A couple of months ago, I wrote a post called, “See The Music”, about the photography of Jim Marshall. Now, I have long been a big fan of Marshall’s work but, what I didn’t know about was Jim’s involvement with MSFriends and the Rock for MS fund raising programs.
More than ten years ago, Jim Marshall hired Amelia as his assistant knowing she had MS, and since then Jim has become a passionate advocate for the needs of people living with MS.
MSFriends is dedicated to improving the quality of life for people with Multiple Sclerosis. Having received the diagnosis of primary progressive M.S. myself, a couple of years back, it does my heart good to see people doing this work.
On July, 23rd, MSFriends will be putting on a Rock for MS event that will include an auction featuring Marshall’s work as well as that of other prominent photographers.
Through Jim’s influence, other well-known rock photographers such as Henry Diltz, Baron Wolman, Neal Preston, Michael Zagaris and others are now pitching in to donate their work for auction or sale. MSFriends has established a powerful, high profile presence in three of the most important music and photography centers in this country: San Francisco, Los Angeles and New York.
Rock for MS
July 23rd, 2008
Key Club
West Hollywood, California
310-274-5800
Here is the link to the gallery page where you can see some examples of pieces that will be up for auction.
Now, I know that there are a some regular readers that live in SoCal. You guys need to get on over to the Key Club this Wednesday (more details at the website). Here’s a formal invite.
Those of you, who aren’t going to be in Sunny Cali, can still show your support by visiting the Rock for MS store, where you can find items like a very nifty Jimi-guitar pick-necklace, T-shirts and Jim Marshall prints.
IG posted a really nice article over the 4th of July weekend called, “The Guitar Players Bill Of Rights”. He had a list of ten things that he describes as inalienable rights for guitarists. This is one that hits home.
You have the right to enjoy playing guitar.
Let’s face it. Too many guitar players think “difficult” when it comes to playing. That’s why many end up quitting. If you really have the desire to play guitar but dread the work required to play, that’s your fault. Take a moment to stop and think about what you’ve done to get yourself into this situation. What do you need to do differently? Do you need to change your attitude about your practicing routine, or look into a new method to feel stimulated? What will make you grab your guitar each day with a big smile on your face? Suffering is optional. Turn your playing into something you enjoy. That’s why you chose to play guitar in the first place.
See, I think that’s really insightful, nice work IG. The thing is, it applies to everybody, not just guitarists.
If you’ve been a regular here for awhile then, you are probably aware of my experience with Multiple Sclerosis. In a nutshell, the M.S. presented itself in my hands, it was a lengthy diagnosis and, since the diagnosis, I have been, little by little, re-learning how to play guitar. If you are interested, and have some spare time, I wrote a very, in-depth post about my experience last October called, “New Angles”.
At one point, I had a breakthrough moment where I realized that my progress increased more rapidly when I consciously made an effort to have fun with the guitar. Rather than just work on improving my skills and facility.
The inspiration for this type of thinking was jazz guitarist Pat Martino. Now, I’ve long been a fan of Martino’s playing. I was also very interested in the fact that Martino had suffered a brain aneurysm and loss of memory, including the memory of how to play guitar. He re-learned how to play and at a very high level. He is really a philosopher as well. He often speaks of living in the moment and the concept of joy. Take a look at this interview, where Mr. Martino describes a little of his unique experience. There are words here that all can benefit from.
As always….before playing the YouTube, hit pause on the music player to your left.
Well, we lost another couple of good ones over the last couple of days.
On Saturday, legendary organ player Jimmy McGriff.
Longtime jazz and blues organist Jimmy McGriff, known for his 1960s recordings of “I’ve Got a Woman” and “All About My Girl,” has died. He was 72.
McGriff’s death on Saturday from multiple sclerosis was confirmed to The Associated Press on Monday by his wife, Margaret McGriff. At the time of his death, McGriff lived in the Philadelphia suburb of Voorhees, New Jersey.
Here’s a YouTube of McGriff’s record “Turn Blue”. There is no video, a photo montage but, it’s a great song and will give you a little idea of what McGriff was all about. He could make the B3 moan, growl, sing and laugh.
As always, just hit pause on the music player to your left when playing the YouTube.
Jimmy McGriff website.
National M.S. Society website.
Then, this came came news of the passing of Earl Hagen.
Earle H. Hagen, who co-wrote the jazz classic “Harlem Nocturne” and composed memorable themes for “The Andy Griffith Show,” “I Spy,” “The Mod Squad” and other TV shows, has died. He was 88.
Hagen, who is heard whistling the folksy tune for “The Andy Griffith Show,” died Monday night at his home in Rancho Mirage, his wife, Laura, said Tuesday. He had been in ill health for several months.
Hagen worked on many other T.V. shows and movies. There isn’t any among us who haven’t heard his work.
“He loved it,” his wife said. “The music just flowed from him, and he would take off one hat and put on another and go on to the next show.”
Hagen enjoyed the immediacy of the small screen, he told the American Society of Musicians Arrangers & Composers in 2000.
“It was hard work, with long hours and endless deadlines, but being able to write something one day and hear it a few days later appealed to me,” he said. “Besides, I was addicted to the ultimate narcosis in music, which is the rush you get when you give a downbeat and wonderful players breathe life into the notes you have put on paper.”
Here is Danny Gatton playing “Harlem Nocturne”.
As always, just hit pause on the music player to your left when playing the YouTube.
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