Mark Farner and Grand Funk Friday’s Sketch,  as my son said, “a great guitar player, a great musician, what more can I tell you mom.” 

This is a sketch I did for my son’s 15th birthday, he was only 8 months into playing.  I’d come home from work and I would hear “I’m Your Captain” screaming out of the speakers with the old lp’s and the crackling sound,  what a throw back for us over 40 folks.

Mark Farner has a good heart, good values and fights for his country and personal freedom.  It seems he has a true love of life, with the trials and tribulations of Rock Bands from the 60’s to now, the continued success of Mark Farner has to come from within. 

This drawing of Mark is early in his career, with a Microfret Guitar, of which I never realized how few of them were produced. 

Because of a neck injury, Mark Farner now plays a Parker Fly, due to the weight.  A favorite guitar in our household is the Messenger though, it has a sound like no other.

Mark Farner was a true American Musical Innovator that never got his due.  Inspiring more bands than people know.  From Grand Funk to Grace is a must read for true Farner and Grand Funk fans, giving insight to a guitarist that lives by his passions.

“Everybody, Listen to me…”

Guitar Hero has skyrocketed to every office conversation and into so many homes.  I have no clue how to play guitar, I tried bass, but let’s just say, that fat lady sang within minutes.  I leave the guitar wizardy to my husband and my son.

This sketch is of “my guitar hero” with a Gibson ‘69 Deluxe, with soap bar pickups, these two pictures where taken when Buck was about 17 years old, on the rooftop of their apartment in Arlington Heights, Illinois.   This guitar was purchased at Olsens Music in Palatine, brand spanking new.  

The first song he attempted to play and has since perfect was by Grand Funk - Inside Looking Out.   His favorite guitar of present day is an Custom Epiphone Dot, with Seth Lover pickups and a ABR Bridge, the reason for tone.   The Acoustic of choice these days is an Epiphone PR 5 Limited Cherry Finish.   Look for his video on YouTube coming soon circa 1985 - with Future History. Gotta get my son out of bed to do that, and off of Xbox.

Playing through an Ampeg Gemini 2, vintage 1968 is what produces the sweet sound of Heartbreaker by Grand Funk that continues to be a household favorite.  It works well for his re-arrangement for My Guitar Gently Weeps and several originals.   And don’t forget your original tube screamer!

Originally written in 1936 by Robert Johnson, Sweet Home Chicago has been debated time and time again, regarding the true meaning behind the lyrics, with many references to California.  Does it matter? Not to me, I enjoy listening to any great guitarist buzz through the legendary song, with their own style and rendition.  

When I think of Chicago Blue’s music, Buddy Guy comes to mind instantaneously.  With his well known club - Buddy Guy Legends.  Even though Buddy’s beginnings were in Louisiana, he has become a household name in the Chicago area. 

Where mind you the first day of spring brings us a winter weather advisory.

The original form of Blue’s music is said to have a single line repeated four times, with a very loose narrative.  I recently read the book Moanin’ at Midnight - Howlin’ Wolf, and if you are interested in getting down to the nitty gritty raw life style of a true blue’s musician, this should be on your to read list.

One of my favorite CD’s of Buddy Guy’s is Damn Right, I’ve got the Blues, released in 1991.  “Remebering Stevie” is one of the tracks that makes you feel Damn Right, I’ve got the Blues, you can feel the heartfelt emotion felt by a friends loss, a beautifully done instrumental with that gut wrenching power of the blues.

I remember years ago my mom telling me that Mick Jagger from the Stone’s had said that Elvis was to old and should get off the stage.   I bet he is re-thinking that statement, or perhaps doesn’t remember making it.

This sketch was early in Mick Jagger’s career, the soft lines of his face were not yet affected by the road trips or acid trips. 

The Stone’s formed in 1962,  and time has only perfected their music and their legendary rock status.  When the Bigger Bang was released in 2005, Stone’s fans of all ages where in line with their wallets out.  Leading the band into the highest grossing tour in history, lasting until 2007.  

I just recently read that Mick’s Song, “Charmed Life” was used in a Dell Commercial during the recent superbowl! 

I chose this particular drawing of Jagger, because of the softness of a young rockers beginnings, we are used to Jaggers on stage, energetic jumping bean performances.  When we all know there are times in life, we must relax.  I felt this sketch brought out that quite nature behind the beginnings of a Rock Legend.  Jagger’s lips are well known all over the world, his on stage persona never sits still. 

I enjoy looking at this sketch, it brings out that quieter side of rock & roll.  A legendary singer in thought.

Thanks to my blog groupie for sharing his thoughts on Joe Satriani as follows: