty! I remember thinking Dad would say, “Why the hell would you buy a fishing rod in New York City?” “Because I want to learn to Flyfish.” “In New Yo...

A Scent of Nostalgia

In this episode, A Scent of Nostalgia: Old Spice . . . Empty! Here’s an odd question: Is there a particular scent that instantly transports you back to childhood? For me, it's the unmistakable aroma of Old Spice Aftershave . It was my dad's go-to, or perhaps the only affordable option at Kroger when Mom did the grocery shopping. T his got me thinking; I wonder when Dad started using Old Spice? I distinctly recall the opaque white glass bottle from the 1960s on his shaving shelf. The front featured a sailing ship illustration; the " Old Spice " branding was in red script below it . The bottle's tapered shape narrowed toward the top, culminating in a small aperture secured with a gray stopper. Did you know that Old Spice has a fascinating history? It all started in 1937 when the Shulton Company, founded by William Lightfoot Schultz, introduced a unique fragrance. Interestingly, this original product was meant for women! Inspired by his mother's deligh...

On The Fly

Search This Blog