April 2022

This month... a free short piece, progress on a new release, friends headed to The Grammys, and some recommendations.

This month's free short piece has a simple harmony and a melody with constant momentum. This is a good workout for both hands and requires that you to focus on phrasing when it comes to weaving the melody over the simple bass line. It is a good workout for the pinky with small glissandos and hammer-ons. Work on maintaining smooth, legato playing and let those bass notes ring out underneath the melody.

Short Piece for April (standard)

Short Piece for April (standard & TAB)

Video

Writing, Writing, Writing...

Progress on a New Release

I now have a total of seven new pieces written. In addition to the new music, I am going to re-record "Kian's Blues", which was on my first album, and I also have a couple Celtic tunes I put together as a medley. I may even expand on some of these short pieces I have included in these newsletters and/or pieces from my book of studies and record them. We'll see...

Once I start practicing these tunes, I will probably be posting some short videos to test the waters. Keep an eye out.

Grammy Brothers - Ackerman, Eaton, Oster 

My dear friends, Will Ackerman, Tom Eaton, and Jeff Oster are headed to the Grammys this month. Their wonderful album "Brothers" is nominated for for Best New Age Album. I am wishing them the best of luck on April 3rd!

If you haven't heard the record, click on the links below and listen.

Buy it here:

Brothers CD

Listen here:

Brothers - Apple Music

Brothers - Spotify

Will Ackerman's New Album - "Positano Songs"

It has been quite a long time since the world has heard new music from Will, but his new record is here at last.

"Positano Songs" is comprised of ten beautiful pieces for guitar enhanced by some very special guests. Joining Will on this record are Charlie Bisharat, Tom Eaton, Eugene Friesen, Jeff Oster, and Noah Wilding.

The music is mixed, mastered and co-produced by Tom Eaton. Anyone who has worked with Tom knows how integral he is to the quality of each and every recording that comes out of Imaginary Road Studios. Will's record is no different. Tom's engineering/production on this (and on the Brothers album) is stunning.

Will has been talking about making this record for a very long time. I am so happy that he was finally able to record and release this music.

Congrats to all involved.

Buy it here:

Will Ackerman - Positano Songs CD & Download

Listen here:

Positano Songs - Apple Music

Positano Songs - Spotify

Some More Recommendations...

Tom Caufield is a friend of mine, and a fantastic composer and guitarist. I love his expressive and contemplative music. Please check out his website and music. You can also sign up for his mailing list to receive his newsletter.

Tom Caufield

One of my favorite groups is Ye Vagabonds. The Irish folk duo is made up of brothers Diarmuid and Brían Mac Gloinn. Guitars, mandolins, bouzoukis, tenors guitars, and wonderful harmonies.

Highly recommended! 

Ye Vagabonds  

Bradford Werner's Thisisclassicalguitar.com is a fantastic resource for all things classical guitar. You'll find a ton of lessons, sheet music, and videos for players on every level. (much of it is free)

Thisisclassicalguitar.com

Thisisclassicalguitar - Patreon Page

Marie and I were fortunate to catch Gustavo Dudamel conduct the NY Philharmonic twice in March. If you are unfamiliar with this "rock star" of the classical music world and champion of music education, check out this short bio done by CBS Sunday Morning in 2020.

Gustavo Dudamel

Dudamel conducts Mahler No.5 - Adagietto

That's all for now. Thanks for reading these things. I appreciate your continued support.

Here are links to my music. CDs and sheet music can be purchased directly from my website.

Vin Downes - Links

Happy Spring. Let's Go Bucs...

Cheers,

Vin