music july 11

Music

The Profiles of Some Famous Guitarists
By Patrick Carpen

Most of us are quite enchanted by the magic of guitar. The mesmerizing tune and sweet tingling of the guitar strings have enamored many a man who has later moved on to become musical legends in their individual niche. There is a roster of famous and successful guitarists who have mastered this enigmatic art of music.

Amongst the many legendary stalwarts, Jimi Hendrix undoubtedly tops the list of profiles of famous guitarists. A genius in its truest sense, the legendary Hendrix was born in 1942. An American by birth, the maestro was a singer and lyricist, and is considered around the globe as one of the most influential and enigmatic personas in the ambit of rock music. One of the milestones in his career was his 1967 performance at the Monterey Pop Festival which raised him to instant fame in the United States and was followed by many accolades.

Besides earning a huge name and fame for himself through his forte as a great singer and musician, the legendary maestro also improvised the art of rock music in his own signature way, and he incorporated a number of innovations and techniques into the older forms of rock and jazz music. Quite recently, Hendrix was inducted into the USA's Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1992, and into the UK Music Hall of Fame in 2005.

The very meaning of rock music becomes insignificant without the mention of B. B. King, the master craftsman in the art of music. An ingenious guitarist and singer-cum-song writer in the American Blues, B.B. King was considered the Third Greatest Guitarist of All Time in the 2003 listing of Rolling Stone magazine.

The legendary musician started his journey in the world of music in 1946, and worked in the local R&B radio channel as a vocalist. However, soon after this he began recording under big names and became a prominent figure among the best musicians in the R&B music scene. Some of his greatest all time hits during this period include, "Whole Lotta Love," "Every Day I Have the Blues," "You Know I Love You," and "Please Accept My Love." Amidst his many achievements as a successful singer and composer, is included his most recent felicitation at the Three Deuces Building in Greenwood, Mississippi, for his maiden in radio broadcasting. Also, a grand memorial in the name of B. B. King Museum and Delta Interpretive Center is all set to be inaugurated on September 13, 2008, in Indianola, Mississippi.

Robert Johnson is another of the famous names in the world of guitar and its magic. Born on May 8, 1911, as Robert Leroy Johnson, the veteran guitarist was one of the brightest stars in the entire Delta Blues group. The period between 1936 and 1937 saw him in great guns when he claimed and proved his forte as a brilliant guitarist and lyricist, as well as an awesome singer. Often regarded as the "Grandfather of Rock-and-Roll," Robert Johnson is believed to have been a great influence in the world of rock music, inspiring many legends of the same genre, including Bob Dylan, The Allman Brothers Band, Jimi Hendrix, Led Zeppelin, The Black Keys, and many others. Eric Clapton, another legend of the same kind, has called Johnson "the most important blues musician who ever lived."

Does Music Help Children?
By Gemma Lee

Why is music important for kids? This question has been debated for as long as time has existed. Even the great Greek and Roman philosophers approached the question: is music something that should be taught and does it help the development of children? Plato answered "I would teach children music, physics, and philosophy; but most importantly music, for in the patterns of music and all arts are the keys to learning." And again "what then is the education to be? Perhaps we could hardly find a better than that which the experience of the past has already discovered, which consists, I believe, in gymnastic, for the body, and music for the mind."

In all cultures of the world music plays an important role. While these roles may change depending on the culture it is impossible to separate music from the life of an individual. While some may argue the role of music in our lives it is impossible to escape it. Even in popular culture it is impossible to go shopping without hearing music. Music provides a means of communication and exp-ression of culture and individual identity.

Children are immersed in music from birth and will be for their entire life. If this is the case why teach it? Is not the constant immersion in music enough? To this I say; is the fact that we witness the results of scientific principals on a day to day basis result in the understanding of those scientific principles? No it does not and likewise for music it does not either. The day to day encounters we have with music can move us but the understanding of this music can help us grow as individuals.

In many cultures the family plays the main role in music education. Families are most commonly the ones that teach children the music of their culture. As young children, we are commonly sung nursery rhymes. These provide entertainment for the child and often information in small repeated fashion. Children learn through the repetition and structure that the information was delivered in. many nursery rhymes teach fundamental life lesson and therefore sets music up as a means of educating. Children learn from music from a young age an will continue to for the rest of their lives. In a world where globalization and consumerism are dominating cultural identities are drifting into the background and children are more likely to be sung pop songs as lullabies than nursery rhymes. The benefit of nursery rhymes and progressive learning has become an issue. Children are missing out on fundamental learning opportunities.

The Mozart effect which gained a large following in the 1990's claimed that listening to Mozart as a baby will make a child smarter. While this movement was short lived and there is little proof that it works there has been no denying that children who learn music will achieve higher in other aspects of their academic life. In earning music children learn to express their identities, gain confidence and develop sense of time and space. A research team at the university of Munster in Germany discovered that students who study music have more developed abstract reasoning skills which are closely linked to learning in the areas of science and math.

I do not believe that there is any argument to this question…music is a vital part of a child's education and should be taken seriously. Listening to music is not enough! A child must learn to think musically and that is what will help assist the development of the child and their academic development.

PHOENIX BLOCK CHEMTRAILS
By Mona Loring

Since the 1970’s rock has been the pinnacle of mainstream music, begging the question-what happened to bands emerging on the scene that are reminiscent of icons U2 and Bon Jovi - bands that not only young adults can enjoy, but adults as well? Sure terrific bands have come and gone, but has anyone really officially taken the place of the greats? It's definitely up for debate.

Just when chances of another iconic band emerging seemed to be lost, the band Phoenix Block has seemingly risen from the ashes, gratifyingly restoring our faith in the classic stadium rock bands once again.

Through a combination of fervent energy and modern electronica experimentalism, Phoenix Block is a band of four unique individuals who, together, create an undeniable power with a sound that touches every listener. Through their gripping music and words, one can truly sense the desire and passion that drives this band and fuels the energy encompassed by their groundbreaking new debut full-length album, "Chemtrails." Produced and mixed by Tony Catania and mixed by George Marino of Sterling Sound, the album is a must-hear for any rock fan.

On first listen, "Chemtrails" impressively fits into the caliber of a U2 or Bon Jovi album. In fact, it was pleasantly surprising to find that every single song on the album held its own- between quality lyrical content and stellar sound quality. The best way to describe Phoenix Block's music is modern rock and electronica, fused with meaningful lyrics and great hooks, spiced up with alternative rock influences. The guys definitely bring the best of the 1960s, 1970s, 1980s, and 1990s to the table as their influences are notably The Beatles, The Eagles, The Cars, and of course U2, just to name a few. While at it, this millennium should be noted- they sound a little like Coldplay at times as well.
Phoenix Block has managed to create atmospheric soundscapes with strong guitars, rock beats, and feature impeccable vocal performances by lead singer Andrew Jaffe. Andrew's pop, alternative, and rock music styles blended with the influences of the other band members has created a sound like no other. The music emanates a sound that drummer Darrell Nutt describes as being, "rocktronica-- storytelling rock with a few twists and turns into electronica."

"Chemtrails" definitely starts out strong with "Can't Divide Us" as their opening track. The running theme throughout the album is longing, change, and a feeling of unison and this song sets the tone. The most fascinating track, and the song that has already started a buzz across the nation, is "Future Calling" which has been dubbed as the unofficial campaign song for presidential hopeful Barack Obama. The track is definitely a nice little hook to get these guys started in the industry. This song really sounds like it could have been released by U2, but Phoenix Block definitely adds a great touch.

The track is definitely one to watch for on radio (yes the guys are getting airplay now!). "My One" is a heartfelt ballad, where the band takes the listeners through the emotional journey of losing a loved one. "On My Mind" is yet another solid ballad the band serves up, and a stand-out track on the album. Their lyrics are familiar, yet original, authentic and sincere. "That was the angst that provided energy for this album, these elements created a force within each song and each vocal track, and I hope that it is something that people can connect with," lead singer Jaffe says.

All in all, Phoenix Block leaves a sound in your ear that is something familiar that you can't exactly put your finger on, but leaves you begging for more. It is hard to believe that this is their first effort as a group putting out a full-length album, "Chemtrails" is a big breath of fresh air, and it establishes Phoenix Block as a definite band to watch over the next year. They have a true shot at becoming a band that will stand the test of time, and become music icons. "Chemtrails" is set to be released sometime in early August.
Phoenix Block is: Andrew Jaffe (lead vocals, guitar, piano, percussion) Steve Schoeffler (guitar, piano, vocals, keyboard) Tony Catania (bass, guitar, keyboard, vocals) and Darrell Nutt (drums).