Archive for March, 2020
From Russia with Love
This is my cover of the theme from the 1963 film “From Russia With Love”, which was the second in the James Bond series. The song was composed by Lionel Bart, who also wrote the musical “Oliver!”. In the film, the title song was sung by Matt Monro.
This tune has proven a popular instrumental guitar rock track, including versions by the Ventures and Hank Marvin.
Theme from “The Incredible Hulk”
This is my cover of the Theme from “The Incredible Hulk”. It was composed by Joe Harnell for the late 70’s – early 80’s TV series starring Bill Bixby and Lou Ferrigno.
The theme is also known as “The Lonely Man” and was always heard during the closing credits as a piano solo.
Pickin’ Wings
“Pickin’ Wings” is an original instrumental intended to be similar to the style of the Ventures’ country-influenced material, which typically featured the great Nokie Edwards playing lead.
Don’t Think Twice
This is my instrumental cover of “Don’t Think Twice, It’s All Right“, a song written by Bob Dylan in 1962 and released on the 1963 album The Freewheelin’ Bob Dylan. It has been covered by so many artists that I won’t bother to try to list them.
My arrangement is a tribute to the great Gerry McGee, who passed away while on tour in Japan in 2019. Gerry frequently performed this song with the Ventures and in his own concerts.
For the Boys
“For the Boys” is an original instrumental intended to be in the early 1960s style of the Shadows.
Solar Orbiter
“Solar Orbiter” is an original instrumental intended to be similar to the style of the Ventures’ “outer-space” material. This particular sub-genre was kicked off by the Tornadoes hit “Telstar” in 1962. Quite a few copycats quickly followed.
The Ventures released “The Ventures in Space” in 1964, and was reportedly the first one which featured their use of Mosrite guitars.
Classical Gas
This is my arrangement for two guitars of the 1968 instrumental hit “Classical Gas”. It was composed and originally performed by Mason Williams with instrumental backing by members of the Wrecking Crew.
Originally named “Classical Gasoline”, the tune was envisioned to be “fuel” for the classical guitar repertoire. The title was later inadvertently shortened by a music copyist.
Williams was the head writer for The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour at the time of the piece’s release and premiered the composition on the show.
“Classical Gas” was frequently performed by both Nokie Edwards and Gerry McGee live during concerts by the Ventures as well as in their own solo concerts.
Nagasaki Memories
This is my cover of “Nagasaki Memories”, originally by released the Ventures in the early 1970s for the Japanese market. Songwriting credit goes to Bob Bogle, Don Wilson, Gerry McGee, Mel Taylor and John Durrill.
I transcribed and recorded this tune as a tribute to the great Gerry McGee, who passed away while on tour in Japan in 2019.
Hakkaido Skies
This is my cover of “Hakkaido Skies”, originally by released the Ventures in 1967 for the Japanese market. Songwriting credit goes to Bob Bogle, Don Wilson, and Mel Taylor.
I transcribed and recorded this tune as a tribute to the great Gerry McGee, who passed away while on tour in Japan in 2019.
In the Mood
This is my cover of “In the Mood“, a popular big band-era jazz standard recorded by American bandleader Glenn Miller. A No. 1 hit, it topped the charts for 13 straight weeks in 1940 in the U.S.
My version is based on the Shadow’s version from their 1964 album “Dance With the Shadows”.
Reflections in a Palace Lake
This is my cover of “Reflections in a Palace Lake”, originally by released the Ventures in the early 1970s for the Japanese market. Songwriting credit goes to Bob Bogle, Don Wilson, Gerry McGee, Mel Taylor and John Durrill.
I transcribed and recorded this tune as a tribute to the great Gerry McGee, who passed away while on tour in Japan in 2019.
Stranger in Midosuji
This is my cover of “Stranger in Midosuji”, originally by released the Ventures in the early 1970s for the Japanese market. Songwriting credit goes to Bob Bogle, Don Wilson, Gerry McGee, Mel Taylor and John Durrill.
I transcribed and recorded this tune as a tribute to the great Gerry McGee, who passed away while on tour in Japan in 2019.
Zamboni
“Zamboni” is an original instrumental intended to be in the early 1960s style of the Shadows.
Kyoto Doll
This is my cover of “Kyoto Doll”, originally a single released by the Ventures in 1970 for the Japanese market. Songwriting credit is given to Don Wilson, Gerry McGee, Mel Taylor and John Durrill.
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