Joseph Kekuku and Lap Steel

Joseph Kekuku, from Oahu, invented the lap steel guitar when he dropped his comb on his guitar and liked the sound. He then tried various bits of metal and also tried several open tunings, called Slack Key, because when you tune this way, some of the strings become more slack than they would a normal guitar tuning. I’ll get back to my Fall color…

Twelve String Autumn

I found more little hints of fall along my bike ride today. I also cut and painted what will become the Imaginary Puppet Theatre full moon with bats from a few blog posts ago. Big excitement here in Orinda this holiday weekend! Man, its so nice when you’re in your own world and loving it. Today’s song is part of a love affair I’m…

Unhappy Acres

I realized that while the cemetery model looked cool from a certain perspective, it didn’t work for the photographic intentions that I have. Today’s song was a blast. Fender Thin Telecaster, Gretsch Lap Steel, Piano and Bass. I thoroughly enjoyed playing every part.

Lichen

I’m done painting and decorating the haunted house. It turned out better than I had expected. The cemetery and gates / fence is almost done. I need to make it look weathered. The “mitre” was a funny happy accident. I’ll be doing a Halloween photo shoot sooner than expected, so maybe I’ll do several.

The Psychobilly Train

I’m really getting into Psychobilly and anything alto country, alt-americana. The more twisted, the better…

Jesus Ain’t Coming Back

I was listening to The Dead Country Radio Show and The Dead Roots Syndicate YouTube podcasts yesterday. These are great Alt-Country shows and you can hear the Johnny Cash “man in black” influence throughout the music – whether it be rockabilly, alt-country, bluegrass or some other hybrid sound. Just awesome. Kicks psycho billy up a notch or three… I woke up (and with tongue…

Anatomically Incorrect

Big fun with Lap Steel, Bass and Piano today. We’ve had the best weather this summer, but as if on cue, the smoke from the Sierra Fires are supposedly on their way here. I think last year it was just about August 10, so the timing is about right.

Intervale

I tried to add a lap steel solo to yesterdays song, but the song got way too busy, so I wrote this song idea instead, starting with a sort of solo. Both are in the same key, so they do have some overlapping similarities. One thing I’m realizing is how important arrangement and “sound sculpting” are. There are so many rock and pop songs…

Pick Your Poison

I originally started this song using the piano part with intentions of using the lap steel. That plan changed, and this here song idea bubbled up to the top. I will repost this song after adding a lead guitar part because its screaming for one!

Sail Away

Today’s song is more about the arrangement – I’m sure I’ve used this same chord progression and turn around, but it has a different bridge and ending, plus different instrumentation.