New solo album: In My Dreams I Can Fly !!!

I'm not sure who may see this since I'm not on here very often, but I would like to announce that I have finally finished my album of guitar instrumentals! The reason I set up this blog in the first place.

Rather than go the traditional route of finding a record label, I want to bring the music directly to you, but I need your help. I am now taking pre-orders on Kickstarter to raise the funds to get the CD pressed.

The album is called In My Dreams I Can Fly and features 12 brand new original instrumental works for electric guitar. Sort of in the vein of Joe Satriani or Eric Johnson perhaps, but with my own style and substance.

There are two videos on Kickstarter that feature sound clips from the album and a bit of a presentation by yours truly. The one down at the bottom seems to be getting the most interest, so please, stop by and have a listen. And, if you could, help me get the word out by sharing this link where you can… forums, music blogs, facebook, myspace, anyplace. The funding drive ends at Midnight, November 5th, 2012 so there isn’t a whole lot of time!! Thanks.

http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/billberends/1920478859/

This is an all-or-nothing proposition with Kickstarter, so your money is not at risk. I either reach my goal and the CD gets pressed, or I don't, in which case you won't be charged. I really hope you can help me bring it to fruition by placing a pre-order now. I think it’s a great album that Mastermind fans can enjoy, but it’s good for classic blues rockers as well, and certainly for guitar enthusiasts! For prog fans I am pleased mention I have Jason Gianni of the Neal Morse band helping me out on drums for this record and Jason kicks ass!

I really hope I can get the CD out to you THIS year because this is a very important record for me. After this album gets released there will be a new Mastermind album coming, possibly next year, but a lot depends on if I can get this new album funded, so I am asking for your help. Thanks for reading and go check it out!

http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/billberends/1920478859/

Thanks!!
Bill

Strings on Fire update

I was pleased to see I made the first cut in the Strings on Firecontest. Like I've said before, I don't take these contests seriously in the competitive sense and certainly don't consider myself a state-of-the-art shredder, but it feels nice anyway. Cool.

Firebird Strings On Fire

Another take of the Strings On Fire track (see previous entry) playing what else? The mighty Gibson Firebird V... there's nothing else like it!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wXXr4d7SgBE

Strings On Fire

Here's another video for Truth In Shredding. I don't take the contest aspect of it too seriously, but enjoy the challenge of playing over the unfamiliar. Kind of rough & tumble... I just got home from a bar gig and decided to give it a shot before the deadline, so in just under the wire. If it wasn't for the last minute nothing would get done. Enjoy!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nf8Q32t_h7w

Shred this...

I made this video for Truth in Shredding which is a guitar-centric web site run by a fellow named Laurie Monk. It's for a guitar contest called "Shred this..." where a bunch of guys (and girls) play over a simple backing track and strut their stuff. The winner gets some kind of prize and bragging rights... maybe even a trophy!? lol ;) Actually, it's really mostly about networking, but it's a fun idea anyway.

I've never entered a talent contest before for a plethora of reasons... so I looked at it as more of a challenge than a competition. Being involved with a community of guitarists seemed like a nice idea and I thought 'well, if I'm so cool I should be able to do this'... I also thought it would be a good way to launch my new youtube channel, or at least have something up on it for now anyway (youtube.com/billberends), so here it is, shred this....

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TMroSLqbxd4


My real goal was to see if I could make some kind of video with the limited means available to me... i/e no video camera, so I rigged up a webcam and gave it a go. Some of the other entries are obviously overdubbed or punched in and that's not *truth* in shredding as I see it, but I don't think there are actually any rules. I just plugged into my little Fender Champ and played straight thru, so it is what it is... me & my guitar in the wee hours, a little buzzed, and tired of dicking around with computers. But I had to make the deadline! Yes, I'm something of a slacker... if it wasn't for the last minute nothing would get done.

As for shredding... I never really liked that term but have come to accept it in the vernacular. There are some interesting entries from what I've seen, then a slew of Satri-vai-howe type stuff. Pretty much what I think of when I hear the word shredding. I prefer a more natural stream of consciousness 'I-don't-practice-scales-all-day' kind of playing and was never big on two hand tapping, or what Frank Zappa referred to as "stunt guitar". I also like a more natural guitar sound with just a bit of tube grit and a touch of reverb. I just play a guitar like it was originally meant to be played... old skool. It is interesting to note I didn't see many other Gibson players. Mostly Ibanez & Strats.

Anyway, it's a cool website with lots of guitar info, news, links, and players. The Shred This Competition is a good clean fun way to draw some attention to the site, so check it out.

ps1: Bb at the end of the video refers to the key of B-flat, *not* a guitar friendly key. That might explain the dodgy bits. :P

ps2: thanks to Cheryl the flute mistress for inspiring the webcam idea and posting often enough to get me off my butt.

ps3: if anyone wants to donate a digital video camera you'd see a lot more video from me! Seriously... just a thought. :)