Hi Folks, I just received a new strap from the folks at Italia Guitar Straps and was pleased by the high quality materials & craftsmanship. Coupled with the excellent prices & great customer service I’ll be a customer for life! (Dan’s 1983 Gibson 335 Re-Issue Pictured) Read more »
Blues Book: Big Mama Thorton
Here’s an interesting Biography by Michael Spörke. His new book “Big Mama Thornton. The Life and Music.”, the first biography about Big Mama Thornton, will shortly be available. It can be pre-ordered via the publisher (see the link below). http://www.mcfarlandbooks.com/book-2.php?id=978-0-7864-7759-3 When Michael was researching his book he contacted me & we spoke about Big Mama […] Read more »
Traveling abroad with guitars containing rare woods
Travel Abroad with Your Instrument May Require CITES Certification The AFM and its longtime government relations partners met in late April with US Fish and Wildlife (USFW) administrators to discuss public promotion of government guidelines relating to the international transport of musical instruments containing parts of federally designated endangered species materials and/or rare woods such […] Read more »
Alex Ciavarelli at the 2013 Kyoto Symposium
Dans’ gifted student Alex Ciavarelli performs at the prestigious Kyoto Symposium in San Diego, CA in March 2013. Here he performs “All the Things You Are” by Jerome Kern Custom built guitar by Laviolette Guitars, San Diego, CA Read more »
Johnny “Hammond” Smith Project
My old Boss & Pal Johnny “Hammond” Smith is still cookin’! Johnny’s widow Cheryl Smith is in the process of releasing some of Johnny’s music that hadn’t been previously released. Cheryl has organized a Kickstarter project. It’s a great way to support a worthwhile cause & get some groovin’ Johnny Hammond sounds! Check it out […] Read more »
Remembering Johnny “Hammond” Smith
For those Hammond Organ Buffs out there, here’s an update regarding my old boss & friend Johnny “Hammond” Smith. Since Johnny’s passing in 1997, his recorded music has grown in popularity with many contemporary artists. His Widow (Cheryl Smith) has launched a popular Facebook page & is currently organizing unreleased original music that Johnny wrote. […] Read more »
Dan is “Slightly Stoopid!”
“Top of The World” Slightly Stoopid’s new album was recently released. Congrats to the fellas on well deserved success. One of my Students Kyle McDonald is a founding member of this popular group. Believe it or not they had me (AKA “Papa Dan”) add a few licks to the new release! (listen for some bluesy […] Read more »
Jazz Guitar Legend Lenny Breau!
Here’s Part 1 of a new film called “The Genius of Lenny Breau” If you’re not familiar with Lenny sit back & get ready to be amazed! His story isn’t unlike my friend & mentor’s the late great Billy Rogers. (More on Billy later) Two incredible guitarists who both met tragic endings…… Visit the sixstring […] Read more »
Amplifying your Arch-Top by Dan Papaila
It’s hard to beat the tonal warmth of a good arch-top! The way they feel & resonate on the stage helps to strengthen the connection between player & instrument. But arch-tops are challenging instruments to amplify. Here’s the scoop from my experience of playing arch-tops for the last 40 + years. The amps I’ve listed […] Read more »
George Benson & the Ibanez LGB300
Here’s a Video of George Benson talking about the new Ibanez Model. Looks like a high end ES-175! I like the Ebony Bridge. May be of interest for those in the market. (Street Price is around $4,500.00 = used L-5 money) Visit the Ibanez Page for Specs: Read more »
Mundell Lowe turns 90!
Jazz Guitarist Mundell Lowe still performs at 90! Mundell hasn’t seemed to slow down. Still sounding great & gigging regularly, One of my hereos! Read more »
Rose Mallett Trio with Guitarist Dan Papaila in Palm Springs by Robert Nicosia
I recently received an email announcing that the superb guitarist, Dan Papaila was appearing with Rose Mallett on Wednesday March 21 at the Escene Golf Club in Palm Springs, Ca. I heard Dan play only once last year but that was enough to make me want to hear more. Dan’s performance this night was as good […] Read more »
Wayne’s World! (new CD)
The New Wayne Riker CD features 10 of San Diego’s leading guitarists! GUITAR DECATHLON CD available at: Spin Records, Carlsbad, California M-Theory Music, San Diego, California Lou’s Records, Encinitas, California plus iTunes, & CD Baby: Read more »