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Antonio Garcia Martinez

“You may not believe it but it’s coming, and it’s coming in the form of a self-driving truck that’s going to run you over.”—-Antonio Garcia Martinez

The other day I was moved by an interesting piece that ran in the Daily Mail which quoted Antonio García Martinez, a former Facebook product manager, when he was talking about the future of “A.I.” or “artificial intelligence” in our world. Martinez was speaking ahead of a BBC special which went deep into the happenings in Silicon Valley.  (Read the Daily Mail piece here). In essence, Martinez had this to say:

“Within 30 years, half of humanity won’t have a job. It could get ugly – there could be a revolution. You don’t realize it but we’re in a race between technology and politics, and technologists are winning. They’re way ahead.”

As pessimistic as Martinez is he is surprisingly not alone. For example, earlier this year Reid Hoffman, co-founder of LinkedIn, told The New Yorker that around half of all Silicon Valley billionaires have some degree of “apocalypse insurance.” Furthermore, Pay-Pal co-founder and influential venture capitalist Peter Thiel recently bought a 477-acre bolthole in New Zealand, and became a kiwi national as well. Apparently, New Zealand has been effectively selected as one of the premier apocalyptic getaways for the well to do’s should the end of civilization come about.

I am not privy to the Silicon Valley circle and I am sure not many of us are but I do pay attention to my world in so far as when I notice how dependent on technology we have become in this digital age. It’s an age where we all seem to live on our phones, rely on more and more apps to do our jobs and our thinking and, most importantly, personal communication is quickly becoming as passe’ as yesterday’s newspapers. Therefore, I do not think that it’s a stretch to presume that some portion of what Martinez and the others are saying probably is, to some degree, true. After all, even the Obama Administration predicted that with the advent of self-driving vehicles that 3 million people would lose their jobs.

So where does that leave us if what Martinez and others say is true? Frankly, I am not qualified to discuss a solution to that problem.  To answer that question one would need to know the true intentions of the technocrats, the real inner workings of Silicon Valley, as well the complicated principles of economics and probably much more. But, what I am able to do is to raise awareness and try to start a dialogue on this subject for us, the common folk. You know, that portion of the population that cannot relocate to New Zealand on a dime or that segment of citizens that does not have a helicopter gassed up and ready to take us to a faraway place once disaster strikes. Yeah, that group.

We all have heard rumblings about which industry is the next one to venture into extinction at the hands of robots or “A.I.” and anyone who is not thinking about this issue in our rapidly advancing technological age–where technology is growing at a rate greater than ever before–is simply putting their head in the sand. We need to think–and talk–about it. Now.

Otherwise, prepare for this to be your typical musical entertainment:

Editor’s Note: We do not mean to demean or disrespect the accomplishments of the creators of Compressorhead which is a robotic band which came out of Germany circa 2013. However, by the same token the point is that robots–in all facets of life including music–appear destined, to some extent, to replace many functions, jobs, and tasks previously performed by humans. Is that the right result?

Ken “K Bo” Biedzynski, Editor

The post Don’t Let “A.I.” Ruin Our Music Or Our Lives For That Matter appeared first on Beato's Blog.

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We had a minute to catch up with David Demeter, our friend, colleague, and the owner of The Drum Lab (Laguna Hills, CA), as he spoke out on the eve of his masterfully planned drum camp which starts tomorrow. (We previously ran a piece describing and talking about the camp which you can read here). The camp, which features such marque players/teachers as David, Gregg Bissonette, John Ferraro, Sean Winchester, Ray Weston, Walfredo “Wally” Reyes, Jr., and, the iconic Joe Porcaro himself, stands to be one of the standout teaching events of the year.

So David, on the eve of your camp kicking off what are your thoughts?

David Demeter and happy students

“Frankly, the outpouring of support and attention to this event has been a bit overwhelming. Really. I am beyond excited to get underway and I think others feel the same way. We are going to be bringing some great players and teachers together with students of all ages at all levels. In fact, we are even offering–for those drummers who have day jobs–a “clinic brunch” which is a lunch/brunch clinic which runs from 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. The cost is very reasonable so if you are essentially a drummer at any level at any age and you are looking to get involved we do have a spot or two open so call us. Otherwise, I am ready for this camp. It has been in the works for a while and its developing better than I expected. I have to thank so many people for their support.”

David with student Kristina Slezacek

We cannot say enough good things about David and The Drum Lab’s camp and we certainly wish David and TDL the best with this event. It is very refreshing to see such two-way enthusiasm between student and teacher. We too have witnessed nothing but support for this event which is nothing short of encouraging for the sake of young and upcoming drummers. Great job David.

Ken “K Bo” Biedzynski, Editor

The post David Demeter Has The Last Word On Eve Of TDL Camp appeared first on Beato's Blog.

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David Demeter in action

“Musicians today have a harder time because of fewer available opportunities. But when a young drummer comes to me at The Drum Lab and I see that inspiration and drive to excel I perk up; I call it “the curse.”  The curse being that the student has NO CHOICE but to play. This is the kind of spirit that I love to find in a young student.  If he or she has that in them, then I give everything I have to help them realize their vision.”

David Demeter, Owner, The Drum Lab

A young student hard at work at The Drum Lab

Our friends at The Drum Lab (David Demeter) are hosting a unique and special drum camp next month and we wanted to make mention of it because of the caliber of teaching talent being offered as well as the promoter’s keen intent on helping young musicians better their craft. David Demeter–the owner of The Drum Lab–has long been known as a special teacher in part because of his passion for the art but also in part because of his burning desire to connect to students in the hopes of making a difference in their career. Frankly, The Drum Lab’s reputation precedes itself and David himself is recognized as a teacher who is selflessly devoted to sharing information to develop talent for players at all levels. Therefore, we really were not surprised at the reaction from clinicians and artists alike when The Drum Lab put the word out about this camp. In fact, below you will hear from some of those clinicians who happen to be renowned performers themselves.

However, let’s start with the date and contact information for this magnificent event. Below is a promotional banner for the camp being held by The Drum Lab.

In explaining the impetus for this camp, David Demeter told us this:

“Teaching is my passion, hands down. Thus, I’ve stepped up and we’re having a major drum event called the “Last Minute Drum Camp.” Don’t let the name fool you; it’s been a year in the planning and I’m hoping this is the first of many on an annual basis.

A crowd of students looks on at The Drum Lab

Many thanks to all these amazing drummers and educators. Gregg Bissonette, Sean Winchester, John Ferraro, Walfredo Reyes Jr. and what an honor to have Joe Porcaro here.  I’m speechless.”

Now, remember we told you that the faculty for this camp is outstanding and rather than take our word for it, we thought we would let you hear from some of the clinicians themselves. Check out what these major players are saying about this terrific camp. We start with Chicago’s own Tris Imboden who had this to say about this event:

“I want to tell you that if I were able to go to this event wild horses couldn’t keep me away!!! This, for me at least, would be the equivalent of finally getting my college music degree which I was never able to get!

(Photo courtesy of Audrey Arturo)

Every one of these guys have universes of real experience in the music world, have played between them with nearly every major act and artist in the world, and in fact are the best themselves on the planet!! It just doesn’t get better than this as an opportunity to take your playing and your career to the next level!”

Here’s what Walfredo “Wally” Reyes, Jr., master percussionist with Chicago and an accomplished drummer himself, had to say:

“There a teachers, and there are teachers!! David Demeter is an amazing dedicated Master Teacher who I truly respect. When I go to The Drum Lab to teach, when I’m not touring, David gives me a specific update on all the students and is amazing to hear this. It’s an act of caring and being invested in the success of his students. He truly loves watching a student progress, grow and meet goals. I’ve known David for many years, since the 80s. He has always been involved in every aspect of music, from drumming, composition, song writing, sound, and all this is what he brings to The Drum Lab, not just technical drumming… but making music thru drumming! I can’t wait to visit The Drum Lab again and get all the rhythm vibes and exchange of information and knowledge from David and all the students!!”

Last but certainly not least, here’s what iconic drummer Gregg Bissonette (Ringo Starr) had to say about David and the upcoming camp:

Gregg Bissonette hard at work teaching at The Drum Lab

“Hey everybody, I just want to say a few words about my drum brother David Demeter and congratulate him on 16 years of owning and operating The Drum Lab in Laguna Hills.  Besides his private teaching he hosts incredible master classes and clinics with industry professionals like Ray Luzier, John Ferraro, Tris Imboden and Walfedo Reyes Jr. and I’ve been there almost 30 times over the years.  It’s like a taste of LA in Orange County.  If I was looking for a drum teacher in Orange County, The Drum Lab is the only place I’d go.  Look for me and my brother Matt coming there soon for the 2nd Bissonette Brothers Bass & Drum master class & clinic.  Dave, you are the best!”

The more technical side of The Drum Lab

I guess we could go on but you get the point. Students will be treated to a teacher whose passion and commitment is to teach to the outer limits; a faculty comprised of internationally recognized and renowned drummers; and, a state of the art studio that offers all the amenities that a drum student could want. Does it get any better than that? Actually, we did forget one thing. Below, check out this all-star lineup of sponsors who have put their name behind this camp. If this list is not a ringing endorsement for this great event then we don’t know what is. These sponsors are the best of the best.

In trying to sum up what I thought was different about this camp–and hence why we covered it–instead of me writing something I thought the following picture would speak volumes as to what students can expect at this camp. Imagine the learning opportunity that a setting like this presents for young students who sit face to face with a teacher like Gregg Bissonette.

Gregg Bissonette teaches in an intimate setting at The Drum Lab

We wish David Demeter and The Drum Lab the best of luck with this camp; it should be nothing short of a smashing success.

For more information please visit The Drum Lab website here.

Ken “K Bo” Biedzynski, Editor

The post The Drum Lab Is Poised To Host Star-Studded Drum Camp appeared first on Beato's Blog.

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As a drummer I learned a long time ago that to truly measure an act you have to consider all of its members and not just the “star” performer who is “out front.” In other words, quite often the supporting cast is just as important as the main actor–sans the accolades and attention–and without such professionals many featured performers might not be where they are today. Therefore, I learned early on to pay attention to everyone on the stage and not just to simply follow the beam of the spotlight to take in the entire show.

Having said that I really enjoy finding those outstanding musicians that surround and support the featured performer as quite often their story and talent is such a gem that their discovery is nothing short of exhilarating. L.A.’s own Kitten Kuroi is one of these musicians. 

Kuroi, a Cal State-Fullerton graduate, is a terrific and multi-talented vocalist and songwriter. She is also a makeup artist, vegan, and activist for many worthy causes. Kitten, a naturally beautiful woman, could probably foster a career of some sorts on her appearance alone. However, the woman is a multi-talented vocalist, which–when coupled with her dancing abilities–makes her a riveting performer whose captivating style commands attention much like the iconic Zelma Davis did in her outstanding visual performance in C + C Music Factory’s 1990 smash hit, Everybody Dance Now, (except that Kuroi could have also sung the part as well as dance to it). Kuroi’s work with Elvis Costello corroborates this premise.

Editor’s Note: In the 1990 hit Zelma Davis was credited for the visual performance in the song’s video however, the track was actually sung by crooner Martha Wash.

Kitten Kuroi with Elvis Costello

However, despite outward appearances don’t let Kuroi fool you; she is a hardcore and seasoned musician whose talents have not gone unnoticed by national performers. Indeed, just ask Elvis Costello, Englebert Humperdinck, AJ Hobbs, Natasha Bedingfield, Rickey Minor (Whitney Houston), Jon B, Frenchie Davis, Lou Gramm (Foreigner), Pixie Lott, Darren Criss (GLEE!), LeAnn Rimes, Forrest Whittaker, Andy Samberg, Chris Isaak, Queen Latifah, and Ashley Roberts of the Pussy Cat Dolls, just to name a few.

Editor’s Note: For Kitten’s tour information please visit her website here. She is currently on tour with Elvis Costello.

In addition to all that Kuroi is driven….very driven. She is perpetually touring and working. In fact, her work ethic and respect for her chosen profession is what I find to be her most redeeming quality. Check out her social media and you will find a talented, no-nonsense, determined, and dedicated young musician whom you just know is going to succeed.

I also appreciate her musical diversity as Kuroi can effortlessly toggle between jazz to R & B and everything else in between. I can see this performer in many places. For example, I could have envisioned her singing Noelle Scaggs’ part opposite Michael Fitzpatrick in the smash hit The Walker (Fitz And The Tantrums). I also could see her following in the footsteps of other contemporary R & B artists such as Ledisi, K. Michelle, and Janelle Monae.

And there’s more; Kuroi is good to her fans. She’s interactive and she gives them attention and nowadays that’s a must for any performer.

In the end, I have a lot of respect for the likes of Kitten Kuroi and others like her. I would even go so far as to say I admire her. She has all the right qualities–youth, talent, discipline, drive, and ambition–and in my estimation she intends to maximize each of them in the pursuit of her career and that’s the way it should be. Keep an eye on Ms. Kuroi; she’s going places….lots of them.

Ken “K Bo” Biedzynski, Editor

    The post Artist Spotlight: L.A.’s Kitten Kuroi appeared first on Beato's Blog.

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For most touring musicians and their fans the “tour bus” holds an allure that is all its own. Although inquiring minds want to know, not much gets out about what happens “there�� and apparently many artists adhere to the principle that what happens on the tour bus stays on the tour bus. After all, if you are traveling or touring for considerable lengths of time the tour bus is the only place than can remotely resemble home. It might also be one of the few places that you can score a moment of privacy too, for whatever reason.

However, despite the hoopla and excitement of pre- and post-game activities there is also the mundane. It goes without saying that touring band members typically spend considerable down time on the bus and what they do with that time is up to them although they are clearly limited. As you can imagine, after the newness wears off it is in fact a “bus” after all, isn’t it?

Interestingly ,a new feature on Facebook–hosted by various members of the legendary band Chicago–has seemingly put the myth and legend of the tour bus on display for all to watch….for once. The show is affectionately called “Bus #2” and as you guessed it, the name politely makes note that this is not “Bus #1″ (according to guitarist and host Keith Howland, there is another impetus to the name that hails from Buffalo).

However, before we meet the cast we should probably check out the studio setting for this show which is indeed, Bus #2.

Now, meet the cast of Bus #2:

The format for Bus #2 is pretty simple; there is no format and that is what makes this show a really good watch.  It’s basically a show about seasoned and very talented musicians bringing their fans “on the bus” with them while they travel between shows. Although it is in its infancy the cast seems driven largely by input from their fans which is a great concept. After all, what other show let’s the audience interact and decide where to take things? But fans will also get a special treat along the way as they get to see their favorite band member in a different light than perhaps they are used to. For example, in one episode you will come to learn that besides being a master drummer, Tris Imboden can pull off some pretty bluesy riffs on the harmonica. Also of note is Wally “Wally’s World” Reyes’ ability to turn ordinary kitchen items into percussive instruments. I particularly liked the TV show theme challenge with Lou Pardini (query; is Pardini really a jukebox? can he be stumped?).

The cast of Bus #2 in action

Fans will really enjoy the bantering and also be treated to impromptu jam sessions that although done in fun, exhibit pure talent that is readily evident even when these musicians are simply fooling around. All in all, it’s a good mix and with Howland as host and Jeff Coffey as his co-host, the tandum do a great job to keep things moving at a comfortable pace. Take a second to check out Bus #2; it’s a show on the move for sure.

Ken “K Bo” Biedzynski, Editor

  The post Chicago’s “Bus #2″ Is Must Watch TV appeared first on Beato's Blog.

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Hey guys, it’s KBo from The Phil Engel Band and on behalf of the band I wanted to share with you a special campaign that we are promoting. This year the band is celebrating its 8th year together and during those 8 years we have met lots of great people. However, what has been particularly moving were several women that I met who are battling breast cancer. Indeed, statistics sadly show that 1 in 8 women in this country will develop invasive breast cancer at some point in their lifetime.

In choosing to honor and support these brave women I have teamed up the fine folks at Evans Drum Heads to come up with a beautiful new bass drum head for my drum kit. It is certainly our hope that anyone seeing this drum head will be reminded to remain vigilant for not only themselves but for others in fighting breast cancer as we can all band together to show our support for those afflicted with this disease.

And here’s the best part. October, as many of you know, is breast cancer awareness month. In September, after playing up and down the Jersey Shore during the summer months and being viewed by thousands of people, I will retire this head and have it framed and it will then it be my honor to present it to Mary’s Place By The Sea, which is located in Ocean Grove, New Jersey. Mary’s Place is a non-profit facility that does wonderful work and it serves as a respite for women who are receiving treatment for cancer. Mary’s Place has graciously agreed to accept the framed head for the enjoyment and benefit of its visitors. It is further our hope that there this head will serve as a reminder to all who see it of our unending concern and support. For more information on Mary’s Place By The Sea you can visit their website here.

So please join me and the band in raising awareness of breast cancer and in offering comfort to those brave women who are fighting or who have fought this disease.

Have a great summer and most of all, stay healthy.

Editor’s Note: I would be remiss if I did not mention the fine drums made by the folks at Canopus Drums which are featured in these pictures. Thanks so much to Shinichi Usada (Canopus’ president) for making such a great product.

Ken “K Bo” Biedzynski, Editor

The post P.E.B. To Host Campaign For Breast Cancer Awareness appeared first on Beato's Blog.

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“Bang your head! Metal health’ll drive you mad”

Quiet Riot, Bang Your Head (Metal Health) (1983)

The University of Queensland in Brisbane, Australia, has just finished a study that was initially determined to confirm probably what most of us thought; that listening to heavy metal and punk rock leads to aggressive and sometimes violent behavior.  However, surprise surprise.  What the study really found was the opposite; that listening to such music dissipates such behavior, it does not cause it.

The study involved 39 people between the ages of 18 and 34 who regularly listened to “extreme” music which is defined as including heavy metal, hardcore, and punk.  The subjects were put through 16 minutes of “anger induction,” during which they talked about such irritating things as relationships, money, and work.  After getting the subjects agitated they either sat in silence for 10 minutes or listened to 10 minutes of songs from their own playlists. What researchers learned was that those listening to the aggressive music were just as calmed as those sitting in silence.   You can read the study here.

“This study found that extreme music fans listen to music when angry to match their anger, and to feel more active and inspired. They also listen to music to regulate sadness and to enhance positive emotions. The results refute the notion that extreme music causes anger….”

By the researchers’ own admission, the study was limited since it was conducted in a controlled environment and not in a “realistic social setting,” therefore, they called for further study.  However, despite these limitations, the study’s main conclusion still stands: “extreme music matches and helps to process anger” rather than causing it.

Interesting thoughts.  Do you agree with this study’s conclusions?

KEN “K BO” BIEDZYNSKI, Editor

  The post “EXTREME” MUSIC LEADS TO CALMING? REALLY? appeared first on Beato's Blog.

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Are you ready, Beliebers? Justin Bieber shared a series of photos from a recording studio on Wednesday, April 12, and fans could barely contain their excitement.

The “Love Yourself” singer, 23, posted four captionless, black-and-white snaps on Instagram as he recorded new music. In each shot, he wears a black hoodie emblazoned with his Purpose world tour logo on the back and a pair of gray sweatpants.

It is unclear if Bieber was recording music for his long-awaited fifth studio album or for another project. In the pictures, he is seen singing into a microphone and playing a piano inside the studio. A sheet of song lyrics is also spotted, though the words are blurred out to avoid spoilers.

The Grammy winner’s longtime manager, Scooter Braun, reposted one of the images on his Instagram page. “The world has no idea!! @justinbieber,” he teased.

Naturally, Bieber’s dedicated fans nearly lost their minds over the possibility of new music. “I’M READY,” one Instagram user commented. Another added, “I’m sensing new music and I don’t think I am ready at all, I think I am going into shock.

The “Believe” singer’s most recent album, Purpose, was released in November 2015 and included hit singles including “What Do You Mean?” and “Sorry.” The LP was nominated for Album of the Year at the 2017 Grammy Awards, but Bieber skipped the ceremony.

The post Justin Bieber Hits the Studio to Record New Music appeared first on Beato's Blog.

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One of the biggest events in music this year is HOF band Chicago celebrating its 50th year of existence. Few bands ever achieve this status so it is only right that any group that does reach it should be specially recognized….in sytle. As it relates to Chicago, drummer Tris Imboden and percussionist Wally Reyes, Jr., the rhythmic backbone of the group, have had the good fortune of being associated with DW Drums and LP Percussion who have come up with a special series of drums and percussion pieces to celebrate this very special occasion.

(Louie Garcia (l.) and Akbar Moghaddam (r.))

Before we show you some killer pics of the new gear (photos courtesy of Kristy Duff Photography) we should acknowledge the two gentlemen who worked so hard to make these beautiful instruments; Louie Garcia (DW Drums) and Akbar Moghaddam (LP Percussion). (Special thanks and recognition also goes to DW’s John Good and LP’s Jerry Zacarias for making the project possible in the first place).

Wally Reyes, Jr., also wanted to add this:

“I have played professionally for decades and I have seen and played many makes and models of instruments but this–for both Tris and I–is a once in a lifetime experience. What DW and LP did here was nothing short of amazing. It’s one thing to be included in one of the best bands on the planet alongside one of the best drummers in the business, but it’s another to be privileged to be playing such beautiful, beautiful instruments that honor a once in a lifetime event. It’s really special and frankly, I am speechless. I think the pictures say it all.”

Well said Wally. Having said that, let’s get to the photos to show you what he means.

Tris Imboden behind his majestic 50th kit

Wally antes up with beauties from LP

Tris Imboden doing what he does best

Wally knows a thing or two about showmanship

The percussive dynamo known as Wally Reyes, Jr.

The man is always smiling

Editor’s Note: In addition to LP Percussion, Wally would also like to thank Regal Tip Sticks; Sabian Cymbals; DW Drums; Remo Drumheads; Beato Bags; and, Roland Corp.

Great job guys. Look for Chicago this year in a city near you. You can find their tour information here.

Ken “K Bo” Biedzynski, Editor

  The post Chicago’s Tris Imboden And Wally Reyes, Jr., Celebrate The 50th In Style appeared first on Beato's Blog.

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The J. Geils Band

Sadly, guitarist John Warren Geils Jr., known to the world as J. Geils, died on Tuesday in his Massachusetts home. He was 71. Geils was the founder and lead guitarist of the wildly popular band The J.Geils Band. The band attained acclaimed status with a string of chart-topping hits in the ‘80s that included Love Stinks, Freeze Frame and Centerfold. Police found Geils dead in his home around 4 p.m. and they said that “a preliminary investigation indicates that Geils died of natural causes.”

Geils started the band in 1967 in Worcester, Massachusetts, while studying mechanical engineering at Worcester Polytechnic Institute. The group signed with Atlantic Records in 1970.

Peter Wolf

The band, led by Geils’ driving guitar and vocalist Peter Wolf, scored their biggest hit with Centerfold in 1981. The song held the number one spot on the Billboard charts for six weeks. Vocalist Peter Wolf Tweeted this:

Thinking of all the times we kicked it high and rocked down the house! R.I.P. Jay Geils http://pic.twitter.com/r3v50eQZ2w

— Peter Wolf (@PeterWolf_Woofa) April 12, 2017

R.I.P. J. Geils. You were great.

Ken “K Bo” Biedzynski, Editor

The post J. Geils Dead At 71 appeared first on Beato's Blog.

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Alabama

We are sad to report that Jeff Cook, guitarist and fiddle player with the iconic country band Alabama, has announced he has Parkinson’s disease and that he will no longer be regularly touring with the band. Cook, who is one of the founding members and who has been with the band since 1969,  is 67.

Cook was apparently diagnosed about four years ago but the band kept the news private until now. Cook said the chronic neurological disorder gives him tremors that make it hard for him to play his instruments, but he didn’t want to stop playing music. He said he is not quitting the band, but won’t be regularly touring with Alabama so he can rest. In the 1980s Alabama dominated country music with hits like Love in the First Degree, Mountain Music, and Dixieland Delight.

Ken “K Bo” Biedzynski, Editor

The post Jeff Cook Of Alabama Announces He Has Parkinson’s Disease appeared first on Beato's Blog.

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Tye Trujillo

As strange as this may sound, mega-metal band Korn has announced that the 12-year-old son of Metallica bassist, Robert Trujillo, will join the band for their South American tour. Tye Trujillo is a member of the group The Helmets and he will replace bassist Reginald “Fieldy” Arvizu for a series of dates in Columbia, Brazil, Argentina, Chile and Peru, beginning next week.

The Helmets

    A statement from the band says that Fieldy is “unable to make the shows… due to unforeseen circumstances” but will join the group’s tour again in May. The band added this statement: “We are bummed Fieldy can’t join us on this run but excited to do a few gigs with a young player like Tye. We look forward to welcoming our brother Fieldy back when we return to the States in May.”

Korn made the announcement on their Facebook page:

Ken “K Bo” Biedzynski, Editor

The post Korn To Temporarily Replace Their Bass Player With A 12 Year Old appeared first on Beato's Blog.

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If you are into jazz and you are in the NYC area next weekend (April 15) you are in for a big treat as Senegal native Cheikh NDoye, master bassist, composer, arranger and accomplished musical artist comes to town for a CD release party for his new record entitled, Sons Of Africa. Ndoye is well known in jazz circles as he has successfully married his jazz influences to world music while complimenting that with Ndoye’s rich Western African Heritage. Joining Ndoye is an all-star lineup which features, among others, accomplished violinist Karen Briggs (formerly with Yanni) and Grammy-winning drummer Raul Pineda, who is one of the best Latin jazz players in the world. 

To learn more, let’s hear from Cheikh himself about his upcoming series of shows on the East Coast including the show at Club Bonafide on April 15 in NYC (located on 212 East 52nd Street):

Finally, just to give you a flavor of what you are in for check out this video from the St. Louis Jazz Festival:

Enjoy the show.

Ken “K Bo” Biedzynski, Editor

  The post Cheikh Ndoye & Friends Hit NYC For CD Release Party appeared first on Beato's Blog.

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Along our way in life we sometimes have occasion to sit down and talk with an individual who has made significant and important contributions to their profession or trade. Roy Burns–the legendary performer/drummer, educator, and manufacturer (Aquarian Drumheads)–is one of those individuals. We recently had the chance to sit down and talk with Mr. Burns and he is as impressive as billed and we invite you to please take a moment to check out our interview with this icon below.

(from l. to r., Chris Brady, Roy Burns, and me)

But first, we need to say something about Roy’s company, Aquarian Drumheads. After a brief tour of the warehouse–which must literally stock every kind of drum head known to man along with plenty of really great sound control accessories–we had the opportunity to meet with the Aquarian staff led by Chris Brady. The staff–to say the least–is accommodating, top flight, extremely knowledgeable, and as professional as it gets. Chris himself is an encyclopedia of sound; tell him what drums you play and what sound you want and he tells you what head will deliver your desired sound. Have a tonal issue or want to control issues with your sound? Chris can steer you towards an Aquarian product that can help. 

As to Roy himself, he is very giving of his time, engaging, and a wealth of knowledge about all things music. Indeed, he is a living legend. Please also take the time to check out the many videos that you can find online which show off Roy’s skills as a drummer. Roy’s performances are epic as are his skills as an educator and innovator. Indeed, we sincerely thank him for his time with us.

We sincerely hope that you enjoy our sit down with the great Roy Burns.

Editor’s note: We also want to specially thank Aquarian staffers Gabriel Diaz and Jesus Estrada for their fine assistance in the filming of this video and the compelling and interesting tour of the Aquarian facility. Again, the Aquarian staff–and particularly Gabe and Jesus–are great people. Period.

Ken “K Bo” Biedzynski, Editor

The post A Sit Down With The Legendary Roy Burns appeared first on Beato's Blog.

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Eric Moore

The statement that drum heads are critical to a drummer’s sound and performance is not a novel proposition. But finding the right head and making it work for you in any environment or venue is a different story. Recently, I was captivated by a promo video that I saw of monster drummer Eric Moore. I know that Eric is very talented and in my mind he could probably make tupperware sound good however, I could not help but notice these interesting drum heads that Eric was playing. Then a light went off when I recognized where the promo video was shot; it was Aquarian Drumhead’s facility in Anaheim, California.

Aesthetically, the Reflector series is magnificent

(l. to r., Chris Brady, Roy Burns, and me at Aquarian’s facility)

My next step was to place a call with Chris Brady, Aquarian Drumhead’s kwan and Mr. Burns’ (as in drum legend Roy Burns) right hand man. After giving me some basic information about these heads (which I came to learn are called Aquarian’s “Reflector” series), Chris asked if I wanted to try them to which I said, “sure.” Drum heads take on a special importance to me because I am not a national artist. I usually don’t even have a sound crew. In fact, for many of the venues that I play in with The Phil Engel Band we typically only mic the kick drum. So, I expect any drum head I use to do a lot of things for me such as getting a rich sound that can carry in a somewhat large room. It also has to be durable because with Summer coming we will be working a steady 3-4 nights a week on the Jersey Shore (one of busiest cover circuits in the country) and many of those gigs will be outside in the heat and elements. Finally, for the larger outdoor gigs, I will need a head that will be responsive to the whim of a finicky soundman who is miking my drums. That last concern is a big one because I never let duct tape anywhere near my drums (it is a favorite of some sound guys) so I rely on the the drum head to sound good miked or not.

Upon receiving these heads–which are very pleasing to the eye–I immediately noticed the “feel” of the heads themselves in my hands. The Reflector heads are 2 ply so there is some meat to them (the top layer is 7 mil and the bottom is 10mil). They are not going to break easy which is a good start but by the same token, by their “feel” I could tell they would sound great if that makes any sense. Next, I applied the heads to my drums and followed Chris Brady’s suggestion on tuning them (i.e., watch Eric Moore’s video). What I loved about how Aquarian distributes their products is that each head came with 2 T-Tabs which is my favorite Aquarian product. The T-Tab looks like a band-aid and it really helps fine tune out any overtones in either the batter or resonant head. Each head also came with a “duraDOT” which is essentially a circular dot with adhesive to the back of it. The “duraDOT,” like the T-Tab, can be stuck anywhere on the head and it is reusable.

Although you can really manipulate your sound with either a T-Tab or duraDOT, I did not need either. The head performed beautifully without any need for sound control. But, in the spirit of adventure, I thought I would try applying Aquarian’s industry-leading sound controls devices. I found that if you are in a big hall where the sound “bounces,” so to speak, and basically your drums ring if you even look at them, you can virtually manipulate your Reflector head any way you want to. It’s a strange dynamic because with Aquarian’s Reflector heads they almost go through 2 processes of tuning; the first is traditional tuning to make sure that the drum is tuned to your preferences as a player and the second process involves the application of Aquarian’s sound control devices (i.e., T-Tab or duraDOT) to remove any overtones or “ringing” that traditional tuning might not resolve.

A Reflector head mounted on a Canopus drum kit

The end result is that these heads are more susceptible of tuning by the player than virtually any other heads on the market. So, in light of all their capabilities and adjustments how did they sound? Phenomenal. The Reflector series heads provide depth, punch, and attack, all without unwanted overtones. And here’s the best part. With Aquarian’s superb sound control products, I can make changes virtually on the fly. The T-Tabs and duraDOTS are easily removable and reusable. There also is no sacrifice in the power of these heads. They cut through and basically can be modified for the needs of any player. So, do I recommend them? You bet. No questions asked. You will love them–I sure did.

Ken “K Bo” Biedzynski, Editor

  The post Aquarian’s Reflector Heads Are Simply Superb appeared first on Beato's Blog.

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Journey

Steve Perry, the former frontman for the iconic mega rock band Journey, has agreed to join the band tonight in Brooklyn (at the Barclays Center) when the Hall of Fame induction class of 2017 is welcomed into the Rock N’ Roll Hall Of Fame. Journey is part of that class along with Yes, ELO, Joan Baez, Tupac Shakur, and Pearl Jam. The last time Perry performed with the band was in 1991. Journey is slated to perform 3 songs (Lights, Separate Ways, and Don’t Stop Believin’) and it has now been confirmed that Perry will be performing on at least one of those songs. Could this be the start of a reunion?

Ken “K Bo” Biedzynski, Editor 

The post Steve Perry To Rejoin Journey At HOF Induction Tonight appeared first on Beato's Blog.

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Well, the much awaited moment since mega band One Direction split has happened: Harry Styles has dropped his first single as well as the video to go with it. The surprisingly lengthy track, entitled Sign Of The Times, dropped today and you can check out the video below.

Complete with strings and grand harmonies, Sign Of The Times–a piano ballad–stands in contrast to what fans of One Direction had previously heard Styles sing with that group. However, one thing hasn’t changed from his One Direction days; despite being dropped today the video has already garnered over one million views on You Tube. Some things never change.

Ken “K Bo” Biedzynski, Editor

  The post Harry Styles Drops New Single “Sign Of The Times” appeared first on Beato's Blog.