Summer Solstice 2008

For the last decade, summer solstice (the longest day of the year) has always had a special meaning for me. This year, it happened on my birthday, June 20. The best part was it happened at precisely 4:59 p.m. PDT, meaning the end of the work week on Friday was also the beginning of summer. How cool was that? I headed to Hanger 24 Craft Brewery in Redlands, had my growler filled with orange wheat beer and took this photo from Pioneer Ave., looking west toward Mt. Baldy and the San Gabriel Mountains. Happy birthday to me, and best wishes to my pagan friends out there. Let's dance naked, do some cartwheels and celebrate the wonder -- and the gift -- of life!

Ride to Morton Peak

Here is a satellite view of today's ride to Morton Peak. I took some photos with my Kodak camera from the Forest Service's fire lookout tower. The three miles from the highway to the lookout tower are about the hardest three miles I've ever climbed. Enjoy the view!

Stevie Ray Vaughan and Jeff Healey: "Look at Little Sister"

Oh, man, where did this clip come from? Here's a look back at the greatness of two late guitar heroes. Watch as Healey gets up from his chair and Stevie stands on his toes during their solos. The quality of the video is poor and it breaks up in the middle, but plug your computer into your stereo's speakers, crank it up and re-live a bit of history.

Jimi Hendrix: "Voodoo Chile"

Here is the one-and-only doing one of the greatest songs for guitar ever written. Joe Satriani referred to this song as "the ultimate guitar statement." Stevie Ray Vaughan's version at El Mocambo is among the best guitar performances of all time, but this version is by the man who wrote it. Performing a great song really well is one thing -- having it flow from your head to your fingers for the first time is genius.

Jeff Healey: "See the Light"

Here is the late blind guitar genius Jeff Healey playing his signature song, "See the Light." An added bonus is Dr. John (Malcolm John "Mac" Rebennack, Jr.) on piano. What an amazing talent -- and technique. Watch the way Healey bends the strings and walks up and down the fretboard with his fingers. We miss you, Jeff!

Kal David and John Mayall

Here is an amazing video of Kal David playing alongside John Mayall and the Bluebreakers. I wrote about Kal in my earlier post The Soundtrack of My Life. Notice he's playing the same 1964 Gibson Firebird V he hangs around his neck on stage today. This is great stuff!