Oracle of Strings

Oracle of Strings featuring Bert Lams & Fabio Mittino playing the music of Gurdjieff & De Hartmann. w/ Ricardo Sweatt Rodriguez. Wed. July 17th, 8pm @ the Russian Cultural Center, 2337 Bissonnet, Houston, TX 77005. Tix $20

Mantra of Strings

Mantra of Strings featuring Bert Lams & Fabio Mittino playing the music of Gurdjieff & de Hartmann. w/ Ricardo Sweatt Rodriguez. Thurs. July 12th, 8pm @ the Russian Cultural Center, 2337 Bissonnet, Houston, TX 77005. Tix $20

One More Light

The passing of Chester Bennington this morning touched me deeply. I've been a big fan of Linkin Park for many years and saw them perform for their first ever China concert at Shanghai's HangKou stadium. Nov., 2007. 26,000 capacity. Sold out. LP tunes have always moved & inspired me. I'm grateful to know the music of Linkin Park and to have heard one of the all time great voices in rock music. Rest in peace, Chester. I'll see you again on the other side

Larry Coryell, Godfather of Fusion, 1943 - 2017

I met Larry Coryell in 1996 at a guitar workshop here in Houston. I'd arrived an hour early as did Larry. I remember thinking how cool it was I had a private audience with LC before other workshop attendees arrived. After some small talk, he asked me to play for him. I played an original progression I'd been working on and he then asked "Has Al Di Meola heard you play?" (For an instant I was like a deer in headlights) "No.", I said. He then asked me to give him a recording so that he could pass it along to Di Meola the following weekend. I thought it was just awesome Larry thought enough of my playing that he wanted Al Di Meola to hear my chops. I was just elated.

 Later, as the workshop got underway, there were just a small handful of awesome jazz players in attendance. He asked them if they'd heard me play...most of them hadn't, but he commented "Elements of genius!"... Wow. To this day I'm still awestruck he thought highly of my playing. I'm not a musical genius, but I'll take that accolade from a master anytime. I still feel a sense of humbleness and gratitude Larry enjoyed my chops and I feel honored to have met him. I was a huge fan of his work for years prior to that workshop. His iconic recordings with Paco de Lucia, John McLaughlin and Al Di Meola will forever remain revered among musicians & non-musicians alike. Thank you, Larry. Thank you for the music you shared and for your time with us. I look forward to when we meet again on the Grand Stage in the hereafter...

The Music of Strangers...

This is perhaps the greatest musical documentary I've ever seen. It gives tremendous insight into the minds, aspirations & passions of accomplished world musicians... For the musician & non-musician, this is recommended viewing... http://themusicofstrangers.film/

Necessity of Greater Awareness

The current refugee crisis facing humanity is yet a reminder of how we, as a human race, need to lend a helping hand to our brothers and sisters less fortunate. A family would not take to the sea, with their entire earthly necessities backpacked, to seek out a new life, if it were not safer than the land they leave behind.

The Syrians are an educated people with a rich cultural history. They are a people of aspirations & ideals as much as any nation. That there would be any question at all of exploring possibilities of rendering aid - shelter, relocation, medical attention, food, etc.. - leaves me questioning the heart of the masses whom oppose aid to a people facing desperate hardship & faced with the grizzly alternative of staying in (or being returned to) their homeland.

We are a single human race. Greater recognition & awareness that we are all occupants of a single land, divided only by mass bodies of water, is ever necessary. The plight of a people is not the responsibility solely of those impacted to lift themselves, but a call for all of humanity to offer assistance in any way necessary to bring our fellow human beings to a life of stability and well-being.

You who are reading this, ask yourself, in which way(s) you can contribute to making life more hopeful and meaningful for those facing dire hardship... The reward is in the giving of yourself to make another's existence more peaceful, stable & inspired for the highest good of all humanity.

On Life, Love, & Meaning

I'm currently reading reading Daniel Tammet's Thinking In Numbers: On Life, Love, Meaning, and Math. Tammet is a high-functioning autistic-savant and I find great inspiration in his work. I currently spend several hours a month with an autistic adult whom needs supervision 24-7. While he's unable to function in society, I find that he's keenly aware of his surroundings, cares about the well-being of others and has a tremendous desire to constantly listen to music. 

Spending time with someone whom is autistic reminds me how grateful I am for what I have in life. Material things matter less and the recognition that we are all the same regardless of religion, ethnicity, status, etc., become ever clearer. If you're reading these words, know that no matter what you may be experiencing in life, any hardship you face is likely minuscule in comparison to others with a mental or physical handicap.

Dharma of Strings

I'm super psyched about this gig. Come out if you're in town!

My diggs...

I believe a musician should live in an environment which nourishes creativity. This is my living space. I still get lost in the painting. It's a depiction of  the Grande Canal near the Rialto Bridge in 17th/18th century Venice, Italy...

My "Lifeson" guitar...

My newly acquired Garrison AG-400-CE Guitar. Great balance and great design incorporating a unique fiber glass bracing system. It's got a decent tone and delivers in performance. It's a scarce guitar as the company was bought-out by Gibson in 2007 and then the models were discontinued... I'm installing the L.R. Baggs Anthem pickup system, as the on-board electronics are shot. Garrison Guitars were also endorsed by one of my all-time favorite musicians - Alex Lifeson of Rush

Music in nature...

Found a nice secluded area of the park to practice in today. I've always found playing guitar outdoors in a serene environment to be quite relaxing & meditative. I encourage all musicians to do this periodically...even drummers:) 

The Master...

On February 25th, the world lost a musical phenomenon - Francisco Gustavo Sánchez Gomes...otherwise known as Paco de Lucia. I had the great privilege to see Paco live in performance at the International Festival here in Houston in 1992. Within the first two minutes, one knew they were witnessing a great musical prodigy... I look forward to seeing him again ...on the other side.

Indonesian artistry....

Fine Celtic Lion motif carvings and inlays ~ Blueberry Guitars

The company of virtuosi...

Hangin out with drummer Jonathan Joseph and guitarist Nicolas Meier - currently on tour as members of Jeff Beck's band. Both masterful & soulful musicians. 

Safety in Travel

This signage would have come in handy in my previous travels. (Note to Wu Man: consider this for your Pipa case)

A new perspective...

photo by  Danny Nguyen

Punta Patri

Here's a new video from my recent performance with Bert Lams and Tom Griesgraber at the String Masters concert earlier this year. (photo by Danny Nguyen)

如果你居住在中国，检查出的视频点击这里  "弦乐大师"

Metallica in SHA

I'm pleased to discover one of my favorite bands, Metallica, will be performing in Shanghai. This will be their first appearance in China and have now added a 2nd show. It wasn't so long ago I was telling friends I'd like to see Metallica and Rage Against The Machine on a double bill in China. One out of two isn't so bad.

My typical breakfast in Shanghai. It's delicious:)

艾未未

My favorite artist in the world these days is China's Ai Weiwei. Although, you wouldn't hear much about him in China as he's censored in his homeland.

He's recently released an interesting new video from his upcoming metal album "The Divine Comedy", in collaboration with experimental rock musician Zuoxiao Zuzhou. You can check out his video here - https://vimeo.com/66546275

Kelly Wayne Lancaster, brother

Peanuts

Zen and the Art of Musicianship

"When yard workers take a break, they play guitar and drink. When musicians take a break, they do yard work." 
~ Geoffrey Mueller, Grandfather Child

photo credit: Craig Kinsey of Sideshow Tramps

In Performance

This pic was taken at one of my most recent concerts, String Masters, featuring myself with renown musicians Bert Lams and Tom Griesgraber. Photo by Danny Nguyen

Heavy on the down beat...

Unbroken circle...in memory of my dear brother Kelly Wayne Lancaster. With John David Hutsell, Randy Powell, Chris Bagley and others - at the Old Time String Shop in Nacogdoches, Texas. Feb., 23rd, 2013

Rite of Strings

I like the double-neck harp guitar hanging on the back wall. Reminds me of the great Michael Hedges.

(click on the photo to see larger image)

Meeting of the Spirits

Musical Heritage

The African-American musical experience should always have a central place in American music.

The Fire from Within

The ability to improvise on your instrument calls for musical intuition - that aspect of your creativity that is often ignored and suppressed in formal musical education. The ability to create musical ideas inspired by social interaction and human experience is at the heart of improvisation. It's the ability to have the courage to create without any concern of what others may think or of what tradition may adhere to. It's that ''Fire from Within'', as I like to call it, that gives rise to (as it always has) the great musical works our world has ever known - in any genre of music. 

For those musicians just becoming acquainted with their instrument of choice, know that the greatest landscape of musical exploration is that deep, deep universe within you. This is the frontier that was explored by the most revered musical icons the world has ever known. Let it be the sanctuary you visit often and know that therein lies the greatest of possibilities!

Soul of the Nomad

I recently had the great privilege of meeting musician Bady-Dorzhu Ondar from Tuva, Central Asia. He was on tour here in the US and gave a fine performance with his group Alash Ensemble in Houston. We talked about guitar playing and he was quick to point out his two favorite American guitarists - Jimi Hendrix and Stevie Ray Vaughan. God bless America:)

Fellowship of Masters

Works of art in the medium of oil portraiture & landscape as created by the great Russian masters have given me tremendous inspiration in recent years. The ability to capture the depth of humanity and the beauty of nature as depicted by artists Ivan Kramskoy, Ilya Repin, Alexander Ivanov and Valentin Serov, to name a few, should serve as model for any aspiring painter. Not being a painter myself, I can only ask that the spirit of these masters visit me often in my time of musical reflection...and guide me.

Uncommon Wisdom

"We're all the same color when the lights are off."

~ Cee Lo

The Poet's Poet

"Even after all this time, the Sun never says to the Earth, 'You owe me.'

~ Persian poet Hafez, 1325-1390

Hakuna Matata

Creativity in our World Community

Recently my good friend and Grammy nominated artist, Neil Charles Young, informed me that his college in Manchester, England has decided to close the jazz department after 30 years. Neil has taught guitar at the college for the last 15 years and was clearly disappointed in the school's decision to close the program. I didn't necessarily see this as a negative set of circumstances, however, but rather as an opportunity. In recent years local, state and national governments worldwide have limited funding to institutions resulting in discontinuing artistic programs in their curriculum. What this offers is a window for the educators themselves to go out into their communities and offer their expertise to those whom may not have the opportunity to attend higher institutions. What's needed now more than ever is artistic expression in our communities. The lack of this, I believe, is one of the core causes for dysfunction in our societies resulting in war and social inequality. Through educational outreach programs in our communities and increased cultural exchange between our nations is of great importance to the well being of our global society. On this day, decide you will explore more art in our community. Attend a performance, see an exhibit, find out what your community and performing arts organizations have to offer. There's a wealth of creativity out there waiting to be discovered and nurtured...

The Inimitable Musician

In the last several years there has been no other musician who has had an impact on my musical interest in classical, jazz and country genres than that of American composer Mark O'Connor. His breadth of musicianship and composition is unmatched in my opinion. I look forward to many more years of learning from this great master...

The Great Cycle

The Mayan Long Count calendar - based upon a recurring time period of precisely 1872000 days, approximately equal to 5125.36 years - ends today (not 12/21/2012). This marks an alignment between our Earth and Sun in relation to the Milky Way galaxy. This only occurs once every 26,000 years. So what does this mean? Who knows, but whatever it means, make it count....and give thanks to the Mayans:)

Ferran Adrià : The Family Meal

Ferran Adria has been my #1 chef to follow since I discovered him in 2006. His philosophy on creativity lends itself well to music ~ "Creativity is not copying." Original, inspiring, a visionary, and an in-depth knowledge of world cuisine and ingredients have made him the most influential chef on the planet.

(click here to watch the interview ~ Authors @ Google London)

Wisdom

Everything you do, do out of sincerity, or the benefit of the action is lost.

Hidden Messages in Water

The formation of a water crystal after hearing a prayer. Learn more about the the work of Dr. Masaru Emoto and the hidden messages in water here.

Warrior Spirit

Paul Delacerda, from left, Levon Ingram and Robert Ferguson - real-life guitar heroes. The band is called Warrior Spirit. Check out their story here.

Letter to a Beginning Guitarist

Dear friend,

To learn how to play guitar will take about two years if you practice 30 minutes to 2 hours for 4-6 days a week minimum ...and at this point you'll still be at the beginner level. Beyond two years there is so much more you can learn. By this time you can certainly master many chord positions and scales, but executing them with fluidity is where the hard work comes in. Then, it's not enough to have fluidity with chord progressions, scales, etc.. One should strive to explore their musical individuality and push themselves to create. And don't wait on inspiration. You can spend the rest of your life waiting on inspiration.

Music is 90% work and 10% inspiration. However, you'll find that when you push yourself to play, you'll then get into ''the zone''. This is where true creativity begins to show itself. It's okay to take short breaks in your playing (but not during the first 2 years!)...as this is also part of the music. You'll find that when you come back to your instrument you'll have fresh new ideas.

Create from the perspective of human experience and social interaction. Have courage, explore and express your innermost ideals through your playing.

Potential

Doctors can heal with lasers. Music, in the right hands, can do the same..

A new frontier..

This book is such a great and insightful read. Brings to light what we are capable of....the miraculous.

Compassion

Let us not forget we're in this world together. There is no "them and us". We're all brothers & sisters here to help one another

Dennis Haysbert

I performed recently for revered American actor Dennis Haysbert. I learned he's quite the music aficionado and taking bass-guitar lessons from Tal Wilkenfeld, Jeff Beck's bass player. He is also a certified Deep Sea Diver and has become a good friend.

Dead Sea Scrolls

I've been reading up on the Dead Sea Scrolls more recently and discovered an ad was placed in the Wall Street Journal in 1954 for the sale of these significant and rare scrolls. They were finally acquired by an Israeli archaeologist for $250,000. Almost all of the scrolls are in Jerusalem. A few are in Jordan and Europe. The few scrolls on display at the Shrine of the Book are accessible to all.

Birthday wishes for Lisa..

My dear friend and mentor Lisa Lu celebrating her 83rd birthday! A beautiful cake for such a beautiful woman. Lisa is one of the most celebrated actresses in all of Asia. Her contribution to film and stage acting is well respected throughout the East and West. I learn a great deal from her and I'm honored to have her acquaintance and friendship:)

A Room with a View

I plan to see the world from this perspective in a few short years..
Happy New Year:)

"A night view of the Nile River winding up through the Egyptian desert toward the Mediterranean Sea, and Cairo in the river delta. Such a stark contrast between the dark desolate lifeless desert of northern Africa and the Nile River teeming with life along its shores. In the distance... the eastern Mediterranean on a beautiful autumn evening (1-31-2010). Space Photo: NASA, Astronaut Wheelock"

Royal Performance

I'm performing for Princess Siriwanwaree Nareerat of Thailand tonight:)
Merry Christmas!

The Score

What I have to do as a musician is everything that is not on the sheet music.

Jimi Hendrix Business Mgr...

Last weekend I met and played guitar for Jimi Hendrix' UK business manager, James 'Tappy' Wright (he even requested a CD!). He was full of stories about his experiences with Hendrix and life back in the day. Of all guitarists I've listened to over the years, none have moved me more than Hendrix. He was beyond his years. Iconic. Musical. Soulful. Charismatic. Bold. Innovative. Imaginative. All of this set him on a pedestal above all others. Check out James Wright's new book Rock Roadie.

Canadian promotion

Seems my Canadian marketing team is doing their job:)