Andy McKee demonstrates some great harmonics in a piece called Heather’s Song.
Andy is probably the most popular fingerstyle guitarist to emerge in recent years. There’s an interview of Andy on IntrumentalCase.com where he talks about his recent success:
“I had been teaching guitar for the last 10 years but recently stopped due to all of these gig opportunities. I was on the late night show Last Call with Carson Daly back in February. Someone there had seen the YouTube videos and emailed me… I performed in England, Germany, and Austria a couple months ago, and will be in Portugal in June, Canada this summer, Japan in September… I’m really living my dream, making a decent living playing music! It’s all I’ve wanted to do since the age of about 14.”
Blues harmonica done right! It’s fun to listen to. I love music with an aggressive attitude; played by a musician with an opinion of how it should sound. Bluesy music sounds better played by people with a ‘bad attitude’. What am I trying to say? What does that mean? It’s more than just bending a few notes, or adding more cowbell. At the heart of grooveology is improvisation; taking a risk.
I’ve been pondering the mysteries of musical creativity (innovation, improvisation) as it relates to creativity, and risk taking in other domains. This is a huge topic; it won’t fit in one article — but let’s get started and see where it leads.
“Musical improvisers often understand the idiom of one or more musical styles — e.g. blues, rock, folk, jazz — and work within the idiom to express ideas with creativity and originality. When done well, it often elicits gratifying emotional responses from the audience.” – from Improvisation, Wikipedia
What do you think of Andy McKee’s style? Would you say Andy has an unconventional style? People are fascinated by his musical style because his methodology is new, unique, and innovative. He takes risks. He innovates. He improvises. He abuses the classical guitar methodology so badly, that one can barely recognize it. Andy has an amazing attitude, and a unique opinion about how the guitar should be played.
Leading film-makers are seeking to change the way we think about other countries. This is one of a powerful series of films to be shown on Pangea Day, May 10th, “the day the world comes together through film”. Set against the backdrops of Nairobi city and the beautiful landscape of Uhuru Park, a Kenyan choir sings the Indian national anthem, Jana Gana Mana.
Credits…
Concept: JOHANNES LEONARDO / Produced by: Blue Sky Films (EPZ) Ltd Producers: Mario Zvan, Jim Shamoon Director: Bob Nyanja Production Manager: Hemal Shah Production Coordinator: Shiv Mandavia Production Assistants: Consolata Karani, Phylis Andika Production Accountant: Catherine Mumbua Assistant Director: Tosh Gitonga Location Manager: Yayha Chavanga Director of Photography: Martin Munyua Combined flags provided by conceptual artist: Mariano Favetto Choir Coordinator: Maggie Kiundi Camera Assistant: Kevin Ouma Best Boy Lighting: Francis Ouma Electrician: Ezekiel Andika Key Grip: Jackie Tella Crane Grip: Steve Obunde Assistant Grip: Ken Omutimba Sound Recordist: Lee Smith Wardrobe Coordinator: Sophie Oprisanu Wardrobe Assistant: Chris Kariuki Unit Coordinator: Patrick Musyimi Unit Assistants: Wycliff Obote, Joel Karo Editor: Philip Murugi Drivers: Lawrence Macharia, George Atsiaya, Ferdinand Yeswa, Mwangi D., and also Mbugwa D.
Choir: Geoffrey Mukoto, Esther Nyandia Kariuki, Violet Muhonjia Ingosi, Urbanus Kioko Octavy, Jane Wandi Wanjira Njeru, Mathew Muriuki Githinji, James Kagwimah, Brenda N. Munyasia, Marietta Mwamachi, Rosemary Nyongai, Stephan Okoth, Mary Mwende Mutua, Liboyi Paul Nganyi, Justus Mutua, David Mumanga, Dorcas Akinyi, Agatha Nafula, Abbyserah W. Kiruri, Scholastica Ngolanie
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!
