“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 »
King George Plays a Ballad!
Nobody does it like George! 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 »
Kenny Burrell plays a Ballad
A Classic performance by Kenny Burrell with Bob Magnusson & Sherman Ferguson. Read more »
5 Reigions of the Guitar
Here’s two of the 5 recurring Fingering patterns/shapes of the guitar. 5 shapes 3rd – 5th fret Master these shapes and your playing will improve dramatically! These 5 shapes or regions encompass all of the modes & are the key to soloing on the guitar. To learn more enroll in the online Course; Soloing Basics […] Read more »
Jimmy Smith Quartet Live!
Here’s a concert of JImmy Smith’s quartet from the late 80’s. Terry Evans on guitar. Jimmy was an odd cat…., Terry only solos on Honky Tonk but some quality Herman Riley throughout! Read more »
Great Jimmy Ponder version of “Bumpin”
Here’s a great version of Bumpin performed by the great Jimmy Ponder. Probably the best octave work this side of Wes! Read more »
Dave Stryker Trio
A great version of Who Can I Turn To, nice 3/4 interlude & melody, then 4/4 swing! Another Great guitarist from Omaha, Nebraska! Read more »
IPAD Apps
A couple of useful IPAD apps that I’ve come across. If you have any additional recommendations please share! Dan 1. Amazing Slow Downer: Allows you to reduce the tempo of tunes in your song list without changing keys. (great for learning difficult lines or practicing at a slower tempo – Aebersold play-a-longs) 2. ForScore: You […] Read more »
Alex Ciavarelli
I recently had a chance to catch a set by my gifted student Alex Ciavarelli, Be sure to catch him when you can! Read more »
Calvin Keys & Joe Hendersen Duo
Here’s a clip of fellow Omaha guitarist Calvin Keys playing with the late Joe Henderson. This is a great example of playing within yourself & always maintaining the “groove”! 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 »
Student Comment!
Here’s my 1st comment: (since the new launch) “Thanks for your inspiration and lesson, I finally found something worth while to invest in, I’ve been struggling trying to figure out how to play jazz for some two years now but thanks to you i know i’ll be alright, thanks again!” Special shout out to Sax […] Read more »