Guitar Zack's Bloggishness

Plus Some That Don't Fit The Mold

2008-11-26T10:55:00.000-08:00

My record Plus Some That Don't Fit The Mold is now up on iTunes.

I get a kick out of hearing back songs that I record. I get an even bigger kick out of seeing and hearing peoples' reactions. So, I'd like to hear what you think by leaving a comment on the review section on iTunes (no pressure though), but please as soon as your done reading this, buy it and review it (only if you have the time and financial capabilities) but really, I'll probably hurt you if you don't buy it (I'm just kidding?). Enough of that nonsense.

If I'd write a review as a listener/composer, I'd say that this particular group of songs is really colorful and neat for the ears to hear. The melodies are supported by deep underlying chordal harmonies and swirling slide guitars. On a technical note, I used my 1938 Epiphone Electar seven string lap steel guitar in conjunction with my 1959 tweed Fender Princeton Amp through my '63 reissue reverb tank throughout the entire album. I also used the stand-up bass for most of the numbers. It's one of my favorite records I've done because it reminds me of my basement in Pittsburgh, where most of the album was recorded, and it also reminds me of touring with Steve Vai in Europe and USA (because that's the record I took with me to sign and sell at all the shows).

Overall, it's mostly instrumental, but there are some interesting vocals too. I hope you at least get a minute to enjoy the free free samples on iTunes. Thanks for reviewing. I enjoy reading the honest comments (whether good or negative).
Thanks,
Zack

Hey- It's been a long while!

2008-11-25T16:22:00.000-08:00

I'm back in LA now. Many neat things happened since I last blogged. I went to Pittsburgh, PA for the summer. I played at Harvey Wilner's Tavern. I met one of my favorite modern musicians Beck at the Hollywood Bowl. I acquired many great LPs including a Hendrix Bootleg, AC/DC Back in Black, The Beatles Revolver, an autographed Albert Collins record, and many more. I toured the West Coast with my new band, unnamed at the time, but later dubbed "Carbon Thunder" to promote my Misaligned Mind record (which is available on iTunes). I met Matt Groening the creator of the Simpsons, and he drew me a Bart and signed it. I got paid to make a hand-drawn animated cartoon at my day job (yes, a day job... at a social media marketing company called Heavybag Media). I saw the Raconteurs in Cincinnati, OH with my pretty, pretty girlfriend. I bought an Echoplex and have been recording a new instrumental album concentrating on mainly my guitar playing. I've also been using the Jemini Guitar Pedal that I received from Mr. Steve Vai himself in the mail, and I really enjoy it's deep soloing tone. I usually try to expand as far as I can musically for my recordings, and touch on many different styles along with experimenting in odd rhythms, but this time it's a tad more straight forward; just neat guitar stuff. I'm really excited about it. I'm also now a part of a Beatles cover band called "Mean Mister Mustard" which is a really fun time from learning the tunes to playing them live. I purchased a big black Astro Van to haul all the gear and to get around town. I can't wait to play some Christmas Shows with Ron and Dave in Pittsburgh coming up in the next few weeks. I'm heading down to San Diego for Thanksgiving. I have been following the Steelers season, and have good hopes for a sixth ring. I got a new tune out on my website as well. The main song to check out is "Days with You" written and recorded by me and my roommate/guitar-slingin'-bandmate Andy Alt who does the solo on the track. I'm looking forward to hearing comments from everyone who would dare read this blog. Let me know what you think about the tune.

Hi-

2008-04-29T10:58:00.000-07:00

I bet you think my blog is boring. I do. Hmmmmm. how to spice it up a bit? I KNOW! I'll eat snails! But not Really.

It's Been Awhile

2008-04-09T19:51:00.000-07:00

Well, I just got back to LA from a nice 3 week vist to the Burgh. I played a handful of shows that all seemed to go well. Now it's time for me to quit "relaxin'" and get to work. I recorded some new tunes when I was back home and even started a new song today. So, Keep an eye out for a new release in the next couple months here of some more of my Solo work. Also I plan to make a debut Guitar Zack and his 3 piece Orchestra Record this summer. It will be my first release as a band effort. That's all for now. I had a wonderful trip; thanks to all the Pittsburghers that came out to a show and have a great day or night- or whatever time you read this, shortly after you are done with your computer for that part of the day, make that time great.

New Song at the Bottom of This Page!

2008-03-01T00:11:00.000-08:00

Matt Einstein from New York who is living in LA graced our track with his Joe Cocker-esque Vocals. Dave and I have been jamming at several open stages with Matt the past few weeks. He has a great stage presence, nice energy and understands roots based music and rock intrinsically. We became friends through all our jamming and hanging out at the clubs, and now we asked him to write a few verses to sing on our heretofore instrumental blues track! After recording the extemporaneous session of Matt's vocals, the track was dubbed the name, "Up and Throw You Out"--- Enjoy it or go somewhere else for better musics!!!

Musics to listen at-

2008-02-26T12:05:00.002-08:00

If your are one of the 5 people who actually look at my "Blog" (hopefully there's more than that, but I'm realistic), scroll down to the bottom- I found a way to put music here- So far it's just one tune: "Dogs Eat Mush". Dave played Drums on it and I played Guitars and Bass. We recorded it in Los Angeles. We are big wigs.

well...

2008-02-25T23:55:00.002-08:00

the "jam" doesn't exist until next week. We driving far for nothings.

Off to a Jam Tonight---

2008-02-25T21:30:00.001-08:00

Dave and I are going to an open jam in Playa Del Ray tonight. We're gonna "Playa" our respective instruments. What a terrible pun. i leaving now...

I wear hat.

2008-02-21T17:40:00.000-08:00

Getting Ready for the Mini-Tour of Pittsburgh!

2008-02-21T14:36:00.000-08:00

Well- Dave and I are out here in LA- still trying to hunt down a suitable bassist for some West Coast shows- We have a few prospects- just need to lock down some reheasal time to teach them the tunes. But we're sharpening the set list little by little in preparation of some really neat Pittsburgh shows with Ron! Can't wait! Also, the new website is under construction, but will be up and running as is for now- so look for that very soon! Have a Great Week, everybody! If you live in or near Pittsburgh, See ya in about 3 weeks!
Zack!

Dave Katonik scaring the seagulls at the beach!

2008-02-15T18:53:00.000-08:00

A 24 guitar!

2008-02-07T18:57:00.000-08:00

Signed by the show's star and producer Keifer Sutherland!

Me and my new gigging amp!

2008-02-02T13:08:00.000-08:00

This is me walking to the car after buying an amp on Sunset to have in
LA for shows!

That's my guitar getting ready to get played tonight at BB Kings in Hollywood!

2008-01-29T18:15:00.000-08:00

Picture taken by me from the balcony!

My buddy Eichner and I at the Dream Center Masters Comission Lounge

2008-01-27T12:12:00.000-08:00

We just got back from the church service at Angelus Temple in Echo
Park. A very outside the box approach to preaching God's word! They
are really about reaching out to the city of Los Angeles and getting
as many people of all types to get to know Jesus as their Lord! It's
really nice to see the Lord working in the big city!

Hey!

2008-01-26T09:41:00.000-08:00

Wow- the week went by sort of quick for me- I moved into this nice little guest house in Los Feliz! it's like 5 mins from Hollywood and right by Griffith Park and Observatory- I got my studio setup and recorded a couple experiments so far. I just need a Bass out here now- I hope a friend will lend me one til my Parents bring me mine when they come out to visit me some day! Drummer Dave from my Pittsburgh Band "No Slack" is coming out here to give the LA life a try for awhile- We hope to get a Bass Player and some Shows lined up very soon out here- all Prayers and encouragement is greatly appreciated!
- so I'll see how long we get to stay here with making all this noise in the Lady's backyard-
see ya later-
Zack!

After NAMM

2008-01-20T23:03:00.000-08:00

My legs are tired now- after 4 days of walking around a big convention center, I'm what they say--- POOPED! But I had a lot of fun meeting neat people and trying out the newest gear for 2008! OK I guess I gotta get back to my not-so-new gear and get my Band going out here in LA!
Alright- have a great day to whoever reads this Blog of mine!
Zack!

Me and Billy Gibbons

2008-01-18T21:51:00.001-08:00

Me and Dick Dale

2008-01-18T21:50:00.001-08:00

Good morning...

2008-01-18T10:00:00.000-08:00

...from Huntington Beach. Just killin' time til I go to the NAMM Show
day 2.

I found Elmo and the Cookie Monster at the NAMM Show!

2008-01-17T16:41:00.000-08:00

I made it in one piece!

2008-01-15T20:43:00.001-08:00

With four pieces of luggage! Two guitars- my laptop- my recording
gear- and a bin full of old records! Oh yeah and my remote control
helicopter I got for Christmas! Ok see ya later! Keep checking this
bloggishness for postings from myself!
Later,

I see that it works!

2008-01-14T12:41:00.000-08:00

I'll be sending more photos up on this blog with this phone of mine
while I'm out and about. Technology is so neat.

Zack!

Check out my new Elvis lamp!

2008-01-14T09:35:00.000-08:00

Trying to send photo from iphone!

2008-01-14T08:42:00.000-08:00

I Lost...

2008-01-07T11:51:00.000-08:00

---NOT a button, but the Abe film Auction on Ebay! I got beat by a Washington coin (quarter)!!! oh well-Abe's still my Favorite! Can't wait to play this Wednesday! Very Excited!
Zack!

The "SHORT NOTICE SHOW"

2008-01-04T15:49:00.000-08:00

Hey Guess where I'll be THIS Wednesday? ...No not the Stencil Factory- I'll be at The Walnut Grill in Shadyside- (412-688-8220) on the corner of Walnut St. and Bellafonte St.- My Band will be with me too- and We are going to Play one more show Before I head back out to California!
So I hope to See YINZ there!
OH YEAH- GOOOOOO STEEEEEEEEEELERS! a must-win!
Zack!

i hope i win!

2008-01-03T00:11:00.001-08:00

i just bidded on an Abraham Lincoln 16mm film on Ebay----

Happy New Year!

2008-01-02T09:24:00.000-08:00

I had such great times last year with my first Tour and Recording a bunch of new tunes in 2007- But my mentality in the New Year is I'm starting from scratch again- I'll expand on what i know and learned throughout, but any successes BIG or small need to be cherished memories and can't constantly be reminissed about because there would be no time for new Memories and Successes to be made. So, I want to Thank everyone who ever came out to a show last year- any one who ever helped me get a show lined up- and my Band Ron Grkman (Bass) and Dave Katonik (Drums) for being so Musically Open-Minded for learning such strange things and even Stranger yet- Remembering and Performing them for people live!
Having Said all that- I look forward to making more new ideas come to life through Music and Whatever Medium- and hope to play for as many different people as possible this new year! I'll be writing pretty often so keep on checking back- This B-log will be attatched to my New Website very soon!
Zack!

trying to put up a picture

2007-12-29T10:17:00.001-08:00

well the picture seemed to work- this is me in the summer time right after I bought 2 Screwball Icecream Treats! One for each hand! MMMMmmmm! Ok- just wanted to try to put a picture up- Now I know I can do such things!
Zack!

My next one-

2007-12-28T21:00:00.001-08:00

Day Two- Nobody read my first one yet. I'm a Lonely Blogger... out in Techno land- amongst Gigabites and Data and Files and Hard Drives and even some scrotums- oops I meant Modems! haha-
Zack!

First Blog!

2007-12-28T20:25:00.000-08:00

Hi everyone- I'm not sure why I am a "blogger" now- But I will be posting random thoughts- maybe some show dates or poems or even ideas or contests or anything that i want- maybe even like a journal of sorts- if i did something i think is worth talking about I'll mention it here- like going to a new movie or restauant or different city or something like that!- So check in every few days or so and I'll have some intereseting and probably some not-so-interesting stuff up here! Hope you enjoy yet another way to communicate through technology!
Thanks for reading-
Zack!