Here’s a piece is called “Guitar Drifting” – perhaps a reference to car drifting.

This great music video of the amazing guitar player Andy McKee has racked up an incredible 13,101,129 views on YouTube (as of 18-Apr-2008). Nonetheless, there are still a few billion people who have not yet seen or heard this incredibly gifted guitarist. And yes, you really should see him perform on video, or on tour, to get a deeper understanding and appreciation for his wonderful guitar hammering style.

Until recently, Andy was just a great guitarist (from Topeka, Kansas) that most people would never hear about. But now Andy is another great example of a talented, and persistent musician, who successfully used the power of the Internet to bring his music directly to the people. Quoting from Andy’s website:

Andy McKee is one of the world’s finest acoustic soloists. After receiving over 20 million views collectively for his Youtube videos which were posted by the independent record label “Candyrat”, Andy’s success is a testament to the changing nature of the music industry as well as people’s desire for something new and interesting to listen to. At one point, Andy held the #1, #2 and #3 positions for Top-Rated Videos of all time on the hugely popular website. His videos are still among the highest rated on Youtube. Consequently, Andy has performed to sold out shows all over the world.

McKee has released 4 CDs, and there are MP3s you can do download.

Afterwords:

Andy’s teenage influences from Dust In The Wind; attending a guitar clinic by acoustic master Preston Reed (when Andy was 16), and sudden rise from obscure guitar teacher to international guitar phenomena is chronicled in a November 2007 Lawrence.com article.

Wow! I’m never really one to watch American Idol. (I think I’ve seen 3 episodes in my life). But this video clip on YouTube caught my eye. I’ve heard this song by Darlene Zschech (bio-story) at my church (and on the radio) before, but did not expect to see it show up on American Idol, YouTube, and all over the blogosphere.

Josh Harris thought they watered down the lyrics, but maybe you have a new attitude, and it gives you something to shout about.

My Jesus, My Savior
Lord there is none like You
All of my days, I want to praise
The wonders of Your mighty love
My Comfort, My Shelter
Tower of refuge and strength
Let every breath, all that I am
Never cease to worship You!

Shout to the Lord, all the earth
Let us sing. Power and majesty, praise to the King.
Mountains bow down and the seas will roar
At the sound of Your name
I sing for joy at the work of Your hands
Forever I’ll love you, forever I’ll stand
Nothing compares to the promise I have in You!

You can download an MP3 of the song from Amazon.

Looks OK so far.