"DEAR DIARY..."

Song of the Week #8 - "Skinny Devil Shuffle"

David M. — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 15:10:54 GMT

"Skinny Devil Shuffle" clocks in at 2:37, but this isn't a true representation of the song length. It's actually much shorter - just a little jam over a 12-bar blues shuffle. But this one was so much fun (you hear us laughing and such) that we left the mistakes and re-starts and after 2 false starts you get the real thing. The shuffle (think triplettes, but drop the "2") groove is in E (a blues E, not a diatonic E) and I just play around with some fun blues cliches, running up & down the neck a bit having fun. No words, nothing fancy - just a blues jam with a giant grin on my face and Blue humming along! http://www.skinnydevil.com/Skinny Devil Shuffle.mp3 Enjoy! original post: http://skinnydevilmusic.blogspot.com/2009/11/song-of-week-8-skinny-devil-shuffle.html

Song of the Week #7 - "Imagine We"

David M. — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 15:49:15 GMT

original post: http://skinnydevilmusic.blogspot.com/2009/10/song-of-week-7-imagine-we.html ===== "Imagine We" clocks in at 4:41 and is chock full of guitar mayhem hidden within it's mellow exterior. Today, I mostly want to talk about compositional ideas.... Borrowing from a common melodic theme heard in dozens of songs sung over a simply Cmaj7 to Am7 change, followed by a 2nd section that replaces the C with an F add9 (the F doesn't properly replace the C until you add the maj 7 and the add9, then you get out of the box, which creates some interesting opportunities for the melody). The F add9 then expands to add the mj7 & #11 for extra spice. Then comes the twist: a modulation to F#m (using the4 same 2 chord pattern, this time F#m add9 to E add9) that pivots off the A note in both Am7 & F#m. The F# expands using the same open E & B to an F#m11, with the E & B notes common to the Eadd9. This allows a pivot back to the original key using, again, the E & B that are also common to the Cmaj7. Cute, huh? Several more things then rear up: the same bridge that we saw in "That You're Gone" and "Ragamuffin Voodoo" re-appears (again, in a new context) and the stage is set using some mean guitar runs that occur later on the CD in other songs, for more self-referencing tie-ins on "Virtual Light". I wonder how many more YOU can find? We haven't even mentioned the lyrics yet, or melodic themes. Yes, "Virtual Light" is becoming quite the musical puzzle.... Listen here: http://www.skinnydevil.com/Imagine We.mp3 Enjoy!

Song of the Week #6 - "Ragamuffin Voodoo"

David M. — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 14:30:57 GMT

"Ragamuffin Voodoo" (3:47) is song #6 from "Virtual Light", a quick, energetic, and a fun song to play! The song kicks off with a vocal riff (me) followed immediately by a second vocal (Blue) singing a haunting opposing line. This second vocal, if it sounds familiar, is a direct reference to the title track, "Virtual Light". The guitar comes in and doubles vocal, then adds some cool percussive effects. The verses feature some fun vocal harmonies and the chorus sneaks in some wicked & challenging guitar licks scattered about the main riff. One really fun tid-bit is the guitar referencing the vocal: "Draw your line in the sand Strange design, stranger hand Drop the 5 and raise the 4..." After which the guitar plays a standard blues lick that features the tri-tone - the lick slides up 1/2 step from the 4th scale degree to the sharp 4 (or flat 5). "Diabolus in Musica" is Latin for "the devil in music" or simply "devil music", which I thought was a witty tie-in to both our general blues style (blues used to be known as devil music) and to the song title "Ragamuffin Voodoo". The bridge is a common theme in many of the songs on "Virtual Light", starting with last week's entry, "That You're Gone", only this time the context is completely different. The context in "Gone" is the relative minor to the songs key of E major, while in "Voodoo" it comes as a clear modulation away from the Em (G) context, but the final B chord is the dom5, leading back to Em (as the dom7 chord allows a return to either a major or minor tonality). Here it is: http://www.skinnydevil.com/Ragamuffin Voodoo.mp3 Original post & free MP3: http://skinnydevilmusic.blogspot.com/2009/10/song-of-week-6-ragmuffin-voodoo.html

Song of the Week #5 - "That You're Gone"

David M. — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 13:54:42 GMT

original post & MP3: http://skinnydevilmusic.blogspot.com/2009/10/song-of-week-5-that-youre-gone.html ===== We're back this week with song #5 from "Virtual Light" (the new CD from my duo Alien Blue): "That You're Gone" (5:07). This song came about while I was jamming. Just goofing off by myself using that classic Hendrix R&B chord-melody style that Jimi developed by expanding on the ideas put forth by Ike Turner, Curtis Mayfield, Steve Cropper, and others. After Hendrix used this in songs like "Castles Made of Sand" and "Little Wing" the idea was picked up by others (you've heard it in songs by RHCP, Pearl Jam, Steve Vai, & more). So anyway, I'm toying with a 6/8 groove in E (E F# G# A B C# D#) using a I IV V and then started spicing it up (I get bored easily!), so I added the chromaticism by dropping in the D for the mixo-feel, then took the 4 chord from major to minor. The underlying progression then became: E B E A E B D_A Am Am E E Yes, yielding an 11 bar cycle with a descending line from bar 5 of E-D#-D-C#-C-B. The bridge also features some chromaticism, due solely because I love to listen to Blue harmonize with more complex harmonic options. I can never guess what she'll do, but I'm very selfish in that I want to enjoy the unique lines she draws in the sand. So I took a theme that is in many of the song bridges on "Virtual Light" (more on this later): C#m to B to A, which became C#m B Bm A cycled several times (w/ sus2 embellishments) and ended with the return to the A to Am that resolves back to E. Note the chromatic line is identical to the first section. Then we get to the 3rd and final section of the song where I employ open string chords and both Blue and I really open up vocally with a choir-esque sing-along sort of thing. From live performances we started extending several notes until it became sort of a contest to see who could hold the longest note (she usually wins), but she opted to take a more support role during this section, so I opened up with a long-held note that turned out to be 37 seconds on the recording. Probably the longest single note I've ever held, though not as long as notes I've heard Blue hold! Too bad this isn't a hit song or we'd hold a world record for longest note - a mark currently held by Morten Hacket of a-ha in their song "Summer Moved On" at 20.2 seconds. The lyrics deal with the grieving cycle and how we step not just from loss to acceptance, but from grief to celebration, exemplified by the last 3 lines of each section: "I see your face, and all I can say..." "I see your face, and hold back the tears..." "I see your face, and now I can smile." The final section is meant for you to sing along. No words, just a simple melody, so put it on, turn it up, listen....and sing!

"Virtual Light" Song of the Week #4

David M. — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 14:26:18 GMT

We've talked about (& listened to!) the first 3 songs from the new Alien Blue CD "Virtual Light": "Welcome to the Show", "Virtual Light", and "Cool Cat". Now it's time for song #4 - "harmonica interlude" (1:04). Less a song and more just me jamming on harmonica using a classic blues theme (G mixolydian blues using the draw 2 position of a garden variety C harp) for about a minute - hence the term "interlude". This one is simple & pure improv: I start playing, add a bit of Blue's impromptu vocals in the background, and an egg shaker playing along. Pure unadulterated fun! Listen here: http://www.skinnydevil.com/harmonica%20interlude.mp3 Enjoy! originally published: http://skinnydevilmusic.blogspot.com/2009/10/song-of-week-4-harmonica-interlude.html

"Virtual Light" Song of the Week" #3

David M. — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 15:25:18 GMT

"Cool Cat" - that's the third song from Alien Blue's new CD "Virtual Light" and one we've been playing for a while now. Basically, this song is all vocal with just a backing bass line and some finger snaps. Blue wrote all the lyrics and does an amazing vocal performance. We slapped a bit of echo in the mix and then left it alone. The song features the same approach as "Desperation" from the debut Alien Blue disc "An Alien Blue". Namely, the acoustic guitar mimics the sound of an up-right bass playing a cool blues line is classic old jazz style (1930s minimalist style, which often featured just bass, small drum kit, and piano) by using the pinky to mute at the bridge and thumping the string with the index finger. I often add a bit of sliding my fingers across the sound board to mimic the brushes across a snare, but not on the recording, though the thump approach allows for my finger to lightly smack the body of the guitar to help the beat along. Most folks are familiar with the style we mimic here thru songs like "My Funny Valentine" (cool descending chromatic line), "Summertime" (many people have heard Janis Joplins' late 1960s rendition), and a host of "cool jazz" approaches to standard torch songs....especially the song "Do Right" heard in the 1988 classic film "Who Framed Roger Rabbit?". Compositionally, I decided to expand on a "2 against 3" idea only moderately employed on "Desperation". This is the "aural magic trick" I refer to in the live shows. The bass line seems to veer off time, but then lands safely back on the one. What you hear is 3 pulses of the bass line for every 2 beats, yielding a somewhat hypnotic effect that I much enjoy. I hope YOU enjoy it, too! "He was the coolest cat that I've ever seen..." http://www.skinnydevil.com/Cool%20Cat.mp3 Original post: http://skinnydevilmusic.blogspot.com/

"Virtual Light" Song of the Week" #2

David M. — Mon, 21 Sep 2009 14:54:29 GMT

The second song from the new CD is the title track, "Virtual Light" (4:52). This one started out as a blues riff I was playing with that I decided to shift into the Phrygian mode (3rd mode of the major scale: 1 b2 b3 4 5 b6 b7) to see what that particular meat grinder would do to it. Turned out I liked it. I also add (due to the blues angle) the b5, so the scale often alludes to Locrian. So I'm jamming away on it and I think of my buddy Greg Francis. Greg, for those who don't know him, was the center of the project "Pharoah" which then morphed into "Akhanon". Most know him from his later work as bassist/vocalist for Beholder. Greg's solo music often featured phrygian flavors (he went the Egyptian rather than Spanish route). Anyway, that led me to think of his lyrical work as well as literary work. Greg used various themes, but he often used the "past, present, future" - hence the symmetry of reference from verse to verse (v-1 past, v-2 present, v-3 future) in "Virtual Light" (lyrics below). It also led me to place each verse in a different octave. The song is in F#m phrygian (the b5 notwithstanding), which allows for some demanding low notes. I opted to use my natural voice rather than the "fry" or "burn" range for the first verse; natural voice for the second (as it falls easily there); then rejected the falsetto option and stayed again with my natural range for the final verse, making this a VERY demanding piece to sing. I took this to Blue, who added some incredibly flowing but sophisticated harmonies & some cool percussion that, in my opinion, really pull the song together - especially her execution of the repeated vocal theme before each verse (tipping the hat to Plant) and the ghost vocals in the bridge - taking it from a conceptually interesting but not altogether listenable song to one of our funnest songs to play in the live set. Performance note: Coming out of the bridge I hold a vocal note that last for about 15 seconds, which is impressive only until you realize that Blue begins a breath at the opening of the bridge, through all her melodies, and lasts until the end: 23 seconds!!! To hear the MP3 and read the lyrics: http://skinnydevilmusic.blogspot.com/

"Virtual Light" Song of the Week" #1

David M. — Mon, 14 Sep 2009 14:06:48 GMT

http://skinnydevilmusic.blogspot.com/ "Virtual Light" Song of the Week" #1 Due to questions regarding the inspiration for the new Alien Blue CD "Virtual Light", we decided to do a "Song of the Week" feature, where we'll make some of the inspirations, concepts, & lyrics of each song available. So, without further ado... CD title and song # 1: The title of the new CD is "Virtual Light". The term was coined by Stephen Beck and is also the title of William Gibson's 4th novel (Gibson, by the by, is the man who invented the term "Cyberspace" and kicked off the entire Cyber-punk movement). More on this later, but you might wanna read it! "Welcome to the Show" (2:45) is the first song on the new CD. It opens with an open Asus2 chord and then, as the percussion comes in, weaves thru a couple of "middle eastern" scales: The primary theme is based on 2 scales playing simultaneously, depending on whether the vertical structure is based on an interval of a major 3 or a perfect 5. They are 1 b2 3 4 5 6 b7 and 1 b2 3 4 5 b6 7. It is not properly bi-tonal in the traditional sense, but it does provide an exotic mood. It is also a tip of the hat to Trent Reznor (9 Inch Nails) quoting his riff in the song "Wish" from their 2nd album. The rhythm is a straight 4 and this is because we open with the song live, bringing the audience in to help with percussion from the get-go, hopefully destroying (to varying degrees) the 4th wall inherent in any stage performance. The "4th wall" is the line between audience and performer. We explicitly mention this wall in the lyrics: "Hello - welcome to the show (come join us) we've got miles to go No 4th wall, we want you to play come join our parade" The ghosty harmony vocals only mildly reference the debut Alien Blue CD "An Alien Blue" and take the listener into an entirely new direction that is featured throughout the CD..... Give it a listen: Welcome to the Show

Off-topic "Reject basic assumptions..."

David M. — Fri, 31 Jul 2009 15:20:57 GMT

I posted this elsewhere, too.... Had a conversation the other day. I'm sure I was being complimented when he quoted the Tyler Durden character: "Reject the basic assumptions of civilizations (especially the importance of material possessions)". Not that he knows me well enough to know if I embrace such a view, but it begs the question: What ARE the basic assumptions of civilization? Of modern, western society? Tyler was attacking consumer culture only, so ignore "Fight Club" (those assumptions, presumably, extend far beyond just the scope of Chuck's book) and tell us: What is YOUR LIST of basic assumptions? (You can e-mail them , or you can leave comments here.)

Dear Diary #21 "Virtual Light" available NOW!

David M. — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 12:59:21 GMT

3 quick items: 1) New music from Alien Blue (CD release!); 2) New music from Greg Francis (songs released); 3) Gigs... 1) The new Alien Blue CD "Virtual Light" is complete and is now available on-line! http://kunaki.com/Sales.asp?PID=PX0078R4QB The disc features 12 new songs that my acoustic duo, Alien Blue, has been performing for the past few months, including the first single "That You're Gone" (with my stylistic tribute to Jimi on the bookends and a vocal note I hold for 37 seconds - ouch!). Hear it (and 2 other trax from "Virtual Light") on our myspace page: http://www.myspace.com/sdmusiclab Other songs include the dark phrygian sounds of the title track, "Virtual Light" (the most demanding vocal song for me on the disc), the 1940s-esque "Cool Cat" (smoky vocals from Blue), the high-energy "Ragamuffin Voodoo" (with Blues ghost vocals and some seriously fun guitar), and much more. It also includes some cool percussion throughout, a 1 minute harmonica jam, lots of vocal harmonies, and laughter throughout as we make mistakes and leave them for all to hear. Yep - this disc you get warts and all (hahaha!!!). Trax like "Skinny Devil Shuffle" (the laughing is audible more than once), "Like it Like That" (where I go horribly off-time and we're all stiffling laughter) and more fun blunders! If you don't want to wait to get it at the shows, a CD shop near you, or on-line retailers like Amazon, iTunes, or CD Baby (where it will be available soon), you can get it straight from the manufacturer's page here: http://kunaki.com/Sales.asp?PID=PX0078R4QB 2) My buddy Greg Francis (Pharoah, Beholder, etc.) has teamed up with Luke & Malachi (Prealius) and produced & released 5 excellent songs. Listen at their myspace page: http://www.myspace.com/prescientmusic 3) More gigs for Alien Blue coming up...Indiana, Georgia, Tennessee, South Carolina, then back home to Kentucky. Then pictures from the road, maybe video or live recordings.... More soon!

Cultural Icon Times 2 (Farrah & Michael)

David M. — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 13:03:59 GMT

I'm old enough to remember.... I remember the day Elvis died. I was playing at a friend's house. Paul R. Living in DC at the time. We were in the basement and his mom came down stairs in tears. "It's the End of an Era. The King is dead." was all she said. I didn't know what king she was talking about, I was just bummed because she sent me home - it was time to mourn. I walked home and my mom explained... I remember the day John Lennon died. I woke up, turned on the radio (different town). I was stunned. Gunned down? Why? I called my buddy Mark S., the biggest Beatles fan I knew (huge fan). "Have you heard the news?" "What news?" "Dude, you need to sit down....". He didn't believe me at first - and he wasn't in school that day. Yesterday, news was announced that Farrah Fawcett had died. Hours later, the news reported the death of Michael Jackson. Farrah from the cancer she had fought for several years; MJ we still don't know. Who among us who were alive in the 1970s were not riveted by Farrah's stunning look and personality? Who among us didn't have MJ as the ubiquitous soundtrack to their world? I didn't even much watch TV, including "Charlie's Angels" - but there was no escaping her presence. My music of choice was Aerosmith, Nazareth, & the Nuge - but Jackson's sound was heard everywhere. We loved Elvis, John Wayne, John Lennon...and we loved Farrah Fawcett and Michael Jackson. Do we remember what else was in the news those days? Is it any wonder we are only mildly aware of what else in in the news today? 20 years from now, will we remember the motorcycle bomb in Iraq or the riots in Iran? Will we remember heated talks with North Korea over nuclear missile tests or who won what sporting event? Will we remember if swine flu was 2009 or some other year, or which atrocity in Africa grabbed our attention for 60 seconds? I suspect not. But we will always remember the day we lost not one, but 2 Cultural Icons, as well we should. It is more than our shared history - it is our shared POSITIVE history, our shared experience. We will always remember Farrah and Michael.

Dear Diary #20: VIRTUAL LIGHT

David M. — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 14:28:32 GMT

We're displaying this at TRIBE first. We like tribe! Nik and I finished up at about 4am - "Virtual Light", the new CD from my acoustic duo, Alien Blue, is mixed. Listening now to see how much mastering needs to be done. We're off to WV this weekend...then OH, IN, KY, TN, GA, SC. I am AMPED!!!

Dear Diary #19: HAPPY FATHERS DAY!!!

David M. — Sun, 21 Jun 2009 10:58:19 GMT

A happy Fathers Day to all you dads out there! I had a blast at Woodsong, playing back-up for Michael Johnathon (getting to play with his amazing ensemble is always an honor) and sitting on the stage next to Grammy nominee & IBMA award winner Rhonda Vincent & the Rage, and just a few feet away from blues master & WC Handy Award nominee Guy Davis. WOW! We had a ROCKIN' drum jam/drum circle at Cheapside Park last night - about a dozen folks there with a nice variety of noise makers (including a couple of didges) playing a coll variety of grooves. BAM! The only downside was when we arrived and found out that the city has removed the water fountains. UUGGHH!! We'll find a new location for future jams. This afternoon ALIEN BLUE is at TALON WINERY for a last Lexington gig for a while, then we're off to WV, OH, IN, TN, GA, & SC. Should be a blast! Then back to the recording studio. Paul (the recording engineer for "Virtual Light") has been slammin' busy with his new acoustic duo The Mockracy, so my son Nik has jumped in for the end (mixing engineer). Once it's mixed, I'll master the puppy and it's a wrap. My brother Joshua is handling the cover art, and then it'll be in a store near YOU!!! More soon! -- David

Dear Diary #18

David M. — Tue, 09 Jun 2009 15:07:01 GMT

What a ROCKIN' gig! The June 6 gig at Coffee Break (Lexington, KY) was packed, an awesome opening set from Chris & Paul, and a VERY energetic & festive crowd who embraced our participatory & improvisational take on music. Thanx to everyone who was there! OK - a few items: 1) The next SDML Guitar Student Recital will be scheduled soon, and be in August at the Beaumont Center YMCA. Details soon, but in the meantime, check out videos of the last recital on our YouTube page: http://www.youtube.com/user/SkinnyDevilMusicLab 2) New session at the Beaumont YMCA starts the first week of August. Hurst lesson continue throughout July, but no Beaumont lesson in July. 3) I’ll be playing Woodsongs again (backing host Michael Jonathan and sharing the stage with Rhonda Vincent & Guy Davis) Monday, June 15. Luke will be subbing that day. 4) Congrats to Almira on her recent successes (check out her new MySpace page), Megan (played the lead role in “Annie”), Ankita (won her school talent show), Kevin (took the Sousa Award in his school), Will (kickin’ it at the talent show!), JD & DQ (new gigs), new Cds coming from Luke, Kevin, Scott‘s bands, Decking Ceasar’s continued success, and all the other students with good news! 5) The “GUITAR GODS: Jason Carter” interview is now on-line! http://www.tinfoilmusic.net/ Also check out my past interviews (unknown gurus to Grammy Award winners) with Muriel Anderson, Steve Lukather, Billy Sheehan, Tommy Emmanuel, Steve Stevens, Jennifer Batten, Greg Howe, Marty Friedman, Phil Keaggy, Badi Assad, and more at http://www.tinfoilmusic.net/guitar-gods 6) The Muriel Anderson event (May 6) was a major success. Keep your fingers crossed that we secure a corporate sponsor so that we can bring more world class performers to Lexington later this year! Those who made the Muriel event possible: Hurst Music, Dave Peterson (YMCA), John & Allison Cubit (LexFit.Net), Don & Angie McLaurin (Dr, Donald McLaurin, DDS), Jill Case (Woodford Mortgage Company), Dr. Craig J. Blair (Clays Mill Vet Clinic), the Belladonna Guesthouse, John McLean, Burton Joyner, and a handful of anonymous donors! 7) My acoustic duo Alien Blue is now completing our new CD "Virtual Light. We'll be hitting the road this month, playing in KY, OH, IN, WV, VA, TN, GA, SC, and possible more throughout the summer. Luke will be subbing in my absence, so lessons will continue uninterrupted. Check the web-site(s) for dates for Alien Blue as well as Skinny Devil Circus, drum jams, and my solo gigs! 8) Come visit us (me, my duo Alien Blue, and my percussion ensemble Skinny Devil Circus) on-line at www.skinnydevil.com as well as at our sites on MySpace & FaceBook: http://www.myspace.com/sdmusiclab http://www.facebook.com/people/David-M-McLean/730783672 http://www.facebook.com/pages/Alien-Blue/60373576192 Do the friend thing and all that! We rotate students onto the “top friends” section and that sort of thing, so sign on! More soon!!! -- --- David M. McLean Skinny Devil Music Lab http://www.skinnydevil.com

"Do it - or forever wish you had!" - #17 up-date

David M. — Wed, 06 May 2009 13:49:45 GMT

2 up-dates...Muriel & Woodsongs: 1) For anyone in the Lexington, KY area.... The Muriel Anderson gig (with special guest violinist Hugo Bollschweiler) is TONIGHT - Wednesday, May 6 at the Downtown Arts Center (141 E. Main, Lexington) - across the street from the library - at 6:30pm. The event is FREE - costs you only your time to see one of the best guitarists on earth (and her special guest) up close! Yes, I said FREE. We got some great folks to sponsor the event - Hurst Music, Dave Peterson (YMCA), John & Allison Cubit (LexFit.Net), Don & Angie McLaurin (Dr, Donald McLaurin, DDS), Jill Case (Woodford Mortgage Company), Dr. Craig J. Blair (Clays Mill Vet Clinic), the Belladonna Guesthouse, John McLean, Burton Joyner, and a handful of anonymous donors - all so that anyone who wanted to come could join us with no cash worries. Will you be there? Say YES - or forever wish you had! 2) Big thanx to Michael Jonathan, who has had me join him (and his incredible ensemble) on-stage at Woodsongs 3 times since my first two appearances supporting other artists (Lori Lieberman and Almira Fawn). I've played at Woodsongs 5 times so far in 2009 and again in a couple of weeks for my 6th appearance. Woodsongs is heard all around the world on nearly 500 public radio stations as well as XM satellite radio, and seen on about 3 dozen public TV stations across the US...plus web-cast, pod-cast, and streaming video archive...for a total of somewhere between 1.5 and 5 million viewers per episode! It's a GREAT broadcast, and you can probably catch it in your area. If not, visit www.woodsongs.com and scroll thru the over 500 shows featuring unknowns to Grammy Award winners! That's it for now...more word on the recording of Alien Blue's new CD "Virtual Light" and our gigs in OH, IN, WV, KY, TN, GA, & the Carolinas soon...as well as word about the latest guitar student recital!

Dear Diary #17

David M. — Tue, 14 Apr 2009 16:46:34 GMT

LOTS going on - a huge 2009 so far!!! Student recital, Muriel Anderson, Marcin Dylla, Woodsongs, What Katie Said Last Night, new Alien Blue, new YMCA session, and more.... 1) The next SDML Guitar Student Recital is Sunday, May 3 at 2pm at the Beaumont Center YMCA. Looks like about 15 performers (solo & duo - no bands this time). 5 minutes per individual! Come on out and support your fellow guitarists! 2) My buddy Dr. Dennis Davis (director of guitar studies at EKU) is hosting GFA International Guitar Competition winner Marcin Dylla this Wednesday, April 15 at 8pm at EKU. This is a must-see! http://www.music.eku.edu/faculty/davis/ 3) I'm happy to announce that we'll be bringing Muriel Anderson - among the finest guitarists in the world - to Lexington, KY on Wednesday, May 6 at 6:30pm at the Downtown Arts Center! The event is FREE and Muriel will be doing an instructional performance clinic (part instruction, part performance - all amazing!) that no guitarist in the area should miss! For those interested in a private lesson with Muriel, contact me fast! http://www.murielanderson.com/ "WE", by the by, made this happen - not "ME". Hurst Music, Dave Peterson (YMCA), John & Allison Cubbitt (LexFit), Don & Angie McLaurin (Dr, Donald McLaurin, DDS), Jill Case (Woodford Mortgage Company), Dr. Craig J. Blair (Clays Mill Vet Clinic), the Belladonna Guesthouse, John McLean, Burton Joyner, and a handful of anonymous donors....plus Muriel herself, who bent over backwards to make this a reality. More on these fabulous folks later! 4) I just interviewed Jason Carter for the "Guitar Gods" interview series. More on this as soon as the article goes on-line! Also a review (& possible interview) of the new CD from rock legend George Lynch soon! Check out past interviews (unknown gurus to Grammy Award winners) with Muriel Anderson, Steve Lukather, Billy Sheehan, Tommy Emmanuel, Steve Stevens, Jennifer Batten, Greg Howe, Marty Friedman, Phil Keaggy, Badi Assad, and more! 5) My students John & Ryan have, along with their band-mates in What Katie Said Last Night, have just released their new CD. Gigs coming SOON, and a MySpace re-vamp is done. Check it out! http://www.myspace.com/whatkatiesaidlastnight 6) New session at the Beaumont YMCA starts in just a couple of weeks! 7) My big thanx to Lori Lieberman, Almira Fawn, and Michael Jonathan! I've had the chance to play with each of them at Woodsongs so far in 2009 - what a great bunch of people and a great show and a great crew! Can't say enough about all the folks involved! Go check out the Woodsongs archive: shows 517 (Lori), 523 (Almira), and 525 (when I backed Michael). While you're there, check out Muriel Anderson's performances at Woodsongs on shows 132, 297, and 479! http://www.woodsongs.com/showlist.asp 8) Alien Blue is now in the studio with guitarist, instructor, & engineer Paul Felice. We've already captured guitars & vocals for 7 songs and are getting the rest within days. Then it's some percussion, backing vocals, and similar....mix & master...and "Virtual Light" is a reality. We'll be hitting the stage come May, playing not only across the state (including, of course, Lexington), but dates in OH, IN, WV, VA, TN, GA, SC, and possible more throughout the summer. Come visit us on-line at www.skinnydevil.com as well as at our homes on MySpace, Facebook, YouTube, and more! More soon!

Dear Diary #16

David M. — Wed, 08 Apr 2009 13:07:49 GMT

What a blast 2009 has been so far! Just played Woodsongs for a 3rd time (first backing Lori Lieberman, then backing Almira Fawn, and 2 days ago backing Michael Jonathan). That's almost 500 public radio stations around the world, several dozen public TV stations across the US, XM Radio, web-casts....all coming to 3+ million listening/watching per show. Plus I've had the opportunity to share the stage (& often jam back-stage!) with not only Lori, Almira, & Michael (and their ensembles), but the Dixie Bee-liners, Michael Martin Murphy (Wildfire), Mark & Gary (Jayhawks), & Tom Rush! We hit the studio Friday to lay down all the guitar trax for the new CD "Virtual Light", Saturday vocals, Sunday vocals & percussion....mix & press by May 1!!!! I am so amped about the new music that...I have no words! Guitar student recital May3, Muriel Anderson May 6, kick off our "Virtual Light Show" May 9 at the Unitarians' Environmental Justice Festival and then play throughout the summer in KY, TN, OH, IN, GA, WV, and maybe more! Gigs include small coffee shops to guerilla street shows to outdoor festivals (like the Peace & Global Citizenship Fair, the Green Expo, Pagan-Fest, KY Wine & Arts Fair, and more). Just interviewed Jason Carter for the "Guitar Gods" series, and looks like we have a few more coming up soon, too! Life is beyond good!

Dear Diary #15

David M. — Mon, 09 Mar 2009 15:37:58 GMT

Quick up-date of the exciting things happening....including my duo performing this weekend: FRIDAY the 13!!! 1) Recital - The February recital was fantastic! 17 students, one special guest, lots of fun!!! You can see each performance at Skinny Devil TV: http://www.youtube.com/view_play_list?p=2A4BB3189B99DEA9 Quick brag on some of my students (these parts were clipped from the video): Megan has the LEAD ROLE in her school's production of "Annie", Sydney got to sing at the Lincoln Center in Washington DC, Dave & JD have been ripping it up at local coffee houses, Decking Ceasar is still on the road (their 2nd US tour!), and Almira will have her own date at Woodsongs (more details below). 2) Woodsongs 2 - Almira jumped on stage to play a song for JJ Grey back in early February after the show was off the air...and knocked 'em dead! Michael offered her a slot right there, and delivered the goods. Almira gets her own slot at Woosongs in 2 weeks: Monday March 23! I'll be backing her on guitar along with Aaron (percussion) & Jeff (bass). You've seen her at the recitals & seen her at local events - now see her on national TV (& international radio)! http://www.woodsongs.com/wotrh.php 3) Woodsongs 1 - We'll soon have all the songs & interviews from Lori Lieberman's performance at Woodsongs (plus both channel 27 songs) in separate clips so you don't have to watch the entire 90 minutes. Details soon! 4) Lessons - We've just started a new 8-week session at Beaumont! If you have friends who intended to take lessons, there is still time to sign up! For those who want private lessons, I have a few slots open, as does Paul Felice (who is now teaching at DooWop!). Call me (number below) or call Paul (421-3100) fast! 5) Muriel Anderson - I interviewed Muriel for the "Guitar Gods" series back in 2003 and we've kept in contact since (I've reviewed several of her CDs, also). Muriel is widely respected as one of the foremost fingerstyle guitarists in the world, is the ONLY woman ever to win the prestigious National Fingerpicking Guitar Championship, and is the first nylon string player to do so. She was not only classically trained, but also studied extensively with Chet Atkins. With a little help, I'm bringing her to Lexington in May, and my duo will be opening the show! Details soon! 6) DEVI - Here's my review of DEVI's debut CD "Get Free"!!!! http://www.tinfoilmusic.net/news-mainmenu/38-reviews/1993-qget-freeq-cd-review 7) FRIDAY the 13th - Come see my acoustic duo ALIEN BLUE perform this Friday, March 13 at the Coffee Break Cafe (with special guest Burton Joyner) 7pm-9pm. We'll be doing a few covers and a LOT of the material for the new CD, "Virtual Light". Coffee Break is at the corner of Lane Allen & Harrodsburg Road: http://maps.google.com/maps?hl=en&um=1&ie=UTF-8&q=coffee+break+cafe+lexington&fb=1&split=1&gl=us&cid=0,0,11886006151664106464&ei=YCG1SefQFZuwMsSbifIE&sa=X&oi=local_result&resnum=1&ct=image Hope to see you there!!!!

#14 up-date

David M. — Fri, 13 Feb 2009 20:42:18 GMT

Just wanted to remind those interested.... My Woodsongs performance backing Lori Lieberman is this coming Monday - February 16 (2009). Check your local listings (Public Radio) for play times in your area. Also available on satellite radio, web-cast, pod-cast, and archived at www.woodsongs.com - plus I'll link to relevant URLs at www.skinnydevil.com Woodsongs broadcasts available across the US, Canada, Australia, southeast Asia, Europe.....details atwoodsongs.com Lori Lieberman is best known for "Killing Me Softly", but has a new CD out that has some fabulous material on it. Watch or listen to the broadcast - you'll be floored. Also on the stage are Mark & Gary (from the Jayhawks). BTW: www.skinnydevil.com is back on-line....visit and check out our YouTube up-dates on the making of the new Alien Blue CD "Virtual Light"!

Dear Diary #14: Lori Lieberman, Alien Blue, more

David M. — Thu, 15 Jan 2009 18:56:01 GMT

Quick up-dates for all our friends.... 1) We'll be posting video up-dates of our progress on the new CD from ALIEN BLUE: "Virtual Light". You can check out the first 4 videos on the Virtual Light playlist at Skinny Devil TV: http://www.youtube.com/view_play_list?p=4F0C6D4DB7966DE5 While you're there, be sure to rate the videos, leave comments, and all that fun stuff! 2) Once the new CD is out, you can catch us live, beginning in late February in Lexington...then out across KY and into WV, TN, OH, IN, GA.... ...but before all that, I'm honored to be able to provide guitar support for Lori Lieberman for her appearance at Woodsongs Old-time Radio Show. Lori, best known for her 70s hit "Killing Me Softly", has a new CD that hits stores January 30 called "Gun Metal Sky" which has some fabulous songs, and she'll be in Lexington in mid February. I'm sooooo looking forward to playing guitar for Lori for this gig! More info as the date approaches. For now, check out: http://www.lorilieberman.com/ 3) Skinny Devil Records will be releasing several new products in 2009, and also promoting special indie releases from our friends, including CDs from Alien Blue, Decking Ceasar, Eyes Upon Us, Prealius, Akin to Chaos, Down Jupiter, What Katie Said Last Night, Skinny Devil Circus, and more! 4) The Skinny Devil Music Lab web-site will be back on-line soon! Apologies for the inconveniences, but we'll make it up to you with all new interviews, reviews, lessons, jam trax, and more! 5) Come join us at our pages at MySpace, YouTube, and Facebook: http://www.myspace.com/sdmusiclab http://www.youtube.com/user/SkinnyDevilMusicLab http://www.facebook.com/pages/Alien-Blue/60373576192 6) New sessions at all YMCA locations! Guitar, percussion, dance, and more via the YMCA Arts division, with classes taught not only by me, but Paul Felice, Michael Fogler, Melanie Johnson, Dave Peterson, and more! Info here: http://www.ymcaofcentralky.org/default.asp 7) Don't forget about our Guitar Instructor Network. If you need lessons in Lexington, there's not only yours truly, but Paul Felice (North Y, private lessons at Beaumont), Chris Simpson (Lexington Music Academy), Michael Fogler (classical guitar), Luke Jackson (Hurst Music), and more, but also Richmond, KY - Dave Taylor (Currier's Music) and Jeremy Bussey (Currier's Music) - instructors starting soon in Louisville, Cincinnati, central PA, Los Angeles, and Dan Sorber in New Jersey...and more soon! 8) Thanx for the well-wishes. My arm should be out of the sling by week's end and I'll have to take it easy for a bit, but then I should be fine-n-dandy! More soon!!! -- -- David M. McLean Skinny Devil Music Lab

Dear Diary #13

David M. — Fri, 19 Dec 2008 18:37:01 GMT

HAPPY HOLIDAYS TO ALL from all of us at Skinny Devil Music Lab! Quick word on how we polish off the year here at SDML..... 1) We had a guitar student recital recently (Dec 7 2008). All the students we incredible, and you can see most (with luck, that'll be "all" very soon) of the performances at our new YouTube channel : http://www.youtube.com/user/SkinnyDevilMusicLab ...at the "student recital" playlist: http://www.youtube.com/view_play_list?p=1F93F2DC1FE7A0E3 2) At the recital, I sat quietly in the corner and played the C major scale. The goal was 1000 reps (which, at 92bpm, takes 42 minutes), but I went for an hour for a total of 1440. Here are some clips, including the joking and snippets of some of my students: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rQ2iNtcbjGc&feature=channel_page We had fun and the students did a fabulous job. A big thanx to all who performed, and to Dave Peterson, Paul Felice, Chris Simpson (who Paul recruited on the spot!), and Dave Cubine for all their help! 3) We are recording the basic tracks for the new ALIEN BLUE release over the holidays! Songs include "Virtual Light", "Ragamuffin Voodoo", "Cool Cat Cool", "Skinny Devil Shuffle" and more...including the song some of you have already heard, "That You're Gone" (likely the first single to be released). It will also feature a more produced approach, with added instruments - I'll be playing spoons, congas, some blues harp, and more, plus singing lead on about 50% with Blue taking up the other half on lead vocals. We'll have clips available soon at our MySpace page as well as the YouTube channel, so check those often! 4) Be sure to check out Paul Felice's new band, Down Jupiter, at their MySpace page...and I'll keep you posted on gigs & CDs coming from Half Past Sundown, Almira Fawn, What Katie Said Last Night, Decking Ceasar, Prealius, Akin to Chaos, and others... http://www.myspace.com/downjupiter 5) ALIEN BLUE is booking now! We plan to perform first in Lexington (February/March) and then extend to the Lex area (March/April) and then do a small regional tour into the summer. Dates should include stops in Kentucky, Indiana, Ohio, West Virginia, Virginia, Tennessee, and perhaps even Georgia, Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia, Florida, South & North Carolina, and Virginia. More info soon. Let us know if there is a venue near YOU where you want us to play! 6) I also turned 44 in late October. Some of you know I'm a bit of a health nut, so here I am a couple of days before my birthday proving that age is not an issue (no excuses, kiddo!). Bear in mind the world record is 44 when you see me pound out 40 chin-ups (that's NIN in the background), though my form is in need of improvement: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pjkV3peEF9A&feature=channel_page That's all for now! Everyone have a safe and happy holiday!!!!

Dear Diary #12

David M. — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 13:14:47 GMT

Couple quick up-dates from all of us at Skinny Devil Music Lab...... 1) Just want to welcome aboard our new partner's in crime, Paul Felice and Nathan Elkins, who, along with Joe Volpe, will be doing some serious work (and having serious fun!) here at Skinny Devil Music Lab. More on that soon.... 2) Come check out SKINNY DEVIL TV, our new channel at YouTube, complete with some older footage as well as some brand new teaser clips from the demo sessions for the new ALIEN BLUE release. Come visit, subscribe, send a message.... http://www.youtube.com/user/SkinnyDevilMusicLab 3) Yes, we're done with the demo stages & pre-production and are about to start recording the new ALIEN BLUE release now. This is NOT the off-the-cuff style of the last CD (fun though it was). This time we'll be incorporating percussion & addtional instruments, won't shy away from over-dubs, will feature some vicious guitar work, and will feature the vocal harmonies missing from the last CD but that are a staple of the live show. Plus a few surprises! 4) We're also about to embark on the recording of the debut CD from my percussion ensemble SKINNY DEVIL CIRCUS. Not your average percussion ensemble, the Circus features a strong vocal element, body percussion, industrial loops, "native" instruments, a large degree of improv, and more....maybe even some screaming electric guitar! 5) Problems at the web-site will be resolved soon, and you'll get the up-dates you've been waiting for (new free lessons, more Guitar Gods interviews, gig up-dates, etc.). We're not sure what is wrong with the player at the MySpace page, but we're working on that, too. 6) STUDENTS: Big cheer to Almira Fawn (Southworth) who took top honors at several recent talent events (including an invitation-only Disney event) and was heard on WUKY radio; Decking Ceasar, who are still on their US tour; Chris Simpson's band EyesUponUs, who has released their debut CD; and Luke Jackson, whose band is in the studio putting the finishing touches on their CD. 7) For Lexington-local guitar students, we have a recital coming up on Sunday, December 7 at 2pm at the North YMCA (Loudon Avenue). No special guest this time around, but... 8) ....Paul Felice and Dave Peterson will be holding the reins once things get under way so that I can step up to what the Youth Guitar students asked me to do long ago. Namely, to play the C major scale 1000 times! So, I'll be sitting quietly in the corner playing at a modest 90-92bpm for the 47 minutes it takes to cycle thru 1000 repetitions. If I'm feeling good at that point, I will continue for an hour for roughly 1300 reps. After that, when I say your scales are important...(hahaha!!) 9) Early 2009 recitals will see special guests who include Dr. Dennis Davis (director of guitar studies at EKU), Glenn Ginn (director of guitar studies at MSU), and other. That's all for now - stay tuned!!!! "Follow your bliss" - Joseph Campbell -- -- David M. McLean Skinny Devil Music Lab http://www.skinnydevil.com

Dear Diary #11

David M. — Fri, 31 Oct 2008 12:40:38 GMT

Well, the latest tribe up-dates erased my first #11 post, so here we go again (with additional info) - up-dates from the Skinny Devil Universe: MYSPACE: So the MySpace page has constant problems with the player since their "up-grade". My apologies to the folks who have been visiting (since we were getting between 30-70 plays per day for quite some time) who haven't been able to listen. I've sent several messages to tech support, so.... TRIBE: We should have some new pics up-loaded soon. Live gig pics from the Green Expo we played at Heritage Hall in Lexington. We did 2 days, with 2 sets each day (1 set of my acoustic duo ALIEN BLUE and 1 set with my percussion ensemble SKINNY DEVIL CIRCUS). As always, the Circus was total improv, and Sunday one of the other musicians playing that day - Anthony Redfeather - jumped up with drum and flute. We did a cool call & response between his flute and my voice over a bitchin' rhythm. Caught some of that of video, too! AB debuted some of our new material - I hope they caught that on video, too! YOUTUBE: We have a new YouTube channel, Skinny Devil TV at http://www.youtube.com/user/SkinnyDevilMusicLab ! At the moment only a few videos of your's truly, but we're linking up with friends, students, and associates to promote the music careers of all...and a few others, as well! Here's a cool one: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xQ3CtHxncXw STUDENTS: Little Almira is kicking out the jams! She's taking some down-time to work on original material, and then putting it all on CD. She was also featured on WUKY (audio available soon) performing and being interviewed. In addition, Decking Ceasar is on the road coast to coast. Dave (guitar) & Phill (bass) are greatly talented, so check 'em out if they hit your neck of the woods. More on other students later! NEW CD: Yes, we're in the studio now recording the 2nd ALIEN BLUE CD and also in pre-production on the debut CD from SKINNY DEVIL CIRCUS. More on that soon....as well as samples! That's all for now - stay tuned! -DMM

Dear Diary #10: Skinny Devil Up-date

David M. — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 12:08:59 GMT

Just a quick note to let you know we've experienced various problems this summer with the web-site and the mail. We're still trying to resolve mail issues, so if you've attempted to contact me regarding interviews (Guitar Gods), gigs, lessons, etc. via my skinnydevil @ skinnydevil.com address, you probably experienced a bounce or massive delays. Please use this address (sdmusiclab @ gmail.com) to contact me until further notice, or our back up address at netscape. That said, BIG news.....in brief: 1) New Guitar Gods interviews are up - 2008 has seen interviews with classical/world guitar genius Badi Assad, DOVE Award winner Phil Keaggy, Between the Buried & Me guitarist Dustie Waring (we also hope to chat with Dustie's band-mate Paul Waggoner), blues soon-to-be legend Kelly Richey, and 6-string wizard Christopher Arp (his new GG-exclusive pictures will be loaded soon). More on the way. 2) Several students of mine are breaking out of the local scene and moving national...including Almira Fawn (congrats on the Disney victory), who you'll be seeing more of soon, if you haven't seen one her shows ranging from NY to Florida or her Youtube vids; Decking Ceasar, who just got back from the Icthus festival, a regional tour supporting their new EP, and will be on national tour later this year; and others - more details soon! 3) We're working on our new instructional DVD - more info soon - and our instructor network is growing. If you play & teach and want to quit your day job to teach full-time (or even just increase your student base), give me a call! 4) We're also working on the new CDs from my various musical projects: Alien Blue will be recording our follow-up CD, my new percussion ensemble Skinny Devil Circus will be recording our debut CD, and I'll be releasing a small collection of vicious instrumental rock-fusion guitar music. 5) I've been swamped with requests for more PRINCE style guitar lessons, so keep your eyes peeled for more of those soon! 6) For those in the Lexington area, A) we hosting a drum jam at Cheapside Park this Saturday (August 23) at 8pm, so bring family, friends, and something to make a joyful noise!, and B) our new instructional session at the Y locations (guitar & percussion) begin the first week of September, so get signed up fast! More to come soon. Again, my apologies for the site & e-mail problems. We'll have the site up-dated soon and hopefully the e-mail issues resolved.

Diary #9

David M. — Fri, 25 Jul 2008 15:29:35 GMT

Sad news..... Randy Pausch - the Carnegie Mellon professor who gave the now famous "Last Lecture" a year ago - passed away. http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/08207/899511-100.stm Randy Pausch, noted CMU prof, succumbs to cancer